Collapsible tailgate step assembly system

Abstract

A retractable tailgate step assembly system includes a frame having two interconnected frame arms adapted for longitudinal mounting in a vehicle tailgate. A sliding module releasably latched to the frame includes a step assembly and two longitudinal support arms that translate relative to the frame arms. The step assembly includes: two sliding arms that translate relative to the support arms; and a first step portion and at least one additional step portion, the first step portion and at least one additional step portion being pivotally connected by at least one linkage to facilitate synchronous rotation of the step portions. A control device is provided for controlling the rotation of the step portions during translation of the support arms from a retracted position to an extended position. An unfolding device is also provided for controlling the rotation of the step portions between the extended and unfolded positions. A locking latch rotatably connected to at least one support arm engages at least one associated frame arm to prevent translation of the support arm relative to the associated frame arm when the step assembly is in the extended position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of motor vehicles, and in particular, to a step system for pickup trucks. Background Technology

[0002] Pickup trucks may be equipped with step features to allow easier entry and exit from the truck bed when the tailgate is open. For safety and to reduce wear, it is advantageous to retract any such steps when not in use. Various devices have been used to retract and extend these steps. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A retractable tailgate step assembly has been developed. In one aspect of the invention, the retractable tailgate step assembly system includes a frame having two interconnected frame arms adapted to be longitudinally mounted in a vehicle tailgate. The frame is adapted to receive a sliding module releasably latched to the frame. The sliding module includes: two longitudinal support arms translatable relative to the frame arms; and a step assembly. The step assembly includes: two sliding arms translatable relative to the support arms; and a first step portion and at least one additional step portion, the first step portion and at least one additional step portion being pivotally connected by at least one link to allow for synchronized rotation of the step portions. A control device is provided for controlling the rotation of the step portions during translation of the support arms from a retracted position to an extended position. An unfolding device is also provided for controlling the rotation of the step portions between the extended and unfolded positions. A lock-out latch is rotatably connected to at least one support arm, engaging at least one associated frame arm when the step assembly is in the extended position, thereby preventing translation of at least one support arm relative to the associated frame arm. The locking latch disengages from the associated frame arm as the sliding arm associated with the associated frame arm translates into at least one load arm, causing the step assembly to begin retracting into the frame.

[0004] In another aspect of the invention, the control device includes a guide pin mounted to one of a first step and at least one additional step, the guide pin engaging with a shaped guide groove adjacent to the end of at least one of the support arms.

[0005] In another aspect of the invention, the control device includes: a first guide pin mounted to a first step portion; a guide bracket mounted to one of the support arms; and the guide bracket including a shaped guide groove for receiving the first guide pin. When the first guide pin is outside the shaped guide groove, the first guide pin is restricted to prevent vertical movement via a motion control surface portion of the support arm and a corresponding sliding arm.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, the control device includes a roller mounted to one of a first step and at least one additional step, the roller being translated in a rotational manner on a ramp-like member mounted to at least one of the bearing arms.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, the unfolding device includes: the stepped portion, pivotally connected to the sliding arm via a pivot pin, the stepped portion being coplanar with the sliding arm before unfolding, but rotating relative to the sliding arm to be parallel to the vehicle body when unfolded, the stepped portions being pivotally connected to each other via at least one link to ensure synchronous and parallel rotation of the stepped portions; at least one guide pin, the guide pin being mounted on at least one lateral side of the stepped portion, the guide pin contacting a motion control surface on the support arm to keep the stepped portion coplanar with the sliding arm during the unfolding of the stepped assembly; and a guide bracket, the guide bracket including a guide groove positioned adjacent to the rear end of the support arm to reversibly receive the guide pin, the guide groove being shaped to apply rotation to the stepped portion on which the guide pin is mounted.

[0008] In another aspect of the invention, the locking latch engages releasably with a locking pin mounted to the step assembly to prevent the step assembly from extending relative to the support arm until the sliding module leaves the frame.

[0009] In another aspect of the invention, the sliding module is releasably latched to the frame by at least one component latch, which is released by means of a latch release handle.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, the tailgate step assembly is in a retracted position when it is latched by at least one component latch; in an extended position when the component latch is released and the sliding module is translated to its limit relative to the frame; and in an extended position when the step portion is rotated to the use position.

[0011] In another alternative aspect of the invention, a latch release handle is connected to at least one transverse arm, which rotates at least one locking lever located between at least one sliding arm in a sliding arm and a load arm associated with the sliding arm. The locking lever is provided with a spring-loaded pawl adapted to lock into a locking slot in at least one load arm in a load arm and in a frame arm associated with the load arm.

[0012] In another aspect of the invention, the load stop is rotatably mounted to the upward face of the step assembly.

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, the load stop is embedded in the first step portion when not in use.

[0014] In another aspect of the invention, when a load stop, which is rotatably mounted to the upward face of the step assembly, rotates perpendicular to the step assembly, the load stop is locked in place by a spring-loaded pawl that engages with a locking slot in at least one of the support arms and in a frame arm associated with the support arm.

[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a spring-loaded ratchet connected to the load stop, one of the load arms, and a sliding module associated with the load arm allows the load stop to move in small increments close to the cargo, and releasing the ratchet allows the load stop to move back from the cargo far enough to be stored in the step assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system installed in the tailgate, as schematically shown.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional view of a retractable step assembly system in a detached state.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the framework of a retractable step component system.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a perspective view of the sliding module of a retractable step component system, in which the step component extends partially.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a partial perspective view of a retractable step component system, in which the step components are retracted.

[0021] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system, in which a support arm extends from the frame, and the step assembly extends partially from the support arm.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the sliding module of the retractable step component system.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a partial 3D view of the locking latch.

[0024] Figure 9 This is another partial perspective view of the locking latch, showing the locking groove and guide groove.

[0025] Figure 10 It is a partial 3D view of the frame, sliding module, and locking latch, in which the sliding module is translated backward.

[0026] Figure 11This is a partial perspective view of the detachable, retractable step assembly system, in which the locking latch is in position. Figure 10 . orientation.

[0027] Figure 12 It is a partial perspective view of the locking latch that has been translated to the locked position, in which the sliding module moves backward.

[0028] Figure 13 It is a partial perspective view of at least one additional step portion installed on the sliding arm.

[0029] Figure 14 It is a partial perspective view of the separated step assembly, in which the step portion is parallel to the sliding arm.

[0030] Figure 15 This is a partial 3D view of the first step in the step assembly.

[0031] Figure 16 It is a perspective view of the separated step assembly, in which the step portion is parallel to the sliding arm.

[0032] Figure 17 It is a perspective view of the separated step components, with the steps unfolded for use.

[0033] Figure 18 It is a three-dimensional, partially transparent view of the locking groove, guide groove, locking pin, and guide pin.

[0034] Figure 19 This is a perspective view of the sliding module of a retractable step assembly system, in which the sliding arm extends partially.

[0035] Figure 20 It is a partially transparent, three-dimensional view of the sliding module, in which the guide pin is about to enter the guide groove.

[0036] Figure 21 It is a three-dimensional view of the separated sliding module, in which the stepped section is partially unfolded.

[0037] Figure 22 It is a partially transparent 3D view of the sliding module, in which the guide pin is completely positioned in the guide groove.

[0038] Figure 23 It is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system installed in the schematically shown tailgate, wherein the step section is partially unfolded.

[0039] Figure 24 This is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system installed in the tailgate, schematically shown, with the step section fully extended.

[0040] Figure 25It is a perspective view of the separated step assembly, in which the step portion is partially unfolded as the step assembly is returned to be parallel to the support arm.

[0041] Figure 26 This is a partial perspective view of an alternative latching system, showing the guide arm, frame arm, spring-loaded pawl, and locking groove.

[0042] Figure 27 It is a perspective view of a separated sliding module with an alternative latching system, in which the stepped portion is partially unfolded.

[0043] Figure 28 It is a partially transparent three-dimensional view of a sliding module with an alternative latching system, wherein the guide pin is fully positioned in the guide slot.

[0044] Figure 29 It is a perspective view of a separate, retractable step assembly system, in which the support arm is extended and the step assembly is partially extended.

[0045] Figure 30 This is another perspective view of the detachable, retractable step assembly system, in which the support arm is extended, the step assembly is partially extended, and the locking latch is shown.

[0046] Figure 31 It is a partial perspective view of the locking latch in contact with the locking pin and rotating out of the locked position.

[0047] Figure 32 yes Figure 31 The view shows the locking latch rotating further below the longitudinal contact surface of the frame arm.

[0048] Figure 33 This is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system installed in the schematically shown tailgate, wherein the step assembly is fully retracted.

[0049] Figure 34 It is a perspective view of a separate sliding module with an alternative latching system, wherein the step assembly is partially extended.

[0050] Figure 35 yes Figure 34 The view shows the lateral arm rotating as part of an alternative latching system.

[0051] Figure 36 This is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the locking lever and pawl of an alternative latch system, wherein the latch pawl is locked.

[0052] Figure 37 yes Figure 36The view shows the rotation direction of the locking lever and pawl, with the latch pawl unlocked.

[0053] Figure 38A It is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system installed in the tailgate as shown in the actual illustration, and the retractable step assembly system includes a retractable load stop.

[0054] Figure 38B yes Figure 38A A view of a partially unfolded load stop.

[0055] Figure 39A yes Figure 38A A view of the load stop with the load stop fully extended.

[0056] Figure 39B yes Figure 39A A view of a load stop that obstructs the movement of goods.

[0057] Figure 40 It is a three-dimensional, partially transparent partial view of an alternative control device with rollers and ramp-like parts, wherein the stepped portion is partially rotated open.

[0058] Figure 41 yes Figure 40 The view of the steps is rotated to return to a partial view of the position used for collapsing.

[0059] Figure 42 These are different stereoscopic partial views of the alternative control device, in which the stepped portion is rotated to be parallel to the sliding arm for retraction.

[0060] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings include any aspect or corresponding individual feature of the embodiments, examples, and alternatives, which may be used independently or in any combination. Unless features are incompatible, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The retractable tailgate step assembly 1 of the present invention is most suitable for a configuration with two step sections, but a single step section or two or more step sections can also be used. (See reference) Figures 1 to 7 The frame 3 is installed inside the vehicle's tailgate 5. Since tailgates are typically installed in pickup trucks or other suitable vehicles, trucks are not shown. Tailgate 5 is... Figure 1 and Figure 6The following figures are shown schematically and more realistically in Figures 38 and 39. Frame 3 is positioned between the front and rear surfaces of the tailgate 5, or between the inner surface 7 and the outer surface 9, as defined when the tailgate 5 is in the closed, upright position. Frame 3 is provided with two frame arms 11, 13, which are oriented from top to bottom within the tailgate 5 when it is closed. When the tailgate 5 is opened 90 degrees and parallel to the truck bed floor, the frame arms 11, 13 are oriented in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. As described herein, when the retractable tailgate step assembly 1 is in use, the tailgate 5 is parallel to the truck bed floor. Frame arms 11, 13 are preferably connected by lateral connectors 15, 17 to form a stable frame structure. In one embodiment, a bracket 19 with a fork 21 is attached to the rear of the frame arms 11, 13 for component latching 23. In an alternative embodiment, latching can be performed in multiple positions without the use of the fork 21.

[0062] The sliding module 25, also referred to as a sliding assembly, is releasably attached to the frame 3. The sliding module 25 includes a rear crossbeam 27, which includes a latch release handle 29. In one embodiment, movement of the latch release handle 29 from a rested position releases an assembly latch 23 located at the distal end of the crossbeam 27. The assembly latch 23 releasably engages with a fork 21 on the frame arms 11, 13. In another embodiment, multiple latch positions are provided, including a latch position where the crossbeam 27 is latched to the frame 3, as further described and shown herein.

[0063] A crossbeam 27 is connected to two sliding arms 31, which may be tubular and are adjacent to the distal end of the crossbeam 27. The sliding arms 31 translate relative to two supporting arms 33, which may also be referred to as guide arms, and are also oriented in the longitudinal direction. Two stepped portions are pivotally mounted between the sliding arms 31; these are a first stepped portion 35 and at least one additional stepped portion 37, which in this configuration is a second stepped portion. However, either stepped portion may be designated as the first stepped portion. While two stepped portions are preferred, other numbers of stepped portions may also be used, such as three or four. The crossbeam 27, sliding arms 31, and stepped portions 35 and 37 constitute a stepped assembly 39. The stepped assembly 39 and the supporting arms 33 constitute a sliding module 25. The sliding module 25 translates relative to the frame arms 11 and 13. The sliding module 25 can be pulled horizontally out of the frame 3 when the assembly latch 23 is released or replaced using the latch release handle 29. This action allows steps 35 and 37 to be deployed, with step assembly 39 positioned at an angle between the support arm 33, parallel to the truck bed, and the ground. Using the latch release handle 29 or other means, lifting and pushing the crossbeam 27 causes the step assembly 39 to return horizontally toward the interior of the truck bed until the sliding module 25 is latched back to the frame 3. With the sliding module 25 retracted, essentially only the crossbeam 27 is exposed.

[0064] The step assembly 39 also translates relative to the support arm 33. (See reference) Figures 8 to 12 At least one locking latch 41 prevents the step assembly 39 from translating relative to the support arm 33 until the sliding module 25 is pulled back relative to the frame arms 11, 13 and released from the constraint provided by the frame arms 11, 13. This includes moving the step assembly 39 from a retracted position to an extended position. Preferably, a locking latch 41 is provided on each lateral side of the sliding module 25, but a single locking latch 41 may also be used. The locking latch 41 ensures that the steps 35, 37 do not deploy prematurely. The locking latch 41 is pivotally mounted to the support arm 33 and is spring-loaded. When the sliding module 25 is retracted and when the sliding module 25 is extended to its rearward limit, a locking pin 43 mounted adjacent to the front end of the support arm 33 engages with the rear portion of the locking latch 41. Preferably, the locking pin 43 is releasably restrained by a locking latch groove 45 located in the locking latch 41. When a single locking latch 41 is used, a single locking pin 43 is used. When the sliding module 25 is retracted and when the sliding module 25 is extended rearward to the extended position, the front end of the locking latch 41 slidably contacts the frame arms 11, 13. This contact causes the locking latch resilient 47 of the locking latch 41 to remain biased during the rearward extension of the sliding module 25, and the locking pin 43 to engage with the rear portion of the locking latch 41.

[0065] When the sliding module 25 extends fully rearward to its limit, the front end of the locking latch 41 passes the rear end of the frame arms 11, 13 and no longer contacts the longitudinal contact surfaces 49 of the frame arms 11, 13, thereby allowing the locking latch 41 to rotate with the locking latch resilient 47 biased. The rotation of the locking latch 41 releases the locking pin 43 from the locking latch slot 45 in the locking latch 41. As shown, this rotation can be clockwise. With the locking pin 43 thus released, the step assembly 39 translates freely rearward relative to the support arm 33. The front end of the rotated locking latch 41 is now located at the rear of the frame arms 11, 13. Forward movement of the sliding module 25 from this position will cause the front end of the rotated locking latch 41 to contact the rear end of the frame arms 11, 13. This contact between the rotated locking latch 41 and the rear ends of the frame arms 11, 13 prevents the support arm 33 from sliding relative to the frame arms 11, 13 until the locking pin 43 on the step assembly 39 re-enters the locking latch groove 45 in the rear portion of the locking latch 41. This re-biases the locking latch resilient 47, which rotates the front end of the locking latch 41. This rotation lowers the front end of the locking latch 41 below the top of the frame arms 11, 13. As shown, this rotation can be counterclockwise. When the sliding module 25 moves toward the retracted position, the front end of the locking latch 41 again contacts the frame arms 11, 13 in a sliding manner.

[0066] The rear ends of the frame arms 11 and 13 are provided with pivot brackets 51. The pivot bracket 51 includes a pivot bracket slot 53, which engages with a bracket pin 55 mounted to the front end of the support arm 33. These bracket pins 55 and pivot bracket slots 53 prevent the support arm 33 from further translating rearward when the step assembly 39 is deployed.

[0067] refer to Figures 13 to 33 Steps 35 and 37 are pivotally connected to the sliding arm 31 via pivot pins 57. Before deployment, steps 35 and 37 are coplanar with the sliding arm 31, but during deployment, they rotate relative to the sliding arm 31 to be approximately parallel to the truck bed and the ground. Steps 35 and 37 are pivotally connected to each other via links 59. Preferably, a link 59 is provided on each lateral side of each step 35 and 37. These links 59 ensure that steps 35 and 37 always rotate synchronously and parallel.

[0068] Control devices are also provided. Guide pins 61 are mounted on the lateral side of at least one of the step portions 35, 37, typically on the lateral side of the first step portion 35, as will be described below. These guide pins 61 contact the motion control surface portion 63 on the support arm 33, which keeps the step portions 35, 37 coplanar with the sliding arm 31 when the step assembly 39 extends for deployment. A guide bracket 65 is provided at the rear end of the support arm 33, the guide bracket 65 including a guide groove 67 into which the guide pins 61 enter to allow deployment. The guide groove 67 is shaped to apply rotation to the first step portion 35 on which the guide pins 61 are mounted. The shaping typically includes an arc shape to facilitate rotation. Additional step portions or second step portions 37 are forced to rotate in the same manner as the first step portion 35 due to the connecting rod 59 that connects the step portions 35, 37. An array of two or more step portions thus connected operates in a similar manner.

[0069] When the step assembly 39 is fully extended, it can pivot downwards to the extended position, orienting the step portions 35 and 37 for use. When the step assembly 39 rotates back to be parallel to the tailgate 5, the guide pin 61 moves accordingly in the guide groove 67, which returns the step portions 35 and 37 to be parallel to the truck bed and coplanar with the sliding arm 31.

[0070] Such as Figures 40 to 42 An alternative control device is shown. The control device includes rollers mounted to one of the first step and at least one additional step, the rollers being rotatably translated on a ramp-like member mounted to at least one of the support arms. A step control link 85 is rotatably connected at one end to a second step 37 and at the other end to a sliding arm 31. A sliding arm pivot pin 87 rotatably connects the sliding arm 31 and the second step 37, and a step control link 85 rotatably connects the second step 37 to a step control link 85, providing a rotation axis for the second step 37. A guide roller 91 is rotatably mounted along the step control link 85. When the sliding arm 31 is pushed into the support arm 33 associated with the sliding arm 31, the guide roller 91 contacts the ramp-like member 93 or a guide cam. As the guide roller 91 rolls along the guide cam 93, the second step 37 rotates relative to the sliding arm 31 to a horizontal orientation. In contrast, when the sliding arm 31 extends away from the bearing arm 33, the guide roller 91 moves downward along the guide cam or ramp 93, causing the second step 37 to rotate relative to the sliding arm 31 away from the horizontal direction. The sliding arm pivot pin 87 is guided in the sliding arm pivot pin groove 95 to accommodate the geometric relationship between the sliding arm pivot pin 87 and the step pivot pin 89 when the second step portion 37 rotates.

[0071] As mentioned above, alternative latching devices can be used. (See reference...) Figures 34 to 37 In another embodiment, the latch release handle 29 is connected to at least one transverse arm 69, which rotates at least one longitudinal locking lever 71 located between at least one sliding arm 31 and a associated support arm 33. The locking lever 71 is provided with a spring-loaded pawl 73 adapted to lock into a locking slot 75 located in at least one support arm 33 and its associated frame arms 11, 13. The spring-loaded pawl 73 may be fixedly mounted to the locking lever 71 circumferentially, or otherwise mounted to the locking lever 71. When the spring-loaded pawl 73 is properly shaped, for example, extending significantly outward from the locking lever 71 along one axis and minimally along an orthogonal axis, when the spring-loaded pawl 73 is spring-biased, one or more outwardly protruding portions of the spring-loaded pawl 73 can fall into one or more of a plurality of locking slots 75 provided, which are positioned at intervals along the length of at least one sliding arm 31 and its associated bearing arm 33. Any number of locking slots 75 can be selected to achieve the desired number of locking positions.

[0072] refer to Figures 38A to 39B Another beneficial feature that can be added to the retractable tailgate step assembly 1 is a load stop 79. The load stop helps to keep certain cargo 81 within the pickup truck's cargo bed. For example, when transporting plywood or drywall panels that may extend beyond the cargo bed, the tailgate 5 must be lowered from its normal upright closed position. With the tailgate 5 lowered parallel to the cargo bed, the cargo bed is effectively extended by the tailgate 5. However, with the tailgate 5 open, the cargo 81 can then move rearward without restriction. Therefore, the load stop 79 is preferably rotatably mounted on the upward-oriented face of the step assembly 39, for example, on the step portion 37 closest to the rear crossbeam 27. This rotation can be permitted using one or more hinges that rotatably connect the step assembly 39 and the load stop 79. The hinges can be located at the rear end of the step assembly 39, for example, on the step portion 37. The load stop 79 can be a solid baffle, or it can be formed as, for example, an arched rod or a tubular member. Various shapes and forms of the load stop 79 are possible.

[0073] Preferably, the load stop 79 can be mounted flush with the upward face of the step assembly 39, which faces upward when the tailgate 5 is opened parallel to the cargo box. A recess 83 in the upward face of the step portion 37 facilitates this flush mounting. This allows cargo 81 to be loaded and unloaded more easily over the open tailgate 5 without creating a physical obstruction. For visual appearance and safety, this flush mounting of the load stop 79 is also preferred when it is not in use, regardless of whether the tailgate 5 is open. When cargo 81 is loaded, the load stop 79 can be rotated to an upright position. A simple latch can be used to hold the load stop 79 in the upright position and to retract it in a manner flush with the step assembly 39. Alternatively, the load stop 79 can be connected to a mechanism of locking lever 71 and spring-loaded pawl 73, such that at least one spring-loaded pawl 73 rotates into locking slot 75 to lock the load stop 79 in place. Alternatively, a ratchet (not shown) can be associated with sliding module 25 to allow the load stop 79 to move in small increments against the cargo 81, and to allow the load stop 79 to move back from the cargo 81 far enough to be retracted into step assembly 39 when released.

[0074] Other technical means for producing the same results in the context of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0075] Although a specific component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements will also benefit from the present invention.

Claims

1. A retractable tailgate step assembly system, the retractable tailgate step assembly system comprising: A frame having two interconnected frame arms adapted to be mounted longitudinally in a vehicle tailgate; The frame is adapted to receive a sliding module, which is releasably latched to the frame; The sliding module includes two longitudinal bearing arms that translate relative to the frame arm; The sliding module also includes a step component; The step assembly includes two sliding arms that translate relative to the two longitudinal bearing arms; The step assembly further includes a first step portion and at least one additional step portion, the first step portion and at least one additional step portion being pivotally connected by at least one link to facilitate synchronous rotation of the first step portion and at least one additional step portion; A control device for controlling the rotation of the first step portion and at least one of the additional step portions during translation of the two longitudinal support arms between the retracted and extended positions of the step assembly. An unfolding device for controlling the rotation of the first step portion and at least one of the additional step portions between the extended position and the unfolded position of the step assembly; as well as A locking latch is rotatably connected to at least one of the two longitudinal support arms, which, when the step assembly is in the extended position of the step assembly, engages the frame arm associated with at least one of the two longitudinal support arms, thereby preventing translation of at least one of the two longitudinal support arms relative to the frame arm associated with at least one of the two longitudinal support arms. Wherein, when the sliding arm associated with the associated frame arm translates into at least one of the two longitudinal support arms, the locking latch disengages from the associated frame arm, causing the step assembly to begin retracting into the frame; and Wherein, when the step assembly moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the locking latch engages releasably with a locking pin mounted to the step assembly to prevent the step assembly from extending relative to the two longitudinal support arms until the sliding module leaves the frame and is freed from the constraints provided by the frame; When the sliding module is fully extended to its limit, the locking latch is allowed to rotate and disengage from the locking pin, thereby allowing the step assembly to translate freely relative to the two longitudinal support arms.

2. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 1, wherein, The control device includes a guide pin mounted to one of the first step portion and at least one of the additional step portions, the guide pin engaging with a shaped guide groove adjacent to the end of at least one of the two longitudinal support arms.

3. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 1, wherein, The control device includes: A first guide pin is installed to the first step portion; A guide bracket is mounted to one of two longitudinal support arms, the guide bracket including a shaped guide groove for receiving the first guide pin; When the first guide pin is located outside the forming guide groove, the first guide pin is restricted to prevent vertical movement via the motion control surface of one of the two longitudinal support arms and the corresponding sliding arm.

4. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 1, wherein, The control device includes a roller mounted to one of the first step and at least one of the additional steps, the roller being translated in a rotational manner on a ramp-like member mounted to at least one of the two longitudinal support arms.

5. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 1, wherein, The unfolding device includes: a first stepped portion and at least one additional stepped portion, the first stepped portion and at least one additional stepped portion being pivotally connected to the sliding arm via a pivot pin, the first stepped portion and at least one additional stepped portion being coplanar with the sliding arm before unfolding, but rotating relative to the sliding arm to be parallel to the vehicle body when unfolded, the first stepped portion and at least one additional stepped portion being pivotally connected to each other via at least one linkage to ensure synchronous and parallel rotation of the first stepped portion and at least one additional stepped portion; at least one guide pin, the guide pin... A pin is mounted on the lateral side of at least one of the first step portion and at least one of the additional step portions, the guide pin contacting a motion control surface on one of the two longitudinal support arms to keep the first step portion and at least one of the additional step portions coplanar with the sliding arm during the deployment of the step assembly; a guide bracket including a guide groove positioned adjacent to the rear end of one of the two longitudinal support arms to reversibly receive the guide pin, the guide groove being shaped to apply rotation to at least one of the first step portion and at least one of the additional step portions on which the guide pin is mounted.

6. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 1, wherein, The sliding module is releasably latched to the frame by at least one component latch, which is released by means of a latch release handle.

7. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 1, wherein, The step assembly is in the retracted position when it is latched by at least one component latch; in the extended position when at least one component latch is released and the sliding module is translated relative to the frame to the limit; and in the unfolded position when the first step portion and at least one of the additional step portions are rotated from the extended position to the use position.

8. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 6, wherein, The latch release handle is connected to at least one transverse arm, which causes at least one locking lever located between at least one of the sliding arms and a carrier arm associated with at least one of the sliding arms to rotate. The locking lever is provided with a spring-loaded pawl adapted to lock into a locking slot in at least one of the two longitudinal carrier arms and in a frame arm associated with at least one of the two longitudinal carrier arms.

9. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 1, further comprising a load stop rotatably mounted in the upward face of the step assembly.

10. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 9, wherein, The load stop is embedded in the first step when not in use.

11. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 8, wherein, When the load stop, which is rotatably mounted to the upward face of the step assembly, rotates perpendicular to the step assembly, the load stop is locked in place by a spring-loaded pawl that engages with a locking slot in a frame arm associated with at least one of the two longitudinal load arms and at least one of the two longitudinal load arms.

12. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to any one of claims 9, 10, and 11, wherein, A spring-loaded ratchet, connected to the load stop, one of the two longitudinal load arms, and a sliding module associated with the load stop, allows the load stop to move incrementally close to the cargo, and releasing the ratchet allows the load stop to move back from the cargo far enough to be stored in the step assembly.

13. The retractable tailgate step assembly system according to claim 4, wherein, The ramp-shaped component includes a guide cam.

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