Embodiments of the invention related generally to ladders and ramps and, more particularly, to collapsible ladders and ramps for a vehicle tailgate and related systems. In one embodiment, the invention provides a system comprising: a tailgate member for a vehicle, the tailgate member having: an interior wall; an exterior wall; and a cavity between the interior and exterior walls; at least one collapsible ladder device comprising: a pair of substantially parallel elongate members; a plurality of cross members, each of the plurality extending between and lying substantially perpendicular to the pair of substantially elongate members; and an attachment device for non-fixedly securing the at least one collapsible ladder device within the cavity of the tailgate member.

This invention relates to a drive system for an automatic step. Some embodiments include a rotary actuator for moving an automatic step, a crank arm pivotally coupled to the actuator and pivotable about a central shaft, and a first link pivotally coupled to the crank arm, the first link having first and second ends. The system has one or more force mitigation mechanisms capable of reducing forces eccentric with respect to the actuator. A first force mitigation mechanism engages when the step is deployed or nearly deployed by aligning the central shaft with the first and second ends of the first link along a first axis to generally place eccentric forces originating from the step against the central shaft of the crank arm instead of directly engaging the actuator. A second force mitigation mechanism allows the crank arm to yield without forcing the actuator by using a clutch adjacent to the central shaft.

This invention relates to a drive system for an automatic step. Some embodiments include a rotary actuator for moving an automatic step, a crank arm pivotally coupled to the actuator and pivotable about a central shaft, and a first link pivotally coupled to the crank arm, the first link having first and second ends. The system has one or more force mitigation mechanisms capable of reducing forces eccentric with respect to the actuator. A first force mitigation mechanism engages when the step is deployed or nearly deployed by aligning the central shaft with the first and second ends of the first link along a first axis to generally place eccentric forces originating from the step against the central shaft of the crank arm instead of directly engaging the actuator. A second force mitigation mechanism allows the crank arm to yield without forcing the actuator by using a clutch adjacent to the central shaft.

An electric step device and a vehicle are provided. The electric step device includes a step, a retractable mechanism and an anti-collision assembly. The retractable mechanism includes a mounting seat, a step seat and an arm assembly, the step is mounted to the step seat, and the arm assembly is connected between the mounting seat and the step seat to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The anti-collision assembly includes first and second anti-collision components, the first anti-collision component is mounted to the step and includes an anti-collision shaft, and the second anti-collision component is mounted to the mounting seat and includes an anti-collision groove. In the retracted position, the anti-collision shaft is fitted in the anti-collision groove. In the extended position, the anti-collision shaft is disengaged from the anti-collision groove.

An electric step device and a vehicle are provided. The electric step device includes a step, a retractable mechanism and an anti-collision assembly. The retractable mechanism includes a mounting seat, a step seat and an arm assembly, the step is mounted to the step seat, and the arm assembly is connected between the mounting seat and the step seat to drive the step to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The anti-collision assembly includes first and second anti-collision components, the first anti-collision component is mounted to the step and includes an anti-collision shaft, and the second anti-collision component is mounted to the mounting seat and includes an anti-collision groove. In the retracted position, the anti-collision shaft is fitted in the anti-collision groove. In the extended position, the anti-collision shaft is disengaged from the anti-collision groove.

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.

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.

A coaxial rotating automated stepping surface assembly adapted for a vehicle, including, at least one stepping surface portion, single pivot axis, coaxial motor arrangement to pivot axis, and complete system packaging out board of sill structure. The motor is a non back-drivable motor and is capable of operably self-locking in predetermined positions.

A coaxial rotating automated stepping surface assembly adapted for a vehicle, including, at least one stepping surface portion, single pivot axis, coaxial motor arrangement to pivot axis, and complete system packaging out board of sill structure. The motor is a non back-drivable motor and is capable of operably self-locking in predetermined positions.

A box step lighting arrangement for a vehicle which includes a mount for attachment to a vehicle. A step member and a linkage are connected to the mount, the linkage move the step member between a deployed position and retracted position. A motor is attached to the linkage to move the step between a deployed position and retracted position. Connected to the linkage is at least one light module. The light module has at least one light projection element that projects light onto the step member and the ground beneath the step member.