Liftgate having a side-loadable load platform
AssigneeAnthony Liftgates, Inc.
InventorThomas Walker
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims20
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 proximal end coupled to the lift mechanism, a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end, a first side edge extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the load platform, and a second side edge extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the load platform, 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 restraint having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first restraint being coupled to the first side edge of the load platform, the first restraint adapted to support the load platform;
- and
- a first side ramp pivotally coupled to the first side edge of the load platform between the first end of the restraint and the distal end of the load platform, the first side ramp being selectively pivotal with respect to the load platform to an operational position wherein the first side ramp extends outwardly from the load platform;
- whereby when the first side ramp is in the 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 liftgate adapted to be attached to a vehicle for use in loading and unloading cargo from the vehicle, the liftgate comprising:
- a load platform having a proximal deck section and a distal deck section, the proximal deck section adapted to be pivoted about a first pivot axis, the distal deck section being pivotally coupled to the proximal deck section for pivotal movement about a second pivot axis with respect to the proximal deck section, the distal deck section including a side edge and a distal edge;
- a restraint having a first end and a second end, the first end of the restraint being coupled to the side edge of the distal deck section, the restraint adapted to support the distal deck section;
- and
- a side ramp pivotally coupled to the side edge of the distal deck section, the side ramp being selectively pivotal about a third pivot axis to an operational position;
- whereby when the side ramp is in the operational position cargo can be moved between the side ramp and the distal deck section without interference by the restraint thereby enabling side loading and unloading of the distal deck section.
The liftgate of claim 20 wherein the restraint includes a stanchion having a first end pivotally coupled to the distal deck section and a second end, and a tether coupled to the second end of the stanchion, the stanchion adapted to support the distal deck section, the side ramp being located between the stanchion and the distal edge of the distal deck section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.