US3762742A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrically positioned step for vehicles
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-06-05
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Granted: 1973-10-02
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Expires: 1992-06-05
Abstract
Abstract A step assembly for mounting to a vehicle frame under the vehicle door. The step assembly includes a rotatably mounted bracket which carries a tread plate. Also included in the assembly are a small reversible electric motor, a screw actuator for the movable bracket, and an electrical system which positions the step tread either in an extended position in front of and below the vehicle door, or in a retracted position nested against the frame of the vehicle. In its preferred form, the electrical system of the step assembly automatically moves the tread plate to extended position when the vehicle door is open, and retracts the tread plate to nested position when the vehicle door is closed.
Inventors
- 👤 V Bucklen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 17:40
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R3/00; B60R3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
259 words
A retractable step assembly for mounting to a vehicle frame under the vehicle door, which assembly includes: a bearing-support structure, including mounting means for mounting said structure on said vehicle frame, a bracket shaft bearing means mounted on said bearing support structure, said bracket shaft bearing means having an axis rising upwardly and outwardly toward the door of said vehicle, and a screw pivot mount means having an axis parallel to the axis of said bracket shaft bearing means, said screw pivot mount means being mounted on said bearing-support structure but spaced to one side of said bracket shaft bearing means; an inclined bracket shaft rotatably mounted on said bracket shaft bearing means; a crank arm extending from said bracket shaft; a nut pivotally mounted to the extended end of said crank arm; a screw actuator system, including an actuating screw having a first end threadably received in said nut, and a second end received in a drive gear pivotally mounted on said screw pivot mount; and a reversible motor mounted on said drive gear and adapted to rotate said Actuating screw; a bracket extending from said bracket shaft, said bracket being movable by rotation of said shaft between a retracted position under said vehicle and an extended position with its extended end outboard of the side of said vehicle, under said vehicle door; and a tread supported at the outer end of said bracket, and adapted to locate at a step position below the middle of said vehicle door when said bracket is moved to its extended position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
259 words
A retractable step assembly for mounting to a vehicle frame under the vehicle door, which assembly includes: a bearing-support structure, including mounting means for mounting said structure on said vehicle frame, a bracket shaft bearing means mounted on said bearing support structure, said bracket shaft bearing means having an axis rising upwardly and outwardly toward the door of said vehicle, and a screw pivot mount means having an axis parallel to the axis of said bracket shaft bearing means, said screw pivot mount means being mounted on said bearing-support structure but spaced to one side of said bracket shaft bearing means; an inclined bracket shaft rotatably mounted on said bracket shaft bearing means; a crank arm extending from said bracket shaft; a nut pivotally mounted to the extended end of said crank arm; a screw actuator system, including an actuating screw having a first end threadably received in said nut, and a second end received in a drive gear pivotally mounted on said screw pivot mount; and a reversible motor mounted on said drive gear and adapted to rotate said Actuating screw; a bracket extending from said bracket shaft, said bracket being movable by rotation of said shaft between a retracted position under said vehicle and an extended position with its extended end outboard of the side of said vehicle, under said vehicle door; and a tread supported at the outer end of said bracket, and adapted to locate at a step position below the middle of said vehicle door when said bracket is moved to its extended position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
118 words
A retractable step assembly as described in claim 1, which includes automatic movement limiting means for said bracket, said means comprising: a retracted position limit switch mounted in said bearing-support structure, said switch being operable when actuated to terminate the supply of power to said reversible motor, when said motor is rotating in a bracket retracting direction; an extended limit switch mounted in said bearing-support structure, said switch being adapted, when actuated, to terminate the power to said reversible motor, when said motor is rotating in a bracket extending direction; and a limit switch actuating arm extending from said bracket shaft and adapted to actuate said limit switches in the retracted and extended positions, respectively, of said bracket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
150 words
A retractable step assembly as described in claim 2, which is automatically operated by said vehicle door, which step assembly includes: a selective switch means mounted in said vehicle adjacent said vehicle door and operated by said vehicle door, said selected switch means having a first position for supplying power to drive said motor in a retracting direction when said vehicle door is closed, and a second position for supplying power to said motor in an extending direction when said vehicle door is open; and electric circuit means connecting the first and second positions of said selective switch in series with said retraction limit switch and said extension limit switch, respectively, to provide automatic starting of said motor by the operation of said vehicle door on said selective switch, and automatic stopping of said motor by the actuation of one of said limit switches by said limit switch actuating arm.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-01 | 1977-04-02 | 1977-10-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-01 | 1981-04-02 | 1981-10-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-01 | 1985-04-02 | 1985-10-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |