Abstract: A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.

Abstract: A step device for a vehicle includes a movable step supported under a door opening, and a coupling member supported by a sliding door that opens and closes in a vehicle front-rear direction with a shifting zone in a vehicle width direction. The movable step is provided with a guide rail that opens downward and extends in the vehicle front-rear direction. The coupling member includes: a fixed member fixed to the sliding door; an arm member coupled to the fixed member; a guide roller disposed inside the guide rail; and an urging member configured to apply to the arm member an urging force in a direction in which the guide roller turns upward.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a staircase assembly for a vehicle, such as a recreational vehicle (RV). The stair case assembly includes a pair of substantially flat, spaced apart, support brackets that are configured to mount to a vehicle, and define a storage space for a linkage system and associated plurality of steps. The linkage system is configured to move the plurality of attached steps from a vertically orientated stored position to a horizontally oriented deployed position extending outwardly from the vehicle allowing a person to easily enter and exit the vehicle.

Abstract: A horizontally moving retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle, such as a low to the ground vehicle like a van. The horizontal vehicle step can provide access to different portions of the vehicle. Further, the horizontal vehicle step can act as a safety mechanism to reduce potential harm to a user in accidentally stepping in gaps between the vehicle and a curb.

Abstract: A step apparatus for a vehicle with a rear impact guard beam includes top and bottom steps mounted on a step frame adapted to be pivotally attached to the rear impact guard beam about a step pivot axis oriented horizontally and perpendicular to an operating travel direction of the vehicle. The step frame is movable from an operating position to a stored position. A roller is mounted to a bottom rear end of the step frame about a roller rotational axis oriented parallel to the step pivot axis, and located above the step pivot axis. An upright surface moving toward the step frame contacts the roller component and the roller rolls upward along the upright surface and pivots the step frame about the step pivot axis from the operating position to the stored position.

Abstract: A remotely controlled retractable vehicle step system configured for use with a vehicle includes: a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position; a motor operably coupled to a support member and capable of effectuating movement of the stepping member from the retracted position to the deployed position; and a control system including a vehicle status interface configured to obtain data indicating a status of one or more vehicle features, a motor interface configured to control operation of the motor, and a wireless communication interface configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote electronic device, wherein the control system is configured to: receive, from the remote electronic device, a request to enter an override state; and initialize a countdown timer for automatically ending the override state.

Abstract: Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A dependable, simple, safe electrically actuated step system for a larger vehicle, such as a van or truck, which is compact and lightweight, includes a step base, a step member movably secured to the step base between a retracted position and a deployed position, and swing arm assemblies which movably secure the step member to the step base. A plunger actuator moves between a retracted position and an extended position to retract and extend the step, responsive to door position or a manual switch.

Abstract: Vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, perform certain operations.

Abstract: A compartment door of a galley within an internal cabin of a vehicle (such as an aircraft) includes a front panel having a front outer surface, and a footstep system secured to the front panel. The footstep system is moveable between a retracted position and an extended support position. The footstep system is vertically oriented in the retracted position. The footstep system outwardly extends and folds to provide a step surface in the extended support position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a motor vehicle bumper step include a step housing connectable to a bottommost end of a rear bumper. The uppermost end of the housing may include a planar plate containing a curved perimeter portion and, above the planar plate, a bracket including mounting holes. A recessed portion of the housing defines an opening at least partly along two different sides of the housing, with a bottom end of the recessed portion containing a planar step having a curved outward-facing perimeter. A first and a second facia portion each located on a different side of the housing are spaced apart from one another by the recess. The facia portions extend downward from the uppermost end of the step housing and connect to a respective side of the planar step. The step housing may match the bumper profile and not extend past the bumper in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A vehicle body structure has a cargo area structure, a retractable step and a handle assembly. The cargo area structure has a floor, a first side wall and a tailgate at least partially defining a cargo area. The retractable step is installed to the cargo area structure beneath the floor and the first side wall and adjacent to the tailgate. The handle assembly has a base and a grip handle fixedly attached to the base. The base is attached to the first side wall with a portion of the base overlaying a corresponding portion of the upper surface of the first side wall and with an attachment assembly extending through the at least one opening in upper surface of the first side wall with a first portion of the grip handle extending inboard over the floor of the cargo area.

Abstract: Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved footstep for an aircraft galley or similar monument that is retractable into the galley when not in use. The overall size of the footstep is significantly reduced by the use of a spring loaded detent mechanism. The present invention is designed to allow the footstep to remain in the deployed, horizontal position by means of a spring and plunger that cooperate to create a detent or over-center position. Further, the present invention permits the footstep to automatically return to the stowed position by virtue of the spring and plunger detent system.

Abstract: A hitch-mountable, collapsible stair assembly is disclosed for use in assisting mounting into a raised vehicle bed. The steps rotate between a generally vertical stowed position and a generally horizontal in-use position. The height of the steps above the ground is adjustable. The lower step can also be extended for ease of use.

Abstract: A stowable platform for motor vehicles which extends beyond the vehicle when in use but is stowed beneath the vehicle. The platform is pivotably secured to an elongated arm which is in turn pivotably secured to the vehicle and is positively locked in both positions.

Abstract: Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: Rocker guards with automatic step are disclosed that provide robust protection from damage due to rock obstacles to rocker panels and also provide an automatic step to facilitate easy entry and exit from a lifted vehicle. Some embodiments of a rocker guard with automatic step for a vehicle (rocker) can include a body formed to protect rocker panels of a vehicle without damaging the rocker or a step located within the body when the step is in a retracted position, mounts attached to the body for attaching to a vehicle, and an actuator coupled to the step and the body, the actuator being configured to automatically lower the step out of the body to an extended position and retract the step to the retracted position. One embodiment of the invention has a body with an interior volume operable to receive a cartridge with an actuator for moving the automatic step and one or more support legs for extending the automatic step away from the body when the automatic step is coupled to the one or more support legs.

Abstract: Running board assembly for a motor vehicle having a passenger cab and a box. The running board assembly includes a linear actuator assembly partly disposed within a housing assembly, a running board operably coupled to the linear actuator assembly and movable relative to the housing assembly between a stowed position tucked underneath the vehicle, a cab entry position generally outwardly from the vehicle to support a user entering or exiting the passenger cab, and a box side step disposed generally outwardly from the vehicle and rearward of the cab entry position to provide a user with side access to the box, and a motor operably coupled to the linear actuator assembly for driving the linear actuator assembly in opposing first and second directions. The linear actuator assembly converts rotary input to linear motion to cause a drive arm having a linkage assembly to move the running board between the positions.

Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A seating apparatus and system having dual application for above deck and below deck use. The device is hingely attached to the ledge of a deck by an anchor wherein said device rotates between upward and downward position. Additional elements may be attached to said device for convertible above and below deck purposes. One or more device may be adjacently positioned along the deck edge to form a recreational deck environment.

Abstract: Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface configured to electronically communicate with an existing communication bus of the vehicle, such as through a connection with an existing electronics port of the vehicle. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A dual function tow hook includes a body forming a tow hook and an integral step formed in the body. The integral step is recessed in an upper surface of the body and includes a first end wall and a second end wall. Further the integral step includes a grooved tread face between the first and second end walls.

Abstract: A collapsible step bar comprising a step bar body, a bracket, a first link, a second link and a pin is provided. The step bar body comprises a first shaft and a second shaft in a front end of the step bar body. The bracket is disposed adjacent the step bar body. The first link comprises a first end and a second end, and the second link comprises a first end and a second end respectively. Both the first ends of the first link and the second link are pivotably disposed on the bracket, and both the second ends of the first link and the second link are pivotably disposed on the first shaft and the second shaft of the step bar body respectively. The pin pivotably connects to the bracket and the first link for control of a rotation of the first link, such that the step bar body is rotatable into a closed state or an opened state.

Abstract: A ladder attachment having a base member slideably attached to lock member, a pivot mount pivotally attached to the lock member and a surface defining a lock port which is optimally configured to be orientated to slide upon the lock member when in a stored orientation such that when the base member and pivot mount is slideably repositioned with respect to the lock member, a ladder assembly which is attached to the pivot mount is in a stored orientation. The ladder assembly has an extended and retracted orientation.

Abstract: A ladder attachment having a base member slideably attached to lock member, a pivot mount pivotally attached to the lock member and a surface defining a lock port which is optimally configured to be orientated to slide upon the lock member when in a stored orientation such that when the base member and pivot mount is slideably repositioned with respect to the lock member, a ladder assembly which is attached to the pivot mount is in a stored orientation. The ladder assembly has an extended and retracted orientation.

Abstract: A step assembly for a vehicle can include a housing and a support member hingedly coupled to the housing with a shaft. A first locking feature can be associated with the housing while a second locking feature can be associated with the support member. A spring can be operably associated with the support member and the housing such that the spring can bias the second locking feature toward the first locking feature. The support member is configured to rotate between a stowed position and a deployed position. Further, the support member is configured as a step support and a hand hold device.

Abstract: A folding step assembly includes a base for attaching to a structure. The base includes a main plate and left and right end plates which project from left and right edges, respectively, of the main plate. A rigid step has an inner end and an outer end, the inner end being pivotally coupled to the base. The step is pivotal from a generally horizontally oriented deployed position to a vertically oriented retracted position. A retained includes a pair of resilient clamp members. Each clamp member engages the step and is deflected towards a corresponding one of the end plates as the step is moved into the retracted position. Each end plate engages the corresponding clamp member to limit deflection of the clamp member.

Abstract: The present invention is for a step stool to be used by a child, diminutive person or an adult of average height to gain vertical reach. The retractable step stool/access device is positioned by one's foot between an elevated, retracted position or a lowered, deployed step accessible position. Internal stored energy mechanisms can be employed to ease some of the physical effort required, especially by a child or diminutive person, to complete the deployment/retraction cycle with either of their feet. In the raised, retracted position, the step stool is elevated from contact with the floor and clear of the standing area for general usage and allowing access for cleaning and maintenance of the floor.

Abstract: A portable support system for a work platform is provided which is particularly adapted for use on and around boats in order to provide safe access to the superstructure of the boat.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sink access device which is utilized to facilitate a child or a diminutive person to wash their hands at a lavatory located in a public restroom. The sink access device includes a step support mount having a base and an upwardly extending arm. The step support mount is fixedly attached to a portion of a public restroom. A step is pivotally mounted to the upwardly extending arm of the step support mount. The step has a first position wherein the step is in a vertical position and a second position wherein the step is in a horizontal position providing a platform for a diminutive person to step onto. The step is positioned either at or behind a vertical plane defined by the front profile of a sink when the step is in the first position and the step breaks the plane when in the second position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sink access device which is utilized to facilitate a child or a diminutive person to wash their hands at a lavatory located at a public restroom. The sink access device includes a step support mount having a base and an upwardly extending arm. The step support mount is fixedly attached to a portion of a public restroom. A step is pivotally mounted to the upwardly extending arm of the step support mount. The step has a first position wherein the step is in a vertical position and a second position wherein the step is in a horizontal position providing a platform for a diminutive person to step onto. The step is positioned either at or behind a vertical plane defined by the front profile of a sink when the step is in the first position and the step breaks the plane when in the second position.

Abstract: An mobile equipment boarding ladder includes a pair of hinged mounting brackets attached to the mobile equipment at a first end. A ladder step is attached to the second ends of the hinged brackets via a pair of pivot mechanisms. The hinge pins and the pivot mechanisms are substantially parallel so that the entire ladder can fold and collapse against the side of the mobile equipment in response to an external force, such as an obstacle. The hinged brackets can be self-centering via gravity, a spring, or both. A pair of flexible straps are attached to the second end of the hinged brackets, and hang vertically from the brackets. A pair of lower pivot mechanisms and a lower step are attached to the lower end of the straps, oriented in the same manner as the first pivot mechanisms.

Abstract: A foldable step apparatus comprising a foldable parallelepiped frame with a safety locking mechanism, a step, and a tension device, such as a spring, to enable easy folding and unfolding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a foldable step unit (10) for a rotorcraft, the step unit being provided with a bottom step (16) and a stationary support (11) that is secured to the structure of the rotorcraft (2). The step unit (10) comprises a left side beam (14) and a right beam (15) hinged on said stationary support (11), said bottom step (16) being arranged on a left free end (141) and a right free end (15?) respectively of the left and right side beams (14, 15) via a pivot pin (16?), drive means (18) for said step unit (10) and connected via at least one control means (21, 22) to at least one side beam (14, 15) enable said step unit (10) to be retracted into and extended from a housing (2) formed in the rotorcraft (1).

Abstract: A retractable boat ladder, having: a first support; a pair of second supports; a step frame connected to the first support and the pair of second supports such that the step frame rotates from a retracted position through an intermediate locking position to a fully extended position; and a locking mechanism on at least one of the second supports, the locking mechanism holding the second support is an intermediate locked position when the second support has been rotated from a retracted position to the intermediate locked position, and releasing the second support from the intermediate locked position when the second support has been rotated from the intermediate locked position to a fully extended position.

Abstract: A ladder is pivotally attached to a supporting surface via a pair of arms and rests on the supporting surface when stored or not in use and is pivotally raised from the supporting surface and swung upward and outward from the supporting surface for use.

Abstract: A ladder attachment having a base member slideably attached to lock member, a pivot mount pivotally attached to the lock member and a surface defining a lock port which is optimally configured to be orientated to slide upon the lock member when in a stored orientation such that when the base member and pivot mount is slideably repositioned with respect to the lock member, a ladder assembly which is attached to the pivot mount is in a stored orientation. The ladder assembly has an extended and retracted orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that attaches to a tire and supplies a step to enable access to the engine compartment or rooftop of a vehicle is provided. The apparatus is adjustable to better fit with a variety of different sized tires. The apparatus is also adjustable to allow the apparatus to rest at different height locations on the tire. Additionally, the tire step can be folded for easier storage.

Abstract: A folding step assembly for the tailgate of a truck that provides two steps projecting rearwardly and downward and has grab handles for safe and convenient access into the bed of a truck. The step assembly is completely supported by the tailgate and does not touch the ground. It attaches to the inside panel of the tailgate and is completely concealed below the top edge of the tailgate when in the stowed position. The step assembly attaches to the tailgate by means of a Z shaped mounting bracket and lock bracket. The step assembly is locked onto the lock bracket with a lock and key and is easily removable from the tailgate when the user desires.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: A step assembly is stored in the overhang area of a kitchen counter when not in use. The step assembly is deployed into an extended position by kicking a vertically disposed front wall. Springs then cause a linkage to deploy that positions the vertical front wall away from the front of the counter. The front wall is then pivoted into a horizontal plane where it provides a step that enable a user to reach cupboards mounted above the kitchen counter.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: A ladder attachment platform is provided that includes a base for attachment to a ladder that has first and second side rails and a plurality of rungs that extend between in a lateral direction. Also included is a user platform for having a user stand thereon that is carried by the base. The user platform may be positioned with respect to the ladder so that it is not located between a first plane that extends through the first side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction and a second plane that extends through the second side rail and is perpendicular to the lateral direction.