Truck bumper and step device

An improved combination truck bumper and step device of the type adapted to be mounted on the rear end of a pair of horizontally spaced frame members of the truck body, said device including:

• (a) a pair of horizontally spaced channels adapted to be pivotally mounted on the rear end of spaced vehicle frame members and extending generally vertically downwardly from said vehicle frame members when in an at-rest position and movable between said at-rest position and a retracted position;
• (b) first and second vertically spaced step members rigidly attached to and extending horizontally between the pair of spaced channels, said first step being located at the lower end of the spaced channels, and said second step being located intermediate said first step and the pivotal attachment of the channels and engageable with the spaced frame members of the truck when the channels are in retracted position with said other step providing a positive mechanical stop for the channels when in said retracted position and limiting the movement of said channels to approximately 25.degree.;
• and
• (c) a pair of fluid controlled shock absorbing members having first and second ends, said first ends being pivotally attached to the channels closely adjacent the lowermost step of the pair and the second ends being adapted to be pivotally attached to the vehicle frame members forward of the pivotal attachment of the first ends, with said shock absorbing members being placed in compression when the spaced channels move from the at-rest position to the retracted position upon the bumper and step device contacting an object to absorb the contact force therebetween.