Abstract: A motorized rack and pinion assembly for use in a motor vehicle in association with a running board or step assist beam comprising a housing and a motor mounted to the housing. A drivetrain is disposed within the housing and is driven by the motor. A driveshaft is engaged with the drivetrain and extends out from the housing. At least two pinions are fixed to the driveshaft. The motorized rack and pinion assembly further includes at least two extending members having a rack bar fixed thereon. The pinions of the driveshaft are meshingly engaged with the rack bar of the extending member. The motor drives the drivetrain, the drivetrain rotates the driveshaft and therefore the pinions, and the pinions engage the rack bars thereby moving the extending member between the retracted position and the extended position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved process of producing vehicle grille guards by gas-assisted injection molding and the grille guards produced thereby. The process includes injecting a plastic resin into a mold cavity in an amount less than the total volume of the mold cavity. An inert gas is then injected into a center portion of the cavity and a hollow gas channel extending throughout the center portion is formed, forcing the plastic resin to flow along an outer surface of the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved process of producing vehicle grille guards by gas-assisted injection molding and the grille guards produced thereby. The process includes injecting a plastic resin into a mold cavity in an amount less than the total volume of the mold cavity. An inert gas in then injected into a center portion of the cavity and a hollow gas channel extending throughout the center portion is formed, forcing the plastic resin to flow along an outer surface of the cavity.