Folding ramp system
AssigneeGM Global Technology Operations LLC
InventorsMark Drabik, Kenneth Hollewa, Brian Harrod, David Mitchenall, Jay Ovenshire
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A pair of folding ramps each of which having a hinge connecting a first ramp section pivotally to a second ramp section. When in a fully unfolded state, structural support adjacent the hinge is provided by a tension cable assembly composed of a tension cable connecting to the first and second ramp sections and passing over an end of a mast, wherein the mast is connected with the hinge so as to be pivotal with respect to the first and second ramp sections. When in a fully folded state, the folding ramps are stored within a ramp storage receptacle of a tail gate.
Claims18
A folding ramp, comprising:
- a first ramp section having an underside;
- a second ramp section having an underside;
- a hinge pivotally connecting said first ramp section to said second ramp section;
- and
- a tension cable assembly located at said underside of said first and second ramp sections, said tension cable assembly comprising:
- a tension cable having a first end connected to said first ramp section adjacent a distal end thereof, and a second end connected to said second ramp section adjacent a distal end thereof;
- and
- a mast having a base connected to said hinge in pivotal relation to both of said first and second sections, said mast having an end opposite said base at which said tension cable is generally located;
- wherein said first and second ramp sections are foldable between a fully folded state of the folding ramp and a fully unfolded state of the folding ramp;
- and
- wherein when said first and second ramp sections are in said fully unfolded state of the folding ramp, said tension cable is substantially taught.
A folding ramp system, comprising:
- a motor vehicle tail gate, said tail gate having a ramp storage receptacle formed therein;
- and
- a pair of folding ramps, each folding ramp of said pair of folding ramps comprising:
- a first ramp section having an underside;
- a second ramp section having an underside;
- a hinge pivotally connecting said first ramp section to said second ramp section;
- and
- a tension cable assembly located at said underside of said first and second ramp sections, said tension cable assembly comprising:
- a tension cable having a first end connected to said first ramp section adjacent a distal end thereof, and a second end connected to said second ramp section adjacent a distal end thereof;
- and
- a mast having a base connected to said hinge in pivotal relation to both of said first and second sections, said mast having an end opposite said base at which said tension cable is generally located;
- wherein said first and second ramp sections are foldable between a fully folded state of the folding ramp and a fully unfolded state of the folding ramp;
- and wherein when said first and second ramp sections are in said fully unfolded state of the folding ramp, said tension cable is substantially taught;
- and
- wherein said ramp storage receptacle is dimensioned to receive thereinto said first and second folding ramps when said first and second folding ramps are in said fully folded state.
A folding ramp system, comprising:
- a motor vehicle tail gate, said tail gate having a ramp storage receptacle formed therein;
- an access panel pivotally connected with said tail gate, said access panel selectively covering said ramp storage receptacle;
- and
- a pair of folding ramps, each folding ramp of said pair of folding ramps comprising:
- a first ramp section;
- a second ramp section;
- and
- a hinge pivotally connecting said first ramp section to said second ramp section;
- wherein said first and second ramp sections are foldable between a fully folded state of the folding ramp and a fully unfolded state of the folding ramp;
- and
- wherein said ramp storage receptacle is dimensioned to receive thereinto said first and second folding ramps when said first and second folding ramps are in said fully folded state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.