Patent ID: 7422263
Filing Date: 2008-09-09
Classification: B60R,B62D

Abstract:
1. A ladder assembly for a tailgate of a truck, the ladder assembly comprising: a base operable to be coupled to the tailgate; first and second ribs disposed at opposing ends of the base; first and second runner plates slidably mounted to the first and second ribs, respectively, the first and second runner plates sliding, in a plane parallel to the base, beyond the first and second ribs in a working configuration; first and second pairs of axle pins spanning the first and second ribs, respectively; a pair of legs pivotably mounted to the first and second runner plates, each pair of legs including three segments defining an upper ladder section, a middle ladder section, and a lower ladder section, the pair of legs cooperating with the first and second runner plates to provide a range of motions including (i) the first and second runner plates sliding as the pair of legs pivot and (ii) the first and second runner plates sliding prior to the pair of legs pivoting; a first pair of joints of a first size for hingedly coupling the upper ladder section to the middle ladder section; and a second pair of joints of a second size for hingedly coupling the middle ladder section to the lower ladder section, the second size being smaller than the first size, wherein when the upper ladder section is folded into the middle ladder section, a pocket is formed therebetween for receiving the lower ladder section.