Storable Truck Ramp

Abstract

A complex three part ramp system that is securely attached to the floor of a truck, van, or trailer allows easy access to load and unload cargo therefrom. When not in use, the ramp can be concealed in such a way that it is almost invisible.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A storable ramp system, comprising:
 an enclosure,   a middle portion,   a movable ramp surface,   wherein the enclosure is fastened to a vehicle, and the middle portion and movable ramp surface are movably fastened to the enclosure,   wherein during operation, the movable ramp surface extends from the middle portion to the ground, and can be used for loading and unloading cargo to/from the vehicle,   and where during non-operation, the movable ramp surface and the middle portion can be slid entirely into the enclosure and thus completely concealed from view.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , former comprising:
 the middle portion having two ends, truckside and non-truckside, and having symmetrical pegs located on an interior portion of the non-truckside end,   the movable ramp surface having two ends, truckside and non-truckside, and having symmetrical cradles located on an interior portion of the truckside end,   wherein the movable ramp surface is prevented from becoming physically disengaged with the middle portion through the physical matching of the pegs with the cradles.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the middle portion having two ends, truckside and non-truckside, and having a member located on an interior portion of the truckside end,   the enclosure having two ends, truckside and non-truckside, and having a member located on an interior portion of the non-truckside end,   wherein the enclosure is prevented from becoming physically disengaged with the middle portion through the physical matching of the members.   
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein all components are made from high-strength low-weight aluminum. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the movable ramp surface having components made from a non-slip material.   
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the movable ramp surface having components made from GRIPSTRUT®.   
     
     
         7 . The system, of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the pegs being attached to the movable ramp surface by drilling a hole, poking the peg through the hole, and then welding the pegs to the movable ramp surface.   
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 the pegs being attached to the movable ramp surface by welding.   
     
     
         9 . A method of manufacturing a storable ramp system, comprising:
 fabricating an enclosure having a rectangular cross-section with an open bottom, where the enclosure has two ends, a truckside end and a non-truckside end;   locating a transverse member on an upper interior surface at the non-truckside end of the enclosure;   fabricating a middle portion having a rectangular cross-section with an open bottom, where the middle portion has two ends, a truckside end and a non-truckside end;   locating a transverse member on an upper interior surface at the truckside end of the middle portion, and locating a pair of cradles at opposing side interior surfaces at the non-truckside end of the middle portion;   fabricating a movable ramp surface having a rectangular cross-section with an open bottom, where the movable ramp surface has two ends, a truckside end and a non-truckside end; and   locating a pair of pegs on opposing side interior surface at the truckside end of the movable ramp surface.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the step of fabricating the movable ramp surface further comprises:
 fabricating two lengthwise beams to have the same length, have a square cross-section and be spaced apart at a predetermined width;   forming a plurality of cross-beams to be located at pre-determined intervals between the lengthwise beams; and   forming a non-slip surface to be the same length as the two lengthwise beams.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of fabricating the movable ramp surface further comprises;
 attaching the plurality of cross-beams at the predetermined intervals to the lengthwise beams; and then   attaching the non-slip surface to both the lengthwise beams, and also the cross-beams.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of fabricating the movable ramp surface further comprises:
 attaching the non-slip surface to the lengthwise beams; and then   attaching the plurality of cross-beams at the pre-determined intervals to the lengthwise beams.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of fabricating the movable ramp surface further comprises:
 attaching the non-slip surface to the plurality of cross-beams.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the step of attaching further comprises welding. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the step of attaching further comprises welding. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the step of attaching further comprises welding. 
     
     
         17 . A method of installing a storable ramp system, comprising:
 locating a movable/slidable middle portion to movably operate within an enclosure, yet not be separable therefrom;   locating a movable/slidable ramp portion to movably operate within the enclosure and middle portion, yet not be separable from the middle portion; and   securing the enclosure to a vehicle surface.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , where in the step of securing an enclosure to a vehicle surface further comprises;
 using self-engaging screws.