Patent ID: 6293748
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: B60P,Y10S

Abstract:
A storable ramp assembly, comprising:a panel assembly including a series of adjacent panels, each panel extending in a first direction; said series of adjacent panels being hingedly interconnected via hinges so as to be accordion-foldable;first and second longitudinal end members extending in said first direction and being respectively mounted via a hinge to first and last panels of said series of adjacent panels; anda ramp deployment mechanism mounted to said first and second end members to move said first and second end members between a close and a spaced relationship, said spaced relationship corresponding to an operating configuration of said ramp assembly;wherein the hinged interconnectivity of said panels between said first and second end members forces said panel assemblya) to accordion-fold when said first and second end members are moved in a close relationship by said ramp deployment mechanism, andb) to extend in a direction transversal to said first direction when said first and second end members are moved in a spaced relationship by said ramp deployment mechanism.