GB2170174A - Multi-incline ramp - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-incline ramp suitable for raising or lowering a Disabled person in a wheelchair or goods, in order to negotiate a step, split level or the loading platform of vehicular transport etc., consists of a ramp 1 hinged at one end adjacent to the upper level 6, the other end being elevatable by means of a jack. The surface of the ramp comprises two or more planes, inclined to each other to form obtuse angles or a continuously curved surface. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Combination of lift and multi-incline ramp This invention relates to Lifting apparatus which utilises a Multi-lncline Ramp.

Both lifts and conventional single incline ramps are commonplace in situations where goods or persons have to be moved up or down between two or more horizontal levels. Ramps are usually used when the height difference between the two levels is small and there is sufficient space to deploy them.

Their use will entail some tractive force to control the load while traversing the incline of the ramp, whether assending or decending. Both of these factors, space (length) and the tractive force required, are interdependant and one can be reduced only by increasing the other. For instance a ramp can be doubled in length in order to halve the effort needed to wheel a barrow up it, but eventually either the space available or the effort required will prove to be the factor limiting the application of a ramp. On the other hand, a ramp, if applicable, is a low cost solution. In some instances where the height between the two levels is subject to variation such as ship to shore or road vehicle to loading dock etc., a hinged ramp is commonplace. The term lift implies a horizontal platform constrained so as to be free to move vertically only.It is used to move goods or persons between two or more horizontal levels. The advantages of a lift compared with a ramp are that its floor area or the horizontal area occupied is constant irrespective of the vertical height through which it operates. Also no tractive force is applied to the load other than to place on or remove it from the platform. The disadvantages however, are numerous. Such as the horizontal constraints required throughout its vertical travel, the suspension medium, non-slip winding gear and counter balance (if fitted), a reversible prime mover, its control gear and power supply. Such an installation is expensive, bears running costs, and requires a higher level of maintenance than a ramp.

According to the present invention the multiincline ramp consists of at least two inclined planes placed end to end forming an obtuse angle, the inclines retain this fixed relationship to each other.

One end of this construction is hinged adjacent to the higher level. The other end is fitted with a lifting device or a means of attaching a detachable lifting device such as a car jack. If the load to be raised or lowered is mounted on wheels or is such that a step can be negotiated, such a step, can with advantage, be built into the lifted end. This reduces the necessary lift distance. Also the riser of such a step can add significantly to the structural stiffness of the ramp. The inclines are arranged such that the one at the outer end, farthest from the hinge, serves as a platform on which the load rests while being raised or lowered. When in the lowered position this incline will face upward toward the hinged end. This outer incline leads on to the inner incline which in this attitude has a steep, non-negotiable, upward gradient leading toward the upper level.The outer end of the ramp is then raised until the outer incline, passing through the true horizontal plane, takes up a downward facing gradient and the inner incline takes up a now negotiable upward facing gradient, the end of which coincides with the upper level. It is essential that throughout the operation, the gradient of the outer incline remains within the limit of load stability or passenger comfort in the case or a chairbound disabled person. In the case of a nonwheeled load the surface of the inclines would be suitably armoured to form a skidpath and formed into a continuous curve.

A specific embodiment and mode of operation of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 1 Shows an isometric view of an application to a road vehicle, suitable for embarking or disembarking a person in a wheelchair or a wheeled load.

Figure 2 Side elevation of figure 1 to scale with the ramp in the lowered position with the wheelchair and a car jack, used as the lifting device, in position for lifting.

Figure 3 Side elevation of figure 1 to scale with the ramp in the raised position.

Figure 4 Shows a side elevation of the ramp fitted as a permanent lift, in the vertical position, closing the doorway.

Figure 5 Side elevation of figure 1 to scale, showing the inclines as a continuous curve.

Referring to the drawing outer incline 1, inner incline 3, step riser 2, and a similar member (not shown) at the hinged end are contained between deep side members 4. Hinge pin 5, drops into open topped hinge sockets which are attached to the vehicle as widely spaced as possible in the interest of stability. The step riser 2, is fitted with a jacking point. The ramp surfaces 1 & 3, being included between the side members 4, together with the riser 2, at each end make for a very stiff structure that resists twisting. The hinge ensures a safe and controlled relationship between the top edge of the second incline and the vehicle floor panel. The two hinge sockets 11, and one jacking point ensure a stable, three point support. The hinge sockets 11, can be made detachable to facilitate door closure.

Pairs of chocks 9 & 10, fixed to the surface of incline 1, serve to register the position of the wheelchair.

With the wheelchair in position on the outer incline 1, see figure 2 the brakes are applied and the jack (side winding car jack) fitted and operated. When the sides 4, of the ramp assume a roughly horizontal position, see figure 3, the brakes of the wheelchair are released and the chair wheeled forward up the inner incline 3, and into the vehicle. The jack can then be detached from the ramp and the ramp lifted from its sockets and stowed away within the vehicle.

Alternatively, the ramp can be lifted into the vertical attitude to form a doorway closure, see figure 4. In figures 2 & 3, note the small deviation of the passenger from the vertical position considering the short length of the ramp and the height of the vehicle floor level. A further version of this invention, utilising a curved skidpath is shown in figure 5. This is suitable for loads that are normally dragged along.

Claims (6)

1. A load bearing ramp structure comprised of two or more plane surfaces mutually inclined to each other or a continuously curved surface. Which if rotated about a horizontal hinge pin adjacent and parallel to the upper level, will cause loads thereon to be raised or lowered and able to progress along the ramp in a near horizontal plane.

2. A structure as claimed in claim 1. and including a step feature at its outer end thereby reducing the overall length of the structure, increasing its structural stiffness and reducing the lift height necessary.

3. A structure as claimed in claims 1 & 2, fitted with a means of lifting and lowering the outer end.

4. A structure as claimed in claims 1 & 2, fitted with a jacking point or means of attaching a detachable lifting device to lift and lower the outer end.

5. The application of either claims 1,2,3 or 4. For use as a vehicle loading / unloading device.

6. The application of either claims 1,2,3, or 4.

For use in the Home, Workplace or Pumlic place.