Patent attributes
A step assembly is provided for a bumper of a motor vehicle. The step assembly includes a mounting bracket fixedly secured to the bumper. A step is operatively coupled to the mounting bracket and is movable between a retracted position disposed adjacent the bumper and a deployed position extending away from the bumper. A pivot arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. A spring is secured between the mounting bracket and the pivot arm for biasing the pivot arm. The spring creates a tensile force. A lock arm is pivotally interconnected between the mounting bracket and the step. The lock arm defines a lock surface engaging the pivot arm while the tensile force of the spring locks the step in order to retain the step in one of the retracted and deployed positions.

