AU5068102A - Amusement ramps - Google Patents

Description

TITLE

Amusement Ramps.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to systems of modules which, when inter-engaged, provide a substantially continuous surface which can support a mobile person or wheeled vehicle.

The invention has particular application to ramp systems comprising an array of modules on which cyclists, skaters, skateboarders and the like can perform manoeuvres, for example by traversing the surfaces and edges provided by the modular array. Other applications include staging, raised platforms, ramps and stairways, and especially those adapted for relocation between temporary sites.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Systems comprising modules which attach together in a horizontal array for supporting a person or a mobile person-carrying wheeled vehicle are known. Problems exist in providing a system where component modules are maintained in a desired relationship, but which is simple to operate and permits easy assembly and disassembly of the modules.

United States patent specification No. 5,524,310 to Farnen describes a half pipe for skateboarding. The half pipe can be assembled from modules, but there is no facility to stack the modules, one upon the other, to create an elevated running surface. The inability for stacking modules means that the half pipe of Famrnen cannot be readily 2 height adjusted. Additionally, the half pipe of Famrnen involves a module locking mechanism which is substantially different, and less user friendly, than that described in the foregoing specification.

It should be appreciated that orientational terms such as "upwardly", "downwardly", "level", etc, if and when used herein, refer to a situation which would apply when the invention is in a normal in-use orientation.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or "comprised", if and when used in this document, should be interpreted non-exclusively ie to convey "consisting of or including".

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly to one aspect of the invention there is provided a recreational ramp system suitable for use by skateboarders, skaters, scooter riders, or bike riders, the ramp system having a plurality of modules which can be releasably engaged with one another to provide a running surface or running surfaces, at least one of the modules having a substantially inclined running surface and at least one of the modules having a substantially level running surface, the module with the substantially level running surface being adapted to enable it to, in use, receive and retain thereon, in substantially vertically stacked fashion, a further substantially similar module having a substantially level running surface such that that the further module provides a substantially elevated level running surface suitable for use by skateboarders, skaters, scooter riders, or bike 3 riders.

Preferably the first mentioned module with the substantially level running surface has an upper peripheral rebate adapted for receiving a lower part of the further module having a substantially level running surface.

Preferably the rebate is stepped.

Preferably the rebate has two steps, one of the steps adapted to receive the lower part of the further module having a substantially level running surface, and the other of the steps adapted to receive a wear resistant strip for protecting an edge part of the first mentioned module with the substantially level running surface.

Preferably the wear resistant strip forms part of the recreational ramp system.

Preferably each module of the plurality of modules is substantially hollow with an open bottom.

Preferably each module of the plurality of modules has a lower wall part with an inturned portion to enhance strength of that module.

Preferably each module of the plurality of modules has retention means which serves to securely and releasably hold the module against another of the plurality of modules in side to side relationship.

Preferably each retention means comprises at least one interlock, each interlock having an outwardly angled projection and a space adjacent the projection, each projection being capable of being received in the space of a respective further interlock of another of the plurality of modules such that the projection of the further interlock is received in the space of the first mentioned interlock; such that the interlocks releasably retain the plurality of modules with respect to one another.

Preferably the interlocks are arranged such that some of the projections are upwardly angled and some of the projections are downwardly angled.

Preferably the interlocks provide hand grips which can be used to grip the modules to facilitate carrying of them.

Preferably the interlocks are positioned at side wall parts of the plurality of modules.

Preferably at least some of the modules of the plurality of modules each have a recessed portion adapted for use in releasably receiving and retaining a grind pole or rail.

Accordingly to another aspect of the invention there is provided a recreational ramp system suitable for use by skateboarders, skaters, scooter riders, or bike riders, the ramp system having a plurality of modules which can be releasably engaged with one another to provide a running surface or running surfaces, each module having a plurality of interlocks, each interlock having an outwardly angled substantially rigid projection and a space adjacent the projection, each projection being capable of being received in the space of a respective further interlock of another of the plurality of modules such that the projection of the further interlock is received in the space of the first mentioned interlock; such that the interlocks releasably retain the plurality of modules with respect to one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of which: Figure 1 shows a range of modular ramp systems, Figure 2 shows a curved ramp module, Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a first version of two interlockable handles, Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the handles of Figure 3 when interlocked and installed in respective module walls, Figure 5 shows a perspective view of an alternative version of two interlockable handles, Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the handles of Figure 5 when interlocked and installed in respective module walls, Figure 7 shows a perspective view of fragments of two vertically stacked modules, with an edge of the fragments being shown in cross-section, Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an end portion of a wear-resistant strip, Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the wear-resistant strip of Figure 8, Figure 10 shows a perspective view of inter-engaged portions of two vertically stacked modules, with an edge of the portions shown, in cross-section, Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a fragment of the curved ramp module of Figure 2, showing a lead-on end, Figure 12 shows a perspective view of the lead-on end for the ramp module of Figures 2 and 11, Figure 13 shows a cross-section of the lead-on end of Figure 12, Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of part of the ramp module of Figures 2 and 11, Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the lead-on end of the part of the ramp module shown in Figure 14, Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of a lower edge portion of the part of the ramp module shown in Figure 14, Figure 17 is a plan view of a skateboard ramp system according to a particular embodiment of the invention, Figure 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the system of figure 17, and Figure 19 shows detail of the way that modules of the system of figures 17 and 18 engage one another.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings, it will be appreciated that the invention can be implemented in many forms for a wide variety of users without departing from the scope of the claims. Preferred forms are given here by way of example only.

Like features appearing in the drawings are generally labelled with like labels.

Descriptions of features given in respect of one Figure are to be understood as applying to like features with like labels appearing in other Figures.

Figure 1 shows a range of modular ramp systems, the range including various modules assembled in various configurations.

The range of modules includes short curved ramp modules 1, long curved ramp modules 2, short constant sloped ramp modules 3, short flat-surfaced modules 4, long flat-surfaced modules 5, a short lengthed, tall flat-surfaced module 6, a short-lengthed wall module 7, and a long walled slide rail module 8 and a valley section 9.

These modules can be assembled in various configurations. Representative configurations are shown in Figure 1. The assembled modules are interlocked together to maintain the modular configuration, in use.

Some useful configurations can be provided by modules spaced apart to provide a gap between modules for jumps and aerial manoeuvres.

The modules are preferably hollow and comprise side substantially vertical side and end walls and an open bottom. The substantially vertical walls may include a slight taper, for example to allow release from a mould where the modules are manufactured by a moulding technique.

Figure 2 shows a curved ramp module 20 with an upper curved ramp surface 21. The module includes interlocks 22, 23 in each side wall of the module. The interlocks enable the module to be interlocked with another module having complementary interlocks, in a horizontal array. The interlocks in each wall are commonly oriented.

The ramp module also includes a lead-on portion 24 which will be discussed below in relation to Figures 11 to Figure 3 shows two identical interlockable handles 31, 32, one presenting a front perspective view, the other a rear perspective view. The handles, also referred to as interlocks, provide an interlocking function and allow engagement by a hand to 10 facilitate lifting of the modules.

The interlocks are fitted into respective module walls, not shown. The interlocks have an opening 33 surrounded by a frame comprising a first flange 34 and a second flange the second flange being substantially normal to the first flange. The first flange 34 15 is fitted within a suitably sized aperture in the module wall. When the interlock is installed in a module wall, the second flange 35 overlies the edges of the aperture on the inside surface of the module wall. A projection 36 extends from one edge of the opening, at side 37 of the frame, to a distal end 38 of the projection. The projection extends away from the first and second flanges and partially overlies the opening 33.

The distal end portion of the projection has a surface 39 which faces back toward the frame. This surface diverges away from the frame in the direction towards the distal end of the projection.

The horizontal width of the opening 33 and the distal end 38 of the projection are each dimensioned to facilitate engagement by a hand during lifting of the modules. The upper edge of the opening 33 of an interlock oriented as interlock 31 may be engaged by a hand during lifting of the module. The distal end 38 of the projection of an interlock oriented as interlock 32 may be engaged by a hand during lifting of the module.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of two interlock/handles 41, 42 as discussed above in relation to Figure 3. The two interlocks 41, 42 are installed in respective module walls 43, 44.

Figure 4 shows the interlocks and their corresponding module walls in an interlocked juxtaposition with the respective surfaces 39 of the two projections 36 engaged. The interlocks can be engaged by relative linear movement in an angled direction.

To interlock two modules a first module, with interlocks having upwardly directed projections, is placed in a desired position on the ground or other supporting surface and a second module, with interlocks having downwardly directed projections, is positioned horizontally adjacent but slightly higher than the first module. The second module is then lowered into a close juxtaposition with, and horizontally adjacent to, the first module.

The upwardly directed interlock projections of the first module are received in respective interlock openings of the second module and the downwardly directed interlock projections of the second module are received in respective interlock openings of the first module.

The diverging nature of the surfaces 39 as described above tends to draw the interlocking interlocks, and the respective modules in which they are mounted, into a horizontally close juxtaposition as the interlocks are engaged.

This interlocked engagement of the two modules restrains the modules against relative horizontal movement. The inter-engaged surfaces 39 restrain the modules from moving apart in a horizontal direction normal to the module walls in which the inter-engaged interlocks are mounted. The engagement of projections in respective openings restrains the modules against relative horizontal movement parallel to the module wall in which the inter-engaged interlocks are mounted.

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of two interlockable handles 51, 52 being an alternative version of those shown in Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of two interlock/handles 61, 62 as discussed above in relation to Figure 5. The two interlocks 61, 62 are installed in respective module walls 43, 44.

The point of difference in each interlock shown in Figures 5 and 6 is the projection 36 which was solid in the earlier described version but is hollowed from one face to leave only a thin wall as shown in Figures 5 and 6. The thin-walled version of the interlock allows a reduction in the material required for manufacture.

In Figures 5 and 6, the surface 39 which faces back toward the respective frame 34 and which engages a corresponding surface of an inter-engaged interlock, is now provided only at the side edges of the projection as best seen in interlock 52 in Figure Figure 7 shows a perspective view of fragments of two vertically stacked modules 71. A lower module 70 has a flat upper surface 72 with a rebate 73 at the upper surface perimeter. The rebate is preferably provided at all sides of the upper surface.

A lower edge 74 of a wall 75 of the upper module 71 rests in the rebate 73. Preferably, where one module 71 is stacked vertically on another 70, the lower edge 74 of each side wall 75 of the upper module 71 rests in the rebate 73 of the lower module The module fragments shown in Figure 7 also include a wear-resistant strip 76 which is fitted to the perimeter of the upper surface 77 of the upper module 71. The upper surface perimeters of both modules are similarly shaped to provide the rebate 73 for vertical module nesting and to receive the wear-resistant strip 76. The wear-resistant strip is engaged in grooves 78 in the rebate. Skateboarders sometimes undertake manoeuvres in which the skateboard is slid along a rail or a corner edge. The strip helps resist wear and preserve the upper perimeter of the upper module.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an end portion of a wear-resistant strip 76.

Figure 9 shows a cross-section of the wear-resistant strip 76 shown in Figures 8 and 9.

The wear-resistant strip 76 has a box section 91 which is shaped to be received in the rebate 73 provided at the perimeter of a module. The wear-resistant strip 76 has two wings 92 configured to be received in respective grooves 78 as shown in Figure 7. The wear resistant strip is fitted to the perimeter edge by sliding engagement. An adhesive, for example a polyurethane based adhesive, may also be used to aid in retention of the strip.

A radiused corner piece, not shown, can be fitted to the corners of the upper module perimeter to eliminate the exposed sharp end edges of the wear-resistant strips. The corner piece is preferably manufactured by injection moulding or die casting.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of inter-engaged portions of two vertically stacked modules. This shows an alternative arrangement to that shown in Figure 7. Figure shows a fragment of the perimeter edge of the upper surface 101 of the lower module.

A two-stepped rebate is provided at this perimeter. An upper step 102 has a wear resistant corner strip 103, attached by an adhesive filler. A lower step 104 provides a supporting surface for the lower edge 105 of a side wall 106 of an upper module. The lower module side wall 107 extends downward from the lower rebate step 104.

As described above, a radiused corner piece, not shown, can be fitted to the corners of the upper module perimeter to eliminate the exposed sharp end edges of the wearresistant strip 103. The corner piece is preferably manufactured by injection moulding or die casting.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a fragment of the curved ramp module of Figure 2, showing a lead-on end. The module has a main module body 111 with a lead-on piece 112 attached. The lead-on piece 112 is shown in Figure 12 in perspective view and in Figure 13 in cross-section. The lead-on piece is preferably manufactured as an extrusion, from aluminium for example.

The lead-on piece 112 includes wings 131 by which it engages the end of the main module body as will be explained below in relation to Figures 14 and 16. The lead-on piece 112 can also include strengthening webs 132.

The lead-on provides the ramp module with a robust end piece that allows skateboards and the like a smooth ride onto the ramp.

Figure 14 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of part of the main module body 111 of Figure 11. The main module body is hollow and has an open bottom 141, an end wall 142 and two side walls. Figure 14 shows only the inside of one side wall 143.

The bottom edge 144 of the end wall 142 has a return 145 which provides strengthening and rests on the rebate of a lower module, for example when in a vertical stack of modules. This may be better seen in Figure Figure 15 shows in cross-section the detail of the bottom edge 144 of the end wall 142 and the return 145, as discussed in relation to Figure 14. The bottom edges of the side walls are detailed similarly.

Figure 14 also shows a lead-on end 146 of the main module body 111. The lead-on end 146 has two opposed grooves 147 which extend across the width of the module in the upper and lower surfaces of the module.

Figure 16 shows in cross-section the detail of the lead-on end 146 of the main module body 111 with the grooves 147.

The grooves 147 of the lead-on end 146 accommodate the wings 131 of the lead-on piece 112 to engage the lead-on piece on the lead-on end of the main module body. An adhesive may also be sued to aid in retention of the lead-on piece on the lead-on end.

Referring to figures 17, 18 and 19, in one embodiment of the invention there is a ramp system similar to at least some of those described above, but with means for receiving and securing ancillary components such as a grind pole 171 or rail. The grind pole 171 preferably fits into and is supported by recesses in at least some of the modules. As detailed in figures 18 and 19, this embodiment of the invention may utilise slightly different interlocks 181 to those described previously. More specifically, each of these interlocks 181 has a generally sideways shaped arrangement of a projection 182 and an adjacent space 183. Modules are fitted and retained together by inserting the interlock projections 182 of one module into the interlock spaces 183 of another. The arrangement is most clearly shown at figures 18 and 19 This arrangement is substantially similar to the interlock relationships described previously, except for example the spaces 183 do not allow the projections 182 of a neighbouring interlock to pass into the respective module. This differs from the figure 3 interlocks in that there, the openings 33 (ie which provide alternative "spaces") enable the projections 36 to extend into the modules. In some applications the figure 18 and 19 interlocks 181 may provide enhanced strength, and thus may be a preferred option. The interlocks 181 may be moulded, etc, integral with the rest of each module, or may be fitted thereto as described in connection with the figure 3 embodiment.

Modules 1-8 as shown in Figure 1 have handle locks in corresponding locations on each of the vertical side walls. The interlocks are oriented to allow modules to be engaged in a horizontal array. For example, if a module is considered to have a north pole, each handle on the north and west sides will be pointing with the projection up and each handle on the south and east sides will be pointing with the projection down.

It is to be understood that the module features described above, for example the handle/interlocks, rebates, lead-ons and wear-resistant strips, are applied to each of the module shapes as shown in Figure 1, as appropriate. The details described above in relation to specific module shapes also apply, where appropriate, to the other module shapes indicated in Figure 1.

The modules are preferably manufactured from glass reinforced plastic (GRP) or resin.

The valley section 9 as shown in Figure 1 is preferably moulded from GRP and will lock to a lead-on end of a ramp module in a manner similar to the lead-on described above in relation to Figures 11 to 14 and 16, to join two ramp modules together.

The handle interlocks are preferably injection moulded from glass-filled polypropylene.

It should understood that the term "inclined" as used herein should be interpreted broadly, and can convey the quality of being curved in an upwards orientation and/or the quality of being at a substantially constant upwards angle.

Claims (23)

1. A recreational ramp system suitable for use by skateboarders, skaters, scooter riders, or bike riders, the ramp system having a plurality of modules which can be releasably engaged with one another to provide a running surface or running surfaces, at least one of the modules having a substantially inclined running surface and at least one of the modules having a substantially level running surface, the module with the substantially level running surface being adapted to enable it to, in use, receive and retain thereon, in substantially vertically stacked fashion, a further substantially similar module having a substantially level running surface such that that the further module provides a substantially elevated level running surface suitable for use by skateboarders, skaters, scooter riders, or bike riders.

2. A recreational ramp system according to claim 1, wherein the first mentioned module with the substantially level running surface has an upper peripheral rebate adapted for receiving a lower part of the further module having a substantially level running surface.

3. A recreational ramp system according to claim 2, wherein the rebate is stepped.

4. A recreational ramp system according to claim 2, wherein the rebate has two steps, one of the steps adapted to receive the lower part of the further module having a substantially level running surface, and the other of the steps adapted to receive a wear resistant strip for protecting an edge part of the first mentioned module with the substantially level running surface.

A recreational ramp system according to claim 4, wherein the wear resistant strip forms part of the recreational ramp system.

6. A recreational ramp system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each module of the plurality of modules is substantially hollow with an open bottom.

7. A recreational ramp system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each module of the plurality of modules has a lower wall part with an in-turned portion to enhance strength of that module.

8. A recreational ramp system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each module of the plurality of modules has retention means which serves to securely and releasably hold the module against another of the plurality of modules in side to side relationship.

9. A recreational ramp system according to claim 8, wherein each retention means comprises at least one interlock, each interlock having an outwardly angled projection and a space adjacent the projection, each projection being capable of being received in the space of a respective further interlock of another of the plurality of modules such that the projection of the further interlock is received in the space of the first mentioned interlock; such that the interlocks releasably retain the plurality of modules with respect to one another.

10. A recreational ramp system according to claim 9, wherein the interlocks are arranged such that some of the projections are upwardly angled and some of the projections are downwardly angled.

11. A recreational ramp system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the interlocks provide hand grips which can be used to grip the modules to facilitate carrying of them.

12. A recreational ramp system according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the interlocks are positioned at side wall parts of the plurality of modules.

13. A recreational ramp system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least some of the modules of the plurality of modules each have a recessed portion adapted for use in releasably receiving and retaining a grind pole or rail.

14. A recreational ramp system according to claim 13, wherein the grind pole or rail forms part of the ramp system.

A recreational ramp system suitable for use by skateboarders, skaters, scooter riders, or bike riders, the ramp system having a plurality of modules which can be releasably engaged with one another to provide a running surface or running surfaces, each module having a plurality of interlocks, each interlock having an outwardly angled substantially rigid projection and a space adjacent the projection, each projection being capable of being received in the space of a respective further interlock of another of the plurality of modules such that the projection of the further interlock is received in the space of the first mentioned interlock; such that the interlocks releasably retain the plurality of modules with respect to one another.

16. A recreational ramp system according to claim 15, wherein some of the projections are upwardly angled and some of the projections are downwardly angled.

17. A recreational ramp system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein each of the plurality of modules has side walls and wherein the interlocks of each module are situated in the walls of that module.

18. A recreational ramp system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein each of the plurality of modules has walls and wherein some of the walls have two interlocks.

19. A recreational ramp system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the interlocks are adapted to provide hand grips which can be used to facilitate carrying of the modules when the ramp system is disassembled.

A recreational ramp system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein at least some of the modules of the plurality of modules each have a recessed portion adapted for use in releasably receiving and retaining a grind pole or rail.

21. A recreational ramp system according to claim 20, wherein the grind pole forms part of the ramp system.

22. A recreational ramp system according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein each module of the plurality of modules is substantially hollow with an open bottom.

23. A recreational ramp system according to claim 1, or according to claim substantially as herein described. A.J. Pietras Associates Attorney foirthe Applicant