Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Andre Kunynetz

Scott Stinson

David Thomas Patrick

Edward Joseph Leonard Meszaros

Mark Beilman

Aaron Bresky

Daniel Joseph McCarthy

Stephen Kowal

Douglas Lee Howe

Chih Yu Lin

This disclosure relates to a running board for a motor vehicle, and in particular relates to a running board with a roof access step and a corresponding method of using the same. An example running board includes a deck having a first section and a second section. The first section is configured to move between a first position in which the first section is substantially flush with the second section, and a second position in which the first section is raised relative to the second section. In the second position, the first section of the deck provides a roof access step.

Running board with roof access step and method

The disclosed inventive concept provides a trailer hitch arrangement for use with a drawbar that is adaptable to universally use a high strength conventional hitch pin. Particularly, a reducing pin sleeve is fitted into the hitch pin hole of the drawbar. The inner diameter of the reducing pin sleeve is less than the hitch pin hole conventionally formed in the drawbar while the inner diameter of the reducing pin sleeve is the same as that of the receiver. When the drawbar is fitted into the receiver, the reducing pin sleeve is captured therein, thus preventing side-to-side movement relative to the drawbar. The disclosed inventive concept allows vehicle owners having a standard 3&#x2033; receiver trailer hitch which conventionally includes a &#x215d;&#x2033; hitch pin hole to safely and effectively handle above 20,000 lbs. trailer rating by insertion of the hitch pin sleeve into the &#xbe;&#x2033; hitch pin hole provided in the drawbar.

Trailer hitch architecture adaptable to multiple conventional drawbar sizes having drawbar adaptor size-reducing sleeve for attachment pin

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LaSalle, Canada

Andre Kunynetz