Semi-trailer loading ramp for transporting ATVs
AssigneeOverbye Transport, Inc.
InventorHarold L. Overbye
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In adapting a semi-trailer for hauling ATVs, modular track segments of a predetermined length for conveniently spanning a plurality of longitudinally spaced, transversely extending E-bars that attach to the logistic posts in the side wall of the semi-trailer are arranged to provide an elevated deck structure in the trailer on which additional ATVs can be placed. In order to load both the floor level and the elevated deck level, appropriately sized and configured ramps that extend from ground level to the trailer floor, or alternatively to the elevated deck structure, permit the ATVs to be driven onto the trailer floor or its elevated deck.
Claims10
Apparatus for increasing the load capacity of semi-trailers when transporting motorized four-wheeled vehicles comprising:
- (a) left, center and right modular track assemblies, each comprising a plurality of track modules that are adapted to be supported on regularly spaced E-bars that extend transversely to a longitudinal axis of the trailer and are attached to vertical posts disposed in opposed sidewalls of the trailer approximately midway between a floor and a roof of the trailer, each of the track modules comprising the left, center and right modular track assemblies having a pair of rails of a predetermined length held in parallel, spaced-apart relation by transversely extending deck panels attached to said pair of rails, where a width dimension of the track modules of the center modular track assemblies is generally about two times a width dimension of the track modules comprising the right and left modular track assemblies, and the left, center and right modular track assemblies including a sufficient number of track modules to extend the full length of the trailer;
- and
- (b) a pair of ramps of a predetermined length, adapted to be longitudinally aligned selectively with either the right and center modular track assemblies or the left and center modular track assemblies, with one end of each of the pair of ramps resting on the ground and the other end of each of the ramps connected to a rearmost end of an endmost one of the track modules comprising the right and center modular track assemblies or the left and center modular track assemblies, said predetermined length of said pair of ramps providing a slope allowing the motorized four wheeled vehicles to be driven between the ground and a selected one of the right and center or left and center modular track assemblies.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.