Abstract: A vehicle for transporting an individual on a wheel chair over land. The vehicle including a support platform with a first end, a second end, a mid-section and generally parallel sides; a first access platform attached to the first end of the support platform, a second access platform attached to the second end of the support platform. A mechanism, such as a pair of endless tracks at fixed location relative to the support platform will preferably be used for propelling the vehicle over land. A movable steering mechanism, such as a joy stick will be moveably attached to the support platform at approximately mid-section of the support platform, so that the vehicle is steerable by the individual on a wheel chair while facing either the first end of the support platform or the second end of the support platform.

Abstract: A ramp for use with a flat bed trailer, the ramp pivotally coupled proximate an end margin of the trailer and being shiftable between a loading disposition and a transport disposition, the ramp includes a load support structure. A hinge mechanism is pivotally coupled to the load support structure and the trailer proximate the trailer end margin, the hinge mechanism biasing the load support structure toward an intermediate, neutral disposition. A first hinge pin is fixably coupled proximate the end margin of the trailer and shiftably coupled to the hinge mechanism, the first hinge pin allowing the ramp to be laterally shifted to a multiplicity of positions across the width of the trailer as desired. A hinge mechanism and a trailer are also included.

Abstract: A motor vehicle mounted ramp for loading and unloading a personal mobility vehicle such as a wheelchair or a three-wheel scooter. A storage platform is removably attached to a floor of the motor vehicle, e.g., a van, and provides both a support surface for the personal mobility vehicle and a storage area for a ramp used during loading and unloading. The ramp is pulled from its storage area and pivots along an axis formed by its connection with the storage platform, such that the leading edge of the ramp rests against a ground surface. A winch attached to the storage platform is then used to move the personal mobility vehicle up or down the ramp.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) for mounting in a low floor bus (22) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly (20) includes a rectangular enclosure (24) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus (22). The ramp assembly (20) includes a reciprocating mechanism (26) for moving a ramp platform (28) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism (26) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform (28) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus (22).

Abstract: A wheeled elevator apparatus for use in transferring freight between a highway truck and a freight storage dock or building, the apparatus including an elevatable platform powered by hydraulic cylinder means and including two oppositely directed ramps hingedly connected to said platform to provide access to said platform for pallet jacks moving pallets of freight, one of said ramps being long enough to reach inside the highway truck to form a bridge from the elevatable platform to the highway truck, the bridge having side curbs and being sufficiently narrow and laterally off-set to permit an independently operated roller, skate-wheel, or belt conveyer to function simultaneously beside the elevatable platform for moving small individual packages of freight between the same building or dock and the same truck.

Abstract: The trailer has a deck assembly that includes a level main deck portion and a tail hinged to the main deck for vertical swinging movement between a level transport position, a downwardly and rearwardly inclined ground-loading position, and an upwardly and rearwardly inclined dock-loading position. Raising and lowering of the tail between such positions is carried out by fore-and-aft movement of the shiftable undercarriage of the trailer, such undercarriage being located under the tail and generally behind the hinge when the trailer is in its roading position with the tail in its transport position. When the undercarriage is shifted forwardly beyond a lost motion segment of travel, the tail is allowed to progressively descend by gravity to its ground-loading position. Returning the undercarriage to its roading position beneath the tail causes the tail to be raised back to its transport position.

Abstract: An animal transporting system for efficiently loading, unloading, sorting, separating and transporting animals within an enclosed structure. The inventive device includes a frame attached to a truck, a ramp movably attached to the frame that is extendable from the frame, a plurality of holding pens within the frame defined by a plurality of partitions, and a plurality of doors pivotally attached to the partitions. Each of the doors are manipulated by an actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder. A stimulator system is positioned within each of the holding pens to humanely encourage an animal to exit the holding pen.

Abstract: An articulating, telescopic ramp for mounting on the top surface of the cargo bed of a truck, trailer or van. A base assembly 20 attaches to the cargo bed. A pivoting frame 40 is pivotally attached to the base assembly. A telescopic frame 60 is positioned on the pivoting frame so that it travels parallel to it. Lifting cylinders 46 attached to the forward end of the pivoting frame and to the forward end of the base assembly lift the forward end of the pivoting frame thus pivoting it relative to the base assembly. A pulling system 90 consisting of a rod less cylinder 93 and a traveling hub 92 is used for loading and unloading cargo on and off the ramp A modified tailgate 122 allows the ramp to reside and telescope forward and aft under it.

Abstract: An elongated hydraulically foldable and elevationally adjustable ramp connectable to a draft vehicle and including leading and trailing ramp sections that are pivotally joined and foldable between an inclined loading position and an upright traveling position, and a ground-bearing pad pivotally connected and depending freely from the ramp at a position forward its center of gravity, such that upon activation of a hydraulic cylinder extending between the trailing and leading ramp sections when in loading position, the ground-bearing pad engages the ground and causes the forward end of the leading ramp section to elevate above the bed level of the trailer to facilitate mounting and removal of the ramp therefrom. The hydraulics for the ramp are self-contained on the ramp for independent operation and positional control without connection to an external source.

Abstract: A stowable load ramp for a vehicle includes a tailgate operable between a closed vertical position and an open horizontal position, an upper panel hingedly attached to the tailgate, a lower panel hingedly attached to the upper panel, and wherein the upper and lower panels are operable between a stowed horizontal position and an extended downwardly angled ramp position.

Abstract: A simple, inexpensive ramp and cargo system is described that is easily mounted to a standard trailer hitch socket of a vehicle with a rear door or hatch, including a minivan. The ramp can be used to load small sized wheeled vehicles, including occupied wheelchairs, into the interior of the vehicle. The ramp and cargo system is carried outside the vehicle and does not decrease the interior space of the vehicle. The ramp and cargo system can optionally serve as a deck attached to the rear of the vehicle to provide additional cargo space. This external deck can be expanded and partially enclosed with two platform pieces and sidewalls. The ramp and cargo system is inexpensive, light-weight, easy to install and remove, and easy to deploy as a ramp.

Abstract: A recreational vehicle carrier for use with a pickup truck having a bed and side walls comprises a first platform adapted to be fixedly mounted to the side walls of the truck and a second platform adapted to be slidably mounted to the side walls and movable therealong. The platforms present generally planar surfaces which extend between the side walls. The second platform is selectably slidable between a first position overlapping the first platform and a second position adjacent the first platform. The vehicle carrier further includes a pair of ramps removably coupled to a lateral edge of the first platform for loading or unloading a recreational vehicle. A vehicle is loaded onto the second platform when the second platform is at the first position and onto the first platform when the second platform is at the second position.

Abstract: A wheeled elevator platform for use in loading and unloading highway trucks from and to a loading dock at a merchandise storage facility. The elevator includes folding ramps, hydraulically operated lifting arms to raise and lower the elevator platform, a plurality of screw jacks to level the platform, and bumpers to absorb the forces of a truck accidentally colliding with the apparatus.

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: The present invention relates to a landscape truck which hauls equipment in the usual way yet doubles as a dump truck for hauling and dumping landscaping supplies. The truck has a conventional frame and drive train and includes a cab, a truck bed mounted to the frame behind the cab and raisable to a dumping position, and a ramp assembly movably attachable to the rear end of the bed. The ramp assembly is selectively moveable between a lowered position, wherein the ramp extends from the truck bed downwardly to the ground to allow equipment to be driven onto the back of the truck, and a raised position wherein the ramp assembly is raised to a position above the bed of the truck to allow the truck bed to be raised to its dumping position.

Abstract: A rail road car has a deck for carrying wheeled vehicles. The vehicles are loaded from the ground by use of a movable ramp that is positioned next to a separate coupler end of the rail road car. The ramp has a locating guide, in the nature of a pair of tapered prongs, that locate in mating sockets in the end of the rail road car. The co-operation of the guides and sockets forces the ramp to align with the deck of the rail road car in a predetermined position, namely aligned centrally with the deck. The ramp has a telescoping, pivoting boom. The boom has a hitch that can be engaged by a towing vehicle, permitting the ramp to be moved into position as desired. The boom can then be collapsed and lowered out of the way of the path of the wheeled vehicles. The boom is counterweighted to facilitate manual operation.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for spanning between a first lower surface and a second relatively elevated upper surface defined by a structure having at least two elongated runners in telescoping relation relative to each other. The ramp assembly includes at least two elongated runners, preferably formed of a light weight structural plastic or aluminum, and an angular support member integral with each end of each runner for engaging the upper surface and lower surface of a platform. Thus, upon extension and placement of the ramp assembly in an inclined orientation relative to such platforms, each end thereof forms a secure and slip resistant attachment to such platform. The assembly can also include an additional runner disposed intermediate between each of the two runners. In this latter assembly configuration, each of two end runners are similarly configured, relative to said intermediate runner, to engage and support the intermediate runner, both in the compact and extended configuration.

Abstract: A public transit vehicle has a passenger entrance ramp at a door way including a support frame for mounting on the vehicle at the doorway carrying a primary ramp panel, a secondary ramp panel and a fixed platform panel. The primary panel is pivotal through 180 degrees between a retracted position inverted within the vehicle and covering the secondary panel and the fixed platform panel and a deployed position in which the primary ramp panel is inclined from an inner edge downwardly and outwardly from the vehicle to an outer edge at the ground. The primary panel is pivoted at its inner edge on an outer edge of the secondary ramp panel pivotal which is in turn pivotal about an inner horizontal axis at its inner edge.

Abstract: An amusement ride vehicle includes a floor deck assembly slideably mounted inside the body of the vehicle when the vehicle is in motion and telescopically extended away from the body toward a loading platform when the vehicle is at rest. A ramp assembly is supported by the floor deck assembly and may be deployed to accommodate a guest in a wheelchair. To promote safety, the ramp and vehicle door preferably have automatic latch mechanisms. Also for safety purposes, if the vehicle door is not completely pushed back or closed in the locked position, an override switch connected to the door release mechanism, prevents the ride from running. To maintain the ride capacity at all times, a companion seat is built into the vehicle body and a conversion seat can be deployed if no guest in a wheelchair is being accommodated.

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 truck bed extension that is convertible into a ramp. The truck bed extension is comprised of three panels, including a back wall and two side walls, which are hinged together to allow the truck bed extension to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a ramp or ladder. The truck bed extension also has a ramp lip, such that the ramp lip acts as an extension of the ramp and is positioned on the extended tailgate of the truck. This ramp lip reduces the angle of incline of the ramp and alleviates “bottoming out” of the wheeled vehicles moving in and out of the truck.

Abstract: A chassis of the rear portion of a front wheel drive vehicle. The chassis includes a generally horizontal base rom which there rearwardly extends a pair of legs. Supported by the legs is a load-receiving bed by means of four hydraulic cylinders. The hydraulic cylinders move the load-receiving bed between a lowered position adjacent a surface supporting the chassis and a raised transport position. A tail gate is attached to the rear of the load-receiving bed.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) for mounting in a low floor bus (22) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly (20) includes a rectangular enclosure (24) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus (22). The ramp assembly (20) includes a reciprocating mechanism (26) for moving a ramp platform (28) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism (26) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform (28) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus (22).

Abstract: A ramp (2) to give wheelchair access to a bus (4) comprises a raisable and lowerable platform (26) pivotably mounted on a supporting frame (14) and a further platform (28) extensible beyond a front end (32) of the platform (26) and retractable relative to that platform. A fluid pressure operated piston and cylinder unit (58) below the ramp is arranged to act between the platforms to extend and retract the platform (28) along a line of action A. The unit (58) acts along a line of action B which is transverse to line A. The supporting frame (14) is U-shaped with horizontal open ended slots (82 and 84) at the front ends of its arms. Similar platform slots are formed in two opposite sides of the platform (26) adjacent its front end (32) and each platform slot coincide with the respective slot (82 or 84) when the platform (26) is in a raised position.

Abstract: An extendable loading floor for a motor vehicle has a supporting element which is fitted to the loading floor and can be adjusted along an associated supporting rail which extends in the pull-out direction and is connected to the vehicle. The loading floor is adjustable between a retracted position and en extended position.

Abstract: An auto latch system for use with a transport vehicle having a rotatable ramp shiftable between a transport disposition and a load disposition, 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 shifting of the ramp from the load disposition to the transport disposition.

Abstract: A freight rack is disclosed for the simple loading and carriage of snowmobiles or the like in the back of a pick-up truck. The disclosed rack comprises a deck section and a retractable ramp section, which can be retracted into a storage position within the deck section. The deck section is pivotally mounted to the existing cargo bed of a pick-up truck near its rear end, such that when the ramp section is extended from the rack, the rack in total can pivot down at its rearward end defined by the extreme end of the ramp section to rest on the ground. Cargo can then be driven up the ramp section onto the deck, at which point the rack will pivot back down into the cargo bed of the truck and the ramp section can be stowed. This design has significant cost and labor efficiencies over those in the prior art.

Abstract: A portable loading ramp for a pickup truck including an elongate hitch mount which is removably attached to a hitch on a pickup truck, and further including first and second ramp members which are hingedly mounted upon the elongate hitch mount, and also including a vehicle support which includes a sleeve support member, a sleeve member attached to the sleeve support member, and a support arm lockably extendable in the sleeve member and having an end which either attaches to the small vehicle to secure the vehicle on the truck box or securely supports the back end of the small vehicle above the floor of the truck box.

Abstract: A storable ramp assembly for use with carrier vehicles such as light van is described herein. The storable ramp comprises a panel assembly hingedly mounted between first and second generally parallel longitudinal end members. The panel assembly includes a plurality of longitudinal intermediate panels hingedly mounted side by side so as to render the panel assembly accordion foldable. The storable ramp assembly further include a deployment mechanism in the form of a pivoting bar pivotally mounted to the first end member and slidably mounted to the second end member. The pivoting bar is used to position the first and second end members between a close and a spaced relationship. When the end members are in a close relationship, the intermediate panels are layered and the ramp assembly is in a storing configuration. Concurrently, when the end members are in a spaced relationship, the intermediate panels are oriented so as to form a generally continuous plane and the ramp assembly is in an operating configuration.

Abstract: A moving system (1) made up of a number of separable but intergratable parts and platform sections (10-90/110-190), including an elastically biased, pivoted, integral end ramp section (10) which is moved down allowing the load (e.g. a copier with “convenience casters”) to be rolled up onto platform sections (40 & 50/140 & 150) for movement from one location to another. Also included are additional parts or sections—in one embodiment or the other a supplemental ramp piece (120), usually stored on the exterior side of the ramp end section (110) when not in use but connectable to the end of the main ramp section to extend the effective ramping distance; a protective pad (30/130) for the ramp end section; a first platform section (40/140); a second platform section (50/150), an auxiliary, pivoting, intermediate braking support member (160); a handle end section (70/170); an extendible handle (80/180); and an interconnecting, ninety (90°) degree, leg section (90/190).

Abstract: A pair of tracks extend between the side frame rails of a minivan, each track having an upper horizontal side, a lower horizontal side, and a vertical side. A powered trolley has a first set of wheels located between the horizontal sides of each track and a second set of wheels engaging the vertical sides of the tracks. A ramp or platform has an inner end coupled to the trolley and an outer end riding on the upper horizontal side of the track. At the outer end of each track, the upper horizontal side angles upwardly away from horizontal, causing the outer end of the ramp to lower when extended.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) for mounting in a low floor bus (22) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly (20) includes a rectangular enclosure (24) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus (22). The ramp assembly (20) includes a reciprocating mechanism (26) for moving a ramp platform (28) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism (26) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform (28) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus (22).

Abstract: Provided herein is a toolbox system especially well suited for use on pickup trucks. The system provides quick and easy access to a wide variety of tools which may be contained in the toolboxes. The assemblies may be modular and are readily loaded and unloaded from the bed portion of a pickup truck. An increased degree of safety and convenience is realized from use of the devices herein set forth.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) for mounting in a low floor bus (22) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly (20) includes a rectangular enclosure (24) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus (22). The ramp assembly (20) includes a reciprocating mechanism (26) for moving a ramp platform (28) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism (26) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform (28) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus (22).

Abstract: A ramp assembly for loading/unloading pickup trucks which includes at least one pair of hinged panel members across which, when fully extended, cargo can be transferred. Mounted on a truck in such a way that both panel members are disposed rearwardly of its open tailgate, the ramp assembly includes a “T”-shaped support and a “L”-shaped hitch arm. In the latter, two branches of disparate length extend perpendicularly to each other. The longer branch is slideably engageable with a conventional class II or, alternately, class III hitch receiver; the shorter terminates in a transverse opening. Prior to use, the “T”-shaped support, upon its having a leg thereof inserted through this opening, is coupled with the shorter branch. Secured atop the support are bearing posts which extend upwardly therefrom and define holes for slideably receiving an elongated shaft.

Abstract: A ramp for use with a service van having a side door step positioned inwardly of a side door. A base plate is secured to the side door step and has the upper end of an upper deck pivotally secured thereto. The upper end of a lower deck is pivotally secured to the lower end of the upper deck with the upper and lower deck is being selectively pivotally movable from a stored position inwardly of the side door of the van to an operative ramp position wherein the ramp extends downwardly and outwardly from the side door of the ramp. The ramp is removably secured to the base plate to enable the upper and lower decks to be removed therefrom. A keeper is provided which extends between the base plate and the lower deck to maintain the upper and lower decks in their stored position.

Abstract: A load supporting assembly for a trailer includes an elongated frame, a platform subassembly having a middle fixed platform section, a pair of front and rear pivotal platform sections being pivotally mounted to the middle fixed platform section and a pair of linkages movably interconnecting the front and rear pivotal platform sections such that the front and rear pivotal platform sections can pivot independently of and automatically relative to one another and to the middle fixed platform section and the frame without the need for any substantial operator intervention and in response to an operator driving a vehicle onto or from the platform assembly. The vehicle in being loaded onto the platform subassembly can push the front pivotal platform section down from the respective raised to lower position thereof without any corresponding movement of the rear pivotal platform section.

Abstract: A ramp assembly is provided. The ramp assembly includes a frame, a ramp platform, and first and second locking mechanisms. The ramp platform is mounted in the frame defining forward and trailing ends, and is extendible and retractable along a length of the frame between a stowed and a deployed position. The ramp platform is arranged such that when deployed the forward end extends down towards the ground. The first locking mechanism locks the ramp platform into a fully deployed position, and the second lock mechanism locks the ramp platform into a fully stowed position. The ramp assembly also includes a manual release mechanism, the actuation of which releases the first locking mechanism when the ramp assembly is in the fully deployed position. The actuation of the manual release mechanism also releases the second locking mechanism when the ramp platform is in the fully stowed position.

Abstract: A side loading transport apparatus for swathers and the like is disclosed comprising a transport vehicle such as a truck or a trailer with one or more load bearing ramps hingably attached along a loading edge thereof, at positions corresponding to the wheel paths of the equipment to be loaded. Each load-bearing ramp has an outboard section that is at least as long as the wheelbase of the wheeled vehicle to be loaded. The swather or equipment can then be driven up onto the load bearing ramp or ramps, and the weight of the equipment will level the load-bearing surface back down onto the transport vehicle—the ramps can be folded up or retracted and the load locked down. No hydraulic or other powered mechanical drive mechanism is needed to raise or lower the load-bearing surface during loading or unloading.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for mounting in a low floor bus or other vehicle. The ramp assembly includes a rectangular enclosure that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus. The ramp assembly includes a reciprocating mechanism for moving a ramp platform between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism raises the trailing end of the ramp platform in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus.

Abstract: A ramp assembly is provided. The ramp assembly includes a frame, a ramp platform, a reciprocating mechanism and first and second levers. The ramp platform is mounted in the frame and defines trailing and forward ends. The reciprocating mechanism extends and retracts the ramp platform along a length of the frame between stowed and deployed positions. The ramp platform is arranged when deployed such that the forward end extends down toward the ground. The first lever has a distal end attached to a first side of the trailing end of the ramp platform. The first lever is configured to rotate as the ramp platform is extended, thereby lifting the first side of the trailing end upward. The second lever includes a distal end attached to a second side of the trailing end of the ramp platform. The second lever is configured to rotate as the ramp platform is extended, thereby lifting the second side of the trailing end upward.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading open top railroad cars, especially hopper cars, comprising a crawler excavator having a pair of tracked treads and a hinged arm with a bucket thereon able to rotate a fill 360 degrees and to move forward and rearward atop the open top railroad cars, an attachment on the crawler with side extensions to hold the crawler atop the rail cars due to the side extensions slidably resting atop the sides of the rail cars and a portable ramp by which the crawler excavator can mount the ends of the cars.

Abstract: A watercraft trailer support skid protection assembly includes a protective sleeve sized and shaped to fit the contoured free end of an existing watercraft support skid. The assembly includes a securing device to hold the sleeve in place on the proximal end of the support skid. The protective sleeve has a low coefficient of friction and cooperates with the main support portion of the support skid. The assembly ensures that a watercraft will be securely held in place during transit, while promoting ease of loading and unloading, when appropriate. In an alternate embodiment of the assembly, the protective sleeve is used as a capping member to protect the contact faces of support bunks associated with a watercraft lifting device.

Abstract: A detachable tail for a trailer which has a pair of female receiving sockets disposed in the trailer and also includes a pair of male extension members attached to the front thereof with pin receiving portions thereon for being received in the pair of female receiving sockets. Pins are operatively provided for being received in a pin receiving portion of the male extension members for holding the tail to the trailer. A rockshaft is provided for holding the pins and moving them in unison between a tail holding position to which these pins are biased and a non-holding position to allow the tail to be removed. A cam locking and moving mechanism is also provided for selectively moving the rockshaft and thereby the pins between the holding position and the non-holding position.

Abstract: A portable ramp for providing a bridge between surfaces of different elevations. The ramp includes a unitary construction which includes a traction plate, foot section and tongue section. The foot section has one or more serrations along a curved surface. The tongue section includes a binder for increased friction at the elevated surface. A safety line and hand hold are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ramp assembly (20) for mounting in a low floor bus (22) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly (20) includes a rectangular enclosure (24) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus (22). The ramp assembly (20) includes a reciprocating mechanism (26) for moving a ramp platform (28) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism (26) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform (28) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus (22).

Abstract: A flip-over ramp assembly is normally stowed in a horizontal position in a recess in a vehicle floor, and can be pivoted upward and outwards to a downward sloping deployed position, after the vehicle door has been opened. The flip-over ramp assembly comprises a mounting enclosure and a ramp which are pivotably connected at their adjacent edges by a hinge which provides a horizontal axis for movement of the ramp between deployed and stowed positions. A driving mechanism comprises an actuator and a driving shaft which is rotatably connected to the actuator. A pair of linkage assemblies are connected to the driving shaft, where the actuator drives the driving shaft which in turn moves the linkage assemblies to lift the ramp to the stowed or deployed position. A positioning cam rotates with the driving shaft for indicating the position of the ramp.

Abstract: A tow dolly arranged for towing a vehicle behind another vehicle. The tow dolly has ramps for receiving wheels of the towed vehicle with the ramps being adjustably mounted such that vehicles of different wheel spacing between the front and/or rear wheels may be accommodated. The wheel assemblies are also adjustably mountable to accommodate either a narrow width vehicle or a wide width vehicle. Multiple bores are provided in the main frame to accommodate the two mounting positions of the wheel ramps to accommodate the mounting of the axle assemblies in the two positions.

Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a ramp. The truck bed extension is comprised of three panels, including a back wall and two side walls, which are hinged together to allow the truck bed extension to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a ramp or ladder. The truck bed extension also has a ramp lip that is rotatably joined by hinges to one of the wall extension sections, such that the ramp lip is foldable against the inside of the side wall extension section when used as a truck bed extension and unfolded as an extension of the ramp and positioned on the extended tailgate of the truck. This ramp lip reduces the angle of incline of the ramp and alleviates "bottoming out" of the wheeled vehicles moving in and out of the truck.

Abstract: A multi-use structure for use in combination with a pickup truck. The structure includes a pair of longitudinal panels, each panel having a number of pocket stakes that are movably adjustable along the bottom edge of the panel to align with the pockets in the sidewalls of a pickup bed. This adjustment allows the panels to be used as sideboards on a variety of pickup truck models that may have various stake pocket spacings. When the situation requires, the panels may be removed from the stake pockets and the panels may be positioned at the rear of the truck and used as ramps. A strap with a lip positioned at one end of each panel extends down to engage the tailgate or bed of the truck to provide a firmer grip when the panels are positioned as ramps. A pair of sleeves attached at one end of one of the panels acts to telescopically connect the panels in end-to-end relationship where the panels may be used as a ladder or bridge.