GB2479364A

GB2479364A - Ramp Assembly for Motorized Vehicles

Info

Publication number: GB2479364A
Application number: GB201005738A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gian Luca Baccelli
Original assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Current assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
Priority date: 2010-04-07
Filing date: 2010-04-07
Publication date: 2011-10-12
Anticipated expiration: 2030-04-07
Also published as: GB2479364B; GB201005738D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a ramp assembly for a motorized vehicle, comprising at least two extendable ramp segments 24, 25, 27 being displaceably arranged between a rest position and a position of use, in which at least one of the ramp segments 24, 25 extends outside from a closable opening of the vehicle, wherein adjacently arranged ramp segments are hingedly attached to each other along a pivot axis substantially extending in transverse direction of the vehicle. The ramp segments may be connected in a chain like way, and may slide or be rolled (figure 10) beneath a load floor of the vehicle when stored. A first ramp segment may be interconnected with a foldable section of the vehicle bumper (20, figure 8) so that as the bumper section is pivoted the ramp is transferred to its position of use. Ramp segments may be guided by rail beneath the load floor, and the ramp segment connected to the bumper may form a lid for closing an opening in the luggage compartment floor through which the ramp is withdrawn. The ramp may particularly aid in allowing an animal or pet to access the vehicle.

Description

Ramp Assembly for Motorized Vehicles

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a ramp assembly for automotive vehicles, such as passenger cars, in particular for caravans, sport utility vehicles and pickup cars.

Background

When transporting pets and other animals by means of motorized or automotive vehicles the pet will have to climb up an elevated structure. Depending on the height of the vehicle and the size and age of the pet, quite often the pet has to be lifted by a person into the vehicle or onto a respective elevated structure.

Additionally, even pets might be overweight, which makes it more difficult for the pet to climb for instance into a luggage compartment of a caravan vehicle, a sport utility vehicle or the like. Moreover, overweight pets are cumbersome for their owner to lift.

Therefore, there is a need to utilize a step or a ramp to assist pets in climbing into a vehicle or other elevated structures.

Document US 7,493,874 B2 discloses for instance a telescopic pet ramp including a first floor panel and a second floor panel, wherein the floor panels are telescopically coupled to each other, so that the ramp is extendable for use and collapsible for transport and storage. This pet ramp has first and second segments each having a floor panel with side rails extending along lateral sides thereof, wherein the second segment of the ramp is telescopically slidable relative to the first segment between a compact position and an extended position. Since the telescopic segments each comprise a floor panel, side rails and caps comprising interengaging abutment members, the floor panels provide considerable lateral stiffness and rigidity.

In practical use, such rather stiff and telescopically extendable floor panels require sufficient longitudinal space behind the vehilce for extending the ramp. Additionally, the ramp itself is rather spacious and requires respective storage space inside the vehicle or elsewhere when not in use.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved ramp assembly for an automotive vehicle, particularly adapted for pets, which is easy to handle, which requires less storage space as well as less space when extended in a position of use.

Additionally, the ramp assembly should be lightweight and should further be cost-effective in production and manufacture.

Summary

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a ramp assembly for an automotive vehicle, which is particularly designed and adapted as a pet ramp. The ramp assembly comprises at least two extendible ramp segments being displaceably arranged between a rest position and a position of use. In the position of use, at least one of the ramp segments at least partially extends outside from a closeable opening of the vehicle, such as a trunk or boot opening.

Additionally, adjacently arranged ramp segments are hingedly attached or interconnected to each other along a pivot axis, which substantially extends in transverse direction of the vehicle. In other words, the ramp segments are foldable with respect to each other by way of a pivot-or fold axis extending substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the ramp assembly. By having hingedly attached or hingedly interconnected ramp segments, the space required for extending the ramp assembly can be reduced because the extended ramp assembly does no longer define an inclined plane but typically comprises a bended or curved structure allowing to span the height difference between a loading ramp of the vehicle and the ground within a shorter longitudinal extension compared to conventional pet ramps.

Preferably, the ramp assembly comprises a plurality of ramp segments, wherein adjoining or adjacently arranged ramp segments are hingedly attached or interconnected with each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the relative orientation of at least two adjacently arranged or adjoined ramp segments varies between the rest position and the position of use. When extending the ramp assembly to its position of use, adjoining ramp segments become subject to a pivoting or swiveling motion. Here, the position and orientation of the various ramp segments may even vary depending on e.g. the ground level and the difference in height between ground level and loading edge of the vehicle.

In another preferred aspect, the ramp segments comprise a substantially rectangular shape, wherein adjacently arranged ramp segments are interconnected to each other along their long side. Preferably, the ramp segments extend in transverse direction of the vehicle with their longitidinal side while their short side is arranged substantially parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In tipical application scenarios, the long side or longitudinal direction of the ramp segments extend substantially perpendicular to the lorigitundinal direction of the vehicle.

In a further preferred aspect, adjoining or adjacently arranged ramp segments of the ramp assembly are interconnected in a chain like way. In particular when having more than two, for instance five, ten, fifteen or even more ramp segments, the entire ramp assembly may resemble a roller blind structure. Hence, the ramp segments of the ramp assembly remain mutually interconnected to each other irrespective of their configuration. They are not telescopically arranged or disposed with respect to each other.

In another embodiment, the ramp segments are slidably arranged underneath a luggage compartment floor of the vehicle when the ramp assembly is in rest position. This way, the ramp assembly can be stowed in a region of the vehicle inherently providing sufficient storage space for a ramp assembly. Moreover, due to its general roller blind structure, the ramp assembly only requires a minimum of storage space. Also, when stowed underneath a luggage compartment floor, the ramp segments and even the entire ramp assembly can be non-visibly arranged in the vehicle.

According to another embodiment, the ramp segments are rollable stowed underneath a luggage compartment floor of the vehicle. Here, the ramp segments are adapted to be rolled up in a coil-like way rather than being longitudinally arranged underneath the luggage compartment floor.

According to a further preferred embodiment, when in position of use, the interconnected ramp segments extend across a loading edge of a luggage compartment of the vehicle. Hence, the ramp assembly is interconnected with the vehicle, in particular with the body of the vehicle at a position which is located inwardly from the vehicle's loading edge. When extended into its position of use, the ramp assembly with its hingedly interconnected ramp segments folds over and extends across the loading edge.

In a further preferred embodiment, a first ramp segment of the ramp assembly is operably engaged with a foldable section of a bumper assembly. Here, at least a section of a rear bumper assembly is pivot mounted to the body of the motorized vehicle. By folding down the respective bumper section, the first ramp segment together with further segments being interconnected thereto are pulled out in longitudinal direction for transferring the ramp assembly from its rest position into its position of use.

In a further aspect, the first ramp segment is interconnected with an inside facing section of the bumper section at a predefined distance from the foldable section's pivot axis. In this way, by pivoting the foldable section of the bumper assembly, a translational pull-out movement can act on the first ramp segment for autonomously pulling out the ramp assembly to its position of use.

In another preferred aspect, the first ramp segment comprises a lid which is adapted to seal an opening in the luggage compartment floor when the ramp assembly is in its rest position. Here, the first ramp segment may flush with the surface of the luggage compartment floor, so as to cover a compartment floor opening, through which the ramp assembly can be pulled out into a position of use and/or slided into its rest position, respectively.

In still another aspect, the inside facing section of the foldable bumper section comprises an extension being slidably and/or pivotally disposed thereto. When folding down the foldable bumper section, an inside facing section of said bumper section may serve as a longitudinal end section of the ramp assembly.

However, the lowermost section of the folded down bumper section may still be located at a distance from the ground level. By way of the slidably or pivotally disposed extension, a remaining gap between the bumper section and the ground level can be further reduced.

In a further aspect, it is even conceivable, that the ramp assembly, in particular its first ramp segment is releasably interconnected with the foldable bumper section. In this way, after unfolding or folding down the bumper section, the ramp assembly is prefereably autonomously pulled out into an intermediate position.

Starting from this intermediate position, the ramp assembly can be released from the foldable bumper section for the purpose of a further manual pull out movement of the ramp assembly, wherein the first ramp segment gets in direct contact with the ground.

In still another aspect, the ramp segments are transferable to their position of use by simply pivoting the foldable section of the bumper into a position of use. Correspondingly, the ramp segments are transferable into a rest position by pivoting the foldable section of the bumper into its rest position, in which the foldable bumper section forms an integrated part of the bumper assembly.

By way of operably engaging at least one, preferably the first ramp segment with the foldable section of a bumper assembly, an autonomous or automatic pull-out and slide-in movement of the ramp assembly can be implemented.

It is further of advantage, whe the at least one of the ramp segments, preferably when several ramp segments are laterally encompassed by guiding rails underneath the luggage compartment floor. On the one hand, by means of such guiding rails, a well-defined sliding motion of the ramp segments can be provided, facilitating pull-out and slide-in movements of the ramp assembly. On the other hand, by way of laterally positioned and longitudinally extending guiding rails, also a well-defined friction effect especially for pulling out the ramp segments can be provided. In this way and by having implemented an interconnection of bumper section and ramp segments, a pivoting motion of the pivot-mounted bumper section can be damped by a friction effect of ramp segments and said lateral guiding rails.

Additionally, and according to another independent aspect, the invention also refers to an automotive vehicle, in particular to a passenger car, such like a caravan, a sport utility vehicle or pickup car comprising a luggage compartment and a ramp assembly as described above.

Brief description of the drawings

Without limitation, preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained in greater detail below in connection with the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side view of a ramp assembly in a rest position, Figure 2 illustrates the ramp assembly according to Figure 1 in position of use, Figure 3 shows a perspective illustration of a luggage compartment as seen from inside the vehicle with the ramp assembly in rest position, Figure 4 shows the ramp assembly according to Figure 3 during pivoting of a foldable bumper section, Figure 5 shows the ramp assembly in the further course of folding down the bumper section, Figure 6 shows the ramp assembly in position of use as seen from outside the vehicle, Figure 7 shows the configuration according to Figure 6 as seen from the side in a partial cross-sectional illustration, Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment in a rest position, wherein the bumper section comprises an extension, Figure 9 illustrates the ramp assembly according to Figure 8 in position of use, Figure 10 is illustrative of a further embodiment in a rest position, wherein the ramp assembly is rollably stowed underneath the luggage compartment floor, Figure 11 shows the ramp assembly according to Figure in its position of use, and -10 -Figure 12 illustrates the configuration according to Figure 9 in a perspective and partially cross-sectional view.

Detailed Description

In Figures 1 and 2, a rear portion of a caravan or of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) is schematically illustrated. The vehicle comprises a luggage compartment 14 featuring a boot or trunk opening 15, which can be closed by a pivot mounted tailgate or hatchback 12. The ramp assembly 10, which is preferably designed and adapted as pet ramp assembly is located underneath the luggage compartment floor 18 in direct vicinity of a rear wheel 16 of the vehicle 10.

As for instance disclosed in Figure 7, the pet ramp assembly 10 comprises a plurality of ramp segments 24, each of which comprising a lamella-shaped structure.

The ramp segments 24 are hingedly attached or interconnected to each other along pivot axes, extending substantially in transverse direction of the vehicle. In other words, adjoining or adjacently arranged lamellas 24 of the ramp assembly 10 are hingedly or pivotally interconnected along their long axis.

In the illustrated embodiments, a first ramp segment 25 of the plurality of pivotally interconnected ramp segments 24 is operably engaged with a foldable section 20 of a rear bumper assembly of the vehicle. As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the foldable section 20 of the rear bumper assembly is pivot-mounted with respect to a pivot axis 22 substantially extending in transverse direction of the vehicle, hence in y-direction.

-11 -The first and preferably outermost located ramp segment 25 is operably engaged with the pivot-mounted bumper section 20. Since the first ramp segment 25 is interconnected to the bumper section 20 at a pre-defined distance from the bumper section's 20 pivot axis 22, by folding down the bumper sections 20, as illustrated in the course of Figures 4, 5 and 6, the ramp assembly and its chain-like interconnected ramp segments 24 become subject to a pull-out movement. I0

Here, gravitational force acting on the foldable bumper section 20 may support and facilitate the pull-out movement of the ramp assembly into its configuration of use, which is illustrated in Figures 2, 6 and 7.

As further depicted in Figure 7, at least some of the ramp segments 24 are laterally encompassed by means of a longitudinally extending guiding rail 36. As shown in Figure 7, preferably the last ramp segment 27 comprises at least one laterally extending guiding element 34, which on the one hand may interact with the guiding rail 36 in order to provide a lateral guiding function. On the other hand, the guiding element 34 laterally protruding from the ramp segment 27 may also abut with a stopper, being not further illustrated here, in order to prevent a complete pull-out of the ramp assembly 10.

Additionally, by way of the lateral guiding rail 36, a definite friction effect can be evoked, which may damp the folding-down motion of the bumper section 20.

As further apparent from Figures 3 and 4, the first ramp segment 25 may also serve as a lid 28 adapted -12 -to seal an opening 26 in the luggage compartment floor 18. Preferably, the lid 28 of the first ramp segment 25 flushes with the luggage compartment floor 18 when the ramp assembly 10 is in its rest position. In its position or configuration of use, the pet ramp assembly 10' extends through said opening 26 and preferably extends over a loading edge 32 of the trunk opening 15, as illustrated for instance in Figures 6 and 7.

By extending through an opening 26 located in direct vicinity to the loading edge 32, a tripping hazard emanating from the loading edge 32 can be minimized. The path for the pet provided by the pulled-out pet ramp assembly 10' is rather even, smoothly bended and substantially barrier-free.

In Figures 7 and 12, the ramp assembly 10 is stowed in an intermediary space formed by the luggage compartment floor 18 and a lower panel 38 arranged underneath the compartment floor 18 at a distance allowing to slidably receive the ramp assembly.

Depending on the vertical dimensions of the vehicle, the geometry and size of the foldable bumper section 20 and the location of its pivot axis 22, it may occur, that even the lowermost section of the folded down bumper section 20' does not yet get in contact with, or does not reach ground level. Hence, there may still remain a remarkable gap. In order to reduce the size of such a gap, the bumper section 20, 20' according to Figures 8 and 9 comprises a pivot-mounted extension 40, 40' pivot mounted at an inside facing portion 42 of the bumper section 20.

-13 -As apparent from a comparison of Figures 8 and 9, the extension 40 is pivot mounted at the upper-or lowermost free end section of the foldable bumper section 20, 20' . During or after folding down the bumper section 20, said extension can be pivoted with respect to a substantially transverse extending pivot axis disposed at the uppermost free end section of the bumper section 20, when in its rest position, as illustrated in Figure 8.

Instead of a pivot mounted extension 40, it is also conceivable, to slidably attach the extension 40 to the inside facing end section 42 of the foldable bumper section 20.

The further embodiment according to Figures 10 and 11 also comprises a foldable or slidable extension 40 at the bumper section 20. Here, the ramp assembly 50, which also comprises a plurality of hingedly interconnted ramp segments 24, is intended to be rolled up in a coil-like way underneath the luggage compartment floor 18.

In the respective illustration according to Figure 12, which substantially corresponds to the embodiment according to Figures 8 and 9, a ring or pulley 55 is arranged at the backrest of a passenger seat 30. A pet rope 52, 54 can be passed through the pulley 55 in order to "persuade" the pet to climb up the pet ramp assembly 10'. However, if the pet, connected to the pet rope portion 54 should be unwilling to enter the vehicle via the pet ramp assembly 10', the owner of the pet may drag the opposite end section 52 of the pet rope, thus forcing the animal to climb into the luggage compartment 14.

-14 -While at least one exemplary embodiment has been

presented in the foregoing summary and detailed

description, it should appreciated that a vast number of variations exists. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not

intended to limit the scope, applicability, or

configuration in any way. Rather, the foregoing summary and detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, it being understood, that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalence.

-15 -List of Reference Numerals 10 pet ramp assembly 12 tail gate 14 luggage compartment trunk opening 16 rear wheel 18 luggage compartment floor bumper section 22 pivot axis 24 ramp segment ramp segment 26 opening 27 ramp segment 28 lid passenger seat 32 loading edge 34 guiding element 36 guiding rail 38 lower panel extension 41 pivot axis 42 inside section pet ramp assembly 52 rope section 54 rope section pulley

Claims

-16 -Claims 1. A ramp assembly for a motorized vehicle, comprising at least two extendable ramp segments (24, 25, 27) being displaceably arranged between a rest position and a position of use, in which at least one of the ramp segments (24, 25) extends outside from a closable opening of the vehicle, wherein adjacently arranged ramp segments (24, 25, 27) are hingedly attached to each other along a pivot axis substantially extending in transverse direction of the vehicle.
2. The ramp assembly according to claim 1, wherein the relative orientation of at least two adjacently arranged ramp segments (24, 25, 27) varies between the rest position and the position of use.
3. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ramp segments (24, 25, 27) comprise a substantially rectangular shape, and wherein adjacently arranged ramp segments (24, 25, 27) are interconnected to each other along their long side.
4. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjoining ramp segments (24, 25, 27) are interconnected in a chain like way.
5. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when in rest position, the -17 -ramp segments (24, 25, 27) are slidably arranged underneath a luggage compartment floor (18) of the vehicle.
6. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the ramp segments are rollable stowed underneath a luggage compartment floor (18) of the vehicle.
7. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a position of use the interconnected ramp segments (24, 25) extend across a loading edge (32) of a luggage compartment (14) of the vehicle.
8. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first ramp segment (24) is operably engaged with a foldable section (20) of a bumper assembly.
9. The ramp assembly according to claim 8, wherein the foldable section (20) is pivot mounted with respect to the body of the vehicle, and wherein the first ramp segment (25) is interconnected with an inside facing section (40) of the foldable section (20) in a predefined distance from the pivot axis (22) of the foldable section (20)
10. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims B or 9, wherein the first ramp segment (25) comprises a lid (28) adapted to seal an opening (26) in the luggage compartment floor (18) when the ramp assembly is in rest position.-18 -
11. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 9 or 10, wherein the inside facing section (42) of the foldable bumper section (20) comprises an extension (40) slidably and/or pivotally disposed thereto.
12. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ramp segments (24, 25, 27) are transferred to the position of use by pivoting the foldable section (20) of the bumper into a position of useand/or wherein the ramp segments (24, 25, 27) are transferred to a rest position by pivoting the foldable section (20) of the bumper to its rest position.
13. The ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the ramp segments (24, 25, 27) is laterally encompassed by guiding rails (36) underneath the luggage compartment floor (18)
14. A motorized vehicle comprising a luggage compartment (14) and a ramp assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.