US3817554A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Step-up device
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-05-24
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Granted: 1974-06-18
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Expires: 1992-05-24
Abstract
Abstract A highly improved disappearing and retractable step for use with motor vehicle bodies such as mobile homes, trailers, campers, and the like combines a novel combination of slide, guide and operating means whereby a step which is normally safely positioned underneath the body while the vehicle is in transit may be rapidly withdrawn and positioned for safe access using a combined rotating and translation motion but eliminating the need for many mechanisms such as cams, slots, and guides which have characterized previous devices. At the same time the device permits for rapid return through spring action to its safe position under the vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 M Cuffe
- 👤 R Frese
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 09:16
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R3/00; B60R3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
239 words
An improved retractable access step for location under a vehicle body comprising: a base plate disposed for fastening to the body of said vehicle; side plates fixedly positioned on opposite sides of said base plate; side guides positioned on said side plates; slide members disposed for sliding relationship with said side guides; a step member positioned fixedly between said slide members at the first end thereof; guide grooves positioned on the lower edge of said slide members and forming a part thereof at the second ends thereof; said slide members and said guide grooves being disposed to engage said side guides; said guide grooves being further characterized by a generally Vshaped contour; spring means engaging said base plate with said step; said spring means being disposed to bias said step in a retracted position under said vehicle body; said spring means being further disposed to bias said slide members and said guide grooves against said side guides; said slide members having stop means provided at said second ends, said side guides being further disposed to effect positive engagement with said stop means when said step is completely withdrawn; whereby the combined action of said slide members, said side guides, said guide grooves and said spring means imparts a combined positive motion of rotation and translation to said step as it is withdrawn from under said vehicle body and provides positive locking of said step in a horizontal withdrawn position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
239 words
An improved retractable access step for location under a vehicle body comprising: a base plate disposed for fastening to the body of said vehicle; side plates fixedly positioned on opposite sides of said base plate; side guides positioned on said side plates; slide members disposed for sliding relationship with said side guides; a step member positioned fixedly between said slide members at the first end thereof; guide grooves positioned on the lower edge of said slide members and forming a part thereof at the second ends thereof; said slide members and said guide grooves being disposed to engage said side guides; said guide grooves being further characterized by a generally Vshaped contour; spring means engaging said base plate with said step; said spring means being disposed to bias said step in a retracted position under said vehicle body; said spring means being further disposed to bias said slide members and said guide grooves against said side guides; said slide members having stop means provided at said second ends, said side guides being further disposed to effect positive engagement with said stop means when said step is completely withdrawn; whereby the combined action of said slide members, said side guides, said guide grooves and said spring means imparts a combined positive motion of rotation and translation to said step as it is withdrawn from under said vehicle body and provides positive locking of said step in a horizontal withdrawn position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-06-17 | 1977-12-17 | 1978-06-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-06-17 | 1981-12-17 | 1982-06-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-06-17 | 1985-12-17 | 1986-06-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |