Patent ID: 6685204
Filing Date: 2004-02-03
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A step assembly for a vehicle having a hitch receiver and a tailgate, said hitch assembly comprising:a stationary upper support member that is insertable in said hitch receiver so as to support said assembly therefrom; a frame member mounted to and extending downwardly from said upper support member; a sliding lower support member mounted in said frame member generally below and parallel to said upper support member for movement from a forward, retracted position to a rearward, extended position; and a step member mounted to a rearward end of said sliding lower support member so that when said lower support member is in said retracted position said step member is positioned proximate said hitch receiver and when said lower support member is in said extended position said step member is positioned rearwardly of said hitch receiver by a distance sufficient that said step member may be stood upon when said tailgate of said vehicle is in an open, lowered position.