Liftgate having a side-loadable load platform

Abstract

A liftgate for loading and unloading cargo from a vehicle. The liftgate includes a moveable load platform having a proximal deck section and a distal deck section pivotally coupled to the proximal deck section. A side ramp is pivotally coupled to the distal deck section to facilitate unobstructed side loading and unloading of the distal deck section of the load platform.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A liftgate adapted to be attached to a vehicle for use in loading and unloading cargo from the vehicle, the liftgate comprising:
 a lift mechanism adapted to he be coupled to the vehicle; 
 a load platform having a first deck section and a second deck section, the first deck section being pivotally coupled to the lift mechanism for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, the second deck section being having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the first deck section for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, the second deck section having a distal end a first side edge spaced apart from the proximal end, and a second side edge portion forming a part of a side edge of the platform, 
 a first restraint having a first end and a second end, the first end of the restraint being coupled to the first side edge of the second deck section load platform, the first deck section and the second deck section being selectively moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, the load platform being selectively moveable between a lowered position of and a raised position; 
 a first side ramp coupled to the first side edge portion of the second deck section, the first side ramp being selectively pivotal with respect to the second deck section between an operational position and a stored position wherein the first side ramp overlies the second deck section; 
 wherein when the first side ramp is in the operational position, cargo can he moved between the first side ramp and the load platform without interference by the first restraint thereby enabling side loading and unloading of the load platform; and  
 an end ramp pivotally coupled to the distal end of the second deck section and being selectively pivotal between a stored position wherein the end ramp overlies the second deck section and a use position wherein the end ramp extends outwardly from the second deck section, such that the cargo can be moved between the end ramp and the second deck section when the end ramp is in the use position. 
 
     
     
       2. The liftgate of  claim 1  wherein the first restraint includes a stanchion having a first end pivotally coupled to the second deck section, and a tether having a first end coupled to a second end of the stanchion and a second end coupled to the lift mechanism, the stanchion adapted to engage and support the second deck section when the second deck section is in the extended position while allowing the second deck section to pivot with respect to the first deck section from the extended position to the retracted position of the second deck section. 
     
     
       3. The liftgate of  claim 1  including a tether having a first end coupled to the first deck section and a second end coupled to the lift mechanism, the tether adapted to support the first deck section when the first deck section is in the extended position. 
     
     
       4. The liftgate of  claim 2  wherein the stanchion includes a foot that extends outwardly from the first end of the stanchion, the foot adapted to releasably engage the second deck section when the second deck section is in the extended position to thereby support the second deck section in the extended position. 
     
     
       5. The liftgate of  claim 1  including an actuator coupled to the first deck section, the actuator adapted to selectively pivot the first deck section about the first pivot axis between the extended position and the retracted position of the first deck section, the second deck section adapted to pivot about the second pivot axis with respect to the first deck section as the first deck section pivots about the first pivot axis. 
     
     
       6. The liftgate of  claim 5  wherein the actuator comprises a hydraulic cylinder. 
     
     
       7. The liftgate of  claim 1  including a second side ramp pivotally coupled to the second another side edge of the load platform, the second side ramp being selectively pivotal to an operational position wherein the second side ramp extends outwardly from the load platform such that cargo can be moved between the second side ramp and the load platform when the second side ramp is in the operational position. 
     
     
       8. The liftgate of  claim 1  including a ramp latch, whereby when the first side ramp is pivoted to overlie the second deck section in the stored position and the end ramp is pivoted to overlie the second deck section in the stored position, the ramp latch is adapted to releasably couple the end ramp to the first side ramp and thereby releasably secure the first side ramp and the end ramp in their stored positions. 
     
     
       9. The liftgate of  claim 8  wherein the ramp latch includes a retaining member that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a resilient biasing member adapted to bias the retaining member toward the extended position, and a pivotal lever adapted to move the retaining member to the retracted position and releasably retain the retaining member in the retracted position. 
     
     
       10. The liftgate of  claim 1  wherein the lift mechanism includes a latch adapted to releasably retain the first deck section and the second deck section in their retracted positions. 
     
     
       11. The liftgate of  claim 1  including a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism including a receiver attached to the first deck section and a coupler pivotally coupled to the second deck section, the receiver including an open-end receptacle, the coupler including a pin adapted to be removably received in the receptacle of the receiver to thereby secure the coupler to the receiver, whereby the locking mechanism is adapted to inhibit pivotal movement of the second deck section with respect to the first deck section about the second pivot axis when the pin of the coupler is located within the receptacle of the receiver, and whereby the pin is selectively removable from the receptacle of the receiver to allow pivotal movement of the second deck section with respect to the first deck section about the second pivot axis. 
     
     
       12. The liftgate of  claim 1  including a hinge pivotally coupling the first side ramp to the load platform, the hinge including a link having a first end pivotally coupled to the load platform for pivotal movement of the first side ramp about a third pivot axis and a second end pivotally coupled to the first side ramp for pivotal movement of the first side ramp about a fourth pivot axis. 
     
     
       13. The liftgate of  claim 12  wherein the load platform includes a ledge extending outwardly from the load platform and an abutment member associated with the ledge, whereby an end of the first side ramp is selectively positionable in engagement with the ledge and the abutment member of the load platform such that the first side ramp is releasably retained in a generally upright position. 
     
     
       14. The liftgate of claim  1  7 including a second restraint having a first end and a second end, the first end of the second restraint being coupled to the second other side edge of the load platform, the second restraint adapted to support the load platform. 
     
     
       15. The liftgate of  claim 1  wherein the lift mechanism includes a column adapted to be coupled to the vehicle and a post moveably coupled to the column, the post being selectively moveable between a lowered position and a raised position, the load platform being pivotally coupled to the post. 
     
     
       16. A liftgate adapted to be attached to a vehicle for use in loading and unloading cargo from the vehicle, the liftgate comprising:
 a lift mechanism adapted to be coupled to the vehicle; 
 a load platform having a first deck section and a second deck section, the first deck section being pivotally coupled to the lift mechanism for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, the second deck section being having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the first deck section for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, the second deck section having a distal end a first side edge spaced apart from the proximal end, and a second side edge portion forming a part of a side edge of the platform, 
 a first restraint having a first end and a second end, the first end of the restraint and a first side ramp being coupled to the first side edge of the second deck section load platform, the first deck section and the second deck section being selectively moveable between a retracted position and an extended position the load platform being selectively moveable between a lowered position of the load platform and a raised position of the load platform by the lift mechanism; 
 a first side ramp coupled to the side edge portion of the second deck section, the first side ramp being selectively pivotal with respect to the second deck section wherein when the first side ramp is in an operational position, cargo can be moved between the first side ramp and the load platform without interference by the restraint thereby enabling side loading and unloading of the load platform; 
 a hinge pivotally coupling the first side ramp to the load platform, the hinge including a link having a first end pivotally coupled to the load platform for pivotal movement of the first side ramp about a third pivot axis and a second end pivotally coupled to the first side ramp for pivotal movement of the first side ramp about a fourth pivot axis; and 
 wherein the load platform includes a ledge extending outwardly from the load platform and an abutment member associated with the ledge, whereby an end of the first side ramp is selectively positionable in engagement with the ledge and the abutment member of the load platform such that the first side ramp is releasably retained in a generally upright position; 
 a second side ramp pivotally coupled to a second another side edge of the load platform, the second side ramp being selectively pivotal to a use position wherein the second side ramp extends outwardly from the load platform such that cargo can be moved between the second side ramp and the load platform when the second side ramp is in the use position. 
 
     
     
       17. A liftgate adapted to be attached to a vehicle for use in loading and unloading cargo from the vehicle, the liftgate comprising:
 a lift mechanism adapted to be coupled to the vehicle; 
 a load platform having a first deck section and a second deck section, the first deck section being pivotally coupled to the lift mechanism for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, the second deck section being having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the first deck section for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, the second deck section having a distal end a first side edge spaced apart from the proximal end, and a second side edge portion forming a part of a side edge of the platform, 
 a first restraint having a first end and a second end, the first end of the restraint and a first side ramp being coupled to the first side edge of the second deck section load platform, the first deck section and the second deck section being selectively moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, the load platform being selectively moveable between a lowered position of the load platform and a raised position of the load platform by the lift mechanism; 
 a first side ramp coupled to the side edge portion of the second deck section, the first side ramp pivotally coupled to the second deck section and being selectively pivotal with respect to the second deck section; 
 wherein when the first side ramp is in an operational position cargo can be moved between the first side ramp and the load platform without interference by the restraint thereby enabling side loading and unloading of the load platform; 
 a hinge pivotally coupling the first side ramp to the load platform, the hinge including a link having a first end pivotally coupled to the load platform for pivotal movement of the first side ramp about a third pivot axis and a second end pivotally coupled to the first side ramp for pivotal movement of the first side ramp about a fourth pivot axis; and 
 wherein the load platform includes a ledge extending outwardly from the load platform and an abutment member associated with the ledge, whereby an end of the first side ramp is selectively positionable in engagement with the ledge and the abutment member of the load platform such that the first side ramp is releasably retained in a generally upright position. 
 
     
     
       18. A liftgate adapted to be attached to a vehicle for use in loading and unloading cargo from the vehicle, the liftgate comprising:
 a lift mechanism adapted to be coupled to the vehicle;   a load platform having first and second deck sections, the first deck section being pivotally coupled to the lift mechanism for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis, the second deck section having a proximal end pivotally coupled to the first deck section for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis, a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end, and a side edge portion forming a part of a side edge of the load platform;   a restraint having a first end and a second end, the first end of the restraint being coupled to the side edge of the load platform, the first deck section and the second deck section being selectively moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, the load platform being selectively moveable between a lowered position of and a raised position;   a side ramp coupled to the side edge portion of the second deck section, the side ramp being selectively pivotal with respect to the second deck section between an operational position and a stored position wherein the side ramp overlies the second deck section;   a link pivotally coupling the side ramp to the load platform, the link having a first end pivotally coupled to the load platform for pivotal movement of the side ramp about a third pivot axis and a second end pivotally coupled to the side ramp for pivotal movement of the side ramp about a fourth pivot axis;   an end ramp pivotally coupled to the distal end of the second deck section and being selectively pivotal between a stored position wherein the end ramp overlies the second deck section and a use position wherein the end ramp extends outwardly from the second deck section, such that the cargo can be moved between the end ramp and the second deck section when the end ramp is in the use position; and   wherein when the side ramp is in the operational position, cargo can he moved between the side ramp and the load platform without interference by the restraint thereby enabling side loading and unloading of the load platform.