Abstract:
A load carrying and distributing assembly is provided comprising a sand ladder (3) and mounting means (4) for releasably mounting the sand ladder on a vehicle (30). The sand ladder is releasably carried by the mounting means in an orientation such that, in the stored condition, it forms at least a part of a running board for the vehicle whilst being easily removable for use, as and when required, as a sand ladder for supporting, or providing traction to the vehicle.
Abstract:
A lighted running board assembly (10) for use on an automotive vehicle comprises a mounting bracket (12) adapted to be mounted to the vehicle in a generally horizontal plane. The assembly has a generally horizontally extending framing network (20) removably secured to the mounting bracket and including at least one recessed mounting cavity. The framing network includes lower support framing network supported on and removably coupled to the mounting bracket, an integral framing network (32) in mating engagement with and removably coupled to the lower support framing network, and a reflective framing network (52) in mating engagement with and removably coupled to the integral framing network. The lighted running board further includes a generally horizontally extending translucent light emitting step pad removably secured to the framing network for providing an ingress and egress step to an occupant of the vehicle. The light emitting step pad forms at least one light housing chamber (70) between the light emitting step pad and the mounting cavity of framing network. A light source (72), such as an LED (74), is mounted in the mounting cavity of the framing network and housed within the light housing chamber for projecting light upwardly through said translucent portion of the light emitting step pad. the reflective framing network forms a plurality of reflective cavities overlaying the recessed mounting cavities for reflecting light from the light source towards the light emitting step pad.
Abstract:
An integrally formed running board including a plurality of mount projections (24) extending laterally from an inner edge (22) with a pair of parallel side walls (54) extending transversely to the longitudinal axis, a short wall (56) having ends closer together than the distance between the side walls (54) and a pair of converging walls (58) joining the side walls (54) at joints (60) and converging from the side walls (54) to the ends of the short wall (56). A projection-reinforcing rib (52) is disposed centrally between and parallel to the side walls (54) of each of the mount projections (24). A base rib (62) extends between the joints (60) of each pair of the side walls (54) with the associated pair of the converging walls (58). A pair of continuing ribs (64) extend from the side walls (54) aligned therewith to an outer wall (23). A pair of crossing ribs (66) are disposed in an X configuration with each crossing rib (66) extending diagonally between each pair of the continuing ribs (64) and intersecting at an apex (68) so that each projection-reinforcing rib (52) extends to and joins the adjacent pair of the crossing ribs (66) at the apex (68) thereof.
Abstract:
L'invention concerne un élément de carrosserie de véhicule automobile en matériau composite, comprenant une feuille en matière végétale 13, telle qu'une essence de bois ou une plante graminée. L'élément de carrosserie est caractérisé en ce que ladite feuille en matière végétale est interposée entre au moins deux couches 11,12 de matériau polymère, ladite matière végétale étant choisie dans le groupe constitué par le hêtre, le châtaignier, le frêne, le bouleau, le chêne, l'aulne, l'eucalyptus, le pin sylvestre, le sapin, l'épicéa, le bois douglas, le mélèze, le bois Red Ceddar, l'ipé, l'iroko, le bankirai, le tek, l'acajou, une plante graminée telle qu'un bambou et leur mélange. L'invention concerne également un procédé de fabrication d'un tel élément de carrosserie, des procédés d'assemblage associés d'un tel élément de carrosserie, ainsi qu'un véhicule automobile comportant un tel élément de carrosserie.
Abstract:
A bracket for mounting a running board to a vehicle. The bracket comprising a main body comprising a support surface, an interlock structure and a mount element. The support surface provides a surface for supporting the running board. The interlock structure provides a mechanical engagement with a lower flange of the vehicle. The mount element cooperates with a fastener for fastening the bracket to a structural panel of the vehicle.
Abstract:
A step unit (1) that guides a sliding door (110) of a vehicle includes a step member (3) and a rail plate member (31). The step member includes first and second lower rails (21,22). The first lower rail (21) has two ends that face toward each other to form a cutout portion (21a) in between. The rail plate member is arranged in the cutout portion. The step member includes an insertion hole (23) and an extended portion. The insertion hole is located at a position corresponding to the cutout portion. The extended portion is extended from at least one of the two ends to support the rail plate member against a load received by the rail plate member from the roller (32). The rail plate member is inserted through the insertion hole from above the upper side of the step member and fixed by a fastening member (33) to the step member.
Abstract:
A vehicle is provided having a cargo area, a passenger compartment, and detachable dual-use platform which is connectable to the cargo area to form a ramp, and to the underside of the vehicle to form a running board. The platform is supported by brackets at either end when used as a running board, and includes an internal locking mechanism. A platform apparatus is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including a first locator portion that is adjacent to the cargo area, and a dual-use platform portion having a step surface on one side and a second locator portion on an opposite side. The locator portions are mutually engageable to secure the platform to the cargo area. A method is also provided for accessing the vehicle, including configuring a platform for alternate attachment adjacently to the passenger compartment as a running board and adjacently to the cargo area as a ramp.
Abstract:
A running board assembly is provided for a motor vehicle. The running board assembly includes a mounting bracket adapted to be fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. The running board assembly also includes a step having a stepping surface. A link includes an upper end coupled to the mounting bracket and an opposing lower end coupled to the step. A light source is fixedly mounted to the link for illuminating the stepping surface to allow users to locate the step.
Abstract:
A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member(122) having a stepping deck(124),a first arm(130a), a second arm(130b), a motor(146) and a stop(152). The first arm(130a) has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member(122). The second arm(130b also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member(122). The motor(146) is drivingly connected to the first arm(130a) such that a rotation of the motor(146) causes rotation of the first arm(130a) about its first end and moves the stepping member(122) from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop(152) is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member(122) is in the extended position. The first(130a) and second arms(130b) are situated such that the first arm(130a) is loaded in compression and the second arm(130b) is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a motor vehicle (10) which includes at least one elongated guard member (12) which is displaceably mounted on the body of the vehicle (10) for displacement between a primary position in which the guard member (12) extends longitudinally along at least part of an associated side (14) of the vehicle (10) at a level spaced vertically above a bottom edge (18) of a side door (20) of the vehicle (10), to protect the exterior surface of the side (14) of the vehicle (10) from damage, and an auxiliary position in which the guard member (12) is spaced from its primary position. The guard member (12) may, in its auxiliary position, form a running board. Instead, the guard member (12) may, in its auxiliary position, provide a trim strip.