Importance

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Abstract

A movable ramp assembly is provided that can be securely stored and safely and reliably operated. The ramp assembly includes a platform that is conveniently stored to travel with a vehicle and deployed in a motion pattern to allow the passage of passengers across the platform into and out of the vehicle. The motion pattern includes an upwardly inclined motion and a downwardly inclined motion which together accommodate most uneven terrain on which the vehicle may be parked. In the disclosed embodiment, the motion pattern of the platform is faciliated by cam guides formed within side beams of a mounting structure and cam followers provided on bracket arms supporting the platform at one end. As the cam followers follow the cam guides, the platform is pitched upwardly at an incline and then downwardly at an incline when the platform is deployed from storage. As part of the top panel of the mounting structure, a hinged panel is provided, having multiple functions. In the disclosed embodiment, the hinged panel is substantially horizontal when the platform is stored so as to serve as part of the operating passenger floor with the top panel. When the platform is deployed; however, the hinged panel is inclined downwardly to abut a threshold section of the platform at its free end, thereby bridging the platform and the top panel to form an extended ramp surface.

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First Claim