Tire step apparatus

• US 20100012431A1
• Filed: 05/23/2008
• Published: 01/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2008
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Steve L. Ehnes
• Original Assignee: Steve L. Ehnes
• Inventors: Ehnes, Steve L.
• Application Number:
  US12/154,393
• Publication Number:
  US 20100012431A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 182/150
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/007 Removable steps or ladders, e.g. foldable as access means for vehicle tops B60R3/005
• CPC Class Codes: E06C 5/02 with rigid longitudinal members
• CPC Class Codes: E06C 5/20 using hand-power hand-operated extending means carried by the ladder E06C7/04

Abstract

A step apparatus is provided for use on a vehicle tire and includes a first step assembly which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from the first step portion. A second step assembly includes a second step portion. A pair of first bracket members partially support the second step portion, and a pair of second bracket members are telescopically adjustably connected to the pair of first bracket members. Hinge members are connected between the first struts and the front bracket portions. Locking means are provided for locking the first bracket members with respect to the second bracket members at a selected adjustment position, depending upon the width of the tire on which the apparatus is used. By adjusting the first bracket members and the second bracket members with respect to each other, the present apparatus can be used for a wide range of tires having a wide range of tire widths.

Claims

1. A step apparatus for use a vehicle tire, comprising:

a first step assembly which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from said first step portion,

a second step assembly which includes a second step portion, a pair of first bracket members partially supporting said second step portion, and a pair of second bracket members adjustably connected to said pair of first bracket members,

hinge members connected between said first struts and said front bracket portions,

a pair of pawl assemblies connected to said rear bracket portions, and

locking means for locking said first bracket members with respect to said second bracket members.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pair of second bracket members are telescopically received in said pair of first bracket members.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said locking means include a locking bolt and a locking nut.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said first struts includes a stop member for contacting the tire when the apparatus is installed on the tire.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of said pawl assemblies includes a pawl bias spring connected between said rear bracket portion and said pawl plate.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each pawl plate includes pawl teeth located on an outside edge of said pawl plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein each pawl plate includes a pawl handle for manually operating said pawl plate.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said bias springs is connected between a respective pawl handle and a respective stop member.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further including:

a third step assembly connected to said first step assembly by means of additional hinge members.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said third step assembly includes a third step portion and a pair of second struts extending upward from said third step portion.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said third step assembly includes second stop members attached to said first struts of said first step assembly.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, further including:

a fourth step assembly connected to said third step assembly by means of additional hinge members.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said fourth step assembly includes a fourth step portion and a pair of third struts extending upward from said fourth step portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said fourth step assembly includes third stop members attached to said second struts of said third step assembly.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further including:

step-to-wheel support members connected to said first step assembly.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, further including:

a wheel and tire spanning bar connected to said step-to-wheel support members.