U.S. patent application number 14/174961 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-13 for wheelhouse cladding step.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ford Global Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Ford Global Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Kristin Ann Hellman, Annette Lynn Huebner, Matt Rutman, Artur Sakarian, Ryan Welch.
Application Number | 20150224935 14/174961 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52673688 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150224935 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Huebner; Annette Lynn ; et
al. |
August 13, 2015 |
WHEELHOUSE CLADDING STEP
Abstract
A wheelhouse cladding step assembly includes a step movable
between a closed position and an open or deployed position in which
the step is located proximal the wheelhouse of the vehicle and
provides improved access to the roof and/or rooftop cargo storage
of the vehicle. The step is designed to have a shape matching the
shape of the wheelhouse of the vehicle and is preferably curved and
when in the closed position shows a surface that matches the
vehicle trim to hide the step. The assembly includes hinges and a
latching mechanism that are also contained within the assembly so
they are hidden when the step is in the closed position.
Inventors: |
Huebner; Annette Lynn;
(White Lake, MI) ; Sakarian; Artur; (Birmingham,
MI) ; Welch; Ryan; (Ottawa Lake, MI) ;
Hellman; Kristin Ann; (Walled Lake, MI) ; Rutman;
Matt; (Howell, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ford Global Technologies, LLC |
Dearborn |
MI |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Ford Global Technologies,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Family ID: |
52673688 |
Appl. No.: |
14/174961 |
Filed: |
February 7, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/166 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R 3/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60R 3/02 20060101
B60R003/02 |
Claims
1. A wheelhouse cladding step for providing access to the roof of
the vehicle, the wheelhouse cladding step comprising: a step for
coupling to a wheelhouse of the vehicle, the step having a first
side including a stepping surface and a second side including a
finish surface, the step movable between a first closed position in
which the stepping surface is received in a wheelhouse recess of
the vehicle and the second finish side closes the wheelhouse recess
and a second deployed position in which the stepping surface of the
first side is substantially aligned horizontal with the ground and
the second finish side substantially faces the ground; a latching
mechanism for selectively latching the step to the vehicle when the
step is in the first closed position and for releasing the step to
be moved to the second deployed position.
2. The wheelhouse cladding step of claim 1 wherein the latching
mechanism includes a first portion coupled to the step and a second
portion to be coupled to the vehicle.
3. The wheelhouse cladding step of claim 2 wherein the first
portion of the latching mechanism is a male member coupled to a
central portion of the step and wherein the second portion is a
recess to be located on a panel of the vehicle and selectively
couples with the male member.
4. The wheelhouse cladding step of claim 1 wherein the stepping
surface includes a non-slip material.
5. The wheelhouse cladding step of claim 1 wherein the finish
surface of the step is selected to match a surface of the vehicle
to make the wheelhouse cladding step appear to be an integral part
of the vehicle.
6. The wheelhouse cladding step of claim 1 wherein the step has a
preselected shape chosen to match at least a portion of the shape
of the wheelhouse of the vehicle.
7. The wheelhouse cladding step of claim 6 wherein the step has a
generally curvilinear shape.
8. The wheelhouse cladding step of claim 6 wherein the step has a
generally curvilinear shape including a first end and a second end
and wherein the wheelhouse cladding step further comprises a first
hinge for coupling the step to the vehicle, the first hinge located
proximal the first end of the step; and a second hinge for coupling
the step to the vehicle, the second hinge located proximal the
second end of the step.
9. A wheelhouse cladding step assembly for providing a step
proximal a wheelhouse of the vehicle for providing improved access
to the roof of the vehicle, the wheelhouse cladding step assembly
comprising: a step having a curved shape matching the shape of the
wheelhouse of the vehicle, the step having a first side including a
non-slip surface and a second side including a finish surface
designed to match the finishes of the vehicle, the step movable
between a first closed position in which second side of the step
covers the wheelhouse and a second deployed position, the step
having a first end and a second end; a first hinge for coupling the
step to the vehicle, the first hinge located proximal the first end
of the step; a second hinge for coupling the step to the vehicle,
the second hinge located proximal the second end of the step; and a
latching mechanism for selectively latching the step to the vehicle
when the step is in the first closed position and for releasing the
step to be moved to the second deployed position.
10. The wheelhouse cladding step assembly of claim 9 wherein the
latching mechanism includes a first portion coupled to the step and
a second portion to be coupled to the vehicle.
11. The wheelhouse cladding step assembly of claim 10 wherein the
first portion of the latching mechanism is a male member coupled to
a central portion of the step and wherein the second portion is a
recess to be selectively coupled with the male member.
12. The wheelhouse cladding step of claim 9 wherein the finish
surface of the step is selected to match a trim surface of the
vehicle to make the wheelhouse cladding step appear to be an
integral part of the vehicle.
13. A wheeled vehicle comprising: a roof covering at least a
portion of an occupant compartment; a side extending down from the
roof, the side including a wheelhouse proximal a wheel of the
vehicle and including a trim member located proximal the
wheelhouse; and a wheelhouse cladding step assembly for providing a
step proximal the wheelhouse of the vehicle for providing improved
access to the roof of the vehicle, the wheelhouse cladding step
assembly comprising: a step having a shape matching the shape of
the wheelhouse of the vehicle, the step having a first side
including a non-slip surface and a second side including a finish
surface designed to match the trim member of the vehicle, the step
movable between a first closed position in which the finish surface
of the second side of the step covers the wheelhouse and a second
deployed position; and a latching mechanism for selectively
latching the step to the vehicle when the step is in the first
closed position and for releasing the step to be moved to the
second deployed position.
14. The wheeled vehicle of claim 13 wherein the latching mechanism
of the wheelhouse cladding step assembly includes a first portion
coupled to the step and a second portion coupled to the side of the
vehicle proximal the wheelhouse.
15. The wheeled vehicle of claim 13 wherein the first portion of
the latching mechanism is a male member coupled to a central
portion of the step and wherein the second portion is a recess to
be selectively coupled with the male member.
16. The wheeled vehicle of claim 13 wherein the side of the vehicle
includes a wheelhouse recess for receiving at least a portion of
the step when the step is in the closed position.
17. The wheeled vehicle of claim 13 further comprising a spring
mechanism having a first end coupled to the step and a second end
coupled to the vehicle, the spring mechanism for providing a
biasing force against the movement of the step when the step is in
the first closed position.
18. The wheeled vehicle of claim 13 further comprising a spring
mechanism having a first end coupled to the step and a second end
coupled to the vehicle, the spring mechanism for providing a
biasing force against the movement of the step when the step is in
the second deployed position.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to vehicles and,
more particularly, relates to a step for a vehicle to improve
accessibility to, and usefulness of, the roof area and a roof rack
cargo storage system.
[0002] Users of vehicles, including in particular sport utility and
crossover type vehicles, often desire access to the roof of the
vehicle and/or upper portions of their vehicle for a variety of
reasons such as cleaning the full vehicle exterior (including the
windshield, moon roof, and entire vehicle roof), as well as using
the roof rack and/or top of vehicle storage area. While some
individuals may use of the side vehicle running board and/or rear
bumper for these purposes, it is not be possible to use the side
running boards to access some of the areas of the roof of the
vehicle since they do not provide users enough increased reach to
gain access to the primary storage area of the roof of the vehicle.
It is generally known to use a step or wheel ladder or other
similar device to gain access to the upper portion of the vehicle.
However, such solutions are limited and can be quite inconvenient
and cumbersome--particularly when the devices or tools must be
brought along and stowed in the vehicle when access to the roof is
desired at another location. Obviously, such devices may be
forgotten or lost. When ladders or other such devices are not
available, it is generally known that the user may also attempt to
access the roof/upper portions of the vehicle by standing on the
tires, the vehicle interior floor and the vehicle seats (with the
door open). These actions may result in awkward body positions and
in an increased potential for vehicle and/or cargo damage. Despite
these long known solutions and their limitations and deficiencies,
the generally known solutions remain unchanged. There long remains
a significant need to improve the accessibility to the roof areas
of a vehicle, in particular the cargo storage area.
DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective, graphic view of a sport utility
vehicle including a deployable, wheelhouse cladding step in a
closed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a perspective, graphic view of the sport utility
vehicle including the deployable, wheelhouse cladding step in an
open position according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0005] FIG. 3 is an alternate perspective, graphic view of the
sport utility vehicle including the deployable, wheelhouse cladding
step in an open position according to the exemplary embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a perspective, graphic view of a vehicle including
a deployable, wheelhouse cladding step according to an alternate
exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0007] FIG. 5 is an alternate perspective, graphic view of the
deployable, wheelhouse cladding step in a closed position according
to the alternate exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0008] FIG. 6 is an alternate perspective, graphic view of the
deployable, wheelhouse cladding step in an open position according
to the alternate exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4.
[0009] FIG. 7 is an alternate perspective, graphic view the
deployable, wheelhouse cladding step in an open position according
to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0010] Referring in general to all of the Figures and in particular
to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is disclosed a wheelhouse cladding step
20 installed on a vehicle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure. The vehicle 1 shown in the present
disclosure is a sport utility type vehicle. The vehicle 1 includes
a rear end 2 including a liftgate 3 and a cab or occupant or
passenger compartment 5 as are generally known. The vehicle 1 may
further include sides 6, wheel wells or wheelhouses 7, and wheels 8
as are generally known. In one particular exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure, the vehicle 1 may further include a side
step or running board 10 for assisting an occupant in entering and
exiting the cab 5 of the vehicle 1. In a further particular
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the side step 10
may include a deployable extension 11 as best shown in FIG. 2.
[0011] The vehicle 1 further includes a roof or top 9 generally
extending over the cab or occupant portion 5 of the vehicle 1. The
roof 9 of the vehicle 1 may further include a cargo or roof rack
storage system 15 or similar devices and/or apparatuses. The cargo
storage rack 15 may be factory installed as original equipment or
it may alternatively be an aftermarket installed product. The
wheelhouse cladding step 20 of the present disclosure may be used
with any known type passenger, commercial or cargo wheeled vehicle
1 including wheelhouses 7, particularly where there is a need
and/or desire by a user to have convenient and improved access to
the roof 9 of the vehicle 1 and support while accessing and using
the roof rack storage system 15 on the roof 9 of the vehicle 1. For
purpose of illustration, the implementation of the wheelhouse
cladding step 20 of the present disclosure is shown only on the
driver's side 6 rear wheelhouse 7. The wheelhouse cladding step 20
of the present disclosure may be used at any and/or each wheelhouse
7 of the vehicle 1. The body sides 6 of the vehicle 1 may generally
extend downward from the roof 9 and may include a body or side
panel 12 having a class A surface having a requisite fit and
finish. Each body panel 12 may further include a body finishing
component, proximal the wheelhouse 7, in the form of the wheelhouse
cladding step 20 to be located in a wheelhouse cladding recess 13
in the body panel 12. The wheelhouse cladding recess 13 of the
panel 12 may be modified (as compared to the non-step wheelhouse
version where only a wheelhouse trim strip is provided) to create
more space to better accommodate the wheelhouse cladding step 20
and its components according to the present disclosure. In
particular, in one exemplary embodiment, the additional space and
functionality of the wheelhouse cladding recess 13 may include a
latching mechanism 40 for selectively and securely coupling a step
or step member 22 of the wheelhouse cladding step 20 to the body
panel 12 or other structure of the vehicle 1.
[0012] The step member 22 may preferably have a generally
semi-circular or curvilinear shape. More particularly, the step
member 22 may preferably have a shape corresponding or matching the
shape of the wheelhouse cladding recess 13 located along the upper
periphery of the wheelhouse 7 of the vehicle 1. In one exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape and design
appearance details of the step member 22 may preferably be selected
to closely match and blend with the shapes and design appearances
of the panel 12 and the side 6 of the vehicle 1 and its related
other trim and components. The outer surface 21 of the step 22 may
be designed to appear as a class A exterior trim/ornamental piece
such that the wheelhouse cladding step 20 may be visually
indistinguishable, as reasonably as possible, from the traditional
wheelhouse cladding trim member not including a step. The step
member 22 may further include an inner or stepping surface or
member 23 preferably including a surface having a non-skid
material, function (e.g., a treaded surface) to provide proper,
convenient and safe usage as a step to access the roof 9 and/or
cargo storage 15 of the vehicle 1.
[0013] The step 22 of the wheelhouse cladding step 20 may be
movable to and from a first closed position (as best shown in FIG.
1) in which the inner stepping surface 23 is located in the
wheelhouse cladding recess 13 of the vehicle 1 proximal the
wheelhouse 7 and wherein the outer or finish surface 21 generally
covers or closes the wheelhouse cladding recess 13 to provide a
generally class A finish to the panel 12 of the body side 6 of the
vehicle 1. The step 22 of the wheelhouse cladding step 20 may be
movable to and from a second step or open position (as best shown
in FIG. 2) in which the inner stepping surface 23 is not located in
the wheelhouse cladding recess 13 but is aligned generally
horizontally aligned with and facing away from the ground (i.e.,
generally upward) under the vehicle 1 and wherein the outer or
finish surface 21 is generally horizontally aligned with and facing
toward the ground under the vehicle 1 and no longer covers or
closes the wheelhouse cladding recess 13. In the second step
position of FIGS. 2 and 3, the step 22 is usable for supporting an
individual at an elevated position from the ground and closer to
the roof and/or cargo storage 15 located on the roof 9.
[0014] Referring now in particular to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wheelhouse
cladding step 20 may include hinges 30 for coupling the step 22 to
the side 6 of the vehicle 1. A first hinge 30 may be located
proximal one end of the wheelhouse cladding recess 13 and a second
hinge 30 may be located proximal the other end of the wheelhouse
cladding recess 13. The first and second hinges 30 may preferably
be located and/or coupled proximal the ends of the step 22 but may
alternatively be coupled more distal and in other locations as may
be appropriate for incorporating the wheelhouse cladding step 20
into the side 6 of the vehicle 1. The hinges 30 may be located on
the side 6 of the vehicle 1 proximal the wheelhouse 7 of the
vehicle. More particularly, the hinges 30 may be located proximal
the lower ends or corners of the wheelhouse cladding recess 13
which may contain passages or openings for receiving each hinge
when the step 22 is in the closed position. The hinges 30 may be of
any known or appropriate construction for folding down and up, as
well as locking, the step 22 between the first and second
positions.
[0015] Referring still to FIGS. 2 and 3, the wheelhouse cladding
step 20 may also include a latching mechanism 40 for selectively
coupling or latching the step 22 to the side 6 of the vehicle 1 in
the closed position. The latching mechanism 40 may preferably
function to selectively latch the step 22 to the wheelhouse recess
13 of the vehicle 1 when the step 22 is in the first closed
position (as shown in FIG. 1) and the latching mechanism 40 may
preferably be operated for releasing the step 22 from the
wheelhouse recess 13 to be moved to the second deployed position
(as shown in FIG. 2).
[0016] In one particular exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, to latch, lock, secure and/or couple the wheelhouse
cladding step 22 to the panel 12 when not in use and to have a
flush appearance with the body side 6 of the vehicle 1, the
wheelhouse recess panel 12 may include a male portion 41 of a
retention clip latching mechanism 40 (or, alternatively, multiple
male portions of multiple retention clips 40) and the female
portion 43 (such as a sprung or biased side recess) of the
retention clip latching mechanism 40 may be located at a
corresponding location on the step 22 for retaining the step 22 in
the closed position as shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] The wheelhouse cladding step 20 may be designed to support a
user at an elevated level to provide improved access to the roof 9
and storage rack 15 located on the top of vehicle 1 as well as to
more easily clean the entirety of the roof 9 of the vehicle 1. The
wheelhouse cladding step 20 of the present disclosure transforms
the exterior cladding located proximal the wheelhouse 7 from a
purely cosmetic styling element of the vehicle 1 to a functional
fold down step 22. The wheelhouse cladding step 20 may be used by
itself or, alternatively, in combination with the side running
board or step 10 as well as in conjunction with the extension 11 of
the side step 10 to provide improved access to the roof 9, the
cargo rack storage system 15 and other upper portions of the
vehicle 1.
[0018] Referring now in particular FIGS. 4-7, there is disclosed a
wheelhouse cladding step 120 installed on a vehicle 1 according to
an alternate exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The
wheelhouse cladding step 120 may be installed on any vehicle 1 and
generally includes a similar design as well as features and
functions as the wheelhouse cladding step 20 of FIGS. 1-3.
Accordingly, the present description is limited to the comparative
differences embodied in the wheelhouse cladding step 120 of FIGS.
4-7. The wheelhouse cladding step 120 includes a unique hinge 130
including a damper, dashpot or spring mechanism 160 for use in
providing at least a balancing force during movement of the
wheelhouse cladding step 120. The wheelhouse cladding step 120 may
include a step member 122 that may include a step member 122 the
may preferably have a generally semi-circular or curvilinear shape.
More particularly, the step member 122 may also preferably have a
shape corresponding or matching the shape of the wheelhouse
cladding recess 13 located along the upper periphery of the
wheelhouse 7 of the vehicle 1. In the present exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure, the shape and design appearance details
of the step member 122 may also preferably be selected to closely
match and blend with the shapes and design appearances of the panel
12 of the side 6 of the vehicle 1 and its related other trim and
components. The step member 122 may also include an outer surface
121 designed to appear as a class A exterior trim/ornamental piece
such that the wheelhouse cladding step 120 that may be as visually
indistinguishable as reasonably as possible from the traditional
wheelhouse cladding trim member not including a step. The step
member 122 may further include an inner or stepping surface or
member 123 preferably including a surface having a non-skid
material, function (e.g., a treaded surface) to provide proper,
convenient and safe usage as a step to access the roof 9 and/or
cargo storage 15 of the vehicle 1.
[0019] The step 122 of the wheelhouse cladding step 120 may be
movable to and from the first closed position as shown in FIGS. 4
and 5 and wherein the outer or finish surface 121 generally covers
or closes the wheelhouse cladding recess 13 to provide the class A
finish to the panel 12 of the body side 6 of the vehicle 1. The
step 122 of the wheelhouse cladding step 20 may be movable to and
from the second or open position as best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 in
which the stepping surface 123 is located generally horizontal to
the vehicle 1 and is aligned with and facing away from the ground
(i.e., generally upward) and wherein the outer or finish surface
121 is generally horizontally aligned with and facing toward the
ground. In the second step position of FIGS. 6 and 7, the step 122
is usable for supporting an individual at an elevated position from
the ground and closer to the roof and/or cargo storage 15 located
on the roof 9.
[0020] Referring still in particular to the alternate exemplary
embodiment of FIGS. 4 through 7, the step 122 may include first and
second extension members 125 that are integrated and/or made
unitary with the step 122. Each extension member 125 is located
proximal a respective end of the step 122 and generally extends
arcuately from the inner side 123 of the step 122 as best shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7. The extension member 125 may pass through a hole or
passage in the side 6 of the vehicle 1 proximal the side of the
wheelhouse 7 or may be located within the wheelhouse 7. A distal
end of the extension member 125 may include an expanded portion or
end 126 for limiting movement of the step 122 at the second
position as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 and for transferring forces
applied to the step member 122 to the vehicle 1.
[0021] As noted above, the hinges 130 couple or connect the step
122 to the vehicle 1 at the wheelhouse 7 of the vehicle 1. A first
hinge mechanism 130 may be located proximal one end of the
wheelhouse 7 and a second hinge mechanism 130 may be located
proximal the other end of the wheelhouse 7. The first and second
hinges 130 may preferably be located and/or coupled proximal the
distal ends of the extension members 125 of the step 22 but may
alternatively be coupled in other locations as may be appropriate
for incorporating the wheelhouse cladding step 120 into the vehicle
1. In the alternate exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 4 through 7, each
hinge 130 of the wheelhouse cladding step 120 may preferably
further include a link member 131 having a first end coupled or
otherwise connected proximal the end 126 of the extension member
125 and a second end pivotably coupled to a post or coupling member
133 that may be fixed or coupled to the vehicle 1 such as to a
component of the frame of the vehicle 1. The post 133 may be
coupled, integrated or made unitary into any of the frame,
wheelhouse 7 or vehicle 1 in any known or appropriate design. In
one alternate exemplary embodiment, the distal end of the link
member 131 may preferably be pivotably coupled to the post 133 so
that the post 133 may function as the pivot point the step member
122.
[0022] As noted above, each hinge 130 may further include a spring
mechanism 160 having a first or input end 163 coupled to a point
between the proximal and distal ends of the link member 131 as best
shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. The spring mechanism 160 may preferably be
a damped strut type device and may be, alternatively, any one of a
compression, extension, or torsion spring(s) which accomplishes the
objective to provide a limiting and/or biasing force against the
movement of the step 122. When the step member 122 is in the first
or closed position (FIGS. 4 and 5), the spring mechanism 160
provides a biasing force against the movement of the step member
away from the first position which helps to maintain the step
member 122 in that position, in addition to, or in place of, any
step latching mechanism 40. Similarly, when the step member 122 is
in the second or open position (FIGS. 6 and 7), the spring
mechanism 160 provides a biasing force against the movement of the
step member away from the second position which helps to maintain
the step member 122 in that position while it is in use as a step.
The other end of the spring mechanism 160 may be coupled,
integrated or made unitary into any of the frame, wheelhouse 7 or
vehicle 1 in any known or appropriate design.
[0023] The present description is intended to be illustrative and
not restrictive. Many embodiments as well as many applications
besides the exemplary embodiments provided will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the relevant art upon understanding the
present disclosure. The scope of the claimed invention should not
be determined with limiting reference to the description but should
instead be determined with reference to the appended claims along
with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled. Any disclosure of an article or reference, including
patent applications and publications, is incorporated by reference
herein for all purposes. Any omission in the claims of any aspect
of subject matter disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such
subject matter.
[0024] Any numerical values recited herein or in the figures are
intended to include all values from the lower value to the upper
value in increments of one unit provided that there is a separation
of at least 2 units between any lower value and any higher value.
As an example, if it is stated that the amount of a component or a
value of a process variable such as, for example, temperature,
pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,
preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is
intended that values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32
etc. are expressly enumerated in this specification. For values
which are less than one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001,
0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These are only examples of what
is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical
values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated
are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in
a similar manner. Unless expressly stated, all ranges are intended
to include both endpoints and all numbers between the endpoints.
The use of "generally, "about" or "approximately", or similar
words, in connection with a range applies to both ends of the
range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to
about 30", inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.
[0025] The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element,
ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose
additional elements, ingredients, components or steps. Plural
elements, ingredients, components or steps may be provided by a
single integrated element, ingredient, component or step.
Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component
or step may include separate plural elements, ingredients,
components or steps.
* * * * *