Retractable ramp

A ramp assembly, comprising:

• an elongated frame sized and shaped to extend between a first door on a first side of a vehicle and a second door on a second side of the vehicle and aligned opposite the first door;
• a sectional ramp disposed on the frame and comprising at least a first end section and a second end section;
• and
• a floorplate structure covering the sectional ramp such that the ramp is deployed between the frame and the floorplate structure,
• wherein the sectional ramp is slidably movable along the frame from a stored position to a first deployed position where at least a portion of the first end section extends from the first door of the vehicle at adjustable lengths and angles and a second deployed position where at least a portion of the second end section extends from the second door of the vehicle at adjustable lengths and angles.

A method of retrofitting a railcar with a ramp, the railcar comprising a body with a first side, a second side opposed to the first side, a floor, at least a first door positioned on the first side and a second door positioned on the second side and aligned opposite the first door and seats positioned on the floor of the railcar, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a ramp assembly comprising:
• an elongated frame sized and shaped to extend between the first door and the second door;
• a sectional ramp disposed on the frame and comprising at least a first end section and a second end section;
• and
• a floorplate structure covering the sectional ramp such that the ramp is deployed between the frame and the floorplate structure;
• positioning the elongated frame of the ramp assembly on the floor of the railcar between the first door and the second door aligned opposite each other on opposed sides of the railcar such that the ramp is extendable from the first door or the second door;
• coupling the elongated frame of the ramp assembly to the floor of the railcar;
• and
• coupling a motor driven mechanism positioned on one of a wall surface, ceiling, and floor pocket of the railcar to the ramp assembly for slidably moving the first and second sectional ramps on the frame.