Abstract:
A horizontally moving retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle, such as a low to the ground vehicle like a van. The horizontal vehicle step can provide access to different portions of the vehicle. Further, the horizontal vehicle step can act as a safety mechanism to reduce potential harm to a user in accidentally stepping in gaps between the vehicle and a curb.

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Field 
         [0003]    This disclosure relates generally to a retractable vehicle step which is movable between a retracted or storage position and an extended position and can increase safety to a user. 
         [0004]    Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    It is commonly known to add a running board or similar fixed stepping assist to the side of a motor vehicle, especially to a vehicle with a relatively high ground clearance. However, these fixed running boards and other stepping assists have had several drawbacks. First, a fixed running board is often too high to act as a practical stepping assist and is therefore not very effective in reducing the initial step height for the vehicle user. In addition, when using a relatively high running board, the user is likely to hit his or her head while climbing into the vehicle cab. Furthermore, a fixed running board often extends a significant distance from the side of the vehicle, and can be a source of dirt or grime that rubs onto the user&#39;s pants or other clothing as the user steps out of the vehicle onto the ground surface. Such a fixed running board is also frequently struck when the owner of an adjacent parked vehicle opens his door. Finally, a fixed running board or step reduces the ground clearance of a vehicle, and can be damaged or torn off entirely when the vehicle is used for off-road driving. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    Disclosed herein are embodiments of a horizontally extending step comprising an attachment frame configured to attach to a vehicle and a stepping fixture comprising a pair of arms rotatably attached to the frame and extending away from the frame, a support component rotatably connected to the pair of arms, and a stepping platform attached to the support component, said stepping platform defining a stepping surface, wherein the stepping fixture is configured to rotate between a stowed and deployed position, and wherein the stepping platform remains generally parallel to a plane P s  defined by the stepping surface when the stepping platform is in the stowed position in the stowed and the deployed position. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, an angle between the plane defined by the stepping surface extending outwards away from the vehicle and a horizontal plane extending outwards away from the vehicle may not decrease in angle more than 15° from the stowed to the deployed position. In some embodiments, an angle between the plane defined by the stepping surface extending outwards away from the vehicle and a horizontal plane extending outwards away from the vehicle may not decrease or increase in angle more than 15° from the stowed to the deployed position. In some embodiments, the stepping platform can remain generally parallel to P s  from the stowed to the deployed position. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the stepping platform and support component can be a single piece. In some embodiments, the pair of arms are not parallel in the stowed or deployed positions. In some embodiments, the support component can be generally flat. In some embodiments, the support component can remain generally parallel to P s  from the stowed to the deployed position. In some embodiments, the horizontally extending step can be self-energizing in the stowed position. In some embodiments, the horizontally extending step can be self-energizing in the deployed position. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the plane defined by the stepping surface can have a positive angle with relation to a horizontal plane when the stepping fixture is in an intermediate position located halfway between the stowed and deployed position. In some embodiments, a distal tip of the stepping platform can remain within 1 inch in the vertical direction between the stowed position, the deployed position, and an intermediate position located halfway between the stowed and deployed positions. In some embodiments, a distal tip of the stepping platform can remain within 0.5 inches in the vertical direction between the stowed position, the deployed position, and an intermediate position located halfway between the stowed and deployed positions. 
         [0010]    Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a horizontally extending step comprising a pair of arms configured to be rotatably attached to a vehicle and extending away from the vehicle and a stepping platform rotatably connected to the pair of arms, wherein the stepping fixture is configured to rotate between a stowed, an intermediate, and deployed position, the intermediate position being located halfway between the stowed and deployed positions, and wherein the stepping platform has a generally fixed orientation between the stowed, intermediate, and deployed positions. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the horizontally extending step can be self-energizing in the stowed position. In some embodiments, the horizontally extending step can be self-energizing in the deployed position. 
         [0012]    Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a horizontally extending step comprising a frame configured to attach to a vehicle and a stepping fixture comprising a distal and a proximal arm rotatably attached to the frame and extending away from the frame, a support component rotatably connected to the pair of arms, and a stepping platform attached to the support component, the stepping platform being closer to the distal arm than the proximal arm, wherein the stepping fixture is configured to rotate between a stowed, an intermediate, and deployed position, the intermediate position being located halfway between the stowed and deployed positions, and wherein an angle between the stepping platform and the distal arm is at least 110° in the deployed position. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the angle can be greater than 120° in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the angle can be greater than 135° in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the angle can be less than 180° in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the horizontally extending step can be self-energizing in the stowed position. In some embodiments, the horizontally extending step can be self-energizing in the deployed position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step in a stowed position. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step in an intermediate position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step in a deployed position. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates an overlaid view of the motion of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates an underneath view of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step in a deployed position. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates an underneath view of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step in an intermediate position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates an underneath view of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step in a stowed position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates two embodiments of a horizontal vehicle step mechanism attached to an extended horizontal step in a deployed position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates two embodiments of a horizontal vehicle step mechanism attached to an extended horizontal step in an intermediate position. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates two embodiments of a horizontal vehicle step mechanism attached to an extended horizontal step in a stowed position. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  illustrates a see-through view of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Disclosed herein are embodiments of stepping structure for assisting a user to access a vehicle. In particular, embodiments of the disclosed stepping structure can move generally horizontally, and thus can be advantageous for use in low to the ground vehicles, such as vans and cars. In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step can extend outwards while avoiding curbs or other ground interferences due to the horizontal motion of the vehicle step. In some embodiments, vertical motion of the horizontal vehicle step can be limited. 
         [0027]    Embodiments of the disclosed horizontal vehicle step can improve safety for a person having a low to the ground vehicle, such as a van. Typically in loading and unloading operations, the vehicle is parked close to, but not directly on top of, a curb. Therefore, there is a gap between the curb and the door of the vehicle. A person stepping in and out of the vehicle, especially while carrying a heavy load, can easily misstep and place their foot in the gap between the curb and the vehicle. This could lead to significant injury to the foot or leg of the person. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosed horizontal vehicle step can be deployed to extend into the gap, which can prevent serious injury. 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of such a horizontal vehicle step  100  in a stowed position. As shown, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can be composed of numerous components, further discussed below, which can allow for translation of the horizontal vehicle step  100  from a stowed position ( FIG. 1 ) through an intermediate position ( FIG. 2 ) and to a deployed or substantially deployed position ( FIG. 3 ) and back again, and can help a user to enter and exit a vehicle. In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can be located under a vehicle door, such as the front or back doors, or below the trunk, though the particular location of the horizontal vehicle step  100  is not limiting. In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can move to the deployed position when a vehicle door is opened and move to a stowed position when an open vehicle door is closed. In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can be moved manually. In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can move through the press of a button or activation of a switch, and can operate independently of motion of a vehicle door. 
         [0029]    As shown, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can contain a stepping platform  102 . The stepping platform  102  can extend generally parallel to the ground and can be configured for a user to step on to allow for access into a vehicle. The stepping platform  102  can be sized to generally fit a user&#39;s foot in some embodiments. Thus, a plurality of different stepping platforms  102  can be used for different parts of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the stepping platform  102  can extend along a substantially length of a vehicle, such as to be configured like a rail as shown in  FIG. 8 . Accordingly, in some embodiments only a single stepping platform  102  is used on each side of the vehicle for the rail-like configuration. In some embodiments, the stepping platform  102  can have gripping or high friction material on its upper side to help a user enter a vehicle. 
         [0030]    The stepping platform  102  can connect to a support component  103 . In some embodiments, the stepping platform  102  is attached to the support component  103  so that the stepping platform  102  and support component  103  translate and/or rotate as one unit. In some embodiments, the stepping platform  102  can rotate separately from the support component  103 . In some embodiments, the support component  103  can be generally flat and run generally parallel to a horizontal plane h. In some embodiments, support component  103  and stepping platform  102  can be a single piece. In some embodiments, the stepping platform  102  can be integrally formed with the support component  103 . In some embodiments, the two pieces can be attached to one another through, for example, screws, though the particular attachment means does not limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, the support component  103  can be substantially thinner than the stepping platform  102 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0031]    A pair of arms  104 / 106  can rotatably attach to the support component  103 , allowing for rotation of the support component  103 , and thus the stepping platform  102 . The arms  104 / 106  can be attached to the support component  103  through the rotation axes  114 . In some embodiments, either one or both of arms  104 / 106  can have a stop (or bumper)  116 , which can be used to prevent the horizontal vehicle step  100  from moving outside a desired rotation. The stops  116  can be, for example, rubber to prevent motion of the horizontal vehicle step  100  while preventing scratching or other damage. In some embodiments the stops  116  can contain a general hollow cavity allowing for compressing of the stops  116  (e.g., allowing them to be flattened) during rotation of the arms  104 / 106 . This compression can allow for the arms  104 / 106  to rotate farther than if the stops  116  did not have the hollow cavity, for example allowing the stepping platform  102  angle p to be approximately parallel to that of plane h as discussed in detail below. However, the particular makeup of the stops  116  does not limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, the combination of stepping platform  102 , support component  103 , and arms  104 / 106  can be known as the stepping fixture. While only two arms are shown, more arms could be used as well. Further, each arm  104 / 106  could be broken into different segments that may or may not rotate with respect to each other. In some embodiments, another bar can connect arms  104 / 106 . 
         [0032]    On the opposite end from the support component  103 , arms  104 / 106  can attach to a frame  108 . The frame  108  can then attached to a vehicle frame  110 , such as the underside or sidewalls of a vehicle. However, the positioning of the frame  108  onto the vehicle frame  110  does not limit the disclosure, and any particular location can be used so that the stepping platform  102  can be accessed by a user. Further, the particular size and dimensions of the frame  108  do not limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, such as shown in  FIG. 1 , the frame  108  may extend towards the centerline of the vehicle. The arms  104 / 106  can be attached to frame  108  through the rotation axes  114 . In some embodiments, frame  108  may not be used, and the arms  104 / 106  can be attached directly to the underside of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the instant center of the horizontal vehicle step  100  can be located within the horizontal vehicle step  100  when the horizontal vehicle step  100  is in the deployed or stowed position, or in both positions. In some embodiments, the instant center of the horizontal vehicle step  100  is not located outside of the horizontal vehicle step  100 . For example, at any given moment, when the horizontal vehicle step  100  is pivoting from one position to another, the stepping platform  102  can be considered to be pivoting about one point in space (e.g., an “instant center”) within the horizontal vehicle step  100 , as viewed perpendicular to the rotational axes  114 , such as viewed from the perspective of  FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, this one point could correspond to being within the horizontal dimension of the stepping platform  102  (corresponding to an x axis in an x-y coordinate system), could correspond to being within vertical dimension of the stepping platform  102  (corresponding to a y axis in an x-y coordinate system), or could corresponded to being within cross-section of the stepping platform  102  in both the horizontal and vertical dimension. 
         [0033]      FIG. 4  illustrates three different positions of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step  100  superimposed on one another. Specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates the deployed ( FIG. 3 ), intermediate ( FIG. 2 ), and stowed positions ( FIG. 1 ) of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step  100 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the deployed position (leftmost) is located approximately the same vertical position as the stowed position (rightmost). In some embodiments, the deployed position is at the same vertical position as the stowed position. 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, the front edge  101  of the horizontal vehicle step  100  is at approximately the same position, or slightly below, the front edge  101  in the deployed or stowed positions. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the front edge  101  in the intermediate position is within about 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 inches from the vertical position of the front edge  101  in the deployed or stowed position. In some embodiments, the vertical position of the front edge  101  in the intermediate position is less than about 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 inches from the vertical position of the front edge  101  in the deployed or stowed position. 
         [0035]    In some embodiments, the angle between plane h and the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is the same in the stowed position as in the deployed position. Accordingly, in some embodiments the stepping platform  102  has a generally fixed orientation between the deployed and stowed positions. In some embodiments, the angle between plane h and the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is within about 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20° in the stowed position as in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the angle between plane h and the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is greater than about 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20° in the stowed position as in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the angle between plane h and the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is less than about 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20° in the stowed position as in the deployed position. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments, the angle between plane h and the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is the same in the stowed position as in the intermediate and deployed position. Accordingly, in some embodiments the stepping platform  102  has a generally fixed orientation between the deployed, intermediate, and stowed positions. In some embodiments, the angle between plane h and the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is within about 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20° in the stowed position as in the intermediate and deployed position. In some embodiments, the angle between plane h and the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is greater than about 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20° in the stowed position as in the intermediate and deployed position. In some embodiments, the angle between plane h and the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is less than about 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20° in the stowed position as in the intermediate and deployed position. 
         [0037]    In some embodiments, the maximum change in angle between the plane h and the plane p formed from the top of the stepping platform  102  throughout motion of the horizontal vehicle step  100  is within about 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20° (or within about −0, −1, −5, −10, −15, or −20°). In some embodiments, the maximum change in angle between the plane h and the plane p formed from the top of the stepping platform  102  throughout motion of the horizontal vehicle step  100  is less than about 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20° (or less than about −0, −1, −5, −10, −15, or −20°). In some embodiments, the maximum change in angle between the plane h and the plane p formed from the top of the stepping platform  102  throughout motion of the horizontal vehicle step  100  is greater than about 0, 1, 5, 10, 15, or 20° (or great than about −0, −1, −5, −10, −15, or −20°). 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is approximately parallel to plane h in the deployed position. In some embodiments, the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is approximately parallel to plane h in the stowed position. In some embodiments, the plane p formed by the stepping platform  102  is approximately parallel to plane h in the intermediate position. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, the plane p formed between plane h and the plane p formed by a top surface  105  of the stepping platform  102  is positive (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, when the horizontal vehicle step  100  is in the deployed position as shown in  FIG. 3 , the angle between the stepping platform  102  and arm  104  can be obtuse. In some embodiments, the angle between the stepping platform  102  and arm  104  can be about 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, or 170°. In some embodiments, the angle between the stepping platform  102  and arm  104  can be greater than about 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, or 170°. In some embodiments, the angle between the stepping platform  102  and arm  104  can be less than about 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180°. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, when the horizontal vehicle step  100  is in the deployed position as shown in  FIG. 3 , the angle between the stepping platform  102  and arm  106  can be obtuse. In some embodiments, the angle between the stepping platform  102  and arm  106  can be about 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, or 170°. In some embodiments, the angle between the stepping platform  102  and arm  106  can be greater than about 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, or 170°. In some embodiments, the angle between the stepping platform  102  and arm  106  can be less than about 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, or 180°. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrate the general motion and positioning of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step  100 . As shown, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can remain generally parallel to horizontal plane “h.” This plan can be generally parallel to the underside of a vehicle or can be generally parallel to the ground. 
         [0043]    In some embodiments, throughout all positions of the horizontal vehicle step  100 , the plane p created by the top surface of stepping member  102  can stay within about 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 3, 1, or 0° of plane h. In some embodiments, throughout all positions of the horizontal vehicle step  100 , the plane p created by the top surface of stepping member  102  can stay within less than about 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5, 3, or 1° of plane h. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the stowed position of horizontal vehicle step  100 , shown in  FIG. 1 , can be approximately the same angle away from plane h as the deployed position of horizontal vehicle step  100 , shown in  FIG. 1 . Further, in some embodiments, the stowed position of horizontal vehicle step  100  can have approximately the same vertical position as the deployed position of horizontal vehicle step  100 . In some embodiments, the stowed position of horizontal vehicle step  100  can be within about 1, 2, 3, or 4 inches of the vertical position as the deployed position of horizontal vehicle step  100 . In some embodiments, the stowed position of horizontal vehicle step  100  can be less than about 1, 2, 3, or 4 inches of the vertical position as the deployed position of horizontal vehicle step  100   
         [0045]    Embodiments of the disclosed horizontal vehicle step  100  can be useful for vehicles having a lower base than, for example, a truck or SUV. Because the vehicles can have a lower base, it can be advantageous to take up less area during the motion of the horizontal vehicle step  100  to avoid impediments on the ground, such as a curb  112  as shown in the figures. 
         [0046]    Accordingly, as embodiments of the disclosed horizontal vehicle step  100  covers less of an area during deployment and stowage, it can be advantageous for vehicles that are located closer to the ground. 
         [0047]      FIG. 5-7  illustrate a below viewpoint of embodiments of a horizontal vehicle step  100  in the deployed ( FIG. 5 ), intermediate ( FIG. 6 ), and stowed ( FIG. 7 ) positions. 
         [0048]      FIG. 8-10  illustrate an embodiment which can use a plurality of horizontal steps on a single side of a vehicle in order to, for example, retain movable running boards. As shown, a first horizontal vehicle step  100  and a second horizontal vehicle step  100 ′ can be used to hold a horizontal running board  802  similar to what is described in detail above. More can be used as well, and the number of attachment mechanisms does not limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle steps  100 / 100 ′ can move in concert, allowing the horizontal running board  802  to move from the deployed position ( FIG. 8 ), through the intermediate position ( FIG. 9 ) and into the deployed position ( FIG. 10 ). 
         [0049]      FIG. 11  illustrates an exploded viewpoint of an embodiment of a horizontal vehicle step  100 , illustrates an example of how components of the horizontal vehicle step  100  can fit together. 
         [0050]      FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiments of a horizontal vehicle step  100  in an intermediate position, in particular to more easily show dimensions for some of the different parts of the horizontal vehicle step  100 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the length (Y) of arm  104  is the same as the length (X) of arm  106 . In some embodiments, the length (Y) of arm  104  is different than the length (X) of arm  106 . In some embodiments, the length (Y) of arm  104  is less than the length (X) of arm  106 . In some embodiments, the length (Y) of arm  104  is greater than the length (X) of arm  106 . 
         [0052]    In some embodiments, the distance (M) between the frame  108  rotation points  114  of arms  104 / 106  are the same as the distance (N) between the support component  103  rotation points  114  of arms  104 / 106 . In some embodiments, the distance (M) between the frame  108  rotation points  114  of arms  104 / 106  is different than the distance (N) between the support component  103  rotation points  114  of arms  104 / 106 . In some embodiments, the distance (M) between the frame  108  rotation points  114  of arms  104 / 106  is greater than the distance (N) between the support component  103  rotation points  114  of arms  104 / 106 . In some embodiments, the distance (M) between the frame  108  rotation points  114  of arms  104 / 106  is less than the distance (N) between the support component  103  rotation points  114  of arms  104 / 106 . 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, arms  104 / 106  are not parallel when in the stowed position. In some embodiments, arms  104 / 106  are not parallel when in the intermediate position. In some embodiments, arms  104 / 106  are not parallel when in the deployed position. In some embodiments, arms  104 / 106  are not parallel through the entire range of motion of the horizontal vehicle step  100 . 
         [0054]    Components of the disclosed horizontal vehicle step  100  can comprise a structurally strong and/or light weight material. In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can comprise a fiber reinforced composite material such as a carbon fiber reinforced plastic or thermoplastic with, for example, a polymer matrix or resin. In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can comprise other suitable composites, plastics, thermoplastics, metals, alloys, ceramics, among others, with efficacy, as needed or desired. However, the particular material used does not limit the disclosure. 
       Self-Energizing Mechanism for Horizontal Vehicle Step 
       [0055]    In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  can be self-energizing in either the deployed or stowed position, or in both positions. For example, a planar four-bar linkage can be used in some embodiments of the horizontal vehicle step  100 , allowing for stability and predictability in motion of the step. In some embodiments, a planar quadrilateral linkage can be used for self-energizing the horizontal vehicle step  100 . In some embodiments, a planar quadrilateral crank-rocker linkage can be used, which is described below. 
         [0056]    In the stowed and deployed positions (respectively shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 ), the horizontal vehicle step  100  is in a self-energized position so that a load applied to the top of the stepping platform  102  in a relatively downwards motion does not move the horizontal vehicle step  100  towards an intermediate position. 
         [0057]    For example, any force exerted downward onto the rail the stepping platform  102  of horizontal vehicle step  100  desirably will increase the resistance of the horizontal vehicle step  100  to moving. In some embodiments, the stepping platform  102  would need to move upward before the horizontal vehicle step  100  can translate. 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, a motor can be used in conjunction with the horizontal vehicle step  100 . In some embodiments the motor can be rigidly mounted to the underside of a vehicle, such as through the use of a mounting bracket, thought he particular mounting method does not limit the disclosure. In some embodiments, the motor can be located generally adjacent to the horizontal vehicle step  100 . 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the motor turns a pinion gear about an axis roughly parallel to the plane defined by the underbody of a vehicle. The pinion gear can mesh with drive teeth formed at the end of arm  106 . Actuation of the motor can cause the pinion gear to rotate and the arm  106  to counter-rotate with respect to the motor and pinion gear. As the arm  106 , rotates it can push the stepping platform  102  by virtue of its connection to support component  103 . Thus, when the motor rotates, the motor can move the stepping platform  102  between a stowed position ( FIG. 1 ) wherein the stepping deck is generally positioned inward from the exterior of the vehicle or fixed running board and a deployed position ( FIG. 3 ) in which the stepping platform  102  is extended sufficiently to provide a step for at least the forefoot portion of a user&#39;s foot. 
         [0060]    As the horizontal vehicle step  100  moves between the stowed position and the deployed position under the power of the motor, arm  104  rotates as well and the deployed position is reached when the stop  116  contact arm  106 . 
         [0061]    When the horizontal vehicle step  100  is in the deployed position, a downward force exerted on the stepping platform  102  causes stop  116  to bear against arm  106 . This arrangement causes the load on the stepping platform  102  to be borne primarily by the support component  103  and arm  104 . In the deployed position, the horizontal vehicle step  100  takes on a geometry such that the support component  103  and arm  104  are loaded in tension. The torque generated by a load on the stepping platform  102  is opposed by arm  106 , which is thus loaded in axial compression. Due to the particular configuration, the motor is isolated from the load on the stepping platform  102 . 
         [0062]    This aspect of the horizontal vehicle step  100  prevents damage to the motor by eliminating “back-loading,” as there is no torque reaction about the end of arm  106 , even when very heavy loads are placed on the stepping platform  102 . Thus the motor is not needed to exert a counter-torque on arm  106  to support the load on the stepping platform  102 . This feature also eliminates the need for balky, unreliable clutches or any other means of disconnecting the motor from the horizontal vehicle step  100 , or retractable stops or the like to engage and support the horizontal vehicle step  100  when in the extended position. 
         [0063]    With these features the horizontal vehicle step  100  provides a practical stepping assist for a vehicle user, which can be quickly moved into an extended position for use and retracted out of the way when necessary. As detailed above, this functionality is provided with a minimum of mechanical complexity and a high level of reliability. Moreover, the horizontal vehicle step  100  is easily connected to a vehicle&#39;s existing systems to allow even greater usability. For example, the motor may be connected to the vehicle&#39;s electrical system to cause the horizontal vehicle step  100  to quickly move to the extended position upon shutting off the vehicle&#39;s engine, placing the vehicle in park, opening a door, or signaling the power door-lock system with a remote device or control such as a key fob control. Similarly, the motor may be signaled to retract the horizontal vehicle step  100  upon starting the engine, placing the vehicle in drive, closing or locking the door(s) with which the step is associated, etc. 
         [0064]    In the embodiment presently under discussion, when the horizontal vehicle step  100  is in the stowed position, it is concealed, preferably completely concealed, from the view of a typical standing adult curbside observer of the vehicle. In this position the horizontal vehicle step  100 , can be disposed behind the lowest extension or lower edge of the vehicle underbody. In some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  is not visible to an adult standing 5 feet from the vehicle; in some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  is not visible to an adult standing 10 feet from the vehicle; in some embodiments, the horizontal vehicle step  100  is not visible to an adult standing 20 feet from the vehicle. 
         [0065]    In some embodiments, a clutch may be used as well. 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, in the self-energized position there can be some slight rotational movement of the stepping platform  102 . For example, the stepping platform  102  can rotate approximately 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 degrees without movement of the horizontal vehicle step  100  or/or moving the horizontal vehicle step  100  to a position where the horizontal vehicle step  100  is not still self-energized. In some embodiments, the stepping platform  102  can rotate approximately less than 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 degrees without translating the horizontal vehicle step  100  or/or moving the horizontal vehicle step  100  to a position where the horizontal vehicle step  100  is not still self-energized. This ensures that the horizontal vehicle step  100  remains self-energized even if the stepping platform  102  is bumped and/or moves somewhat. 
         [0067]    From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that embodiments of an inventive horizontal vehicle step are disclosed. While several components, techniques and aspects have been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is manifest that many changes can be made in the specific designs, constructions and methodology herein above described without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. 
         [0068]    Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation can also be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination. 
         [0069]    Moreover, while methods may be depicted in the drawings or described in the specification in a particular order, such steps need not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and that all steps need not be performed, to achieve desirable results. Other methods that are not depicted or described can be incorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one or more additional methods can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the described methods. Further, the methods may be rearranged or reordered in other implementations. Also, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of this disclosure. 
         [0070]    Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments. 
         [0071]    Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z. 
         [0072]    Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately,” “about,” “generally,” and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally,” and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of, within less than or equal to 5% of, within less than or equal to 1% of, within less than or equal to 0.1% of, and within less than or equal to 0.01% of the stated amount. 
         [0073]    Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures are drawn to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed inventions. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps. 
         [0074]    While a number of embodiments and variations thereof have been described in detail, other modifications and methods of using the same will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that various applications, modifications, materials, and substitutions can be made of equivalents without departing from the unique and inventive disclosure herein or the scope of the claims.