Low floor vehicle ramp assembly

Abstract

A ramp assembly ( 20 ) for mounting in a low floor bus ( 22 ) or other vehicle. The ramp assembly ( 20 ) includes a rectangular enclosure ( 24 ) that fits underneath the chassis of the low floor bus ( 22 ). The ramp assembly ( 20 ) includes a reciprocating mechanism ( 26 ) for moving a ramp platform ( 28 ) between a fully deployed position and a fully stowed position. During this movement, the reciprocating mechanism ( 26 ) raises the trailing end of the ramp platform ( 28 ) in one translational movement with the extension of the ramp platform, such that the trailing end of the ramp platform, when deployed, is raised to the floor level of the low floor bus ( 22 ).

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:  
     
         1 . A ramp assembly comprising: 
 a frame;    a ramp platform defining trailing and forward ends and extendable between stowed and deployed positions, the ramp platform being stowed substantially along a plane, and being arranged when deployed such that the forward end extends down toward the ground; and    a reciprocating mechanism that causes the extension and retraction of the ramp platform, the reciprocating mechanism configured to slide back and forth with the ramp platform during extension and retraction of the ramp platform.    
     
     
         2 . The ramp assembly of    claim 1   , wherein the reciprocating mechanism comprises a motor, and wherein the motor is mounted for reciprocating movement with the ramp platform.  
     
     
         3 . The ramp assembly of    claim 2   , wherein the motor has a drive pulley thereon, and further comprising a belt extending along the frame, and wherein the drive pulley on the motor engages the belt and rotation of the drive pulley by the motor causes extension and retraction of the reciprocating mechanism and the ramp platform.  
     
     
         4 . The ramp assembly of    claim 2   , further comprising: 
 a rod extending the length of the frame; and    a power cord for supplying power to the motor, the power cord being coiled around the rod and being attached at one end to the frame and at another end to the reciprocating mechanism.