Patent ID: 8833782
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
1. A drop-down running board assembly, comprising: at least one linkage assembly connected to a vehicle having at least one door; a sensor having a first part and a second part, one of said first part or said second part mounted to said door, the other of said first part or said second part mounted to said vehicle; a step portion connected to said at least one linkage assembly; an actuator connected to said at least one linkage assembly such that said actuator moves said at least one linkage assembly and said step portion to a deployed position when said at least one door is moved to an open position and said first part of said sensor is moved away from said second part of said sensor, and a stowed position when said door is moved to a closed position and said first part of said sensor is positioned substantially adjacent said second part of said sensor; and separate wires connected between the sensor and the actuator, wherein the separate wires are separate from a wiring system of the vehicle and movement of the drop down running board assembly is triggered by a signal separate from the other signals being transmitted throughout the vehicle.