U.S. patent application number 11/602800 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-22 for vehicle side step.
This patent application is currently assigned to Xtreme Metal Fab., Inc.. Invention is credited to Ron Storer.
Application Number | 20080116652 11/602800 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39416165 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080116652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Storer; Ron |
May 22, 2008 |
Vehicle side step
Abstract
A step assembly for a vehicle comprising an elongated main body
having a substantially straight portion and two end portions; a
generally U-shaped step bar having a substantially straight portion
parallel to the main body and two bent portions, the bent portions
welded to the main body and a step surface having a plurality of
apertures that is affixed to the step bar to provide traction to
the user. The main body is preferably welded to at least one
support bracket. The installation of the step assembly is a two
step process that comprises engagably attaching at least one
mounting bracket to a vehicle and then engagably attaching the
support bracket, which is preferably welded to the main body, to
the mounting bracket.
Inventors: |
Storer; Ron; (Villa Park,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kit M. Stetina, Esq.;STETINA BRUNDA GARRED & BRUCKER
Suite 250, 75 Enterprise
Aliso Viejo
CA
92656
US
|
Assignee: |
Xtreme Metal Fab., Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39416165 |
Appl. No.: |
11/602800 |
Filed: |
November 21, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/164.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 3/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/164.1 |
International
Class: |
B60R 3/00 20060101
B60R003/00 |
Claims
1. A step assembly for mounting to a vehicle comprising: an
elongated main body having a substantially straight portion and two
end portions; a generally U-shaped step bar having a substantially
straight portion that is parallel to the main body and two bent
portions welded to the main body; a step surface affixed to the
step bar, the step surface having a plurality of apertures that
provide traction for the user; at least one support bracket,
wherein the support bracket has a base portion having at least one
aperture and two arm portions extending therefrom, the support
bracket being welded to the main body along the edge of each arm
distal from the base; at least one mounting bracket, wherein the
mounting bracket has a base further having a first and second arm
extending therefrom, a flange welded to the base and having at
least one aperture for attachment to the vehicle and at least one
aperture in the portion of the base defined by the flange and the
second arm for attachment to the support bracket; wherein
installation of the vehicle is a two step process that comprises
engagably attaching the mounting bracket to the vehicle by the
flange and then engagably attaching the support bracket, which is
welded to the main body, to the mounting bracket.
2. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the end portions are bent
at substantially a 90 degree angle.
3. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the main body has a
circular cross-section.
4. The step assembly of claim 1, further comprising at least one
end cap engaged with an end portion of the main body.
5. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the main body extends
along the length of a passenger cab of the vehicle and at least one
portion extends underneath the vehicle.
6. The step assembly of claim 1, where the main body is constructed
from one of aluminum, steel and titanium.
7. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the step bar is
constructed from one of aluminum, steel and titanium.
8. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the step bar has a
circular cross-section.
9. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the bent portions of the
step bar are different angles.
10. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the bent portions welded
to the main body at an angle relative to the horizontal.
11. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the step surface is
constructed from aluminum.
12. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the apertures of the step
surface have one of a circular, oval, square and rectangular
shape.
13. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the step surface includes
raised surface features.
14. The step assembly of claim 1, wherein the flange is welded at
an angle to the base of the mounting bracket.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a vehicle
accessory and more specifically to a vehicular side step and its
method of installation.
[0004] A side step is a common accessory on a number of vehicles,
such as a pick-up truck, a sports utility vehicle, a large utility
truck or a jeep. The side step is multi-purpose in that it can be
used for appearance and/or protection of the vehicle. For example,
a side step may provide protection to both the door and side of the
vehicle. Specifically, certain vehicles are commonly used for
off-road activities, which often involve maneuvering through all
types of conditions including dirt, uneven terrain, mud, bodies of
water, snow and ice. Driving through these conditions may cause
debris, such as dirt, rocks and other particles to be projected
onto the vehicle causing dents, nicks and other similar damage both
to the vehicle and paint. A side step may deflect the various types
of debris before contact is made with the vehicle.
[0005] In addition, a vehicle that is utilized for off-road
activities may have an elevated chassis to prevent the possibility
of damage to the underside of the vehicle. In general, any elevated
vehicle having a high road clearance may present difficulty to an
individual when exiting and entering the passenger compartment.
Many vehicles having an elevated chassis are equipped with some
form of an externally mounted step assembly, for example, a side
board, a running board, a side step or a side bar onto which a
person may step or stand in an attempt to access the passenger
compartment.
[0006] Finally, a step assembly may be attached to the side of a
vehicle for appearance purposes. Many vehicle owners choose to
install an externally mounted step assembly to enhance the
appearance of the vehicle. In particular owners who display their
vehicles at shows or use the vehicle for activities such as racing
often add a step assembly to impart a certain character to the
vehicle.
[0007] With regard to the installation of a step assembly, each of
the identified step assemblies are constructed in such a manner
that makes installation difficult and cumbersome. The process of
installation generally requires two individuals because a step
assembly is usually a one-piece large, bulky article. Specifically,
one person is required to hold the step assembly while the other
person prepares the vehicle for attachment of the assembly so that
the installation is precise.
[0008] In addition, many step assemblies include a stepping
surface. The stepping surface generally takes the form of a rubber
pad that is affixed to the step portion of the step assembly. One
disadvantage of the convention rubber material from which a step
surface is typically constructed is that the material often
deteriorates quickly. Specifically, if a vehicle is utilized for
off-road purposes, the vehicle may encounter a wide variety of
environmental conditions, including heat, moisture, snow, ice and
rain. Moreover, depending on the geographic location of the
vehicle, extreme environmental conditions, such as in the desert or
in subzero temperatures, may be the norm rather than an exception.
Thus, a stepping surface constructed from rubber or other similar
material may become weakened and tear, rip or erode.
[0009] A need exists for a step assembly for a vehicle that is easy
to install. The step assembly should have a simple construction so
that only one person is required for installation. The step
assembly should be strong and durable and further provide an
appropriate stepping surface that is not affected by normal weather
conditions and use. In addition, the stepping surface should not
easily deteriorate.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0010] A step assembly for a vehicle is disclosed that comprises an
elongated main body having a substantially straight portion and two
end portions; a generally U-shaped step bar having a substantially
straight portion that is parallel to the main body and two bent
portions, the bent portions may be welded to the main body at an
angle relative to the horizontal; a step surface affixed to the
step bar, the step surface having a plurality of apertures that
provide traction for the user; at least one support bracket,
wherein the support bracket has a base portion having at least one
aperture and two arm portions extending therefrom, the support
bracket being welded to the main body along the edge of each arm
distal from the base; at least one mounting bracket, wherein the
mounting bracket has a base further having a first and second arm
extending therefrom, a flange welded to the base and having at
least one aperture for attachment to the vehicle and at least one
aperture in the portion of the base defined by the flange and the
second arm for attachment to the support bracket. The installation
of the vehicle is a two-step process that comprises engagably
attaching the mounting bracket to the vehicle by the flange and
then engagably attaching the support bracket, which is welded to
the main body, to the mounting bracket. The installation process
may only require one person because of the construction of the step
assembly. Drilling is not required on most vehicles and the
installation of the step assembly on the vehicle may be completed
by using a wrench or socket wrench.
[0011] The end portions of the main body are bent at substantially
a 45 degree angle and extend underneath the vehicle so that the
main body does not become caught on objects. At least one end cap
may be engaged with an end portion of the main body. The main body,
the step bar and the step surface may be constructed from any
appropriate material that is durable and resistant to weather,
corrosion, cracking and other types of wear normally associated
with use, including without limitation, aluminum, steel, stainless
steel and titanium. The apertures of the step surface may any
shape, including circular, oval and rectangular.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a step assembly
installed on a vehicle.
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the components comprising a
step assembly, including a main body, a step bar, a support bracket
and a mounting bracket.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the main body, the
support bracket and a mounting bracket shown in FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present
invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets
forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and
operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by
different embodiments and that they are intended to be encompassed
within the scope of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 represents a side view of a typical installation of
an exemplary embodiment of a step assembly 5 illustrated generally
to include a main body 20, at least one step bar 25, a step surface
30 affixed to the step bar 25, at least one support bracket 35 and
at least one mounting bracket (not shown). The step bar 25 is
preferably welded to the main body 20 which is further welded to at
least one support bracket 35. The support bracket 35 is adapted to
be engaged to a mounting bracket (not shown), as described with
respect to FIG. 2. Although only two support brackets 35 are shown
in FIG. 1, any number of support brackets 35 may be utilized to
provide the necessary support and stability to the step assembly
5.
[0018] In FIG. 1, the step assembly 5 is represented as being
coupled to a vehicle 10 having a high road clearance. The step
assembly 5 may provide access to the inside passenger compartment
of the vehicle 10 by providing a support for stepping.
Specifically, the step bar 25, has a lower elevation than the
opening of the passenger compartment of the vehicle, which provides
easy access to the door 15 of the passenger compartment. It should
be apparent to one skilled in the art that the vehicle 10
represented in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary and the teachings herein
are equally applicable to other types of vehicles 10.
[0019] FIG. 2 represents the step assembly 5 in greater detail in
an exploded view illustrating the manner of engagement between the
various components of the completed step assembly 5. The main body
20 is formed from a generally cylindrical tube member having a
portions 25b. The angles of the bent portions 25b are relative to
the straight portion 25a and may be one of any variety of angles
that facilitate easy access by a human foot. The two bent portions
25b of each step bar 25 may be of different angles, depending on
the criteria of use and/or the vehicle upon which it is
installed.
[0020] A step bar 25 is preferably provided at approximately the
location of each door 15 of the vehicle 10, as shown in FIG. 1. The
vehicle 10 in FIG. 1 is a four door vehicle and shown on one side
fitted with a step assembly 5 having side bars 25 located relative
to each door 15. Each side bar 25 is positioned so that so that a
passenger can enter or exit the vehicle using the step bar 25.
Specifically, in FIG. 1, the step bar 25 is positioned below and
generally centrally with respect to both the front door and the
rear door of the vehicle 10. The step assembly 5 can be adapted for
any type of vehicle 10 regardless of the number of doors. Thus, a
vehicle having two doors may have a step assembly 5 with a step bar
25 preferably positioned and generally centered below each of the
two doors 15 of the vehicle 10 so that a passenger may enter and
exit the vehicle with relative ease. A step assembly 5 may also be
located behind a rear door to permit access to the bed of a truck
or a step assembly 5may also be located near the door opening of a
mini-cab.
[0021] The step bar 25 is attached to the main body at the end of
each bent portion 25b preferably by welding, although other
conventional forms of connectivity are contemplated, such as bolts,
screws, brazing or other means known in the art. The step bar 25 is
welded to the main bar at an angle relative to the horizontal that
is appropriate to assist in entering and exiting the vehicle. The
angle of the weld may be anywhere from zero to ninety degrees
relative to the horizontal plane depending on the ground clearance
of the vehicle and/or the particular type of vehicle or the
vehicle's normal use. The main body 20 and the step bar 25 are
preferably constructed from an appropriately strong and durable
material, including without limitation aluminum, steel and
titanium. The material selected for construction of the main body
20 and the step bar 25 should be resistant to weather, corrosion
and other types of wear commonly associated with use, such as
bending due to the application of weight on or against the step
assembly 5.
[0022] A step surface 30 is provided on each step bar 25. The step
surface 30 provides a surface that increases the friction between a
user and the step bar 25 for improved traction. Specifically, the
step surface 30 has a plurality of apertures 50 that provide
traction to the user in the form of a slip resistant stepping
surface. The apertures 50 may be any shape, including without
limitation, circular, oval, square and rectangular. The apertures
50 may be random or the apertures may form a design. The apertures
50 may each be equal in size or the apertures may be of varying
size. The step surface 30 may also comprise other types of texture,
such as raised surface features.
[0023] The step surface 30 may be generally constructed from a
formed metal material that is strong and durable, such as aluminum,
although other materials may be appropriate, including without
limitation aluminum, steel, stainless steel, plastic, rubber and
titanium. The material should be resistant to weathering,
corrosion, cracking and other types of wear commonly associated
with use. The step surface 30 is formed to conform to the shape of
the step bar 25 and is affixed by screws and the like, as further
described in FIG. 2. The step surface 30 is contoured generally to
be affixed to the rounded surface of the step bar 25 by at least
one bolt placed in a pre-drilled hole 55 of the step assembly
5.
[0024] As previously described with respect to FIG. 1, the step bar
25 is weldably affixed to the main body 20 and the main body 20 is
further engaged to at least one support bracket 35. The support
bracket 35 is a U-shaped member having a base portion 35a and two
arm portions 35b extending therefrom. The edges of the arm portions
35b located along the open end of the support bracket 35 are
preferably welded to the main body 20, as shown in FIG. 2. The base
portion 35a of the support bracket 35 is provided with at least one
pre-drilled aperture for attachment to a mounting bracket 60.
[0025] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the mounting
bracket 60 is a U-shaped member having a base 60a and a first and
second arm 60b, 60c extending therefrom. As shown in FIG. 2, the
base 60a may also incorporate various notches and cutouts along
each elongated side between the first and second arms 60b, 60c to
accommodate installation on any vehicle and provide clearance for
the use of tools during installation, as further described herein.
The mounting bracket 60 is constructed to be engaged to the
underside of the passenger cab or other portion of the vehicle.
Specifically, a flange 100 having at least one aperture 105 is
welded to the base 60a below any notch or cut-out area. As shown in
FIG. 2, the flange 100 may be welded at any angle relative to the
base 60a that is appropriate for attachment to the particular
vehicle on which the step assembly 5 is installed. The base 60a of
the mounting bracket 60 further has at least one aperture 65 within
the area defined by the flange 100 and the second arm 60c. It can
be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the mounting bracket
60 may be modified depending on the vehicle on which the step
assembly is mounted.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, the mounting configuration of the main
body 20 is shown in cross-sectional detail. The tubular wall
thickness of the main body 20 is shown by . As shown in FIG. 3, the
components for installation comprise two main pieces including the
mounting bracket 60 and the support bracket 35 which is weldably
attached to the main body 20 which is further weldably attached to
the step bar (not shown). During the installation process, which
may only require one person, the mounting bracket 60 is first
installed on the vehicle. In one embodiment the flange 100 of the
mounting bracket 60 is attached to the bottom of the lower body
pinch mold of the vehicle by any appropriate form of attachment
including bolts and screws which are passed through the at least
one aperture of the flange 100 into cooperating nuts, and washers.
Next, the support bracket 35 is affixed to the mounting bracket 60
in the area defined by the flange and the second arm 60b. Referring
to FIGS. 2 and 3, a bolt 75 is threadably passed through a washer
80, the mounting bracket aperture 65, the support bracket aperture
110 and through a second washer 85, a third washer of smaller
diameter 90 and finally into a nut 95. When the user steps onto the
step surface of the step assembly, additional support is provided
when the first arm 60b of the mounting bracket pushes against an
adjacent portion of the underside of the vehicle.
[0027] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the
embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying
combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to
the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the
claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *