The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 23, 2002
Filed:
Feb. 22, 2000
Thomas Dean, Newmarket, CA;
Robert R. MCaughey, Richmond Hill, CA;
Brad Armstrong, Barrie, CA;
Lassi M. Ojanen, Richmond Hill, CA;
Robert D. Worley, Fenton, MI (US);
John Kleino, Rochester Hills, MI (US);
Paul Pirone, Clarkston, MI (US);
Decoma Exterior Trim, Concord, CA;
Abstract
A retractable running board assembly has a step, at least two support arms, at least two mounting brackets, at least two pairs of parallel links and a drive. The step has an elongated stepping surface extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of a vehicle on which the running board assembly is mounted. The support arms are mounted to the step. The mounting brackets are connected to an underside of the vehicle. The parallel links are pivotally connected between each of the support arms and the mounting brackets. The drive effects movement of the step between an extended outboard position and a retracted inboard position.