Modern vehicle styling has removed typical dent protection, such as rubber bumpers, from the vehicle doors. Consequently, door dents and dings have increased in frequency, with the cost of the repair being shouldered solely by the vehicle operator. This not only increases the cost of vehicle ownership, but also the associated frustration level. Moreover, it is a problem incapable of redress by the vehicle owner without altering the appearance of the vehicle.
For instance, an example of a past proposal for a vehicle step that offers dent protection, but at the expense of aesthetics, is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 8,146,935. This arrangement is limited pragmatically because the mechanism for actuation is fully exposed to view, and thus presents an unattractive appearance that would be unacceptable to most vehicle owners (which are well known to be conscious of the appearance of their vehicle). Because the running board is also rotated into the protective position, it must be spaced a significant distance from the rocker, or else it will potentially engage and damage the vehicle on actuation (including if inadvertently is overextended). The step is also not in the form of a conventional running board, and thus could not be used with existing vehicle designs without significant modification.
Accordingly, a need is identified for a new and improved active dent shield for a motor vehicle.