# US 8,769,823 B1 · Ramp assembly installation method

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 8,769,823 B1
- Document ID: US8769823B1
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B1
- Application number: 13/686,758
- Filed: 2012-11-27
- Granted: 2014-07-08
- Earliest claimed: 2009-10-07
- Assignees: Lift-U, Division of Hogan Mfg., Inc.
- Applicants: David Johnson; Donald Morris
- Inventors: David Johnson; Donald Morris
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8769823B1

## CPC

- B60P 1/433: {the loading floor or a part thereof being movable to form the ramp}
- Y10T 29/49622: Vehicular structural member making
- B60P: VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS (vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances A61G3/00)
- Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

## Abstract

Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and first and second ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as movable mounting blocks, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method of installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle, the vehicle having a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and first and second ramp support members, the method comprising:
affixing one or more mounts to the first ramp support member; thereafter,
moving the ramp assembly with respect to the vehicle well such that a first end of the ramp assembly is supported by the one or more mounts, and a second end of the ramp assembly is supported by the second ramp support member and so as to maintain a vertical position of the ramp assembly, the ramp assembly disposed in a stowed position with a top surface facing upwardly away from the vehicle floor;
adjusting the position of the ramp assembly so that the top surface of the ramp assembly is substantially flush with the vehicle floor; and
securing the second end of the ramp assembly to the second ramp support member.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein moving the ramp assembly includes:
coupling a lifting apparatus to the ramp assembly; and
lowering the ramp assembly with respect to the vehicle well via the lifting apparatus.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the position of the ramp assembly includes placing one or more shims between the second ramp support member and the ramp assembly until the top surface is substantially flush with the vehicle floor.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein adjusting the position of the ramp assembly includes moving vertically the first end of the ramp assembly until the top surface of the ramp assembly is substantially flush with the vehicle floor;
moving the mounts into supporting relationship with the first end of the ramp assembly; and
securing the mounts to the first ramp support member.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the first ramp support member is disposed outboard of the second ramp support member.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the first ramp support member is disposed inboard of the second ramp support member.

### Claim 7

A method of installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle, the vehicle having a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and first and second ramp support members, the method comprising:
affixing one or more mounts to a first end of the ramp assembly; thereafter,
moving the ramp assembly with respect to the vehicle well such that the one or more mounts engage the first ramp support member to support the first end of the ramp assembly, and a second end of the ramp assembly is supported by the second ramp support member and so as to maintain a vertical position of the ramp assembly, the ramp assembly disposed in a stowed position with a top surface facing upwardly away from the vehicle floor;
adjusting the position of the ramp assembly so that the top surface of the ramp assembly is substantially flush with the vehicle floor; and
securing the second end of the ramp assembly to the second ramp support member.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein moving the ramp assembly includes
coupling a lifting apparatus to the ramp assembly; and
lowering the ramp assembly with respect to the vehicle well via the lifting apparatus.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein adjusting the position of the ramp assembly includes placing one or more shims between the second ramp support member and the ramp assembly until the top surface is substantially flush with the vehicle floor.

### Claim 10 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein adjusting the position of the ramp assembly includes moving vertically the first end of the ramp assembly until the top surface of the ramp assembly is substantially flush with the vehicle floor;
moving the mounts into engagement with the first ramp support member; and
securing the mounts to the ramp assembly.

### Claim 11 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein the first ramp support member is disposed outboard of the second ramp support member.

### Claim 12 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein the first ramp support member is disposed inboard of the second ramp support member.