| 摘要 |
<p>A storable ramp assembly (10) for use with carrier vehicles such as light van (36) is described herein. The storable ramp (10) comprises a panel assembly (16) hingedly mounted between first (12) and second (14) generally parallel longitudinal end members. The panel assembly (16) includes a plurality of longitudinal intermediate panels (54-60) hingedly mounted side by side so as to render the panel assembly (16) accordion-foldable. The storable ramp assembly (10) further includes a deployment mechanism (18) in the form of a pivoting bar (88) pivotally mounted to the first end member (12) and slidably mounted to the second end member (14). The pivoting bar (88) is used to position the first (12) and second (14) end members between a close and a spaced relationship. When the end members (12, 14) are in a close relationship, the intermediate panels (54-60) are layered and the ramp assembly (10) is in a storing configuration. Concurrently, when the end members (12, 14) are in a spaced relationship, the intermediate panels (54-60) are oriented so as to form a generally continuous plane and the ramp assembly (10) is in an operating configuration.</p> |
