U.S. patent application number 10/084875 was filed with the patent office on 2002-06-27 for hinge apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Ginger Schouest. Invention is credited to Schouest, Paul Daryl.
Application Number | 20020078513 10/084875 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24528778 |
Filed Date | 2002-06-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020078513 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schouest, Paul Daryl |
June 27, 2002 |
Hinge apparatus
Abstract
A foldable ramp apparatus. The ramp apparatus comprises a first
and second ramp member. The first ramp includes a channel insert,
and the second ramp includes an arcuate insert. The arcuate insert
is configured to pivotally engage the channel insert. The arcuate
insert has a curved apex that is adapted to be received within an
elongated channel of the channel insert. A slotted segment is
formed on a pair of legs that extends from the arcuate insert. A
corresponding slotted segment formed on a pair of legs that extends
from the channel insert. A cross-member is placed within the
slotted segment interconnecting the pair of legs. In the preferred
embodiment, the ramp apparatus further comprises a first lip formed
on the arcuate portion and configured to engage an underside of the
first leg and the second leg of the first ramp as well as the
slotted segment. A second lip may be formed on the grooved portion
and configured to engage an underside of the first leg and the
second leg of the second ramp. Additionally, a first ledge is
formed on the arcuate insert and a second ledge is formed on the
channel insert, with the first and second ledge being operatively
inserted into the slotted segment to attach the legs to the arcuate
and channel insert.
Inventors: |
Schouest, Paul Daryl;
(Breaux Bridge, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
C. Dean Domingue
Domingue & Waddell, PLC
First National Bank Towers
600 Jefferson Street, Suite 515
Lafayette
LA
70501
US
|
Assignee: |
Ginger Schouest
|
Family ID: |
24528778 |
Appl. No.: |
10/084875 |
Filed: |
February 27, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10084875 |
Feb 27, 2002 |
|
|
|
09630843 |
Aug 2, 2000 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
14/69.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 1/43 20130101; B65G
69/30 20130101; Y10T 16/53625 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
14/69.5 |
International
Class: |
E01D 001/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A ramp apparatus comprising: a first rectangular ramp member; a
arcuate insert attached to said first ramp member; a second
rectangular ramp member; a channel insert attached to said second
ramp member; and wherein said arcuate insert is configured to
pivotally engage said channel insert.
2. The ramp apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first rectangular
ramp member includes a first leg and a second leg, and wherein the
ramp apparatus her comprises: a slotted segment formed on a first
side of said first leg; a corresponding slotted segment formed on a
first side of said second leg; a cross-member placed within said
slotted segment interconnecting said first leg and said second
leg.
3. The ramp apparatus of claim 2 wherein said second rectangular
ramp member includes a third leg and a fourth leg, and wherein the
ramp apparatus further comprises: a slotted segment formed on a
first side of said third leg; a corresponding slotted segment
formed on a first side of said fourth leg; a cross-member placed
within said slotted segment interconnecting said third leg and said
fourth leg.
4. The ramp apparatus of claim 3 further comprising: a first ledge
formed on said arcuate insert, said first ledge being received
within said slotted segment of said first rectangular ramp
member.
5. The ramp apparatus of claim 4 further comprising: a second ledge
formed on said channel insert, said second ledge being received
within said slotted segment of said second rectangular ramp
member.
6. The ramp apparatus of claim 5 further comprising: a first lip
formed on said arcuate insert and configured to engage an underside
of said first leg and said second leg of said second rectangular
ramp.
7. The ramp apparatus of claim 6 further comprising: a second lip
formed on said channel insert and configured to engage an underside
of said first leg and said second leg of said first rectangular
ramp.
8. The ramp apparatus of claim 7 wherein said cross-member placed
between said first and second leg and said cross-member placed
between said third and fourth leg is a cross-mesh aluminum metal
member.
9. The ramp apparatus of claim 7 wherein said cross-member placed
between said first and second leg and said cross-member placed
between said third and fourth leg is a plurality of aluminum metal
bars.
10. A hinge apparatus comprising: an arcuate member having a first
side and a second side; and a first leg extending from said first
side and a second leg extending from said second side; a channel
member having a third side and a fourth side; and a third leg
extending from said third side and a fourth leg extending from said
fourth side, and wherein the arcuate member has a curved apex that
is adapted to be received within said channel member; and wherein
said arcuate member is configured to engage said channel
member.
11. The hinge apparatus of claim 10 wherein said first leg, second
leg, third leg, and fourth leg comprise: an elongated tubular
member having a passage formed thereon; and wherein said channel
member contains a first protrusion that engages said passage of
said first leg; a second protrusion that engages said passage of
said second leg; and wherein said arcuate member contains a third
protrusion that engages said passage of said third leg; and, a
fourth protrusion that engages said passage of said fourth leg.
12. The hinge apparatus further comprising: a first lip extending
from said first side of said channel member, and wherein said first
lip is adopted to engage an underside of said first leg; a second
lip extending from said second side of said channel member, and
wherein said second lip is adopted to engage an underside of said
second leg.
13. The hinge apparatus further comprising: a third lip extending
from said first side of said arcuate member, and wherein said third
lip is adopted to engage an underside of said third leg; a fourth
lip extending from said second side of said arcuate member, and
wherein said fourth lip is adopted to engage an underside of said
fourth leg.
14. A ramp apparatus comprising: a first ramp member having a first
leg and a second leg, and wherein said first and second leg contain
a first elongated slot; a channel insert adapted within said first
elongated slot; a second ramp member having a third leg and a
fourth leg, and wherein said third and fourth leg contain a second
elongated slot; an arcuate insert adapted within said second
elongated slot; and wherein said arcuate insert is configured to
pivotally engage said channel insert; a first cross-member placed
within said first elongated slot interconnecting said first leg and
said second leg; and wherein said arcuate insert has a curved apex
that is adapted to be received within an elongated channel of said
channel insert.
15. The ramp apparatus of claim 14 further comprising: a second
cross-member placed within said second elongated slot
interconnecting said third leg and said fourth leg.
16. The ramp apparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a first
ledge member extending from said channel insert, said first ledge
member being received within said first elongated slot of said
first rectangular ramp member.
17. The ramp apparatus of claim 16 further comprising: a second
ledge member extending from said arcuate insert, said second ledge
member being received within said second elongated slot of said
second rectangular ramp member.
18. The ramp apparatus of claim 17 further comprising: a first lip
formed on said arcuate insert and configured to engage an underside
of said third leg and said fourth leg of said second rectangular
ramp.
19. The ramp apparatus of claim 18 further comprising: a second lip
formed on said channel insert configured to engage an underside of
said first leg and said second leg of said first rectangular
ramp.
20. The ramp apparatus of claim 19 wherein said cross-member placed
between said first and second leg and said cross-member placed
between said third and fourth leg are constructed of a aluminum
metal member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a ramp apparatus. More
particularly, but not by way of limitation, this invention relates
to a hinge apparatus and a ramp apparatus that is used to load and
unload cargo, materials, vehicles, etc from a first platform to a
second platform.
[0002] In the transportation of cargo, materials, vehicles, etc.,
operators find it necessary to load and unload from a first
platform to a second platform. For instance, all terrain vehicles
(ATV's) have become very popular. Operators will load the ATV's
onto the bed of a truck. In order to transport the ATV into the
bed, or alternatively out of the truck bed, a ramp is employed. An
example of such a ramp is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,478,549 to Stelly
and Araund entitled "FOLDABLE LOADING RAMP FOR ALL
TERRAIN/RECREATIONAL VEHICLES AND THE LIKE".
[0003] Many times, the vehicle and/or cargo being loaded or
unloaded is very heavy. Therefore, the ramps need to be constructed
with sturdy materials and designed to withstand significant loads.
Moreover, the ramps must be portable. In many cases, the ramp is
transported with the cargo so that once the operator arrives at the
proper location, the cargo is unloaded. Prior art ramps have
accomplished these design features. For instance, U.S. Pat. No.
5,938,397 to P. D. Schouest discloses a useful mating pair of
loading and unloading ramps for use with pickup trucks, trailers
and vans.
[0004] However, storage space is a premium. There is a need for
these ramps to be portable, and once stored, to take up a minimum
of space. Additionally, the folded ramps must be easy to handle.
The ramp must be economical to manufacture. Prior art ramps use
longitudinal hinges for folding lengthwise. Once these prior art
ramps have been folded, they still require significant longitudinal
space.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a portable ramp. There is
also a need for a ramp that is easily stored. Further, there is a
need for a ramp that can handle weighty loads. Additionally, there
is a need for cost effective method of manufacturer of these ramps.
These, and many other needs, will be met by a reading of the
following description of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A ramp apparatus is disclosed. The ramp apparatus comprises
a first and second ramp member. The first ramp includes a channel
insert and the second ramp includes an arcuate insert. The arcuate
insert is configured to pivotally engage the channel insert.
[0007] A slotted segment is formed on a first side of a first leg
that extends from the arcuate insert. A corresponding slotted
segment formed on a first side of a second leg that extends from
the arcuate insert. A cross-member is placed within the slotted
segment interconnecting the first leg and the second leg.
[0008] In one of the preferred embodiments, the second ramp member
includes a third leg and a fourth leg, and wherein the ramp
apparatus further comprises a slotted segment formed on a first
side of the third leg. A corresponding slotted segment is formed on
a first side of the fourth leg of the channel insert. A
cross-member is placed within the slotted segment interconnecting
the third leg and the fourth leg.
[0009] The ramp apparatus may further comprise a first ledge
extending from the channel insert, the first ledge being received
within the corresponding slotted segment of the first ramp member.
A second ledge may extend from the arcuate insert, with the second
ledge being received within the slotted segment of the second ramp
member.
[0010] In the preferred embodiment, the ramp apparatus further
comprises a first lip formed on the arcuate insert and configured
to engage an underside of the first leg and the second leg of the
second ramp. A second lip may be formed on the channel insert and
configured to engage an underside of the first leg and the second
leg of the first ramp. Additionally, a cross-member may be placed
between the first and second leg and the cross-member placed
between the third and fourth leg. The ramp apparatus, in the most
preferred embodiment, is constructed of an aluminum metal
member.
[0011] A hinge apparatus is also disclosed. The hinge apparatus
comprises an arcuate member having a first side and a second side,
with a first leg extending from the first side and a second leg
extending from the second side. A channel member is included having
a third side and a fourth side, with a third leg extending from the
third side and a fourth leg extending from the fourth side. The
arcuate member is configured to engage the channel member.
[0012] In the preferred embodiment, the first leg, second leg,
third leg, and fourth leg comprise an elongated tubular member
having a passage formed thereon. The channel member contains a
first ledge that engages the passage of the first leg and a second
ledge that engages the passage of the second leg. The arcuate
member contains a third ledge that engages the passage of the third
leg, and a fourth ledge that engages the passage of the fourth
leg.
[0013] The hinge apparatus may further comprise a first lip
extending from the first side of the channel member, and wherein
the first lip is adopted to engage an underside of the first leg. A
second lip extends from the second side of the channel member, and
wherein the second lip is adopted to engage an underside of the
second leg.
[0014] A third lip may be included that extends from the first side
of the arcuate member, and wherein the third lip is adopted to
engage an underside of the third leg. A fourth lip that extends
from the second side of the arcuate member is provided, and wherein
the fourth lip is adopted to engage an underside of the fourth
leg.
[0015] An advantage of the present invention is that a ramp can be
folded into two parts at the hinge. Another advantage is that the
ramp is portable and movable. Yet another advantage is that the
ramp and hinge design results in a strong and sturdy apparatus that
can be used to load and unload heavy cargo.
[0016] Another advantage is that the ramp and hinge is easily
manufactured. Still yet another advantage is that the ramp with
hinge can be manufactured from an assortment of metals including
aluminum, steel, etc. Yet another advantage is that the ramp sides
are connected by either mesh or cross bars. Another advantage is
that the ramps are cost effective to manufacture.
[0017] A feature of the present invention is that the tubing used
as the sides of the ramp have an elongated slot. Another feature is
that the arcuate member is configured to engage an elongated
channel. Yet another feature is that the arcuate member and channel
member are configured to be inserted into the elongated slot of the
tubing. Still yet another feature is that the tubing serves as
sides for the ramp.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1A is perspective view of the arcuate member of the
present invention.
[0019] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the channel member of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the arcuate member
taken from line A-A of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the arcuate member
taken from line B-B of FIG. 1B.
[0022] FIG. 3A is a rear view of the arcuate member.
[0023] FIG. 3B is a rear view of the channel member.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tubing.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the arcuate member and
channel member with the tubing extending therefrom.
[0026] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of one of the embodiments of a
ramp member.
[0027] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the novel ramp and hinge
apparatus of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the arcuate member and
the channel member taken from line C-C of FIG. 6.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the assembled ramp member positioned for loading and unloading from
a vehicle.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
ramp member.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of the arcuate
member 2 of the present invention will now be described. The
arcuate member 2 contains a body with a top face 4 and a bottom
face 6. A first structural wall 8 connects the top face 4 with the
bottom face 6; a second structural wall 10 also connects the top
face 4 with the bottom face 6. As illustrated, the first wall 8
extends one-half the width of the top face 4 and the bottom face 6;
the second wall 10 ex tends one-half the width of the top face 4
and the bottom face 6.
[0032] A third structural wall 12 is shown, with the third wall 12
extending the entire width. The third wall 12 extends to the top
portion 14 which in turn extends to the flat surface 16. In the
preferred embodiment, the surface 16 is disposed at an angle to the
true vertical. A curved lip segment 18 extends from the flat
surface 16. A diagonal wall 20 stretches from the bottom of the
third wall 12 to the bottom end of the flat surface 16. The
passages 22, 24, 26 are formed there through.
[0033] Referring now to FIG. 1B, a perspective view of the channel
member 30 will now be described. The channel member 30 contains a
body with a top face 32 and a bottom face 34. A first structural
wall 36 connects the top face 32 with the bottom face 34; a second
structural wall 38 also connects the top face 32 with the bottom
face 34. As illustrated, the first wall 36 extends one-half the
width of the top face 32 and the bottom face 34; the second wall 38
extends one-half the width of the top face 32 and the bottom face
34; also shown is wall 39.
[0034] A third structural wall 40 is shown, with the third wall 40
extending the entire width. The third wall 40 extends to the top
portion 42 which in turn extends to the flat surface 44. In the
preferred embodiment, the surface 44 is disposed at an angle to the
true vertical. The surface 16 and the surface 44 is configured so
that the joined ramps will be offset from vertical at an angle
which will be described later in the application with reference to
FIG. 9?. A reciprocal curved lip segment 46 extends from the flat
surface 44. The curved lip segment 18 is inserted into the
reciprocal curved lip segment 46 as will be seen and further
explained later in the application. The passages 48, 50, 52 are
formed there through. Thus, the arcuate insert 2 has a curved apex
that is adapted to be received within an elongated channel of the
channel insert 30.
[0035] In FIG. 2A, a cross-sectional view of the arcuate member
taken from line A-A of FIG. 1A will now be described. It should be
noted that like numerals refer to like components in the various
figures of the application. The top face 4 extends to the top
portion 14 while the bottom face 6 extends to the diagonal wall 20.
FIG. 2A further depicts the apex 54 of the curved lip segment 18 as
well as the elongated cavity 56. The diagonal wall 20 extends to
the elongated cavity 56, as shown.
[0036] In FIG. 2B, a cross-sectional view of the channel member 30
taken from line B-B of FIG. 1B will be discussed. As seen earlier,
the channel member 30 contains a top face 32 and a bottom face 34,
along with the walls 36, 38 and 40. A top portion 42 extends to the
reciprocal curved lip segment 46. The lip 46 contains the apex 58
that in turn extends to the elongated cavity 60. Thus, the apex 54
cooperates with and fits into the channel 60, while the apex 58
cooperates with and fits into the channel 56.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 3A, the rear view of the arcuate
member 2 will be discussed. This rear view depicts the slot
(denoted by the numeral 70) by having the walls 8, 10 extend
approximately half the width of the top 4 and bottom face 6. In
other words, the top and bottom face 6 extend the length of "x",
and the walls 8, 10 extend the length "y". The slot 70 leaves a
portion of the underside 72 (also referred to as a lip) and a
topside 74 (also referred to as a ledge). The height of the slot is
denoted by the letter "z".
[0038] In FIG. 3B, the rear view of the channel member 30 is
depicted. This rear view depicts the slot (denoted by the numeral
76) by having the walls 36, 38 extend approximately half the width
of the top 32 and bottom face 34. In other words, the top 32 and
bottom face 34 extend the length of "x", and the walls 32, 34
extend the length "y". The slot 76 leaves a portion of the
underside 78 (also referred to as a lip) and a topside 80 (also
referred to as a bottom ledge). The height of the slot is denoted
by the letter "z".
[0039] FIG. 4, which is a perspective view of the tubing 90, will
now be explained. The tubing 90 contains a generally rectangular
hollow body having first side 92, second side 94, third side 96,
and fourth side 98. The tubing 90 includes an extension side 100
that in turn contains an extension leg 102, with the extension leg
102 being generally parallel with the side 98. A slot 104 of the
length "a" is depicted and the length of the side 96 being depicted
by the letter "b". The slot 104 length "a" is sized to cooperate
and receive the ledges 74, 80. The side 96 is sized to cooperate
and fit into the slot 104, as will be seen with reference to FIG.
7?.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the arcuate
members 2a, 2b and channel members 30a, 30b with tubing members 90,
110, 112, 114 extending therefrom will now be discussed. The
arcuate member 2a is generally a mirror image of arcuate member 2b.
The arcuate member 2a is essentially identical to arcuate member 2b
except that the half walls are on opposite sides so that the
arcuate member can be connected to the tubing as taught by this
application. The channel member 30a is generally a mirror image of
the channel member 30b. Thus, the arcuate member 2a is connected to
the tubing 90; arcuate member 2b is connected to the tubing 110;
channel member 30a is connected to the tubing 112; and, channel
member 30b is connected to the tubing 114. FIG. 5 also depicts the
cross wire mesh 116a, 116b that links the tubings as taught by this
invention.
[0041] In FIG. 6, an isometric view of one of the embodiments of a
ramp member will now be discussed. The arcuate members 2a, 2b have
been connected to the channel members 30a, 30b. Additionally, a
plurality of cross-bars 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 130 have been
added that link the tubing together. The cross wire mesh 116a, 116b
is also included. The cross-bar ends are fitted into the slot 104,
and the cross-bar ends may be fastened within the slots 104 of the
tubing by conventional means such as welding means. Additionally, a
first reinforcement bar 132 and a second reinforcement bar 134 is
provided. The reinforcement bars 132, 134 are connected to the
underside of the cross-bars 120-130 in the preferred embodiment.
The reinforcement bars are connected via conventional means such as
welding. In the preferred embodiment, the reinforcement bars are
rectangular in cross-section.
[0042] FIG. 6 also depicts the angled plate 136 that is attached to
the end of the ramp. The angled plate 136 has a first flat surface
138 that angularly extends to a second flat surface 140. The angled
plate 136 facilitates entry of the wheel of the on or off loading
object onto the ramp, particularly when the object has a long base,
as will be readily understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art. Additionally, there is included the prongs 140a, 140b that are
configured to rest and latch onto the truck bed platform during
use.
[0043] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the novel ramp and hinge
apparatus seen in FIG. 6. Thus, the tubing 90 is shown along with
the slot 104a; tubing 110 is shown along with the slot 104b (not
shown); tubing 112 is shown along with the slot 104c; and, tubing
114 is shown along with the slot 104d. The arcuate member 2a, 2b
and the channel member 30a, 30b are depicted. It should be noted
that according to the teachings of the present invention, the
arcuate member may be one single member and the channel member may
be one single member such as seen in FIG. 10.
[0044] The slots 104a and 104b are depicted in FIG. 7, along with
the reinforcement bar 134 on the underside of the wire mesh screen
116b. The ends of the mesh 116b slides into the slotted areas 104c,
104d as per the teachings of the present invention. The ends of the
mesh 135 may be fastened within the slots by conventional means
such as welding.
[0045] Referring now to FIG. 8, a cross section view taken on line
C-C from FIG. 6 of the arcuate member 2 and the channel member 30
are illustrated in an engaged position. Thus, the curved lip
segment 18 is engaged with the reciprocal curved lip segment 46,
and in particular, the elongated cavity 60. The tubing 90 extends
from the arcuate member 2 while the tubing 112 extends from the
channel member 30a. FIG. 8 also depicts the slot 104b that has the
arcuate member 2 fitted therein and slot 104d that has the channel
member 30 fitted therein as previously described.
[0046] As noted earlier, the surface 16 and the surface 44 are
configured so that the joined ramps will be offset from vertical at
an angle. This inclination in the joined ramps has several
advantages. One, the loading and offloading of equipment becomes
easier since the ramp contains this slope--a totally flat service
would create problems since one end of the ramp is located near a
ground level and a second level may be located on the bed of a
truck. Second, the offset angle of inclination creates a
distribution of forces that strengthens the structure of the ramp
since a generally downward force can be transferred from one ramp
to the other ramp during the loading and unloading phase. This list
is illustrative. FIG. 8 also depicts the angle A that is formed due
to the novel teachings of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the ramp deployed for use.
The ramp has the prongs 140a, 140b, 140c, 140d resting on the tail
gate 150 of a vehicle, such as a pickup truck 152. The surfaces
138a, 138b are resting on the ground. Thus, the cargo can be
loaded, or alternatively, off loaded from the truck bed to the
ground level as is understood by those of ordinary skill in the
art. FIG. 10 depicts the second embodiment of the invention.
Generally, this embodiment contains the arcuate member 2c as a
continuous member (i.e. rather than having a first 2a and second 2b
member, the arcuate member is one elongated member). The channel
member 30c is also a continuous member (i.e. rather than having a
first 30a and second 30b member, the channel member is one
elongated member). The arcuate 2c and channel member 30c are
configured to cooperate and engage with the tubing members 90, 110,
112, 114 as previously discussed.
[0048] Changes and modifications in the specifically described
embodiments can be carried out without departing from the scope of
the invention which is intended to be limited only by the scope of
the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.
* * * * *