Patent ID: 8919853

Claim:
A step assembly for accessing a cargo area of a vehicle comprising: a ladder having a stowed position partially disposed within a tailgate and a deployed position extending downwardly from the tailgate when the tailgate is open; a handle connected to the tailgate having a first position securing the ladder in the stowed position and a second position extending upwardly from the open tailgate allowing the ladder to be deployed; and a support bracket defining a handle guide that cooperates with a follower provided on a proximal end of the handle that pivotally connects the handle to the tailgate and guides the handle between the first position and the second position, the handle guide being an oblong hole having a generally 90 degree bend near a middle point of the oblong hole, and a positioning member disposed adjacent the handle guide, wherein the proximal end of the handle in the first position contacts the positioning member holding the handle in a generally horizontal position.