Patent ID: 7159261
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: E01D

Abstract:
1. A convertible dock ramp having an upper end for being pivotally mounted to a mounting structure, and a lower end for resting on a second structure, said convertible dock ramp comprising: a pair of spaced-apart side frames each including substantially parallel upper and lower rails; and a plurality of steps each including a tread surface, said steps pivotally mounted between said side frames such that said tread surfaces are maintained substantially parallel to each other as said side frames pivot about said upper end, said steps further being pivotable between: a changeover mechanism for retaining said steps in a selected one of said ramp configuration and said stair configuration, while allowing said dock ramp to pivot about said upper end regardless of whether said steps are in said ramp configuration or said stair configuration, and further allowing said steps to pivot to remain substantially parallel to each other as said side frames pivot about said upper end, when said steps are in said stair configuration.