Patent ID: 6152470
Filing Date: 2000-11-28
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 comprising:said rear side of said access step turning inwardly and under said top surface of said access step to form a rear engagement flap; andsaid step brackets, comprising:(i) a top surface and a back side, said back side being perpendicular to said top surface;(ii) two side pieces symmetrically attached to said top surface and said back side, said side pieces having a curved edge corresponding to an outer radial portion of the tank straps;(iii) a mating surface located between said side pieces and shaped to correspond to the outer radial portion of the tank straps; and(iv) a tab located between said top surface and said mating surface, said tab shaped to engage and engaged to said rear engagement flap.