Automated deployable running board
AssigneeMagna International Inc.
InventorBrad Watson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Running board systems are provided. The running board systems employ a motorized drive system that includes a rack-and-pinion system that enables both linear and rotational movement of the running board member, for example, through the use of a pivot member cooperating with one end of the running board member and one end of an arm member. The running board systems are automated and selectively operable to assume deployed and stowed positions. The running board systems can be used in conjunction with various surfaces of a vehicle, such as an aesthetically preferred flush style mounting to the rocker outer sheet metal surface such as but not limited to being mounted underneath a side door sill.
Claims39
A selectively automated running board system that is deployable and stowable, comprising:
- a running board member;
- a pivot member operably associated with a surface of the running board member;
- an arm member operably associated a surface of the pivot member;
- and
- a motion system operable to impart linear movement to the arm member;
- wherein the linear movement of the arm member is operable to impart rotational movement to the pivot assembly at either the start or end of a deployment or stowing operation of the running board system.
A selectively automated running board system that is deployable and stowable, comprising:
- a running board member;
- a pivot member operably associated with a surface of the running board member;
- an arm member operably associated a surface of the pivot member;
- and
- a rack and pinion system operable to impart linear inboard or outboard movement to the arm member;
- wherein the linear inboard or outboard movement of the arm member is operable to impart rotational movement to the pivot assembly at either the start or end of a deployment or stowing operation of the running board system.
A selectively automated running board system that is deployable and stowable, comprising:
- a running board member;
- a pivot member operably associated with a surface of the running board member;
- an arm member operably associated a surface of the pivot member;
- a sleeve member at least partially enveloping a portion of the arm member;
- a friction member disposed between the arm member and the sleeve member;
- and
- a motion system operable to impart linear movement to the arm member;
- wherein the friction member is operable to impart rotational movement to the pivot assembly at either the start or end of a deployment or stowing operation of the running board system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.