Abstract: A step assembly in combination with a vehicle having a frame and a rear bumper, with an upper surface and a generally vertical outer face, attached to the vehicle frame has an attachment leg with a generally perpendicularly extending step portion. A step bracket supported on the outer face of the bumper mounts the step for swinging movement from a first operative position in which one side of the attachment leg is disposed generally vertically adjacent the bumper face and the step portion extends generally perpendicularly to a retracted second position in which the opposite side of the attachment leg lies vertically adjacent the bumper and the step portion is inversely disposed and extends along the upper surface of the bumper. A lock device is automatically operative between the mount and step under the influence of gravity for releasably locking the step in both positions.

Abstract: An accessing step, mounted on a vehicle having a bumper attached to the vehicle frame, comprises a step part and a mount assembly fixedly supported on the bumper and frame, mounting the step part for swinging movement from a first operative position in which the step part extends generally horizontally to a retracted second position pivoted upwardly to lie generally vertically adjacent the bumper. The mount assembly incorporates a lock device automatically operative between the mount assembly and step part for releasably locking the step part in the second position and automatically locking up to block the step part from downwardly swinging beyond a substantially horizontal position, while permitting the step part to be swung upwardly.