Patent Publication Number: US-2022234487-A1

Title: Ramp device for loading and unloading vehicles

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/303,835, filed Mar. 4, 2016, for “Ramp Device for Loading and Unloading Vehicles,” the contents of both application are fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a ramp device that is configured to be used for loading and unloading of vehicular machines such as snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV&#39;s), utility vehicles (UTV&#39;s), motorcycles, snow bikes, golf carts, and utility machines such as riding lawn mowers, from a bed of a truck or a trailer. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a ramp that is configured to be removably attached to a tailgate or bed while also being configured to be manipulated into a compact configuration for transport and storage. 
     Currently, there are many ramps on the market that are designed specifically for a certain type of vehicular machine. The designs of these ramps attempt to facilitate loading with correct traction and glide, while transporting a machine to a different vertical level. Unfortunately, many ramps do not effectively provide adequate machine tire traction, track traction, foot traction, or smooth glide where needed. 
     While not ideal, consumers may use an ATV ramp for loading a snowmobile, and consumers may use a snowmobile ramp for loading an ATV, for example, and vice versa. Consumers struggle with cost-effective ways to load their machines and in some cases may compromise their safety in doing so. 
     In some instances, users are not using a strap to secure the ramp to the tailgate or bed, which can result in the ramps being ejected off the transport vehicle and injury to the user. Further, in many instances, adequate surfaces for walking on the ramps are not available, especially in power sports ramps. The lack of adequate walking surfaces can result in users falling when loading and unloading the machines. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a ramp is configured for use with a vehicular machine to allow the vehicular machine to move from a ground surface to an elevated surface of a transport vehicle. The ramp has a length along a longitudinal direction and comprises a first portion, a first web, and a second portion. The first portion comprises a first rail and a second rail, each of the first and second rails being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. The first web is positioned on the first portion and comprises a first array of raised members arranged so that a first plurality of longitudinal travel paths are defined on the first web between at least some of the raised members of the first array. The second portion is connected to the second rail at a first hinge. The second portion comprises a third rail and a fourth rail, each of the third and fourth rails being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. 
     This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. It is contemplated that all descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary ramp secured to an end gate of a pickup truck. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the ramp. 
         FIG. 3  is a partial perspective view of the ramp from beneath the ramp. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the ramp in an open, loading and unloading configuration. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the ramp in a folded configuration. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial, underside perspective view of the ramp with the feet. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial, top perspective view of the ramp with the feet. 
         FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of a top portion of the ramp with an engaging member. 
         FIG. 9  is a partial cross-sectional view of the engaging member, taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial underside view of the ramp with an attached strap. 
         FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view of a rail of the ramp. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a rail of the ramp. 
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a ramp. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial underside perspective view of the ramp of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a front view illustrating the ramp of  FIGS. 13 and 14  in a folded configuration. 
         FIG. 16  is a partial perspective view of the underside of the ramp of  FIGS. 13-15 , showing a hinge with a removable pivot pin. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the portions of the ramp of  FIGS. 13-16  in a separated configuration. 
         FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of a hinge for the ramp of  FIGS. 1-12 . 
         FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view of an offset slider and spacer that prevents pinching. 
         FIG. 20  is a partial cross-sectional view of a ramp side rail with external raised ribs. 
         FIG. 21  is a partial perspective view of the side rail of  FIG. 20  with indicia provided between the raised ribs. 
         FIG. 22  is a partial perspective view of a portion of the ramp of  FIG. 2 , including an exemplary spacer. 
     
    
    
     While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that fall within the scope of the principles of this disclosure. Analogous parts are indexed in increments of one hundred. It is to be understood that all descriptions relevant to a part also apply to all analogous parts. 
     The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, vertical, horizontal, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , ramp  10  is configured to be used for loading and unloading of a vehicular machine  18  such as a snowmobile, ATV, UTV, motorcycle, snow bike, golf cart, riding lawn mower, or other utility or recreational machine, from a bed of a truck or a trailer (e.g., transport vehicle  19 ). Ramp  10  allows the vehicular machine  18  to move from a ground surface at end  16  to an elevated surface of a transport vehicle  19  at end  14 . An end  14  of ramp  10  is configured for removable attachment to a tail gate  12 , bed, or other portion of transport vehicle  19 . An opposite end  16  of ramp  10  is configured to engage a ground surface. The ramp  10  is configured to withstand the forces imparted through the raising and lowering of vehicular machine  18  onto and off from the transport vehicle  19 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the ramp  10  includes a middle portion  20  having left and right spaced apart side rails  22  and  24  that are connected together with a plurality of spaced apart cross bars  26 . The cross bars  26  are connected at substantially uniform intervals along a length of the spaced apart side rails  22  and  24 . Side rails  22  and  24  are oriented substantially parallel to the length along the longitudinal direction L of ramp  10 . 
     The spaced apart side rails  22  and  24  and the plurality of cross bars  26  are typically constructed of a tubular aluminum. Aluminum provides sufficient structural integrity to withstand the forces imparted on the ramp  10  while loading and unloading devices from the ground surface to the bed and back, while being light in weight, which aids in moving and positioning the ramp  10  in selected locations. While aluminum is a typical material of construction, other materials can also be utilized including other metals and/or thermoplastics. 
     The cross bars  26  have a sufficient width to engage a track of the snowmobile  18 . Cross bars  26  are formed from one-inch aluminum tubing in an exemplary embodiment. To prevent slippage of, and potential damage to, vehicular machine  18 , in an exemplary embodiment, the cross bars  26  are at least partially covered with a grip cover or traction enhancing cover  28 . The traction enhancing cover  28  typically includes a rough surface that is configured to engage the track of snowmobile  18  without slippage, where the traction enhancing cover  28  is typically a molded polymeric material. Each traction enhancing cover  28  is typically secured to an individual cross bar  28  with a fastener as such a screw or bolt. Advantageously, in such cases, the traction enhancing cover  28  can be replaced by removing the fastener, installing a new cover  28 , and the reinstalling the fastener. Other securing mechanisms are also within the scope of the present disclosure, including but not limited to, a rivet, a snap fit device, and an adhesive. In an exemplary use, traction enhancing cover  28  protects studs of a snowmobile from damage, as well as protects cross bars  26  from damage from such studs. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-5 , the ramp  10  includes left and right track portions  30  and  32  that are configured to engage tires, wheels or skis of ATV&#39;s, UTV&#39;s, motorcycles, snow bikes, golf carts, snow mobiles, and utility machines, such as riding lawn mowers. The left track portion  30  is hingedly connected to the a left side of the middle portion  20  with a plurality of spaced apart hinges  34  that are configured to allow the left track portion  30  to be retained in a loading position substantially even with the middle portion  20  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ) and move to a stored position (as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ). 
     Similarly, the right track portion  32  is hingedly connected to a right edge of the middle portion  20  with a plurality of hinges  36 , wherein the hinges  34  and  36  are similarly constructed. The hinges  36  are configured to allow the right track portion  32  to be retained in a loading position substantially even with the middle portion  20  (as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 ) and a stored position (as illustrated in  FIG. 5 ). The hinges  34  and  36  transfer a load from the portions left and right track portions  30  and  32  to the middle portion  20  and vice versa to spread the load across the ramp  10 , which reduces the amount of material required in the rails  22 ,  24 , which in turn reduces weight and cost of the ramp  10 . In the open position of  FIGS. 2 and 4 , top surfaces of left portion  30 , middle portion  20  and right portion  32  all lie in substantially a common plane (e.g., a top surface of the open ramp  10  is substantially flat). In the closed position of  FIG. 5 , left and right portions  30  and  32  are pivoted upward about respective hinges  34 ,  36  so that the top surfaces of left and right portions  30  and  32  now face downward and toward the top surface of middle portion  20 . 
     The left track portion  30  and the right track portion  32  are similarly constructed and are typically substantially mirror images of each other. Each track portion  30  and  32  includes space apart rails  40  and  42  that have a similar construction to that of rails  22  and  24 . Side rails  40  and  42  are oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of ramp  10 . The rails  40  and  42  are connected together with a plurality of spaced apart cross members  44 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The cross members  44  are typically made of a corrosion-resistant metal material, such as, but not limited to aluminum. The metal material provides sufficient strength to support and guide wheels, tires or skis of vehicular machines  18  to be used with ramp  10 . 
     The area between the spaced apart rails  40  and  42  is substantially covered with a web  46  that has an array of raised members  48 , such as lugs, arranged in rows, such as shown in  FIG. 4 . The web  46  is supported along longitudinal edges of rails  40 ,  42  by longitudinal ribs  41 . The rows of raised members  48  are spaced apart to define a plurality of longitudinal travel paths or channels  58  therebetween. Such travel paths or channels  58  allow carbide(s) of a snowmobile ski to be positioned between adjacent rows of raised members  48  and thereby travel by gliding over a smooth surface. At the same time, the rows of raised members  48  substantially prevent movement in a lateral direction  38  (labeled in  FIG. 4 ; substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of ramp  10 ). The rows include spaced apart raised members  48  that provide traction to a wheel as the vehicular machine  18  —or traction to a user&#39;s shoes as the user —travels up and down on the track portions  30  and  32 . Such traction is especially useful in conditions including rain and snow. Further, because the raised members  48  have a relatively low profile, a person can easily walk on the web  46  without a likelihood of tripping or slipping. 
     The web  46  is typically a polymeric material to provide traction, guidance and wear properties while being light in weight. However, the web  46  can be constructed from other materials and also can have other upper surface configurations than disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the web  46  includes slots (not shown) through which fastening mechanisms are secured to ribs  41 . Moreover, other slots or apertures may be provided in web  46  to allow precipitation flow and expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, to prevent warpage. 
     When in the folded configuration of  FIG. 5 , a width of the ramp  10  is sufficiently narrow to allow the ramp  10  to be stored on a bed of transport vehicle  19  beneath a vehicular machine  18  and between its wheels, tires, or skis. Referring to  FIG. 6 , the ramp  10  can optionally include one or more slide bars  70  that are located on one or more of rails  22 ,  24 ,  40 ,  42 . The slide bars  70  aid in moving the ramp  10  on a tail gate or bed of transport vehicle  19  by reducing friction, and therefore preventing damage to the bed or tail gate as the ramp  10  is slid thereon. The slide bars  70  can be located on any or all of the rails  22 ,  24 ,  40  and  42  on an outside surface thereof. Slide bars may be formed of a low-friction polymer. When worn, slide bars  70  may be removed and replaced. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the ramp  10  includes flexible feet  50  extending from the ends  16  of the rails  22 ,  24 ,  40  and  42 . In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible feet  50  are fixedly secured to the rails  22 ,  24 ,  40  and  42  and are typically formed from a flexible polymer rubber foot to conform to the terrain or ground surface. Feet  50  provide traction on the ground or loading base of the ramp  10 . In an exemplary embodiment, each foot  50  includes barbs or teeth  52  that are oriented in a direction substantially traverse to a direction of travel of vehicular machine  18  on the ramp  10  (e.g., a longitudinal direction L of ramp  10 ). The barbs or teeth  52  allow the feet to equalize pressure across the ground surface or loading base despite different ground conditions, such as but not limited to, snow, grass, dirt and concrete. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , end  14  of ramp  10  includes bed or tailgate engaging mechanisms  60  fixedly secured to ends of the rails  22 ,  24 ,  40  and  42 , where the engaging mechanisms  60  are configured to be removably secured to the bed or tailgate by the weight of the ramp  10  and the vehicular machine  18  being moved on the ramp  10 . The engaging mechanisms  60  include an inner portion or finger  61  that optionally includes barbed or uneven surfaces  62 . An overlay  63  is formed of an elastomeric material and can have an uneven interior surface configured to mechanically interlock with the uneven exterior surface  62  of the finger  61 . Overlay  63  is positioned on the inner portion or finger  61 , wherein the mechanical interlocking of the interfacing surfaces retains the overlay  63  thereon and prevents the overlay  63  from slipping off of the finger  61 . 
     The finger  61  is typically constructed of a metal, such as aluminum. However, other materials of construction are also contemplated. The overlay  63  is typically constructed of a flexible polymer and includes a plurality of teeth  64  that are configured to engage the bed or tail gate to prevent slippage as a vehicle is moved over the ramp  10 . The plurality of teeth  64  are orientated substantially traverse to a direction of travel of the vehicle on the ramp  10  (e.g., longitudinal direction L of ramp  10 ) to aid in the prevention of slippage of end  14  from the bed or tailgate of transport vehicle  19 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the ramp  10  includes a strap  66  that is utilized to attach the ramp  10  to the bed or tailgate of transport vehicle  19 . The strap  66  may be fixedly attached to the ramp at an easy-to-locate homing location, such as a plate or bracket, such as at one end of strap  66 , while the other end of strap  66  includes a fastening member  67 , such as a hook, configured for attachment to another fixed structure, such as a plate or bracket. Alternatively, the strap  66  may have fastening members at each end. Attachment structures for strap  66  are illustrated on track portion  32 . However, it is to be understood that attachment structures for strap  66  may alternatively or additionally be provided on middle portion  20  or track portion  30 . The strap  66  may include a retraction mechanism  68  —such as a spring loaded reel or a ratcheting reel —that can automatically retract strap  66  into mechanism  68 . Alternatively, the strap  66  may include a buckle through which the length of the strap  66  is adjusted. The strap  66  is utilized to retain the ramp  10  in a fixed location, to reduce the chance of the ramp  10  getting kicked out from, or dislodging from, the tailgate or bed of transport vehicle  19  as a vehicular machine  18  is moved over the ramp  10 . Additionally, the same or a second strap (not shown) may be utilized to retain the ramp  10  in a desired location, such as when in transit. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  are exemplary alternative, cross-sectional configurations for a rail  40 .  FIGS. 11 and 12  are taken as cross-sections of a right-most portion of  FIG. 4 . It is to be understood that rails  22 ,  24 , and  42  may be similarly constructed. In some embodiments where the ramp  10  is configured to be used with lighter weight vehicular machines  18 , a rail  40  as illustrated in  FIG. 11  can be utilized. However, when the ramp  10  is configured for use with heavier vehicular machines  18 , the rail  40 ′ can be reinforced with internal ribs  54  and  56 . In one embodiment, the internal ribs  54  and  56  intersect and join all interior sides of the rail  40 ′. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , another exemplary embodiment of a ramp  110  is illustrated. The ramp  110  includes a left portion  130  and a right portion  132  that are hingedly connected with a plurality of hinges  134 . The ramp  110  is similar to ramp  10  in that the same or similar rails  40 ,  42 , flexible feet  50  and bed or tailgate engaging members  60  are utilized. The ramps  110  and  10  differ in that the ramp  110  does not include a middle portion  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, side portions  130  and  132  are sufficiently wide to allow a person to walk alongside a vehicular machine  18  up and down the ramp  110 . In contrast, ramp  10  generally has a width adequate to accommodate a vehicular machine  18  being driven up and down the ramp  10 . Moreover, because ramp  110  does not have a generally open middle portion  20 , ramp  110  is easy to use, as the vehicular machine does need not be aligned on particular tracks of web  46 . Additionally, having the increased width with no open middle section allows for increased flexibility in use and safety, relative to conventional ramps. 
     The left and right portions  130  and  132  have a similar construction to that of the left and right track portions  30  and  32 . However, a width of the left and right portions  130  and  132  is significantly greater than that of the left and right track portions  30  and  32 . The left and right portions  130  and  132  are mirror images of each other, and each portion  130  and  132  includes spaced apart rails  40  and  42 . The left and right portions  130  and  132  include a plurality of cross members  144  that connect the spaced apart rails  40  and  42 . Due to the distance between the spaced apart rails  40 ,  42 , the portions  130  and  132  include a middle brace member  72  that is connected to each of the cross members  144 , where in the middle brace member  72  enhances the structural integrity to the portions  130 ,  132 . The middle brace member  72  also provides a surface to support portions of a web  46 , especially when the web  46  comprises two or more pieces for each portion  130 ,  132 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , ramp  110  includes a lifting loop  74  extending upward between left and right portions  130  and  132 . Loop  74  is attached to at least one of left and right portions  130  and  132 . By pulling up upon loop  74 , a user can fold ramp  110  in half along hinges  134 , obtaining the folded configuration shown in  FIGS. 15 and 19 . In the folded configuration, portions  130  and  132  are positioned adjacent each other. In this configuration, the ramp  110  can be placed in between loaded vehicular machines  18  on a transport vehicle  19 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , loop  74  can also be used as a handle that aids in positioning and moving the ramp  110 . Referring to  FIG. 19 , sliders  70  are useful in the folded configuration of ramp  110  for creating a gap between the adjacently positioned portions  130 ,  132  to prevent pinching of a user&#39;s hands or fingers therebetween. 
     It can be seen that ramp  110  folds differently than ramp  10 . For ramp  110 , in the open position of  FIG. 13 , top surfaces of left portion  130  and right portion  132  lie in substantially a common plane (e.g., a top surface of the open ramp  110  is substantially flat). In the closed position of  FIG. 15 , left and right portions  130  and  132  are pivoted downward about hinges  134  so that the top surfaces of left and right portions  130  and  132  face generally oppositely and away from each other. 
       FIG. 22  is a partial perspective view of a portion of the ramp  10  of  FIG. 2 , including an exemplary set-off or spacer  86 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , to obtain the folded configuration of ramp  10  in an exemplary embodiment, left and right track portions  30 ,  32  are pivoted upward at hinges  34 ,  36 , respectively. In the folded configuration of  FIG. 5 , spacers  86  to allow a gap to remain between the rail  40  and the underlying cross bar  26 , to prevent pinching of fingers. Moreover, the maintenance of such a gap prevents compression of raised members  48  of web  46  by cross bars  26  of middle portion  20 . Such spacers  86  may be positioned on rails  22 ,  24 ,  40  and/or  42  at desired locations. In an exemplary embodiment, spacer  86  is formed of rubber, polymer, or a similar flexible, durable material. Spacer  86  may be attached to rails  22 ,  24 ,  40 ,  42  by any known fastener, such as a magnet or mechanical fastener. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 , in an exemplary embodiment, the hinges  134  can be separated by removing a removable pivot pin  76  from the two barrels  78 ,  80  of hinge  134 . Accordingly, left portion  130  can be completely separated from right portion  132 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . As illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the pivot pin  76  is a threaded bolt with a nut. However, other pivot pins are also contemplated. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , when the barrels  78 ,  80  of hinge  134  are separated, the two portions  130  and  132  can be independently manipulated. In some instances where a narrower ramp is required, only one portion  130  or  132  is utilized. However, it is also contemplated that the portions  130  and  132  can be utilized separated from each other. In some instances, a different spacing of the portions  130  and  132  than shown in  FIG. 13  is desirable to accommodate the spacing of wheels on a vehicular machine  18 , for example. It is noted that each portion  130 ,  132  may include a strap  66  as discussed with respect to the ramp  10  to secure one or both portions  130  and  132  to the transport vehicle  19  or another structure. As described, it can be seen that ramps  10 ,  110  are universal in their ability to accommodate vehicular machines of many sizes and stances. 
     Referring to  FIG. 18 , in some embodiments, ramp  10  includes a separating hinge  34 ,  36  that is similar in operation to hinge  134  described above. One portion  180  of the hinge  34  is secured to a side surface of a rail  42 , and another portion  178  of the hinge  34  is secured to the side rail  22 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 20 and 21 , the visible outer sides of the rails  40  of the ramps  10  and  110  may include raised ribs  82  that are spaced apart. The raised ribs  82  are optional and are configured to protect a decorative decal  84  or other indicia placed between ribs  82  on the side surfaces of the rails  40 . 
     In the folded configuration of ramp  10  shown in  FIG. 5  or the folded configuration of ramp  110  shown in  FIGS. 15 and 19 , the left and right portions  30 ,  130  and  32 ,  132  may be mechanically locked in place by a pin, for example. Alternatively, the portions  30 ,  130  and  32 ,  132  can be secured together with other mechanical couplings. Moreover, in the open, flat configurations of ramp  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , and ramp  110  shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the sections  20 ,  30 ,  32  or  130 ,  132  can be pinned or otherwise locked together to stable hold the desired configuration. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, ramp  10 ,  100  has a length along longitudinal dimension L of about 7.5 feet (90 inches). This length allows for a safe loading angle between end  16  on the ground surface and end  14  on the transport vehicle  19 . An exemplary width of the unfolded ramp  10  of  FIG. 4  is about 52 inches. An exemplary width of the folded ramp  10  of  FIG. 5  is about 27 inches. An exemplary folded ramp  10  weighs about 44 pounds and has an exemplary load capacity rating of about 1500 pounds. It is to be understood that other dimensions are also suitable. 
     In some embodiments the bed of the trailer of the transport vehicle  19  can be equipped with a bridge tailgate standoff. The bridge tailgate standoff lifts the vehicular machine  18  above the bed to provide sufficient space to position the folded ramp  10 ,  110  under the vehicular machine  18  during transit. 
     Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in another embodiment, and vice-versa.