Patent ID: 8122552

Claim:
A ramp assembly, comprising: (a) a ramp portion configured for reciprocating movement between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position; and (b) a counterbalance, comprising: (i) a compression spring; (ii) an engagement fitting associated with a first end of the spring; (iii) a first bearing element operably coupled to the ramp portion, movement of the ramp portion from the neutral position toward the stowed position engaging the first bearing element with the engagement fitting to move the first end of the spring toward a second end of the spring, wherein the first bearing element is disengaged from the engagement fitting when the ramp portion is located between the neutral position and a deployed position; and (iv) a second bearing element operably coupled to the ramp portion, movement of the ramp portion from the neutral position toward the deployed position engaging the second bearing element with the engagement fitting to move the first end of the spring toward the second end of the spring, wherein the second bearing element is disengaged from the engagement fitting when the ramp portion is located between the neutral position and a stowed position.