Abstract: A ramp for loading a pick-up truck that is collapsable so that it can be transported and stored in a minimum space. The ramp is removably mounted to the rear tail gate of a pick up truck. The ramp includes three contiguously hingedly connected rectangular flat members that open or distend with their planes at predetermined angles with respect to each other. This is accomplished by sharing the load placed on said flat members between the shear on the hinge assemblies and the angled abutting edges compression load. The shaft of one of the hinge assemblies extends and a handle member is mounted thereon for prompt manipulation of the ramp.

Abstract: A combination ramp and tailgate structure is disclosed for installation and use in pickup trucks in which the structure would replace a conventional tailgate. The ramp/tailgate structure includes first, second, third and fourth generally rectangular frame members, the first and second of which are slidably coupled together to move between a nested or collapsed position and an extended position, and a third and fourth of which are likewise slidably coupled together to move between a nested or collapsed position and an extended position. The slidable movement between frame members is in the planes thereof so that a low profile, compact configuration may be maintained when in the collapsed position, yet allows sufficient thickness of the members to permit the ramp to support heavy loads.

Abstract: A wheel chair ramp and restraining device 10 for positioning a wheel chair 64 in a vehicle 12 is provided. The wheel chair ramp and restraining device in accordance with the principles of this invention includes a ramp 20 having first and second platform members 22 and 24 respectively. The first platform member 22 is pivotably coupled to an entrance of the vehicle 12 and the second platform member 24 is pivotably coupled to first platform member. The coupling arrangement allows the first and second platform members 22 and 24 to be folded and stored in an upright position in the vehicle 12 or extended diagonally out of the vehicle to provide a surface for moving the wheel chair 64 into and out of the vehicle. The device also includes a restraining assembly 70 having a mechanism for locking device 86 for engaging each of the wheels 66 of the wheel chair 64 once the wheel chair is moved into the vehicle.

Abstract: A telescopic tailgate ramp (10) has a base tray (20) and a series of telescopically-connected trays (40, 60, 80) that are slidable with respect to one another and are stackable to replace a tailgate of a vehicle. Each tray (20, 40, 60, 80) is a plate with end pieces on each side that engage the end pieces of a preceding or succeeding tray. The end pieces have a channel and a tenon-like portion that engage a corresponding tenon or channel portion of a preceding or succeeding tray. Each plate has a corrugated surface (102) for enhancing traction. The trays (20, 40, 60, 80) are prevented from being fully withdrawn from one another due to the placement of pins in corresponding channels and tenons that engage each other. The trays (40, 60, 80) succeeding the base tray are prevented from sliding past the rear portion of a preceding tray or the rear portion of the base tray (20) securing an obstruction over the rear portion of each channel.

Abstract: A vehicle having a hinged bed with a hinge positioned such that a rear bed portion automatically pivots toward the ground in an inclined load/unload position when the vehicle is empty, forming a ramp for loading and unloading. The hinged bed automatically pivots to a horizontal transport position when a front portion of the bed is loaded. The vehicle includes a transport locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its horizontal transport position and a separate load/unload locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its inclined load/unload position. The vehicle includes embodiments comprising hydraulic pistons for converting the vehicle between a ramp-up, transport configuration and a ramp-down, load/unload configuration.

Abstract: A combination tailgate and ramp assembly 10 formed of a pair of ramps 14 and 20, which when fastened together with fastener brackets 32 and 72 form a conventional tailgate hinged and rotatable about a transverse sliderail 30. Swing pin hinge 68 supports the lower left corner of ramp 14 and swing pin hinge 70 supports the lower right hand corner of right ramp 22 and provides three dimensional rotational ability. When unfastened, ramps 14 and 22 can be rotated down, out and over to form a loading ramp.

Abstract: A manual powered hoist and ramp system for pickup trucks enables a single person to lift heavy objects located on handtrucks or dollies onto the loading platform of the truck. The truck tailgate has a pivoted flap extension to form a ramp inclined from the truck loading platform to the ground when pivoted into its opened ramp position with the flap extended. An accompanying hoist has a counterforce mechanism mounted on a pair of elevated stanchion posts on opposite sides of the truck loading platform for producing an upward assisting lifting force establishing tension in a line extending to the ground for attachment to a handtruck or dolly. That force directed substantially parallel to the ramp tending to move the load up the ramp thus enables a single person to handle a heavier load, such as a refrigerator, for hoisting onto the truck platform.

Abstract: A tailgate closure mechanism for a tailgate hoist serves to move the tailgate from the horizontal position in which it functions as a platform to the upright position in which it functions as a gate. The closure mechanism includes a closing slide which is slidably mounted on at least one of the tailgate support slides and a connecting link that connects the slide to the tailgate. A drive mechanism is provided to drive the closing side toward its raised position. The drive mechanism may be in the form of an hydraulic ram, a compression spring or a combination ram and spring.

Abstract: An improved fold-down tailgate for use on a truck-like vehicle is disclosed. The tailgate of the present invention employs a slotted work surface which permits the ready attachment of various construction implements, such as cargo ramps, extended work surfaces, and a wide variety of vises, clamps and tie-down devices. The tailgate provides improved functionality while maximizing the amount of cargo space in the vehicle.

Abstract: A folding ramp replaces the tailgate of a pickup truck. The ramp has two congruent rectangular panels joined by knockdown hinges. The inner panel is pivotally attached to the truck just as the tailgate was. The two panels relatively rotate between an extended planar disposition for use as a ramp and a folded or sandwiched position for use as a replacement gate. The inner panel includes hardware for pivotal attachment to the bed, for latching to the ends of the sidewalls of the truck bed, and for clamping the two panels together when in the gate position. The hinges have removable pins, so that the two panels can be separated; the inner panel can then be used alone as a gate. For trucks with step bumpers, the inner panel may include an extension, comprising a cross bar pivotally attached to the truck, and two parallel telescoping arms slidingly inserted into the side members of the inner panel.

Abstract: A folding ramp replaces the tailgate of a pickup truck. The ramp has two congruent rectangular panels joined by knockdown hinges. The inner panel is pivotally attached to the truck just as the tailgate was. The two panels relatively rotate between an extended planar disposition for use as a ramp and a folded or sandwiched position for use as a replacement gate. The inner panel includes hardware for pivotal attachment to the bed, for latching to the ends of the sidewalls of the truck bed, and for clamping the two panels together when in the gate position. The hinges have removable pins, so that the two panels can be separated; the inner panel can then be used alone as a gate. For trucks with step bumpers, the inner panel may include an extension, comprising a cross bar pivotally attached to the truck, and two parallel telescoping arms slidingly inserted into the side members of the inner panel.

Abstract: A trailer is disclosed having a verticaly positionable roof to permit towing with minimum drag and buffeting. Electromechanical actuators position the roof. A rear wall is comprised of ramps which abut one another and brace the rear upright edges of the trailer sidewalls. A side door of the trailer permits entry and exit from an automobile parked in the trailer. A skirt portion of the roof additionally includes a door overlying the first-mentioned door to permit standard door height. Collapsible shelves within the trailer facilitate secondary use of the trailer when parked. The trailer ramps are spring biased to facilitate their positioning.

Abstract: A trailer having a hinged bed with a hinge positioned such that a rear bed portion automatically pivots toward the ground in an inclined load/unload position when the trailer is empty, forming a ramp for loading and unloading. The hinged bed automatically pivots to a horizontal transport position when a front portion of the bed is loaded. The trailer includes a transport locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its horizontal transport position and a separate load/unload locking mechanism for securing the rear bed portion in its inclined load/unload position.

Abstract: A three-section folding ramp that can also serve as an endgate for a truck bed. The ramp has mechanically folding and unfolding legs, so that the user doesn't have to pull the legs open one by one. A special latch allows all three sections to be held together while the folded ramp is being used as an endgate. A special channel allows the folded up ramp to rest when in the open endgate position without damaging the vehicle body.

Abstract: For use in combination along the transversely extending horizontal rear-end of a pickup truck or other overland vehicle, there is described an upright end-gate that is also alternatively employable as a ramp or as a trailer whenever panels of the end-gate are freed from their upright gating condition.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting shopping trolley or carts. The vehicle has a tray for the loading of the shopping trolleys, and adapted for movement from a transportation position to a lower loading position in which trolleys can be easily loaded thereon. The tray maintains a substantially constant horizontal orientation through this movement. A tailgate or rear ramp is positioned at the rear of the tray and is movable between a ground engaging position and a raised position generally blocking the rear of the tray. A mechanical leverage mechanism lowers the ramp as the tray is being raised and raises the ramp as the tray is being raised between their respective upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A combined air foil and loading ramp for a pickup truck which includes a mounting bracket attached to the upper edge of a pickup truck tailgate with a rigid panel connected thereto for positioning in downwardly and forwardly inclined relation when the tailgate is in a vertical, closed position, positioned in overlying engagement with the upper surface of the tailgate or extending rearwardly from the upper edge of the tailgate in a generally horizontal position to form a loadbed extension when the tailgate is in a horizontal open position and extending downwardly and rearwardly in an inclined direction to form a loading ramp when the tailgate is in downwardly inclined relation to the loadbed of the pickup truck.

Abstract: A collapsible ramp comprising an attachment frame, a foldable support structure mounted to the attachment frame by pivotable hinges, and a telescoping deck structure of interconnected, essentially rectangular plates. The foldable support structure has longitudinal support members with foldable joints intermediate along the lengths of the members, and these members are pivotally connected to the hinge. The ramp can be formed into an extended state in which the longitudinal support members are extended outwardly from the attachment frame and the rectangular plates of the telescoping deck structure are extended and supported on the support members. Alternatively, the ramp can be formed into a collapsed state in which the support members are folded back on themselves using the foldable joints and folded inwardly pivoting about the hinges so that the support members are housed within the attachment frame, the telescoping deck structure being retracted to cover the folded rails on the attachment frame.

Abstract: A utility cage for vehicles is particularly shaped half octagon upwardly from a wide horizontal base. The cage is primarily designed for use on the bed of a pickup truck and has adjustable attachment fittings compatible with stake apertures in the pickup truck bed side walls. The cage has tubular frame support members and tubular framed panels fully covered on one side by expanded metal material. Conformingly shaped side panels removably pivotally attached to a frontal end panel and rear support members can be exchanged, reversed, and turned over for placement into a variety of use positions. A rear panel is upwardly hinged to the rear support members for opening, closing or removal. A reinforced removable top panel can be used as a secondary bed in a pickup truck, as a loading ramp, or as a table-like extension the pickup truck tailgate. The side panels can be turned upwardly and a covering placed over the caged area.

Abstract: A folding ramp for attachment to the rear bumper and tailgate of a pickup truck. The ramp is formed by a pair of hingedly connected ramp panels of substantially equal overall dimension. One panel is slidably connected with the pickup truck tailgate in a manner to fold and unfold both panels from a loading to a stored position by vertical movement of the pickup tailgate. Legs support the ramp panels at their hinged position when loading and unloading wheeled vehicles, such as garden tractors, etc.

Abstract: The invention is a trailer for carrying assembled automobiles, designed to be towed on the highway by a conventional motorized truck-tractor unit. The trailer is equipped with hoisting points to facilitate lifting and transporting the trailer unit from above by cargo container handling cranes, such as those found at shipyards and railyards. In addition, the trailer is equipped with hydraulic valves and hydraulic cylinders which serve to control the position of numerous tracks within the body of the trailer. These tracks accommodate the tires of the automobile cargo carried within the trailer. By adjustment of the hydraulic cylinders supporting the multiple tracks, the internal storage configuration of the trailer can be varied, to accommodate a wide variety of makes, models and numbers of automobiles, and to ensure that said automobiles are carried in a suitable position for safe transport.

Abstract: A bifold loading ramp that is interchangeable with the tailgate of a pickup truck. A ramp consisting of two halves that are hinged in the middle with the upper half having existing tailgate latch assemblies welded to it, so as to allow it to attach to the bed of a pickup truck in the same manner as the tailgate. The latch assemblies hold the ramp in the vertical position when locked. When unlocked it pivots to a horizontal position being held in position by the existing tailgate support brackets making for a tailgate extension. When the tailgate support brackets are unhooked the ramp can then be unfolded forming a gradually inclined ramp from the ground to the bed of the truck.

Abstract: This concerns a wheelchair lift for a vehicle having upper and lower telescopic frames pivoted about an upper horizontal axis to swing out of the side of the vehicle. The lower telescopic frame is raised and lowered by sprocket chains connected around pulleys on a single hydraulic reciprocating motor anchored to the upper frame. A platform is horizontally pivoted to thelower telescopic frame for movement between a vertical and a horizontal position, either manually or by a separate reciprocating motor. The movement of the platform into its horizontal operating position also automatically swings the telescopic frames out from the side of the vehicle. The platform has pivoted along an orthogonal edge thereof a handrail which automatically raises from an inoperative position parallel to the platform when the platform is folded into its vertical inoperative position to an operative vertical position orthogonal to the platform when the platform is in its operative horizontal position.

Abstract: A protective gate adapted to be installed within a freight container such as a truck trailer for protection of the container and its freight from damage during transit wherein the container includes a floor, two opposite side walls, and a rear door for receiving the freight to be transported. The protective gate comprises a rigid plate having top, bottom and side edges wherein the plate is spaced inwardly from the rear door of the freight container, hinges to connect the bottom edge of the plate to the container floor to allow movement of the plate from a position in a plane horizontal to the floor into a position perpendicular to the floor, and a coupling to allow the side edges of the plate to be secured to the container side walls so that the plate is in a position perpendicular to the container floor, thereby preventing movement of the gate relative to the container.

Abstract: The adjustable load-carrying apparatus is designed for mounting on the load-carrying bed of a vehicle. It includes a base frame assembly which is fixed rigidly to the vehicle bed and has laterally spaced inwardly facing rollers in longitudinal alignment along each side edge thereof plus an inward lock guide rail. A slidable platform frame assembly has lateral trackways slidably mated with the rollers of the base frame. The platform frame assembly includes a lock guide structure on its underside in cooperative relationship with a lock guide rail of the base frame assembly. Additionally, the platform assembly includes on its underside laterally spaced ramp slideways. A ramp assembly is carried for sliding movement in the ramp slideways.

Abstract: A vehicle tail gate ramp including a tail gate frame movably attached to a vehicle for receiving at least two air-permeable, foldable ramps. Each ramp preferably includes first and second rectangular frame members pivotally connected to each other by a hinge. When folded, the ends of each first rectangular frame member are received by the tail gate frame to be used as a tail gate. When unfolded, the free end of each second rectangular frame member attaches to the tail gate frame and the free end of each first rectangular frame member abuts the ground to form a spaced-apart pair of loading and unloading ramps.

Abstract: A coil spring, mounted within a cylinder and axially coincident with the pivot axis between a trailer and a ramp pivotally attached thereto, exerts a force angularly proportional to angular deviation of the ramp from its upright position to reduce the apparent weight of the ramp during manual repositioning of the ramp.

Abstract: A transporting unit includes a horizontal section which is mounted to a truck and functions as the bed for the truck. A beaver tail section extends downwardly from the horizontal section and a foldable ramp section is hinged to the beaver tail section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retractable ramp assembly installed to a pick-up truck for use in loading heavy objects into the hauling space. An enclosure for the ramp is used to provide a raised platform for the pick-up truck. The ramp has front and rear sections hinged together. The front section has a length about equal to the length of the tailgate (when open) of the truck and the rear section is long as compared to the front section. The retractable ramp is stored in the enclosure. It may be extended to a position wherein the front section rests directly on top of the open tailgate, in which event, the rear section of the ramp extends upwardly or downwardly to a loading surface.

Abstract: A stowable ramp assembly for a pickup truck or the like includes a generally thin, flat and elongated ramp sleeve adapted for placement on a truck bed with the rearward end thereof positioned at the rearward end of the bed. An extension sleeve is telescopically slidable within the ramp sleeve and an elongated ramp is telescopically slidably received in the extension sleeve. The extension sleeve is rearwardly slidable to a working position over the lowered horizontal tailgate and the ramp is extendable rearwardly therefrom in the working position and connected to the extension sleeve for up and down pivotal movement of the rearward end of the ramp.

Abstract: A combination loading ramp and tailgate closure device (10) is provided for use in connection with a gated cargo bed (12) of a truck. The device (10) is releasably mounted on the rearward portion of the truck having the tailgate (24) in an extended position. In this mode of operation, the device (10) serves to extend the cargo bed (12) of a truck by a distance approximating the height of the tailgate (24) when the tailgate is in a closed position. The device (10) can ultimately be removed from the rearward portion of a truck and positioned in an on-loading and off-loading ramp mode for moving a wheeled vehicle or the like into the truck cargo bed. Various materials can be used for manufacturing this device, and it is envisioned that the device can be fabricated from a suitable rigid material such as steel, aluminium, or the like, or from suitable plastics having the strength and durability necessary to withstand the wear occasioned by normal usage.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a body having a deck and a wall, said wall comprising two parts connected for relative pivotal movement about a horizontal axis. There may be first, releasable, pivot means having an axis above the deck, and second, releasable, pivot means adjacent a lower edge of one of the wall parts for allowing the wall to pivot with respect to the deck, so that on release of the first pivot means the wall may pivot about the second pivot means and on release of the second pivot means the wall may pivot about the first pivot means. There may be third, releasable, pivot means having an axis spaced further from the deck than the axis of the first pivot means so that on release of the first and second pivot means the wall may pivot about the third pivot means.

Abstract: A tailgate protecting device including an elongated section of pipe or other rigid beam forming a structure which is long enough to span the width of the load carrying portion of a pickup truck, a pair of vertical support members affixed to the elongated beam proximate its ends, and a pair of laterally extending brackets for engaging the tailgate and holding the device in position. When in operation, the device is capable of supporting loads extending beyond the bed of the truck and over the tailgate, thereby protecting the tailgate from damage.

Abstract: A multiple fold ramp tail for a trailer is described comprising a wheeled frame having rearward and forward ends with the forward end of the frame being suitable for connection to a prime mover such as a truck or the like. A multiple fold ramp tail is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the frame and comprises a main ramp portion, first stage ramp portion and a second stage ramp portion. The forward end of the main ramp portion is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the frame and the forward end of the first stage ramp portion is pivotally connected to the rearward end of the main ramp portion. The second stage ramp portion is pivotally connected at its forward end to the rearward end of the first stage ramp portion. The first and second stage ramp portions are normally in a stored position wherein they are folded upon themselves beneath the lower rearward end of the main ramp portion.

Abstract: A livestock ramp which is pivotally connected at one end to a vehicle and which includes opposite side walls connected to opposite side edges of the platform. The platform is shiftable from an inclined position in which livestock may enter or leave the vehicle and an upright position in which the platform spans the door opening into the vehicle. Each of the side walls is pivotally connected to the platform so as to overlie the platform in folded fashion when the platform is in its upright position. The side walls assume an upright position enclosing the platform sides when the platform is in its inclined position.

Abstract: The loading chute is constructed for ease and convenience in setting up for loading or unloading operations and also for ease and convenience in loading on a transporting vehicle for movement between various points of use. It comprises a framework having a forwardly extending base and an elongate ramp pivotally connected at its aft end to the lower aft end of the framework. A tension device, such as a winch and cable, raises the ramp about its pivotal connection to angle up and forward with respect to the base. The latter is somewhat longer than half the length of the ramp to support it in its elevated position when empty. Retractable shanks are lowered to support the front end of the ramp when it is loaded. To move the chute, the ramp is raised to a suitable angle, a truck is backed into position with its load platform under the forward portion of the ramp, and the chute is then tilted forward about the forward end of the base serving as a fulcrum until the ramp rests on the platform.

Abstract: A tiltable rear bed portion of a flat bed vehicle including a pair of slotted restraining arms disposed under and along a pair of parallel, spaced bed supporting frames. The arms are pivotally attached on their rear ends to vertical support arms suspended from the frame members on the rear bed portion and are slidably disposed through rectangular slots in a pair of vertical support arms suspended from the frame members on the horizontal forward bed portion. The restraining arms are slotted on the underside of their forward end portions to securely lock within the forward vertical support arms when the rear bed portion is in the horizontal load carrying position.

Abstract: A detachable truck bed extension and loading ramp for use with trucks having a truck bed employed in carrying heavy construction machinery or the like is provided. The loading ramp is securely attached to the rear edge of the truck bed and, when in a transporting position, two triangular lower sections thereof are folded over and upon two triangular upper sections, thereby providing a convenient truck bed extension. A base plate, which also serves as the truck bed extension and which in the transportation position, rests upon four base pieces of the lower sections. The lower sections are connected by hinges to the upper sections. The upper sections are securely mounted by means of bolts and weight bearing grooves to the back of the truck in such fashion that the top ends of the ramp panels are flush with the edge of the truck bed.

Abstract: A panel mounted at the rear of a truck having a flatbed which is capable of functioning as either a tailgate or a loading ramp. In the tailgate configuration, a longitudinal edge of the panel is pivotally secured across the rear edge of the truck bed. In its upright position, the panel forms an end wall enclosing the bed, and in its down position, it forms a flush, horizontal extension of the bed. The panel is placed in its loading ramp configuration by rotating one corner along a vertical axis until a side edge contacts the rear edge of the truck bed. The side edge is then pivotally secured adjacent the rear edge of the bed, with the top surface of the panel flush with the top surface of the bed.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for pickup trucks and the like is characterized by elongated interchangeable ramp sections releasably secured to the rear end of a special platform on the bed of the pickup truck so that the ramp sections are releasably attachable for downward extension from the platform to the ground, and further are slidable into a storage position beneath the platform when not in use. Alternate types of platforms have been devised to vary the effective width of the pickup truck bed to accommodate one or more vehicles, and the ramp sections include different types of tread surfaces which are interchangeable to facilitate loading and unloading of different types of vehicles.

Abstract: A folding loading ramp for attachment to the end gate of pickup trucks. The ramp is of such a construction so that it may fold up with the tailgate, take up minimal additional space, and not interfere with the normal use of the end gate of the truck. The ramp includes a number of foldable ramp members which are hinged to make a convenient ramp for hard to load items, such as garden tractors, motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc. Added support is given to the ramp by a supporting mechanism which folds within the ramp members when not in use. The supporting mechanism reinforces the ramp by virtue of its structure rather than by contact with the ground. This allows folding of the support mechanism within the ramp members for space saving and provides support when the loading ramp is used with a loading dock. A combination handle and locking mechanism allows for positioning the ramp as a space extension for the vehicle bed and pulling the ramp to an extended position from the folded position.

Abstract: A self-storing loading ramp construction for equipment trailers including a pair of ramp members pivotally mounted on the trailer and movable between a loading position, in which the ramps extend rearwardly from the trailer and are inclined from the level of a load carrying surface to the ground, and a tailgate forming position, by pivoting movement in two directions. Lock means engage the ramps in the tailgate forming position and releasably retain same in non-pivoting relation on the trailer.