Patent ID: 7913342

Claim:
A ramp assembly, comprising: (a) a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position; and (b) a counterbalance associated with the ramp portion, comprising: (i) a drive element comprising a spring fitting, wherein the drive element is rotatably coupled about a first axis of rotation, the first axis of rotation moving along an arcuate path when the ramp portion reciprocates between the stowed position and the deployed position; (ii) a restraint slidably coupled to the drive element and coupled for rotational movement about a second axis of rotation, wherein the second axis of rotation has a fixed location relative to the neutral position of the ramp portion; and (iii) a compression spring disposed between the spring fitting and a portion of the restraint, 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.