Patent ID: 6120234
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: B25H,B60P

Abstract:
A ramp device for use in a vehicle having a cargo storage area, the cargo storage area having a floor and a cargo outlet opening, the ramp device comprising:at least one ramp housing attached to the floor of the cargo storage area, the ramp housing having at least two side panels extending upward from the floor of the cargo storage area, disposed essentially parallel to one another and essentially perpendicular to the cargo outlet opening, an upper panel extending between the side panels having an upper surface having at least one guide member located thereon, wherein the side panels and the upper panel define an interior region and an end opening in communication with the interior region, the end opening located adjacent to the cargo outlet opening;at least one elongated plank retractably contained in the interior region of the ramp housing and telescopically extendable therefrom through the end opening to a fully extended position projecting angularly downward from the floor of the cargo vehicle, the elongated plank having an upper wheel contacting surface, two opposed outer longitudinal sides contiguous with the lower surface and at least one upwardly extending shoulder positioned on the upper surface proximate to and extending parallel to one of the longitudinal sides;means for preventing complete removal of the elongated planks from the interior region of the ramp housing; andmeans for facilitating telescopic and retractive movement of the elongated plank, the facilitating means comprising at least one lubricous sheet interposed between the permanent securing means and the ramp housing.