Patent ID: 6099007
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
In combination with a vehicle having a frame rail and a fuel tank attached to the frame rail by two tank straps and frame brackets, a vehicle access step assembly, comprising:(a) two step brackets with each of said step bracket being attached to an outer surface of each of said tank straps;(b) an access step with a top surface, a front side and a rear side, portions of said front and rear sides being approximately perpendicular to said top surface and in a vertical position;(c) said front side of said access step is attached to an outer portion of each of said step brackets;(d) a step-to-bracket attachment means for attaching said rear side of said access step to inner portions of each of said step brackets without the use of screws and rivets; and(e) said step-to-bracket attachment means comprisingportions of said rear side of said access step corresponding to said step brackets turning inwardly and under said top surface of said access steps to form engagement flaps;tabs comprised of portions of said rear side adjacent to said engagement flaps extending below said engagement flaps and bending under said vertical portion of said rear side directly attached to said engagement flaps; andsaid inner portion of said step brackets being engaged between said tabs and said engagement flaps of said access step.