U.S. patent application number 10/536072 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for portable ramp and loa support assembly.
Invention is credited to Kenneth Scott Myrick, KennethW Myrick.
Application Number | 20060150346 10/536072 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29423260 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060150346 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Myrick; KennethW ; et
al. |
July 13, 2006 |
Portable ramp and loa support assembly
Abstract
A portable ramp and load support assembly including a pair of
rigid, elongated, first and second ramp components hinged together
at adjoining ends by a simple pivot pin. The apparatus is made of
light-weight, injection molded plastic material, and is provided
with a resilient, non-slip surface on its upper side. The
ground-engaging end and vehicle-engaging end are also specially
configured to prevent slippage and dislodgment during use. The
assembly also includes a plurality of accessory parts that enable
the ramp to have utility in numerous applications other than its
use as a ramp. The assembly provides a sturdy, light-weight,
long-lasting and easily cleanable ramp apparatus suitable for use
by dog and other large animal owners with SUVs, pickups, RV's and
station wagons. The assembly also includes disconnectable legs for
allowing the ramp apparatus to be used as a grooming table,
examination table, game-cleaning table, etc. Furthermore, floats,
wheels, pull handles and other accessories can be attached to
extend the utility of the apparatus.
Inventors: |
Myrick; KennethW; (Arroyo
Grande, CA) ; Myrick; Kenneth Scott; (Bradley,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL PC;(INCLUDING BURNS, DOANE, SWECKER & MATHIS)
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Family ID: |
29423260 |
Appl. No.: |
10/536072 |
Filed: |
November 13, 2002 |
PCT Filed: |
November 13, 2002 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US02/36762 |
371 Date: |
November 8, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60380785 |
May 14, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
14/69.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 69/30 20130101;
B66F 7/243 20130101; A01K 1/035 20130101; B60P 1/43 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
014/069.5 |
International
Class: |
E01D 1/00 20060101
E01D001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 6, 2002 |
US |
10/289.953 |
Claims
1-21. (canceled)
22. A ramp assembly comprising: a first molded ramp component
including an elongated generally planar first tread portion having
its lateral extremities forming integral lateral side walls, a
first end portion at one end of said first tread portion being
configured to engage a first support surface at a first elevation,
a second end portion at an opposite end of said first tread portion
having an integrally formed first plurality of apertured flanges
extending therefrom to form a first hinge set, and means forming at
least two elongated, integrally molded box-beams disposed in spaced
apart locations beneath and extending along substantially the
entire length of said first tread portion, said box beams being
sealed at each end to form closed chambers therewithin; a second
molded ramp component including an elongated generally planar
second tread portion having its lateral extremities forming
integral lateral side walls, a first end portion at one end of said
second tread portion having an integrally formed second plurality
of apertured flanges extending therefrom to form a second hinge
set, a second end portion at an opposite end of said second tread
portion being configured to engage a second support surface at a
second elevation higher than said first elevation, and means
forming at least two elongated, integrally molded box-beams
disposed in spaced apart locations beneath and extending along
substantially the entire length of said second tread portion, said
box beams being sealed at each end to form closed chambers
therewithin; and pivot means adapted to extend through the
apertures in said first and second hinge sets so as to pivotally
join said first molded ramp component to said second molded ramp
component, wherein said first and second molded ramp components may
be rotated about said pivot means between a folded configuration
with said first and second molded ramp components lying
substantially in side-by-side relationship, and an extended
configuration wherein said first and second molded ramp components
lie substantially in a common plane such that upon placement of
said first end portion on a first surface and placement of said
second end portion on a second surface, said assembly forms a ramp
along which a pet can walk.
23. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 22 and further comprising
means for locking said first and second ramp components in at least
one of said first and second configurations.
24. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 23 wherein said means for
locking includes a keeper affixed to said first end portion of said
first molded ramp component and a latch affixed to said second end
portion of said second molded ramp component, whereby when said
first and second molded ramp components are in said folded
configuration, said latch can engage said keeper to lock said
components together.
25. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein said first end
portion of said first molded ramp component is beveled to mate with
a first supporting surface when the assembly is in its extended
configuration and inclined to extend between supporting surfaces at
different elevations.
26. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 25 wherein said second end
portion of said second molded ramp component angularly intersects
said second tread portion so as to matingly engage a second
supporting surface at a higher elevation than the first supporting
surface.
27. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein said first and
second tread surfaces have non-slip means affixed thereto to
improve frictional engagement with the tread surfaces.
28. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein said non-slip
means is provided by ribs of resilient material formed on said
tread surfaces and extending transversally thereacross.
29. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 28 wherein an array of
apertures is formed in said first and second tread portions, said
apertures providing passageways through which fluid material is
injected to form said ribs
30. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 29 wherein said ribs are
formed by placing first molds having a plurality of channels in
engagement with the bottom surfaces of said first and second tread
portions, said channels being placed in registration with said
arrays of apertures, and by placing second molds having a plurality
of parallel grooves formed therein in engagement with the top
surfaces of said first and second tread portions, said grooves
being placed in registration with said arrays of apertures, whereby
fluid injected into said first molds flows through said channels,
through said apertures, and into said grooves to form said
ribs.
31. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 22 and further including
standoffs integrally formed at predetermined locations on the
bottom surfaces of said first and second tread portions, and
further comprising a plurality of elongated legs and means for
attaching said legs to said standoffs, whereby said pet ramp
assembly can alternatively be used as a grooming table or the
like.
32. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein said first and
second plurality of apertured flanges are asymmetrically disposed
along their associated end portions, such that when said end
portions are adjoined, said first and second plurality of flanges
interdigitate.
33. A ramp assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein said first end
portion is beveled to mate with a first supporting surface when the
assembly is in its extended configuration and inclined to extend
between supporting surfaces at different elevations.
34-39. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/380,785, filed May 14, 2002 entitled RAMP
ASSEMBLY AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS and a new non-provisional patent
application No. ______ filed on Nov. 6, 2002, entitled PORTABLE
RAMP AND LOAD SUPPORT ASSEMBLY, the entire contents of such
applications are being expressly incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices for
enabling an animal or other animate dynamic load to move from one
level or surface to another without requiring that it jump or be
lifted, and more particularly, to a relatively compact, sturdy,
collapsible light-weight portable ramp and load support assembly
that can be easily carried in an automotive vehicle, extended and
retracted as needed, and positioned to aide the animal in entering
into or exiting from the vehicle, or otherwise moving from one
surface to another. The assembly also has numerous other load
supporting and/or load carrying uses.
[0003] Ramps are routinely used to span between vertically spaced,
upper and lower surfaces, such as the ground and a relatively
elevated top surface of a structure, and thereby provide ease of
access to and from the upper surface. Ramps allow a person to slide
or move an item along an inclined surface, rather than having to
hoist or lift the item between the vertically spaced surfaces.
Consequently, ramps are commonly used in construction sites so that
materials, machinery and the like are relatively effortlessly
raised and lowered between vertically spaced surfaces. Ramps are
also often used to by-pass stairs or provide wheelchair access
between two vertically spaced surfaces. Moreover, ramps are
becoming increasingly popular with pickup truck and van owners as a
means to load the bed of the truck with items, such as motorcycles
and lawnmowers, with relative ease. Other typical uses for a ramp
include providing animal (pet) access to and from a vehicle, and
typically include a sturdy support to afford a secure footing over
the length of the span.
[0004] Traditionally, ramps are secured to an upper surface in a
manner that prevents the ramp from disconnecting from the upper
surface and falling to the lower surface. For example, the upper
end of the ramp may be permanently affixed to the upper surface by
mechanical fasteners. However, in many instances, the ramp must be
removable so that it may be conveniently stowed once access to or
from the upper surface is no longer needed. Additionally, it is
often important that the ramp be highly portable so that it may be
manually maneuvered, installed and removed. Moreover, where the
ramp is to be used to permit ease of access to and from the
tailgate of a pickup or floor of a van, the means used to afford
attachment thereto must achieve this result without alteration or
damage to the surface of the vehicle.
[0005] Sport utility vehicles (SUV's), pick-up trucks, station
wagons, recreational vehicles and various other automotive vehicles
are often high off the ground, and as a result ingress and egress
of pets relative to the vehicle can become a significant problem.
In order to transport the animals in such vehicles, it is necessary
that the animal either jump or be lifted onto the bed of the
vehicle, which is sometimes as much as 2 to 3 feet or more above
the ground. When the dog is young and vigorous, it is usually
capable of simply jumping into the vehicle. However, as the dog
ages, it becomes less able and/or willing to jump into the vehicle
and must be assisted, often by lifting, in order to raise it from
the ground to the vehicle's floor or transport surface. The lifting
of any large animal creates a potential for injury to both animal
and lifter, and should be avoided where possible. This is
particularly true for dogs having hip dysplasia or arthritis, those
that are pregnant or recovering from surgery, and those that have
long backs and should not be jumping downwardly, e.g., basset
hounds or dachshunds. It is also important that "show dogs" be
protected from possible injury from jumping into or out of a
vehicle. Similar access problems also exist with respect to boats,
travel crates, grooming tables, beds, etc.
[0006] There is thus a need for a ruggedly-built, foldable ramp
assembly that is ideally suited for use with a wide variety of
vehicles and which also has other utility.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore a principle objective of the present
invention to provide a portable light-weight ramp assembly that can
be readily folded for transport and storage.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus
of the type described which is made of long-lasting, easily
cleanable molded plastic material.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an apparatus of the type described which is easily assembled
without the use of any tools.
[0010] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
an apparatus of the type described having a non-slip upper surface
so as to prevent accidental injury to animals using same.
[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
apparatus of the type described which is adapted for other uses
such as transport cart, grooming table, means for providing pet
access to boat or dock from water, etc.
[0012] Briefly, a presently preferred embodiment of the present
invention includes a pair of rigid, elongated, first and second
ramp components hinged together at adjoining ends by a simple pivot
pin. The apparatus is made of light-weight, injection molded
plastic material, and is provided with a resilient, non-slip
surface on its upper side. The ground-engaging end and
vehicle-engaging end are also specially configured to prevent
slippage and dislodgment during use. The assembly also includes a
plurality of accessory parts that enable the ramp to have utility
in applications other than its use as a ramp.
[0013] An important advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a sturdy, light-weight, long-lasting and easily cleanable
ramp apparatus suitable for use by dog and other large animal
owners with SUVs, pickups, RV's and station wagons. The apparatus
also includes disconnectable legs for allowing the ramp apparatus
to be used as a grooming table, examination table, game-cleaning
table etc. Furthermore, floats, wheels, pull handles and other
accessories can be attached to extend the utility of the
apparatus.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art
after having read the following detailed description of a preferred
embodiment illustrated in several figures of the drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a ramp in accordance
with the present invention in its extended configuration;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the ramp of FIG. one in
its folded or retracted configuration;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a broken partial perspective view showing the
latching mechanism used to hold the components of the ramp of FIG.
1 in the folded configuration of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the lower component part of the
embodiment of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a side view of the lower component part shown in
FIG. 4;
[0020] FIG. 6 is an end view of the compote part shown in FIG.
4;
[0021] FIG. 7 and is a top plan view of the upper component part of
the ramp shown in FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the component part shown in FIG.
7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is an end view of the upper component part shown in
FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 10 is a broken partial perspective view showing the
component part juncture from the bottom;
[0025] FIG. 11 is a broken partial perspective view showing details
of the bottom of the upper component part of the ramp of FIG.
1;
[0026] FIG. 12 is a partially broken end view and cross section
taken along the line 12-12 in FIG. 11;
[0027] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the
several component parts, accessories and fixtures included in the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view illustrating details of the
attachment brackets used to affix legs and/or wheels to the ramp
parts of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the ramp of FIG. 1
configured as a table;
[0030] FIG. 16 is a broken partial perspective view illustrating
leg attachment to the table of FIG. 15;
[0031] FIG. 17 is a broken perspective view showing attachment of
wheels to the bottom of one end of the ramp of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating the ramp of FIG.
1 with wheels attached thereto; and
[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating a table
embodiment incorporating two of the ramp of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 20 is a broken perspective view showing details of the
bottom and illustrating attachment of the ramp of FIG. 19;
[0035] FIG. 20A is a broken perspective view showing installation
of strengthening bars to the bottom of a ramp in accordance with
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a vehicle
carriage attachment for the ramp of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 22 illustrates a bumper adapter for facilitating use of
the carriage attachment of FIG. 21 in accordance with the present
invention;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a side in view illustrating operation of the
carriage attachment of FIG. 21; and
[0039] FIG. 24 is a rear elevational view, partially broken to
illustrate the carriage attachment of FIG. 21.
DETAILED IN DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawing, a ramp device in
accordance with the present invention is illustrated at 10 and
shown in its extended configuration. The ramp is comprised of upper
and lower component parts 12 and 14 connected together at their
adjoining ends 16 and 18. The parts 12 and 14 are preferably
injected molded plastic parts made of a relatively light-weight
plastic material. The parts have a generally planar upper surface
20 forming tread portions bounded on each side by upstanding
longitudinally extending side rails 22 having double wall thickness
to add stiffness to the ramp parts. In the preferred embodiment,
upper surface 20 is provided with a multiplicity of transversely
extending parallel ribs 24 of approximately 5/16 inch width and 1/8
inch height and made of an injection molded resilient material
(rubber, plastic or the like) that forms a non-skid surface for the
ramp.
[0041] The lower and outer extremities of the side rails 22 are of
a single thickness and form downturned skirts 23 more clearly
depicted in other figures described below. The outer surfaces of
the side rails and skirts form the lateral or side surfaces 25 of
the ramp. Note that a cutout 27 is provided in at least one of the
skirts 23 to facilitate carriage, as will also be further described
below.
[0042] The upper end portion 28 of the ramp is turned downwardly
from the plane tread portion 20 so as to provide a short section
having an upper surface 26 that angularly intersects the upper
surface of tread portion 20 at an angle corresponding to the
nominally intended slope angle to which the ramp is designed, i.e.,
the approximate angle that the ramp makes with the ground when it
is in use at the back of a vehicle. The bottom edges of the sides
of end portion 28 are stepped and have a flexible member (not
shown) attached thereto forming a non-skid surface, as will be
further described below. The lower end portion 30 of the ramp is
not turned but instead has the lower extremity of its side skirts
beveled and stepped, as illustrated at 32, to engage a ground or
other supporting surface. As will be further described below, a
nonskid material may also be affixed thereto to prevent
slipping.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 2, the ramp of FIG. 1 is shown in
perspective in its retracted or folded configuration with the upper
part 12 rotated into parallel relationship with the lower part 14.
As visible in this view, the end portions 16 and 18 are provided
with apertured projecting flanges forming interior and exterior
hinge parts 34 and 36. It will be noted that the upper part 12
includes both an inner hinge part 34 and a complimentary outer
hinge part 36, as does the lower part 14. The two configurations of
hinge parts form a hinge set that is positioned on upper ramp part
12 so as to interdigitate and mate together with their compliments
on the lower ramp part 14. The hinge parts 34 and 36 include
transversely extending cylindrical apertures or openings 37 adapted
to receive a hinge pin 38 about which the ramp assembly is
rotatable. As an alternative, the hinge parts and pin means could
be formed as integral parts of the ramp components adapted to snap
together during assembly.
[0044] FIG. 3 illustrates in broken perspective, as viewed from
beneath, the end of the folded ramp assembly opposite to that shown
in FIG. 2. Specifically, the end portion 20 of the lower part 14 is
shown in front of (above) the end portion 26 of the upper part 12.
A latch mechanism 40 is also shown pivotally engaged to a
stiffening web 43 formed in the end portion 26. As depicted, the
latch 40 is shown in locking engagement with a tang or keeper 42
formed as a molded part of the lower ramp component 14. With the
latch in the illustrated "latched" configuration, the upper and
lower parts will be held together for transport and storage.
[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 4-9, further details of the molded
component parts 12 and 14 will be explained. As previously
indicated, the injection molded parts 12 and 14 include a planar
body or web forming a tread portion 20 having an upper surface
provided with laterally extending ribs 24 that form the tread
surface of ramp. This surface is bounded on its sides by the side
rails 22, the outer surfaces of which combine with the downwardly
extending skirts 23 to form the outer side walls of the ramp
components. As may be noted, particularly in FIG. 5 which includes
a cutaway section, the tread portion 20 is formed by a molded web
21 of single thickness. Furthermore, as depicted in FIG. 6, the
side rails 22 are formed as upturned and then downturned extensions
of the lateral edges of the web 21, and the skirts 23 are further
extensions of the downturned side rail portions formed beneath the
mold parting line.
[0046] Affixed to the upper portion 20, as previously described,
are the transversely extending ribs 24 that are molded to the upper
surface of web 21. In accordance with the present invention, the
rib molding function is performed as a secondary molding step in
which a lower material feeding mold (not shown) is placed beneath
the web 21, and an upper, tread mold (not shown) is placed above
the surface 20. Note that, as indicated in FIGS. 4 and 7, a
plurality of openings 50 have been previously molded into the web
21. In order to form the ribs 24, the material feeding mold
including four open, longitudinally extending channels (not shown)
is engaged to the bottom of web 21 with its channels aligned with
the openings 50, and the second mold part (not shown) having a
plurality of transversely extending regularly spaced apart grooves
formed therein is placed against the upper surface 20. By injecting
molten rubber or similar material into the channels of the lower
mold part and causing it to pass through the web holes 50 into the
grooves of the upper mold part, the tread ribs 24 will be formed.
Note also in FIGS. 4 and 7 that several rectangular openings 52 are
also molded into the web 21 in the upper and lower end portions of
the ramp assembly to accommodate attachment of various accessories
which will be described in further detail below. Also better shown
in these FIGS. is the configuration of the hinge parts 34 and 36
and their hinge pin openings 37.
[0047] Turning now to FIGS. 10-12, various details of the bottom
sides of the ramp parts 12 and 14 are illustrated. As shown in
these figures, the structure of the side rails 22 and skirts 23 can
be easily understood. As was illustrated in FIG. 6, and perhaps
more clearly shown in FIG. 12, the lateral extremities of the web
21 are in effect folded up to form the inner wall of the side rails
22 and then folded back down to form the outer side walls of the
side rails 22 and then down to form the side surfaces and skirts
23. Small stiffening webs 56 (FIG. 12) are also formed in spaced
apart locations along the length of the ramp parts. These webs help
maintain planarity of the side wall and add to the rigidity to the
structure.
[0048] Also illustrated in these figures are a pair of
longitudinally extending structural, channel shaped, load support
members 58. Note that these box beam members are hollow and enclose
a chamber 60 that extends along the length of the ramp part. The
chamber 60 is formed during the first mold operation by injecting
nitrogen gas into the channel during or following injection of
material into the mold so as to blow out the softer and more fluid
material at the center of the chamber as the injected material at
the outer sides of the chamber adhere to the mold surfaces and
begin to cool and set up. The gas ingress and egress openings are
subsequently closed to hermetically seal the chamber 60. This makes
for a very strong and rigid ramp structure and conserves weight and
plastic material.
[0049] Proximate the pivot ends of each ramp part, four cylindrical
standoffs are molded to the bottom surface of web 21. Proximate the
remote ends of each ramp part six cylindrical standoffs are molded
to the bottom surface of web 21. Each of these standoffs is
provided with a coaxial bore that may include internal threads
extending along the length thereof. Each of the standoffs is also
provided with four external strengthening webs or flanges 64. The
standoffs provide a means by which various accessories can be
fastened or affixed to the bottom of the ramp, as will be described
in more detail below. Note also in these figures that the vestiges
of the tread rubber molding operation are shown at 64. These rubber
ribs form no function and are merely the residue of the molten
rubber material that was injected through the bottom mold to pass
through openings in the web 21 to cooperate with the upper mold
part and form the tread ribs 24 (not shown). Also shown in FIG. 11
are additional strengthening webs 68 formed at the remote ends
in-board of each side of the ramp ends 28 and 32. In addition to
their stiffening function these webs also cooperate with the outer
skirts 22 to form pockets for receiving rubber, nonskid pads 70.
Additionally shown in FIG. 11 is an attachment block 72 that may be
secured to one or more of the standoffs 62 by means of bolts or
screws 74 for any of various purposes described below.
[0050] In FIG. 13 of the drawing, an exploded view of the ramp
assembly together with various parts and accessories is
illustrated. Such parts may include the pivot shaft 38, the end
latch 40, non-skid pads 70 and 71, clips 73 for holding the pads 70
in place, the brackets 72 and associated screws 74 and washers 75,
the strengthening bars 83, a plurality of L-shaped brackets 78 used
to attach wheels 80 and legs 82 to the ramp parts, associated
footpads 84 and attachment hardware 86, a pet cage hold down 88, a
pull handle 90, and an end cap 92. Also included as an accessory is
a float or float assembly 94 having tabs or clips 96 that engage
the standoffs 62. Using a single float one end of the ramp can be
supported in a body of water so that the ramp can be used by pets
or humans as a means of ingress/egress to a pool, dock or boat.
Using at least one other float, and perhaps as many as four, i.e.,
one at each a floating platform can be provided. A gangway spanning
between two surfaces moving up and down relative to each other can
also be provided using a single float at each end. Such application
is useful as a means for moving between a dock and a boat deck for
example without scarring the finish on the boat deck surface.
[0051] In FIG. 14 the L-shaped brackets 78 are shown in more detail
and include a normally vertically oriented base portion 77 having a
threaded bore formed therein at 79, and a normally laterally
extending attachment flange portion 81 having a pair or screw/bolt
holes 83. Extending from the sides of base portion 77 are a
plurality of fingers and angles that provide a means by which the
deformed ends of the handle 90 may be snappingly engaged to affix
the handle to the ramp. Alternative handle attachment means could
also be used. Also shown in FIG. 14 is a swivel wheel 80 and a
tubular leg 82 that may be attached to the ramp by means of the
brackets 78.
[0052] In FIGS. 15 and 16, an extended ramp assembly 10 is shown
configured as a table by attaching four brackets 78 to the
standoffs 58 using screws 74, and in turn affixing four legs 82 to
the brackets using the attachment hardware 86. With the assembly so
configured, a table is provided that can easily be used as a
grooming table, a fish cleaning table, an eating table, etc.
[0053] As depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 a wheelable platform may be
provided by attaching wheels 80 either directly to the brackets 78,
in whhch case a low level platform is provided, or the wheels could
be affixed to legs attached to the ramp assembly in which case a
wheeable table (not shown) can be provided.
[0054] A double wide table can also be provided as depicted in
FIGS. 19, 20 and 20A by joining two ramp assemblies 10 together
with brackets 72 and associated screws 74. In this case legs are
only attached to the outer sides of each ramp assembly as shown in
FIG. 19. However, if a heavy load is to be carried by the double
wide table, it will be appreciated that additional legs may be
attached as necessary to support the load.
[0055] The ramp can also be used for heavier than normal loads by
adding strengthening bars 83 to the bottom. The bars 83 are
attached in bridging fashion across the fold line and to the
standoffs 85 by screw fasteners 74.
[0056] Although the ramp of the present invention is designed in
the first instance to be manually portable and to be used by merely
placing the lower end on the ground and the upper end on a vehicle
bumper or door sill when in use, and carrying it in the vehicle
when not in use, for some applications it may be more appropriate
to provide a semi-permanent mounting and carriage facility that
allows the ramp assembly to be transported outside the vehicle in
its folded configuration, and then deployed to its extended
configuration as needed. A simple trailer hitch mounted assembly
for accommodating such need is illustrated in FIGS. 21-24.
[0057] Most modern Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) 96 are provided
with a trailer hitch assembly as shown in FIG. 21 that extends from
the rear of the vehicle beneath the bumper 98 and includes a frame
mounted steel tube 100 of rectangular cross section for
telecopically receiving a mating steel tube having an appropriately
sized ball hitch securred thereto. A robust pin passing through the
telecoped assembly affixes the two parts together. For those
vehicles not having such a hitch assembly, a depressed portion of
the rear bumper is usually provided with an aperature 102 for
receiving a lighter duty hitch ball. For such configurations and to
accommodate the embodiment of the present invention to be disclosed
below, an adapter 104 is illustrated in FIG. 22 that can be bolted
to the bumper using the aperature and provide an equivalent
carriage receptacle.
[0058] As illustrated in perspective in FIG. 21, in side elevation
in FIG. 23, and in rear elevation in FIG. 24, an embodiment of the
ramp carrier includes an L-shaped support bracket or base 108
having a horizontally extending leg 110 for telecopically mating
with the hitch tube 100, and a vertically extending leg 112 serving
as a riser for the assembly. The position of leg 110 in tube 100 is
maintained by a pin 101 that is passed through bores and holes
provided for this purpose. Telecopically received over the leg 112
is a sleeve 114 held in place on leg 112 by a pin 116 that extends
through apertures in leg 112 and sleeve 114. The position (height)
of the assembly is determined by the choice of bore in leg 112 to
receive the pin. Similarly, fore and aft positioning of the
assembly relative to the vehicle bumper 98 is determined by choice
of pin bore in leg 110.
[0059] Pivotally affixed to sleeve 114 by a vertically extending
pivot pin 118 is an L-shaped carriage arm 120. Note that pin 118 is
slideable up and down in a cap plate welded to and forming a
closure for the top of sleeve 114. To prevent unintentional
rotation of arm 120 relative to sleeve 114 a metal cuff 122 is
welded to the upper part of sleeve 144 and receiveably engagages
the downturned segment of arm 120. In order to swing the arm 120
into a rearwardly extending position, as indicated by the arrow A1,
for example, to clear the vehicle door, one would simply lift the
arm 120 clear of the cuff 122 and swing it about the pin 118 and
the drop it back into engagement with the cuff 122. Pivotally
mounted to each end to the arm 120 is a ramp support bar having
apertures formed therein which align with the standoff apertures in
the underside of the upper end of the ramp. The ramp is thus
securred to the bar by the same type of screws/bolts used to affix
other accessories to the ramp assembly. A pin 126 is passed through
an aperture in either one or both ends of bar 124 and through an
aperture in arm 120 to lock the ramp in its upright folded
configuration as depicted by the dashed lines 10' in FIGS. 21 and
23. Conversely, when it is time to lower the ramp into its extended
position, one simply pulls the pin(s) 126 and rotates the ramp into
position 10'' as suggested by the arrows A2. This is of course only
one of many ways that the ramp of the present invention can be
affixed to the rear or side of a vehicle.
[0060] It will thus be appreciated that the assembly forming the
disclosed preferred embodiment of the present invention has
substantial utility for a wide variety of applications. For
example, the assembly has utility as a ramp, as a bridging
"gangway", a table, a platform, a floating platform, a transport
platform and any other application which requires a rigid support
structure supportable at least at its ends. The assembly is rugged,
lightweight, portable, foldable, easy to clean, etc.
[0061] The inventors acknowledge with appreciation the contribution
that their engineer Te-Hsin Wei made in assisting in the
implementation of the invention described above.
[0062] Although the present invention has been disclosed herein in
terms of certain preferred embodiments, it is contemplated that
after having read the above disclosure, numerous alterations,
modifications and other uses and applications thereof will no doubt
become apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore
intended that the appended claims be interpreted as covering all
such applications, alterations and modifications as fall within the
true spirit and scope of the invention.
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