DETACHABLE FOOTREST ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A detachable footrest assembly is provided. The assembly includes a frame having a first portion and a second portion. A footrest extends from the first portion of the frame. A first mount positioned such that the first mount is adapted to be received into a lower door hinge of a vehicle with a first pin that extends from a first mating portion which is threaded and which extends in a direction away from the first portion of the frame. A second mount is spaced apart from the first mount and positioned such that the second mount is adapted to be received into an upper door hinge of a vehicle with a second pin that extends from a second mating portion which is threaded and which extends in a direction away from the first portion of the frame. The first and second pins are substantially aligned.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: a frame having first and second portions; a footrest that is secured to the first portion of the frame; and a bracket having: a first segment that is secured to the second portion of the frame; a second segment that extends from the first segment of the bracket; and a third segment that extends from the second segment of the bracket in a direction away from the first portion of the frame and that is generally parallel to the second portion of the frame, wherein the third segment is configured to be received into a door hinge of a vehicle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket further comprises a fourth segment that extends from the third segment in a direction away from the first portion of the frame.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the third segment is threaded.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of the frame are generally perpendicular to one another.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a third portion that extends from the second portion of the frame.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the frame further comprises a reinforcement portion that extends between second and third portions of the frame.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first and third portions of the frame are generally parallel to one another.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bracket further comprises a plurality of brackets spaced apart from one another along the length of the second portion of the frame.

9. An apparatus comprising: a frame having: a first portion; a second portion that extends from the first portion of the frame and that is generally perpendicular to the first portion of the frame; a third portion that extends from the second portion of the frame and that is generally parallel to the first portion of the frame; and a reinforcing portion that extends between the second and third portions of the frame; a footrest that is secured to the first portion of the frame; and a bracket that is secured to the second portion of the frame, wherein the bracket is configured to be received into a door hinged of a vehicle.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the bracket further comprises a plurality of brackets spaced apart along the length of the second portion of the frame.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the reinforcing portion further comprises a plate that is secured to the second and third portions of the frame.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises a mirror mount that is secured to the third portion of the frame.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the mirror mount further comprises: a main body having an opening; and a ball joint pin secured in the opening of the main body.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the frame is comprised of a rod, which is bent to form the lower and intermediate portions.

15. An apparatus comprising: a frame having first and second portions; a footrest that is secured to the first portion of the frame; and first and second brackets that are respectively configured to be secured into lower and upper door hinges of a vehicle, each of the first and second brackets having: a first segment that is secured to the second portion of the frame; a second segment that extends from the first segment of the bracket; and a third segment that extends from the second segment of the bracket in a direction away from the first portion of the frame and that is generally parallel to the second portion of the frame.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the apparatus further comprises a third bracket that is secured to the second portion of the frame proximate to the second bracket.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the frame further comprises a third portion that extends from the second portion of the frame.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the frame further comprises a reinforcement portion that extends between second and third portions of the frame.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the apparatus further comprises a mirror mount that is secured to the upper portion of the frame.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the mirror mount further comprises: a main body having an opening; and a ball joint pin secured in the opening of the main body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric views of the detachable footrest assembly in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0026] FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of the detachable footrest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0027] FIG. 5 is a rear view of the detachable footrest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0028] FIG. 6 is a front view of the detachable footrest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0029] FIG. 7 is a top view of the detachable footrest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0030] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the detachable footrest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0031] FIGS. 9 and 10 are more detailed views of the upper mount of the detachable footrest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0032] FIG. 11 is a more detailed view of the lower mount of the detachable footrest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0033] FIG. 12 is a more detailed views of the mirror mount of the detachable footrest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2; and

[0034] FIG. 13 is a more detailed bottom view of the upper and lower mounts of the detachable footrest assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views.

[0036] According to FIGS. 1-13, an example of detachable footrest 100 can be seen. In this example, the frame can form the central memory (or backbone) of the assembly. Typically, the frame can be generally U-shaped (or L-shaped if the upper portion is omitted) and can be formed of bend round bar stock (e.g., ½-inch diameter 316 stainless steel round bar stock). Alternatively, the frame can be formed of several different segments that are secured to one another (e.g., welded, brazed, or glued). In the examples depicted in FIGS. 1-13, the frame can be comprised of three segments or portions: the lower portion 118, intermediate portion 112, and the upper portion 104. Each of the upper portion 104 and lower portion 118 is formed in the example at a right angle or perpendicular to the intermediate member 112 (which can, for example, be about 18 inches long). Typically, the lower portion 118 can be shorter than the upper portion 114 and married to the intermediate portion 112 at a much smaller, sharper junction. For example, the transition between the intermediate portion 112 and lower portion 118 can occur over the diameter of the round bar stock (e.g., radius of curvature of about ½-inch). As an example, the overall length of the lower portion 118 (including the transition) can be about 5½ inches. In contrast and as shown in the examples of FIGS. 1-13, there is a gentler transition between the intermediate portion 112 and upper portion 104, which may occur over several occur over several inches (e.g., radius of curvature of about 4½ inches). As an example, the upper portion 104 (including the transition) can be about 8 inches. Because of the large transition between the upper portion 104 and intermediate portion 112, a reinforcement 106 can be used, which is typically oval or triangular shaped and which spans the transition. The reinforcement 106 can preferably be of the same material as the frame (e.g., 316 stainless steel) and can be secured to (e.g., welded, brazed, or glued) or integrally formed.

[0037] Then, extending from the intermediate portion or member 112 (e.g., integrally formed with or secured to), there can be mounts. 114 and 108. These upper and lower mounts 108 and 114 can be spaced part along the intermediate portion or member 112 such that they are adapted to be received in or secured to door hinges in a vehicle (e.g., such as those depicted in U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,345). When the door of the vehicle is removed, it is done so by removing fastener 210 (which, as shown in this example, is a hex binding barrel or which may be a nut). The fastener 210 can, for example, be M6×1.0. Each of these mounts 108 and 114, for example, have brackets that are, for example: (1) adapted to be inserted into the upper and lower door hinges of a vehicle; (2) adapted to engage the fastener 210; and (3) can be substantially aligned or coaxial with one another.

[0038] As shown in the example depictions of FIGS. 1-13, the bracket of mount 108 (which is adapted to be inserted into a door hinge) can have a mating portion 206 at its proximate end and pin 208 at its distal end, while the bracket of mount 114 (which is adapted to be inserted into a door hinge) can have a similar mating portion or member 302 and pin 304. The pins 208 and 304 can be threaded (e.g., M6×1.0) along at least a portion or segment at its distal end and which points in a direction away from the lower portion 118 of the frame (e.g., upwardly). Additionally, mount 108 can also have an additional bracket (which can have a mating portion 204 and pin 202 and which also points in a direction away from lower portion 118 of the frame); this additional bracket can be positioned at the same position along the intermediate portion 112 of the frame but separated by an angle—which allows the additional bracket to rest against the body of the vehicle and provide additional stability. The brackets of mounts 108 and 114 may be secured (e.g., welded, glued, or brazed) to the intermediate member or segment 112. Additionally, the brackets of mounts 108 and 114 can be formed of several portions (e.g., 206 and 208) that are integrally formed or individual items that are secured to one another (e.g., brazed, welded, or glued). As depicted in the example shown in FIGS. 1-13, the brackets of mounts 108 and 114 can be formed of ¼-inch diameter steel round bar stock (e.g., 316 stainless steel) where the bar stock is bent to form mating members 302, 204, and 206. It should also be note that the lower mount 114 is positioned to be closer to or proximate to the lower portion 118 than it is to the upper portion 104.

[0039] In addition to both mounts 108 and 114 and the frame, the assembly 100 can also include a footrest 116 and mirror mount 102. The footrest 116 can have several shapes so long as the shape is of sufficient size to accommodate a range of foot sizes of adults. In the example depicted in FIGS. 1-13, the foot rest 116 is shown as being substantially rectangular plate (e.g., about 2-inches by 4-inches by ⅛-inch) having chamfered corners. The footrest 116 can be integrally formed with or (as depicted in the example of FIGS. 1-13) can be secured (e.g., welded, brazed, glued, or bolted) to the lower portion or segment 118 of the frame. The mirror mount 102 can be positioned at the distal end of upper portion or segment 118 and can be formed of a main body 402 and a ball joint pin 404. The main body 402 as shown in the example of FIGS. 1-13 can be a generally rectangular plate (e.g., about 1-inch by 2-inches by 3/16-inch) with chamfered corners that may be integrally formed with or secured to the upper portion 104 of the frame at its proximate end. An opening can be formed in the main body 402 along its vertical centerline and proximate to its distal end. For example, the opening may be positioned along the vertical centerline about ½-inch from the distal end while having a about ¼-inch diameter. Typically, the opening can be threaded so that the ball joint pin 404 can be screwed in and secured by nut 406; alternatively, the opening can provide a slip fit for ball joint pin 404. A mirror 110 (which is shown in relief in example of FIGS. 1-13) can then be secured to the ball joint pin 404.

[0040] Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.