Abstract:
An apparatus for loading bikes and motorcycles from the ground to a higher elevation such as into a transport vehicle without lifting. The apparatus permits the user to walk the bike or motorcycle into up a vehicle on a foldable, for easy storage, arcuate ramp. The user holds onto the bike or motorcycle and walks up the ramp from behind the cycle in a first embodiment; or adjacent to the vehicle into the van or truck in a second embodiment. The second embodiment includes a series of spaced steps or U-rungs on one or both sides of the ramp. Both versions fold for easy storage and portability and both embodiments can be separated into two parts for easy linear storage if needed.

Description:
KNOWN PRIOR ART 
   Applicant is aware of former U.S. Design Patent 331,305. Said patent having been held invalid and U.S. Design Patent 348,552, having a partial similar inventorship, the validity of which is believed doubtful due to closeness of subject matter. No prior art search has been carried out however. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   This application pertains to an apparatus to be used for moving a cycle from a lower elevation to a higher elevation, such as from the ground into a minivan, pickup or other transport vehicle for the loading of bicycles and motorcycles thereon. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The loading of motorcycles and bicycles into a minivan or a pickup truck when done without any type of loading device requires the person to lift anywhere from twelve to forty pounds, for a bicycle and up to 1,500 for a motorcycle. The higher the price, the lighter the weight of the bicycle, the more equipped the motorcycle, the heavier it is. Often two people do the work, to made sure the expensive bike does not fall over on its side, once placed in the vehicle. These lightweight bikes can cost anywhere from $750 to $3000, so care is needed in loading them. Motorcycles can cost into the multi-thousands of dollars. 
   When loading a motorcycle, if it is to be manually loaded without any use of type of inclined plane, it would be necessary to raise the front wheel into the vehicle, have someone hold the front of the cycle and then lift the back end into the vehicle, while the front is being returned upright. This can be detrimental to one&#39;s physical health. 
   Sometimes an inclined plane can be used but extreme care must be used to make sure a rider doesn&#39;t drive off the plane while trying to drive into the vehicle or transport system. 
   If one tries to straddle and walk a motorcycle up a ramp, a great deal of difficulty is encountered, as these marrow ramps usually used for loading cars onto trailers do not afford adequate space to walk as they are not intended for that purpose. 
   Thus there is a need for an apparatus to aid in the loading of bikes and motorcycles, including choppers, into trucks and minivans. But the question arises, assuming a person was to find such a thing, how do you store it at home? Thus, the instant invention of this application was conceived. 
   It was conceived because the inventor found that there was indeed a need for an apparatus that would assist a single person to load a bike or motorcycle into a minivan or truck, unassisted, safely and easily, and then store away the assistant apparatus. 
   The invention accordingly comprises the device possessing the features, properties, the selection of components which are amplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the appended claims. 
   The apparatuses of this invention can be made of aluminum, steel, and other materials or composites thereof, which are capable of supporting the heavy physical loads at any point in time. A combination of fibreglass side rails and aluminum rungs and center support is also contemplated. For the second embodiment, either aluminum or fibreglass steps can be employed to reduce weight, while the side rails are made of aluminum or other suitable material. As to sizing of the apparatus of this invention for the first embodiment, it is believed that a width in the range of fourteen to eighteen inches and a linear length up to, but not limited to 16 feet, will provide easy access to the higher elevation. For the second embodiment with the U-rungs, which are used for support of the walker they should be spaced at about four to six inches apart. For the second embodiment, a total width of about 36 inches is contemplated. This permits a step of about eight to ten inches on each side of a 16-inch main body section. 
   While the discussion about has all centered on use of this apparatus for the loading of bicycles and motorcycles into a truck or van, if properly sized laterally all terrain vehicles [ATV] can also be loaded into a transport system. 
   For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to an apparatus for loading bikes and motorcycles into the back of a van or truck by permitting the user to safely walk the bike or motorcycle up an inclined plane into a vehicle. The user merely holds onto the bike or motorcycle and walks or rides up the ramp of this invention into the van or truck, etc., or along side the cycle on a series of U-rungs or steps. 
   It is an object of this invention to provide an easily storable ramp for loading two-wheeled vehicles. 
   It is a second object to provide a portable apparatus for loading bikes and/or motorcycles into a van or truck or other carriage vehicle by walking up a ramp while holding onto the two wheeled vehicle. 
   It is a third object to provide a heavy-duty yet portable ramp for loading and unloading two-wheeled vehicles. 
   It is a fourth object to provide a folding ramp having adjacent walking rungs for a user to ascend the ramp adjacent his/her two wheeled vehicle. 
   It is a fifth object to provide a walking ramp that folds down the middle for easy storage. 
   It is a sixth object to provide a ramp which can be separated into two sections for separate storage or for use in special situations. 
   These and other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the first embodiment of the apparatus of this invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a right side top perspective view of this apparatus&#39;s first embodiment. 
       FIG. 3  is a left side view partially perspective of the first embodiment partially folded. 
       FIG. 4  is a left top perspective view of this first embodiment fully folded. 
       FIG. 5  is a bottom perspective view of this apparatus folded over. 
       FIG. 6  is a left side view of this first embodiment of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 7  is a close-up bottom view of the hinge area of this apparatus. 
       FIG. 8  is a right side close-up of the two ends of this apparatus. 
       FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the two ends. 
       FIG. 10  is a close-up right side view of the hinge area of this apparatus as found in both embodiments. 
       FIG. 11  is a close-up view of the top landing platform of the apparatus of this invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the general configuration of this apparatus&#39;s first embodiment side rails. 
       FIG. 13  is a partial side elevational view of the right side of the second embodiment, the left side being a mirror image thereof. 
       FIG. 14  is a top plan view of two variants of the second embodiment. 
       FIG. 15  is a plan view of the alternate pin that can be used to connect the two sections of both embodiments of this invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a front composite view of the profile of one component of this invention, compared with prior known components. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Reference should now be made to  FIG. 1 , wherein the first embodiment of this apparatus is seen. The apparatus  10  is formed of two interconnected portions, a distal portion and a proximal portion each portion includes a pair of spaced parallel pair of arcuate mirror images somewhat L-shaped extended rails  11  and  12 . These rails have two vertical components  11 VA,  12 T,  12 VA, and  12 VF respectively that are parallel to each other and a horizontal components  11 T,  11 H,  12 T, and  12 H, that are parallel to each other. As seen in  FIG. 2 , these side rails are each interrupted by a gap at the junction of the two segments forming the side rails, which junction takes place at the hinge. Each of the two segments of the two side rails is of equal extension as can be seen in  FIG. 4 . 
   The interconnected termini of the two respective portions of side rails  11  and  12  are different however. In  FIG. 1 , the lower terminus is a generally flat plate  13  having an outer edge  14  that includes a series of transverse alternating grooves  15  and ridges  16 . As shown the horizontal components  12 H and  11 H extend up to and do not overlay the grooved end  14 , while the vertical components  11 V and  12 V close off the grooved end  14 . See also  FIG. 9 . 
   Evenly spaced between the two side rails is a center support, which may be bar stock or square tubular. The center support  19  rests at its first end of the lower end plate  13 . The center support as with the side rails exists in two segments aligned and separated by a slight space at the pivot point of the apparatus. The first segment terminates at a junction on the upper surface of intermediate plate  26 A to which it is welded, bolted or otherwise secured. See  FIG. 4 . 
   In the extended position, as per  FIG. 2 , intermediate plate is disposed generally vertically. The termini of the first segment of each of the two side rails terminate at the intermediate plate spaced evenly on opposite sides of the intermediate support. See  FIG. 3 . Reference is also made to  FIG. 7 , a close-up view, more of about which will be discussed infra. 
   Disposed between each of the two vertical components of side rails  11  and  12  is a series of parallel spaced rungs which may be round or square in configuration. Here round rungs are seen, designated  17 . Each of these rungs  17  is welded or otherwise attached to the upper surface of the center support  19  and to the horizontal component of each of the side rails. 
   While more detail will be recited infra, it is to be understood that the second segment of the two side rails and the second segment of the center support are generally the same as their first segment counterparts. See  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
   As can be seen from  FIG. 2 , the flat plate  13  is disposed at about a 15-degree angle to the side rails. This permits the grooved plate to lie flat on the ground or street during the loading process. 
   As can be seen in this figure, each of the side rails has a gusset, which may be triangular or some other suitable shape, disposed at the internal end of each of the two segments of the side rails. Thus for the first segment the gussets are disposed at the distal end and for the second segment of each side rail, at the proximal end. 
   The reader is now referred to  FIGS. 3 &amp; 7  for the details concerning these gussets. Here the two portions of the apparatus are seen in the semi-closed position. As can be seen, an end gusset  51  is attached as by welding to opposite ends of one segment of each of the side rails on the underside thereof, preferably along the outside edge thereof. This end gusset  51  is also attached to face plate  30 — FIG. 7 . The second segment of the two side rails each has an end gusset  50 , spaced slightly inwardly from the outside edge of the side rail, such as to be spaced from gusset  51  when the two gussets are rotated to be in proximity as will be described. Gusset  50  is also spaced slightly inwardly attached to face plate  30 . Each pair of gussets  51  and  50  are spaced slightly apart to avoid touching during rotational movement. 
   A pair of spaced outer central gussets  55  are mounted as by welding to both segments of central support  19  at the interior terminus of each segment at the outer edge of each side of one segment. A complimentary pair of inner central gussets  54  are mounted as by welding to the other segment of central support  19  at the interior terminus of each segment, spaced inwardly on the respective segment of the central support on which they are mounted. This provides clearance during rotational movement of both gussets  55  relative to both gussets  54 . 
   While the outer gussets  51  and the outer of the two central gussets  55  are both shown mounted on the same segment of the device, they need not be so mounted. Either pair of end or central gussets may be mounted on either of the face plates  30 , 31 . The gussets may be but need not be made equilateral. However, the side of each gusset that is attached to the face plate extends out beyond the face plate to permit all gussets to be connectable for rotation. It is to be noted that the preferred configuration for all of the gussets is a right-angle triangle, the 90-degree angle being at the intersection of the respective face plate with the central support segment. 
   A series of aligned bores  61  are placed, one in each of the aligned gussets  50 ,  51 ,  55 ,  54 ,  54 ,  55 , to permit a pin  60  to be placed through each bore  61  and to extend slightly beyond the outer end gussets  50  to permit a cotter pin  65  to be placed through a counterbore  63  at each end of pin  60 . Two cotter pins—best seen in FIGS.  7  &amp;  10 —prevent disassembly of the apparatus and yet permit easy disassembly for storage when needed upon their removal. 
   In the alternative, instead of using a rod with bores at each end and two cotter pins, one can utilize a pin  160  with a head  161  which pin is bored only at the end distant from the head. This bore is descripted  163 , and requires the insertion of only one cotter pin  65  in said bore, which pin is shown adjacent to the pin, per  FIG. 15 . 
   The ability to separate the device into two section allows it to be stored in smaller areas such as a closet, by putting the two sections side by side. The ability to split the device, if desired, also allows the user to use only one section when for loading when another vehicle or a wall is in close approximation of the rear of the transport system, re truck or van. 
   In  FIG. 3 , the portions of the apparatus  10  are seen rotated toward a storage position. The upper portion as designated by side rail segment  12 AV and the lower portion is designated by the reference  12 BV on the side rail segment  12 . The opposite side rail  11  is similarly designated as  11 A and  11 B, each with V and H components. The upper portion is closed off at the exterior end or what is designated the distal end by a reinforcement plate  28  which is welded or otherwise attached at the terminus of the underside of each side rail  12 A, and the central support of that portion of the apparatus. 
   In accordance with  FIGS. 3 and 8 , a cover plate  23  having notched corners, per  FIG. 11  overlies slightly onto central support  19 , and the two horizontal sections of side rails; namely,  12 AH and  11 AH. A lower end plate  22  overlays vertically upon the distal terminus edge of the two side rails  12 AH,  11 AH, and part of the vertical component of the side rails as well as the distal terminus edge of the central support. The closed off elevation is equal to the elevation of the central support  19 , which as stated is preferably a rectangular tube. The cover plate  23  is disposed arcuately at about a 45-degree angle downwardly form the highest point that is where the underside of plate  23  is resting on the central support. See  FIG. 11 . The upper surface of the cover plate  23  preferably carries spaced ridges to enhance traction. The underside of plate  23  and  22  are covered with felt or some other surface protecting non-scratching surface such as a Teflon® coating. 
   Also, seen in  FIG. 3  is proximal end  10 P of apparatus  10 . Whereas the distal end  10 D of the apparatus that rests on the truck bed has a ridged plate  23  that is disposed normal in part to the side rail termini, in contrast, the lower end plate  13  at the proximal end of the apparatus is angularly disposed. Thus it is seen that side rail  11 AV is chamfered inwardly from top to bottom at about a 45-degree angle to yield a chamfered edge  18 . The central support is also chamfered in like manner, as can be seen in  FIG. 9 . Lower end plate  13  is welded or otherwise attached to both the vertical and horizontal portions of the side rails  11 A and  12 A, as well as to the proximal edge of the central support,  19 . A rib member  13 R may be welded or otherwise attached to the underside of lower end plate  13  to ensure stability of the plate for loading and unloading when the apparatus is used in soft surfaces such as dirt or mud, cinders or sand. 
   In  FIG. 6 , the differences in the two portions of the first embodiment of the apparatus are readily seen by their designations  10 U for upper and  10 L for lower, which is the way they appear in the figure. Upper portion  10 U is seen to have arcuate side rails while the lower part  10 L has straight side rails. The presence of the angularly positioned lower end plate  13 , permits the two internal edges of the respective portion, distal of  10 L and proximal of  10 U to interface smoothly as can be seen in  FIG. 2  wherein the apparatus is expanded in contrast to the folded position of this figure. 
   In  FIG. 9 , the cover plate  23  and the end plate  22  are seen from the underside. Here the covering on both is rubber surface  25 . 
   In  FIG. 10 , which is a close-up view, the interface of the two portions of the apparatus is seen as is one pair of end gussets  51  and  50 . One end of pin  60  is seen protruding through aligned bores  61  with a cotter pin  66  disposed in pin bore  64 , the transverse hole at each end of the pin. Note how the side rails portions, as well as the respective side rail portions not seen, about the face plate and are preferably welded thereto. 
     FIG. 11  is a close-up top perspective view of the mounted upper end plate  23 . The notching of the corners attached to the side rails is readily seen. This notching is necessary due to the actual configuration of the side rails as seen in the front end view of  FIG. 12 . While we have referred previously to the side rails  12  and  11 , each having a vertical component  11 V and  12 V and a horizontal component,  11 H and  12 H, the actual configuration of the side rails  11 ,  12  is not that of mirror image “L&#39;s,” but rather but rather of mirror image stylized inverted “Square root symbols.” Each extrusion  11 ,  12 , comprises a generally vertical exterior segment  11 VA,  12 VA, a small horizontal top flat segment  11 T,  12 T, a downward inwardly descending segment  11 VB,  12 VB, and the horizontal intermediate segment  11 H,  12 H and an interior vertical parallel segment  11 VF,  12 VF. The remainders of these two extruded side rails are fully profiled in  FIG. 16 . This is readily seen from an inspection of  FIGS. 8 and 11  wherein the cut edges of the side rails are seen as support for the edge view of  FIG. 12 . 
   In  FIG. 14 , the edges of the U-rungs  45  shown on the left side of the apparatus and the alternative steps  455  are seen on the right side of the apparatus in top view. Whereas in  FIG. 13 , the end elevational view, the placement of the U-rungs  45 /steps  455  are seen. The discussion moves first to  FIG. 13 . The purpose of this figure is to indicate that the placement of the rungs/steps is set out in a path or configuration that matches the curvature of the apparatus. Each step or rung is slightly canted to best approximate the relative location along the arc of the apparatus to facilitate easy walking. The dual numbering was intentionally done, in view of the fact that from the vantage point of this view, it cannot be determined whether these elements are steps or rungs, and they can be either. 
   Reference is now made again to  FIG. 14 . Here U-rungs  45  are seen on the left and steps  455  on the right. The U-rungs may be formed by pre-bending a length of bar, rod or tube stock into a U-shaped and welding it into position; or 3 discrete pieces can be welded or otherwise attached end to end to form a U and then attached in place in successive pairs of bores. In the alternative, bar rod or tube stock can be extended through the side walls with two successive ends bent toward each other in the same plane, one rightwardly and one leftwardly and then joined to create a U-rung. Of course, other modes of forming the U-rungs are within the skill of the art and may be employed. 
   To form the steps, any of the modes just set forth can be used to make a U-rung, upon which a plate  454  of substantially the same size as the U-rung  45  is overlaid or even inset and then welded or otherwise attached in place over or within the U-rung to form a step  453 . Of cource a solid plate could also be attached to the relevant sidewall without the formation of a U-rung to create a step  455 . See  FIG. 13  where such a step  455  is shown. 
   Obviously, the second embodiment would have both sides,  11  and  12  with the same element be they steps or U-rungs. The drawings this way is for the ease and convenience of the reader. In fact the offset as shown of the step/rung placement was also for the convenience of the reader to add clarity to the point illustrated. In all other aspects the apparatus  100  of this second embodiment is the same as apparatus  10  in that like numbers refer to like parts. 
   This view illustrates the arcuate nature of the apparatus which at the proximal end is resting at a lower level  70  and at its distal end at a higher level  71 , approximating the elevation of a pickup truck or van bed. As is seen here too, each rung extends from side rail  12  to side rail  11 , while resting on the top of, and preferably attached to the center support  19 , as by welding or braising. 
   U-rungs  45  seen on the left side of the apparatus  100  are generally U-shaped oriented such that both arms are attached to the side rail, and the base of the U, parallel to the side rail. While these can be easily negotiated by a careful walker, the use of the steps  453  which are based on the rungs  45 , but with a flat plate  454  overlaid or attached within the confines of the U is preferred for safety sake. Whether the plate is sized to fit within the confines of the U or over the rung, is a matter of design choice. Steps  453  and  455  are equally safe for the user. 
   In  FIG. 15 , a beaded pin  160  is seen. This pin  160  has a head  161 , a shaft  162 , and a single throughbore  163 . Conventional cotter pin  65  is inserted through the throughbore  163  in the same manner as with the headless pin  60  seen in  FIG. 10 . 
     FIG. 16  is a composite view that compares the profile of the extruded side rail assembly of this invention with the side rail profile of other loading ramps. Prior unit profiles are the configuration defined by points JABCDEFGHJ which on reference to the figure yields a top pointed profile. The profile of the extrusion of this invention is JABDEFGHJ, bypassing point C. This yields a flattened safer profile. Again, reference is made to  FIG. 16 , and compare segments  11 VA and  11 VB to similarly designated segments in  FIG. 12 . 
   The flattened profile allows the device to be carried easier without fear of cuts or fatigue to the hands. This profile also significantly reduces possible cuts to motorcycle and bicycle tires, if a straight path is not taken up or down the ramp unintentionally. 
   For both embodiments of the apparatus, the use of aluminum alloy to support the weight of the motorcycle is preferred over all aluminum for strength, and over titanium due to cost factors. Steel though usable, could be unduly weightly for certain individuals. The addition of color as by paint, powder coating or anodization is within the scope of the invention. 
   While intended primarily for loading of cycles into trucks and vans, the apparatus can be used for raising the cycles from a lower lever to a higher level, such as for internal storage in a house or shed as may be desired. Thus the illustration shown in  FIG. 14  where the distal end of the apparatus is resting on a porch or elevated level relative to the base which is situated on the ground, comes to mind. 
   By making the apparatus arcuate, a higher level of safety is achieved, as both the distal and proximate ends can rest on a flat surface when in use. One end at the upper level and one end at the lower level, an effect not achievable with a flat apparatus similar to a ladder. 
   From the point of view of terminology it is important to understand that a “rung” be it bar rod or tube stock, extends between two side walls. Whereas a U-rung is formed or mounted on the outside of a sidewall. 
   Since certain changes may be made in the described apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.