Rectracable step assembly
AssigneeB & W Custom Truck Beds, Inc.
InventorDirk A. Sorenson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A vehicle-mounted retractable step assembly includes a fixed base and a platform, with the platform movable between an extended position wherein the platform extends out of the fixed base, and a retracted position wherein the platform is received within the base. A biasing element extends between the base and the platform and biases the platform toward the retracted position. The base includes a catch, and the platform includes positioning features that engage the catch to retain the platform in the extended and retracted positions. A guide rod is secured to the platform and extends through a guide channel formed in the base to guide sliding movement of the platform.
Claims20
A step assembly for accessing a storage area of a vehicle, the step assembly comprising:
- a fixed base mounted to the vehicle;
- a platform slidable between an extended position wherein the platform extends outward relative to the fixed base and beyond an edge of the vehicle, and a retracted position wherein the platform extends within the fixed base;
- and
- a biasing element extending between the fixed base and the platform, the biasing element biasing the platform toward the retracted position.
A retractable step assembly mounted to a vehicle, the retractable step assembly comprising:
- a base tray having a base positioning feature;
- a platform movable relative to the base tray between an extended position and a retracted position, the platform having a first step positioning feature and a second step positioning feature;
- and
- a spring extending between the base tray and the platform, the spring biasing the platform toward the retracted position;
- wherein the first step positioning feature engages the base positioning feature to retain the platform in the retracted position, and the second step positioning feature engages the base positioning feature to retain the platform in the extended position.
A retractable step for a vehicle, the retractable step comprising:
- a fixed base mounted to the vehicle and having a guide channel formed therein;
- a platform sized to be received within the fixed base and advanceable relative to the fixed base between an extended position and a retracted position;
- a biasing element extending between the fixed base and the platform, the biasing element pulling the platform toward the retracted position;
- and
- a guide rod secured to the platform and extending through the guide channel, the guide rod sliding through the guide channel as the platform is advanced between the extended position and the retracted position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.