Abstract:
The invention as presently conceived discloses a variable length ramp system attachable to a standard pickup truck that assists with the loading of all-terrain vehicles (ATV&#39;s), small tractors, yard equipment, golf carts, and similar items. The length of each ramp can vary independently with the other from a minimum of approximately four feet to a maximum of eight feet. The extension is similar to that of an extension ladder in which once piece slides inside the other. A textile strap with connectors provides further securement of the ramps with the truck body. When not in use, the ramps can be collapsed and stored in minimal space.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in Disclosure Document No. 607,439 filed on Oct. 16, 2006. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention describes a device and method for a loading and unloading smaller wheeled vehicles such as ATV&#39;s, golf carts, and the like, or for hauling landscaping equipment such as riding lawnmowers from the bed of a pick-up truck. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Ramps normally are required to get such heavy equipment into and out of the bed. Ramps have disadvantages. First, their long lengths make them difficult to store, especially in short bed pickup trucks. If one should use shorter ramps, they increase the approach angle and the danger of an accident increases. Second, many times the grade around loading and unloading locations is uneven and ramps, even though the same length, will sit at different angles. This causes the equipment being loaded or unloaded to wobble to one side or the other, also reducing safety. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which ramps for pickup trucks can be provided which address the disadvantages as described above. The development of the invention herein described fulfills this need. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,232 issued to Zhang discloses vehicle ramp. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is retractable nor does it possess a strap assembly to provide stability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,305 issued to Kern and Harper discloses a tailgate ramp system. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that can be utilized on different surfaces, is detachable nor possesses a strap system for added stability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,887,028 issued to Kirla discloses ramp-rack for a truck or other transport vehicle. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that can be utilized on different surfaces nor does it possess a strap assembly for added stability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 505,238 issued to Robertson discloses a vehicle ramp. This design patent does not appear to disclose a strap assembly for stability, does not possess an attachment plate and the issued patent differs in appearance from the instant invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,903 issued to Harper discloses tailgate ramp system. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that can be utilized on different surfaces, is detachable nor possesses a strap system for added stability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,721 issued to Sherrer and Doherty discloses a pickup truck foldable ramp tailgate. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is retractable nor does it possess a strap assembly to provide stability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,575,516 issued to Webber discloses a tailgate ramp and load locking accessories for a pickup truck. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is retractable nor does it possess a strap assembly to provide stability. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,344 issued to Cooper discloses a retractable access ramp. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is specifically designed for truck beds and possesses a strap assembly for added stability while loading or unloading. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,815 issued to Zarzecki et al. discloses a foldable retractable loading ramp assembly. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that is portable and attachable to a variety of surfaces nor does it possess a strap assembly. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,950 issued to Gerwitz discloses a telescoping ramp comprised of modular units. This patent does not appear to disclose an apparatus that possesses a ladder-like structure or a strap assembly for added stability while loading or unloading. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 401,731 issued to Jeruss discloses a ramp for loading and unloading trucks. This design patent does not appear to disclose a strap assembly for stability, does not possess an attachment plate and the issued patent differs in appearance from the instant invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. D 360,729 issued to Collins discloses a ATV rap unit for a pickup truck. This design patent does not appear to disclose a strap assembly for stability, does not possess an attachment plate and the issued patent differs in appearance from the instant invention. 
     The prior art appears to disclose devices which consist of ramps that can be utilized to load and unload truck beds. The prior art does not appear to disclose a device that is portable, possesses a strap assembly for added stability and can be utilized on a variety of truck surfaces. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, it has been observed that there is need for an apparatus and method for independently extendable truck ramps, which provide a means for a pair of ladder-type ramps with independently variable lengths, such as four (4) to seven (7) feet, to load/unload various small vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, garden tractors, and the like onto a pick-up style truck. 
     The independently extendable truck ramps provides a convenient and safe way to load and unload various types of small vehicles onto a pick-up truck. 
     The independently extendable truck ramps comprises an upper ramp section, a lower ramp section, and a strap assembly. 
     The independently extendable truck ramps when not in use can be collapsed and stored compactly. 
     The independently extendable truck ramps further comprise a lower ramp section slidingly inserted into an upper ramp section in a telescoping manner similar to that of an extension ladder and secured with a textile strap to a pick-up truck chassis. 
     The length of the independently extendable truck ramps is adjustable using a locking pin and a series of locking holes. 
     The independently extendable truck ramps possess identical right and left portions. 
     The independently extendable truck ramps provide an independently adjustable and locking length, thereby compensating for various loading conditions such as uneven ground contours. 
     The independently extendable truck ramps may be placed upon a many surfaces, such as but not limited to a tailgate, a truck bed, a bumper, or similar supporting surfaces. 
     The upper ramp section and the lower ramp section provide a slidingly telescoping and variable lengthening means to the apparatus. 
     The upper ramp section further comprises a pair of upper rails, a plurality of upper cross-members, and a pair of attaching plates. 
     The upper rails and the upper cross-members are arranged and welded to form a ladder-like ramp structure. 
     The attaching plates comprise a welded-in feature being located at a forward-end of said upper ramp section resting thereupon the truck bumper or tailgate, thereby providing a stabilizing means to the apparatus. 
     The lower ramp section comprises a ladder-like weldment similar to the upper ramp section. 
     The lower ramp section further comprises a pair of lower rails, a plurality of lower cross-members, and a pair of beveled feet. 
     The lower rails comprise opposing channel shaped members which provide a sliding and captivating attachment means to the upper rail sections. 
     The beveled feet are located at a lower end of said lower rails forming a generally parallel surface to the ground. 
     The strap assembly provides a connection to the chassis of the truck, thereby protecting the apparatus from sliding or skidding out of position during loading or unloading. 
     The strap assembly provides a securing means beneath the apparatus being attached thereto the truck chassis and an upper cross-member portion. 
     The strap assembly provides an attachment means to a truck bumper or frame feature via a forward hook. 
     Said strap assembly further provides an attaching means via a rear hook to an upper cross-member, thereby controlling the axial position of the apparatus. 
     The strap assembly is envisioned to be similar to common commercially available rigging equipment used for such purposes, thereby providing hooks and textile strapping material as well as length varying equipment such as a ratcheting or binding type devices being common in the industry. 
     The independently extendable truck ramps may be provided in longer or shorter configurations. 
     The upper rail section comprises a pair of upper rails, a plurality of upper cross-members, a pair of attaching plates, and a plurality of locking holes. 
     The upper rail section and upper rails form a ladder-like weldment, thereby providing a traction and support means for various small vehicles when being loaded into a pickup truck. 
     The upper rails comprise a pair of structural members being positioned in a parallel manner and being spaced at approximately eight (8) to sixteen (16) inches apart. 
     The upper rails are envisioned being manufactured of hollow structural square tubing envisioned to be approximately three-quarters (¾) to one-and-a-half (1½) inches wide. 
     The upper rails further provide an attachment means to a series of upper cross-members. 
     The upper cross-members comprise a series of parallel members arranged in a perpendicular orientation relative to the upper rails. 
     The upper cross-members are envisioned to be made using cut lengths of solid bar stock with an approximate cross-section of one-half (½) to one (1) inch wide. 
     The upper cross-members are arranged with an approximate spacing of six (6) to ten (10) inches. 
     The ends of each upper cross-member are envisioned to be welded all around and perpendicular to opposing inner faces of said upper rails. 
     The attaching plates provide a stabilizing and load bearing surface being placed upon a top surface of a tailgate or bumper. 
     The attaching plates comprise a welded-in plate extending approximately six (6) to ten (10) inches at an approximate angle of thirty degrees (30°) from a top surface of the upper ramp section. 
     A plurality of locking holes is provided along an outside vertical surface of the upper rail at an approximate spacing of four (4) to six (6) inches. 
     The locking holes provide a variety of relative locking positions to the upper ramp section and the lower ramp section, respectively, via a locking pin. 
     The upper rail section is envisioned being made using materials such as plated steel, painted steel, aluminum alloy, or the like. 
     The lower ramp section comprises a pair of lower rails, a plurality of lower cross-members, a pair of beveled feet, a plurality of stiffening plates, a locking pin hole, and a locking pin. 
     The lower rails and the lower cross-members form a ladder-like weldment similar to the upper rail section. 
     The lower rails comprise a pair of opposing channel shapes with an open side facing inwardly. 
     The lower rails are particularly spaced so as to capture and slidingly guide the upper ramp section. 
     The lower cross-members are arranged perpendicular to the lower rails forming a series of parallel members located upon an upper horizontal surface of said lower rails at an approximate spacing of six (6) to ten (10) inches and welded thereto. 
     A plurality of stiffening plates are welded along a bottom surface of said lower rails to provide additional rigidity to the lower ramp section. 
     The stiffening plates are envisioned to be made using flat metal shapes approximately one-quarter (¼) inch thick and two (2) inches wide. 
     The locking pin hole is located along an outside vertical surface of the lower rail at a corresponding position to the aforementioned locking holes. 
     The locking pin provides a selectable locking means when engagingly inserted through the locking pin hole and an aligned locking hole, thereby securing the length of the apparatus to a desired length. 
     The locking pin is envisioned to be a quick release or ball lock-type pin common in the industry. 
     The lower rail section is envisioned to be made using similar materials as the upper rail section. 
     The independently extendable truck ramps may be used by performing the following steps: lowering the tailgate and removing the locking pins from the locking pin holes; extending in a sliding fashion each of the lower ramp sections outward until obtaining a desired length; extending both ramp assemblies to the same length to provide maximum stability unless ground contour conditions warrant differing lengths, keeping in mind that the further the apparatus is extended, the more gradual the resultant angle of descent; aligning the locking pin hole with the closest locking hole and inserting the locking pin securely through both the lower rail and the upper rail walls; attaching the forward hook portion of each strap assembly to an upper cross-member using the rear hook; attaching the forward hook to a chassis or bumper feature; removing any excess slack in the strap portion to secure the strap assembly; driving a small vehicle such as all-terrain vehicle, garden tractor, or the like up the apparatus and onto the pick-up truck; removing the locking pin and sliding each lower rail section inward until the apparatus is in the collapsed storage state within the pick-up truck; closing the tailgate; securing and transporting said small vehicle as desired; repeating the above procedure to unload said small vehicle as required; and, benefiting from the security and safety afforded the user when using the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of independently extendable truck ramps  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an upward looking view of a strapping assembly portion  40  of independently extendable truck ramps  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of independently extendable truck ramps  10  in a stored state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an upper ramp section  20  of independently extendable truck ramps  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a lower ramp section  30  of independently extendable truck ramps  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  independently extendable truck ramps 
               20  upper ramp section 
               21  locking hole 
               22  upper rail 
               23  attaching plate 
               24  upper cross-member 
               30  lower ramp section 
               31  locking pin 
               32  lower rail 
               33  lower cross-member 
               34  beveled foot 
               35  locking pin hole 
               36  stiffening plate 
               40  strap assembly 
               41  forward hook 
               42  strap 
               43  rear hook 
               50  truck 
               51  tailgate 
               52  bumper 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment, and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes an apparatus and method for independently extendable truck ramps (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provide a means for a pair of ladder-type ramps with independently variable lengths from four (4) to seven (7) feet preferably to load/unload various small vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, garden tractors, and the like onto a pick-up truck  50 . Each portion of the apparatus  10  comprises a lower ramp section  30  slidingly inserted into an upper ramp section  20  in a telescoping manner similar to that of an extension ladder and secured with a textile strap  40  to a pick-up truck chassis  50 . The length of the apparatus  10  is adjustable using a locking pin  31  and a series of locking holes  21 . When not in use, the apparatus  10  can be collapsed and stored compactly. It is envisioned that the apparatus  10  is to be provided in identical right and left portions and therefore, a single ramp portion may be described herein for purposes of simplicity. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises an upper ramp section  20 , a lower ramp section  30 , and a strap assembly  40 . The apparatus  10  provides an independently adjustable and locking length, thereby compensating for various loading conditions such as uneven ground contours. The apparatus  10  is illustrated here mounted upon a tailgate  51 ; however, to those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the invention  10  may work equally well when placed upon a truck bed  50 , a bumper  52 , or similar supporting surfaces and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . The upper ramp section  20  and the lower ramp section  30  provide a slidingly telescoping and variable lengthening means to the apparatus  10 . 
     The upper ramp section  20  further comprises a pair of upper rails  22 , a plurality of upper cross-members  24 , and a pair of attaching plates  23 . The upper rails  22  and the upper cross-members  24  are arranged and welded to form a ladder-like ramp structure. The attaching plates  23  comprise a welded-in feature being located at a forward-end of said upper ramp section  20  resting thereupon the truck bumper  52  or tailgate  51 , thereby providing a stabilizing means to the apparatus  10  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     The lower ramp section  30  comprises a ladder-like weldment similar to the upper ramp section  20 . The lower ramp section  30  further comprises a pair of lower rails  32 , a plurality of lower cross-members  33 , and a pair of beveled feet  34 . The lower rails  32  comprise opposing channel shaped members which provide a sliding and captivating attachment means to the upper rail sections  20 . The beveled feet  34  are located at a lower end of said lower rails  32  forming a generally parallel surface to the ground (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     A strap assembly  40  provides a connection to the chassis of the truck  50 , thereby protecting the apparatus  10  from sliding or skidding out of position during loading/unloading (see  FIG. 2 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an upward looking view of a strapping assembly portion  40  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  as shown here comprises an upper rail section  20  and a strap assembly  40 . The strap assembly  40  provides a securing means beneath the apparatus  10  being attached thereto the truck chassis  50  and an upper cross-member  24  portion. The strap assembly  40  provides an attachment means to a truck bumper  52  or frame feature  50  via a forward hook  41 . Said strap assembly  40  further provides an attaching means via a rear hook  43  to an upper cross-member  24 , thereby controlling the axial position of the apparatus  10 . The strap assembly  40  is envisioned to be similar to common commercially available rigging equipment used for such purposes, thereby providing hooks and textile strapping material as well as length varying equipment such as a ratcheting or binding type devices being common in the industry. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  in a stored state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is illustrated here in both a partially extended state and in a fully retracted state. The apparatus  10  is depicted here in the preferred embodiment being a maximum of seven (7) feet long, thereby enabling enclosure within a pick-up truck bed  50  when in the fully retracted state; however, it is envisioned that the invention  10  may be provided in longer or shorter configurations and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of an upper ramp section  20  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The upper rail section  20  comprises a pair of upper rails  22 , a plurality of upper cross-members  24 , a pair of attaching plates  23 , and a plurality of locking holes  21 . The upper rail section  20  and upper rails  22  form a ladder-like weldment, thereby providing a traction and support means for various small vehicles when being loaded into a pickup truck  50 . 
     The upper rails  22  comprise a pair of structural members being positioned in a parallel manner and being spaced at approximately eight (8) to sixteen (16) inches apart. The upper rails  22  are envisioned being manufactured of hollow structural square tubing envisioned to be approximately three-quarters (¾) to one-and-a-half (1½) inches wide. The upper rails  22  further provide an attachment means to a series of upper cross-members  24 . 
     The upper cross-members  24  comprise a series of parallel members arranged in a perpendicular orientation relative to the upper rails  22 . The upper cross-members  24  are envisioned to be made using cut lengths of solid bar stock with an approximate cross-section of one-half (½) to one (1) inch wide. The upper cross-members  24  are arranged with an approximate spacing of six (6) to ten (10) inches. The ends of each upper cross-member  24  are envisioned to be welded all around and perpendicular to opposing inner faces of said upper rails  22 . 
     The attaching plates  23  provide a stabilizing and load bearing surface being placed upon a top surface of a tailgate  51  or bumper  52 . The attaching plates  23  comprise a welded-in plate extending approximately six (6) to ten (10) inches at an approximate angle of thirty (30) degrees from a top surface of the upper ramp section  20 . 
     A plurality of locking holes  21  is provided along an outside vertical surface of the upper rail  22  at an approximate spacing of four (4) to six (6) inches. The locking holes  21  provide a variety of relative locking positions to the upper ramp section  20  and the lower ramp section  30 , respectively, via a locking pin  31  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     The upper rail section  20  is envisioned being made using materials such as plated steel, painted steel, aluminum alloy, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of a lower ramp section  30  of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The lower ramp section  30  comprises a pair of lower rails  32 , a plurality of lower cross-members  33 , a pair of beveled feet  34 , a plurality of stiffening plates  36 , a locking pin hole  35 , and a locking pin  31 . The lower rails  32  and the lower cross-members  33  form a ladder-like weldment similar to the upper rail section  20  (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     The lower rails  32  comprise a pair of opposing channel shapes with an open side facing inwardly. The lower rails  32  are particularly spaced so as to capture and slidingly guide the upper ramp section  20 . The lower cross-members  33  are arranged perpendicular to the lower rails  32  forming a series of parallel members located upon an upper horizontal surface of said lower rails  32  at an approximate spacing of six (6) to ten (10) inches and welded thereto. 
     A plurality of stiffening plates  36  are welded along a bottom surface of said lower rails  32  to provide additional rigidity to the lower ramp section  30 . The stiffening plates  36  are envisioned to be made using flat metal shapes approximately (¼) inch thick and two (2) inches wide. 
     The locking pin hole  35  is located along an outside vertical surface of the lower rail  32  at a corresponding position to the aforementioned locking holes  21  (see  FIG. 4 ). The locking pin  31  provides a selectable locking means when engagingly inserted through the locking pin hole  35  and an aligned locking hole  35 , thereby securing the length of the apparatus  10  to a desired length. The locking pin  31  is envisioned to be a quick release or ball lock-type pin common in the industry. 
     The lower rail section  30  is envisioned to be made using similar materials as the upper rail section  20 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: lowering the tailgate  51  and removing the locking pins  31  from the locking pin holes  35 ; extending in a sliding fashion each of the lower ramp sections  30  outward until obtaining a desired length; extending both ramp assemblies  10  to the same length to provide maximum stability unless ground contour conditions warrant differing lengths, keeping in mind that the further the apparatus  10  is extended, the more gradual the resultant angle of descent; aligning the locking pin hole  35  with the closest locking hole  21  and inserting the locking pin  31  securely through both the lower rail  32  and the upper rail  22  walls; attaching the forward hook portion  41  of each strap assembly  40  to an upper cross-member  24  using the rear hook  43 ; attaching the forward hook  41  to a chassis  50  or bumper  52  feature; removing any excess slack in the strap portion  42  to secure the strap assembly  40 ; driving a small vehicle such as all-terrain vehicle, garden tractor, or the like up the apparatus  10  and onto the pick-up truck  50 ; removing the locking pin  31  and sliding each lower rail section  30  inward until the apparatus  10  is in the collapsed storage state within the pick-up truck  50 ; closing the tailgate  51 ; securing and transporting said small vehicle as desired; repeating the above procedure to unload said small vehicle as required; and, benefiting from the security and safety afforded the user when using the present invention  10 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.