Patent Publication Number: US-2015074924-A1

Title: One-piece ramp

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/829,424 entitled “One-Piece Ramp” filed on May 31, 2013, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally related to a ramp and, more particularly, to a one-piece monolithically formed ramp. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many transport vehicles are designed to transport freight, goods, merchandise, personal property, and other such cargo. Often, such transport vehicles utilize a load bed to haul such cargo. For example, operators often utilize the load bed of a pick-up truck to haul cargo. The load bed, however, is often elevated from the ground making it difficult to load and unload heavy objects from such load beds. Accordingly, operators will utilize a ramp that extends from the ground upwards to the load bed of the transporting vehicle to load and unload heavy objects. 
     Numerous types of ramps are used to assist in the loading and unloading of objects to and from transport vehicles. Particularly, trucks, vans, trailers and the like may utilize ramps to assist in the loading of rolling objects such as ATVs, motorcycles, lawnmowers, etc. One common type of ramp consists of a plurality of rungs whereby each rung is separated from a successive rung by an open space. The rungs may be connected at or near the ends by rails. The successive rungs and the rails form a series of frame-like structures surrounding the central openings, similar to a ladder. Such a structure allows for loading and unloading of objects, such as ATVs, motorcycles, lawnmowers and etc. to and from the transport vehicle. 
     The surface of the ramp will often be at a different angle than the top loading surface of the transporting vehicle. The ramp may utilize a top plate that engages the top of the ramp to the loading surface. The components that form the ramp are often formed and then attached together through subsequent operations such as welding or fastening and the like. For example, each rung of the ramp may be welded, fastened or otherwise attached to the pair of opposed frame members. Further, the top or bottom plate may be welded or fastened to the opposed frame members. This may result in a ramp that is expensive and time consuming to construct. 
     Therefore, there is a need for an improved ramp that reduces the time and effort required to manufacture. Further, there is a need for a ramp that is not assembled or otherwise formed through welding. Further still, there is a need from a ramp that can withstand the forces applied to it during operation will maintaining a sleek profile and relatively low weight. 
     SUMMARY 
     A ramp is shown and described. The ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and a ramp surface extending substantially between the frame and positioned between the first and second end portion. The ramp may also include a plate extending at least partially between the frame and positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, where the frame, ramp surface and plate are monolithic. 
     A ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and a ramp surface extending substantially between the frame and positioned between the first and second end portions. The ramp may also include a plate extending at least partially between the frame and positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, where the frame, ramp surface and plate are weld free. 
     A ramp may include first and second frame member transversely opposed one another, the first and second frame members having first and second end portions, and a ramp surface extending substantially between the first and second frame members and positioned between the first and second end portions. The ramp may also include a plate extending at least partially between the first and second frame members and positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions of the first and second frame members, where the first and second frame members, ramp surface and plate are monolithic. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a one-piece ramp. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the one-piece ramp. 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the one-piece ramp. 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the one-piece ramp. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the one-piece ramp of  FIG. 4  along line E-E. 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed view of a portion of the one-piece ramp along circular F of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the one-piece ramp of  FIG. 4  along line C-C. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the one-piece ramp of  FIG. 4  along line A-A. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the one-piece ramp of  FIG. 2  along line B-B. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a portion of a one-piece ramp extruded as a monolithic unit with extended frame members attached. 
         FIG. 11  is a top view of a portion of the one-piece ramp of  FIG. 10  with the extended frame members removed. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a one-piece ramp. 
         FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the one-piece ramp of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a one-piece ramp. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a one-piece ramp. 
         FIG. 16  is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of the one-piece ramp of  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a one-piece ramp. 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the one-piece ramp of  FIG. 17  along line  18 - 18 . 
         FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a one-piece ramp. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     An exemplary embodiment of a one-piece ramp  20  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-9 . The ramp  20  may be formed as a monolithic unit as described in more detail below. The ramp  20  may include first and second ends  22 ,  24 . The ramp  20  may be configured to span from a transport vehicle (not shown) or loading surface to and from a second surface (not shown), such as the ground. By way of a non-limiting example, the first end  22  of the ramp  20  may engage a load bed (not shown) of the transport vehicle and the second end  24  may engage the ground. It should be understood, however, the second end  24  may engage the loading surface and the first end  22  engage the ground. 
     The ramp  20  may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, whereby it may extend at an appropriate angle between the transport vehicle or loading surface, and specifically the load bed thereof, and the second surface such as the ground. By way of a non-limiting example, the ramp  20  may extend from a rear portion of the load bed of the transport vehicle to the ground at an appropriate angle, such as by way of a non-limiting example between 9 and 28 degrees relative to the ground. 
     The length of ramp  20  may be selected for the type of transport vehicle and the desired slope for loading and unloading. By way of a non-limiting example, if the transport vehicle is a typical trailer a length of about six feet may provide a desirable slope, and if the transport vehicle is a light pickup truck a length of about eight feet may provide a desirable slope. The present teachings, however, are not limited to any particular length ramp  20  and the ramp  20  may be of any appropriate length. 
     The ramp  20  may include at least one frame member  40 . In embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , the ramp  20  may include a pair of frame members  40 . The frame members  40  may be laterally disposed from each other at an appropriate distance. The present teachings, however, are not limited to the two frame members  40  shown. Any appropriate number of frame members  40  may be used. The frame members  40  may be of any appropriate cross-sectional shape, including, without limitation, boxed, I-beam or the like—an example of which can be seen in detail in  FIG. 9 . 
     The frame members  40  may include a raised lip  44  that may extend at least a portion of a length  46  of the frame members  40 . As shown in the drawings, the raised lip  44  may extend the entire length  46  of the frame members  40 , or alternatively, may extend only a portion of the length  46  of the frame members  40 . The raised lip  44  may be monolithically formed with the frame members  40  in any appropriate manner. Moreover, while each frame member  40  is shown with a raised lip  44 , only one such frame member  40  may include the raised lip  44  or none of the frame members  40  may include the raised lip  44 . The raised lip  44  may be constructed and arranged to assist with preventing rolling loads being loaded or unloaded on the ramp  20  from unintentionally moving off the side of the ramp  20 . 
     The ramp  20  may include a ramp surface  50  of any appropriate configuration. The ramp surface  50  may be monolithically formed with the frame members  40 . The ramp surface  50  may be configured such that loads may be pushed or pulled up or down, as applicable. By way of a non-limiting example, the loads may be manually pushed up or down the ramp surface  50  or a winch may be utilized for such. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 9 , the frame members  40  may extend generally above the ramp surface  50  whereby the portion of the frame member  40  extending above the ramp surface  50  may form the raised lip  44 . 
     The ramp surface  50  may include a plurality of apertures  56  spaced apart from one another. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 , the plurality of the apertures  56  may be generally aligned in two rows. The present teachings, however, are not limited to this configuration—any appropriate configuration may be used. Any number of aligned rows may be used. Further, still, the apertures  56  may be positioned in any pattern or no pattern, i.e., randomly positioned, on the ramp surface  50 . The spacing of the apertures  56  on the ramp surface  50  may be selected such that it is substantially less than the width of a wheel or the like of any item that may be loaded or unloaded on the ramp  20  such that it will not engage any of the apertures  56 . 
     The apertures  56  may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example, the apertures  56  may be generally oval in shape. The present teachings, however, are not limited to this configuration. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , the apertures  56  may extend through the entire ramp surface  50 . In some embodiments, the apertures  56  may be positioned in only a portion of the ramp surface  50 , such as a cut-out portion that may not extend through the entirety of the ramp surface  50 . The apertures  56  may reduce the amount of material utilized with the ramp  20 , which may reduce the overall weight of the ramp  20 . Further, the apertures  56  may provide additional traction between the item being pushed or pulled up or down the ramp  20  and the ramp surface  50 . By way of a non-limiting example, a portion of the aperture  56  may extend above the ramp surface  50 , which may provide the traction surface. The apertures  56  may be formed with the ramp  20 . For example, the apertures  56  may be monolithically formed with the ramp surface  50 . Alternatively or in addition, the apertures  56  may be formed in the ramp surface  50  through a subsequent operation. 
     The ramp  20  may further include at least one transition plate  60  that may be monolithically formed with the first end  22  and/or the second end  24  of the ramp  20 . In some embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-4  and  8 , the transition plate  60  may be monolithically formed with the first end  22  of the ramp  20  to engage the load bed of the transport vehicle. In addition, the ramp  20  may include a second transition plate  63  monolithically formed with the second end  24  of the ramp  20  that may engage the ground; see  FIGS. 1-4  and  7 . The ramp  20  may include only the second transition plate  63  at the second end  24  of the ramp  20  that may engage the ground—the present teachings are not limited to the configuration shown. Further, the second transition plate  63  may be at the first end  22  and the transition plate  60  at the second end  24 . The transition plate and second transition plate  60  and  63  may be monolithically formed with the ramp surface  50 , the rails  44  or both. 
     While the transition plates  60 ,  63  may be of substantially similar construction, they are not limited to such. Only one of the transition plates  60  will be described in detail below, except as otherwise noted. The transition plate  60  may be shaped to provide clearance underneath the ramp  20  to engage the loading surface (e.g., the load bed of the transport vehicle) and the second transition plate  63  may be shaped to provide a transition surface between the second surface (e.g., the ground) and the ramp surface  50 . The transition plate  60  may include a top surface  64 , which may provide a substantially continuous surface for a rolling load, i.e., the transition plate  60  or more specifically the top surface  64  may provide a transition surface between the ramp surface  50  and applicable loading surface. This may substantially eliminate or reduce the transition surface when transitioning to and from the ramp  20 , which may result in less force required for the rolling load or other object to be pulled or pushed to and from the ramp  20 . More specifically, the generally rounded shape on the top surface  64  may make the transition from the ramp  20  to the load bed of the transport vehicle more continuous such that the load may roll over such with less effort. 
     The ramp  20  may be formed as a monolithic unit. In such embodiments, the ramp  20  may be formed such as through extruding. By way of a non-limiting example, the ramp  20  may be extruded as a single piece, which may result in the ramp  20  being a one-piece ramp. In such embodiments, the frame members  40  may be monolithically formed with the ramp surface  50  and the transition plates  60 ,  63 . Any appropriate amount of material, such as by way of a non-limiting example, aluminum, steel, plastic or the like may be extruded to any appropriate shape member  70 ; see  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The extruded member  70  may include a sheared end of the ramp  20 , which may form the transition plates  60 ,  63 . Further, extruding the ramp may result in a portion  74  of the frame members  40  extending beyond the transition plates  60 ,  63 ; see  FIG. 10 . In such embodiments, the portion  70  may be removed through any appropriate cutting or removing operation and discarded; see  FIG. 11 . The transition plates  60 ,  63  may be bent to the appropriate angle relative to the ramp surface  50 . 
     Moreover, the apertures  56  may be formed through the extrusion process or may be formed through a subsequent operation, such as by way of a non-limiting example, punching or drilling the apertures. 
     In some embodiments, the portion  74  may not be formed with the frame members  40  and as such need not be removed through a subsequent operation. Further, in some embodiments, the transition plates  60 ,  63  may be formed with the appropriate bend and may not need to be bent during a subsequent operation. Still further, the order of the steps of forming the ramp  20  may be performed in any appropriate order—the present teachings are not limited to the order described. Still further, steps may be skipped and additional steps may be added. 
     The present teachings generally eliminate the need to weld the ramp  20 —as is done in the prior art. When the ramp  20  is made without welding, the ramp  20  may be referred to as being weld free. The process for forming the ramp  20  may minimize the labor required to complete the process. This may allow the ramp  20  to be manufactured quicker and may reduce the overall cost of the ramp  20 . 
     Additional embodiments of the ramp  20  according the present teachings are described below. In the descriptions, all of the details and components may not be fully described or shown. Rather, some of the features or components are described and, in some instances, differences with the above-described embodiment may be pointed out. Moreover, it should be appreciated that these additional embodiments may include elements or components utilized in the above-described embodiment although not shown or described. Thus, the descriptions of these additional embodiments are merely exemplary and not all-inclusive nor exclusive. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the features, components, elements and functionalities of the various embodiments may be combined or altered to achieve a desired ramp without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     A ramp  120  is shown in  FIGS. 12-13 . The ramp  120  may include at least one frame member  140 , a raised lip  144 , and a ramp surface  150 . In embodiments shown in  FIGS. 12-13 , the ramp  120  may include a pair of frame members  140 . The frame members  140  may be laterally disposed from each other at an appropriate distance. The frame members  140  may be disposed at an angle relative to the ramp surface  150  as shown. This may result in the raised lips  144  extending from the ramp surface  150  to provide additional clearance for the item being pushed or pulled up or down the ramp  120 . 
     The raised lip  144  that may extend at least a portion of a length  146  of the frame members  140 . As shown in the drawings, the raised lip  144  may extend the entire length  146  of the frame members  140 , or alternatively, may extend only a portion of the length  146  of the frame members  140 . The raised lip  144  may be monolithically formed with the frame members  140  in any appropriate manner. Moreover, while each frame member  140  is shown with a raised lip  144 , only one such frame member  140  may include the raised lip  144  or none of the frame members  140  may include the raised lip  144 . The raised lip  44  may be constructed and arranged to assist with preventing rolling loads being loaded or unloaded on the ramp  120  from unintentionally moving off the side of the ramp  120 . 
     The ramp surface  150  may be monolithically formed with the frame members  140 . The ramp surface  150  may be configured such that loads may be pushed or pulled up or down, as applicable. By way of a non-limiting example, the loads may be manually pushed up or down the ramp surface  150  or a winch may be utilized for such. 
     The ramp  120  may further include at least one transition plate  160  that may be monolithically formed with a first or second end  120 ,  124  of the ramp  120 . The transition plate  60  may be monolithically formed with the first end  122  of the ramp  120  to engage the load bed of the transport vehicle. The transition plate  160  may be shaped to provide clearance underneath the ramp  120  to engage the loading surface (e.g., the load bed of the transport vehicle) or the second surface (e.g., the ground) and the ramp surface  150 . The transition plate  160  may include a top surface  164 , which may provide a substantially continuous surface for a rolling load, i.e., the transition plate  160  or more specifically the top surface  164  may provide a transition surface between the ramp surface  150  and applicable loading surface. This may substantially eliminate or reduce the transition surface when transitioning to and from the ramp  120 , which may result in less force required for the rolling load or other object to be pulled or pushed to and from the ramp  120 . 
     The ramp  120  may be formed as a monolithic unit. In such embodiments, the ramp  120  may be formed such as through extruding. By way of a non-limiting example, the ramp  120  may be extruded as a single piece, which may result in the ramp  120  being a one-piece ramp. In such embodiments, the frame members  140  may be monolithically formed with the ramp surface  150  and the transition plate  60 . Any appropriate amount of material, such as by way of a non-limiting example, aluminum, steel, plastic or the like may be extruded to form the ramp  120 . The present teachings may generally eliminate the need to weld the ramp  120 —as is done in the prior art. When the ramp  120  is made without welding, the ramp  120  may be referred to as being weld free. The process for forming the ramp  120  may minimize the labor required to complete the process. This may allow the ramp  120  to be manufactured quicker and may reduce the overall cost of the ramp  120 . 
     The ramp  120  may include a bottom surface  173  generally opposite the ramp surface  150 . The ramp  120  may include a safety strap engaging member  177  attached with the bottom surface  173  in any appropriate manner—see  FIG. 13 . By way of a non-limiting example, the safety strap engaging member  177  may be attached through fastening, adhering, welding, integrally forming with the bottom surface  173 , monolithically forming with the bottom surface  173  or a combination of such. The safety strap engaging member  177  may be of any appropriate configuration. By way of a non-limiting example, the safety strap engaging member  177  may include a D-ring  178  attached to the bottom surface  173  such as through use of a rivet  179 . It should be understood, however, that the strap engaging member  177  may be of any appropriate configuration and is not limited to that shown and described herein. Further, in those embodiments in which the strap engaging member  177  is the D-ring  178 , the D-ring  178  may be attached to the bottom surface  173 , such as through use of a fastener, welding, adhering or a combination of such. 
     The strap engaging member  177  may be used to selectively engage the ramp  120  with the loading surface, such as the vehicle to which the ramp  120  operatively engages. By way of a non-limiting example, one end of a safety chain, rope, bungee cord, strap or the like may selectively engage the strap engaging member  177 . An opposite end of the applicable safety chain, rope, bungee cord, strap or the like may selectively engage a portion of the loading surface to which the ramp  120  operatively engages, such as the applicable vehicle. This may generally prevent the ramp  120  from being inadvertently moved from its operative position. 
     In some embodiments as shown in  FIG. 14 , a ramp  220  may include a ramp surface  250  having a textured finish  259 . The textured finish  259  may provide fraction between the item being pushed or pulled up or down the ramp  220  and the ramp surface  250 . By way of a non-limiting example, the traction finish  259  may be a knurled surface formed on the ramp surface  250 . The knurled surface may be formed monolithically with the ramp surface  250  or formed through a subsequent operation. For example, the textured finish  259  may be formed during the extrusion process or formed through a subsequent operation such as any appropriate knurling process. In some embodiments, the ramp  220  may include both the apertures  56  and the textured finish  259 , whereas in other embodiments the ramp  220  may include either of the apertures  56  or the textured finish  259 . 
     Further, the textured surface  259  may include a textured strip of material that may be adhered to the ramp surface  250 . Further still, the textured surface  259  may include a diamond pattern finish, raised or depressed bumps, raised or depressed ridges, or any combination of such. The textured surface  259  may provide a suitable surface to generally prevent slippage during loading and unloading of the ramp  220 . The present teachings are not limited to the configuration of the textured surface  259  shown or otherwise described herein. Any appropriate textured surface  259  may be utilized without departing from the present teachings. 
     The present teachings generally eliminate the need to weld the ramp  220 —as is done in the prior art. When the ramp  220  is made without welding, the ramp  220  may be referred to as being weld free. The process for forming the ramp  220  may minimize the labor required to complete the process. This may allow the ramp  220  to be manufactured quicker and may reduce the overall cost of the ramp  220 . 
     A ramp  320  is shown in  FIGS. 15-16 . The ramp  320  may include at least one frame member  340 , a raised lip  344 , a ramp surface  350  and at least one transition plate  360 . The ramp  320  may be generally similar ramp  120  described above. The ramp  320  may be formed as a monolithic unit. In such embodiments, the ramp  320  may be formed such as through extruding. By way of a non-limiting example, the ramp  320  may be extruded as a single piece, which may result in the ramp  320  being a one-piece ramp. In such embodiments, the frame members  340  may be monolithically formed with the ramp surface  350  and transition plate  360 . Any appropriate amount of material, such as by way of a non-limiting example, aluminum, steel, plastic or the like may be extruded to form the ramp  320 . 
     The ramp  320  may include a bottom surface  373  generally opposite the ramp surface  350 . The ramp  320  may include a safety strap engaging member  377  formed with the bottom surface  373  in any appropriate manner—see  FIG. 15 . By way of a non-limiting example, the safety strap engaging member  377  may be at least aperture  379  formed in the bottom surface  373 . As shown, the safety strap engaging member  377  may include a pair of such apertures  379 . The safety strap engaging member  377 , however, may include any appropriate number of apertures  379 , e.g., one, two, three, four, etc. The apertures  379  may be monolithically formed with the bottom surface  373  or formed through a subsequent operation, e.g., stamping, drilling or the like. The apertures  379  may in some embodiments extend through to the ramp surface  350 . 
     The strap engaging member  377  may be used to selectively engage the ramp  320  with the loading surface, such as the vehicle to which the ramp  320  operatively engages. By way of a non-limiting example, one end of a safety chain, rope, bungee cord, strap or the like may selectively engage the strap engaging member  377 . An opposite end of the applicable safety chain, rope, bungee cord, strap or the like may selectively engage a portion of the loading surface to which the ramp  320  operatively engages, such as the applicable vehicle. This may generally prevent the ramp  320  from being inadvertently moved from its operative position. 
     The present teachings generally eliminate the need to weld the ramp  320 —as is done in the prior art. When the ramp  320  is made without welding, the ramp  320  may be referred to as being weld free. The process for forming the ramp  320  may minimize the labor required to complete the process. This may allow the ramp  320  to be manufactured quicker and may reduce the overall cost of the ramp  320 . 
     A ramp  420  is shown in  FIGS. 17-18 . The ramp  420  may include at least one frame member  440 , a raised lip  444 , a ramp surface  450  and at least one transition plate  460 . The ramp  420  may be generally similar ramp  420  described above. The ramp  420  may be formed as a monolithic unit. In such embodiments, the ramp  420  may be formed such as through extruding. By way of a non-limiting example, the ramp  420  may be extruded as a single piece, which may result in the ramp  420  being a one-piece ramp. In such embodiments, the frame members  440  may be monolithically formed with the ramp surface  450  and transition plate  460 . Any appropriate amount of material, such as by way of a non-limiting example, aluminum, steel, plastic or the like may be extruded to form the ramp  420 . 
     The ramp surface  450  may include a crowned or transverse arched shape  455 ; such as shown in more detail in  FIG. 18 . The transverse arched shape  455  may extend an entire length of the ramp surface  450  or a portion thereof. By way of a non-limiting example, the transverse arched shape  455  may extend a majority portion of the length of the ramp surface  450 . The transverse arch shape may enhance the strength of the ramp  420 . Enhancing the strength of the ramp  420  may allow the ramp  420  to handle more weight during operation. In addition, it may permit the ramp  420  to include less material, which may reduce the cost and weight of the ramp  420 . While a transverse arch shape  455  is shown, the present teachings are not limited to this shape. Any appropriate shape may be utilized that strengthens the ramp surface  450 . 
     The present teachings generally eliminate the need to weld the ramp  420 —as is done in the prior art. When the ramp  420  is made without welding, the ramp  420  may be referred to as being weld free. The process for forming the ramp  420  may minimize the labor required to complete the process. This may allow the ramp  420  to be manufactured quicker and may reduce the overall cost of the ramp  420 . 
     In yet other embodiments, a ramp  520  may be similar to ramp  420 —the ramp  520  may include at least one frame member  540  and a ramp surface  550 . The ramp  520  may be monolithically formed. The ramp surface  550 , however, may include a transverse arched shape  455  that extends from the ramp surface  450 . In this embodiment, the transverse arched shape  455  may be formed by adding material to the ramp surface  450 . This may increase the strength of the ramp  520  even further. 
     The present teachings generally eliminate the need to weld the ramp  520 —as is done in the prior art. When the ramp  520  is made without welding, the ramp  520  may be referred to as being weld free. The process for forming the ramp  520  may minimize the labor required to complete the process. This may allow the ramp  520  to be manufactured quicker and may reduce the overall cost of the ramp  520 . 
     Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.