Abstract:
This invention relates to mounted, adjustable steps for vehicles and, in particular, to a multi-angle, extendable, and selectively height-adjustable step that can be mounted to a trailer such as a boat trailer, a camping trailer, trailers for all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, and the like. The adjustable step assembly of the present invention includes a mounting bracket, an extension member, and a step. The extension member includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the extension member being pivotably connect to the mounting bracket to facilitate selective pivoting with respect to the mounting bracket through a range of motion including a first position and a second position being higher than the first position. The step may be connected to the second end of the extension member and configured to provide at least a first stepping area and a second stepping area when the extension member is selectively positioned in the first and second positions, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second stepping areas are substantially equivalent in surface area and aspect ratio.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/959,205, filed Jul. 12, 2007, and entitled “MOUNTED, MULTI-ANGLE, EXTENDABLE STEP.” 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to mounted, adjustable steps for vehicles and, in particular, to a multi-angle, extendable, and selectively height-adjustable step that can be mounted to a trailer such as a boat trailer, a camping trailer, trailers for all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles, and the like. 
     2. The Background Art 
     Many vehicles include a trailer hitch or hitch receiver for pulling trailers. Trailer hitches are often used to pull a boat trailer, a camping trailer, a motorcycle trailer, an all-terrain vehicle trailer, a bike trailer, a luggage trailer, etc. The cargo (e.g., boats, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, bicycles, luggage or the like) carried by such vehicles is often manually strapped, or otherwise attached, to the bed or receiving portion of the trailer. Accordingly, those using such trailer systems often find themselves climbing up and standing on some part of the towing vehicle or the trailer in order to load the vehicle or trailer, cover the contents of the trailer, strap, or otherwise attach, cargo to the trailer, or the like. This is often inconvenient and may ultimately lead to injuries. For example, with insufficient or poorly placed foot support, a person may fall and, accordingly, become injured. Likewise, ankles may be twisted or shins bruised. Also, a fall or misstep may result in cargo being damaged, falling, or tipping over that may cause injuring to the person who fell or slipped from the vehicle or trailer or a bystander. 
     Various hitch mounted step assemblies are known in the art. Some prior art assemblies include a step that attaches to a hitch receiver. Other assemblies have an extendable step that can be extended for use and retracted after use for storage. Additionally, some prior art step assemblies include a step that is pivotable between a storage position and a position for supporting a user. Still other prior art step assemblies include a step that facilitates easier access to the tailgate of the vehicle. Such prior art assemblies often do not provide any access to areas located a significant distance away from the receiver hitch mounted on the towing vehicle. Accordingly, the utility of such prior art step assemblies may be limited in function. For example, such assemblies do not take into consideration the need for complete adjustability relative to height. For example, different tasks may require different step height placements for optimum access and to ensure the safety of the user. 
     Based on the foregoing, what is needed is a step assembly that is adjustable with respect to angle of extension (e.g., height) and extension length to properly support a user in various positions. Also what is needed is a simple, cost-effective, adjustable step that can be attached to a vehicle trailer, while still maintaining full functionality while supporting a user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     When the living standard increases, people acquire more recreational vehicles. An important factor for full enjoyment of these recreational vehicles is safety and convenience. Many recreational vehicles are transported on trailers. Additionally, placing recreational vehicles on trailers is a common method of storing recreational vehicles for longer periods of time, such as in somebody&#39;s backyard, in winter storage, and on somebody&#39;s property. People usually enter and exit the recreational vehicles while they are located on trailers. The process of entering and exiting recreational vehicles supported on a trailer are generally inconvenient and may be potentially dangerous. The present invention minimizes the danger of injury and also facilitates increased convenience in the process. 
     In selected embodiments, a step assembly in accordance with the invention may include a mounting bracket connecting the assembly to a trailer or other vehicle, a extension member comprising a first end and a second end. The first end of the extension member may pivotably connect to the mounting bracket. In selected embodiments, the extension member may selectively pivot with respect to the mounting bracket through a range of motion comprising a first position and a second position. The second position may be distinct from the first position. For example, in one embodiment, the second position may be generally higher than the first position. Furthermore, the range of motion may be bounded at one end by a first extreme position and bounded at the other end by a second extreme position. The first extreme position may be the first position and the second extreme position may be the second position. 
     A step assembly may further include a step connected to the second end of the extension member. A step may present first and second stepping areas when the extension member is the first and second positions, respectively. In certain embodiments, the first and second stepping areas may be substantially equivalent in surface area and aspect ratio. 
     In selected embodiments, an extension member may be extensible. For example, an extension member may comprise a housing and a slide. A slide may selectively translate within a housing. An adjustable step may further include a first lock selectively fixing the position of the slide with respect to the housing. Also, an adjustable step may include a second lock selectively fixing the position of the extension member with respect to the mounting bracket. 
     A slide of a step assembly may be connected to a step, which may comprise a cross member secured to the slide. A cross member may comprise a cylinder having an exterior surface. Additionally, a step may comprise a non-slip material applied to substantially completely cover the exterior surface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an adjustable step assembly in accordance with the invention with the extension member locked at 45° with respect to horizontal; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting bracket in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a mounting bracket in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the step assembly of  FIG. 1  with the extension member locked in a vertical position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the step assembly of  FIG. 1  with the extension member fully extended and locked in a horizontal position; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a housing of an extension member in accordance with the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an embodiment of slide of an extension member attached to a step in accordance with the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an apparatus  10  in accordance with the invention may be defined in terms of coordinate axes  11 . Such an axes  11  may include a longitudinal direction  11   a,  a lateral direction  11   b,  and a transverse direction  11   c.  The longitudinal direction  11   a,  lateral direction  11   b,  and transverse direction  11   c  may be substantially orthogonal to one another. 
     An apparatus  10  in accordance with the present invention may include a mounting bracket  12 , an extension member  14 , and a step  16 . In selected embodiments, the mounting bracket  12  may be secured to a vehicle such as a trailer. An extension member  14  may connect to the mounting bracket  12  and extend to engage and support the step  16 . In certain embodiments, the extension member  14  may pivotably connect to the mounting bracket  12 . Accordingly, by pivoting the extension member  14  with respect to the mounting bracket  12 , the positioning of the step  16  may be determined or controlled. Also, in selected embodiments, the extension member  14  may be extensible. That is, the extension member  14  may have an adjustable length, providing another adjustment or degree of freedom for controlling or optimizing the positioning of the step  16  relative to the mounting bracket  12  secured to the vehicle or trailer. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , a mounting bracket  12  may be formed of any suitable material. Suitable materials may be selected to provide a desired strength, rigidity, formability, cost, resistance to corrosion, and/or the like. In selected embodiments of the present invention, the mounting bracket  12  may be formed of a metal or metal alloy, such as, for example and not by way of limitation, aluminum or steel. 
     In certain embodiments, the mounting bracket  12  may include a base plate  18 , a first flange  20 , and a second flange  22 . The first and second flanges  20 ,  22  may be connected to extend from the same side of the base plate  18 . The flanges  20 ,  22  may be connected to the base plate  18  in any suitable manner. For example, the flanges  20 ,  22  may be welded to the base plate  18 . Alternatively, the base plate  18  and flanges  20 ,  22  may be machined, cast, molded, or otherwise formed as a single, monolithic unit. 
     The base plate  18  may be configured in such a manner so as to abut some portion of a vehicle or trailer. For example, in one embodiment, the base plate  18  may abut at least a portion of the frame forming the structural foundation of the vehicle or trailer. The base plate  18  may be securely fixed or selectively connected to a vehicle or vehicle trailer in any suitable manner. For example, the base plate  18  may be securely welded to the vehicle or trailer. Alternatively, the base plate  18  may include one or more apertures  24  having an internal periphery sufficient for receiving at least a portion of the length of a fastener (e.g., U-bolt, lag bolts, or the like) therein. The fasteners passing through apertures  24 , respectively, may be received into receiving apertures formed in the frame of the vehicle or trailer. As will be appreciated, the base plate  18  of the mounting bracket  12  may be securely fixed or selectively connected to one of the sides or, in the alternative, to the top of the frame of the vehicle or trailer. 
     In selected embodiments, the first and second flanges  20 , 22  may each include a pivot aperture  50  and a plurality of locking apertures  26 . In one embodiment, a pivot pin  36  (e.g., bolt  36 ) may pass through the pivot apertures  50  of the first and second flanges  20 ,  22  to pivotably secure an extension member  14  between the first and second flanges  20 ,  22 . The plurality of locking apertures  26  may provide an array of locations or angles at which an extension member  14  may be locked with respect to the mounting bracket  12 . 
     For example, in selected embodiments, the first and second flanges may each include three locking apertures  26   a,    26   b,    26   c.  When a corresponding aperture in an extension member  14  aligns with a pair of locking apertures  26  of the first and second flanges  20 ,  22 , a locking pin  28   a  may be inserted therethrough and secured. Accordingly, in an embodiment where the first and second flanges  20 , 22  each include three locking apertures  26   a,    26   b,    26   c,  an extension member  14  may be locked in three different locations with respect to the mounting bracket  12 . In one embodiment, the three apertures  26   a,    26   b,    26   c  may be positioned to lock the extension member  14  in a horizontal extension, a 45° extension, and a vertical extension. However, with the addition of other locking apertures  26   d,    26   e,  a greater number of locking positions between a mounting bracket  12  and an extension member  14  may be provided. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4-7 , an extension member  14  may be formed of any suitable material. Suitable materials may be selected to provide a desired strength, rigidity, formability, cost, resistance to corrosion, or the like. In selected embodiments, a mounting bracket  12  may be formed of a metal or metal alloy. 
     An extension member  14  in accordance with the present invention may be extensible or inextensible. In selected extensible embodiments, an extension member  14  may include a housing  32  and a slide  34 . The housing  32  and slide  34  may be configured such that the slide  34  selectively translates within the housing  32 . In certain embodiments, an interface between a housing  32  and a slide  34  may preclude excessive play therebetween. For example, an elastomeric or polymeric interface may be position between the housing  32  and slide  34  to dampen or preclude any noise or wear due to relative vibration therebetween. Alternatively, the tolerances between the interior of the housing  33  and the exterior of the slide  34  may be selected to substantially preclude excessive play therebetween. 
     In selected embodiments, a locking pin  28   b  may secured a slide  34  with respect to a housing  32  to provide a desired length of the extension member  14 . For example, in one embodiment, a slide  34  may include an array of locking apertures  42 . A housing  32  may also include a locking aperture  44 . Accordingly, when a locking aperture  42  of the slide  34  aligns with a locking aperture  44  of the housing  32 , a locking pin  28   b  may be inserted therethrough and secured. 
     An array of locking apertures  42  may provide different positions at which a slide  34  may be secured to a housing  32 . For example, in one embodiment as illustrated  5 , the slide  34  may include five locking apertures  42   a,    42   b,    42   c,    42   d,    42   e  formed in a first side. Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the slide  134  may include five locking apertures  52   a,    52   b,    52   c,    52   d,    52   e  formed in a second side of the slide  134  and being spaced apart from each other in such a manner so as to corresponding to the spacing of the locking apertures  42   a,    42   b,    42   c,    42   d,    42   e  formed in the first side of the slide  134 . Each locking aperture  42   a,    42   b ,  42   c ,  42   d ,  42   e ,  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  52   d ,  52   e  may correspond to a different overall length of the extension member  14  relative to the housing  32 . By way of providing an array of locking apertures  42   a ,  42   b ,  42   c ,  42   d ,  42   e ,  52   a ,  52   b ,  52   c ,  52   d ,  52   e  along two adjacent sides of the slide  134 , respectively, provides a structural means to allow a user to selectively adjust the direction of the step  16  (i.e., horizontal or vertical) relative to the disposition of the frame of the vehicle or trailer to which the present apparatus is mounted. 
     An extension member  14  may include other apertures as desired or necessary. For example, in selected embodiments, an extension member  14  may include a pivot aperture  46  as shown in  FIGS. 4-6 . The pivot aperture  46  of the extension member  14  may align with the pivot aperture  50  of the mounting bracket  12  so as to receive at least a portion of the length of a bolt (as part of an engagement assembly including a locking nut) or a selectively removable pivot pin  36 . Similarly, the extension member  14  may include a locking aperture  48 . The locking aperture  48  of the extension member may align with a locking aperture  26  of the mounting bracket  12  to receive at least a portion of the length of a bolt (as part of an engagement assembly including a locking nut) or a selectively removable pivot pin  28   a.    
     In certain embodiments, the locking pin  28  in accordance with the present invention may be a shear pin having a size and shape sufficient to withstand loads that may be applied thereto. In one embodiment, the locking pin  28  may comprise a metallic shank connected to a handle. The handle may comprise an extension of the metallic shank or may be formed of a dissimilar material such as a polymeric material. In selected embodiments, a locking pin  28  may be configured to resist inadvertent removal from the locking aperture  26 ,  42 . For example, a locking pin may include a biased detent mechanism. Alternatively, a locking pin  28  may include an aperture extending therethrough at an end opposite the handle. The aperture may be sized to receive a cotter pin. 
     Consistent with the foregoing structural configuration, the extension member  14 ,  114  and the step  16  may be selectively disposed in relation to the mounting bracket  12 , whereby the removal of the pivot pin  36  and the locking pin  28  from its retaining engagement between the extension member  14 ,  144  and the mounting bracket  12  allows the disengagement therebetween. Thus, if desired, the extension member  14 ,  114  and the step  16  can be removed from engagement with the mounting bracket  12  and stored. Selectively removing the extension member  14 ,  114  and step  16  from engagement with the mounting bracket  12  may also provide a safer environment when the vehicle or trailer is being moved or transported from one destination to another. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  4 ,  5  and  7 , the extension member  14  may be connected to the step  16  in any suitable manner. For example, the extension member  14  may be welded or otherwise securely connected to the step  16 . In selected embodiments, the slide  34  portion of an extension member  14  may be secured (e.g., welded) to the step  16 . 
     In certain embodiments, a step  16  in accordance with the present invention may include a cross member  38 , end caps  30 , and a non-slip surface material  40 . In one embodiment, a cross member  38  may be extend in a lateral direction  11   b  and have a circular cross section. In such an embodiment, the end caps  30  may be formed as hemisphere attached to, or inserted within, the ends of the cross member  38 . The end caps  30  may be formed of any suitable material. For example, the end caps  30  may be formed of a polymeric material. 
     In selected embodiments, a non-slip material  40  may be grip tape applied to the exterior of the cross member  38 . In certain embodiments, the non-slip material  40  may substantially completely cover the cross member  38 . Accordingly, throughout the various positions at which a step  16  may be positioned and locked, the step  16  may present to a user the same amount of surface area covered with non-slip material. That is, throughout the various positions at which a step  16  may be positioned and locked, the step  16  may always provide to a user a consistent stepping surface with respect to dimension (surface area, length, width), contour (curvature of the cross member  38 ), and non-slip material  40 . In selected embodiments, the non-slip material  40  may communicate a trade name. For example, in one embodiment, a trade name may be cut through the non-slip material such that a contrasting color of the cross member may be seen therethrough and form the desired letters or symbols. 
     In operation, a user may approach a step assembly  10  in accordance with the present invention attached to a vehicle. The user may remove a locking pin  28   a  and pivot an extension member  14  to a desired angle or position with respect to the mounting bracket  12 . At the desired angle or position, the user may fine tune the position of the extension member  14  with respect to the mounting bracket  12  until the nearest locking apertures  26 ,  48  align. Upon alignment, the locking pin  28   a  may be reinserted and secured (e.g., with a detent, cotter pin, or the like). 
     The user may then adjust the length of the extension member  14  as desired. That process may include removing a locking pin  28   b , translating a slide  34  within a housing  32  to reflect a desired length for the extension member  14 , fine tuning the position of the slide  34  with respect to the housing  32  until the nearest locking apertures  42 ,  44  align, and reinserting and securing the locking pin  28   b.  This task of adjusting the length of an extension member  14  may precede or follow the step of adjusting the position of the extension member  14  with respect to the mounting bracket  12 . Alternatively, in embodiments where the extension member  14  is inextensible, this task may be omitted. 
     Once the step assembly  10  has been locked in the position desired by the user, the user may step onto the cross member  38  to perform the desired labor. Once the labor is completed and the step assembly  10  is no longer needed, the step assembly  10  may be returned to a stowed position. That may be done following a similar process as that outlined hereinabove. In a stowed position  10 , a step assembly  10  may be positioned and locked such that it will not undesirably contact or interfere with persons walking thereby or detract from the functionality or safety of the vehicle. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its fundamental functions or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the illustrative embodiments are to be embraced within their scope.