Abstract: Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.

Abstract: An articulating footrest mechanism pivotally attached to a vehicle that is adapted for transportation and recreation of all types. The articulating footrest mechanism has a top and bottom horizontal arm, or two top and two bottom horizontal arms pivotally attached to a vehicle frame section at footrest level and adapted to move freely in a circumferential nature around fulcrums located at midpoint of each arm. The articulating footrest mechanism includes two or four vertical footrest arms connected to the top and bottom horizontal arm ends with fasteners inserted through fulcrums that comprise of roller bearings or lubricated sleeves. Footrests such as bicycle pedals, motorcycle style pegs or ATV type platforms of any size or shape fix to the left and right vertical footrest arm or arms to support the weight of a human being thereon.

Abstract: An article of manufacture for providing a universal auto step for a vehicle hitch has an attachable step, and a hitch drawbar having a shaft and a lock to a hitch receiver. The attachable step includes a top surface having a front edge, a rear edge, a left-side edge and a right-side edge, a set of side members coupled to the front side edge, the left-side edge, and the right-side edge, the set of side members oriented perpendicular and downward from the top surface, and an attachment tab coupled to the rear edge and extending downward. The top surface rests upon a top surface of the hitch drawbar when coupled to the hitch drawbar.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates systems and methods involving movable/adjustable guardrails. An example system includes a frame weldment and a rail assembly attached to the frame weldment. The rail assembly includes a first post and a second post. The base portion of the first post is rotatably coupled to a first pivot point of the frame weldment and the base portion of the second post is rotatably coupled to a second pivot point of the frame weldment. The system also includes a top rail rotatably coupled between a top portion of the first post and a top portion of the second post. The system yet further includes an actuator configured to controllably adjust a configuration of the rail assembly between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration with respect to the frame weldment.

Abstract: Powered retractable vehicle step assist systems and methods are provided. The steps systems are configured for installation (e.g., after market installation) and use with a vehicle. The system can include a stepping member movable between a retracted position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The system can further include a vehicle interface. A controller of the step system can be configured to process information received from the vehicle interface and, based at least partly on the processing of the information, cause movement of the stepping member between the retracted position and the deployed position.

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

Abstract: A workpiece support is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The tailgate includes a retractable step including a pair of step support members. The attachment brackets include a workpiece support bar and a riser that are attached to the step support members and to each other at a right angle. The workpiece support bar and riser may be fixedly attached to each other or attached by a pivot connector. Detachable connectors are provided to connect a workpiece support bar and riser detachably to the step support members.

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a step assembly that is movable back-and-forth between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the step assembly is adjustable between a tailgate deployed position and a tailgate stowed position while the step assembly is removably coupled to a tailgate of a vehicle. In the second configuration, the step assembly is adjustable between a vehicle deployed position and a vehicle stowed position while the step assembly is removably coupled to an area of the vehicle other than the tailgate.

Abstract: A cover device for a side sill of a passenger vehicle includes a sill cover which has a cover element securable on the side sill and a mobile cover element which is disposable in a length region of the side sill below a door opening of the passenger vehicle. The mobile cover element is displaceable between a covering position and an entry position by a drive unit and the drive unit, configured as a pre-assembled structural unit, has a motor and is disposed in a region of the cover element by a holding device. The motor is disposed on an outside of the cover element and protrudes into an interior of the sill cover with a motor shaft.

Abstract: A ladder system includes a fixed support, a ladder bracket supported by the fixed support, a ladder coupled to the ladder bracket and configured to rotate with respect to the ladder bracket between a lowered position and a storage position, and an air spring coupling the ladder to the ladder bracket and configured to apply a force to the ladder when the ladder is in the lowered position to keep the ladder in the lowered position. An agricultural vehicle includes a chassis supported by a plurality of wheels, and a ladder system carried by the chassis. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an arrangement including a staircase as well as walkway systems. The staircase includes a transitional member, and the walkways incorporate grate supports in order to facilitate the connection to adjacent structures. The arrangement also utilizes angled members which are configured with a reinforced flange existing in a dimension that has higher load requirements than the other flange. A novel step configuration is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated driving vehicle, including facing seats, a floor deck and a luggage deck. The facing seats includes a front seat assembly having at least a front seat and a front backrest, and a rear seat assembly having at least a rear seat and a rear backrest, the front and rear seat assemblies being disposed to cause the seated passengers to respectively face rearward and forward directions of the vehicle. The floor deck is provided to allow the passengers to rest their feet, the floor deck having no level difference. The luggage deck is for at least one piece of luggage to be placed thereon, and includes a front luggage deck disposed forward of a front end of the floor deck in the forward direction of the vehicle, and a rear luggage deck disposed rearward of a rear end of the floor deck in the rearward direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: A side rail kit for a golf cart includes a frame bracket mountable to a frame of the golf cart. A pair of step brackets are mountable to the frame bracket. The step brackets extend from the frame member when the step brackets are mounted to the frame bracket. A distal end portion of each of the step brackets is spaced from the frame bracket when the step brackets are mounted to the frame bracket. A step rail is mountable to the step brackets.

Abstract: A step assembly to be attached to a crossbar of a vehicle, the step assembly including a base subassembly including first and second side brackets configured to be coupled to an upper surface of a crossbar of a vehicle, and a stair subassembly including a plurality of step members arranged between first and second side members, wherein proximal ends of each of the first and second side members are configured to be rotatably coupled to the respective first and second side brackets such that the stair subassembly is selectively rotatable between a deployed position and a stored position.

Abstract: A removable vehicle seat convertible from a seat configuration into a ladder or a ramp configuration and methods of converting the same. The seat may include a seat cushion having a back surface and a back end removably engaged with a floor of an interior of the vehicle in the seat configuration. The back surface may face and be positioned on a ground surface in the ladder or ramp configurations. The seat may include a seat back having a bottom end pivotally attached to the seat cushion. The bottom end may be oriented towards the back end. The seat back may be lockable in place relative to the seat cushion at an angle equal to or less than ninety degrees with at least one locking member. The seat may include a ladder or a ramp attached to the seat back usable to access or load the vehicle once converted.

Abstract: An articulating step assembly for a vehicle which includes a mount for attachment to a vehicle, a step member and an articulating linkage connecting the mount and the step for stowing and deploying the step. A motor is attached to the linkage to provide raising and lowering of the step. A weather sealed non-contact switch located on the assembly for actuating the motor and linkage in response to movement of the step in a predetermined direction for deploying the step.

Abstract: A drive arrangement configured to pivot a tailgate pivotally coupled to a vehicle body, between an open position and a closed position and including a freewheel mechanism, a drive shaft, and a motor. The freewheel mechanism may be rotatably coupled to the vehicle body and defining an opening provided with an inner periphery that includes a first cam element and a second cam element. The drive shaft may be fixed to the vehicle body and extending into the opening. The drive shaft may define an outer periphery that includes a third cam element and a fourth cam element. A motor may be coupled to the freewheel mechanism and may be configured to rotate the freewheel mechanism so that the first cam element engages the third cam element to pivot the tailgate from the closed position towards the open position.

Abstract: A removable step assembly for a helicopter includes a main tube, which supports a forward step and a rear step, as well as a bushing housing. The main tube is mounted to a helicopter by the bushing housing, an associated bushing, and by an adapter assembly that is secured to the cabin of the helicopter.

Abstract: An adjustable position automated running board step for a vehicle. A step member is attached to a linkage. The linkage is operable for moving the step from a deployed to a stowed position. An adjustable lead screw linkage is provided, which allows adjustable stop points between the stowed and the deployed positions. A typical stow position stows the step in a suitable position at the rocker interface and also provides a more easily tunable lowest position. The invention includes a method whereby the step can be infinitely positioned in a predetermined range between the lowest step position and the stow position by means of electronic control. The electronic control of the “mid variable position” could be programmable by either the customer or the manufacturer. For example, there exists the opportunity to have a “his and hers” selection by a number of methods such a key fob or instrument panel selection.

Abstract: An extendable/retractable step assembly mounted at the rear assembly of a flatbed trailer to permit access to and from the ground to the flatbed trailer. The extendable/retractable stair assembly includes a pair of steps that are staggered and can be extended out of the rear assembly during use and then retracted therein when not in use. The steps can be manually extended/retracted or they can be automatically controlled. A safety interlock is also disclosed to automatically retract the steps when the trailer emergency brakes are released.

Abstract: A step device for a vehicle includes: a movable step supported under a door opening; a coupling member that moves the movable step in a vehicle width direction in conjunction with opening and closing of a sliding door; and a sub-step that is disposed under the door opening. The movable step moves under the sub-step toward an outer side in the vehicle width direction so as to be disposed in a deployed position in which the movable step protrudes from the sub-step toward the outer side in the vehicle width direction. The sub-step has an overlapping region that covers an upper side of the movable step in a state where the movable step is disposed in the deployed position.

Abstract: A step device for a vehicle includes: a movable step supported under a door opening; a coupling member that, in a state of being supported by a sliding door, engages with the movable step to move the movable step in a vehicle width direction in conjunction with opening and closing of the sliding door; a support arm that has a first pivot-joint point relative to a vehicle body and a second pivot-joint point relative to the movable step, and supports the movable step toward an upper side; and a cover member that is fixed to a lower surface of the vehicle body so as to define a housing space opening toward an outer side in the vehicle width direction and to cover the lower side of the support arm when the movable step is in a retracted position.

Abstract: A modular gate combined with multiple functions which can be easily employed with existing tailgates without any hardware or mounting modifications to existing truck beds. There is provided a modular tailgate system having a tailgate portion in combination with a plurality of functions. The modular tailgate system integrates any combinations of at least two of the plurality of features without affecting existing body sides and/or existing truck beds. Integrated features include a multi-functional gate (e.g., swing, drop, etc), storage (e.g., normal, sealed, refrigerated, heated, etc), step(s), lighting (e.g., ingress/egress, bed interior, removable, trailer hitch, parking, etc), bed extension(s), power (e.g., 12 v and/or 110 v), tie downs (e.g., ratchets, anchors, etc), sawhorse, magnet(s), table(s), bench(es), seat(s), net(s), any other predetermined desired function, etc., and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A retractable entry/exit system for a boat that mounts below a swim platform or other similar boat structure. The system has a main frame, a linkage, a number of step assemblies and a single actuator. The actuator is configured to move the linkage to selectively extend or retract the step assemblies. When retracted, the system is folded into a compact arrangement under the mounting structure. When extended, the step assemblies extend beyond the mounting structure, where they can be used to conveniently enter and exit the boat or as a place to rest, lounge, sit or otherwise enjoy the water. The linkage may include a bell crank assembly with integral linkage arms, as well as a pair of supplemental linkage arms. The linkage arms may be disposed toward opposite sides of the system and may be operatively coupled to step brackets that support opposite ends of each step assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hitch step that may be secured to a hitch receiver tube and which may support extremely heavy loads thereon.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing an automatic tailgate step are provided. The apparatuses may comprise a tailgate comprising a tailgate latch; a bumper; a trailer hitch; and at least two tailgate steps each comprising a foot step. As such, the tailgate latch may be affixed to the tailgate, such that when a user engages the tailgate latch when the tailgate is in a closed position the at least two tailgate steps are released, and wherein the at least two tailgate steps when released may freely swing clear of the bumper and the trailer hitch as the user pulls the tailgate down such that when the tailgate is in a fully open position the user may utilize the foot step of each tailgate step.

Abstract: An assist step assembly includes a linkage assembly including a first linkage member and a second linkage member, an assist step coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first assist step position to a second assist step position, an aerodynamic member coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first aerodynamic member position to a second aerodynamic member position, a movement mechanism coupled to the aerodynamic member and configured move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position, and a controller in electronic communication with the movement mechanism, the controller configured to determine an operating condition, determine a position of the assist step based on the operating condition, and generate one or more control signals to move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position.

Abstract: A workpiece support is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The tailgate includes a retractable step including a pair of step support members. The attachment brackets include a workpiece support bar and a riser that are attached to the step support members and to each other at a right angle. The workpiece support bar and riser may be fixedly attached to each other or attached by a pivot connector. Detachable connectors are provided to connect a workpiece support bar and riser detachably to the step support members.

Abstract: The vehicle dent protection system attaches to and protects a vehicle from dents while said vehicle is parked. A plurality of instantiations of the vehicle dent protection system are attached to the vehicle such that the plurality of instantiations form a protected space around the vehicle. The vehicle dent protection system is a sacrificial structure that receives and dissipates an impact before the impact can damage the vehicle. The vehicle dent protection system includes a plurality of telescopic structures, a plurality of pivot structures, a sacrificial module, and a frame mount. The plurality of pivot structures interconnect the plurality of telescopic structures such that the plurality of telescopic structures can rotate. The plurality of telescopic structures attach the sacrificial module to the frame mount such that the position of the sacrificial structure relative to the frame mount is adjustable.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a tailgate configured to provide a boundary of a cargo area, and a hinge assembly coupled to the tailgate and coupled to the vehicle. The hinge assembly is configured to control a trajectory of the tailgate. The tailgate is configured to achieve a vertical closed position, a horizontal open position, and a vertical open position rotated about 180° from the first position. The hinge assembly includes a hinge arm coupled to the vehicle at a first hinge and coupled to the tailgate at a second hinge. In some embodiments, a cable assembly is used to control the position of the tailgate. In the vertical closed position, the cable end is not engaged. In the horizontal open position, the cable end is engaged. In the vertical open position rotated about 180° from the closed position, the cable end is not engaged or under tension.

Abstract: A power box step on a vehicle having a safety arrangement that provides noticeable controlled failure of the power box step if damaged. The controlled failure is accomplished by using vertical and horizontal shear pins that are designed to break when the horizontal or vertical load applied to the step is too great. The failure of the step is controlled by vertical and horizontal movement limit pins that prevent the step from moving too far in the vertical or horizontal direction when failure occurs.

Abstract: A vehicle step apparatus comprises a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position; a step mounted on the first and second step bracket; a first permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the first mounting bracket and coupled with the first arm assembly to drive the first arm assembly; and a second permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the second mounting bracket and coupled with the second arm assembly to drive the second arm assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relate to a vehicle running board apparatus and a retractable device thereof. In some embodiments, a retractable device includes a running board holder and an arm assembly. The running board holder has a connecting portion, and the arm assembly is configured to drive the running board holder to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The arm assembly includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the first arm is pivotally connected to the connecting portion of the running board holder. The second arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the second arm is pivotally connected to the connecting portion of the running board holder. The second end of at least one of the first arm or the second arm straddles the connecting portion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a running board system for vehicles, which comprises at least two drive groups at each side of the running board system and a driving member, where said driving member is fixed onto a drive flange such that rotational motion provided by said driving member is transferred through to a worm gear. Said running board system further comprises a bracket gear whereby movement is transferred from worm gear to bracket gear and a middle bracket centered to bracket gear. Said running board system further comprises a torque arm whereby movement from the side with driving member is transferred to the side without driving member in a synchronized manner and thereby running board is opened and closed parallel to vehicle, and the running board is driven parallel to the ground in a horizontal and vertical opening-closing motion.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.

Abstract: An emergency egress system for a multi-passenger vehicle such as a school bus (10) includes a housing (30) that operatively supports a ramp (34) in movable connection therewith. Opening an emergency exit door (18) of the bus causes a housing door (24) to open and the ramp to move outwardly from a retracted position toward an extended position. Opening the emergency exit door also causes the suspension of the bus to be automatically lowered to place the emergency exit opening (16) closer to the ground (166).

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

Abstract: A vehicle step apparatus comprises a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position; a step mounted on the first and second step bracket; a first permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the first mounting bracket and coupled with the first arm assembly to drive the first arm assembly; and a second permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the second mounting bracket and coupled with the second arm assembly to drive the second arm assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and front and rear doors having front and rear powered latches, front and rear anti-pinch sensors, and front and rear electrically-powered door openers. The vehicle further includes a controller that is configured to receive an unlatch signal from unlatch sensors/switches and generate a signal to unlatch the front and rear powered latches and actuate the front and rear door openers after the front and rear powered latches are unlatched. The controller may also be configured to actuate the rear door opener to retain the rear door in an open position when the front pinch sensor detects a hand to thereby prevent pinching.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate with a power up-down system may employ a method of operating a vehicle tailgate that may include detecting a step is deployed from the tailgate, detecting the tailgate is less than fully open, and automatically actuating a power up-down system to drive the tailgate to fully open.

Abstract: An articulating step assembly for a vehicle which includes a mount for attachment to a vehicle, a step member and an articulating linkage connecting the mount and the step for stowing and deploying the step. A motor is attached to the linkage to provide raising and lowering of the step. A weather sealed non-contact switch located on the assembly for actuating the motor and linkage in response to movement of the step in a predetermined direction for deploying the step.

Abstract: A vehicle and a running board device for the vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a vehicle door; a running board mounted to the vehicle body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position; an actuator connected to the running board; a magnet mounted to the vehicle door; a magnetic induction element mounted to the vehicle body and that cooperates with the magnet so as to be triggered to generate a door-opening signal and a door-closing signal; a signal transmission line having a first end of the signal transmission line connected with the magnetic induction element; and a controller mounted to the vehicle body and connected with a second end of the signal transmission line and the actuator, so as to actuate the running board to move between the extended position and the retracted position according to the door-opening signal and the door-closing signal.

Abstract: The invention discloses an automobile electric pedal which includes a driving support bracket, a driven support bracket and a pedal mounted on the driving support bracket and the driven support bracket. The driving support bracket includes a rotation mechanism having a lower support wall and an upper support wall, the angle b between the lower support wall and a horizontal plane being in the range of 10-30°. The rotation mechanism is provided with a connection column fixedly matched with the automobile pedal. Matching walls of a connection groove provided with the rotation mechanism cooperate with the connection column to stably fix the pedal on the driving support bracket.

Abstract: A control system incorporated with a power running board assembly. In particular, incorporating a radio frequency control system for a retractable power running board assembly to move the assembly between a stowed or retracted position and a deployed or extended position. The present invention uses a transmit/acknowledge scheme of door transceivers and receivers to reduce transmissions necessary to monitor door status changes and operation of the retraction and deployment of the running board, which significantly reduces the number of transmissions and wear on the door transceivers battery to extend battery lifetime.

Abstract: A swing body engages with a driving end roller of a linearly moved driving slider at a driving end section. The swing body engages with a guide groove in a driven slider at a driven end section. The driven slider is coupled to a gap filler plate by a driven end roller changeable in installation position in a predetermined direction. A gap filler has an inverse motion preventive structure that, when the gap filler plate is in either a fully protruded state or a fully stored state, enables only forward motion transfer from the driving slider to the swing body. The guide groove is formed in a direction orthogonal or almost orthogonal to forward and backward movement directions of the gap filler plate. The predetermined direction and the direction of the guide groove are parallel to each other in the fully stored state.

Abstract: A climbing device body (21) can assume by a rotation operation an erect, retracted position allowing a first end portion (21A) to be positioned above and a second end portion (21B) to be positioned below and a tilted, deployed position allowing the second end portion (21B) to be positioned sideways of the vehicular body outer than the first end portion (21A). A handrail (22) is engaged with the rotation operation to be capable of assuming a raised state allowing a gripping portion (22a) to assume a first position distant from the climbing device body (21) in a deployed position and a folded state allowing the gripping portion (22a) to assume a second position close to the climbing device body (21) in a retracted position.

Abstract: A first link mechanism section converts linear motion of a driving slider into swing motion of a swing end roller. A second link mechanism section swings in cooperation with the swing end roller on a roller contact surface of a second link lever section, and an output end roller changeable in attachment position presses a driven slider fixed to a gap filler plate. In a fully protruded state and a fully stored state of the gap filler plate, the direction of acting force of the roller contact surface pressing the swing end roller aligns with a straight line connecting the swing end roller and a swing shaft of a first link lever section.

Abstract: A first link mechanism section converts linear motion of a driving slider into swing motion of a swing end roller, and swings the swing end roller in cooperation with a second link mechanism section. An output end roller of the second link mechanism section engages in a guide groove in a driven slider fixed to a gap filler plate to move the gap filler plate linearly. In a fully protruded state and a fully stored state of the gap filler plate, the direction of acting force of the roller contact surface pressing the swing end roller aligns with a straight line connecting the swing end roller and a swing shaft of a first link lever section to act as a lock. The guide groove is formed orthogonal or almost orthogonal to movement directions of the gap filler plate.

Abstract: A vehicle step apparatus comprises a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position; a step mounted on the first and second step bracket; a first permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the first mounting bracket and coupled with the first arm assembly to drive the first arm assembly; and a second permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the second mounting bracket and coupled with the second arm assembly to drive the second arm assembly.