Retractable vehicle step

摘要

A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.

主权项

1. A retractable vehicle step assist assembly configured for use with a vehicle having an underside, said retractable vehicle step assist assembly comprising:
a first support linkage connectable with respect to the underside of the vehicle so as to be pivotable about a first axis oriented generally parallel to the ground; a first drive linkage connectable with respect to the underside of the vehicle so as to be pivotable about a second axis oriented generally parallel to the ground; a second support linkage; a step member having an upper stepping surface, said first support linkage and said first drive linkage connected to said step member so that said first support linkage and said first drive linkage are pivotable with respect to said step member about a third axis and a fourth axis, respectively; said first support linkage and said first drive linkage allowing said step member to move between a retracted position and a deployed position along a first rotational plane generally perpendicular to said first axis; and a drive assembly coupled to said first drive linkage and comprising a motor having a longitudinal length greater than a transverse length, said longitudinal length defining a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axis being generally parallel to said first rotational plane, wherein as said drive assembly rotates said first drive linkage to move said step member between said retracted position and said deployed position, said first support linkage moves along a second rotational plane and said first drive linkage moves along a third rotational plane, said first, second, and third rotational planes being generally parallel and second rotational plane being offset from said third rotational plane; wherein said second support linkage is configured to move along said second rotational plane.