Apparatus for tractor access and storage

• US 6,979,008 B2
• Filed: 09/27/2002
• Issued: 12/27/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Eugene C. Andrews
• Original Assignee: Eugene C. Andrews
• Inventors: Andrews, Eugene C.
• Primary Examiner(s): VANAMAN, FRANK BENNETT
• Application Number:
  US10/260,050
• Publication Number:
  US 20040061301A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,187 Days
• Field of Search: 280/163, 280/164.1, 280/164.2, 280/166, 280/769, 182/127, 182/222, D15/33
• US Class Current: 280/164.1
• 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

Abstract

This is an apparatus providing access and storage for vehicles. More particularly, the invention constitutes step, stair or ladder access to the cab or sear of a tractor and utility storage for a vehicle or tractor operator. The apparatus is substantially planar and elongated extending from the vehicle to provide a step portion and a storage portion.

Claims

1. A mounting, utility and storage device (1) for use on a vehicle comprising:

a. a substantially planar elongated shelf (50);

b. securing means to affix the substantially planar elongated shelf (50) to a vehicle (180);

the vehicle having shelf support means (190) to facilitate mounting the shelf (50) to the vehicle (180);

c. the substantially planar elongated shelf (50) having a first portion (60) proximal the vehicle (180) and a second portion (70) distal from the vehicle (180);

d. the substantially planar elongated shelf (50) having a perimeter (80);

the perimeter having a perimeter first portion (90) proximal the vehicle (180) and a perimeter second portion (100) distal from the vehicle (180);

e. the shelf support means (190) comprised of a substantially planar surface having securing means (160) to receive affixing means (165) from the shelf (50) to the shelf support means (190);

f. the first portion (60) having a first end (210) proximal the vehicle (180) and the second portion (70) having a second end (220) distal from the vehicle (180);

g. the first end (210) having a first mid point (212);

the second end (220) having a second mid-point (222);

the first end (210) having a first edge (102) and the second end having a second edge (104);

the first edge (102) parallel to the second edge (104);

h. the first end (210) having a first end axis (202) from the first mid point (212);

the first end axis (202) orthogonal to the first edge (102) extending toward the second edge (104);

the second end (220) having a second end axis (204) from the second mid point (222);

the second end axis (204) orthogonal to the second edge (104) extending toward the first edge (102);

the first end axis (202) parallel to the second end axis (204);

i. the shelf (50) having a top side (110) and a bottom side (120);

j. the first end axis (202) aligned with the second end axis (204) such that the first end axis (202) extends through the second mid point (222) and the second end axis (204) extends through the first mid point (212);

k. the shelf (50) having a first side (230) and a second side (232);

the perimeter second portion (100) extending from the first side (230) to the second side (232);

the perimeter second portion (100) is intermediate the first end (210) and the second end (220) extending toward the second end (220) from the first side (230) to the second side (232);

l. an upwardly extending rail (130) proximal the perimeter second portion (100);

m. a slot depression in the top side (110) forming a gutter (170) proximal the rail (130);

n. the upwardly extending rail (130) having at least one gutter drain aperture (140) proximal the top side (110) and gutter (170) and at least one strap securing aperture (150) distal the top side (110);

the gutter drain aperture (140) in flow communication with the gutter (170).

2. A mounting, utility and storage device according to claim 1 further comprising:

an utility aperture (65) from the top side (110) to the bottom side (120) intermediate the first end (220) and the second end (230).

3. A mounting, utility and storage device according to claim 2 further comprising:

the utility aperture (65) at the first portion (60) proximal the first end (220);

the utility aperture (65) sized to receive a utility tray (250).

4. A mounting, utility and storage device according to claim 3 further comprising:

at least one downwardly extending support brace (260) at the bottom side (120).

5. A mounting, utility and storage device according to claim 4 further comprising:

the at least one downwardly extending support brace (260) intermediate the first end (210) and the second end (220).

6. A mounting, utility and storage device according to claim 1 further comprising:

the first end axis (202) off set from the second end axis (204).

7. A mounting, utility and storage device according to claim 6 further comprising:

an utility aperture (65) from the top side (110) to the bottom side (120) intermediate the first end (220) and the second end (230).

8. A mounting, utility and storage device according to claim 7 further comprising:

the utility aperture (65) at the first portion (60) proximal the first end (220);

the utility aperture (65) sized to receive a utility tray (250).

9. A mounting, utility and storage device according to claim 8 further comprising:

at least one downwardly extending support brace (260) at the bottom side (120).

10. A mounting, utility and storage device according to claim 9 further comprising:

the at least one downwardly extending support brace (260) intermediate the first end (210) and the second end (220).