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, a lower, laterally-outward extended position that facilitates easy entrance into and exit from the vehicle and a roof-access position, higher and outward from the entrance position. A selectively-operable driving mechanism actuates a link 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.
CROSS-REFERENCE
This application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/348,389 titled "Retractable Running Board," filed on Jan. 16, 2002, and to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/341,432 titled "Retractable Running Board," filed on Jan. 14, 2003, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Priority is claimed from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/566,913, filed May 3, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Running board systems are provided. The running board systems employ a motorized drive system that includes a rack-and-pinion system that enables both linear and rotational movement of the running board member, for example, through the use of a pivot member cooperating with one end of the running board member and one end of an arm member. The running board systems are automated and selectively operable to assume deployed and stowed positions. The running board systems can be used in conjunction with various surfaces of a vehicle, such as an aesthetically preferred flush style mounting to the rocker outer sheet metal surface such as but not limited to being mounted underneath a side door sill.
