Tailgate ramp system

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/369,252, filed Feb. 18, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,834,903.

[0002] This invention relates generally to vehicle tailgates and, more particularly, to a tailgate ramp system for providing convenient access to a pickup bed and safe loading/unloading of all-terrain or similar vehicles.

[0003] Loading ramps for vehicles have been in use for years. A conventional loading ramp includes an elongate rigid structure that extends or is extensible between the vehicle and a ground surface at an angle for loading an ATV, lawnmower, or the like.

[0004] Various devices have been proposed in the art for loading wheeled vehicles, such as ATV's, into the bed of a pickup. Examples of patented proposals include U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,149 to Boone; U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,058 to Otis; U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,335 to Johns; U.S. Pat. No. 4,750,777 to Brammer; U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,474 to Holland; U.S. Pat. No. 5,685,594 to Harper; U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,523 to Clark et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 2,806,735 to Smith; U.S. Pat. No. 399,468 to Lund et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,638 to Pool, III; U.S. Pat. No. 5,211,437 to Gerulf; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,725 to Cole.

[0005] Although assumably effective for their intended purposes, the existing devices occupy a significant amount of storage space within the pickup bed or, perhaps, are too long for the bed and must be propped up on the pickup's tailgate. Another problem with existing devices is that the ramps or other cargo are not easily accessible when the conventional pickup tailgate is in a closed configuration. A still further problem is that conventional ramps are unstable and may fall or become misaligned while loading/unloading an ATV.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to have a tailgate ramp system that incorporates a pair of ramp units in a split tailgate configuration so as to allow convenient pickup bed access when the ramp units are not being used for loading or unloading. Further, it is desirable to have a tailgate ramp system that provides quick and eassy conversion of the tailgate sections into extendable ramp sections when loading/unloading of an ATV is desired.

[0007] A tailgate ramp system according to the present invention includes a pair of ramp units mounted within a frame installed upon a pickup truck bed. The ramp units act as tailgate sections and are independently mounted to the frame and operable for easy access to cargo stored in the truck bed. The ramp units are rotatably mounted to the main frame for swingable movement within a horizontal plane between open and closed tailgate configurations. Each ramp unit is also pivotally mounted to the frame for independent movement between vertical and horizontal configurations. This movement moves the ramp units between a tailgate-use configuration and a ramp-use configuration. Each ramp unit includes a plurality of ramp sections that are outwardly extendable so as to form an elongate ramp. The ramp sections are coupled to the frame so as not to fall down during use. The ramp sections include cross-members and a grate so as to support the wheels of a vehicle during loading/unloading thereof.

[0008] Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a tailgate ramp system that is safe and convenient for loading/unloading all-terrain vehicles.

[0009] Another object of this invention is to provide a tailgate ramp system, as aforesaid, that operates as a tailgate and as loading ramps.

[0010] Still another object of this invention is to provide a tailgate ramp system, as aforesaid, that provides easy access to the interior of a pickup box without having to lower or lift a tailgate.

[0011] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

[0031] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 10 illustrate a tailgate ramp system 10 according to one embodiment of the invention, which comprises a pair of telescoping structures pivotally attached to a pickup box 12, wherein each telescoping structure is comprised of a frame structure 20 and a plurality of telescoping sections slidably positioned within the frame structure 20. The telescoping sections have cross members for supporting the wheels of a vehicle during loading/unloading thereof. It should be appreciated that the tailgate ramp system 10 described herein and various embodiments thereof may also be attached to and utilized with a trailer or other vehicles typically.

[0032] FIGS. 1 through 7 illustrate the main frame 18 of the present invention. The main frame 18 of the present invention has a U-shaped configuration that is pivotally retained within the rear of a pickup box 12 similar to a conventional tailgate with the lower pivot shafts received within receivers within the pickup box 12. The main frame 18 further includes a pair of latching mechanisms on both sides of the main frame 18 for selectively retaining the main frame 18 within a closed position upon the pickup box 12. The main frame 18 preferably has a hollow central portion for receiving the telescoping structures.

[0033] FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings illustrate the pair of telescoping structures that are rotatably and pivotally attached within the main frame 18. The telescoping structures preferably are rotatably attached to the main frame 18 to rotate within a horizontal plane as shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. The telescoping structures are also rotatably positioned within the main frame 18 to rotate along a vertical plane as shown in FIGS. 2 through 6 of the drawings.

[0034] The telescoping structures each have a frame structure 20 that has a pair of opposing frame channels 26 as shown in FIGS. 1 through 7 of the drawings. One or more grate members 24 are positioned within the frame structure 20 as best illustrated in FIGS. 3 through 6 of the drawings. Various other structures may be utilized instead of the grate members 24 such as bar members and the like.

[0035] A plurality of sections 30, 40, 50, 60 are telescopically supported within the frame structure 20. The sections 30, 40, 50, 60 each have a plurality of roller members 70 extending from the sides thereof and a corresponding plurality of cross members 32, 42, 52, 62 for supporting the wheels of the vehicle during loading/unloading as shown in FIG. 6 of the drawings. The cross members 32, 42, 52, 62 preferably have a U-shaped structure which may also be inverted as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings.

[0036] There can be various numbers of sections 30, 40, 50, 60 as desired. Each of the sections 30, 40, 50, 60 is slidably retained within the other. The sections 30, 40, 50, 60 each have interior channels that receive the roller members 70 from the section as best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 9 of the drawings. The cross members 32, 42, 52, 62 are sized to allow for the contraction of the plurality of sections 30,40,50,60 without interference. The end of the sections 30, 40, 50, 60 preferably receives an end member for engaging the ground surface or other structure to load from or to.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 9 of the drawings, the first section 30 has a single set of roller members 70 that are retained within the frame channels 26. The roller members 70 are retained within the frame channels 26 by a stopper member or similar stopping device within the frame channels 26. The first section 30 is able to pivot along with sliding with respect to the frame structure as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings.

[0038] The first section 30 has a larger width than the second section 30 as best illustrated in FIG. 9 of the drawings. The first section 30 defines channels within that receive roller members 70 extending from the second section 40. The second section 40 preferably has two sets of roller members within a distal end thereof for retaining a relatively parallel structure with respect to the first section 30 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings. The second section 40 further preferably includes another set of roller members 70 at the opposing end thereof for guiding the second section within the channels of the first section 30.

[0039] The second section 40 has a larger width than the third section 50 as best illustrated in FIG. 9 of the drawings. The second section 40 defines channels within that receive roller members 70 extending from the third section 50. The third section 50 preferably has two sets of roller members within a distal end thereof for retaining a relatively parallel structure with respect to the second section 40 as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 of the drawings. The fourth section 60 further preferably includes the end member 64 attached thereto.

[0040] A securing structure 21 is attached to the frame structures 20 for allowing securing of the frame structures 20 within the main frame 18 as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings thereby preventing rotation of the frame structures 20. The securing structure 21 is preferably comprised of a shaft member with a spring attached that is received within an aperture of the main frame 18 as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. Upper retaining structures prevent the frame structures 20 from pivoting along a vertical plane. A pair of support members 22 prevent the frame structures 20 from pivoting past a horizontal plane as best illustrated in FIG. 2 of the drawings.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative use of the present invention comprising a pair of upper members 23 that attach between the pickup box 12 and the upper end of the frame structures 20 when positioned vertically. This alternative use allows for the pickup box 12 to be effectively lengthened.

[0042] A tailgate ramp system 80 according to a now preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with specific reference to FIGS. 11 through 17e of the accompanying drawings. The tailgate ramp system 80 includes a construction substantially similar to the construction of the tailgate ramp system 10 first described except as specifically noted below. In this embodiment of the tailgate ramp system 80, a main frame 82 includes a pair of opposed vertical side members 84 with a base member 90 extending between lower ends 86 of the side members 84 (FIG. 13). The side members 84 and base member 90 form a generally U-shaped configuration. The side and base members are maintained in a fixed position within a pickup box. Again, it should be appreciated that the tailgate main frame 82 may be attached to and utilized with a trailer or other vehicle to which tailgates or ramps may be used.

[0043] The main frame 82 of the tailgate ramp system 80 includes a pair of pivot bars 92 mounted to respective side members 84. More particularly, each pivot bar 92 has a lower end 94 pivotally coupled to the lower end 86 of a respective side member. Each pivot bar 92 includes an upper end 96 releasably coupled to an upper end 88 of the respective side member 84 such as with a latch 98, pin, or the like. Each pivot bar 92, therefore, is pivotally movable between a vertical configuration (FIG. 1) and a horizontal configuration (FIG. 2). The significance of this adjustability will be further described later.

[0044] Further, the tailgate ramp system 80 includes a pair of ramp units 100. Each ramp unit 100 includes a plurality of ramp sections pivotally coupled to one another so as to be movable between folded and unfolded configurations. More particularly, each ramp unit 100 includes a first ramp section 102 having a first edge 104 rotatably coupled to a respective pivot bar 92 with a collar 108 or similar coupling. This attachment also enables the ramp unit 100 to be slidable along the respective pivot bar 92 as to be described in more detail later. In the vertical closed tailgate configuration as shown in FIG. 11, each ramp unit 100 functions as a tailgate section and is separately operable/rotatable within a horizontal plane between open (FIG. 14b) and closed (FIG. 14a) configurations. A latch structure 110 is mounted upon the base member 90 midway between the side members 84 (FIG. 13) and is configured to couple the ramp units 100 to the main frame 82 and selectively hold them at the closed tailgate configuration (FIG. 11). The ramp sections are covered with a grate member 124 although a solid plane construction, crossbars, or the like may also be used to form a platform for loading/unloading.

[0045] Each first ramp section 102 includes a second edge 106 opposite a respective first edge 104 that is pivotally coupled to a first edge of a respective second ramp section 112 with a hinge 114 or other suitable pivotal fastener (FIG. 12). Therefore, each second ramp section 112 is pivotally movable relative to a first ramp section 102 between a folded and unfolded configuration (FIGS. 14b and 14c). Similarly, a third ramp section 116 is hingedly coupled to each second ramp section 112 (FIG. 14d). It is understood that each third ramp section 116 may include a smaller length and width so as to be held within corresponding second ramp sections 112 when positioned in the folded/storage configuration.

[0046] It should be appreciated that each ramp section hinge mechanism may also include a release pin mechanism 118 that enables a user to select which ramp sections to unfold. If the release pin mechanisms remain engaged when the ramp units are moved to the horizontal configuration, then the first ramp sections 102 act as pickup bed extenders (FIG. 15). This may be referred to as an extended bed configuration.

[0047] As best shown in FIG. 13, the tailgate ramp system 80 includes a pair of extension bar segments 120 mounted to the base member 90 of the main frame 82. It is understood, however, that the extension bar segments may be a single bar having opposed ends. The pair of extension bar segments 120 extend along the base member 90 beneath the latch structure 110. Each extension bar segment 120 includes a free end 122 having a configuration complementary to a configuration of the upper end 96 of a corresponding pivot bar 92 so as to receive the upper end thereof when the pivot bar 92 is pivoted to its horizontal configuration. As the pivot bars 92 and extension bar segments 120 have tubular configurations, the collars 108 that attach the ramp units 100 thereto are slidably movable therealong. Therefore, the ramp units 100 may be laterally aligned as desired by a user and may even be aligned such that the ramp units 100 may be immediately adjacent one another (FIGS. 14f and 14g).

[0048] An alternative latch structure 110′ may be utilized which presents an open front face (FIG. 18a) such that the collars 108 that attach the ramp units 100 may be slidably moved completely adjacent one another (FIG. 18b).

[0049] Use of the tailgate ramp system according to the now preferred embodiment is best shown in FIGS. 14a through 14g. The ramp units 100 may be swingably positioned in a closed configuration for use as a closed tailgate (FIG. 14a). Each ramp unit 100 is independently rotatable for gaining access to the interior of the pickup bed, such as to stow or retrieve cargo (FIG. 14b). The ramp units 100 include a plurality of ramp sections that may be pivotally unfolded (FIGS. 14c and 14d). Then, the unfolded ramp sections may be transformed into ramp structures by pivoting the respective pivot bars to their horizontal configurations (FIG. 14e). Finally, each of the plurality of ramp sections may be slidably laterally aligned to accommodate a vehicle for loading/unloading (FIGS. 14f and 14g). An opposite procedure is used to return the ramps to a tailgate configuration.

[0050] A tailgate ramp system 130 according to still another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 16a through 17g and includes a construction substantially similar to the construction described immediately above except as specifically noted below. In this embodiment of the tailgate ramp system 130, a ramp unit 132 extends completely between the pair of main frame side members 84. A ramp unit first section 134 is pivotally coupled to a ramp unit second section 136 with a hinge 138 or the like. As described previously, the ramp unit 132 is rotatably coupled to a pivot bar 140 of one side member for swingable movement within a horizontal plane, i.e. swingable between open and closed configurations. Also as previously described, the pivot bar 140 to which the ramp unit 132 is attached is pivotal between a vertical tailgate-use configuration (FIG. 16a) and a horizontal ramp-use configuration (FIG. 16b). Use of the tailgate ramp system 130 according to this embodiment is best shown in FIGS. 17a-17e.

[0051] It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.