Abstract:
A pocket ramp for loading objects or cargo onto the floor of a vehicle and which is mounted between the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle. The pocket ramp assembly includes a main frame, a primary slide, a secondary slide, a lower ramp section, an upper ramp section and a latching mechanism which selectively locks the pocket ramp assembly in either of its stowed or operative positions. The main frame is fixed to the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle, the primary side being slidably mounted therein. The secondary slide is slidably mounted in the primary slide. The upper ramp section is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the secondary slide and the lower ramp section is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the upper ramp section.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to a pocket ramp assembly for loading objects or cargo onto the floor of a vehicle such as a truck or the like. More particularly, this invention relates to a pocket ramp assembly which is mounted between the longitudinally extending frame members of a vehicle and which includes a main frame, a primary slide, a secondary slide, an upper ramp section and a lower ramp section. Even more particularly, this invention relates to a latching mechanism which selectively locks the pocket ramp assembly in either of its stowed or operative positions. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Loading ramps have long been used at the rear of a vehicle such as a truck or the like to enable cargo or objects to be either loaded onto the floor of the vehicle or to unload objects or cargo from the vehicle. In many cases, the ramp is comprised of a single elongated ramp member with the forward end thereof being positioned at the rear of the floor of the vehicle and with the lower end thereof being placed on the ground rearwardly of the vehicle. In many cases, the ramp is stored or stowed beneath the floor of the vehicle when not being used. 
         [0005]    In recent years, loading ramps have been constructed so as to be foldable and retractable. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,815 which issued on Aug. 13, 2002 to Zarzecki, et al. The instant invention is believed to be an improvement over the prior art folding and retractable ramp assemblies in that it is extremely easy to stow the ramp assembly of this invention in a pocket which is created by a main frame positioned between the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle and which is easily moved between its stowed position to an operative or usable position. The instant invention is also believed to represent an improvement over the prior art in that “pinch” points are reduced and an improved locking or latching structure is provided to latch or lock the ramp assembly in its stowed position and in its operative, usable or extended position. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0007]    A pocket ramp assembly is described for loading objects or cargo onto the floor of a vehicle having a pair of longitudinally extending frame members with forward and rearward ends. The pocket ramp assembly of this invention includes a horizontally disposed main frame which is positioned between the pair of longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle and which is secured thereto. The main frame includes first and second longitudinally, horizontally spaced-apart channel shaped main side rails, having forward and rearward ends, which are operatively secured to the frame members of the vehicle. A latch mechanism is pivotally mounted on the rearward end of the main frame at one side thereof which is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions. 
         [0008]    The pocket ramp assembly also includes a primary slide having first and second ends and horizontally spaced-apart side rails with forward and rearward ends. The primary slide is selectively slidably mounted in the main side rails of the main frame between a forward retracted position and a rearward extended position. The assembly also includes a secondary slide having forward and rearward ends. The secondary slide is selectively slidably mounted in the primary slide between a forward retracted position to a rearward extended position. The assembly also includes an upper ramp section having forward and rearward ends with the upper ramp section being selectively pivotally secured about a horizontal axis, intermediate its forward and rearward ends, to the rearward end of the secondary slide. The upper ramp section is selectively movable with respect to the secondary slide from a first position wherein the upper ramp section is generally parallel to the secondary slide to a second position wherein the upper ramp section is angularly disposed with respect to the secondary slide so that the forward end of the upper ramp section is positioned in a plane about its rearward end. 
         [0009]    The assembly of this invention also includes a lower ramp section having first and second ends with the first end of the lower ramp section being pivotally secured, about a horizontal axis, to the rearward end of the upper ramp section. The lower ramp section is selectively movable from a first stowed position wherein it is positioned adjacent the upper ramp section and parallel thereto to a second extended position wherein it extends rearwardly from the upper ramp section. 
         [0010]    The ramp assembly of this invention may be positioned in a stowed position between the frame members of the vehicle when the primary slide is in its forward retracted position, the secondary slide is in its forward retracted position, the lower ramp section is in its first stowed position, and the upper ramp section is in its first position. 
         [0011]    The ramp assembly, when in its operative extended position, extends rearwardly from the rearward end of the vehicle frame members and the main frame when the primary slide is in its rearward extended position, the secondary slide is in its rearward extended position, the upper ramp section is in its second position, and the lower ramp section is in its second extended position. Each of the lower and upper ramp sections include horizontally spaced-apart side rails having a non-skid deck extending therebetween. 
         [0012]    The latch mechanism, when in its unlocked position, permits the ramp assembly to be moved from the stowed position to the extended position. The latch assembly is selectively movable to lock the ramp assembly in its stowed position and in its extended position. 
         [0013]    The forward end of the upper ramp section includes means for engaging the floor of the vehicle to prevent downward movement of the forward end of the upper ramp section when the upper ramp section is in its second position. 
         [0014]    A flexible strap means extends between the forward end of the secondary slide to the forward end of the upper ramp section to limit the upward movement of the forward end of the lower ramp section with respect to the secondary slide. Preferably, a handle means is secured to the upper ramp section which extends upwardly therefrom when the upper ramp section is in its first stowed position. 
         [0015]    It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved pocket ramp assembly. 
         [0016]    A further object of the invention is to provide an improved pocket ramp assembly for loading objects or cargo onto the floor of a vehicle or unloading the objects or cargo from the vehicle. 
         [0017]    A further object of the invention is to provide a pocket ramp assembly which is movable from a stowed position to an operative usable extended position. 
         [0018]    A further object of the invention is to provide a pocket ramp assembly including a latching mechanism for locking the pocket ramp assembly in its stowed position and for locking the pocket ramp assembly in its operative extended position. 
         [0019]    A further object of the invention is to provide a pocket ramp assembly which is easily movable between a stowed position and an extended usable position and vice versa. 
         [0020]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a pocket ramp assembly which has a reduced number of “pinch” points thereon. 
         [0021]    Still another object of the invention is to provide a pocket ramp assembly which is durable in use. 
         [0022]    These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  an exploded rear perspective view of the main frame, primary slide and secondary slide of this invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a partial rear exploded perspective view of the pocket ramp assembly of this invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the pocket ramp assembly of this invention in its stowed position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the stowed pocket ramp assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  is side view of the pocket ramp assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  is a rear view of the pocket ramp assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view illustrating the pocket ramp assembly being initially moved from its stowed position towards its operative extended position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the pocket ramp assembly of this invention being initially moved from its stowed position towards its extended operative position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view illustrating the forward end of the upper ramp section being positioned on the rearward end of the vehicle floor during the movement of the pocket ramp assembly from its stowed position to its operative position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view as seen from the right side of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the pocket ramp assembly of this invention in its extended operative position; 
           [0035]      FIG. 12  is a top view of the pocket ramp assembly in its extended operative position; 
           [0036]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the pocket ramp assembly in its extended operative position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 14  is a partial perspective view illustrating the latch mechanism of this invention in its locked position to maintain the pocket ramp assembly in its extended operative position with portions thereof cut-away to more fully illustrate the invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 15  is a partial rear perspective view of the pocket ramp assembly of this invention illustrating the latching mechanism with the upper ramp section being in its fully extended position prior to the forward end thereof being attached to the floor of the vehicle; 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  is a partial rear perspective view of the latch assembly in its locked position with portions thereof cut-away to more fully illustrate the invention; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  is a partial rear perspective view of the latch assembly in its locked position when the ramp assembly is in its stowed position with portions thereof curt-away to more fully illustrate the invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0041]    Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
         [0042]    The pocket ramp assembly of this invention is referred to generally by the reference numeral  10  and is designed to be used with a vehicle such as a truck or the like having a pair of longitudinally extending frame rails  11  and  11 ′ with rearward and forward ends. Pocket ramp assembly  10  generally includes a main frame  12 , primary slide  14 , secondary slide  16 , an upper ramp section  18  and a lower ramp section  20 . 
         [0043]    Main frame  12  includes frame brackets  22 ,  24 ,  26  and  28  which are attached to the frame rails of the vehicle chassis. A cross member  30  is secured to and extends between frame brackets  22  and  26 . A cross member  32  is secured to and extends between frame brackets  24  and  28 . A main side rail  34  is secured to cross members  30  and  32  and extends therebetween and a main side rail  36  is secured to cross members  30  and  32  and extends therebetween as seen in  FIG. 1 . An elongated, vertically disposed debris shield  38  is secured to and extends between the forward ends of main side rails  34  and  36 . Debris shields  40  and  42  are secured to main side rails  34  and  36  and extend therebetween as seen in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0044]    The main side rails  34  and  36  have lateral rollers  44  mounted thereon which face inwardly therefrom. Each of the main side rails  34  and  36  have a roller  46  secured thereto forwardly of the rearward ends thereof which is rotatable about a horizontal axis for supporting the primary slide  14  when it is in its stored position. Each of the main side rails  34  and  36  have a roller  48  secured thereto at the rearward end thereof which is rotatable about a horizontal axis for supporting the primary slide when it is in its extended or deployed position. A plate or bracket  50  is welded to the rearward end of main side rail  34  and which is shaped to permit the rearward end of main side rail  34  to extend therethrough. A plate or bracket  52  is welded to the rearward end of main side rail  36  to extend therethrough. The numerals  54  and  56  refer to plate members which are part of the main side rails  34  and  36  respectively and which are positioned at the outer sides of main side rails  34  and  36  respectively. The rearward ends of plates  54  and  56  are welded to the brackets  50  and  52  respectively. 
         [0045]    The numeral  58  refers to a latch assembly which includes an angled side wall  60  having a forward end  62  and a rearward end  64 . Latch assembly  58  also includes a back wall  66  which extends laterally outwardly from side wall  60 . Latch assembly  58  further includes a top wall  68 , front wall  70  and a forwardly extending foot portion  72 . Latch assembly  58  is pivotally secured to the plate  56  by a latch pivot pin  74  so as to be positioned at the inner side of main side rail  36 . A slotted latch guide  76  is provided on side wall  60  rearwardly of latch pivot pin  74 . A compression bumper  78  is positioned between the underside of foot portion  72  and the upper end of main side rail  36  so as to yieldably urge the forward end of latch assembly  58  upwardly and the rearwardly end of latch assembly  58  downwardly. In its normal position, safety pin  80  extends forwardly inwardly through opening  82  formed in back wall  66  to interface with the top flange of the main side rail  36  to lock latching assembly  58  against pivotal movement. As seen, the lower end of side wall  60  is provided with an opening  84  formed therein which extends upwardly thereinto. As also seen, the lower edge of side wall  60  is provided with a rearwardly and downwardly sloped portion  86  which terminates in a “hook” portion  88  adjacent opening  84 . 
         [0046]    Primary slide  14  includes longitudinally extending side rails  90  and  92  having cross members  94  and  96  extending therebetween. Slide  14  also includes roller  98  secured to the outer forward side of rail  90  which is rotatable about a horizontal axis. Rail  90  also has a roller  100  secured to the forward end thereof which is rotatable about a vertical axis. Rollers identical to rollers  98  and  100  are secured to the forward end of rail  92 . Primary slide  14  is movably positioned within side rails  34  and  36  of main frame  12  preferably approximately 52 inches so as to be movable in and out with respect to the main frame  12  with the rollers on the main frame and on the primary slide guiding the movement. Side rail  92  has a pin  101  secured thereto which extends laterally therefrom. 
         [0047]    Secondary slide  16  is slidably movably mounted in primary slide  14  for approximately 9 inches. Slide  16  includes a forward end  102 , rearward end  104 , and sides  106  and  108 . Rollers  110  and  112  are mounted on slide  16  at side  106  about horizontal axes. Rollers  114  and  116  are mounted on slide  16  at side  108  about horizontal axes. Straps  118  and  120  are secured to the forward end  102  of slide  16  for a purpose to be described hereinafter. 
         [0048]    A pair of horizontally spaced-apart ramp pivot brackets  122  and  124  are pivotally secured at their lower ends, about horizontal axes, to the rearward end of slide  16 . 
         [0049]    Upper ramp section  18  includes a pair of side rails  126  and  128  having non-skid or non-slip decking members  129  secured thereto and extending therebetween. The upper ends of ramp pivot brackets  122  and  124  are bolted to the side rails  126  and  128  respectively to enable upper ramp section  18  to be pivotally secured, about a horizontal axis, to secondary slide  16 . 
         [0050]    The forward end of upper ramp section  18  is provided with a top ramp approach structure  130  which extends forwardly therefrom. The upper ends of straps  118  and  120  are secured to the forward end of upper ramp section  18 . 
         [0051]    Lower ramp section  20  includes a pair of side rails  132  and  134  having non-skid or non-slip decking members  136  secured thereto and extending therebetween. The forward end of lower ramp section  20  is pivotally secured, about a horizontal axis at  137 , to the rearward end of upper ramp section  18  at  138 . The lower ramp section  20  has a width slightly less than the width of upper ramp section  18  so that it may nest within the upper ramp section  18  when folded. Bracket  140  extends outwardly and downwardly from side rail  128  at the rearward end thereof and has a pin  142  extending therefrom. A handle  144  is secured to the upper forward end of upper ramp section  18  at one side thereof. Handles  146  and  148  are secured to the underside of lower ramp section  20 . Strap  150  is secured to the underside of lower ramp section adjacent the forward end thereof. 
         [0052]    Assuming that the ramp assembly of this invention is in its stowed position with pin  80  inserted into opening  82  to lock the ramp assembly in its stowed position with the pin  142  being received in opening  84  of the latching assembly  58 , the ramp is locked in its stowed position. If it is desired to use the ramp, pin  80  is removed from opening  82  so that the rearward end of the latch assembly  58  may be raised to disengage the pin  142  from the opening  84 . The strap  150  is then grasped and the ramp assembly other than main frame  12  is then slid outwardly. Once the mechanism has been slid slightly outwardly, the latch assembly  58  will be allowed to pivotally move so that the rearward end of the latch assembly is moved downwardly by means of the compression member  78 . The ramp assembly, other than main frame  12 , is then slidably moved rearwardly with respect to the main frame  12  until it hits a stop which prevents further outward movement of the primary slide  14 , secondary slide  16 , lower ramp section  18  and upper ramp section  20 . The pin  101  on the primary slide will have slidably moved rearwardly beyond the locking point (opening  84 ) of the latch at this time. The rearward ends of the ramp sections  18  and  20  are then pushed downwardly to tilt the forward end of the upper ramp section  18  as far as the straps  118  and  120  will permit. The mechanism is then pushed forwardly until the latch falls in place over the pin  101  on the primary slide  14 . The top lip of the ramp or the approach structure  130  will now be resting on the rear edge of the vehicle floor or body. The latch assembly  58  prevents the system from moving rearward while in its extend usable position. The safety pin  80  is then replaced. The lower ramp section  20  is then pivotally moved with respect to the upper ramp section  18  so that the lower ramp section  20  is in its extended position. The ramp assembly may then be used. 
         [0053]    When it is desired to stow the ramp assembly, lower ramp section  20  is folded upwardly onto the upper surface of the upper ramp section  18 . The safety pin  80  is then removed. The rearward end of the latch assembly  58  is then raised and the mechanism is slidably moved rearwardly so that the forward end of the approach structure  130  may be disengaged from the floor of the vehicle. At that point, the forward end of the upper ramp section  18  is pivotally moved downwardly to a horizontal position. The lower ramp section  120  is then folded onto the upper ramp section  118  if not already done so. The rearward end of the latching assembly  58  is then raised and the mechanism is slid inwardly or forwardly. Once the pin  101  is beyond the locking point of the latching assembly  58 , the latching assembly  58  may be allowed to go back down. The mechanism is slid inwardly until the latch falls in place over the pin  142  on the side of the upper ramp section  18 . The safety pin  80  is then replaced. The ramp assembly  10  is then in its locked, stowed position 
         [0054]    Thus it can be seen that a novel pocket ramp assembly has been provided which accomplishes at least all of its stated objectives. 
         [0055]    Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.