Patent ID: 6406045
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
In combination with a land vehicle having a body and a set of wheels located at each side of said body, an access door mounted within said body located between each said set of wheels, a running board mounted on said body and located between said set of wheels and located beneath said access door, said running board being adapted to function as a step for a human when entering and exiting said body, said running board comprising:a housing fixed to said body, a drawer having an inside compartment, said drawer being movably mounted on said housing between a retracted position and an extended position, when said drawer is in said extended position access is obtained into said inside compartment; a door mounted on said housing, said door being movable between an open position and a closed position, said open position permits access to said inside compartment, said closed position positions said door to block movement of said drawer and enclosing said internal compartment, said door when in said closed position functioning as a step for a human when entering and exiting said vehicle; an arm mounted on said door, said arm having a free end, a means for sliding mounted on said free end; and a guide track mounted on said drawer, said means for sliding connecting with said track, whereby as said door is moved from said closed position to said open position said means for sliding is moved on said guide track causing said drawer to be initially moved from said retracted position toward said extended position, whereby when said door is in said closed position said sliding means and said guide track function as a lock preventing movement of said drawer relative to said housing, whereby when said door is in said open position said sliding means and said guide track function as a support for said door preventing of movement of said door from said open position to said closed position when said drawer is in said extended position.