Patent Application
20230383602
This disclosure relates generally to vehicle accessories. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a reconfigurable ladder/ramp for use with a multi-purpose vehicle.
Automobiles, or vehicles, may include both internal and external cargo storage. In some designs, such as cargo vans, the cargo storage may include both enclosed storage space within the vehicle body and storage (e.g., a luggage rack) on the vehicle roof. Loading and unloading such cargo storage may require equipment such as a ladder, for reaching the upper storage rack, or a ramp or lift mechanism, for wheeling or raising/lowering heavy cargo into the enclosed cargo storage.
This disclosure relates to an accessory for use with a multi-purpose vehicle having enclosed and rooftop cargo storage.
In certain embodiments, a ladder/ramp includes a pair of siderails and crossbars extending between the siderails. A plurality of panels are each rotatably mounted between the siderails adjacent to one of a plurality of the crossbars, with each panel selectively rotatable between a closed position substantially aligned with the siderails and an open position extending outwardly from the siderails.
In certain embodiments, a method of forming a ladder/ramp includes providing a pair of siderails with crossbars extending between the siderails, and a plurality of panels each rotatably mounted between the siderails adjacent to one of a plurality of the crossbars. Each panel is selectively rotatable between a closed position substantially aligned with the siderails and an open position extending outwardly from the siderails.
In certain embodiments, a method of adapting a vehicle for use with the ladder/ramp includes providing a vehicle comprising a chassis, wheels mounted to the chassis, a motor mounted to the chassis, and a vehicle body mounted to the chassis. The method also includes providing a ladder/ramp comprising a pair of siderails with crossbars extending between the siderails, and a plurality of panels each rotatably mounted between the siderails adjacent to one of a plurality of the crossbars, wherein each panel is selectively rotatable between a closed position substantially aligned with the siderails and an open position extending outwardly from the siderails. The method further includes mounting a storage rack on top of the vehicle body, the storage rack including a portion configured to hold the ladder/ramp.
In some embodiments, when the panels are in the closed position, the panels and the crossbars collectively form a substantially continuous surface between the siderails on which wheels can be rolled.
In some embodiments, the surface formed by the panels and crossbars includes a non-slip surface.
In some embodiments, the panels snap into place when moved into the closed position to prevent inadvertent movement toward the open position.
In some embodiments, the panels snap into place when moved into the open position to prevent inadvertent movement toward the open position.
In some embodiments, each panel is configured to support at least 250 pounds when the respective panel is in the open position.
In some embodiments, each of the plurality of panels is configured to rotate independently of remaining ones of the plurality of panels.
In some embodiments, first ends of each of the siderails form a support for engaging a portion of the vehicle when the ladder/ramp is used as a ladder and when the ladder/ramp is used as a ramp.
In some embodiments, each of the panels includes a non-slip surface on an upper surface of the respective panel, when the respective panel is in the open position.
In some embodiments, a vehicle configured for use with a ladder/ramp includes a chassis, wheels mounted to the chassis, a motor mounted to the chassis, a vehicle body mounted to the chassis, and a storage rack on top of the vehicle body, with the storage rack including a portion configured to hold the ladder/ramp.
Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts:
In the example illustrated in
A ladder/ramp 102 is provided for use with the vehicle 100. The ladder/ramp 102 includes a pair of parallel, space apart siderails 103 with a plurality of crossbars 104 extending therebetween. Pivotably mounted to each crossbar 104 is a shutter-step 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d, 105e or 105f. The ladder/ramp 102 is illustrated in
The bottom ends of the siderails 103 form feet for the ladder/ramp 102, and the top ends are fitted with a structure 106 for resting on a support on the roof of vehicle 100 proximate to the storage rack 101, or on a side of the vehicle 100, When in use as a ladder, the structure 106 rests on the support on the vehicle 100, and the feet ends of siderails 103 rest on the ground adjacent to the vehicle. The user can climb the ladder to stow or retrieve cargo in the storage rack 101.
When in use as a ramp, the structure 106 rests on the support inside the enclosed cargo storage of the vehicle 100, or on an edge of that enclosure. The ramp thus allows a dolly or wheeled containers to be rolled up into the enclosed storage, or rolled down out of the enclosed storage. While in the configuration illustrated in
It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like. The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.
The description in the present disclosure should not be read as implying that any particular element, step, or function is an essential or critical element that must be included in the claim scope. The scope of patented subject matter is defined only by the allowed claims. Moreover, none of the claims invokes 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) with respect to any of the appended claims or claim elements unless the exact words “means for” or “step for” are explicitly used in the particular claim, followed by a participle phrase identifying a function. Use of terms such as (but not limited to) “mechanism,” “module,” “device,” “unit,” “component,” “element,” “member,” “apparatus,” “machine,” “system,” “processor,” or “controller” within a claim is understood and intended to refer to structures known to those skilled in the relevant art, as further modified or enhanced by the features of the claims themselves, and is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).
While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.
