Abstract: This disclosure relates to a projection for a vehicle frame rail and a corresponding method. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a vehicle, including: a frame rail; and a projection extending laterally outward from a laterally outer surface of the frame rail, wherein the projection is a part of a running board assembly.

Abstract: A side step assembly includes a side step assembly including a step body having an elongated length that extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The step body includes a first elongated body part having a first exterior facing surface that defines a stepping area and a second elongated body part having a second exterior facing surface that faces away from the first exterior surface. The first and second elongated body parts being formed as separate parts and connected together forming a divide that extends the elongated length of the step body.

Abstract: A truck bumper dock extension with a flip step configurable for use on a truck body to provide a functional bumper and a dock extension for loading and unloading at an elevated truck-dock and with the flip step configurable for use on the truck body for loading and unloading at an un-elevated surface, such as for home delivery. A walking ramp and stowing compartment is secured by the flip step for secure transport and removable access to a walking ramp.

Abstract: The modular vehicle running board, subject matter of the invention, comprises a profile (10) provided with projections (12) and cavities (14) and (15) for the modular arrangement of assembly components and trims (20), (40) and (41), allowing the arrangement of lighting points (36) and the attachment of a non-slip step (30), in order to optimize the assembly system and allow greater product variability in a single profile/chassis. The result is a modular vehicle running board endowed with new constructive characteristics facilitating manufacture and adaptation in different models.

Abstract: A vehicle kickout step is adapted to affix to a box frame of a vehicle and provide a step for users to enter the vehicle. This step may be bolted to the box frame, requiring no cutting, welding, or other permanent modification of the vehicle. Additionally, the step does not regress below the box frame, ensuring that use of the kickout step does not adversely affect the ground clearance of the vehicle. Further, the steps may serve the additional function of a rock slider, giving the body of the vehicle some measure of protection from loose or rigid obstacles when off-roading.

Abstract: A two-piece manufacturing process for making a running board of a vehicle with two extruded halves, one aluminum and one polymer. The upper half is aluminum and the lower half polymer.

Abstract: Running boards for vehicles are disclosed that each include a rail with one or more steps. The step(s) are releasably connectable to (supported by) the rail (e.g., via a plurality of removable mechanical fasteners) to allow for removal of the step(s) when additional ground clearance is necessary and/or desirable, such as, for example, during off-road use of the vehicle. The rail of each running board is connectable to an underside of the vehicle (e.g., via brackets) such that the rails are positioned to absorb impact from external objects, such as, for example, rocks, boulders, stumps, etc., traversed during travel across uneven ground, and thereby protect the vehicle. In certain embodiments, the rails may include internal supports (e.g., stiffening ribs) to increase the strength and/or the rigidity of the rail, and, thus, increase the protection to the vehicle provided by the running boards.

Abstract: A support device having an elongated support member for providing protection to an underside of a vehicle. The vehicle can have one or more pinch welds, such as a vehicle with a unibody chassis. The support device can serve as a rock rail to distribute a point load from an external object, such as a rock or a boulder, to a larger area of the vehicle to minimize high loading forces to a single point. The support device can alternatively be a running board.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a running board and a vehicle comprising the same. The running board includes an intermediate connector, a first running board body, and the second running board body. The intermediate connector includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, a first mounting member, and a second mounting member. The first rotating shaft is connected to the second rotating shaft. The first rotating shaft is inserted into the first mounting member, and the first mounting member rotates about the first rotating shaft. The second rotating shaft is inserted into the second mounting member, and the second mounting member rotates about the second rotating shaft. The first running board body and the second running board body are foldable side-to-side through the intermediate connector.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, devices, apparatuses, kits, and methods of accessing a container. In a particular implementation, a container includes a housing that defines a cavity and a ladder coupled to the housing. The ladder is movable relative to the housing while the ladder is coupled to the housing. The ladder is movable relative to the housing between: a first position in which the ladder is disposed within the cavity; and a second position in which the ladder is disposed outside the cavity.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a support assembly for a box side step of a motor vehicle, such as a pickup truck. An example vehicle includes a cargo box including a side wall, a box side step, and a support assembly for the box side step including a base that does not project beyond an outer panel of the side wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a repositionable deck system for a camper, RV, mobile home, trailer or the like, that is comprised of a frame, decking fixedly attached to said frame, legs for supporting the frame above a ground surface, one or more shock absorbers for positioning between the decking and the side of the camper to prevent damage to either surface during travel, a plurality of spring assisted hinges for attaching the deck component to the side of the camper, wherein the plurality of spring assisted hinges permit the decking component to be repositioned between a deployed position and a stowed position with minimal effort, and a locking mechanism for locking the deck component to the side of the camper when the repositionable deck system is in the stowed position.

Abstract: An automatically extending and retracting step system according to the solution may reside in a retracted state when the deck of a car-carrying vehicle is substantially horizontal to the ground, i.e. when the deck is in a payload state. Advantageously, when the deck is tilted and extended to a ramp state for receiving cargo, the step system according to the solution extends laterally outward from beneath the deck, thereby providing a convenient and visible step for a user to use in getting down from the deck. When the deck is returned from the ramp state to its payload state, the step automatically retracts to a travel state beneath the deck.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.

Abstract: A folding staircase. The folding staircase has a frame with an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the frame defines a top step. Multiple steps are pivotally connected to the lower end of the frame and pivoting arms connects each of the steps to one another. The frame includes brackets that secure to existing mounting points of a vehicle. At least one step is operably connected to a linear actuator, which is in turn connected to a motor. The motor is operably connected to a control switch. Activation and deactivation of the control switch causes the motor to operate resulting in the unfolding of the steps outwardly to a deployed configuration and folding inwardly to a storage configuration. The folding staircase is utilized to provide a safe method of entering and exiting a vehicle.

Abstract: A primary support has an upper surface, a lower surface, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The upper and inner surfaces form an arcuate upper-inner corner. The upper and outer surfaces form an arcuate upper-outer corner. The lower and outer surfaces form an arcuate lower-outer corner. The primary support is extruded of a polymeric material. A decorative panel has an upper region positioned over the upper surface of the primary support with an inner end terminating adjacent to the upper-inner corner. The decorative panel has an outer region positioned over the outer surface of the primary support with a lower end terminating adjacent to the lower-outer corner. The decorative panel has an intermediate region formed arcuately and positioned over the upper-outer corner. The decorative panel is fabricated of a rigid, shiny material.

Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: Support devices and their components are disclosed. The support device facilitates access to a vehicle and includes an elongate support member, brackets for mounting the elongate support member to a vehicle, and a step affixed to the elongate support member. The step can be movable relative to the support member after fastening the step to the support member.

Abstract: A universally mountable articulating step for a vehicle which includes a bypass linkage set which is common to mounting in a plurality of vehicles. The linkage set includes front and rear casting members that enable the step to collapse on itself. An independent mounting adapter which is unique to a particular vehicle is provided including a mounting configuration adapted to be attached to a vehicle and attachment mounting locations on which the bypass linkage set is to be mounted.

Abstract: A headlight assembly for assembly adjacent at least one skin component of a vehicle includes a housing supporting at least one light and a lens attached to the housing. The lens includes at least one attribute for engaging the at least one skin component. The attribute may be a pin or an aperture formed in the lens which may extend a distance from a surface of the lens for guiding the skin component. The skin component may be a grille and the attribute may restrict movement of the headlight assembly relative the grille in a Y-axis direction forming a margin therebetween. The attribute may be a channel including a bracket for guiding the skin component, for instance, a facia into the channel. The attribute may be a cavity formed in the lens for receiving an overlapping portion of the skin component, for example, a grille.

Abstract: A modular side rail and removable step system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the kit includes first, second, and third removable steps that may be mounted to the side rail. In one aspect, the side rail main body has a channel-shape defining a longitudinal opening between an adjacent first side and an adjacent second side. A plurality of step attachment arrangements may be provided on the first side of the side rail main body to allow the first, second, and third steps to be mounted to the side rail main body in various configurations. For example the plurality of step attachment arrangements may be arranged and configured to provide attachment locations for mounting the first and third removable steps in a first step assembly configuration and for mounting the second removable step in a second step assembly configuration.

Abstract: A retractable step and side bar assembly that can be used for raised vehicles, such as trucks. The retractable step can be configured to provide for significant reach in a deployed position to allow for a user to enter the raised vehicle. Further, in the stowed position the retractable step can be located within the side bar, thereby providing a low profile as well as an enhanced aesthetic appearance.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an accessory component for a vehicle. The accessory component has an elongated frame element having a forward edge channel and a rearward edge channel formed parallel to the forward edge channel. A pair of first channels is formed in the upper surface and parallel to the forward and rearward edge channels. Forward and rearward resilient appliques are included which have each have first ends which are shaped to be retained within the forward and rearward edge channels, respectively. Second ends of each applique engage with a respective one of each of the pair of first channels. The forward and rearward resilient appliques are attached with a snapping-like action and retained by friction on the elongated frame element.

Abstract: Embodiments of a motor vehicle bumper step include a housing connectable to a bottommost end of a rear bumper. The uppermost end of the housing may include a planar plate containing a curved perimeter portion and, above the planar plate, a bracket including mounting holes. A recessed portion of the housing defines an opening at least partly along two different sides of the housing, with a bottom end of the recessed portion containing a planar step surface having a curved outward-facing perimeter. A first and a second facia portion each located on a different side of the housing are spaced apart from one another by the recess. The facia portions extend downward from the uppermost end of the housing and connect to a respective side of the planar step. The housing may match the bumper profile and not extend past the bumper in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A side step assembly includes a side bar configured to be coupled to a vehicle and a step. The step is configured to interlock with the side bar such that the step can selectively translate along the side bar while remaining coupled thereto.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly for towing a load with a vehicle providing a lighted region to warn other motorists on the road that the load is being towed and provide indications of the mode of operation of the towing vehicle. The integrated lights may be connected to the towing vehicle control signals indicating a turn signal, braking, or reverse. The tow lights also clearly display the tow bar that may otherwise be difficult to see at night and that the tow bar is towing a load.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a car running board and car, comprising a first running board body, a second running board body and at least one car installation support; the first running board body is telescopically connected with the second running board body; the car installation support is rigidly connected with the first running board body and/or the second running board body on one end and with the car on the other end. Through the above method, the car running board structure of the present invention can change flexibly and contract to reduce volume during the transport, thus saving both the transport cost and storage space.

Abstract: A modular running board system for attachment to a vehicle comprising a first running board member and a second running board member each having an exterior end and an interior end portion; a member connector, a structural frame bracket, and at least one seam covering step pad, wherein: (a) the interior end portions each accepts and attaches to a portion of the member connector forming a running board structural assembly having a connection seam (b) the at least one seam covering step pad attaches to the running board structural assembly and hides the connection seam from exterior view forming a seamless finished appearance; and (c) the structural frame bracket includes (i) a connection portion for attachment to the running board structural assembly, and (ii) a structural frame portion for attachment to structural frame of the vehicle.

Abstract: A modular side rail and removable step system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the kit includes first, second, and third removable steps that may be mounted to the side rail. In one aspect, the side rail main body has a channel-shape defining a longitudinal opening between an adjacent first side and an adjacent second side. A plurality of step attachment arrangements may be provided on the first side of the side rail main body to allow the first, second, and third steps to be mounted to the side rail main body in various configurations. For example the plurality of step attachment arrangements may be arranged and configured to provide attachment locations for mounting the first and third removable steps in a first step assembly configuration and for mounting the second removable step in a second step assembly configuration.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.

Abstract: A bracket adapted to attach a running board to a rocker of a vehicle includes a body having a plurality of running board deflection-inducing portions. The body may include a torsional buckling-inducing portion comprising a rocker mounting portion defining an included angle to a vehicle y-axis and to a vehicle x-axis when mounted to the rocker. The body may further include a rotational moment-inducing portion comprising a stepped segment interposed between the rocker mounting portion and a running board-carrying portion. The rotational moment-inducing portion may further include a rocker mounting tab disposed adjacent to the stepped segment and a flange disposed at an interface of the stepped segment and the running board-carrying portion.

Abstract: An exemplary step assembly for a vehicle includes an energy absorption member including a support portion and a connection portion, the support portion including a support surface and a support structure, the support structure including a plurality of support members, the plurality of support members coupled to upper and lower inner walls of the support structure and a mounting member including a horizontal support member defining a plurality of openings. The energy absorption member is coupled to the mounting member with a mechanical fastener.

Abstract: Disclosed is a universal easy step apparatus configured for being quickly associated and removed from an existing step system such as the steps of a semi-trailer truck for a plurality of truck brands defining different step system configurations without the need for hardware modification to either the easy step or the truck. The easy step may further define a secure compartment for storing items. An electronic module may be disposed inside the electronic module to monitor various environment parameters and the truck driver and allow remote wireless access to the secure compartment.

Abstract: Example edge support devices for a dolly are described. The edge support devices include a body including first and second body sections angled relative to each other, a first engagement assembly extending from a bottom surface of the first body section, and a second engagement assembly extending from a bottom surface of the second body section. The first and second engagement assemblies each include a central protrusion and pairs of side protrusions configured to be inserted into openings in the supporting surface of the dolly. The pairs of side protrusions of the first and second engagement assemblies engage the respective openings of the dolly to detachably couple the body of the edge support devices to the dolly.

Abstract: An article rack includes a base mountable to a top rail of a truck box, a carrier, and a linkage pivotally connected to the base and the carrier. A drive mechanism of the rack has a first wheel fixed to the base, a second wheel fixed to the carrier, and an endless loop trained around the wheels such that pivoting of the linkage about the base pivots the carrier about the linkage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuatable compact vehicle step with first and second step portions that bifurcate from a single axis when moving from nested to extended positions to provide two or more tiered steps, the second step in a position substantially below the first step when deployed. In various embodiments, step portions travel on curved tracks from the nested position to allow them to be both well-concealed when nested and optimally extended when deployed.

Abstract: A modular side rail and removable step system for a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the kit includes first, second, and third removable steps that may be mounted to the side rail. In one aspect, the side rail main body has a channel-shape defining a longitudinal opening between an adjacent first side and an adjacent second side. A plurality of step attachment arrangements may be provided on the first side of the side rail main body to allow the first, second, and third steps to be mounted to the side rail main body in various configurations. For example the plurality of step attachment arrangements may be arranged and configured to provide attachment locations for mounting the first and third removable steps in a first step assembly configuration and for mounting the second removable step in a second step assembly configuration.

Abstract: A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.

Abstract: A tow bar assembly for towing a load with a vehicle providing a lighted region to warn other motorists on the road that the load is being towed and provide indications of the mode of operation of the towing vehicle. The integrated lights may be connected to the towing vehicle control signals indicating a turn signal, braking, or reverse. The tow lights also clearly display the tow bar that may otherwise be difficult to see at night and that the tow bar is towing a load.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.

Abstract: A method of making a side step of a vehicle includes a bracket that is mounted to a vehicle body and an insert main body that bears weight of passengers. The bracket and the insert main body are integrally provided by using a CFT material through insert-molding, and an injection molding resin is coupled to all over the insert main body where the bracket is coupled through insert-molding so as to form a main frame of the side step.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a doorstep or a door scuff is provided. The method includes an ABS material injection step of injecting an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) material to have a doorstep (or a door scuff) shape; a plastic plating step of plating an ABS material with plastic; and a PP injection step of fixing the ABS material plated with plastic in a mold, and injecting PP to the ABS material fixed in the mold so that the ABS material and a polypropylene (PP) material have a one-piece structure.

Abstract: A system includes a structure having a wall, a doorway and a door that is repositionable between a first position wherein the door is clear of the doorway and a second position wherein the door occludes the doorway. The system also includes a stair carrier attached to the structure. A stair may be connected to the stair carrier. The stair carrier is repositionable between a first position wherein the entirety of the stair carrier is disposed on a first side of the wall and a second position wherein a portion of the stair carrier extends through the doorway to a second side of the wall. The door is fully operable between the first position and the second position both when the stair carrier is in the first position and in the second position.

Abstract: A detachable footstep for stake pockets on a trailer allows passengers to board and dismount the trailer. The detachable footstep includes a frame, a footstep, a slip-guard, and a connector-locking mechanism. The footstep and the connector-locking mechanism are mounted on opposite ends of the frame. The connector-locking mechanism is a mechanical lock that attaches the frame to the stake pocket. The footstep is a sturdy rigid member capable supporting the passenger's weight as the passenger boards the trailer. The slip-guard is made of high-grip materials to help the passenger gain a secure foothold on the footstep.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.

Abstract: A cargo box for a vehicle includes a base member having a first edge portion, a second edge portion, a first side edge portion and an opposing second side edge portion. A first cross sill extends across the base member. A second cross sill extends across the base member. A side panel member is coupled to the base member along one of the first and second side edge portions. The side panel member includes an opening. A step assembly includes a first step support coupled to the first cross sill, a second step support coupled to the second cross sill and at least one step member coupled to and extending between the first step support and second step support. The step member is arranged at the opening in the side panel member. The step member is decoupled from the side panel member.

Abstract: A bracket adapted to attach a running board to a rocker of a vehicle includes a body having a plurality of running board deflection-inducing portions. The body may include a torsional buckling-inducing portion comprising a rocker mounting portion defining an included angle to a vehicle y-axis and to a vehicle x-axis when mounted to the rocker. The body may further include a rotational moment-inducing portion comprising a stepped segment interposed between the rocker mounting portion and a running board-carrying portion. The rotational moment-inducing portion may further include a rocker mounting tab disposed adjacent to the stepped segment and a flange disposed at an interface of the stepped segment and the running board-carrying portion.

Abstract: An adjustable vehicle running board includes a step moveable between a step position, a retracted position and an aero position. A first support bracket has a first end coupled to the step and an opposite second end connected to a mounting bracket. A slide link has a first end slideably connected to the first support bracket and an opposite second end pivotally connected to the step. The first end of the slide link is moveable along a length of the first support bracket and positionable at a first slide link distance from the second end of the first support bracket when the step is arranged in the step position and a second slide link distance from the second end of the first support bracket when the step is arranged in the aero position. The first slide link distance being greater than the second slide link distance.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having an upper stepping surface, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The first and second arms can be generally planar linkages.