End bracket assembly with deployable steps and deployable step structure

Abstract

A step assembly mountable in a structure such as a housing of an armrest assembly, the step assembly comprising a base, a step plate, and a release mechanism, wherein the base is attachable to the structure and comprises a mounting plate having a low profile and a fixed receptacle to be received in the structure; the step plate is pivotally attached to the base at a first end along a lower end of the receptacle, the step plate is pivotable between a stowed position and a deployed position, in which the step plate is received in the fixed receptacle and in the deployed position the step plate is outside the fixed receptacle, the step plate having a first side for supporting a foot; and the release mechanism is used to release the step plate from the stowed position to the deployed position. The step plate is deployed for use and is hidden between uses.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A passenger cabin is typically configured with seating areas and object storage areas. In an aircraft cabin, object storage areas can be provided under seats and in overhead compartments or lockers. While under-seat storage spaces are easily accessible to passengers and crew, overhead storage spaces can be difficult to reach and access, particularly by people of short stature.

[0002] Seating areas on commercial aircraft are typically divided into seating categories, with the main differences between categories being seating density and seat configuration. For example, economy class seat configurations typically include closely spaced attached seats with pivotable inboard armrests and fixed armrests positioned along the aisle. Stateroom seat configurations typically have greater seat pitches as well as adjustable seat features. For example, the armrests along the aisle can be adjusted vertically to provide a comfortable raised armrest position and a lowered armrest position for ingress and egress. The ability to lower the armrest to near or equal the height of the seat bottom greatly facilitates ingress and egress for people with limited mobility. Some vertically adjustable armrest configurations can include a fixed end bracket and an armrest assembly that moves vertically within the end bracket along the armrest between a raised position and a lowered position.

[0003] Therefore, in order to extend the crew's overhead reach without interfering with the functionality of the adjustable features, a deployable step configuration is needed that can be installed in an assembly such as an armrest end bracket assembly. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to achieve the aforementioned and other advantages, aspects of the invention disclosed herein relate to a step assembly, which includes a base, a step plate and a release mechanism, wherein the base can be attached to a fixed assembly and includes a mounting plate with a low profile and a fixed receptacle to be accommodated in the fixed assembly; the step plate is pivotally attached to the base along the lower end of the receptacle at a first end, and the step plate can be pivoted between a stowed position and a deployed position, in which the step plate is accommodated in the fixed receptacle and in which the step plate is outside the fixed receptacle, and the step plate has a first side surface for supporting a foot; the release mechanism is used to release the step plate from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0005] In some embodiments, the release mechanism includes a clip that holds the step plate in the stowed position until released, the clip being mounted in the upper end of the receptacle to engage the second end of the step plate in the stowed position, the clip being actuated by a user to release the step plate from the stowed position.

[0006] In some embodiments, the release mechanism includes one of a user-actuable release button positionable along a side of the fixing assembly, a magnetic locking device releasable by a magnetic key, and a pivot rod pivotally attached to the fixing assembly. The pivot rod is movable between a latched position, in which the second end of the step plate is retained by the catch when the step plate is pivoted upward to the stowed position, and an unlatched position, in which the step plate is released by the catch to pivot from the stowed position to the deployed position, wherein when the step plate returns to the stowed position, the pivot rod automatically pivots to the latched position, thereby automatically engaging the second end of the step plate with the catch.

[0007] In some embodiments, the step assembly further includes a ridge positioned on the first side along the second end of the step plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, movement of the step plate is spring biased toward at least one of the stowed and deployed positions.

[0009] In another aspect, the inventive concept disclosed herein relates to an armrest assembly, comprising: a fixed housing, an armrest movable relative to the fixed housing, and a step assembly attached to the fixed housing. The step assembly comprises a base, a step plate, and a release mechanism, wherein the base is attached to the fixed housing and comprises a mounting plate having a low profile and a fixed container to be accommodated in the fixed housing; the step plate is pivotally attached to the base at a first end along a lower end of the container, the step plate can be pivoted between a stowed position and a deployed position, in which the step plate is accommodated in the fixed container, and in the deployed position, the step plate is outside the fixed container, and the step plate has a first side for supporting a foot; and the release mechanism is used to release the step plate from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the stationary housing includes a first side positionable toward the aisle, a second side positionable away from the aisle, and a first end and a second end, wherein the step assembly is attached to the first side or the first end.

[0011] In some embodiments, a first portion of the substrate is attached to a first side of the stationary housing, a second portion of the substrate surrounds a corner joint between the first side and the first end of the stationary housing, and a third portion of the base is attached to the first end of the stationary housing.

[0012] On the other hand, the inventive concept disclosed herein relates to a step assembly, comprising a base attachable to a fixed assembly and a door pivotally attached to the base at one end along an upper end of a container, the base having a fixed container to be accommodated in the fixed assembly and a step arranged along a lower end of the fixed container, the door pivotable between a closed position and an open position, in which the door covers an opening of the container and hides the step, and in which the door is within the container and exposes the step, wherein the door is biased toward the closed position by a spring and is moved to the open position by pressing the door toward the open position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fixed component is an armrest component, which includes a fixed shell and an armrest that can move relative to the fixed shell, the fixed shell has a first side that can be positioned facing the aisle, a second side that can be positioned away from the aisle, and a first end and a second end, wherein the step assembly is installed in the first side and the door faces the aisle.

[0014] Embodiments of the inventive concept may include one or more or any combination of the above aspects, features, and configurations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be better understood when considering the following detailed description. This description makes reference to the included drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and in which some features may be exaggerated for clarity and some features may be omitted or may be schematically represented. Like reference numerals in the drawings may represent and refer to the same or similar elements, features, or functions. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a deployable step assembly according to the present disclosure, shown in a deployed position away from an end bracket of a passenger seat;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a deployable step assembly of , shown in a stowed position in a passenger seat end bracket;

[0018] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a deployable step assembly in a deployed position, with end brackets not shown;

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another deployable step assembly according to the present disclosure, shown in a deployed position away from the side of a passenger seat end bracket;

[0020] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A perspective view of a deployable step assembly of , shown in a stowed position in a passenger seat end bracket;

[0021] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the deployable step assembly in a deployed position;

[0022] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a drop step assembly in a passenger seat end bracket according to the present disclosure, showing its door pivoted to an open position; and

[0023] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A perspective view of a sunken step, shown being opened by a user. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe various illustrative embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Specific features and functions are described in conjunction with each illustrative embodiment; however, it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without each of those specific features and functions. The aspects, features, and functions described below in conjunction with one embodiment are intended to apply to other embodiments described below unless explicitly stated or unless an aspect, feature, or function is incompatible with an embodiment.

[0025] In various embodiments, step assemblies are provided for use in aircraft cabin environments. Step assemblies can be used by flight crew to extend the vertical reach of the flight crew to reach and load overhead cabinets or other overhead storage compartments. Step assemblies according to these descriptions (the accompanying drawings are a portion thereof) can be built into the aisle-side end brackets of passenger seats or other accessible support structures, which are located below overhead cabin features that are difficult to reach for some flight attendants and other users. In some described examples, the step assembly has a stowed position and an deployed position. In the stowed position, the deployable step plate is in a low profile or relatively flush position relative to the support structure on which or in which the step assembly is mounted. In the deployed position, the deployable step plate extends outward from the support structure to support the weight of the user and any items he or she lifts. In some described examples, the step assembly sinks into a support structure such as a seat end bracket, and to use the step plate, the flight attendant can insert a foot into the step plate or into a sunken container where the step plate is stowed. In various examples, a pivoting door or panel may cover the receptacle to enclose the step assembly or receptacle for aesthetic purposes and to reduce its appearance and thus the likelihood of attracting passenger attention and use. The step assembly may include a spring return or lift assist feature to help restore the stowed position after use.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 , a non-limiting example of a passenger seat, generally referred to as a seat 20, having an aisle side end bracket 30 is shown to illustrate the intended environment and use of the step assembly of the present invention according to these descriptions. The end bracket 30 has a fixed main shell 32 connected to the floor of the passenger cabin. The armrest 34 can be adjustably lowered from the raised, deployed position shown to a stowed position in which the side walls 36 and end walls 38 of the armrest 34 are lowered into the fixed main shell 32. The top side 40 of the armrest 34 can be used to support the occupant's arm in the desired deployed position raised from the stowed position. In the stowed position, access to and from the row of seats is facilitated and minimally restricted, with the advantage of being able to serve passengers with limited mobility, or to provide overall free access and comfort for any passenger or flight attendant.

[0027] exist Figures 1 to 3 In the example of FIG. 1 , the step assembly 100 of the present invention is implemented to be installed in the rear end wall 42 of the end bracket housing 32. Figure 1 1 and 2, two end brackets are shown, each having a corresponding deployable step assembly 100 according to the present disclosure. The step assembly 100 in the more forward end bracket is shown in a stowed position. The step assembly 100 in the more rearward end bracket is shown in a deployed position. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the step assembly 100 in a deployed position for use. Figure 3 The step assembly 100 is shown in a normally deployed position, without the end brackets shown, to illustrate the step assembly 100 when installed in a Figure 1 and 2 The end bracket end wall 42 is shown as the sunken portion of the step assembly.

[0028] The step assembly 100 includes a deployable step plate 102 pivotally attached to a base 110. When the step assembly 100 is installed, the base 110 is fixedly attached to the end bracket and is accordingly considered to be stationary in these descriptions. The base 110 has a mounting plate 112 with openings for receiving connectors such as screws, bolts, rivets or other fasteners, by which the mounting plate 112 is attached to a support structure, such as the end bracket shown. When the mounting plate 112 is installed in the support structure, the mounting plate is generally low-profile and can therefore be flush, sunken or slightly elevated. The mounting plate 112 is generally vertical or partially tilted to match the support structure when installed. A fixed receptacle 120 for receiving the pivotable step plate 102 in the stowed position extends from the mounting plate 112 into the main support structure, extending in a direction opposite to the direction in which the step plate 102 extends from the base 110 in the deployed position. When installed, the fixed receptacle 120 is sunken into the main support structure, such as the end bracket.

[0029] The first end 104 of the step plate 102 is pivotally attached to the base along the lower end of the container 120. The step plate 102 is converted from the stowed position to the deployed position corresponding to the stowed position and the deployed position of the step assembly 100, respectively. The step plate 102 pivots from the deployed position to the stowed position around the first end 104. In the deployed position, the second end 106 of the step plate 102 opposite the first end 104 extends outward from the container 120. The step plate 102 has a first side 108, which is used to support the feet of the aircraft crew or other users in the deployed position, wherein the first side 108 is generally horizontal and generally vertically upward to provide a safe step surface. In the example shown, the first side 108 of the step plate 102 has a traction groove to prevent sliding when used as a step surface. In other examples, other traction features (including textures, embossing or abrasives) can be used instead of grooves. For example, a ridge 114 extends from the first side 108 of the step plate 102 at the second end 106 to provide a non-slip engagement when used as a step surface.

[0030] When pivoted to the stowed position, the step plate 102 is upright or tilted to match the end bracket so that the first side 108 of the step plate 102 faces the receiving member 120 and the second side 116 of the step plate 102 opposite the first side 108 faces outward. Figure 1 As shown in the example of the forward end bracket of the step assembly 100, in the stowed position of the step assembly 100, the second side 116 covers or encloses the receptacle and is substantially flush with the rear end wall of the end bracket, which is for aesthetic purposes and reduces its appearance and thus reduces the likelihood of attracting passenger attention and use.

[0031] The base 110 includes a clip 122 ( Figure 3 ), which holds the step plate 102 in the upright or inclined position until released. A clip 122 is mounted in the upper end of the receptacle 120 to engage the second end 106 of the step plate 102 in the stowed position. In various embodiments of the deployable step plate assembly 100, the clip 122 can be actuated by a user to release the step plate 102 from the stowed position via a variety of user-actuatable release mechanisms. Three specific examples of release mechanisms are described in Figure 1 and Figure 2 Shown in.

[0032] An optional first example of a release mechanism includes a user-actuable release button 124 ( Figure 1 ), the user can actuate the release button arranged along the outside of the end bracket or toward the aisle side, away from any seat occupant, to prevent passengers from using it. When the release button is pressed, the step plate 102 is released by the clip to pivot from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0033] An optional second example of a release mechanism includes a magnetic locking device 126 ( Figure 2 ), the magnetic key is for example only available to authorized users (such as aircraft crew). When the release mechanism is actuated by the magnetic key, the step plate 102 is released by the clip 122 to pivot from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0034] An alternative third example of a release mechanism includes a pivot lever 130, for example pivotally attached to the top of the rear end wall of the end bracket housing. Figure 1 , the pivot rod 130 is shown in its latched position, in which the second end 106 of the step plate 102 will be retained by the clip if the step plate 102 is pivoted upward to the stowed position. Figure 2 , the pivot lever 130 is shown in its unlatched position in which the step panel 102 is released by the clip 122 to pivot from the stowed position to the deployed position. In at least one example, when the step panel 102 is returned to the stowed position, the pivot lever 130 automatically pivots to the latched position, thereby automatically engaging the second end 106 of the step panel 102 with the clip. To release the step panel 102 from the stowed position, a user, such as an aircraft attendant, can pivot the lever to the unlatched position.

[0035] When the step plate 102 is pivoted downward to the deployed position, the movement of the step plate 102 from the stowed position may be assisted by spring bias and / or gravity. The movement of the step plate 102 from the deployed position to the upright or inclined stowed position may also be assisted by spring bias and / or gravity. For example, the step plate 102 may be spring loaded to automatically reset to the upright position when released from the horizontal deployed position. The step plate 102 may also be capable of flipping upward, either by movement of the user's foot or by other user actions.

[0036] In other options, the second end or upper end of the upright step plate 102 in the stowed position can be pushed downward to unfold the step plate 102 downward to the deployed position. When actuated by a user, such as by foot, in the deployed position, the step plate 102 can be released to spring upward to the stowed position.

[0037] exist Figures 4 to 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , the step assembly 200 of the present invention is implemented as an assembly that can be mounted on the side wall 44 of the end bracket housing 32 facing the aisle. Figure 4 2 shows two end brackets 30, each having a corresponding deployable step assembly 200 according to the present disclosure. The step assembly 200 in the more forward end bracket 30 is shown in a stowed position. The step assembly 200 in the more rearward end bracket is shown in a deployed position. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the step assembly 200 in a deployed position for use. Figure 6The step assembly 200 is shown in a normally stowed position with a user's foot engaging the step assembly 200 to deploy the step deck 202 .

[0038] The step plate 202 is pivotally attached to a base 210. When the step assembly 200 is installed, the base 210 is fixedly attached to the end bracket and is accordingly considered to be stationary in these descriptions. In the illustrated embodiment, the base 210 is externally mounted to at least one outer wall of the end bracket housing 32. Figures 1 to 3 The step plate assembly 100 and Figures 7 and 8 On the contrary, the sinking aspect of the step assembly 300 Figures 4 to 6 The step assembly 200 is mounted on one or more outer walls of the end bracket and resides there along without having a sunken portion.

[0039] The base 210 has a first mounting plate 212 for mounting on the side wall 33 of the end bracket housing or other support structure. The base in the illustrated embodiment has a partially surrounding feature implemented as a second mounting plate 214, which is connected to the first mounting plate 212 for mounting on the rear end wall 42 of the end bracket housing 32 or other support structure. The second mounting plate 214 is generally transverse or perpendicular to the first mounting plate 212, so that the mounting plates together surround and engage the corner joint of the end wall 42 and the side wall 44 of the end bracket housing.

[0040] Without the countersunk portion, the first mounting plate 212 is elevated relative to the side wall 44 of the end bracket, but is generally low profile when installed. Each of the first mounting plate 212 and the second mounting plate 214 is generally vertical or partially inclined to match its main support structure when installed, which is the end bracket 30 in the illustrated example. A shallow receptacle 220 for receiving the pivotable step plate 202 in the stowed position is defined in the outer side 218 of the first mounting plate 212. When installed, the mounting side of the mounting plate opposite the outer side 218 is secured to the main support structure such as the end bracket side wall 44. This can be accomplished by screws, bolts, rivets, adhesives, or any combination of these and / or other attachment elements.

[0041] The first end 204 ( Figure 5) is pivotally attached to the base along the lower end of the container 220. The step plate 202 is pivoted about the first end 204 from the deployed position 224 to the stowed position. In the stowed position, a second end 206 of the step plate 202 opposite the first end 204 extends outward from the container. The step plate 202 has a first side 208, which is used to support the feet of the aircraft crew or other users in the stowed position, wherein the first side 208 is generally horizontal and generally vertically upward to provide a safe step surface. In the example shown, the first side 208 of the step plate 202 has a traction groove to prevent slipping when used as a step surface. In other examples, other traction features (including textures, embossings, or abrasives) can be used instead of traction grooves to provide a non-slip engagement when used as a step surface.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the step assembly 200 is mounted to deploy the step panel 202 toward the aisle away from the passenger seats by attaching the first mounting plate to the side wall of the end bracket. Figure 6 As shown, the step plate 202 can be flipped down by the feet of an aircraft flight attendant to extend his or her reach to an overhead cabinet, etc. The step plate 202 of the step assembly 200 can be loaded with springs through its pivoting hinge to provide reliable locking and unlocking in each of the stowed and deployed positions. The hinge spring or other springs can provide lifting assistance to raise the step plate 202 to an upright stowed position. For example, a user can step on the step plate 202 in the stowed position or the deployed position to convert the step plate 202 to either position.

[0043] The base 210 serves as a housing for receiving the first side 208 of the step plate 202 in the receiving member 220 when the step assembly 200 is in the stowed position. Figure 4 As shown in the forward end bracket example, in the stowed position of the step assembly 200, the second side 209 of the step plate 202 covers or encloses the receptacle and is substantially flush with the outer side of the first mounting plate 212, which is for aesthetic purposes and reduces the appearance and therefore the likelihood of attracting passenger attention and use.

[0044] In at least one example, the base 210 is made of a durable plastic or includes a durable plastic in its structure. The step plate 202 can be made of metal for increased strength and durability. Other materials can be used in conjunction with the specifically described materials. As shown in the illustrated example, the aisle marker light 222 can be included on the base, such as on a first mounting plate above the step plate 202.

[0045] exist Figures 7 and 8 In the example of FIG. 3 , the step assembly 300 of the present invention is implemented to be mounted in the side wall 44 of the end bracket housing 32 facing the aisle. Figure 72 shows two end brackets 30, each having a corresponding sinking step assembly 300 according to the present disclosure. The door 314 of the step assembly 300 in the more forward end bracket is shown in a closed position. The door 314 of the step assembly 300 in the more rearward end bracket is shown in an open position.

[0046] The step assembly 300 has a sunken receiver 320 mounted in the end bracket housing 32. The door 314 is pivotally attached to the side wall 44 or mounting plate along the upper end of the receiver 320. The door 314 can be spring loaded to maintain its stowed position, and / or gravity can return the door to the stowed position when the step assembly 300 is not in use. Figure 7 As shown in the example of the forward end bracket of , in the closed position, the outer side of the door 314 covers or encloses the container and is substantially flush with the side wall 44 of the end bracket 32, which is used to reduce its appearance for aesthetic purposes and thus reduce the likelihood of attracting passenger attention and use.

[0047] Within the receptacle 320, the step assembly 300 has a step plate 302 that is accessible when the door 314 is open. When the door is pivoted along its upper edge to an open position, the lower edge of the door swings out to expose the step plate 302 for use. The step plate 302 can be implemented to be stationary within the end bracket. Alternatively, in at least one example, this walk-in design folds inward when the door is pivoted open, thereby defining the receptacle when the door is open. In this example, the step plate 302 can be pivotally attached along its first edge 304 to the side wall 44 or to a mounting plate along the lower end of the receptacle 320, and when the door is open, the step plate 302 pivots downward from a substantially vertical upright stowed position 322 to an inwardly deployed horizontal position. As shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, when the foot of an aircraft attendant or other user is inserted into the step assembly 300, the inward pivoting movement of the step panel 302 can be simply caused by the inward pivoting movement of the door 314, which door is generally returned to the closed position before the step panel 302 returns to the stowed position 322. This walk-in design with a pivoting step panel 302 is particularly useful for allowing the armrest 34 to be lowered into the fixed main housing 32 by placing the step panel 302 in a low profile or flush position within the end bracket in the stowed position. A locking mechanism can be included that prevents the armrest 34 from being lowered into the housing 32 when the door 314 is open and allows the armrest 34 to be lowered when the door is closed.

[0048] Although the above description provides embodiments of the present invention only by way of example, it is foreseeable that other embodiments can perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A step assembly comprising: a base attachable to a fixture assembly and comprising a mounting plate having a low profile and a fixture receiver to be received in the fixture assembly; a step plate pivotally attached at a first end to the base along a lower end of the receptacle, the step plate being pivotable between a stowed position in which the step plate is received within the stationary receptacle and a deployed position in which the step plate is outside the stationary receptacle, the step plate having a first side for supporting a foot; and a release mechanism for releasing the step plate from the stowed position to the deployed position, the release mechanism including a clip that holds the step plate in the stowed position until released, the clip being mounted in the upper end of the receptacle to engage the second end of the step plate in the stowed position, the clip being actuated by a user to release the step plate from the stowed position, and the release mechanism including a user-actuated release button positionable along a side of the securing assembly.

2. The step assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The release mechanism includes a magnetic locking device that can be released by a magnetic key.

3. The step assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The release mechanism includes a pivot rod pivotally attached to the fixing assembly, the pivot rod being movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein in the latched position, the second end of the step plate is retained by the catch when the step plate is pivoted upward to the stowed position, and in the unlatched position, the step plate is released by the catch to pivot from the stowed position to the deployed position, wherein when the step plate returns to the stowed position, the pivot rod automatically pivots to the latched position, thereby automatically engaging the second end of the step plate with the catch. 4 . The step assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a ridge positioned on the first side along the second end of the step plate.

5. The step assembly according to claim 1, wherein: Movement of the step plate is spring biased toward at least one of a stowed position and a deployed position.

6. An armrest assembly comprising: Fixed housing; an armrest movable relative to the fixed housing; and a step assembly attached to the stationary housing, the step assembly comprising: i) a base attached to the stationary housing and comprising a mounting plate having a low profile and a stationary receptacle to be received in the stationary housing; ii) a step plate pivotally attached at a first end to the base along a lower end of the receptacle, the step plate being pivotable between a stowed position in which the step plate is received within the stationary receptacle and a deployed position in which the step plate is outside the stationary receptacle, the step plate having a first side for supporting a foot; and iii) a release mechanism for releasing the step plate from the stowed position to the deployed position, the release mechanism including a clip that holds the step plate in the stowed position until released, the clip being mounted in the upper end of the receptacle to engage the second end of the step plate in the stowed position, the clip being actuated by a user to release the step plate from the stowed position, and the release mechanism including a user-actuable release button located in the stationary housing.

7. The armrest assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The stationary housing includes a first side positionable toward the aisle, a second side positionable away from the aisle, and a first end and a second end, wherein the step assembly is attached to the first side or the first end.

8. The armrest assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The release mechanism includes a magnetic locking device that can be released by a magnetic key.

9. The armrest assembly according to claim 6, wherein: The release mechanism includes a pivot lever pivotally attached to the stationary housing, the pivot lever being movable between a latched position and an unlatched position, wherein in the latched position, the second end of the step plate is retained by the catch when the step plate is pivoted upward to the stowed position, and in the unlatched position, the step plate is released by the catch to pivot from the stowed position to the deployed position, wherein when the step plate returns to the stowed position, the pivot lever automatically pivots to the latched position, thereby automatically engaging the second end of the step plate with the catch.

10. The handrail assembly of claim 6, further comprising a ridge positioned on the first side along the second end of the step plate.

11. The armrest assembly according to claim 6, wherein: Movement of the step plate is spring biased toward at least one of a stowed and deployed position.

12. The armrest assembly according to claim 7, wherein: A first portion of the base is attached to the first side of the stationary housing, a second portion of the base surrounds a corner junction between the first side and the first end of the stationary housing, and a third portion of the base is attached to the first end of the stationary housing.

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