Abstract: A running board assembly for a motor vehicle includes a mounting bracket adapted to be fixedly secured thereto. The running board assembly also includes at least one arm pivotally secured to the mounting bracket. A link includes an inner end pivotally secured to the at least one arm and an opposing outer end. The link includes at least one tongue extending out from the outer end and at least one outwardly extending wing. A platform defines a groove for receiving the at least one tongue therewithin to form an interlock and includes a lower channel abutting the at least one outwardly extending wing in a closed box configuration to provide a rigid attachment between the platform and the link.

Abstract: A powered running board assembly has a deck and at least two hinges extending from the deck for mounting longitudinally the deck to an underside of a vehicle. Each hinge has a mounting bracket configured to mount to the underside of the vehicle. A pair of links pivotally extends between the deck and mounting bracket. The deck is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A motor assembly operably engages at least one of the hinges to drive the deck between the retracted and extended positions. The motor assembly extends substantially longitudinally. The motor assembly has a gear train and clutch assembly enabling the motor assembly to drive relative to the deck movement when the deck movement is prevented, and enabling manual deck movement when the motor assembly is not energized.

Abstract: A powered running board assembly has a deck and at least two hinges extending from the deck for mounting longitudinally the deck to an underside of a vehicle. Each hinge has a mounting bracket configured to mount to the underside of the vehicle. A pair of links pivotally extends between the deck and mounting bracket. The deck is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A motor assembly operably engages at least one of the hinges to drive the deck between the retracted and extended positions. The motor assembly extends substantially longitudinally. The motor assembly has a gear train and clutch assembly enabling the motor assembly to drive relative to the deck movement when the deck movement is prevented, and enabling manual deck movement when the motor assembly is not energized.