Abstract: A backlighted trailer step to facilitate a trailer users getting up onto a trailer for more convenient access to a load being carried, and which includes a backlighted cutout portion of the step for displaying indicia such as the trademark of the trailer. The lamps backlighting the indicia also provide a visual locator for the step in the dark, and function as a utility lamp to provide light for such things as servicing the trailer or changing tires at night, and increases safety by improving the visibility of the trailer to traffic approaching from the side.

Abstract: A retractable step which is adequately functional, and which virtually automatically shifts between its in-use and storage position. A side runner assembly having a dropping step for a vehicle includes: an elongate member having a front and rear portion, each of the front and rear portions rigidly attached to the frame by a lateral member; and, a dropping central step portion carried by a lateral member, one side portion of the lateral member rigidly attached to the central portion, and the other opposite side portion movably attached to the frame. A spring upwardly biases the central portion; and the central portion is restrained in horizontal alignment with the front and rear portion of the side rail assembly. The central step portion is normally maintained in alignment with the front and rear portions of the assembly and drops to an operative position when and only downward force is applied thereon.

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: An integrally formed running board including a plurality of mount projections (24) extending laterally from an inner edge (22) with a pair of parallel side walls (54) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, a short wall (56) having ends closer together than the distan between the side walls (54) and a pair of converging walls (58) joining the side walls (54) at joints (60) and converging from the side walls (54) to the ends of the short wall (56). A projection-reinforcing rib (52) is disposed centrally between and parallel to the side walls (54) of each of the mount projections (24). A base rib (62) extends between the joints (60) of each pair of the side walls (54) with the associated pair of the converging walls (58). A pair of continuing ribs (64) extend from the side walls (54) aligned therewith to an outer wall (23).

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: A running board storage device 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 comprises a drawer mounted within a housing which is slidingly movable between a retracted position where access into the drawer is prevented and an extended position where access into the drawer is permitted. A door is pivotally mounted on the housing with this door cooperating with the drawer, when in the retracted position, to close the internal compartment of the housing. The door can be pivoted to an open position permitting access into the internal compartment of the drawer and movement of the drawer to the extended position. A roller is mounted on the door which engages with a guide track mounted on the drawer. As the door is opened, the drawer is initially ejected toward the extended position.

Abstract: A vehicle running board step construction and method of making and mounting the same on a hollow metal support pipe having a step portion and in turn adapted in vehicle-mounted orientation to extend generally adjacent a sill of a vehicle door. An upwardly facing exterior surface of the pipe step portion has an elongate mounting opening. The step construction includes a support plate having a plurality of transverse trusses arranged in spaced apart relation in a longitudinally extending row and adapted to straddle the pipe opening side edges and rest thereon for support. A plurality of spacer webs are individually interposed between and joined to longitudinally adjacent pairs of the trusses and support at each of their longitudinally opposite ends a resilient spring finger catch adapted to underlie an associated one of the pipe opening side edges. Each finger catch has a free end adapted to resiliently engage an interior surface of the pipe for holding the step plate against upward release from the pipe.

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 step for engagement with a conventional towing receiver hitch affixed to a vehicle. The step includes a support component upon which to stand and a coupler component for engaging the support component with the receiver hitch. Preferably, the support component is a generally cylindrical rung, while the coupler component is integral with and extends from a substantially central location of the support component.

Abstract: A running board storage device 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 comprises a drawer mounted within a housing which is slidingly movable between a retracted position where access into the drawer is prevented and an extended position where access into the drawer is permitted. A door is pivotally mounted on the housing with this door cooperating with the drawer, when in the retracted position, to close the internal compartment of the housing. The door can be pivoted to an open position permitting access into the internal compartment of the drawer and movement of the drawer to the extended position.

Abstract: A retractable running board assembly has a step, at least two support arms, at least two mounting brackets, at least two pairs of parallel links and a drive. The step has an elongated stepping surface extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle on which the running board assembly is mounted. The support arms are mounted to the step. The mounting brackets are connected to an underside of the vehicle. The parallel links are pivotally connected between each of the support arms and the mounting brackets. The drive effects movement of the step between an extended outboard position and a retracted inboard position.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a modular component such as a fuel tank for a vehicle such as a truck and a method of installing same on the vehicle. The method is accomplished via a combination of a set or sets of two brackets and an initial alignment means for each set of brackets. The initial alignment means is comprised of two mating components, with one mating component being a portion of one bracket and the other mating component being a portion of the second bracket. One bracket of each set is installed directly to a portion of the vehicle under manufacture, such as to the frame rail. A modular assembly is assembled separately with the second bracket of each set installed on the modular assembly. The sets of brackets are joined via the initial alignment means attaching the modular assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A truck with a cargo carrying body has a rear load platform with a stair well opening. A stair subassembly includes a plurality of steps secured thereto in the stair well and rotatably secured to the load platform. In the closed retracted stored state of the subassembly a platform member attached thereto forms a continuous platform surface with the rear load platform and supports persons on the platform as a single platform. When the stair subassembly is rotated to the deployed state, several stairs are exposed in the stair well, one fixed and others rotating with the subassembly to provide easy access to the load platform without obstruction to or on the load platform by elements of the subassembly.

Abstract: A power retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle includes a substantially sealed housing assembly, a running board, a parallel linkage, a gear assembly, and a motor assembly. The running board presents an upper load carrying surface. The gear assembly is disposed in the sealed housing assembly and coupled to an arm of the parallel linkage. The motor assembly is drivingly coupled with the gear assembly and is constructed and arranged to pivot the running board between deployed and stored positions.

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 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 comprise 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: An improved vehicle running board construction and method of making same comprising a hollow metal support pipe with an elongated mid-section step portion adapted in vehicle-mounted orientation to extend generally parallel to and adjacent a sill of a vehicle door that provides access to a passenger or freight compartment of the vehicle. An elongate mounting opening is formed in an upwardly facing exterior surface area of the pipe mid-section. A support plate has a plurality of transverse trusses arranged in spaced apart relation in a longitudinally extending row and straddling the opening side edges and resting thereon for support. A plurality of spacer webs are individually interposed between and joined to longitudinally adjacent pairs of the trusses and support at each of their longitudinally opposite ends, a resilient spring finger catch oriented to underlie an associated one of the pipe opening side edges.

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 comprise 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: An all terrain vehicle with a foot-shifted manual transmission and a full platform-style footrest. The all terrain vehicle has a chassis carrying a straddle-type seat which is sufficiently narrow to be straddled by a rider. A laterally extending footrest is provided on each side of the chassis. The manual transmission includes a foot-operable shift lever located on one side of the chassis adjacent the footrest for shifting the transmission among a plurality of forward gears. The footrest is generally rectangular, having generally horizontal heel and toe portions, and the shift lever is positioned at approximately the same height as the heel portion. The toe portion is positioned lower than the heel portion, permitting a rider to depress the shift lever to a position lower than the heel portion of the footrest to downshift the transmission, and permitting the rider to insert his toe in between the toe portion of the footrest and the shifting lever to move the lever upwards to upshift the transmission.

Abstract: A removable multipurpose running board assembly for a motor vehicle wherein the running board is of extruded material provided with a pair of transverse sockets to receive support pins. A pair of clamps securable to the vehicle provide anchor ports to which the support pins are mounted to removably retain a running board in position when the support pins are located in the sockets.

Abstract: Injection molded components for off-road recreational and utility vehicles such as ATV's and snowmobiles. In one embodiment, the invention provides a rack having a fiber-filled plastic resin body. The body has an overall thickness substantially less than its width and length, and includes a generally flat, horizontal top having a plurality of slots. Each of the slots is defined by a flange extending downwardly the flange having a thickness that is substantially less than its height to define a downwardly extending reinforcing rib, which also provides a point of attachment for straps such as bungee cords. Preferably the rack includes integrally molded transverse reinforcing ribs extending across the slots, the reinforcing ribs having a top surface which is recessed downwardly from the top surface of the rack. In another embodiment, the invention provides an injection molded foot rest for an off-road recreational or utility vehicle.

Abstract: The step assembly (10) includes a housing (12) which is mountable to a recreational vehicle, typically underneath the door of the vehicle. A pair of linkage arms (14) and (16) are rotatably coupled at their lower ends to each side of the housing (12). The step assembly (10) contains an upper tread assembly (18), a center tread assembly (24), and a lower tread assembly (34), respectively including an upper step (20), a center step (28), and a lower step (40). The upper ends of the linkage arms (14) and (16) are rotatably connected to the upper portion of the upper tread assembly (18). The center tread assembly (24) is slidably engaged with the upper tread assembly (18) through a slideway assembly (26). The lower tread assembly (34) has a lower tread pivot arm (38) which is rotatably coupled to the center tread assembly (24) by a pin (30) mounted on the center tread assembly.

Abstract: A method of controlling a retractable stairway assembly for a vehicle includes monitoring at least one vehicle status condition such as (a) whether the vehicle is stopped, (b) whether the parking brake is set, (c) whether the cab is tilted in excess of a threshold, and (d) whether excess current is being required by a motor used to shift the stairway between stowed and deployed positions in the event an electric motor is used for this purpose. In the event any of these monitored conditions are not in a predetermined state, deployment of the stairway from a stowed position is blocked. Deployment and stowing of the stairway may also be interrupted depending upon vehicle status and other conditions. Interior and exterior vehicle alarms may be activated depending on vehicle status conditions and the mode of operation of the stairway.

Abstract: An improved vehicle running board construction and method of making same including a hollow metal support pipe with an elongated mid-section step portion adapted in vehicle-mounted orientation to extend generally parallel to and adjacent a sill of a vehicle door that provides access to a passenger or freight compartment of the vehicle. An elongate mounting opening is formed in an upwardly facing exterior surface area of the pipe mid-section. A support plate has a plurality of transverse trusses arranged in spaced apart relation in a longitudinally extending row and straddling the opening side edges and resting thereon for support. A plurality of spacer webs are individually interposed between and joined to longitudinally adjacent pairs of the trusses and support at each of their longitudinally opposite ends, a resilient spring finger catch oriented to underlie an associated one of the pipe opening side edges.

Abstract: A step assembly in combination with a vehicle having a frame and a rear bumper, with an upper surface and a generally vertical outer face, attached to the vehicle frame has an attachment leg with a generally perpendicularly extending step portion. A step bracket supported on the outer face of the bumper mounts the step for swinging movement from a first operative position in which one side of the attachment leg is disposed generally vertically adjacent the bumper face and the step portion extends generally perpendicularly to a retracted second position in which the opposite side of the attachment leg lies vertically adjacent the bumper and the step portion is inversely disposed and extends along the upper surface of the bumper. A lock device is automatically operative between the mount and step under the influence of gravity for releasably locking the step in both positions.

Abstract: An accessing step, mounted on a vehicle having a bumper attached to the vehicle frame, comprises a step part and a mount assembly fixedly supported on the bumper and frame, mounting the step part for swinging movement from a first operative position in which the step part extends generally horizontally to a retracted second position pivoted upwardly to lie generally vertically adjacent the bumper. The mount assembly incorporates a lock device automatically operative between the mount assembly and step part for releasably locking the step part in the second position and automatically locking up to block the step part from downwardly swinging beyond a substantially horizontal position, while permitting the step part to be swung upwardly.

Abstract: The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.

Abstract: A power-retractable step assembly for a motor vehicle comprises a substantially sealed housing assembly, a pivoting structure including a step structure, a gear assembly, and a motor assembly. The step structure presents an upper load carrying surface, and the pivoting structure is mounted for pivotal movement about an axis. The gear assembly is disposed in the sealed housing assembly and coupled to the pivoting structure. The motor assembly is drivingly coupled with the gear assembly and is constructed and arranged to pivot the pivoting structure about the axis and thereby drive the pivoting structure between deployed and stored positions. The step structure is moved in an outboard vehicle direction when the pivoting structure is moved from the stored position to the deployed position, and is also moved in a fore-aft vehicle direction when the pivoting structure is moved between the stored and deployed positions.

Abstract: A step assembly (10) including a top step plate (12) for mounting to a ball mount tongue (32), and clamped thereto by means of a pair of adjustable clamp plates (14) releasably secured to top plate (12) by four carriage bolt assemblies (20). Top plate (12) includes a central channel (29) that allows top plate (12) to straddle tongue (32) and clamp plates (14) include step-downs (46, 48, 50), which engage the side edges of tongue (32) and thereby securely clamp top plate (12) to the tongue.

Abstract: To provide foot boards which allow a rider to take a convenient position regardless of the rider's physique. In a four wheeled all-terrain vehicle having a body frame provided with substantially platelike foot board members for rider's resting feet at a lower position on both sides thereof, with a brake pedal being disposed to be depressed freely above an opening of one of the foot board members. A plurality of foot support members with the top surface thereof having an undulating configuration along the longitudinal direction thereof are disposed at intervals on the foot board members rearward the brake pedal for securely supporting the rider's foot. The foot support members are installed on the other foot board in a symmetrical configuration with respect to the center line of the vehicle body. Slip preventing members are positioned on the foot boards adjacent the foot support members to assist in maintaining the rider's feet on the foot boards.

Abstract: The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.

Abstract: A step assembly for mounting to a wheel well of a vehicle to permit a user to step up on the side of the vehicle. The assembly includes a U-shaped rod adapted for mounting to a fender wall of a vehicle. One end of the U-shaped rod has an outwardly extending mounting extent which outwardly extends in a direction away from the front edge of the fender wall. An elongate step bracket is provided having upper and lower ends. The upper end of the step bracket has a pivot assembly coupling the upper end of the step bracket to the mounting extent of the U-shaped rod to permit pivoting of the step bracket at the upper end of the step bracket and to permit rotation of the step bracket about the longitudinal axis of the step bracket. A stirrup is coupled to the lower end of the step bracket.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable step structure mounted to a recreational or like vehicle to facilitate passenger ingress and egress. The step structure basically includes a frame mountable to the vehicle beneath a doorway or other passenger ingress-egress location, at least one step tread and a movable linkage arrangement supporting the step tread from the frame for controlled movement between a retracted position wherein the step tread and the linkage arrangement are withdrawn into frame and an extended position wherein the step tread and the linkage arrangement are extended outwardly from the frame. Four embodiments are disclosed, two being equipped with a single step tread, a third having two step treads, and a fourth having three step treads, for selective use in differing vehicles having differing above-road elevations.

Abstract: The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.

Abstract: The running board of the present invention provide the structural integrity to withstand the static and dynamic loads to which articles of this type are normally subjected. The design of the running board in terms of its configuration, the components making up the running board, namely, the blow molded exterior shell and the foam core, have specific structural characteristics. For example, the foam core has a density in the range of 100 kg/m.sup.3 to 150 kg/m.sup.3 and has sufficient resiliency to permit the part to return to substantially its original shape following removal of a load of predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: The apparatus for providing access steps to a vehicle and a method of installing same on a heavy or medium duty truck. In its most basic form, the apparatus is comprised of an access step and two step brackets. The brackets are installed to outer surfaces of the tank straps which hold a fuel tank to a frame rail of the vehicle. The access step and step brackets have tabs and flaps or slots which can be combined to attach the access step to the step brackets with a reduced number of fasteners.

Abstract: A safety insert 10 for a generally U-shaped tubular step bar member 110 attached to a vehicle chassis 101 wherein the safety insert 10 comprises a support plate member 20 provided with a plurality of mounting apertures 30 which are dimensioned to receive a portion of a plurality of clamp members 30 which at least partially surround different portions of the step bar member 110.

Abstract: A portable ladder for truck trailers including a post, a hand grip attached to the post, at least a first step connected to the post, and a stake connected to the post is adapted to be used in conjunction with a flat-bed trailer having a body and a protective rail. The stake is adapted to removably and slidably mount in the space between the body and the protective rail with the stake being inserted into the space until a support plate rests flush against the top of the trailer body. The steps extend outwardly and alternately from opposite sides of the staff. The stake forms an angle with the post such that when the stake is installed in the space between the body and the rail of the flat-bed truck, the lower end of the staff extends downward and outwardly from the truck so that a person can easily climb up the ladder onto the trailer while having a hand grip to hold onto.

Abstract: A dirt removing running board for automobile includes a cover, a linkage means, a base frame and two steel wires winding to a motor. The linkage means has an upper bar which has a hollow lower portion for housing the upper portion of a lower bar. There is a spring housed in the hollow portion between the upper and lower bars. The lower bar is thus movable up or down to suit different road conditions. The cover is screwed to the chassis of the automobile. The two ends of the linkage means pivotly engage with the cover and base frame respectively to form a substantially Z-shape structure. The motor can release the steel wires to extend the linkage means perpendicular to the cover and the base frame when in use. When the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the steel wires will pull and fold the linkage means and the base frame to the cover for storage.

Abstract: A universal mounting bracket includes a pair of upper and lower generally L-shaped legs connected together along their backs to permit slidable length adjustment between the upper and lower feet of the legs. A hanger is connected to the back and secured to an inward surface of a rocker panel to support the hanger with the upper foot in contact with the vehicle floor board and the lower foot projecting horizontally outwardly from below the rocker panel to support a running board thereon. The upper and lower legs of the bracket have the feet connected to the back portion at an angle greater than 90.degree. relative to the horizontal, such that adjustment of the length of the backs will move the lower foot both horizontally and vertically relative to the upper foot. A running board is secured to the lower foot of the bracket, and has a back wall which is secured to the bottom wall of the rocker panel.

Abstract: A vehicle having a horizontal transport platform or bed with steps mounted within the horizontal platform. The vehicle comprises a horizontal platform supported three to four feet above ground by wheels. The platform is reinforced by longitudinal I-beams. In accordance with the present invention, a rectangular opening is provided at the rear of the platform. The opening is positioned between adjacent longitudinal I-beams. The opening contains one or more steps that descend from the level of the horizontal platform to just above ground level. The steps are within the perimeter of the platform. To maximize transport area on the horizontal platform, a cover is provided for the platform opening. The cover is attached by a hinge along one side of the rectangular opening in the horizontal platform.

Abstract: A retractable step assembly (10) includes a step (12) pinned to the lower ends of a pair of swing arms (14, 16) depending downwardly from a bracket (30) for mounting the step assembly to the underside of a vehicle. An electric motor (20) powers the upper end of a swing arm (14) to rotate the two swing arms between retracted and extended positions. A clutch assembly (24) is interposed between the electric motor and the swing arm (14) to allow the motor to continue to operate to the end of its cycle if the step or swing arm become obstructed. A lock assembly (170) is provided to lock the step in retracted position, with the lock being automatically disengaged when the step assembly is actuated to extend the step from retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicular body extension that includes an elongated running board and a flap seal disposed between the running board and a vehicle. The flap seal extends from and is hinged with the running board such that the flap seal is biased against the vehicle when installed.The invention also includes a method of installing the vehicular body extension to a mounting surface of a vehicle wherein the flap seal is aligned with and biased against the mounting surface.

Abstract: A door and running board conversion kit including a hanger framework capable of mounting beneath several different vehicle chassis configurations. A step device is adapted to be supported longitudinally on the hanger framework, and which carries a step deck to be spaced at a selected distance below the bottom edge of a vehicle door and terminating in a longitudinal outboard edge. Such edge is to be covered by a downwardly projecting door skirt fastened to the outboard lower extremity of the door to project downwardly a distance equal to or greater than such selected distance to projection in covering relation over the outboard edge of the step deck when the door is in a closed position.

Abstract: A receiver hitch step attachment mounts to the existing receiver hitch of a pickup truck and supports a set of steps that are adjustable laterally and vertically. An auxiliary stabilizer leg is provided for engaging the ground beneath the attachment when the truck is parked in order to support the vehicle against rocking when weight is applied to the steps or when moving about in the camper.

Abstract: A quick-attachable trailer step includes a planar step member, two U-shaped mounting brackets fixedly attached to the back end of the step member with the open ends of the mounting brackets being disposed downwardly relative to the top of the step member, and two braces connected to the step member and to the mounting brackets to strengthen the trailer step. Each of the mounting brackets has a first extended portion and a second extended portion spaced from each other and defining a frame-receiving slot between each other, which is adapted to receive the portion of the frame of the trailer. The closed end of the mounting brackets essentially rest upon a portion of the frame of the trailer with the step member being disposed essentially horizontally outwardly from the trailer.

Abstract: A vehicle having a side-mounted fairing for reducing aerodynamic drag in which a portion of the fairing is easily removable to allow access to vehicle components is disclosed. The removable fairing includes a convolute sheet of substantially rigid material in which planar surfaces are formed for providing steps. Support rails are mounted to an inner surface of the fairing just below the steps to connect the fairing to the vehicle and to support weight placed on the steps. The rails include mortise and tenon connections for connecting the removable fairing portion to a fixed portion of the fairing. In addition, support brackets are fixedly attached to the vehicle and extend outward to provide support for the removable fairing. Fasteners are provided for securing the removable fairing to the vehicle and to the fixed portion of the fairing.

Abstract: Universal running board that is substantially symmetrical such that it can be mounted to either the driver side or passenger side of a vehicle. The running board assembly includes a mounting device that provides for continuous linear adjustment of the running board. A fender flare is countered so to nest with the running board and provide an integral form.

Abstract: A new spring step for the rear ends of vehicles for facilitating access to the back ends of high vehicles, such as trucks and utility vehicles. The spring step includes a step member having a horizontal upper surface. A pair of semi-rigid members, preferably coil springs, are attached to the step member and extend vertically upward from the upper surface. The ends of the semi-rigid members are removably attached to a channel member which is used to secure the step member and semi-rigid members to a support structure, such as a rear bumper, of the vehicle. The semi-rigid members are stiff enough to permit an individual to stand on the step member without significant deflection of the semi-rigid members, so that the step functions similarly to conventional steps on the rear ends of vehicles. However, if the step encounters an obstacle or obstruction while the vehicle is backing up, the semi-rigid members resiliently flex so that the step member deflects. Thus, little or no damage is done to the step.

Abstract: A moveable driver floorboard device for motorcycles, which allows the driver to make rapid and easy adjustments to the preset positions in the driver's floorboard plates that hold the floorboards. The adjustable floorboard device may be applied to existing fixed floorboard systems that may already be on a motorcycle or they may also be used as a complete new system with new floorboards and new brake lever, along with the adjustable plates and associated hardware. The invention allows for immediate adjustments without unbolting and reinstallation of the existing floorboards.