US Patent 7416232 Vehicle side step

An embodiment of a vehicle step assembly includes a brace defined, at least in part, by a generally horizontal surface. The generally horizontal surface selectively transmits the weight of a user to the vehicle. The assembly further includes a fascia having an aperture. The brace is positioned, at least partially, at a generally lateral side portion of the vehicle rearward of a rearmost operational wheel. The fascia at least partially encloses a portion of the lateral side portion.