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:
Sep. 01, 2015
Filed:
Feb. 07, 2014
Ford Global Technologies, Llc, Dearborn, MI (US);
Annette Lynn Huebner, White Lake, MI (US);
Artur Sakarian, Birmingham, MI (US);
Ryan Welch, Ottawa Lake, MI (US);
Kristin Ann Hellman, Walled Lake, MI (US);
Matt Rutman, Howell, MI (US);
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
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.