Abstract: A step assembly for use on a vehicle comprises an elongate step support member, at least one mounting bracket and at least one brace. The support member defines a top side having a substantially flat surface. The at least one mounting bracket has a base and a pair of arms extending therefrom. The base is constructed and arranged to engage a portion of a vehicle. The at least one brace comprises a first end region and a second end region. The first end region is adjustably and removably engaged to the elongate step support member. The second end region is adjustably and removably engaged to the pair of arms of the at least one mounting bracket.

Abstract: The invention relates to the individualization of therapy on the basis of a phenotypic profile of an individual. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of metabolic phenotyping for the individualization of treatment with anticoagulants.

Abstract: A side bar incorporates brackets for attachment to a vehicle; the bar is divided into sections to permit the side bar to be economically packaged for shipment. The side bar sections are secured to each other through the use of a support rail mounted internally of the side bar sections and extending across the joint formed by the abutting contact of the respective sections. The side bar sections are maintained in alignment through the use of a joint sleeve having an alignment pin that engages corresponding notches provided in the ends of each of the abutting sections.

Abstract: A running board support assembly (200) for fastening a running board step (104) to a vehicle includes a support bracket (204) for engagement with the running board step, and a mounting bracket (202) for coupling the support bracket (204) to the vehicle. The mounting bracket (202) includes a hooking end (212) and a pin (214). The support bracket (204) includes a hook (226) for engagement with the hooking end (212), and an aperture (218) for engagement with the pin (214).

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus providing access and storage for vehicles. More particularly, the invention constitutes step, stair or ladder access to the cab or sear of a tractor and utility storage for a vehicle or tractor operator. The apparatus is substantially planar and elongated extending from the vehicle to provide a step portion and a storage portion.

Abstract: A fender cover is mounted on a fender of an industrial vehicle. A step is attached to a side of the vehicle body to be located rearward relative to the fender cover. The fender cover and the step are made of resin and shaped as one body through molding. The step includes a floor panel and a side wall. The fender cover is integrated with a front edge of the floor panel. The side wall is integrated with an inner edge and rear edge of the floor panel. The floor panel is open to the side of the vehicle body through its outer edge. The integrally molded fender cover and step prevent foreign objects from entering a space below the step and are easily installed in the vehicle body.

Abstract: A step assembly for use on a vehicle comprises an elongate step support member, at least one mounting bracket and at least one brace. The support member defines a top side having a substantially flat surface. The at least one mounting bracket has a base and a pair of arms extending therefrom. The base is constructed and arranged to engage a portion of a vehicle. The at least one brace comprises a first end region and a second end region. The first end region is adjustably and removably engaged to the elongate step support member. The second end region is adjustably and removably engaged to the pair of arms of the at least one mounting bracket.

Abstract: An arrangement, optionally a running board or a side member covering can be mounted on a strip-type support profile connected with the vehicle body. The connection between the support profile and the running board or the side member covering takes place by mutually corresponding concave and convex longitudinal profile edges on the running board and on the support profile or on the side member covering. In a simple manner the running board with the support profile or the side member covering with the support profile may be optionally connected.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises in combination, an engine compartment having an engine with related engine components, and a step or series of steps. The step is securely mounted in a manner for supporting the weight of a person. The step is adapted with a non-slip upwardly facing surface for standing on is positioned for enablement of proximity positioning of a person for applying maintenance to the engine and related engine components.

Abstract: A step includes a support member extending from a vehicle frame. A first wire rod frame extends from the distal end of the support member to the vehicle frame. A second wire rod frame suspends the first frame from the vehicle frame. Furthermore, a foot board is disposed over the first frame and the support member. The step structure is of high flexibility. The step is capable of flexibly handling loads applied from the ground, and is prevented from being plastically deformed by loads applied from the ground. The first and second frames are made of wire rods. Accordingly, the step structure is made lightweight. As a consequence, the vehicle is made lightweight.

Abstract: A step platform assembly for attachment to a vehicle hitch assembly is disclosed. The platform assembly includes a planar step platform member rigidly fastened to a coplanar linear step support member having an aperture adjacent a step support member end opposite the step platform member. The aperture contains a bushing member with the planar step platform member and step support member assembly adapted for rotatable connection to the hitch assembly by a fastener there between. A locking system is present for selectively securing the step platform member and linear step support member either beneath a vehicle body or exterior a vehicle body.

Abstract: A Nerf bar incorporates brackets for attachment to a vehicle; the bar is divided into sections to permit the Nerf bar to be economically packaged for shipment. The Nerf bar sections are secured to each other through the use of a support rail mounted internally of the Nerf bar sections and extending across the joint formed by the abutting contact of the respective sections. The Nerf bar sections are maintained in alignment through the use of a joint sleeve having an alignment pin that engages corresponding notches provided in the ends of each of the abutting sections.

Abstract: A running board assembly and a method of attaching the same to a tricycle includes a pair of running boards. Each of the running boards has a front end and a rear end. The rear end of each of the running boards is attached to a fender. A cross brace is provided which is adapted to underlie and be secured to a frame of the tricycle. The cross brace has opposed ends. The running boards are secured to and supported by the opposed ends of the cross brace.

Abstract: A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. 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 motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.

Abstract: A running board is provided by the invention. The running board includes a deck and a plurality of attachment members. The deck and the plurality of attachment members are formed from a continuous polymer composition. The deck has a stepping surface and a support structure for supporting the stepping surface. The plurality of attachment members extend from the support structure and each attachment member has at least one opening for receipt of a fastener. The plurality of attachment members are provided for attachment to at least one of a motor vehicle frame and a motor vehicle rocker panel. A motor vehicle and methods for manufacturing and installing a running board are provided.

Abstract: A selected-length first, preferably tubular, rear member substantially subtending a side region of a vehicle just to the fore of the vehicle's rear wheel well has when mounted to the vehicle an integral extension that slides within, and strongly engages, another selected-length, forward, member that substantially subtends the remaining side region of the vehicle, extending so far as the vehicle's front wheel well. The two members together as are (i) individually selected in length, and (ii) slid together to a variable extent, jointly form a two-piece vehicular side, or nerf, bar that is precisely sized to the vehicle to which it is applied, strong, and suitably shipped by conventional land and air freight carriers. Lower levels of inventory are thus required to suit a wide range of vehicular applications.

Abstract: A grille guard for an automobile has a footstep for facilitating safe and easy access to the hood and engine compartment thereof. The footstep is defined by a generally tubular horizontal member having a flattened portion formed along the upper surface thereof and preferably having a non-skid surface formed thereupon.

Abstract: A guard assembly for a vehicle step includes a guard portion attached to the step blocking an opening and preventing road debris from being thrown against a body of the motor vehicle. The guard portion includes a first edge adjacent an outer edge of the vehicle step and an inner edge inboard of the vehicle. The inner edge is inboard of an inner edge of a tire mounted to the vehicle. A lip portion extends transverse from the guard portion and prevents road debris from being thrown between the guard portion and the underside of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A running board assembly for pick-up trucks, vans, and sport utility vehicles which has a detachable runner which used as a loading ramp when and wherever a loading ramp is needed to load the vehicle. The assembly not only provides the convenience of a running board which divides the long stretch when stepping into the vehicle; but additionally, it provides a convenient and unobtrusive means of carrying loading ramps in vehicles which typically lack the storage capacity, and particularly the length in their storage bed, to carry a loading ramp. The running board assembly comprises: a front and rear mounting bracket each secured to a lower central side portion of the vehicle; an elongate runner releasably engaging, and carried by the front and rear mounting brackets; and, releasable lock means to releasably lock the elongate runner board on the brackets.

Abstract: A running board assembly for attachment to a vehicle is provided. The running board assembly includes a running board and a mounting bracket, for mounting the running board. The running board includes an elongated support portion including a support wall portion, which has an inward wall portion and an outward wall portion. An outward shoulder portion is disposed on the outward wall portion. An inward shoulder portion is disposed on the inward wall portion. Multiple cap portions are connected to the outward shoulder portion and the inward shoulder portion of the support portion. The cap portions are spaced from each other along the support portion to define step pad receiving openings. A step pad is connected to the outward shoulder portion and the inward shoulder portion of the support portion. The step pad is disposed in the step pad receiving opening.

Abstract: A vehicle step assembly which easily mounts to and removes from a motor vehicle and includes a main body portion and a pair of mounting brackets. The main body portion defines a step surface. The assembly further includes fasteners for attaching the main body portion to the mounting brackets as well as the brackets to the vehicle body or frame. The brackets attach to the vehicle through a downwardly facing tab and removable fasteners. The fasteners secure the bracket to the body or frame. The downwardly facing tabs help to carry and allow for easy installation and removal.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting entry into high road clearance vehicles having a generally cylindrical side bar adapted for attachment to a vehicle chassis, one or more U-shaped cylindrical bars attached to and suspended from said bar comprised of two end portions and a center bar, a generally flat surface on the top of each of said center bar of said U-shaped bars. The U-shaped bars maybe of tubular construction and have a flat surface and are preferably angled from the side bar at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and each U-shaped bar has end portions that meet the center bar at an angle of approximately 0 to 45 degrees. The side bar may be attached to any of a variety of chassis designs and may have a plurality of steps at the doors and at or near the back of the vehicle.

Abstract: A running board for a motor vehicle is provided. The running board includes a bracket assembly and a shroud for covering the bracket assembly. The bracket assembly includes a forward fastening plate and a rearward fastening plate for attachment to a motor vehicle, a bar extending between the forward fastening plate and the rearward fastening plate, and a step member attached to the bar extending between the forward fastening plate and the rearward fastening plate and providing a step area. The shroud includes a step shroud constructed to cover the step member, a forward shroud constructed to cover the bar extending from the step member to the forward fastening plate, and a rearward shroud constructed to cover the bar extending from the step member to the rearward fastening plate. The running board can include a bracket adapter for attaching the forward fastening plate and the rearward fastening plate to the motor vehicle. A method for installing a running board on a motor vehicle is provided.

Abstract: A portable ladder assembly for a truck trailer for users to climb on and off truck trailers. The portable ladder assembly for a truck trailer includes a support assembly including bracket members being adapted to mount upon side rails of a truck trailer; and also includes a ladder assembly being attached to the bracket members and including elongate side members being spaced apart, and also including rung members interconnecting the elongate side members and being spaced along the elongate side members; and further includes railing members being attached to the support assembly for aiding a user moving upon the ladder assembly.

Abstract: A polymeric running board for an automotive vehicle is provided. The running board has a polymeric platform for supporting a vehicle occupant's foot during entry or exit of a lateral side door of the vehicle. The platform is connected to the vehicle by J-shaped support brackets which are co-molded therewith. The running board provided is advantageous over prior running boards in that it is lighter and easier to assemble, reducing assembly time and cost.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting entry into high road clearance vehicles having a generally cylindrical side bar adapted for attachment to a vehicle chassis, one or more U-shaped cylindrical bars attached to and suspended from said bar comprised of two end portions and a center bar, a generally flat surface on the top of each of said center bar of said U-shaped bars. The U-shaped bars maybe of tubular construction and have a flat surface and are preferably angled from the side bar at an angle of approximately 45 degrees and each U-shaped bar has end portions that meet the center bar at an angle of approximately 0 to 45 degrees. The side bar may be attached to any of a variety of chassis designs and may have a plurality of steps at the doors and at or near the back of the vehicle.

Abstract: A running board storage device being mounted in conjunction with a land vehicle where the running board storage device can be used as a step to facilitate entry and exit through an access door of the vehicle. The storage device may include a drawer which is movable between a retracted position where access into the drawer is prevented and an extended position where access into the drawer is permitted. Also, the storage device could have an entry door arrangement where an upper door and a lower door open simultaneously in a “clamshell” opening arrangement. The storage compartment of the running board can be divided into an upper section and a lower section with elongated members such as skis, pipes and the like being capable of being stored in the upper section. The lower section may optionally include one or more drawers.

Abstract: A compact, self-supporting, folding equipment access assembly including a platform including a proximal end and a distal end, a support section extending outwardly from the proximal end of the platform, the support section including a pair of spaced jaws configured to engage the bumper of a military vehicle. A hanging step is hingedly attached to the distal end of the platform, the step deployable to a position extending downward and outward from the platform and also foldable upward to a storage position adjacent the platform.

Abstract: A running board mounting bracket has a structural body having a distal end and a support end. A mounting flange extends from the structural body at the support end and is canted relative to the longitudinal extent of the structural body. The mounting flange has bores for mounting the bracket to an inboard surface of a vehicle frame. A web extends between the mounting flange and the distal end redirecting bending forces from the interface between the mounting flange and the structural body and transferring the bending forces from the structural body to the mounting flange in a compressive manner. The web has a rib extending along the web forming an I-beam relation with the structural body.

Abstract: A step bar cradle and trim channel member. The member includes a curved main body portion connected to a cradle attachment portion. The two portions are attached by a hinge mechanism, such as a living hinge, in order to allow the member to be used in a wide range of mounting systems. The member is positioned between the step bar member and mounting bracket and used to help stabilize the step bar member and also cover the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle step apparatus for allowing a user easy access to pickup beds and sport utility vehicle cargo areas. The vehicle step apparatus includes a step support assembly that includes a mounting assembly that is designed to be coupled to the vehicle. A support member is slidably coupled to the mounting assembly such that a distal end of the support member is slidably positioned respect to the mounting assembly. A step support frame is coupled to the distal end of the support member such that the step support frame downwardly extends from the distal end of the support member. A step member is removably coupled to the step support frame opposite the support member. A step plate is coupled to a distal end of the step member such that the step plate is designed for supporting the weight of a user stepping into the vehicle.

Abstract: A trailer platform for positioning on a trailer for standing on while loading and unloading a boat. The trailer platform includes a pair of elongate members having a first end, a second end, and an inner surface. A first coupling member is coupled to a first end of a first of the elongate members and removably secured to a yolk of a trailer. A second coupling member is coupled to a first end of a second of the elongate members and removably secured to the yolk. A third coupling member is coupled to the second end of the first elongate member and the second end of the second elongate member. The third coupling member is removably coupled to a hitch bar. Each one of a pair of mesh portions is securely attached to and extends away from one of the inner surfaces of the elongate members.

Abstract: A step bar cradle and trim channel member. The member includes a curved main body portion connected to a cradle attachment portion. The two portions are attached by a hinge mechanism, such as a living hinge, in order to allow the member to be used in a wide range of mounting systems. The member is positioned between the step bar member and mounting bracket and used to help stabilize the step bar member and also cover the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A step includes a support member extending from a vehicle frame. A first wire rod frame extends from the distal end of the support member to the vehicle frame. A second wire rod frame suspends the first frame from the vehicle frame. Furthermore, a foot board is disposed over the first frame and the support member. The step structure is of high flexibility. The step is capable of flexibly handling loads applied from the ground, and is prevented from being plastically deformed by loads applied from the ground. The first and second frames are made of wire rods. Accordingly, the step structure is made lightweight. As a consequence, the vehicle is made lightweight.

Abstract: A high strength polymeric injection molded running board for an automotive vehicle is provided including a longitudinal base portion with an upper first surface and a lower second surface opposite the first surface, the upper surface supporting a foot of a vehicle occupant entering or exiting the vehicle. The running board also includes grip ridges integrally molded with the base portion on the first surface to increase the frictional interface between the first surface and the foot of the vehicle occupant entering or exiting the vehicle. The grip ridges have a crown region and an incline portion connecting the crown region with the first surface. The running board also includes reinforcing ribs for strengthening the base portion, the ribs extend from the base portion second surface and are joined to the second surface generally opposite the incline portion of the grip ridges.

Abstract: A foldable step assembly that is adjustably engageable with a trailer hitch receiver to achieve a variable horizontal clearance between a step plate and a rearward end of the receiver. The step plate is pivotally mounted to a step mount shank and is foldable from a horizontal use position to a vertical storage position. The step plate has a latch receiving recess, and there is a latch mechanism mounted on an upper part of the of a facing plate on the step mount shank. A brake light is mounted on the step plate to be visible when the step plate is in the vertical storage position.

Abstract: A running board assembly for attachment to a vehicle is provided. The running board assembly includes a running board and a mounting bracket, for mounting the running board. The running board includes an elongated support portion including a support wall portion, which has an inward wall portion and an outward wall portion. An outward shoulder portion is disposed on the outward wall portion. An inward shoulder portion is disposed on the inward wall portion. Multiple cap portions are connected to the outward shoulder portion and the inward shoulder portion of the support portion. The cap portions are spaced from each other along the support portion to define step pad receiving openings. A step pad is connected to the outward shoulder portion and the inward shoulder portion of the support portion. The step pad is disposed in the step pad receiving opening.

Abstract: A ladder mounting mechanism is configured for mounting a ladder to a truck trailer. The truck trailer has at least one keeper member fixedly connected thereto. The ladder mounting mechanism includes a frame at least one moveable locking member moveably connected to the frame. The frame is adapted to be fixedly connected to the ladder. The moveable locking member is adapted for movement relative to the frame between a ladder-secured position and a ladder-unsecured position. In the ladder-secured position, the locking member engages the keeper member in a manner for securing the ladder to the truck trailer. In the ladder-unsecured position, the locking member is disengaged from the keeper member.

Abstract: A running board assembly is designed such that it does not adversely effect the triggering properties of a side-impact airbag system. In a first embodiment, upon incurring an impact, the running board moves to a position inward of the side of the vehicle at a controlled collapsing load. The controlled collapsing load does not adversely effect the trigger point at which a side-impact airbag system must not deploy nor does it adversely effect the trigger point at which a side-impact airbag system must deploy. In a second embodiment, the structure of the running board assembly is designed to transfer a side-impact load directly to the vehicle's side-impact airbag system.

Abstract: A molded running board provided with a support portion and a top portion is described herein. The support portion is made of plastic material and provided with reinforcing ribs and the top portion is made of a plastic material that is advantageously compatible with the plastic material forming the support portion. A method for the assembly of such a molded running board is also described herein. This method includes the welding of a top portion to a support portion via the use of a thin strand of plastic material compatible with material used in the top portion and the support portion and metallic particles in an electromagnetic press, for example.

Abstract: To provide a sub fender through which it is difficult for mud or snow to invade. A sub fender for connecting respective lower end portions of a front fender and a rear fender is constituted by a front wall portion attached to the front fender, a rear wall portion attached to the rear fender and a bottom wall portion for connecting lower end portions thereof substantially horizontally. The front wall portion is formed separately from the bottom wall portion and a lower end portion thereof constitutes a downward extended portion extended in a downward direction by a dimension L relative to the bottom wall portion. A slit is provided on the extended portion. Furthermore, an engaging protrusion integrally protruded from a front end of the bottom wall portion in a front direction is provided. The engaging protrusion is engaged with an engaging hole provided at the downward extended portion to thereby position the parts in assembling operation.

Abstract: A portable step in which a step (64) is connected to the rails (48 and 50). The rails are connected to an anchor (20) by connecting member (76 and 78). The rails are also engaged with extension members (88 and 90) that have respective feet (92 and 94). Pins (112 and 114) secure extension member (88 and 50) in the rails (48 and 50).

Abstract: A brake warning and step for bumper which is a combination brake warning light assembly and step that is inserted into a vehicle's trailer hitch connection. The device comprises a tubular steel housing having a tubular steel hitch insertion member opposite a side with three or four holes having brake lights mounted therein. The lights are connected to the vehicle's wiring harness using a suitable connection and are illuminated when the brakes are applied to give following vehicles additional warning that a stop is being made. Also, the device is strong enough to be used as a step when attached to a sport utility vehicle or truck hitch connection.

Abstract: A step for entering and exiting a vehicle. The step is a unitary one piece mold having at least two hollow U-shaped portions wherein each portion has a receding body section and first and second legs extending from the body section to first and second distal ends respectively. Each distal end has a flange configured to be mounted to a vehicle. The one piece mold further has a plate portion on the respective receiving body section for supporting weight placed thereon and integrally bridging and joining the at least two U-shaped portions together.

Abstract: The present invention is a removable running board for a vehicle that includes a quick-release mechanism for disengaging the running board from the vehicle, the disengaged running board adapted to serve as a loading ramp for loading the vehicle with cargo or a vehicle bridge for emergency crossing of a hazard.

Abstract: An arrangement, optionally a running board or a side member covering can be mounted on a strip-type support profile connected with the vehicle body. The connection between the support profile and the running board or the side member covering takes place by mutually corresponding concave and convex longitudinal profile edges on the running board and on the support profile or on the side member covering. In a simple manner the running board with the support profile or the side member covering with the support profile may be optionally connected.

Abstract: A running board protective cover including a cover member dimensioned for being positioned atop an existing running board of a vehicle. The cover member has an elongated generally rectangular configuration. The cover member has an upper surface, a lower surface, a long inner edge, a long outer edge, and opposed short end edges.

Abstract: The load distributing arrangement includes a load distributing member of the type described which is configured to define a running board for a vehicle, and a mounting apparatus for removably mounting the load distributing member in position on the vehicle so that the load distributing member serves as a running board, in use. The load distributing member may be formed of a plurality of steel channel sections attached to one another in a side-by-side relation, and the sides of the channel sections may form reinforcing ribs to inhibit deformation of the of the load distributing member, in use. The steel channel sections may include perforations to inhibit slipping of persons standing on the load distributing member, and to provide purchase for tires of a vehicle, when the load distributing member is used in its application as a sand ladder.

Abstract: A step apparatus is provided for use on a vehicle tire and includes a first step assembly which includes a first step portion and a pair of first struts extending upward from the first step portion. A second step assembly includes a second step portion and a pair of end bracket members extending downward from the second step assembly. Each of the end bracket members includes a front bracket portion and a rear bracket portion. Hinge members are connected between the first struts and the front bracket portions. A pair of pawl assemblies are connected to the rear bracket portions. When the tire step apparatus is installed on a tire, a person can step up on the first step portion and the second step portion. Each of the first struts includes a stop member for contacting the tire when the apparatus is installed on the tire. Each of the pawl assemblies includes a pawl hinge connected to one of the rear bracket portions. A pawl plate is connected to the pawl hinge.

Abstract: A portable step in which a step (64) is connected to the rails (48 and 50). The rails are connected to an anchor (20) by connecting member (76 and 78). The rails are also engaged with extension members (88 and 90) that have respective feet (92 and 94). Pins (112 and 114) secure extension member (88 and 50) in the rails (48 and 50).