Retractable step system
AssigneePierce Manufacturing Company
InventorsAndrew R. Manser, Kenneth P. Sebo, Daniel Daemmrich
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A retractable step system for providing access to and from an elevated platform of a vehicle. The retractable step system is configured to move between a use position and a stowed position. The retractable step system comprises a pair of longitudinal rails which are extended when the system is in the use position and collapsed when the system is in the stowed position. The system further comprises an auxiliary platform assembly rotatably coupled near the platform, and a step structure coupled to the longitudinal rails for providing a user with an intermediate surface upon which to step.
Claims38
A vehicle comprising:
- a vehicle body supported by a plurality of wheels;
- first and second upper rails movably supported at the vehicle body;
- first and second lower rails movably coupled to first and second upper rails;
- a step structure supported by the first and second lower rails;
- and
- an auxiliary platform including:
- a first frame supported at the vehicle about a first axis of rotation;
- a second frame supported at the first frame about a second axis of rotation;
- and
- a plate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface is adapted to be stepped upon by a user,
- wherein the auxiliary platform is movable to an extended position in which the first frame and the second frame support the plate.
A retractable step system providing access to and from an elevated platform of a vehicle, the system comprising:
- first and second upper rails;
- first and second lower rails movably coupled to first and second upper rails;
- a step supported by the first and second lower rails;
- and
- an auxiliary platform having a first portion configured to be supported at the vehicle and a second portion coupled between the first portion and lower portions of first and second upper rails,
- wherein the auxiliary platform is configured to move between a stowed position and a use position,
- wherein one of the first portion and the second portion supports a stepping surface in the stowed position, and wherein both of the first portion and the second portion support the stepping surface in the use position.
A retractable step system for use with a vehicle having an elevated platform, the system comprising:
- first and second upper rails movably support by the vehicle;
- first and second lower rails movably coupled to first and second upper rails;
- a step structure supported by the first and second lower rails;
- and
- an auxiliary platform including:
- a first frame;
- a second frame, and
- a plate providing a surface for a user to step upon, wherein the auxiliary platform is configured to be movable between a use position and a stowed position, wherein the plate is supported by the first and second frames in the use position, wherein the plate is separated from the second frame in the stowed position.
A vehicle comprising:
- a step system including at least one rail and a platform, the rail is supported at the vehicle, the platform is supported between the vehicle and the rail and movable between a stowed position and an extended position, the platform includes a first frame rotatably supported at the vehicle about a first axis and a second frame rotatably supported at the first frame about a second axis;
- wherein the first frame and the second frame in combination provide a substantially horizontal support surface when the platform is in the use position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.