Patent ID: 6059344
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: B60P

Abstract:
A loading ramp for a vehicle having a horizontally hinged tailgate mounted to the rear edge of a cargo bed comprising:a. a generally planar elongated rectangular ramp member extending generally between the tailgate and a ramp receiving surface, and a generally planer elongated rectangular traversing member for traversing the tailgate and extending into the rear portion of said cargo bed, and each member having a long axis and a short axis, and each member having an upper and lower surface, and each member having long edges on opposite ends of said short axis, and each member having an inner end edge and an outer end edge on opposite ends of said long axis; and,b. a hinge connecting said ramp member and said traversing member, said hinge being attached to said inner end edges of each member's short axis, and;c. said traversing member further comprising a hook member near the outer end edge and extending from said lower surface to under said tailgate; and,d. said ramp member further having a clamping force applying means comprising a bumper for applying thrust to the tailgate, thereby clamping the tailgate between said bumper and said hook member; and,e. said ramp member further having tailgate clamping means comprising a prong on the lower surface of said ramp member extending forward beyond said hinge whereby when said ramp is lowered, said prong rises and clamps the ramp member to the tailgate.