US3927903A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Foldable step
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1974-08-28
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Granted: 1975-12-23
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Expires: 1994-08-28
Abstract
Abstract A step, for attachment to a bumper of a truck, extending outward and below the top of the bumper and foldable to a position above the bumper with the step contact surface upward and lying essentially parallel to the top of the bumper. A step is pivotally connected to a pair of support members that in turn are pivotally supported to legs attached to the bumper. A slotted offset link extends from each side of the step to a support member.
Inventors
- 👤 George Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:57
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60R; B60R3/00; B60R3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A foldable step unit for a truck having a bumper with a flat top surface comprising: a step; a pair of supports to span and to be pivotally connected near an end of each support to the step; means for linking between each of the supports and an adjacent side of the step for allowing the step to move from an in line position to a position normal with respect to the support, said means comprising an offset link having a pair of slots, and means for joining one of the slots to the support and for joining the other slot to the step; and a pair of bars each rigidly secured at one end thereof to the bumper and pivotally connected at the other end to a respective one of the supports to permit the supports with the step to move between a parallel folded position and a perpendicular use position with respect to the top surface of the bumper.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A foldable step unit for a truck having a bumper with a flat top surface comprising: a step; a pair of supports to span and to be pivotally connected near an end of each support to the step; means for linking between each of the supports and an adjacent side of the step for allowing the step to move from an in line position to a position normal with respect to the support, said means comprising an offset link having a pair of slots, and means for joining one of the slots to the support and for joining the other slot to the step; and a pair of bars each rigidly secured at one end thereof to the bumper and pivotally connected at the other end to a respective one of the supports to permit the supports with the step to move between a parallel folded position and a perpendicular use position with respect to the top surface of the bumper.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
155 words
A foldable step unit for a truck, having a bumper with a flat top surface, with a useable step moveable from a position folded above the bumper to an unfolded position extending out from and below the bumper top surface, wherein the step comprises: a pair of spaced apart bars fastened to the top of the bumper; a separate L-shaped support member pivotally fastened to each of the bars near an end of a short arm of the support member; a step pivotally connected to and extending between the free ends of long arms of the L-shaped support members; and a separate offset link extending between and pinned to the L-shaped support member and an adjacent side of the step, said links each having a pair of slots to be slidably engaged by the pins to permit the step to move from a position normal to the supports to a position parallel to the supports.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
155 words
A foldable step unit for a truck, having a bumper with a flat top surface, with a useable step moveable from a position folded above the bumper to an unfolded position extending out from and below the bumper top surface, wherein the step comprises: a pair of spaced apart bars fastened to the top of the bumper; a separate L-shaped support member pivotally fastened to each of the bars near an end of a short arm of the support member; a step pivotally connected to and extending between the free ends of long arms of the L-shaped support members; and a separate offset link extending between and pinned to the L-shaped support member and an adjacent side of the step, said links each having a pair of slots to be slidably engaged by the pins to permit the step to move from a position normal to the supports to a position parallel to the supports.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
A foldable step unit for a truck having a bumper as in claim 2 wherein the legs extend upward from the top of the bumper to permit clearing the back of the bumper when the step is folded above.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3394947A
Cited
US3507515A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-22 | 1979-06-23 | 1979-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-22 | 1983-06-23 | 1983-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-22 | 1987-06-23 | 1987-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |