Abstract: A vehicle exterior member attaching structure for attaching a vehicle exterior member onto a protruding target location of a vehicle includes a vehicle engagement portion located at a target section, an attachment hole located at the target section, a covering portion located on the vehicle exterior member, an engagement portion located on the covering portion and configured to be engaged with the vehicle engagement portion, and an attachment piece located on the covering portion and configured to be inserted into the attachment hole. The covering portion and the attachment piece are integrally formed with a portion of the attachment piece connected to the covering portion forming a thin integral hinge.

Abstract: An extending and retracting device for a vehicle step includes a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed to a body of a vehicle and a step bracket. An arc sliding member is fixed to the step bracket. A driving arm defines a pair of ends thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and step bracket, respectively. A supporting arm defines an upper end portion thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a lower end portion of the supporting arm defining at least one arc slot of the lower end portion. The arc sliding member is adapted to fit into the arc slot so as to be slidable in the arc slot such that the lower end portion of the supporting arm is slidably connected to the step bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle side panel step structure includes a step, a mounting structure and a sub-side body panel. The mounting structure movably couples the step to the structural support for movement of the step between a retracted step position and an extended step position relative to a structural support of the vehicle. In the extended step position the step is approximately horizontally oriented relative to a main side body panel of the vehicle. A sub-side body panel is coupled to the mounting structure to move between a fascia mating position when the step is in the retracted step position and a non-fascia mating position when the step is in the extended step position. The sub-side body panel includes a contoured edge configured such that in the retracted step position the contoured edge of the sub-side body panel and a contoured edge of the main side body panel at least partially define the wheel well.

Abstract: A boarding and/or access aid for vehicles with passenger carrying service has a frame with two parallel side parts and an end profile connecting the latter, a step plate supported in the side parts so that it can be extended and retracted, and a drive for the step plate, supported on the frame, arranged between the two side parts and comprising a drive motor. The drive has a drive element, a chain or a belt, guided over at least one deflection roller, and a drive roller arranged in the area of the end profile, coupled to the drive motor, having a larger diameter than the deflection roller, and arranged in a inner space surrounded by the frame. A pressure roller acting from the outside on an upper belt side of the drive element is associated with the drive roller so that the upper belt strand is arranged between it and the deflection roller parallel to the movement path but underneath the latter.

Abstract: The invention provides a running board bracket which includes an elongate arm formation which has a first end section which extends vertically and which is movingly engagable with a motor vehicle, an opposing second end section which extends horizontally and which is engagable with a running board and an angled formation between the first and second sections which has an attachment which is engagable with the motor vehicle. Also provided is a method for attaching a running board to a motor vehicle by way of a running board bracket of the aforementioned kind which includes the steps of movingly engaging the first section with the motor vehicle, movingly engaging the attachment with the motor vehicle, and engaging the running board with the second section.

Abstract: An extending and retracting device for a vehicle step includes a mounting bracket adapted to be fixed to a body of a vehicle and a step bracket. An arc sliding member is fixed to the step bracket. A driving arm defines a pair of ends thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and step bracket, respectively. A supporting arm defines an upper end portion thereof pivotally connected to the mounting bracket and a lower end portion of the supporting arm defining at least one arc slot of the lower end portion. The arc sliding member is adapted to fit into the arc slot so as to be slidable in the arc slot such that the lower end portion of the supporting arm is slidably connected to the step bracket.

Abstract: A snowmobile footrest has a top surface, a first foot gripping element extending upwardly and forwardly from the top surface, and a second foot gripping element extending upwardly and rearwardly from the top surface. A snowmobile frame and a snowmobile having the footrest are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bracket assembly including a plurality of components attached along a hem line, a plurality of attachment points along the hem line, a first bracket, and a second bracket. The first bracket connects to the plurality of components at at least one of the plurality of attachment points, and supports a longitudinal load applied to at least one of the plurality of components. The second bracket connects to the plurality of components, and supports a lateral load applied to at least one of the plurality of components.

Abstract: A hinge assembly is provided for moving a step on a motor vehicle between a stowed position and a deployed position. A rail bracket is fixedly secured to the vehicle and includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. A step bracket includes inner and outer bushings insert molded therein. The step is fixedly secured to the step bracket. An inner arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the inner arm and are pivotally disposed in the inner bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively. An outer arm includes upper and lower pivot shafts insert molded therein. The upper and lower pivot shafts protrude from the outer arm and are pivotally disposed in the outer bushings of the rail and step brackets, respectively.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to a staircase device adapted to fit a bed of a truck, or other similar vehicle. The staircase provides a mechanism for facilitating the loading and unloading of items onto and off a bed of a truck. An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a vehicle staircase device comprising a first lower platform having a first length and a first width, the first lower platform having a hitch connector adapted to connect to a vehicle; a second platform having a second length and a second width, wherein the first lower platform and the second platform are substantially parallel; and a staircase structure connecting the first lower platform and the second platform.

Abstract: An adjustable footwear cleaning apparatus includes a rectangular base, a plurality of spikes protruding from a surface of the base, a carpet that is sized to fit on the base and is perforated to allow the free ends of the spikes to protrude when the carpet is installed, and a mechanism for attaching the apparatus to a running board. The mechanism may include a plurality of straps or horizontally or vertically adjustable clamps adapted to adjustably secure the base to a vehicle step or running board.

Abstract: A shoe brush is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the shoe brush includes a hitch bar, a brush unit provided on the hitch bar and at least one brush provided on the brush unit.

Abstract: A roll formed step rail for a vehicle comprises an elongated rail body including a continuous rail wall of substantially uniform thickness. The rail wall describes a continuous cross-sectional profile between two elongated free edges, the cross-sectional profile of the rail being substantially uniform along the length of the rail body. The cross-sectional profile of the rail body includes a relatively flat top portion disposed between a substantially semi-circular front curved portion and a substantially quarter-circular rear curved portion. A rear mounting lip extends forward from the rear curved portion to one of the elongated free edges. A front mounting lip extends upward and then rearwards from the front curved portion to another of the elongated free edges. The elongated free edges are generally in line with one another, but spaced apart to define a longitudinal channel therebetween having a predetermined width. The rail body is formed from a sheet of material by a process of roll forming.

Abstract: A bracket assembly secures a running board to a rocker panel, which includes a pinch weld depending therefrom. The bracket assembly includes a receiving panel adapted to have the running board fixedly secured thereto. A rocker securing plate extends out from the receiving panel and is secured to the rocker panel. An intermediate securing tab extends outwardly between the receiving panel and the rocker securing plate for securing the bracket assembly to the pinch weld outboard thereof.

Abstract: A stirrup attached to the rear of a vehicle, making it safer and easier to enter into and/or exit from the vehicle. It comprises a bottom member that is preferably flat and rectangular, vertical side members extending upwards from opposite edges of the bottom member, and a top member from which the side members depend. Optional features include a tread pad on the upper surface of the bottom member, a shin guard, an illumination light, and/or a brake light. In a first preferred embodiment, it is retained on the vehicle using an attachment member extending from the top member that is inserted into a trailer hitch. In a second preferred embodiment, it is retained on the underside of the vehicle's rear bumper using attachment members such as bolts. In a third preferred embodiment, it is welded to the underside of the vehicle's rear bumper.

Abstract: An integrally molded, one-piece running board (10) is adapted for attachment to a motor vehicle (14). The running board (10) includes a stepping platform (16) having an upper surface (18) and a lower surface (20) extending along a longitudinal axis and laterally between outer and inner edges. A plurality of mounting projections (32) is molded with and extend laterally from the inner edge. The plurality of mounting projections (32) is securable to the motor vehicle for holding the stepping platform (16) thereagainst. A plurality of reinforcing ribs (52) extends between the lower surface (20) of the stepping platform (16) and the plurality of mounting projections (32) to support the running board as a downward force is applied to the upper surface of the stepping platform (16).

Abstract: A vehicle step tube comprising a one-piece elongated extrusion having a plurality of vertical ribs extending from the upper surface. The ribs are relatively short in a step portion of the extrusion to form a step platform. The ribs are relatively tall in the non-step portions flanking the step portion. The ribs define transverse recesses in the step portion to enhance traction and aesthetics.

Abstract: A stand for lifting the rear end of a motorcycle that comprises a supporting base, rolling wheels, and a leverage arm. The stand is placed under the motorcycle in front of the rear wheel and engages the swingarm near the rear axle. Operation is accomplished by pushing the leverage arm forward and downward to the ground. An adjustable bracket allows for adjustment of the stand for motorcycles of various heights or for lifting the same motorcycle to different heights as desired.

Abstract: The golf shoe brush of the present invention includes a housing, a shoe brush and a brush tray, which is slidably mounted to the housing. The housing is configured to be mounted under the body of a golf cart or motor powered vehicle. The brush tray is slidably mounted to the housing and is spring biased to move from a retracted position where the brush tray is substantially enclosed within the housing to an extended position where the brush tray is extended away from the housing to present the shoe brush for easy access by a golfer wishing to brush the sole of his or her golf shoe. The housing has a pin and the brush tray has openings for receiving and capturing the pin so that the brush tray can be secured in the retracted position.

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 brush/scrapper device cleans dirt and debris from the soles of outdoor sports shoes, such as the cleats of golf or other such shoes. The device is a single piece frame having a body portion to which a brush is mountable and an appendage portion for engaging a bumper. The frame being a single piece bent to form the body and appendage portions and is removably mountable on the bumper of a vehicle like a golf cart without modification of the vehicle.

Abstract: A step configured to be attached to the drawbar of a trailer hitch. The step incorporates a hole and a ball mount receiver. The ball mount receiver is placed over the ball mount on the hitch. The hole allows the hitch ball and its accompanying lock washer and nut to be used to simultaneously mount the step and the hitch ball. The step is shaped to allow free access to the hitch ball so that a trailer can be attached while the step remains in place. The step then allows a user to step up and over the hitch with attached trailer.

Abstract: The golf shoe brush of the present invention includes a housing, a shoe brush and a brush tray, which is slidably mounted to the housing. The housing is configured to be mounted under the body of a golf cart or motor powered vehicle. The brush tray is slidably mounted to the housing and is spring biased to move from a retracted position where the brush tray is substantially enclosed within the housing to an extended position where the brush tray is extended away from the housing to present the shoe brush for easy access by a golfer wishing to brush the sole of his or her golf shoe. The housing has a pin and the brush tray has openings for receiving and capturing the pin so that the brush tray can be secured in the retracted position.

Abstract: An athletic shoe cleaner for cleaning a shoe bottom, especially the bottom of a shoe having non-metal spikes. The athletic shoe cleaner includes a cleaning surface having a plurality of spaced apart rods, wherein each of the plurality of spaced apart rods is formed from a semi-rigid material. In the preferred embodiment, the cleaner includes a flexible base for supporting the rods and permitting the cleaner to be mounted to a surface such as a fender of a golf cart. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the base is generally round and the plurality of spaced apart rods are arranged in an overlapping and radially symmetrical fashion with respect to the center of the cleaner with the height of each of the plurality of spaced apart rods increasing from the outer edge to the center.

Abstract: A golf shoe spike cleaner particularly adapted for use in association with a golf cart comprises a frame for mounting at least one spike cleaner thereto, at least one spike cleaner mounted to the frame, and mounting member for mounting the spike cleaner to the golf cart. The present device may further include a plurality of spike cleaners, angularly disposed with respect to the horizontal or ground at a convenient angle for dragging a golf shoe thereacross. To prevent debris from flying into the golf cart a shield is used to deflect the debris away from the cart.

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 shoe brush is mounted for slidable motion between a retracted position and an extended position. The brush is fixedly attached to longitudinally extending support members which are mounted for slidable motion on a support which is fixedly connected to the underside of a vehicle. A spring assembly is connected to the brush support urging the brush to the retracted position. The brush is drawn outwardly against the tension of the spring assembly to an extended position for utilization in brushing shoes. A latch member retains the brush in this extended position unless and until it is released to permit the spring to draw the brush to the retracted position.

Abstract: A shoe cleaning device for a vehicle includes a tray mounted beneath a vehicle immediately adjacent one of the door openings. Slidably received within the tray is a drawer like cleaning device including a lower wall with a pair of side panels upwardly extending therefrom. A layer of abrasive material is disposed on the lower wall. A plurality of bristle pads may be removably attached to the mat as well as the inwardly facing sides of the side panels for removing heavier debris. A motor and gear assembly automatically extends and retracts the cleaning member.