US3854752A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vehicle step mounting arrangement
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1973-08-23
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Granted: 1974-12-17
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Expires: 1993-08-23
Abstract
Abstract A bar member is connected by means of a universal joint to a frame portion of a vehicle. The bar member is disposed through a restraining bracket fixed to the frame portion, and defines a step near its extended end. The bar member is free to pivot to a lower position determined by the restraining bracket under its own weight. The restraining bracket meanwhile allowing upward and lateral pivoting of the bar member if such bar member should encounter an obstacle as the vehicle is driven.
Inventors
- 👤 W Flint
- 👤 G Haedicke
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:57
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R3/00; B60R3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
In a vehicle having a frame portion which is susceptible to encountering obstacles, step means attached to said framed portion comprising: a bar member; pivot means interconnecting one end of the bar member and the frame portion, and allowing the bar member to be pivoted upwardly and downwardly relative to the frame portion; restraining bracket means fixed relative to the frame portion and associated with the bar member for supporting the bar member in a lower position, the bar member adopting such lower position by pivoting downwardly relative to the frame portion under its own weight, meanwhile allowing pivoting of the bar member upwardly relative to the frame portion upon the bar member encountering an obstacle tending to pivot the bar member upwardly relative to the frame portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
In a vehicle having a frame portion which is susceptible to encountering obstacles, step means attached to said framed portion comprising: a bar member; pivot means interconnecting one end of the bar member and the frame portion, and allowing the bar member to be pivoted upwardly and downwardly relative to the frame portion; restraining bracket means fixed relative to the frame portion and associated with the bar member for supporting the bar member in a lower position, the bar member adopting such lower position by pivoting downwardly relative to the frame portion under its own weight, meanwhile allowing pivoting of the bar member upwardly relative to the frame portion upon the bar member encountering an obstacle tending to pivot the bar member upwardly relative to the frame portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
86 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivot means comprise universal joint means for allowing the bar member to be pivoted universally relative to the frame portion, and wherein the restraining bracket means further comprise means for allowing the bar member to be pivoted laterally to a limited extent when the bar member is pivoted upwardly from its lower position relative to the frame portion upon the bar member encountering an obstacle tending to pivot the bar member upwardly and laterally relative to the frame portion.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the bar member extends from the pivot means beyond the restraining bracket means, and defines an area adapted for use as a step adjacent the extended end of the bar member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 3 and further comprising additional support means interconnecting the extended end of the bar member and the frame portion for supporting the bar member in said lower position, meanwhile allowing said upward, downward and lateral pivoting of the bar member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the additional support means comprise chain means interconnecting the extended end of the bar member and the frame portion.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the restraining bracket means comprise a substantially V-shaped member, the upper ends of which are fixed to the frame portion, and through which the bar member is disposed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the restraining bracket means comprise a substantially V-shaped member, the upper ends of which are fixed to the frame portion, and through which the bar member is disposed.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
95 words
The apparatus of claim 1 and further comprising additional support means interconnecting the extended end of the bar member and the frame portion for supporting the bar member in said lower position, meanwhile allowing said upward and downward pivoting of the bar member, such additional support means comprising chain means interconnecting the extended end of the bar member and the frame portion, and wherein the bar member extends from the pivot means beyond the restraining bracket means, and defines an area adapted for use as a step adjacent the extended end of the bar member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the step and chain means are in substantially side-by-side relation, with the step positioned inwardly from the chain-bar member connection in the direction of the pivot means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US865375A
Cited
US1521180A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-16 | 1978-06-17 | 1978-12-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-16 | 1982-06-17 | 1982-12-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-16 | 1986-06-17 | 1986-12-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |