Front bumper step

A step-up front bumper system is designed to be attached to the front frame of a truck, or other similar large vehicle. The purpose of this device is to provide a measure of protection from incidental contact and a step by which access to nearby portions of the vehicle may be gained. The device is configured to accommodate a variety of vehicles and step widths.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a step-up bumper assembly designed to attach to a front bumper of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With sales at an all-time high, the popularity of the pick-up style truck as an everyday vehicle is more wide spread than it ever has been. Their utility and convenience in hauling items coupled with the availability of luxury interiors and extended cab space have made the pickup a popular alternative to other vehicles. The availability of aftermarket accessories also enhances the attractiveness of pickup trucks as well. Several of these aftermarket products, such as hitch steps, bumper platforms, and running boards, are designed to improve access to various interior and exterior areas on the vehicle. While they do their job fairly well, they are very utilitarian in appearance, and even tend to detract from the appearance of the vehicle. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which a bumper step can be provided with an enhanced visual appearance. The use of the present invention provides access to all points of a motor vehicle in a manner which is not only quick, easy, and effective, but stylish as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide such a step that is capable of being removably attached to a front of a vehicle. The step comprises a frame assembly, a block having a bottom surface attached to the frame assembly, at least one (1) block bracket, each attached to an end face of said block, and at least one (1) step plate affixed to an upper surface of the block.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a frame assembly including a front frame member and at least one (1) rear frame member. Each of the rear frame members are attached perpendicularly to the rear face of the front frame member. Each rear frame member is configured to be attached to the front of the vehicle.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a bracket plate, fashioned as a planar member attached to the block and having a pair of wings extending away from the planar member. A first shackle is attached to the pair of wings and oriented in a similar plane as the planar member. A second shackle is attached to and oriented in a plane perpendicular to the planar member. In at least one (1) embodiment, the second shackle is smaller than said first shackle. Each first and second shackle are configured to be used as a securing point to a load being pulled by the vehicle when the step is attached.

Another object is to provide such a block that is generally a rectangular polyhedron. In at least one (1) embodiment, the block is a hardwood.

Yet another object is to provide such a step plate that is generally rectangular. In various embodiments, the step plate is either a diamond plate or a four-way safety plate. Other embodiments also provided for a plurality of step plates. In all embodiments, it is preferred that the singular step plate or plurality of step plates are arranged so they are centrally located on the block.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention describes a step-up front bumper (herein referred to as the “system”)10, which primarily provides a block25capable of supporting a user's weight, at a front of a vehicle100. It is preferred that the block25be fabricated out of a hardwood. The user may more easily be able to gain access to elevated portions of that vehicle100, such as a vehicle hood105. The block25may also serve other utility purposes, such as, but not limited to, a seating area, or a cargo-carrying platform. Due to the outboard positioning of various segments, the system10may also serve as a deflector of incidental contact for the vehicle100. The terms “front” and “back” or “rear” are used consistent with the front and back/rear directions of the vehicle100to which the system10may be attached.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 3-10, major projection views and isometric views, from different perspectives, of the system10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The system10includes a frame assembly65to be attached to a front of a vehicle100, and a block25having at least one (1) block bracket35, detailed inFIG. 10, secured to an end face30thereof. The frame assembly65is composed of a plurality of rear frame members70bolted, or otherwise fastened, together to support the block25and affix the system10to the frame of the vehicle100, and a front frame member20. This attachment is achieved through the use of threaded frame fasteners securing the rear frame members70to frame member apertures75drilled into, or through, the appropriate frame members of the vehicle100in cooperation with included nuts. It is envisioned that the installation of this frame assembly65will be performed by a skilled tradesman qualified to perform such services. The rear frame members70are preferably composed of UNISTRUT®; however, other steel strut material, or structural steel tubing, may be utilized without limiting the scope of the system10. The frame assembly65incorporates a front frame member20located on a distal side of the block25. This front frame member20is attached to the rear frame members70at a location subjacent to the block25, such that the rear frame members70extend at a perpendicular direction away from the rear surface thereof.

The block25is configured to be a rectangular polyhedron composed of any of a variety of hardwoods typically utilized for wooden support structures. The block25may be rough-hewn, or planed and sanded, with any type of coating, or treatment, to inhibit deterioration and provide aesthetic appeal as may suit the taste of a particular user. The wooden block25preferably has a cross-sectional size of nominally four inches (4 in.) high by eight inches (8 in.) thick. It is understood that other nominal sizes may be accommodated in any other embodiment without limiting the scope of the system10. The block25is attached to upper surfaces of some or all of the rear frame members70. An upper surface of the block25is a horizontal plane generally referred to as a ledge26. The ledge26may be provided with a step plate80,90to improve traction on the ledge26. The step plate80,90may be a diamond plate or a four-way safety plate in order to achieve this improved traction. The step plate90may be disposed upon the ledge26as a single piece as is shown inFIG. 2, or may be divided into a plurality of step plates80(such as a pair of step plates80as in a preferred embodiment) spaced over the surface of the ledge26in some manner. The unitary step plate90is envisioned as encompassing the same area as all of the preferred step plates80plus all the gaps therein. The step plate80,90is attached to the ledge26by means of a plurality of fasteners each passing through one (1) of a plurality of plate fasteners85aligned with a fastener of the ledge26(not shown). The system10may be adapted to span any portion of the front of the vehicle100so long as a sufficient number of rear frame members70are attached to the frame of the vehicle100to support the anticipated loads placed thereupon.

Referring now toFIG. 10, an isolated view of a block bracket35, of the system10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Disposed preferably on both vertical end faces30of the block25are block brackets35. The block bracket35is configured to be a steel weldment having a formed bracket plate45to which a first shackle50and a smaller second shackle55are attached. The bracket plate45is an essentially rectangular, planar back member with “L”-shaped wings48on an upper and a lower side. The wings48are preferably formed on a radius to alleviate stress risers in the bracket plate45. The first shackle50is a “U”-shaped round bar oriented in the same plane as the bracket plate45. The first shackle50is attached to the bracket plate45, preferably by welding, to a face of the bracket plate45in closest proximity to the end face30of the block25. The second shackle55is similarly “U”-shaped with an orientation perpendicular to the bracket plate45and therefore perpendicular to the end face30of the block25. The second shackle55is attached, preferably by welding, to a plate face47of the bracket plate45. The block bracket35is attached to the block25by means of a plurality of threaded bracket fasteners40inserted through apertures (not shown) in the bracket plate45and secured into the material of the block25. The bracket plate45may be provided with decorative ears49of any configuration. It is envisioned that the block brackets35will be utilized as securing points for pulling loads with the vehicle100, or as tie-down anchors for loads supported on the ledge80.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the enabled user in a simple and straightforward manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system10, it would be installed as indicated either inFIG. 1 or 2. The method of installing and utilizing the system10may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring a model of the system10having a desired style to suit the taste of a user; having the frame assembly65installed by a qualified provider of such services; utilizing the ledge26to access a desired portion of the vehicle hood105by stepping onto and standing upon the ledge26. The ledge26may also be utilized as a seat, or as a horizontal support for other selected items. The block brackets35may be utilized, individually, or in concert, for the attachment of towing equipment, tie-down restraints, or the like, at the discretion of a user. The system10may provide some damage reduction benefit to the vehicle100in an entirely passive manner.