Retractable step and side bar assembly for raised vehicle
View Patent ↗A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.
1. A vehicle assembly having both a side bar and a movable vehicle step, the assembly comprising:
the movable vehicle step having a stepping platform, the movable vehicle step configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle and configured to move between a stored position and a deployed position; and
the side bar configured to be mounted to the frame of the vehicle, the side bar mounted to extend outboard from the frame;
wherein, in the stored position, the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least two sides by the side bar; and
wherein, in the deployed position, the stepping platform is located outboard and downwards with respect to the side bar.
2. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the movable vehicle step is configured to move upwards and inboard when moving from the deployed position to the stored position.
3. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the movable vehicle step is self-energizing.
4. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the movable vehicle step and the side bar are both configured to attach to a bracket configured to attach to the frame of the vehicle.
5. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , wherein in the stored position, the stepping platform is located at least partially between end caps on opposing ends of the side bar.
6. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the side bar extends below the frame of the vehicle.
7. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a gap between the side bar and the frame of the vehicle.
8. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a motor configured to move the movable vehicle step between the deployed position and the stored position.
9. The vehicle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least four sides by the side bar in the stored position.
10. A vehicle for assisting users entering a door of the vehicle, the vehicle comprising:
a vehicle frame;
a movable vehicle step having a stepping platform, the movable vehicle step mounted to the frame and configured to move between a stored position and a deployed position; and
a side bar mounted to the frame and positioned to provide a stepping surface;
wherein, in the stored position, the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least two sides by the side bar; and
wherein, in the deployed position, the stepping platform is located outboard and downwards with respect to the side bar.
11. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the movable vehicle step is configured to move upwards and inboard when moving from the deployed position to the stored position.
12. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the movable vehicle step is self-energizing.
13. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the movable vehicle step and the side bar are both attached to a bracket attached to the frame of the vehicle.
14. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein in the stored position, the stepping platform is located at least partially between end caps on opposing ends of the side bar.
15. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the side bar extends below the frame.
16. The vehicle of claim 10 , further comprising a gap between the side bar and the frame.
17. The vehicle of claim 10 , further comprising a motor configured to move the movable vehicle step between the deployed position and the stored position.
18. The vehicle of claim 10 , wherein the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least four sides by the side bar in the stored position.
19. A vehicle assembly having both a side bar and a movable vehicle step, the assembly comprising:
the movable vehicle step having a stepping platform, the movable vehicle step configured to be mounted to a frame of a vehicle and configured to move between a stored position and a deployed position; and
the side bar configured to be mounted to the frame of the vehicle to be visually exposed to a user viewing the vehicle from outboard the vehicle;
wherein, in the stored position, the stepping platform is at least partially enclosed on at least two sides by the side bar; and
wherein, in the deployed position, the stepping platform is located outboard and downwards with respect to the side bar.