Patent ID: 6513821
Filing Date: 2003-02-04
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A polymeric injection molded running board for an automotive vehicle comprising:a longitudinal base portion with an upper first surface and a lower second surface opposite said first surface, said upper surface supporting a foot of a vehicle occupant entering or exiting the vehicle; longitudinal grip ridges integrally molded with said base portion on said first surface to increase the frictional interface between said first surface and the foot of the vehicle occupant entering or exiting the vehicle, said grip ridges having a crown region and an incline portion connecting said crown region with said first surface, and longitudinal reinforcing ribs for strengthening said base portion, said ribs continuously extending over half of the length of said base portion from said base portion second surface and being joined to said second surface generally opposite said incline portion of said grip ridges, said ribs having a first side projecting adjacent to an intersection of said crown region and a given said incline portion and said ribs second side projecting adjacent to an intersection of said given incline portion with said base portion first surface, and said longitudinal reinforcing ribs being under a single incline portion of said first surface.