VEHICLE RAMP

RAMPE POUR VEHICULE

English Abstract

A ramp for a vehicle comprises an elongated track with a leading end and a trailing end. The leading end engages a flatbed platform of a vehicle, and the trailing end engages a ground surface so that there is a slope between the leading and trailing ends when the ramp is in a first usage. The elongated track is constituted by multiple engaging elements. The elements are movable relative to each other so that the elements are capable of being packed in a stack to define a platform for a wheel of a vehicle. This permits raising of the wheel of a vehicle above the ground level. There is a hinge between adjacent elements, and the elements of the ramp are hinged at opposite ends for relative folding to permit for a stacked relationship about adjacent ends.

French Abstract

Une rampe pour véhicule comprend une voie allongée avec une extrémité avant et une extrémité arrière. L'extrémité avant s'accouple à une plate-forme de véhicule, et l'extrémité arrière s'accouple à une surface du sol, de sorte qu'il n'y a pas de pente entre les extrémités avant et arrière lorsque la rampe est à son premier stade d'utilisation. La voie allongée est constituée de multiples éléments d'accouplement. Ces éléments sont mobiles entre eux, de sorte qu'ils peuvent être empilés pour définir une plate-forme pour une roue de véhicule. Ce procédé permet l'élévation de la roue du véhicule au-dessus du sol. Une articulation est intercalée entre les éléments adjacents, et les éléments de la rampe sont articulés aux extrémités opposées pour que le repliement relatif assure une relation d'empilage avec les extrémités adjacentes.

Claims

CLAIMS
What is claimed is:
1. A ramp for a vehicle comprising:
an elongated track with a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end for
engaging a horizontal platform of a vehicle, and the trailing end for engaging
a ground
surface so that there is a slope between the leading and trailing ends when
the ramp is in
a first usage relationship with the vehicle;
the elongated track being constituted by multiple engaging elements,
the elements being movable relative to each other, the elements are capable of
being packed in a stack to define a platform for a wheel of a vehicle to
permit raising of the
wheel of a vehicle above the ground level, being a second usage of the ramp;
wherein said platform has a top element that includes at least one aperture
spaced
for receiving at least one stud of a easily removable stop to hinder the
vehicle from running
past an end of the top element, the at least one stud being part of the stop
and being
spaced to correspond with the at least one aperture, the aperture being
located distal from
said end of the element the stud being capable of interacting with said
aperture, without
the use of securing means; and
wherein there are at least three elements in a longitudinal relationship for
the ramp,
and there are hinges between the elements, the hinges and the elements being
arranged
so that a first end element folds between a mid element and a second end
element in the
second use.
2. A ramp as claimed in claim 1, further including a lead member having, a
first portion
for engaging with the element of the ramp in a substantially parallel
relationship with the
track, and a second portion angulated relative to the track of the ramp, the
second portion
for engaging on a horizontal platform of the vehicle when in a first use, and
in a second use
for engaging with the stacked elements, permitting a wheel of a vehicle to
roll up and onto
the stacked elements.
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3. A ramp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elements of the ramp are hinged
at
opposite ends for relative folding to permit for a stacked relationship.
4. A ramp as claimed in claim 1, including two separate ramps, each having a
track,
one track for permitting the front and rear left-hand wheels of an accessory
to be rolled
onto the horizontal platform related to the vehicle, and the other track for
the front and rear
wheels of the right-hand side of the accessory to be rolled onto the
horizontal platform in
the first use, and wherein the two tracks in a second use are for raising
respectively left
and right wheels of a vehicle.
5. A ramp as claimed in claim 1, including friction elements on a surface of
the track,
the friction elements being at least one of spaced slots, or apertures, and
selectively with
one or more ridges.
6. A ramp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the leading end includes a leading
member
in the form of an angulated plate anchored to the track.
7. A ramp as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hinge permits the elements to be
rotated
and the elements to fold in said second usage relationship, such that each
element is
stacked in a packed relationship; and permitting the elements to be unfolded
into said first
usage relationship, such that the elements are inhibited from unfolding beyond
the
elongated first usage relationship.
8. A ramp for a vehicle comprising:
an elongated track with a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end for
engaging a flatbed platform of a vehicle, and the trailing end for engaging a
ground surface
so that there is a slope between the leading and trailing ends when the ramp
is in a first
usage relationship with the vehicle;
the elongated track being constituted by multiple engaging elements,
wherein said multiple engaging elements have at least one element that
includes
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at least one aperture spaced for receiving at least one stud of a removable
stop to facilitate
positioning of the vehicle on the ramp and to binder an accessory from running
past an end
of the element, the at least one stud being part of the stop, the aperture
being located at
a distance from the end of the element, the stud being capable of interacting
with said
aperture, without the use of securing means;
the elements being movable relative to each other, the elements are capable of
being packed in a stack to define a platform for a wheel of a vehicle to
permit raising of the
wheel of a vehicle above the ground level, and the raising of the vehicle
above a ground
level being a second usage of the ramp;
a leading member including two portions, a first portion for engaging with the
element of the ramp in a substantially parallel relationship with the track,
and a second
portion angulated relative to the track of the ramp, the second portion being
for engaging
on the flatbed of the vehicle when in a first use, and in a second use being
for engaging
with the stacked elements thereby to facilitate permitting a wheel of a
vehicle to roll up and
onto the stacked elements, and wherein there are at least three elements in a
longitudinal
relationship for the ramp and there are hinges between the elements, the
hinges and
elements being arranged so that a first end element folds between a mid
element and a
second end element in the second use.
9. A ramp as claimed in claim 8, wherein the elements of the ramp are hinged
to
permit for a stacked relationship about adjacent ends.
10. A ramp as claimed in claim 9, including a pair of separate tracks, one
track for
permitting the front and rear left-hand wheels of an accessory to be rolled
onto the flatbed
related to the vehicle, and the other track for the front and rear wheels of
the right-hand
side of the accessory to be rolled onto the flatbed in the first use, and
wherein the two
tracks in a second use are for raising respectively left and right wheels of a
vehicle.
11. A ramp as claimed in claim 10, including friction elements on a surface of
the track,
the friction elements being at least one of spaced slots, or apertures,
selectively with one
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or more ridges.
12. A ramp as claimed in claim 8, wherein the leading member is anchored to
the track.
13. A ramp as claimed in claim 8, wherein the hinge permits the elements to be
rotated
and the elements to fold in said second usage relationship, such that each
element is
stacked in a packed relationship; and permitting the elements to be unfolded
into said first
usage relationship, such that the elements are inhibited from unfolding beyond
the
elongated 1^st usage relationship.
14. A ramp for a vehicle comprising:
an elongated track with a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end for
engaging a horizontal platform of a vehicle, and the trailing end for engaging
a ground
surface so that there is a slope between the leading and trailing ends when
the ramp is in
a first usage relationship with the vehicle;
the elongated track being constituted by multiple engaging elements,
the elements being movable relative to each other, the elements are capable of
being packed in a stack to define a platform for a wheel of a vehicle to
permit raising of the
wheel of a vehicle above the ground level, being a second usage of the ramp;
and
wherein said platform has a top element that includes at least one aperture
spaced
for receiving at least one stud of a easily removable stop to hinder the
vehicle from running
past an end of the top element, the at least one stud being part of the stop
and being
spaced to correspond with the at least one aperture, the aperture being
located distal from
said end of the element, the stud being capable of interacting with said
aperture, without
the use of securing means, wherein said aperture is an essentially
longitudinal slot
arranged laterally across each element.
15. A ramp for a vehicle comprising:
an elongated track with a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end for
engaging a horizontal platform of a vehicle, and the trailing end for engaging
a ground

surface so that there is a slope between the leading and trailing ends when
the ramp is in
a first usage relationship with the vehicle;
the elongated track being constituted by multiple engaging elements,
the elements being movable relative to each other, the elements are capable of
being packed in a stack to define a platform for a wheel of a vehicle to
permit raising of the
wheel of a vehicle above the ground level, being a second usage of the ramp;
and
wherein said platform has a top element that includes at least one aperture
spaced
for receiving at least one stud of a easily removable stop to hinder the
vehicle from running
past an end of the top element, the at least one stud being part of the stop
and being
spaced to correspond with the at least one aperture, the aperture being
located distal from
said end of the element, the stud being capable of interacting with said
aperture, without
the use of securing means, wherein said aperture is an essentially
longitudinal slot
arranged laterally across each element.
16. A ramp for a vehicle comprising:
an elongated track with a leading end and a trailing end, the leading end for
engaging a horizontal platform of a vehicle, and the trailing end for engaging
a ground
surface so that there is a slope between the leading and trailing ends when
the ramp is in
a first usage relationship with the vehicle;
the elongated track being constituted by multiple engaging elements,
the elements being movable relative to each other, the elements are capable of
being packed in a stack to define a platform for a wheel of a vehicle to
permit raising of the
wheel of a vehicle above the ground level, being a second usage of the ramp;
and
wherein said platform has a top element that includes a plurality of spaced
apart
apertures wherein said aperture are essentially spaced slots longitudinally
arranged
laterally across the top element for receiving a plurality of studs of a
removable stop to
hinder the vehicle from running past an end of the element, the plurality of
studs being part
of the stop and spaced to correspond with the spaced apart apertures, the
apertures being
located distal from said end of the element, the stud being capable of
interacting with said
aperture, without the use of securing means.
11

17. The ramp of claim 16 wherein the top element includes two sets of
apertures, both
sets being distal from said end.
18. The ramp of claim 17 wherein the stop extends between both sets of
apertures.
19. The ramp of claim 16 wherein the stop does not extend down the end of the
ramp.
12

Description

CA 02531475 2005-12-22
VEHICLE RAMP
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field
[0002] An apparatus and method is disclosed relating to use as a ramp or a
platform,
and more particularly, relating to a ramp or platform for a vehicle.
[0003] 2. General8ackground
[0004] Some vehicles and trucks have a flatbed platform or rear cargo area
into which
All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) or other wheeled units and apparatus need to be
loaded.
To solve this problem, different devices have been previously used as a ramp
that can
run up a slope from a ground level to the flat bed height. These are elongated
ramps
and are for a single purpose. Separately, it is often necessary to raise a
wheel or pair of
wheels of a vehicle above the ground. These are also for a single purpose use.
Different kinds of ramps are used for this second purpose.
[0005] The various uses of the ramps are not as versatile as possible. The
disclosure
is directed towards an improvement which seeks to allow ramps to serve
multiple
purposes.
SUMMARY
[0006] A ramp for a vehicle comprises an elongated track with a leading end
and a
trailing end. The leading end is for engaging a horizontal platform of a
vehicle, and the
trailing end is for engaging a ground surface so that there is a slope between
the
leading and trailing ends when the ramp is in a first usage relationship with
the vehicle.
The elongated track is constituted by multiple engaging elements.
[0007] The elements are movable relative to each other so that the elements
are
capable of being packed in a stack to define a platform for a wheel of a
vehicle. This
permits raising of the wheel of a vehicle above the ground level. This raising
of the
vehicle above a ground level is a second usage of the ramp.
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CA 02531475 2005-12-22
[0008] A lead member of the ramp includes two portions anchored to the track.
A first
portion engages with the leading element of the ramp in a substantially
parallel
relationship with the track. A second portion of the lead member is angulated
relative to
the track of the ramp. The second portion is for engaging on a flatbed of the
vehicle
when in a first use. In a second use, this lead member engages with the
stacked
elements so as to facilitate permitting a wheel of a vehicle to roll up and
onto the
stacked elements.
[0009] There is a hinge transversely located between adjacent elements, and
the
elements of the ramp are hinged at opposite ends for relative transverse
folding to
permit for a stacked relationship about adjacent ends of adjacent elements.
The
longitudinal direction is between the leading end and the trailing end.
[0010] There are generally two ramps in use with a vehicle. As such, there are
a pair
of separate tracks. One track is for permitting the front and rear left-hand
wheels of an
ATV or accessory to be rolled onto a flatbed related to the vehicle. The other
track
being for the front and rear wheels of the right-hand side of the ATV or
accessory to be
rolled onto the flatbed in the first use. The two tracks in a second use are
for raising
respectively left and right wheels of a vehicle.
[0011] There can be friction elements on a surface of each track. The friction
elements can be at least one of spaced slots or apertures, selectively with
one or more
ridges.
[0012] When the track is an elongated position in the first use, the elements
of the
track are rotatable, in part, in a transverse axis relative to a longitudinal
direction of the
track to permit the second use mode. The hinges permit the elements to rotate
transversely and fold in first manner to be stacked in a packed relationship
for the
second use mode. The hinges permit the elements to be unfolded and aligned in
an
elongated manner and to inhibit folding in a manner opposite to the manner
when the
track is in the elongated longitudinal position in the first use mode.
[0013] Other objects and features of the disclosure will become apparent from
the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
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CA 02531475 2005-12-22
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Figure 1 is the ramp in the first operative situation elongated between
the
ground and the tailgate of a vehicle. A pair of ramps is shown in Figure 1.
[0015] Figure 2 shows a pair of ramps in the second operative position, folded
in an
inclined manner under two wheels of a vehicle.
[0016] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the ramps in the folded second
position.
[0017] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the ramp partly unfolded from
the
second operative position to the first position.
[0018] Figure 5 is a sectional side view showing a stop in position on the
ramp.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] There are two ramps 10 and 11 for a vehicle 12. The ramps 10 and 11 are
shown located on the tailgate 13 of the vehicle 12. The trailing ends 14 and
15 of the
ramps 10 and 11 engage the ground surface 16 in a sloping manner such that an
ATV
or other unit can be wheeled up the tracks of the ramps 10 and 11 and onto the
flatbed
platform 17 at the rear of the vehicle or truck 12. Each of the ramps 10 and
11 are
constituted by three foldable elements, namely elements 18, 19 and 20 for ramp
10 and
elements 21, 22 and 23 for ramp 11. The leading ends 24 and 25 respectively of
ramps
and 11 engage the tailgate 13. The leading member is anchored with the leading
end of the ramp.
[0020] Each of the leading ends 24 and 25 include a leading member which is a
plate
26 and 27 respectively. The plates 26 and 27 have a portion 28 which is
substantially
parallel to the elongated line of the elements 18, 19 and 20, and a portion 29
which is
angulated relative to portion 28 and can lie substantially parallel with the
surface 30 of
the tailgate 13.
[0021] With the ramps 10 and 11 extended in the sloping position the wheels 31
and
32 of an ATV can be rolled up and down the ramps as indicated by arrow 33.
3

CA 02531475 2005-12-22
[0022] In the extended position, the interface between 18, 19 and 20 are shown
by
lines 34 and 35, respectively. The interfaces between sections 21, 22 and 23
are
shown by lines 36 and 37, respectively.
[0023] There are hinge formations 38 between each of the elements 18, 19 and
20,
and between elements 21, 22 and 23. The hinge formations 38 are formed such
that
when the elements are in the extended position as shown in Figure 1, the
interface lines
are an abutment, and each of the elements 18, 19 and 20, respectively, prevent
the
buckling or downward movement of the ramp 10. The elements 21, 22, and 23 are
inter-located or in engagement to prevent the downward movement of the ramp
11.
[0024] As shown in Figure 2, there is the vehicle 12 with tires 39 and 40 for
respective
wheels. The tires are respectively mounted on a folded ramp 10 and a folded
ramp 11.
The elements of the ramp 10 are shown as 20, 18 and 19. Element 19 engages the
ground surface 16.
[0025] For the ramp 11 there are the elements 23, 21 and 22 in the folded
position,
with the element 22 engaging the ground surface 16. The leading ends 27 and 29
are
formed so that they slope respectively towards the leading plate 25 and the
leading
plate 24 of ramps 11 and 10. The hinges 38 permit for folding of the section
18
between the sections 19 and 20 for ramp 10. Similarly section 21 is folded
between the
elements 22 and 23 of the ramp 11.
[0026] The hinges 38 are located at adjacent ends of the respective elements
and
permit for the folding relationship in a transverse direction as further
illustrated in Figure
4. When in the extended position, the interfaces 34 and 35 are in engagement
to
prevent further unfolding of the elements beyond the sloped relationship as
shown in
Figure 1.
[0027] As illustrated in Figure 2, the vehicle 12 can be driven so that the
tires of the
wheels 39 and 40 mount the ramps at plates 27 and 29, respectively, and are
mounted
on the top of the elements 23 and 20 as illustrated.
[0028] There are also stop members 41 and 42 which are removable from the
elements 20, 23 as indicated. Each of the elements has apertures 45 in spaced
4

CA 02531475 2005-12-22
relationship with each other. The apertures 45 receive studs 43 which extend
from the
stops 41 and act to position the stops 41 and 42 effectively on the element 20
and 23
respectively. Each of the circular apertures 45 can have one or more ridges or
protrusions 44 which can act as friction elements. The apertures can also be
longitudinal slots 45 arranged laterally across each of the elements 18, 19,
20, 21, 22
and 23 and the stops 41 and 42 fit into these slots. These slots act also to
provide a
degree of friction to each of the elements as vehicle wheels move over the
elements
and there can be ridges provided. The slots also lighten the ramp elements as
is
necessary. Figure 4 does not show the circular holes which are shown in
Figures 3
and 5.
[0029] In the fashion described, the elements 18, 19 and 20 of ramp 10 are
folded in a
longitudinal sense about the transverse or laterally arranged axes. In this
manner the
ramp 10 can be more compacted as necessary. Similarly, ramp 11 can be
compacted
as necessary by the folding along an elongated sense about the different
lateral or
transverse axes.
[0030] In other forms of the invention, there can be more or less elements for
each of
the ramps 10 or 11. Different folding arrangements are possible such that
instead of the
element 18 folding between the elements 19 and 20, a more zigzag type of
folding
arrangement is possible, namely in the form of a Z or S format.
[0031] A lock member or handle 46 is provided to engage the elements 20 and 19
so
as to prevent inadvertent opening when the ramp is in the closed formation.
The lock
member 46 can be moved by unpinning the lock 46 from engaging one or both
mating
formations on the side of elements 19 and 20. The lock 46 is shown in the
released
position in Figure 4. As such, the lock 46 traverses the intermediate element
18 when
in the locked position.
[0032] Other hinge components or formations could also be utilized to perform
the
same function in other embodiments.
[0033] In some cases the elements can be folded laterally and otherwise
stacked. As
such, it can be possible to undo different elements from each other and
reconfigure the

CA 02531475 2005-12-22
elements with the stacked formation. The elements may be rotatable about side
hinges
transversely directed on the sides of the track face, rather than hinges
transversely
across the track face. Movable or separable elements for each ramp permits for
the
multi-purpose use of each ramp. Interlocking of the separate elements can
provide the
necessary degrees of stability for different uses.
[0034] While the apparatus and method has been described in terms of what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is
to be
understood that the disclosure need not be limited to the disclosed
embodiments. It is
intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements included
within the
spirit and scope of the claims, the scope of which should be accorded the
broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar
structures.
6

Representative Drawing