Patent · US Active

Multi position automated running board

US11458900B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
113References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 29, 2020
Grant dateOct 4, 2022
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 18, 2040

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R3/002
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.