Retractable Tailgate Step Assembly System

Abstract

The retractable tailgate step assembly system includes a frame having two interconnected frame arms adapted to be longitudinally mounted to a vehicle tailgate. A slide module releasably latched to the frame includes two longitudinal carrier arms that translate relative to the frame arms, and a step assembly. The step assembly includes two slide arms that translate relative to the carrier arms, and a first step and at least one additional step pivotally connected by at least one link rod to facilitate synchronized rotation of the steps. Control means are provided for controlling rotation of the steps during translation of the carrier arms from the retracted position to the extended position. Deployment means are also provided for controlling rotation of the steps between the extended and deployed positions. A lockout latch rotationally connected to at least one carrier arm engages at least one associated frame arm to prevent translation of the carrier arm relative to the associated frame arm when the step assembly is in the extended position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is in the field of automobiles, and in particular in the field of step systems for pickup trucks. [Background technology]

[0002] background Pickup trucks may be equipped with step features to allow easier access to and egress from the truck bed when the tailgate is open. Advantageously, such steps can be stored when not in use for safety and wear reduction. Various means have been used to store and deploy such steps. Summary of the Invention

[0003] overview 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 to a vehicle tailgate. The frame is adapted to receive a slide module that is releasably latched to the frame. The slide module has two longitudinal carrier arms that translate relative to the frame arms, and a step assembly. The step assembly has two slide arms that translate relative to the carrier arms, and a first step and at least one additional step pivotally connected by at least one link rod to facilitate synchronized rotation of the steps. Control means are provided for controlling rotation of the steps during translation of the carrier arms from the retracted position to the extended position. Deployment means are also provided for controlling rotation of the steps between the extended and deployed positions. A lockout latch rotationally connected to at least one carrier arm engages at least one associated frame arm to prevent translation of the at least one carrier arm relative to the associated frame arm when the step assembly is in the extended position. The lockout latch disengages from the associated frame arm when its associated slide arm translates into the at least one carrier arm, initiating retraction of the step assembly in the frame.

[0004] In a further aspect of the invention, the control means includes a guide pin mounted on one of the first step and the at least one additional step that engages a molded guide slot adjacent an end of at least one of the carrier arms.

[0005] In a further aspect of the invention, the control means includes a first guide pin mounted to the first step, a guide bracket mounted to one of the carrier arms, the guide bracket having a molded guide slot for receiving the first guide pin, and when the first guide pin is outside the molded guide slot, the first guide pin is restrained from vertical movement by the motion control surfaces of the carrier arms and each slide arm.

[0006] In a further aspect of the invention, the control means includes a roller mounted on one of the first step and the at least one additional step that rotationally translates on a ramp mounted on at least one of the carrier arms.

[0007] In a further aspect of the invention, the deployment means includes steps pivotally connected to the slide arm by pivot pins, the steps being coplanar with the slide arm before deployment but rotating relative to the slide arm to be parallel to the truck bed when deployed, the steps being pivotally connected to each other by at least one link rod to ensure synchronized and parallel rotation of the steps, at least one guide pin mounted on at least one side of the steps, the guide pin contacting a motion control surface on the carrier arm to maintain the step coplanar with the slide arm during deployment of the step assembly, and a guide bracket positioned adjacent the rear end of the carrier arm and including a guide slot that reversibly receives the guide pin, the guide slot shaped to impose a rotation on the step to which the guide pin is mounted.

[0008] In a further aspect of the invention, a lockout latch releasably engages a lockout pin mounted on the step assembly to prevent extension of the step assembly relative to the carrier arm until the slide module exits the frame.

[0009] In a further aspect of the invention, the slide module is releasably latched to the frame by at least one assembly latch that is released by a latch release handle.

[0010] In a further aspect of the invention, the tailgate step assembly is in a stowed position when latched by at least one assembly latch, in an extended position when the assembly latch is released and the sliding module translates to its limit relative to the frame, and in a deployed position when the step rotates to the use position.

[0011] In a further alternative aspect of the invention, the latch release handle is connected to at least one lateral arm that rotates at least one locking rod disposed between at least one of the slide arms and its associated carrier arm, the locking rod including a spring-loaded pawl adapted to lock into a locking slot in at least one of the carrier arms and its associated frame arm.

[0012] In a further aspect of the invention, a cargo stop is rotatably mounted to the upwardly facing surface of the step assembly.

[0013] In a further aspect of the invention, the cargo stop is recessed in the first step when not in use.

[0014] In a further aspect of the invention, a load stop rotatably mounted on the upwardly facing surface of the step assembly is locked into place when rotated perpendicular to the step assembly by a spring-loaded pawl that engages a locking slot in at least one of the carrier arms and its associated frame arm.

[0015] In a further aspect of the invention, a spring-loaded ratchet connected to the load stop and connected to one of the carrier arms and its associated slide module allows the load stop to move slightly closer to the load, and releasing the ratchet allows the load stop to move sufficiently back from the load to be stored in the step assembly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system mounted on a tailgate, as shown schematically. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the retractable step assembly system in isolation. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a frame of the retractable step assembly system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a slide module of the retractable step assembly system with the step assembly partially extended. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the retractable step assembly system with the step assemblies retracted. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the retractable step assembly system with the carrier arms extended from the frame and the step assemblies partially extended from the carrier arms. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a slide module of the retractable step assembly system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the lockout latch. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a further partial perspective view of the lockout latch showing the lockout slot and guide slot. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the frame, slide module, and lockout latch with the slide module translated rearward. [Figure 11] 11 is a partial perspective view of the separated retractable step assembly system with the lockout latch in the orientation of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the lockout latch translated to a locked position with the slide module moved rearward. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of at least one additional step mounted on a slide arm. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of the step assembly separated with the step parallel to the slide arm. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of the first step in the step assembly. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the step assembly separated with the step parallel to the slide arm. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the step assembly separated with the step deployed for use. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective, partially see-through view of the lockout slot, guide slot, lockout pin, and guide pin. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a slide module of the retractable step assembly system with the slide arm partially extended. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of the slide module with the guide pin about to enter the guide slot. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the separated slide module with the step partially deployed. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a partial perspective, partially see-through view of the slide module with the guide pins fully seated in the guide slots. [Figure 23]FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system mounted on a schematic tailgate with the steps partially deployed. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system mounted on a schematic tailgate with the steps fully deployed. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the step assembly separated with the steps partially deployed as the step assembly is returned to be parallel to the carrier arm. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a partial perspective view of an alternative latching system showing the guide arm, frame arm, spring-loaded pawl, and locking slot. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a separated slide module with the steps partially deployed, having an alternative latching system. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a partial perspective, partially transparent view of a slide module with an alternative latching system, with the guide pins fully seated in the guide slots. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a detached retractable step assembly system with the carrier arms extended and the step assembly partially extended. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a further perspective view of the retractable step assembly system isolated with the carrier arms extended and the step assemblies in a partially extended position and showing the lockout latch. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of a lockout latch contacting a lockout pin and rotating out of a locked position. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is the view of FIG. 31 with the lockout latch further rotated below the level of the longitudinal contact surfaces of the frame arms. [Figure 33]FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system mounted on a schematic tailgate with the step assembly fully retracted. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a separated slide module with the step assembly partially extended and having an alternative latching system. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is the view of FIG. 34 with the lateral arms rotated as part of an alternative latching system. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing the locking rod and pawl of an alternative latch securing system with the latch pawl locked. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a view of FIG. 36 showing the direction of rotation of the locking rod and pawl when the latch pawl is unlocked. [Figure 38A] FIG. 38A is a perspective view of a retractable step assembly system mounted on a realistically illustrated tailgate and including retracted cargo stops. [Figure 38B] FIG. 38B is the view of FIG. 38A with the cargo stopper partially deployed. [Figure 39A] FIG. 39A is the view of FIG. 38A with the cargo stopper fully deployed. [Figure 39B] FIG. 39B is the view of FIG. 39A with the cargo stop preventing movement of the cargo. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a perspective, partially transparent, partial view of an alternative control means having rollers and ramps and a rotating, partially open step. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a portion of the view of FIG. 40 with the step rotated partially back into the storage position. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a partial view from a different perspective of the alternative control means with the step rotated to parallel with the slide arm for retraction.

[0017] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs, claims, or the following description and drawings, including any of their various aspects or each individual feature, may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Detailed Description The retractable tailgate step assembly 1 of the present invention is most advantageously applied to a configuration having two steps, although a single step or more than two steps may also be employed. Referring to Figures 1-7, a frame 3 is mounted within a tailgate 5 of a vehicle. The truck is not shown, as the tailgate may conventionally be mounted on a pickup truck or other suitable vehicle. Tailgate 5 is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 1 and 6 and more realistically in FIGS. 38 and 39. The frame 3 is located between the forward-facing and rearward-facing surfaces, or inner and outer surfaces 7, 9, of the tailgate 5, as defined when the tailgate 5 is in a closed, upright position. The frame 3 includes two frame arms 11, 13 that are oriented vertically within the tailgate 5 when the tailgate 5 is closed. When the tailgate 5 is opened 90 degrees so that it is 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, it is assumed that the tailgate 5 is parallel to the truck bed floor. The frame arms 11, 13 are preferably connected by lateral connecting members 15, 17 to form a stable frame structure. In one embodiment, a bracket 19 having a striker 21 for an assembly latch 23 is attached to the rear of the frame arms 11, 13. In an alternative embodiment, latching is accomplished in multiple positions without the use of a striker.

[0019] A slide module 25 (also referred to as a slide assembly) is releasably attached to the frame 3. The slide module 25 includes a rear cross member 27 that includes a latch release handle 29. In one embodiment, movement of the latch release handle 29 from a rest position releases an assembly latch 23 located at a distal end of the cross member 27. The assembly latch 23 releasably engages a striker 21 on the frame arms 11, 13. In another embodiment, multiple latching positions are provided, including latching of the cross member 27 to the frame 3, as further described and illustrated herein.

[0020] The cross member 27 is connected to two slide arms 31, which may be tubular, adjacent the distal end of the cross member 27. The slide arms 31 translate relative to two carrier arms 33, which may also be referred to as guide arms and are oriented in the anterior-posterior direction. Two steps, a first step 35 and at least one additional step 37 (the second step in this configuration), are pivotally mounted between the slide arms 31. However, either step may be designated the first step. While two steps are preferred, other numbers of steps, such as three or four, may also be employed. The cross member 27, slide arms 31, and steps 35, 37 constitute a step assembly 39. The step assembly 39 and carrier arms 33 constitute a slide module 25. The slide module 25 translates relative to the frame arms 11, 13. When the assembly latch 23 or an alternative latch is released using the latch release handle 29, the slide module 25 may be pulled horizontally out of the frame 3. This action allows the steps 35, 37 to be deployed with the step assembly 39 angled between the truck bed and the carrier arm 33 parallel to the ground. Lifting and pushing the cross member 27 using the latch release handle 29 or otherwise moves the step assembly 39 back horizontally and inward toward the truck bed until the sliding module 25 is again latched to the frame 3. When the sliding module 25 is retracted, substantially only the cross member 27 is exposed.

[0021] The step assembly 39 also translates relative to the carrier arm 33. Referring to Figures 8-12, at least one lockout latch 41 prevents the step assembly 39 from translating relative to the carrier arm 33 until the slide module 25 is pulled rearward relative to the frame arms 11, 13 and freed from the constraint provided by the frame arms 11, 13. This involves moving the step assembly 39 from the retracted position to the extended position. Preferably, a lockout latch 41 is provided on each side of the slide module 25, although a single lockout latch 41 may be employed. The lockout latch 41 ensures that the steps 35, 37 do not deploy prematurely. The lockout latch 41 is pivotally mounted to the carrier arm 33 and is spring-loaded. A lockout pin 43 mounted adjacent the front end of the carrier arm 33 is engaged by the rear of the lockout latch 41 when the slide module 25 is retracted and while the slide module 25 is fully extended rearward. Preferably, the lockout pin 43 is releasably restrained by a lockout latch slot 45 in the lockout latch 41. When a single lockout latch 41 is employed, a single lockout pin 43 is used. When the slide module 25 is retracted and while the slide module 25 is extended rearward to the extended position, the front end of the lockout latch 41 slidingly contacts the frame arms 11, 13. This contact biases the lockout latch spring 47 of the lockout latch 41 and keeps the lockout pin 43 engaged by the rear of the lockout latch 41 during rearward extension of the slide module 25.

[0022] When the slide module 25 is fully extended rearward, the front end of the lockout latch 41 passes the rear ends of the frame arms 11, 13 and no longer contacts the longitudinal contact surfaces 49 of the frame arms 11, 13, thereby allowing the lockout latch 41 to rotate under the bias of the lockout latch spring 47. Rotation of the lockout latch 41 releases the lockout pin 43 from the lockout latch slot 45 in the lockout latch 41. As shown, this rotation may be clockwise. With the lockout pin 43 thus released, the step assembly 39 is free to translate rearward relative to the carrier arm 33. The front end of the rotated lockout latch 41 is now positioned rearward of the frame arms 11, 13. Forward movement of the slide module 25 from this position causes the front end of the rotated lockout latch 41 to contact the rear ends of the frame arms 11, 13. This rotated contact of the lockout latch 41 with the rear end of the frame arm 11, 13 prevents the carrier arm 33 from sliding relative to the frame arm 11, 13 until the lockout pin 43 on the step assembly 39 re-enters the lockout latch slot 45 at the rear of the lockout latch 41. This again biases the lockout latch spring 47, which rotates the front end of the lockout latch 41. This rotation lowers the front end of the lockout latch 41 below the top of the frame arm 11, 13. As shown, this rotation may be counterclockwise. The front end of the lockout latch 41 then again slides into contact with the frame arm 11, 13 as the slide module 25 moves toward the retracted position.

[0023] The rear ends of the frame arms 11, 13 include pivot brackets 51. The pivot brackets 51 include pivot bracket slots 53 that engage bracket pins 55 mounted on the front ends of the carrier arms 33. These bracket pins 55 and pivot bracket slots 53 prevent the carrier arms 33 from translating further rearward when the step assemblies 39 are deployed.

[0024] 13-33, the steps 35, 37 are pivotally connected to the slide arm 31 by pivot pins 57. Before deployment, the steps 35, 37 are flush with the slide arm 31, but when deployed, they rotate relative to the slide arm 31 to be substantially parallel to the truck bed and the ground. The steps 35, 37 are pivotally connected to each other by link rods 59. Preferably, a link rod 59 is provided on either side of each step 35, 37. These link rods 59 ensure that the steps 35, 37 always rotate synchronously and parallel to each other.

[0025] Control means are also provided. Guide pins 61 are mounted on the side of at least one of the steps 35, 37, typically the first step 35, as described below. These guide pins 61 contact motion control surfaces 63 on the carrier arm 33, which maintain the steps 35, 37 in a flush relationship with the slide arm 31 while the step assembly 39 is extended for deployment. At the rear end of the carrier arm 33 is a guide bracket 65 that includes a guide slot 67 into which the guide pin 61 fits to allow deployment. The guide slot 67 is shaped to constrain rotation of the first step 35 onto which the guide pin 61 is mounted. The shape typically includes an arc, facilitating rotation. An additional, or second, step 37 is constrained to rotate in the same manner as the first step 35 by a link rod 59 connecting the steps 35, 37. Arrays of more than two steps connected in this manner function similarly.

[0026] When the step assembly 39 is fully extended, it can be pivoted downward to a deployed position with the steps 35, 37 oriented for use. When the step assembly 39 rotates back to be parallel with the tailgate 5, the guide pins 61 move correspondingly in the guide slots 67, which returns the steps 35, 37 to be parallel with the truck bed and flush with the slide arms 31.

[0027] As shown in Figures 40-42, an alternative control means may be employed. The control means includes a roller mounted on one of the first step and at least one additional step, which rotationally translates on a ramp mounted on at least one of the carrier arms. A step control link 85 is rotationally connected at one end to the second step 37 and at the other end to the slide arm 31. A slide arm pivot pin 87, which rotationally connects the slide arm 31 to the second step 37, and a step pivot pin 89, which rotationally connects the step control link 85 to the second step 37, provide an axis of rotation for the second step 37. Rotationally mounted along the step control link 85 is a guide roller 91. As the slide arm 31 is urged into its associated carrier arm 33, the guide roller 91 contacts a ramp 93 or guide cam. As the guide roller 91 rolls along the guide cam 93, the second step 37 rotates to a horizontal orientation relative to the slide arm 31. In contrast, when the slide arm 31 extends away from the carrier arm 33, the guide roller 91 moves down the guide cam or ramp 93, rotating the second step 37 away from horizontal relative to the slide arm 31. The slide arm pivot pin 87 is guided in the slide arm pivot pin slot 95 to accommodate the geometric relationship between the slide arm pivot pin 87 and the step pivot pin 89 as the second step 37 rotates.

[0028] As explained above, alternative latch securing means may be employed. Referring to Figures 34-37, in a further embodiment, the latch release handle 29 is connected to at least one transverse arm 69 that rotates at least one longitudinal locking rod 71 disposed between at least one of the slide arms 31 and its associated carrier arm 33. The locking rod 71 includes a spring-loaded pawl 73 adapted to lock into a locking slot 75 in at least one of the carrier arms 33 and its associated frame arms 11, 13. The spring-loaded pawl 73 may or may not be fixedly mounted circumferentially to the locking rod 71. When the spring-loaded pawl 73 is appropriately shaped, for example, to extend significantly outward from the locking rod 71 on one axis and minimally on an orthogonal axis, when biased by a spring, the outwardly projecting portion or portions of the spring-loaded pawl 73 may drop into one or more of several provided locking slots 75 spaced along the length of at least one of the slide arms 31 and its associated carrier arm 33. Any number of locking slots 75 may be selected for any desired number of locking positions.

[0029] 38A-39B, another beneficial feature that may be added to the retractable tailgate step assembly 1 is a load stop 79. Load stoppers are useful for retaining certain cargo 81 in the bed of a pickup truck. For example, when transporting sheets of plywood or drywall that may extend beyond the bed, the tailgate 5 must be lowered from its normal upright, closed position. When the tailgate 5 is lowered until it is parallel to the bed, the bed is effectively extended by the tailgate 5. However, without the closed tailgate 5, the cargo 81 is now unrestrained from rearward movement. Therefore, the load stop 79 is preferably rotatably mounted to an upwardly oriented surface of the step assembly 39, e.g., the step 37 closest to the rear cross-member 27. A hinge or hinges that rotationally connects the step assembly 39 and the load stop 79 may be used to allow this rotation. The hinge may be located at the rear end of the step assembly 39, e.g., on the step 37. The load stop 79 may be a solid flap or may be shaped, for example, as an arcuate rod or tube. Multiple shapes and configurations of the load stop 79 are possible.

[0030] The load stop 79 is preferably mounted flush with the upward-facing surface of the step assembly 39 that faces upward when the tailgate 5 is opened parallel to the cargo bed. Recesses 83 in the upward-facing surfaces of the steps 37 facilitate this flush mounting. This allows cargo 81 to be more easily loaded and unloaded on an open tailgate 5 without presenting a physical obstruction. This flush mounting of the load stop 79 is also preferable for visual appearance and safety whenever the load stop 79 is not in use, regardless of whether the tailgate 5 is open or not. Once the cargo 81 is loaded, the load stop 79 may be rotated upright. A simple latch may be used to hold the load stop 79 in its upright position and release it to retract flush with the step assembly 39. Alternatively, the load stop 79 may connect to a mechanism of locking rods 71 ​​and spring-loaded pawls 73 such that rotation of at least one spring-loaded pawl 73 into a locking slot 75 may lock the load stop 79 in place. Alternatively, a ratchet (not shown) may be associated with the slide module 25 to allow the cargo stop 79 to move slightly to fit snugly against the cargo 81, and when released, to move the cargo stop 79 sufficiently back away from the cargo 81 to be retracted into the step assembly 39.

[0031] Other means of achieving the same result within the context of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0032] Although a particular component arrangement is disclosed in the illustrated embodiment, other arrangements would also benefit from the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A retractable tailgate step assembly system, the retractable tailgate step assembly system comprising: a frame having two interconnected frame arms adapted to be longitudinally mounted on a tailgate of a vehicle; the frame adapted to receive a slide module releasably latched to the frame; the slide module has two longitudinal carrier arms that translate relative to the frame arms; The slide module further includes a step assembly; the step assembly having two slide arms that translate relative to the two longitudinal carrier arms; The step assembly further includes a first step and at least one additional step, the first step and the at least one additional step pivotally connected by at least one link rod to facilitate synchronous rotation of the first step and the at least one additional step; the retractable tailgate step assembly system includes: control means for controlling the rotation of the first step and the at least one additional step during translation of the two longitudinal carrier arms between a retracted position and an extended position; deployment means for controlling rotation of the first step and the at least one additional step between the extended position and the deployed position; a lockout latch rotationally connected to said at least one of said two longitudinal carrier arms that engages an associated frame arm of said at least one of said two longitudinal carrier arms to prevent said at least one of said two longitudinal carrier arms from translating relative to said associated frame arm of said at least one of said two longitudinal carrier arms when said step assembly is in said extended position; the lockout latch disengages from the associated frame arm when the associated slide arm of the associated frame arm translates into the at least one of the two longitudinal carrier arms to initiate retraction of the step assembly on the frame; and the lockout latch releasably engages a lockout pin mounted on the step assembly to prevent extension of the step assembly relative to the two longitudinal carrier arms until the slide module is out of the frame; The retractable tailgate step assembly system.

2. 2. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a guide pin mounted on one of said first step and said at least one additional step that engages a molded guide slot adjacent an end of at least one of said two longitudinal carrier arms.

3. the control means: a first guide pin mounted on the first step; a guide bracket mounted to one of the two longitudinal carrier arms, the guide bracket having a molded guide slot for receiving the first guide pin; when said first guide pin is outside said molded guide slot, said first guide pin is constrained from vertical movement by a motion control surface of said one of said two longitudinal carrier arms and said respective slide arms; 10. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 1.

4. 2. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 1, wherein said control means comprises a roller mounted on one of said first step and said at least one additional step that rotationally translates on a ramp mounted on at least one of said two longitudinal carrier arms.

5. The deployment means has the first step and the at least one additional step pivotally connected to the slide arm by a pivot pin, the first step and the at least one additional step being coplanar with the slide arm before deployment but rotating relative to the slide arm to be parallel to the truck bed when deployed, the first step and the at least one additional step being pivotally connected to each other by the at least one link rod to ensure synchronous and parallel rotation of the first step and the at least one additional step, and at least one guide pin connecting the first step and the at least one additional step.

2. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 1, wherein the guide pin contacts a motion control surface on one of the two longitudinal carrier arms to maintain the first step and the at least one additional step flush with the slide arm during deployment of the step assembly, and a guide bracket is disposed adjacent a rear end of the one of the two longitudinal carrier arms and includes a guide slot for reversibly receiving the guide pin, the guide slot being shaped to impose a rotation of the at least one of the first step and / or the at least one additional step to which the guide pin is mounted.

6. 2. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 1, wherein the slide module is releasably latched to the frame by at least one assembly latch that is released by a latch release handle.

7. 2. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 1, wherein the step assembly is in the stored position when latched by at least one assembly latch, in the extended position when the at least one assembly latch is released and the slide module translates to a limit relative to the frame, and in the deployed position when the first step and the at least one additional step rotate from the extended position to a use position.

8. 7. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 6, wherein the latch release handle is connected to at least one lateral arm that rotates at least one locking rod disposed between at least one of the slide arms and an associated carrier arm of said at least one of the slide arms, said locking rod comprising a spring-loaded pawl adapted to lock into a locking slot in at least one of the two longitudinal carrier arms and an associated frame arm of said at least one of the two longitudinal carrier arms.

9. 10. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 1, further comprising a cargo stop rotatably mounted on an upwardly facing surface of said step assembly.

10. 10. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 9, wherein said cargo stop is recessed in said first step when not in use.

11. 9. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 8, wherein a cargo stop rotatably mounted on an upwardly facing surface of said step assembly is locked in place when rotated perpendicularly relative to said step assembly by said spring-loaded pawl engaging a locking slot in at least one of said two longitudinal carrier arms and an associated frame arm of said at least one of said two longitudinal carrier arms.

12. 11. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 9 or 10, wherein a spring-loaded ratchet connected to the load stop and connected to one of the two longitudinal carrier arms and an associated slide module of the one of the two longitudinal carrier arms allows the load stop to move in multiple stages to snuggle up against a load, and release of the ratchet allows the load stop to move sufficiently rearward from the load to be retracted in the step assembly.

13. The retractable tailgate step assembly system of claim 4 , wherein the ramp has a guide cam.

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