Vehicle access ramp

Abstract

A vehicle access ramp system is provided. In various embodiments, methods, devices and systems are provided to facilitate the ingress and egress of various objects and beings to and from a vehicle. In some embodiments, a ramp system is provided that is arranged to integrate with an existing compartment of a vehicle and which maintains the utility of the existing compartment.

1 . A vehicle access ramp comprising:
 a primary housing operable to fit within the confines of a portion of a vehicle;   the primary housing comprising an upper housing surface, a lower housing surface, and a plurality of interior wall members wherein the interior wall members comprise substantially vertical members extending between the upper housing surface and the lower housing surface;   an extensible ramp provided within the primary housing;   the extensible ramp comprising a plurality of segments that are translatable relative to the primary housing;   wherein at least one of the segments comprises a hinge member and is rotatable relative to the primary housing about at least one axis;   wherein at least one of the plurality of segments is operable to be received by an adjacent segment;   at least one storage compartment provided between the upper housing surface and the lower housing surface and on an opposing side of an interior wall member relative to the extensible ramp;   wherein the extensible ramp comprises a first position of storage and a second position of use, the first position of storage comprising a position wherein each of the plurality of segments is confined within the primary housing, and the second position of use comprising an extended position wherein the extensible ramp extends between the primary housing and a location that is vertically and horizontally offset from the primary housing; and   a cover member operable to substantially enclose the at least one storage compartment when the extensible ramp is provided in the first position, wherein the cover member is operable to substantially enclose the at least one storage compartment and is further operable to be provided as a buffer between the extensible ramp and a portion of a vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments comprises at least three segments. 
     
     
         3 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of segments comprises a stop member to limit movement of the segments. 
     
     
         4 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one storage compartment comprises first and second storage compartments provided on opposing sides of the extensible ramp. 
     
     
         5 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of segments comprises an upper surface and wherein each of the upper surfaces comprise a pad or a mat to increase friction. 
     
     
         6 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one fastener to secure the primary housing to an interior surface of a vehicle. 
     
     
         7 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of segments comprise molded plastic members. 
     
     
         8 . A vehicle access ramp comprising:
 a primary housing operable to fit within the confines of a portion of a vehicle;   the primary housing comprising an upper housing surface, the upper housing surface being arranged to replace an existing cargo surface of a vehicle;   an extensible ramp provided at least partially within the primary housing;   the extensible ramp comprising a plurality of segments and wherein each of the plurality of segments is translatable relative to the primary housing;   wherein at least one of the segments comprises a hinge member and is rotatable relative to the primary housing about at least one axis;   a first storage compartment provided within the primary housing for receiving the extensible ramp;   wherein the extensible ramp comprises a first position of storage and a second position of use, the first position of storage comprising a position wherein each of the plurality of segments is confined within primary housing, and the second position of use comprising an extended position wherein the extensible ramp extends between the primary housing and a location that is vertically and horizontally offset from the primary housing; and   a cover member operable to substantially enclose the at least one storage compartment when the extensible ramp is provided in the first position.   
     
     
         9 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 8 , wherein the cover member comprises a rollable mat that is operable to substantially enclose the at least one storage compartment and is further operable to be provided as a buffer between the extensible ramp and a portion of a vehicle. 
     
     
         10 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of the plurality of segments comprises a molded plastic member. 
     
     
         11 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 8 , wherein at least one of the plurality of segments comprises a stop member to limit movement of the segments. 
     
     
         12 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 8 , wherein the plurality of segments comprises at least three segments. 
     
     
         13 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 8 , wherein the primary housing comprises first and second storage compartments provided on opposing sides of the extensible ramp. 
     
     
         14 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of segments comprises an upper surface and wherein each of the upper surfaces comprise a pad or a mat to increase friction. 
     
     
         15 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 8 , further comprising at least one fastener to secure the primary housing to an interior surface of a vehicle. 
     
     
         16 . A vehicle access ramp comprising:
 a housing operable to fit within the confines of a portion of a vehicle;   the housing comprising an upper housing surface, the upper housing surface being arranged to replace an existing cargo surface of a vehicle;   an extensible ramp;   the extensible ramp comprising a plurality of segments and wherein each of the plurality of segments is translatable relative to an adjacent segment and relative to the housing;   a storage compartment provided within the housing for receiving the extensible ramp;   wherein the extensible ramp comprises a first position of storage and a second position of use, the first position of storage comprising a position wherein each of the plurality of segments is confined within primary housing, and the second position of use comprising an extended position wherein the extensible ramp extends between the primary housing and a location that is vertically and horizontally offset from the primary housing; and   a cover member operable to substantially enclose the at least one storage compartment when the extensible ramp is provided in the first position and that is further operable to be provided as a buffer between the extensible ramp and a portion of a vehicle or the confines of a vehicle when the extensible ramp is provided in the second position.   
     
     
         17 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 16 , wherein the cover member comprises a rollable mat. 
     
     
         18 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 8 , wherein each of the plurality of segments comprises a molded plastic member. 
     
     
         19 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of segments comprises at least three segments. 
     
     
         20 . The vehicle access ramp of  claim 16 , wherein the housing comprises first and second storage compartments provided on opposing sides of the extensible ramp.