Gangway, Ramp, Or Dock Leveler Patents (Class 14/69.5)
  • Patent number: 8784010
    Abstract: A device and a system for an oil field road crossing and a method of installing thereof. A plurality of conduits having a rectangular cross-section with a coupling header on each end are set in the ground at the road crossing, the conduit top surfaces substantially level with the ground. The long sides of adjacent conduits are welded together in parallel. The coupling headers are in fluid communication with the rectangular conduit, each header have an open end operative to connect to the end of a cylindrical pipeline. When cylindrical pipelines are connected to the headers, one at each end of the rectangular conduit, the pipelines are in fluid communication with each other. The flat surfaces of the rectangular conduits form a road crossing substantially level with the ground for a vehicle to safely travel over without disrupting flow through the pipelines absent burying the pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventor: Alan Cessac
  • Patent number: 8782838
    Abstract: Uprights and lateral or connecting posts to be used in conjunction with a gangway or other fall restraint equipment where the uprights and posts are created by cutting portions of integral, continuous pieces of tubular metal rather than welding smaller pieces of stock material together. Sidepost assemblies or handrails are created by connecting the uprights and posts together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Safe Rack, LLC
    Inventors: Robert W. Honeycutt, Thomas A. Mefferd
  • Publication number: 20140196225
    Abstract: A ramp system is disclosed 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Owen Woodruff Bunker, II
  • Patent number: 8776947
    Abstract: A tool for use in the construction and maintenance of elevators and escalators is provided. The tool includes a plurality of rails arranged in a parallel orientation, a plurality of support members connected to the plurality of rails and a plurality of treads attached to the plurality of support members. The plurality of treads is configured to provide a working surface upon which construction or maintenance personnel can stand, sit or kneel. The plurality of treads is further configured to provide a working surface upon which materials can be placed. The tool is configured to bridge gaps formed within the elevators and escalators and bridge gaps formed in building spaces in and around the elevators and escalators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Wurtec Elevator Products & Services
    Inventors: Steven P. Wurth, Terry Rodebaugh
  • Publication number: 20140189966
    Abstract: A ramp having a main section and a landing section. The landing section has a riser section with a first end and a second end. A first connector connects the first end of the riser section to a distal end of the main section. A landing platform, having a first end and a second end and gripping structures depending from a lower surface, is connected by the first end to the second end of the riser section with a second connector, where the second connector selectably retains the landing platform and the riser section in a desired angular position. In some embodiments the main section includes an upper section having a connecting end and a distal end, and a lower section having a connecting end and a distal end. A connector connects the connecting end of the upper section to the connecting end of the lower section. The connector selectably retains the upper and lower sections in at least one of a rigid substantially-arched surface and a rigid substantially-planar surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Inventor: Gabriel J. Ricci
  • Patent number: 8769752
    Abstract: A pre-assembled walkway is provided, comprising an elongated walkway pan, a side railing subassembly, and a plurality of mounting brackets pivotally connecting the side railing subassembly to the walkway pan. The side railing subassembly comprises a plurality of vertical supports and handrails secured to tops of the vertical supports. The walkway is in a collapsed position when the side railing subassembly is pivoted in a first direction to the walkway pan with the vertical supports substantially parallel to the walkway pan and is in an erect position when the side railing subassembly is pivoted in a second, opposite direction with the vertical supports substantially orthogonal to the walkway pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventors: Frederick Anton Ade, Matthew Robert Bemiss Garcia
  • Patent number: 8764088
    Abstract: The invention relates to a combination ramp and gate that is releasably securable to a truck bed using a three point adjustable attachment system with carabineers, with two of the three carabineers being partially concealed. The combination ramp and gate is lightweight and when collapsed into a closed position, the sections of the combination ramp and gate are coplanar for easy storage and portability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventor: Tracy Hutch Jobe
  • Patent number: 8745801
    Abstract: A gangway construction 1 for providing access between a vessel 3 and an offshore object 33 comprises a support frame 2 and a movably guided gangway 10. A guiding assembly comprises an upper and lower rotatable pulley wheel 5, 6. A first cable 8 is connected to the frame or the gangway at a forward and backward connecting position 16, 17 and extends in a longitudinal direction between this forward and backward connecting position. With this the first cable 8 extends from its forward connecting position 16 towards the lower pulley wheel 6, is guided in for example a counter clockwise direction along at least part of the circumference of the lower pulley wheel 6 and in for example a clockwise direction over at least part of the circumference of the upper pulley wheel 5, and from the upper pulley wheel 5 extends towards its backward connecting position 17.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Offshore Solutions B.V.
    Inventor: Willem Frederik Prins
  • Publication number: 20140150188
    Abstract: A hand rail to post connector assembly for use with a modular ramp. The assembly includes a post cap configured for mounting to a post, a saddle that is received by a slot in the post cap, and a rail insert that is secured to the saddle. The post cap includes a support surface configured to support a hand rail, and the post cap substantially constrains the saddle from moving vertically. The rail insert has a clamping surface that engages an inner surface of the hand rail for clamping the hand rail between it and the saddle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: PRAIRIE VIEW INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: RICHARD ALLEN
  • Patent number: 8739941
    Abstract: Disclosed is a trailer leveling support, comprising a plurality of wedge shaped pads for supporting a trailer parked on an angled surface. The upper portion of the wedge is provided in a flat configuration to allow placement of any trailer accessory, while the base surface is provided at an angle with respect to the upper surface, allowing the base to rest against an angled support surface while the upper surface is positioned in a level configuration. The pads may be stacked to achieve the desired angle based on the trailer support surface. The device also includes a strap for securing the pads together, or to the trailer for added stability. The footprint of the device occupies a sufficient surface area to distribute the weight of the trailer over a larger area to prevent the trailer tongue from sinking into a soft surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventors: John White, Nancy White
  • Patent number: 8720173
    Abstract: A mower unit configured to be supported to a work vehicle at a position between front wheels and rear wheels, comprises a mower deck; at least one blade supported by the mower deck; a climb-up assist member in which an inclined surface is formed for assisting the wheels in climbing over the mower unit; and a connecting device for detachably connecting the climb-up assist member to the mower unit in a service position in which the inclined surface assists the wheels in climbing over the mower unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Akihito Sugio, Kazuo Samejima, Yoshikazu Togoshi, Koji Fujiwara, Takuhisa Yamamoto, Eiji Satou
  • Patent number: 8707495
    Abstract: A ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and at least one rung extending substantially between the frame and being positioned between the first and second end portions, the at least one rung forming at least a portion of a ramp surface. The ramp may further include a plate extending substantially between the frame and being positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, and a lip pivotally attached to the plate at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is non-load bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Cequent Consumer Products
    Inventors: Matthew Romanak, Dhananjay B. Gangakhedkar
  • Patent number: 8695141
    Abstract: The tire-unloading ramp is a specially designed ramp that is ideally suited for rolling a tire away from the ramp when unloading a stack of tires. The tire-unloading ramp includes a back member and a front member that are connected to one another via a hinge member. The front member is longer in length than the back member, and forms an acute angle with respect to the ground surface. Moreover, the hinge member enables an acute angle to form between the front member and the back member, and is located at an apex of the tire-unloading ramp. A support member is able to rotate from against a rear surface of the front member, and engage a support member notch located on a rear surface of the back member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Braulio Villareal
  • Patent number: 8695140
    Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp, a landing, a side railing, and a corner railing, and a bridge mounted to and extending from the landing. The ramp is pivotably and releasably coupled to the landing for configuration of the ramp assembly between an operational condition and a storage condition. In the operational condition, the ramp assembly is placed on the road proximate to a sidewalk curb, the ramp is coupled to the landing, the side railing is coupled to the ramp, the corner railing is coupled to the landing, and the bridge extends outwardly from the landing, in a direction transverse to the ramp, and onto the curb to form a continuous walking surface between the road and the sidewalk. In the storage condition, the ramp, landing, side railing, and corner railing are decoupled from each other and stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: John G. Zyadet
  • Patent number: 8690695
    Abstract: This invention provides a terrain system comprising a set of metal tubes having a rounded cross section The tubes are separated at a width that defines the appropriate terrain. The tubes are supported by a base located on at least two spaced apart positions therealong. Each leg assembly includes a bottom bar that allows it to be implanted in packed snow. Optional outriggers can be attached to each side of the bottom bar so that the legs can afford increased stability. The legs include telescoping sections that allow for height adjustability. One leg can be omitted, thereby creating a ramp. Each end of the top portion contains male and female connection points, which accommodate curved end caps. Two end caps can also be joined with a double-axis hinge assembly that allows the adjacent top portions to be joined together and articulated along two parallel hinge axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew L. Pittman
  • Publication number: 20140090190
    Abstract: A ramp system comprising: a platform, a box beam connecting a pair of stringer sides, wherein the stringer sides are connected to the box beam; the stringer sides having an upper and lower surface, wherein the lower surface is designed to contact the ground and the upper surface forming a rail; the box beam having a lower surface designed to contact the ground, and the upper surface to be less in height than the upper surface of the stringer sides; the lower surface of the platform is connected to the upper surface of the box beam, and stringer sides such that the distal end is flush with the outer portion of the box beam, and the proximal end is flush with the pointed end of the stringer sides, and the two sides of the platform abut the inner surface of the stringer sides forming a ramp with guard rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Inventor: Joanna D. McCloskey
  • Publication number: 20140059786
    Abstract: A system for aligning outer edges of upper surfaces of ramp portions of a loading ramp. The system may include a plurality of sensors configured to provide signals indicative of whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned. The system may also include a plurality of actuators configured to raise and lower at least one of the outer edges of an upper surface of a ramp portion. The system may also include a controller configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors, determine whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned, and provide signals to the actuators to affect movement thereof causing the outer edges of the upper surfaces of the adjacent ramp portions to be aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Anthony Lee Loftis, Curtis Taylor Davis
  • Patent number: 8662786
    Abstract: A vehicle destabilizing device that provides for the selective, remotely-deployed deflection and/or overturning of a targeted vehicle regardless of wheel or undercarriage configuration. The device is comprised of a combination of a remote arm/safe mechanism, a remote deployment switch, one or more lifting devices, a housing, and one or more structural members contiguously engaging the vehicle. The housing can be at least partially submerged in a road surface or protrude from the road surface so as to be driven over until deployed. A sensor can provide independent deployment once the device is armed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (Arizona) LLC
    Inventors: William Grant Seeglitz, Mynor J. Castro, Robert Arthur Mccoy, Edwin Allen Spomer, Michael David Williams
  • Patent number: 8656542
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ramp insert for insertion between rails and/or rungs of a ramp. An embodiment of the present invention includes a body that may have an adjustable length. The body may include a first section that may include a track portion and a second section that may include a groove portion. The groove portion may be capable of fitting together with the track portion. The first or second section may be capable of slidably moving with respect to the other section via the track portion and the groove portion. The ramp insert may be placed between the rails and/or rungs of the ramp whereby the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths. Since the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths, the ramp insert may fit many different kinds of ramps having various widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cequent Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Metcalfe, Anil V. Singaraju, Scott E. Urban, Francis Bernart, Cynthia K. Eubank
  • Patent number: 8656556
    Abstract: A foot lock roller assembly and apparatus is disclosed. The foot lock assembly preferably includes a cylinder, a mounting plate, and a lock bar that is particularly suitable for attachment to a device such as a gangway having a stationary base and a pivotable access. The cylinder is preferably attached to the pivotable access of the gangway by the mounting plate and includes a first and second sleeve and a clip for attaching the sleeves to the cylinder. The lock bar is preferably attached to the stationary base of the gangway. When the pivotable access of the gangway is raised the second sleeve of the cylinder is inserted into an opening in the lock bar and secures the gangway device in the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Aluminum Ladder Company
    Inventor: Ronald W. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8646140
    Abstract: A paper ramp for use in unloading a wheeled or castered product from a pallet or shipping base is provided. The ramp is wedge shaped and comprises a folded bottom member affixed to a pre-formed top member having integrally formed guide rails. The bottom member has closure flaps that fold together in interlocking fashion inside the wedged shaped ramp to support and stabilize the load bearing top surface of the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Branyon
  • Patent number: 8635728
    Abstract: A modular ramp system contemplates two molded plastic ramps placed back-to-back so that one would travel up one ramp and then down the other. The ramps are interconnected by a spine. The spine connectors are dovetail recesses and projections. The ramps have connections on their sides, so other ramps may be assembled to the two ramps to make a wider ramp. The ramp can have a plurality of ramp sections assembled together to create a ramp. A table is designed to be used with ramps and other components and includes openings facilitating installation of a grind rail or a support rail. The table surface includes a peripheral coping. A grind rail includes legs with arcuate bottoms to facilitate support of a grind rail regardless of angulation. Curved sections of grind rails allow lateral and vertical curvature of a grind rail configuration. Connectors are provided to interconnect adjacent grind rail sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Mapp
  • Publication number: 20140020194
    Abstract: A device for suspending at least one component from a gantry, and a gantry that includes such a device, are provided. The device includes a guide rail that can be secured on the gantry in an approximately vertical orientation, a carriage that is guided on the guide rail in a sliding movable manner and on which the component can be mounted, and a limit stop that is mounted on the guide rail beneath the carriage in a height-adjustable manner. The guide rail is divided into a lower part and an upper part, which are connected to each other by way of a pivot connection having a pivot axis parallel to the longitudinal direction of the guide rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Kapsch TrafficCom AG
    Inventors: Arnold TRÖGL, Leopold Hackl
  • Patent number: 8631528
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8590087
    Abstract: A safety system for a truck loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a hazard at the loading dock such as a forklift operating inside the truck or a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some examples, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Swessel, Timothy Muhl, Bradley J. Stone
  • Patent number: 8583353
    Abstract: A traveling apparatus performs an inverted pendulum control to maintain an inverted state of a vehicle body and travels with a passenger thereon. The traveling apparatus includes a drive portion that drives the vehicle body; a riding detection portion that detects a start of riding on the vehicle body by the passenger; a command generation portion that generates a torque command value to perform the inverted pendulum control and a position control to move the vehicle body to a position that facilitates the riding, when the start of riding is detected by the riding detection portion; and a control portion that controls the drive portion based on the torque command value generated by the command generation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yusuke Kosaka
  • Publication number: 20130283550
    Abstract: A bridge apparatus to transfer persons between a moving structure such as a vessel and a second structure such as an offshore installation, for example, to span gaps between work boats and fixed offshore installations such as wind turbines. The bridge comprises a platform supported by a line, the platform being moveable in a vertical direction by movement, of the line, wherein the line extends in a vertical direction from the platform to a capstan, and from the capstan to a counterweight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: ENSCO 392 LIMITED
    Inventor: Derek William Frank Clarke
  • Publication number: 20130283549
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ramp insert for insertion between rails and/or rungs of a ramp. An embodiment of the present invention includes a body that may have an adjustable length. The body may include a first section that may include a track portion and a second section that may include a groove portion. The groove portion may be capable of fitting together with the track portion. The first or second section may be capable of slidably moving with respect to the other section via the track portion and the groove portion. The ramp insert may be placed between the rails and/or rungs of the ramp whereby the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths. Since the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths, the ramp insert may fit many different kinds of ramps having various widths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Cequent Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Metcalfe, Anil V. Singaraju, Scott E. Urban, Francis Bernart, Cynthia K. Eubank
  • Patent number: 8566992
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an extendable and retractable work platform from a work vessel is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of first and second platform support frames with associated decking surfaces. These support frames are configured so that second support frame may be slidably received within the first support frame. The first support frame is mounted to the deck of a work vessel so that the second support frame with associated decking may be moved or “telescopically” extended from the first support frame away from the side of the vessel. The work platform is provided with a plurality of detachable deck extensions as well as detachable hand railing sections. A means to extend and retract the platform is also provided. The decking surface of the work platform may have an opening to provide access to areas below the work platform such as to a well bore or the piping and valve superstructure of a well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick Stokes
  • Patent number: 8561549
    Abstract: A foldable ramp for evacuation of a vehicle, the ramp including hingedly connected primary and secondary side members, a primary fixed panel fixedly attached the primary side members, a primary flipping panel extending between the primary side members adjacent the primary fixed panel and having a first end pivotally connected to the primary side members and a second end free from the side members, and a secondary flipping panel extending between the secondary side members and having a first end free from the side members and hingedly connected to the second end of the primary flipping panel and a second end pivotally connected to the secondary side members. The ramp is configurable between a folded and a deployed position, with the panels in the deployed position forming a ramp surface and the panels in the folded position being stacked one against the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bombardier Transportation
    Inventors: Mathieu Charbonneau, Olivier Leclerc, Jean-Bernard Landry
  • Patent number: 8555443
    Abstract: A vehicle ramp system has multiple configurations. The simplest embodiment provides a ramp which can move between a retracted configuration and an extended “step in” configuration in which an outboard end of the ramp is closer to the ground than in the retracted configuration, so that the outboard end of the ramp functions as a lowered step. A preferred embodiment provides a fully retracted configuration, a partially extended “step in” configuration, a partially extended “curb ramp” configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a curb or sidewalk, and a fully extended configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a road surface of the road on which the vehicle carrying the ramp is supported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: MMC Bus Division, Inc.
    Inventors: Wally Couto, John Goddard
  • Patent number: 8547234
    Abstract: A safety system for a truck loading dock with an elevated platform provides an alarm that warns of a hazard at the loading dock such as a forklift operating inside the truck or a falling hazard that may exist due to the dock door being open while a truck is not present at the dock. In cases where a dock's open doorway is protected by a barrier that can be opened or closed, the alarm can be de-activated by closing the barrier. In some embodiments, the safety system includes a remote body sensor that detects when someone or something is near the doorway. In response to the body sensor, a second, more pronounced alarm can warn of more imminent danger where someone on the platform may be too close to an open doorway when a truck is not present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Maly, Tim Muhl, Kyle E. Nelson, Mark R. Swessel
  • Patent number: 8544130
    Abstract: Example dock levelers at a truck-loading platform include a stationary curved transition plate extending between a rear edge of the leveler's pivotal deck and a rear edge of a pit at which the leveler is installed. The transition plate has a curved portion that extends underneath the deck's rear edge. The plate provides a smooth transition for forklifts traveling between the platform and the deck, thus reducing and/or minimizing the jarring of the forklift and its driver. To prevent debris and obstructions from getting trapped within the deck's rear hinge, the rear edge of the deck rises up and over the transition plate as the deck pivots upward, thereby providing a self-cleaning effect. With the rear edge of an inclined deck being above the transition plate, water runoff from the deck drains onto the transition plate rather than through the hinge gap to a generally inaccessible area underneath the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew Sveum
  • Publication number: 20130198978
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a modular, portable, and adjustable wheelchair ramp that provides advantages and benefits over current wheelchair ramps. The ramp may be sold in a kit with individual elements, but it is also designed to provide a frame substructure that can be used with conventional decking materials, railings, and handrails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Joe Kipton Pohlman, Brian Joseph Demers, Robert L. Burns, Sylvian Bryan
  • Publication number: 20130192008
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for connecting a trailer ramp to a trailer. The method includes providing a trailer, wherein either two housing members or two pins are affixed to the trailer. The method further includes providing a ramp, wherein the other of the two housing members or the two pins are affixed to the ramp. Each of the housing members comprises a hollowed-out cylindrical stock having a tubular portion and a semi-tubular portion and the semi-tubular portion has a cutaway that forms a substantially half-tubular surface. A single person then initially engages the semi-tubular portion of the first housing member with the first pin, initially engages the semi-tubular portion of the second housing member with the second pin, and finally slides the ramp along the length of the pins to fully engage the pins into the tubular portions of the housing members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Duane R. Smith
  • Patent number: 8495779
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a ramp insert for insertion between rails and/or rungs of a ramp. An embodiment of the present invention includes a body that may have an adjustable length. The body may include a first section that may include a track portion and a second section that may include a groove portion. The groove portion may be capable of fitting together with the track portion. The first or second section may be capable of slidably moving with respect to the other section via the track portion and the groove portion. The ramp insert may be placed between the rails and/or rungs of the ramp whereby the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths. Since the ramp insert may be adjusted to various lengths, the ramp insert may fit many different kinds of ramps having various widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cequent Consumer Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Metcalfe, Anil V. Singaraju, Scott E. Urban
  • Publication number: 20130185875
    Abstract: A lift assist for a loading ramp includes two biasing mechanisms that cooperate to bias the loading ramp from a stored position under a truck to a working position that engages the truck bed. One biasing mechanism is a mechanical bias, such as a coiled spring. The other biasing mechanism is a hydraulic bias, such as a gas spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Fred Jevaney, Eric Colborn, Chris Sulocha
  • Patent number: 8479337
    Abstract: A wheelchair bound person's riding lawnmower mounting apparatus being a rectangularly shaped platform support unit having heightwise adjustable support leg units held within laterally positioned leg compartment components welded to the support unit and atop of which there is to be found a rectangularly shaped mounting platform and connectable to which support unit there are arched support railings as well as a rectangularly shaped mounting ramp unit affixed to which is a downwardly extending ramp plate unit fittable into L-shaped lipping welded to the mounting platform together with the support unit and ramp unit also each having wheel assembly units affixed to the bottom portions of each so as to facilitate moving the support unit and ramp unit, when dissassembled and not in use, to a convenient storage site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Lewis Morris
  • Patent number: 8483942
    Abstract: A center-of-gravity detection system includes a vehicle capable of carrying cargo and adapted to be towed by a towing vehicle, a shake detector configured to detect shakes in the directions of the self-weight and width of the towed vehicle during travel of the towed vehicle, and an arithmetic unit. The arithmetic unit is configured to derive, based upon physical quantities that correlate with the shakes, the location of the center of gravity, in three-dimensional space, of the towed vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: National University Corporatioin Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology
    Inventor: Yutaka Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8474223
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a palletized load between a pallet truck and a load wrapping surface may include a ramp configured to support at least a portion of the pallet truck. The ramp may include at least one fixed portion. The ramp may also include a movable portion configured to move relative to the fixed portion. The movable portion may be configured to support one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck, and move the one or more wheel assemblies of the pallet truck relative to the fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Lantech.com, LLC
    Inventors: Patrick R. Lancaster, III, Philip R. Moore, Richard L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8468632
    Abstract: A tactical access ramp has an upper and a lower section that are connected by a hinge. Optional upper and lower extension sections and arms are available to extend the length of the ramp. Feet are connected to the lower section, or to the lower extension section or lower extension arms if provided, and provide a stable base for the ramp on the lower surface on which it is deployed. A landing section is connected to the upper section, or to the upper extension section or upper extension arms if provided. The landing section has a landing platform that engages an upper surface, and reduces slippage between the ramp and the upper surface. In this manner, animals and personnel are provided with a stable means of ascent from the lower surface to the upper surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Gabriel J. Ricci
  • Publication number: 20130133143
    Abstract: A curb ramp can be positioned next to a curb or a raised walkway to allow a cart to be wheeled up or down the curb ramp to or from the curb. The curb ramp allows people and equipment to move safely up or down a curb or walkway. The curb ramp can have a length at least as long as the wheel base of a cart used on the curb ramp to prevent tail drag of the cart. The curb ramp can include side rails to prevent sideways fall off therefrom. The curb ramp includes a curb-stop piece that is disposed against the curb during use and a plurality of cross braces to support and carry the load. A strong, effective and safe curb ramp can accommodate all wheeled devices that people can push or pull thereover, while being light enough to be easily transported and moved as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: Roger Anthony Purdon
  • Patent number: 8448278
    Abstract: A ramp system for a C-130 cargo airplane preferably includes a lead ramp, a ramp pad, a plurality of ramps and a plurality of ramp stands. A second embodiment of a ramp system for a C-130 cargo airplane preferably includes a plurality of wedges, a plurality of ramp pads, the plurality of ramps and the plurality of ramp stands. A ramp system for a C-5 or C-17 cargo airplane preferably includes the plurality of wedges, the plurality of ramp pads, the plurality of ramps and one ramp stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Richard R. Beilstein
  • Patent number: 8443474
    Abstract: Example dock levelers installed at a vehicle loading dock include pivotal or otherwise vertically adjustable deck plates with special coatings on the deck's upper surface. In some examples, the coating improves traction and addresses various thermal issues, such as condensation and thermal strain between a polymeric coating and a steel deck plate. In some examples, when indoor and outdoor air create a temperature differential across opposite faces of the deck, the coating is designed such that a median temperature of the temperature differential occurs near an interface where the coating bonds to the steel plate's upper surface. In some examples, the coating includes particles of different sizes and colors embedded within and covered by a polymeric base material. As traffic abrades the coating, the different colored particles become exposed at different levels of wear, thereby providing a visual signal indicating when the coating needs to be touched up or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Sveum, Norbert Hahn, Paul D. Mathews, Robert Maxey
  • Patent number: 8425337
    Abstract: A skate park has a hard top shell formed with skate features drawn down from a top surface of the hardtop shell. The hard top shell has a thickness between 0.2 mm and 1 mm. The hard top shell has a hard top shell inside surface. The hard top shell is pervious to light. A sidewall is formed on a side of the hardtop shell. A paint layer is disposed on the hard top shell inside surface. The skate park may have at least one half pipe. A foil layer may be laminated to the underside of the hardtop shell. The skate park preferably includes at least one bowl recess, but may have two bowl recesses joined at a connecting ridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventor: Dean Ronald Thompson
  • Patent number: 8424254
    Abstract: This loading bay comprises a compact structure carrying at least one fold-away ramp and a shelter for closing off the space between the shed and the truck box body at the side and at the top during loading or unloading operations. Said compact structure adjoins the wall (P) of the shed on the outside and is set up with the possibility of being removed longitudinally on guide means for positioning the movable assembly in a position opposite any one of the openings (H) providing access to the shed. The loading bay comprises, additionally, motorized actuating means, at least one bar of sensors for detecting the position of the truck while said truck is being moved closer into position, a light-signalling device and a light and/or acoustic signal warning of the approach of a truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Amiserru, S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Iglesias Ballester
  • Publication number: 20130091639
    Abstract: A ramp may include a frame having first and second end portions and at least one rung extending substantially between the frame and being positioned between the first and second end portions, the at least one rung forming at least a portion of a ramp surface. The ramp may further include a plate extending substantially between the frame and being positioned adjacent to at least one of the first and second end portions, and a lip pivotally attached to the plate at a pivot axis, wherein the pivot axis is non-load bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Matthew Romanak, Dhananjay B. Gangakhedkar
  • Patent number: 8397329
    Abstract: A loading ramp for a vehicle that includes at least three articulated sections. The ramp is assembled to and stored on a floor of the vehicle. The ramp is extended from the vehicle with at least one section being retained on the floor. The sections outboard of the vehicle are retained in alignment at a ramp angle with the first section being pivoted relative to the last floor retained section to the ramp angle. A power extension and retraction device may be provided that drives the loading ramp reciprocally relative to the vehicle. Side edge guards are provided on the sides of the loading ramp and may be folded over when the loading ramp is stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Car Top Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Just, Michael T. Williard
  • Publication number: 20130055511
    Abstract: An adjustable, modular handicap-access-ramp system enables transport of wheelchairs and temporarily or permanently physically handicapped individuals and no-step access thereof into and out of a structure. The system comprises a plurality of core modules and at least one additional module adapted to be combined with each other and the core modules to configure a customized ramp. At least one combined locating and support pin is adapted to connect to each other those of the core and additional modules disposed adjacent to each other. At least one substantially infinitely adjustable column assembly allows movement of predetermined core and additional modules up or down and to a desired angle. At least one connector allows attachment to each other of adjacent core and additional modules that require a change in grade with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Derek Clayton McGivern, Paul Otto Kjeldsen, Paul Thomas Arato, John Kenneth Bowes, Jason Paul Everaert, Robert Wayne Courtryman
  • Patent number: 8387191
    Abstract: A bearing retainer plate for fall restraint equipment made from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal, where the metal is lasered, cut, and/or butterflied to define a plurality of apertures. A bearing, preferably possessing a self-centering characteristic, is inserted into one of the apertures, while an adapter or bracket for an over-travel stop is inserted into another. A foot lock stud is inserted into another aperture defined by the bearing retainer plate and welded into place. The piece of metal may also define apertures configured to receive fasteners for attaching the plate to the fall restraint equipment, such as to a support structure of a gangway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Safe Rack LLC
    Inventor: Robert W. Honeycutt