Abstract: An apparatus may include an elongated support member that when attached to a vehicle is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A mounting bracket is fixedly attached to the elongated support member and configured for being fixedly attached to a vehicle. The elongated support member is fixedly attached to a stepping surface that provides a back surface to restrict motion of the foot of a user past the elongated support member, a first side surface to restrict motion of the foot of the user in a first direction, and a second side surface to restrict motion of the foot of the user in a second direction that opposes the first direction. The distance between the first side surface and the second side surface is substantially less than a length of the elongated support member.

Abstract: A combined step/muffler housing for a land vehicle is mounted on a land vehicle immediately subadjacent to a doorway through which a user enters or exits the motor vehicle. The unit includes a housing on which is mounted steps that can have non-slip coatings and the housing contains a muffler which is fluidically connected to the engine of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer hitch step, integrally molded of a polymer compound, is capable of accepting a predetermined off-axis vertical load without an objectionable degree of torsional displacement, while also being capable of resiliently absorbing energy from rear impacts.

Abstract: Step profile (100) for a rescue vehicle, in particular for a fire fighting vehicle, comprising an extruded profile body (10) with a mainly rectangular cross section and a mainly flat upper step surface (12), characterized in that the cross section of the profile body (10) comprises a first groove (20) opening towards the upper side of the profile body (10) in which a first band-shaped lighting device (32) is arranged, a second groove (42) opening towards the bottom side of the profile body (10) in which a second band-shaped lighting device (46) is arranged, and a cross section portion (50) for engaging with a fixing means for fixing the step profile (100) to a vehicle body.

Abstract: A step device for a vehicle includes a step member, a drive member provided at the step member and configured to drive a slide door to open and close, the step member including a metal-made rail portion configured to be fixed to a vehicle body and configured to guide the slide door to move at an opening and closing operation of the slide door, and a resin-made step main body integrally including a step panel, a rail fitting portion protruding from the step panel to be fitted onto an outer surface of the rail portion, and a drive member setting portion to which the drive member is set. The resin-made step main body and the metal-made rail portion form a guide rail. The guide rail is configured to guide the slide door to move over an entire range of the opening and closing operation of the slide door.

Abstract: A novelty vehicle side step accessory kit is provided that offers users an interactive and aesthetically pleasing means of customizing their vehicle. The device has one or more pressure plates disposed on a vehicle side rail. Two end portions are disposed on opposing ends of the side rail. These end portions are thematically decorated to resemble an animal, vehicle, plane, or other object. A sound emitter is disposed within the front end portion and a motion generator is disposed within the rear end portion. Both elements are electrically connected to the pressure sensitive plate. When a user steps on the pressure plate the sound emitter and motion generator are activated, creating audible and tactile feedback.

Abstract: Rocker guards with automatic step are disclosed that provide robust protection from damage due to rock obstacles to rocker panels and also provide an automatic step to facilitate easy entry and exit from a lifted vehicle. Some embodiments of a rocker guard with automatic step for a vehicle (rocker) can include a body formed to protect rocker panels of a vehicle without damaging the rocker or a step located within the body when the step is in a retracted position, mounts attached to the body for attaching to a vehicle, and an actuator coupled to the step and the body, the actuator being configured to automatically lower the step out of the body to an extended position and retract the step to the retracted position.

Abstract: A drop-down running board assembly includes at least one linkage assembly connected to a vehicle having at least one door, and a sensor having a first part and a second part, one part of the sensor is mounted to a door, the other part of the sensor mounted to the vehicle. A step portion is connected to the linkage assembly. There is also an actuator connected to the linkage assembly such that the actuator moves the linkage assembly and the step portion to a deployed position when the door is opened and the first part of the sensor is moved away from the second part of the sensor, and a retracted position when the door is closed and the first part of the sensor is positioned substantially adjacent the second part of the sensor.

Abstract: A side bar made according to this invention includes a rail that forms a channel which receives a clip. The clip is moveable along the channel to any vehicle or step mounting point desired. Once in its desired location, the clip helps to secure the rail to the bracket. When the rail is secured to a vehicle frame, the rail hides the vehicle mounting brackets from view and, when fully assembled with a step, hides the step mounting bracket from view. Because the mounting brackets are not visible, and because the step is complementary in shape to the rail, the rail gives the appearance of supporting the step.

Abstract: A step arrangement of a dump truck includes a third step that leads down in an up-and-down direction of a vehicle body while being gradually directed forward, and a second step that is provided to a lower end of the third step and leads down in the up-and-down direction while being gradually directed from an outer side toward an inner side of the vehicle body. The height of an outer lower portion of the second step is higher than the height of an inner lower portion thereof.

Abstract: The cover member has an outer edge portion configured by the upper end extending portion, the front end extending portion, and the rear end extending portion in which a front end of the upper end extending portion and an upper end of the front end extending portion are connect to each other, and a rear end of the upper end extending portion and an upper end of the rear end extending portion are connected to each other.

Abstract: A step unit that guides a sliding door of a vehicle includes a step member and a rail plate member. The step member includes first and second lower rails. The first lower rail has two ends that face toward each other to form a cutout portion in between. The rail plate member is arranged in the cutout portion. The step member includes an insertion hole and an extended portion. The insertion hole is located at a position corresponding to the cutout portion. The extended portion is extended from at least one of the two ends to support the rail plate member against a load received by the rail plate member from the roller. The rail plate member is inserted through the insertion hole from above the upper side of the step member and fixed by a fastening member to the step member.

Abstract: The invention relates to an embarking/disembarking device (1) for a vehicle. The embarking/disembarking device has an extension (2) that can be moved back and forth between a retracted position and an extended position, a driven carrier (4), which carries along the extension, a motor and an associated transmission (3) in order to drive the carrier (4), braking means (5) in order to at least brake the extension (2), wherein the embarking/disembarking device is characterized in that the extension (2) is supported so as to be movable relative to the carrier (4), and the braking means (5) are moved at least from the released position thereof to the braking position thereof by the relative motion between the extension (2) and the carrier (4).

Abstract: A trailer hitch step, integrally injection-molded of a thermoplastic polymer compound, is capable of accepting a predetermined off-axis vertical load without an objectionable degree of torsional displacement, while capable of absorbing energy from rear impacts.

Abstract: An intelligent side step apparatus for a vehicle may include a linear motor having a stator fixed to a vehicle body, with both ends thereof being positioned in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and a mover engaged to the stator and slidable along the stator when a current may be supplied to the stator, a side step that may be rotatably combined with the mover, and a step actuator that may be connected to the mover and engaged to an end of the side step to selectively rotate the side step.

Abstract: A bumper step for a heavy-duty truck includes a main bracket that is provided on a front lower portion of a vehicle. The lower end of a first step is hinged to the main bracket such that the first step is rotatable and deployable downwards, and the first step is fixed in a deployed position. A second step is provided behind the first step. The upper end of the second step is hinged to the main bracket such that the second step is rotatable and deployable upwards. The second step is fixed in position above the first step.

Abstract: A platform assembly is supported by the main frame and includes i) a framework, ii) an upper platform foot support secured to the framework and positioned adjacent to the doorway, and iii) a first stair member secured to the framework and spaced apart from the upper platform foot support. A stair assembly is movably attached to the framework and includes a second stair member. The door is movable between i) a first position in which the door is positioned to cover the door opening so as to block entry into the cab through the door opening, and ii) a second position in which the door is spaced apart from the door opening so as to enable entry into the cab through the door opening. The upper platform foot support, first stair member, and second stair member define a stairway leading to and from the door opening. A first plane intersects the upper platform foot support, the first stair, and the second stair. The first plane further intersects the door when the door is positioned in the second position.

Abstract: An automatically deployable step apparatus particularly usable with vehicle such as a fire truck having a passenger compartment at substantial distance from the surrounding environmental surface which provides powered movement between a deployed position and a retracted position and can be mounted in a relatively small restricted area in order to avoid interference with a truck cab which tilted to provide engine access, said apparatus utilizing a unique over-center locking mechanism to provide secure locking of the step in the deployed position while maintaining an apparatus having limited overall dimensions. A unique linkage system is provided for facilitating accurately powered automated movement.

Abstract: A retractable access device (10) for a vehicle (30) having a longitudinal extent when deployed. The access device (steps, ladder, stairs) can have a multiplicity of treads (eg 10a, 10b, 10c.) interconnected in series by connectors (eg 12a, 13a, 14a . . . ) pivotably mounted with respect to the treads, the connectors permitting the access device to contract and extend longitudinally and the treads to be closed together on retraction. The treads may nest together when retracted (3a-3d) and treads can be formed or fabricated in pairs, such that when retracted, a tread of one pair nests between the treads of another pair, and this can be effected for multiple tread pairs. The access device is particularly suited to grader vehicles with limited and awkward cab access and space for access system deployment, not least due to the grader blade arrangement.

Abstract: Improvements using a wireless door sensor in each door to eliminate modifying a vehicle wiring and simplify installation of a retractable step and controller for the step. Up to four magnetic door sensors/transmitter are mounted on the edge of each door jamb. A magnet is mounted in the door jamb in proximity to the transmitter's magnetic sensor when the door is closed. The transmitter operates in a sleep mode until the sensor state changes. Upon door movement the transmitter sends an open status message to a receiver where the message data is stored and the controller determines the correct responses. If a door on either side is open the receiver engages the appropriate step motor and lowers the step. The step remains lowered until the receiver stops receiving messages indicating a door is closed or the transmitter on an open door has timed out ceasing transmissions.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes a treadle body provided with a receiving surface with plural recesses and having its underside disposed with a recessed chamber. A decorative plate is mounted on the receiving surface of the treadle body, and an anti-skid pad is set on the decorative plate. A connecting base is received in the recessed chamber of the treadle body and has two lower sides respectively bent inward to form a sliding rail. A plurality of inverted-U shaped positioning members are positioned at the underside of the connecting base, respectively having two sides received in the sliding rails of the connecting base and respectively bored with a long insert hole having a third screw inserted therein. Thus, the positioning members in the connecting base can be adjusted in setting position for matching vehicles of different styles, convenient in assembly and use and stable in whole structure.

Abstract: A side bar made according to this invention includes a rail that forms a channel which receives a clip. The clip is moveable along the channel to any vehicle or step mounting point desired. Once in its desired location, the clip helps to secure the rail to the bracket. When the rail is secured to a vehicle frame, the rail hides the vehicle mounting brackets from view and, when fully assembled with a step, hides the step mounting bracket from view. Because the mounting brackets are not visible, and because the step is complementary in shape to the rail, the rail gives the appearance of supporting the step.

Abstract: A vehicle running board includes a treadle body provided with a receiving surface with plural recesses and having its underside disposed with a recessed chamber. A decorative plate is mounted on the receiving surface of the treadle body, and an anti-skid pad is set on the decorative plate. A connecting base is received in the recessed chamber of the treadle body and has two lower sides respectively bent inward to form a sliding rail. A plurality of inverted-U shaped positioning members are positioned at the underside of the connecting base, respectively having two sides received in the sliding rails of the connecting base and respectively bored with a long insert hole having a third screw inserted therein. Thus, the positioning members in the connecting base can be adjusted in setting position for matching vehicles of different styles, convenient in assembly and use and stable in whole structure.

Abstract: A step unit comprises: a step member which is provided on the vehicle body side so as to be adjacent to a slide door of the vehicle and has a flat plate section on which an occupant's foot is placed; and a drive device which is affixed to the step member and drives the slide door to open and close the slide door. The step member is molded using a resin material and has a accommodation portion which is provided with a bottom formed below the upper surface of the flat plate section. The drive device is affixed while at least a part thereof is accommodated within the accommodation portion.

Abstract: Improvements using a wireless door sensor in each door to eliminate modifying a vehicle wiring and simplify installation of a retractable step and controller for the step. Up to four magnetic door sensors/transmitter are mounted on the edge of each door jamb. A magnet is mounted in the door jamb in proximity to the transmitter's magnetic sensor when the door is closed. Upon door movement the transmitter wakes and sends an open status message to a receiver where the message data is stored and the controller determines the correct responses. If a door on either side is opened the receiver/controller engages the appropriate step motor and lowers the step. The step remains lowered until the receiver stops receiving messages indicating that either door on a vehicle side is open or a transmitter of an open door has timed out and ceased transmissions.

Abstract: A structurally reinforced blow moulded assembly includes an overmould body bonded to one or more preformed internal stiffening ribs. The reinforcing r ribs are partially encapsulated by o the overmould body in an orientation selected to carry load a forces thereon. The resin mixture used to form the overmould body comprises 10% to 40% by weight short glass having a length less about 15 cm, and 60% to 90% by weight thermoplastic resin. To facilitate recycling the reinforcing ribs comprise 30 to 60% by weight long glass fibers and 40% to 70% of thermoplastic bonding resin.

Abstract: A vehicle pedal includes a main plastic pedal, a decoration, at least an adhesive sheet and an anti-slipping rubber plate, and a rack. The main plastic pedal has at least a pedal portion having plural small recesses respectively bored with a through hole. The decoration also has plural small recesses respectively bored with a through hole, and plural projections formed in the bottom to correspond to the small concaves. Plural positioning blocks are fitted in the through holes of the decoration. The adhesive sheet is glued between the pedaling portion of the decoration and the anti-slipping rubber plate, having plural through holes, with two sides coated with a glue layer. The anti-slipping rubber plate has plural positioning bars inserted through the through holes of the adhesive sheet to be restricted by the positioning blocks.

Abstract: An intelligent side step apparatus for a vehicle may include a base block that is fixed to a vehicle body panel disposed at a lower end of a vehicle door, a step motor that is fixed to the base block, a driving shaft that is engaged with the step motor and is rotated by power transmitted from the step motor, a plurality of joint steps that are pivotally coupled each other in sequence, and a step operating mechanism that is coupled with the driving shaft and engaged with each of the joint steps, rotates with the driving shaft, and moves in a forward or backward direction according to rotation of the driving shaft, and wherein one of the plurality of joint steps is pivotally connected to the base block.

Abstract: A stake pocket mounting bar for removably attaching a step to a truck bed or other generally horizontal surface, comprising: an anchor member defining at least one open slot for removably receiving a looped end of a strap; a leg member having first and second ends wherein the first end is attached to the anchor member and the second end defines a plurality of teeth. The anchor member may define two open slots. The leg member may define a bend, preferably about a 90° bend between its first and second ends so that when the leg member is inserted into a stake pocket of the truck bed, the teeth will be disposed generally horizontally such that they may engage the side of the truck bed. The anchor may be made of angle iron.

Abstract: The present invention is a configurable trailer hitch that provides an extended towing position for transferring a tractor force to a load, and a retracted storage position for safely stowing the hitch under a towing vehicle. The trailer hitch has a spring loaded retaining pin which engages a hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the towing position, and a storage latch adapted to hold the hitch receiver when the trailer hitch is placed in the storage position.

Abstract: A hitch step selectively securable to a hitch ball receiver is shown and described. The hitch step may include a step body operatively engaged with an underside portion of the hitch ball receiver, where the step body has a width providing a stepping surface, and a clamp body selectively secured to the step body and positioned on a top portion of the hitch ball receiver. The hitch step may also include at least one fastener selectively securing the clamp body to the step body with the hitch ball receiver positioned between the clamp body and the step body.

Abstract: Boarding and deboarding apparatus for a vehicle, including a step that can be moved back and forth between a retracted and extended position, which at least in a partially extended position defines a first area that can be stepped upon, lateral guides of the step for attachment to a vehicle, a folding step which is mounted on the step so as to be pivotable between a folded-in and folded-out position and which in a folded-out position defines a second area that can be stepped upon which is parallel to the first area, and blocking means which prevent the folding step from pivoting between the retracted position and an intermediate position of the step, and which release the pivoting of the folding step, at the latest, when the extended position of the step has been reached.

Abstract: A running board attachment. The running board attachment forms a barrier to restrict the passage of objects through the area between a vehicle body and a running board mounted distantly from the vehicle body.

Abstract: A retractable stair assembly for a vehicle includes a track assembly mounted on a vehicle frame beneath a workbed, a step assembly, and first and second pivot assemblies that engage the track and step assemblies together. The step assembly moves between a storage position where it is disposed between tracks of the track assembly, and an operational position where it extends outwardly from the tracks, through an aperture in the vehicle's wall panel, and angles downwardly toward the ground. A foldable handrail on the step assembly moves between a collapsed position and an extended position. The handrail is in the extended position when the step assembly is operational and folds to the collapsed position when the step assembly is stored. A door is engaged with the track assembly and covers the aperture when the step assembly is stored. A flange extends from the door and supports a license plate thereon.

Abstract: A running board assembly for a three wheel motorcycle including independent first and second support frame members. Each of the support frame members further includes: i) a substantially U-shaped configuration having a rear lateral section, a longitudinal section, and a front lateral section; ii) a connector on the rear lateral section adapted for connection to a motorcycle frame; and iii) a connector on the front lateral section adapted for connection to a motorcycle engine block. A running board member is connected to each of the support frame members.

Abstract: An extending and retracting device for a vehicle-step apparatus includes a mounting bracket and step bracket. A first arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket. A second arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a second end. A third arm defines a first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second arm and a second end pivotally connected to the step bracket. A trajectory-control assembly is configured to connect the first arm to the second arm and/or third arm to control a “motion” trajectory of the step bracket. A vehicle-step apparatus includes a step member, the extending and retracting device, and a driving device driving the first arm and/or second arm to move the extending and retracting device between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: Maintenance steps on helicopters (10) comprising a casing (1), integrated into a lateral shell of a fuselage of a helicopter (11) for access from outside and a step (2) being pivotably mounted in the casing (1). The invention relates as well to methods for mounting and dismounting of such maintenance steps.

Abstract: A bumper step for a heavy-duty truck includes a main bracket that is provided on a front lower portion of a vehicle. The lower end of a first step is hinged to the main bracket such that the first step is rotatable and deployable downwards, and the first step is fixed in a deployed position. A second step is provided behind the first step. The upper end of the second step is hinged to the main bracket such that the second step is rotatable and deployable upwards. The second step is fixed in position above the first step.

Abstract: A construction machine includes a tank with an upper surface and a side surface that is configured to allow a user to get onto and off the upper surface; and a dressing cover that covers part of the side surface, an upper portion of the dressing cover being formed by an inclined surface having an inclination angle set so as not to allow the user who gets onto and off the upper surface to step on the upper portion.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly for mounting on a vehicle adjacent to the body of the vehicle may include an elongated step having opposite ends and a hollow space formed in the step and extending between the ends, and at least one support bracket with a mounting portion configured to mount on the vehicle and a support portion configured to support the elongated step, with the support portion having a support surface on which the elongated step rests. The assembly may also include at least one clamp mounting the step on the at least one support bracket, with the at least one clamp being configured to engage the step at substantially any location along the length of the step between the opposite ends.

Abstract: A step assembly for a vehicle comprising an elongated main body having a substantially straight portion and two end portions; a generally U-shaped step bar having a substantially straight portion parallel to the main body and two bent portions, the bent portions welded to the main body and a step surface having a plurality of apertures that is affixed to the step bar to provide traction to the user. The main body is preferably welded to at least one support bracket. The installation of the step assembly is a two step process that comprises engagably attaching at least one mounting bracket to a vehicle and then engagably attaching the support bracket, which is preferably welded to the main body, to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A mounting system used for connecting an automated running board (ARB) assembly to a vehicle. The mounting system includes a rocker stay, at least one rocker attach bracket connected to the rocker stay, and a bridge bracket. The bridge bracket is connected to an automated running board assembly, and the rocker stay is connected to the bridge bracket. The rocker stay is attached to a rocker molding of the vehicle, and the bridge bracket is attached to an outer door sill of the vehicle and the automated running board assembly, securing the mounting system to the vehicle, and the automated running board assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A guard bar apparatus is configured to protect the legs of ATV riders, and provide a secure mounting location for shock absorbing tunable footpegs. The guard bar assembly provides for a pivot point for allowing rapid turns around fixed objects. The footpeg apparatus is configured with a cradle having a receiving cavity within which one or more elastomeric balls may be positioned to function as shock absorbers. A foot contact component is pivotally mounted to provide a foot engagable surface and an oppositely disposed biasing surface which pivotally moves against the balls within the receiving cavity to achieve a shock absorbing function. A travel limiting feature limits the travel of the foot contact component and may be utilized to preload the receiver cavity containing balls into compression.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member.

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 vehicle running board includes a treadle body having a bottom formed with an open slot. A guide plate is received in the open slot and positioned under positioning stop plates inside the open slot. Two sets of fixing members are respectively assembled at the lower side of the treadle body, and each fixing member is composed of a first clamping plate with two bolts, a second clamping plate bored with two insert holes, and two nuts, with the first and the second clamping plates clamping the guide plate. At least two connecting bases are respectively provided for assembling the treadle body at one side of a vehicle body, and each connecting base and each fixing member correspond with each other in setting position. Two protective covers are respectively mounted at two ends of the treadle body, and an anti-skid pad is stuck to the topside of the treadle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for attachment to a tow hitch comprising a step including a platform and at least one step connecting portion, a base including at least one base connecting portion and a mounting portion, the mounting portion which may be removably secured to the tow hitch, wherein the step connecting portion is removably attached to the base connecting portion.

Abstract: A modular running board adaptable for use with various types of vehicles having different wheel bases. In a first embodiment, the running board includes a first long board and a second long board connectable to a pick-up truck having crew cab or quad cab with four full doors. In another embodiment, the first long board is connected to a short board, and both the long board and short board are connected to a pick-up truck having an extended cab, with two full doors and two half-doors. In either of the first two embodiments, a coupling piece is used for connecting the first long board to the second long board, or the first long board to the short board. In yet another embodiment, only the first long board is connected to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck having a regular cab with two full doors only.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a person get into and exit an interior of a truck trailer. The apparatus comprises multiple parts, including a stationary step having a U-shape and a handle movable between an upright and stowed position. In its stowed position, the handle does not extend beyond the rear of the trailer, enabling the trailer to back up to a loading dock without interference from the handle. Two latching mechanisms assist in locking the handle in its upright and stowed positions. In its upright position, the handle enables a person standing on the step to more easily enter and exit the interior of the trailer.

Abstract: A dual motion vehicle access step that can be deployed by initially rotating it around a pivot joint in response to an operator pushing down on the step to overcome a closing torque and then translating the step away from the vehicle in response to a biasing force. Both of the closing torque and biasing force are provided by a single energy storage device. An interlocking latch is configured to selectively structurally lock-out either the rotating motion or translating motion on an alternating basis.