Patent ID: 7490889
Filing Date: 2009-02-17
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A step assembly for a vehicle having a tailgate hinged to and extending laterally across a load box from a left side thereof to a right side thereof adjacent a rear end of the vehicle, the step assembly comprising: a support member insertable into a hitch receiver adjacent a rear end of the vehicle; a linkage comprising at least one elongated linkage member having a front end and a rear end, the front end of the at least one linkage member pivotally connected to the support member about a first vertical pivot axis; and a step member elongated along a selected direction, the step member pivotable about a second vertical pivot axis adjacent the rear end of the at least one linkage member so that the step member is selectively usable in and movable between a rearward position in which the step member is positioned rearwardly of the vehicle by a distance sufficient that the step may be stood upon when the tailgate of the vehicle is in an open, lowered position, and at least one lateral position in which the step member is positioned adjacent one of the sides of the load box, so that the step may be stood upon when the tailgate of the vehicle is in a closed, raised position; wherein the linkage constrains the selected direction of elongation of the step member to be parallel to the tailgate hinge in the rearward position, in the at least one lateral position, and in all positions therebetween.