Patent Publication Number: US-2021162908-A1

Title: Folding ramp

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/942,604, fled on Dec. 2, 2019 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/942,598, filed on Dec. 2, 2019, the content of each is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     SUMMARY 
     Disclosed are folding ramps. The folding ramps may include a frame and a surface supported by the frame. The frame may be collapsible and sized to fit inside a cavity defined by a tailgate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       In the drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals can describe similar components in different views. Like numerals having different letter suffixes can represent different instances of similar components. The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  show an example of a folding ramp consistent with this disclosure. 
         FIGS. 2A and 2B  show an example of a folding ramp consistent with this disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure any manner. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     There can be difficulty in loading items into a bead of a truck or other vehicle with an elevated bed and/or interior. For example, loading an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or motorcycle into the bed of a truck may require the use of ramps. Traditional ramps use to allow the ATV or motorcycle to be wheeled into the bed have a fixed length and are not easily stored. 
     As disclosed herein, ramps may be foldable. The foldable nature of the ramps may allow for easy storage and/or integration of the ramps with vehicles. For example, the ramps disclosed herein may be connected to the tailgate of a truck. 
     The ramps disclosed herein may allow for more economical conversion of vans, busses, and other vehicles to permit and/or provide easier access for wheelchairs and other mobility devices used by disabled or otherwise mobility impaired individuals. For example, the ramps disclosed herein may be attached to vans and motors can be used to extend and retract the ramps so as to allow access to the van by those in a wheelchair. 
     As disclosed herein, the ramps may include a frame that allows the ramps to be adjustable from a first state, sometimes referred to as a collapsed state, to a second state, sometimes referred to as a deployed state. A traction surface can be connected to and supported by the frame. During deployment of the frame, the traction surface may form a surface upon which an ATV, motorcycle, wheelchair, etc. can travel from a ground surface to a tailgate or other structure of a vehicle or from the vehicle to the ground surface. 
     The ramps disclosed herein may include one or more supports. The supports may be permanently attached to the ramps or removeable. The supports may allow the frame to support additional weight and/or act as a safety in case of accidently overloading of the ramps. 
     The above discussion is intended to provide an overview of subject matter of the present patent application. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the invention. The description below is included to provide further information about the present patent application, 
       FIG. 1A  shows an example of a folding ramp  100  in a collapsed state consistent with this disclosure,  FIG. 1B  shows an example of folding ramp  100  in an expanded state consistent with this disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , folding ramp  100  can include a frame  102  and a traction surface  104 . Frame  102  can support traction surface  104  as shown in  FIG. 1B . Traction surface  104  can allow a user to drive or otherwise manipulate an item from a ground surface  106  into a bed  108  of a truck  110  or other vehicles. For example, folding ramp  100  may allow a user to load an ATV into bed  108 . 
     Folding ramp  100  may also be used in passenger vehicles to facility loading and unloading of wheelchairs. For example, folding ramp  100  may connect to a frame or other body panel of a vehicle. Folding ramp  100  can be adjusted as disclosed herein to allow a wheelchair to traverse from ground surface  106  into the vehicle. 
     Frame  102  can be made of metals, polymers, or combinations thereof. For example, frame  102  can include metal cross members  112 . Cross members  112  can also be made of polymers. Cross member  112  can allow frame  102  to be adjusted from a collapsed state as shown in  FIG. 1A  to a deployed state as shown in  FIG. 1B . 
     Traction surface  104  can expand and collapse with frame  102 . For example, traction surface  104  can be made of a plurality of slats or other members that move relative to one another. The movement can allow traction surface  104  to expand and collapse. Traction surface  104  can also include a texture. The texture can allow for improved traction. For instance, during wet weather or if the ATV has muddy tires, the texture of traction surface  104  can improve traction. Examples of a texture can include perforation and grooves that allow tires, shoes, etc. to achieve higher traction. 
     Frame  102  can be connected to one or more slides  114 . Slides  114  can be connected to a surface of a tailgate  116 . The surface of tailgate  116  can define a cavity  118  that frame  102  can fit within. Tailgate  116  can include a door  120  attached via a hinge  122 . To deploy folding ramp  100 , door  120  can be opened and frame  102  and traction surface  104  can be pulled out of cavity  118 . For example, after opening door  120 , frame  102  and traction surface  104  can translate on slides  114 . Upon exiting cavity  118 , frame  102  can rest on ground surface  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , folding ramp  100  can include a support  124 . Support  124  can be suspended from frame  102 . Support  124  can allow frame  102  to support additional weight. Support  124  can be adjustable. For example, as shown in  FIG. 1B , support  124  does not have to touch ground surface  106  when deployed. As such, should frame  102  sag or otherwise deform, support  124  can contact ground surface  106  to support frame  102 . Thus, support  124  can act as a safety mechanism. For example, should folding ramp  100  be overloaded and deform, support  124  can contact ground surface  106  to prevent folding ramp  100  from collapsing. 
     The length of support  124  can also be adjustable. For example, support  204  can be multiple components, such as telescoping tubes  126 , and a pin  128  can be used fix the length in various positions. 
     Support  124  can pivot around a pivot point  130 . As such, support  124  can be rotated and stowed with frame  102  inside tailgate  116 . Support  124  can also be attached to frame  102  via a pin at pivot point  130 . Thus, support  124  can be removable for stowage. 
     While folding ramp  100  has been described as a single unit, folding ramp  100  can be multiple components. For example, folding ramp  100  can include two frames  102  that support traction surface  104  and multiple supports  124 . The multiple frames  102  can be repositioned along a rod  132  or hinge  122 . The repositioning of frames  102  can allow the frames  102  to be repositioned to accommodate ATVs or other items with differing wheel spacing. 
       FIG. 2A  shows an example of a folding ramp  200  in an expanded state consistent with this disclosure.  FIG. 2B  shows an example of folding ramp  200  in a collapsed state consistent with this disclosure. As shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B , folding ramp  200  can include one or more slides  202  (labeled individually as  202 A,  202 B, and  202 C), which can form a frame, and one or more traction surfaces  204 A,  204 B, and  204 C (collectively traction surfaces  204 ). Frames  202  can support traction surfaces  204  as shown in  FIG. 2A . Traction surfaces  204  can allow a user to drive or otherwise manipulate an item from a ground surface, such as ground surface  106  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , into a bed  208  of a truck  210  or other vehicles. For example, folding ramp  200  may allow a user to load an ATV into bed  208 . 
     Just as with folding ramp  100 , folding ramp  200  may also be used in passenger vehicles to facility loading and unloading of wheelchairs. For example, folding ramp  200  may connect to a frame or other body panel of a vehicle. Folding ramp  200  can be adjusted as disclosed herein to allow a wheelchair to traverse from a ground surface into the vehicle. 
     Slides  202  can be made of metals, polymers, or combinations thereof. For example, each of slides  202  can include a metal channel and a runner or other component that slides in and out of the metal channel. Slides  202  can include polymer, ceramic, or metal rollers, hearings, etc. to easy adjusting folding ramp  200  from a collapsed state shown in  FIG. 2B  to a deployed state shown in  FIG. 2A . 
     Traction surfaces  204  can expand and collapse with slides  202 . For example, traction surfaces  204  can be made of panels that move relative to one another. The movement can allow traction surfaces  204  to expand and collapse. Traction surfaces  204  can also include a texture. The texture can allow for improved traction. For instance, during wet weather or if the ATV has muddy tires, the texture of traction surfaces  204  can improve traction. Examples of a texture can include perforations, such as perforations  212 , and grooves that allow tires, shoes, etc. to achieve higher traction. Perforations  212  can be evenly and/or uniformly spaced as shown in  FIG. 2B  or random patterns of perforations. 
     Folding ramp  200  can include one or more mounting surfaces  214  (labeled individually as surfaces  214 A and  214 B). As disclosed herein, mounting surfaces  214  may be used to connect slides  204 A to a tailgate  216 . Mounting surfaces  214  can be connected to each other by one or more hinges  218 . Mounting surface  214 A can attached directly to a surface of tailgate  216 . Thus, mounting surface  214 A can allow folding ramp  200  to be connected to existing tailgates or other components of a vehicle as an aftermarket part. While  FIGS. 2A and 2B  shown mounting surface  214  attached to an exterior surface of tailgate  216 , mounting surface  214 A may also be a part of tailgate  216 . For example, an exterior panel of tailgate  216  can be removed and mounting surface  214 A can be attached to tailgate  216  in its place. Thus, folding ramp  200  can be an originally installed component of tailgate  216  or an aftermarket part. 
     Folding ramp  200  can include a support, such as support  124  shown in  FIG. 1B . The support can be suspended from any one of slides  202  and/or tractions surfaces  204 . The support can be adjustable and does not have to touch the ground when deployed. As such, should frame folding ramp  200  sag or otherwise deform, the support can contact the ground to support folding ramp  200 . Thus, the support can act as a safety mechanism in the event folding ramp  200  is overloaded. The length of the support can also be adjustable. For example, the support can be multiple components as disclosed above with respect to support  124 . The support can pivot around a pivot point and be stowed as described with respect to support  124 . 
     Examples and Notes 
     The following, non-limiting examples, detail certain aspects of the present subject matter to solve the challenges and provide the benefits discussed herein, among others. 
     Example 1 is a ramp comprising: a frame, the frame adjustable from a collapsed state to a deployed state, when in the collapsed state the frame is sized to fit inside a cavity defined by a tailgate; and a traction surface supported by the frame, wherein in the deployed state the traction surface provides a transition from an exterior surface of the tailgate to a ground surface. 
     In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 optionally includes a slide configured to mount to an interior surface of the tailgate. 
     In Example 3, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-2 optionally include a support configured to be suspended from the frame when the frame is in the deployed state. 
     In Example 4, the subject matter of Example 3 optionally includes wherein a length of the support is adjustable. 
     In Example 5, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-4 optionally include wherein the traction surface is a perforated surface. 
     In Example 6, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally include wherein the traction surface defines one or more grooves. 
     In Example 7, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally include wherein the frame includes one or more scissoring members. 
     In Example 8, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally include wherein the frame includes one or more slides. 
     In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally include wherein a portion of the traction surface forms a portion of an exterior surface of the tailgate. 
     In Example 10, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-9 optionally include a guardrail. 
     In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally include wherein the ramp is a component of a vehicle. 
     Example 12 is a ramp comprising: a frame attachable to a mounting surface, the frame adjustable from a collapsed state to a deployed state, when in the collapsed state the frame is sized to be supported by the mounting surface; and a traction surface supported by the frame, wherein in the deployed state the frame and traction surface extend from the mounting surface and provide a transition from a tailgate to a ground surface. 
     In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 optionally includes wherein the mounting surface is a surface of the tailgate. 
     In Example 14, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 12-13 optionally include wherein the mounting surface is mountable to a surface of the tailgate. 
     In Example 15, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 12-14 optionally include wherein the frame comprises one or more slides. 
     In Example 16, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 12-15 optionally include a support configured to be suspended from the frame when the frame is in the deployed state. 
     In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 optionally includes wherein a length of the support is adjustable. 
     In Example 18, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 12-17 optionally include wherein the traction surface defines one or more groves. 
     In Example 19, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 12-18 optionally include wherein the traction surface is a perforated surface. 
     In Example 20, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 12-19 optionally include a guardrail. 
     In Example 21, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 12-20 optionally include wherein the ramp is a component of a vehicle. 
     Example 22 is a vehicle comprising: a tailgate; a frame attached to the tailgate, the frame adjustable from a collapsed state to a deployed state; and a traction surface supported by the frame, wherein in the deployed state the frame and traction surface extend from a surface of the tailgate and provide a transition from the tailgate to a ground surface. 
     In Example 23, the subject matter of Example 22 optionally includes a mounting surface attaching the frame to the tailgate, wherein when in the collapsed state the frame is sized to be supported by the mounting surface. 
     In Example 24, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 22-23 optionally include wherein the tailgate includes a mounting surface, the frame attached to the mounting surface of the tailgate. 
     In Example 25, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 22-24 optionally include wherein the frame comprises one or more slides. 
     In Example 26, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 22-25 optionally include a support configured to be suspended from the frame when the frame is in the deployed state. 
     In Example 27, the subject matter of Example 26 optionally includes wherein a length of the support is adjustable. 
     In Example 28, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 22-27 optionally include wherein the traction surface defines one or more groves or is a perforated surface. 
     In Example 29, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 22-28 optionally include a guardrail. 
     In Example 30, the apparatuses or method of any one or any combination of Examples 1-29 can optionally be configured such that all elements or options recited are available to use or select from. 
     The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein. 
     In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and any documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in this document controls. 
     In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one, independent of any other instances or usages of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Also, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, that is, a system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements in addition to those listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 
     The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b), to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description as examples or embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment, and it is contemplated that such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.