Abstract: An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of the passenger bridge.

Abstract: The present loading wharf comprises a compact structure (1) secured to the perimeter of the opening providing access to the vessel which defines, between the inner and outer faces of the wall, an intermediate space (2) for the placing of the protective means (4,5) and the folding ramp (7), with the possibility of movement between an operational position in which said means and ramp project from said intermediate space (2) towards the outside, in order to interact with the body or trailer of the vehicle to be loaded or unloaded, and a non-operational position in which said means and ramp are positioned inside said intermediate space (2) and are oriented vertically. Said compact structure comprises, corresponding to the outer and inner faces of the wall, frames (1a, 1b) for the mounting of an exterior closure door (3a) and of an interior door (3b) which is preferably of the raid-opening type.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. The ramp assembly further includes a counterbalance that provides a force to bias the ramp portion toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A shaft rotates in a first direction when the ramp portion moves toward the stowed position, and in a second direction opposite the first direction when the ramp portion moves toward the deployed position. A crank is fixedly coupled to the shaft. A rod is rotatably coupled at a first end to the crank about a first axis and at a second end to a cylinder. The cylinder is coupled for rotational movement about a second axis.

Abstract: An extended safety cage provides access to a plurality of hatches on the top of a mobile container. The cage is rotatably attached to the end of a gangway, which extends from and is rotatably attached to a platform. The platform carries a pair of braces that extend out in opposite directions and support the cage through spring-loaded lifting arms. The apparatus can include actuators, such as hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, that urge the gangway and cage downward when activated. Secondary braces ensure that the lifting arms and safety cage move in unison.

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 repositionable loading dock pit seal panel comprising: (a) a repositionable pit seal panel including a substantially incompressible height and width sized to substantially span an entire vertical dimension and substantially span an entire widthwise dimension of a loading dock pit to substantially close off a cross-sectional area of the loading dock pit when the repositionable pit seal panel is in a barrier position, where the repositionable pit seal panel is repositionably mounted to at least one of an overhead door, a surface partially defining the loading dock pit, and a surface adjacent to the loading dock pit, where the repositionable pit seal panel is repositionable between the barrier position inhibiting horizontal use of a vertically stored dock leveler and a storage position allowing horizontal use of the vertically stored dock leveler, where the repositionable pit seal panel in the barrier position cooperates with the overhead door to close off a loading dock opening defined by a loading dock doorw

Abstract: A frame of a dock leveler that positions a deck portion of the dock leveler so that the deck portion is level with a surrounding dock floor at a driveway end when mounted in a pit in the dock floor includes a pit supported portion placed on a floor of the pit, a deck supporting portion providing support to the deck portion, and an adjusting assembly connected to the pit supported portion and to the deck supporting portion and operable to move and hold the deck supporting portion so that the deck portion of the dock leveler is at a selected position with respect to the surrounding dock floor.

Abstract: Access means are provided for accessing a fixed offshore structure (70) such as a wind turbine, larger vessel or the like form a smaller vessel (50), or for providing for transfer between vessels. One or more guide wires (12) are connected from the vessel (50) to the fixed structure (70) or second vessel and placed in tension such as by directing the vessel away from the fixed structure. In one embodiment, inflatable members (14) are suspendable from the guide wires and inflation of the inflatable members causes them to extend along the guide wires to form an access surface across which personnel may walk to access the fixed structure or second vessel from the first vessel. Mounting means are also provided which accommodate relative rotational, translational and pitching movement of the apparatus and vessel, caused by wave motion. In another embodiment, a bridge member is retained on a runway of the first vessel and deployed using said guide wires.

Abstract: A pocket ramp for loading objects or cargo onto the floor of a vehicle and which is mounted between the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle. The pocket ramp assembly includes a main frame, a primary slide, a secondary slide, a lower ramp section, an upper ramp section and a latching mechanism which selectively locks the pocket ramp assembly in either of its stowed or operative positions. The main frame is fixed to the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle, the primary side being slidably mounted therein. The secondary slide is slidably mounted in the primary slide. The upper ramp section is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the secondary slide and the lower ramp section is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the upper ramp section.

Abstract: A manual access ramp including a frame, a platform slidably coupled to the frame, the platform being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a first and second side fences coupled to the platform, the side fences being moveable between a stowed position and an deployed position.

Abstract: A manually operated ramp assembly includes a ramp platform and a drive assembly. The ramp platform is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position, and the drive assembly is coupled to and affords movement of the ramp platform. A shaft extends away from the drive assembly and defines a shaft axis. The shaft is coupled to the drive assembly to cause movement of the ramp platform between the stowed position and the deployed position in response to rotation of the shaft about the shaft axis. A handle is disposed at a distal end of the shaft for manual rotation of the shaft about the shaft axis. A biasing member biases the ramp platform toward the stowed position.

Abstract: Access means are provided for accessing a fixed offshore structure such as a wind turbine (70), larger vessel or the like form a smaller transfer vessel (50), or for providing for transfer between vessels One or more guide wires (12) are connected from the vessel (50) to the fixed structure (70) or second vessel and placed in tension such as by directing the transfer vessel away from the fixed structure. In one embodiment, inflatable, members are suspendable from the guide wires and inflation of the inflatable members causes them to extend along the guide wires to form an access surface (56) across which personnel may walk to access the fixed structure or second vessel from the first vessel Mounting means are also provided which accommodate relative rotational, translational and pitching movement of the apparatus and vessel, caused by wave motion. In another embodiment, a bridge member is retained on a runway of the first vessel and deployed using said guide wires (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a boarding bridge with a minute approaching device and a shock absorbing part and an operation method thereof. The boarding bridge comprises a rotunda; a tunnel which contractably extends from the rotunda and forms a passage; a cab which is rotatbly coupled to the tunnel and connects the tunnel and aircraft; a main moving device which moves the cab by contraction and extension of the tunnel from a standby location of the cab and an adjacent location of the aircraft; and a minute approaching device which is provided in an end part of the cab and minutely moves the end part of the cab from the adjacent location to a contact location of the aircraft while the contraction and extension of the tunnel stops.

Abstract: A gate assembly comprising a gate member pivotally mounted on a frame to be rotatable about a generally horizontal pivot axis at a lower end of the gate member to be pivotable between an upright closed position and a substantially horizontal ground engaging open position, wherein said pivot axis is vertically displaceable on the frame between a lower position and an upper position, a latch member provided on one of the gate member and the frame arranged to engage a receiving recess provided on the other of the gate member and the frame when the pivot axis is in its upper position to secure the gate in its upright position, biasing means being provided for biasing said pivot axis towards its upper position and for biasing the gate member towards its closed position, actuating means being provided for urging said pivot axis of the gate member to its lowered position in response to the action of a vehicle upon said actuating means to release the latch member from the receiving recess to allow the gate member to

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: 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 dock leveler frame includes a pit supported portion; a deck supporting portion configured to provide support to a deck portion of the dock leveler; and a fastener configured to contact corresponding structure on the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion, the corresponding structure configured to allow the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion to be fastened to each other via the fastener at multiple positions with respect to each other. A method of configuring a dock leveler frame to install a dock leveler in a pit and have a level deck without the use of shims includes: providing a pit supported portion of a dock lever frame; placing a deck supporting portion of the frame is a desired position with respect to the pit supported portion; and fastening the pit supported portion to the deck supporting portion with a fastener inserted into a hole and a slot.

Abstract: A ramp assembly has a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. A counterbalance is associated with the ramp portion and includes a drive element with a spring fitting. The drive element is rotatably coupled about a first axis of rotation that moves along an arcuate path. A restraint is slidably coupled to the drive element and is also rotatably coupled about a fixed axis of rotation. An end stop is associated with the restraint. A compression spring is disposed between the spring fitting and a portion of the restraint so that the compression spring provides a force to bias the ramp portion toward the neutral position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes a ramp portion configured for reciprocating motion between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. A counterbalance comprises a shaft and a crank fixedly coupled to the shaft. A rod is rotatably coupled to the crank with an end fitting, and an end stop is slidably coupled to the rod. A compression spring is disposed between the end fitting and the end stop, wherein the compression spring provides a force to bias the ramp portion toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly has a ramp portion configured for reciprocating movement between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position, and a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a restraint slidably coupled to a driving element having a spring fitting. The drive element includes a first engagement surface for engaging a first bearing surface associated with the ramp portion and a second engagement surface for engaging a second bearing surface associated with the ramp portion. A compression spring is disposed between a portion of the restraint and the spring fitting so that the compression spring provides a force to bias the ramp portion toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position.

Abstract: A repositionable loading dock pit seal panel comprising: (a) a repositionable pit seal panel including a substantially incompressible height and width sized to substantially span an entire vertical dimension and substantially span an entire widthwise dimension of a loading dock pit to substantially close off a cross-sectional area of the loading dock pit when the repositionable pit seal panel is in a barrier position, where the repositionable pit seal panel is repositionably mounted to at least one of an overhead door, a surface partially defining the loading dock pit, and a surface adjacent to the loading dock pit, where the repositionable pit seal panel is repositionable between the barrier position inhibiting horizontal use of a vertically stored dock leveler and a storage position allowing horizontal use of the vertically stored dock leveler, where the repositionable pit seal panel in the barrier position cooperates with the overhead door to close off a loading dock opening defined by a loading dock doorw

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: It is an object to provide a boarding bridge in which differences in level are eliminated between walkway portions of adjacent gangway units so that falling or the like of passengers can be prevented. A boarding bridge is provided in which a proximal-end tunnel and a distal-end tunnel are telescopically fitted and extend and contract by relative movement in a longitudinal direction, wherein, of the proximal-end tunnel and the distal-end tunnel, a variable-length walkway of the distal-end tunnel located on the outside is configured to move between a passage position set at a predetermined height and an outside-of-passage position located lower than the passage position; and the longitudinal length of the passage portion is changed in accordance with a moving distance along with the movement relative to the proximal-end tunnel.

Abstract: A tactical footbridge comprises two or more bridge segments and one or more pivotal connection assemblies. The one or more pivotal connection assemblies engage two of the at two or more bridge segments. Each pivotal connection assembly comprises a first member, a second member, a first axial connector, and a second axial connector. The first member engages a first of the two bridge segments. The first member has a pivot hole and a bridge hole. The second member engages a second of the two bridge segments. The second member also has a pivot hole and a bridge hole. The first axial connector selectively extends through the pivot holes of the first and second members to pivotally connect the two bridge segments such that the connected bridge segments selectively pivot between a collapsed position in which the connected bridge segments are proximal to one another, and a bridge position in which the connected bridge segments are in an expanded angularly-disposed relationship with one another.

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.

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.

Abstract: Weather shields for underneath a dock leveler are described herein. An example weather shield described herein includes an environmental barrier disposed underneath a deck where the environmental barrier includes a first section and a second section. A tensioner is coupled to the environmental barrier and creates a vertical tension in the environmental barrier in an upward direction such that a) when the deck is in the raised position, both the first section and the second section are in vertical tension; b) when the deck is in the lowered position, both the first section and the second section are in less vertical tension than they are when the deck is in the raised position; and c) when the deck is in the intermediate position, the first section is in appreciably greater vertical tension than the second section such that there is a discrete incremental difference in vertical tension in the environmental barrier.

Abstract: A pocket ramp for loading objects or cargo onto the floor of a vehicle and which is mounted between the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle. The pocket ramp assembly includes a main frame, a primary slide, a secondary slide, a lower ramp section, an upper ramp section and a latching mechanism which selectively locks the pocket ramp assembly in either of its stowed or operative positions. The main frame is fixed to the longitudinally extending frame members of the vehicle, the primary side being slidably mounted therein. The secondary slide is slidably mounted in the primary slide. The upper ramp section is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the secondary slide and the lower ramp section is pivotally mounted to the rearward end of the upper ramp section.

Abstract: A closeout assembly is suitable for use with a ramp assembly disposed within a vehicle having a floor. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion rotatably coupled at a first end for reciprocating movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. A panel assembly is hingedly coupled to the first end of the ramp portion. The close out assembly includes an end cap hingedly coupled at a first end to the first end of the ramp portion. A link is hingedly coupled at a first end to a second end of the end cap. A second end of the link is hingedly coupled to the panel assembly. When the ramp portion reciprocates between the stowed position and the deployed position, the hinged coupling of the end cap to the ramp portion moves along an arcuate path .

Abstract: A ramp assembly is suitable for use with a vehicle having a floor. The ramp assembly includes a ramp rotatably coupled within the vehicle, and a moving floor having an inboard panel and an outboard panel. The outboard panel has an outboard end hingedly coupled to the inboard end of the ramp to define an outboard hinge line that moves between a raised position when the ramp is in a stowed position and a lowered position when the ramp is in a deployed position. An outboard end of the inboard panel is hingedly coupled to an inboard end of the outboard panel. A reciprocating mechanism reciprocates an inboard end of the inboard panel between a lowered position and a raised position.

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 power ramp for a vehicle and a control method thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal barrier system for a dock leveling system includes an insulative blanket is dimensioned to be larger than the ramp plate of a dock leveler system at a loading dock. The insulative blanket is removably attached to at least a portion of the door when positioned over the ramp plate. The insulative blanket can be attached to the door when the door opens, lifting the blanket out of the way during loading and unloading operations.

Abstract: A curb climbing wheelchair system having left and right side attachments are designed to be attached to left and right side portions, respectively, of a standard wheelchair to enable a wheelchair occupant to climb a curb, bump or other obstruction without the aid of another individual. Each attachment includes a ramp extending from a telescoping arm that is designed to be attached, via a clamping system, to one side of the wheelchair. When not in use, the ramps are folded and stowed away on the sides of the wheelchair. During use, the ends of the ramps are placed on the curb to allow the wheelchair occupant to roll up the curb. To retrieve the ramps (now disposed behind the wheelchair), the wheelchair occupant moves the telescoping arms, if necessary with the aid of an attached circular handle, to lift the ramps thus allowing the wheelchair occupant to grab the ramps. The retrieved ramps then are stowed away until needed.

Abstract: A reusable stair system may allow for access to a platform, for example, at the top of a ramp so that able people are not required to travel the entire distance of the ramp to reach the main platform. The reusable stair system can be easily assembled and disassembled, having a number of legs that are attached to adjacent stairs. Legs may have two attachment regions for two stairs on either side of each leg and one of the stairs being located at a greater height than the other stair. The desired height of the main platform at the top of the stair system will determine the number of legs and corresponding stairs that will be used.

Abstract: An illuminated loading dock system includes a series of light fixtures having sufficient power to illuminate the interior of a series of trailers from a distance that spans a dock leveler pit. The light fixtures are mounted to stanchions (or a railing thereof) that extend upward from an elevated floor that is higher than the pit's floor. In some cases the light fixtures are coupled to control panels that control the operation of the dock levelers. In this arrangement, the pit floor is kept clear of clutter, and dockworkers can control the lights and the dock leveler from one safe location, as opposed to having to step down into the pit, underneath a raised dock leveler deck.

Abstract: A mobile boarding bridge (101) is equipped with climate control facilities. The mobile boarding bridge is furnished with multiple collapsible tunnels (110, 120). A heating/cooling device (160) comprising a climate controller (161) generates hot or cold air and is furnished on the outside of the first tunnel (110) of said tunnels. A connection pipe (163) that connects to ducts (164) within the tunnel is attached to said climate controller (161). A duct (164) connected to said connection pipe (163) directs air that has been heated/cooled by the heating-cooling device (160) to the interior of the first tunnel (110). An aspirator comprises an air intake (171) which intakes air from the interior of the tunnel and an intake pipe (172) which leads air taken in at said air intake (171) to the interior of the climate controller (161).

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus is for moving a tunnel part of a boarding bridge equipped with a tunnel (100) that consists of a first tunnel part (110), a second tunnel part (120), and a third tunnel part (130) in sequence from one side and can be moved so that the second tunnel part (120) and third tunnel part (130) are placed in contact and are connected to each other based on the first tunnel part (110). The apparatus includes a first rope (210) with one end coupled with the first tunnel part (110) and its other end coupled with the third tunnel part (130). A first pulley (220) that fixedly coupled to the second tunnel part (120) by hooking the first rope (210) at a position that is separated toward the other end side rather than both ends of the first rope (210) and is interlocked and moved in accordance with the moving displacement of the other end of the first rope (210).

Abstract: This invention includes a connection device for securing a ramp to a vehicle. The connection device has a bracket with an upper surface opposite a lower surface. The bracket is configured to be releasably secured to the ramp. A pivot pin extends from the lower surface of the bracket has an end spaced from the bracket. The end of the pivot pin is configured to be received in an opening of a cargo bed in the vehicle. The bracket is capable of being pivoted about the pivot pin along a pivot axis defined by the pivot pin.

Abstract: A ramp assembly includes an elongated frame sized and shaped to extend between a first door and a second door aligned opposite each other on opposed sides of a vehicle; a first sectional ramp section having a first end and a second end; and a second sectional ramp having a first end and a second end. The first sectional ramp is slidably moveable along the frame from a stored position to a deployed position on either of the opposed sides of the vehicle. The second sectional ramp is positioned adjacent the first sectional ramp and is slidably moveable along the frame from a stored position to a deployed position on either of the opposed sides of the vehicle. The ramp assembly also includes a first locking mechanism coupled to the first end of each of the first sectional ramp and the second sectional ramp; and a second locking mechanism coupled to the second end of each of the first sectional ramp and the second sectional ramp.

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 open and close apparatus for a shelter of a boarding bridge includes at least one extension arm means provided on the portal frame, each extension arm means comprising: an upper arm having one end pivotally coupled with a column of the portal frame; a lower arm having one end pivotally coupled with the other end of the upper arm and the other end pivotally coupled with an upper end of the flexible frame; a propeller controlled by a control system and including an extension rod and a main body for accommodating the extension rod, wherein one end of the extension rod is pivotally coupled with the lower arm, and one end of the main body is pivotally coupled with the upper arm; and overpressure protection means for buffering an acting force between the shelter and the aircraft shell, and the overpressure protection means is connected to the control system such that when the acting force exceeds a predetermined value, the control system controls the propeller to stop protruding and/or contracting the extension

Abstract: The base structure for a truck bed extension and ramp system has a horizontal U-shaped planar frame and dimensions for forming a margin over a tailgate of a pickup truck. A pair of posts extend vertically from the ends of the U-shaped frame. A tailgate-latch coupler is movably mounted on each post. This tailgate-latch coupler has dimensions for attachment to a tailgate latch member of a pickup truck. Each tailgate-latch coupler is movable up and down along the post and is connected to the tailgate latch member of a pickup truck and to retain the base structure to the truck box.

Abstract: The invention provides a transition board apparatus for a passenger bridge and a spring leaf thereof. A transition board apparatus includes a transition board and a spring leaf, wherein the transition board comprises a hinged end, a free end and the transition portion between them. The hinged end hinges on the end of the first tunnel bottom plate. The spring leaf is provided with the holding portion, which is secured on the sidewall of the first tunnel, and the bearing portion, which is used to raise the transition board up. Thus, there is a clearance between the free end and the bottom plate ornament laid on the second tunnel bottom plate. Therefore, when the second tunnel is moving back and forth relative to the first tunnel, the friction between the transition board and the bottom ornament can be avoided in order to protect the bottom plate ornament.

Abstract: A retractable ramp system mounts a slideable ramp between lateral rail members which extend the length of a truck chassis and a container mounted thereon. The ramp is slideably suspended from a guide rail running parallel to the lateral rail members by means of a carriage component, itself slideably mounted within the guide rail. It is readily and easily extended and retracted by one person. When positioned directly on a truck chassis, the rail system is located above the hydraulic, electrical, and other mechanical systems positioned within the well of the truck chassis, such that the ramp is slideably moveable over these system components without interfering with them or any other part of the truck chassis. The ramp system is conveniently used for loading and off-loading containers which rest on the truck chassis or which are elevated above the chassis.

Abstract: A curved wheelchair ramp for ride vehicles of an amusement park attraction, ride, or other environment is provided. In one embodiment, the wheelchair ramp is maneuverable between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the wheelchair ramp may form a door to the ride vehicle. In the extended position, the wheelchair ramp extends, in a curve, between an access opening of the ride vehicle to a station platform. In various embodiments, the ramp may have a first segment, a second segment, and a third segment. The segments may fold together or may nest together.

Abstract: When a single door for opening and closing an opening in a body is opened outward with its lower part as a fulcrum, a plurality of plate-shaped steps of a foldable boarding ramp provided on an inner face of the door are swung in association with one another from a stored position along the inner face of the door to a deployed position to be used for ingress and egress of the passengers. Since the boarding ramp is folded into the stored position, it does not impair the space of a passenger compartment. Further, since the steps are folded into a position so as not to interfere with a window provided in an upper part of the door, they do not give an oppressed feeling to the passengers in the passenger compartment. The step is deployed to cover the window provided in the upper part of the door during use.

Abstract: A compound truck leveler for use upon a driveway abutting a loading dock is provided that includes an incline portion having a trailing edge disposed further from the driveway than its leading edges, and a decline portion having a leading edge rigidly attached to the trailing edge of the incline portion and disposed further from the driveway than its trailing edge. The leveler is pivotally attached to a pivot apparatus rigidly attached to the driveway adjacent to the front of the leveler wherein the leveler is limited only to rotational movement about the pivot apparatus between lowered and raised positions. Preferably, the leveler also includes an extension portion extending towards the loading dock and rigidly attached to the decline portion wherein the extension is substantially parallel with the driveway in the lowered position. The pivot point of the leveler is preferably disposed further from the driveway than the rear of the leveler.

Abstract: A post to be used in conjunction with a gangway or other fall restraint equipment where the post defines an aperture having an upper portion and a lower portion such that the upper portion is configured to allow a link of a chain to pass there through while the lower portion allows the link to pass through in one orientation but prevents the link from passing through in a second orientation traverse to the first orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus that can function as a ramp in one position and as a trailer in another position is provided. When the apparatus is in the ramp position, vehicles can be loaded on to or unloaded off of a truck associated with the apparatus. When the apparatus is in a trailer position, the apparatus can transport vehicles secured thereon. The apparatus can be associated with a truck and transported therewith even when the apparatus is in neither the ramp position nor the trailer position.