Abstract: A control mechanism for a powered running board on an automotive vehicle, such as a sport utility vehicle, utilizes the memory function of the vehicle to store therein established operating positions for the running board. The user or occupant of the vehicle can manually position the powered running board to a convenient operating position within a range of available operating positions on the vehicle. By storing the selected position of the running board in the memory function of the vehicle, the control mechanism can return to that same operating height each time the occupant seeks to use the running board for entry or exit of the vehicle. The control mechanism is operable with different configurations of running boards and with different power devices for effecting the movement of the running board.

Abstract: The invention provides a transport dolly for the transport of cuboid boxes and stackable transport containers in which the upper side is used as a bearing surface for the items to be transported. The transport dolly comprises a substantially rectangular support floor which is rollable on wheels and comprises anti-slip devices. An extendable additional element is provided on each of the two transverse ends of the support floor, which additional element can be flipped outwardly by 180°. The lateral extension of the additional elements produces an enlargement of the bearing surface of the support floor. Upwardly projecting stop edges are shaped on the upper edge of the two longitudinal sides of the support floor.

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: An illuminated skateboard is disclosed including a light string, configured to produce light, mounted about a peripheral edge of a deck. The peripheral edge of the deck extends between a top surface and a bottom surface of the deck. The illuminated skateboard also includes a pair of trucks each having a pair of wheels for supporting the deck, and a driver circuit coupled between an electrical power source and the light string. The driver circuit provides electrical power from the electrical power source to the light string. A method for making the illuminated skateboard is also described.

Abstract: A lightweight platform dolly with a one-piece lightweight composite fabricated support platform has a rectangular support platform with at least one bumper block. The bumper blocks can be adjusted to accommodate varying loads and conditions. The adjustable bumper blocks change the length or width of the lightweight platform dolly, raise the load on the lightweight platform dolly for better vertical clearance, and enable the lightweight platform dolly to accommodate uneven bottom items. The bumper blocks are secured with flexible hinges and T-Bar block holders and receivers, which can secure loads.

Abstract: A stowable platform for use with a vehicle movable from the stowed to the extended position in a single plane. Once extended, the platform support is locked, preventing further movement, and the platform itself is capable of further extension or elevation.

Abstract: A running board assembly accommodates access to a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes a plurality of mounting brackets fixedly secured to the motor vehicle and extending therebelow. The running board assembly also includes a step movably secured to the plurality of brackets. The step defines a stepping surface and a peripheral edge extending around a portion of the stepping surface. The step is movable between a deployed position providing access to the stepping surface and a stowed position wherein the peripheral edge abuts the motor vehicle to cover the stepping surface during non-use.

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: Improved selectively rotatable multipositionable step attachment for a vehicle platform and the like for not only facilitating safe user access to the platform, for loading and unloading same, when the step attachment is in an operative position, but also when it is in a non operative or stowage position for facilitating additional use of the platform such as for towing another platform or for facilitating attachment of an auxiliary platform to the vehicle platform. The step attachment is generally made up of a support bar, a rotatable step tread of L-shaped configuration, a multiappatured index plate concentrically affixed to the outer end of either the support bar or the rotatable step tread, and a device to fasten the step assembly to the vehicle platform. Depending on the various requirements of the step attachment when being connected to a vehicle platform and the like, various mounting arrangements are provided.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate extension apparatus and method of using the same. The tailgate extension apparatus generally includes a U-frame member, a plurality of hinge elements, and a plurality of side braces. The U-frame member may be locked into a plurality of operative positions optionally including a backstop position, an extension position, and a step position. The extension apparatus is stored within the interior of the tailgate until needed, and the extension may be pulled out of the tailgate via a plurality of storage channels. The side braces directly connect the U-frame member to the vehicle tailgate and may be stored within the arms of the U-frame when the extension apparatus is stowed in the tailgate.

Abstract: An access device for providing access between a lower substrate surface and an upper substrate surface. The access device includes upper and lower articulated ladder members. A first end of the upper member is pivotally connected to or near the upper surface. A second end of the lower member is pivotally connected to the second end of the upper member, such that the lower ladder member is rotatable 180° relative to the upper member. In the storage position, the ladder members are folded in a substantially compact upright disposition, while, in the access position, the members are aligned and extend downwardly and outwardly.

Abstract: A boat trailer step assembly is provided with several features making the assembly adjustable in several respects, allowing the step to be placed at varying positions for different trailers and boats. The step is mounted on a support member made of overlapping parts that can be extended or contracted to obtain different heights. The support member is connected to a rotatable plate at a 45 degree angle. This allows the step to be extended outward in various directions. Adjustment of the step location in a generally front-to-rear direction is provided by sliding a clamping device along a beam of the trailer on which it is mounted.

Abstract: A ladder for a truck fitted with a pivotal tailgate, the ladder comprising a first leg portion pivotally coupled to a second leg portion, where at least one of the leg portions is fitted with at least one rung. An upper end of the first leg portion is pivotally attachable to an upper portion of the tailgate and a lower end of the second leg portion is pivotally attachable to a lower portion of the truck. When the tailgate is in its closed position, the first leg portion and the second leg portion continuously extend in a first operable position and opening the tailgate facilitates deploying the ladder into a corresponding second operable position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are illustrated for accessing, extending and exiting a truck bed and having a pair of opposed end frame members (A) carried on opposed respective sides of the truck preferably on a truck having a tailgate. A transverse member (B) is substantially U-shaped and constructed of tubular frame members and carried in such a way that the legs (C) are pivotally carried between the upright frame members. A releasable fastening member (D) is provided for positioning the transverse member in upright position while stop member (E) limits downward pivotal movement of transverse member.

Abstract: A retractable running board assembly is mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The running board is selectively extendable between a retracted position, which is close to the vehicle's frame, and a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, selectively-actuated links connect the running board to the frame. A selectively-operable driving mechanism concertedly actuates each of the links to extend and retract the running board. When the driving mechanism is not operated, each link resists actuation and holds the running board in a fixed position relative to the frame.

Abstract: There is disclosed a universal bracket carrying bicycles, a rack consisting of a base plate, a stanchion fixedly secured to the base plate, a carrying tube having a carrying end and a second end, the second end having a second carrying tube secured thereto and the carrying tube further including a mount tube secured to thereto and extending downwardly therefrom, the mount tube being sized to override and sliding mount on the stanchion of the base plate and be rotatable with respect thereto.

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 or platform adapted to be mounted to the receiver of a trailer hitch selectively movable from a stowed to a deployed position without vertical movement, said platform is automatically locked in its selected position and includes a safety mechanism preventing inadvertent movement. The platform is separate from the mounting/control mechanism for storage and shipping, but secure and stable.

Abstract: A running board assembly for a motor vehicle has a step for supporting an individual thereon. The running board assembly also includes a slide assembly extending between the step and the motor vehicle for slidably moving the step between a retracted position and an extended position. In addition, the running board assembly includes a pneumatic cylinder operatively engaging the slide assembly so that the pneumatic cylinder effects energizing movement between the retracted and the extended positions.

Abstract: A tailgate for a vehicle has a supplemental tailgate that retracts within the tailgate and is extendable therefrom in order to provide multiple assist functions. The supplemental tailgate includes a pivotable molding, which mounts on a movable frame portion, and a latching assembly. When pivoted, the pivotable molding releases the latching assembly, allowing the supplemental tailgate to be moved to various extended positions. When the movable frame portion is in an essentially fully extended position, it can be rotated downward relative to the tailgate and a flip step pivoted to a use position in order to provide an assist step function.

Abstract: A vehicle step device includes a base unit including a bottom wall and a pair of side walls that are attached to and extend upwardly from the bottom wall. The side walls are positioned opposite of each other and each has an top edge having one of a pair of brackets attached thereto for selectively coupling the base unit to a vehicle. Each of a pair of guides is mounted to an inner surface of one of the side walls. A panel has a pair of side edges. Each of a pair of rails is attached to and extends along one of the side edges. Each of the rails is positionable into one of the guides such that the panel is selectively positionable between an extended position extending outwardly of the base unit and a retracted position positioned inward of the base unit.

Abstract: A slide-out deck for a recreational vehicle such as a fifth wheel travel trailer with the deck being supported from the frame of the vehicle. The deck is slidably movable between a retracted position beneath the vehicle to an extended position at one side of the vehicle. The deck is movable either manually or by an electric gear motor or the like. A folding step is provided on the outer end of the deck which is movable between stowed and operative positions.

Abstract: A vehicle closure member with an integrated step is provided for improving access to a vehicle cargo area. The vehicle closure member also includes an internal cavity, an orifice positioned in the internal cavity, and a track mechanism disposed in the internal cavity that is in alignment with the orifice. The track mechanism engages the step member which slideably extends through the orifice and pivots to a deployed position to provide a step for access to the vehicle cargo area. An interlock assembly can be provided to prevent closing of the vehicle closure member when the step member is in the deployed position.

Abstract: A stepwell cover apparatus for use in a vehicle having a stepwell including a step that is located below the floor of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a horizontal cover that may be retracted to a position below the floor in order to expose the steps of the stepwell and may be extended to a position flush with the floor in order to conceal the steps of the stepwell. In addition, the stepwell cover apparatus includes a drive mechanism for driving the horizontal cover between the fully extended and the fully retracted positions, a guide mechanism for guiding the horizontal cover during movement and pivot members that cooperate with the drive and guide mechanisms to raise the horizontal cover to a level flush with the floor when the cover reaches the fully extended position.

Abstract: A step assembly is provided having a step frame mounted for movement relative to a mounting surface between a deployed position and a stored position (or between a stored position and a deployed position), and at least one boss, the boss having a notch for holding the step frame in the deployed position. The step frame preferably has at least two legs oriented parallel to each other, and horizontally spaced from one another, each of the legs defining an upper end and a lower end, an axle connected at the upper end of the at least two legs, and a step member connected between the at least two legs proximate to the lower ends thereof.

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: Improved selectively rotatable multipositionable step attachment for a vehicle platform and the like for not only facilitating safe user access to the platform, for loading and unloading same, when the step attachment is in an operative position, but also when it is in a non operative or stowage position for facilitating additional use of the platform such as for towing another platform or for facilitating attachment of an auxiliary platform to the vehicle platform. The step attachment is generally made up of a support bar, a rotatable step tread of L-shaped configuration,a multiappatured index plate concentrically affixed to the outer end of either the support bar or the rotatable step tread, and a device to fasten the step assembly to the vehicle platform. Depending on the various requirements of the step attachment when being connected to a vehicle platform and the like, various mounting arrangements are provided.

Abstract: A stowable platform for use with a vehicle movable from the stowed to the extended position in a single plane. Once extended, the platform support is locked, preventing further movement, and the platform itself is capable of further extension or elevation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a movable side step for a vehicle. The movable side step comprises a fixing means being connected to a body frame of the lower portion of the vehicle, a stepping means being connected movably in forward and out backward to the fixing means, and an operating means for operating said stepping means according to the opening/shutting of a door of the vehicle. According to the movable side step of the present, the vehicle may be driven more safely. Further, when the vehicle is parked, it does not require a wide parking space. Further, children or the old and the weak may safely get into or get out of the vehicle.

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 running board assembly for a motor vehicle has a step for supporting an individual thereon. The running board assembly also includes a slide assembly extending between the step and the motor vehicle for sidably moving the step between a retracted position and an extended position. In addition, the running board assembly includes a pneumatic cylinder operatively engaging the slide assembly so that the pneumatic cylinder effects energizing movement between the retracted and the extended positions.

Abstract: An step assembly (10) is described having a step (12) that moves between down and up positions by pivoting about a longitudinal axis connected to a vehicle chassis (24). One or more link assemblies (22) move the step between these positions. A support bracket (20) connects to the chassis and pivotally supports the step. The link assembly includes a first link (32) having one end fixedly attached to a drive shaft (14) in a radial manner and another end rotatably connected to a second link (34). The connection between the first and second links is located outward of the pivotal connection between the step and the support bracket. In one embodiment, in the up position, the point of rotation between the first and second links is located outward of the drive shaft axis of rotation. A stop is available to limit further rotational travel by the first link.

Abstract: A running board assembly accommodates access to a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes a plurality of mounting brackets fixedly secured to the motor vehicle and extending therebelow. The running board assembly also includes a step movably secured to the plurality of brackets. The step defines a stepping surface and a peripheral edge extending around a portion of the stepping surface. The step is movable between a deployed position providing access to the stepping surface and a stowed position wherein the peripheral edge abuts the motor vehicle to cover the stepping surface during non-use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile work machine, especially a mobile concrete pump, comprising a chassis (10) and accessible platforms (22) which are positioned on carrier brackets (26) projecting laterally from the chassis. The aim of the invention is to produce and mount said platforms (22) in a simple manner. To this end, the platforms consist of hollow profiled rails (30, 30′, 32) having a downward-facing profile wall (34) which rests against the carrier brackets (26), the rails being detachably connected to the brackets.

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: An arrangement, optionally a running board or a side member covering can be mounted on a strip-type support profile connected with the vehicle body. The connection between the support profile and the running board or the side member covering takes place by mutually corresponding concave and convex longitudinal profile edges on the running board and on the support profile or on the side member covering. In a simple manner the running board with the support profile or the side member covering with the support profile may be optionally connected.

Abstract: A step assembly for a pickup truck or other vehicle having a hitch receiver and a tailgate. The assembly includes a stationary upper support that is inserted in the receiver and a sliding lower support having a step mounted to its rearward end. The lower support is extensible from a retracted position in which the step member is positioned proximate the hitch receiver, to an extended position in which the step member is positioned rearwardly of the receiver by a distance sufficient that the step member may be stood upon when the tailgate of the vehicle is an open, lowered position. The step member pivots from a horizontal orientation in the deployed position to a vertical orientation when installed.

Abstract: A step platform assembly for attachment to a vehicle hitch assembly is disclosed. The platform assembly includes a planar step platform member rigidly fastened to a coplanar linear step support member having an aperture adjacent a step support member end opposite the step platform member. The aperture contains a bushing member with the planar step platform member and step support member assembly adapted for rotatable connection to the hitch assembly by a fastener there between. A locking system is present for selectively securing the step platform member and linear step support member either beneath a vehicle body or exterior a vehicle body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a swing-away stair assembly including a pivot bracket assembly for supporting a stair body for pivotal movement on a work machine, such as a landfill compactor. The pivot bracket assembly includes a stair support sub-assembly having an attachment portion for attaching to the stair body and a pivot portion spaced from the attachment portion. The pivot bracket assembly further includes a pivot mount sub-assembly for attaching the swing-away assembly to the lateral side of the machine, the pivot mount sub-assembly including a mounting portion for attaching to the lateral side of the machine and a pivot portion spaced from the mounting portion. A hinge member cooperates with the stair support sub-assembly and the pivot mount sub-assembly whereby the stair support sub-assembly is supported for pivotal movement relative to the pivot mount sub-assembly for supporting the stair for pivotal movement relative to the lateral side of the machine.

Abstract: A bolt-on, adjustable vehicle side step for a sports utility vehicle, pick-up truck or four wheel drive vehicle utilizing a pair of rocker panel attaching brackets (20) with an outward-extending integral male cog gear (22) that fastens onto a vehicle rocker panel. A pair of arms (34) having a female cog gear bore (36) and a step receiving hole (38) are juxtaposed on the bracket, with each male cog gear penetrating a bracket bore at an angle accommodating the configuration of a given vehicle and a desired step location. A pair of length adjustable legs (42) are nested together and attached to the brackets. Each pair of legs adjustably expand between the vehicle's frame and the brackets, thus forming an unyielding, compressible rigid structure. A step platform (64) is disposed within each connecting arm step receiving hole on each end such that the platform spaces the arms apart and provides a convenient footstep to assist a person who is entering or exiting the vehicle.

Abstract: Vehicle-mountable steps with platforms which have stowed and operational (deployed) positions. A latch mechanism positively locks the platform in the selected position. The step is designed for vehicles equipped with a ball-and-receiver type of trailer hitch and is coupled to the receiver of the hitch. The step is easily removed when the hitch is needed for towing but can otherwise be left on the vehicle as the platform of the step is located out-of-the-way beneath the vehicle when the platform is located in its stowed position.

Abstract: A footboard which can be used in case of necessity by drawing out a footboard main body as a tread from a lower portion or a vicinity of the lower portion of a portion for getting on and off and then by lowering the footboard main body to an intermediate position of a height from a drawn out position to the ground below the footboard in order to make it extremely easy not only for general well-built adult men but also children, women, elderly people, people with leg or lumbar disabilities to get on and off a step portion and especially an automobile with a large vehicle height, called a van or a recreational vehicle, and having a door for getting on and off in a relatively high position. This is formed by assembling attachment members for attaching the footboard to the step portion, e.g.

Abstract: An articulating step assembly comprising: a side member which includes a guide slot having a first end and a second end; a drop linkage, wherein a portion of the drop linkage is slidably positioned within the guide slot; a pivot linkage, wherein the pivot linkage includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the first end of the pivot linkage is pivotally coupled to the side member and the second end of the pivot linkage is pivotally coupled to the drop linkage; and a step associated with the drop linkage, whereupon articulation of the step from a retracted position to an extended position slidably displaces the portion of the drop linkage positioned within the guide slot from the first end toward the second end thereof and pivots the pivot linkage relative to each of the side member and the drop linkage.

Abstract: An extendable-retractable step system for a recreational vehicle (RV) has a step tread attached to a slider rod via side arms that include one or more locking tabs, and includes a pair of end plates having tab-receiving slots and notched slider slots that define extended and retracted positions. A method of assembling the step system and mounting same to a vehicle frame without using specially adapted tools includes the steps of mounting one of the end plates to the vehicle frame, inserting the ends of the slider rod into the slider slots, mounting the other end plate to the vehicle frame, and resting the locking tabs in the tab-receiving slots.

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 foldable footstool device for a vehicle of the present invention comprises a main beam fixed to a lower surface of a lower part of a vehicle and having hinge holes and stoppers at left and right sides thereof, respectively; a footstool installed rotatably about said hinge holes of the main beam and being supported by the stoppers; a first shaft extended from an end of the footstool; a link portion linking a lower inner wall of a door and a side sill of the lower part of the vehicle; a second shaft connected to the link portion in order to rotate in response to a rotation of the link portion; and a bevel gear part having a horizontal gear connected to the first shaft and a vertical gear connected to the second shaft. According to such foldable footstool device for a vehicle, the footstool is unfolded when the door is opened and the footstool is folded when the door is shut so that a width of the vehicle decreases in a state that the door is closed.