An ascent aid on a rail vehicle having a vehicle body includes a step and at least one folding mechanism fastened to the step at one end, as seen in longitudinal direction of the step. The folding mechanism has two lateral rods connecting the step to the vehicle body at hinges. The folding mechanism has a connecting rod additionally connecting one of the lateral rods to the vehicle body at hinges. The connecting rod is split into two parts by a folding hinge. The folding hinge is coupled to an action of force on the folding hinge causing the step to be folded at the hinges between first and second positions relative to the vehicle. In the first position, an ascent to a driver's cab of the vehicle is assisted. In the second position, the step is folded to maintain a predetermined clearance gauge of the vehicle.

A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.

A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.

A retractable step system for getting into and out of a vehicle has at least one step and a supporting element, which carries the step and is movable between a raised position and a lowered position; in the lowered position, the step projects from the supporting element along a first horizontal axis so as to allow a user to place a foot on it; the system has a control member, which can be manually operated, and a stop device, which holds the supporting element in the raised position, when the control member is arranged in a first position, and allows the supporting element to freely move to the lowered position, when the control member is arranged in a second position; the control member has a retention portion, which, in the second position, projects along a second horizontal axis, which is orthogonal to the first horizontal axis, so as to keep, in use, a vehicle door open.

A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.

A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.

A tread strip for a vehicle is formed of at least two parts, an inner part and an outer part. The inner part is configured for attachment to the vehicle and/or to an outer part. The outer part is configured for attachment to the inner part and/or the vehicle. The outer part further includes an intermediate portion extending along a longitudinal axis between two attachment portions, the two attachment portions being configured for attachment to the inner part. The inner part has an intermediate portion extending along the longitudinal axis between two end portions. The end portions are configured for attachment of the inner part to the vehicle and/or for attachment to the outer part. The tread strip may be mounted to a vehicle by attaching the inner part and then attaching the outer part to the inner part and/or sealing the inner part with respect to the vehicle.

A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.

A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.

A folding staircase for use in a door opening having a threshold. The folding staircase has a pair of stringers that have an upper end and a lower end that is adapted for contacting a ground surface. The stringers are spanned by at least one tread. A hinge is connected to a floor near the door opening and a threshold plate pivotally connected thereto is movable between a use position and a stowed position. The staircase may be provided with a lifting mechanism that biases the staircase and threshold plate toward their stowed positions. The lifting device provides a variable force that provides more rotational force when the staircase would require a user to bear more of its weight and less force when less of the weight of the staircase would be borne by a user.