Patent ID: 7913341

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 associated with the ramp portion, comprising: (i) first and second bearing surfaces, movement of the ramp portion between the stowed position and the deployed position moving the first bearing surface along a first arcuate path and moving the second bearing surface along a second arcuate path; (ii) a restraint rotatably coupled about a first axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation having a fixed position relative to the neutral position of the ramp portion; (iii) a drive element slidably coupled to the restraint, the drive element comprising: (1) a first engagement surface for engaging the first bearing surface; (2) a second engagement surface for engaging the second bearing surface; and (3) a spring fitting; and (vi) a compression spring disposed between a portion of the restraint and the spring fitting, wherein the compression spring provides a force to bias the ramp portion (1) toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and (2) toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position.