Patent ID: 7513520

Claim:
A powered step device of a motor vehicle, comprising: a base member that is adapted to be connected to a vehicle body; a pivoting mechanism held by the base member, the pivoting mechanism being horizontally movable between a first position wherein a given part thereof takes a retracted position relative to the base member and a second position wherein the given part takes a projected position relative to the base member; a step plate connected to the given part of the pivoting mechanism, so that the first and second positions of the pivoting mechanism induce retracted and projected positions of the step plate relative to the base member; an electric actuator that moves the pivoting mechanism with electric power; and a guard member fixed to the base member in a manner to cover and protect the pivoting mechanism; wherein the guard member comprises: an L-shaped metal plate including a longer part secured to a longer side edge of the base member and a shorter part secured to a shorter edge of the base member, the L-shaped metal plate being arranged to cover side and front portions of the pivoting mechanism; and a plurality of flap members having upper ends fixed to a lower part of the L-shaped metal plate, each flap member being made of rubber and provided with at least one slit for increasing the flexibility of the flap member.