Retractable vehicle step
First Claim
1. A retractable vehicle step comprising:
- a mounting bracket configured to attach to a vehicle defining a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a horizontal surface when the vehicle is positioned on the horizontal surface;
at least one arm rotatably connected to the mounting bracket on a first end of the at least one arm in a manner that defines a rotation axis that is parallel to the horizontal surface;
a stepping member rotatably connected to the at least one arm on a second end of the at least one arm and configured to translate between an extended position and a stored position, the extended position being outboard of the stored position,wherein the stepping member is configured to displace both laterally and longitudinally when translating between the extended position and the stored position; and
a motor or solenoid actuator;
wherein the motor or solenoid actuator is configured to translate the retractable vehicle step between the extended position and the stored position automatically upon operation of the vehicle; and
wherein the retractable vehicle step is configured such that the stepping member is biased toward the extended position when a weight is applied to the stepping member in the extended position.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A retractable vehicle step comprising:
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a mounting bracket configured to attach to a vehicle defining a longitudinal axis that is parallel to a horizontal surface when the vehicle is positioned on the horizontal surface; at least one arm rotatably connected to the mounting bracket on a first end of the at least one arm in a manner that defines a rotation axis that is parallel to the horizontal surface; a stepping member rotatably connected to the at least one arm on a second end of the at least one arm and configured to translate between an extended position and a stored position, the extended position being outboard of the stored position, wherein the stepping member is configured to displace both laterally and longitudinally when translating between the extended position and the stored position; and a motor or solenoid actuator; wherein the motor or solenoid actuator is configured to translate the retractable vehicle step between the extended position and the stored position automatically upon operation of the vehicle; and wherein the retractable vehicle step is configured such that the stepping member is biased toward the extended position when a weight is applied to the stepping member in the extended position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A vehicle comprising:
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an operational component; and a retractable step, the retractable step comprising; a mounting bracket attached to the vehicle; at least one arm rotatably connected to the mounting bracket on a first end of the at least one arm in a manner that defines a rotation axis that is parallel to a horizontal surface when the vehicle is positioned on the horizontal surface; a stepping member rotatably connected to the at least one arm on a second end of the at least one arm and configured to translate between an extended position and a stored position, the extended position being outboard of the stored position, wherein the stepping member is configured to displace both laterally and longitudinally when translating between the extended position and the stored position; and a motor or solenoid actuator; wherein the motor or solenoid actuator is configured to translate the retractable vehicle step between the extended position and the stored position automatically upon activation of the operational component; and wherein the retractable step is configured such that the stepping member is biased toward the extended position when a weight is applied to the stepping member in the extended position. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification