CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States patent application serial number 62/544,235 filed on August 11, 2017. The entirety of that application is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to temporary or movable ramps and, more particularly, to a transition plate affixed to the bottom of such ramps to ensure cargo transported on the ramp may roll smoothly and efficiently.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Commercial and consumer vehicles may incorporate a load bed to transport freight, goods, merchandise, personal property, and other such cargo. For example, pick-up trucks are preferred by some drivers owing to their ability to haul any manner of cargo in their load beds. However, in order to provide proper clearance for the chassis to traverse rough or uneven terrain, the load bed on most vehicles is usually elevated, sometimes several feet, from the ground, thereby making it difficult to load and unload heavy objects from such load beds.

[0004] Accordingly, a wide variety of temporary and/or movable ramps have been developed to serve as bridges from the end of the load bed to the surface of the ground. These ramps are particularly helpful when used in combination with wheeled implements (e.g., dolly carts, wagons, small recreational vehicles, bicycles, etc.). Such ramps must be lightweight yet possess sufficient structural integrity to support loads of up to several hundred pounds. These competing requirements often limit the ability to modify or alter the fundamental design of the ramp itself.

[0005] United States Patent 7, 100,231 describes a foldable ramp with a hinge construction specifically designed for increased load capacity. The resulting ramp includes rungs to provide support for items rolled over the surface, while inclined members on each end facilitate movement onto and off of the ramp.

[0006] United States Patent Publication 2007/0199166 discloses a disassembled ramp kit that may be installed on vehicles. The ramp includes end support members that nest within longitudinal channels formed on the side member rails of the ramp itself.

[0007] Both of these examples appear to contemplate end plates that are fixed in nature. Accordingly, the slope remains fixed, so that it does not and cannot adjust for variable heights. Other ramps currently available may omit any transition plate altogether and, in doing so, create a significant elevation change. These abnormally large slopes or elevation changes may make it difficult to more wheeled objects onto and off of the ramp.

[0008] A ramp that automatically adjusted to allow for a smooth transition of items rolling onto/over the ramp is needed. More particularly, a simple, easily adaptable design would be welcomed.

SUMMARY

[0001] The following presents a summary of this disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This summary is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor define any limitations of embodiments or claims. Furthermore, this summary may provide a simplified overview of some aspects that may be described in greater detail in other portions of this disclosure.

[0009] The present disclosure contemplates a self-correcting transition plate assembly that fits to the bottom of any number of styles of temporary or movable ramps (similar to those described above). The assembly may include a pair of brackets having generally aligned, transverse bearings or clevises that receive a single transverse dowel. A pivoting incline may be fitted onto the dowel, and the assembly may be selectively bolted to the ground-facing end of a ramp. Gravity may then allow the incline to pivot to allow for a generally smooth transition between the incline of the ramp and level ground. Further, the assembly may be attached to an inner channel on the side rails of the ramp so as to minimize its profile.

[0010] In one aspect, the present disclosure may include a ramp assembly having any combination of the following features:

• at least one rail including a frame member;

• a bottom transition plate assembly attached to a terminal end of the frame member proximate to where the frame member makes contact with the ground, the bottom transition plate assembly having a plurality of attachment brackets having transversely aligned bearings carrying a dowel passing through the bearings and a pivotable incline carried on the dowel;

• wherein two spaced apart attachment brackets fit within a channel formed on each of two separate frame members;

• wherein each channel is formed on opposed, inner-facing surfaces of each frame member;

• wherein the brackets are affixed to the frame members;

• wherein each transversely aligned bearing is affixed to each bracket; • wherein the dowel is held in place by a fastening system;

• wherein the fastening system includes a washer and locknut assembly;

• wherein the bottom transition plate assembly is selective attached to the frame member and received within the frame member;

• wherein the incline has a wedge shape; and

• wherein the attachment brackets have a P-shape.

[0011] In another aspect, the present disclosure may encompass a transition plate attachable to ramp assembly that includes any combination of the following features:

• at least one bracket having a formed body along a longitudinal axis of the assembly with at least one transverse attachment aperture passing through the body;

• a bearing mount affixed to a terminal edge of the bracket;

• a dowel passing through a bearing aperture formed within the bearing mount along a transverse axis of the assembly;

• an incline carried on and pivotable about the dowel;

• wherein the bracket and the incline individually have a height measured along an axis orthogonal to the transverse axis and wherein the height of the bracket is greater than the height of the incline;

• wherein the incline has a sloping length measured along the longitudinal axis and wherein the sloping length is larger than the height of the bracket;

• wherein the height of the incline is equal or less than one half of the height of the bracket; and

• wherein the incline includes an angle defined by a linear, load-bearing top surface and a substantially linear bottom surface that is less than 15° and greater than 5°. [0012] Specific reference is made to the appended claims, drawings, and description below, all of which disclose elements of the present disclosure. While specific embodiments are identified, it will be understood that elements from one described aspect may be combined with those from a separately identified aspect. In the same manner, a person of ordinary skill will have the requisite understanding of common processes, components, and methods, and this description is intended to encompass and disclose such common aspects even if they are not expressly identified herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Operation of the disclosed embodiments may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. These appended drawings form part of this specification, and any written information in the drawings should be treated as part of this disclosure. In the same manner, the relative positioning and relationship of the components as shown in these drawings, as well as their function, shape, dimensions, and appearance, may all further inform certain aspects of the present disclosure as if fully rewritten herein.

[0014] In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle ramp.

[0016] Figure 2 is a side plan view of the embodiment of a vehicle ramp.

[0017] Figure 3 A is an isolated perspective view of a bottom transition plate assembly.

[0018] Figure 3B is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of Figure 3A.

[0019] Figure 3C is a cross sectional plan view of the assembly of Figure 3A viewed from a transverse edge. [0020] Figure 4 includes perspective (a), side plan (b), and cross sectional (c) views of a bracket as shown in Figure 2.

[0021] Figure 5 includes perspective (a), front plan (b), and cross sectional (c) views of a bearing mount as shown in Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the present disclosure. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] As used herein, the words "example" and "exemplary" mean an instance, or illustration. The words "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word "or" is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase "A employs B or C," includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more" unless context suggest otherwise.

[0024] A ramp 20 is shown in Figure 1 is operatively engaged with a transport vehicle 25. The ramp 20 may include a pair of rail members 22 configured to span from the elevated load bed 30 of the transport vehicle 25 to another surface, such as the ground. The ramp 20 and/or individual rail members 22 may be of any appropriate shape, size, type or configuration, whereby it may extend at an appropriate angle between the transport vehicle 25, and specifically the load bed 30 thereof, and the loading surface 27 such as the ground, at an appropriate angle preferably between 9 and 28 degrees relative to the ground 35.

[0025] The length of ramp 20/rails 22 may be selected for the type of transport vehicle 25 and the desired slope for loading and unloading. By way of a non-limiting example, if the transport vehicle 25 is a typical trailer a length of about six feet may provide a desirable slope, and if the transport vehicle 25 is a light pickup truck a length of about eight feet may provide a desirable slope. It should be understood, however, that the length of the ramp 20/rails 22 may be of any appropriate length, e.g., between four and ten feet or between six and eight feet or any combination of the foregoing.

[0026] Each rail 22 may comprise a pair of parallel frame members 36, 40 having an internally facing channels 44 extending at least a portion of (or fully along) a length each frame member 40. In addition, each frame member 40 may also present with a raised lip along its top edge to better define and constrain the components of each rail 22. Such a raised lip may also prevent rolling loads from moving off the side of the ramp 20. The rails 22 may be formed from any metal or other stiff material, including, without limitation from extruded aluminum.

[0027] Frame members 36, 40 may be of any appropriate shape, such as a general box beam. The spaced apart nature of the members 36, 40 comprising each rail 22 ensures that the inner facing longitudinal channel 44 may receive a plurality of rungs or cross members 54. The fastening of cross members 54 to frame member 40 may be accomplished in any appropriate manner, such as by way of a non-limiting example by pins, rivets, bolts with nuts affixed, welding or any other appropriate type of fastening. Alternatively, the cross members 54 may be integrally or monolithically formed with the frame members 40. The ramp 20, however, is not limited any specific number of cross members 54. The appropriate number of cross members 54 may depend upon the length of the ramp 20 and the width of the cross members 54.

Further, the cross members 54 may be spaced from each other at different distances and may not be evenly spaced, as appropriate.

[0028] The cross members 54 provide surface for rolling loads moving over ramp 20 (i.e., from the load bed 30 to the ground and vice versa). The spacing of cross members 54 may be selected such that it may be substantially less than the wheel diameter of any rolling load that may be loaded or unloaded on the ramp 20. This may allow the wheels to engage successive cross members 54 and "walk" up or down the ramp 20 without falling through.

[0029] The top or vehicle receiving end 60 of each rail 22 may include a transition plate similar to those described in the aforementioned patent documents, all of which are incorporated by reference herein. The inventive, bottom transition plate assembly 100 may be attached or integrated at or proximate to mounting point 102 on opposing or bottom end 58 of each rail 22.

[0030] The pivotable bottom transition plate assembly 100 may be coupled to the end of the rail 22 by way of pre-drilled holes in the side of the rail 22. The holes may be spaced to align with corresponding points on the brackets 180, 182 (as described in greater detail below) to allow bolts or other fasteners to hold the assembly 100 in place. Gravity, working in combination with the rotation of the components of assembly 100, may act to ensure the incline portion 170 is in constant contact with the ground. [0031] As noted above, the ramp 20 bridges the space between an elevated load bed 30 and the ground. The incline of the ramp may be between 5° and 35°, and the ramp itself may have a bowed, curved, or nonlinear shape. The incline serves to smooth the space between the bottom end 58 and the ground. This arrangement avoids any difficulties in rolling a load over the bottom portion, via transition plate assembly 100, onto the ground.

[0032] Figure 2 depicts a particular arrangement in which the ramp 120 is positioned at height H (e.g., 36 inches or approximately 1 m) above the level of the ground. The ramp 20 may have a curved or arching shape, such as 90 inches

(approximately 2.3 m), and may span a linear distance L (e.g., 86.94 inches or approximately 2.2 m) at an angle Al (e.g., 27.5° relative to the horizon and/or flat level ground). If ramp 20 has a bent or arching shape, Al should be measured after curving point B which, while optional, indicates change in the slope of the ramp 20. The incline 170 of the transition plate assembly 100 may extend an additional distance (e.g., 2.6 inches or approximately 0.07 m) beyond the linear distance L so that the assembly 100 has a total length T (e.g., 89.32 inches or approximately 2.3 m). Further, the rolling surface formed on incline 170 extends along an axis to define angle A2 (e.g., 37.9°) with the ground. As such, Al < A2 and H < L < T in this embodiment.

[0033] Any of the foregoing measurements may be normalized to arrive at differing dimensions for all of the components. Alternatively, individual

measurements may be varied by any whole or fractional number up to plus or minus 20% of the disclosed amount. Finally, with respect to all of the Figures containing specific dimensional information, ratios or other numeric relationships are disclosed and embraced by any pair of these disclosed elements. [0034] Notably, the difference in angles Al and A2 is relatively small, i.e., less than 15° and more preferably between 8° and 12° or about 10° (+/- 0.5°). This allows for rolling loads to move with minimal effort from the ramp 20 over the incline 170 and then onto the ground without excessive effort or otherwise encountering a "bump" as might occur if/when the straight edge of a cross member (which would generally align orthogonal to the load bearing surface of the cross member/ramp) were employed. While the disclosed angle for the incline 170 accounts for flat ground, it will be understood that the pivotal nature of the incline 170 relative to the dowel 172 (as described below) allows for smaller or larger angles in the event the ground slopes proximate to the transition point. Also, the gravity-driven nature of the pivoting action means that no biasing member or further user intervention is required.

[0035] The assembly 100 is pictured in greater detail in Figs. 3 A through 3C. A pair of brackets 180, 182 is preferably arranged as cooperating or inward facing C- shapes with an elongated longitudinal body. One or more apertures 184, 186, preferably tapped or threaded, are provided in corresponding transverse directions within the elongated longitudinal body. The section(s) in which the aperture(s) 184, 186are formed may be reinforced or thickened. The length of incline 170 upon which loads are to be rolled should approximate the overall height hh of the bracket 180, with that length preferably being between about 1.25 to about 1.33 times greater than the height hh. In this manner, incline 170 is certain to engage the ground based upon the force of gravity.

[0036] Transversely aligned bearing mounts 190, 192 may be affixed or integrally formed on each of the brackets 180, 182. Apertures 195 in the mounts 190, 192 receive and support a dowel 172 of sufficient strength to tolerate loads anticipated for the overall assembly 100 (and, particularly, rolling loads in excess of several hundred pounds).

[0037] The mounts 190, 192 may possess a rounded, P-shape, or D-shape— with the elongated straight edge of the shape abutting and affixed to the terminal edge of the bracket— to best accommodate the bearing apertures while minimizing materials and maintaining a rounded profile in the event rolling loads may pass over it. An optional cutout 194 in the body may help to minimize the use of metal in areas that may not require the same strength as the load bearing apertures 195. Further, he bearing mounts/apertures 190, 192 must have sufficient thickness along the through- holes to support the dowel 172, the incline 170, and any rolling load that is expected to pass over the two. The edge of mounts 190, 192 may include an angled section aa to facilitate engagement with the ground. This angle aa, when used in certain aspects, may be greater than angle Al and, in some further aspects, angle A2.

[0038] In some embodiments, the brackets 180, 182 may be integrally or monolithically formed with the bearing mounts 190, 192. In such cases, apertures 184, 186 should be formed on a similar or parallel axis to the line defined by the cooperating bearing apertures.

[0039] An incline 170 may be fitted over, formed with, or otherwise attached to the dowel 172 which is positioned in line with transverse axis 195a (which passes through the center of apertures 195). Preferably, the incline 170 rotates freely around the dowel 172 to allow for the incline to respond to gravitational forces to form the desired transition between the bottom rung 158 and the ground level. Thus, the incline 170 may have a bore hole running along one edge. The incline may also be formed as a solid or hollowed wedge or triangular member, with an acute point thereof oriented at the terminal end of the assembly 100 which will contact the ground. [0040] A fastener system, such as a washer 174 and locknut 173, may be affixed to the terminal ends of the dowel 172 after the incline 170 is fitted in its place.

Fastening the assembly 100 ensures the incline is not accidentally displaced.

[0041] The incline 170 may be wedge-shaped. The wedge shape may take any appropriate angle, although the angle should be selected to cooperate with, and ultimately reside between, the range of angles represented by Al that are anticipated for the ramp 20 when it is installed. In some embodiments, the incline is preferably formed at about a 10° to 20° angle (including all whole integers therebetween) to ensure a proper and smooth transition surface.

[0042] The incline 170 should be of equal or lesser height than the height of the brackets 180, 182. More preferably, the maximum height of the incline 170 is about one half of the height of the brackets 180, 182 so as to allow for rotation of the incline to adapt to the ground level. An advantage of this arrangement is that the incline 170 will naturally drop to engage the ground without extending beyond a vertical axis. As such, the incline freely rotates and/or slides into position without the need for the user to apply force to overcome a biasing member. In the same manner, because the dowel 172 and bearing mounts 190, 192 are of sufficient strength to bear loads in their own right, no further reinforcement or support structures may be required.

[0043] The assembly 100 may be attached to and/or received within the frame members 36, 40 to allow for a concealed, streamlined appearance. The tapped mounting apertures 184, 186 may receive screws and/or nut and/or bolt assemblies to ensure a secure fit. The apertures 184, 186 may be formed in a reinforced or thickened section of the brackets 180, 182 to provide greater strength. The spacing between the apertures should be about one third of the total length of the brackets 180, 182 (as seen in Figure 4(b)). [0044] Manufacture and subsequent attachment of the brackets 180, 182 apart from the bearing mounts 190, 192 simplifies the manufacture of the assembly 100 and minimizes associated manufacturing and assembly costs. The dowel 172 and incline 170, along with washer and locknut assemblies 173, 174 or other similar fastening devices, may be shipped in a disassembled and/or separate condition to realize further efficiencies.

[0045] The assembly 100 advantageously may be attached to any number of different style ramps. Further, owing to the attachment mechanism, it may be selectively installed and removed to provide the user with greater versatility.

[0046] Attachment of the various components described herein may be accomplished by fasteners, such as pins, rivets, bolts, and screws, and/or by more permanent metal working means, including welding and/or permanent adhesives. In some aspects, portions and/or combinations of components could be forged, cast, or otherwise machined into the necessary shapes and arrangements.

[0047] All components should be made of materials having sufficient structural integrity to withstand repeated loading and off-loading of items weighing up to several hundred pounds. Materials should be selected for workability, cost, and weight. Steels, aluminum, titanium, and alloys thereof, along with some high strength polymers, have particular utility.

[0048] The assemblies described herein address the foregoing shortcomings of previously known devices. In particular, use of the assembly 100 simplifies the loading and offloading process of rolling cargo moved along the ramp 20. The in-line design makes the resulting ramp 20 unobtrusive, and the gravity based adjustment system instantly adapts to the environment/surface. [0049] Although the present embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present teachings are not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, and numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are also contemplated. The exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, but further modifications and alterations encompass the preceding detailed description. These modifications and alterations also fall within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof. Also, the appended claims are incorporated within this specification as if fully rewritten herein and, and irrespective of the numbering indicated therein, any combination or permutation of the limitations in these claims are included herein.