Modular running board

• US 8,382,132 B2
• Filed: 10/13/2011
• Issued: 02/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 10/15/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magna International Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Magna International Incorporated
• Inventors: Kowalski, Steven M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ebner, Katy M
• Assistant Examiner(s): FOLLMAN, BRODIE J
• Application Number:
  US13/317,272
• Publication Number:
  US 20120091682A1
• Time in Patent Office: 502 Days
• Field of Search: 280/163, 280/164.1, 280/166, 280/169, 280/291, 280/762, 296/163, 296/1.07, 296/151, 296/203.01, 296/209, 182/127, 182/64.1, 152/215
• 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 system connected to a vehicle having one or more doors, comprising:

said modular running board assembly having interchangeable connecting parts for use with different vehicles having different wheel bases;

a first long board of said interchangeable connecting parts;

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

a second long board of said interchangeable connecting parts;

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

a short board of said interchangeable connecting parts,;

a short flange formed as part of said short board;

a coupling piece operable for connecting and interchanging said first long board with one of said second long board and said short board; and

wherein said first long board and one of said second long board or said short board facilitate the entry and exit of said vehicle.

2. The modular running board assembly system of claim 1 further comprising:

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

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

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