Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a ramp. The truck bed extension is comprised of three panels, including a back wall and two side walls, which are hinged together to allow the truck bed extension to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a ramp or ladder. The truck bed extension also has a ramp lip, such that the ramp lip acts as an extension of the ramp and is positioned on the extended tailgate of the truck. This ramp lip reduces the angle of incline of the ramp and alleviates “bottoming out” of the wheeled vehicles moving in and out of the truck.

Abstract: An auto latch system for use with a transport vehicle having a rotatable ramp shiftable between a transport disposition and a load disposition, includes a latch assembly operably coupled to a transport vehicle bed. A ramp engagement assembly is operably coupled to the ramp. The latch assembly automatically engages the ramp engagement assembly during shifting of the ramp from the load disposition to the transport disposition.

Abstract: A portable loading ramp for a pickup truck including an elongate hitch mount which is removably attached to a hitch on a pickup truck, and further including first and second ramp members which are hingedly mounted upon the elongate hitch mount, and also including a vehicle support which includes a sleeve support member, a sleeve member attached to the sleeve support member, and a support arm lockably extendable in the sleeve member and having an end which either attaches to the small vehicle to secure the vehicle on the truck box or securely supports the back end of the small vehicle above the floor of the truck box.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a ramp. The truck bed extension is comprised of three panels, including a back wall and two side walls, which are hinged together to allow the truck bed extension to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a ramp or ladder. The truck bed extension also has a ramp lip, such that the ramp lip acts as an extension of the ramp and is positioned on the extended tailgate of the truck. This ramp lip reduces the angle of incline of the ramp and alleviates “bottoming out” of the wheeled vehicles moving in and out of the truck.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for loading/unloading pickup trucks which includes at least one pair of hinged panel members across which, when fully extended, cargo can be transferred. Mounted on a truck in such a way that both panel members are disposed rearwardly of its open tailgate, the ramp assembly includes a “T”-shaped support and a “L”-shaped hitch arm. In the latter, two branches of disparate length extend perpendicularly to each other. The longer branch is slideably engageable with a conventional class II or, alternately, class III hitch receiver; the shorter terminates in a transverse opening. Prior to use, the “T”-shaped support, upon its having a leg thereof inserted through this opening, is coupled with the shorter branch. Secured atop the support are bearing posts which extend upwardly therefrom and define holes for slideably receiving an elongated shaft.

Abstract: A ramp for motorcycles and lawn mowers folds up into a gate to fit on top of a tailgate of a pickup truck to extend the truck bed onto the open tailgate.

Abstract: A detachable tail for a trailer which has a pair of female receiving sockets disposed in the trailer and also includes a pair of male extension members attached to the front thereof with pin receiving portions thereon for being received in the pair of female receiving sockets. Pins are operatively provided for being received in a pin receiving portion of the male extension members for holding the tail to the trailer. A rockshaft is provided for holding the pins and moving them in unison between a tail holding position to which these pins are biased and a non-holding position to allow the tail to be removed. A cam locking and moving mechanism is also provided for selectively moving the rockshaft and thereby the pins between the holding position and the non-holding position.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a ramp. The truck bed extension is comprised of three panels, including a back wall and two side walls, which are hinged together to allow the truck bed extension to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a ramp or ladder. The truck bed extension also has a ramp lip that is rotatably joined by hinges to one of the wall extension sections, such that the ramp lip is foldable against the inside of the side wall extension section when used as a truck bed extension and unfolded as an extension of the ramp and positioned on the extended tailgate of the truck. This ramp lip reduces the angle of incline of the ramp and alleviates "bottoming out" of the wheeled vehicles moving in and out of the truck.

Abstract: A multi-use structure for use in combination with a pickup truck. The structure includes a pair of longitudinal panels, each panel having a number of pocket stakes that are movably adjustable along the bottom edge of the panel to align with the pockets in the sidewalls of a pickup bed. This adjustment allows the panels to be used as sideboards on a variety of pickup truck models that may have various stake pocket spacings. When the situation requires, the panels may be removed from the stake pockets and the panels may be positioned at the rear of the truck and used as ramps. A strap with a lip positioned at one end of each panel extends down to engage the tailgate or bed of the truck to provide a firmer grip when the panels are positioned as ramps. A pair of sleeves attached at one end of one of the panels acts to telescopically connect the panels in end-to-end relationship where the panels may be used as a ladder or bridge.

Abstract: A ramp is provided for use in loading and unloading truck boxes. The ramp includes a pair of parallel and spaced apart rails being connected by a plurality of track bars such that the track bars define a ramp surface. Ends of the track bars are received in respective apertures spaced along an inner side of each rail. Threaded fasteners secure the track bars in the apertures. The track bars are rigid members having a U-shaped cross section being oriented such that the ramp surface comprises a plurality of upstanding flanges. The ramp may include a pivotal coupling for folding the ramp in half.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a recreational vehicle is provided including a loading ramp assembly. The loading ramp assembly comprises first and second loading ramp panels, first, second, third, and fourth pairs of cable supports, a cable drive assembly, a load cable, and a cable linkage assembly. The first loading ramp panel is secured proximate the bottom portion of the access opening so as to pivot relative thereto. The second loading ramp panel is secured proximate the second transverse edge of the first panel so as to permit the second panel to pivot relative to the first panel. The cable drive assembly includes a drive cable and a cable translation mechanism. The load cable is secured between the respective ones of a pair of cable supports secured to the second panel.

Abstract: A tailgate lift assembly is described herein wherein the assembly is comprised of a housing which has retained therein a spring, the spring being connected to the tailgate by a cable. The cable extends from the spring through at least one roller for correct positioning thereof. The cable is biased due to the spring the tension of which is adjustable through the use of a tensioning mechanism such as a turnbuckle. The lift assembly may be integrated with the top of a trailer side rail or may be affixed thereto.

Abstract: A truck tailgate assembly is provided including an inboard portion adapted for being pivotally mounted on a rear edge of a truck. Also included is an intermediate portion being hingably mounted to the inboard portion. Next provided is an outboard portion which is hingably mounted to the intermediate portion. A locking assembly is adapted for maintaining the portions in stacked relationship while the truck is moving.

Abstract: A truck for transporting and/or storing lawn care equipment such as self-propelled lawn mowers, tools, and the like. The truck includes a hydraulically powered ramp which enables such mowers to be driven onto and off of the truck. Optionally, the ramp may also function as a rear door for closing and/or locking the truck bay. In certain embodiments, structure is provided within the truck's bay for allowing hand tools to be vertically stored and supported by bay walls during transport.

Abstract: A tonneau cover assembly for selectively covering a pickup truck bed. The truck bed has a left sidewall, a right sidewall, a floor and a tailgate. The tonneau cover assembly comprises a left cover and a right cover, a plurality of hinges attaching the covers to the sidewalls, a pair of rods attached to the inside of the sidewalls, and a pair of springs coiled on the rods. The springs have end portions that extend over the inside of the sidewalls, and a center portion that extends over the sidewalls. The tonneau cover assembly further has a locking mechanism to securedly lock the covers flat against the top of the truck bed.

Abstract: The cargo system according to the present invention may include a roof passage having a weather tight hinging mechanism. A roof passage panel is configured having an "h-shaped" edge member pivotably attached to a hinge allowing for movement of the panel between a first or closed position wherein the hinge mechanism is sealed in a weather tight manner, a second or "up-opened" position wherein the roof passage panel is oriented in a substantially vertical position above the roofline of the cargo system, and a third or "down-opened" position, wherein the roof panel is oriented again in a substantially vertical position below the roofline of the cargo system. The cargo system including multiple function sealing passages may also include a ramp/hatch passage which allows access to the cargo system, typically via the rear panel. The ramp/hatch passage is configured to permit access to the bed of the vehicle via the ramp/hatch passage, which may be opened as a hatch or alternately as a ramp.

Abstract: A ramp system for loading wheeled vehicles, equipment, or articles onto a pickup truck or trailer. A ramp or set of ramps which provide a roadway or skidway between ground level and a truck bed and which additionally provides a solid path over the tailgate and the gap between the tailgate and truck bed, thence into the bed. The ramp system folds to fit within a pickup truck bed for storage and transportation. The ramp further comprises a clamping system which grips the tailgate as it is put into position.

Abstract: A new ramp assembly for all-terrain vehicles for allowing for easy loading and unloading of an all-terrain vehicle from a pickup truck. The inventive device includes a housing dimensioned for positioning within a bed of a pickup truck. The housing has an open rear wall. A pair of support ramps are slidably received within the open rear wall of the housing. Each of the support ramps includes an inner segment and an outer segment. An outer end of the inner segment and an inner end of the outer segment have a hinge secured therebetween.

Abstract: A retractable loading ramp for attachment to a cargo vehicle. The retractable loading ramp of the present invention incorporates an articulated hinge consisting of a pivot plate that pivotally connects the ramp structure to the vehicle. The hinge device also permits the loading ramp to slide back and forth along a horizontal path so that one or more ramps may be placed in the desired position. The articulated hinge effectively lengthens the length of the loading ramp, yet permits the ramp to be manipulated to a stored position without contacting the roof or bulkhead of the cargo vehicle. The pivoting hinge is mounted to a transverse rod which allows the ramp to be slideable between the side edges of the cargo vehicle.

Abstract: A foldable ramp having a first, second and third rectangular sections contiguous with each other and defining a ramp path having longitudinal and transversal axes. A first hinge group is affixed to both the first and second sections and a second hinge group is affixed to both the second and third sections. The first hinge group has a first axis of rotation on the upper side of the ramp path and extending across the longitudinal axis, and a first rotational range of slightly more than 180.degree.. The second hinge group has a second axis of rotation on the under side of the ramp path and extending in a parallel alignment with the first axis of rotation, and a second rotational range of slightly less than 180.degree.. The first and second hinge groups each have a central hinge and outside hinges, and stoppers on the central hinges to limit the rotation of the central hinges a few degrees less that the rotational range of the outside hinges.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp system comprising a pair of ramp members and an anchor bar which is removably attachable to the latch bolts or to the latch mechanisms on the tailgate of a pickup truck. The anchor bar of the present invention comprises a C-shaped, angle-iron structure having a stem member and two arm members pointing at right angles from the stem member, one at each extremity of the stem member. There is also provided an anchor rod affixed to the stem member for retaining the upper ends of the ramp members extending downward from the tailgate. In a first variant of the anchor bar, each arm member has an opening therein which corresponds in shape and location relative to the length of the stem to a configuration and spacing of one of the latch bolts on the tailgate relative to a width of the tailgate. In a second variant of the anchor bar, each arm member has a pin mounted thereon for engagement with pin-latching mechanisms of modern tailgates having such closures.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an elevatable cargo box to facilitate cargo loading and unloading. The vehicle includes a U-shaped cargo area within which the cargo box is located by mounted guides. The cargo box is movable between elevated and lowered positions by cables in response to a drive system, the cargo box being laterally secured in the elevated position by cones that engage within corresponding spaces in blocks. In a preferred embodiment, the cargo box is retrofitted to an existing vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp system of the type connected to a vehicle and moveable from an extended ramp position to a retracted tailgate position is provided. The vehicle ramp system includes a ramp moveably connected to said vehicle, wherein said ramp may be moved from a ramp position, extending between the ground and said vehicle, and a tailgate position in which said ramp is retracted and connected to said vehicle; and an alarm system positioned and connected to said truck in a manner such that when said ramp is retracted and in the tailgate position said alarm is disengaged, and when said ramp is extended said alarm system is activated alerting an operator that said ramp is in the extended position. The ramp may be constructed as a single piece or preferable in sections. The ramp is to be constructed of a material such as carbon steel or stainless steel with dimensions capable of supporting equipment which may be loaded onto the vehicle on which the ramp is connected.

Abstract: A ramp is used for loading and unloading recreational vehicles, especially snowmobiles, trucks, trailers and the like. The preferred ramp is a three section ramp with two outer sections and a center section connected to fold from side to side for storage and transport purposes. Each outer ramp section is equipped with a series of rollers spaced along the ramp section to allow the skis of a snowmobile to advance along the ramp without binding. The rollers are preferably made with a rigid core and a rotating outer sleeve of PVC. The tubing is slit helically from end to end so that it can be removed and installed without dismantling the ramp. The center section of the ramp is equipped with lateral cleats.

Abstract: An attachment for elongating a pickup truck bed storage area which can also serve as a replacement tailgate for the truck's factory tailgate or a tailgate for the extended area and further a ramp, or stairway for loading the pickup truck. The device is easily attached to the pickup truck bed with the truck's existing tailgate lowered and encloses an area of the bed over the tailgate. The rear end of the device serves as a tailgate and a ramp or a stairway, which can be unlatched and unfolded extending for easy loading of the truck storage area.

Abstract: An extendable support system having a plurality of support members and a plurality of pairs of spaced-apart side rails, each pair of which being affixed to one support member. Each of the support members move longitudinally relative to the other and include stop tabs which are configured to limit the longitudinal extension of the support system. The support members are L-shaped to add strength to the system as well as limit longitudinal retraction of the system. The extendable support system is attached to a platform by means of a pair of spaced-apart T-rails and includes extension means for increasing the angle of motion of a pivotal platform.

Abstract: Previous folding ramps for attachment to pickup truck tailgates required complicated cable supports to make them light enough to lift when closing the tailgate while strong enough to bear heavy loads when unfolded. The present invention provides a folding ramp for attachment to a pick-up truck tailgate wherein the structural support is provided by rigid parallel ribs, each rib hinged to fold flat against the underside of the ramp, and divided into separate sections which fold with the separate panels. Preferably there are two sets of parallel rib sections, each formed of sections connected by short flexible cable lengths.

Abstract: A ramp system attached to a load carrying vehicle having a flat bed or floor, a rear door pivotally attached along a horizontal axis to the flat bed, and at least one ramp assembly pivotally secured along a horizontal axis to a hinge bar fixed to the rear door. The combination of the rear door and the one or more ramp assemblies constitute a sloped surface for use during the loading and unloading of goods from and to the load carrying vehicle. Each ramp assembly can be readily extended for loading and unloading purposes and locked to the interior surface of the rear door of the load carrying vehicle in a generally vertical position when not being used for loading and unloading purposes.

Abstract: A pick-up truck ramp/bed extender adapted to be mounted upon inside bed surface of a tailgate. The ramp/bed extender is comprised of collapsible sections which, when fully extended and supported by supplementary rigid structures, provide a quick, convenient, and sturdy loading surface whereupon small machinery such as motorcycles, lawnmowers and snow mobiles may be loaded into the truck bed with little effort. The ramp/bed extender may be transported in two different positions. In the first transport position the ramp/bed extender is fully collapsed and secured against the inside bed surface of the closed tailgate. While in this position, the tailgate may be operated in the same manner as if the ramp/bed extender were not present. In the second transport position, the tailgate is lowered to the opened position with the ramp/bed extender forming a substantially enclosed structure thereby containing the items disposed in the now enlarged cargo area of the truck bed.

Abstract: A ramp for flatbed trucks and trailers which may be attached or removed from the vehicle in a matter of seconds and requires no modification of the trailer. The invention utilizes two ramp sections which are pivotally secured together by a double piano hinge assembly and driven by a pair of hydraulic cylinders. A series of legs depending from the forward edge of the from ramp engage the sockets commonly found at the rear of a flatbed as the forward vertical framework of the ramp engages the trailer's rear safety bar for added stability and strength.

Abstract: A ramp system for loading or unloading trucks, vans, or other vehicles which are equipped with a trailer hitch receiver. The ramp system of the present invention includes a ramp support, one or more ladder-like ramps, and a corresponding number of ladder-like bridging pieces. The ramp support includes a L-shaped support frame which attaches to the trailer hitch receiver, and supports a horizontal ramp support bar at about the height of the cargo bed of the vehicle. One end of each ladder-like ramp has rings which fit around the horizontal ramp support bar. The other end of each ramp is rested on the ground, thus providing an inclined ramp for moving loads on to or off of the cargo bed of the vehicle. One end of each bridging piece hooks to the horizontal support bar while the other end rests on the cargo bed of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mobility aid ramp comprised of an elongated middle ramp comprising a first section and a second section, a pair of elongated outer ramps comprised a first section and a second section, and a plurality of flat rods pivotally coupling the pair of elongated outer ramps on opposing sides of the elongated middle ramp.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for attachment to a pivotable ramp of a trailer to assist in the manual lifting and lowering of the ramp. The mechanism allows the tension of a pair of coil springs positioned on a guide rod to be adjusted and a slotted spring stop permits lateral positioning of the ramp to accommodate various wheel bases of the equipment to be loaded.

Abstract: The present invention is a tailgate comprising a plurality of foldable members configured to nest one with the others in an upright closed position and to extend longitudinally from the rear of the truck when in an extended position. A notched section is positioned at a top side of the plurality of foldable members when in an upright position for accommodating a goose neck trailer.

Abstract: A telescoping bridge plate for auto rack railroad cars for supporting automobiles being driven between railroad cars comprises a top plate with corrugations providing top surfaces separated by grooves, with the top plate having an overlapping end portion and a locking end portion, a bottom plate with corrugations providing top surfaces which seat beneath the top surfaces of the top plate, and grooves which seat beneath the grooves of the top plate, with the bottom plate having an overlapping end portion and a locking end portion, and with the top plate overlapping end portion and the bottom plate overlapping end portion being in sliding overlapping engagement.

Abstract: A ramp is provided for use with vehicles having tailgates. The ramp is attached to the tailgate. The ramp is capable of folding into a bed of the vehicle and against the tailgate when not in use, and is folded away from the vehicle and the tailgate to extend toward the ground or other loading surface for use. A hinge controls the movement of the device relative to the tailgate of the vehicle to allow the device to be pivoted into position for use, and to be pivoted into the storage position against the tailgate.

Abstract: An improved portable ramp structure constructed of light-weight material and adapted for reliable and safe use with various transport vehicles is described. A plurality of pairs of longitudinal support members having longitudinal channels for mounting a predetermined number of cross members therebetween are shown, with ones of each of said pairs hingedly mounted to associated ones of other pairs, such the ramp may be longitudinally folded. Each of said pairs of members has a support member mounted at one end thereof for cooperating with some portion of a transport vehicle. Retention chains with associated hooks are described for removably attaching the ramp structure to the transport vehicle. The entire structure is comprised of components that are fabricated from extruded lightweight material, and cut to length for assembly.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp for a vehicle includes a frame having an internal space and apparatus for pivotally mounting the frame on the vehicle. Ramp pivot apparatus mounted to the frame and adapted for pivotal movement within the internal space of the frame between a stowed position substantially parallel with the width of the frame and an in-use position substantially parallel with the length of the frame is fixedly attached to at least one ramp member. The at least one ramp member has at least two telescoping members having extended and retracted configurations such that the at least one ramp member is dimensioned to be completely disposed within the internal space in the frame when the at least two telescoping members are in the retracted configuration. An elongate member oriented within the internal space of the frame and along the length of the frame is co-axially aligned with, and securable to, the ramp pivot apparatus when the ramp pivot apparatus is in the in-use position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tailgate ramp for mounting on a truck, comprising a frame defining an internal space, the frame having a top, bottom, left side and right side; a hinge assembly for pivotally mounting the frame to the vehicle, the frame movable between an up position and a down position; a latch assembly mounted to the frame and the vehicle for selectively securing the frame in the up position; at least one axle; vertical sliding rollers mounted to the at least one axle for permitting movement of the at least one axle within the internal space between the top and bottom of the frame; at least one ramp member adapted to support a second vehicle thereon, the at least one ramp member having a base member and at least one telescoping member slidably disposed within the base member between an extended position and a fully retracted position, wherein the at least one ramp member is dimensioned to be completely disposed within the internal space in the frame when at least one telescoping member is in

Abstract: A multiple purpose truck tailgate apparatus for a pickup truck of the type having a bed and a tailgate pivotally mounted to the bed. The apparatus comprises a first panel member. A structure for mounting the first panel member in a sliding manner to the bed of the truck. When the tailgate is opened, the first panel member can be extended therefrom. A second panel member is provided. A facility is for coupling the second panel member against a free end of the first panel member. A third panel member is provided. A facility is for coupling the third panel member against a free end of the second panel member. An assembly is for pivoting the first panel member on the sliding mounting structure. The first panel member with the second panel member and the third panel member can be positioned at various angles at the opened tailgate, to be used for different tasks.

Abstract: A multiple configuration cargo system for a pickup truck as provided, having a front panel, a pair of side panels, a pair of side hinged roof panels and a pair of rear cargo panels. The cargo system is provided with a rear access insert that is a combination truck bed extension and ramp assembly, interfitting between the rear panels and closed roof panels. The ramp assembly is attached to the bed extension, for movement between a fully extended position angled from the ground to the bed of the truck and a partially extended support position wherein the ramp assemblies support the bed extending segment in a horizontal plane for weight bearing use. The roof panels meet along the longitudinal axis of the truck bed and pivotally move between (1) a closed position substantially parallel to the truck bed, (2) a vertically opened position in an upwards direction, and (3) an open position in a vertical and downwards direction into the cargo space defined by the side panels.

Abstract: A loading device to be fixedly secured to the bed of a pick-up truck for loading and unloading vehicles into and from the bed thereof, which includes a pair of transversely spaced parallel slideways within a rectangular metal frame and a pair of pivotally connected, in tandem, rigid ramp sections, the forward one of said ramp sections being slidably mounted within said slideways and the other more rearward one being swingable to a vertical position and connectable thereat to the conventional latching mechanism at the rear end of the side walls of a pick-up truck. Devices are also provided for releasably securing said more rearward ramp section, when in loading position, in an extended planar relation with the slidable forward ramp section to cooperatively provide a single planar ramp to the bed of a pick-up truck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recreational vehicle carrier (10) for use on a truck (14) for loading, transporting, and unloading two recreational vehicles (12). The carrier (10) includes a frame (22), a loading ramp (26), a bed ramp (24), and an elevated cage (20). The loading ramp (26), the bed ramp (24), and the elevated cage (20), are positioned in a top loading position for loading a recreational vehicle onto the elevated cage (20). Then, the elevated cage (20) and the bed ramp (24) are positioned in a carry position and a second recreational vehicle (12) is loaded onto the bed ramp (24). The loading ramp (26) is then slidable into a stowed position underneath the bed ramp (24) for transport.

Abstract: The vehicle transport trailer (10) has a frame (12) supported by wheels (16). A horizontal platform (18) is supported by the frame (12) and enclosed by front and side walls (22, 24, and 26) and a top (28). The top (28) includes an openable rear portion (34) attached to the front portion (32) by a hinge (36). A ramp (38) is attached to the frame (12) and is pivoted between a vertical position in which it closes an opening (30) and an inclined position with a free edge (42) on the ground. A front securing assembly (56) prevents rearward movement of a transported vehicle (196). A rear securing assembly (140) prevents forward movement of a transported vehicle (196). The front securing assembly (56) includes left and right side hook assemblies (58 and 60) which automatically engage a transported vehicle. The rear securing assembly (140) includes left and right side rear hook and cable assemblies (142 and 144) with cables (148 and 182) attached to cable tensioning arms (150 and 184).

Abstract: A portable, easily-transported and erected horizontal surge/storage silo functions by the method of allowing large, long distance trucks to dump their contents of materials to be used at a nearby point of use onto the base of the portable silo from which the materials may be subsequently restacked and reloaded by suitable materials-handling devices, such as front-end loaders, onto other smaller vehicles for subsequent transport to the point of use or disposal. A base is sufficiently strong and configured to support upstanding sides and a roof if a roof is desired to provide a totally closed or sealable unit. Where provided, the roof may be removable and the sides may have a fast-closing entrance and door for easy access and safe and protected storage. The structure may have a retractable set of wheel devices affixed thereto so that it may be moved into and out of ground engaging position to make the unit respectively portable and operational.

Abstract: A combined tailgate and ramp for a pickup truck. The tailgate can be removed from the truck and used as a loading ramp. As a ramp, one end of the tailgate is placed on the bumper or bed of the truck. The tailgate is laterally adjustable to form a ramp which accommodates the loading of vehicles having different track sizes or different wheel bases.

Abstract: The disclosure comprises a tray mountable under the floor of a vehicle, which tray contains an extendible ramp mechanism. This mechanism comprises a ramp and a driving panel for the ramp. The ramp is fulcrummed intermediate its ends on the outer ends of parallel arms extending from the driving panel. Also in the tray, as part of the driving mechanism, are a pair of parallel toothed belts driven by a reversible rotating motor, which belts are attached to the driving panel for extending and retracting the ramp from the tray. Mounted under the driving panel is a reciprocating motor connected by a crank arm to a shaft having additional crank arms pivotally connected to the underside of the ramp adjacent the driving panel. When the ramp is fully extended, the reciprocating motor tilts the ramp so that its inner end is moved upwardly to be flush with the floor of the vehicle. Simultaneously, the outer end of the ramp contacts the ground.

Abstract: A convertible endgate is provided for a pickup truck which endgate has an elevated endgate forming position and a lowered ramp forming position. The endgate includes front and rear sections pivotally connected together and to the box of the pickup truck. The rear section is more steeply inclined, and the front section is shallower, when the sections are placed in their lowered ramp forming position. Vertically adjustable latches are carried on one of the sections for latching the sections in place in their elevated endgate forming position. The latches are vertically adjustable on slide members and the slide members are vertically adjustable on the frame members of the section. The terminal end of the rear section, i.e. the end which engages a horizontal planar surface when the endgate is disposed in its lowered ramp forming position, includes an L-shaped support member having a horizontal support surface for resting flat against the ground and having a free edge for digging into a bed of a flatbed trailer.

Abstract: A tailgate ramp extends the tailgate with three hinged panels (13, 14, 15) able to fold out to a co-planar position whereat each hinge (51, 55) is braced by a system of struts (21, 26) and cables (22, 25) against opening past 180.degree.. The cables (22, 25) and struts (21, 26) are arranged to permit the outermost panel (15) to fold into between the other two (13, 14) to collapse into a pack against the inner face of the tailgate. The system of cables (21, 26) at each hinge (51, 55) can be passed around sheaves (29-32, 37-40) at each side of the ramp in a single length to balance loads on the ramp.

Abstract: A conventional pickup truck equipped with a tailgate for closing the rear end of the load bed of the pickup truck is provided and the upper margin of the hollow/tailgate is provided with at least one elongated slot extending along the upper margin from which a loading ramp structure consisting of at least three telescopically engaged ramp sections may be extended and disposed at a rearwardly and downwardly inclined position when the tailgate is in its horizontally rearwardly projecting position, the telescopically engaged ramp sections including an outer wide ramp section, at least one intermediate and somewhat narrower ramp section and an inner narrow ramp section with the ramp sections inwardly of the outer wide ramp section being progressively narrower in width and thickness toward the innermost narrow ramp section.