The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 20, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 10, 1999
Alan R. Cohn, Lockeford, CA (US);
Cleatus A. Lewis, Modesto, CA (US);
Curtis J. Simon, Pine Grove, CA (US);
Lift-U, division of Hogan Mfg., Inc., Escalon, CA (US);
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. The ramp assembly also includes a shaft attached to and fixed to rotate with the first and second levers, whereby the first and second sides of the trailing end of the ramp platform are lifted evenly by the first and second levers.