Ramp device for loading and unloading vehicles

Abstract

A ramp is configured to allow a vehicular machine to move from a ground surface to an elevated surface of a transport vehicle. The ramp has a length along a longitudinal direction and includes a first portion, a first web, and a second portion. The first portion includes a first rail and a second rail, each of the first and second rails being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. The first web is positioned on the first portion and includes a first array of raised members arranged so that a first plurality of longitudinal travel paths are defined on the first web between at least some of the raised members of the first array. The second portion is connected to the second rail at a first hinge. The second portion includes a third rail and a fourth rail.

1 . A ramp configured to move a wheeled vehicle or a snowmobile from a ground surface to a bed of a truck or trailer, the ramp comprising:
 a middle portion configured to engage a track of the snowmobile, the middle portion having a first edge and a second edge;   a first portion hingedly connected to the first edge of the middle portion, the first portion configured to engage a first wheel of the vehicle or a first ski of the snowmobile; and   a second portion hingedly connected to the second edge of the middle portion, the second portion configured to engage a second wheel of the vehicle or a second ski of the snowmobile.   
     
     
         2 . The ramp of  claim 1 , and further comprising an engaging mechanism configured to mechanically engage the bed, the engaging mechanism comprising:
 a finger having an uneven exterior surface; and   an overlay configured to fit over an end of the finger and mechanically interlock with the uneven exterior surface of the finger.   
     
     
         3 . The ramp of  claim 1 , and further comprising a ground engaging foot disposed on at least one end of at least one of the first and second edges, the foot comprising a plurality of barbs oriented substantially in a direction transverse to a length of the ramp. 
     
     
         4 . The ramp of  claim 1  and further comprising a stand-off attached to at least one of the middle portion, first portion, and second portion, the stand-off being configured to maintain a gap between the middle portion and the first portion or to maintain a gap between the middle portion and the second portion when the ramp is in a folded configuration. 
     
     
         5 . The ramp of  claim 1 , and further comprising a strap attached to at least one of the middle portion, first portion, and second portion. 
     
     
         6 . The ramp of  claim 5 , and further comprising a retraction mechanism operably attached to the strap. 
     
     
         7 . The ramp of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second portions comprises a web having a plurality of lugs thereon, wherein a plurality of glide channels are defined between at least some of the plurality of lugs. 
     
     
         8 . The ramp of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second portions comprises an external rib located on an outer surface thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The ramp of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a cross bar connecting the first and second edges; and   a grip cover attached to the cross bar.   
     
     
         10 . A ramp configured for use with a vehicular machine to allow the vehicular machine to move from a ground surface to an elevated surface of a transport vehicle, the ramp having a length along a longitudinal direction, the ramp comprising:
 a first portion comprising a first rail and a second rail, each of the first and second rails being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction;   a first web positioned on the first portion and comprising a first plurality of raised members arranged so that a first plurality of longitudinal channels are defined on the first web between at least some of the first plurality of raised members; and   a second portion connected to the second rail at a first hinge, the second portion comprising a third rail and a fourth rail, each of the third and fourth rails being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.   
     
     
         11 . The ramp of  claim 10 , wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of cross bars connecting the third and fourth rails. 
     
     
         12 . The ramp of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a traction enhancing cover located on at least one of the plurality of cross bars; and   a removable fastener configured to attach the traction enhancing cover to the respective cross bar.   
     
     
         13 . The ramp of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a third portion connected to the fourth rail at a second hinge, the third portion comprising a fifth rail and a sixth rail, each of the fifth and sixth rails being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction; and   a second web positioned on the third portion and comprising a second plurality of raised members arranged so that a second plurality of longitudinal channels are defined on the second web between at least some of the second plurality of raised members.   
     
     
         14 . The ramp of  claim 10 , wherein the second portion comprises a second web positioned on the second portion and comprising a second plurality of raised members arranged so that a second plurality of longitudinal channels are defined on the second web between at least some of the second plurality of raised members. 
     
     
         15 . The ramp of  claim 10 , and further comprising a lifting loop attached to at least one of the first and second portions and positioned to extend upward from between the first and second portions. 
     
     
         16 . The ramp of  claim 10 , wherein the ramp is configured to have:
 an open configuration, wherein first surfaces of each of the first and second portions lie in substantially a common plane; and   a folded configuration, wherein the second portion is pivoted about the first hinge so that the first surface of the second portion faces the first surface of the first portion.   
     
     
         17 . The ramp of  claim 10 , wherein the ramp is configured to have:
 an open configuration, wherein first surfaces of each of the first and second portions lie in substantially a common plane; and   a folded configuration, wherein the second portion is pivoted about the first hinge so that the first surface of the second portion faces generally oppositely and away from the first surface of the first portion.   
     
     
         18 . The ramp of  claim 10 , wherein the first hinge comprises:
 a first hinge barrel attached to the first portion;   a second hinge barrel attached to the second portion; and   a removable pin insertable in the first and second hinge barrels.   
     
     
         19 . The ramp of  claim 10 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are substantially mirror images of each other. 
     
     
         20 . The ramp of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the first and second rails comprises a longitudinal rib configured to support the first web.