Patent · US Expired

Retractable running board

US7377531B2 · kind B2 · utility

68Cited by
76References
33Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 30, 2005
Grant dateMay 27, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateAug 30, 2025

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB60R3/02
  • WIPO fieldTransport
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A retractable running board assembly is mounted to the frame of a vehicle. The running board is selectively extendable between a retracted position, which is close to the vehicle's frame, and a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle. A plurality of longitudinally spaced, selectively-actuated links connect the running board to the frame. A selectively-operable driving mechanism concertedly actuates each of the links to extend and retract the running board. When the driving mechanism is not operated, each link resists actuation and holds the running board in a fixed position relative to the frame.

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