881results about "Vehicle with loading ramp" patented technology

A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it. In another embodiment, a retractable vehicle step assist comprises a rigid frame, a forward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a forward upper connection width, and a rearward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a rearward upper connection width. The retractable vehicle step further comprises a rigid step member having a stepping deck. The step member is pivotably connected to the forward planar linkage along a forward lower connection width, and is pivotably connected to the rearward planar linkage along a rearward lower connection width and on a side of the forward planar linkage opposite the stepping deck. The stepping deck is substantially wider than any of the forward upper connection width, the rearward upper connection width, the forward lower connection width, and the rearward lower connection width.

A high-voltage equipment component is disposed in a recessed accommodating portion which is formed on a vehicle body floor in such a manner as to be recessed downwardly. The high-voltage equipment component is accommodated in the recessed accommodating portion in a suspended state via a sub-assembly frame which is supported on the vehicle body floor. A heat insulating member for forming a flow path for allowing cooling air to flow towards the high-voltage equipment component is interposed between the high-voltage equipment component and a bottom portion of the recessed accommodating portion.

A ramp, for instance a walk ramp for pets, such as dogs, includes an elongated walk bridge (1) which is intended to be placed so as to slope between two height levels. The bridge includes two parts (10, 11) which are mutually sequential in the longitudinal direction of the bridge and which are mutually connected via a hinge means (18) which in one swinging direction has an end position in which the walk surfaces of said parts (10, 11) are essentially parallel and in a common plane, and which in its other swinging direction enable the parts (10, 11) to be folded to essential parallelity. When the bridge is extended or unfolded, a join gap between the parts (10, 11) on the upper load-carrying side of the bridge will be covered by a cover plate (4), which has an edge part that is fastened to one bridge part (10) and extends generally transversely over the width of the bridge (1). The opposite edge part of the cover plate (4) is free in the folded state of the bridge and projects out beyond the ends of said bridge parts (10, 11). The free edge part of the cover plate has an opening (41) which, when the bridge is extended or unfolded, is spaced from the join (17, 17) between parts such as to form a bridge carrying handle (42).

A ramp assembly (20) having a frame attachable to a vehicle having a floor is disclosed. The ramp assembly further includes 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. The ramp assembly also includes 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 load. The reciprocating mechanism counterbalancing the weight of the ramp during actuation of the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions to reduce the load required to reciprocate the ramp between the deployed and stowed positions.

The vehicle is provided with a loading platform (5) behind the driver's position, and with longitudinal structures which may be raised and retracted, on which are provided a number of rollers (8) with horizontal, parallel shafts which are transverse to the vehicle, on which loads may slide when these rollers are raised. It is also provided with a pair of multi-purpose plates (11), which when not needed are placed in the rear, lower area of the vehicle or behind the roll bar, and which may be coupled to either of the vehicle's sides or to its rear, so that they rest on the ground and provide loading and unloading ramps, while when they are placed on top of the platform they can increase its useful surface, or a lateral wall, depending on the position of these plates. In the center of the loading platform is also provided a large receptacle (16), closed by a pair of doors which have padding (27) on their inner surface, thereby providing seats for when persons must be carried.

Transport accessories useable with a vehicle for supporting cargo and a method of loading cargo onto a transport accessory useable with a vehicle. In one embodiment, the transport accessory includes a base frame connectable to the vehicle, a second frame slidably connected to the base frame and movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the base frame, a carriage pivotally connected to the second frame and pivotable between a substantially horizontal position and an inclined position relative to the second frame, a support frame rigidly connected to the carriage and pivotal therewith between the substantially horizontal position and the inclined position and a transport platform slidably connected to the support frame and slidable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the support frame. Cargo is loadable on and unloadable from the transport platform when the transport platform is in the extended position.

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.

A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.

A blind spot detector system adapted to the exterior of a vehicle comprising at least one infrared light emitting diode (LED), an infrared photodetector and demodulator, and a microcontroller. The output power of the infrared transmitter is linearly modulated, enabling the blind spot detector to determine the proximity of the detected object. Furthermore, the transmitter output is frequency modulated to screen out random infrared radiation that might adversely affect the operation of the infrared photodetector. The system is calibrated to the position of the attached vehicle by linearly increasing the output power of the transmitter until the rear quadrant of the vehicle is detected when the transmitter is outputting power at a pre-determined calibration level. During normal operation, an object detected while the transmitted power is greater than a predetermined lower threshold and less than the calibration level will activate a LED indicator on the system housing.

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.

A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.

A tiltable cargo box assembly for mounting on a vehicle, supporting a load, and transporting the load into and out / of the vehicle and includes a cargo box adapted for receiving the load therein. An attachment assembly is connected to a rear end of the box for pivotally mounting the box to the vehicle adjacent a rear axle thereof. A ramp assembly for carrying the load is slidably mounted to a floor of the box for reciprocating movement between extended and retracted positions relative to the floor. An actuator is mounted toward a forward end of the box intermediate the attachment assembly and a forward axle of the vehicle for being operatively connected to a power source of the vehicle and cooperates with the attachment assembly for moving the forward end between a lowered position and an elevated position wherein the floor is tilted at an angle relative to the lowered position for permitting the load to be transported into and out of the box.

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.

A controller, control system and method for controlling an auxiliary device comprising a wheelchair lift, ramp, or the like are provided. An exemplary embodiment of the auxiliary device controller is microprocessor-based and communicates with a vehicle's OEM controller for receiving a plurality of sensor inputs, which originate from OEM and auxiliary sensors, process the sensor inputs, and control various OEM and auxiliary systems relative to the sensor inputs to effect a number of safety interlocks. The controller may operate to coordinate various OEM and auxiliary subsystems to automate auxiliary device operation to reduce operator error.

A retractable step for use with a vehicle comprises a stepping member having a stepping deck, a first arm, a second arm, a motor and a stop. The first arm has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The second arm also has a first end pivotally attached to the vehicle, and a second end pivotally attached to the stepping member. The motor is drivingly connected to the first arm such that a rotation of the motor causes rotation of the first arm about its first end and moves the stepping member from a retracted position to an extended position, or vice versa. The stop is located within the range of motion of the second arm such that the second arm bears against the stop when the stepping member is in the extended position. The first and second arms are situated such that the first arm is loaded in compression and the second arm is loaded in tension when the stepping member is in the extended position and a load is placed upon it. In another embodiment, a retractable vehicle step assist comprises a rigid frame, a forward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a forward upper connection width, and a rearward planar linkage pivotably connected to the frame along a rearward upper connection width. The retractable vehicle step further comprises a rigid step member having a stepping deck. The step member is pivotably connected to the forward planar linkage along a forward lower connection width, and is pivotably connected to the rearward planar linkage along a rearward lower connection width and on a side of the forward planar linkage opposite the stepping deck. The stepping deck is substantially wider than any of the forward upper connection width, the rearward upper connection width, the forward lower connection width, and the rearward lower connection width.

The present invention provides an assembly for extending the bed of a pickup truck, having a hitch receiver and a down folded tailgate past the end of tailgate and providing a ramp function. By supporting the assembly by both an attachment to the hitch receiver and supporting the assembly on the down folded tailgate the assembly can support more weight and at greater distances and angles the previous bed extenders and ramp combinations.

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.

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.

A running board system is provided for the light truck market, where a beam of the running board is removable to double as a ramp. For example, a single one of these beams can be used to guide a motorcycle onto a truck bed, or alternatively a pair of these removable beams can be used to provide a ramp for guiding a two wheel cart (e.g., hand truck), four wheel vehicle, or snowmobile onto the truck bed. Optionally, the beam includes lockable storage and / or includes brackets for securement of the beam(s) to the truck's tailgate when used as a ramp.

A mobile scanner is disclosed and may include a frame. A front axle and a rear axle may be attached to the frame. The front axle may include a first tire / wheel assembly mounted thereon and a second tire / wheel assembly mounted thereon. Further, the rear axle may include a first tire / wheel assembly mounted thereon and a second tire / wheel assembly mounted thereon. Moreover, a cab may be mounted on the frame and a body may be mounted on the frame adjacent to the cab. A volumetric document scanner may be disposed within the body. The volumetric document scanner may be configured to use x-ray computed tomography in order to scan documents and create a three-dimensional data set representing the documents.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards systems and methods for providing improved access to vehicles for physically challenged individuals. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheelchair access system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a first track and a second track, the first and second tracks being located on opposite sides of the frame assembly. The system also includes a ramp formed of a porous structural member disposed between a first skin member and a second skin member. The ramp has a first edge portion with one or more rollers attached thereto and a second edge portion having one or more rollers attached thereto. The one or more rollers on the first and second edge portions travel within the first and second tracks, respectively, of the frame assembly. The system further includes a drive motor engaging a first rotatable drum member and a second rotatable drum member. The drive motor is configured to rotate the first and second drum members in first and second directions based on a direction of a current flowing through the drive motor. The system still further includes a first cable engaging the first drum member and a second cable engaging the second drum member. The first and second cables are coupled to the ramp such that the first and second cables move the ramp from a stowed position to a deployed position during rotation of the first and second drum members in the first direction.

The invention provides a light transport vehicle useful for transporting children and cargo. The transport vehicle may be used as a bicycle trailer, a stroller, a jogger, a sled or other configuration and may be convertible therebetween. The transport vehicle comprising: a folding mechanism allowing the transport vehicle to easily folds into compact size, a hitch for connecting to a bicycle, an adjustable suspension system for a smoother ride for the occupants and cargo, and an attachment receiver to accept conversion attachments.

One embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for lifting a vehicle. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for lifting a vehicle. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a structure with an integrated cable, strap, chain or the like for the purpose of vehicle lifting.

The present invention provides a rearrangable vehicle tailgate for transporting an item within a bed of a vehicle, including a first and third section separated by a second section, the first and third section secured to a tailgate receiver associated with the vehicle and providing access to the bed, an enclosed compartment associated with each of sections and configured to receive a removable internal structure, where at least one controller is secured to the enclosed compartment by the removable internal structure and configured for receiving and storing an item during transport by the vehicle.

An apparatus and method for securing a ramp to a cargo carrier having a receiver hitch and a loading surface are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an engaging member configured to engage the receiver hitch of the cargo carrier; a cross support attached to the engaging member, wherein the cross support has a plurality of mounting brackets mounted thereto; at least two locking members attached to opposite ends of the cross support and extend vertically therefrom, wherein each locking member has an aperture configured to slideably receive a ramp locking pin; and a plurality of telescopic arms attached to the mounting brackets, wherein each telescopic arm has an inner portion and an outer portion, wherein the outer portion and inner portion have at least one set of apertures for slideably receiving a ramp locking pin, wherein the inner portion is configured to attach to at least one ramp.

A modular ramp and cargo box extension assembly is provided for use in connection with a pickup truck cargo box. The ramp assembly has a ramp connector assembly provided on the vehicle tailgate and ramps having a connector for connecting to the ramp connector to serve as loading ramps. The ramp connector has a pivoting clevis bracket and tangs that connects into a channel on the tailgate. Vertical tracks are provided proximate walls of the cargo box and rails are provided in the tracks to retain the ramps and move between retracted and extended positions so as to extend the height of the cargo box.

An accessibility system for providing access into or out of a vehicle includes a pan defining a securement area. The pan includes a first end, a second end, and a support surface. A ramp assembly includes a first segment and a second segment hingedly coupled to the first segment. The ramp assembly is pivotally coupled to and deployable from the pan near the second end. A tailgate assembly is detachably secured and pivotally coupled to the pan such that during deployment of the ramp assembly, the ramp assembly is pivotable about a first axis and the tailgate assembly is pivotable about a second axis parallel to and offset from the first axis.

A loading / unloading device for attachment to a trailer hitch receive of a vehicle. The loading / unloading device comprises a main frame which has a leading section sized to matingly engage with the trailer hitch receiver of the trailer hitch and a ramp pivotly attached to the main frame such that a first portion of the ramp can, during use, matingly engage with a tailgate of a vehicle while the second opposed end of the ramp can engage with the ground surface. A removable adjustable member is located between the ramp and the main frame for transferring weight from the ramp onto the main frame as an off-road vehicle is loaded and unloaded from a vehicle using the loading / unloading device.

The invention is a paint caddy for performing painting activities adapted for use by a skilled painter. The paint caddy includes a rigid frame having a lower and an upper support member vertically separated by upright corner members. The lower support member extends beyond the upper support member to form a platform area upon which a five gallon paint container can be stored. The upper support member is molded in the form of a paint tray in which an optional liner may be fitted. The lower support member provides compartments for storage of paint tools and accessories. Four caster wheels are appropriately attached to the lower support member so that the paint caddy can be wheeled from a service vehicle to a specific job site having stored therein the painter's tools, as well as taking into account ergonomic considerations for all necessary material supplies to perform daily paint activities.