Operable ramp
First Claim
1. An operable ramp moveable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position, the operable ramp comprising:
- (a) a ramp panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis;
(b) a support rotatable in a first direction and a second direction about a second axis,(c) a cam follower coupled to the support and supportingly engaging a second end of the ramp panel, rotation of the support moving the cam follower along an arcuate path, wherein a weight of the ramp panel does not bias the support to rotate when the operable ramp is in the neutral position, the weight of the ramp biasing the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is between the stowed position and the neutral position;
(d) a drive assembly operably coupled to the support to selectively rotate the support in the first and second direction; and
(e) a stop limiting rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis and a support that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction about a second axis. A cam follower is coupled to the support and supportingly engages a second end of the ramp panel. Rotation of the support moves the cam follower along an arcuate path. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A drive assembly selectively rotates the support in the first and second direction, and a stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. An operable ramp moveable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position, the operable ramp comprising:
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(a) a ramp panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis; (b) a support rotatable in a first direction and a second direction about a second axis, (c) a cam follower coupled to the support and supportingly engaging a second end of the ramp panel, rotation of the support moving the cam follower along an arcuate path, wherein a weight of the ramp panel does not bias the support to rotate when the operable ramp is in the neutral position, the weight of the ramp biasing the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is between the stowed position and the neutral position; (d) a drive assembly operably coupled to the support to selectively rotate the support in the first and second direction; and (e) a stop limiting rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification