# US 11,299,097 B1 · Deployable step

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 11,299,097 B1
- Document ID: US11299097B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 16/420,671
- Filed: 2019-05-23
- Granted: 2022-04-12
- Earliest claimed: 2019-05-23
- Applicants: Kraig McCready
- Inventors: Kraig McCready
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11299097B1

## CPC

- B60R 3/02: Retractable steps {or ladders, e.g. movable under shock (B60R3/005 takes precedence)}
- B60R: VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

## Abstract

A deployable step capable of being secured about an exterior portion of a vehicle hitch frame. On the underside portion of the hitch frame is a step capable of being slid beneath the hitch frame when not in use. During a towing event, the deployable step is able to remain secured to the hitch frame without being removed.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A retractable hitch-mounted step, comprising:
a motor vehicle having a bumper and an interior, said retractable hitch-mounted step is removably mounted on said motor vehicle;
an existing receiver hitch utilizing a hitch attachment bar, said hitch attachment bar is installed below said bumper, said hitch attachment bar is supported by a receiver hitch structure;
a movable step provided between a left-hand side bracket and a right-hand side bracket immediately below said hitch attachment bar and as such, provides ease of access halfway between a grade and said interior of said motor vehicle above said bumper, said right-hand side bracket includes an upper section and a lower section, said upper section provides for a physical connection of said retractable hitch-mounted step to said receiver hitch, while said lower section provides for extension and retraction of said movable step;
a non-slip surface bordered by a step frame, said step frame rests within a series of two track guides on said left-hand side bracket and said right-hand side bracket;
an angled shim is provided with a matching angle to mate against said receiver hitch structure; and
a square plate is provided with a threaded opening to accept and physically hold a mechanical fastener;
wherein said upper section performs its connection action by use of a flange which connects around said receiver hitch structure;
wherein said flange works in conjunction with the mechanical fastener;
wherein said movable step is held in either a fully retracted or full extended state by use of a spring pin; and
wherein the spring pin engages a first hole when in an extended state or a second hole when in a retracted state.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein said motor vehicle is selected from the group consisting of a van, a pickup truck, an SUV, or a passenger vehicle.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical fastener is a nut or a bolt.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical fastener, said angled shim, and said square plate, said right-hand side bracket are firmly held in place along all axes.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein said mechanical fastener, said angled shim, and said square plate, said left-hand side bracket are firmly held in place along all axes.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein said movable step moves in and out of said lower section along a travel path using said series of two track guides within said lower section.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein in a deployed state on motor vehicle, said movable step facilitates an easy access transition step to said interior of said motor vehicle.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of step stops located on an inside edge of said step frame are engaged with said left-hand side bracket and said right-hand side bracket to eliminate any additional extension of said movable step.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein said step frames are U shaped.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein said retractable hitch-mounted step is made of steel.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 10, wherein said retractable hitch-mounted step includes a suitable protective finish that includes painting to prevent corrosion.

### Claim 12 (depends on 10)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 10, wherein said retractable hitch-mounted step includes a suitable protective finish that includes plating to prevent corrosion.

### Claim 13 (depends on 1)

The retractable hitch-mounted step according to claim 1, wherein said retractable hitch-mounted step is an add-on kit for existing motor vehicle hitches.