Ramp assembly with lifting levers

A ramp assembly, comprising:

• a frame;
• a ramp platform mounted in the frame and defining trailing and forward ends;
• a reciprocating mechanism for extending and retracting the ramp platform along a length of the frame between stowed and deployed positions, the ramp platform being arranged when deployed such that the forward end extends down toward the ground;
• a first lever having a distal end attached to the trailing end of the ramp platform, a second end rotatably attached to the reciprocating mechanism, the first lever configured to rotate about the second end as the reciprocating mechanism is extended, thereby lifting the trailing end of the ramp platform upward;
• a first bias spring having a first end attached to the lever so as to bias the trailing end of the ramp platform upward;
• a second lever having a distal end attached to the trailing end of the ramp platform, a second end rotatably attached to the reciprocating mechanism, and an extending surface being proximate to the second end, the second lever configured to rotate about the second end as the reciprocating mechanism is extended, thereby lifting the trailing end of the ramp platform upward;
• and
• a second bias spring having a first end attached to the second lever so as to bias the trailing end upward, wherein the frame includes first and second pins that are engaged by the first and second levers, respectively, when the ramp platform is extended, causing the first and second levers to rotate and lift the trailing end of the ramp platform, wherein the first and second levers each comprise a slot configured to receive the respective pin upon extension of the ramp platform.

A ramp assembly, comprising:

• a frame;
• a ramp platform mounted in the frame and defining trailing and forward ends;
• a reciprocating mechanism for extending and retracting the ramp platform along a length of the frame between stowed and deployed positions, the ramp platform being arranged when deployed such that the forward end extends down toward the ground;
• a first lever having a distal end attached to the trailing end of the ramp platform, a second end rotatably attached to the reciprocating mechanism, the first lever configured to rotate about the second end as the reciprocating mechanism is extended, thereby lifting the trailing end of the ramp platform upward;
• and
• a first bias spring having a first end attached to the lever so as to bias the trailing end of the ramp platform upward wherein the frame includes a first pin that is engaged by the first lever when the ramp platform is extended, causing the first lever to rotate and lift the trailing end of the ramp platform, wherein the first lever comprises a slot configured to receive the first pin upon extension of the ramp platform.