# US 11,305,697 B1 · Vehicle entry systems

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- Number: US 11,305,697 B1
- Document ID: US11305697B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 16/998,853
- Filed: 2020-08-20
- Granted: 2022-04-19
- Earliest claimed: 2020-08-07
- Assignees: Arizona Safari Jeep Tours, L.L.C.
- Applicants: Arizona Safari Jeep Tours, L.L.C.
- Inventors: David C. Swartwout
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11305697B1

## CPC

- B60R 3/02: Retractable steps {or ladders, e.g. movable under shock (B60R3/005 takes precedence)}
- B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

## Abstract

Implementations of a vehicle entry system may include an extension section configured to extend out a bed opening of a truck bed; an opening in the extension section; a first rail extending along a first side of the opening; a second rail extending along a second side of the opening; and a set of steps rotatably coupled along a third side of the opening. The set of steps may encloses the opening when rotated up toward the extension section.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A vehicle entry system comprising:
an extension section configured to extend out a bed opening of a truck bed;
an opening in the extension section;
a first rail extending along a first side of the opening;
a second rail extending along a second side of the opening; and
a set of steps rotatably coupled along a third side of the opening;
wherein the set of steps fully encloses the opening when rotated up toward the extension section.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the set of steps are coupled to retainers in the first rail and the second rail with cables.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the set of steps comprises a step pan configured to substantially fully enclose the opening when the set of steps are rotated up toward the extension section.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the set of steps, when rotated down away from the extension section, is configured to extend at an angle to a plane formed by the truck bed.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the set of steps are configured to provide a primary entry for passengers into the truck bed.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, further comprising bench seating for 12 to 14 passengers comprised in a bench section configured to couple over upper edges of the truck bed and over wheel wells in the bed.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, further comprising a roll cage coupled to a bumper coupled to the extension section and to midpoint supports configured to couple with a frame of a truck comprising the truck bed.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the set of steps are rigid and non-articulating.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The system of claim 1, wherein the set of steps forms a rear door to a passenger compartment formed by the extension section and a bench section.

### Claim 10

A vehicle entry system comprising:
an extension section configured to extend out a bed opening of a truck bed;
a bench section configured to couple over upper edges of the truck bed and over wheel wells in the truck bed;
a roll cage configured to couple with a frame of a truck comprising the truck bed;
an opening in the extension section; and
a set of steps with a step pan rotatably coupled along a side of the opening;
wherein the step pan fully encloses the opening when rotated up toward the extension section.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein the set of steps are coupled to retainers in a first rail and a second rail with cables.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, further wherein the bench section comprises bench seating for 12 to 14 passengers.

### Claim 13 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein the roll cage is coupled to a bumper coupled to the extension section and to midpoint supports configured to couple with a frame of a truck comprising the truck bed.

### Claim 14 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein the set of steps are rigid and non-articulating.

### Claim 15 (depends on 10)

The system of claim 10, wherein the set of steps forms a rear door to a passenger compartment formed by the extension section and the bench section.

### Claim 16

A vehicle entry system comprising:
a passenger compartment comprising:
an extension section configured to extend out a bed opening of a truck bed;
a bench section configured to couple over upper edges of the truck bed and over wheel wells in the truck bed; and
a set of steps coupled to step rails rotatably coupled along a side of the opening;
wherein a step pan coupled to the step rails opposite the set of steps forms a rear door to the passenger compartment.

### Claim 17 (depends on 16)

The system of claim 16, wherein the set of steps are coupled to retainers in the first rail and the second rail with cables.

### Claim 18 (depends on 16)

The system of claim 16, wherein the set of steps are retained in a closed position using a pinned rotatable latch system.

### Claim 19 (depends on 16)

The system of claim 16, further comprising a roll cage.

### Claim 20 (depends on 16)

The system of claim 16, wherein the set of steps are rigid and non-articulating.