Integrated roof access step

Abstract

Embodiments disclosed herein include apparatuses, vehicles, and methods for providing an integrated roof step to enable a person to access a roof of a vehicle. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a support member configured to support an object, a receiving slot configured to be disposed in a door frame of a vehicle body, wherein the receiving slot is configured to at least partially receive the support member such that a door of the vehicle can be closed without the support member interfering with the door, and a mount configured to movably secure a portion of the support member to the receiving slot.

Description

[0001] INTRODUCTION

[0002] It is often desirable to be able to transport items on the roof of a vehicle, such as a bicycle, kayak, or cargo stored on a roof rack. However, for many individuals, it is difficult to reach the roof of their vehicle, particularly higher profile vehicles such as sport utility vehicles and trucks, to secure or retrieve their items. Some individuals attempt to reach the roof of their vehicle by standing on the lower edge of the door frame, using a step that hangs on the door latch hook, or by standing on a running board or other external object. These options can not help reach far enough, can be unsafe to stand on, and / or their use can result in damage to the paint or body of the vehicle.

[0003] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and can not constitute prior art. SUMMARY

[0004] The disclosed embodiments include devices, vehicles, and methods for providing integrated steps to enable an individual to access the roof of a vehicle without reliance on the use of external devices or attempting to stand on another portion of the vehicle, both of which can be unsafe for the individual and the vehicle.

[0005] In an illustrative embodiment, a device includes a support member configured to support an object; a receiving slot configured to be disposed in a door frame of a vehicle body, wherein the receiving slot is configured to at least partially receive the support member such that a door of the vehicle can be closed without the support member interfering with the door; and a mount configured to movably secure a portion of the support member to the receiving slot.

[0006] In another illustrative embodiment, a device includes a support member configured to support an object when the support member is moved to a deployed position; a receiving slot configured to be disposed within a door frame of a vehicle body, the door frame configured to receive a door in a closed position, wherein the receiving slot is configured to at least partially receive the support member therein when the support member is in a stowed position to avoid the support member interfering with the closing of the door within the door frame; and a mount configured to movably secure a portion of the support member to the receiving slot to enable the support member to be selectively moved between the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0007] In yet another illustrative embodiment, a method includes providing a support member configured to physically support an appendage of a user when the support member is moved to a deployed position, and movably mounting the support member within a receiving slot disposed within a door frame of a vehicle body, the door frame configured to receive a vehicle door, wherein the support member is selectively movable out of the receiving slot into the deployed position to support the appendage of the user and is receivable within the receiving slot without obstructing closure of the vehicle door.

[0008] Other suitable features, advantages and areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1A and Figure 1B are perspective views of embodiments of a support apparatus in a deployed position and a stowed position, respectively;

[0011] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are side views in the form of partial cross-sectional views of vehicles incorporating Figure 1A and 1B support apparatuses;

[0012] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are top and side views, respectively, of a support member incorporating a non-slip element;

[0013] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are side views in the form of partial cross-sectional views of support apparatuses integrally formed with a door frame and attachable within a door frame, respectively;

[0014] Figure 5A and Figure 5B are side views of support members including a rotatably mounted elongate member;

[0015] Figs. 6A and 6B are side views in the form of partial cross-sectional views of a support apparatus including an internal stop and a lighting device;

[0016] Figure 7A and Figure 7B are side views in the form of partial cross-sectional views of another embodiment of a support apparatus in a deployed position and a stowed position, respectively;

[0017] Figure 8is a side view of a support member that is rotatable and slidable relative to its mount;

[0018] Figure 9 is a side view in the form of a partial cross-sectional view of a support member that is slidable relative to a housing slot; and

[0019] Figure 10 is a flowchart of an exemplary method of providing a support device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the various embodiments. As a non-limiting introduction and overview, in various embodiments, a device includes a support member that is configured to support an object, such as an appendage of a user or another object, when the support member is moved to a deployed position. For example, the support member can provide a step upon which a person can climb to access a roof or other overhead surface of a vehicle. A housing slot is embedded or mounted within a door frame of a vehicle body that houses a vehicle door when the vehicle door is in a closed position. The housing slot is configured to at least partially house the support member when the support member is in a stowed position. Thus, the support member can be deployed to provide a step to access a roof or other overhead surface of a vehicle, but can subsequently be stowed in the housing slot so as not to interfere with closing of the vehicle door. A mount movably secures a portion of the support member to the housing slot, such as by rotatably mounting the support member to the mount, to enable selective movement of the support member between the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0021] Having now provided an overall outline of various embodiments, the details of various embodiments will be explained by way of non-limiting examples given solely for purposes of illustration and not limitation.

[0022] Reference Figure 1A , an exemplary integrated stowable support device 100 is provided in a vehicle body 150. In various embodiments, the support device 100 is provided in a door frame 152 of the vehicle body 150. The support device 100 includes a support member 110 that is rotatably coupled to a housing slot 120 at a mount 130. In various embodiments, the housing slot 120 is an integral part of the door frame 152 of the vehicle body 150, or the housing slot 120 is a separate attachable housing slot that is housed within a recess 154 of the door frame 152, as further described below. The support member 110 is rotated to a deployed position in which the support member 110 extends in a generally horizontal direction that is parallel to a surface (not shown) on which the vehicle is positioned. Thus, in the deployed position, the support member 110 provides a step or other support upon which a person can step or otherwise place an appendage or object. Thus, the support member 110 can allow a person to move vertically to, for example, reach a roof of the vehicle. Figure 1A In various embodiments, the support member 110 is rotatably coupled to the housing slot 120 at the mount 130. In various embodiments, the mount 130 is a portion of the housing slot 120, or the mount 130 is a separate component that is coupled to the housing slot 120. In various embodiments, the mount 130 is a portion of the housing slot 120 that is formed as a recess in the door frame 152 of the vehicle body 150. In various embodiments, the mount 130 is a separate component that is coupled to the housing slot 120, such as by being attached to the housing slot 120. In various embodiments, the mount 130 is a portion of the housing slot 120 that is formed as a recess in the door frame 152 of the vehicle body 150, and the mount 130 is a separate component that is coupled to the housing slot 120, such as by being attached to the housing slot 120.Figure 1A (not shown in the text), as further described below, or to provide a place to place the object.

[0023] refer to Figure 1B The support member 110 rotates about the mounting member 130 to a retracted position, in which it is received within the receiving groove 120. Therefore, in the retracted position, the support member 110 does not extend from the door frame 152 and thus does not obstruct access to the passenger compartment or interfere with the door. Figure 1B (Not shown) is closed and stored inside the door frame 152.

[0024] In various embodiments, in addition to rotating between an extended and retracted position, the support member 110 may also be extendable. For example, the support member 110 may include a channel that rotates and slides through the mount 130 to reach the extended position, effectively extending the length of the support member 110. In various embodiments, the support member 110 may also slide into and out of the receiving groove 120, respectively, between its retracted and extended positions. The embodiments are not limited to any particular type of movable mounting of the support member 110 relative to the receiving groove 120.

[0025] refer to Figure 2A Vehicle 200 includes a body 250, which includes a vehicle cabin 260 capable of accommodating an operator, one or more passengers, and / or cargo. Body 250 has a roof or other overhead surface. It should be understood that, depending on the height of vehicle 200 and / or the individual (…), Figure 2A At a height (not shown), when standing on the ground or other surface 290 where vehicle 200 is located, an individual may or may not be able to access the roof 270. Therefore, an individual may or may not be able to attach or retrieve an object 280 from the roof 270. The object 280, which may comprise a single object or multiple objects stored in a carrier, can be attached to the roof using roof rails 282 or another type of roof support.

[0026] The vehicle body 250 includes a door frame 252 configured to sealably accommodate a door 258 (shown in dashed lines) configured to allow access to the vehicle cabin 260. In various embodiments, the door 258 is hinged to the door frame 252 and / or the vehicle body 250 to allow the door 258 to open and close. When the door 258 is open, a support device 100 disposed in the door frame 252 is accessible to allow an individual to retract a support member 110 from a retracted position within a receiving slot 130 around a mounting member 130. Figure 1B Rotate to the unfolded position. Figure 1A Alternatively, the support member 110 may be moved relative to the mounting member 130 from the retracted position within the receiving slot to the extended position.

[0027] In the deployed position, the support member 110 extends in a generally horizontal orientation to provide a step surface 212 upon which a person can rest a foot or other appendage. Using the step surface 212, the person can be able to better reach the roof 270 of the vehicle 200. In various embodiments, the step surface 212 is positioned at a height 292 above the ground 290 from which the person can easily reach the roof 270 of the vehicle. Figure 2A In various embodiments, for example, the step surface 212 is at a height 292 above the ground 290 from which the person can easily reach the roof 270 of the vehicle.

[0028] Referring to Figure 2B , a person 294 is supported on the step surface 212 of the support member 110 of the support apparatus 100. The person 294 rests a foot 296 or other appendage on the step surface 212, thereby elevating the appendage 296 to the height 292 of the step surface 212. Thus, in various embodiments, the support apparatus 100 enables the person 294 to reach the roof 270 of the vehicle without the use of an external object, such as a step ladder or other body (not shown) or a separate device attached to the vehicle 200. Moreover, in various embodiments, the step surface 212 at the height 292 can be higher than the lower edge 298 of the door frame 298, thereby making it easier for the person to reach the roof 270. In both cases, the use of the support apparatus 100 can reduce the risk of damaging the paint or body of the vehicle 200, as an external object or separate device can impact the body 250. Similarly, the step surface 212 of the support apparatus 100 coupled to the body 250 can provide a more stable platform upon which the person 294 can stand, as compared to an external object or support device that can be inclined or the lower edge 298 of the door frame 298 that can be angled and / or slippery.

[0029] Referring to Figure 3A and 3B , in various embodiments, the safety of standing on the support member 110 can be enhanced by equipping the step surface 212 with a non-slip element 300. The non-slip element 300 can be adhered or otherwise fastened to the step surface 212 and can include a roughened or otherwise textured material or a rubberized material to enhance the adhesion of an appendage (not shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B ) to the step surface 212. The non-slip element 300 can also include an insert that can include an insert portion 302 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 3B ) that is housed within a surface 304 of the step surface 212 of the support member 110. Thus, the non-slip element 300 can enhance the adhesion or traction of an appendage on the step surface 212 to prevent the slipping or sliding of the appendage.

[0030] Referring to Figure 4A and Figure 4BIn various embodiments, the containment slot 120 of the support apparatus 100 can be integrally embedded within or otherwise formed within the vehicle door frame, or can include a separate attachable structure configured to be mounted within the vehicle door frame. With particular reference to Figure 4A In various embodiments, the integrated support apparatus 400 within the vehicle door frame 452 (as part of the vehicle body) includes an integrally formed containment slot 420. The containment slot 420 includes or is configured to receive a mount 430 about which the support member 110 can be rotatably mounted or otherwise movably mounted for movement between the stowed and deployed positions. As previously described with reference to Figure 1B As described, in the stowed position, the support member 110 is contained within the containment slot 420 so as not to impede entry into the vehicle cabin or interfere with the closing of the vehicle door (not shown) in the vehicle door frame 452. Figure 4A

[0031] With particular reference to Figure 4B In various embodiments, the separate support apparatus 401 includes a separate containment slot 421 formed separately from the vehicle door frame 453. The containment slot 421 includes or is configured to receive a mount 431 about which the support member 110 can be rotatably mounted (or otherwise movably mounted) for movement between the stowed and deployed positions. As previously described with reference to Figure 1B As described, in the stowed position, the support member 110 is contained within the containment slot 421 so as not to impede entry into the vehicle cabin or interfere with the closing of the vehicle door (not shown) in the vehicle door frame 452. In various embodiments, the vehicle door frame 453 can be specially formed with a recess 455 configured to receive the containment slot 421. In various embodiments, the recess 455 can be specially formed to fixedly receive the containment slot 451 in the recess 455 by friction or with other attachment means (not shown) to attach to the vehicle door frame 453. Figure 4A In various embodiments, whether using the integrated support apparatus 400 or the separate support apparatus 401, the vehicle door frame 452 or 453 can be reinforced to provide structural support to the containment slot 420 or 421, respectively. Such reinforcement can prevent damage to the vehicle door frame 452 or 453 from forces or moments exerted by the weight of an individual standing on the support member 110. At the location of the support apparatus 400 or 421, the weight of an individual (and the weight of objects held by the individual) can exert greater forces in the vertical dimension to the vehicle door frame 452 or 453 than would be expected to be exerted on a typical vehicle door frame.

[0032]

[0033] ​​It will be appreciated that whether using the integrated support apparatus 400 or the separate support apparatus 401, the underside 461 of the support member 110 and the edge 463 of the receiving slot 420 or 421 can engage when the support member 110 is in the deployed position. The mutual engagement of the underside 461 of the support member 110 and the edge 463 of the receiving slot 420 or 421 will hold the support member in the deployed position when the appendage or other body exerts a load on the support member 110. It will also be appreciated that the support member 110 can be held in the deployed position by the mutual engagement of a stop on the support member 110 and the mount 430 or 431, by other mutual engagement of the support member 110 and the receiving slot 420 or 421, or by other structures that hold the support member 110 in the deployed position 110 when a load is applied.

[0034] Embodiments of support apparatuses as described herein can take various forms. Reference is made to Figure 5A and Figure 5B In various embodiments as exemplified previously, one embodiment of the support apparatus 100 includes a support member 110 that includes an elongate member 510 rotatably fixed at its proximal end 511 to a receiving slot (not shown) within a mount 430 or 431. In various embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A and Figure 5B not shown) at the proximal end 511. In various embodiments, as shown in Figure 5A The mount 530 can include a pin received within the proximal end 511 of the support member 110, and the support member 110 rotates about the pin. As exemplified previously, with the elongate member 510 rotatably fixed to the receiving slot (not shown) at the mount 530 at the proximal end 511, the support member 110 can be rotated outwardly from the receiving slot and downwardly to the deployed position. As described previously, the support member 110 can also be movably coupled to the mount 530 such that, in addition to or instead of being rotatably coupled to the mount 530, the support member is also able to slide or otherwise move relative to the mount 530.

[0035] Additionally, in various embodiments as exemplified previously, the support member 110 can be rotatably fixed to the receiving slot (not shown) at the proximal end 511 by a pin received within the proximal end 511 of the support member 110, and the support member 110 rotates about the pin. As exemplified previously, with the elongate member 510 rotatably fixed to the receiving slot (not shown) at the proximal end 511, the support member 110 can be rotated outwardly from the receiving slot and downwardly to the deployed position. As described previously, the support member 110 can also be movably coupled to the mount 430 or 431 such that, in addition to or instead of being rotatably coupled to the mount 430 or 431, the support member is also able to slide or otherwise move relative to the mount 430 or 431. Figure 5BIn various embodiments shown, the support apparatus can include a return mechanism to return the support member 110 to a stowed position when not in use. For example, the biasing mount 531 can include a spring-loaded cylinder and / or a damped spring-loaded cylinder. When the support member 110 is not in use, the biasing mount 531 can rotate the support member 110 in the upward direction 532 to return the support member 110 to the stowed position when the support member 110 is not under load. In various embodiments, the biasing mount 531 can exert a minimum biasing force, or the force can be damped. Thus, after the support member 110 has been rotated to the deployed position, the support member 110 can be slowly rotated to the stowed position to give a person time to engage the support member before it is stowed. Using such a mechanism, the support member can automatically return to the stowed position when the support member 110 is in the deployed position to reduce the risk of the vehicle door closing into the support member.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the support apparatus includes an elongate member 510, the containment slot 620 (whether integrated into the vehicle body or a separate structure) can include an internal stop 632 to limit the rotation or other movement of the elongate member 510 in the stowed position. By limiting the rotation or other movement of the elongate member 510 in the stowed position, a gap 615 is maintained between the distal end 611 of the elongate member 510 and the adjacent wall 621 of the containment slot 620. The gap 615 can make it easier for a person to engage the distal end 611 of the elongate member 510 with a finger or tool (not shown) for rotating and / or otherwise moving the elongate member 510 to the deployed position.

[0037] Referring additionally to FIG. 6B, the containment slot 620 can include an illumination device 660 to illuminate the elongate member 530. In various embodiments, the illumination device can be triggered by a normally open contact switch 662 incorporated in the internal stop 632, such that when the elongate member 510 is rotated away or otherwise moved away from the internal stop 612, the normally open contact switch 662 closes, activating the illumination device 660 to project light 664 (represented by dashed lines) onto the elongate member 510 in the deployed position. It will be appreciated that other mechanical, optical, or other switch devices can be used to activate the illumination device 660.

[0038] It will be appreciated that, in addition to the rotatable elongate member as described previously with reference to Figure 1A FIG. 6B, the support apparatus can be implemented in a variety of forms. Referring to Figure 7A and Figure 7B For example, the support apparatus 700 can include a wedge-shaped member 710 rotatably or otherwise movably secured at a mount 730 at its upper end to a containment slot 720. The support member 730 can be configured to move from a stowed position within the containment slot 730 to a deployed position in which the support member 730 extends out of the containment slot 730.Figure 7A ) to or otherwise moved to a deployed position (e.g., rotated or slid out of a receiving slot in a door frame of a vehicle body) to present a step surface 712 upon which an appendage can be supported. In various embodiments, the support member 710 can be retained in the deployed position by a latch 760 (whether manually engageable or spring-loaded) on the support member 710 or the receiving slot 730 that locks the support member in place relative to the receiving slot 730 when the support member 710 is rotated to or otherwise moved to the deployed position. Figure 7B

[0039] As previously described, the support member can be rotatably and / or slidably movable relative to its mount. For example, with reference to Figure 8 , the support member 810 can include a channel 811 that is configured to rotate in a direction 813 and slide relative to its mount 830 in a direction 815 to deploy. For another example, with reference to Figure 9 , the support member 910 can only slide out of its receiving slot 920 in a direction 915 to deploy.

[0040] With additional reference to Figure 10 , an illustrative method 1000 is provided for providing a support apparatus as described herein. The method begins at block 1005. At block 1010, a support member is provided, where the support member is configured to physically support an appendage of a user when the support member is moved to a deployed position. At block 1020, the support member is movably mounted within a receiving slot disposed within a door frame of a vehicle body, the door frame configured to receive a door, where the support member is selectively movable out of the receiving slot into the deployed position to support the appendage of the user and is receivable within the receiving slot without impeding closure of the door. The method 1000 ends at block 1025.

[0041] It should be appreciated that the apparatus includes several separate aspects.

[0042] The support member can be configured to support an object and is mountable within a door frame. The support member can be rotatably mounted to or within a receiving slot of the door frame, slidably mounted within the receiving slot, or insertable into the receiving slot. The support member can include a step surface that, in various embodiments, can be configured to support an appendage, such as a foot of a user. The support member can include a non-slip element configured to prevent lateral slippage of the object or appendage.

[0043] The mount can be configured to rotatably secure the support member to a receiving slot within a door frame, such as a door frame within a vehicle body. The mount can be configured to enable the support member to rotate outwardly from the receiving slot in an upward or downward direction.

[0044] ​The door frame can be configured to house or define a housing slot to house a support member to support an object. The housing slot can be integrally formed with the door frame or can be a separate object configured to be housed within an opening in the door frame. The housing slot can be configured to house a mount to allow for rotatable mounting of the support member as previously described. In various embodiments, the housing slot is formed so as to not impede closing of a door coupled with the door frame and / or to allow the support member to be housed within the housing slot so as to not impede closing of the door.

[0045] The door assembly can include a door frame and a door mountable to the door frame. The door frame can be configured to house or define a housing slot to house a support member to support an object. The housing slot can be integrally formed with the door frame or can be a separate object configured to be housed within an opening in the door frame. The housing slot can be configured to house a mount to allow for rotatable mounting of the support member as previously described. In various embodiments, the housing slot is formed so as to not impede closing of the door and / or to allow the support member to be housed within the housing slot so as to not impede closing of the door.

[0046] In some cases, one or more components can be referred to herein as being“configured to,”“configured by,”“configurable to,”“operable / operative to,”“adapted / adaptable to,”“capable of,”“adapted to conform / conformable to,” and / or the like. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such terms generally encompass active- and / or passive- state components and / or inactivated components unless context requires otherwise.

[0047] While particular aspects of the subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications can be made in the aspect of the subject matter described herein, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the subject matter as described herein, and it is therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter as described herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in general, the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (such as the terms "comprise," "include," and the like) are intended to be interpreted as "open-ended" terms (e.g., the terms "comprise," "include," and the like are to be construed as if the terms "comprising" or "including" and other like terms were actually recited therein). Those of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such intent will be recited explicitly in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the following appended claims contain, in some instances, natural prose-language verb phrases having an actor (e.g., "a system comprising" or "a system including"). Such phrases are intended to be interpreted as specifying the actor as performing the recited action (e.g., "a system comprising" is intended to mean "a system comprising" and not "a system to which something is added"), unless otherwise indicated by context. Recitations using the indefinite article "a" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "a" or "an" is actually replaced with "at least one" or "one or more." Likewise, recitations using the definite article "the" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "the" is actually replaced with "at least the" or "one or more of the." Also, recitations using the indefinite article "an" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "an" is actually replaced with "one" or "one or more." Recitations using the definite article "the" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "the" is actually replaced with "the" or "one or more of the." Recitations using the indefinite article "a" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "a" is actually replaced with "at least one" or "one or more." Recitations using the definite article "the" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "the" is actually replaced with "the" or "one or more of the." Recitations using the indefinite article "an" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "an" is actually replaced with "one" or "one or more." Recitations using the definite article "the" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "the" is actually replaced with "the" or "one or more of the." Recitations using the indefinite article "a" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "a" is actually replaced with "at least one" or "one or more." Recitations using the definite article "the" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "the" is actually replaced with "the" or "one or more of the." Recitations using the indefinite article "an" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "an" is actually replaced with "one" or "one or more." Recitations using the definite article "the" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "the" is actually replaced with "the" or "one or more of the." Recitations using the indefinite article "a" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "a" is actually replaced with "at least one" or "one or more." Recitations using the definite article "the" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "the" is actually replaced with "the" or "one or more of the." Recitations using the indefinite article "an" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "an" is actually replaced with "one" or "one or more." Recitations using the definite article "the" are to be interpreted as including instances in which "the" is actually replaced with "the" or "one or more of the."

[0048] With respect to the appended claims, those skilled in the art will understand that the operations listed therein typically can be performed in any order. Additionally, although various operational flows are presented in a sequence, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various operations can be performed in other orders or concurrently, except otherwise indicated by context. Such alternative orderings are examples only and are not intended to represent a limitation unless otherwise defined by the claim language. Furthermore, words such as "responsive to," "related to," or other past-tense adjectives are generally not intended to exclude such variant orderings unless otherwise indicated by context.

[0049] While the disclosed subject matter has been described in terms of illustrative embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject matter described herein can be practiced with modifications other than those described. It is therefore desired that the present disclosure be construed as not limited, unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted, by the following claims.

[0050] It is understood that the detailed description set forth herein is merely illustrative in nature and that variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the subject matter, as defined in the appended claims. Such variations and modifications can readily occur to those skilled in the art, and the applicability of the subject matter to alternatives not specifically described herein can be recognized. It is noted that the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to what can be precisely denoted by the claims. Rather, the subject matter is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of the subject matter, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A support apparatus, the support apparatus comprising: a support member, the support member comprising an elongate member for rotatably securing with a housing slot of the support apparatus via a mount; the support member configured to support an object; and the support member configured to rotate outwardly from the housing slot and downwardly from a stowed position to a deployed position; the housing slot configured to be disposed in a door frame of a vehicle body; the housing slot configured to house at least a portion of the support member such that a door of a vehicle can be closed without the support member interfering with the door; and the housing slot comprising an internal stop for engaging the support member in the stowed position to maintain a gap between the elongate member of the support member and the housing slot; the mount configured to movably secure the elongate member of the support member to the housing slot to rotate the support member between the stowed position and the deployed position; and a lighting device for producing light to illuminate the support member; the lighting device for producing light in response to disengagement of a contact switch of the internal stop by the elongate member of the support member in the deployed position; and the lighting device for ceasing to produce light in response to engagement of the contact switch of the internal stop by the elongate member of the support member in the stowed position.

2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member is extendable in a generally horizontal orientation with the support member in the deployed position.

3. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a step surface.

4. The support apparatus of claim 3, wherein the step surface comprises a non-slip element configured to prevent an appendage from slipping relative to the step surface.

5. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lighting device is configured to illuminate the support member when the support member is in the deployed position.

6. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support apparatus further comprises a retraction device configured to return the support member from a deployed position to a stowed position.

7. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing slot is selected from at least one housing structure selected from an integrally formed housing slot embedded into the door frame and an attachable housing slot configured to be mounted within the door frame.

8. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the contact switch is configured to: control the lighting device to produce light with disengagement of the contact switch by the elongate member of the support member; and control the lighting device to cease producing light with engagement of the contact switch by the elongate member of the support member.

9. A support apparatus, the support apparatus comprising: ​ a support member comprising an elongated member for rotatably securing with a mounting to a receiving slot of the support apparatus; the support member is configured to support an appendage when the support member is moved to a deployed position; and the support member is configured to rotate outwardly from the receiving slot and downwardly from a stowed position to a deployed position; the receiving slot is configured to be disposed within a door frame of a vehicle body; the receiving slot is configured to receive at least a portion of the support member to avoid interference of the support member with closing of the door within the door frame; and the receiving slot comprises an internal stop for engaging the support member in the stowed position to maintain a gap between the elongated member of the support member and the receiving slot; the mounting is configured to movably secure the elongated member of the support member to the receiving slot to selectively rotate the support member between the stowed position and the deployed position; and a lighting device for producing light to illuminate the support member; the lighting device is for producing light in response to disengagement of a contact switch of the internal stop by the elongated member of the support member when the elongated member of the support member is in the deployed position; and the lighting device is for ceasing to produce light in response to engagement of the contact switch of the internal stop by the elongated member of the support member when the elongated member of the support member is in the stowed position.

10. The support apparatus of claim 9, wherein the support member comprises a step surface configured to extend in a generally horizontal orientation when the support member is in the deployed position.

11. The support apparatus of claim 10, wherein the step surface comprises a non-slip element configured to prevent lateral slippage of the appendage relative to the step surface.

12. The support apparatus of claim 9, wherein the receiving slot is selected from at least one receiving structure selected from an integrally formed receiving slot embedded into the door frame and an attachable receiving slot configured to be mounted within the door frame.

13. The support apparatus of claim 9, wherein the lighting device is configured to illuminate the support member when the support member is in the deployed position.

14. A method of supporting, comprising: providing a support member comprising an elongated member for rotatably securing with a mounting to a receiving slot; the support member is configured to physically support an object when the support member is moved to a deployed position; and the support member is configured to rotate outwardly from the receiving slot and downwardly from a stowed position to a deployed position; movably mounting the support member within a receiving slot configured to be disposed within a door frame of a vehicle body; the receiving slot is configured to receive at least a portion of the support member without obstructing closing of a door; and the receiving slot comprises an internal stop for engaging the support member in the stowed position to maintain a gap between the elongated member of the support member and the receiving slot; The housing slot includes an internal stop for engaging the support member in the stowed position to maintain a gap between the elongate member of the support member and the housing slot; The mount is configured to movably secure the elongate member of the support member to the housing slot to rotate the support member between the stowed position and the deployed position; and A lighting device is provided for producing light to illuminate the support member; With the elongate member of the support member in the deployed position, the lighting device is for producing light in response to disengagement of the contact switch of the internal stop by the elongate member of the support member; and With the elongate member of the support member in the stowed position, the lighting device is for ceasing to produce light in response to engagement of the contact switch of the internal stop by the elongate member of the support member.

15. The supporting method according to claim 14, wherein the supporting method comprises: The housing slot is provided within the door frame by integrally forming the housing slot within the vehicle body or separately forming the housing slot and mounting the housing slot within the vehicle body.

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