Deployable running board with structural and step integration
A combination step and obstacle side guard for a vehicle has a first hollow housing portion including an outer robust housing which has a top surface step and bottom obstacle guard surface and a side surface. The side surface including outer edges and forming an inset cavity. An automated deployable running board which has a step portion which is stowed in the inset cavity. A drive linkage mechanism is situated within and protected by said hollow portion of said first hollow housing portion for driving the step between a stowed position in the inset cavity and a deployed step position wherein the step portion can be used for stepping into the vehicle.
1 . A combination step and obstacle side guard for a vehicle comprising:
a first hollow housing portion including an outer robust housing which has a top surface step and bottom obstacle guard surface and a side surface;
said obstacle guard surface including outer edges and forming an inset cavity;
an automated deployable running board which has a step portion which is stowed in said inset cavity;
a drive linkage mechanism comprising a four bar link is situated within and protected by a hollow portion of said first hollow housing portion for driving the step between a stowed position in the inset cavity and a deployed step position wherein the step portion can be used for stepping into the vehicle.
2 . The combination step of claim 1 wherein the step is substantially horizontal when deployed and is stowed in the inset when retracted.
3 . The combination step of claim 1 wherein the obstacle guard surface is deployed down and outward of the vehicle when in the deployed position and is facing downward in a stowed position for protection of a vehicle from obstacles.
4 . The combination step of claim 1 wherein when the step portion is in the stowed position outer surfaces of the step are contiguous with outer surfaces of the first hollow housing portion.
5 . The combination step of claim 4 wherein the drive linkage is housed in the first hollow housing portion for protection of the drive linkage.
6 . The combination step of claim 5 wherein the drive linkage includes a motor for powering the linkage.
7 . The combination step of claim 5 wherein the drive linkage is manually deployed.
8 . The combination step of claim 1 wherein there are two separated stair like steps when the step portion is in its deployed state and one step when the step portion is stowed.
9 . The combination step of claim 8 wherein the step portion includes a T-channel for connection with the drive linkage.