Patent ID: 7258384

Claim:
A folding ramp, comprising: a first ramp section having an underside; a second ramp section having an underside; a pair of first longitudinal beams connected to said underside of said first ramp section; a pair of second longitudinal beams connected to said underside of said second ramp section; a hinge pivotally connecting said first ramp section to said second ramp section; and a tension cable assembly located at said underside of said first and second ramp sections, said tension cable assembly comprising: a tension cable having a first end connected said first ramp section adjacent a distal end thereof, and a second end connected to said second ramp section adjacent a distal end thereof; and a mast having a base connected to said hinge in pivotal relation to both of said first and second sections, said mast having an end opposite said base at which said tension cable is generally located; wherein said first and second ramp sections are foldable between a fully folded state of the folding ramp and a fully unfolded state of the folding ramp; wherein when said first and second ramp sections are in said fully unfolded state of the folding ramp, said tension cable is substantially taut; wherein said pairs of first and second longitudinal beams are located such that at said fully folded state of the folding ramp, said pairs of first and second longitudinal beams nest with respect to each other; and wherein said hinge comprises a hinge pin, a pair of primary hinge barrels pivotal on said hinge pin, and a pair of secondary hinge barrels pivotal on said hinge pin independently of said pair of primary hinge barrels; wherein: each of said first longitudinal beams is connected to a respective one of said primary hinge barrels of said hinge; and each of said second longitudinal beams is connected to a respective one of said secondary hinge barrels of said hinge.