Abstract:
A side bar and steps attached to the side attached to a vehicle or to the side of the vehicle by gears, ratcheting teeth or other movable engagement to the side bar or vehicle. A step is constructed by attaching a curved or flat member to the top of an L-shaped support bar that is in turn connected to the side bar or vehicle. The steps are movably affixed to the side bar or vehicle via ratcheting teeth or gearing. The L-shaped supports have a plurality of engagement points so that the step can be adjusted upward and downward using the different attachment points on the gear or ratchet. In this manner steps can be moved for different users depending on the height of the vehicle or user preference. The L-shaped support bars may be flared outward and provided with a plate for mounting the step thereon.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/411,694 filed Mar. 5, 2012 entitled “A moveable step&#39;for assisting entry into vehicles”, to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,985,606 which takes priority from a provisional application for patent bearing Ser. No. 61/450,736 filed Mar. 9, 2011 entitled “An apparatus for assisting entry into high road clearance vehicles” and is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the field of vehicle accessories, and more particularly to automotive side steps for assisting entry into vehicles. 
     The present invention relates in general to vehicle side bars for sport utility vehicles, pick-up trucks, jeeps, sedans and similar vehicles. 
     A vehicle side bar is an accessory which has gained considerable popularity in recent years. In essence, it is a wide tubular bar which is attached to the side of a vehicle just below the passenger cab. It usually covers the length of the cab and projects laterally to the outside of the cab side or door surface or is suspended from the chassis outward from the vehicle. It is usually bolted or welded to the main longitudinal frame beam of the vehicle chassis. 
     The side bar is both an appearance accessory and provides some protection for door and side of the vehicle cab to deflect debris. 
     Many vehicles of earlier date had running boards along the side of the vehicle to provide a stable platform to stand on and assist in entry and exit from the vehicle. More recently, side bars have been manufactured and sold, primarily by small and large automotive accessory companies. Side bars, while primarily a styling accessory, have been modified to provide a step built into the side bar to assist in entry of and exit from the vehicle. The side bar system of the present invention, in contrast with side bars of the prior art enable vertical movement of a step that is variably affixed to the side bar that provides a a stable step closer to the ground. 
     Four wheel drive vehicles are intentionally designed with a relatively high road clearance, that is the frame and body is supported at a relatively high distance from the ground. This is a desired characteristic, since the user of the vehicles wants the maximum clearance for traversing adverse road conditions such as deep snow, muddy and rutted roads and the like. Additionally, four wheel drive vehicles are often driven off improved roadways where all types of conditions are likely to be encountered. 
     One of the problems with a high clearance vehicle is the height of the entry into the passenger compartment. The floor of the passenger cab is of necessity high above the ground and, for many individuals, the required “step” is too high to permit easy entry. 
     Side bars such as those similar to and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,935,638 provide a step on the side bar itself. This step is many times still too high off the ground to permit easy entry into the vehicle. Aesthetically, a step built into the side bar also visually disrupts the lean line and streamlined appearance of the bar. Other side bars are permanently affixed to the side bar and do not permit adjustment for different users. Still other side bars and steps have hoop configurations that require two points of attachment to the side bar and may not be aesthetically pleasing to some users. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The primary advantage of the invention is to assist entry into the vehicle passenger compartment. 
     Another advantage of the invention is to provide an intermediate step between the ground and the floor of the passenger compartment. 
     Another advantage of the invention is to provide a stylish appearance accessory to vehicle. 
     A further advantage of the invention is to provide a functional side step and/or a protective device for the door and side of the vehicle cab. 
     Yet another advantage is to provide a moveable step that can be easily lowered and raised to different heights. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 
     The side bar is mounted onto he vehicle chassis by means of mounting brackets which attach to the chassis and the side bar by a variety of conventional means including but not limited to welds, brazing or attachment with nuts and bolts. This may be done directly to the chassis or through intermediate brackets or other points of attachment to the vehicle. 
     The steps are attached to the side bar or vehicle by welds, brazing, or preferably bolting to brackets welded to the side bar or vehicle. A step is constructed by attaching a flat member to the top of an L-shaped support bar that is in turn connected to the side bar or vehicle. This configuration is the step assembly. An additional lower step can be constructed by using another set of L-shaped support bars and attaching it to the side bar. The steps are bolted to a tab that is welded to the side bar or vehicle. The L-shaped supports have a plurality of engagement points so that the step can be adjusted upward and downward using the different attachment points. In this manner steps can be moved for different users depending on the height of the vehicle or user preference. 
     The composition of the support bars and flat section can be metal or any of a number of high strength composite materials. The finish of the bars can be but is not limited to chrome, polished metal or high or low gloss paint to complement the appearance of the vehicle. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is shown an apparatus for assisting entry into vehicles having a generally elongate side bar adapted for horizontal attachment to a vehicle wherein the bar is fixedly attached to a side of the vehicle along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a generally L-shaped support moveably attached to the side bar; and step fixedly attached to the L-shaped support for stable engagement. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is shown an apparatus for assisting entry into vehicles having a generally cylindrical side bar adapted for horizontal attachment to a vehicle wherein the bar is fixedly attached to a side of the vehicle along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a pair of generally L-shaped supports moveably attached to the side bar for generally vertical movement about the bar, a generally flat plate fixedly attached to the L-shaped supports; and a step fixedly attached to the plate. 
     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, there is shown an apparatus for assisting entry into vehicles having a generally cylindrical side bar adapted for horizontal attachment to a vehicle wherein the bar is fixedly attached to a side of the vehicle along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, a support and step assembly moveably attached to the vehicle, where the support and step assembly is comprised of two vertical extensions with a plurality of engagement holes for stable engagement to the vehicle, and a step fixedly mounted to the vertical extensions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a side bar and steps according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a pair of L-shaped support bars showing a plurality of attachment points for engagement to the side bar according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a pair of alternative L-shaped support bars having flared extension and showing a plurality of attachment points for engagement to the side bar according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a plan view along  2 B- 2 B of the alternative L-shaped support bars of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross section vie, along  3 - 3  of  FIG. 1  showing attachment of the step to the side bar according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of an alternative L-shaped support bar with support plate according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is an alternative embodiment of L-shaped supports affixed to the side bar according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an alternative embodiment of L-shaped supports with cross posts according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Various aspects of the invention may be inverted, or changed in reference to specific part shape and detail, part location, or part composition. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a side bar and step assembly configuration  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Side bar  12  may be affixed to the chassis of the vehicle through a variety of conventional means including bolts, welding, brazing, or other bracketing. Side bar  12  may be an elongate member of any of a variety of generally cylindrical shapes having a cross section of any polygonal shape. It may be a hollow tube, solid or partially solid.  FIG. 1  shows brackets  14  that may be affixed to the chassis of the vehicle with bolts. L-shaped supports  16  are affixed to side bar  12  at an approximate 45 degree angle, although it may be any of a variety of angles. The method of attachment of L-shaped supports  16  may be of any a variety of that permits moveable attachment. L-shaped supports  16  are shown as a two part L-shaped configuration for support of a step  18 , although in alternative embodiments a step may be supported by a single L-shaped extension attached to side bar  12 . Step  18  is affixed to L-shaped supports  16  to provide stable support for step  18 . This may be accomplished in any of a number of ways including bolting, welding, brazing, riveting or other means so long as step  18  is relatively stably attached. Step  18  is shown as generally flat but may be of any a variety of shapes including having upturned edges, curved or varied across its surface with peaks and valleys. 
     In an alternative embodiment, step  18  may be moveably attached to L-shaped supports  16  and fixed in different positions on L-shaped supports  16 . 
       FIG. 1  shows two steps but it is within the scope of the invention to employ one or more steps. Each support and step assembly comprised of L-shaped supports  16  and step  18  are affixed to the side bar as more fully described below. The flat portion of step  18  may be made of a slip resistant material, or may be configured with scoring on the metal to provide a slip resistant surface. Alternatively, the flat portion of step  18  may employ a raised or reverse dimple die for slip resistance. L-shaped support  20  is comprised of a vertical upper portion  23  and a horizontal lower portion  24 . The step  18  may be affixed to the L-shaped supports  20  directly on horizontal lower portion  24  as shown in  FIG. 2  by welding, brazing or other means so long as the step is fixedly attached in a stable manner. Notch  25  may be provided to engage the inside edge of step  18  for stable engagement to horizontal portion  24  on L-shaped supports  20 . L-shaped supports  20  are configured with voids  22  for engagement of bolts to affix L-shaped supports  20  to side bar  12  as more fully described in  FIG. 3 . In alternative embodiments, the step may be removably attached to the L-shaped supports  20 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, supports  20  may be generally elongate without any right angle extension. Rather the step and support would be combined to form an L-shape with the extended horizontal portion of the L being the step itself. 
     In alternative embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a support plate  36  may be attached to the L-shaped support by welding, brazing or other means to permit support of a step to the plate via holes  38  in support plate  36 . Notch  40  may be configured to provide additional stable support for a step, although it is not necessary. Horizontal portion  34  supports plate  36 . L-shaped supports  32  are affixed to a tab extending from side bar  12  as more fully described below. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the ends of L-shaped supports  32  may be flared outward rather than being parallel as shown in  FIG. 2  The shape of L-shaped supports  20  or  32  may be partially curved on the vertical portions attached to the side bar but generally should be sufficient to extend the step away from the side of the vehicle and be able to support a step in some stable manner. 
       FIG. 3  shows a cross sectional view of  FIG. 1  along  3 - 3 . The L-shaped support  16  has a plurality of engagement holes for attachment to the side bar or chassis of the vehicle.  FIG. 3  shows four holes but any of a variety of configurations may be employed to allow for variable attachment of the step  18  assembly to the side bar  12  or chassis. Holes may be arranged as shown in two rows in certain embodiments or other configurations. Alternatively, the step assembly may be affixed to a bracket  14  attached to the side bar or the chassis. In the preferred embodiment, the two L-shaped supports  16  are affixed to the step  18  in such a manner as to create a gap between them for attachment to a single tab  13  mounted on the side bar  12 . 
     In this embodiment, each L-shaped support  16  sandwiches a tab  13  on the side bar  12  and are affixed with bolts, or other removable mounting means.  FIG. 3  shows tab  13  having four holes that match with four of the holes on L-shaped support  16 . Through each hole a bolt or other suitable fastener may be affixed to firmly hold the L-shaped support to side bar  12 . In this embodiment, the support members would be very close to each other and present a narrow appearance from the front. In the embodiment shown, the L-shaped support  16  would be welded to the step  18  and then bolted to the side bar tab  13  located along the side bar  12  wherever desired. Alternatively, the L-shaped supports  16  could be positioned closely together and positioned between two tabs located on the chassis or side bar  12  and affixed to the tabs with bolts or other conventional means. 
     As can readily been seen, the L-shaped support  16  may be moved up or down and affixed to tab  13  via any group of engagement holes on L-shaped support  16 . In this manner, the step  18  can be moveably resituated on the side bar  12  to present a higher or lower position. By including more engagement holes on L-shaped support  16 , the step  18  may be moved very close to the side bar  12  or fully extended as shown in  FIG. 3 . The L-shaped support may be vertically variably adjustable through any of a variety of mechanisms well know in the art, including cotter pins, ratcheting teeth, gears, hook and hanger, and any other moveable attachment mechanism. Alternatively, the L-shaped support may be moveably attached to the vehicle chassis. 
     In an alternative embodiment, if the tab  13  is affixed to the chassis of the car, the only limitation of retraction of the step  18  would be space sufficient to permit the L-shaped support  16  to tuck under the vehicle, Conversely, a longer L-shaped support  16  with either farther spaced holes or snore holes would permit extension of the step  18  further downward depending on user preference. 
       FIG. 4  shows a plan view of L-shaped supports  32  that are flared outward and affixed to support plate  36 . Step  39  is bolted to plate  36  at holes  38  for stable engagement of step  39  to L-shaped supports  32 . The L-shaped supports  32  are then attached to side bar  12  as previously described. 
       FIG. 5  shows an alternative embodiment of L-shaped supports  50  with cross bars  52  shown in  FIG. 6 . Cross bars  52  provide added support for the step assembly and the step  18  that is mounted to the L-shaped supports  50 . The step assembly may be affixed to a single tab on the side bar or chassis having mounting holes that mate with the holes on each L-shaped support  50  as previously described in  FIG. 3 . Alternatively, each L-shaped support  50  of a single step assembly could be matably engaged to one of two tabs aligned with the upper portion of the L-shaped supports  50 . Any of a variety of attachment means may be employed including nuts and bolts, cotter pins, or a combination of the two. The support may be removaby attached so as to permit movement of the support to different locations along the side bar upward and downward. 
     The side bar tab may also be moveably mounted on the side bar  12  by using an engagement that can be changed along the side bar  12 . For example, it could have a flange with bolting mounts to pre-drilled holes along the inside of the side bar  12 . Alternatively, the mounting tab could be affixed to a bracket that slides in a groove on the inside of the side step that permits the bracket to be located along the lengthy of the side bar  12 . It would then in turn be affixed in the desired location and then bolted to the L-shaped supports which in turn are connected or affixed to the step. Similarly, the chassis could have a number of engagement points. Typically, the step assembly will be oriented at a convenient location near the door opening of the vehicle and may be affixed to the side bar  12  with a bracket or tab that is welded to the side bar  12  or along the chassis. 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a support comprised of two L-shaped supports  50 . The two L-shaped supports  50  are connected in this embodiment by cross bars  52  for added strength. In this embodiment cross bars  52  create a space between the two supports to permit attachment of each support to a bracket or tab welded or otherwise attached to the side bar  12 . In another embodiment, the supports may be affixed directly to the chassis via tabs or single bracket and still provide the benefits of the invention. 
     It will be understood that particular embodiments described herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of the invention. The principal features of this invention can be employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered by the issued claims.