CA2172555A1

CA2172555A1 - Ramp

Info

Publication number: CA2172555A1
Application number: CA002172555A
Authority: CA
Inventors: William James Kosowan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-03-25
Filing date: 1996-03-25
Publication date: 1997-09-26

Abstract

A manually operated multi-purpose ramp assembly for ascending, disembarking, from the back of truck boxes and like vehicles.
The invention is comprised of a shell enclosure encompassing a single or dual ramps. Each dual ramp is independent of each other with the single or dual ramps having at its inner and upper end a hinged portion. The outer side or frame of the shell encompassing the ramps is shaped to fit itself around the fenderwells of the truck box which secures it into position. With the tailgate of a given vehicle lowered, the ramp withdraws fully with the upper end of the hinged portion resting on the tailgate. With a tailgate removed from a given vehicle, the ramp is withdrawn only to the point where the upper or hinged part of the ramp remains inside the shell enclosure.

Description

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The present invention relates to a multi-purpose, removable ramp for ascending, disembarking from light duty trucks and vehicles of similar type.
Various types of ramps are known. One type comprises solely of a single piece metal ramp. This ramp is normally leaned up against the truck tailgate for loading purposes and then stored in the back of the same vehicle, positioned upright and set between the truck box and the device that was loaded with it. On disembarking, the ramp has to be pulled from the truck box and again leaned up against the truck tailgate to allow descent.
Another type of ramp is a sheet of plywood that is used and stored in the same manner as the above.
Another type is nothing more than two pieces of wood planking, leaned up against the truck tailgate and positioned to accept the wheels or track of whatever device will be loaded or unloaded.
Such ramps have several disadvantages. While they permit the loading and unloading of a vehicle, they do not permit the putting of the ramp into position with a single action. They have in most instances no ability to be locked into place to prevent the movement or collapse while being used. In addition, such ramps tend to become slippery in rain or snow.
It is desirable to have in place a ramp which is made of steel for strength, can be accessed readily, put into place with an easy and quick motion and be unobtrusive. The present invention relates to a ramp that meets the above criteria.
The present invention consists of a shell or outer body to accommodate sliding ramps. The outer edges of the inner body of the shell has channel grooves opposite each edge and at the top end of the ramp itself. The channel groove forms a housing for the ramp. Where two ramps are used in one shell or body, a wide flange beam is used down the centre of the shell or body to accommodate the inner edges of the ramps themselves. The present invention is functional with an approximate height of 4" and the ability to keep it in place permanently if desired due to its unobtrusiveness . With the exception of the height of the shell or body of the ramp itself, it does not interfere with the uses of a truck box.
In drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, Figure 1 is an overview of the ramp assembly with the sliding ramps removed. Figure 2 is an assembled ramp assembly with the ramps withdrawn to show the position of the ramps that will accommodate a vehicle with tailgate attached. Figure 3 has same ramps withdrawn to a position on a vehicle where no tailgate is utilized and Figure 4 is an end view of embodiments showing the skeletal frame of the ramp assembly. Figure 5 is a top view of skeletal frame. Figure 6 is a view from the front to the rear of the frame assembly.
Referring to the drawings, the embodiment of the invention shown, the complete assembly. 10, comprises an inner frame 12.
The frame has a head 14. A shaped outer frame 16, 18 is attached to the head, to the side of the inner frame 23, 25 and to the frame base, 20, 22.
Each of the outer frames has a portion 24, 26 defining an indent. The indents are opposite each other. The indents are preferably of a size to accommodate a truck box fenderwell.
The inner body edges 34, 36 are preferably made of channel iron.
The centre of the body, 40 is preferably I iron. At different locations equal distance apart, flat iron metal 42, 44, 46, 48 attaches 40 to 34, 36. To hold the base of the shell or body together at the base of the unit, a flat metal iron approximately 3" wide, 74 is attached at and between 34, 40, 36.
The sliding ramps of this invention are preferably made of rectangular hollow steel tubing, 50, 52. However, such ramps may be made of other materials having suitable properties. An example includes aluminum. The sliding ramp is hinged at its upper part 54, 56. As the ramp is pulled out of the shell itself, it can be extended to accommodate the tailgate of the vehicle, Fig. 2 hence the upper part of the hinged part would rest on the tailgate allowing the bottom part to be lowered down to the ground. The ability on sliding the ramp into its storage, inserted position and to keep it in place is accomplished with a spring attached to the inside of the head frame 58, 60 that pushes back the ramp so the rear of the ramp is forced back under a lip 62 that holds the ramp rigidly in place. A forward and upward thrust will allow the ramp to become disengaged and pulled out. To prevent the ramp from being withdrawn totally by accident, a catch, 64, will be in place at the front of the removable ramp that will catch and hold it in place against a stopper on the rear of the shell frame itself 65, while in use. A steel handle, 66 is affixed to the sliding ramp to facilitate the removal and insertion of the ramp into its shell or enclosure.
The covering or face of the shell or enclosure, and the ramps 70, 72 will be of expanded raised metal. A rubber mat will be an option as a cover for the total enclosure and ramp assembly to prevent snow and debris from plugging up and interfering with the operation of the withdrawal and insertion of the ramps.
The limitations of this particular ramp will be decided only by its application of uses.
Although only a single embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, the present invention is not limited to the features of this embodiment, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope of the claims.
This application to file has included photocopies of actual photographs to assure a filing date. As soon as possible and within the time frame allotted, drawings will be submitted as a ~) 2~555 voluntary amendment to replace the enclosed photocopies.

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Claims

1. An enclosure for ensconcing a ramp or ramps.

2. An enclosure allowing ramps to be inserted, withdrawn at whim.

3. A frame attached to the outer wall of the enclosure as defined in claim 1 shaped to accept the shape of a truck box which secures the enclosure into place.

4. A ramp device as defined in claim 2 comprising:
(a) A base support unit.
(b) An enclosure in which when in operable position allows an inner ramp or ramps to be withdrawn and lowered to the ground.
(c) An enclosure which at the forward end embodies a spring clip fashioned to provide tension against the ramp when in the storage position which in turn pushes the ramp back against a locking wedge.
(d) A locking wedge at the base of the enclosure that prevents the ramp from being pulled out until on removal the ramp is pushed forward and up above the locking wedge and then withdrawn.
(e) A removable ramp with a hinged upper portion of the ramp to accept and accommodate or sit on a truck tailgate when fully extended so as to lower the front part of the ramp to the ground.