Patent attributes
An adjustable position automated running board step for a vehicle. A step member is attached to a linkage. The linkage is operable for moving the step from a deployed to a stowed position. An adjustable lead screw linkage is provided, which allows adjustable stop points between the stowed and the deployed positions. A typical stow position stows the step in a suitable position at the rocker interface and also provides a more easily tunable lowest position. The invention includes a method whereby the step can be infinitely positioned in a predetermined range between the lowest step position and the stow position by means of electronic control. The electronic control of the “mid variable position” could be programmable by either the customer or the manufacturer. For example, there exists the opportunity to have a “his and hers” selection by a number of methods such a key fob or instrument panel selection.
