US3889997A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatically operating truck end gate steps
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1974-02-25
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Granted: 1975-06-17
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Expires: 1994-02-25
Abstract
Abstract Truck end gate steps usually require accurate installation and are not universal in that they cannot be fitted to all end gate type trucks. It is therefore usual to design the step or steps to suit one make of truck. The present device is attached by four brackets, two on the bumper or transverse frame member if no bumper is present, and two on the upper edge of the end gate. A universal mounting plate is provided upon each side of the step with hanger straps extending up to the brackets on the tail gate and hanger straps extending back to the brackets on the bumper or frame member. The anchor straps are adjustable in length and in their attachment to the mounting plates and the hanger straps can be pivotally secured in any one of several apertures in the mounting plate above the securement of the anchor straps.
Inventors
- 👤 Clarence E Schoneck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 14:32
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R3/00; B60R3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
320 words
An automatically operating step assembly for use on trucks having an end gate transversely hinged to the rear end of the truck body, by the lower transverse edge of the end gate, said truck having transverse support means below said end gate hinge; said step assembly moving from a usable position when said end gate is open, to a folded position when said end gate is closed; said step assembly comprising in combination first mounting means securable adjacent the upper edge of the end gate, second mounting means securable to said transverse support means of said truck, a transversely situated step member, plate means on each side of said step member, a pair of hanger straps each pivotally secured by one end thereof to said first mounting means and each by the other end thereof to said plate means on each side of said step member, A pair of anchor straps each pivotally secured by one end thereof to said second mounting means and secured by the other end thereof to said plate means on each side of said step member, said step member including a pair of spaced and parallel side members and a step component spanning the front portions of said side members transversely said plate means on each side of said step member comprising a plate being secured to each side of said side members rearwardly of said step component and extending upwardly therefrom, said plate having a base and an inner end extending upwardly therefrom, and an outer end also extending upwardly from said base, and a top edge extending between said inner and outer ends, said inner end being longer than said outer end, and a plurality of apertures through said plate adjacent to said top edge lying in an arc which is concave relative to said top edge, said other ends of said hanger members being pivotally secured through any one of said apertures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
320 words
An automatically operating step assembly for use on trucks having an end gate transversely hinged to the rear end of the truck body, by the lower transverse edge of the end gate, said truck having transverse support means below said end gate hinge; said step assembly moving from a usable position when said end gate is open, to a folded position when said end gate is closed; said step assembly comprising in combination first mounting means securable adjacent the upper edge of the end gate, second mounting means securable to said transverse support means of said truck, a transversely situated step member, plate means on each side of said step member, a pair of hanger straps each pivotally secured by one end thereof to said first mounting means and each by the other end thereof to said plate means on each side of said step member, A pair of anchor straps each pivotally secured by one end thereof to said second mounting means and secured by the other end thereof to said plate means on each side of said step member, said step member including a pair of spaced and parallel side members and a step component spanning the front portions of said side members transversely said plate means on each side of said step member comprising a plate being secured to each side of said side members rearwardly of said step component and extending upwardly therefrom, said plate having a base and an inner end extending upwardly therefrom, and an outer end also extending upwardly from said base, and a top edge extending between said inner and outer ends, said inner end being longer than said outer end, and a plurality of apertures through said plate adjacent to said top edge lying in an arc which is concave relative to said top edge, said other ends of said hanger members being pivotally secured through any one of said apertures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The assembly according to claim 1 in which said anchor straps are adjustable in length, said anchor straps being pivotally secured to said first mounting means in any one of a plurality of positions, said other ends of said hanger straps being pivotally secured to said plate means on said step member in any one of a plurality of positions on said plate means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly according to claim 2 in which said anchor straps incline downwardly and rearwardly from said one end thereof towards the other end thereof relative to said truck, when said step assembly is in the usable position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly according to claim 1 in which said anchor straps incline downwardly and rearwardly from said one end thereof towards the other end thereof relative to said truck, when said step assembly is in the usable 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) | 1978-06-16 | 1978-12-16 | 1979-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-06-16 | 1982-12-16 | 1983-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-06-16 | 1986-12-16 | 1987-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |