Ramp bracket

Abstract

Ramp support arrangement comprising: a mounting plate (54) which is spaced apart from and rigidly connected to a support plate (56), the mounting plate (54) having a key part (40) which engages with a mounting clamp (26) which can be connected to a vehicle side wall (24); and a retaining channel (58) that selectively accommodates a ramp, wherein the retaining channel (58) is rigidly connected to the support plate (56).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to vehicle accessories and more specifically to an arrangement for selectively fastening and stowing ramp parts in a vehicle. GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Vehicles, such as pickup trucks, are typically equipped with a cargo bed or loading platform that can be used to transport various items, including smaller vehicles. Examples of such vehicles include motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), quad bikes, and lawn tractors. However, the gap between the floor of a cargo bed and the ground is often problematic when loading heavy items, such as smaller-wheeled vehicles, as the gap is usually too great to drive the wheeled vehicle directly into the cargo bed. To solve this problem, ramps are commonly used to bridge the gap between the ground and the cargo bed by creating a durable support structure to drive or move heavy objects, such as wheeled vehicles, up and into the cargo bed.

[0003] When a driver wants to load a wheeled vehicle onto the truck bed, they usually open the tailgate and extend a pair of ramps between the bed and the ground. The ramps have a connecting end that rests against the tailgate at one end and a loading end that faces the ground at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less. Once the ramps are in place, the driver loads the wheeled vehicle into the truck bed using the ramps. However, in many known ramp-to-tailgate connection arrangements, the configuration of the connecting end of the ramps limits the placement of the loading end to ensure that the ramp connection is stable for loading purposes.For example, many well-known ramp connections prevent the ramp from being positioned at an angle of more than 60 degrees to the ground, as the connecting end of the ramp slips out of the tailgate or simply lifts off the tailgate.

[0004] Furthermore, a wheeled vehicle (or other heavy equipment) can take up a significant portion of the cargo bed, leaving little room for additional materials to be stowed there. It is crucial, however, to transport the ramps to the next location so the driver can unload the wheeled vehicle or other heavy items. Simply placing the ramps on the cargo bed, or partially on top of the load, can be problematic. For example, if not secured, the ramps could fall off the truck and be lost during transport, or they could shift on the cargo bed, damaging the equipment being transported or even the ramps themselves. Therefore, proper stowing of the ramps presents a challenge.

[0005] US Patent 8,857,880 B2 discloses a modular ramp and cargo box extension assembly intended for use with a pickup truck cargo box. US Patent 6,887,028 B1 discloses a ramp frame. The ramp frame can be used in a first mode as a frame for mounting a truck with a stake body and in a second mode as a ramp for transporting equipment between the cargo bed and the ground.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved ramp arrangement that provides a stable connection in a variety of positions, as well as a need for improved stowing of the ramps when not in use. SUMMARY

[0007] Ramp mounting arrangements for selectively stowing a ramp in the rear of a vehicle are disclosed. Each ramp mounting includes a mounting plate, a support plate, and a retaining channel. The mounting plate is spaced apart from and rigidly connected to the support plate. The mounting plate further includes a key component that engages with a mounting clamp, which can be connected to the vehicle's side wall. The retaining channel, which selectively accommodates a ramp, is rigidly connected to the support plate.

[0008] In another example, a ramp support assembly comprises a pair of mounting clamps and a pair of ramp supports. Each mounting clamp has a keyway that connects to a vehicle side panel. Each ramp support comprises a mounting plate, a support plate, and a retaining channel. The mounting plate is rigidly connected to the support plate. The mounting plate has a key that engages in the keyway. The support plate also includes a connecting piece.

[0009] The retaining channel is firmly connected to the support plate and selectively accommodates a ramp within it. The retaining channel interacts with the connecting part to selectively attach the ramp to the ramp bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view from the right rear of a pickup truck with an open tailgate; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of the side wall of a pickup truck, illustrating an associated mounting bracket; Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of an initial configuration of a ramp bracket for selectively stowing a ramp section in a pickup truck; Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a section of the ramp bracket made of Fig. 3, illustrating one connecting element thereof; Fig. Figure 5 is a side elevation view of a section of a mounting plate of the ramp bracket made of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a side view of the connecting element of the ramp bracket, which is selectively attached to the mounting clamp. Fig. 2 is attached; Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of a second configuration of a ramp bracket for selectively stowing a ramp section in a pickup truck; Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a section of a ramp part attached to a ramp clamp; Fig. Figure 9 illustrates an example of a fastening arrangement that works to connect the ramp section to the ramp clamp; Fig. 10A is a bottom view of a section of a connecting end of a ramp section; Fig. Figure 10B is a side elevation view of a section of the connecting end of the ramp part made of Fig. 10A; Fig. Figure 11 is a side elevation view of a section of the tailgate of a pickup truck, to which a connecting rail plate is attached; Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view of the connecting rail plate not attached to the tailgate, illustrating the connection of the ramp section to the tailgate; and Fig. Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a section of a mounting plate of the connecting rail sheet, taken along lines 13-13 from Fig. 12, which illustrates the connection of the ramp section with the tailgate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] The illustrated embodiments are disclosed with reference to the drawings. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as examples, which can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. The disclosed, specific structural and functional details are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a representative basis for teaching a person skilled in the art how to implement the disclosed concepts.

[0011] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows a pickup truck 10 with a tailgate 12 in an open position, providing access to a loading area 14. The tailgate 12 includes an inner panel 16 and a sheet metal part 18 attached to the inner panel 16. Sheet metal part 18 further includes a connecting rail 20 and a connecting groove 22. Details of the connecting rail 20 and the connecting groove 22 are discussed in more detail below.

[0012] Each side wall 24 has a pair of mounting brackets 26 attached. The mounting brackets 26 each accommodate a ramp bracket 28, which is configured to selectively stow a ramp section 30 in the loading area 14. Although at least four mounting brackets 26 and ramp brackets 28 are described, it is understood that only a single pair of mounting brackets 26 and ramp brackets 28 can be provided on a vehicle side wall 24.

[0013] With reference to Fig. 2. The details of each mounting bracket 26 will now be discussed. Each mounting bracket 26 has a base part 32 in which a mounting key groove 34 is formed. In one arrangement, the mounting key groove 34 is formed in a central section 36, which may be raised on both sides with respect to the flange parts 38a, 38b. This arrangement allows a matching key part 40 (best seen in the Fig. 3 to 6), which is movably attached to a section of the ramp bracket 28, is received in the mounting key groove 34 and placed in a fixing position (best seen in Fig. 6) to be moved to attach the ramp bracket 28 to the side wall 24. In one example, the mounting keyway 34 includes a first open section 42 which communicates with the second open section 44. The second open section 44 is dimensioned such that it is smaller than the first open section 42.

[0014] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the matching key part 40 is formed in a shape that is complementary to the mounting key groove 34. For example, the matching key part 40 includes a first attachment 46, which is connected to a second attachment 48. The second attachment 48 is dimensioned such that it is smaller than the first attachment 46. It is understood that the arrangements of the mounting key groove 34 and the matching key part 40 are only exemplary and that other compatible shape arrangements may also be provided.

[0015] Vienna Fig. As shown in Figure 2, each mounting bracket 26 can be securely attached to a section of a pickup truck side panel 24. In particular, the flange parts 38a, 38b can be attached to the pickup truck side panel 24 by fasteners 48 that extend through mounting holes 50 (best seen in Figure 2). Fig. 6) When attached, a gap is created between an inner surface 96 of the mounting bracket 26 and an outer surface of the side wall 24. To further maximize the space in the loading area 14, the side wall 24 can also include recessed areas 52 in which mounting brackets 26 are arranged.

[0016] With reference to the Fig. Figures 3 to 4 illustrate a first example of a ramp bracket 28. The ramp bracket 28 has a mounting plate 54, a support plate 56, and a retaining channel 58. The mounting plate 54 is attached to the support plate 56 via a first connecting part 60 and a second connecting part 62, which is spaced apart from the first connecting part 60. The retaining channel 58 is defined by a first section 64 of the support plate 56 extending below the second connecting part 62, a support element 66 extending from the first section 64 of the support plate 56, and an upwardly extending retaining plate 68 connected to the support plate 56. The retaining plate 68 is arranged to be generally parallel to the support plate 56. The support element 66 may further include a receiving groove 70 formed in the upper surface of the support element 66. The receiving groove 70 is configured to receive a section of a ramp part 30.

[0017] The support plate 56 may further include a second section 72 extending above the first connecting part 60. A connecting element 74 may be attached to a first side 76 of the second section 72. An opening (not shown) is formed by the second side 78 and communicates with the connecting element 74. The connecting element 74 interacts with a fastening element 308 (best seen in Fig. 8) together to attach a ramp section 30 to the ramp support 28, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0018] The mounting plate 54 has an elongated hole 82 extending through it. A receiving element 84 and a fastening element 86 are attached to the corresponding key part 40. The receiving and fastening elements 84 and 86 extend through the elongated hole 82 and over an inner surface 88 of the mounting plate 54. The fastening element 86 includes a connecting element, such as a screw 90, a washer 92, and a lock nut 94.

[0019] To attach the ramp bracket 28 to the mounting clamp 26, the locking nut 94 is loosened such that the appropriate key part 40 can be selectively moved along the elongated hole 82 in the mounting plate 54. While the appropriate key part 40 is loosely connected to (or separated from) the mounting plate 54, it is extended into the mounting key groove 34 of the mounting clamp 26. The appropriate key part 40 is then moved away from a contact surface 95 of the mounting plate 54 and slid upwards along the elongated hole 82 until the first attachment 46 is at least partially misaligned with the first open section 42 (as shown in Fig. 6) shown. An adhesive lip 98, formed as part of the mounting plate 54, engages over an upper edge 100 of the mounting bracket 26 and engages an inner surface 96 of the mounting bracket 26. The adhesive lip 98 extends outwards from the engagement surface 95 of the mounting plate 54, thereby forming a channel 102 into which the mounting plate 54 extends. When the adhesive lip 98 and the key part 40 are positively engaged to engage the mounting bracket 26, the locking nut 94 is tightened, thereby frictionally securing the ramp bracket 28 to the mounting bracket 26.

[0020] Fig. Figure 7 is an alternative design of a ramp bracket 228 that can be used with the mounting clamp 26. The ramp bracket 228 is similar to the ramp bracket 28, but has a reduced overall weight. In particular, the ramp bracket 228 has a mounting plate 254, a support plate 256, and a retaining channel 258. The mounting plate 254 is attached to the support plate 256 via a first connecting element 260. The first connecting element 260 is attached to an upper edge of the support plate 265. The second and third connecting elements 262, 263, which are spaced apart from the first connecting element 260, work together to connect the mounting plate 254 to the support plate 256. The retaining channel 258 is defined by a part 264 extending below the second and third connecting part 62, 63, a support element 266 extending from the part 264 and an upwardly extending retaining plate 268 connected to the support plate 256.The retaining plate 268 is arranged to be generally parallel to the support plate 256. The support element 266 may further include a receiving groove 270 formed in the upper surface of the support element 266. A section of the ramp part 30 may be arranged within the receiving groove 270.

[0021] A connecting element 274 can be attached to a first side 276 of the support plate 256. An opening 277 is formed by the second side 278 and communicates with the connecting element 274. The connecting element 274 interacts with the fastening element 308 (best seen in Fig. 8) to attach a ramp section 30 to the ramp support 228, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0022] The mounting plate 254 includes an elongated hole 282 formed through it. As with the ramp bracket 28, the mounting plate 254 also interacts with a receiving element 84 and a fastening element 86, which are attached to a matching key part 40. The receiving and fastening elements 84 and 86 extend through the elongated hole 282 and over an inner surface 288 of the mounting plate 254. As discussed above, the fastening element 86 includes a connecting element, such as a screw 90, a washer 92, and a lock nut 94.

[0023] The attachment of the ramp bracket 228 to the mounting clamp 26 functions essentially in the same way as the attachment of the ramp bracket 28 to the mounting clamp 26. In particular, the locking nut 94 is loosened such that the matching key part 40 can be selectively slid along the elongated hole 282 in the mounting plate 254. While the matching key part 40 is loosely connected to the mounting plate 254, it is extended into the mounting key groove 34 of the mounting clamp 26. The matching key part 40 is then moved away from an engagement surface 95 of the mounting plate 254 and slid upwards along the elongated hole 282 until the first attachment part 46 is in an engagement position; i.e., partially no longer aligned with the first open section 42 (as shown in Figure 1). Fig. (Figure 6 shown). A first adhesive lip 298A, formed as part of the mounting plate 254, engages over an upper edge 100A of the mounting clip 26 and engages an inner surface of the mounting clip 26. The adhesive lip 298A extends outwards from the engagement surface (similar to the engagement surface 95 of the mounting plate 54) of the mounting plate 254, thereby forming a channel 102 into which the mounting plate 54 extends. A second adhesive lip 298B is also formed as part of the mounting plate 254 and engages over an upper edge 100B of the mounting clip 26 in a similar manner to the first adhesive lip 298A. When the appropriate key part 40 is in the locking position and the adhesive lips 298A, 298B functionally engage the upper and lower edges 100A, 100B of the mounting bracket 26, the locking nut 94 is tightened, thereby functionally attaching the ramp bracket 228 to the mounting bracket 26.

[0024] With reference to Fig. Figure 8 illustrates the attachment of a ramp section 30 to either ramp support 28 or 228. In one example, ramp section 30 includes first and second ramp segments 302 and 304. The second ramp segment 304 is selectively displaceable relative to the first ramp segment 302 to selectively extend the length of ramp section 30. In another example, the first ramp segment 302 may also include one or more attachment openings 306, which may be aligned with the opening 277 formed by the second side 78 / 278 of the support plate 56 / 256 of the ramp support 28 / 228. As discussed above, opening 277 is aligned with the connecting part 74 / 274.Although the example above illustrates only the first ramp section 302 with mounting openings 306, it is also intended that the second ramp section 304 may also be provided with one or more mounting openings (not shown) aligned with mounting opening 306 when in a stowage configuration. A stowage configuration is one in which the second ramp section 304 is completely enclosed within the first ramp section 302.

[0025] When the mounting opening 306 is aligned with the opening 277 on the support plate 56 / 256, a fastening element 308 is connected to the connecting part 74 / 274. An example of a fastening element 308 is shown in Fig. Figure 9 shows in more detail. Fastening element 308 has a washer element 310 and a screw part 312, which is configured to engage appropriately with connecting part 74 / 274. A head part 314 of the screw part 312 can be operatively connected to a tool part 316.

[0026] In an exemplary arrangement, tool part 316 includes a handle 318 that can be grasped by one hand and a connecting end 320. The connecting end 320 defines an assembly channel 322 in which the head 314 of the screw part 312 is received. When the tool part 316 is operatively connected to the head 314, the tool part 316 can be actuated to rotate the screw part 312 into engagement with the connecting part 74 / 274. When the first ramp section 302 is inserted between the support plate 56 / 256 and the disc element 310, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, turning the tool part 316 in a first direction serves to tighten the connection and secure the ramp part 30 to the ramp bracket 28 / 228. This prevents the ramp part 30 from being unintentionally damaged during transport. Turning the tool part 316 in the opposite direction loosens the screw part 312, allowing the ramp part 30 to be separated from the support plate 56 / 256.

[0027] It is understood that the specific tool part 316 illustrated herein is not required to positively engage the ramp part 30 with the support plate 56 / 256. In fact, the use of many other tools, such as a conventional socket wrench, is also possible. However, to avoid the need to search for such tools and to ensure that the ramp part 30 can be selectively attached to or detached from a ramp support 28 / 228 at any time, tool part 316 can, in one example, be permanently attached to the head part 314. In particular, a pin 324 is arranged through the head part 314 via mounting channel 322. With this connection, the handle 318 can be moved between an actuating position (i.e., in which the handle 318 is generally coaxial with an axis extending through screw part 312) and a stowed position (i.e.,, where the handle 318 is generally perpendicular to the axis extending through the screw part 312), as in . Fig. 8 shown, will be panned.

[0028] Although ramp section 30 is shown as being positively attached to the support plate 56 / 256, it is also understood that ramp section 30 can simply be arranged within the retaining channels 58 / 258 of the ramp support pair 28 / 258 without being attached to the support plate 56 / 256.

[0029] With reference to the Fig. Sections 10A to 10B now describe details of one or more ramp sections 30. Each ramp section 30 includes a connecting end 400 to which a connecting element 402 is fixed. The connecting element 402 extends outwards and away from the ramp section 30. Each connecting element 402 has a mounting section 404, an arm section 406 which carries a generally C-shaped connector 408. As is best described in the Fig. 10A and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, the assembly section 404 is at least partially accommodated within the first ramp section 302 and firmly connected by the connecting means 407. Assembly section 404 is provided with a cross-sectional profile reduced in relation to arm section 406. With this arrangement, arm section 406 can be positioned so that it has an upper surface 409 that is substantially flush with an upper surface 411 of the first ramp section 302, as shown in Figure 12. Fig. 12 shown. This arrangement will serve to create a relatively smooth ramp surface for the tailgate 12.

[0030] The C-shaped connector 408 further defines a mounting channel 410. An opening 412, defined by opposite ends of the C-shaped connector 408, provides access to the mounting channel 410. The opposite ends of the C-shaped connector 408 can be configured to taper inwards towards the opening 412. The width W1 of the opening 412 is substantially smaller than the width W2 of the mounting channel 410.

[0031] The C-shaped connector 408 allows ramp section 30 to be selectively attached to connecting rail 20. The connecting rail 20 has a cross-sectional shape that is complementary to the C-shaped connector 408. The connecting rail 20 has a width W3, which is larger than the width W1 of the opening 412, but smaller than the width W2 of the mounting channel 410. With reference to the Fig. In figures 11 to 13, the connecting rail 20 is rigidly connected to a connecting plate 500. The connecting plate 500 has a main body section 502, which is connected to a raised section 504. The raised section 504 is connected to a connecting groove 22. The connecting groove 22 is defined by a wall portion 508 of the raised section 504 and a wall portion 510, which is rigidly connected to the connecting rail 20. The connecting plate 500 and the connecting rail 20 can be formed in one piece. The main body section 502 can be rigidly connected to an upper surface of the tailgate 12 (by means of a connecting element) such that the connecting rail 20 is arranged adjacent to an end of the tailgate 12, as shown in Fig. 11 shown.

[0032] To selectively connect each ramp section 30 to the connecting rail 20, the following is done with reference to Fig. 12, in operation, the C-shaped connector 408 is pushed over the connecting rail 20 either onto end 512a, 512b of the connecting rail 20, so that the connecting rail 20 is arranged within the mounting channel 410 of the C-shaped connector 408. With reference to Fig. 13. When slid onto the connecting rail 20, the walls 514a / 514b are arranged on both sides of the connecting rail 20. In fact, the opening 412 defined by the end of the walls 514a, 514b is sufficiently narrow that when the ramp section 30 is slid onto the connecting rail 20, it cannot be disengaged from the connecting rail 20 without disengaging the connecting element 402 from one of the ends 512a, 512b of the connecting rail 20. In particular, the ends of the walls 514a, 514b are curved to complement the outer surface of the connecting rail 20, extending substantially around (i.e., more than 60%) the connecting rail 20, as shown in Fig.Figure 13 illustrates this arrangement. When the ramp section 30 is raised, the ends of the walls 514a, 514b engage against the surface of the connecting rail 20, thus preventing the connecting element 402 from being unintentionally separated from the connecting rail 20. Therefore, with this arrangement, the ramp section 30 has a stable connection that cannot be unintentionally detached from the tailgate 12.

[0033] Furthermore, this arrangement also allows for a variety of positions of the ramp part 30. Due to the complementary relationship of the mounting channel 410 and the connecting rail 20, the ramp part 30 can be pivoted, particularly with respect to the tailgate 12, so that the ramp part 30 can generally be arranged horizontally to the tailgate 12.

[0034] The embodiments described above are specific examples that do not represent all possible forms of disclosure. The features of the illustrated embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosed concepts. The words used in this description serve to describe, not to limit, the scope of protection of the following claims is broader than that of the specifically disclosed embodiments and also includes modifications of the illustrated embodiments.

Claims

[1] Ramp support arrangement comprising: a mounting plate (54) which is spaced apart from and rigidly connected to a support plate (56), the mounting plate (54) having a key part (40) which engages with a mounting clamp (26) which can be connected to a vehicle side wall (24); and a retaining channel (58) that selectively accommodates a ramp, wherein the retaining channel (58) is rigidly connected to the support plate (56). [2] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the mounting clamp (26) further comprises a mounting key groove (34) which receives the key part (40) of the mounting plate (54). [3] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the key part (40) is slidably attached to the mounting plate (54) by means of an elongated hole (82) extending through the elongated hole (82). [4] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the mounting bracket (26) further comprises a central section (36) extending upwards from an upper surface of flange parts (38a, 38b) arranged on both sides of the central section (36). [5] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the mounting plate (54) further comprises at least one retaining lip which engages in an outer surface of the mounting clamp (26). [6] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the mounting plate (54) further comprises a pair of retaining lips arranged at both ends of the mounting plate (54), and wherein a first retaining lip engages over an upper edge of the mounting clamp (100) and wherein a second retaining lip engages over a lower edge of the mounting clamp (26). [7] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the key part (40) further comprises a fastening element (86) which holds the key part (40) on the mounting plate (54) and which selectively fixes the key part (40) to the mounting clamp (26). [8] Ramp support arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the support plate (56) further comprises a connecting part (74) which cooperates with a fastening element (86) to selectively attach a ramp member to the support plate (56). [9] Ramp support arrangement according to claim 8, which further comprises a tool part (316) which is fixedly connected to a fastening element (86), wherein the tool part (316) is operable in a first direction to cause the fastening element (86) to selectively fasten the ramp part (30) to the support plate (56). [10] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the tool part (316) can be rotatably articulated between an actuation configuration and a stowage configuration. [11] Ramp support arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the retaining channel (58) is defined by a support element (66) which is connected at one end to a retaining plate (68) and at the other end to a plate part which is connected to the support plate (56). [12] Ramp support arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the plate part extends from the support plate (56). [13] Ramp support arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the plate part extends from a connecting part (74) which connects the support plate (56) to the mounting plate (54). [14] Ramp support arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising first and second connecting parts (60, 62) which connect the support plate (56) to the mounting plate (54), wherein the first connecting part (60) has a first end which is fixedly connected to the mounting plate (54) and a second end which is fixedly connected to the support plate (56). [15] Ramp support arrangement according to claim 14, further comprising a third connecting part (263), wherein the second connecting part (62) has a first end that is fixedly connected to the mounting plate (54) and a second end that is connected to a first end of the third connecting part (263), and wherein the third connecting part (263) has a second end that is fixedly connected to the support plate (56). [16] Ramp support arrangement comprising: a pair of mounting brackets, each mounting bracket (26) having a keyway connected to a vehicle side panel (24); and a pair of ramp supports, each ramp support having (28): a mounting plate (54) which is rigidly connected to a support plate (56), wherein the mounting plate (54) has a key which engages with the key groove, and wherein the support plate (56) has a connecting part (74); and a retaining channel (58) which is firmly connected to the support plate (56) and accommodates a ramp, wherein the retaining channel (58) cooperates with the connecting part (74) to selectively attach the ramp to the ramp support (28). [17] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the mounting bracket (26) further comprises a central section (36) extending upwards from an upper surface of flange parts (38a, 38b) arranged on both sides of the central section (36), and wherein the keyway is arranged through the central section (36). [18] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the key is displaceable with respect to a surface of the mounting bracket (26) in order to engage the key frictionally on an inner surface of the mounting bracket (96). [19] Ramp mounting arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the key is slidably attached to the mounting plate (54) by a fastening element (86) extending through an elongated hole (82) formed by the mounting plate (54), wherein the fastening element (86) selectively fixes the key to the mounting clamp (26). [20] Ramp support arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the retaining channel (58) is defined by a support element (66) which is connected at one end to a retaining plate (68) and at another end to a plate part which is connected to the support plate (56).

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