Patent ID: 7445221
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A step apparatus comprising: a step body that can move between a projecting position where the step body projects from a side surface of the vehicle and a retracted position where the step body is retracted behind the side surface of the vehicle; drive means for driving the step body, the drive means including a rope-shaped member connected to the step body, a rotating drum around which the rope-shaped member is wound, and a drive motor that rotates the rotating drum; guide means for guiding the movement of the step body between the projecting position and the retracted position; and connecting means for connecting the rope-shaped member to the step body and moving the step body in association with the movement of the rope-shaped member along the length of the rope-shaped member, each of the connecting means including an arm that projects from the step body and extends along a moving direction of the step body, and wherein one longitudinal end of the rope-shaped member is restrained at a distal end of the arm and the other longitudinal end of the rope-shaped member is restrained at a proximal end of the arm or at the step body, portions of the rope-shaped member near the longitudinal ends of the rope-shaped member extending along the extending direction of the arm.