APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OF A VEHICLE

• US 20100019468A1
• Filed: 06/19/2009
• Published: 01/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 06/21/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Rocky Mountain Safety Steps, LC
• Original Assignee: Rocky Mountain Safety Steps, LC
• Inventors: Price, L. Jay
• Application Number:
  US12/488,415
• Publication Number:
  US 20100019468A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/165
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/007 Removable steps or ladders, e.g. foldable as access means for vehicle tops B60R3/005
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/02 Retractable steps or ladders, e.g. movable under shock B60R3/005 takes precedence

Abstract

An apparatus, system and method system are disclosed for supporting a user to facilitate accessing components in an elevated engine compartment. An apparatus for supporting a user to facilitate accessing components in an engine compartment has a platform for supporting a user and for resting on a tire. The apparatus also has a downward protrusion extending downward from the platform and having one or more steps.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting a user, the apparatus comprising:

a platform for supporting a user and for resting on a tire for support; and

a collapsible downward protrusion extending downward from the platform, the collapsible downward protrusion having one or more steps.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downward protrusion further comprises a support member extending downward from the platform to engage an external surface for support.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform depth is sufficient to span the width of a tire.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform is substantially larger than the steps.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downward protrusion is collapsible under the platform.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downward protrusion is collapsible by means of one or more joints which allow the protrusion to fold against the platform.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downward protrusion collapses to substantially within the dimensions of the platform.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a joint along which the platform can fold.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a slidable member.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the platform is configured to engage a frame of the vehicle for support.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first end of the platform is configured to engage a frame of the vehicle via one or more hinges.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downward protrusion is configured to engage a ground surface for support.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downward protrusion is configured to engage one of a tire and a wheel of the vehicle for support.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein a bumper extends from a handrail to engage one of the tire and the wheel of the vehicle.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the downward protrusion comprises a first rail and a second rail with the one or more steps extending between the first rail and the second rail.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus further comprises latches to selectively secure the platform in one of an extended or a collapsed position.

17. A system for supporting a user, the system comprising:

a vehicle comprising a tire and an elevated engine compartment;

an apparatus for supporting a user, the apparatus comprising;

a platform for supporting a user and for resting on the tire for support; and

a downward protrusion extending downward from the platform, the downward protrusion having one or more steps;

whereby a user may climb the apparatus using the one or more steps and the platform to gain access to the engine compartment of the vehicle.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the downward protrusion is collapsible.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the downward protrusion is collapsible by means of one or more joints which allow the protrusion to fold against the platform.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein the first end of the platform is configured to engage a frame of the vehicle for support.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the first end of the platform is configured to engage a frame of the truck tractor via one or more hinges.

22. The system of claim 17, wherein the downward protrusion comprises a first rail and a second rail with the one or more steps extending between the first rail and the second rail.

23. An apparatus for supporting a user, the apparatus comprising:

a platform having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to attach to a structural component of the vehicle and wherein the platform comprises a slidable member; and

a downward protrusion attached to the second end, the downward protrusion having one or more steps, wherein the downward protrusion folds under the slidable member of the platform.

24. A method for providing access to an engine compartment of a vehicle, the method comprising:

providing a vehicle comprising a tire and an elevated engine compartment adjacent to the tire;

an apparatus for supporting a user, the apparatus comprising;

a platform for supporting a user and for resting on the tire for support; and

a collapsible downward protrusion extending downward from the platform, the collapsible downward protrusion having one or more steps;

placing the platform over the tire with the tire supporting the platform.

25. A method of claim 24, wherein the collapsible downward protrusion is in a collapsed position and the method further comprises:

converting the downward protrusion from the collapsed position to an extended position;

placing the platform over the tire with the tire supporting the platform, whereby a user may climb the steps to the platform to access the engine compartment; and

removing the platform from over the tire and converting the downward protrusion from the extended position to the collapsed position.