Ramp deployment system

Abstract

A ramp deployment system for deploying and securing first and second ramps to the entrance of a container-type vehicle using a ratchet strap arrangement is disclosed. The ratchet strap arrangement includes first and second ratchet strap devices each having a tightening strap coupled to a respective hook and collar mechanism that includes a closable hook operable to engage a collar to form a loop portion by the tightening strap around the undercarriage of the container-type vehicle. A ratchet mechanism is operatively coupled to the tightening strap for tightening or loosening the tightening strap relative to the first and second ramps when the ratchet strap mechanism is actuated. The ratchet mechanism is also engaged to a fixed length strap having a hook portion configured to engage the cross rungs of the first and second ramps and secure the ratchet strap arrangement securely between container-type vehicle and the first and second ramps. In some embodiments, a pair of connecting bars may be coupled between the first and second ramps to provide structural reinforcement between the first and second ramps.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A mobile ramp arrangement comprising:
 a first ramp and a second ramp, the first ramp and second ramp each defining a respective distal end, a proximal end, a first side portion, and a second side portion, wherein the second side portion of the first ramp and the first side portion of the second ramp each define a respective mounting portion extending outwardly therefrom and in opposite relation to each other;   a connecting bar configured to engage each respective mounting portion, wherein the connecting bar defines an elongated body forming opposite first open ends, wherein the opposite first open ends are configured to receive the respective mounting portion such that the connecting bar provides structural reinforcement between the first and second ramps; and   a ratchet strap arrangement operatively secured between the mobile ramp arrangement and a container-type vehicle, the ratchet strap arrangement comprising a first ratchet strap device operatively engaged to a first strap and a second ratchet strap device operatively engaged to a second strap, wherein the first ratchet strap device is secured along the first strap that extends between the first ramp and the container-type vehicle, and wherein the second ratchet strap device is secured along the second strap that extends between the second ramp and the container-type vehicle, the ratchet strap arrangement being operable to secure the first and second ramps to the container-type vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The mobile ramp arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein the connecting bar defines an axial channel in communication with a first set of opposing radial openings and each of the mounting portions of the first and second ramps, respectively, defines a second set of opposing radial openings, wherein the first set of opposing radial openings is configured to be aligned with the second set of opposing radial openings when the mounting portions are received within the respective opposite end openings of the connecting bar. 
     
     
         3 . The mobile ramp arrangement of  claim 2 , further comprising
 a securing member defining an elongated body configured to be inserted through the aligned first and second sets of opposing radial openings for coupling the connecting bar to each mounting portion.   
     
     
         4 . The mobile ramp arrangement of  claim 3 , wherein the securing member comprises a cotter pin or rod. 
     
     
         5 . The mobile ramp arrangement of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second connecting bar defining a second elongated body forming opposite second open ends with an axial channel in communication with each opposite second open end,   a third mounting portion defined along the first ramp and a fourth mounting portion defined along the second ramp in opposite orientation to the first ramp, wherein one of the opposite second open ends is configured to receive third mounting portion and another one of the opposite end portions is configured to receive the fourth mounting portion such that the connecting bar provides structural reinforcement between the first and second ramps.   
     
     
         6 . The mobile ramp arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein each of the mounting portions define an outer diameter and the axial channel of the connecting bar defines an inner diameter, wherein an outer diameter of each of the mounting portions is less than an inner diameter of the axial channel of the connecting bar. 
     
     
         7 . The mobile ramp arrangement of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second ratchet strap devices comprising:
 a ratchet mechanism coupled between a fixed length strap and a tightening strap, wherein the fixed length strap defines a distal end and a proximal end and the tightening strap defines a distal end and a proximal end,   wherein the distal end of the fixed length strap is coupled to an open hook of a hook strap portion configured to engage the first or second ramp, and the proximal end of the fixed length strap is coupled to the ratchet mechanism, and   wherein the distal end of the tightening strap is coupled to a hook and collar mechanism comprising a closable hook coupled to one portion of the tightening strap and a collar coupled to another portion of the tightening strap, wherein the closable hook is operable to engage the collar to form a loop strap portion by the tightening strap.   
     
     
         8 . The mobile ramp arrangement of  claim 7 , wherein the loop strap portion formed by the distal end of the tightening strap is configured to engage an undercarriage of the container-type vehicle and the proximal end of the tightening strap is coupled to the ratchet mechanism such that actuation of the ratchet mechanism incrementally tightens the loop strap portion formed by the tightening strap relative to the undercarriage of the container-type vehicle. 
     
     
         9 . The ramp deployment system of  claim 7 , wherein each of the first and second ramps defines a plurality of cross rungs, and wherein the open hook of the hook strap portion of each respective fixed length strap is configured to engage a respective cross rung on the first and second ramps. 
     
     
         10 . The ramp deployment system of  claim 7 , wherein the respective second end of the first and second ramps are configured to contact a lower surface below the container-type vehicle, wherein each second end of the first and second ramps includes a traction arrangement configured to prevent slippage of the first and second ramps relative to the lower surface. 
     
     
         11 . The ramp deployment system of  claim 10 , wherein the traction arrangement comprises a plurality of raised traction portions that extend from the underside of the first and second ramps. 
     
     
         12 . The ramp deployment system of  claim 10 , wherein the traction arrangement comprises a plurality of serrations defined along the underside of the second end of the first and second ramps. 
     
     
         13 . The ramp deployment system of  claim 7 , wherein each ratchet mechanism further comprises:
 a handle pivotally connected to an axle, the axle being configured to engage proximal end of the tightening strap such that actuation of the handle in a back-and-forth motion tightens the tightening strap that forms the loop portion.   
     
     
         14 . The ramp deployment system of  claim 7 , wherein the collar is secured to a portion of the tightening strap closest to the ratchet mechanism. 
     
     
         15 . The ramp deployment system of  claim 7 , wherein the closable hook is secured to a free end of the tightening strap. 
     
     
         16 . A method of deploying a ramp deployment system comprising:
 deploying a mobile ramp arrangement from a container-type vehicle, the mobile ramp arrangement comprising a first ramp and a second ramp, each of the first ramp and second ramp defining a respective first end, a respective second end, a first side portion, and a second side portion, the first ramp and second ramp each defining a mounting portion;   coupling a connecting bar between the mounting portions of the first and second ramps; and   engaging a ratchet strap arrangement between respective first and second ramps and the trailer, the ratchet strap arrangement comprising a first ratchet strap device and a second ratchet strap device, wherein the first ratchet strap device is operatively engaged along a first strap that is secured between the first ramp and a trailer, and wherein the second ratchet strap device is operatively engaged along a second strap that is secured between the second ramp and the trailer.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein an opposite open end of the connecting bar is received within a respective mounting portion of the first and second ramps when coupling the connecting bar between the mounting portions of the first and second ramps
 receiving a respective mounting portion within an opposite open end of the connecting bar wherein the connecting bar defines a first set of opposing radial openings and each of the mounting portions defines a second set of opposing radial openings, wherein the first set of opposing radial openings are configured to be aligned with the second set of opposing radial openings when the mounting portions are received within the opposite end openings of the connecting bar.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein each of the first and second ratchet strap devices comprises:
 a ratchet mechanism coupled between a fixed length strap and a tightening strap, wherein the fixed length strap defines a distal end and a proximal end and the tightening strap defines a distal end and a proximal end,   wherein the distal end of the fixed length strap is coupled to an open hook of a hook strap portion and the proximal end of the fixed length strap is coupled to the ratchet mechanism, and   wherein the distal end of the tightening strap is coupled to a hook and collar mechanism comprising a hook coupled to one portion of the tightening strap and a collar coupled to another portion of the tightening strap, wherein the hook is operable to engage the collar to form a loop strap portion by the tightening strap;   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 attaching the open hook of the hook strap portion of the fixed length strap for the first and second ratchet strap devices to respective first or second ramps;   looping the closable hook of each hook and collar mechanism around an undercarriage of the container-type vehicle;   coupling the hook with the collar to form the loop strap portion with the tightening strap around the undercarriage; and   coupling at least one connecting bar between the first ramp and the second ramp.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , further comprising
 a securing member defining an elongated body configured to be inserted through the aligned first and second sets of opposing radial openings for coupling the connecting bar to each mounting portion.