US 12,409,769 B2
Geared ramp assembly with raised ramp position and side rails and method of use
Adam Smith, Indianapolis, IN (US); and Justin M. Kline, Westfield, IN (US)
Assigned to The Braun Corporation, Winamac, IN (US)
Filed by The Braun Corporation, Winamac, IN (US)
Filed on Dec. 18, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/544,024.
Application 18/544,024 is a continuation of application No. 18/082,198, filed on Dec. 15, 2022, granted, now 11,845,373.
Application 18/082,198 is a continuation of application No. 17/094,930, filed on Nov. 11, 2020, granted, now 11,548,428, issued on Jan. 10, 2023.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/026,777, filed on May 19, 2020.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/945,291, filed on Dec. 9, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2024/0116424 A1, Apr. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. B60P 1/43 (2006.01); A61G 3/06 (2006.01)
CPC B60P 1/431 (2013.01) [A61G 3/061 (2013.01); A61G 3/067 (2016.11)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A ramp assembly to accommodate a wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit a motorized vehicle having a floor, the ramp assembly comprising:
a ramp coupled to a drive block by a hinge wherein the drive block is configured to move the ramp from a stowed position to a deployed position;
the hinge having a first end rotatable with and about the same axis as a wheel and a second end pivotally coupled to the ramp, wherein rotation of the wheel causes the ramp to raise relative to the wheel from a lowered position to a use position and lower relative to the wheel from the use position to the lowered position.