Please Ford ....put a step on the side of the back bumper

[Shakesbear]

Agreed, I'm 6'1" and 46. Getting up into the bed isn't getting any easier.

I’m 64 and 6’ and just hop right in. Can reach anything but a penny in the middle from the the sides

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[bgn]

Buy a little stool or ladder. They're not going to redesign the bumper and redo crash tests for a cutout in the bumper on an economy truck.

 

[colinl]

Buy a little stool or ladder. They're not going to redesign the bumper and redo crash tests for a cutout in the bumper on an economy truck.

agreed, it won't happen until at least 2028 when a second generation is expected.

 

[bartflossom]

I've always been partial to stepsides. Maybe next gen?

 

[RatherB.Fishin]

If you have problems getting into the bed of the Maverick then you should probably stay out of it

 

[SLJ]

I just keep one of these Harbor Freight stools in the back: One-Step Folding Stool

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Buy a little stool or ladder. They're not going to redesign the bumper and redo crash tests for a cutout in the bumper on an economy truck.

agreed, it won't happen until at least 2028 when a second generation is expected.

Not going to happen, as GM holds Patents and Trademark's on the corner step bumper as a Signature Design element of their trucks.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gen...-convenience-technology/gm-cornerstep-bumper/

Maverick has bumper Envy.

GM'S rear corner step bumper is trademarked.
You trademark a design to protect your business's goods or services. Designs that can be trademarked include:
Logos, Product design, Label or packaging designs Color schemes.
Trademarks are renewable every 10 years indefinitely.
General Motors (GM) began offering bumper steps on their vehicles in the following order:

• 2002–2006 Avalanche: Chevrolet first offered bumper steps on the Avalanche.
• 2014: GM introduced a larger, second-generation bumper step on all of their pickup trucks.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

It may not happen then, as GM holds patents on the corner step bumper as a Signature Design element of their trucks.
https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gen...-convenience-technology/gm-cornerstep-bumper/

There may even be a trademark involved.

Patents only last a certain number of years. (7?)

 

[Shakesbear]

I just keep one of these Harbor Freight stools in the back: One-Step Folding Stool

LOL! Back when I bought a 1996 Ford Supercab 4x4, my mom accused me of buying it because she couldn't get up into it. Being the "good son", I bought a little stool that I kept in the bed just for her so she could get in my truck. Always take care of Momma

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Patents only last a certain number of years. (7?)

The renewal period for a patent begins on the date of its original issuance and ends 20 years later. The USPTO will not accept renewal applications after this time frame.
There's also a term called patent renewal maintenance.
Meaning every so many years there is a maintenance fee to keep the patent active.
Trademark name "Corner step Bumper" is a whole different thing.
A trademark as long as as the term/name is being used is indefinite. But also requires update/renewal fees.
EXAMPLE
Ford has patented multiple versions of its entry keypad, including a multi-touch version and a B-pillar keypad for electric vehicles:
Multi-touch keypad: Ford patented a multi-touch version of its classic keypad in 2016.
B-pillar keypad: Ford patented a B-pillar keypad for electric vehicles that could work in different ways, including a battery indicator or the entire keypad becoming a battery indicator.

Ford's "SecuriCode Keyless Keypad" has been in use for about 40 years . The keypad allows drivers to: Lock and unlock the vehicle, Open the trunk, Grant temporary access to the vehicle, and Leave their keys in the vehicle.

 

[AutobahnSHO]

True patents are not indefinite but as long as they are renewed and maintained they can go on a lot longer than 7 years.
The renewal period for a patent begins on the date of its original issuance and ends 20 years later. The USPTO will not accept renewal applications after this time frame.
There's also a term called patent renewal maintenance.
Meaning every so many years there is a maintenance fee to keep the patent active.
Trademark name "Corner step Bumper" is a whole different thing.
A trademark as long as as the term/name is being used is indefinite.

Example. Think how long Ford had the patent and trademark on their exterior keypad.

Ah, didn't know it was 20yrs.

Not sure on the keypad, but it's expired for sure by now- I had one on a 1991.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

Ah, didn't know it was 20yrs.

Not sure on the keypad, but it's expired for sure by now- I had one on a 1991.

My first keypad was on my Taurus SHO.

Nope, not yet!!
Ford "Keyless Entry Keypad"
It is still under trademark and patent.
All Ford has to do is make changes like making it battery operated or making it flush with the door pillar LED light touch panel. Those are all new patents.
Don't forget the length of time that an item is being produced but is still under patent pending can add an additional 1-5 years. That is time added on the front end of the patent while it is pending and product is being manufactured and sold

Two different patents filed years apart for these keypads and then you add the current battery operated one. YEP NEW PATENT.
Ford has had patents on these keypads for over 40 years

All GM has to do, is to make slight differences in the design of their "Corner Step Bumper" and file a new patent. GM like Ford has a bunch of Patent Attorneys that make sure their designs STAY under patent.

 

[William Buckman]

At home we have a little step stool I use to get in and out. If I'm out somewhere and I don't have the step stool then I sit on the tailgate, spin my legs around and stand up rather than trying to climb in from the ground.

Same here at home, but at 70, I'm not spinning and standing as easily anymore lol

 

[rclee]

I just keep one of these Harbor Freight stools in the back: One-Step Folding Stool

I like that solution, and I like the price!

 

[cyberdog]

It's not terribly difficult to get into as is, although a shorter or physically impaired person could have some difficulty. I'm 6'2" and just about 62, and thankfully can just lift the right leg up, grab the left side rail, and up and into the bed. - I've also on occasion just sat on the open bed, swung around, and then raised to my feet. Getting down is just reverse, but then I'm on the taller side, and doubt my wife would be able to get in/out of the bed as easily.

Unfortunately, I don't think Ford could just mold a foot step into the bumper, they'd need to also redesign the bumper support to extend into that area and provide support for the step. If you've ever been under your Maverick and looked up into those corners, there's no way what is presently there could support a smaller person, let alone a 200lb+ adult. Probably easier and cheaper to add in the dropping step to the tailgate from one of the Maverick's big brothers.

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