Abstract: A running board for an overland vehicle including first and second bell cranks with swing arms which move relative to the vehicle in opposing arcuate displacements. An elongated central running board member is flexibly connected to the swing arms to form a linkage which is extended and retracted. An extension compensator is included to compensate for changes in the overall length of the linkage. A motor-powered drive pivots the swing arms and preferably provides a control mechanism which coordinates the swing arm motions to keep the running board level. The drive can be automatically controlled by a door switch or other sensor.

Abstract: An extendible and retractable step assembly for mounting on vehicles. The assembly includes a mount which is fixed to either side of the vehicle. An extendible subassembly includes a step mounted on a movable swing arm in a preferred parallelogram linkage. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined causing the step to be moved downward and outward into an extended position. Cable and motor operators are shown to provide automatic operation when the vehicle door is operated. A safety release is used on the cable operator to allow vehicle door operation even if the step assembly becomes jammed.

Abstract: An extendible and retractable step assembly for mounting on vehicles. The assembly includes a mount which is fixed to either side of the vehicle. An extendible subassembly includes a step mounted on a movable swing arm in a preferred parallelogram linkage. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined causing the step to be moved downward and outward into an extended position. Cable and motor operators are shown to provide automatic operation when the vehicle door is operated. A safety release is used on the cable operator to allow vehicle door operation even if the step assembly becomes jammed.

Abstract: A fold-down step arrangement is mountable to a vehicle to provide an intermediate step for the vehicle chassis. The invention includes a step plate that is pivotably mounted by parallelogram swing arms to a bracket secured to the vehicle chassis. The pivot axes of the arms are inclined to enable the step plate to be moved between a down and outward operative position and an up and inward inoperative position. A spring normally urges the step plate and arms attached thereto to the storage position. A connector linkage cable is also provided between the step plate and vehicle door such that the sliding enclosed cable will move in response to opening and closing of the vehicle door. The arrangement is such that opening of the door will cause corresponding motion of the step plate from the elevated storage position to the lowered operative position. Thus, when the door is open, the step plate is in an operative position for use.