Abstract: A ship loading ramp designed to allow for substantial changes in tide. The ramp pivots about a pair of lugs at each end. Each lug extends from one corner of the ramp into a fitting having an upward opening slot. One set of slotted fittings is in a tailpiece on the pier, and the second set of slotted fittings is located on the deck of the ship. As the level of the ship deck falls below the level of the pier the ramp will settle on the pier and lift out of the slotted fittings on the ship deck, thereby freeing the ramp from the ship. As the ship later rises with the tide, the slotted fittings on the ship will engage the lugs on the ramp and will proceed to raise and tilt the ramp. During this period of rising tide, the ramp will become further and further inclined until it reaches a maximum positive angle of inclination. At this maximum angle, a pair of cables extending from the ship to the ramp will pull taut and proceed to lift the ramp out of the slotted fittings on the tailpiece and into the air.

Abstract: On a ship, a folding structure serves a dual function of a stern door in its folded position and a ramp in its unfolded position. The first and second decks of the ship have internal ramps which angularly swing up and down to accommodate different heights of the ship relative to the pier. The folding structure may be coupled to the internal ramp on either deck. The capability of coupling the folding structure ramp to either movable internal ramp allows the ship to be loaded or unloaded over wide variations of tide and draft.

Abstract: A system for coupling a loading ramp to a ship which allows a substantial amount of movement of the ship relative to the pier. The end of the loading ramp secured to the ship includes a lever arm coupled to each side of the ramp. Each lever arm includes a foot structure at one end which rests directly on the deck of the ship. The other end of each lever arm hangs via a cable from overhead support structure on the ship.