Patent ID: 8251178

Claim:
A movable step apparatus, comprising: a mounting frame; at least a first step; a rotary drive mechanism; a drive link driven by the rotary drive mechanism; a follower link pivotally connected to the first step; a pin-in-slot connection defined by the drive link and the follower link, one of the follower link and the drive link having a slot of the pin-in-slot connection, the slot being elongated in a plane in a direction of motion of the one of the follower link and the drive link, and the other of the follower link and the drive link supporting a pin of the pin-in-slot connection, the pin being received in the slot and translatable within the slot in the plane in the direction of motion of the one of the follower link and the drive link; a second pin pivotally connecting the drive link and the follower link; at least one link pivotally connecting the first step to the mounting frame to permit the first step to move between a retracted and an extended position; and wherein the drive link drives the first step through the pin-in-slot connection and the follower link to extend and retract the first step.