RU2828370C1 - Method of storage and transportation of ramp - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transportation.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to method of storage and transportation of ramp. Method of storage and transportation of ramp consists in the fact that ramp is placed in folded form, when its side consoles are laid on central console, in interframe space of vehicle by means of rollers. Ramp comprises central console and side consoles connected to each other with possibility of folding. Central console and side consoles are made of metal sheets with side reinforcements and central reinforcements. On the side surfaces of the side reinforcements of the central console there are rollers fixed. Rollers are installed with possibility of back-and-forth movement on vehicle guides.

EFFECT: possibility to locate ramp in interframe space of vehicle and reduction of time for loading/unloading of cargoes from vehicle.

1 cl, 14 dwg

Description

The proposed invention relates to transport equipment, concerns a method for storing and transporting a ramp, which can be used, for example, for transporting vehicles (cars, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, etc.) and other cargo, loading/unloading them into the body/van of a vehicle, trailer, semi-trailer, for example, using a hydraulic trolley or pallet loader, or manually.

A universal ramp for loading game into the back of a pickup truck is known [https://www.pickup-center.ru/about/news/trap-dlya-pogruzki-dobychi-v-kuzov/ Electronic resource (Accessed: 06/30/2023)] containing a composite aluminum platform with stops for fastening to a vehicle, characterized in that, thanks to the roller insert, the winch cable does not fray and effortlessly pulls the game into the back of a pickup truck.

The Italian company WM System [https://wmsystem.ru Electronic resource (Accessed: 30.06.2023)], the European leader in its market segment, produces ramps of 13 different models with variations in width, length and maximum load. At the same time, it is possible to manufacture folding ramps with placement in the car interior. The use of WM System ramps significantly reduces the time of loading and unloading goods in cars, while guaranteeing the safe work of the forwarder or driver. Ramps from the Italian company WM System are very light due to the use of aluminum platforms, reliable, easy to install, and thanks to gas shock absorbers, they work without significant effort. Depending on the model, they are designed for a maximum load of up to 1800 kg.

American trailers are known [http://www.usakater.ru/catalog/auto-usa/amerikanskie-pritsepy Electronic resource (Accessed: 06/30/2023)] made of galvanized steel, with the possibility of making side doors, as well as various shapes, and the inner surface of which is covered with chipboard with a rising ramp and designed for transporting ATVs, snowmobiles, These ramps are 2.55 m wide and 2 meters long.

A portable, collapsible metal ramp is known (RU 168482 U1, B65G69/28, B61D 47/00, published on 06.02.2017) consisting of two metal entrances parallel to each other, having hooks along the entire length of the working surface, characterized in that each entrance is formed by purlins fixedly connected to each other, each of which is a channel beam, on the outer surface of the neck of which hooks are attached, and the shelves of the channel beam are facing downwards, while each entrance on the side placed on the platform has a cut of the channel shelves at an acute angle to the working surface, and on the side placed on the rolling stock, the working surface of the entrances has a bend towards the shelves of the channel beam, and the length of the working surface after the bend is less than the length of the working surface before the bend, while each purlin has at the beginning and at the end on the working surface there is a mounting window, at the same time, three connecting pipes pass through the shelves through the holes, firmly fastening the runs to each other, and the entries to each other by means of limiting pins inserted into the corresponding holes in the connecting pipe.

A ramp unit is known (RU No. 2713321, B60P1/43, B65G69/28, published on 04.02.2020), comprising a ramp element with a first ramp section, to which a connecting element is attached, comprising a lever and a limiting installation channel having an opening, a connecting panel installed on a vehicle, wherein the connecting panel additionally comprises a housing section, a protruding section and an access groove, wherein the protruding section is located between the housing section and the access groove, and a connecting element, which is configured to selectively interact with the installation channel, is attached to the connecting panel and extends above it when the connecting panel is in the use configuration.

A vehicle ramp is known (RU No. 114006 U1, B60P 1/43 B60P 1/00, published on 10.03.2012), comprising a folding platform connected by means of a folding mechanism to the vehicle body and having locking elements and a seal, characterized in that the folding platform is provided with a door located in the center, containing a mechanical lock and handles located on both sides of the door and connected to the locking mechanism, wherein a flooring is fixed on the inner sides of the folding platform and the door, and the handle located on the inner side of the door is located in a recess below the level of the flooring, the folding mechanism consists of brackets attached to the folding platform, and hydraulic cylinders connected at one end to the said brackets, and at the other - to brackets fixed to the vehicle body, in addition, the locking elements are made in the form of electromechanical locks located on the body at the top of the ramp opening, and locking loops located on the folding platform.

A device is known for end loading and unloading of passenger cars from rail vehicles (RU No. 6188 U1, B65G69/28, published 16.03.1998), comprising a frame including horizontal and inclined sections covered with panels on each of its two tiers, as well as fences in which horizontally located panels of the upper and lower tiers on the end side of the frame are provided with hinged ramps, wherein the horizontal panel of the upper tier is made rotatable in a vertical plane and is equipped with a movement drive at the free end.

A device known is an auxiliary ramp for an unloading platform (CN 217920463 (U), B65G67/42; B65G69/00, published 29.11.2022), comprising a ramp plate, a longitudinal auxiliary walking mechanism and a transverse auxiliary walking mechanism, wherein the ramp plate is located inclined and comprises a frame, a plurality of rib plates are located in a cavity in the middle of the frame in the form of an array. In this mode, the surfaces of the rib plates are vertical, and the axes of the rib plates in the longitudinal direction are correspondingly perpendicular to the axis of the frame in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of front support posts are arranged at the lower part of the upper end of the ramp plate at intervals, a plurality of rear support posts are arranged at the lower part, close to the middle position, of the ramp plate at intervals, longitudinal auxiliary walking mechanisms are arranged at locations corresponding to the rear support posts, the lower part of the ramp plate, and transverse auxiliary walking mechanisms are arranged on the sides corresponding to the longitudinal auxiliary walking mechanisms.

A folding ramp is known (US 2021162908 A1, published 06/03/2021), which includes a frame and a traction surface. The frame can be attached to the mounting surface. The frame can be adjusted from a folded state to an unfolded state. When folded, the frame can be designed to be supported by the mounting surface. The traction surface can be supported by the frame. When unfolded, the frame and traction surface protrude beyond the mounting surface and provide a transition from the side of the trunk to the ground surface.

A three-section folding ramp for a truck is known (US 4944546 A, published 31.07.1990), which can also serve as a side for a truck bed. The ramp has mechanically folding and unfolding legs, so that the user does not need to extend the legs one by one. A special latch allows all three sections to be fastened together while the folded ramp is used as an end door. A special channel allows the folded ramp to lie in an open position without damaging the vehicle body.

A folding ramp with a rotating footrest is known (US 6536064 B1, published 25.03.2003), which includes a first platform section having a first end and a second end, and a second platform section having a first end and a second end. The first end of the second section is pivotally connected to the second end of the first platform section, and the second section is configured to rotate relative to the first section. The footrest unit is connected to at least one of the first and second platform sections. The support unit is configured to rotate between a first position, in which the support unit is oriented generally parallel to the first and second sections, and a second position, in which the support unit projects outward from the first or second section.

A ramp distribution system is known that uses a ratchet mechanism (US 2015321861 A1, published 12.11.2015), which includes a first ramp and a second ramp, at the entrance to a trailer using a ratchet mechanism. The ratchet belt mechanism includes a first ratchet belt, which is secured between the first ramp and the trailer, and a second ratchet belt, which is secured between the second ramp and the trailer, when the ratchet belt mechanism is activated, so that the movable structure of the ramp is sufficiently securely secured to the trailer to withstand the weight of a truck approaching the trailer.

The disadvantage of all the above analogs is the complexity of the design, the lack of convenient transportation and storage methods, high labor intensity during assembly/disassembly and low reliability during frequent use.

The objective of the proposed group of inventions is to develop a method for storing and transporting a ramp, which consists of eliminating all of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

The technical result of using the proposed invention is an increase in the convenience of use and transportation, and a reduction in the time for loading/unloading cargo from a vehicle.

This is achieved by the fact that the method of storing and transporting a ramp containing a central console and side consoles connected to each other with the possibility of folding, the central console and side consoles are made of metal sheets with side reinforcements and central reinforcements, rollers are fixed to the side surfaces of the side reinforcements of the central console, consists in the fact that the ramp is placed in a folded form, when its side consoles are laid on the central console, in the interframe space of the vehicle using rollers installed with the possibility of moving back and forth on the guides of the vehicle.

Fig. 1 shows a general view of the ramp in an unfolded state.

Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of the ramp in an unfolded state.

Fig. 3 shows a view from below of the central console of the ramp.

Fig. 4 shows a general view of the ramp in a folded state.

Fig. 5 shows a view from the end of the ramp in a folded state.

Fig. 6 shows the ramp in a folded state, connected to the body/van of the vehicle.

Fig. 7 shows the ramp in an unfolded state, connected to the body/van of the vehicle.

Fig. 8 shows a side view of the ramp in an extended position, connected to the body/van of the vehicle.

Fig. 9 shows the placement of the ramp in the interframe space (bottom view with the vehicle body/van).

Fig. 10 shows the placement of the ramp in the interframe space (bottom view without the vehicle body/van).

Fig. 11 shows the placement of the ramp in the interframe space (top view without the vehicle body/van).

Fig. 12 shows a model drawing of the interframe space, without a ramp (top view).

Fig. 13 shows the end view of the supporting brackets of the ramp's retractable mechanism.

Fig. 14 shows the end view of the front support brackets of the ramp retractable mechanism.

Structurally, the ramp in Fig. 1–14 contains:

1 – central console;

2 – side consoles;

3 – connecting elements;

4 – side reinforcements;

5 – central amplifiers;

6 – fastening elements for connection to the vehicle;

7 – technological hole for holding on the catcher rod;

8 – openings for extension;

9 - rollers;

10 – supporting brackets;

11 – front support brackets;

12 – hairpins;

13 – guides;

14 – catcher rod;

15 – support brackets.

The central console 1 and the side consoles 2 are connected to each other in a folding manner by placing the side consoles 2 on the central console 1.

The central console 1 and the side consoles 2 are made of metal sheets with stiffening elements in the form of side reinforcements 4 and central reinforcements 5.

The central console 1 and the side consoles 2 are connected to each other by means of connecting elements made, for example, in the form of loops.

The side consoles 2, in turn, can be made to fold out.

The side reinforcements 4 are made, for example, either from a U-shaped profile or by bending the edges of metal sheets.

The central reinforcements 5 are secured between the side reinforcements 4 on the lower surface of the central console 1 and the side consoles 2.

The central reinforcements 5 are made, for example, either in the form of a U-shaped profile with shelves directed outward, or in the form of a U-shaped profile with shelves directed inward.

The side reinforcements 4 and the central reinforcements 5 are connected to the metal sheets either by rivets, bolts or by welding.

The side reinforcements 4 and the central reinforcements 5 are made, for example, either from aluminum or from steel, with technological holes.

The central console 1 and the side consoles 2 are made, for example, of ribbed aluminium.

In the front part of the central console 1 there are openings for gripping 8 when extending.

Additionally, the device contains a retractable mechanism including rollers 9, supporting brackets 10, front supporting brackets 11, pins 12, two guides 13, a catcher rod 14, and support brackets 15.

Rollers 9 are installed in slots made on the lower shelves of the side reinforcements 4 of the central console 1 and are secured to the side surfaces of the side reinforcements 4 of the central console 1.

The supporting brackets 10 are secured with the help of studs 12 to the frame of the vehicle on opposite sides in a mirror image in relation to each other.

Guides 13 are secured to the lower shelves of supporting brackets 10, 11.

The catch rod 14 is installed and secured in the holes of the front support brackets 11.

Rollers 9 are mounted on guides 13 with the ability to move forward and backward along them.

The ramp is stored and transported by placing it in a folded state, with its side consoles 2 placed on the central console 1, in the interframe space of the vehicle.

The assembly of the proposed ramp is carried out as follows.

The central console 1 and the side consoles 2 are made, for example, from sheets of corrugated aluminum. In the front part of the central console 1, for example, openings for extension 8 are made. The side consoles 2, in turn, can be made folding.

The side reinforcements 4 are made, for example, either from a U-shaped profile or by bending the edges of metal sheets, and the central reinforcements 5, for example, in the form of a U-shaped profile with shelves directed outward, or in the form of a U-shaped profile with shelves directed inward. The side reinforcements 4 and the central reinforcements 5 are made, for example, either from aluminum or from steel, with technological openings (Fig. 2, 3, 9, 10). The central reinforcements 5 are secured between the side reinforcements 4 on the lower surface of the central console 1 and the side consoles 2. In the rear part (mating, adjacent to the vehicle) of the central reinforcements 5 of the central console 1 and the side consoles 2, fastening elements 6 are made in the form of technological slots for connection with the vehicle.

The side reinforcements 4 and the central reinforcements 5 are installed under the central console 1 and the side consoles 2 and connected to them using, for example, either rivets or bolts, or by welding.

Slots are made on the lower shelves of the side reinforcements 4 of the central console 1. Rollers 9 are installed in the slots so that they protrude, for example, by 0.5 cm. Rollers 9 are secured to the side surfaces of the side reinforcements 4 of the central console 1, for example, using bolts. For example, fluoroplastic rollers d=35 mm are used.

Then the central console 1 and the side consoles 2 are connected to each other using connecting elements 3, made, for example, in the form of loops (Fig. 1).

The ramp is manufactured, for example, with the following overall dimensions:

length – 3 m;

width of the central console – 68 cm;

width of side consoles – 32 cm;

height when folded – 15 cm.

Bearing brackets 10 are manufactured. Each of the bearing brackets 10 is made of two parts connected to each other, for example, by welding. One of the parts is made C-shaped, contains upper and lower shelves, the height between which corresponds to the height of the ramp in the folded state. The second part is made with unidirectional shelves with holes for fastening studs 12. Studs 12 with threads are used. Moreover, the parts are connected to each other in such a way that their upper and lower shelves are directed in different directions (Fig. 13). In this case, the bearing brackets 10 are made of two types: right-handed and left-handed. The outer bearing brackets 10 can be equipped with an additional shelf limiting the horizontal movement of the ramp.

Two front supporting brackets 11 are manufactured. Each of the front supporting brackets 11 is made of three parts connected to each other, for example, by welding. One of the parts is made C-shaped, contains upper and lower shelves, the height between which corresponds to the height of the ramp in the folded state. The second part is made with unidirectional shelves with holes for studs. Studs 12 with threads are used. The third part contains shelves with holes for installing the catcher rod 14. Moreover, the first and second parts are connected to each other in such a way that their shelves are directed in different directions, the first and third parts are connected in such a way that the shelves with holes for installing the catcher rod 14 of the third part are directed downwards (Fig. 14). In this case, the front supporting brackets 11 are made of two types: right-handed and left-handed.

The fixation of the supporting brackets 10 and the front supporting brackets 11 on the vehicle frame is carried out as follows (Fig. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14). First, the supporting brackets 10 are fixed, placing them on the frame corresponding to the length of the ramp. For this, the bracket on the vehicle frame is placed between the shelves of their second part with holes for the studs 12 and fixed by securing the studs 12 in the holes with nuts. Then, the front supporting brackets 11 are fixed on the vehicle frame, placing them closer to the rear part (threshold) of the vehicle body/van. For this, the bracket on the vehicle frame is placed between the shelves of their second part with holes for the studs and fixed by securing the studs 12 in the holes with nuts.

A catcher rod 14 is installed in the holes of the third part of the front bearing brackets 11. Limiters are installed at the ends of the catcher rod to prevent it from flying out of the holes.

The right and left bearing brackets 10 and the front bearing brackets 11 are secured to the vehicle frame on opposite sides in a mirror image in relation to each other.

Then, guides 13, made, for example, in the form of metal corners, are placed on the lower shelves of the fixed supporting brackets 10 and the front supporting brackets 11, and the guides 13 are connected to the lower shelves of the supporting brackets 10, 11, for example, by welding or bolts.

Support brackets 15, made, for example, in the form of U-shaped brackets, are secured along the rear part of the threshold of the vehicle body/van.

The ramp is installed in the interframe space of the vehicle as follows (Fig. 5, 9, 10, 11). The ramp in the folded state, when its side consoles 2 are placed on the central console 1, is pushed into the interframe space of the vehicle using rollers 9, which are mounted on guides 13 with the ability to move back and forth.

The proposed invention operates as follows.

The ramp is transferred to the working position by extending it from the interframe space of the vehicle in the folded form through the grip of the extension holes 8 and with the help of rollers 9, fixed on the side surfaces of the side reinforcements 4 of the central console 1, sliding along the guides 13. The rear part of the ramp is held in the air when it is fully extended from the interframe space of the vehicle using the catcher rod 14, by installing the catcher rod 14 in the technological opening 7 made in the central reinforcement 5 of the central console 1. Then the rear part of the ramp (mating, adjacent to the vehicle) is raised to the required loading height and fixed with the help of fastening elements for connection to the vehicle 6, made in the form of technological slots in the rear part (mating, adjacent to the vehicle) of the central reinforcements 5, by installing in them support brackets 15, fixed to the body of the vehicle means. Then the side consoles 2 are folded out to the sides. The ramp is transferred to the transport position in the reverse order.

The presence of a central console connected to side consoles with the possibility of their compact folding in the form of a sandwich on the central console (in several levels) ensures an effective increase/decrease in the area of the loading surface of the ramp, due to the layout of the required number of side consoles, and also provides the ability to place the ramp in the folded form in the interframe space of the vehicle, which increases the convenience of its use and transportation, reduces the time of loading/unloading cargo from the vehicle.

The manufacture of ramp consoles from aluminum with reinforcements made with technological holes ensures the lightness of the structure and at the same time sufficient strength and load capacity.

The proposed invention is implemented in vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers. In the process of manufacturing the retractable ramp, typical, standard industrial equipment, materials and components can be used. All technical means that ensure the operation of the ramp, the use of which is envisaged by the invention, are developed and manufactured by domestic industrial enterprises.

Below are presented examples of specific implementation of the proposed invention.

Example 1.

The proposed ramp, with a central and two side folding consoles with overall dimensions of 1.98 m x 3 m when unfolded, is based on a Gazelle family vehicle.

In accordance with the tests conducted, a Toyota RAV 4 weighing 1630 kg was loaded/unloaded into a Gazelle family vehicle using the unfolded ramp.

Example 2.

The proposed ramp, with a central and two side folding consoles with overall dimensions of 1.98 m x 3 m when unfolded, is based on a Gazelle family vehicle.

In accordance with the tests conducted, a CHERY EXEED weighing 1850 kg was loaded/unloaded into a Gazelle family vehicle using the unfolded ramp.

Example 3.

The proposed ramp, with a central and two side folding consoles with overall dimensions of 1.98 m x 3 m when unfolded, is based on a Gazelle family vehicle.

In accordance with the tests conducted, a Honda CBR 600 rr motorcycle weighing 260 kg was loaded/unloaded into a Gazelle family vehicle via the unfolded ramp.

Example 4.

The proposed ramp, with a central and two side folding consoles with overall dimensions of 1.98 m x 3 m when unfolded, is based on a Gazelle family vehicle.

In accordance with the tests conducted, pallet loading/unloading of food products was carried out using a hydraulic trolley on an unfolded ramp into a Gazelle family vehicle.

Example 5.

The proposed ramp, with a central and two side folding consoles with overall dimensions of 1.98 m x 3 m when unfolded, is based on a Gazelle family vehicle.

In accordance with the tests conducted, furniture was loaded/unloaded manually into a Gazelle family vehicle using the unfolded ramp.

Claims (1)

A method for storing and transporting a ramp containing a central console and side consoles connected to each other with the possibility of folding, the central console and side consoles are made of metal sheets with side reinforcements and central reinforcements, rollers are fixed to the side surfaces of the side reinforcements of the central console, consisting in the fact that the ramp is placed in a folded form, when its side consoles are laid on the central console, in the interframe space of the vehicle using rollers installed with the possibility of moving back and forth on the guides of the vehicle.