WO2021046346A1 - Adjustable wedge platform for column lifts - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods including at least one column (12R); a lift platform (11) connected to the at least one column; an adjustable wedge platform (300) connected to the lift platform via a hinge (306); an actuator arm (302), where the actuator arm is connected to the adjustable wedge platform at first actuator axis (304) proximate the lift platform, and where the actuator arm is connected to a connector (308) proximate a second actuator axis (310); a moveable portion (312) of the at least one column, where the connector is connected to the moveable portion distal from the second actuator axis; where the adjustable wedge platform is pivotable relative to the lift platform via movement of the moveable portion relative to the lift platform.

Description

Adjustable Wedge Platform for Column Lifts

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 62/896,241 filed September 5, 2019, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety

FIELD OF ENDEAVOR

[0002] Embodiments relate generally to lift gates, and more particularly to lift gates for column lifts.

BACKGROUND

[0003] One type of a lift gate system comprises a load elevator in the form of a lift gate including a dual lift system having a parallel pair of vertically extending columns, each having a vertically-disposed hydraulic cylinder for vertically raising and lowering a load carried by the pair of cylinders.

[0004] Such a lift gate includes a rigid El-frame having said parallel pair of upstanding columns. The columns contain a corresponding pair of vertically-disposed hydraulic cylinders having runners interconnected by a transverse stabilizing bar typically supporting a two-section foldable lifting platform actuated on each side by an actuating linkage system.

[0005] Lift gates are typically mounted at a structure such as an opening at the rear of a vehicle to lift payloads on a lift platform from one level (e.g., ground level) up to another level (e.g., the bed of the vehicle), and vice versa.

SUMMARY

[0006] A system embodiment may include: at least one column; a lift platform connected to the at least one column; an adjustable wedge platform connected to the lift platform via a hinge; an actuator arm, where the actuator arm may be connected to the adjustable wedge platform at first actuator axis proximate the lift platform, and where the actuator arm may be connected to a connector proximate a second actuator axis; a moveable portion of the at least one column, where the connector may be connected to the moveable portion distal from the second actuator axis; where the adjustable wedge platform may be pivotable relative to the lift platform via movement of the moveable portion relative to the lift platform.

[0007] In additional system embodiments, the adjustable wedge platform may be configured to be angled down to allow loading onto the lift platform when the lift platform may be on a ground level. In additional system embodiments, the connector may be a link chain. In additional system embodiments, the connector may be pivotally connected to the actuator arm via a pin through a link at the second actuator axis to a yoke comprising an outer end of the actuator arm. In additional system embodiments, the actuator arm may be fixed in position relative to the adjustable wedge platform such that a movement of the actuator arm causes a corresponding movement to the adjustable wedge platform. In additional system embodiments, the actuator arm may be configured to be folded relative to the lift platform when the adjustable wedge platform may be not in use.

[0008] Another system embodiment may include: at least one column; at least one runner connected to the at least one column, where the runner may be configured to telescope upward into the column or outward away from the column; a lift platform connected to the at least one runner; an actuator arm, where the actuator arm may be connected to the lift platform at first actuator axis proximate the lift platform, and where the actuator arm may be connected to a connector proximate a second actuator axis; a bar disposed in at least a portion of the at least one column and the at least one runner, where the connector may be connected to the bar distal from the second actuator axis; where the lift platform may be pivotable relative to the at least one runner via movement of the bar relative to the at least one column and the at least one runner such that the lift platform may be angled up or down.

[0009] In additional system embodiments, the lift platform may be configured to be angled down to allow loading onto the lift platform when the lift platform may be on a ground level. In additional system embodiments, the connector may be a link chain. In additional system embodiments, the connector may be pivotally connected to the actuator arm via a pin through a link at the second actuator axis to a yoke comprising an outer end of the actuator arm. In additional system embodiments, the actuator arm may be fixed in position relative to the lift platform such that a movement of the actuator arm causes a corresponding movement to the lift platform. In additional system embodiments, the actuator arm may be configured to be folded relative to the lift platform when the lift platform may be not in use.

[0010] Additional system embodiments may include: one or more slots disposed in at least one of: the at least one column and the at least one runner, where the bar moves in the one or more slots; and a cylinder connected to the bar, where the bar moves away from the at least one column and the platform may be angled down as the cylinder may be extended. In additional system embodiments, the bar may have a generally U-shape.

[0011] Another system embodiment may include: at least one column; at least one runner connected to the at least one column, where the at least one runner may be configured to telescope upward into the column or outward away from the column; an adjustable wedge platform connected to the runner; a connector connected between a portion of the adjustable wedge platform and a fixed point on the at least one column; where the adjustable wedge platform may be pivotable relative to the at least one column via movement of the at least one runner relative to the at least one column such that the adjustable wedge platform may be angled relative to the at least one column.

[0012] In additional system embodiments, the adjustable wedge platform tilts downward relative to a ground level as the at least one runner telescopes upward into the column. In additional system embodiments, the adjustable wedge platform tilts upward relative to a ground level as the at least one runner telescopes outward away from the column. In additional system embodiments, the connector may be a chain.

[0013] Another system embodiment may include: at least one column; at least one runner assembly, where at least a portion of the at least one runner assembly is housed within and moves within the at least one column; an upper runner portion of the at least one runner assembly; a lower runner portion of the at least one runner assembly, where the lower runner portion is configured to telescope upward into the upper runner portion or outward away from the upper runner portion; an adjustable wedge platform pivotally connected to the lower runner portion; a connector connected between a portion of the adjustable wedge platform and a fixed point on the upper runner assembly; where the adjustable wedge platform is pivotable relative to the at least one column via movement of the at least one of: the upper runner portion and the lower runner portion relative to the at least one column such that the adjustable wedge platform may be angled relative to the at least one column.

[0014] In additional system embodiments, the adjustable wedge platform may tilt downward relative to a ground level when the lower runner portion reaches the ground as the lower runner portion telescopes upward into the upper runner portion. In additional system embodiments, the adjustable wedge platform may tilt upward relative to a ground level as the lower runner portion telescopes outward away from the upper runner portion. In additional system embodiments, the connector is a chain. Additional system embodiments may include: at least one stationary stop bracket; and at least one moveable stop bracket. In additional system embodiments, a gap is created between the stationary stop bracket and the moveable stop bracket as the lower runner portion telescopes upward into the upper runner portion

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principals of the invention. Like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a lift gate mounted at a structure such as an opening at the rear of the vehicle, according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a lift system as mounted on a vehicle opening, according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 3 A shows a side view of the lift system having an adjustable wedge platform in a first position, according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 3B shows a side view of the lift system of FIG. 3 A having an adjustable wedge platform in a second position, according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 3C shows a side view of the lift system of FIG. 3B having an adjustable wedge platform in a third position, according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 4A shows a side view of a lift system with a platform elevated above the ground having an adjustable wedge platform in a first position, according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 4B shows a side view of the lift system with the platform in contact with the ground having an adjustable wedge platform in a third position, according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 5 A shows a side view of a column of a lift system, according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 5B shows a close-up view of the column of FIG. 5 A having two connection points for a bar, according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 5C shows a close-up view of the column of FIG. 5B having two slots located at the two connection points for the bar, according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIGS. 6A-6L show a partial cutaway perspective view of a column of a lift system having a cylinder connected to a bar, according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 7A shows a partial cutaway side view of a column of an alternate lift system with a platform in a first position, according to one embodiment. [0028] FIG. 7B shows a partial cutaway side view of a column of an alternate lift system with a platform in a second position, according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIGS. 8A-8B show an alternate lift system having an adjustable wedge platform, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the embodiments discloses herein and is not meant to limit the concepts disclosed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the description as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

[0031] The present system allows for a wedge platform that may be adjusted relative to an external surface. In a column lift style lift gate, a portion of the platform may be connected to a portion of a column by a connector, such as via a chain, rod, or the like. The connector may be connected to the column at a moveable portion of column. As the moveable portion is lowered relative to the external surface and/or platform, the portion of the platform may also be angled downward relative to the external surface and/or platform.

As the moveable portion is raised relative to the external surface and/or platform, the portion of the platform may also be angled upward relative to the external surface and/or platform. In some embodiments, the moveable portion may not move downward or upward unless the platform is in contact with an external surface, such as the ground.

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a lift gate 10 mounted at a structure such as an opening at the rear of the vehicle 1, according to one embodiment. The lift gate 10 is mounted at a structure such as an opening at the rear of the vehicle 1 in one embodiment. The lift gate 10 allows lifting payloads on the platform 11 from one level (e.g., the ground level) up to another level (e.g., the bed of the vehicle), or vice versa.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a lift system as mounted on a vehicle opening, according to one embodiment. In operation, when the lift platform 11 is raised to the vehicle bed of vehicle 1, there is substantially continuous surface from the vehicle bed to the lift platform 11 to ease movement of loads between the vehicle bed and the lift platform. Vehicle 1 may be a truck with a rear opening, suitable for installing a lift gate. In one embodiment, a lift gate system comprises a load elevator in the form of a lift gate. The lift gate provides a dual lift system including said parallel pair of vertically extending columns 12L, 12R, each having a vertically-disposed hydraulic cylinder for vertically raising and lowering a load carried by the pair of cylinders.

[0034] The lift gate may include a rigid H-frame having said parallel pair of upstanding columns 12L, 12R. The columns 12L, 12R may contain a corresponding pair of vertically-disposed hydraulic cylinders having runners interconnected by a transverse stabilizing bar typically supporting a lifting platform actuated on each side by an actuating linkage system. The lift gate may include a lift platform 11 supported between a left support column 12L and right support column 12R. The support columns 12L, 12R may include actuators, 300 for lowering and/or raising the platform 11.

[0035] The lift gate 10 is mounted at a structure such as an opening at the rear of the vehicle 1 using a mounting system in one embodiment. The lift gate 10 allows lifting payloads on the platform 11 from one level (e.g., the ground level) up to another level (e.g., the bed of the vehicle), or vice versa.

[0036] FIG. 3 A shows a side view of the lift system having an adjustable wedge platform 300 in a first position 301, according to one embodiment. The adjustable wedge platform 300 may be adjusted relative to an external surface, a column 12R of the liftgate, and/or a platform 11 of the liftgate.

[0037] An actuator arm 302 may have a first end pivotally connected at a first actuator axis 304 to a portion of the adjustable wedge platform 300 adjacent to a hinge 306 interconnecting the adjustable wedge platform 300 to the lift platform 11. A connector 308, such as a link chain, may be pivotally connected at a second actuator axis 310 proximate a second end of the actuator arm 302. The first end of the actuator arm 302 may be distal from the second end of the actuator arm 302. In some embodiments, the connector 308 may be pivotally connected to the actuator arm 302 via a pin through a link at the second actuator axis 310 to a yoke comprising an outer end of the actuator arm 302. In some embodiments, the actuator arm 302 may be fixed in position relative to the adjustable wedge platform 300 such that a movement of the actuator arm 302 causes a corresponding movement to the adjustable wedge platform In some embodiments, the actuator arm 302 may be in a fixed position relative to the adjustable wedge platform 300 up to a state in which the movable portion 312 is in the retracted position, such as shown in FIG. 3C. At this point, the actuator arm 302 may begin folding clockwise in order to stow the lift platform 11. In some embodiments, the actuator arm 302 may be folded relative to the lift platform 11 when the lift system is not in use or stowed. [0038] The connector 308 may also be connected to the column 12R at a moveable portion 312 of the column 12R. The moveable portion 312 may move toward and/or away from the lift platform 11 and/or an external surface, such as the ground. In the first position 301 shown in FIG. 3A, the adjustable wedge platform is angled upward relative to the lift platform 11 and/or an external surface in a load carrying position.

[0039] While a single column 12R and actuator arm 302 are shown, two columns and two actuator arms may be used in a lift system having two columns where an actuator arms is attached to each side of the adjustable wedge platform 300.

[0040] FIG. 3B shows a side view of the lift system of FIG. 3 A having an adjustable wedge platform 300 in a second position 303, according to one embodiment. As the moveable portion 312 of the column 12R is lowered relative to the lift platform 11 and/or an external surface, the adjustable wedge platform pivots 314 to the second position 303. In the second position 303, the adjustable wedge platform 300 may be substantially in line with the lift platform 11 in a position during which the adjustable wedge platform 300 is being angled downward.

[0041] FIG. 3C shows a side view of the lift system of FIG. 3B having an adjustable wedge platform 300 in a third position 305, according to one embodiment. As the moveable portion 312 of the column 12R is lowered further relative to the lift platform 11 and/or an external surface, the adjustable wedge platform continues to pivot 316 to the third position 305. In the third position 305, the adjustable wedge platform 300 is angled downward relative to the lift platform 11 and/or an external surface in a loading and/or unloading position. In this third position, the adjustable wedge platform 300 is positioned so as to allow for a load to be moved onto the lift platform 11 from an external surface, such as the ground by providing an angled surface that facilitates the movement of the load. The adjustable wedge platform 300 may then be moved back to the second position 303 and/or the first position 301 as the lift platform 11 is raised up to a level of a vehicle opening for moving the load into the vehicle and off of the lift platform 11. In some embodiments, the load may be kept on the adjustable wedge platform 300 and lifted as such to the truck bed level.

[0042] FIG. 4A shows a side view of a lift system with a platform 11 elevated above the ground 400 having an adjustable wedge platform 300 in a first position, according to one embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 4B shows a side view of the lift system with the platform 11 in contact with the ground 400 having the adjustable wedge platform 300 in a third position, according to one embodiment. When the platform 11 reaches the ground 400, only the adjustable wedge platform 300 tilts downward. The platform 11 does not tilt, because the platform 11 is touching the ground. In some embodiments, the platform 11 may remain level regardless of whether the platform 11 is touching the ground 400 or elevated above the ground 400.

[0044] FIG. 5 A shows a side view of a column 12R of a lift system, according to one embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 5B shows a close-up view of the column 12R of FIG. 5 A having two connection points 502, 504 for a bar, according to one embodiment. The location of the two connection points 502, 504 may allow for connection to a bar between the two connection points 502, 504. The second connection point 504 may be connected to a cylinder head behind the cover 506 in some embodiments. In some embodiments, there will be two slots at the location of the two connection points 502, 504 so that the bar can move.

[0046] FIG. 5C shows a close-up view of the column of FIG. 5B having two slots 508 510 located at the two connection points 502, 504 for a bar 512, according to one embodiment. The bar 512 may move in the slots 508, 510. FIGS. 6F-6H show the movement of the bar 512 in the slots 508 and 510 to effect a movement of the adjustable wedge platform between a first position, a second position, and a third position. The bar 512 may have a generally U-shape. In other embodiments, the bar 512 may have a substantially straight shape. Other bar 512 shapes are contemplated and possible. As a cylinder 514 extends, and when the main platform section reaches the ground, the cylinder head 516 with the connected portion of the bar 512 will begin moving downwards inside the second slot 510. This will cause the adjustable wedge platform to tilt down. The reverse will happen as the cylinder 514 starts to retract from the most extended position. In some embodiments, the bracket (608,

FIG. 6G) guides the cylinder head inside of the slot 510. In some embodiments, there may be complete clearance between the cylinder head and the boundaries of the slot 510. In some embodiments, the slot is round. In other embodiments, the slot doesn’t have to be round, and the slot may be straight as well. Other slot shapes and dimensions are contemplated and possible.

[0047] FIGS. 6A-6L show a partial cutaway perspective view of a column of a lift system having a cylinder connected to a bar, according to one embodiment. FIGS. 6A-6L show an extended lift cylinder 514 (inside the column). Once the platform 11 reaches the ground, the cylinder head may begin moving downward inside of the second slot. This process is depicted in FIGS. 6C-6E, and also in FIGS. 6I-6K. The reverse process is depicted in FIGS. 6F-6H. In some embodiments, a long chain may be utilized, and the opener arm does not serve any purpose in supporting the weight of the flip over, but rather just guides the chain during the unstowing process. In the disclosed system, the actuator arm is part of the system that supports the weight of the flip over or wedge platform.

[0048] FIG. 7 A shows a partial cutaway side view of a column 12R of an alternate lift system with a platform 600 in a first position 602, according to one embodiment. FIG. 7B shows a partial cutaway side view of the column 12R of the alternate lift system with the platform 600 in a second position 606, according to one embodiment. FIGS. 7A-7B show an embodiment with an adjustable lift platform 600 without a wedge flip over. Any number of platform sections are possible and contemplated with the disclosed system.

[0049] A runner 710 may telescope 712 upwards inside of the column 12R or outward away from the column 12R to raise or lower the platform 600 relative to a ground level and/or the column 12R. The lift platform 600 may be connected to the at least one runner. An actuator arm 702 may be connected to the lift platform 600 at first actuator axis 704 proximate the lift platform. The actuator arm 702 may be connected to a connector 708 proximate a second actuator axis 714. A bar 512 may be disposed in at least a portion of the at least one column and the at least one runner. The connector 708 may be connected to the bar 512 distal from the second actuator axis 714. The lift platform may be pivotable 716 relative to the at least one runner 710 via movement of the bar 512 relative to the at least one column 12R and the at least one runner 710 such that the lift platform 600 may be angled up or down.

[0050] In some embodiments, the lift platform 600 may be angled down to allow loading onto the lift platform when the lift platform is on a ground level. In some embodiments, the connector 708 may be a link chain 708. In other embodiments, the connector 708 may be a rigid bar. In some embodiments, the connector 708 may be multiple bars, such as two bars connected together. In some embodiments, the connector 708 may be pivotally connected to the actuator arm 702 via a pin through a link at the second actuator axis to a yoke comprising an outer end of the actuator arm 702. In some embodiments, the actuator arm 702 may be fixed in position relative to the lift platform 600 such that a movement of the actuator arm 702 causes a corresponding movement to the lift platform 600. In some embodiments, the actuator arm 702 may be configured to be folded relative to the lift platform 600 when the lift platform 600 is not in use. In some embodiments, the bar 512 may move in one or more slots and the bar 512 may be connected to a cylinder, such as an actuator, such that the bar moves away from the at least one column and the platform is angled down as the cylinder is extended, such as shown in FIG. 7B. In some embodiments, the bar may have a generally U-shape. [0051] FIGS. 8A-8B show an alternate lift system 800 having an adjustable wedge platform 818, according to one embodiment. The lift system 800 may include an upper runner portion 802 and a lower runner portion 804 housed within a column 806. At least a portion of the upper runner portion 802 and/or the lower runner portion 804 may be housed and move within the column 806. Once the lower runner portion 804 reaches an external surface, such as the ground 808, as shown in FIG. 8B, the lower runner portion 804 may begin telescoping 820 into the upper runner portion 802. The lower runner portion 804 is configured to telescope upward into the upper runner portion 802 or outward away from the upper runner portion 802. The upper runner portion 802 and lower runner portion 804 may form a runner assembly 810 that may move together relative to the column 806, such as upward into the column 806 or outward away from the column 806.

[0052] The adjustable wedge platform 818 may be pivotally connected 812 to a portion of the lower runner portion 804 distal from the upper runner portion 802. A connector 814 may be connected between a portion of the adjustable wedge platform 818 and a fixed point 816 on the upper runner portion 802. In some embodiments, the connector 814 may be chain. In other embodiments, the connector 814 may be a rigid bar. In some embodiments, the connector 814 may be multiple bars, such as two bars connected together. The connector 814 may be connected to the adjustable wedge platform 818 at a location distal from the pivotal connection 812 to the lower runner portion 804. The adjustable wedge platform 818 may be pivotable relative to the at least one column 806 and/or runner assembly 810 via movement of the lower runner portion 804, upper runner portion 802, and/or runner assembly 810 relative to the at least one column 806 such that the adjustable wedge platform 818 may be angled relative to the at least one column 806.

[0053] The lift system 800 may include one or more stationary stop brackets 822. The lift system 800 may also include one or more moveable stop brackets 824. As shown in FIG. 8B, a gap 826 is created between the stationary stop bracket 822 and the moveable stop bracket 824 as the lower runner portion 804 begins telescoping 820 into the upper runner portion 802. The stop bracket 822 is a part of the upper runner portion 802 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the stop bracket 822 is attached to the upper runner portion 802. The stop bracket 824 is a part of the lower runner portion 804 in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the stop bracket 824 is attached to the lower runner portion 804. The stop brackets 822, 824 are shown with cross hatching for purposes of illustration and to illustrate the gap 826 created between the stop brackets 824,826 in FIG.

8B. [0054] It is contemplated that various combinations and/or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the above embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Further, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed by way of examples should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system comprising: at least one column (12R); a lift platform (11) connected to the at least one column; an adjustable wedge platform (300) connected to the lift platform via a hinge (306); an actuator arm (302), wherein the actuator arm is connected to the adjustable wedge platform at first actuator axis (304) proximate the lift platform, and wherein the actuator arm is connected to a connector (308) proximate a second actuator axis (310); a moveable portion (312) of the at least one column, wherein the connector is connected to the moveable portion distal from the second actuator axis; wherein the adjustable wedge platform is pivotable relative to the lift platform via movement of the moveable portion relative to the lift platform.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the adjustable wedge platform is configured to be angled down to allow loading onto the lift platform when the lift platform is on a ground level (400).

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the connector is a link chain.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the connector is pivotally connected to the actuator arm 302 via a pin through a link at the second actuator axis to a yoke comprising an outer end of the actuator arm.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator arm is fixed in position relative to the adjustable wedge platform such that a movement of the actuator arm causes a corresponding movement to the adjustable wedge platform.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuator arm is configured to be folded relative to the lift platform when the adjustable wedge platform is not in use.

7. A system comprising: at least one column (12R); at least one runner (710) connected to the at least one column, wherein the runner is configured to telescope (812) upward into the column or outward away from the column; a lift platform (600) connected to the at least one runner; an actuator arm (702), wherein the actuator arm is connected to the lift platform (600) at first actuator axis (704) proximate the lift platform, and wherein the actuator arm is connected to a connector (708) proximate a second actuator axis (714); a bar (512) disposed in at least a portion of the at least one column and the at least one runner, wherein the connector is connected to the bar distal from the second actuator axis; wherein the lift platform is pivotable relative to the at least one runner via movement of the bar relative to the at least one column and the at least one runner such that the lift platform may be angled up or down.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the lift platform is configured to be angled down to allow loading onto the lift platform when the lift platform is on a ground level.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the connector is a link chain.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the connector is pivotally connected to the actuator arm 702 via a pin through a link at the second actuator axis to a yoke comprising an outer end of the actuator arm.

11. The system of claim 7, wherein the actuator arm is fixed in position relative to the lift platform such that a movement of the actuator arm causes a corresponding movement to the lift platform.

12. The system of claim 7, wherein the actuator arm is configured to be folded relative to the lift platform when the lift platform is not in use.

13. The system of claim 7, further comprising: one or more slots (508, 510) disposed in at least one of: the at least one column and the at least one runner, wherein the bar moves in the one or more slots; and a cylinder (514) connected to the bar, wherein the bar moves away from the at least one column and the platform is angled down as the cylinder is extended.

14. The system of claim 7, wherein the bar has a generally U-shape.

15. A system comprising: at least one column (806); at least one runner assembly (810), wherein at least a portion of the at least one runner assembly is housed within and moves within the at least one column; an upper runner portion (802) of the at least one runner assembly; a lower runner portion (804) of the at least one runner assembly, wherein the lower runner portion is configured to telescope (820) upward into the upper runner portion or outward away from the upper runner portion; an adjustable wedge platform (818) pivotally connected (812) to the lower runner portion; a connector (814) connected between a portion of the adjustable wedge platform and a fixed point (816) on the upper runner assembly; wherein the adjustable wedge platform is pivotable relative to the at least one column via movement of the at least one of: the upper runner portion and the lower runner portion relative to the at least one column such that the adjustable wedge platform may be angled relative to the at least one column.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the adjustable wedge platform tilts downward relative to a ground level (808) when the lower runner portion reaches the ground as the lower runner portion telescopes upward into the upper runner portion.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the adjustable wedge platform tilts upward relative to a ground level (808) as the lower runner portion telescopes outward away from the upper runner portion.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the connector is a chain.

19. The system of claim 15, further comprising: at least one stationary stop bracket (822); and at least one moveable stop bracket (824).

20. The system of claim 19, wherein a gap (826) is created between the stationary stop bracket and the moveable stop bracket as the lower runner portion telescopes upward into the upper runner portion.