Patent ID: 6250874
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: B60P,B65G

Abstract:
A ramp assembly for installation on a pickup truck having a hitch receiver and a tailgate, which comprises:(a) at least one pair of hinged first and second panel members;(b) a ""L""-shaped hitch arm having first and second branches which extend perpendicularly to each other, the first branch being slideably engageable engageable with the hitch receiver, the second branch defining a transverse opening at points thereon distal from the first branch;(c) a ""T""-shaped support having an elongated bar and a leg which extends perpendicularly therefrom and which, when inserted into the transverse opening, slideably engages the second branch;(d) an elongated shaft;(e) at least two bearing posts attached to the elongated bar which extend upwardly therefrom and define a first set of holes for slideably receiving the elongated shaft;(f) the first panel member including a ladder-like structure, the structure having a pair of elongated side members and a pair of rigid plates which are formed integrally therewith and extend longitudinally therefrom, the plates being disposed distal from the second panel member, the plates defining a second set of holes for slideably receiving the elongated shaft, so that the hinged panel members can be rotated about the elongated shaft and slid sidewise along said shaft; and(g) the ladder-like structure having a plurality of rungs, including first and second rungs, the first rung being disposed in close proximity to the shaft; upper surfaces of the rungs defining an imaginary plane, the shaft being disposed downwardly of said plane.