US-12623605-B2 - Sliding step

Abstract

A foot step device for vehicles, comprising a body member with a cantilever-style design configured to mount onto stock rock slider rails without additional hardware. The body includes a semi-circular aperture for secure clipping, parallel ridges for grip, and smooth transitions for ergonomic use and safety. The device is adjustable along the rails, reinforced with internal ribs and recesses for structural integrity, and fabricated from lightweight, durable materials. Optimized for off-road and utility vehicles, it provides a non-invasive, adaptable, and space-efficient stepping solution.

Inventors

• Harry Ernst Sorensen Midgley

Assignees

• Harry Ernst Sorensen Midgley

Dates

Publication Date

20260512

Application Date

20250127

Claims (18)

1. 1 . A foot step device for a vehicle, comprising: a single-piece body member configured to removably mount onto a rocker panel guard of the vehicle by elastic deflection of an integrated clip without requiring additional hardware or tools; the body member comprising an aperture having a chordal opening sized to receive an edge of the rocker panel guard, the aperture being integrally formed in the body member and configured to function as a resilient clip for secure attachment to the rocker panel guard; and a cantilever-style design in the body member, wherein, when mounted, the body member extends horizontally from the rocker panel guard and is unsupported at a free distal end.
2. 2 . He foot step device of claim 1 , wherein the body member comprises at least one platform.
3. 3 . He foot step device of claim 2 , wherein the cantilever-style design is optimized to distribute weight evenly across the rock slider rails, ensuring stability and durability during use.
4. 4 . He foot step device of claim 3 , wherein the aperture includes a curved, semi-circular profile to ensure a snug fit around the rocker panel guards.
5. 5 . He foot step device of claim 1 , wherein the body member is fabricated using an additive manufacturing process to achieve precise tolerances and lightweight construction.
6. 6 . He foot step device of claim 1 , wherein the body member includes smooth transitions between surfaces and rounded edges, the smooth transitions reducing stress concentrations and improving structural integrity, and the rounded edges minimizing sharp corners to enhance user safety and prevent accidental injury during use.
7. 7 . He foot step device of claim 1 , wherein the body member is dimensioned and contoured to fit the rocker panel guards of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.
8. 8 . He foot step device of claim 3 , wherein the body member is constructed from a lightweight, durable material resistant to corrosion and impact.
9. 9 . Foot step device for a vehicle, comprising: a contoured body member with a main horizontal platform configured as a step surface; wherein the main horizontal platform includes an angled portion; one or more rectangular recesses and protrusions on the main horizontal platform; and a plurality of parallel ridges in the contoured body member, configured to provide grip for the user; wherein the contoured body member is fabricated from PETG-CF material, a composite of polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) and carbon fibers, to provide strength, durability, and lightweight characteristics.
10. 10 . He foot step device of claim 9 , wherein the main horizontal platform includes: one or more rectangular recesses and protrusions for reinforcement or engagement with other parts of the mechanism, enhancing structural rigidity and stability.
11. 11 . He foot step device of claim 10 , wherein the PETG-CF material is configured to provide resistance to environmental factors including UV radiation, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.
12. 12 . He foot step device of claim 11 , wherein the rectangular recesses on the main horizontal platform are configured to reduce material weight while maintaining structural integrity.
13. 13 . He foot step device of claim 12 , wherein the plurality of parallel ridges are spaced evenly to enhance grip and provide additional structural support.
14. 14 . Foot step device for a vehicle, comprising: a body member configured to mount onto rocker panel guards of a vehicle by snap-fit engagement without requiring drilling or permanent fixtures, where the body member is made of lightweight material to minimize impact on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency; at least one semi-circular aperture in the body member configured to securely clip onto the rocker panel guards; a platform having an angled portion and a vertical surface; a cantilever-style design that leverages the rocker panel guards to support the foot step device without additional hardware; and an integrated clip mechanism within the semi-circular aperture, configured to engage and disengage the rocker panel guards with minimal effort, enabling quick attachment and detachment while ensuring a secure fit during use.
15. 15 . He foot step device of claim 14 , wherein the body member includes at least one detachable semi-circular aperture.
16. 16 . He foot step device of claim 14 , wherein the cantilever-style design includes reinforcement ribs to increase load-bearing capacity.
17. 17 . He foot step device of claim 14 , wherein he body member is dimensioned to remain within the lateral and vertical clearance of the vehicle's rocker panel guards, ensuring that the foot step device does not protrude excessively or interfere with the vehicle's off-road capabilities, ground clearance, or overall aesthetics.
18. 18 . He foot step device of claim 17 , wherein the integrated clip mechanism comprises a clip or locking mechanism integrated into the semi-circular aperture, allowing users to securely attach or detach the foot step device without tools, enabling easy removal for off-road use or temporary applications.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to vehicle accessories, and more specifically to a foot step device designed to be mounted on the stock rock slider rails of a Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 for ease of access to the vehicle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Vehicles, such as trucks and off-road vehicles like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, are often positioned higher off the ground, making it challenging for individuals to enter and exit the vehicle. Various solutions have been developed, including fixed steps, retractable steps, and aftermarket step accessories. However, these solutions often present drawbacks, such as complicated installation processes, added vehicle weight, and limited flexibility in step positioning to meet user preferences. Many existing steps are constructed from heavy materials like steel or aluminum, which can significantly increase the vehicle's weight. This added weight may reduce fuel efficiency and negatively impact performance, particularly in off-road environments. Additionally, installation of these steps often requires drilling or other permanent modifications to the vehicle's body or frame. Such modifications may be undesirable for vehicle owners or leaseholders who want to preserve the vehicle's original condition. Furthermore, most currently available steps are fixed in position after installation, preventing users from adjusting the step to their preferred location. This lack of adjustability can be inconvenient for users of different heights, physical abilities, or for situations where varying terrains require different step positions for safe and convenient access. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved vehicle step, particularly for vehicles like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, that is lightweight, easy to install without requiring permanent modifications, adjustable in position, and made from durable materials capable of withstanding the demanding conditions of off-road use. The present invention is intended to solve the problems associated with conventional devices and methods and provide improvements on these devices. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Nor is this summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope. The present invention provides a clip-on foot step designed to attach to the stock rock slider rails of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 or similar vehicles. This foot step is lightweight, adjustable, and requires no additional hardware or tools for installation. The foot step includes a body member with an aperture that acts as a clip, allowing it to securely attach to the rock slider rails. The design uses a cantilever-style structure, which extends horizontally and is unsupported at one end, relying on the rock slider rails for stability. The body member features smooth edges and transitions for ergonomic use and safety. The foot step is made from PETG-CF, a composite material combining polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) and carbon fibers. This material provides strength and durability while keeping the step lightweight (approximately 0.5 kilograms), ensuring minimal impact on vehicle performance and fuel efficiency. The invention is easy to install and adjust, allowing users to position the step along the rock slider rails to their preferred position. It can be quickly attached or removed without tools, making it ideal for temporary use or for removal during off-road activities. In some embodiments, the foot step includes a horizontal platform as the step surface, with rectangular recesses and protrusions for reinforcement. The rear of the step may feature parallel ridges for grip and mounting. Certain designs may also include a clip mechanism for secure attachment and easy detachment. This invention offers a practical, user-friendly, and non-invasive solution for adding a foot step to off-road and utility vehicles, addressing the limitations of conventional steps by providing a lightweight, adjustable, and removable option. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the rear body member with an angled portion. FIG. 3A is a side view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing two apertures and showing the rear body member with an angled portion. FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2. DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected ve