Telescoping reach rod for gate and ramp device with lift deck

Abstract

A drop center livestock trailer is provided with a deck which is vertically adjustable within the trailer body to two separate positions for accommodating various forms of livestock and freight. A sectional gate structure which extends for either the full or a part of the inside trailer width is incorporated in the trailer for assuming a first position in which it acts as a gate limiting the movement of livestock in the trailer and a second position wherein it supports a ramp for facilitating the loading and unloading of the livestock. The ram is pivotally attached to one end of the movable deck and is supported by a lower section of the sectional gate structure. The ramp is allowed to drop from its normal horizontal to an inclined position by moving the lower section of the gate structure to an inclined position. Connected to the lower gate section is an upper gate section which is pivotally connected to the sidewalls of the trailer. The upper gate section is connected to the lower section by a connecting rod so that the lower section is rotated from its normal vertical position to the inclined position. The connecting rod consists of two telescopingly related portions and is capable of assuming two positions for adjusting the effective length thereof. In this manner, the angle of inclination of the lower section of the gas structure is adjustable for supporting the ramp when the movable deck is in each of the two positions which it is capable of assuming.