The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 30, 2014
Filed:
Jan. 24, 2013
Ford Global Technologies, Llc, Dearborn, MI (US);
Venkatesh Krishnan, Canton, MI (US);
Bhupendra A. Patel, Canton, MI (US);
David Manuel Rogers, Southfield, MI (US);
Thomas M. Herline, Canton, MI (US);
Marcus Edward Merideth, Westland, MI (US);
Michael Bryan VanBelle, Canton, MI (US);
Charles Gregory Bambenek, Northville, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, LLC, Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A deployable step and handle system for a tailgate. The handle is used to secure the deployable step in the stowed position that eliminates the need for a separate release system. The handle is placed adjacent a top edge of the tailgate to prevent debris from being trapped under the handle when the handle is closed. The ladder has a step surface disposed opposite and at an angle relative to a top surface of a spoiler that provides a step surface. The ladder rails are guided by rail guides as the ladder is moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. A unitary support bracket is used to connect both the handle and a ladder rail to the tailgate.