Abstract:
An adjustable running board comprising an elongated deck having an integrated first end-cap and an underlying support frame in which clamping bolts may be slideably positioned. The elongated deck may be cut to the length required for installation on a particular vehicle. A mounting shoulder on a second end-cap is bolted to the underlying support frame forming the running board assembly.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to vehicle accessories and more particular, to an adjustable running board for sport utility vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is directed to a running board for various cars and sport utility vehicles. The running board is adjustable in length by means of a detachable molded plastic end cap. The end cap is designed to appear non-detachable, but does detach to allow the running boards to be cut to any length to fit most any sport utility vehicle (“SUV”), truck, van or the like. Once the running board has been cut to the desired length, the end cap is re-attached to give the board its finished look. 
     An object of this invention is to provide an adjustable running board that may fit many different vehicles. The benefit to the installer of these running boards is that they do not have to stock a plurality of different size running boards to service their customers. 
     Previous attempts have been made to provide novel running boards such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,035 to Waddington et al. (&#39;035 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 5,286,049 to Khan (&#39;049 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 4,838,567 to Michanczyk (&#39;567 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,494 to Elwell (&#39;494 patent); U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,991 to Gorsuch (&#39;991 patent); all of which are incorporate herein by reference. 
     The &#39;035 patent to Waddington et al. describes a multi-part running board assembly comprising a longitudinally extending deck overlapped by a decorative overlay. The ends of the deck are overlapped by two end-caps. The perceived benefit of the &#39;035 patent is that the decorative overlay hides the mounting bolts and the end caps prevent dirt and mud from collecting on the running board itself However, the &#39;035 patent does not provide for an adjustable deck. Preset apertures in the deck are used to bolt the end caps on either side. Should the deck in the &#39;035 patent be cut to accommodate a differently dimensioned vehicle, the end-caps could not be secured to the deck. Therefore, the running board in the &#39;035 patent requires prefabrication in different lengths for different vehicles types. 
     The &#39;049 patent to Khan describes a vehicle running board assembly utilizing vinyl end-caps attached to a metal running board. The perceived novelty of the &#39;049 patent is the use of longitudinally spaced brackets connected between the underside of the deck and the vehicle frame. The mounting method described for securing the end-caps is a pin and post arrangement. However, this arrangement is structurally weak and does not provide a one-piece appearance to the running board itself. 
     The &#39;567 patent to Michanczyk describes a running board for vehicles having a plurality of mounting bars attached to the vehicle&#39;s frame and a cantilever system for supporting the structure. The patent also describes a vertical cover panel for illumination of the platform. The running board of the &#39;567 is not adjustable to varying length vehicles. 
     The &#39;494 patent to Elwell describes a running board having a series of lighting elements disposed within a cavity on the outside end of the running board. However, the running board of the &#39;494 patent may not be adjusted to the varying lengths of different vehicles. 
     The &#39;991 patent to Gorsuch describes a lighted running board having quick-change clips whereby burned-out lights may be quickly replaced. The running board of the &#39;991 patent may not be adjusted to the varying lengths of different vehicles. 
     Consequently, there is a need in the art for an aesthetically pleasing running board that may be adjusted to fit different vehicles yet possesses good structural integrity. 
     There is a further need in the art for an adjustable length running board that may be lighted on one or both ends for added safety and improved appearance. 
     There is a further need in the art for a one-size-fits-all running board that may be manufactured in volume cycles thereby lowering the per unit cost to the manufacturer, reseller and the consumer. 
     However, in view of the prior art in at the time the present invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art how the identified needs could be fulfilled. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention solves significant problems in the art by providing an adjustable running board that is aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. 
     Generally described, the present invention comprises an elongated deck having an underlying rigid support frame secured to the bottom of the deck. An overlying sheath is secured to the top of the deck and integrally forms a substantially vertically disposed, upwardly extending kickplate and an integrated first end-cap structure on one end of the deck. The kickplate is juxtaposed against the side wall of the vehicle below the vehicle&#39;s side doors. As the elongated deck is comprised of a single structure including the support frame, the overlying sheath, and the integrated first end-cap, the length of the deck may be adjusted by cutting off a predetermined length distal to the integrated first end-cap. The cut may be performed with a hacksaw, circular saw, or the like to adjust the length of the elongated deck in order to fit various types of vehicles. 
     A plurality of downwardly open mounting channels in the support frame extend along the full length of the support frame and are unobstructed along the entire length of the support frame. An in-turned lower lip along the mounting channels restricts the opening and provides a support ledge upon which a flat-sided clamping bolt is slideably carried. 
     A detachable second end-cap structure is fashioned to engage the elongated deck distal to the first end-cap is provided wherein a mounting shoulder extending from the second end-cap underlies the support frame and is rigidly secured by passing the clamping bolt through an aperture in the mounting shoulder and screwably engaging the clamping bolt with a locking nut. In a preferred embodiment, a washer axially receives the clamping bolt and is disposed between the locking nut and the mounting shoulder. Lighting fixtures may be integrated into the first end-cap and the second end-cap in order to illuminate the elongated deck or the side of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, both the first and second end-caps may be detachable. 
     As an alternative to, or in conjunction with, the apertures in the mounting shoulder, one or more clamping notches in the mounting shoulder may be constructed. The clamping notches are dimensioned to receive the clamping bolt in a sideways rather than axial fashion, over which the washer and the locking nut are engaged to secure the mounting shoulder to the support frame. 
     As an additional support feature, a flared support flange may be provided. The support flange extends substantially vertical from the mounting shoulder in complementary alignment with the kickplate. In a preferred embodiment, a longitudinally disposed alignment channel in the support frame opens downwardly and slideably mates with a longitudinally disposed alignment ridge in the mounting shoulder. This permits the second end-cap and the elongated deck to be lined up correctly and for minor adjustments to be performed on the overall length of the board before the clamping bolts are tightened. To prevent slipping and enhance user-safety, a plurality of longitudinally extending non-skid rips disposed of the top surface of the elongated deck may be added. 
     To improve stability and structural integrity, a flat mounting bracket may be used to secure the mounting shoulder to the support frame. The flat mounting bracket has apertures which receive the clamping bolt and are secured by the locking nut. The mounting bracket performs the same function as the washer, but provides added stability to the apparatus. 
     It is preferred that the adjustable running board be fashioned of weather-resistant, durable materials such as aluminum for the support frame and polymer for the end-caps and elongated deck. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an aesthetically pleasing running board that may be adjusted to fit different vehicles yet possesses good structural integrity. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable length running board that may be lighted on one or both ends for added safety and improved appearance. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a one-size-fits-all running board that may be manufactured in volume cycles thereby lowering the per unit cost to the manufacturer, reseller and the consumer. 
     An advantage of the invention is that unlike typical molded running boards which are not adjustable and need to be molded in different lengths to fit different vehicles, the present invention can be adjusted to fit many types of vehicles. 
     Another advantage of the invention is that running board installers are not required to stock a large number of different sized running boards to service their consumers. 
     Another advantage of the invention is that the running board manufacturers do not require multiple molds which only vary in length to accommodate differently sized vehicles. Rather, manufacturers can produce a large volume run of a long running board mold, whether by injection mold, fiberglass, vacuuming mold forming or any other suitable process, knowing that the end product may be shorted by the installer to accommodate different vehicles. 
     These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this description proceeds. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the description set forth hereinafter and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the running board according to the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective, exploded view of the end-cap assembly according to the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a front, cross sectional view of the running board according to the invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the support frame according to the invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a front elevated view of the underside of the running board according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring initially to FIG. 1, it will there be seen that an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is denoted by the reference number  10  as a whole. An elongated deck  30  is formed from a longitudinally extending sheath of material  70  integrally forming a substantially vertically disposed upwardly extending kickplate. The material is preferably plastic, but may be fiberglass, metal or other suitable material. An integrated first end-cap  20   b  on one end of the deck  30  and the deck  30  itself is preferably formed from a single mold process. A plurality of longitudinally extending non-skid ribs  40  are disposed on the top surface of the deck  30  to prevent users from slipping entering or exiting from the vehicle. The ribs  40  may be integrally formed during the molding process or may be layered on top of the preformed deck  30 . A detachable second end-cap structure  20   a  is rigidly mounted to the deck  30 . Lighting fixtures  50   a-b  are set flush with the surfaces of the first and second end-caps. Note that said end-caps are angled toward one another. This angled position enables the lighting fixtures to illuminate elongate deck  30 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a mounting shoulder  140  extends from the underside of the detachable second end-cap  20   a  to engage a rigid support frame  150  secured to the bottom of the deck  30  and extending substantially the length of the deck  30 . It is preferable that the support frame  150  be constructed of a strong, corrosion-resistant material such as aluminum. A plurality of downwardly open mounting channels  160  in the support frame  150  extend along the full length of the support frame  150  and are unobstructed along the length. An in-turned lower lip  170  along the mounting channels  160  restrict the opening and provide a support ledge upon which a flat-sided clamping bolt  90  is slideably carried. 
     When the elongated deck  30  requires shortening to a predetermined length, the excess length is removed by cutting through the deck  30  and the underlying support frame  150  distal to the first end-cap  20   b.  Once the excess length is removed, the second end-cap  20   a  engages the deck  30  distal to the first end-cap  20   b  wherein the mounting shoulder  140  extending from the second end-cap  20   a  underlies the support frame  150  and is rigidly secured by passing the clamping bolt  90  through aperture  100  in the mounting shoulder  140  and screwably engaging the clamping bolt  90  with a locking nut  120 . In a preferred embodiment, a washer  130  axially receives the clamping bolt  90  and is disposed between the locking nut  120  and the mounting shoulder  140 . Before tightening the locking nut  120  towards the mounting shoulder  140 , minor adjustments may be made in the length of the running board. During tightening of the locking nut  120 , the flat sides of the clamping bolt  90  seat against the sides of the mounting channel  160  thereby preventing the clamping bolt from rotating. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a flared support flange  80  extends substantially vertical from the mounting shoulder  140  and in complementary alignment with the kickplate  70 . The support flange  80  helps provide a tight fit between the second end-cap  20   a  and the elongated deck  30 , thereby contributing to the overall structural integrity. To facilitate the installation of the second end-cap  20   a,  a longitudinal alignment ridge  60  on the mounting shoulder  140  is received by an alignment channel  65  on the support frame  150 . One or more clamping notches  110  may be cut from the mounting shoulder  140  and dimensioned to receive the clamping bolt  90  over which the washer  130  and locking nut  120  are engaged to secure the mounting shoulder  140  to the support frame  150 . 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the underside of the running board wherein a flat mounting bracket  180  is used to secure the mounting shoulder  140  to the support frame  150 . The flat mounting bracket  180  has apertures [not shown] which receive the clamping bolt  90  and are secured by the locking nut  120 . The mounting bracket  180  performs the same function as the washer  130  of FIG.  2  and FIG. 3, but provides added stability to the apparatus. FIG. 5 also illustrates a light housing aperture  190  which houses the lighting fixtures  50   a-b . A wire aperture  200  provides a conduit for providing electricity to the lighting fixtures  50   a-b.    
     It will be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween. Now that the invention has been described,