Automated retractable vehicle step
First Claim
1. A powered vehicle step assist system configured for use with a vehicle, the step assist system comprising:
- a step comprising a stepping surface that is movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the vehicle, the step including one or more mounts configured to allow attachment of the step to the vehicle;
a motor drivably coupled to the step and capable of effectuating movement of the stepping surface from the first position to the second position; and
a controller in electronic communication with the motor; and
a switch controllable by a user to select a mode of operation of the step assist system, the mode of operation selectable between (i) an automated mode in which the controller causes the motor to effectuate movement of the stepping surface between the first position and the second position in response to door status information generated by an existing vehicle computer system of the vehicle, (ii) a first override mode in which the stepping surface is positioned in the first position regardless of the door status information, and a (iii) second override mode in which the stepping surface is positioned in the second position regardless of the door status information.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.
55 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A powered vehicle step assist system configured for use with a vehicle, the step assist system comprising:
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a step comprising a stepping surface that is movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the vehicle, the step including one or more mounts configured to allow attachment of the step to the vehicle; a motor drivably coupled to the step and capable of effectuating movement of the stepping surface from the first position to the second position; and a controller in electronic communication with the motor; and a switch controllable by a user to select a mode of operation of the step assist system, the mode of operation selectable between (i) an automated mode in which the controller causes the motor to effectuate movement of the stepping surface between the first position and the second position in response to door status information generated by an existing vehicle computer system of the vehicle, (ii) a first override mode in which the stepping surface is positioned in the first position regardless of the door status information, and a (iii) second override mode in which the stepping surface is positioned in the second position regardless of the door status information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A vehicle step assist system configured for use with a vehicle, the step assist system comprising:
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a step unit comprising a stepping surface and configured for mounting to a vehicle; a controller in electronic communication with the step unit; and a user input device controllable by a user to select a mode of operation of the step assist system, wherein the mode of operation is selectable from a plurality of available operational modes comprising at least (i) a first mode in which the controller, in response to status information associated with the vehicle, causes powered movement of the stepping surface between a first position with respect to the vehicle and a second position with respect to the vehicle, and (ii) a second mode in which the stepping surface is positioned in the first position and does not move to the second position. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of controlling an a powered vehicle step system installed on a vehicle, comprising:
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operating the powered vehicle step system in a first-user selectable mode, said operating comprising; electronically obtaining status information associated with the vehicle; electronically processing the status information to determine that movement of a stepping surface of the powered vehicle step is appropriate; and in response to determining that movement of the stepping surface is appropriate, controlling a motor to move the stepping surface with respect to the vehicle; in response to first user interaction with a user input device of the powered vehicle step system, switching the powered vehicle step system from operating in the first-user selectable mode to operating in a second-user selectable mode; and while the powered vehicle step system is operating in the second-user selectable mode, maintaining the stepping surface in a first position with respect to the vehicle regardless of the status information associated with the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification