US Patent 11358529 Apparatuses and methods for an automatic stepgate

Apparatuses and methods for providing an automatic tailgate step are provided. The apparatuses may comprise a tailgate comprising a tailgate latch; a bumper; a trailer hitch; and at least two tailgate steps each comprising a foot step. As such, the tailgate latch may be affixed to the tailgate, such that when a user engages the tailgate latch when the tailgate is in a closed position the at least two tailgate steps are released, and wherein the at least two tailgate steps when released may freely swing clear of the bumper and the trailer hitch as the user pulls the tailgate down such that when the tailgate is in a fully open position the user may utilize the foot step of each tailgate step.