Patent ID: 7401833
Filing Date: 2008-07-22
Classification: B60R,B62D

Abstract:
1. An assembly comprising: a tailgate pivotally mounted with respect to a vehicle cargo area, a free end spaced away from a pivot point, and an inner surface selectively disposable proximate the vehicle cargo area; the inner surface defining a first plane and having a recess formed therein, proximate the free end of the tailgate; and a step assembly configured for selective placement within the recess, the step assembly including an upper member and a lower member; the upper member including a first end pivotally mounted within the recess proximate the free end of the tailgate, and a second end pivotally mounted to the lower member; the step assembly pivotally displaceable between a first stowed configuration wherein the step assembly is substantially entirely disposed within the recess beneath the first plane defined by the inner surface, and a second extended configuration wherein at least a portion of the upper member of the step assembly extends beyond the free end of the tailgate and at least a portion of the upper member is disposed within the recess generally parallel with the inner surface of the tailgate.