Patent ID: 6598253
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: A61G,B60P

Abstract:
An extendible ramp assembly for use with a vehicle comprising:i) a cassette attachable to a vehicle and provided with a closable access slot; ii) a first ramp contained by the cassette, the first ramp being slidably movable relative to the cassette and hingably connected to the cassette; iii) a second ramp contained within the first ramp and movable relative to the cassette and the first ramp; iv) electric motor means for extending and retracting the first ramp through the access slot and relative to the cassette; v) means for extending and retracting the second ramp relative to the first ramp and the cassette; vi) a control unit for controlling the operation of the electric motor means and the means for extending and retracting the second ramp; vii) means for detecting the current drawn by the electric motor means to ascertain when the current drawn exceeds a predetermined value indicative of a condition in which the first and second ramps encounter an obstruction when being extended; viii) means responsive to the current detecting means for causing the control unit to stop the extension of the first and second ramps when the detecting means detects said excess current; ix) means for further detecting when the first and second ramps are fully extended and operational and; x) means responsive to the further detecting means for stopping the extension of the first and second ramps when the further detecting means detects the ramps are fully extended.