2293results about "Steps arrangement" patented technology

A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it. In another embodiment, a retractable vehicle step assist comprises a rigid frame, a forward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a forward upper connection width, and a rearward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a rearward upper connection width. The retractable vehicle step further comprises a rigid step member having a stepping deck. The step member is pivotably connected to the forward planar linkage along a forward lower connection width, and is pivotably connected to the rearward planar linkage along a rearward lower connection width and on a side of the forward planar linkage opposite the stepping deck. The stepping deck is substantially wider than any of the forward upper connection width, the rearward upper connection width, the forward lower connection width, and the rearward lower connection width.

A retractable step assist for a vehicle comprises a step, an actuator, an optical fiber sensor, and a safety. The step is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position that is downward and outboard from the retracted position. The actuator is mechanically connected to the step to position the step. The optical fiber sensor has an output that varies when pressure is applied to the optical fiber sensor. The safety is triggered by this output from the optical fiber sensor. The safety is configured to terminate retraction of the step when the optical fiber sensor senses pressure from an object pinched by the step deck.

A pivotable grab handle device is movable between a stowed position, which is positioned within a mating cavity formed in the main tailgate structure, and a deployed position that projects upwardly above the top surface of a lowered main tailgate structure. The grab handle device is mounted on a retainer bracket that is affixed to a pivot bracket mounted to the top surface of the lowered main tailgate structure. When pivotally raised into the deployed position, the grab handle allows a person using a supplemental tailgate assembly configured into a step function extending below the plane of the lowered main tailgate structure to be stabilized while climbing onto the cross member of the supplemental tailgate assembly and onto the top surface of the lowered main tailgate structure.

A ramp assembly for use in a vehicle provides access thereto by users having reduced mobility. The ramp assembly comprises a ramp platform displaceable relative to a mounting structure between a retracted position and a deployed position. A drive mechanism is disposed within the mounting structure and operable to displace the ramp platform between the retracted and the deployed positions. The drive mechanism includes at least a drive shaft and a bidirectional motor unit selectively actuable to rotate the drive shaft in a first direction for deploying the ramp platform and a second opposed direction for retracting the ramp platform. The drive mechanism includes a pair of flexible transmission elements each interconnecting the drive shaft with a lateral edge of the ramp platform, for displacement thereof relative to the mounting structure.

A retractable step assist for a vehicle comprises a step, an actuator, an optical fiber sensor, and a safety. The step is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position that is downward and outboard from the retracted position. The actuator is mechanically connected to the step to position the step. The optical fiber sensor has an output that varies when pressure is applied to the optical fiber sensor. The safety is triggered by this output from the optical fiber sensor. The safety is configured to terminate retraction of the step when the optical fiber sensor senses pressure from an object pinched by the step deck.

A retractable running board assembly is mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The running board is selectively extendable between a retracted position, which is close to the vehicle's frame, and a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, selectively-actuated links connect the running board to the frame. A selectively-operable driving mechanism concertedly actuates each of the links to extend and retract the running board. When the driving mechanism is not operated, each link resists actuation and holds the running board in a fixed position relative to the frame.

A tandem sun visor and display are combined for providing shading and transparent driving prompt image in a vehicle to the operator in control. The sun visor comprises an opaque and elongated sun visor member horizontally mounted about two pivot axes above the operator in the vehicle to block the direct sunlight from the upper front or upper side of the operator, a transparent LCD display that doubles as an electronic sun visor and a swivel mount for pivotally positioning the LCD display in front of the vehicle driver. The shade can be tuned so that the operator can see the environment as well as GPS map, messages or vehicle operational data.

A powered running board assembly has a deck and at least two hinges extending from the deck for mounting longitudinally the deck to an underside of a vehicle. Each hinge has a mounting bracket configured to mount to the underside of the vehicle. A pair of links pivotally extends between the deck and mounting bracket. The deck is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A motor assembly operably engages at least one of the hinges to drive the deck between the retracted and extended positions. The motor assembly extends substantially longitudinally. The motor assembly has a gear train and clutch assembly enabling the motor assembly to drive relative to the deck movement when the deck movement is prevented, and enabling manual deck movement when the motor assembly is not energized.

A running board assembly accommodates access to a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes a plurality of mounting brackets fixedly secured to the motor vehicle and extending therebelow. The running board assembly also includes a step movably secured to the plurality of brackets. The step defines a stepping surface and a peripheral edge extending around a portion of the stepping surface. The step is movable between a deployed position providing access to the stepping surface and a stowed position wherein the peripheral edge abuts the motor vehicle to cover the stepping surface during non-use.

The invention relates to a hidden turnover ladder. The hidden turnover ladder is characterized by comprising an upper ladder assembly and a lower ladder assembly, wherein the upper ladder assembly comprises a baseplate, and a pair of mounting vertical plates symmetrically arranged on the baseplate; multiple stages of upper antiskid pedals are arranged between the mounting vertical plate; first pin shaft holes are formed in the lower front parts of the mounting vertical plates; the lower ladder assembly comprises a pair of step type mounting side plates; connecting lug plates are arranged at the upper ends of the mounting side plates, and are rotationally connected with the first pin shaft holes through first pin shafts; and multiple stages of lower antiskid pedals are arranged between the mounting side plates. The hidden turnover ladder has the beneficial effects of less occupied space, convenience for use and folding capacity in no use. The invention further discloses oil field operation equipment adopting the turnover ladder; and the oil field operation equipment has the following beneficial effects: second pin shafts are arranged for connecting a car body with the hidden turnover ladder, so that the turnover ladder can be accommodated in a turnover ladder accommodating cavity after two times of overturning, and the effect of convenience for use and transportation is achieved.

A universal, compact, truck tailgate ladder with support arms is disclosed, comprised of a folding ladder of otherwise conventional design, with upper leg members and lower leg members, and a series of parallel steps connecting each set of upper leg members and lower leg members. The present invention is designed to attach to the interior surface of a pick-up truck tailgate via a fastening means, such as bolts.

A running board assembly for a motor vehicle has a step for supporting an individual thereon. The running board assembly also includes a slide assembly extending between the step and the motor vehicle for slidably moving the step between a retracted position and an extended position. In addition, the running board assembly includes a pneumatic cylinder operatively engaging the slide assembly so that the pneumatic cylinder effects energizing movement between the retracted and the extended positions.

An integrated bed side step assembly is provided for a pick-up truck having a bed. The integrated bed side step assembly includes a body opening assembly forming one side of the bed and having an opening extending therethrough above a floor of the bed to allow access to an interior of the bed. The integrated bed side step assembly also includes a door assembly operatively cooperating with the body opening assembly to open and close the opening and having at least one step to allow an operator to step up into and access the interior of the bed.

A step assembly is provided having a step frame mounted for movement relative to a mounting surface between a deployed position and a stored position (or between a stored position and a deployed position), and at least one boss, the boss having a notch for holding the step frame in the deployed position. The step frame preferably has at least two legs oriented parallel to each other, and horizontally spaced from one another, each of the legs defining an upper end and a lower end, an axle connected at the upper end of the at least two legs, and a step member connected between the at least two legs proximate to the lower ends thereof.

A molded running board provided with a support portion and a top portion is described herein. The support portion is made of plastic material and provided with reinforcing ribs and the top portion is made of a plastic material that is advantageously compatible with the plastic material forming the support portion. A method for the assembly of such a molded running board is also described herein. This method includes the welding of a top portion to a support portion via the use of a thin strand of plastic material compatible with material used in the top portion and the support portion and metallic particles in an electromagnetic press, for example.

Running board systems are provided. The running board systems employ a motorized drive system that includes a rack-and-pinion system that enables both linear and rotational movement of the running board member, for example, through the use of a pivot member cooperating with one end of the running board member and one end of an arm member. The running board systems are automated and selectively operable to assume deployed and stowed positions. The running board systems can be used in conjunction with various surfaces of a vehicle, such as an aesthetically preferred flush style mounting to the rocker outer sheet metal surface such as but not limited to being mounted underneath a side door sill.

A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it. In another embodiment, a retractable vehicle step assist comprises a rigid frame, a forward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a forward upper connection width, and a rearward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a rearward upper connection width. The retractable vehicle step further comprises a rigid step member having a stepping deck. The step member is pivotably connected to the forward planar linkage along a forward lower connection width, and is pivotably connected to the rearward planar linkage along a rearward lower connection width and on a side of the forward planar linkage opposite the stepping deck. The stepping deck is substantially wider than any of the forward upper connection width, the rearward upper connection width, the forward lower connection width, and the rearward lower connection width.

Running board systems are provided. The running board systems employ a motorized drive system that includes a rack-and-pinion system that enables both linear and rotational movement of the running board member, for example, through the use of a pivot member cooperating with one end of the running board member and one end of an arm member. The running board systems are automated and selectively operable to assume deployed and stowed positions. The running board systems can be used in conjunction with various surfaces of a vehicle, such as an aesthetically preferred flush style mounting to the rocker outer sheet metal surface such as but not limited to being mounted underneath a side door sill.

An adjustable vehicle step that attaches to the vehicle's frame or body via a downward facing c-channel that extends longitudinally along the lower edge of the side of the vehicle. One or more step assemblies can be attached to the c-channel so that the step assemblies extend outward and downward from under the vehicle. The step assemblies are attachable along the length of the c-channel, making the step assemblies adjustable longitudinally relative to the vehicle so that they can be positioned below the doors of the vehicle. The supporting c-channel is hidden from view by a decorative side bar that attaches to the exposed side of the c-channel making the step assemblies appear to be supported by the decorative side bar. The step assemblies used with the step can be made of various lengths and heights.

An improved vehicle running board construction and method of making same including a hollow metal support pipe with an elongated mid-section step portion adapted in vehicle-mounted orientation to extend generally parallel to and adjacent a sill of a vehicle door that provides access to a passenger or freight compartment of the vehicle. An elongate mounting opening is formed in an upwardly facing exterior surface area of the pipe mid-section. A support plate has a plurality of transverse trusses arranged in spaced apart relation in a longitudinally extending row and straddling the opening side edges and resting thereon for support. A plurality of spacer webs are individually interposed between and joined to longitudinally adjacent pairs of the trusses and support at each of their longitudinally opposite ends, a resilient spring finger catch oriented to underlie an associated one of the pipe opening side edges. Each finger catch has a free end resiliently engaging an interior surface of the pipe for holding the step plate against upward release from the pipe. A step plate is mounted on and covers the support plate as well as the mounting opening of the pipe. The step plate has a generally flat planar central step tread portion with an undersurface bearing upon the support plate trusses. The step plate also has downwardly extending side flanges respectively extending outwardly of and downwardly past the pipe opening side edges and terminating at free end edges that preferably resiliently engage the exterior surface of the pipe. A plurality of retaining barbs extend downwardly from the step plate undersurface into snap lock tang engagement with associated receiving slot anchor tabs provided in the trusses for holding the step plate on the support plate, and vice versa.

A pivotable grab handle device is movable between a stowed position, which is positioned against the main tailgate structure, and a deployed position that projects upwardly above the top surface of a lowered main tailgate structure. The grab handle device is mounted on a retainer bracket that is affixed to the top surface of the lowered main tailgate structure. The grab handle incorporates a spring-loaded latch mechanism that is cooperable with the pivot bracket when in the stowed position and cooperable with a striker plate mounted below the top surface of the main tailgate structure to fix the grab handle in the deployed position. A release lever projecting outwardly of the grab handle permits a retraction of the latch member to release the grab handle from either the pivot bracket or the striker plate to allow pivotal movement of the grab handle into the desired position.

A vehicle includes a plurality of doors on one side of the vehicle, a running board system, an actuator, and a control module. The running board system is configured for enabling access to the vehicle and includes a first running board and a second running board. The first running board is configured for enabling access to the vehicle via a front door on the side of the vehicle and the second running board is configured for enabling access to the vehicle via a rear door on the side of the vehicle. Each of the first running board and the second running board is individually deployable upon opening of the front door or the rear door.

A pull-out step assembly for a cargo box vehicle is disclosed. The assembly provides one or two steps to access the cargo box of a pickup truck or similar vehicle. The pull-out step assembly can be deployed with the tail gate of the cargo box in a closed or open condition. The pull-out step assembly attaches to the vehicle frame and stores beneath the cargo box when not in use. Also disclosed is a protective box member that covers the step assembly when stored beneath the cargo box.

A bulk material transport vehicle access structure includes an elongated service platform for workers which is pivotally supported at its opposite ends to cantilever arms on parallel horizontal axes to avoid binding between the roller carriages of the cantilever arms and a pair of support pillars. The floor of the platform includes a walkway and a doorway covered by a plurality of side by side doors which may be selectively opened. Electric controls are provided to automatically stop operation of the power means used to control the elevation of the cantilever arms should the service platform become tilted a predetermined extent. Electric controls are also provided to stop lowering of the service platform when it reaches the top of a bulk material transport vehicle.

A powered running board assembly has a deck and at least two hinges extending from the deck for mounting longitudinally the deck to an underside of a vehicle. Each hinge has a mounting bracket configured to mount to the underside of the vehicle. A pair of links pivotally extends between the deck and mounting bracket. The deck is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A motor assembly operably engages at least one of the hinges to drive the deck between the retracted and extended positions. The motor assembly extends substantially longitudinally. The motor assembly has a gear train and clutch assembly enabling the motor assembly to drive relative to the deck movement when the deck movement is prevented, and enabling manual deck movement when the motor assembly is not energized.