Patent ID: 8327486
Filing Date: 2012-12-11
Classification: A61G,B60P,B65G

Abstract:
1. A deployable ramp assembly comprising: a fixed ramp portion; a pivotable ramp portion pivotally connected to the fixed ramp portion through a direct pivot connection, the pivotable ramp portion being pivotable about the direct pivot connection between stowed and deployed positions with a first angle being defined between the pivotable ramp portion in the stowed position and the pivotable ramp portion in the deployed position, the pivotable ramp portion in the deployed position and the fixed ramp portion together defining a ramp surface, the pivotable ramp portion in the stowed position overlaying the fixed ramp portion; a cover member pivotally connected to the fixed ramp portion, the cover member being pivotable relative to the fixed ramp portion between closed and opened positions of the cover member respectively corresponding to the stowed and deployed positions of the pivotable ramp portion, a second angle smaller than the first angle being defined between the cover member in the closed position and the cover member in the opened position, the cover member in the closed position covering the direct pivot connection between the pivotable and fixed ramp portions to prevent access to interconnected ends of the ramp portions; a drive assembly pivoting the cover member between the closed position and the opened position, the drive assembly having one end pivotally connected to the cover member and an opposed end pivotally connected to the fixed ramp portion at a location spaced apart from the direct pivot connection, the drive assembly having a variable effective length and being actuable to pivot the cover member between the open and closed positions; and a multiplier assembly interconnecting the pivotable ramp portion and the cover member, the multiplier assembly transferring the pivoting motion of the cover member to the pivotable ramp portion such that an angular displacement of the pivotable ramp portion between the stowed and deployed positions thereof is greater than an angular displacement of the cover member between the closed and opened positions thereof.