Patent · US Active

Counterbalance assembly for a fold out ramp

US7533434B2 · kind B2 · utility

38Cited by
35References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 21, 2008
Grant dateMay 19, 2009
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 21, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T403/32254
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A counterbalance for a ramp assembly includes a chain assembly and a spring assembly. The spring assembly includes a spring and first and second spring fittings. The first spring fitting restrains a first end of the spring when the ramp portion is between a neutral position and the stowed position and moves the first end of the spring toward a second end of the spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the deployed position. The second spring fitting is spaced from the first spring fitting and restrains the second end of the spring when the ramp portion is between the neutral position and the deployed position. The second spring fitting moves the second end of the spring toward the first end of the spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position toward the stowed position.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.