Ramp kit

Abstract

A ramp kit of ramp components packaged in a disassembled condition for shipping and storage generally comprising a plurality of elongated side members, a plurality of cross members having an integrally formed fastener engagement boss, and a plurality of threaded fasteners for connecting the cross members to the elongated side members to assemble the ramp. The ramp kit may also include a drive member for installing and removing the threaded fasteners as well as components being configured to be capable of nesting along their lengths to reduce the shipping size of the disassembled components.

1 . A ramp kit of ramp components packaged in a disassembled condition for shipping and storage, said ramp kit comprising: 
 a plurality of elongated side members each having a predetermined length and a plurality of mounting apertures therethrough;    a plurality of cross members each having a predetermined length and a first and second end, a fastener engagement boss integrally formed within said first and second ends wherein said first and second ends are capable of alignment between a pair of side members so that said fastener engagement bosses align between corresponding mounting apertures;    a plurality of threaded fasteners capable of insertion within said mounting aperture and engagement with said fastener engagement boss to assemble said ramp; and    a drive member for installing and removing said threaded fasteners.    
   
   
       2 . The ramp kit of  claim 1  further comprising at least one end support member of a predetermined length having a first and second mounting end, a fastener engagement boss integrally formed within said first and second mounting ends wherein said first and second mounting ends are capable of alignment between a pair of side members so that said bolt engagement bosses align with said mounting apertures.  
   
   
       3 . The ramp kit of  claim 2  wherein said at least one end support member further comprises a lip portion extending along at least a portion of said length and extending outwardly therefrom at a predetermined angle.  
   
   
       4 . The ramp kit of  claim 3  wherein said elongated members, said cross members, and said end support members are each integrally formed from a light-weight material.  
   
   
       5 . The ramp kit of  claim 4  wherein said lightweight material is extruded aluminum.  
   
   
       6 . The ramp kit of  claim 5  wherein said elongated members include an upwardly extending side structure extending along their lengths.  
   
   
       7 . The ramp kit of  claim 1  wherein a damaged cross member can be replaced by threadedly disengaging said damaged cross member and threadedly engaging a new cross member.  
   
   
       8 . The ramp kit of  claim 1  wherein each of said cross members of a first predetermined length can be threadedly disengaged and replaced by cross members of a second predetermined length, thereby providing a ramp of a different width.  
   
   
       9 . The ramp kit of  claim 1  wherein a damaged support member can be replaced by threadedly disengaging said damaged support member and threadedly engaging a new support member.  
   
   
       10 . A ramp kit of ramp components packaged in a disassembled condition for shipping and storage, said ramp kit comprising: 
 a plurality of elongated side members each having a predetermined length, a longitudinal channel along said length, and at least one mounting aperture providing access to said channel through said side member;    a plurality of cross members having a predetermined length and a first and second end, a fastener engagement boss integrally formed within said first and second ends wherein said ends are capable of insertion within corresponding longitudinal channels of a pair of side members so that said fastener engagement bosses align between corresponding mounting apertures;    a plurality of threaded fasteners each capable of insertion within said mounting aperture and engagement with said fastener engagement boss to connect said cross member to said elongated side members; and    wherein said cross members are configured to be capable of nesting along their lengths within the longitudinal channel of said elongated side members so as to reduce the shipping size of the disassembled components.    
   
   
       11 . The ramp kit of  claim 10  further comprising at least one end support member of a predetermined length having a first and second mounting end capable of insertion within corresponding longitudinal channels of a pair of side members, a fastener engagement boss integrally formed within said first and second mounting ends so that said fastener engagement bosses align with said mounting apertures.  
   
   
       12 . The ramp kit of  claim 11  wherein said support member is configured to be capable of nesting along its length within the longitudinal channel of said elongated side member so as to reduce the shipping size of the disassembled components.  
   
   
       13 . The ramp kit of  claim 12  wherein said at least one end support member further comprises a lip portion extending along at least a portion of said length and extending outwardly therefrom at a predetermined angle.  
   
   
       14 . The ramp kit of  claim 13  wherein said elongated members, said cross members, and said end support members are each integrally formed from a light-weight material.  
   
   
       15 . The ramp kit of  claim 14  wherein said lightweight material is extruded aluminum.  
   
   
       16 . The ramp kit of  claim 15  wherein said elongated members include an upwardly extending side structure extending along their lengths.  
   
   
       17 . The ramp kit of  claim 16  further comprising a drive member for installing and removing said threaded fasteners.  
   
   
       18 . The ramp kit of  claim 17  wherein a first pair of side members, a plurality of cross members, and at least one support member forms an upper ramp section and a second pair of side members and a plurality of cross members forms a lower ramp section.  
   
   
       19 . The ramp kit of  claim 18  further comprising a hinge device joining said upper ramp section and said lower ramp section to create a pivotable ramp, wherein said ramp sections are pivotable between an extended, working position whereby said lip portion cooperates to support the ramp and a collapsed, storage position.