The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 02, 2010
Filed:
Jun. 02, 2006
Michael Vanbelle, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
Louis Caballero, Saline, MI (US);
Sven Sauerwein, Woodbridge, CA;
David Barrett, Livonia, MI (US);
Michael VanBelle, Ypsilanti, MI (US);
Louis Caballero, Saline, MI (US);
Sven Sauerwein, Woodbridge, CA;
David Barrett, Livonia, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, Dearborn, MI (US);
Multimatic, Inc., Markham, CA;
Abstract
An articulated step system for an automotive vehicle includes a step housing attached to the vehicle frame by means of at least one standoff bracket and a tension strut extending generally downwardly from a first end attached to a vehicle body to a second end attached to the step housing. The articulated step has a stowed position generally underlying the body, and a deployed position extending generally outwardly from the body. Movement of the step may be either translational or rotational with respect to the step housing. In one embodiment, the step extends for the full length of the cab of the vehicle, and partially under a load carrying body at the rear of the vehicle.