Combined Loading Chute Patents (Class 296/61)
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110193366
    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: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Howard M. Turnbow
  • Publication number: 20110188979
    Abstract: A vehicle can include a chassis, a combination body pivotally secured to the chassis, a conveyor assembly disposed within the body and adapted to convey materials stored within the body out therefrom, and a tailgate attached to the body. The body includes a front end, an open rear end, and first and second side walls extending therebetween. A rear body superstructure extends around the rear end of the body to reinforce and strengthen the rear end of the body. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor shaft assembly that allows for easy removal and installation of conveyor shafts and accompanying parts. A tailgate chute is removably mounted to the tailgate via a pair of mounting hooks and a mounting bar extending across an opening of the tailgate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: HENDERSON PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ketels, Mark S. Hollinrake, Daniel J. Banyas, Glenn L. Ungerer, Mart E. Ward
  • Publication number: 20110072596
    Abstract: An extendable ramp system extending a ramp from a storage position on a vehicle tailgate or flatbed is provided. A collection box is shown having a collection box channel with a sliding member slidingly engaged and moving within the collection box channel and coupling an end of the ramp to the collection box, the sliding member being coupled to the end of the ramp closest to the collection box when the ramp is extended. An at least two folding structural members are provided having an at least one coupling member coupling the at least two folding structural members and the at least two folding structural members coupling to the at least one sliding member. An at least one horizontal structural member is coupled to the at least two folding structural members and being oriented parallel and horizontal relative to the collection box. An at least two folding support members are provided along with an extension member coupled to the at least two folding support members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Mark Kenny
  • Patent number: 7870631
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Morris, David Johnson
  • Patent number: 7832975
    Abstract: A ramp system for a delivery vehicle for bridging a cargo bed of the vehicle and a ground surface. A series of ramps of the system are easily moved between a use orientation and a stowed orientation with the assistance of torsion springs of the system. The ramps are moveable for placement at various locations across the width of the vehicle and the selected location for use is locked so as to prevent widthwise movement of the ramps during use. No cargo area is used for stowing the ramps when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Eagle Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Donald J. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7771154
    Abstract: A vehicle payload conveyance system located inside the hollow of a vehicle gate which provides ramps which deploy from the hollow by rotation about the axis of a ball slidly engaged in a track to allow the ramps to be positioned for the loading and unloading of a payload into or out of the vehicle, and further provides a line deployed from the hollow of the vehicle gate which can be attached to the payload and adjustably tensioned to facilitate transfer of a payload into or out of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Inventor: Bradley Dean Ehler
  • Patent number: 7758094
    Abstract: The invention is a two part wheeled vehicle that has an upper part that is an aerodynamic shell and a lower part that is a wheel system. This vehicle is constructed to hold the shell at a height above the road that allows significant air flow under the shell, thus causing improved aerodynamic performance. This elevated shell is built to eliminate side door openings to allow uninterrupted protective side structure. Access involves opening the shell to allow entry to a sitting position that is protected by the side structure. Closure restores the aerodynamic properties of the shell. Seats are movable such that a walkway is made clear for motorists to walk to a position ahead of their respective seats. A car roof top can be opened to enable motorists to walk, nearly erect, into the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: James K. Bullis
  • Publication number: 20100123330
    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: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: Gumbo Product Development, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Watts, William G. Guerrant, Renard G. Tubergen
  • Patent number: 7677626
    Abstract: A deployable multi-functional tailgate apparatus forms a ramp platform and bulkhead piece, and is stowable against and deployable from an inner surface of a dual-action tailgate door which is usable as a swinging or a drop-style tailgate door. A damping mechanism controls the rate of descent of the platform. The bulkhead piece seals against the vehicle body when deployed to form a barrier, and secures a piece of cargo. A door assembly has a dual-action tailgate door and a multi-functional tailgate apparatus, with the apparatus being deployable as a ramp platform for accessing the rear cargo area when the tailgate door is used as a swinging-style tailgate door, and to form a bulkhead piece for transporting a piece of cargo external to the rear cargo area when the tailgate door is used as a drop-style tailgate door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Hanzel
  • Publication number: 20100037528
    Abstract: A lift assist system for cargo door ramps of trucks and trailers or other pivotal closures which includes a spring assembly containing a compressible spring element which is compressed when a cargo door is moved into an open position. As the compressible spring is compressed it stores up kinetic energy that is released to assist in lifting the cargo door is moved into a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Lambright
  • Patent number: 7661171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ramp. The ramp includes at least two stiles. Each stile has a top, a bottom and four sides. A plurality of shoulders are equally spaced apart and mounted on one side of each stile. A plurality of rungs are aligned with the shoulders. Each rung has a right end, a left end and four sides. A plurality of notches are located on the right end and left end of each rung. The number of shoulders equals the number of the notches and the shoulders and notches are tightly fitted together to form the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Central Purchasing LLC
    Inventor: Wang Gang
  • Patent number: 7637518
    Abstract: A utility ramp having a latching feature to attach the utility ramp to steps mounted on the side of a vehicle. The latching feature provides a means for securing the utility ramp to the steps and allows the utility ramp to be used as a vehicle running board. Further, the utility ramp may include one or more jointed segments to allow the utility ramp to approximate a curved ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Inventor: John T. Adair
  • Patent number: 7635248
    Abstract: A sliding deck for carrying loads in transit and both lifting or lowering the loads includes a spaced pair of pivoting outer tubular tower members having hydraulically operated cylinders interior to a pair of telescoping tubular inner members located interior to the outer tubular tower member in which the pivoting of the tower members is controlled about a pivot by a supporting hydraulically-operated cylinder. A friction-relieving feature for accommodating movement of the interior telescoping member may include a Teflon brand wear pad fixed on the inner surface of the fixed outer tubular tower member. Together, the fixed outer tubular member and the sliding interior tubular member form a pivoting tower-like support member at an incline relative to the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Sidney Slide L.P.
    Inventor: Michael H. Nolan
  • Patent number: 7574764
    Abstract: A trailer hitch ramp assembly has a first ramp member secured to the trailer hitch and a second ramp member pivotally secured to the first. The second ramp member is foldable onto the first member to define a traveling position. When unfolded, the second ramp member can be positioned in an incline attitude along a side of the vehicle providing a ramp bridging the ground surface and the boat trailer so that a boater does not have to wade through water when launching a boat from a trailer. The ramp assembly includes a detachable wheel at the end of the second ramp assembly and a platform mounted to the boat trailer effective for supporting a human.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Don Irving
  • Patent number: 7549692
    Abstract: A compact ramp and tailgate system for a vehicle tailgate includes a tailgate having an interior hollow cavity for collapsible storage therein of a pair of ramps that are also telescopically extendable therefrom for loading and unloading heavy equipment into and off the bed of the vehicle such as a pickup truck with each ramp mounted to a locking hinge that allows the ramps to pivot up to ninety degrees and each ramp composed of at least three ramp members of decreasing size starting from the largest ramp members that are pivotally interconnected to the locking hinges. The ramps are independently pivotable and slidably adjustable left and right relative to the tailgate and the longitudinal extension of the vehicle for properly aligning the ramps with respect to the wheels, rollers, casters, etc., of the equipment to be on loaded and off loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventor: DerRon K. Washington
  • Patent number: 7533923
    Abstract: A tailgate ramp system includes a truck bed having a bottom wall, a front wall, a first lateral wall and second lateral wall. A tailgate is hingedly coupled to the rear edge of the bottom wall. A liner is positioned in and covers an inner surface of the truck bed. The liner includes a base wall that is positioned on the bottom wall. The base wall has a back edge that is aligned with the rear edge and which has a pair of elongated wells extending therein. A pair of ramps is provided. Each of the ramps has a first end and a second end. Each of the ramps is removably positioned in one of the wells to define a stored position. The first ends are attached in the tailgate and the second ends abut a ground surface to define a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher A. Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20090108614
    Abstract: A compact ramp and tailgate system for a vehicle tailgate includes a tailgate having an interior hollow cavity for collapsible storage therein of a pair of ramps that are also telescopically extendable therefrom for loading and unloading heavy equipment into and off the bed of the vehicle such as a pickup truck with each ramp mounted to a locking hinge that allows the ramps to pivot up to ninety degrees and each ramp composed of at least three ramp members of decreasing size starting from the largest ramp members that are pivotally interconnected to the locking hinges. The ramps are independently pivotable and slidably adjustable left and right relative to the tailgate and the longitudinal extension of the vehicle for properly aligning the ramps with respect to the wheels, rollers, casters, etc., of the equipment to be on loaded and off loaded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: DerRon K. Washington
  • Publication number: 20090102216
    Abstract: A deployable multi-functional tailgate apparatus forms a ramp platform and bulkhead piece, and is stowable against and deployable from an inner surface of a dual-action tailgate door which is usable as a swinging or a drop-style tailgate door. A damping mechanism controls the rate of descent of the platform. The bulkhead piece seals against the vehicle body when deployed to form a barrier, and secures a piece of cargo. A door assembly has a dual-action tailgate door and a multi-functional tailgate apparatus, with the apparatus being deployable as a ramp platform for accessing the rear cargo area when the tailgate door is used as a swinging-style tailgate door, and to form a bulkhead piece for transporting a piece of cargo external to the rear cargo area when the tailgate door is used as a drop-style tailgate door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Hanzel
  • Publication number: 20090079217
    Abstract: A tailgate ramp assembly for a vehicle is opened and closed by a linear actuator that engages an arm attached to the tailgate. The linear actuator is attached to a frame that includes guideways to guide a translatable member of the linear actuator. The translatable member of the linear actuator is pivotally connected to the arm of the tailgate through a linkage assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Nikesh Bakshi, Leonard D. Yoder
  • Patent number: 7503612
    Abstract: A trailer includes a ramp having an end attached to the trailer for pivotal movement of the ramp between a raised gate position and a lowered, inclined loading position. An elongate support is attached to the trailer adjacent to the end of the ramp, and a tension spring encircles the support and has a first tag end coupled to the end of the ramp and a second tag end coupled to the trailer and winding and unwinding in response to movement of ramp between the raised gate position and the lowered, inclined loading position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ricky Taylor
  • Patent number: 7488025
    Abstract: A device providing a ramp into a truck bed, and extending a truck bed for the carrying of vehicles (such as ATVs) and items that are too long to carry with the truck tailgate raised. One embodiment is essentially a parallel pair of nested ramps, extenders and casings, each respective ramp telescopically and slidably received within a respective extender telescopically and slidably received within a respective casing. Lockpins inserted within holes aligned in the sidewalls of each casing and truckbed extender (and perhaps in each ramp), while they are in a desired configuration such as fully retracted (nested) or fully extended, prevent departure from that desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew M. Roberson
  • Patent number: 7458624
    Abstract: This invention is a tailgate for a pickup truck having a unibody frame that is pivotally secured at its lower end proximal the rear end of the truck bed. The frame includes a pair of linear risers that fit into the rear vertical recesses of the sidewalls of the truck when the tailgate is in a closed position. The risers support a plurality of bowed lateral beams that extend outwardly from the rear of the truck to extend the length of its cargo bay when the tailgate is in its closed. The bowed beams support a set of flat angled ramps that are aligned with the truck bed. The tailgate is swung to an open position so that the ramps extend down from the truck bed and are joined by a detachable ramp to form one or more low incline ramps for loading and unloading items into the cargo bay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Trailgate Tailgate Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven N. Bower, Paul R. Haskins
  • Publication number: 20080284194
    Abstract: This invention is a tailgate for a pickup truck having a unibody frame that is pivotally secured at its lower end proximal the rear end of the truck bed. The frame includes a pair of linear risers that fit into the rear vertical recesses of the sidewalls of the truck when the tailgate is in a closed position. The risers support a plurality of bowed lateral beams that extend outwardly from the rear of the truck to extend the length of its cargo bay when the tailgate is in its closed. The bowed beams support a set of flat angled ramps that are aligned with the truck bed. The tailgate is swung to an open position so that the ramps extend down from the truck bed and are joined by a detachable ramp to form one or more low incline ramps for loading and unloading items into the cargo bay.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Steven N. Bower, Paul R. Haskins
  • Publication number: 20080246295
    Abstract: A transfigurable bed liner assembly mountable on a vehicle including a bed. The assembly may include a channel mountable to each side wall of the vehicle, and a transfigurable bed liner including a plurality of rollers disposable in the channels for permitting sliding of the transfigurable bed liner. The transfigurable bed liner may include a leg generally adjacent a first end thereof for supporting the transfigurable bed liner in an extended position, for use of the bed liner, for example, as a workbench and for permitting loading of heavy objects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Peter Bejin
  • Publication number: 20080217949
    Abstract: A tailgate ramp for a vehicle is driven up and down by a rotary drive system that engages a hinge plate. The prime mover of the system is a two way electric motor that drives the hinge plate through a gear reduction, and can be placed away from the gate using parallel shafts that extend between the motor and the hinge plate. A screw driven latch arm is also driven by a two way electric motor to latch and unlatch the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Michael D. Kobrehel, Jeffrey D. Mikenas, Craig J. Reske
  • Publication number: 20080174138
    Abstract: A tailgate and loading ramp for pickup trucks includes a rectangular tailgate section rigidly attached to an upper ramp section. The lower end of the upper ramp section is pivotally attached to a linkage member. A support member and a lower ramp section are also attached to the linkage member to form a strong but lightweight ramp from the road surface to the bed of the pickup truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Inventor: George M. Huggins
  • Patent number: 7401833
    Abstract: A cargo bed step is described including a frame having an upper portion and a lower portion. The frame is disposed proximate a rear portion of a cargo bed. A pivoting mechanism is disposed between an inner surface and the upper portion for selectively pivoting the cargo bed step assembly between a stowed position and an extended position. At least one step is disposed proximate the lower portion. The frame is selectively pivotable to be generally flush with the inner surface of either an inner cargo bed surface or an inner tailgate surface in the stowed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Dryja
  • Patent number: 7396064
    Abstract: A collapsible enclosure is appended to a vehicle, such as a cargo type trailer, for example, for the purpose of providing living space in association with the vehicle. The vehicle includes a ramp that offers ingress to and egress from the interior of the vehicle through an access opening in the body of the vehicle for loading and unloading the vehicle, and the collapsible enclosure is appended to the vehicle at the access door opening and the ramp. Access to the interior of the collapsible enclosure can be had from the interior of the vehicle through the access opening. The size of the collapsible enclosure is adjustable so that the enclosure may be used with vehicles having ramps and access openings of different sizes. The ramp, which can be supported in a position substantially parallel to the surface on which the vehicle rests, serves as the floor of the additional living space that is created within the collapsible enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Dometic Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hicks
  • Patent number: 7380873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of utility trailers and more specifically, to a covered utility trailer and a kit for assembling same. The covered utility trailer includes a trailer bed for supporting cargo. The trailer bed has a leading edge, an opposed trailing edge spaced apart from the leading edge and a pair of first and second, spaced apart, side edges joining the leading edge to the trailing edge. A pair of first and second, spaced apart, sidewalls and a leading wall are also provided. Each sidewall extends upright from a respective side edge of the trailer bed. The leading wall is mounted between the first and second sidewalls and extends upright from the leading edge of the trailer bed. A rear cargo access door assembly is disposed opposite the leading wall and between the first and second sidewalls. The rear cargo access door assembly extends upright from the trailing edge of the trailer bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Snowbear Limited
    Inventor: Craig Shoemaker
  • Patent number: 7347474
    Abstract: An extension and ramp assembly for use with the truck beds. The assembly comprises a truck bed floor portion and a cargo bed door portion. The truck bed floor portion mainly includes a plurality of shafts and a motor coupled with a bumper, which provides power to extend and retract the bumper along with the truck bed. The cargo bed door portion mainly includes a cargo bed door that is pivotally attached to the bumper such that it can be moved away from the rear end of the truck bed to form an extension parallel to the truck bed. The truck bed when fully extended can be moved down towards the ground to form a sloping surface. The sloping surface formed by the truck bed in conjunction with the pivotally moved down cargo bed door acts as a ramp-like structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Armen Shagbazyan
  • Patent number: 7347476
    Abstract: A ramp door suited to pivot about an axis that extends substantially horizontally along the bottom of a cargo compartment opening has features of lightweight construction that may be used separately or in combination with features of a frame assembly having an upright configured to extend substantially vertically along one side of the opening to provide an interior space that may be used to house components of a ramp door lift assist system and/or components of a ramp door latching system. In some embodiments, the extent to which a lift assist cable is exposed when the ramp door is open is minimized by connecting the cable to the ramp door, and by guiding the cable into the interior space of the upright, at locations relatively near to the pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: The Eastern Company
    Inventors: Richard E. Luehr, Ron W. Phillips, Peter T. Watson
  • Patent number: 7344184
    Abstract: The invention is a ramp removably mounted to at least one sidewall of a cargo bed of a vehicle. The ramp can be removed to create a support bridge between the cargo bed and the ground. The cargo bed of the preferred embodiment has four sidewalls, and the ramp is mounted to one sidewall of the cargo bed, preferably by a hinge and locking mechanism. One of the sidewalls of the cargo bed is a tailgate having a groove for accepting a lip on the end of the ramp, while the opposite end of the ramp rests upon the ground. Then a motorcycle, ATV, tractor or other wheeled vehicle can be loaded or unloaded easily, and the ramps are readily available and securely stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Salvador, Douglas Kaltenmark, Kris Lemmon
  • Publication number: 20080042464
    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: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Inventors: F. Peter Hutchins, Jr., Michael S. McComas
  • Patent number: 7309094
    Abstract: A lift assembly assists in raising or lowering a tailgate, such as one found on a utility trailer. In one embodiment, a housing extends in a longitudinal direction with an end wall having an opening adjacent the tailgate. A spring is positioned within the housing. A cable extends between the spring and the tailgate, including through the opening in the end wall. An insert receives the cable passing through the opening, and is securely retained by the end wall and prevented from moving freely in the longitudinal direction as the cable moves to and fro during raising and lowering of the tailgate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Backsaver International, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph Norfleet
  • Publication number: 20070278813
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus which extends a rear box on a truck. A pair of opposing supplemental sidewalls perpendicularly extend from opposing lateral side edges on the truck tailgate. Thus, when the tailgate is opened, the interior surface of the tailgate becomes a planar extension of the truck bed, which in turn extends the length of the truck bed. At the same time the opposing supplemental sidewalls extend the length of the rear box opposing sidewalls. A supplemental tailgate folds into a superposed position over the interior surface of the tailgate when the tail gate is closed. When the tailgate is opened, the supplemental tailgate opens into a ramp and then is folded to perpendicularly extend from a rear edge of the tailgate to form a supplemental tail gate. Thus, the overall length and volume of the rear box is extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Donald D. Keehle
  • Patent number: 7284781
    Abstract: A tailgate for a pickup truck or other vehicle. The tailgate is convertible to a loading ramp to facilitate access to the cargo-holding area of the vehicle. The tailgate includes at least one extensible hook member on one side edge of the tailgate and a panel extensible from the other side edge of the tailgate. In use, the tailgate is removed from the truck, the hook member is extended, the panel is extended, and the hook member is engaged with a rear edge of the cargo-holding area with the tailgate and extended panel extending rearwardly to define the ramp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Technical Center North America, Inc.
    Inventor: David Grant
  • Patent number: 7261356
    Abstract: A trailer includes a ramp having an end attached to the trailer for pivotal movement of the ramp between a raised gate position and a lowered, inclined loading position. An elongate support is attached to the trailer adjacent to the end of the ramp, and a tension spring encircles the support and has a first tag end coupled to the end of the ramp and a second tag end coupled to the trailer and winding and unwinding in response to movement of ramp between the raised gate position and the lowered, inclined loading position, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Ricky Taylor
  • Patent number: 7261354
    Abstract: A retractable and extensible trailer comprising: a base assembly; a moveable top assembly moveably attached to the base assembly and configured to be infinitely adjustable between a lowered position and an upper position; a trailer substructure in communication with the base assembly; a base front and/or rear folding door located at the front and/or rear of the base assembly and in rotative communication with the trailer substructure. The base front and/or rear folding door comprises: an upper ramp in rotative communication with the trailer substructure; at least one locking plate in fixed communication with the upper ramp; at least one connector plate in rotative communication with the at least one locking plate; and a lower ramp in fixed communication with the at least one connector plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Steven P. Lozano
  • Patent number: 7258384
    Abstract: A pair of folding ramps each of which having a hinge connecting a first ramp section pivotally to a second ramp section. When in a fully unfolded state, structural support adjacent the hinge is provided by a tension cable assembly composed of a tension cable connecting to the first and second ramp sections and passing over an end of a mast, wherein the mast is connected with the hinge so as to be pivotal with respect to the first and second ramp sections. When in a fully folded state, the folding ramps are stored within a ramp storage receptacle of a tail gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: GM GlobaL Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Drabik, Kenneth V. Hollewa, Brian Harrod, David Mitchenall, Jay H. Ovenshire
  • Patent number: 7255314
    Abstract: Various types of extendable support structures provide a lateral dimension that is defined by at least one lazy tong, and the longitudinal dimension is variable by extension and retraction of the at least one lazy tong. The extendable structure may include a plurality of adjacent and attached lazy tongs that are capable of supporting a significant load through the interconnection of the adjacent lazy tongs forming the structure. The extendable structure may be fully retracted to minimize the longitudinal dimension and thereby provide a compact structure, such as one that can be easily transported or stored. The extendable structure may be extended to a length as required for a particular purpose and limited to a maximum longitudinal dimension when the structure is being used to support a load. As such the various types of extendable support structures may be used in many scenarios, such as for providing a loading ramp, bridge, walkway, or working surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Stuart Craig Hanson, Frederik D. Penz
  • Patent number: 7213860
    Abstract: A cargo enclosure including a floor having a plurality of edges including a first edge, a second edge and a third edge. At least two sidewalls, including a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall connected to the first edge of the floor, the second sidewall connected to the second edge of the floor. At least one hinge is connected along the third edge of the floor, the at least one hinge being rotatable about an axis. A composite door is connected to the at least one hinge, the door having a closed position and the hinge having a plurality of torsion springs rotatable about the axis, the plurality of torsion springs biasing the composite door toward the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Nappanee Window, LLC
    Inventors: Ryan Brenneman, Ryan Miller, Steve Brenneman, Evan Bontrager
  • Patent number: 7198320
    Abstract: A structure includes a support member and a toothed wheel which cooperate with each other to vertically moved a bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Lippert Components, Inc.
    Inventor: C. Martin Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7195301
    Abstract: A roll up ramp system facilitates transition between a first elevation and a second, higher elevation. The roll up ramp system includes a securement device temporarily connecting a roll up ramp to the second, higher elevation. Further included by the roll up ramp system are a plurality of links formed by a set of parallel plates interconnected by a central support rod and a pair of lateral locking rods. Each of the locking rods is provided with a plurality of selvedge linking units having a locking portion and a pivot portion. The links are interconnected by a plurality of linking support rods, which are accommodated by each of the selvedge linking units to form a roll up ramp. A rigid, durable ramp configuration is thereby achieved. The roll up ramp system is lightweight, strong, conveniently stored in a rolled up condition and readily deployed in an unrolled, ramp-like configuration to facilitate loading and unloading of equipment from a hauling vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Aulicino
  • Patent number: 7192240
    Abstract: A roll up ramp system facilitates transition between a first elevation and a second higher elevation. The roll up ramp system includes a plurality of load-bearing links connected to one another having top and bottom faces and being comprised of at least one load-bearing member and a set of side plates. Each side plate has at least two apertures appointed for receiving and housing a pin, or the like, for pivotally connecting the load bearing links to one another. The load-bearing links are adapted to rotate about the pin to form an extended ramp configuration and a roll up configuration when force is applied to the roll up ramp structure. The roll up ramp is adapted to achieve a rigid, durable ramp configuration, which is readily utilized for loading equipment into a hauling device. Advantageously, the roll up configuration achieved by the ramp structure provides for convenient storage thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Aulicino
  • Patent number: 7150487
    Abstract: A wedge-shaped trailer tailgate providing a loading ramp and a planar surface in combination with the trailer deck when the tailgate is in its transport position. A planar deck is better for cargo hauling, but also provides little wind resistance for improved hauling efficiency. The wedge shape with elastic bumpers attached provides for support on loading heavy objects such as motorcycles. Taillights are recessed into the thick end of the wedge-shaped trailer tailgate so they face backward when the tailgate is in its transport position and are shielded under the trailer deck when the tailgate is in its loading-ramp position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Midwest Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon W. Devitt, Gerald Wiertsema
  • Patent number: 7128357
    Abstract: A disclosed loading and unloading system for a truck having a bed includes a ramp, a first storage compartment formed under the bed and receiving the ramp, a ramp mounting assembly for mounting the ramp such that the ramp can be moved from a stored position to an extended position, a tailgate, a second storage compartment formed under the first storage compartment and receiving the tailgate, and a tailgate mounting assembly for mounting the tailgate such that the tailgate can be moved from an upright position to a lowered position, and to a retracted position. In the stored position the ramp is positioned within the first storage compartment. In the extended position the ramp extends outwardly from the first storage compartment through an opening. The tailgate blocks the first compartment opening in the upright position, and does not block the first compartment opening in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Nena A. Carroll
  • Patent number: 7121607
    Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a truck bed separator to compartmentalize truck beds. The truck bed separator and extension are releasably attached to the truck bed lip at one end and to either the truck bed extension or the truck bed separator at the other end by a clamping assembly. The clamping assembly is comprised of a pair of mating jaw members for releasable attachment to a truck bed lip at on end and a fastener for releasable attachment to the hinge of the truck bed separator or extension at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Cordell Eric Bauer
  • Patent number: 7093876
    Abstract: A tailgate lift-assist assembly is provided for a tailgate mounted to a vehicle body. The tailgate is movable between a closed position and an open position. The tailgate lift-assist assembly includes a spring having a first spring end and a second spring end. The spring is attached to the tailgate at the first spring end. A stationary member is rotatably connected to the tailgate and nonrotatably connected to the vehicle body. A cable has a first cable end and a second cable end. The cable is attached to the spring second end at the first cable end and attached to the stationary member at a cable second end. The cable passes over a pulley that is rotatably mounted to the tailgate and applies a tension on the spring when the tailgate is moved toward the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joel Romig, Danny Cheung
  • Patent number: 7070220
    Abstract: A combination bed extension/ramp structure for attachment to a sleeve-hitch of a truck, the structure comprising a non-revolving-hitch attachment member; a rear rectangular panel pivotally connected to the non-revolving-hitch attachment member to pivot around a first substantially horizontal axis from a first substantially upright position to a second position, wherein the rear panel is acting as a ramp between a rear panel-ground contact point and the plane of the non-revolving-hitch attachment member; a front rectangular panel pivotally connected to the rear panel at an intermediate point whereby when the rear panel is in the first position, the front panel is positioned substantially horizontal; whereby when the rear panel pivots from the first position to the second position, the front panel pivots relative to the rear panel around a second substantially horizontal axis and moves from the horizontal position to an inclined position that complements the inclination of the rear panel in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Raymond Lantaigne