U.S. patent application number 14/045659 was filed with the patent office on 2015-04-09 for motorized retractable step apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Lippert Components, Inc.. Invention is credited to Stephen W. Jenkins, Chad Johnson, Aaron Rasmussen.
Application Number | 20150097353 14/045659 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52776352 |
Filed Date | 2015-04-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150097353 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rasmussen; Aaron ; et
al. |
April 9, 2015 |
MOTORIZED RETRACTABLE STEP APPARATUS
Abstract
A motorized retractable step apparatus includes one or more
steps that move between a retracted position and a deployed
position. The step apparatus includes a drive member that spans the
length of the step apparatus and rotates to retract or deploy the
steps. The step apparatus uses a direct drive configuration to
transfer power from an electric motor to the drive member. The step
apparatus can also includes a brake coupled to the electric motor
and/or extruded aluminum steps. These features simplify
construction of the step apparatus and make it more reliable than
conventional motorized steps.
Inventors: |
Rasmussen; Aaron; (Fruit
Heights, UT) ; Johnson; Chad; (Kaysville, UT)
; Jenkins; Stephen W.; (Union, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lippert Components, Inc. |
Goshen |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.
Goshen
IN
|
Family ID: |
52776352 |
Appl. No.: |
14/045659 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 3/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/166 |
International
Class: |
B60R 3/02 20060101
B60R003/02 |
Claims
1. A step apparatus comprising: a mounting base including a first
end and a second end positioned opposite the first end; a linkage
assembly; a step coupled to the mounting base by way of the linkage
assembly, the step being movable between a retracted position where
the step is positioned adjacent to the mounting base and a deployed
position where the step is positioned outward from the mounting
base; a drive member coupled to the mounting base and attached to
the linkage assembly at the first end and the second end of the
mounting base, wherein rotation of the drive member moves the step
between the retracted position and the deployed position; and an
electric motor coupled to the mounting base, the electric motor
being configured to drive rotation of the drive member; wherein the
direction of power transmission between the electric motor and the
drive member is reversible when the step is in the deployed
position.
2. The step apparatus of claim 1 wherein motion transferred from
the electric motor to the drive member is entirely in the form of
rotational motion and does not include any linear motion.
3. The step apparatus of claim 1 comprising a plurality of steps
coupled to the mounting base by way of the linkage assembly.
4. The step apparatus of claim 1 wherein the drive member includes
a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft coupled together.
5. The step apparatus of claim 1 wherein motion is transferred from
the electric motor to a gear set and then from the gear set to the
drive member.
6. The step apparatus of claim 5 wherein the gear set includes a
plurality of gears enclosed in a housing and an output drive
component that can be accessed through the housing, and wherein the
drive member engages the output drive component.
7. The step apparatus of claim 6 wherein the output drive component
includes a drive sleeve and the drive member engages the drive
sleeve.
8. The step apparatus of claim 1 comprising a brake attached to the
electric motor, the brake being configured to prevent the step from
moving when the electric motor is off.
9. The step apparatus of claim 1 wherein the step is made of
extruded aluminum.
10. A step apparatus comprising: a mounting base; a step coupled to
the mounting base, the step being movable between a retracted
position where the step is positioned adjacent to the mounting base
and a deployed position where the step is positioned outward from
the mounting base; an electric motor coupled to the mounting base,
the electric motor being configured to drive movement of the step
between the retracted position and the deployed position; and a
brake attached to the electric motor, the brake being configured to
prevent the step from moving when the electric motor is off.
11. The step apparatus of claim 10 wherein the brake is
electrically activated.
12. The step apparatus of claim 10 wherein the brake engages a
drive shaft of the electric motor and prevents the drive shaft from
rotating.
13. The step apparatus of claim 10 wherein the electric motor
includes a drive shaft having a first end and a second end
positioned opposite the first end and wherein motion is transferred
from the first end to the step and the brake is coupled to the
second end.
14. A step apparatus comprising: a mounting base including a first
end and a second end positioned opposite the first end; a linkage
assembly; a step coupled to the mounting base by way of the linkage
assembly, the step being movable between a retracted position where
the step is positioned adjacent to the mounting base and a deployed
position where the step is positioned outward from the mounting
base; a drive member coupled to the mounting base and attached to
the linkage assembly at the first end and the second end of the
mounting base, wherein rotation of the drive member moves the step
between the retracted position and the deployed position; and a
motor assembly including an electric motor attached to a gear set,
the gear set including a plurality of gears that set the gear ratio
and torque output of the motor assembly; wherein the drive member
engages the gear set and the gear set does not include a worm
drive.
15. The step apparatus of claim 14 wherein the gear set includes a
housing enclosing the plurality of gears and an output drive
component that extends out of the housing, and wherein the drive
member engages the output drive component.
16. The step apparatus of claim 14 wherein the gear set includes a
drive sleeve and the drive member extends through the drive
sleeve.
17. The step apparatus of claim 14 wherein motion transferred from
the electric motor to the drive member is entirely in the form of
rotational motion and does not include any linear motion.
18. The step apparatus of claim 14 wherein the motor assembly
includes a brake attached to the electric motor, the brake being
configured to prevent the step from moving when the electric motor
is off.
19. A step apparatus comprising: a mounting base; a step coupled to
the mounting base, the step being movable between a retracted
position where the step is positioned adjacent to the mounting base
and a deployed position where the step is positioned outward from
the mounting base; and an electric motor coupled to the mounting
base, the electric motor being configured to drive movement of the
step between the retracted position and the deployed position;
wherein the step is made of extruded aluminum.
20. The step apparatus of claim 19 wherein the step is coupled to
the mounting base by way of a linkage assembly, wherein the linkage
assembly is attached to opposite sides of the step.
21. The step apparatus of claim 20 wherein the step includes a
first side and a second side located on opposite ends of the step,
wherein each one of the first side and the second side includes a
hole formed when the aluminum was extruded, and wherein the linkage
assembly is attached to the first side and the second side of the
step with fasteners that engage the holes.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Retractable steps have been used in connection with
recreation vehicles and other types of vehicles for many years to
make it easier to enter and exit the vehicle. They are especially
useful when the vehicle is positioned relatively high above the
ground. The step allows users to easily traverse the distance from
the ground to the interior of the vehicle.
[0002] Motorized retractable steps have a motor that extends and
retracts the steps. The motor can automatically deploy the steps
when the door to the vehicle is opened and automatically retract
the steps when the door to the vehicle is closed or the vehicle's
ignition is on.
[0003] Conventional motorized steps have a history of being
unreliable and prone to breaking This is largely due to the unduly
complicated mechanisms use to drive movement of the steps. They
were designed this way in an attempt to make them better able to
withstand the rigors of repeated use over a period of years.
[0004] It would be desirable to provide a motorized retractable
step that is much simpler and more reliable than conventional
motorized steps.
SUMMARY
[0005] A number of representative embodiments are provided to
illustrate the various features, characteristics, and advantages of
the disclosed subject matter. The embodiments are provided in the
context of the specific motorized retractable steps shown in the
Figs. It should be understood, however, that many of the concepts
may be used in a variety of other settings, situations, and
configurations. For example, the features, characteristics,
advantages, etc., of one embodiment can be used alone or in various
combinations and subcombinations with one another.
[0006] A motorized retractable step apparatus includes a drive
assembly where power is transferred directly from a motor assembly
to a drive member that rotates to extend and retract one or more
steps. This configuration eliminates much of the complexity
associated with conventional motorized steps.
[0007] In one embodiment, the step apparatus includes a mounting
base, a linkage assembly, a step coupled to the mounting base by
way of the linkage assembly, a drive member coupled to the mounting
base and attached to the linkage assembly, and an electric motor
that drives rotation of the drive member. The motion transferred
from the electric motor to the drive member can be entirely in the
form of rotational motion without any linear motion.
[0008] In another embodiment, the step apparatus comprises a motor
assembly including the electric motor and a gear set in a housing.
The housing is attached to the electric motor and the gear set and
housing are supplied as an integral unit with the electric motor.
The gear set is used to set the gear ratio and torque output of the
motor assembly. The gear set directly engages the drive member to
power movement of the step.
[0009] In another embodiment, the step apparatus includes a brake
that prevents the step from moving when the electric motor is off.
The brake is preferably attached to the end of the electric motor
that is opposite the housing and gear set. The brake can be
electrically activated and it can engage the drive shaft of the
electric motor to prevent it from moving.
[0010] In another embodiment, the step apparatus includes a step
that is made of extruded aluminum. The step can be partially or,
preferably, entirely made of aluminum. In one embodiment, the
aluminum portion of the support is configured to support most or
all of the weight on the step. In other words, the aluminum can
form most or all of the structural components that support the
weight on the step.
[0011] The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts
in a simplified form that are further described below in the
Detailed Description. The Summary and the Background are not
intended to identify key concepts or essential aspects of the
disclosed subject matter, nor should they be used to constrict or
limit the scope of the claims. For example, the scope of the claims
should not be limited based on whether the recited subject matter
includes any or all aspects noted in the Summary and/or addresses
any of the issues noted in the Background.
DRAWINGS
[0012] The preferred and other embodiments are disclosed in
association with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a
motorized retractable step apparatus in a deployed position.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the step apparatus in
FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the step apparatus in
FIG. 1 in a retracted position.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the step apparatus in
FIG. 1 with the steps removed.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a mounting base from the
step apparatus in FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the mounting base in
FIG. 5.
[0019] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a drivetrain from
the step apparatus in FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a step
that can be used with the step apparatus in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the step in FIG.
8.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the step portion of
the step apparatus in FIG. 1 including the steps in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] FIGS. 1-2 show top and bottom perspective views,
respectively, of one embodiment of a motorized retractable step
apparatus 20 (also referred to as a powered collapsible step,
motorized collapsible step, powered foldable step, or motorized
foldable step). The step apparatus 20 includes a mounting base 22
(also referred to as a stationary base), a linkage assembly 24,
steps 26, 28 (alternatively referred to as first or upper step 26
and second or lower step 28). The step apparatus 20 also includes a
motor assembly 30 operably coupled to a drive member 32.
[0024] It should be noted that for purposes of this disclosure, the
term "coupled" means the joining of two members directly or
indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature
or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two
members or the two members and any additional intermediate members
being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another
or with the two members or the two members and any additional
intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may
be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or
releasable in nature.
[0025] The mounting base 22 has a generally rectangular shape
formed by longitudinal sides 36, 38 (alternatively referred to a
sidewalls or first side and second side) and transverse sides 40,
42 (alternatively referred to as sidewalls or third side and fourth
side). The longitudinal sides 36, 38 are spaced apart from and
extend parallel to each other in a longitudinal or lengthwise
direction of the step apparatus 20. The transverse sides 40, 42 are
spaced apart from and extend parallel to each other in a transverse
or crosswise direction of the step apparatus 20.
[0026] The mounting base 22 also includes cross members 44, 46, 48
(alternatively referred to as brace members) that extend between
the longitudinal sides 36, 38 in a direction that is parallel to
the transverse sides 40, 42. The cross members 44 are spaced apart
from each other and together with the longitudinal sides 36, 38
form two compartments 50, 52 in the mounting base 22 that are open
in an upward direction and two compartments 54, 56 that are open in
a downward direction. Each compartment includes a solid floor. The
compartments 54, 56 are positioned adjacent to a first end 58 and a
second end 60 of the mounting base 22, respectively.
[0027] The mounting base 22 is configured to be coupled to a
vehicle. In one embodiment, the mounting base 22 is configured to
be coupled to the underside of the vehicle. The mounting base 22
includes a plurality of holes 34 in the tops of the compartments
54, 56 that are configured to receive fasteners that extend upward
through the holes 34 into the vehicle. The compartments 54, 56
provide access to the holes 34 from the underside of the step
apparatus 20. Suitable fasteners include screws, bolts, and the
like. It should be appreciated that the step apparatus 20 can be
coupled to the vehicle in any configuration and using any suitable
coupling technique--e.g., welding, adhesives, and the like.
[0028] The mounting base 22 can be made of any suitable material
such as metal (e.g., steel), plastic, or composites. In one
embodiment, the mounting base 22 is made primarily or entirely of
steel that has been painted or otherwise treated to make it weather
resistant. In another embodiment, the mounting base 22 is formed by
bending, punching, cutting, welding, the steel to create the shape
shown in FIGS. 1-2.
[0029] In most situations, the step apparatus 20 is coupled to the
vehicle below a door or other entry point. For example, the step
apparatus 20 is coupled below a door to a motor home. It should be
appreciated, however, that the step apparatus 20 can be coupled to
any suitable location on the vehicle including areas where a door
is not present.
[0030] In one embodiment, the step apparatus 20 is coupled to a
recreational vehicle such as a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth
wheel trailer, and the like. In another embodiment, the step
apparatus 20 is coupled to other vehicles such as buses, trains,
and the like.
[0031] The steps 26, 28 are coupled to the mounting base 22 by the
linkage assembly 24 that allows the steps 26, 28 to move between an
extended or deployed position (FIGS. 1-2) and a collapsed or
retracted position (FIG. 3). The linkage assembly 24 includes a
first set of linkages coupled to the first end 58 of the mounting
base 22 and a second set of linkages coupled to the second end 60
of the mounting base 22. The sets of linkages include the same
components and are configured similarly.
[0032] Each set of linkages include a drive linkage 62 and two
auxiliary linkages 64. The drive linkages 62 are fixed to opposite
ends of the drive member 32 so that the drive member 32 and the
drive linkages 62 rotate in unison. The drive linkages 62 are also
coupled to arms 66, 68 that extend outward from the rear of the
steps 26, 28, respectively.
[0033] The auxiliary linkages 64 are coupled to the arms 66, 68 of
adjacent steps 26, 28, or if the step is the uppermost step 26, to
the mounting base 22 and the arm 66 of the uppermost step 26. The
linkages 62, 64 control movement of the steps 26, 28 as they are
retracted or deployed. The position of the linkages 62, 64 causes
the steps 26, 28 to fold under the mounting base 22 when the steps
26, 28 are retracted and deploy outward when the steps 26, 28 are
extended.
[0034] The movement of the linkage assembly 24 and steps 26, 28 is
similar to that of a scissors type motion. The linkages 62, 64 and
the arms 66, 68 expand when the steps 26, 28 are deployed and
contract when the steps 26, 28 are retracted. The steps 66, 68
remain roughly parallel to each other as they move between the
deployed position and the retracted position. It should be
appreciated that the steps 26, 28 can be deployed and retracted
using any suitable mechanism.
[0035] The steps 26, 28 can include a non-skid material on their
top surfaces. The non-skid material can be integrally formed with
the top surface of the steps 26, 28 or can a separate component
applied after the steps 26, 28 have been formed. An example of the
former is a raised pattern formed in the top surface of the steps
26, 28. An example of the latter is non-skid material attached to
the top surface of the steps 26, 28 with adhesive.
[0036] In one embodiment, the step 26 contacts stops 70 when in the
retracted position. The stops 70 prevent the steps 26, 28 from
shaking or otherwise moving when the vehicle is in motion. The
stops 70 can be formed of any material such as plastic, metal, or
composites. In one embodiment, the stops 70 include an elastomeric
material that contacts the top surface of the step 26.
[0037] It should be appreciated that the step apparatus 20 can
include any number of steps 26, 28 depending on the distance that
needs to be traversed--e.g., the distance from the door of the
vehicle to the ground. In one embodiment, the step apparatus 20
includes a single step 26. In another embodiment, the step
apparatus 20 includes three or more steps.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, the configuration of the motor assembly
30 and drive member 32 is described in greater detail. The drive
member 32 extends the length of the mounting base 22 adjacent to
the longitudinal side 36. The drive member 32 passes through holes
74 in the cross members 44, 46, 48, respectively (FIGS. 5-6)
without contacting the cross members 44, 46, 48. Alternatively, the
drive member 32 can pass through bearings or bushings positioned in
the holes 74.
[0039] The ends 76, 78 of the drive member 32 extend through holes
72 in the transverse sides 40, 42 of the mounting base 22. The ends
76, 78 are supported by bearings, bushings, or the like which are
positioned in the holes 72. The ends 76, 78 are coupled to the
drive linkages 62.
[0040] FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the drive member 32. The
drive member 32 includes main drive shafts 84 (alternatively
referred to as first and second drive shafts) and an intermediate
drive shaft 86. The intermediate drive shaft 86 engages the motor
assembly 30. The main drive shafts 84 extend outward from the
intermediate drive shaft 86 in opposite directions to the ends 76,
78 of the mounting base 22.
[0041] The intermediate drive shaft 86 has a hexagonal shape that
corresponds to hexagonal shaped openings 88 in the interior ends of
the main drive shafts 84. The ends of the intermediate drive shaft
86 engage the openings 88 in the main drive shafts 84. It should be
appreciated that the drive shafts 84, 86 can engage each other in
any suitable manner or, alternatively, the drive member 32 can be a
single integral unit.
[0042] In one embodiment, the main drive shafts 84 are
interchangeable with each other. The motor assembly 30 is
positioned in the middle of the mounting base 22 so that the main
drive shafts 84 are the same length. Making the main drive shafts
84 the same makes it easier to manufacture and manage the inventory
for the step apparatus 20.
[0043] The drive linkages 62 can be coupled to the drive member 32
in the following manner. Each drive linkage 62 includes a hole
shaped to correspond to the outer end 80 of the drive shafts 84.
The holes in the drive linkages 62 and the ends 80 are shaped in a
manner that prevents the drive linkages 62 from rotating relative
to the drive member 32. For example, the ends 80 and the holes in
the drive linkages 62 can have an oblong shape as shown in the
Figs. In other embodiments, the holes in the drive linkages 62 and
the ends 80 can have other corresponding shapes such as square,
hexagonal, star, and the like. The drive linkages 62 are held in
place on the drive shafts 84 by couplers 82 that slide over the
ends 80 and are held in place by a set screw or other fastener.
[0044] The motor assembly 30 includes an electric motor 90 and a
gear set 92. The gear set 92 includes a plurality of gears 94
enclosed in a housing 96. The gear set 92 is used to set the gear
ratio and torque output of the motor assembly 30. The electric
motor 90 includes a drive shaft 98 that spins at a high rate of
speed. The gear set 92 is provided to reduce the speed from the
drive shaft 98 to a speed that is more suitable given the
circumstances. In one embodiment, the electric motor 90 and the
gear set 92 are supplied as an integral unit. Examples of such
motor assemblies 30 can be obtained from Fohon Industry, China.
[0045] The gear set 92 also includes an output drive component 95
where power or motion is output from the gear set 92. The output
drive component 95 rotates at a much lower speed than the drive
shaft 98 of the electric motor 90. Unlike the rest of the gears 94,
the output drive component 95 can be accessed through the housing
96. In one embodiment, the output drive component 95 is a drive
sleeve configured to receive the intermediate drive shaft 86. It
should be appreciated that the output drive component 95 can take
numerous other forms such as a drive gear, drive shaft, etc.
[0046] The drive shaft 98 extends lengthwise through the electric
motor 90 and includes a first end 100 that extends through the
housing 96 and engages the plurality of gears 94 and a second end
102 coupled to a brake 104.
[0047] The motor assembly 30 and the drive member 32 can be
referred to as having a direct drive configuration meaning that the
motion of the output drive component 95 is transferred directly to
rotary motion of the drive member 32. There are no complicated
arrangements such as the one shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,237 where
rotary motion from the motor is transformed partly into linear
motion using a rotating disk and reciprocating arm. The motion
transferred from the electric motor 90 to the drive member 32 is
entirely in the form of rotational motion and does not include any
linear motion.
[0048] In one embodiment, the direction of power transmission
between the electric motor 90 and the drive member 32 is reversible
regardless of the position of the steps 26, 28. The drive member 32
can rotate and motion is transferred back through the gear set 92
to the electric motor 90 when the steps 26, 28 are in the deployed
position, retracted position, or any position in between.
[0049] Some gear arrangements, such as those using a worm drive or
the configuration shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,237, do not have a
reversible direction of power transmission through the entire range
of motion of the steps. These type of drives are sometimes referred
to as self-locking Although this can help prevent the steps from
moving when in the deployed position, it can also be problematic
when the user wants to retract the steps manually. For example, the
user cannot extend and/or retract the steps when the vehicle has
lost power due to a short or a drained battery or when the motor
fails.
[0050] In one embodiment, the step apparatus 20 and, specifically
the gear set 92 are not self-locking and do not include a worm
drive. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the step
apparatus 20 can be self-locking and include a worm drive.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the drive member 32 is
configured to rotate less than 360.degree. and even less than
180.degree. as the steps 26, 28 move between the retracted position
and the deployed position. Typically, the drive member 32 rotates
approximately 90.degree. as the steps 26, 28 move between the
retracted position and the deployed position.
[0052] The small amount of rotation required by the drive member 32
may make it desirable to further reduce the speed at which the
steps 26, 28 move between the retracted position and the deployed
position. In one embodiment, this is done by lowering the speed of
the output drive component 95 by decreasing the power provided to
the electric motor 90. For example, the current supplied to the
electric motor 90 can be reduced to lower the speed of the output
component 95 and consequently lower the speed at which the steps
26, 28 move between the retracted position and the deployed
position.
[0053] The electric motor 90 can be shut off using a circuit
breaker when the steps 26, 28 reach the retracted position or the
deployed position. The current draw by the electric motor 90 spikes
when the steps 26, 28 reach their limits of movement thereby
tripping the circuit breaker. It should be appreciated that other
methods can be used to stop the electric motor 90 when the steps
26, 28 reach the retracted position or the deployed position. For
example, sensors can be used to detect when the steps 26, 28 reach
the desired position. A control system then shuts off the electric
motor 90.
[0054] The brake 104 is coupled to the electric motor 90 opposite
the gear set 92 and housing 96. The brake 104 can be coupled to the
electric 90 using any suitable technique. In one embodiment, the
brake 104 is coupled to the electric motor with fasteners such as
screws, bolts, and the like. In other embodiments, the brake 104
can be coupled to the electric motor 90 with adhesive, welding, and
the like. Also, the brake 104 and the electric motor 90 could be
supplied as an integral unit.
[0055] The brake 104 can be electrically actuated to control when
the brake is engaged and disengaged. In one embodiment, the brake
104 is configured to be engaged when the electric motor 90 is off
and disengaged when the electric motor 90 is on. Thus, the brake
104 prevents the steps 26, 28 from moving when the electric motor
90 is off and allows the steps 26, 28 to move when the electric
motor 90 is on. The brake 104 is configured so that electrical
power applied to the brake 104 causes it to release. The brake 104
is engaged when electrical power is not supplied to the brake 104,
which is the default position for the brake 104.
[0056] The brake 104 can also include a manual override 103, which
is in the form of a lever. The brake 104 can be disengaged by
moving the manual override 103 to allow the steps 26, 28 to move
without providing power to the brake 104. This may be useful in
situations where power is unavailable.
[0057] The second end 102 of the drive shaft 98 is accessible
through the housing of the electric motor 90. The brake 104 engages
the drive shaft 98 and prevents it from rotating. This prevents the
remaining drive components from rotating thereby holding the steps
26, 28 in a fixed position. In one embodiment, the brake 104
includes a drive member that engages the drive shaft 98 so that the
drive member and the drive shaft 98 rotate together.
[0058] FIGS. 8-10 show an alternative embodiment of steps 126, 128
that can be used with the step apparatus 20. The steps 126, 128
differ from standard metal steps in that the steps 126, 128 are
made of a single piece of extruded aluminum. The aluminum can be
extruded and cut to the desired length and coupled to the linkage
assembly 24 in the manner shown in FIG. 10.
[0059] The steps 126, 128 each include opposite sides 130, 132
(alternatively referred to as first and second sides) having holes
134 formed as the aluminum is extruded. The holes 134 receive
fasteners 136 that extend through the linkage assembly 24. It
should be appreciated that the steps 126, 128 can be coupled to the
linkage assembly 24 using any suitable technique or method.
[0060] The steps 126, 128 can also include ridges or ribs 138 that
strengthen the steps 126, 128. It should also be appreciated that
the steps 126, 128 can have any of the other features and
configurations mentioned above in connection with the steps 26,
28.
[0061] The step apparatus also includes a control system 150. The
control system 150 can be used to automate the steps of deploying
and retracting the steps 26, 28. For example, the control system
can include a door sensor that is capable of determining when a
door is open or closed. If the door is open, the steps 26, 28 are
automatically deployed and if the door is closed, the steps 26, 28
are automatically retracted. Also, the control system 150 can
retract the steps 26, 28 if the ignition switch is moved to the on
position.
[0062] The terms recited in the claims should be given their
ordinary and customary meaning as determined by reference to
relevant entries in widely used general dictionaries and/or
relevant technical dictionaries, commonly understood meanings by
those in the art, etc., with the understanding that the broadest
meaning imparted by any one or combination of these sources should
be given to the claim terms (e.g., two or more relevant dictionary
entries should be combined to provide the broadest meaning of the
combination of entries, etc.) subject only to the following
exceptions: (a) if a term is used in a manner that is more
expansive than its ordinary and customary meaning, the term should
be given its ordinary and customary meaning plus the additional
expansive meaning, or (b) if a term has been explicitly defined to
have a different meaning by reciting the term followed by the
phrase "as used herein shall mean" or similar language (e.g.,
"herein this term means," "as defined herein," "for the purposes of
this disclosure the term shall mean," etc.).
[0063] References to specific examples, use of "i.e.," use of the
word "invention," etc., are not meant to invoke exception (b) or
otherwise restrict the scope of the recited claim terms. Other than
situations where exception (b) applies, nothing contained herein
should be considered a disclaimer or disavowal of claim scope.
[0064] The subject matter recited in the claims is not coextensive
with and should not be interpreted to be coextensive with any
particular embodiment, feature, or combination of features shown
herein. This is true even if only a single embodiment of the
particular feature or combination of features is illustrated and
described herein. Thus, the appended claims should be given their
broadest interpretation in view of the prior art and the meaning of
the claim terms.
[0065] As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as
"left," "right," "front," "back," and the like, relate to the
subject matter as it is shown in the drawings. However, it is to be
understood that the described subject matter may assume various
alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be
considered as limiting.
[0066] Articles such as "the," "a," and "an" can connote the
singular or plural. Also, the word "or" when used without a
preceding "either" (or other similar language indicating that "or"
is unequivocally meant to be exclusive--e.g., only one of x or y,
etc.) shall be interpreted to be inclusive (e.g., "x or y" means
one or both x or y).
[0067] The term "and/or" shall also be interpreted to be inclusive
(e.g., "x and/or y" means one or both x or y). In situations where
"and/or" or "or" are used as a conjunction for a group of three or
more items, the group should be interpreted to include one item
alone, all of the items together, or any combination or number of
the items. Moreover, terms used in the specification and claims
such as have, having, include, and including should be construed to
be synonymous with the terms comprise and comprising.
[0068] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers or expressions, such
as those expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, etc. used
in the specification (other than the claims) are understood as
modified in all instances by the term "approximately." At the very
least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the
doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter
recited in the specification or claims which is modified by the
term "approximately" should at least be construed in light of the
number of recited significant digits and by applying ordinary
rounding techniques.
[0069] All ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to
encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all
subranges or any and all individual values subsumed therein. For
example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include
and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or
individual values that are between and/or inclusive of the minimum
value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges
beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a
maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so
forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so
forth).
* * * * *