Abstract: A multiple use vehicle accessory is provided that has a frame with first and second side members spaced from one another in a lateral direction of the accessory. The first side member carries first and second apertures that are spaced from one another in a longitudinal direction of the accessory and are both oriented in the lateral direction. The frame includes a plurality of cross members that extend in the lateral direction, and a first end that is attached to both the first and second side members. The first end at least partially defines a channel that extends in the lateral direction.

Abstract: A mobile access unit for allowing passengers to embark or disembark from a craft, such as an aircraft, the unit comprising: a first moveable ramp section, extending from an entry/exit end, which allows access to the loading door of the craft, to a hinged end, wherein the entry/exit end can rotate about the hinged end, between a raised position and a lowered position; a second moveable ramp section, extending from a hinged end to a ground entry/exit end, which allows access to the ground, wherein the ground entry/exit end can rotate about the hinged end, between a raised position and a lowered position; and a non-linear middle ramp section, extending from a first linking end, which links with the hinged end of the first moveable ramp section, to a second linking end, which links with the hinged end of the second moveable ramp section; wherein the first moveable ramp section, middle ramp section and second moveable ramp section can together form a continuous non-linear ramp that can extend from the craft lo

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.

Abstract: A ramp which comprises a user support element, an edge element at an edge of the user support element, a handrail, a support connector which is slidably engagable with the edge element, an elongate upright handrail support, and an adjustable elongate depending ramp support. The handrail support and the ramp support are coaxially held by the support connector. The ramp may also comprise a user support element, an edge element at an edge of the user support element, and a height adjustable ramp support which includes a foot and two arms pivotably engaged with the foot. Each arm has a slider pivotably engaged at its distal end remote from the foot, and each slider is slidably engagable with the edge element for lengthwise adjustment of the ramp support along the edge element and for slidable adjustment relative to each other so as to set a distance between the edge element and the foot. Each slider is further fixedly holdable in place to maintain its set position.

Abstract: An expandable ramp system contained in a truck bed having a collection box with slots therein is shown. One or more sliding members are contained within the collection box and are coupled to the slots. Two or more folding structural members with one or more coupling members coupling them are provided and coupled to the one or more sliding members. One or more horizontal structural members are coupled to the at least two folding structural members and oriented in a parallel and horizontal fashion relative to the collection box. One or more support members fold or collapse and are stored within the collection box. The sliding member slides as the two or more folding structural members and the one or more support members extend along with the one or more horizontal structural members to form an expandable ramp.

Abstract: A reduced height combination ramp and load leveler includes at least two lengthwise support members, a plurality of cross members and plurality of cross treads. A retention tube is secured to each end of the at least two lengthwise support members. The at least two lengthwise support members and the plurality of cross members are preferably fabricated from an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength of at least 50,000 to reduce a height of the combination ramp and load leveler. Two stake receivers allow a single ramp to be used as a load leveler. Each stake receiver is sized to removably receive an adjustable stake. A ramp stand includes a support base and an adjustable tube receiver that is vertically postionable relative to the support base. The adjustable tube receiver retains the retention tubes.

Abstract: A forced air heated mat including a parallelepiped central pad connected to a ramp, a first side ramp, and a second side ramp, through which pad heated air is directed via a latticework of air channels to a plurality of vent holes to melt accumulated snow and ice around a home or building. The present forced air heated mat is configured to interconnect with a heating exhaust or drier vent on the exterior of a home or building to direct waste heat to perform useful work in melting accumulated snow and ice.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a modular gutter for use by bicycles and other conveyances. When utilized, a conveyance may be guided along the gutter either by an individual on the conveyance or adjacent to it, whether up or down the gutter. The gutter may be manufactured in various lengths and arrangements, and additionally, the components of the gutter are designed to permit multiple subunits to be coupled to form longer gutters. Alternatively, the gutters may be cut to a desired length should the manufactured length be too long. Thus, the gutter may be sized for any of a variety of staircases. The gutter may be removably installed on existing staircases without the need to redesign or reconstruct the staircase.

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.

Abstract: A deployable ramp assembly including a fixed ramp portion and a pivotable ramp portion connected thereto through a direct pivot connection to pivot between stowed and deployed positions defined at a first angle from one another, a cover member pivotally connected to the fixed portion to pivot between closed and opened positions defined at a second angle from one another which is substantially smaller than the first angle, a drive assembly pivoting the cover member between the closed and opened positions, and a multiplier assembly interconnecting the pivotable portion and the cover member to transfer the pivoting motion of the cover member to the pivotable portion in an amplified manner, the multiplier assembly bringing the pivotable portion in the stowed position when the cover member is in the closed position and the pivotable portion in the deployed position when the cover member is in the opened position.

Abstract: A dual traction cutout ramp having a top surface and a back surface, and having plurality of apertures punched through the top and the back surfaces in alternative forming protrusions and indentations throughout the surface of the ramp. This dual traction cutout ramp can remove mud and dirt from the wheels of vehicles that move onto the ramp.

Abstract: An apparatus for wheeling a vehicle onto a truck or trailer includes a ramp. The apparatus includes a mounting portion attached to the ramp that mounts to the truck or trailer. The apparatus includes a transition piece the pivotally attaches to the ramp and contacts ground when the mounting portion is mounted to the truck or trailer. A method for placing a vehicle onto a truck or trailer includes the steps of attaching a mounting portion of a ramp to the truck or trailer. There is the step of moving a transition piece attached to the ramp so the transition piece contacts ground. There is the step of wheeling the vehicle across the transition piece, up the ramp and onto the truck or trailer.

Abstract: A boarding bridge is provided that has an inexpensive, trouble-free, and strong construction, that eliminates the level differences between the passage portions of adjacent passage sections, and can reduce the occurrence of passengers falling and the like. In the boarding bridge (1), a proximal end tunnel (7) and a distal end tunnel (9) are telescopically fit, and are extended and retracted by moving relative to each other in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for a vehicle generally includes a ramp platform having a top substantially planar tread surface and first and second ends, and an extension section movably coupled to the first end of the ramp platform at an interface, wherein the extension section is configured to move between a first extension section orientation and a second extension section orientation.

Abstract: An exemplary ramp structure capable of being positioned over at least a portion of a cable protection system comprises first and second center portions, a first side ramp portion adjacent a side of each center portion, and a first tapered portion adjacent an end of the first side ramp portion. The first tapered portion may be tapered in at least two different directions that are substantially orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dock leveler that: facilitates safe and smooth movement of any driving device by reducing inclination of the dock leveler; and allows easy maintenance by removing a driving unit such as a hydraulic device. The dock leveler comprises a body which is fixed and rotatable on the rear top of an installation space for a dock; and a support unit supporting the body when positioned inside the installation space and sliding toward the front of the body so that the rear of the support unit can be connected to the front of the body when operating as a passage way for a transportation unit or a carrying unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for wheeling a vehicle onto a truck or trailer includes a ramp. The apparatus includes a mounting portion attached to the ramp that mounts to the truck or trailer. The apparatus includes a transition piece the pivotally attaches to the ramp and contacts ground when the mounting portion is mounted to the truck or trailer. A method for placing a vehicle onto a truck or trailer includes the steps of attaching a mounting portion of a ramp to the truck or trailer. There is the step of moving a transition piece attached to the ramp so the transition piece contacts ground. There is the step of wheeling the vehicle across the transition piece, up the ramp and onto the truck or trailer.

Abstract: Embodiments herein provide a modular gutter for use by bicycles and other conveyances. When utilized, a conveyance may be guided along the gutter either by an individual on the conveyance or adjacent to it, whether up or down the gutter. The gutter may be manufactured in various lengths and arrangements, and additionally, the components of the gutter are designed to permit multiple subunits to be coupled to form longer gutters. Alternatively, the gutters may be cut to a desired length should the manufactured length be too long. Thus, the gutter may be sized for any of a variety of staircases. The gutter may be removably installed on existing staircases without the need to redesign or reconstruct the staircase.

Abstract: A modular ramp system contemplates two molded plastic ramps placed back-to-back with one another so that in a direction of travel, one would travel up one ramp and then immediately down the other. The ramps are interconnected by a spine including connectors interfacing with connectors provided on the facing surfaces of the ramps. In the preferred embodiment, the connectors consist of dovetail recesses and dovetail projections. The ramps also have connection structure on their lateral sides, so that other ramps may be assembled to the two back-to-back ramps to make a ramp that is incrementally wider. The ramp may consist of 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 to facilitate installation of a grind rail or a support rail. The table surface includes peripheral coping integrally formed with the table during manufacture.

Abstract: An extension section for a ramp platform generally includes a first sloping portion including a lip releasably that is receivable by a lip receiving channel, wherein the first sloping portion includes a stepped surface configured to interface with a transition plate, and a second sloping portion oriented with respect to the first sloping section such that the first and second sloping portions converge to form an obtuse angle at their juncture.

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: A portable ramp system made according to this invention includes a pair of interconnected ramps for use with high-centering wheeled lawn equipment such as commercial walk-behind mowers. The ramps allow the equipment to move between a first lower elevation and a second higher elevation without its front wheels becoming airborne as the equipment traverses the ramps in a forward direction. The ramps are connected to one another by a flexible tether that allows the distance between the ramps to be easily adjusted and provides a means for stowing the ramps over the handles of the equipment The ramps may be stowed in a holder secured to the equipment deck. Magnets may be included in a bottom portion of the ramp to provide an optional means for stowing the ramps on the equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading ramp for loading an all terrain vehicle for transport purposes comprising: a center plate, where said center plate includes a mounting plate and at least one mounting pin as a means to attach the loading ramp to a trailer; at least one truck bed plate, where said truck bed plate extends from the center plate into a bed of a truck; at least one trailer plate, where said trailer plate extends from the center plate into the trailer; and a plurality of pipe hinges, where said pipe hinges adjoin the at least one truck bed plate, center plate and the at least one trailer plate. The truck bed plates and trailer plates may be extended for loading purposes or folded and adjoined for storage purposes.

Abstract: A cable protector may comprise an at least partially transparent base member, at least one channel extending between opposing ends of the base member and structured to house at least one cable, and an indicia member positioned within the base member so as to be visible through at least a portion of the base member. The indicia member may comprise advertising indicia, indicia that indicates at least a product name of the cable protector, and/or indicia that indicates a manufacturer of the cable protector.

Abstract: The present invention provides two aspects : A ramp which comprises a user support element, an edge element at an edge of the user support element, a handrail, a support connector which is slidably engagable with the edge element, an elongate upright handrail support, and an adjustable elongate depending ramp support. The handrail support and the ramp support are coaxially held by the support connector; A ramp which comprises a user support element, an edge element at an edge of the user support element, and a height adjustable ramp support which includes a foot and two arms pivotably engaged with the foot. Each arm has a slider pivotably engaged at its distal end remote from the foot, and each slider is slidably engagable with the edge element for lengthwise adjustment of the ramp support along the edge element and for slidable adjustment relative to each other so as to set a distance between the edge element and the foot.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ramp assembly for a mobile shelving system including at least one longitudinal track body having a central channel and transverse edges, said ramp assembly including a plurality of ramp sections disposed on either side of the track body, whereby each ramp section includes a hooked edge adapted to rotatably engage a transverse edge of the track body, the angle of the ramp section being adjustable by way of rotation of the ramp section to thereby accommodate track bodies of different height.

Abstract: A ramp is assembled from first and second boards such that the first and second boards are foldable relative to one another. Rail assemblies comprising first and second channels are fastened along opposing sides of the boards. First and second hinge members, fastened to the sides of the first and second channels, pivotally couple the channels. Two central hinge members are mounted on the boards respectively to pivotally couple the boards at a central location between the opposing sides of the boards. An auxiliary hinge member is supported on the bottom of the first channels to provided added support to the pivotal coupling between the first and second channels. The auxiliary hinge member and the central hinge members are interchangeable with one another.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to an intercommunication bellows for compartments of a public transport vehicle or for a removable aircraft-access ramp, formed from a coated textile support, comprising a double weave fabric both faces of which are coated with an elastomeric material, and to a method of connecting two compartments of a public transport vehicle comprising the attachment of an intercommunication bellows between two compartments of the vehicle that are hitched together. An embodiment also relates to a public transport vehicle comprising compartments connected together by an intercommunication bellows. According to an embodiment, the double weave fabric coated with an elastomeric material has one or more of the following properties: stiffness; delamination resistance; tear resistance.

Abstract: An example dock leveler for a loading dock includes a position sensor system that not only senses upper and lower travel limits of the dock leveler's deck and/or lip but can also sense a plurality of intermediate positions between the limits. In some examples, the system includes one or more cable-extension transducers that provide a feedback signal that varies as a function of the deck's position relative to a dock platform and/or varies as a function of the lip's position relative to the deck. Such a position sensor system makes it possible to operate the dock leveler automatically with little to no manual intervention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a ramp-platform device for an on-board relocatable small vehicle inspection system. The ramp-platform device includes a connection frame having a rectangular shape and defining therein an inner space, first and second intermediate parts which are disposed in parallel with each other and at two opposite sides of the connection frame, first to fourth ramp parts having a substantially triangle shaped longitudinal section. The first and second ramp parts are removably connected to the two opposite ends of the first intermediate part separately, and the third and fourth ramp parts are removably connected to the two opposite ends of the second intermediate part separately. The height of a top end of the first to the fourth ramp parts is substantially equal to the height of the first and second intermediate parts.

Abstract: A method of selectively closing off a loading dock opening defined by a loading dock pit recessed within a floor of a building and a doorway into the building, the method comprising: (a) repositioning a pit seal panel having a substantially incompressible height and width to a barrier position where the pit seal panel closes off a rectangular area substantially spanning an entire vertical dimension and an entire widthwise dimension of the loading dock pit; and (b) lowering an overhead door to concurrently contact the pit seal panel and the floor of the building to close off the loading dock opening.

Abstract: The collapsible small vehicle loader apparatus provides for use with an existing receiver hitch, such as those often used on pickups, cars, vans, and other vehicles. Ideally made of aluminum, the apparatus provides for easy, lightweight transport to and engagement with a receiver hitch. While the first ramp downturns may most easily engage a pickup tailgate from above, the apparatus may also be easily fitted to other vehicles that may provide a rest as the tailgate of a pickup does, for the first ramps. After engagement with the transport vehicle, the apparatus may be collapsed and elevated and thereby remain engaged as desired. In loading a small vehicle such as an ATV or golf cart for example, the appropriate pins are disengaged to extend the ramps, and then inserted to hold the ramps in the extended position.

Abstract: Dock leveler seals and associated methods and systems are described herein. A dock leveler having a rear hinge seal configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a rear support frame and a movable deck. The rear support frame includes a plurality of first support members extending therefrom, and the aft edge portion of the deck includes a plurality of second support members pivotally coupled to the first support members along an axis. The seal of this embodiment includes a first edge portion extending outwardly from a medial portion in a first direction, and a second edge portion extending outwardly from the medial portion in a second direction. The medial portion urges the first edge portion against the support frame and the second edge portion against the aft edge portion of the deck as the deck pivots about the axis in operation.

Abstract: A handrail for a gangway and a method for manufacturing the same where the handrail comprises a single, continuous piece of plastic.

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.

Abstract: A multiple use vehicle accessory is provided that is configured for attachment to a vehicle. The accessory includes a first end on a frame. The first end defines a front side wall that has a pair of ears and a first cut-out section. A tire is configured for being disposed within the first cut-out section so that a center portion of the front side wall is configured for engaging a crown of the tire. The ears are located vertically above the center portion of the front side wall when the tire engages the center portion of the front side wall. A second end is located at an end of the frame opposite from the first end and is configured differently from the first end.

Abstract: An extension section for a ramp platform generally includes a first sloping portion including a lip releasably that is receivable by a lip receiving channel, wherein the first sloping portion includes a stepped surface configured to interface with a transition plate, and a second sloping portion oriented with respect to the first sloping section such that the first and second sloping portions converge to form an obtuse angle at their juncture.

Abstract: A crew transfer system for transferring personnel from a vessel to a stationary platform, such as an oil rig, is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a ramp that is coupled to the vessel in such a way as to permit one translational and three rotational degrees of freedom at the vessel-end of the ramp. When the ramp couples to the stationary platform, the coupling permits no translational and only two rotational degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A cable protector and access ramp apparatus and system are disclosed. The apparatus and system is comprised of a plurality of variously configured cable protector sections. Each of the sections has a protected raceway through which various piping, electrical, gas, communication and other service lines may be directed and front and rear ramps to allow vehicles to roll up and over the protected raceway. The raceway in each of the sections of the apparatus and system has a hinged cover which may be lifted to allow placement and access to the service lines. The front and rear ramps of each of the sections may be provided with a pivoting ramp cover having a slot configured to allow access to lifting channels in the frame. The lifting channels are configured to receive the tines of a forklift.

Abstract: Structural assemblies for constructing bridges and other structures. A structural assembly may comprise an elongated member defining an internal space. The structural assembly may also comprise a plurality of framing members connected to the elongated member at a plurality of pin connection nodes, each pin connection node comprising a pin interconnecting the elongated member, a first one of the framing members, and a second one of the framing members, the pin having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, at least one of the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end of the pin being located in the internal space of the elongated member.

Abstract: A crew transfer system for transferring personnel from a vessel to a stationary platform, such as an oil rig, is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a ramp that is coupled to the vessel and an interface that is attached to the stationary platform. The ramp is coupled to the vessel in such a way as to permit one translational and three rotational degrees of freedom at the vessel-end of the ramp. The ramp is coupled to the interface in such a way as to permit no translational and at least one rotational degree-of-freedom at the rig-end of the ramp with respect to the interface. The interface is rotatably coupled to the stationary platform in such a way as to permit a rotation of the interface about the yaw axis. Permitted rotation of the interface enables a range of acceptable angles of orientation between the vessel and the platform.

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: The truck bed apparatus is provided as replacement or original equipment. An access below the platform selectively houses the individually rollingly removable ramps. Bi-directional hinges which fasten each ramp second section to each first section are lockable, giving the ramps infinite incline and decline capabilities. Bi-directional lockable hinges affix each third section to each second section for the same reason. Varied lengths of the hinged legs also provide selective angle and support for each ramp. The second and third sections can be pivotally fitted within the width of the first section and subsection, thereby providing a collapsed ramp height less than would otherwise be provided, which provides for the platform to be only marginally higher than a standard truck bed platform would otherwise be. The ramps can be collapsed and housed within the access, then removed and extended to a far greater length than the platform of the bed.

Abstract: A portable ramp made according to this invention includes a pair of interconnected ramps for use with high-centering wheeled lawn equipment such as commercial walk-behind mowers. The ramps allow the equipment to move between a first lower elevation and a second higher elevation without its front wheels becoming airborne as the equipment traverses the ramps in a forward direction. The ramps are connected to one another by a flexible tether that allows the distance between the ramps to be easily adjusted and provides a means for stowing the ramps over the handles of the equipment Magnets may be included in a bottom portion of the ramp to provide an optional means for stowing the ramps on the equipment.

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: A ramp assembly generally includes a ramp platform having a top substantially planar tread surface and an extension section extending outwardly from an end of the ramp platform. The extension section has proximal and distal sloping portions that converge at a juncture forming an obtuse angle therebetween.

Abstract: A gangway comprises at least one component formed from a continuous piece of metal. The at least one component formed from the continuous piece of metal may be a support structure or an underbody, a platform, a ramp, a step, or other support surface. A method for manufacturing such a gangway comprises forming the at least one component from the continuous piece of metal.

Abstract: A method for transferring fluids and personnel between a work vessel and an offshore marine platform includes the placement of an elongated self-supporting frame between the work vessel and the marine platform. A walkway is provided on the frame. Pipe racks are provided on the frame, one pipe rack on each side of the frame so that a pair of pipe racks are on opposing sides of the frame. Hand rails are mounted in between the walkway and each pipe rack. A fluid holding pan extends under the walkway and the flowlines. In this fashion, fluid that falls from either a pipe rack or a walkway to the pan can travel through a common drain or collection area.