Modular running board

• US 20120091682A1
• Filed: 10/13/2011
• Published: 04/19/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/15/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna International Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Magna International Incorporated
• Inventors: Kowalski, Steven Martin
• Granted Patent: US 8,382,132 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 280/163
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 3/002 Running boards for vehicle tops B60R3/005; at the sides of the vehicle for carrying loads B60R9/02

Abstract

A modular running board adaptable for use with various types of vehicles having different wheel bases. In a first embodiment, the running board includes a first long board and a second long board connectable to a pick-up truck having crew cab or quad cab with four full doors. In another embodiment, the first long board is connected to a short board, and both the long board and short board are connected to a pick-up truck having an extended cab, with two full doors and two half-doors. In either of the first two embodiments, a coupling piece is used for connecting the first long board to the second long board, or the first long board to the short board. In yet another embodiment, only the first long board is connected to a vehicle, such as a pickup truck having a regular cab with two full doors only.

Claims

1. A modular running board assembly, comprising:

a first long board selectively connected to a vehicle; and

at least one modular step selectively connected to said first long board in proximity to a door of said vehicle, said at least one modular step operable for providing a stepping surface for said first long board.

2. The modular running board assembly of claim 1, further comprising a first flange integrally formed as part of said first long board, said first flange connected to said vehicle.

3. The modular running board assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a coupling piece; and

a second long board selectively connected to said vehicle in proximity to a second door, said second long board selectively connected to said first long board by said coupling piece.

4. The modular running board assembly of claim 3, further comprising a second modular step selectively connected to said second long board, said second modular step operable for providing a stepping surface for said second long board.

5. The modular running board assembly of claim 3, further comprising a second flange integrally formed as part of said second long board, said second flange connected to said vehicle in proximity to said second door.

6. The modular running board assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a short board selectively connected to said vehicle;

a short modular step selectively connected to said short board, said short modular step operable for providing a stepping surface for said short board; and

a coupling piece, said short board selectively connected to said first long board by said coupling piece.

7. The modular running board assembly of claim 6, further comprising a half-door connected to said vehicle, said short board being connected to said vehicle in proximity to said half-door.

8. The modular running board assembly of claim 6, further comprising a short flange integrally formed as part of said short board, said short board connected to said vehicle by said short flange.

9. A modular running board assembly connected to a vehicle, comprising:

a first long board;

a first modular step selectively connected to said first long board, said first modular step providing a stepping surface for said first long board; and

a first flange integrally formed as part of said long board, said first flange connected to said vehicle such that said first long board is located in proximity to a first door.

10. The modular running board assembly connected to a vehicle of claim 9, further comprising:

a coupling piece;

a second long board connected to said first long board with said coupling piece;

a second flange integrally formed as part of said second long board, said second long board connected to said vehicle in proximity to a second door with said second flange; and

a second modular step selectively connected to said second long board, said second modular step operable for providing a stepping surface for said second long board.

11. The modular running board assembly connected to a vehicle of claim 9, further comprising:

a short board;

a short modular step selectively connected to said short board for providing a stepping surface for said short board;

a coupling piece connecting said short board to said first long board; and

a short flange integrally formed as part of said short board, said short flange connecting said short board to said vehicle in proximity to a half-door.

12. A modular running board assembly connected to a vehicle having one or more doors, comprising:

a first board;

a first flange integrally formed as part of said first board, said first flange connects said first board to a vehicle in proximity to a first door;

a first modular step connected to said first board for providing a stepping surface;

a second board;

a second flange integrally formed with said second board, said second flange connecting said second board to said vehicle in proximity to a second door;

a coupling piece operable for connecting said first board to said second board; and

a second modular step connected to said second board for providing a stepping surface;

wherein said first board and said second board facilitate the entry and exit of said vehicle.

13. The modular running board assembly connected to a vehicle having one or more doors of claim 12, said first board further comprising a first long board, said second board further comprising a second long board.

14. The modular running board assembly connected to a vehicle having one or more doors of claim 12, further comprising:

said first board is a first long board having said first flange connected to said vehicle in proximity to said first door;

said second board is a short board, said first long board connected to said short board with said coupling piece;

said second modular step is a short modular step connected to said short board, said second modular step providing a stepping surface for said short board;

said second flange is a short flange formed as part of said short board; and

one of said vehicle doors is a half-door, said short flange connected to said vehicle in proximity to said short door;

wherein said first long board and said short board provide a stepping function when entering and exiting said vehicle.