Patent ID: 8297635
Filing Date: 2012-10-30
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. An automated retractable step apparatus comprising: A. a housing assembly defining a retaining zone therewithin, said housing assembly further including: B. a step assembly movably engaged with respect to said guide channel means defined within said retaining zone of said housing assembly, said step assembly being movable along said guide channel means between a retracted position within said retaining zone for storage and an extended position extending at least partially outwardly from said retaining zone to facilitate stepping upon said step assembly; C. a linkage assembly movably attached with respect to said step assembly and being operative to control movement thereof between said retracted position and said extended position, said linkage assembly being adapted to extend through said housing slot means and be movable therealong between said first end thereof and said second end thereof, the movable attachment of said linkage assembly with respect to said step assembly being operative to urge said step assembly to move to the extended position responsive to said linkage assembly being moved to a position within said housing slot means which is adjacent said first end thereof, furthermore the movable attachment of said linkage assembly with respect to said step assembly being operative to urge said step assembly to move to the retracted position responsive to said linkage assembly being moved to a position within said housing slot means which is adjacent said second end thereof; and D. a drive means operatively attached to said linkage assembly for powering movement thereof operative to power movement of said step assembly between said extended position and said retracted position.