Patent Publication Number: US-2018037166-A1

Title: Hitch Mounted Entry Step

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 62/370,585 filed Aug. 3, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention, in its several embodiments, pertains to hitches, and more particularly to trailer hitch attachments. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Trailer hitches may be used to attach vehicles for towing. Trailer hitches may also be used to attach accessories, such as bike racks and cargo carriers. A single trailer hitch may only be used to attach a single vehicle or accessory. 
     SUMMARY 
     A hitch step system is disclosed herein including: a hitch mount configured to be mounted to a hitch receiver tube; wherein the hitch mount has a body comprises an opening for slidably receiving a portion of the hitch receiver tube therein; and wherein an open end of the hitch receiver tube remains available to receive a hitch attachment. The hitch mount body may include a sleeve element. The sleeve element may include a plurality of threaded openings. The system may also include a plurality of fasteners, where the plurality of fasteners are inserted through the plurality of threaded openings to urge the plurality of fasteners against at least one wall of the hitch receiver tube within the sleeve element such that the sleeve element remains stationary relative to the hitch receiver tube. 
     In another system embodiment, the hitch mount body comprises a saddle element. The saddle element may be fixedly attached to a hitch step support. The hitch step support may include a first support frame member, a second support frame member, a third support frame member, a fourth support frame member, a fifth support frame member, and a sixth support frame member. The first support frame member, the second support frame member, and the third support frame member may all be substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis; where the fourth support frame member may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second support frame members; and where the fifth and sixth support frame members may be substantially perpendicular to both the fourth support frame member and the third support frame member. The third frame member may be fixedly attached to the saddle. 
     In some system embodiments, the hitch step support may have an adjustable vertical height relative to the hitch receiver tube. The system may also include a hitch step including a top surface and a bottom surface, where the hitch step support may be attached to the hitch step. The system may also include a flip-down step disposed above the hitch step in a first position and below the hitch step in the second position. Some system embodiments may include a plurality of pivoting brackets, where the flip-down step may be detachably attached to the bottom surface of the hitch step by the plurality of pivoting brackets rotatably attached to flip-down step attachment brackets. 
     The saddle element may include a plurality of apertures, and the saddle element may be secured about the hitch receiver tube via a plurality of fasteners fitting through the apertures in side walls of the saddle. The saddle element may include two pairs of side walls and spacer plates attached to the hitch step support, where the spacer plates and side walls of the saddle may be substantially parallel to one another and form an opening for receiving a portion of the hitch receiver tube having a substantially constant width. 
     An exemplary hitch step system including: a hitch step comprising a top surface and a bottom surface; a hitch step support fixedly attached to the hitch step; a saddle fixedly attached to the hitch step support and detachably attachable to a hitch receiver tube such that an open end of the hitch receiver tube is available to accept a hitch attachment; and a flip-down step disposed above the hitch step in a first position and below the hitch step in the second position, wherein the flip-down step is detachably attached to the bottom surface of the hitch step by a plurality of pivoting brackets rotatably attached to flip-down step attachment brackets. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, which may not be drawn to scale, and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  shows a top plan view of an exemplary flip down step of a hitch step system disclosed herein, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 1B  shows a front elevational view of the exemplary flip down step of  FIG. 1A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 1C  shows a right side elevational view of the exemplary flip down step of  FIG. 1A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 1D  shows a detail of a pivoting bracket about A in  FIG. 1C , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 1E  shows a perspective view of the exemplary flip down step of  FIG. 1A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a top unassembled view of an exemplary hitch step of the exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a detail view of mounting holes detail A in  FIG. 2A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  shows a bottom plan view of a formed exemplary hitch step of the exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  shows a front elevational view of the exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 3A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3C  shows a right side elevational view of the exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 3A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3D  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 3A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a top plan view of an exemplary hitch step support of the exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  shows a front elevational view of the exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 4A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4C  shows a right side elevational view of the exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 4A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 4D  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 4A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5A  shows a front elevational view of a hitch stair including the exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 3A  attached to the exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 4A , wherein hidden parts shown in dashed lines, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5B  shows a bottom plan view of the exemplary hitch stair of  FIG. 5A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5C  shows a right side elevational view of the hitch stair of  FIG. 5A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 5D  shows a perspective view of the hitch stair of  FIG. 5A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6A  shows an exemplary mounting plate of a saddle of the exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6B  shows an exemplary spacer plate of the saddle of the exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6C  shows a perspective view of the exemplary mounting plate of  FIG. 6A  attached to the exemplary spacer plate of  FIG. 6B , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6D  shows a top view of the exemplary mounting plate of  FIG. 6A  and exemplary spacer plate of  FIG. 6B  mounted on either side of the exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 4A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6E  shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary mounting plate of  FIG. 6A  and exemplary spacer plate of  FIG. 6B  attached on either side of the exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 4A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6F  shows a right side elevational view of the exemplary mounting plate of  FIG. 6A  attached to the exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 4A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7A  shows a top unassembled view of an alternate exemplary hitch step of an alternate exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7B  shows a detail view of mounting holes about A in  FIG. 7A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8A  shows a bottom plan view of an alternate formed exemplary hitch step of the alternate exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  shows a front elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 8A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8C  shows a right side elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 8A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8D  shows a perspective view of the alternate exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 8A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9A  shows a top plan view of an alternate exemplary hitch step support having an adjustable vertical height of the alternate exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9B  shows a front elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9C  shows a right side elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9D  shows a perspective view of the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10A  shows a front elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 8A  and the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10B  shows a bottom plan view of the alternate exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 8A  and the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10C  shows a right side elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 8A  and the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 10D  shows a perspective view of the alternate exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 8A  and the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11A  shows an alternate exemplary mounting plate of an alternate saddle of the alternate exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11B  shows an alternate exemplary spacer plate of the alternate saddle of the alternate exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11C  shows a perspective view of the alternate exemplary mounting plate of  FIG. 6A  attached to the alternate exemplary spacer plate of  FIG. 6B , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11D  shows a top view of the alternate exemplary mounting plate of  FIG. 6A  and alternate exemplary spacer plate of  FIG. 6B  mounted on either side of the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11E  shows a cross-sectional view of the alternate exemplary mounting plate of  FIG. 11A  and alternate exemplary spacer plate of  FIG. 11B  attached on either side of the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 11F  shows a right side elevational view of the alternate exemplary mounting plate of  FIG. 11A  attached to the alternate exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 9A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  shows another perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of the exemplary pivoting bracket of the exemplary flip down step limiting further rotational movement of the exemplary flip down step relative to the exemplary hitch step, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of the exemplary flip down step in a first position, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of the exemplary pivoting bracket of the flip down step, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system relative to a door in a recreational vehicle (RV), according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step support and exemplary saddle attached to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  shows a bottom view of the exemplary hitch step support and exemplary saddle attached to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 3A  and the exemplary hitch step support of  FIG. 4A , according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of the saddle of the exemplary hitch step system attached to the hitch receiver tube of the hitch receiver, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  shows an additional perspective view of the saddle of the exemplary hitch step system attached to the hitch receiver tube of the hitch receiver, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system with the exemplary flip down step in a lowered or second position, according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system with the exemplary flip down step being lowered, according to one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The description herein is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the embodiments discloses herein and is not meant to limit the concepts disclosed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the description as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. 
     A hitch step system is disclosed herein including: a hitch mount configured to be mounted to a hitch receiver tube; where the hitch mount has a body comprising an opening for slidably receiving a portion of the hitch receiver tube therein; and where an open end of the hitch receiver tube remains available to receive a hitch attachment. In one embodiment, the hitch mount body comprises a sleeve element. The sleeve element may include a plurality of threaded openings. The system may also include a plurality of fasteners, where the plurality of fasteners are inserted through the plurality of threaded openings to urge the plurality of fasteners against at least one wall of the hitch receiver tube within the sleeve element such that the sleeve element remains stationary relative to the hitch receiver tube. 
     In another system embodiment, the hitch mount body comprises a saddle element. The saddle element may be fixedly attached to a hitch step support. The hitch step support may include a first support frame member, a second support frame member, a third support frame member, a fourth support frame member, a fifth support frame member, and a sixth support frame member. The first support frame member, the second support frame member, and the third support frame member may all be substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis; where the fourth support frame member may be substantially perpendicular to the first and second support frame members; and where the fifth and sixth support frame members may be substantially perpendicular to both the fourth support frame member and the third support frame member. The third frame member may be fixedly attached to the saddle. 
     In some system embodiments, the hitch step support may have an adjustable vertical height relative to the hitch receiver tube. The system may also include a hitch step including a top surface and a bottom surface, where the hitch step support may be attached to the hitch step. The system may also include a flip-down step disposed above the hitch step in a first position and below the hitch step in the second position. Some system embodiments may include a plurality of pivoting brackets, where the flip-down step may be detachably attached to the bottom surface of the hitch step by the plurality of pivoting brackets rotatably attached to flip-down step attachment brackets. 
     The saddle element may include a plurality of apertures, and the saddle element may be secured about the hitch receiver tube via a plurality of fasteners fitting through the apertures in side walls of the saddle. The saddle element may include two pairs of side walls and spacer plates attached to the hitch step support, where the spacer plates and side walls of the saddle may be substantially parallel to one another and form an opening for receiving a portion of the hitch receiver tube having a substantially constant width. 
     A hitch step system is disclosed herein including a hitch step mounted on a hitch step support, according to one embodiment. The hitch step support is attached to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver via a saddle. Accordingly, the hitch receiver may still be used to accept additional accessories, such as a bike rack or a cargo carrier, while providing a step for entry to a recreational vehicle (RV) or another vehicle having a hitch receiver mounted thereon. 
     In some embodiments, the hitch step system may include a flip-down step. The flip down step may be stored above the hitch step in a first position. The flip down step may rotate into a second position located below the hitch step in order to provide easier access to the hitch step and entry to the RV or another vehicle. The flip down step may have a pivoting bracket that prevents the hitch step from swinging down during the transition from the first position to the second position, which could cause injury to a user. The flip down step may be secured in the first position when not in use. 
     As shown by example in  FIGS. 12-13 , in one embodiment, the hitch step system  10  ( FIGS. 12-13 ) includes a flip down step  100 , and a hitch stair  20 . In one embodiment the flip down step is rotatably mounted on the hitch stair  20 . As shown by example in  FIG. 10D , in one embodiment the hitch stair  20  includes a hitch step  200  and hitch step support  400 . In embodiment of the hitch step system  10 , the flip down step  100  is optional. 
     In one embodiment, the hitch step support  400  includes a saddle mount  602  (saddle) having a U-shaped cross section, wherein an open side of the saddle mount  602  receives a hitch receiver tube  1206  of a hitch receiver, as shown by example in  FIGS. 12, 18, 19, 21, 22 . In this example, the saddle mount  602  has three connected walls and an open side. 
     Further, in this example, the hitch receiver tube  1206  has an essentially rectangular (e.g., square) cross-section. The saddle mount  602  is sized and shaped such that the hitch receiver tube  1206  nestles into the U-shaped saddle mount  602 . In other words, the U-shaped saddle mount  602  straddles the receiver tube  1206  from the open side of the saddle mount  602 . One or more spacer plates  604  are used for a snug fit, as described further below. In one embodiment, each spacer plate is positioned between a side wall  600  of the saddle mount  602  and a body/wall of the hitch step support  400 . In one embodiment, a spacer plate  604  is welded between the saddle mount plate  602  and a wall/body of the hitch step support  400 . 
     In one embodiment, the saddle mount  602  comprises a U-shaped saddle comprises a U-shaped bracket attached to the support  400  at frame  406 . In another embodiment, shown in the drawings, the U-shaped saddle mount  602  comprises side walls  600  and a top wall  406 , wherein the wall  406  may be a frame member  406  of the hitch step support  400  as shown. The side walls  600  are affixed to the sides of the member  406  which has a rectangular (e.g., square) cross-section. 
     In other embodiment, the saddle mount  602  may be sized and shaped to have a cross-section generally matching the cross-section of the hitch tube  1206 , such that the saddle mount  602  can straddle the hitch tube  1206 . 
     As such, hitch step support  400  is maintained and supported by the hitch receiver tube via the saddle mount  602 . The saddle mount  602  is used to detachably attach the hitch step system to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver as shown by example in  FIGS. 12, 18, 19, 21, 22 . 
       FIGS. 1A through 6F  show an exemplary hitch step system having a fixed vertical height relative to a hitch receiver, according to one embodiment. Specifically,  FIG. 1A  shows a top plan view of an exemplary flip down step  100  of an exemplary hitch step system  10 .  FIG. 1B  shows a front elevational view of the exemplary flip down step  100  of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1C  shows a right side elevational view of the exemplary flip down step  100  of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1D  shows a detail of a pivoting bracket  110 ,  112  for detail A in  FIG. 1C .  FIG. 1E  shows a perspective view of the exemplary flip down step  100  of  FIG. 1A . 
     The exemplary flip down step  100  may have a non-slip surface applied to a first surface  104  and a second surface  106 . The first surface  104  may be disposed above, and substantially parallel with, a top surface of the hitch step ( FIGS. 2A-3D ) in a first position. When the flip down step  100  is rotated into a second position, the second surface  106  is disposed below, and substantially parallel with, the top surface of the hitch step ( FIGS. 2A-2D ). Accordingly, the flip down step  100  may be used in either the first position or the second position as a user may step on the non-slip surface of the first surface  104  or the second surface  106 , respectively. The first and second surfaces  104 ,  106  of the flip down step  100  may be attached via welding, screws, or other fixed or detachable attachments. 
     The exemplary flip down step may include a step surface  108 , a first bracket  110 , and a second bracket  112 . In some embodiments, the step surface  108  may be a frame portion connecting the first bracket  110  and the second bracket  112  and providing mounting points for the first surface  104  and the second surface  106 . The first bracket  110  and the second bracket  112  may each be attached to the step  108  at an acute angle (e.g., 74 degrees). The first and second brackets  110 ,  112  may be continuous with the frame portion  108  or may be separate components attached, e.g., via welding. 
     A first pivoting bracket  114  may be disposed at an end of the first bracket  110  distal from the step surface  108 . A second pivoting bracket  116  may be disposed at an end of the second bracket  116  distal from the step surface  108 . The first pivoting bracket  114  and the second pivoting bracket  116  may be identical. Each pivoting bracket  114 ,  116  may contain an elongated aperture  118 . The elongated aperture  118  may receive a pin (e.g., pin  1402 ) therethrough such that rotation of the flip-down step  100  is restricted by contact between an outer edge  120  of the pivoting brackets  114 ,  116  and a flip-down step attachment bracket ( FIG. 14 ). The pivoting bracket  110  is rotatably attached to the attachment bracket  1202 . For example, on one side of the step system, the pivoting bracket  110  is rotatably attached to the attachment bracket  1202  via the pin  1402  inserted through the opening  118  of the bracket  110  and a corresponding opening  119  in attachment bracket  1202 . The same method of attachment is used for the other side of the step system. The first and second pivoting brackets  112 ,  114  may be attached to the first and second brackets  110 ,  112 , respectively, e.g., via welding. 
       FIG. 2A  shows a top unassembled view of an exemplary hitch step  200  of the exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 2B  shows a detail view of mounting holes about A in  FIG. 2A . The hitch step  200  includes a top surface  202 , a front surface  204 , a right surface  206 , a left surface  208 , and bottom surfaces  210 ,  212 . Bottom surfaces  210 ,  212  may include a plurality of apertures  214  for connecting to an optional flip-down step attachment bracket ( FIG. 14 ). The surfaces  202 ,  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212  of the hitch step  200  may be bent and attached (e.g., via welding) to form a formed part ( FIGS. 3A-3D ). 
       FIG. 3A  shows a bottom plan view of a formed exemplary hitch step  200  of the exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 3B  shows a front elevational view of the exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3C  shows a right side elevational view of the exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3D  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step of  FIG. 3A . The formed hitch step  200  has a top surface  202 , a front surface  204 , a right surface  206 , a left surface  208 , and bottom surfaces  210 ,  212  which form a step. In some embodiments, the top surface  202  may have a non-slip coating, pattern, and/or additional material applied thereon for use as a step by a user. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a top plan view of an exemplary hitch step support  400  of the exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 4B  shows a front elevational view of the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4C  shows a right side elevational view of the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4D  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A . The hitch step support  400  includes a first support frame member  402 , a second support frame member  404 , a third support frame member  406 , a fourth support frame member  408 , and a fifth support frame member  410 . The first support frame member  402 , second support frame member  404 , and third support frame member  406  are all substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis. The fourth support frame member  408  is substantially perpendicular to the first and second support frame members  402 ,  404 . The fifth support frame member  410  is substantially perpendicular to both the fourth support frame member  408  and the third support frame member  406 . The third frame member  406  is detachably attached to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver via a saddle ( FIG. 6F ). The frame members of the hitch step support  400  may be bent and/or attached to one another, e.g., via welding. 
       FIG. 5A  shows a front elevational view of the exemplary hitch step  200  of  FIG. 3A  and the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines.  FIG. 5B  shows a bottom plan view of the exemplary hitch step  200  of  FIG. 3A  and the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines.  FIG. 5C  shows a right side elevational view of the exemplary hitch step  200  of  FIG. 3A  and the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines.  FIG. 5D  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step  200  of  FIG. 3A  and the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A . The top surfaces  500  of the first, second, and fourth support frame members  402 , 404 , 408  are attached to and support the inner surface of the hitch step  200 . The hitch step support  400  may be fixedly attached to the hitch step  200 , e.g., via welding. In some embodiments, the hitch step support  400  may be detachably attached to the hitch step  200 , e.g., via bolts. 
       FIG. 6A  shows an exemplary mounting plate  600  of a saddle mount  602  of the exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 6B  shows an exemplary spacer plate  604  of the saddle mount  602  of the exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 6C  shows a perspective view of the exemplary mounting plate  600  of  FIG. 6A  attached to the exemplary spacer plate  604  of  FIG. 6B .  FIG. 6D  shows a top view of the exemplary mounting plate  600  of  FIG. 6A  and exemplary spacer plate  604  of  FIG. 6B  mounted on either side of the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 6E  shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary mounting plate  600  of  FIG. 6A  and exemplary spacer plate  604  of  FIG. 6B  attached on either side of the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 6F  shows a right side elevational view of the exemplary mounting plate  600  of  FIG. 6A  attached to the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A . The mounting plate  600  may include a plurality of apertures  606 ,  608  for fitting a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts). The mounting plate  600  may be fixed to the spacer plate  604  (e.g., via welding). Two sets of mounting and spacer plates  600 ,  604  may fit on either side of the third frame member  406  of the hitch step support  400  to form the saddle mount  602 . The saddle mount  602  may be used to detachably attach the hitch step system to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver ( FIGS. 12, 18, 19, 21, 22 ). 
       FIGS. 7A-11F  show an alternate exemplary hitch step system having a variable vertical height relative to a hitch receiver.  FIG. 7A  shows a top unassembled view of an alternate exemplary hitch step  700  of an alternate exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 7B  shows a detail view of mounting holes about A in  FIG. 7A . The hitch step  700  includes a top surface  702 , a front surface  704 , a right surface  706 , a left surface  708 , and bottom surfaces  710 , e.g., via bolts or welding. Bottom surfaces  710 ,  712  may include a plurality of apertures  714  for connecting to an optional flip-down step attachment bracket ( FIG. 14 ). The surfaces  702 ,  704 ,  706 ,  708 ,  710 ,  712  of the hitch step  700  may be bent and attached (e.g., via welding) to form a formed part ( FIGS. 8A-8D ). 
       FIG. 8A  shows a bottom plan view of an alternate formed exemplary hitch step  700  of the alternate exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 8B  shows a front elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step  700  of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8C  shows a right side elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step  700  of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 8D  shows a perspective view of the alternate exemplary hitch step  700  of  FIG. 8A . The formed hitch step  700  has a top surface  702 , a front surface  704 , a right surface  706 , a left surface  708 , and bottom surfaces  710 ,  712  which form a step. In some embodiments, the top surface  702  may have a non-slip coating, pattern, and/or additional material applied thereon for use as a step by a user. 
       FIG. 9A  shows a top plan view of an alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  having an adjustable vertical height of the alternate exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 9B  shows a front elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 9C  shows a right side elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 9D  shows a perspective view of the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A . 
     The hitch step support  900  includes a first support frame member  902 , a second support frame member  904 , a third support frame member  906 , a fourth support frame member  908 , a fifth support frame member  910 , and a sixth support frame member  912 . The first support frame member  902 , second support frame member  904 , and third support frame member  906  are all substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis. The fourth support frame member  908  is substantially perpendicular to the first and second support frame members  902 ,  904 . The fifth and sixth support frame members  910 ,  912  are substantially perpendicular to both the fourth support frame member  908  and the third support frame member  906 . The third frame member  906  is detachably attached to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver via a saddle ( FIG. 11F ). 
     The fifth and sixth support members  910 ,  912  are substantially parallel about a longitudinal axis. Each of the fifth and sixth support members  910 ,  912  may have a plurality of apertures  914 ,  916  for adjusting the height of the top surface  912  of the hitch step support  900  relative to the third frame member  906 . The sixth frame member  912  may slidably fit within the fifth frame member  910 , in a telescopic manner as shown by dotted arrow  111  ( FIG. 9D ), for height adjustment. The frame member  912  can slide in and out of the frame member  910 , wherein the frame member  910  functions as a sleeve for the frame member  912 . In the embodiments shown, the frame members  910  and  912  have rectangular cross-sections. 
     Accordingly, the height of the hitch step ( 700 , See  FIG. 8D ) and/or flip down step ( 100 , See  FIG. 1E ) may be adjusted to an optimal level/height relative to the vehicle bed and/or ground, as desired by a user for entry to and/or access to an RV or another vehicle. One or more pins  917 , or other device, may be secured through the plurality of apertures  914 ,  916  to secure the fifth and sixth frame members  910 ,  912  relative to one another. In some embodiments, the pin may be spring loaded. 
       FIG. 10A  shows a front elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step  700  of  FIG. 8A  and the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines.  FIG. 10B  shows a bottom plan view of the alternate exemplary hitch step  700  of  FIG. 8A  and the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines.  FIG. 10C  shows a right side elevational view of the alternate exemplary hitch step  700  of  FIG. 8A  and the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A , with hidden parts shown in dashed lines.  FIG. 10D  shows a perspective view of the alternate exemplary hitch step  700  of  FIG. 8A  and the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A . The top surfaces  1000  of the first, second, and fourth support frame members  902 ,  904 ,  908  are attached to and support the inner surface of the hitch step  700 . 
       FIG. 11A  shows an alternate exemplary mounting plate  1100  of an alternate saddle  1102  of the alternate exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 11B  shows an alternate exemplary spacer plate  1104  of the alternate saddle  1102  of the alternate exemplary hitch step system.  FIG. 11C  shows a perspective view of the alternate exemplary mounting plate  1100  of  FIG. 6A  attached to the alternate exemplary spacer plate  1104  of  FIG. 6B .  FIG. 11D  shows a top view of the alternate exemplary mounting plate  1100  of  FIG. 6A  and alternate exemplary spacer plate  1104  of  FIG. 6B  mounted on either side of the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A . 
       FIG. 11E  shows a cross-sectional view of the alternate exemplary mounting plate  1100  of  FIG. 11A  and alternate exemplary spacer plate  1104  of  FIG. 11B  attached on either side of the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A .  FIG. 11F  shows a right side elevational view of the alternate exemplary mounting plate  1100  of  FIG. 11A  attached to the alternate exemplary hitch step support  900  of  FIG. 9A . The mounting plate  600  may include a plurality of apertures  1106 ,  1107 ,  1108  for fitting a plurality of fasteners (e.g., bolts). The mounting plate  1100  may be fixed to the spacer plate  1104  (e.g., via welding). Two sets of mounting and spacer plates  1100 ,  1104  may fit on either side of the third frame member  906  of the hitch step support  1100  to form the saddle  1102 . The saddle  1102  may be used to detachably attach the hitch step system to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver ( FIG. 12 ). 
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system  1201 .  FIG. 13  shows another perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system  1201 .  FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of the exemplary pivoting bracket of the exemplary flip down step limiting further rotational movement of the exemplary flip down step relative to the exemplary hitch step.  FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of the exemplary flip down step in a first position.  FIG. 16  shows a perspective view of the exemplary pivoting bracket of the flip down step.  FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system relative to a door in a recreational vehicle (RV).  FIG. 18  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step support and exemplary saddle attached to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver.  FIG. 19  shows a bottom view of the exemplary hitch step support and exemplary saddle attached to a hitch receiver tube of a hitch receiver. 
     The exemplary hitch step system  1201  includes the hitch step  200 , the optional flip-down step  100 , the hitch step support  400 , and the saddle mount  602 . The pivoting brackets  114 ,  116  attach to flip-down step attachment brackets  1200 ,  1202 . The flip-down step attachment brackets  1200 ,  1202  are attached to the hitch step  200  via bottom surfaces ( 210 ,  212 , See  FIG. 2A ) having a plurality of apertures. In some embodiments, the flip-down step  100  and flip-down step attachment brackets  1200 ,  1202  may be removed entirely from the hitch step system  1201 . 
     The hitch step system  1201  may be mounted on a hitch receiver tube  1206  of a hitch receiver  1208  via the saddle mount  602 . Accordingly, the hitch receiver  1208  has an open end  1210  that may still be used to accept additional accessories, such as a bike rack or a cargo carrier, while providing a step for entry to a recreational vehicle (RV)  1204  or another vehicle having a hitch receiver mounted thereon. Unlike traditional mounts that may occupy the end  1210  of the hitch receiver  1208 , the disclosed hitch step system  1201  may be detachably attached to the hitch receiver tube  1206 , which does not inhibit further use of the hitch receiver  1208 , while providing one or more steps  100 ,  200  for a user to enter the RV  1204  or another vehicle. The height and number of steps used may vary based on a doorway (vehicle bed, entry floor)  1900  location of the RV  1204  along with personal preference, user height, user medical needs, etc. 
     A plurality of fasteners  2100 ,  2102 , such as bolts  2104 ,  2110  and nuts  2106 ,  2108 , may be fit through the plurality of apertures in the saddle mount  602  to tighten the saddle mount  602  around the hitch receiver tube  1206 . The hitch step system  1201  may be detachably attached from the hitch receiver  1208  of the RV when not needed or to mount on various vehicles having hitch receivers. A removable security latch spring  1400  may be attached to each pin  1402  of each pivoting bracket  114 ,  116  to ensure that the flip-down step does not rotate relative to the hitch step  200  unless intended to by the user, such as when driving. 
       FIG. 20  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step  200  of  FIG. 3A  and the exemplary hitch step support  400  of  FIG. 4A . The hitch step support  400  may be attached to a sleeve  2300  via one or more fasteners such as screws  2302 ,  2304  (e.g., knurl-grip cup point set screws made of alloy steel and having a ½″-20 thread and a length of 1¼″). 
       FIG. 21  shows a perspective view of the saddle mount  602  of the exemplary hitch step system attached to the hitch receiver tube  1206  of the hitch receiver  1208 .  FIG. 22  shows an additional perspective view of the saddle mount  602  of the exemplary hitch step system attached to the hitch receiver tube  1206  of the hitch receiver  1208 . The hitch receiver tube  1206  has an open end, as shown in  FIGS. 12-13  that may still be used to accept additional accessories. Unlike traditional mounts that may occupy this open end of the hitch receiver tube  1206 , the disclosed hitch step system may be detachably attached to the hitch receiver tube  1206  via saddle mount  602 . As a result, further use of the hitch receiver  1208  is not inhibited.  FIG. 23  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system with the exemplary flip down step  100  in a lowered or second position.  FIG. 24  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system with the exemplary flip down step  100  being lowered/raised manually by a user  115  as shown by dotted arrow  121  in  FIG. 24 . The hitch step system may be mounted on the hitch receiver tube  1206  of the hitch receiver  1208  via the saddle mount  602 . The saddle mount  602  may be used to detachably attach the hitch step system to the hitch receiver tube  1206  of the hitch receiver  1208 . The mounting plate  600  may include a plurality of apertures ( FIG. 6F ) for fitting a plurality of fasteners  2400 ,  2402 , such as bolts. The mounting plate  600  may be fixed to the spacer plate  604  (e.g., via welding). Two sets of mounting and spacer plates  600 ,  604  may fit on either side of the hitch step support  400  to form the saddle mount  602 . The pivoting bracket  116  of the flip down step  100  prevents the hitch step from swinging down during the transition from the first position to the second position, which could cause injury to a user. The flip down step may be secured in the first position when not in use. 
       FIG. 25  shows a perspective view of the exemplary hitch step system, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 , the hitch mount comprises a sleeve  2300 . The sleeve  2300  has a rectangular cross-section having an interior sized and shaped to slidably receive a hitch tube receiver, such as industry standard 2″ inch hitch tube receivers, or 1.25″ inch hitch tube receivers, etc. In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 , the interior of the sleeve  2300  is snug with the exterior walls of the hitch tube receiver to reduce slippage and vibration. The sleeve  2300  includes threaded openings  2306 ,  2308  for inserting screws  2302 ,  2304  therethrough and tightening the screws  2302 ,  2304  such that the tip of the screws urge against at least one wall of the hitch tube receiver  1206  depicted in dashed lines, within the sleeve  2300 , such that the sleeve  2300  remains stationary relative to the hitch tube receiver  1206  therein. 
     In one embodiment shown in  FIG. 25 , the hitch mount comprises a saddle  602 . The saddle  602  may include two pairs of side walls  600  and spacer plates  604  attached to the hitch step support  400 . The side walls  600  may be welded to one or more spacer plates  604 . The one or more spacer plates  604  may be welded to frame member  406  of the hitch step support  400 . Opposing sides of the frame member  406  may have spacer plates  406  and/or side walls  604  of the saddle  602  welded thereon such that the spacer plates  604  and frame members  600  of the saddle  602  are substantially parallel to one another and form an opening for receiving a portion of the hitch receiver tube having a substantially constant width. Accordingly, the saddle  602  may be in contact with opposing sidewalls of the hitch receiver tube to form a partial friction fit. The saddle  602  may be secured to the hitch receiver tube via one or more fasteners, as shown in  FIG. 19 , fitting through the apertures in the side walls  604  of the saddle  602 . 
     As noted, hitch step system  10  is disclosed herein includes: a hitch mount (e.g., saddle  602  or sleeve  2300 ) configured to be mounted to a hitch receiver tube  1206 ; where the hitch mount has a body comprising an opening for slidably receiving a portion of the hitch receiver tube  1206  therein; and where an open end  1210  of the hitch receiver tube  1206  remains available to receive a hitch attachment. As noted, the hitch mount body may include a sleeve element  2300 . The sleeve element  2300  may include a plurality of threaded openings  2306 ,  2308 . The system may also include a plurality of fasteners  2302 ,  2304 , where the plurality of fasteners  2302 ,  2304  are inserted through the plurality of threaded openings  2306 ,  2308  to urge the plurality of fasteners  2302 ,  2304  against at least one wall of the hitch receiver tube  1206  within the sleeve element  2300  such that the sleeve element  2300  remains stationary relative to the hitch receiver tube  1206 . 
     In another system embodiment, the hitch mount body comprises a saddle element  602 . The saddle element  602  may be fixedly attached to a hitch step support  400 . The hitch step support  400  may include a first support frame member  902 , a second support frame member  904 , a third support frame member  906 , a fourth support frame member  908 , a fifth support frame member  910 , and a sixth support frame member  912 . The first support frame member  902 , the second support frame member  904 , and the third support frame member  904  may all be substantially parallel along a longitudinal axis; where the fourth support frame member  908  may be substantially perpendicular to the first  902  and second  904  support frame members; and where the fifth  910  and sixth  912  support frame members may be substantially perpendicular to both the fourth support frame member  908  and the third support frame member  906 . The third frame member  906  may be fixedly attached to the saddle  602 . 
     In some system embodiments, the hitch step support  400  may have an adjustable vertical height  111  relative to the hitch receiver tube. The system may also include a hitch step  200  including a top surface  202  and a bottom surface  210 , 212 , where the hitch step support  400  may be attached to the hitch step  200 . The system may also include a flip-down step  100  disposed above the hitch step  200  in a first position and below the hitch step  200  in the second position. Some system embodiments may include a plurality of pivoting brackets  114 ,  116 , where the flip-down step  100  may be detachably attached to the bottom surface  210 ,  212  of the hitch step  200  by the plurality of pivoting brackets  114 ,  116  rotatably attached to flip-down step attachment brackets  1200 ,  1202 . 
     The saddle element  602  may include a plurality of apertures, and the saddle element  602  may be secured about the hitch receiver tube via a plurality of fasteners  2100 ,  2102  fitting through the apertures in side walls  600  of the saddle  602 . The saddle element  602  may include two pairs of side walls  600  and spacer plates  604  attached to the hitch step support  400 , where the spacer plates  604  and side walls  600  of the saddle may be substantially parallel to one another and form an opening for receiving a portion of the hitch receiver tube  1206  having a substantially constant width. 
     One or more of the drawings includes marking indicating example number of elements and features, physical dimensions, sizes, measurements (in inches), angles, structural relationships, etc. Embodiments of the disclosed hitch step system herein are not limited to said examples. 
     The structural elements of the hitch step system may be made from rigid materials such as metals (e.g., aluminum, iron, etc.). 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the improved pressure switch system described herein. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the embodiments, the switch system may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.