US 11,987,209 B2
Deployable step systems for accessing cargo spaces on vehicles equipped with a tailgate assembly that includes a door subassembly
David Brian Glickman, Southfield, MI (US); Stuart C. Salter, White Lake, MI (US); and Dennis Yee, Milford, MI (US)
Assigned to FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed by FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US)
Filed on Apr. 5, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/222,013.
Prior Publication US 2022/0314888 A1, Oct. 6, 2022
Int. Cl. B60R 3/02 (2006.01); B60D 1/01 (2006.01); B62D 33/027 (2006.01)
CPC B60R 3/02 (2013.01) [B60D 1/01 (2013.01); B62D 33/0273 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A vehicle, comprising:
a hitch tube;
a bumper at least partially supported by the hitch tube; and
a deployable step system mounted to the hitch tube and movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the bumper,
wherein, in the stowed position, a step pad of the deployable step system establishes a top surface of the bumper,
wherein, in the deployed position, the step pad is rearward and vertically lower than the bumper,
wherein the step pad includes an upper outer surface that establishes the top surface in the stowed position, and further wherein the top surface is an upper step surface of the bumper.