Vehicle tailgate with integrated step

Abstract

A tailgate for a vehicle includes a main panel, a step, and a plurality of links that couple the step to the main panel and support the step for movement relative to the main panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. The main panel defines a cutout that opens to a rearward side thereof. The main panel is mounted to a cargo area of ​​a vehicle and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The step includes a cargo side and a rearward side. When the step is in the stowed position, the step is received in the cutout, and the cargo side of the step is substantially parallel to the cargo side of the main panel. When the step is in the deployed position, the step is offset from the main panel, and the cargo side of the step is substantially parallel to the cargo side of the main panel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a vehicle tailgate having an integrated step. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Vehicles such as pickup trucks may have a drop-down tailgate that provides access to a rear cargo bed. A typical tailgate is attached to the rear of the vehicle body so that the tailgate is movable relative to the vehicle body between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the tailgate blocks the rear tailgate opening and is generally perpendicular to the floor of the cargo bed. In the open position, the tailgate is generally parallel to the floor of the cargo bed. However, the floor of the cargo bed and the tailgate in the open position are typically relatively high off the ground to provide sufficient ground clearance for the vehicle. For some people, climbing onto or exiting the cargo bed may be difficult due to the height of the open tailgate. Additionally, it may be beneficial to reduce the weight of the vehicle to increase power efficiency (e.g., to increase fuel efficiency or battery range).

[0004] Thus, these problems associated with entering and exiting a typical tailgate are addressed by the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one form, a tailgate for a vehicle includes a main panel, a step, and a plurality of links. The main panel includes a first cargo side and a first rearward side, and defines a cutout opening through the first rearward side. The main panel is adapted to be mounted to a cargo area of ​​the vehicle and is movable relative to the cargo area between a closed position and an open position. When the main panel is in the closed position, the first cargo side faces the cargo area and the first rearward side faces away from the cargo area. The step includes a second cargo side and a second rearward side. The plurality of links couple the step to the main panel and support the step for movement relative to the main panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. When the step is in the stowed position, the step is received in the cutout, and the second cargo side is substantially parallel to the first cargo side. When the step is in the deployed position, the step is offset from the main panel, and the second cargo side is substantially parallel to the first cargo side.

[0006] According to another embodiment, the plurality of links include a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link. The first link and the second link connect the left side of the step to the main panel. The third link and the fourth link connect the right side of the step to the main panel.

[0007] According to another form, the first link, the second link, the third link, and the fourth link are mounted to the main panel within the cutout.

[0008] According to another form, when the main panel is in the closed position and the step is in the stowed position, the first link, the second link, the third link and the fourth link are mounted to the main panel near the top of the main panel and to the step near the bottom of the step.

[0009] According to another form, the cutout opens through the first cargo side.

[0010] According to another form, when the step is in the stowed position, a portion of the step overlaps a portion of the first cargo side.

[0011] According to another form, when the step is in the stowed position, a portion of the step overlaps a portion of the first rearward side.

[0012] According to another form, the tailgate further includes a first latch configured to inhibit movement of the step from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0013] According to another form, the tailgate further includes a second latch configured to inhibit movement of the step from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0014] According to another form, the first latch is located on the left side of the step and the second latch is located on the right side of the step.

[0015] According to another form, the tailgate further includes a stop member configured to engage the step and one of the plurality of links to inhibit movement of the step relative to the main panel when the step is in the deployed position.

[0016] According to another form, the tailgate further includes a resilient member coupled to the step or one of the plurality of links and configured to bias the step toward the stowed position or the deployed position.

[0017] According to another form, the linkage is configured to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position while maintaining the second cargo side substantially parallel to the first cargo side.

[0018] According to another form, the plurality of links form a scissor mechanism.

[0019] In another embodiment, a tailgate for a vehicle includes a main panel, a step, and a plurality of links. The main panel includes a first cargo side and a first rearward side, and defines a cutout opening through the first rearward side. The main panel is adapted to be mounted to a cargo area of ​​the vehicle and is movable relative to the cargo area between a closed position and an open position. When the main panel is in the closed position, the first cargo side faces the cargo area and the first rearward side faces away from the cargo area. The step includes a second cargo side and a second rearward side. The plurality of links include a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link. The plurality of links couple the step to the main panel and support the step for movement relative to the main panel between a stowed position and an extended position. When the step is in the stowed position, the step is received in the cutout, and the second cargo side is substantially parallel to the first cargo side. When the step is in the extended position, the step is offset from the main panel and the second cargo side is substantially parallel to the first cargo side. One end of the first link and one end of the second link are mounted proximate to the left side of the step. The other end of the first link and the other end of the second link are mounted to the main panel. One end of the third link and one end of the fourth link are mounted close to the right side of the step. The other end of the third link and the other end of the fourth link are mounted to the main panel.

[0020] According to another form, the tailgate further includes a stop member configured to engage the step and one of the plurality of links to inhibit movement of the step relative to the main panel when the step is in the deployed position.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the tailgate further includes a first latch and a second latch configured to inhibit movement of the step from the stowed position to the deployed position. The first latch engages a left side of the step with the main panel. The second latch engages a right side of the step with the main panel.

[0022] According to another form, the tailgate further includes a resilient member coupled to the step or one of the plurality of links and configured to bias the step toward the stowed position or the deployed position.

[0023] In another embodiment, a vehicle includes a vehicle body, a tailgate panel, a step, a plurality of links, a latch, and a stop member. The vehicle body defines a cargo area. The tailgate panel is pivotally coupled to the vehicle body for movement relative to the vehicle body between a closed position and an open position. The tailgate panel includes a first cargo side and a first rearward side. The tailgate panel defines a cutout opening through the first rearward side. When the tailgate panel is in the closed position, the first cargo side faces into the cargo area, and the first rearward side faces away from the cargo area. The step includes a second cargo side and a second rearward side. The plurality of links include a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link. The plurality of links couple the step to the tailgate panel and support the step for movement relative to the tailgate panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. When the step is in the stowed position, the step is received in the cutout, and the second cargo side is substantially parallel to the first cargo side. When the step is in the deployed position, the step is offset from the tailgate panel, and the second cargo side is substantially parallel to the first cargo side. One end of the first link and one end of the second link are mounted to the step proximate the left side of the step. The other end of the first link and the other end of the second link are mounted to the tailgate panel. One end of the third link and one end of the fourth link are mounted to the step proximate the right side of the step. The other end of the third link and the other end of the fourth link are mounted to the tailgate panel. The latch is operable in a first mode, in which the step is movable relative to the tailgate panel, and in a second mode, in which the latch inhibits movement of the step relative to the tailgate panel. The stop member is configured to engage the step and one of the plurality of links to inhibit movement of the step relative to the tailgate panel when the step is in the deployed position.

[0024] According to another form, the vehicle further includes a resilient member coupled to the step or one of the plurality of links and configured to bias the step toward the stowed position or the deployed position.

[0025] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, its various forms will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cargo bed and tailgate of a vehicle according to the teachings of the present disclosure, showing the tailgate in a closed position;

[0028] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 , which shows a perspective view of the tailgate in an open position, wherein the tailgate steps are in a stowed position;

[0029] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 , which shows the steps in the deployed position;

[0030] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a transom in a second configuration according to the teachings of the present disclosure; and

[0031] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a transom in a third configuration according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0032] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , shows the rear portion of a vehicle 10. In the example provided, the vehicle 10 is a pickup truck, but other configurations may be used. The vehicle 10 includes a body 14, a rear bumper 18, and a tailgate 22. The body 14 includes a left bed wall 26, a right bed wall 30, a front bed wall 34, and a bed floor 38 that cooperate to define a cargo bed 42. In the example provided, the top of the cargo bed 42 is open, but other configurations may be used, for example, using a rear seat cover or a truck bed lid.

[0035] The tailgate 22 includes a tailgate panel 46, a left tailgate latch 50, a right tailgate latch 54, and a step assembly 58. The tailgate panel 46 is a generally "U" shaped body. The "U" shape of the tailgate panel 46 is defined by a bottom portion 62, a left side portion 66, and a right side portion 70. The bottom portion 62 spans between the left and right compartment walls 26, 30. When the tailgate panel 46 is in the closed position ( Figure 1 ), the left side portion 66 extends upwardly from the left side of the bottom portion 62. When the tailgate panel 46 is in the closed position ( Figure 1 ), the right side portion 70 extends upwardly from the right side of the bottom portion 62. The left side portion 66 and the right side portion 70 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction of the vehicle 10 to define a cutout or step cavity 74 ( Figure 3).

[0036] The bottom portion 62, the left side portion 66, and the right side portion 70 are generally coplanar, but not necessarily flat or smooth, such that the bottom portion 62, the left side portion 66, and the right side portion 70 generally form a cargo side 78 of the tailgate panel 46 (facing forward into the cargo bed 42 when the tailgate panel 46 is in the closed position). Figure 1 ) and rearwardly toward the side 82 (rearwardly away from the cargo bed 42 when the tailgate panel 46 is in the closed position, Figure 1 Likewise, the bottom portion 62 and the left side portion 66 generally form a left side 86 of the tailgate panel 46 that faces the left compartment wall 26, while the bottom portion 62 and the right side portion 70 generally form a right side 90 of the tailgate panel 46 that faces the right compartment wall 30. The left side portion 66 and the right side portion 70 form a top side 94 of the tailgate panel 46 that is generally aligned with the tops of the left and right compartment walls 26, 30 when the tailgate panel 46 is in the closed position ( Figure 1 ).

[0037] The tailgate panel 46 is attached to the vehicle body 14 near the rear of the vehicle 10 and above the bumper 18 in a manner that allows the tailgate 22 to pivot relative to the vehicle body 14 about an axis extending in the transverse direction of the vehicle 10. In the example provided, the bottom portion 62 is attached to the left compartment wall 26 at a left side 86 of the tailgate panel 46, and the bottom portion 62 is attached to the right compartment wall 30 at a right side 90 of the tailgate panel 46. The tailgate panel 46 is coupled to the left compartment wall 26 and the right compartment wall 30 to open in the closed position ( Figure 1 ) and the open position ( Figure 2 ), for example, where pivot joints (not shown) are attached to the left and right compartment walls 26, 30. In an alternative construction not shown, the tailgate panel 46 can be attached to the compartment floor 38 with hinges.

[0038] In the closed position ( Figure 1 ), the tailgate panel 46 is generally perpendicular to the bed 38 and laterally covers or blocks the space between the rear ends of the left and right bed walls 26, 30 to close the rear portion of the cargo bed 42. Figure 1 ), the rearward side 82 of the tailgate panel 46 is generally aligned with the rearward ends of the left and right compartment walls 26, 30. Figure 2 ), the tailgate panel 46 is generally parallel to the bed 38 and does not laterally block the space between the rear ends of the left and right bed walls 26, 30, such that the cargo bed 42 opens from the rear of the vehicle 10. In the example provided, when the tailgate panel 46 is in the open position, the cargo side 78 of the tailgate panel 46 is generally aligned with the bed 38 ( Figure 2 ).

[0039] The left tailgate latch 50 is attached to the left side portion 66 adjacent the upper left corner of the tailgate panel 46. In the example provided, the left tailgate latch 50 is mounted to the left side 86 of the tailgate panel 46. The right tailgate latch 54 is attached to the right side portion 70 adjacent the upper right corner of the tailgate panel 46. In the example provided, the right tailgate latch 54 is mounted to the right side 90 of the tailgate panel 46. The left tailgate latch 50 and the right tailgate latch 54 are configured to removably couple the top of the tailgate panel 46 to the left and right van walls 26 and 30, respectively, to retain the tailgate panel 46 in the closed position ( Figure 1 The tailgate 22 may also include a lever or handle (not shown) that may be mechanically or electrically coupled to the left and right tailgate latches 50, 54 to allow a user to selectively disengage the left and right tailgate latches 50, 54 from the left and right compartment walls 26, 30, thereby allowing the tailgate panel 46 to be moved to the open position ( Figure 2 ).

[0040] Additional references Figure 3 , the step assembly 58 includes a step panel 310, a linkage 314, a left step latch 318, and a right step latch 322. The linkage 314 generally couples the step panel 310 to the tailgate panel 46. In the example provided, the step assembly 58 also includes one or more biasing members 324. The linkage 314 is configured to allow the step panel 310 to be positioned relative to the tailgate panel 46 in the stowed position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) and the expanded position ( Figure 3 ). The step panel 310 has a shape complementary to the step cavity 74 such that the step panel 310 is matingly received in the step cavity 74. In the example provided, the step cavity 74 and the step panel 310 have complementary square or rectangular shapes, but other shapes may be used.

[0041] The step panel 310 has a top side 326, a bottom side 330, a left side 334, a right side 338, a cargo side 342, and a rearward side 346. Figure 2 ), top side 326 is generally aligned with top side 94 of transom panel 46, bottom side 330 is opposite the top of bottom portion 62, left side 334 is opposite the right side of left portion 66, and right side 338 is opposite the left side of right portion 70. Figure 2 ), the cargo side 342 is generally aligned with the cargo side 78 of the tailgate panel 46 , and the rearward side 346 is generally aligned with the rearward side 82 of the tailgate panel 46 .

[0042] The left step latch 318 is configured to releasably connect the left side 334 to the left side portion 66, and the right step latch 322 is configured to releasably connect the right side 338 to the right side portion 70. In the example provided, the right step latch 322 is mounted to the top of the right side 338 and is configured to engage a latch target 350 fixedly mounted to the right side portion 70. In the example provided, the left step latch 318 is mounted to the top of the left side 334 and is configured to engage a latch target (not shown, but can be similar to the latch target 350) fixedly mounted to the left side portion 66. The left step latch 318 and the right step latch 322 can be mechanically or electrically released by actuating a lever or button 354.

[0043] The linkage 314 couples the step panel 310 to the left and right portions 66, 70 and is configured to allow the step panel 310 to be positioned relative to the tailgate panel 46 in the stowed position ( Figure 2 ) and the expanded position ( Figure 3 ). In the example provided, the linkage 314 is a four-bar linkage type mechanism including a left first link 358, a right first link 362, a left second link 366, and a right second link 370, wherein the tailgate panel 46 constitutes the third link of the four-bar linkage and the step panel 310 constitutes the fourth link of the four-bar linkage. The linkage 314 may also include a position lock 374.

[0044] The left first link 358 is a rigid member having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the right side of the left portion 66 and a distal end pivotally coupled to the left side 334 of the step panel 310. The left second link 366 is a rigid member having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the right side of the left portion 66 at a different position than the left first link 358. The left second link 366 has a distal end pivotally coupled to the left side 334 of the step panel 310 at a different position than the left first link 358.

[0045] The right first link 362 is similar to the left first link 358, but has a proximal end pivotally coupled to the left side of the right side portion 70 and a distal end pivotally coupled to the right side 338 of the step panel 310. The right second link 370 is similar to the left second link 366, but has a proximal end pivotally coupled to the left side of the right side portion 70 and a distal end pivotally coupled to the right side 338 of the step panel 310. In the example provided, the proximal and distal ends of the links 358, 362, 366, 370 pivot about axes that are parallel to each other and extend in the lateral direction of the vehicle 10. In the example provided, the proximal ends of the first links 358, 362 are closer to the bottom portion 62 than the proximal ends of the second links 366, 370, and the proximal ends of the links 358, 362, 366, 370 are closer to the top side of the tailgate panel 46 than to the bottom portion 62. In the example provided, the distal ends of the first links 358, 362 are closer to the bottom side 330 of the step panel 310 than the distal ends of the second links 366, 370, and the distal ends of the links 358, 362, 366, 370 are closer to the bottom side 330 of the step panel 310 than to the top side 326. In the example provided, the links 358, 362, 366, 370 have the same length. In the example provided, the links 358, 362, 366, 370 are perpendicular to the ground and generally perpendicular to the tailgate panel 46 and the step panel 310 when in the deployed position.

[0046] The linkage 314 is configured to be in the stowed position ( Figure 2 ), Expand Position( Figure 3 ) and when moving between the stowed position and the deployed position, the step panel 310 is maintained in an orientation parallel to the tailgate panel 46. Figure 3 ), the cargo side 342 of the step panel 310 is below the tailgate panel 46. In this position, the top side 326 of the step panel 310 is also rearward of the top side of the tailgate panel 46. The linkage 314 is constructed of a material strong enough to carry a person carrying cargo when in the deployed position.

[0047] The position lock 374 is configured to lock the linkage in the deployed position ( Figure 3). A position lock 374 can be located on the tailgate panel 46 as shown in phantom and can engage one or more of the links 358, 362, 366, 370 and can prevent the links 358, 362, 366, 370 from moving when engaged. In an alternative construction not shown, the position lock 374 can be located on the step panel 310 to engage one or more of the links 358, 362, 366, 370. The position lock 374 can be configured to automatically engage when the step panel 310 reaches the deployed position and can be disengaged by a button or lever. In one construction, the same button or lever (e.g., button 354) used to disengage the step latches 318, 322 can be used to disengage the position lock 374. In another construction, a different button or lever (not shown) can be used.

[0048] The biasing member 324 may be a member configured to bias the step member toward the stowed position ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) or expanded position ( Figure 3 ) is any suitable type of resilient member that is biased. In the example provided, the biasing member 324 is a spring that is attached at one end to the tailgate panel 46 and at the other end to the step panel 310 and is configured to bias the step panel 310 toward the stowed position. In an alternative configuration not specifically shown, one or more torsion springs may be disposed within the tailgate panel 46 and / or the step panel 310 and configured to rotationally bias the links 358, 362, 366, 370 toward the stowed position or the deployed position.

[0049] Additional references Figure 4 , showing a second configuration of the vehicle 10 ′. Except as otherwise shown or described herein, the vehicle 10 ′ is similar to the vehicle 10 ( Figure 1-3 ). and the characteristics of the vehicle 10 ( Figure 1-3 ) Similar features of the vehicle 10' are indicated by similar, but primed, reference numerals, and only the differences are described in detail herein. In the example provided, the tailgate panel 46' includes a cover member 410. The cover member 410 is generally flat and flush with the cargo side 78' of the tailgate panel 46'. The cover member 410 spans laterally between the left and right portions 66', 70' and extends from the bottom portion 62' of the tailgate panel 46' toward the top side 94' a distance less than the full distance to the top side 94'.

[0050] The cargo side 342' of the step panel 310' may include a recess (not shown) corresponding to the cover member 410 so that when the step panel 310' is in the stowed position (similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2), the cover member 410 is nested in the recess (not shown) and the non-recessed area of ​​the cargo side 342' of the cover member 410' is generally aligned with the cargo side 412 of the cover member 410 and the cargo side 78' of the tailgate panel 46'. In the example provided, when the step panel 310' is in the deployed position, the top end 414 of the cover member 410 is rearward of the bottom side 330' of the step panel 310' ( Figure 4 ).

[0051] Additional references Figure 5 , showing a third configuration of vehicle 10 ″. Vehicle 10 ″ is similar to vehicle 10 ( Figure 1-3 ). and the characteristics of the vehicle 10 ( Figure 1-3 ) Features similar to vehicle 10" are indicated by similar but double-prime reference numerals, and only the differences are described in detail herein. In the example provided, the linkage 314" is a scissor mechanism rather than a four-bar linkage. The linkage 314" includes a set of left scissor links 510 and a set of right scissor links 514. The set of left scissor links 510 connects the left side portion 66" to the left side 334" of the step panel 310". The set of right scissor links 514 connects the right side portion 70" to the right side 338" of the step panel 310".

[0052] One end of one of the two right scissor links 514 directly connected to the right side portion 70" is connected to the right side portion 70" in such a manner that it pivots relative to the right side portion 70", but is otherwise fixed relative to the right side portion 70". One end of the other of the two right scissor links 514 directly connected to the right side portion 70" is connected to the right side portion 70" in such a manner that it pivots relative to the right side portion 70" and also translates along a track 518 formed in the right side portion 70". Although Figure 5 Not specifically shown in the drawings, but two left scissor links 510 directly connected to the left side portion 66" are connected to the left side portion 66" in a similar manner so that one pivots while the other pivots and translates.

[0053] Similarly, one end of one of the two left scissor links 510 directly connected to the left side 334" of the step panel 310" is connected to the left side 334" in such a manner that it pivots relative to the left side 334" but is otherwise fixed relative to the left side 334". One end of the other of the two left scissor links 510 directly connected to the left side 334" is connected to the left side 334" in such a manner that it pivots relative to the left side 334" and also translates along the track 522 formed in the left side 334". Although Figure 5Not specifically shown, the two right scissor links 514 connected directly to the right side 338" are similarly connected to the right side 338", so that when one pivots, the other pivots and translates. Thus, the linkage 314" is configured to maintain the step panel 310 generally parallel to the tailgate panel 46" as it moves from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0054] In the example provided, the biasing member 324" is a spring having one end attached to the tailgate panel 46" and the other end attached to the step panel 310". In the example provided, the biasing member 324" is configured to bias the step panel 310" toward the deployed position, but other configurations may be used. In an alternative configuration not specifically shown, the biasing member 324" may be attached to an end of a link 510 disposed in the track 518 and / or 522 to bias the end within the track 518 and / or 522. In the example provided, the position lock 374" is disposed within the track 522 to inhibit sliding of the end of the link 510 of the track 522, but other configurations may be used, such as one configured to inhibit rotation of one or more of the links 510, 514.

[0055] In the example provided, the bumper 18 ″ of the vehicle 10 may also optionally include a shoulder 526 having an upwardly facing surface that contacts the rearward side 346 ″ of the step panel 310 ″ in the deployed position to provide additional support to the step panel 310 ″.

[0056] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] Any element recited in the claims is not intended to be a means-plus-function element within the meaning of 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for” or in the case of a method claim using the phrase “operation for” or “step for”.

Claims

1. A tailgate for a vehicle, comprising: a main panel including a first cargo side and a first rearward side and defining a cutout opening through the first rearward side, the main panel adapted to be mounted to a cargo area of ​​the vehicle and movable relative to the cargo area between a closed position and an open position, wherein when the main panel is in the closed position, the first cargo side faces toward the cargo area and the first rearward side faces away from the cargo area; including a second cargo side and a second rearward side step; as well as a plurality of links coupling the step to the main panel and supporting the step for movement relative to the main panel between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein when the step moves from the deployed position to the stowed position, the plurality of links support the step to be received in the cutout, and the second cargo side and the first cargo side face the same side and are substantially parallel to the first cargo side, and wherein when the step moves from the stowed position to the deployed position, the plurality of links support the step to be offset from the main panel, and the second cargo side and the first cargo side face the same side and are substantially parallel to the first cargo side; wherein, when the step is in the stowed position, a portion of the second cargo side of the step overlaps a portion of the first cargo side, and a portion of the second rearward side of the step overlaps a portion of the first rearward side to conceal the plurality of links in the cutout.

2. The tailgate of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of links include a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, the first link and the second link coupling a left side of the step to the main panel, and the third link and the fourth link coupling a right side of the step to the main panel. 3 . The tailgate of claim 2 , wherein the first link, the second link, the third link, and the fourth link are mounted to the main panel within the cutout.

4. The tailgate of claim 3 , wherein the first link, the second link, the third link, and the fourth link are mounted to the main panel proximate a top of the main panel and to the step proximate a bottom of the step when the main panel is in the closed position and the step is in the stowed position. The transom of claim 1 , wherein the cutout opens through the first cargo side. 6 . The tailgate of claim 1 , further comprising a first latch configured to inhibit movement of the step from the stowed position to the deployed position. 7 . The tailgate of claim 6 , further comprising a second latch configured to inhibit movement of the step from the stowed position to the deployed position.

8. The tailgate of claim 7, wherein the first latch is located on a left side of the step and the second latch is located on a right side of the step.

9. The tailgate of claim 1, further comprising a stop member configured to engage the step and one of the plurality of links to inhibit movement of the step relative to the main panel when the step is in the deployed position. 10 . The tailgate of claim 1 , further comprising a resilient member coupled to the step or one of the plurality of links and configured to bias the step toward the stowed position or the deployed position.

11. The transom of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of links are configured to move the step between the stowed position and the deployed position while maintaining the second cargo side substantially parallel to the first cargo side.

12. The transom of claim 1, wherein the plurality of links form a scissor mechanism.

13. A tailgate for a vehicle, the tailgate comprising: a main panel including a first cargo side and a first rearward side and defining a cutout opening through the first rearward side, the main panel adapted to be mounted to a cargo area of ​​the vehicle and movable relative to the cargo area between a closed position and an open position, wherein when the main panel is in the closed position, the first cargo side faces toward the cargo area and the first rearward side faces away from the cargo area; including a second cargo side and a second rearward side step; as well as a plurality of links, the plurality of links including a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, the plurality of links coupling the step to the main panel and supporting the step for movement between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the main panel, wherein when the step moves from the deployed position to the stowed position, the plurality of links support the step to be received in the cutout, and the second cargo side and the first cargo side face the same side and are substantially parallel to the first cargo side, and wherein when the step moves from the stowed position to the deployed position, the plurality of links support the step away from the cutout to be offset from the main panel, and the second cargo side and the first cargo side face the same side and are substantially parallel to the first cargo side, one end of the first link and one end of the second link being mounted proximate a left side of the step, the other ends of the first link and the other end of the second link being mounted to the main panel, one end of the third link and one end of the fourth link being mounted proximate a right side of the step, and the other ends of the third link and the other end of the fourth link being mounted to the main panel; wherein, when the step is in the stowed position, a portion of the second cargo side of the step overlaps a portion of the first cargo side, and a portion of the second rearward side of the step overlaps a portion of the first rearward side to conceal the plurality of links in the cutout.

14. The tailgate of claim 13, further comprising a stop member configured to engage the step and one of the plurality of links to inhibit movement of the step relative to the main panel when the step is in the deployed position.

15. The tailgate of claim 13 , further comprising a first latch and a second latch configured to inhibit movement of the step from the stowed position to the deployed position, the first latch engaging a left side of the step with the main panel and the second latch engaging a right side of the step with the main panel. 16 . The tailgate of claim 13 , further comprising a resilient member coupled to the step or one of the plurality of links and configured to bias the step toward the stowed position or the deployed position.

17. A vehicle comprising: a body that defines the cargo area; a tailgate panel pivotally coupled to the vehicle body for movement relative to the vehicle body between a closed position and an open position, the tailgate panel including a first cargo side and a first rearward side, the tailgate panel defining a cutout opening through the first rearward side, wherein when the tailgate panel is in the closed position, the first cargo side faces into the cargo area and the first rearward side faces away from the cargo area; including a second cargo side and a second rearward side step; a plurality of links, the plurality of links including a first link, a second link, a third link, and a fourth link, the plurality of links coupling the step to the tailgate panel and supporting the step for movement relative to the tailgate panel between a stowed position and a deployed position, wherein when the step moves from the deployed position to the stowed position, the plurality of links support the step to be received in the cutout, and the second cargo side and the first cargo side face the same side and are substantially parallel to the first cargo side, and wherein when the step moves from the stowed position to the deployed position, the plurality of links support the step to be received in the cutout. bracing the step away from the cutout to be offset from the tailgate panel, with the second cargo side and the first cargo side facing the same side and being substantially parallel to the first cargo side, wherein one end of the first link and one end of the second link are mounted to the step proximate a left side of the step, and the other ends of the first link and the second link are mounted to the tailgate panel, wherein one end of the third link and one end of the fourth link are mounted to the step proximate a right side of the step, and the other ends of the third link and the fourth link are mounted to the tailgate panel; wherein, when the step is in the stowed position, a portion of the second cargo side of the step overlaps a portion of the first cargo side, and a portion of the second rearward side of the step overlaps a portion of the first rearward side to conceal the plurality of links in the cutout; a latch operable in a first mode in which the step is movable relative to the transom panel and a second mode in which the latch inhibits movement of the step relative to the transom panel; and A stop member is configured to engage the step and one of the plurality of links to inhibit movement of the step relative to the transom panel when the step is in the deployed position. 18 . The vehicle of claim 17 , further comprising a resilient member coupled to the step or one of the plurality of links and configured to bias the step toward the stowed position or the deployed position.

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