Combined Loading Chute Patents (Class 296/61)
  • Patent number: 12054086
    Abstract: A foldable ramp includes a first ramp element including a first end, a second end, and a first ramp surface extending between the first end and the second end, a second ramp element including a first end portion, a second end portion, and a second ramp surface extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a hinge connecting the second end of the first ramp element and the second end portion of the second ramp element. A first tension element has a first end section connected to the first end and a second end section. A second tension element has a first end segment pivotally connected to the first end portion and a second end segment connected to the second end section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2024
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: Brian V. Castillo
  • Patent number: 12018521
    Abstract: A multi-gate and multi-positional tailgate including a main gate, an intermediate gate pivotably mounted to the main gate, and a drop gate pivotably mounted to the intermediate gate. The intermediate gate has multiple locked positions and has a 270-degree range of motion relative to the main gate. The drop gate has multiple locked positions and has a 90-degree range of motion relative to the intermediate gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Omega Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell K. Roberson, Jeremy T. Brogdon, Stanford S. Austin
  • Patent number: 11926201
    Abstract: An emergency egress system for a multi-passenger vehicle such as a school bus (372) includes an emergency exit opening (380) that is normally closed by an emergency exit door (382). Opening the emergency exit door of the bus causes the door to open by rotating about at least one horizontal hinge (384). As the door moves outwardly and then downward a ramp (394) moves outwardly from a retracted position toward an extended position. Opening the emergency exit door also causes the suspension of the bus to be automatically lowered to place the emergency exit opening (16) closer to the ground (166).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Inventor: Michael A. Lillo
  • Patent number: 11911321
    Abstract: A ramp assembly to accommodate a wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit a motorized vehicle includes a frame, a ramp movable relative to the frame, a drive block configured to move the ramp relative to the frame, a linkage arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the drive block, a linkage panel pivotably coupled to the linkage arm and a rear end of the ramp, and an upper roller pivotably coupled to the linkage panel for rotation about a pivot axis of the linkage panel to facilitate rotation of the ramp relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Smith, Justin M. Kline
  • Patent number: 11865903
    Abstract: A motor vehicle includes a ramp, a sliding door that when open allows the ramp to be deployed from the vehicle, and an anti-rattle device to prevent or reduce rattling of the ramp against the door or other components of the vehicle when the ramp is in a stowed position. The anti-rattle device includes an arm pivotable relative to the door and a roller rotatably coupled to the arm, spaced apart from the door, and configured to contact the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Robert E. Bettcher, III, Kenneth Edward Peterson
  • Patent number: 11793688
    Abstract: A foldable ramp assembly for providing wheelchair and patient trolley access from ground level to the interior of a vehicle cabin whose floor includes a pan which is configured to receive and retain the ramp assembly when not deployed. The ramp assembly comprises an elongate section which, when the assembly is deployed, engages at one end with the ground and at its other end through a hinge mechanism with the vehicle pan. The elongate section of the ramp assembly includes along each side edge an upstanding rigid flange member of a height sufficient to prevent a wheel or wheels of a wheelchair or trolley travelling along the ramp assembly inadvertently passing over one or other side edge of the ramp assembly. The pan includes side channels which are inclined downwardly towards openings formed in an external surface of the vehicle cabin and which are dimensioned to receive said flange members when the ramp assembly is located within the inclined pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: SG Technical Systems Ltd
    Inventor: Simon Chacksfield
  • Patent number: 11737936
    Abstract: A mobility carrier provided with a vehicle seat and a vehicle provided with the mobility carrier. The mobility carrier includes a carrier body, a seat, an operating portion configured of allowing a user accommodated on the seat to control the mobility carrier or the vehicle, and a carrier controller. The carrier controller communicates with a vehicle controller of the vehicle from outside of the vehicle. If verified through communications with the vehicle controller, the carrier controller controls the carrier wheels so that the carrier body enters a cabin of the vehicle. The carrier controller communicates with the vehicle controller to control a driving unit of the vehicle via the operating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Ho Hwang, Dong Eun Cha, Sang Heon Lee
  • Patent number: 11710981
    Abstract: A transportation vehicle including a plurality of battery packs, a plurality of power equipment, and a controller. The controller is configured to identify at least one of the plurality of power equipment or at least one of the plurality of battery packs that requires charging and direct power through a bus to distribute power to at least one of the plurality of power equipment or at least one of the plurality of battery packs. The plurality of battery packs are configured to recharge the plurality of power equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Koenen, Scott A. Funke, Todd Johnson, Mark Noller, Nicholas Joseph Ziedler, Jacob Zuehl
  • Patent number: 11702148
    Abstract: A tailgate deactivation system. A switch includes two terminals configured to be electrically coupled to a tailgate power circuit that supplies power to at least a portion of a tailgate of a vehicle, and an actuator configured to electrically couple the two terminals in an on state to allow power to flow in the tailgate power circuit, and to electrically decouple the two terminals in an off state to inhibit power from flowing in the tailgate power circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Banks Morrison Innovations LLC
    Inventors: James E. Banks, Jr., Michael A. Morrison
  • Patent number: 11535161
    Abstract: The deployable steps for a tailgate includes a mounting plate, a plurality of risers, a plurality of treads, and a plurality of hinges. The deployable steps for a tailgate may attach to a tailgate of a truck via the mounting plate. The plurality of risers and the plurality of treads may fold and unfold at the plurality of hinges. The plurality of risers and the plurality of treads may form steps when unfolded into a deployed position. When folded into a stowed position, the plurality of risers and the plurality of treads may be parallel to each other and may be parallel to the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Inventor: Ernest Walker
  • Patent number: 11518290
    Abstract: An interlocking tailgate utility bar for a vehicle having a tailgate at least partially defining a cargo area includes a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface and configured to be disposed against an inner wall of the tailgate when the tailgate is in an open position, opposed front and rear side surfaces, and opposed ends. A striker assembly is disposed at each end of the opposed ends and includes a striker configured to be releasably coupled to tailgate latches located on opposed sides of the tailgate to thereby selectively releasably secure the interlocking tailgate utility bar to the tailgate. A rail channel is configured to receive an attachment device of a vehicle accessory to thereby removably couple the vehicle accessory to the interlocking tailgate utility bar and thus the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Carl D May, Bryan J Macek, Douglas E Peoples
  • Patent number: 11453325
    Abstract: The tailgate ramp includes a tailgate, a left ramp, and a right ramp. The left ramp and the right ramp may be operable to form inclined planes extending from the ground to a truck bed of a pickup truck or from the ground to the tailgate of the pickup truck. A cargo may be moved between the pickup truck and the ground by advancing the cargo over the left ramp and the right ramp. As non-limiting examples, the cargo may be a motorcycle, an ATV, or a lawnmower. Folding ramp assemblies of the left ramp and the right ramp may be folded and stored within a ramp storage cavity of the tailgate when not in use. The folding ramp assemblies of the left ramp the right ramp may be removed from the tailgate and unfolded for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Inventor: David Michalec
  • Patent number: 11453496
    Abstract: A package delivery apparatus of a vehicle may include a servo, a servo arm rotated by the servo, a latch that rotates responsive to rotation of the servo arm, and a rod and slider that moves responsive to rotation of the servo arm. The components of the package delivery apparatus may move between a plurality of positions, including a loading position, a locking position, a sensing position, and a release position. The rotation of the latch may control loading, locking, sensing, and release of a package within a package path of the vehicle, and the movement of the rod and slider may control movement of a door assembly of the vehicle between open and closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Cyriel Notteboom, Nathan Stuart Friendly
  • Patent number: 11420525
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a charging dock carried by the vehicle, a safety arm carried by the vehicle, a battery carried by the safety arm, and a light source on the safety arm that is in electrical communication with the battery. The battery is in electrical communication with the charging dock and the charging dock charges the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: MAC LTT, INC.
    Inventor: James A. Maiorana
  • Patent number: 11420588
    Abstract: A wheelchair occupant restraint device includes: a wheelchair retractor which is disposed in a vehicle cabin, and around which one end portion of a wheelchair belt member is wound; a wheelchair buckle which is disposed on the opposite side of a securing space for a wheelchair from the wheelchair retractor, and on which a wheelchair tongue plate attached to the other end portion of the wheelchair belt member is able to be mounted; an occupant retractor which is disposed on the opposite side of the securing space from the wheelchair retractor, and around which one end portion of an occupant belt member is wound; and an occupant buckle which is disposed on the opposite side of the securing space from the occupant retractor, and on which an occupant tongue plate attached to the other end portion of the occupant belt member is able to be mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Makoto Sekizuka, Mitsuyoshi Ohno
  • Patent number: 11286699
    Abstract: A trailer door that opens by hinging downward to double as a ramp for loading/unloading cargo and an improved assistive means by which such doors are opened and closed is provided. An assembly comprising a ramp pull point that is set apart from the plane of the ramp/door, and/or is moved outward from its edge, changes the physics of the tension required for the assistive lift force for any given ramp/door which in turn allows the spring or cabling counter-weight mechanism to be deployed substantially removing it from blocking the sides of the ramp/door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Glenn Ehrgott
  • Patent number: 11286009
    Abstract: A tailgate system, comprising: (i) a tailgate door configured to pivotally engage a rear cargo area of a body of a vehicle in between a closed position and an open position; and (ii) a bed extension pivotally engaged to the tailgate door and configured to pivot from a closed position to one or more open positions, wherein the bed extension includes a plurality of removable panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventor: Steve DeSimone
  • Patent number: 11235647
    Abstract: An enclosure for protecting a load comprises a truck bed to hold items, a front wall affixed to a proximal end of a width of the truck bed, and a rear wall affixed to a distal end of the width. A main header member runs along the length of the truck bed connecting the rear and front walls to form a central mounting point along a length of the truck bed that is disposed at a maximum height of the rear wall and the front wall. A passenger side gull wing door and a driver side gull wing door are mounted to the main header member by a plurality of hinges affixed to the main header member and which provide a movable joint for the gull wing doors. One or more hydraulic lift cylinders are operative to raise and lower a respective gull wing door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: LEDWELL AND SON ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Hardy Ledwell, Gary Gene Gathright, Michael Leroy Thomas
  • Patent number: 11117507
    Abstract: A multi-configurable load ramp for a vehicle includes an outer ramp member, an inner ramp member pivotably coupled to the outer ramp member and movable between a deployed position extending from the outer ramp member, and a folded position where the inner ramp member is disposed nestingly within outer ramp member, and a vehicle attachment device coupled to one of the inner and outer ramp members. The vehicle attachment device includes a plate member and a hook member extending therefrom, the hook member having an upper jaw and a lower jaw at least partially defining a receiving slot to receive a portion of a tailgate. In the deployed position, one of the inner and outer ramp members is configured to couple to the tailgate via the vehicle attachment device to provide a ramp surface to load and/or unload objects from a cargo area of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Teodorof, Andrew Partin, Bryan J Macek, Paul A Gardiner, Chad J Vermeulen, Kushal Pradhan, Kyle Neighbors, Jeffery E Long, James B Hunter, James J Metcalf, Charles R Kaiser, Jacob L Carpenter, Jereme A Berube
  • Patent number: 10730372
    Abstract: A ramp door and door frame include a rail kit that deploys automatically when the door is opened and collapses automatically when the door is closed. The door is supported by a cable mechanism when the door is opened. The cable mechanism causes an end rail to pivot up and away from the door when the door is opened and down and toward the door when the door is closed. The end rail cooperates with a door frame to deploy flexible side barriers when the door is opened and to collapse the side barriers when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: LIPPERT COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Bryan J. Roth, Kevin Peachey, Jeremiah Otto, Jeremiah R. Bradley
  • Patent number: 10710647
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle, and more specifically relates to a motor vehicle including a device for the delimitation of an extended loading area. This disclosure also relates to a corresponding method of using the subject device. In particular, the disclosed device comprises a plurality of braces (or, posts). Each of the braces comprises a longitudinal axis. The braces are connected to one another such that the spacing is variable. In one example, adjacent braces are connected by a connection element that can be deformed perpendicularly relative to the longitudinal axes. In particular, the connection elements can be elastically deformed such that they are capable of returning to their original shape after deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Friedrich Peter Wolf-Monheim
  • Patent number: 10654418
    Abstract: A vehicle step for a vehicle is provided. The vehicle step includes a bracket, a first step member, a second step member, a first power mechanism and a second power mechanism. The first step member and the second step member are separately mounted on the bracket. The first power mechanism is electrically connected to the first step member and configured to drive the first step member to rotate from a first position to a second position. The second power mechanism is electrically connected to the second step member and configured to drive the second step member to rotate from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: WINBO-Dongjian Automotive Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Weiting He, Guodong Luo, Jie Yang, Yongbo Chen, Qian Chen
  • Patent number: 10538207
    Abstract: A vehicle tailgate includes an internal panel, a pair of side panels, and a tie-down bracket. The internal panel extends between the pair of side panels. The pair of side panels are rotatably secured to a cargo bed. The tie-down bracket is secured to an exterior of the internal panel. The tie-down bracket defines first and second C-channels that extend in a direction from a first to a second of the side panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Dragan B. Stojkovic, Jack Marchlewski, Joshua Robert Hemphill, Stephen William Gallagher, Colleen Marie Hoffman
  • Patent number: 10457221
    Abstract: A mount for receiving and retaining at least one ramp. The mount includes a first side and a second side. The first side includes a body portion, at least one engagement finger extending in a first direction and at least one engagement finger extending in a second direction. The second side includes a body portion, at least one engagement finger extending in the first direction and at least one engagement finger extending in a second direction. At least one spacer member can be coupled to the body portion of the first and second sides so as to provide at least some spacing between the first side and the second side. The mount can be attached to a wheeled vehicle for removable attachment of one or more ramps thereto. The wheeled vehicle can be a lawn mower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Inventor: Derrick Roberts
  • Patent number: 10377291
    Abstract: A carrier system and method for assisting in handling cargo of a vehicle. A carrier container includes an interior storage space surrounded by a front side facing the rear of the vehicle, rear, left, right, and bottom sides, and an open top that allows access to the interior storage space with a lid that closes and opens the top. A carrier support structure mounted to the carrier container is inserted into the hitch of the vehicle and holds the top surface of the container flush with the cargo bed of the vehicle. The lid is opened to deploy a ramp stored inside which is anchored to the container so that it is flush with the top surface of the container and reaches the ground. The lid is closed and a bridge plate commonly hinged with the lid is deployed over any gap between the cargo bed and the container top, providing a continuous surface between the cargo bed and the ground for use by pets for ingress and egress of the vehicle and for handling cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Theodore J. Keck
  • Patent number: 10351039
    Abstract: A ramp member is disclosed that cooperates with a connection member mounted to a portion of a vehicle, such as a tailgate. The ramp member comprises a first ramp section defining a connection end and a connector element fixedly secured to the connection end. The connector element defines a mounting channel that is configured to engage the connection member mounted to the vehicle. An opening to the mounting channel that has a width smaller than a width of the mounting channel to selectively secure the ramp member to the connection member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Shaffer, Danny Wilyard, Mark Higgins, Kurt John Jaeckle, Morris Hadden, Matthew Naumann, Matthew Guerdet, Timothy George, Jeffrey Gerard Fortin, John Robert Dryden, John Jeffrey Steslicki
  • Patent number: 10246137
    Abstract: An exemplary tailgate assembly includes, among other things, a first gate pivotably coupled to a vehicle body, and a second gate pivotably coupled to the first gate. The second gate has an inner surface that faces a vehicle cargo bed when the second gate is in a closed position. The first and second gates are moveable to a step position where the inner surface is a step surface to the vehicle cargo bed. An exemplary method includes, among other things, pivoting a first and a second gate to a step position where an inner surface of the second gate is a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed. The inner surface faces the vehicle cargo bed when the second gate is in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Tom Thanh Ngo
  • Patent number: 10118777
    Abstract: A server rack ramp includes an upper ramp section, a lower ramp section and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly may include a body and arms. The lower ramp section may be pivotally connected to the body of the linkage assembly by a first hinge. The body of the linkage assembly may be connected to the arms by a second hinge. The arms of the linkage assembly may be connected to the upper ramp section by a third hinge. The lower and upper ramp sections may be movable between a folded position and an unfolded position via the linkage assembly. When the upper ramp section is unfolded, the lower and upper ramp sections are moveable longitudinally relative to one another via rotation of the arms relative to the main body of the linkage assembly and relative to the upper ramp section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
    Inventors: Daniel W Tower, Paul E Westphall
  • Patent number: 10106208
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a tailgate having an internal storage compartment. A table and seating subassembly is displaceable between a stowed position held in that internal storage compartment and a use position deployed from that internal storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jorge Guillermo Barrios Albert, Ana Magdalena Dominguez Cuevas
  • Patent number: 10023248
    Abstract: The sliding tailgate is adapted for use with an automobile. The automobile is further defined with a working space. The working space is an interior space within which the load carried by the automobile is stored. The sliding tailgate is an apparatus upon which the tailgate of the automobile is attached such that: 1) the tailgate can be opened and closed to provide access into the working space of the automobile; and, 2) the tailgate can be retracted to a location underneath the working space to provide less restricted access to the working space of the automobile. The sliding tailgate comprises a storage slot, a mounting structure, a track system, and a locking system. The track system is contained within the storage slot. The mounting structure attaches the tailgate to the track system. The locking system locks the tailgate in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Robert Michael Harlan
  • Patent number: 9902306
    Abstract: A tailgate assembly includes a tailgate and a telescoping ramp movably coupled to the tailgate. The telescoping ramp is movable relative to the tailgate between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. In the fully retracted position, the telescoping ramp is entirely disposed inside the tailgate. In the fully extended position, the telescoping ramp is at least partly disposed outside the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: John Foss, David T. Renke
  • Patent number: 9616795
    Abstract: A universal tailgate ramp assembly for quick ramp attachment and detachment from a tailgate for all truck types. The universal tailgate ramp assembly includes a bracket assembly adapted to latch to a tailgate of truck; a ramp support assembly adjustably and removably fastened to the bracket assembly; and a ramp assembly removably mounted to the ramp support assembly for moving an object onto a box of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Inventor: David A. Vick
  • Patent number: 9557145
    Abstract: A vehicle including a door and a ballistic protection device for a door having a ballistic protection element connected to the door via a device for automatically bringing closer and spacing apart the protection element when opening and closing the door, the device for bringing closer and spacing apart include at least one upper connecting arm and at least one lower connecting arm of the same length and hinged to the protection element and the door, so that the protection element and the door can be brought closer to and spaced apart from each other, while remaining parallel to each other, and at least one actuating arm, hinged to the at least one lower connecting arm and to a fixed part of the vehicle, so as to control, by action on the at least one lower connecting arm, the displacement of the protection element with respect to the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: NEXTER SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jérôme Belloche, Patrick Dersoir, Christophe Vandenberg
  • Patent number: 9440808
    Abstract: A sliding ramp can include at least two platforms. The platforms of the sliding ramp can be slidably connected to provide a storage position and an operational position. The platforms can include male and female members. The male and female members can facilitate the slidable relationship between the two platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: Randall Manufacturing
    Inventors: Adam Giemza, Fred Jevaney
  • Patent number: 9050229
    Abstract: A ramp assembly provides a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface. The ramp assembly is moveable between a stowed position, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion coupled for rotational movement and a panel rotatable about a first end. The ramp portion supportingly engages a second end of the panel to elevate the second end of the panel as the ramp portion moves toward the second deployed position. A method of deploying the ramp portion includes the step of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp portion contacts the alighting surface. The method further includes the steps of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp assembly reaches the first deployed position, in which the ramp portion forms a predetermined angle with the panel, and selectively rotating the ramp portion to the second deployment position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 8991894
    Abstract: A configurable pickup bed utility management system features a segmented panel assembly pivotally mounted to a pickup bed. The panel assembly features a first panel, a second panel pivotally located on the first panel, a third panel pivotally located on the second panel, and a fourth panel pivotally located on the third panel. A plurality of curved linear extrusions with ridges are located on the panels. The panel assembly can be fully extended over the pickup bed forming a bed cover structure, fully extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a work surface structure, fully extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a ramp structure, partially extended posterior to the pickup bed forming a sun shade structure, folded into the pickup bed forming a lockable toolbox, or folded into the pickup bed forming a bed extender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Cortney Smith
  • Patent number: 8944743
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Werner Co.
    Inventors: Kyle G. Astor, Brett A. Latimer, Robert D. Beggs
  • Patent number: 8870269
    Abstract: A system to access a passenger compartment, said system having a door hinged to a chassis frame by a first horizontal articulated joint and forming an inclined ramp, wherein said system comprises an actuator to move said door, linked to said door and said chassis frame, a step plate at least partially covering the outside of said door and hinged to said chassis frame by a second articulated joint parallel to said first articulated joint and with a hinge pin offset to the first articulated joint, said step plate linked to said door by a drive element connected to said door by a third articulated joint and to said step plate by a fourth articulated joint, the pins of said first through fourth articulated joints being parallel to one another and form the four summits of a parallelogram deformable between open and closed positions of said door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Nexter Systems
    Inventor: Jerome Serpeault
  • Patent number: 8827343
    Abstract: The tailgate storage case assembly is made of an elongated hollow storage compartment having a closed front end and an open rear end. A pivot bracket is mounted to the storage compartment near the front end for supporting the front end to the sidewall of a pickup truck box. The pivot bracket has a pivot joint therein for allowing an angular displacement of the hollow storage compartment about the pivot joint. The storage case assembly also includes a latch bracket mounted to the storage compartment near the rear end thereof for supporting the rear end to the sidewall. The latch bracket has a slide surface thereon for allowing the rear end of the hollow storage compartment to be displaced toward and away from the sidewall to define a clearance between a ramp being stowed in the storage case assembly and the tailgate post of the pickup truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Darcy Peters
  • 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: 8511734
    Abstract: A ramp or staircase that may be stowed within a hollow interior of a tailgate. The ramp may be deployed from the tailgate in a telescoping or folding manner. Alternatively, the ramp may be deployed from the tailgate in the form of a staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: F Peter Hutchins, Jr., Michael S. McComas
  • Publication number: 20130074686
    Abstract: A system to access a passenger compartment, said system having a door hinged to a chassis frame by a first horizontal articulated joint and forming an inclined ramp, wherein said system comprises an actuator to move said door, linked to said door and said chassis frame, a step plate at least partially covering the outside of said door and hinged to said chassis frame by a second articulated joint parallel to said first articulated joint and with a hinge pin offset to the first articulated joint, said step plate linked to said door by a drive element connected to said door by a third articulated joint and to said step plate by a fourth articulated joint, the pins of said first through fourth articulated joints being parallel to one another and form the four summits of a parallelogram deformable between open and closed positions of said door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: NEXTER SYSTEMS
    Inventor: NEXTER SYSTEMS
  • Patent number: 8276965
    Abstract: A space saving automobile loading ramp system is disclosed. The present invention attaches to the hitch of a truck or similar automobile to allow the user to load cargo. The present invention does not require any alteration of the automobile. Additionally, the present invention does not take up any space in a truck bed or require components be stored in the cab, and can be disassembled for transport while the tailgate of the truck remains down even if cargo has been loaded onto the tailgate using the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Howard M. Turnbow
  • Publication number: 20120139281
    Abstract: A modular ramp assembly is provided for use in connection with a pickup truck cargo box. The ramp assembly has a ramp connector assembly provided on the vehicle tailgate and a ramp having a connector for connecting to the ramp connector to serve as a loading ramp. The ramp connector has a pivoting clevis bracket and tangs that connects into a channel on the tailgate. Additional connectors are provided in the vehicle cargo box for connecting to the ramp such that the ramp is configured to operate as a cross-member such as a shelf or divider in the cargo box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Daniel P. Cousino, Henry W. Hausler
  • Patent number: 8123455
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: T.C. Development & Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Teffy R. Chamoun
  • Patent number: 8104128
    Abstract: A vehicular slope apparatus (1) includes a first slope section (10) that is rotatably connected to a body of a vehicle, and a second slope section (20) that is slidably connected to an extension side of the first slope section (10), the first slope section (10) including assistance mechanism (50) that applies an assistance force (Mf) in a direction in which the first slope section (10) rotates upwardly and, the assistance force (Mf) being larger than a downward moment that occurs at a center of gravity (M1) of the entire apparatus (1) when the entire apparatus (1) is horizontalized in a state in which the second slope section (20) is received within the first slope section (10), and is smaller than a downward moment that occurs at a center of gravity (M2) of the entire apparatus (1) when the second slope section (20) is extended from the first slope section (10) to a maximum extent, and the first slope section (10) rotating when the second slope section (20) has been extended to a predetermined extent so that
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Aisin Keikinzoku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Satoshi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8091942
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a ramp mechanism configured for use in a recreational vehicle including a ramp portion and an actuation mechanism. The ramp portion is movable between a closed position and an open position. The actuation mechanism is configured to move the ramp portion between the closed position and the open position. The actuation mechanism includes a first mounting assembly, a second mounting assembly and an actuator connecting the first mounting assembly to the second mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Gumbo Product Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Watts, William G. Guerrant, Renard G. Tubergen
  • Patent number: 8079798
    Abstract: A tiltable loading ramp for loading and unloading a first vehicle onto and from a second vehicle, comprises at least two ramp sections which are abuttable or substantially abuttable to form a ramp surface, and at least one support member forming a fulcrum for the ramp surface. The in use at least one support member is provided partway between ends of the ramp surface and spaces the ramp surface away from a loading surface of the second vehicle, so that as the first vehicle passes the fulcrum, the ramp surface tilts towards the loading surface of the second vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Clifford Smith, John David Owen
  • Patent number: 8079633
    Abstract: A cabin of a mobile home or other transport vehicle is provided with an internal living space adapted to minimize the space of furniture and beds during transport such that a small automobile may be received within the living space. In a set-up configuration and the automobile removed, beds can be deployed externally to the living space by a system of hinged panels attached to the side of the cabin. Furniture may also be rearranged within the interior of the cabin or mobile home on floor tracks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Paul Michael Freeman & Phillip Graeme Fisher
    Inventor: Raymond Bruce Cunningham
  • Patent number: 8061754
    Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for extending the bed of a pickup truck, having a hitch receiver and a down folded tailgate past the end of tailgate and providing a ramp function. By supporting the assembly by both an attachment to the hitch receiver and supporting the assembly on the down folded tailgate the assembly can support more weight and at greater distances and angles the previous bed extenders and ramp combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Inventor: Terry K. Webb