Patent ID: 7174592
Filing Date: 2007-02-13
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A ramp assembly for assisting a user to perform a plurality of recreational tasks, said ramp assembly comprising: at least two ramps having a centrally disposed longitudinal axis and further having a plurality of oppositely situated side rails equally spaced from the axis and extending parallel to the axis; means for selectively locking said ramps at an extended position such that an external load can be supported thereon during operating conditions; means for selectively articulating said ramps between a folded position and the extended position such that the length of said ramps becomes reduced by approximately fifty percent when said ramps is articulated to the folded position; a plurality of linear support runs having opposed end portions secured to said side rails such that said support runs become medially positioned therebetween and define a surface area along which a vehicle can be supported, said support runs traversing the axis and being equally spaced along the length of said ramps, selected ones of said support runs include mounting brackets attached thereto so that external load forces can be distributed to the side rails during operating conditions; and a flange member secured to one said support runs and extending outwardly therefrom for receiving a fastener therethrough such that said ramps can be effectively attached to a support surface; wherein at least one said side rails is provided with an arcuate notch sized and shaped for receiving a selected portion of a vehicle tailgate during loading and unloading procedures; wherein each said side rails comprises substantially symmetrical first and second sections aligned end-to-end wherein a first pair of said first and second sections extend along approximately a first half-length of said ramps and a second pair of said first and second sections extend along a second half-length of said ramps; wherein said articulating means comprises a hinge member having a pair of pivotally connected plates repeatedly adaptable between the folded and extended positions respectively, said hinge plates being secured to said first and second sections such that said hinge plates are situated adjacent a medial end portion of said first and second sections respectively and centered along the length of said ramps; wherein said locking means comprises wherein said brackets and said handles extend outwardly away from said side rails so that an unobstructed travel path can be defined along the runs; wherein each said handle comprises integrally mated first and second portions situated substantially orthogonal to each other such that one said first and second portions extend outwardly from said brackets for providing a grip surface along which a user may adapt said handles between engaged and disengaged positions; wherein said second portion of each of said handles is spaced from said ramps and freely detachable from said ramps; wherein each of said brackets includes a planar body equidistantly spaced outwardly from said side rails.