AU2019101004A4 - A ramp assembly for a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray. The assembly has a support comprising a fixed headboard of a vehicle with a cargo tray and also comprising a removable frame which releasably engages with the cargo tray; 5 at least two ramps adapted to releasably engage with each other and with the support; the assembly is adapted the ramps are able to be stored transversely over the top of the fixed headboard and the removable frame and the assembly is also configured such that a user can remove the ramps from the support to create a support bridge between the cargo tray of the vehicle and the ground for loading and unloading a 10 vehicle. Figure 1

Description

A ramp assembly for a vehicle.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a ramp assembly for a vehicle. More particularly, but not exclusively the invention relates to a ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray.

BACKGROUND

When driving in some conditions (e.g. sand, mud or snow, steep banks etc) vehicles can lose wheel traction and become stuck. Vehicles can also become stuck when obstacles such as streams or rivers are crossed. Additionally the loading and unloading of ATVs, motorbikes and the like onto cargo trays of vehicles can be dangerous and time consuming.

It is an object of a preferred form of the present invention to go at least some way towards addressing one or both of the above problems. While this is an object of a preferred embodiment, it should not be seen as a limitation on the scope of the invention as claimed. The object of the invention per se is simply to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited 25 documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein; this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

The term “comprising” and derivatives thereof, eg “comprises”, if and when used herein in relation to a combination of features should not be taken as excluding the possibility that the combination may have further unspecified features. For example, a statement that an arrangement “comprises” certain parts does not mean that it cannot also, optionally, have additional parts.

2019101004 04 Sep 2019

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an assembly for a vehicle comprising:

· a support adapted to be removably attached to a cargo tray (e.g. a truck tray) of a vehicle or a trailer or a cab of a vehicle with a cargo tray; and • at least two ramps adapted to releasably engage with each other (e.g. can be stacked or nested on each other etc) and with the support (e.g. can be stacked over the top of the support etc);

the assembly is adapted such that when in use the support is attached to a cargo tray of a vehicle or a trailer or a cab of a vehicle with a cargo tray and wherein the ramps are able to be stored on top of or within the support and the assembly is also configured such that a user can remove the ramps from the support and use the ramps as a bridge for the vehicle or to assist with increasing the traction of the wheels of the vehicle.

Preferably the ramps are stored on top of the support.

Preferably the ramps are stored within the support.

Preferably a first ramp is stored on top of a second ramp.

Preferably the support has two legs and a horizontal elongate member joining the legs and wherein the elongate member is positioned above the cargo tray when installed.

Preferably the legs of the support have angled wings.

Preferably the support has a lower cross member between the legs.

Preferably the legs of the support are attached to side walls of a cargo tray.

Preferably the legs of the support are attached to a floor of the cargo tray.

Preferably the support is attached to a headboard of a vehicle.

2019101004 04 Sep 2019

Preferably the ramps have a plurality of turret punched holes in them.

Preferably the ramps have been adapted to enhance traction.

Preferably the assembly has a ramp bar which is attached to a tailgate of the vehicle and the ramps are adapted such that they can releasably engage with the bar.

Preferably when at least one ramp is attached to the ramp bar it creates a support bridge between the cargo tray and the ground.

Preferably the assembly has a removable winch attached to the support.

Preferably the winch is remote controlled.

Preferably the assembly has a self-retracting safety line which is attached to the support when in use.

Preferably the assembly has a solar shower which is adapted to releasably engage 20 with the support and ramps.

In another aspect there is provided a kit of parts suitable for forming the previously described assembly, the kit comprising the support and the ramps and optionally the • the ramp bar; and/or · the winch; and/or • the retractable safety line; and/or • the solar shower.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the previously described 30 assembly when in use with a vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided the previously described assembly when used to assist with loading and unloading an ATV or motorcycle onto the cargo tray.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray comprising:

• a support comprising a fixed headboard of a vehicle with a cargo tray and also comprising a removable frame which releasably engages with the cargo tray;

• at least two ramps adapted to releasably engage with each other and with the support;

the assembly is adapted the ramps are able to be stored transversely over the top of the fixed headboard and the removable frame and the assembly is also configured such that a user can remove the ramps from the support and use the ramps to create a support bridge between the cargo tray of the vehicle and the ground for loading and unloading a vehicle.

Preferably the removable frame can be moved to the rear of the cargo tray and is adapted such that when in use it can be elevated and used as an overhead frame to winch and raise the wheels of a loaded ATV and wherein the ramps can be placed underneath the ATV to spread to load of the ATV over a tailgate of the vehicle and the cargo tray.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray comprising:

• a tailgate with a ramp bar;

• at least two ramps which releasably engage with the ramp bar; and • a means to lower and secure the tailgate in a desired position;

the assembly is configured such that when in use a user can lower and secure the tailgate to an angle which is below the horizontal plane of the deck and arranged such that a user can attach the ramps to the ramp bar to create a support bridge between the cargo tray of the vehicle and the ground for loading and unloading a vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray comprising:

• a tailgate with a removable ramp bar which releasably engages with the tailgate via an aperture or apertures in the tailgate; and • at least two ramps wherein the ramps each have at least one aperture passing through the sides of them such that the removable ramp bar is able to releasably engage with them;

• the assembly is adapted such that in use a user can remove the ramp bar from the tailgate and pass the ramp bar through the apertures in the ramps and through the apertures in the tailgate to create a secured support bridge between the cargo tray of the vehicle and the ground for loading and unloading a vehicle.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray comprising:

• at least two ramps adapted to releasably engage with the ramp bar of a tail gate of a vehicle with a cargo tray and wherein the ramps having at least one aperture passing through the sides;

• a ramp securing bar; and • a means to secure the ramp bar to the vehicle (e.g. collars);

the assembly is adapted such that the ramps are configured such that a user can attach the ramps to the ramp bar to create a support bridge between the cargo tray of the vehicle and the ground for loading and unloading a vehicle and also arranged such that the ramps can be removed from the ramp bar and secured to the cargo try by passing the ramp securing bar through the apertures in the ramps such that they engage with the means to secure the ramp securing bar to the cargo tray.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the entirety of this disclosure, which includes the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying photos and drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is side view of one embodiment of a ramp assembly installed on a vehicle with the ramps in a travelling or stored configuration;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the ramp assembly;

2019101004 04 Sep 2019

FIG. 3 is a side view of the ramp assembly in which the ramps which have been removed from the support and are being used for traction enhancement;

FIG. 4 is an end view of a ramp assembly showing a ramp bar and support with the ramps removed;

FIG. 5 is a lower perspective view of a ramp assembly showing a support with the ramps removed and a remote controlled winch;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a removable self retracting safety line which forms part of a ramp assembly in some embodiments;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an ATV being loaded onto a vehicle using the ramp assembly;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rear wheels of an ATV which has been loaded onto a vehicle using the ramp assembly;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the front wheel of an ATV which has been loaded onto a vehicle using the ramp assembly;

FIG. 10 is perspective view of a solar shower which forms part of a ramp assembly in 15 some embodiments;

FIG. 11 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a support which forms part of a ramp assembly;

FIG. 12 is an inner side view of the support shown in figure 11;

FIG. 13 is an end view of an alternative embodiment of a support which forms part of a 20 ramp assembly;

FIG. 14 is perspective view of the support shown in figure 13;

FIG. 15 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a ramp assembly installed on a flat deck of a vehicle with a fixed headboard and having a removable frame;

FIG. 16 is a side view of a flat deck of a vehicle which has a removable frame which has 25 been moved to the rear of the cargo tray;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the flat deck of the vehicle shown in figure 16 with an ATV loaded onto the flat deck and wherein the removable frame has been elevated;

FIG. 18 is side view of an alternative embodiment of parts of a ramp assembly installed on a flat deck of a vehicle which allows the tailgate to be lowered;

FIG. 19 is an end view of a tailgate with a removable bar to which ramps can be attached;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment a ramp assembly installed on a flat deck with the ramps in a position supporting the tailgate; and

FIG. 21 is plan view of the assembly shown in figure 20 with the ramps in a loading position.

2019101004 04 Sep 2019

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of a ramp assembly 1 for a vehicle 2. References to vehicle 2 throughout the specification relate to any type of vehicle 2 which 5 has a cargo tray (or truck tray) 3 or flatbed at the rear of it i.e. a utility vehicle (ute) or pickup truck. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the assembly 1 can be used on trailers.

The assembly 1 has a support 4 which is mounted to the side walls of a cargo tray 3 (or 10 a trailer) by bolts or the like. The support 4 is shaped like a bridge and has two legs at each side of the tray 3 and a horizontal elongate member joining the legs. As can be seen the legs have angled wings 5 which enhance strength and rigidity to the support 4 when it is used as an anchoring point when loading and unloading wheeled vehicles and machines (e.g. ATV vehicles, four wheeled vehicles, tractors, lawnmowers or 15 motorcycles etc). The support 4 also has a cross bar 6 which helps protects the cab when a wheeled vehicle is loaded. The support 4 is preferably made from one piece however those skilled in the art will appreciate that it can be made from one than one part. In addition the support 4 is preferably made from folded welded metal construction although other suitable materials can be used.

When in the travelling configuration like shown in figures 1 and 2 located on top of the support 4 are two removable ramps 7, 8 which are plank like in shape and have at least two side walls and at least two end walls. The ramps 7, 8 can be attached or fastened to the support 4 by removable pins or the like however in some embodiments they need 25 not be attached as they are shaped such that they releasably engage with the support 4 (e.g. by nesting over it). As shown the ramps 7, 8 are adapted such that they can be stacked both over the support 4 and one ramp 8 over the top of the other ramp 7. The ramps 7, 8 may be deployed singly or dually to bridge obstacles and provide traction (e.g. on steep banks, in slushy conditions etc) like that shown in figure 3. The ramps 7, 30 8 are preferably made from metal and preferably have turret punched (e.g. flanged) holes with their flanged side uppermost. The ramps 7, 8 also preferably have a profile of folds to provide strength and guiding barriers on their edges to keep wheeled vehicles and the vehicle 2 on track when in use. In some embodiments the ramps 7, 8 can have traction enhancing treads. The advantages of storing the ramps 7, 8 on top of the support

2019101004 04 Sep 2019 is that they do not take up room in the cargo tray 3 and are convenient to access. This is advantageous over other methods of storing ramps that may require extra attachment devices for storing the ramps in the cargo tray 3 during transport.

As shown in figure 4 the assembly 1 optionally has a ramp bar 9 which is fitted to the tailgate 10 of the vehicle 2. This provides a mounted structure to support the ramps 7, 8 when they are used to load wheeled vehicles onto the cargo tray 3. The ramps 7, 8 are preferably adapted such that they can releasably engage (e.g. clip on and off) with the bar 9. The bar 9 is preferably made from welded metal and is permanently attached to 10 the tailgate although in some embodiments the bar 9 can be made from other suitable materials and can be removable.

The assembly 1 also optionally has a removable remote controlled electric winch 11 mounted (e.g. with quick release keyhole and pins or the like) to the support 4 like shown 15 in figure 5. This winch 11 is attached to a wheeled vehicle when in use such that the wheeled vehicle can be loaded and unloaded unmanned. Alternatively, or in addition to an electric winch 11 the assembly 1 can also have a removable self retracting safety line 12 illustrated in figure 6 in which on end attaches to the support 2 (e.g. clips onto an aperture in the centre of the support 4) and the other clips to the front of a wheeled 20 vehicle. The safety line 12 helps prevent the attached vehicle tipping over backwards during manned loading or unloading. Any suitable safety line 12 could be used e.g. climbing or industrial safety lines.

Figure 7 shows an ATV 13 being loaded onto the cargo tray 3 of a vehicle 2. As can be 25 seen the ramps 7, 8 have been attached to the bar 9 and the safety line 12 has been attached to the ATV 13. Figure 8 shows the ATV 13 once loaded on the cargo tray 3.

The loaded ATV’s 13 rear wheels 14 are raised using a jack 15 allowing the ramp(s) 7, 8 to be placed against the front wheel 16 of ATV 13 like can be seen in figure 9. The jack 15 is then lowered placing the rear wheels on the ramps 7, 8. This spreads the load of 30 the ATV 13 onto the ramps 7, 8 and away from the tailgate hinges and support cables.

The tailgate is left down for transport and the ATV 13 is secured by tie downs or the like.

The jack 15 is used again to raise the rear of the ATV 13 for unloading. However, in some embodiments (e.g. a single cab or extra cab vehicle) the cargo tray may be of sufficient length to allow the tailgate to close when an ATV 13 is loaded. In these

2019101004 04 Sep 2019 embodiments there is no need to position the ramps 7, 8 under the ATM 13 to support the tailgate and the ramps 7, 8 can be stored as normal for travel.

In some embodiments the assembly 1 has a solar shower 17 like shown in figure 10.

The shower 17 comprises a solar shower water bag 18 and an adjustable hooked pole

19. One end of the pole releasably engages with the support 4 and the ramps 7, 8 (e.g. via angled apertures in them). It will be appreciated that other type of connections between the shower 17 and the support 4 and ramps 7, 8 are possible. In some embodiments the assembly can have more than one shower 17. When not in use the 10 shower bags 18 nest transversely inside the top ramp 8 such that they receive the maximum amount of sun and are isolated from damage from items in the cargo tray.

In use if a user decides that he needs to enhance the traction of the wheels of his vehicle (e.g. in sand, snow, mud or one a steep bank) or to bridge an obstacle such as a 15 stream or uneven terrain he will get out of his vehicle 2 and remove the ramps 7, 8 from the support 4 and place them on the desired location on the ground in front or under the wheels and then use the ramps 7, 8 for traction or to bridge the obstacle in his vehicle 2 and once this has been done he can put the ramps 7, 8 back on top of the support 4.

When loading a wheeled vehicle such an ATV 13 a user attaches the winch 11 or safety line 12 if they are not already attached to the support 4 and opens the tailgate and attaches the ramps 7, 8 to the rail bar 9. The user then attaches the winch 11 or safety line 12 to the ATV 13 and loads the ATV 13 onto the cargo tray 3 (the ATV 13 can be loaded unmanned if winch is used). Once loaded the rear of the ATV 13 is jacked up so that the ramps 7, 8 can be removed from the bar and placed under the back wheels of the ATV 13 such that they abut against the front wheel of the ATV 13. The tailgate is left down for transport and the ATV 13 is secured by tie downs or the like. To remove the ATV 13 the process is reversed.

The previously described system and method of loading and unloading and ATV onto a cargo tray provides a much safer and more effective way than known ways of loading and unloading ATVs onto cargo trays.

2019101004 04 Sep 2019

If the user wishes to have a shower 17 he would attach one end of the adjustable hooked pole 19 to the solar bag 18 and then insert the other end into the angled apertures into the ramps 7, 8 and support 4 such that the shower 17 is above the vehicle out of the users way and can maximise the warmth from the sun.

Figures 11 and 12 show an alternative embodiment of a support 20. The legs 21 of the support extend down into a cargo tray and against the inner side walls of the cargo tray when in use. The support 20 is attached to the floor of a tray/deck with bolts 22 or the like such that the support 20 can be easily removed. Another reason for the legs 21 and 10 support 20 described in this embodiment and previous embodiments attaching to the floor is so the sides of the deck can be lowered.

Figures 13 and 14 also show an alternative embodiment of a support 23 which can be used for a flatbed ute. This support 23 is fixed to a vehicle by welding to the headboard 15 24. It can be added to an existing headboard or configured into a new build. The support can also have an angled leg 25 bolted to a tray/deck. The ramps as previously described hook onto a bar 26 on the tailgate. Preferably chains or wire rope etc (not shown) are used to secure the tailgate into a horizontal position to allow for loading and unloading of ATV etc.

Figure 15 shows an alternative embodiment installed on a flat deck vehicle. As shown the top transverse section of a fixed head board 24 of a vehicle forms the support when in combination with spaced second transverse frame 27 which is being removable (e.g. via apertures in the deck) and as shown extends below the deck. The ramps 7, 8 are 25 nested over the fixed headboard 24 and spared tubular frame 27.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate a further embodiment on a flat deck with a fixed headboard

24. In figure 16 the removable frame 27 which was shown in figure 15 has been moved to the rear of the flat deck. As shown in figure 17 an ATV 13 has been loaded onto the 30 flat deck and the removable frame 27 has been elevated above the ATV 13. As can be seen In figure 16 the frame 27 extends below the deck in the default position and in figure 17 it is elevated. In use the ATV is loaded onto the deck via the ramps (not shown) and the movable transverse frame 27 is elevated and positioned over either the front or rear of the loaded ATV 13 depending on which way the ATV 13 has been loaded. The

2019101004 04 Sep 2019 removable frame 27 provides an overhead frame to winch and raise the wheels of the ATV 13 so the ramps can be placed under the ATV 13 to spread the load over the tailgate 10 and deck and the winching may be via pulley, ratcheted, tie down etc.

Figure 18 is an alternative embodiment in which the tailgate 10 and rear sections 28 of the deck sides are reinforced and are fitted with chains (not shown) or other restraining and locating mechanisms which enable the tailgate 10 to be positioned and lowered at angles to the deck below the horizontal plane to elongate the effectual plane off the deployed ramps (not shown).

Figure 19 shows an alternative embodiment of a tailgate 29 with a removable tubular bar

30. The bar 30 may be unfastened and slide out of apertures (not shown) in the tailgate and threaded through holes drilled in the ramps (not shown) to secure the ramps to the tailgate for loading and unloading of an ATV. When the ATV is loaded onto the deck 15 the bar 30 slides out to release the ramps. In a preferred embodiment once the ATV is loaded the front or rear of the ATV, depending on which end faces the tailgate is then raised using the removable transverse frame described previously as a winching point The ramps are then slid under the raised end of the ATV to spread the load over the tailgate 29.

Figure 20 shows a further embodiment in which ramps 7,8 are in a position to support the tailgate 29 and figure 21 shows the same embodiment with the ramps 7, 8 in a loading position. The ramps 7, 8 have holes (not visible) drilled in the leading edges of them to allow a tubular rod 31 or rods to be threaded through the holes (not visible) 25 drilled through the deck sides when the ramps 7, 8 are in position under a loaded ATV.

The holes in the deck sides have collars 32, 33 attached to the inside which allow the transverse rod 31 to be held in position flush with the outside of the deck. This will prevent the ramps 7, 8 from flapping when the ATV is travelling with the rear most wheels on the tailgate 29. It also prevents the ramps 7, 8 from sliding in transit. In some 30 embodiments no holes are required in the deck sides as by dropping the sides of the deck a rod 31 can pass unobstructed through collars 32, 33 fixed to the deck. With the deck sides then raised the rod 32 or rods are secured against the deck sides. The ramp bar 30 described earlier can also be used instead of the tubular rod 31.

2019101004 04 Sep 2019

In a most preferred embodiment of the invention an ATV 13 is loaded and unloaded onto a flat deck ute with the embodiments shown in figures 16-21 with the following steps.

The tubular bar 30 slides through holes near the leading edge of the ramps 7, 8 to secure them to the tailgate 29 for loading and unloading of ATV 13 vehicle. When the

ATV 13 is loaded onto the deck the bar 30 slides out to release the ramps 7, 8. The front or rear of the ATV 13, depending on which end faces the tailgate 29 is then raised using the removable transverse frame 27 as a winching point. The ramps 7, 8 are then slid under the raised end of the ATV 13 to spread the load over the tailgate 29. With the deck sides in lowered position the tubular bar 30 is slid through the collars 32, 33 which are 10 fixed to the deck and through the holes drilled through the leading edge of the ramps 7, to secure the ramps 7, 8 for travelling. The ATV 13 is then lowered onto the deck and the deck sides raised. The rearward facing wheels of the ATV 13 ride on the ramps 7, 8 over the tailgate. The leading edges of the ramps are facing the cab end of the truck and are held captive for travelling by the bar 30 threaded through the collars 32, 33 and 15 through the holes in the ramps 7, 8 leading edges.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the ATV market is moving from quad bikes to side by side vehicles which are wider and longer and do not fit between the wheel arches on well side utes and as such there is a need for the support assemblies 20 described in figures 13-21 on flat deck utes.

It will be appreciated that the various parts of the assembly 1 can be produced in a range of different sizes. It will also be appreciated that the assembly 1 can be made in a number of different ways and can be made from a number of different materials.

It is to be understood that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and functioning of various embodiments of the invention, this disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail 30 so long as the functioning of the invention is not adversely affected. For example the particular elements of the support may vary dependent on the particular application for which it is used without variation in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, although the preferred embodiments described herein are directed to a ramp

2019101004 04 Sep 2019 assembly for a vehicle it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (5)

1. A ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray comprising:

• a support comprising a fixed headboard of a vehicle with a cargo tray and also comprising a removable frame which releasably engages with the cargo tray;

• at least two ramps adapted to releasably engage with each other and with the support;

the assembly is adapted the ramps are able to be stored transversely over the top of the fixed headboard and the removable frame and the assembly is also configured such that a user can remove the ramps from the support to create a support bridge between the cargo tray of the vehicle and the ground for loading and unloading a vehicle.

2. A ramp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the removable frame can be moved to the rear of the cargo tray and is adapted such that when in use it can be elevated and used as an overhead frame to winch and raise the wheels of a loaded ATV and wherein the ramps can be placed underneath the ATV to spread to load of the ATV over a tailgate of the vehicle and the cargo tray.

3. A ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray comprising:

• a tailgate with a ramp bar;

• at least two ramps which releasably engage with the ramp bar; and • a means to lower and secure the tailgate into a desired position;

the assembly is configured such that when in use a user can lower and secure the tailgate to an angle which is below the horizontal plane of the deck and arranged such that a user can attach the ramps to the ramp bar to create a support bridge between the cargo tray of the vehicle and the ground for loading and unloading a vehicle.

4. A ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray comprising:

• a tailgate with a removable ramp bar which releasably engages with the tailgate via an aperture or apertures in the tailgate; and • at least two ramps wherein the ramps each have at least one aperture passing through the sides of them such that the removable ramp bar is able to releasably engage with them;

the assembly is adapted such that in use a user can remove the ramp bar from the tailgate and pass the ramp bar through the apertures in the ramps and through the apertures in the tailgate to create a secured support bridge between the cargo tray of the vehicle and the ground for loading and unloading a vehicle..

5. A ramp assembly for a vehicle with a cargo tray comprising:

• at least two ramps adapted to releasably engage with the ramp bar of a tail gate of a vehicle with a cargo tray and wherein the ramps having at least one aperture passing through the sides;

• a ramp securing bar; and • a means to secure the ramp bar the cargo tray;

the assembly is adapted such that the ramps are configured such that a user can attach the ramps to the ramp bar to create a support bridge between the cargo tray of the vehicle and the ground for loading and unloading a vehicle and also arranged such that the ramps can be removed from the ramp bar and secured to the cargo try by passing the ramp securing bar through the apertures in the ramps such that they engage with the means to secure the ramp securing bar to the cargo tray.