Abstract: A modular dolly moving system is shown, which is composed of one or more dollies connected together with connector rods. The dollies are capable of accepting industry-standard e-track connectors used with cargo belts, and the dollies can be fitted with a variety of cart bars and cart handles.

Abstract: A drive over conveyor pit assembly includes a mainframe including a grain pit located between and adjacent a plurality of drive over sections. Attached to the mainframe are a plurality of entrance ramps and a pair of exit ramps. Each ramp is pivotably attached to an end of the drive over sections. The drive over conveyor pit assembly includes a drive over pit coupled to a grain conveyor in such a configuration to be transported with the main grain conveyor by a single tow vehicle. The assembly includes a drive over conveyor pit hydraulically positioned for transportation.

Abstract: A tail gate assist is provided for an open trailer and includes an elastic member mounted so as to provide assistance in raising the tail gate without substantially adding to the force required to open the tail gate.

Abstract: An emergency stairway escape apparatus permitting wheelchairs to egress a multi-story building via a stairway comprises a ramp platform of sufficient width to cover at least half of each stair tread and of sufficient length to span from an upper landing to a lower landing of said stairway. A latch is mounted to an outward wall for impinging the ramp platform in a stowed position and releasing the ramp platform to a deployed position. A plurality of hinges are used for affixing an edge of the ramp platform to the outward wall and permit an arcuate release of the ramp platform to a deployed position. A motion retarding reel is mounted to an upper landing wall, the reel comprising high strength cable outwardly dischargeable in a linear manner and self-retracting, the cable comprising a hook attachable to a wheelchair, the reel controlling ascent and descent along the ramp platform.

Abstract: A truck bed step apparatus includes a ladder assembly with a pair of side rails and a plurality of steps that are attached to and extend between the side rails. The side rails are each divided into a plurality of segments such that a plurality of ladder sections are defined. The sections are hingedly coupled together so that each of the sections may be selectively positioned in an extended position linearly aligned with an adjacent one of the sections or in a stored position folded onto an adjacent one of the sections. A bracket assembly is hingedly coupled to first ends of each of the side rails. The bracket assembly is removably attached to an inner surface of a tailgate. The side rails are stacked on the inner surface when the sections are in the stored position.

Abstract: An animal transporting system for easily loading, unloading, sorting, separating and transporting animals within an enclosed structure. The inventive device includes a frame attached to a truck, a ramp attached to the frame that is extendable from the frame, a pair of first doors pivotally attached to the frame adjacent the ramp, a pair of second doors pivotally attached to the first doors, a rear door, and a rear ramp structure telescoping rearwardly and downwardly for the loading of animals at ground level.

Abstract: A system of transport carts are positioned in side by side relation in fore and aft extending spaced apart rows disposed along a delivery van to leave an aisle between them. The carts have wheel supported upright frames with bottom supports for the products disposed at a level above the floor of the van and open fronts with front decks movable from a stowed retracted position to a generally horizontal operative position adjacent the bottom supports. The decks are movable into generally abutting relation to form a raised false floor between the rows of carts on which hand trucks can travel.

Abstract: A device called a ramp-rack may be used as a rack for the body of a stake body truck in a first mode, and as a ramp in a second mode, for rolling equipment between the bed and the ground. The ramp-rack may be hinged, so when used as a ramp, it will be longer than when used as a rack. Two or more ramp racks may be stacked, when they are used as a rack on the bed of a truck.

Abstract: A dock leveler, for bridging the gap between a loading dock platform and a vehicle at the dock, includes an adjustably overlapping lip and ramp that provide a traffic surface of variable length to accommodate situations where there is only a limited amount of space for the lip to rest on the rear of the vehicle. The lip pivots and translates from a stored, pendant orientation to an operative orientation with a range of extended positions. In the stored position, one edge of the lip protrudes above the deck to inhibit material handling equipment from accidentally driving over the edge of the deck when a vehicle is not parked adjacent the dock leveler.

Abstract: A folding ramp is provided that includes an upper ramp, a lower ramp, and at least one handle assembly for providing ease of transport of the folding ramp. The upper ramp extends between a first end and a second end, and includes an upper ramp loading track, an upper first side support, an upper second side support, and a vehicle mounting member. The lower ramp extends between a first end and a second end, and the lower ramp includes a lower ramp loading track, a lower first side support, a lower second side support, a ground engaging member, and the rotation member. The upper ramp and the lower ramp include a rotation member that extends between the upper and lower first side supports and the upper and lower second side supports to allow rotation of the lower ramp relative to the upper ramp. The lower ramp loading track includes a first side and a second side and extends from the first end of the lower ramp to the second end of the lower ramp.

Abstract: A folding cargo loading/unloading ramp, particularly adapted for motor trucks, includes first and second ramp sections and an intermediate support leg assembly which is pivotally connected to the first and second ramp sections at a common hinge point. The support leg assembly includes a latch for automatically latching the support leg assembly in a working position when it is rotated from a folded position to its working position, the latch being manually actuatable to unlock the support leg assembly. Ground engaging rollers are mounted on the support legs and are braked against rotation when the ramp is in a working position. Both ramp sections and the support leg assembly include manipulating handles to facilitate movement of the ramp between a stored position and a working position.

Abstract: A linear hydraulic actuator mounted to the frame of a trailer to drive a slider longitudinally and return the slider to its rest position urging a ramp about a horizontal transverse axis such that the ramp moves between a stowed position and an extended position. The slider is operatively connected to a parallel rod which is connected to a bell crank on a pivotally mounted stand beneath the end of the trailer such that as the slider moves the stand is concomitantly urged between a stowed position and a deployed ground engaging position.

Abstract: An access system for passenger boarding of a vehicle is provided. The access system includes a frame mounted to the vehicle. A ramp is movably mounted in the frame. The ramp is movable with respect to the frame between a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The ramp includes side barriers extending therealong between an inboard end and an outboard end of the ramp. The side barriers are movable between a stowed orientation and a raised safety barrier orientation by an actuator. The vehicular access system includes a frame positioned below the floor level of a vehicle to which a carriage is moveably mounted. The ramp or transfer member is attached to the carriage by a pivoting rocker assembly. A drive assembly deploys and stows the ramp from the frame. An actuator is moveable between a raised safety barrier orientation and a stowed low-profile orientation with a side barrier that is pivotably mounted and spring biased toward the stowed low-profile orientation.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly adapted for use with a foldable liftgate assembly on a truck. The trailer hitch assembly is able to be pivoted out of the way of the liftgate assembly as the liftgate is deployed from a stowed position beneath the truck chassis. The liftgate assembly may include a foldable platform including a main platform member and a platform extension.

Abstract: A vehicle loading ramp (10) broadly comprises a first load-bearing platform (16), a second load-bearing platform (20) preferably substantially identical to the first platform (16), and a brace (20) that can be positioned between the platforms (16,18) in order to adjust and rigidly fix a distance between the platforms. In each of several embodiments, the brace (20) may be configured to adjust the distance between the platforms (16,18) in order to accommodate different offsets between wheels of different wheeled vehicles. The brace (20) can also fix the distance between the platforms (16,18), thereby providing rigidity and preventing the platforms (16,18) from moving with respect to one another, either laterally or longitudinally.

Abstract: A modular motorcycle stowing device for transporting a motorcycle in the bed of a pickup truck includes a collapsible base which is designed to fit on the floor of a pickup truck bed and a collapsible upper ramp which is hingedly connected to the base and provides a guiding channel for receiving the front and rear tires of the motorcycle to be stowed in the device. In order to span the elevation between the ground and the pickup truck bed, a detachable loading ramp is provided and arranged for a sliding interfit into the upper ramp. Connected to the loading ramp is a footboard for supporting an assisting individual. Connected to the upper ramp is a winch which is used to assist in pulling the motorcycle up into the stowing device and for more controlled unloading of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A vehicle ramp assembly for loading ATVs and like things onto transporting vehicles. The ramp assembly includes a pair of ramps positioned side-by-side. Each of the ramps has an upper end for engagement with a transporting vehicle and a lower end for positioning upon the ground. At least one crosspiece connects the ramps together between the upper and lower ends thereof. The crosspiece is releasably fastened to one of the ramps and is pivotally fastened to the other one of the ramps for compact storage.

Abstract: A pickup truck tailgate and loading ramp is formed by a main frame dimensioned to be hingedly received by a given pickup bed. Two pairs of hingedly interconnected frames are rigidly secured to the top rail of the tailgate section and form a pair of ramp tracks when in tailgate lowered position. When not in use the track forming frames are disposed rearwardly of the closed tailgate section.

Abstract: A vehicle for storing and transporting cargo comprises a cargo box for supporting and storing the cargo in the vehicle. The cargo box includes a planar cargo floor extending between a front end and a rear open end and laterally between a pair of spaced apart and parallel side walls of the cargo boy. A tailgate (12) is pivotally connected to the cargo box and pivotal between an open position extending from the cargo floor for providing access to the cargo box and a generally upright closed position for closing the cargo boy. The tailgate includes a cavity (24) recessed in the tailgate and a door (18) for closing the cavity in the tailgate. Items such as ramps which are usable, with the tailgate in the open position, to load cargo into the box, are stowable within the tailgate cavity. Such ramps can also be arranged in a fence like manner to form a cargo box extender.

Abstract: A machine for assisting loading and unloading objects in vehicles, stationary platforms, trailers with Dual V Groove Bearings mounted in a Cantilever design for superior tracking and strength, Cantilever Carrier Assembly allows for a small installation footprint, Cantilever Rails allow full weight support throughout the entire range of travel, Through the use of Interchangeable “SKINS” specific tasks relative to the tradesmen's requirements will allow the Ez-Loader to have a multi-function purpose including but not limited to loading platform and work area, Manual or Motorized extension and retraction of the “SKIN” and complete support system Retractable and Adjustable Ramps allow objects to be rolled up and onto the Ez-Loader, and Low “SKIN” height enables the Ez-Loader to easily fit under over rail tool boxes.

Abstract: A trailer for carrying a walk greensmower from place to place comprises a trailer frame supported by a pair of ground engaging trailer wheels. The trailer frame includes a pair of spaced, parallel wheel ramps. A tongue is provided for connecting to a tow vehicle. The trailer frame is pivotal relative to the tongue and to the trailer wheels to tilt into an inclined loading position for loading the walk greensmower by driving the walk greensmower up the wheel ramps using the powered transport wheels of the walk greensmower. Once the walk greensmower is loaded onto the wheel ramps, the trailer frame is pivoted into a transport position in which the wheel ramps no longer engage the ground and the walk greensmower is carried on the wheel ramps. In one embodiment of this trailer, the wheel ramps comprise cylindrical rails and the transport wheels are grooved to ride on the top sides of the rails.

Abstract: A retractable ramp system 10 for a mobility vehicle. A ramp platform 12 is driven by a reversible motor 86, associated drive pulley 88, and drive belt 18 affixed to a ramp carriage assembly 14. A spring-loaded mechanical release assembly 98 is used to engage the drive pulley to the motor and to disengage the drive pulley from the motor. A manual control assembly is used for manual deployment of the ramp when the drive pulley is disengaged from the motor. Ramp flap 52 provides a transition between ramp platform 12 and a mobility vehicle. Ramp flap is supported by wheels 54 which translate along ramp platform 12. Linear bearing blocks 30 attach to pivot arms 44 of the carriage assembly, which are in turn pivotably attached to ramp platform 12. Linear bearing blocks 30 translate ramp platform 12 along guide shafts 32 during deployment and stowage.

Abstract: A ramp assembly is provided. The ramp assembly includes a ramp platform coupled to a frame, a reciprocating mechanism coupled to the ramp platform for reciprocating movement of the ramp platform between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a dampener coupled to the reciprocating mechanism to dampen loads associated with operation of the ramp platform.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) is off-loaded from a pickup truck by running it down a bi-fold ramp to the Earth's surface. A conversion kit is then used to add a pair of wheels to the ramp, along with a tow-bar connected between the ramp and the ATV. A support bar is then added between the two halves of the bi-fold ramp to prevent folding of the ramp when under load. To reverse the process, the tow bar and the wheels are removed from the ramp and the upper end of the ramp attached to the pickup truck to allow the ATV to be run up the ramp into the bed of the pickup truck. The support rod is removed from the ramp, the ramp is folded and then the folded ramp is placed into the rear of the pickup truck underneath the ATV.

Abstract: A trailer for transporting snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles and other vehicles that are driven onto the trailer and that includes a trailer bed onto which the vehicles are driven, a wheel supported undercarriage beneath the bed, a motor powered drive assembly to fully rotate the bed with respect to the undercarriage and protector/ramps at opposite ends of the trailer bed to provide ramps for driving vehicles on to and off of the trailer bed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for closing a vehicle storage compartment. The apparatus includes: a housing which resembles a tailgate of a vehicle and wherein the housing has one or more loading surfaces. The loading surfaces can be removed from the tailgate, placed into a loading position and used for loading items into or out of a vehicle storage compartment. Thereafter, the loading surfaces may be transformed into a storage position and placed within the housing.

Abstract: An adjustable system and an associated method for handling cargo in a cargo carrier are provided. The system includes a plurality of strips of low friction material for supporting the cargo during unloading or loading and during transit. Each strip has a relatively lower coefficient of friction than a floor of the cargo carrier and can be adjusted between an operative position and a non-operative position. In the operative position, the strips extend from the floor of the cargo carrier so that the cargo can be slid upon and supported by the strips. In the non-operative position, the strips are adjusted relative to the floor so that cargo in the carrier is at least partially supported by the floor.

Abstract: A modular motorcycle stowing device for transporting a motorcycle in the bed of a pickup truck includes a collapsible base which is designed to fit on the floor of a pickup truck bed and a collapsible upper ramp which is hingedly connected to the base and provides a guiding channel for receiving the front and rear tires of the motorcycle to be stowed in the device. In order to span the elevation between the ground and the pickup truck bed, a detachable loading ramp is provided and arranged for a sliding interfit into the upper ramp. Connected to the loading ramp is a footboard for supporting an assisting individual. Connected to the upper ramp is a winch which is used to assist in pulling the motorcycle up into the stowing device and for more controlled unloading of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A wheelchair ramp assembly (20) is disclosed. The wheelchair ramp assembly includes a frame attachable to a vehicle having a floor, a platform coupled to a portion of the frame, a ramp having a weight, and a reciprocating mechanism disposed between the ramp and the platform coupled to a portion of the frame, a ramp having a weight, and a reciprocating mechanism disposed between the ramp and the platform for reciprocating the ramp between a deployed position and a stowed position in response to a force. The reciprocating mechanism counterbalancing the weight of the ramp during actuation of the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions to reduce the force required to reciprocate the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions.

Abstract: A transport trailer for transporting large agricultural spray vehicles has a platform supported by a plurality of wheels, and a pair of loading ramps to facilitate loading vehicles onto the platform. An operating mechanism is provided for pivoting the loading ramps between raised and lowered positions, and includes a pneumatic actuator and a J-shaped arm associated with each loading ramp. The trailer is also equipped with a plurality of tie down arms to automatically secure the spray vehicle to the trailer when the loading ramps are raised. A lock mechanism selectively locks the tie-down arms in their respective lowered positions. A sign having visual indicia, such as the words “WIDE LOAD,” is pivotally connected to a rear end of the trailer platform. The sign is interconnected with the operating mechanism for the loading ramps to pivot the sign between lowered and raised positions upon corresponding movement of the loading ramps.

Abstract: The problems of how to safely load and unload a small vehicle into a truck bed, and how to transport any ramps, etc., used to load the vehicle, and/or any other cargo in the truck bed occupied by the vehicle, are addressed by providing a carrier/lift adapted to be mounted in a truck bed, and having a carrying platform that pivots and translate in a constrained manner along a pair of tracks to an inclined loading position for safe and convenient loading of the vehicle into the bed of a truck. A platform having a recess for storage of a pair of nestable loading ramps is disclosed. The platform can be supported above the floor of a truck bed to provide usable storage space in the bed of the truck between the platform, with the nested ramps stowed therein, and the floor of the truck bed.

Abstract: A folding ramp is provided that includes an upper ramp, a lower ramp, and at least one handle assembly for providing ease of transport of the folding ramp. The upper ramp extends between a first end and a second end, and includes an upper ramp loading track, an upper first side support, an upper second side support, and a vehicle mounting member. The lower ramp extends between a first end and a second end, and the lower ramp includes a lower ramp loading track, a lower first side support, a lower second side support, a ground engaging member, and the rotation member. The upper ramp and the lower ramp include a rotation member that extends between the upper and lower first side supports and the upper and lower second side supports to allow rotation of the lower ramp relative to the upper ramp. The lower ramp loading track includes a first side and a second side and extends from the first end of the lower ramp to the second end of the lower ramp.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading and unloading objects, particularly motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and the like, on a carrying vehicle. The apparatus typically includes at least one vehicle attachment mount arm for engaging the carrying vehicle. A slide bracket is pivotally carried by the vehicle attachment mount arm, and a support having front and rear ends is slidably carried by the slide bracket. A first winch engages the support for selectively sliding the support forwardly or rearwardly on the slide bracket. A carriage is slidably carried by the support for receiving the object. A second winch operably engages the carriage such that the carriage slidably traverses the support toward the front end of the support responsive to a forward operation of the second winch, and the carriage slidably traverses the support toward the rear end of the support responsive to a reverse operation of the second winch.

Abstract: A foldable wheelchair ramp is disclosed having a mountable base, a first ramp section and a second ramp section. In an extended configuration, the first and second ramp sections form a single, continuous ramp for facilitating wheelchair access to vehicles. For convenient storage, the first and second ramp sections fold with respect to each other and preferably retract into the vehicle floor such that, in the folded configuration, the top surface of the second ramp section lies substantially in the same plane as the vehicle floor. A linking assembly is provided to facilitate and control the folding of the ramp sections. For safety purposes, the ramp also includes a lid that covers the gaps between the ramp and the vehicle floor when the ramp is in an extended position.

Abstract: A motorcycle loading and support assembly for a truck for a single user to load and unload a motorcycle from a truck box. The motorcycle loading and support assembly for a truck includes a ramp assembly including a plurality of channel members being detachably attached end-to-end for loading and supporting a motorcycle upon a truck box; and also includes a ramp support member being adapted to be attached to a hitch receiver of a truck for supporting the channel members; and further includes a winch assembly being adapted to be securely mounted to the truck for pulling the motorcycle upon the truck box; and also includes tie-downs for securing a motorcycle upon the truck box; and further includes an assembly of fueling a motorcycle.

Abstract: A combination trailer and ramp assembly (20) is provided. The combination trailer and ramp assembly includes a trailer (24) having a floor assembly (30) including an upper surface, a lower surface, and a length. The trailer further includes first and second sidewalls (32) extending from the floor assembly, and a side door (34) located in at least one of the first and second sidewalls. The combination trailer and ramp assembly further includes a ramp assembly (26) slidably disposed on the lower surface of the trailer for reciprocating movements between a stowed position, where the ramp assembly is stowed underneath the floor assembly, and a deployed position, where the ramp assembly extends along an axis substantially parallel to the length of the floor assembly to permit access to the side door of the trailer.

Abstract: Each guidance structure has two orthogonal surfaces (a horizontal surface and a vertical surface) which define the insides of an “L”-shaped profile. A first pair of guidance structures is positioned on a loading platform so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are parallelly facing either toward each other or away from each other. Alignedly therewith, a second pair of guidance structures is positioned on an ingress-egress platform (connected to the loading platform) so that the corresponding vertical surfaces are obliquely facing either toward each other or away from each other. Vehicular cargo travels the ingress-egress platform so as to be “funneled” by the back pair onto the loading platform. The front pair's horizontal surfaces operate as tracks for the cargo's wheels, thereby more widely distributing the loading associated with the cargo. The vertical surfaces of both pairs operate as lateral barriers for the cargo's wheels.

Abstract: A folding cargo loading/unloading ramp, particularly adapted for motor trucks, includes first and second ramp sections and an intermediate support leg assembly which is pivotally connected to the first and second ramp sections at a common hinge point. The support leg assembly includes a latch for automatically latching the support leg assembly in a working position when it is rotated from a folded position to its working position, the latch being manually actuatable to unlock the support leg assembly. Ground engaging rollers are mounted on the support legs and are braked against rotation when the ramp is in a working position. Both ramp sections and the support leg assembly include manipulating handles to facilitate movement of the ramp between a stored position and a working position.

Abstract: A folding cargo loading/unloading ramp, particularly adapted for motor trucks, includes first and second ramp sections and an intermediate support leg assembly which is pivotally connected to the first and second ramp sections at a common hinge point. The support leg assembly includes a latch for automatically latching the support leg assembly in a working position when it is rotated from a folded position to its working position, the latch being manually actuatable to unlock the support leg assembly to rotate back to its folded or non-working position. Both ramp sections and the support leg assembly include manipulating handles to facilitate movement of the ramp between a stored position and a working position.

Abstract: A lightweight loading ramp deck and a method for forming such deck is provided. This loading ramp deck is capable of being used in a retractable loading ramp in the loading and unloading of intermodal cars. The loading ramp deck comprises a plurality of tubular members. Each of these tubular members comprises a first end, a second end, a top wall, a bottom wall, and longitudinal side walls. The top, bottom and side walls extend between the first and second ends. The tubular members are positioned such that the side walls are adjacently disposed with respect to each other and joined to form a loading deck which is inexpensive, lightweight, exceptionally strong and has excellent shear flow.

Abstract: An access system for passenger boarding of a vehicle is provided. The access system includes a frame mounted to the vehicle. A ramp is movably mounted in the frame. The ramp is movable with respect to the frame between a stowed position and a deployed position with respect to the vehicle. The ramp includes side barriers extending therealong between an inboard end and an outboard end of the ramp. The side barriers are movable between a stowed orientation and a raised safety barrier orientation by an actuator. The vehicular access system includes a frame positioned below the floor level of a vehicle to which a carriage is moveably mounted. The ramp or transfer member is attached to the carriage by a pivoting rocker assembly. A drive assembly deploys and stows the ramp from the frame. An actuator is moveable between a raised safety barrier orientation and a stowed low-profile orientation with a side barrier that is pivotably mounted and spring biased toward the stowed low-profile orientation.

Abstract: A tilting ramp is for mounting to a truck, and once so mounted for loading, unloading and transport of at least one personal recreational vehicle. The ramp is slidable over a bed of the truck. A pivot member is mounted into a receiver tube mounted to the truck. The pivot member extends upwardly into translational engagement with the ramp. The ramp may be translated over both the bed and the pivot member between a transport position forward on the bed and a pivoting position pivotable about the pivot member. In the pivoting position the ramp is pivotable between the horizontal and an inclined position in engagement with the ground surface.

Abstract: A mobile passenger ramp for loading and unloading aircraft, the ramp comprising having upper and lower frame sections connected pivotally so that the ramp can be folded for storage or movement about the tarmac and unfolded at an obtuse angle to form a wide “footprint” to provide wind or jet blast stability. An arcuate surface bridges between the ramps of the two frames when unfolded. The compact ramp remains safely clear of a “No-Go” zone while still being sufficiently long to minimize the slope of the ramp for improved ease of use by passengers, either ambulatory or in wheelchairs. A steerable wheel at one end of the ramp enables rotation of one frame about the pivoting connection for folding and unfolding the frames. Fixed wheels on the upper frame and a castored wheel positioned near the pivot point on the lower frame provide stability and easy maneuverability of the folded ramp.

Abstract: The specification and drawings describe and show one embodiment of the present invention in the form of an inclined ramp in combination with a lifting device for lifting and lowering articles to and from the tarmac from and to the upper loading area at the top of a service stairway next to a passenger terminal bridge/walkway.

Abstract: A carousel device for pivotally moving a two-wheeled vehicle includes a base with a plurality of roller bearings and a carousel having a pair of opposing wings which are operatively positioned on the base.

Abstract: Therefore it may be seen that the present disclosure includes the description of a system, particularly the First System 100, which include advantages over the known prior art by providing a wheelchair ramp subassembly which includes the use of internal hydraulics, such that the subassembly can use its own hydraulics which do not need to be shared with other hydraulic units on the supporting vehicle. This provides an apparatus that includes improved operating characteristics, tends not to be contaminated through shared hydraulic connections, and can operate conditions in a manner not possible if connected to a shared hydraulic system. An improved bushing 1005 is also provided.

Abstract: A ramp actuating mechanism for a rail vehicle having a movable ramp and a movable draft arm and coupler arrangement, wherein a spring assisted apparatus can be associated with the movable draft arm and coupler arrangement to counterbalance the load of the movable draft arm and coupler arrangement.

Abstract: A foldable wheelchair ramp is disclosed having a mountable base, a first ramp section and a second ramp section. In an extended configuration, the first and second ramp sections form a single, continuous ramp for facilitating wheelchair access to vehicles. For convenient storage, the first and second ramp sections fold with respect to each other and preferably retract into the vehicle floor such that, in the folded configuration, the top surface of the second ramp section lies substantially in the same plane as the vehicle floor. A linking assembly is provided to facilitate and control the folding of the ramp sections. For safety purposes, the ramp also includes a lid that covers the gaps between the ramp and the vehicle floor when the ramp is in an extended position.

Abstract: An auto latch system for use with a transport vehicle having a ramp that is pivotable between a transport disposition and an extended disposition. The auto latch system includes a latch assembly operably coupled to a transport vehicle bed. A ramp engagement assembly is operably coupled to the ramp. The latch assembly automatically engages the ramp engagement assembly during pivoting of the ramp from the extended disposition to the transport disposition.

Abstract: A vehicle comprises a passenger cab and a pickup truck cargo bed that extends outward from the passenger cab. The cargo bed comprises two opposing sidewalls, a front wall and a movable rear tailgate. A ramp assembly comprises panels, hinges, retainer brackets, and stiffeners and is stored in the cargo bed. The hinges rotatably interconnect the panels to each other and a single panel to the tailgate. The stiffeners reinforce the panels when in use and are otherwise stowed in the cargo bed. The retainer bracket holds the panels against the tailgate when in the stowed position.