Abstract:
A step assembly is easily mounted on the trailer hitch of a vehicle, and easily folded to a closed position or unfolded to an open position in place on the vehicle or off of the vehicle. In the open position, a person or a pet can more easily enter or leave a vehicle. In the closed position, the step assembly is more easily stored.

Description:
This invention relates to a step assembly for use with a vehicle and more particularly to a step assembly for use with a vehicle, which may be mounted at the trailer hitch of a vehicle, and folded up as desired for storage or folded down as desired for use. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   When an animal owner is required to transport a domestic animal in a vehicle, assistance is sometimes required to get the animal into the vehicle. For example, some dogs or cats are too large to be lifted and placed in a vehicle. The structure of the vehicle can make it difficult for the animal to climb into the vehicle. Also, an animal may not like assistance. If the animal can act on its own, advantages can be obtained. 
   As a result, many devices are known for allegedly facilitating such procedures by an animal. These devices tend to be bulky and clumsy. To overcome that factor, collapsible devices are now known. But these devices lack the strength or durability, and ease of use, that is most desirable. 
   Furthermore, such devices which help the animal get into the vehicle, tend to interfere with the use and the enjoyment of the vehicle. For example, storage of the device may be a problem. So it is very desirable to find or develop a device which aids the animal in its efforts to get into the vehicle without drastically interfering with the owner&#39;s enjoyment of the vehicle. 
   This desirability also applies to a person. An effective step assembly can be convenient for a person to use. It can facilitate a person entering or leaving a vehicle. 
   With respect to the class of vehicle known as a pickup truck, it is sometimes necessary for a person as well an animal to climb therein, especially into the bed thereof. To that end, a stepping device can be very useful. Yet, such a device must not interfere with the use of the vehicle and other functions thereof. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a collapsible step assembly, which may be attached to or removed from a vehicle as desired. 
   A further objective of this invention is the provision of a collapsible step assembly, which is easily folded. 
   Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a strong collapsible step assembly, which is minimizes interference with vehicle use. 
   A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a collapsible step assembly, which is easily transported. 
   Another objective of this invention is the provision of a collapsible step assembly, which is easily adjustable. 
   Yet another objective of this invention is the provision of a collapsible step assembly, which minimizes interference with the use of a vehicle to which it is attached. 
   Still another objective of this invention is the provision of a collapsible step assembly, which permits a person to enter a vehicle more easily. 
   Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a collapsible step assembly, which permits a pet or an animal to enter a vehicle more easily. 
   A further objective of this invention is the provision of a collapsible step assembly, which permits a pet or animal to leave a vehicle more easily. 
   Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a collapsible step assembly, which permits a person to leave a vehicle more easily. 
   These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a step assembly, which is easily mounted on the trailer hitch of a vehicle, and easily folded to a closed position or unfolded to an open position in place on the vehicle or off of the vehicle, to facilitate a person or pet in the entry of or leaving of a vehicle. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the double step assembly  100  in open position  102  on vehicle  110  of this invention. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the double step assembly  100  in closed position  104  on vehicle  110  of this invention, based on  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  depicts an exploded, perspective view of the double step assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a block diagram for the double step assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a bottom perspective view of the double step assembly  100  in open position  102  of this invention. 
       FIG. 6  depicts an exploded, perspective view of a lever lock assembly  150  for double step assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  for lever lock assembly  150  mounted on double step assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 8  depicts an exploded, perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  for double step assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a bottom perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  for lever lock assembly  150  with double step assembly  100  of this invention in phantom. 
       FIG. 10  depicts a side perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  with double step assembly  100  of this invention in closed position  104 . 
       FIG. 11  depicts a bottom perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  with double step assembly  100  of this invention in closed position  104 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts a bottom perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  with double step assembly  100  of this invention in open position  102 . 
       FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  with double step assembly  100  of this invention moving to open position  102 . 
       FIG. 14  depicts a second perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  with double step assembly  100  of this invention moving to open position  102 . 
       FIG. 15  depicts a perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  with double step assembly  100  of this invention moving to open position  102 . 
       FIG. 16  depicts a top perspective view of a ball lock assembly  180  with double step assembly  100  of this invention in open position  102 . 
       FIG. 17  depicts a perspective view of with double step assembly  100  of this invention with a mounting adjustment  196 . 
       FIG. 18  depicts a perspective view of triple step assembly  200  of this invention moving in open position  102 . 
       FIG. 19  depicts a perspective view of large hitch  242 , which is usable with double step assembly  100  or triple step assembly  200  of this invention. 
   

   Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same number is applied thereto. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention that are illustrated in accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, down, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, may be used with respect to the drawings. These and similar to directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner. The words attach, connect, couple, and similar terms with their inflectional morphemes do not necessarily denote direct or intermediate connections, but may also include connections through mediate elements or devices. 
   A step assembly to assist the entry into or exit from a vehicle is attached to the vehicle through the cooperation of a mounting means therefor and the trailer hitch, thereon. This step assembly is usable by humans or pets. The step assembly is foldable or collapsible as desired. It may even be folded while on the vehicle, to facilitate use thereof. This step assembly offers two or three steps, which facilitate entry into a vehicle. The step assembly may be a double step assembly with two steps or a triple step assembly with three steps. 
   In  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , double step assembly  100  fits onto vehicle  110  at trailer hitch  112 .  FIG. 1  has double step assembly  100  and open position  102  and may include an optional non slip surface  138 . In this manner, a person or an animal may use double step assembly  100 . With double step assembly  100  in closed position  104  as in  FIG. 2 , it may be left on the vehicle  110  and not interfere with the use of the vehicle  110 . 
   Still considering  FIG. 2 , hitch insert  114  on double step assembly  100  slides into trailer hitch  112 . The hitch insert  114  is then secured therein by bar and cotterpin assembly  108 . Thus, double step assembly  100  becomes releasably and strongly mounted on vehicle  110 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the structure of the double step assembly  100  becomes more clear. Hitch insert  114  of the double step assembly  100  is secured thereto by top hinge  116  and first upper hinge rod  118 , which creates a pivotal connection, which in turn is secured through fasteners  122 . While first upper hinge rod  118  cooperates with top step  130 , first lower hinge rods  120  use fasteners  122  to cooperate with bottom step  140 . 
   Cooperating with top step  130  are a pair of upper side plates  132 , on opposing sides thereof and roughly parallel to the hitch insert  114 . Between one upper side plate  132  and top step  130  is the left vertical support  134 . On the opposing side thereof, right vertical support  136  is between the upper side plate  132  and top step  130 . 
   While top step  130  is secured to the upper end of each of the left vertical support  134  and the right vertical support  136 , bottom step  140  is secured to the lower end thereof to in similar fashion with a pair of bottom side plates  142 . However, each of the left vertical support  134  and the right vertical support  136  secure each bottom side plate  142  between it and bottom step  140 . 
   For further stability, second upper hinge rod  126  attaches to the left and right vertical supports  134  and  136  and the top step. Second lower hinge rod  128  attaches to the lower end of the left and right vertical supports  134  and  136  and the bottom steps  140 . 
   Both the left vertical support  134  and the right vertical support  136  include support apertures  146  as desired to receive hinge rods or other mounting devices. Lower support plates  168  are also present at the bottom of left vertical support  134  and the right vertical support  136  to provide further step support. 
   Both the left vertical support  134  and the right vertical support  136  include lever lock assembly  150  and ball lock assembly  180  which provide for positioning the double step assembly  100  in the open position  102  or the closed position  104  as desired. It is also possible to provide top step  130  and bottom step  140  with a non-slip surface  138  ( FIG. 1 ). Additionally, a logo plate  148  may be secured to either top step  130  or bottom step  140  as desired. Logo plate  148  may be any appropriate decoration or advertising on double step assembly  100 . 
   With  FIG. 4 , the double step assembly  100  is both expanded and further clarified. Double step assembly  100  is inserted into trailer hitch  112  of vehicle  110  at hitch insert  114 . The first upper hinge rod  118  connects top hinge  116 , which is secured with top step  130 , to hitch insert  114 . First upper hinge rod  118  slides into the top step  130  at and through top hinge  116 . Since first upper hinge rod  118  is hollow, a fastener  122  passes through upper side plate  132  and into first upper hinge rod  118  at each end thereof. 
   The upper side plate  132  also receives second upper hinge rod  126  into the opposite side of top step  130 . Second upper hinge rod  126  also receives left vertical support  134  and right vertical support  136  on opposing sides of top step  130 . Then fasteners  122  secure each upper side plate  132  thereto. Thus, second upper hinge rod  126  and first upper hinge rod  118  secure opposing ends of both of upper side plate  132 . Lever lock assembly  150  fits into top step  130  adjacent to second upper hinge rod  126  and facilitates the moving of double step assembly  100  between open position  102  and closed position  104 . 
   For bottom step  140 , second lower hinge rod  128  and first lower hinge rod  120  use fasteners  122  with bottom side plate  142  through bottom plate apertures  124  ( FIG. 3 ) therein in order to secure bottom side plates  142  to bottom step  140 . However, with first lower hinge rod  120 , left vertical support  134  and right vertical support  136  are positioned over bottom side plate  142  before fasteners  122  are secured therein. 
   With  FIG. 5 , strength of the step assembly  100  is improved. A honey comb type structure  166  strengthens the step assembly  100  and is shown in top step  130  and bottom step  140 . It also reduces the weight of the step assembly, while substantially maintaining strength. Strength or weight support may also be increased thereby. 
   Adding  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 7  to the considerations, lever lock assembly  150  is explained more clearly as a mechanism facilitating the transfer between closed position  102  as shown and open position  104  ( FIG. 14 ). Lever lock assembly  150  fits into top step  130  adjacent to second upper hinge rod  126 . Spring cover  152  serves a dual purpose. First, spring cover  152  cooperates with the end latch bolt  154  of lever lock assembly  150  by virtue of the coupling shank  156  extending therefrom. Secondly, at one end, spring cover  152  serves as sliding bushing  158  and receives large compression spring  162 . 
   Oppositely disposed from coupling shank  156 , sliding bushing  158  has finger lever  160  extending therefrom to facilitate use thereof. Large compression spring  162  fits into coupling aperture  164  of sliding bushing  158 . In lever lock assembly  150 , a spring cover  152  appears on either end of the large compression spring  162 , as does a sliding bushing  158  and coupling shank  156  of end latch bolt  154 . 
   Adding  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9 ,  FIG. 10 ,  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , ball lock assembly  180  holds double step assembly  100  in open position  102  or closed position  104  as desired. Ball lock assembly  180  has a reciprocating ball  182  communicating with a small compression spring  184  within a housing  186 , with a housing aperture  188 . 
   A ball lock assembly  180  is mounted in each of left vertical support  134  and right vertical support  136 . Small compression spring  184  then holds reciprocating ball  182  in blind aperture or dimple  190  on a side of bottom step  140 . Likewise, hinge  116  is indexed with hitch insert  114 . 
   With  FIG. 13 ,  FIG. 14 ,  FIG. 15 ,  FIG. 16  and  FIG. 17 , the steps of folding to closed position  104  ( FIG. 13 ) or unfolding to open position  102  ( FIG. 16 ) are further clarified. Pressure on bottom step  140  releases ball lock assembly  180  from dimple  190  and permits folding to take place. As double step assembly  100  folds, each reciprocating ball  182  is allowed enter a second dimple  190  on left vertical support  134  and right vertical support  136 , thereby holding bottom step  140  in place. 
   Whether in closed position  104  ( FIG. 13 ) or open position  102  ( FIG. 16 ), multiple mount adjustment  196  may be used to secure double step assembly  100  to vehicle  110 . Finger lever  160  ( FIG. 14 ) releases closed position  104  of left vertical support  134  and right vertical  136  from top step  130 . The hitch insert  114  can have a multiple mount adjustment  196  ( FIG. 17 ). 
   With the consideration of  FIG. 18 , the feasibility of triple step assembly  200  with third step  230  becomes clear in order to form. A second set of left vertical support  134  and right vertical support  136  support third step  230  below bottom step  140 , with a structure and folding capability similar to bottom step  140 . Thus, third step  230  may be added with very little increase bulk for triple step assembly  200  relative to double step assembly  100 . 
     FIG. 19  shows a hitch sleeve  240  usable with a large trailer hitch  242  and applicable both to triple step assembly  200  and to double step assembly  100 . Hitch sleeve  240  adjusts so that hitch insert  114  fits efficiently into large trailer hitch  242 . Two of bar and cotterpin assembly  108  ( FIG. 2 ) are used to complete the assembly. 
   This application; taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined; provides sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure. 
   Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.