Patent attributes
A ramp assembly has a ramp portion configured for reciprocating movement between a stowed position, a deployed position, and a neutral position. The weight of the ramp portion biases the ramp portion (1) toward the deployed position when the ramp portion is between the deployed position and the neutral position, and (2) toward the stowed position when the ramp portion is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A counterbalance for the ramp assembly includes a cam configured to rotate when the ramp portion moves between the stowed position and the deployed position. A cam follower is slidingly coupled to a guide and engages a surface of the cam so that rotation of the cam translates the cam follower along a path. The counterbalance further includes a resistance member coupled to the cam follower to provide a force to the cam follower to counteract the ramp moment.
