Abstract: A hinge system (1, 1a) for use with a lightweight, portable gangway (100), the hinge system (1a) comprising at least three plates (2a,2b,2c), a bar (4) and a washer (6), wherein a first pair of the plates (2a,2b) are attached at either side of a lower surface (106) of a first section (102a) of the gangway (100) and the other plate (2c) is attached at approximately the centre of a second section (102b) of the gangway (100), so that when the sections (102a,102b) are brought towards each other, the first pair of the plates (2a,2b) are aligned with the other plate (2c).

Abstract: A ramp system which may include first and second components. The first component may include horizontal and vertical portions, and a hook. The horizontal portion may be supported by a lip of a structure, and may have a width equivalent to a length of the lip. The vertical portion may be coupled with, and hang downward from, the horizontal portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The hook may be coupled with the vertical portion, and may have the same width as the horizontal portion. The second component may include a protrusion and channel. The protrusion may have a width equal or less than the width of the horizontal portion, and be supported by the hook. The channel may be coupled with the protrusion, and have the same width. The channel may receive a planar component which forms a sloped surface of a ramp.

Abstract: A pet stroller includes a supporting frame and a foldable access ramp assembly, wherein the supporting frame includes a supporting platform for a pet lying thereon. The foldable access ramp assembly, which is provided at the supporting frame, includes a ramp member slidably coupled at the supporting frame and being moved in a storage position that the ramp member is supported underneath the supporting platform, and an extension position that the ramp member is slid out frontwardly to extend from the supporting platform for the pet easily accessing in-and-out from the supporting platform.

Abstract: A stairway for a bunk bed supported on a horizontal surface and having an upper bed and a lower bed both supported by four corner supports includes a rear plate fixed with the bunk bed and having two or more step supports. A front plate has two or more inverted step supports and a lower end. Two or more steps are each pivotally fixed with at least one hinge to one of the step supports of the rear plate and, with at least another of the hinges, to a corresponding one of the step supports of the front plate. As such, with the front plate in a lowered position, each step is in a substantially horizontal orientation. With the front plate lifted into a raised position each step pivots into a substantially vertical orientation as the front plate and rear plate meet, preferably in substantially coplanar alignment.

Abstract: A livestock loading chute includes an angled open first end and an angled open second end. On opposite sides of the chute are a pair of loading connectors which permit the chute to be removably loaded upon the bed of a truck. A pair of vertical legs may be secured beneath the second end.

Abstract: A set of panels for protecting livestock during transportation, for use in a lorry with a cage for carrying livestock having railings and a guillotine door, comprising: a plurality of fixed panels, and four mobile panels, wherein the fixed panels comprise one or more layers of flexible material and a backing plate made of rigid material, to be arranged forming a horizontal strip along the inner walls of the cage railings, and wherein the mobile panels comprise pivoting wings that can adopt a folded position and an unfolded position, and wherein said mobile panels are arranged at the sides of the guillotine door, two on the inside of the cage and two on the outside thereof.

Abstract: A height adjustable loading ramp installed at a tail of a car, for loading or unloading goods, includes: a slope plane and a supporter. The two ends of the slope plane are respectively supported on the ground and the supporter. The supporter includes: two supporting legs adjustable in length, a beam horizontally provided between lower portions of the two supporting legs, wheels for making the loading ramp move conveniently, and a scissor jack for adjusting the height. The scissor jack includes: four scissor jack arms equal in length, and an adjusting-locking device for adjusting and locking the height of the height adjustable loading ramp. In addition, the supporting leg comprises an auxiliary fixing unit for fixing the relative position between the upper and the lower supporting legs and providing an extra security protection, in such a manner that the height of the height adjustable loading ramp is locked.

Abstract: The present general inventive concept relates generally to an animal lift, and more particularly to a portable, lightweight ramp device with collapsible side panels to eliminate the visual cliff perceived by a user animal.

Abstract: A boat boarding apparatus for boarding animals onto a boat and methods of using the apparatus. The apparatus has a set of boat boarding steps, a first mounting assembly attached to said boarding steps for connecting said boarding steps to said boat ladder and a second mounting assembly for connecting said boarding steps to said boat ladder. The mounting assemblies provide resistance forces for securing the ladder, with the resistance forces being opposing forces to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses for a reversible pet spiral staircase. Embodiments of the invention comprise: a bottom tread storage platform member; a plurality of tread platform members, elevated above the bottom storage platform member; a center leg support member, and a plurality of outer leg support members, which support the tread platform members; and a helical skirt board railing member that supports the tread platform members and traverses the perimeter of the apparatus. Embodiments of the invention are capable of being configured in either the left-hand spiral configuration, or the right-hand spiral configuration. Embodiments of the invention allow the apparatus to be self-supporting; reversible; space-saving; compactable for storage; safe for pet elevation; easily assembled; reconfigurable; and environmentally safe.

Abstract: An animal loading and unloading apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the animal loading/unloading apparatus includes a base having a ramp space, a fence carried by the base and a ramp extendable from the ramp space.

Abstract: A ladder placed on the top rail of a gate which has either a ramp or at least one step on one side of the safety gate to aid a small animal to traverse the gate.

Abstract: The stabilizing system has a ramp having a first end mounted within a vehicle and a second end positioned on a base surface external to the vehicle. The stabilizing system further includes a tension mechanism having a first end section, a second end section, and a tension member positioned therebetween. The first end section of the tension mechanism is releasably coupled to the vehicle and the second end section of the tension mechanism is releasably coupled to the first end of said ramp. The ramp is maintained in fixed location with respect to said vehicle and said base surface.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a pet step including one or more steps. The pet step may further include a base portion configured to rest on a generally flat surface and support the one or more steps. The base portion may include first, second, third, and fourth sidewalls, where the first and second sidewalls define triangular-shaped apertures. In some embodiments, multiple pet steps may be nested or stacked atop one another.

Abstract: An animal ramp apparatus includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a first end, a second end, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge. A base frame includes a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first end of the panel is pivotally coupled to the base frame adjacent to the rear wall. The second end of the panel is selectively pivoted upwardly from the frame to define a deployed position. A support member is pivotally attached to the frame and supports the panel in the deployed position at a selected angle relative to the base frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses for a reversible pet spiral staircase. Embodiments of the invention comprise: a “bottom tread storage platform member”; a plurality of “tread platform members”, elevated above the bottom storage platform member; a “center leg support member”, and a plurality of “outer leg support members”, which support the tread platform members; and a helical “skirt board railing member” that supports the tread platform members and traverses the perimeter of the apparatus. Embodiments of the invention are capable of being configured in either the “left-hand spiral configuration”, or the “right-hand spiral configuration. Embodiments of the invention allow the apparatus to be self-supporting; reversible; space-saving; compactable for storage; safe for pet elevation; easily assembled; reconfigurable; and environmentally safe.

Abstract: An animal escape device has a central plate, an upper plate and a pair of side plates. The central plate depends downwardly at an angle and has a lower edge positionable in a swimming pool beneath the surface of the water, an upper edge, and parallel side edges. The upper plate is positionable on a deck of the pool and has an interior edge coupled to the upper edge of the central plate and has an exterior edge and side edges. Each of the side plates has a top edge coupled to an associated one of the side edges of the central plate. Each side plate has a bottom edge positionable entirely within the pool and a top edge partially within the water. The side plates form obtuse angles with respect to the central plate.

Abstract: A roll out multi-tread ramp design supported by its arched design and the preferably identical shape and angle of each of its multiple treads abutting one another creating a surface area that distributes stress from weight placed on the surface of the ramp. Oblong links comprise preferably two holes per link and hold each tread that abut one another together, a cylindrical pin inserts snugly through an end of each ramp tread, passes through the link hole, then preferably re-enters tread of the ramp which connects multiple treads together and creates strength when weight is placed on ramp and allows the ramp to be rolled up. Ramp length is adjustable by using varying numbers of treads in each ramp assembly. An elastic cord runs through all treads to assist with self-deployment of ramp and assists in holding ramp treads in place.

Abstract: An animal and gear transportation system for positioning in a cargo space of a vehicle is disclosed. The system may comprise a kennel module including a base portion mountable on a bed of the cargo space, and the base portion is elongate with opposite ends. The kennel module may include a containment portion defining an interior capable of receiving an animal, with the containment portion being mounted on the base portion and being elongate with opposite ends and sides extending between the ends. The containment portion may be slidable with respect to the base portion such that the containment portion is movable between a retracted position in which the containment portion is substantially fully positioned over the base portion, and an extended position in which the containment portion is at partially cantilevered with respect to the base portion.

Abstract: A multi-purpose furniture structure and system may be used for caring for an animal throughout the life of the animal. For small animals such as puppies, this furniture system may be used to train the animal to behave in a desired manner. Animal toys are stored in the animal living space as well. Animals may use a detachable ramp member to climb to the top of the furniture structure. The ramp is extendable allowing for the ability to vary the length of the ramp. This feature enables the owner to change the angle of inclination of the ramp to accommodate animals that may have difficulty climbing steeper ramp inclines. For larger or older animals, the extendable ramp may serve as a bed or as a means to help the animal get into the bed of the owner. The furniture piece may be positioned adjacent an owner's bed.

Abstract: A pet step storage unit has a staircase with a plurality of stairs, each stair being open at its outboard lateral end and closed at its inboard lateral end. The stairs are closed off at the inboard lateral end by a planar side support which extends the length and height of the staircase. Semi-enclosed spaces are formed beneath the stairs, access to the spaces being gained through openings leading into the space. Vertical and horizontal partition components separate spaces into sectionalized storage compartments which can remain open for ready access, or which can be configured for accepting and retaining drawers.

Abstract: A folding pet ramp and step apparatus is described. The apparatus includes a frame supporting an upper platform member and a lower platform member. The lower platform member has a lower riser and a lower runner. The upper platform member has an upper riser and an upper runner which are movable between a ramp mode and a step mode. The upper riser fixedly supports the upper runner against the frame when in the step mode, and is moveable from the fixedly supported position to permit the upper runner to move to the ramp mode.

Abstract: An extended ramp device for helping animals to escape from a body of water includes: (a) a substantially planar upper, support portion including a central, climbing member and two bendable wing members connected to opposite sides of the central climbing member, each of the wing members including a substantially straight upper edge, an arched lower edge, a substantially straight, angled side edge at a front of the wing member, and at least two substantially keyhole-shaped slots; (b) a substantially planar lower, extension portion, the upper, support portion and the lower, extension portion including toehold perforations; (c) at least two brace members, each including a male end connecting projection on each opposite end, each of the brace male end connecting projections being insertable in the two substantially keyhole-shaped slots; and (d) a mechanism for removably attaching the extended ramp device to a structure adjacent or in the body of water; wherein the extended ramp device includes a disassembled posit

Abstract: An integrated pet environment for a mobile vehicle. The integrated pet environment will consist of two pet care units, one located behind the driver's seat and the other located behind the passenger's seat. The driver's seat unit will have storage for pet supplies, and will have a gate which the driver can easily reach with one hand while driving to close off his/her seat, preventing the dog from disturbing him/her while he/she is driving. The passenger's seat unit will have more storage plus a ramp for the dog. The passenger's seat itself will fold all the way down forward and will provide a seat for the dog, accessible from the back of the truck, which will not allow the dog to reach the driver. One of the two storage units will also have food and water dishes.

Abstract: A portable stair case, disclosed herein generally comprises two components, each of which is preferably of unitary construction, a blow molded body having a flight of a succession of steps formed on the front of body, and a blow molded leg, the two components being configured with connector parts with an interference fit and a cantilever snap-fit mechanism configured to prevent disengagement of the leg component from the body.

Abstract: A ramp for accessing a truck cab. A planar platform extends outwardly from the top step of the truck cab and has a straight edge that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of movement of the truck cab. A support member extends between the underside of the planar platform and the lower step of the truck cab. An inclined ramp is affixed to the straight edge of the planar platform and extends between the planar platform and the ground outwardly at an angle of less than 45 degrees from the axis of movement. The ramp and planar platform fold for easy storage outside the steps or inside the truck cab.

Abstract: A generally horizontal platform has connected to a first end thereof a sloping ramp that extends into the water of a swimming pool. The ramp is provided with traction enhancing ribs to enable a pet to extricate itself from a pool should it accidentally fall in or tire from swimming. In a first embodiment, adjustable legs sit on the bottom of the pool and support a first end of the ramp while the horizontal platform is secured to decking to prevent its horizontal and vertical movement relative to the upper edge of the pool. In a second embodiment, a second ramp is connected to the opposite end of the horizontal platform and legs support the second ramp on a ground portion external to the pool. In a third embodiment, the ramp is cantilevered over the pool and buoyancy within the submersed sloping ramp provides support.

Abstract: A louvered ramp, that serves as a cat's paw-cleaning entry and exit ramp, ascending to, and descending from, a cat litter box.

Abstract: The invention describes and adjustable ramp which allows a pet to move on and off a bed with minimal disruption to the appearance or function of the bed. It comprises a ramp and a platform which are adapted for adjustable height. It may be supported by both the mattress and box spring of the bed and adjustable legs. It may be further adapted to avoid interference with a bedspread or cpmforter.

Abstract: A pet step is a modular foam core item which can be used alone or in an arrangement with other pet steps—referred to as cubes—to form a stair and offers a comfortable way for a pet that has been debilitated by age, surgery, illness, or injury to climb, e.g., from the floor to the couch and down, eliminating the impact of jumping. Each step is formed of a washable fabric cover stretched across a high-density foam core, the core being usually of regular block shape, but alternatively in the shape of a trapezoidal block, right wedge, or other. The cover may be made from various fabrics with different textures, colors, and designs, and is secured around the foam core using a band of elastic. Thus, the cover is easily removable and washable.

Abstract: The arched multi-segmented ramp assembly of the present invention has the advantageous qualities of being portable, lightweight, easily deployable and storable. Identical step links have keystone-shaped sides that abut adjacent members and are joined one to the other by knuckle-like hinges, both of which structural features impart to the unrolled assembly a gently arcuate contour, thereby enhancing the ramp's strength to weight characteristics compared to ramps of the prior art. The hinge connections further permit the ramp to be rolled up for easy transport and storage. Because of its modular design, the arched ramp may be assembled using varying numbers of component step-links, thus providing a user with the flexibility to form a ramp assembly with lengths suitable for different particular applications.

Abstract: A pet step device comprising a lightweight, portable, foam-based stair that may be positioned next to a vehicle, bed, couch or other piece of elevated place for enabling a pet to easily and safely reach and navigate the elevated location, wherein the pet step device comprises a plurality of elevated platforms or steps made in sections from polyurethane foam that are stacked and bonded together. The cover preferably comprises a soft, pile-height, low-impact fabric cover, but may comprise a waterproof material having rubber pads on the bottom of the device and on the steps to prevent slipping.

Abstract: A portable ramp and load support assembly including a pair of rigid, elongated, first and second ramp components hinged together at adjoining ends by a simple pivot pin. The apparatus is made of light-weight, injection molded plastic material, and is provided with a resilient, non-slip surface on its upper side. The ground-engaging end and vehicle-engaging end are also specially configured to prevent slippage and dislodgment during use. The assembly also includes a plurality of accessory parts including disconnectable legs for allowing the ramp apparatus to be used as a grooming table, examination table, game-cleaning table, etc., and floats, wheels, pull handles and other accessories that can be attached to extend the utility of the apparatus.

Abstract: A ramp, for instance a walk ramp for pets, such as dogs, includes an elongated walk bridge (1) which is intended to be placed so as to slope between two height levels. The bridge includes two parts (10, 11) which are mutually sequential in the longitudinal direction of the bridge and which are mutually connected via a hinge means (18) which in one swinging direction has an end position in which the walk surfaces of said parts (10, 11) are essentially parallel and in a common plane, and which in its other swinging direction enable the parts (10, 11) to be folded to essential parallelity. When the bridge is extended or unfolded, a join gap between the parts (10, 11) on the upper load-carrying side of the bridge will be covered by a cover plate (4), which has an edge part that is fastened to one bridge part (10) and extends generally transversely over the width of the bridge (1).

Abstract: A pet-accessed lighted ramp assembly for making it easier for a pet to climb upon a piece of furniture such as a sofa or bed. The pet-accessed lighted ramp assembly includes a support base being movably disposed upon a ground; and also includes a ramp member being mounted upon the support base for a pet to gain access upon a piece of furniture; and further includes a landing being mounted upon the support base and being connected to the ramp member; and also includes a railing assembly being mounted upon the support base; and further includes a light-emitting assembly for providing light along the ramp member and the landing for a pet to see while moving up and down the ramp member.

Abstract: A veterinary bathing station for washing animals is shown which includes a stall having a bottom wall and enclosing sidewalls. One of the sidewalls has a door opening for ingress and egress of an animal to be bathed or groomed. A ramp is connected to the stall bottom wall by a rotatable coupling and can be rotated between a retracted and extended positions which allow the ramp to easily rotate in and out of the open space created under the bottom wall of the washing stall to thereby allow the animal ingress and egress through the wall opening.

Abstract: A pet ramp assembly including a pair of elongated, molded first and second ramp components hinged together at adjoining ends by a simple pivot pin. A pair of side-locking pins serve the dual purpose of locking the folded structure together and alternatively locking the extended ramp-forming structure in its extended configuration while simultaneously providing additional structural support at the pivot point. The apparatus is made of light-weight, injection molded plastic material, and is provided with a non-slip surface on its upper side. The ground-engaging end and vehicle-engaging end are also specially configured to prevent slippage and dislodgment during use. The apparatus also includes disconnectable legs for allowing the ramp assembly to be used as a grooming table, examination table, game-cleaning table etc.

Abstract: A threshold for a covered cat litter box having a side entry comprises a stand supporting an elevated cat landing field. A ramp having a rough litter-dislodging surface extends downwardly from the cat landing field. A barrier is provided for barring cats from jumping onto or off the sides of said ramp. Upon setting the threshold with the ramp accessible to the litter box entry cats may ingress and egress the liter box only via the threshold rough, liter dislodging ramp and landing field which dislodges litter from the paws.

Abstract: In a method for conveying live animals, a conveying channel having a dosing belt is moved in a conveying direction and side walls extending along the dosing belt separated by animal shoulder widths confine the animals. Standing animals are loaded onto the belt in a column with the head of each animal oriented in a desired direction relative to the conveying direction and with separation between the animals. Separating barriers transversely across the dosing belt are moved with the dosing belt and the animals to maintain separation between the animals. A chest belt can be employed to carry the animals, substantially fixing their positions.

Abstract: A convertible step and ramp combination having a frame (15, 16) with removable steps (19, 23) which may be converted into a ramp (19, 23). The three steps have attached hangers (20) which rest on rods (10, 12) extending between frame while in step mode. Conversion to ramp mode is done by loosening wing nuts (18) and removing three steps, then placing steps at an angle by repositioning three hangers on wooden dowel (14) and rod (11). The step and ramp combination is independent of any other supporting structure and may be used for ascension and descent from a variety of higher surfaces. The steps and convertible ramp are covered with a non-slippage material for traction. The ability to chose between the step or ramp feature allows pets of various physical conditions to safely ascend and descend from higher surfaces.

Abstract: A poultry-handling assembly is provided which includes a pair of rotors arranged side-by-side for rotation about a vertical or predominantly vertical axis. Each rotor includes a central core upon which are arranged groups of guide elements spaced apart around the central core. In operation, the guide elements of each group lie closely adjacent and/or abut and/or intermesh with the guide elements of the other rotor of the pair. In operation a drive elements contra-rotate the two rotors enabling them to gather or accept poultry into the assembly.