Abstract: The invention relates to a boarding aid (20) for a motor vehicle, in particular a sliding step of a door entry of a passenger transportation vehicle, said boarding aid being capable of being moved from an idle position into a usage position and back in a direction, which runs parallel to the side edges (28), and encompassing a planar element (22), a front side, two side edges (28), and a rear side. The planar element (22), on its side edges (28), encompasses barriers (30), which can be moved from a first upright position, in which they extend upwards in relation to a stepping surface of the planar element (22), into a second lowered position and vice versa, wherein the movement of the barriers (30 is effected by moving the planar element (22).

Abstract: A ramp system includes a base frame adapted to be mounted to a vehicle. First and second elongate track members are mounted to the base frame in generally parallel, spaced-apart relation so that they extend along a longitudinal direction. A trolley assembly is moveably mounted to the first and second elongate track members so that the trolley assembly is moveable along the longitudinal direction between retracted and extended positions. A ramp member is pivotally mounted to the trolley assembly. A support roller mounted to the base frame supports a portion of the ramp member. A handle assembly mounted to the ramp member allows a user to move the ramp member between the retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: The embodiments described and claimed herein are improved wheelchair passenger securement systems and stations. In particular, one embodiment described and claimed herein is a system comprising a barrier module and a wall-side module, which incorporate three separate restraint devices which are configured to secure a wheelchair at three separate attachment points. The system can optionally include a moveable excursion barrier or a pull-mechanism to pre-tension at least one of the restraint devices the wheelchair securements. In a simpler embodiment, three restraint devices, such as retractors, are provided for attachment to the vehicle surfaces or structures in, for example, a generally right-triangular configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is an adjustable-length, variable-tracked ramp loading system attachable to a stationary loading dock or to the bed of any of a variety of trucks, said ramp loading system functioning to assist with the loading of assorted types of cargo including mowing equipment, wheeled vehicles, construction equipment, supplies, materials, and other objects of dimensions compatible with the size of the ramps which comprise the ramp loading system installed. The system is constructed and operates with a minimum of two (2) extendable ramps, each ramp reinforced with four lengthwise I-beams. Each ramp is manually pulled out from its individual bridge, which bridge itself is stored inside horizontally-oriented primarily longitudinal housing channels attached to the bed of the truck or loading dock. The ramps may be extended and angularly lowered at varying distances from the rear of the truck bed or dock.

Abstract: A collapsible loading and transporting rack system for transporting a first vehicle on a second vehicle equipped with side rails. The system has a plurality of attachment rails, a plurality of support beams, a plurality of platform members, and a plurality of generally rectangular planar ramps. The rail bottom surface sets on top of a horizontal top surface, and the rail inside surface sets against a vertical inside surface of a side rail of a vehicle so equipped. The side stop tie down projects horizontally out and away from the horizontal attachment rail for securing the ramp in a horizontal position. The side stop tie down is an attachment point for securing a vehicle to the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for a wheelchair caddy to be attached to a disabled rider adapted cycle or scooter that may include connectors connecting the caddy and cycle, a rear or double rear axle attached to the base of the caddy frame, a handle for the user to grip while pulling the wheelchair onto the caddy, a rod as an emergency brake, a ratcheting strap or straps and bungee cord for securing the wheelchair in the caddy, walled footwells for the securing the passengers feet, a secured foam rubber middle console, a fitted, padded back rest, thigh restraining straps, lower ribcage restraining straps and other features.

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.

Abstract: A retractable platform mechanism for a vehicle having a cargo area adjacent to its rear bumper 30, which includes a cut out 32 that permits a platform assembly 40 to pass therethrough and being slidably mounted to a supporting rail assembly 20 and movable between two extreme positions. A ramp assembly is housed within platform assembly 40 is selectively and transversally deployed. Optionally, a mechanism for moving assembly 40 is provided for moving that can be manually actuated with a crank or with an electronic motor. Extension assembly 90 can be optionally mounted to extend the cargo capacity.

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

Abstract: An automotive vehicle having a power-actuated ramp includes a vehicle body having a roof, front portion, rear portion, opposed side portions, and a floor that cooperate to define a passenger area. At least one door provides boarding and alighting relative to the passenger area, which defines a flat area of the floor adapted to receive a mobility device. A ramp cartridge is operatively supported by and received within a recessed section of the floor and includes a frame assembly having a main deck and cooperating with and being substantially coplanar with the flat area to provide a substantial flatness of the floor, a ramp assembly having a ramp that is adapted to be retained in a stored position below the main deck, and a drive assembly adapted to actuate the ramp between the stored position and a first ramp position and between the stored position and a second ramp position.

Abstract: Disclosed are hinged and non-hinged bunk board cover systems for mating over a bunk board component of a watercraft trailer. An exemplary hinged embodiment includes a main contact surface component sized to substantially cover a top surface of the bunk board component and a pair of side fastener surface components connected to the main contact surface component via a pair of hinge components. The main contact surface component, hinge components and side fastener surface components may be co-extruded into a single, “cut to length” ribbon that can be formed into a bulk roll. It is envisioned that certain embodiments may be constructed from thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A ramp assembly has a ramp housing that is mounted to a truck bed and which houses a tailgate brace and a primary ramp body in a primary ramp-receiving cavity. The tailgate brace and primary ramp body are slidably engaged with the primary ramp-receiving cavity, allowing them to be switched between a collapsed and an extended configuration. The primary ramp body has a secondary ramp-receiving cavity that houses a secondary ramp body. The secondary ramp body is slidably engaged into the secondary ramp-receiving cavity, allowing it to also be switched between a collapsed and extended configuration. To widen the ramp, lateral extensions are hingedly connected to the primary ramp body and secondary ramp body. When the ramp bodies are in an extended configuration, these ramp bodies can be unfolded to effectively widen the created ramp. When not in use, the ramp bodies are easily stored within the ramp housing.

Abstract: The multi-functional vehicular ramp is an accessory that attaches to a trailer hitch of a pickup truck and which include foldable ramp members that fold down to enable ATVs or other wheeled objects to drive up onto a bed of a pickup truck for transport, and wherein the foldable ramp members can fold up to secure said wheeled object to said pickup truck bed. The multi-functional vehicular ramp can also adapt to attach wheels thereon for use as a trailer to be towed via one of a multitude of adaptors behind a truck or other motor-powered vehicle. The multi-functional vehicular ramp may also be adaptively used to suspend an object above the ground by extending the foldable ramp members upwardly and connection there between via a suspension member. The multi-functional vehicular ramp may also adapt for use as a workbench or as a picnic table.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a light and easy to use support ramp assembly to be attached on a pick up truck to extend the cargo bed area. The assembly has preferably two retractable ramps, each having a horizontal ramp table/housing unit and a loading ramp. The ramp table housing unit is partially supported by cargo bed and by an open tail gate and further support is provided by a support arm and optionally by an adjustable loading support. The assembly is adjustable for any pickup truck.

Abstract: A device that may be mounted on a bed of a pickup truck to enable smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, or all-terrain vehicles to enter from the ground level upon a platform of the loading device. This is accomplished by the loading device having a ramp that can be pulled outwardly or rearwardly from said device, and a motorcycle can drive up the ramp to the platform. A dolly slide is pulled outwardly from the device, and extends above the tailgate. The ramp then extends downwardly from the dolly slide, so that no weight or load is displaced on the tailgate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a collapsible arched ramp includes an arched vertically extending middle ramp section, two arched vertically extending outer ramp sections, and two arched vertically extending connecting ramp sections. The connecting ramp sections connect the outer ramp sections to opposing vertical sides of the middle ramp section so that the outer ramp sections are substantially parallel and laterally spaced apart with the middle ramp section. The arches of the outer ramp sections arch in a same direction of the arch of the middle ramp section and arch in the opposite direction of the middle ramp section. When collapsing the ramp, the direction of the arched sections line up, allowing for a compact assembly that may be easily carried and stored. The method of extending and collapsing the ramp allows for a ramp that is rapidly and efficiently assembled.

Abstract: A combination loading device for a truck comprising a running board enclosure, where the running board enclosure attaches to a side of the truck to serve as a running board; an inner cavity within the running board enclosure; a loading ramp within the inner cavity of the running board enclosure, where the loading ramp attaches to a truck bed; an attachment end of the loading ramp, where the attachment end fastens to the truck bed; and a loading end of the loading ramp at an opposite end from the attachment end, where the loading end rests on the ground during use.

Abstract: A mobile loading dock for a vehicle including a load-bearing, fixed frame with a support plate connected to diagonal supports and horizontal support members. The dock has a planar ramp member with an underside including a wheel assembly. The assembly has a tension spring and hydraulic member attached to the underside. The tension spring exerts a pulling force and the hydraulic member exerts a pushing force. The combined forces are directionally disposed to erect the assembly when the lower end of the dock is raised from a resting position in contact with the ground surface to a mobile position.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for dovetail locking mechanisms are described herein. A system for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position includes a sled for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position, a railing on the underside of the trailer to accommodate the sled, wherein the sled is moveably attached to the railing such that the sled can slide into a loading position clear of the dovetail or a travel position at least partially beneath the dovetail, and means for actuating the sled to the loading position and travel position. A method for locking the dovetail of a trailer includes moving the dovetail of a trailer into the travel position and sliding a sled from a loading position underneath the trailer to a travel position at least partially underneath the dovetail of the trailer.

Abstract: A retractable tow hook assembly is connected with a rectangular storage container having a vertical ramp end wall hingedly connected at its bottom edge with the container for displacement about a horizontal pivot axis from an initial vertical closed position downwardly toward an inclined loading position in engagement with the ground. The tow hook assembly includes a support plate that is externally connected with the container adjacent the hinge connection, and a hook member that is displaceable relative to the support plate between an upwardly extending towing position for engagement by the loop of a towing cable when the ramp wall is in the vertical position, and a non-obstructing downwardly-displaced retracted position when the ramp wall is in the downwardly inclined loading position. A stop arrangement prevents displacement of the tow hook member beyond the extended position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for installation on the rear of a transport vehicle. The ramp assembly is expandable from a stored position to an installed position. The ramp assembly includes an elongated base portion and an elongated connecting portion. A rail of one elongated side of the connecting portion is cooperatively shaped to engage at least one connector of an elongated side of the base portion.

Abstract: A trailer having a trailer ramp system that includes a trailer ramp coupled with the trailer and an actuator pivotally coupled to the trailer on a first end of the actuator and pivotally coupled to the trailer ramp on a second end of the actuator. The actuator is located below the trailer and is aligned with a central axis of the trailer ramp and a central axis of the trailer. The actuator is movable linearly to rotate the trailer ramp between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A system for aligning outer edges of upper surfaces of ramp portions of a loading ramp. The system may include a plurality of sensors configured to provide signals indicative of whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned. The system may also include a plurality of actuators configured to raise and lower at least one of the outer edges of an upper surface of a ramp portion. The system may also include a controller configured to receive signals from the plurality of sensors, determine whether the outer edges of upper surfaces of adjacent ramp portions are aligned, and provide signals to the actuators to affect movement thereof causing the outer edges of the upper surfaces of the adjacent ramp portions to be aligned.

Abstract: A ramp system for installation on a vehicle, and a vehicle for conveying wheelchair users. The ramp system includes an intermediate element having a longitudinal guide and a ride-on access plate. The ride-on access plate is moveable from a vertical transport position to a horizontal stowage position by pivoting about a movable axis. A guide pin coupled to the ride-on access plate is guided by the longitudinal guide of the intermediate element as the ride-on access plate is moved from the vertical position to the horizontal position. The ramp system further includes a guide strut that is pivotally mounted to the ride-on access plate and the intermediate element. The movement of the ride-on access plate between the vertical and horizontal positions is thereby controlled relative to the intermediate element by the longitudinal guide and guide strut.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A target operably associated with the ramp portion so that the target reciprocates along a predetermined path when the ramp portion reciprocates between the stowed position and the deployed position. A sensor fitting maintains a fixed orientation relative to a horizontal plane. A sensor is mounted to the sensor fitting such that the sensor senses the target when the ramp portion is in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a collapsible arched ramp includes an arched vertically extending middle ramp section, two arched vertically extending outer ramp sections, and two arched vertically extending connecting ramp sections. The connecting ramp sections connect the outer ramp sections to opposing vertical sides of the middle ramp section so that the outer ramp sections are substantially parallel and laterally spaced apart with the middle ramp section. The arches of the outer ramp sections arch in a same direction of the arch of the middle ramp section and arch in the opposite direction of the middle ramp section. When collapsing the ramp, the direction of the arched sections line up, allowing for a compact assembly that may be easily carried and stored. The method of extending and collapsing the ramp allows for a ramp that is rapidly and efficiently assembled.

Abstract: A flatbed vehicle carrier assembly comprising a carrier body subassembly including a carrier floor supported by a carrier body slide enabling sill frame. An intermediate subframe subassembly is capable of sliding and being pivotally integrated with a slide enabling tilt and pivotal control subassembly, which is pivotally secured therebetween to a mounting platform support assembly. A pivot control device provides a means to rotate and rearwardly transfer and posture the intermediate subframe. The carrier body sill frame is slideably assembled to the intermediate subframe, being driven by a longitudinal control actuator. A ramp can be pivotally integrated into a loading end of the carrier body subassembly. The carrier and ramp floors are fabricated of a series of interlocking extrusion members.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing wheelchair access to a vehicle, including a deployable wheelchair access assembly coupled to the vehicle and deployable to a position in which one end of the assembly is in contact with the ground. The wheelchair access assembly can include multiple panels. Some embodiments include a control system for adjusting the angular relationship of one panel relative to another panel. Yet other embodiments include a sensor for measuring the inclination of the deployed assembly relative to earth's gravity. In yet other embodiments the vehicle includes a sensor for measuring the inclination of the vehicle relative to earth's gravity, and a plurality of suspension actuators for changing the inclination of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for dovetail locking mechanisms are described herein. A system for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position includes a sled for locking the dovetail of a trailer in the travel position, a railing on the underside of the trailer to accommodate the sled, wherein the sled is moveably attached to the railing such that the sled can slide into a loading position clear of the dovetail or a travel position at least partially beneath the dovetail, and means for actuating the sled to the loading position and travel position. A method for locking the dovetail of a trailer includes moving the dovetail of a trailer into the travel position and sliding a sled from a loading position underneath the trailer to a travel position at least partially underneath the dovetail of the trailer.

Abstract: A storage means and transportation method for at least one (1) motorcycle is herein disclosed, comprising a platform plate supported at corner locations by rotating casters. A vertical edging is provided along the long edges of the platform to prevent the motorcycle from rolling off. At least one (1) handles is provided along the long edge to aid in manipulating each motorcycle along a floor surface for shipping or storage. At each end portion of the platform are fold-down ramps to allow each motorcycle to be rolled on and off of the platform. Each ramp comprises a support to anchor the platform against the floor surface by lifting the casters slightly off of the floor. Once the platform is secured in this fashion, each motorcycle can be rolled on and off the platform safely. Each motorcycle is covered by a fiberglass hard cover which is attached thereto the platform for long-term storage and/or shipment.

Abstract: A liftgate for loading and unloading cargo from a vehicle. The liftgate includes a moveable load platform having a proximal deck section and a distal deck section pivotally coupled to the proximal deck section. A side ramp is pivotally coupled to the distal deck section to facilitate unobstructed side loading and unloading of the distal deck section of the load platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boarding aid (20) for a motor vehicle, in particular a sliding step of a door entry of a passenger transportation vehicle, said boarding aid being capable of being moved from an idle position into a usage position and back in a direction, which runs parallel to the side edges (28), and encompassing a planar element (22), a front side, two side edges (28), and a rear side. The planar element (22), on its side edges (28), encompasses barriers (30), which can be moved from a first upright position, in which they extend upwards in relation to a stepping surface of the planar element (22), into a second lowered position and vice versa, wherein the movement of the barriers (30 is effected by moving the planar element (22).

Abstract: A vehicle lift and repair system includes a flatbed trailer provided with a wood-like or separate metallic surface upon a base of the trailer, the surface having recesses, and weight bearing axles beneath in a region of the recesses. Included is a hydraulic lift having a base support positioned within the recesses in the surface of the trailer, the recesses having a depth sufficient to include all components of the lift, including a top thereof substantially flush with the surface when the lift is retracted. The lift is preferably positioned in relation to a transverse mid-line between the weight-bearing axles. Ramps facilitate positioning on the lift of an auto-to-be-repaired. A generator, compressor and hydraulic fluid reservoir for the hydraulic vehicle lift are situated toward a front of the trailer.

Abstract: A reconfigurable vehicle partition for compartmentalising a space within a vehicle is disclosed. The partition comprises a frame which is arranged to extend within an interior of the vehicle and which is arranged to support a gate, the gate comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected panels which are reconfigurable between a folded gate configuration and an unfolded gate configuration. The gate is arranged to pivot with respect to the frame between a closed configuration in which the gate extends substantially within the frame to partition the vehicle, and an open configuration, in which the gate extends out of the plane of the frame. In the closed configuration, the gate is arranged to extend across the frame in a substantially folded configuration, and in the open configuration the gate is arranged to extend out of the plane of the frame in the unfolded configuration to provide a ramp access into and out from the vehicle.

Abstract: The tire-unloading ramp is a specially designed ramp that is ideally suited for rolling a tire away from the ramp when unloading a stack of tires. The tire-unloading ramp includes a back member and a front member that are connected to one another via a hinge member. The front member is longer in length than the back member, and forms an acute angle with respect to the ground surface. Moreover, the hinge member enables an acute angle to form between the front member and the back member, and is located at an apex of the tire-unloading ramp. A support member is able to rotate from against a rear surface of the front member, and engage a support member notch located on a rear surface of the back member.

Abstract: A Collapsible Trailer. The trailer is lightweight, but durable, and includes a set of detachable deck segments that can be assembled into a deck. The trailer further includes a suspension assembly that attaches to the deck once the deck is assembled or, alternatively, is permanently attached to one deck segment. Intra-deck segment support is provided by slidable rods that are extendable to bridge between a pair of adjacent segments. Each deck segment has a male edge to be inserted into a female edge to create an exceedingly strong, interlocking hinge-like structure. The deck and trailer can be assembled without the need for any tools. The deck segments, when disassembled, are stackable into a condensed deck stack. A foldable suspension facilitates the stackable storage and transportation of the trailer. The trailer is convertible into a cargo platform that can be attached directly to a conventional trailer hitch receiver on a vehicle.

Abstract: A tailgate bridge apparatus for a vehicle with a bed and a tailgate includes a conventional receiver hitch secured to a rear of the vehicle; a base member with a shank releasably securable to, and adjustable relative to, the conventional receiver hitch, and an upright; a cross member having an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion releasably securable to, and adjustable relative to, the upright; platforms having aft ends supported by the upper portion of the cross member wherein the platforms span the tailgate without being supported by the tailgate, platform positioning mechanisms to position the aft ends of the platforms relative to the upper portion, ramps, and ramp positioning mechanisms to align the ramps with the platforms.

Abstract: A ramp system is disclosed that enables users to load and unload objects into the back of a vehicle. The ramp system comprises a ramp, and a housing unit secured within the back of the vehicle for storing the ramp. The ramp is removable from the housing unit and secured to a tailgate of the vehicle. The ramps would generally be configured in a ladder-like configuration comprising vertical support bars and a plurality of rungs. Typically, the ramps are secured to the tailgate of the vehicle via a bungee cord, hook, or hook ends. The housing unit is typically C-shaped and positioned on an inside of a vehicle walls, above a wheel well. The housing unit comprises a clamp and a lip for securing the ramps during transport, a locking-hinge lid which allows easy access to the interior of the housing unit, and storage compartments for storing accessories.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp system has multiple configurations. The simplest embodiment provides a ramp which can move between a retracted configuration and an extended “step in” configuration in which an outboard end of the ramp is closer to the ground than in the retracted configuration, so that the outboard end of the ramp functions as a lowered step. A preferred embodiment provides a fully retracted configuration, a partially extended “step in” configuration, a partially extended “curb ramp” configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a curb or sidewalk, and a fully extended configuration in which the outboard end of the ramp can engage a road surface of the road on which the vehicle carrying the ramp is supported.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for installation on a vehicle receiving hitch can include a hitch attachment and a loading ramp. The loading apparatus can be used to transport vehicles such as all terrain vehicles and riding lawn mowers on the beds of pick-up trucks. The horizontal length and vertical height of the hitch attachment can be adjusted to conform to varying sizes and designs of pick-up trucks and tailgates.

Abstract: A boat loader for loading and/or unloading a lightweight recreational boat onto and from a suitable vehicle to enable the boat to be transported between locations. The boat loader includes two loaders temporarily connectable between the rear of the vehicle and part of a trailer upon which the boat is located on either side of the trailer to guide movement of the trailer and hence the boat, for loading and unloading. The boat and the trailer moves as a single unit during loading and unloading so that the boat can be carried on the trailer on the vehicle during transportation of the boat. The advantage of the boat loader is that the boat remains in its normal hull down orientation and does not need to be inverted to enable it to be transported in a stable configuration.

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.

Abstract: A hitch receiver mountable tailgate ramp for loading and unloading heavy articles by wheeling said articles into and from the truck bed via said ramp. Once deployed the ramp has an arched shape to displace the load during use between the ramp's surface engaging edge and the hitch mount thereby providing a ramp with a greater load capacity than similar linear ramps. When not in use the ramp can be folded into an upright position substantially coplanar with the truck's closed tailgate. In operation the ramp is extended by pivoting the interior ramp segment until the ramp is in its arched position while the articulated post is lowered into its linear position.

Abstract: A modular loading and unloading device for vehicles includes a main body having a plurality of surfaces defining a cavernous interior space, a plurality of roller caddies disposed within the cavernous space for positioning a pair of elongated rollers thereon. Each of the elongated rollers including a top portion protruding through openings disposed within the top surface of the main body in order to load and unload cargo within the bed of a truck or van. The device further including a plurality of connectors for joining multiple devices within the bed of a truck or van.

Abstract: An access system for use in a vehicle. The access system includes a frame supported on a vehicle and a ramp having a support surface and a leading edge. The ramp is moveable with respect to the frame between a stowed position, in which the leading edge of the ramp is proximate the frame, and a deployed position, in which the leading edge is positioned away from the frame. A first track and a second track are coupled to one of the frame and the ramp, where the contours of the first and second tracks at least partially define the tilt angle of the ramp with respect to the frame.

Abstract: A ramp assembly provides a transition surface from a vehicle floor to an alighting surface and includes a ramp portion coupled for reciprocating movement between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp portion has a cam surface disposed thereon, and a cam follower that engages the cam surface when the ramp portion is in the stowed position to support the ramp portion. The ramp assembly further includes a panel rotatably coupled to a first end of the ramp portion about an axis. An actuator rotates a drive arm to move the ramp portion through first and second phases of a deployment motion. During the first phase, the drive arm rotates the ramp portion about the axis, which maintains a substantially fixed position. During the second phase, the drive arm moves the second axis in a downward direction.

Abstract: The current invention discloses a light and easy to use support ramp assembly to be attached on a pick up truck to extend the cargo bed area. The assembly has preferably two retractable ramps, each having a horizontal ramp table/housing unit and a loading ramp. The ramp table housing unit is partially supported by cargo bed and by an open tail gate and further support is provided by a support arm and optionally by an adjustable loading support. The assembly is adjustable for any pickup truck.

Abstract: A snow melting vehicle includes a receptacle for receiving a snow load to be melted inside the receptacle into meltwater and a debris collecting system for moving the debris fallen to the bottom of the receptacle into a collecting chamber disposed adjacent the receptacle. A debris lifting system is also provided for raising the debris from the collecting chamber to a position above the meltwater filling the collecting chamber, whereby the meltwater is substantially drained before the debris is gravity discharged outside the snow melting vehicle.

Abstract: The modular dolly is a manually operated device facilitating the transport of large, heavy, and/or bulky objects. The dolly includes four smaller wheels and two larger diameter wheel and brake assemblies for temporary installation to the sides of the dolly platform for movement over soft, rough, and/or uneven surfaces. A ramp is removably attachable to the loading end of the platform coplanar therewith to facilitate loading the dolly. The ramp also attaches removably to the opposite anchor end of the platform and normal thereto, to serve as a backstop or anchor for a load placed on the platform. A smaller secondary panel may be installed in the anchor end when the ramp is in use during loading, or may be assembled coplanar to the ramp or platform to lengthen the ramp or platform. The dolly may also be used with a stair-climbing hand truck, forklift, pallet jack, or the like.

Abstract: A towing device for towing an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) behind a vehicle featuring two parallel support bars for cradling rear wheels of the ATV; a first wheel connected to the first ends of the support bars via a first wheel axle connector and a second wheel connected to the second ends of the support bars via second wheel axle connector; eye rings disposed on the support bars adapted to receive ends of straps, the straps being for securing rear wheels of the ATV; an undercarriage bracket pivotally attached to the first support bar for supporting and securing the rear axle of the ATV; and a curved towing arm having a ball hitch tongue for connecting the towing arm to a hitch of the vehicle and two connecting brackets for engaging and securing a front axle of the ATV.