Vehicle step tube

• US 7,168,721 B2
• Filed: 05/27/2004
• Issued: 01/30/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Steffens Enterprises, Inc.
• Inventors: Mulder, Craig C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shriver; J. Allen
• Assistant Examiner(s): COLLADO, CYNTHIA FRANCISCA
• Application Number:
  US10/855,265
• Publication Number:
  US 20050263974A1
• Time in Patent Office: 978 Days
• Field of Search: 280/163, 280/169, 280/762, 280/164.1, 280/164.2, 280/166
• US Class Current: 280/163
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/00 Arrangements of steps or ladders facilitating access to or on the vehicle, e.g. running-boards construction of steps for railway vehicles B61D23/00 ; ladders E06C
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/002 Running boards for vehicle tops B60R3/005; at the sides of the vehicle for carrying loads B60R9/02

Abstract

A vehicle step tube comprising a one-piece elongated extrusion having a plurality of vertical ribs extending from the upper surface. The ribs are relatively short in a step portion of the extrusion to form a step platform. The ribs are relatively tall in the non-step portions flanking the step portion. The ribs define transverse recesses in the step portion to enhance traction and aesthetics.

Claims

1. A vehicle step tube comprising a one-piece extrusion having a longitudinal length and an upper surface, said extrusion including a step portion and a pair of non-step portions flanking said step portion, said extrusion including a plurality of exposed ribs extending upwardly from said upper surface along said length of said extrusion, said ribs having a second height in said step portion and a first height taller than said second height in said non-step portions.

3. The vehicle step tube of claim 1, wherein said step portion further includes transitional portions between said step portion and said non-step portions, such that said height of said ribs increases gradually from said step portion to said transitional portions.

4. The vehicle step tube of claim 1, wherein said extrusion defines a longitudinal slot in said outer surface adapted to receive a decorative trim piece.

2. A vehicle step tube comprising a one-piece extrusion having a longitudinal length and an upper surface, said extrusion including a step portion and a pair of non-step portions flanking said step portion, said extrusion including a plurality of ribs extending from said upper surface along said length of said extrusion, said ribs having a second height in said step portion and a first height taller than said second height in said non-step portions, selected ones of said ribs defining transverse notches.

5. A step tube for attachment to a vehicle comprising a one-piece extrusion including a longitudinal length, a step portion, and opposing non-step portions, said extrusion including an upper surface and a plurality of exposed substantially vertical ribs extending upwardly from said upper surface along said longitudinal length, said ribs defining a first height in said non-step portions and a second height in said step portion, said second height shorter than said first height, said ribs further defining a plurality of transverse recesses within said step portion.

6. The step tube of claim 5, wherein said step portion includes a transition portion, wherein said first height transitions to said second height.

7. The step tube of claim 5, wherein each said rib includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and said recesses extend transversely through said extrusion from said inner surface to said outer surface, said recesses spaced along said longitudinal length of said extrusion.

8. The step tube of claim 7, wherein said recesses collectively define a generally parabolic shape.

9. The step tube of claim 5, further comprising:

a trim piece, and

said extrusion defining a slot opening through said outer surface of said extrusion, said trim piece secured within said slot.

10. A method of manufacturing a step tube for a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

extruding a one-piece elongated beam having a plurality of exposed ribs extending upwardly from an upper surface;

cutting said beam to a desired length having a step portion and opposing non-step portions; and

reducing the height of said ribs in the step portion.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein said reducing step includes forming transverse recesses in the ribs at longitudinally spaced intervals along the length of the step portion.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein said extruding step includes forming a slot adapted to receive a trim piece.

11. A method of manufacturing a step tube for a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

extruding a one-piece elongated beam having a plurality of exposed ribs;

cutting said one-piece beam to a desired length having a step portion and opposing non-step portions;

reducing the height of said ribs in the step portion; and

forming transverse recesses in said ribs in the step portion.

12. A method of manufacturing a step tube for a vehicle, comprising the steps of:

extruding a one-piece elongated beam having a plurality of exposed ribs;

cutting said one-piece beam to a desired length having a step portion and opposing non-step portions;

reducing the height of said ribs in the step portion;

said reducing step including creating a transition portion between the step portion and each non-step portion in which the height of each rib transitions smoothly.