Patent ID: 6848735

Claim:
A stepwell cover apparatus for use in a vehicle having a floor and a stepwell including at least one step including: a horizontal cover; a pivoting member having a first end and a second end, the first end being joined to the horizontal cover; a drive mechanism including a rod and a drive assembly able to traverse the length of the rod and including an arm attached to the second end of the pivoting member; a guide mechanism including a sliding assembly, the pivoting member pivotally connected to the sliding assembly between the first end of the pivoting member and the second end of the pivoting member; a first stop member attached to the horizontal cover and including an opening; a first dowel located within the opening of the first stop member including a first stationary end and a second end; wherein movement of the drive assembly moves the horizontal cover between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position, the horizontal cover exposing the at least one step and being located below the floor when in the fully retracted position and concealing the at least one step and being located flush with the floor when in the fully extended position.