Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a frame assembly, a ramp connected to the frame assembly, a drive member having first and second engagements, and a counterbalance mechanism cooperating with the drive member. The ramp is pivotable relative to the frame assembly and has a deployed position and a stowed position. The drive member is configured to move the ramp between the deployed position and the stowed position. The counterbalance mechanism includes a gas strut having a first end and a second end. The first end of the gas strut is secured to the frame assembly and the second end of the gas strut is movable relative to the frame assembly. The first and second engagements of the drive member are configured to engage the second end of the gas strut.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and first and second ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as movable mounting blocks, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion coupled for rotational movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A first panel is rotatably coupled to the ramp portion about a first axis so that movement of the ramp portion between the stowed position and the deployed position moves the axis along an arcuate path. The ramp assembly further includes a guide that maintains a fixed position relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion. A second panel is slidably associated with the guide and is rotatably coupled to the first panel about a second axis.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. The ramp assembly includes a counterbalance comprising a lug associated with the ramp portion so that movement of the ramp portion toward the deployed position moves the lug along an arcuate path in a first direction, and movement of the ramp portion toward the stowed position moves the lug along the arcuate path in a second direction. A link is coupled to the lug, and a guide is fixedly located relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion. A biasing element is associated with the link such that movement of the ramp portion away from the neutral position moves the biasing element toward the guide.

Abstract: A ramp assembly provides a transition surface from a vehicle interior to an alighting surface. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that rotates between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp portion is rotatable about an axis associated with a first end of the ramp portion. A support member supports the first end of the ramp portion, and a sensor is configured to sense a predetermined position of the ramp portion. The ramp assembly further includes an actuator operably coupled to the ramp portion to drive the ramp portion through a first phase and a second phase of a deployment motion. During the first phase, the actuator rotates the ramp portion about the axis while the axis maintains a substantially fixed position. During the second phase, the actuator moves the axis in a downward direction if the ramp portion has deployed to at least the predetermined position.

Abstract: A step assembly provides access between a lift platform and an alighting surface. The step assembly includes a tread and a panel rotatably connected to the tread about a first axis. An actuator assembly is operably coupled to the panel to selectively move the step assembly between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the tread is substantially horizontal, and the panel is orthogonal to the tread. In the lowered position, the tread and the panel are substantially parallel and form a predetermined angle with respect to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A latch assembly is used with a ramp assembly that includes a ramp portion selectively movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The latch assembly has a latch fitting and a catch, both of which are rotatably mounted to the ramp assembly. The catch engages the latch fitting to selectively lock the latch fitting in a first locked position and a second locked position. A pin is coupled to the latch fitting so that rotation of the latch fitting moves the pin in an arcuate path. The pin engages the ramp portion when the latch fitting is in the first locked position and also when in the second locked position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. The ramp assembly includes a counterbalance comprising a lug associated with the ramp portion so that movement of the ramp portion toward the deployed position moves the lug along an arcuate path in a first direction, and movement of the ramp portion toward the stowed position moves the lug along the arcuate path in a second direction. A flexible line is coupled to the lug, and a restraint is fixedly located relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion. A biasing element is associated with the flexible line such that movement of the ramp portion away from the neutral position moves the biasing element compresses a spring disposed between the restraint and the biasing element.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and first and second ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as movable mounting blocks, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. Movement of the ramp portion toward the deployed position rotates a hub in a first direction, and movement of the ramp portion toward the stowed position rotates the hub in a second. The ramp assembly includes a counterbalance comprising a flexible line having a first end coupled to the hub. A restraint is fixedly located relative to the stowed position of the ramp portion, and a biasing element is associated with the flexible line such that movement of the ramp portion away from the neutral position moves the biasing element toward the restraint. A spring is disposed between the restraint and the biasing element to bias the ramp portion toward the neutral position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a frame assembly, a ramp connected to the frame assembly, a drive member having first and second engagements, and a counterbalance mechanism cooperating with the drive member. The ramp is pivotable relative to the frame assembly and has a deployed position and a stowed position. The drive member is configured to move the ramp between the deployed position and the stowed position. The counterbalance mechanism includes a gas strut having a first end and a second end. The first end of the gas strut is secured to the frame assembly and the second end of the gas strut is movable relative to the frame assembly. The first and second engagements of the drive member are configured to engage the second end of the gas strut.

Abstract: A ramp assembly provides a transition surface from a vehicle floor to an alighting surface and includes a ramp portion coupled for reciprocating movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp portion has a cam surface disposed thereon, and a cam follower that engages the cam surface when the ramp portion is in the stowed position to support the ramp portion. The ramp assembly further includes a panel rotatably coupled to a first end of the ramp portion about an axis. An actuator rotates a drive arm to move the ramp portion through first and second phases of a deployment motion. During the first phase, the drive arm rotates the ramp portion about the axis, which maintains a substantially fixed position. During the second phase, the drive arm moves the second axis in a downward direction.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp platform movable for reciprocating motion between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp platform has an inner ramp panel, an intermediate ramp panel slidably associated with the inner ramp panel, and an outer ramp panel rotatably associated with the intermediate ramp panel. Movement of the ramp assembly from the stowed position to the deployed position defines a deployment motion that includes (1) rotation of the outer ramp panel through at least 90 degrees relative to the intermediate ramp panel; and (2) translation of the intermediate ramp panel relative to the inner ramp panel. A drive assembly is associated with the ramp platform, the drive assembly being movable to reciprocate the ramp platform between the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A latch assembly is suitable for a ramp assembly, the ramp assembly having a ramp portion coupled to a fixed portion so that the ramp portion reciprocates between a stowed position and a deployed position. The latch assembly includes a pin associated with the ramp portion. The latch assembly further includes a latch fitting rotatably coupled to the fixed portion of the ramp assembly. The latch fitting has a hook portion and a tang. The hook portion selectively engages the pin when the ramp assembly is in the stowed position. The tang selectively provides a lifting force to the ramp portion.

Abstract: A ramp assembly is suitable for use in a vehicle to provide a transition surface from the vehicle floor to an alighting surface. The ramp assembly includes an inner panel fixedly associated with the vehicle floor and ramp support slidingly associated with the inner panel. The ramp support is reciprocal between (1) a retracted position when the ramp assembly is in a stowed position and (2) an extended position when the ramp assembly is in a deployed position. A ramp portion is rotatably coupled at a first end to a first end of the ramp support. An intermediate panel is coupled to the ramp support and extends from the inner panel to the ramp portion when the ramp assembly is in the deployed position. When the ramp assembly is in the stowed position, the ramp portion extends inwardly from the first end of the ramp support.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and inboard and outboard ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as movable support fittings, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and inboard and outboard ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as movable mounting blocks, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.

Abstract: A ramp assembly provides a transition surface from a vehicle interior to an alighting surface. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that rotates between a stowed position and a deployed position. A panel is coupled to the ramp portion about a first axis. The ramp assembly further includes a linkage that is coupled to the ramp portion. An actuator is coupled to the linkage to move the ramp portion through a deployment motion. The deployment motion includes a first phase during which the linkage rotates the ramp portion about the first axis. During a second phase of the deployment motion, the linkage moves the first axis from a raised position to a lowered position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes but is not limited to a frame, a ramp platform functionally associated with the frame, a stow/deploy mechanism for deploying and stowing the ramp platform, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the stow/deploy mechanism for conditionally actuating the stow/deploy mechanism, which in turn, articulates the ramp platform between the stowed and deployed positions.

Abstract: A counterbalance assembly is suited for use with a fold out ramp having a ramp portion selectively movable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The counterbalance includes first and second springs and a transmission element forming an endless loop. A first biasing element is coupled to the transmission element so that the first biasing element compresses the first spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the stowed position and compresses the second spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the deployed position. A second biasing element is coupled to the transmission element so that the second biasing element compresses the second spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the stowed position and compresses the first spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the deployed position.