Lighted step for a recreational vehicle

• US 20060267308A1
• Filed: 05/25/2005
• Published: 11/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: B&D Manufacturing, Inc.
• Original Assignee: B&D Manufacturing, Inc.
• Inventors: Nichols, Randall W., Brock, Alec D., Conrad, Zach, Samson, Jeffery T., Goers, John L., Decker, Daniel L. Jr.
• Application Number:
  US11/137,933
• Publication Number:
  US 20060267308A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/166
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/325 on or for running boards or steps
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/02 Retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock B60R3/005 takes precedence

Abstract

A step lighting assembly is provided that is adapted for interconnection to a retractable step assembly generally found on recreational vehicles. One embodiment of the present invention includes a light bar with at least one motion sensor interconnected to a light source. The light bar thus provides light that illuminates the edge of the step when one approaches the vehicle or exits the vehicle thereby increasing safety.

Claims

1. A lighting mechanism adapted for attachment to a recreational vehicle step comprising:

a tread plate adapted to connect with a step, the tread plate including an aperture for receiving a stud;

a light bar with a stud for operable engagement with the aperture of the tread plate, the light bar also including a light source operably connected to at least one motion detector and a power source.

2. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the light source is at least one of a bulb and a light emitting diode.

3. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the power source is at least one battery.

4. The mechanism of claim 1, wherein the tread plate includes a plurality of grooves.

5. A step assembly comprising:

at least one step having an integrated light source positioned thereon;

at least one motion sensor operably connected to the light source that activates the integrated light source when an individual approaches the step.

6. The step assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one step includes a plurality of treads.

7. The step assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one step includes a name plate.

8. The step assembly of claim 5, further comprising a power source operably connected to the motion sensor and the integrated light source, the power source being at least one of a battery, a generator, an alternator, a wind mill, a solar panel, a capacitor and a fuel cell.

9. The step assembly of claim 5, wherein the integrated light source is selectively connected to the step.

10. A lighting mechanism adapted for attachment to a step comprising:

a traction enhancing mechanism adapted to connect with a step, the traction enhancing mechanism including an aperture for receiving a fastening means;

a lighting means connected to the traction enhancing mechanism;

a motion detecting means operably connected to the lighting means; and

wherein the lighting means is selectively activated when the motion detection means senses the presence of an individual or animal.

11. The lighting mechanism of claim 10, wherein the traction enhancing mechanism is a tread plate that engages a top surface and a front surface of the step, the tread plate also including a plurality of apertures positioned on a front panel thereof that are adapted to accommodate fasteners for the connection of the lighting means.

12. The lighting mechanism of claim 10, wherein the traction enhancing mechanism is a member adapted to be permanently fastened to the step.

13. The lighting mechanism of claim 10, wherein the lighting means is a light bar that includes at least one light source, the light bar being adapted to interconnect to the traction enhancing mechanism.

14. The lighting mechanism of claim 13, wherein the light source is at least one of a bulb and a light emitting diode.

15. The lighting mechanism of claim 10, further including a power source operably connected to the lighting means and motion detecting means.

16. The lighting mechanism of claim 15 power source being at least one of a battery, a generator, an alternator, a wind mill, a solar panel, a capacitor and a fuel cell.

17. The lighting mechanism of claim 10, wherein at least one of the traction enhancing mechanism and the lighting means include a plurality of grooves.

18. The lighting mechanism of claim 10, wherein the traction enhancing mechanism includes a name plate.