Patent ID: 6099233
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: B60P,B65G

Abstract:
A ramp system for a vehicle having a load box positioned over rear wheels of the vehicle, such ramp system comprising:(1) a ramp having two stringers with forward and rearward end portions and multiple transverse rungs extending between the stringers and slidably coupled thereto;(2) lengths of chain extending between the rungs to limit an inter-rungs spacing when the rungs are separated to provide a ladder-like configuration;(3) twin storage tubes for telescopically receiving the respective stringers of the ramp, such tubes having forward and rearward ends and being dimensioned to fit longitudinally along a length of a vehicle load box; and(4) separation means for fixing a distance between the twin storage tubes within the vehicle box;(5) anchor means for limiting an extension of the rungs with respect to the storage tubes;wherein, upon the telescopic insertion of the forward end portions of the stringers into the respective storage tubes, with the rearward end portions of the stringers protruding from the storage tubes, the rungs may be slid together for compact storage between the rearward end portions of the stringers that remain protruding from the storage tubes.