Patent ID: 7416232
Filing Date: 2008-08-26
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A vehicle step assembly, comprising: a vehicle body structure; a step brace fixedly coupled to the vehicle body structure and extending generally horizontally outboard from a lateral side of the vehicle body structure, the step brace configured to selectively transmit a weight applied thereon to the vehicle body structure; a fascia covering at least a portion of the lateral side of the vehicle body structure and defining an outer surface of the vehicle, the fascia having an aperture formed therein and arranged laterally spaced apart from the vehicle body structure without structural support in an area proximal to the aperture, the step brace extending through the aperture without contacting the fascia and the distal end of the step brace extending beyond the outer surface of the fascia proximal to the aperture; and a fascia insert at least partially disposed within the aperture to conceal the step brace and define a step portion.