Patent Publication Number: US-2023150414-A1

Title: Vehicle bed loading ramp systems

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/264,229, filed Nov. 17, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     It can be challenging to safely load a heavy off-road vehicle (ORV), such as a snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle, into the bed of an over-the-road vehicle such as a pick-up truck or the like. ORVs are heavy and can cause serious injury if the user loses control during loading, for example when driving an ORV up a ramp and into a truck bed. 
     Loading ramps are available that allow the user to drive the ORV just onto the ramp, and then tipping the ramp and sliding the ramp, with the ORV on it, into the truck bed. Such ramps are sometimes referred to as “easy load snowmobile ramps”. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure features vehicle bed loading ramp systems of the “easy load” type that include desirable features that make the systems easy and safe to use, store and transport. 
     In one aspect, the disclosure features a vehicle bed loading ramp system comprising: (a) a first section comprising a rigid framework defining a pair of ramps, the first section having first outer edges extending parallel to the ramps; (b) a second section comprising a rigid framework defining a pair of ramps, the second section having second outer edges extending parallel to the ramps; (c) at least one wheel mounted adjacent each of the first outer edges; and (d) a pair of locking hinge assemblies, each locking hinge assembly being mounted to extend between one of the first outer edges and an adjacent one of the second outer edges to provide a hinged coupling between the first section and the second section. When the locking hinge assemblies are locked in an open position the ramps of the first section are colinearly arranged with the ramps of the second section and capable of supporting the weight of an off-road vehicle to be loaded without collapsing. 
     In some implementations the system includes one or more of the following features. 
     The system may include two wheels mounted adjacent each of the first outer edges. The two wheels on either outer edge are commonly mounted on a bracket, and positioned such that a portion of each wheel is disposed within the framework of the first section. 
     The locking hinge assemblies may each comprise an outer bracket portion having a pair of spaced leaves, an inner bracket portion having a single leaf configured to be received between the spaced leaves during folding, and a cylindrical locking hinge extending through coaxially arranged bores in the outer and inner bracket portions, hingedly joining the outer and inner bracket portions. 
     The outer bracket portion may be attached to one of the first and second outer edges and the inner bracket is attached to the other of the first and second outer edges. 
     The locking hinge assemblies may be mounted to the first and second sections in a manner so that a dead space is provided between a lower edge of the first section and an upper edge of the second section to facilitate folding. 
     The locking hinge assemblies may be configured to lock the system in a closed position. The cylindrical locking hinge comprises an inner lock kit for telescoping ladders. 
     The system may further include a pair of wheels disposed on an upper edge of the first section or a lower edge of the second section to facilitate rolling transport of the system when folded. 
     The system may further include LED lighting mounted on a lower edge of the second section. 
     In another aspect, the disclosure features methods of using the systems described herein. For example, the disclosure features a method of loading an off-road vehicle (ORV) into a vehicle bed, the method comprising: (a) providing, in a folded position, a vehicle bed loading ramp system that includes: (i) a first section comprising a rigid framework defining a pair of ramps, the first section having first outer edges extending parallel to the ramps; (ii) a second section comprising a rigid framework defining a pair of ramps, the second section having second outer edges extending parallel to the ramps; (iii) at least one wheel mounted adjacent each of the first outer edges; and (iv) a pair of locking hinge assemblies, each locking hinge assembly being mounted to extend between one of the first outer edges and an adjacent one of the second outer edges to provide a hinged coupling between the first section and the second section; (b) pivoting the first section and second section about the locking hinge assemblies to move the system to an open position; 
     (c) locking the locking hinge assemblies in an open position such that the ramps of the first section are colinearly arranged with the ramps of the second section;
 
(d) positioning the system such that the first section rests against the tailgate of a vehicle having a bed and a lower edge of the second section contacts the ground;
 
(e) driving an ORV onto the ramps; and (f) using the wheels to roll the system and ORV into the bed while lifting up on the second section.
 
     In some implementations, the method includes one or more of the following additional steps. 
     The method further includes securing the ORV to the bed of the truck. 
     The method further includes using the wheels to roll the system and ORV out of the bed while lowering the second section to the ground. The method further includes then driving the ORV off of the system. 
     The method further includes unlocking the locking hinge assemblies and moving the first section and second section back to the folded position. 
     The method further includes using a pair of wheels disposed on an upper edge of the first section or a lower edge of the second section to facilitate rolling transport of the folded system to a storage location. 
     The method further includes activating lighting disposed on a rear edge of the second section, e.g., before driving with the loaded ORV. 
     Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention. For example, it will be appreciated that all preferred features described herein are applicable to all aspects of the invention described herein. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a diagrammatic side view of a vehicle bed loading ramp system according to one implementation, shown in phantom lines, folded in the bed of a pickup truck. 
         FIG.  2    is a diagrammatic side view of the system in a deployed (extended and locked) position, with a snowmobile loaded on the system. 
         FIG.  3    is a diagrammatic side view of the system and snowmobile loaded into the bed of the truck. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of the system in the folded position shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the system in the folded system taken from the opposite side. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the system in the extended, locked position shown in  FIG.  2   , seen from the top. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the system in the extended, locked position, seen from below. 
         FIG.  8    is an enlarged perspective view of one of the locking hinge assemblies of the system, in an extended position. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of the locking hinge in a folded position. 
         FIG.  10    is an end view of the locking hinge portion of the hinge assembly, seen from a first direction. 
         FIG.  11    is an end view of the locking hinge seen from a second direction. 
         FIG.  12    is a side view of the locking hinge assembly in the extended position. 
         FIG.  13    is a side view of the locking hinge assembly in the folded position. 
         FIG.  14    is similar to  FIG.  8   , but taken from the opposite side of the locking hinge assembly. 
         FIG.  15    is similar to  FIG.  9   , but taken from the opposite side. 
         FIG.  16    is a side view of a locking hinge assembly according to an alternate embodiment. 
         FIG.  16 A  is a side view of a leaf of the hinge assembly shown in  FIG.  16   . 
         FIG.  16 B  is a perspective view of the leaf shown in  FIG.  16 A . 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of a rigid framework according to an alternative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a vehicle bed loading ramp system  10  according to one implementation is shown folded in the bed  12  of a truck  14 . In this implementation, the system  10  is configured to fit closely within the confines of the truck bed so as to minimize forward and back movement of the system  10  during driving. However, system  10  can also be used in longer beds if desired and simply secured in place. The system  10  folds to a low profile shape, as will be discussed further below, and locks safely in the closed position, features that allow cargo to be stacked on the folded rack in the truck bed. The folded system  10  can also be stored in a garage or other storage area and easily transported to the truck  14 , as will be discussed later. 
     When the system  10  is in an open and locked position a user can lean the system  10  up against the tailgate  18  of the truck  14  such that the system contacts the edge of the tailgate which acts as a fulcrum. Then the user can drive an ORV, e.g., a snowmobile  16  as shown in  FIG.  2   , onto the system  10 . The user then dismounts the ORV, walks to the back of the system  10 , and easily tips the rear end up and uses wheels  20  to slide the system  10  into the truck bed  12  ( FIG.  3   ). The ORV can then be secured to the truck bed for transport, e.g., with bungees or cam straps secured to the truck bed and releasably fastened to either side of the ORV. 
     To unload the ORV the user simply rolls the system back using the wheels and pivots it down to rest on the ground. Then the user can either pull the ORV off or reverse drive off. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4 - 7   , the system  10  includes a first section  22  having a rigid framework defining a pair of ramps  24  and  26  ( FIGS.  5  and  6   ). The framework may be formed of a high strength metal, for example, of aluminum or welded structural steel, and may be powder coated for durability and aesthetic appeal. Each ramp is covered with a traction layer  24 A,  26 A, as shown in  FIG.  6   , which may be, for example, traction mats or grip glides such as are conventionally used on snowmobile ramps. The first section  22  has a pair of outer edges  28 ,  30 . A pair of sections of angle iron  32 ,  34 , are mounted opposite each other along the length L of the first section, parallel with and adjacent to the outer edges. The sections of angle iron are mounted such that their vertical portions  32 A,  34 A that extend away from the framework are disposed towards the center of the first section  22 . This positioning allows wheels  20 , which are mounted on the vertical portions, to extend into the open areas of the ramps adjacent the wheels, thereby allowing relatively large diameter and width wheels (e.g., 2 to 4 inch diameter, 1 to 3 inch width) to be used without sacrificing the low profile configuration of the system. Mounting the wheels  20  adjacent the outer edges  28 ,  30  provides a wide, stable base when the ramp is rolled into the truck bed using the wheels. 
     The first section also includes two pairs of stops  36 ,  38  ( FIG.  5   ), positioned on the lower side of each of the ramps, which are configured to engage the edge of the tailgate  18  as shown in  FIG.  2   . In addition, the first section includes a pair of forward wheels  40  which are mounted adjacent to an upper edge  42  of the first section  22  and are positioned such that their rolling surfaces are perpendicular to the length L of first section  22  and extend slightly beyond edge  42 . These wheels are configured to allow the user to roll the folded system  10 , as will be discussed further below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  4  and  7   , system  10  further includes a second section  44  also having a rigid framework that defines a pair of ramps  46 ,  48 , having outer edges  50 ,  52 . Like ramps  24 ,  26 , ramps  46  and  48  are covered with a traction layer  46 A and  48 B on their upward-facing surfaces ( FIG.  6   ). As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , second section  44  also includes lighting  54 , e.g., a pair of LED lights as shown. The lighting  54  is powered by a power cord, e.g., a coiled cord (not shown), that is plugged into the trailer hitch of the truck. 
     The first section  22  and second section  44  are joined by a pair of substantially identical locking hinge assemblies  56 ,  58 . An open area  60  is provided between the opposed edges  62 ,  64  of the first section  22  and second section  44  to facilitate folding. Each of the locking hinge assemblies is mounted to extend between one of the outer edges of the first section and an adjacent outer edge of the second section to provide a hinged coupling between the first section and the second section. 
     Referring now to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , each of the locking hinge assemblies  56 ,  58  includes an outer bracket portion  66  having a pair of spaced leaves  66 A,  66 B, and an inner bracket portion  68  having a single leaf configured to be received between the spaced leaves  66 A,  66 B during folding of the system  10 . One or more spacers (not shown) are provided between leaves  66 A and  66 B to maintain a uniform spacing between the leaves along their length. The bracket portions are formed of structural steel or a material having similar strength properties. The relatively long length L of the bracket (in the extended position shown in  FIG.  12   ), e.g., from about 15 to 30 inches, in some cases from about 17 to 25 inches, helps to distribute the load applied by the ORV during loading over a relatively large area on the outer edges. The bracket portions may be mounted on the outer edges by bolting, as shown, or by welding if desired. Preferably, multiple bolts are used on each of the bracket portions (e.g., at least three on each bracket portion, as shown) for redundancy and load distribution. 
     Each of the locking hinge assemblies also includes a cylindrical locking hinge  70  that extends through coaxially arranged bores in the outer and inner bracket portions. The hinge  70  may be, for example, the type of locking hinge that is used to releasably lock the sections of extendable ladders. The cylindrical locking hinge  70  is configured to lock the first and second sections in place both in the open position and the folded position of the system  10 . Hinge  70  is mounted in a fixed position relative to the outer bracket portion  66 , and includes a cylindrical portion  72 , and a shaft  73  ( FIG.  10   ) that extends through the bores in the outer and inner bracket portions. The hinge also includes a mount  74  extending from the shaft  73  and carrying a pair of pins  75 , the free ends of which (not shown) face towards the cylindrical portion  72 . The hinge  70  is released by pushing cylindrical portion  72  inward along its axis to release pins  75  ( FIG.  15   ) on the opposite side of the hinge from corresponding holes  76  that extend through the inner and outer bracket portions. The inner bracket portion can then be rotated to the locked extended ( FIG.  14   ) or locked folded ( FIG.  15   ) position and the cylindrical portion  72  released to allow the pins  75  to be received by the holes  76  fixing the inner and outer bracket portions in the desired relative position. The hinge is preferably spring loaded so that the pins will be biased towards the locked position and be pushed into that position as soon as the holes align with the pins. 
     The system  10  has a number of advantages from an ergonomic and safety standpoint. Because system  10  can be folded, it can be easily transported by a user, both within the truck bed and from a storage location (e.g., a garage or shed) and the truck. The wheels  40  allow the folded system to be easily rolled by the user, using the area of the framework adjacent to edges  62 ,  64  as a handle. Because the cylindrical locking hinge  70  locks the sections in the folded position there is no danger of the user&#39;s fingers getting pinched when handling the folded system  10 . The sections also do not bounce when the system  10  is in the folded position during transport in the truck bed over uneven terrain. 
     The robust nature of the locking hinge assemblies allows a foldable system to be used despite the very heavy loads imposed on the ramps during loading of an ORV. 
     Other safety features include the lighting on the second section, which provides supplemental tail lighting during driving, when the tail lights of the truck may be partially obscured by the overhanging open tailgate. 
     OTHER EMBODIMENTS 
     A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 
     For example, the ramp system may include more lights than described above, e.g., blinkers and/or lights of different colors, or the lights can be omitted. The size of the device can also be scaled for use with other sizes and types of vehicles. 
     In addition, while angle iron is shown and described above for mounting the wheels, the wheels may be mounted in other manners, for example using sections of square metal tubing. 
     Moreover, the locking hinge assembly may have a different configuration. For example, as shown in  FIGS.  16 - 16 B  a locking hinge assembly  156  includes an outer bracket portion  166  (only half of which is visible in  FIG.  16   ) and an inner bracket portion  168 . In this embodiment, the leaves of the outer bracket  166  (e.g., leaf  166 A, shown in  FIGS.  16 A and  16 B ) are curved upward at the end  167  at which they are joined. This curvature moves the pivot point of the hinge higher, as shown in  FIG.  16   . This modification allows thicker (and thus more structurally robust) leaves to be used without the leaves interfering with each other during folding and unfolding. In some embodiments, each leaf of the locking hinge assembly has a thickness of at least 0.20 inch, in some cases at least 0.25″. 
     Referring to  FIG.  17   , in another alternative embodiment a different framework may be used for the ramps in the first and second sections of the ramp system. In first section  122  and second section  144 , rather than being reinforced by a plurality of transversely extending struts  51 , as shown in  FIG.  7   , a single longitudinally extending beam  180  that runs the length of the section can be provided. This configuration is generally easier to manufacture, as welding time is reduced, and still provides good structural integrity. 
     Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.