Patent attributes
A ramp assembly has a ramp portion configured for reciprocating movement between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position, and a counterbalance. The counterbalance includes a restraint slidably coupled to a driving element having a spring fitting. The drive element includes a first engagement surface for engaging a first bearing surface associated with the ramp portion and a second engagement surface for engaging a second bearing surface associated with the ramp portion. A compression spring is disposed between a portion of the restraint and the spring fitting so that the compression spring provides a force to bias the ramp portion toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position.
