GB2449464A

GB2449464A - Bicycle ramp for stairs

Info

Publication number: GB2449464A
Application number: GB0709869A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeremy Caulton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-05-23
Filing date: 2007-05-23
Publication date: 2008-11-26
Also published as: GB0709869D0

Abstract

A ramp which is to be placed on a staircase for use by bicycles, has two end portions 11, 12 and a track portion 10 intermediate to the end portions, the end portions being curved away from the upper surface of the track portion. The track portion may be U- or C-shaped in cross-section. The end portions may be integral with the track portion or attached to it. One or more bracket assemblies 14, 15 are fitted under the ramp to engage the stair treads and allow the ramp to be mounted securely on the staircase. The bracket assemblies are adjustable to allow for different angles and pitches of stairs.

Description

A Bicycle Ramp

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to bicycle ramps for after market fitting to staircases and the like. It is particularly applicable, but in no way limited to bicycle ramps for after market fitting to staircases at train stations without a wall system for direct fitting to the stair treads and/or risers.

Background to the Invention

With the issue of sustainable living forever becoming a major part of our lives, green transport options are becoming ever more popular; this includes the use of public transport, walking and cycling. The cyclist however is often faced with the problem of descending or ascending stairs, particularly if they are carrying other luggage or do not have the strength to lift the bicycle. Staircases are found along almost all pedestrian routes which are often shared with cyclists. For example at railway stations; crossing points -e.g. over canals and roads; overpasses and underpasses and at entrances to institutions or developments. Disabled access since 2005 in the UK has been mandatory which will help in new, and some existing, situations but that will leave innumerable locations across the country where cyclist access will remain difficult because of stairs.

Accessing up and down stairs for cyclists is at the best of time difficult. Some in situ tracks exist but are few and far between. JP8144567 (Mamoru), JP3267482 (Suehiro) JP20051 39778 (Akira) and JP 6239569 (Mamoru and Kenji) for example describes a bicycle conveying slope which in essence provides a travelator for installation on a slope such as a staircase to enable the bicycle to be moved up a slope without any input from the cyclist by providing a locking means to hold the bicycle tires in place whilst being conveyed up or down the travelator. The problem with such a travelator is that such a piece of equipment would be costly to install and require constant maintenance. It may also not be suitable for leaving in unmanned exposed areas and would need a source of electricity which might not always be available.

GB14623 (Coley-Bromfield) describes a trough arrangement for installation on staircases. The invention dates from 1897 and is in essence a square half pipe attached to a staircase.

JP200 1040604 (lsao) describes U-shaped gutter rails, which holds the wheels of the bicycle more readily than a square shape, attached to a staircase. The rail is attached to the side of the staircase rather than on the staircase itself and therefore needs to be constructed at the same time as the staircase as it would not be suitable to retrofit in situations where the staircase does not have an accessible side.

JP78062921 (Kunishuke) describes U-shaped gutter rails, which holds the wheels of the bicycle more readily than a square shape, constructed in the centre of a staircase. Since the rail is constructed in the centre of the staircase rather than on the staircase itself and therefore needs to be constructed at the same time as the staircase. In addition due to the location of the rail in the centre of the staircase this is likely to cause a tripping hazard.

DE9416592U (Klaus) describes a U-Shaped gutter formed from aluminium which is attached to a wall next to a staircase which allows for a bicycle to be pushed up the gutter section. The construction only allows for attachment to a staircase with a wall and without any obstructions at the base of the top of the staircase and is therefore not suitable for all staircases.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bicycle ramp, which overcomes or at least mitigates one of more of the problems noted above.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a ramp for a bicycle comprising two end portions and a track portion intermediate to the end portions, the track portion having an upper surface, wherein at least one of the end portions is curved away from the upper surface of the track portion. Preferably the curve of the at least one end portion provides a multiplicity of engagement surfaces for engagement with a said stair tread or riser of a said staircase in which the ramp is mounted in use.

This is particularly advantageous because the at least one curved end portion abuts against for example a staircase tread or riser portion where such a ramp may be fitted to allow for fitting of the ramp. The fact that the at least one end portion is curved allows for a single sized ramp to be fitted to any pitch of staircase without any modification to the ramp itself.

Preferably the track portion is U-or C-shaped in cross-section.

Preferably the at least one end portion includes a laminar section.

More preferably a section of the at least one end portion which is adjacent to the track portion is U-or C-shaped and tapers towards a laminar cross-section. This allows for a secure flat engaging point to be provided for fixing to a stair tread or riser.

Preferably both of the end portions are curved away from the upper surface of the track portion. This then provides for a point of engagement at the top of the stairs and the bottom of the stairs for more secure fixing.

Preferably the end portions are formed integrally with the track portion, alternatively the end portions are formed separately from the track portion and are attachable thereto. This is advantageous as such a modular structure allows the ramp to be constructed on site using the desired lengths of the various components.

Preferably the end portions are attachable to the track portion by means of at least one aperture provided in the end portions and at least one corresponding aperture provided in the track portion, and locating one dowel portion into the said apertures to attaché the portions together. This allows for easy construction on site when forming the ramp to the desired length without any complicated fixing means whilst remaining secure. To provide even greater security of fixing preferably the at least one dowel portion is splined or alternatively the at least one dowel portion is knurled.

This allows for a snug fit of the dowel portion within the aperture and fixing without the need with any adhesive.

Preferably the ramp is provided with at least one first attachment means for attaching the ramp to a said surface, more preferably the first attachment means is provided in at least one of the curved end portions and most preferably the first attachment means is provided in both of the curved end portions. This is advantageous as it provides a fixing point which will abut any pitch of staircase.

Preferably the ramp is further provided with at leastone second attachment means.

This is advantageous as it provides extra security and strength to the fitting of the ramp. More preferably the second attachment means is a bracket assembly attachable to the underside of the track portion.

Preferably the bracket assembly comprises first and second bracket members.

More preferably the first bracket member is attachable to a surface and the second bracket member locates on to the first bracket member and the second bracket member is attachable to the track portion.

Preferably the second bracket member is slidably engageable with respect to the first bracket member. This is particularly advantageous as is allows the bracket member to be set at any desired angle readily on site without knowing the angle prior to arrival on site and universal component for any pitch staircase. Most preferably the first and second members are provided with serrations, this allows for the bracket members to be retained in place once the bracket assembly has been set to the desired pitch. Preferably the serrations are provided on the top side of the first bracket member and on the underside of the second bracket member such that in use the serrations of the first bracket member interact with the serrations of the second bracket member to hold the second bracket member in a fixed position with respect to the first bracket member.

Preferably the upper surface of the track portion is provided with a traction surface.

This is particularly advantageous as it provides a gripping surface so that the cyclists can easily manoeuvre a bicycle up or down the ramp without the bicycle getting away from them. Preferably the traction surface is raised in respect of the track portion, alternatively the traction surface is engraved in respect of the track portion.

Preferably the traction surface is formed from a series of repeating shapes, more preferably the traction surface is formed from a series of repeating logos, most preferably the traction surface is formed from a series of repeating words. This allows for integrated advertising to be incorporated into the ramp when situated in public places as well as forming a traction surface.

Preferably the track portion is curved towards its upper surface to receive a wheel.

This would hold the wheel in place rather than a flat ramp which would allow movement in the wheel and may result in the wheel coming off the ramp. Preferably the curve is provided at an angle to the vertical, more preferably the curve is provided at an angle of about 20 to about 40 degrees, even more preferably the curve is provided at an angle of about 30 degrees to the vertical, this angle allows for comfortable manoeuvring of the bicycle by the cyclist.

Preferably the ramp is formed from a plastics material this enables for cheap construction of the ramp.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket for locating a straight member on a pitched surface comprising a first bracket member and a second bracket member wherein the first and second bracket members are provided with slidably engaging surfaces to allow the relative angle between the first and second bracket members to be altered. This is particularly advantageous as it provides for a bracket component comprising first and second bracket members which each have a curved slidably engageable surface it may be that the first member is provided with a concave surface and the second member is provided with a convex surface or vice versa. The first and second bracket members are also provided each with a flat surface on the opposite face to the curved surface it is the changed in the relative angles of these flat surfaces that changes when the slidably engageable surfaces are moved with respect to each other. This allows for the first bracket member. to be attached to for example a stair tread section at its flat surface to the flat surface of the stair tread and for the second bracket member to be attached to for example a track portion of ramp at its flat surface to the flat surface of the ramp and then the bracket members to slidably engage to the desired angle of the surfaces with respect to each other.

Preferably the first and second bracket members are provided with serrations, which retain the second member in position at the desired angle after it has been pivoted.

Preferably there is provided a ramp with a track portion and at least one bracket assembly described above.

Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described by way of examples only with reference to the accompany drawings wherein:-Figure 1 is a front/top perspective view of the complete bicycle ramp according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a rear/bottom perspective view of the complete bicycle ramp according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a front/top perspective view of the complete bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a front/top perspective exploded view of the complete bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a rear/bottom perspective exploded view of the complete bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a rear/bottom perspective exploded view of the complete bicycle ramp according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the bicycle ramp in situ onastaircase.

Figure 7A is a magnified view of the bracket of the bicycle ramp in situ on a staircase.

Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the bicycle ramp in situ on a staircase.

Figure 8A is a magnified view of the bracket of the bicycle ramp in situ on a staircase.

Figure 9 is a side view in part in cross-section of the bicycle ramp in situ on a staircase according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a rear view of the header/footer portion of the bicycle ramp.

Figure 11 is a front view of the header/footer portion of the bicycle ramp.

Figure 12 is a rear view of the header/footer portion of the bicycle ramp with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 13 is a front view of the header/footer portion of the bicycle ramp with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 14 is a side view of the header/footer portion of the bicycle ramp.

Figure 15 is a side view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp.

Figure 16 is a bottom view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp.

Figure 17 is a side view of the header/footer portion of the bicycle ramp with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 18 is a side view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 19 is a bottom view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 20 is a top view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp.

Figure 21 is a front view of the bicycle ramp of Figure 9 in situ on a staircase.

Figure 22 is a front view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 23 is a front perspective exploded view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp.

Figure 24 is a front view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp.

Figure 25 is a side cross-sectional view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp.

Figure 26 is a front cross-sectional view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a front cross-sectional view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 28 is a front cross-sectional view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a first embodiment of the present invention with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 29 is a side view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 30 is a top view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a first embodiment of the present invention with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 31 is a top view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 32 is a bottom view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 33 is a side view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 34 is a top view of the raised traction surface of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 35 is a side view of the raised traction surface of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 36 is a front cross-sectional view of the raised traction surface of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a second embodiment of the present invention with approximate dimensions in mm.

Figure 37 is a front perspective exploded view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp according to an alternative embodiment.

Figure 38 is a front view of the bracket assembly of the bicycle ramp according to an alternative embodiment.

Figure 39 is a front cross-sectional view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 40 is a front cross-sectional view of the track of the bicycle ramp according to a further alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 41 is a side view of the second bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 42 is a bottom view of the second bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 43 is a front view of the second bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 44 is a bottom side perspective view of the second bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 45 is a front side perspective view of the first bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 46 is a front view of the first bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 47 is a top view of the first bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 48 is a side view of the. first bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 49 is a front view of the second bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 50 is a front view of the first bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 51 is a side view of the second bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 52 is a side view of the first bracket member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 53 is a top view of the bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 54 is a front side perspective view of the bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Preferred Embodiments

The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of

example only.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 the bicycle ramp of the present invention comprises a track portion 10, a header portion 11, a footer portion 12 and a bracket assembly 13.

The bracket assembly 13 comprises a first bracket member 14 and a second bracket member 15. In an alternative embodiment the track portion 10 may further comprise a traction surface 16 as shown in Figure 3. The bicycle ramp can be formed from a single piece or in an alternative embodiment the component parts can be formed separately and then assembled together to create a bicycle ramp of a desired length.

Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 6 which show exploded views of the component parts separated from each other the fixing means 17 used to fix the component parts together (if formed separately) in a single piece is clearly visible. In this embodiment the fixing means are pins, rods or dowels 17 which locate through corresponding apertures for example 18, 19 in the relevant component parts. This type of construction allows not only for the header portion 11 to be connected to the track portion 10 and the footer portion 12 to the track portion 10, but also allows for additional track portions to be connected to the track portion to create the desired length of track for the desired end use. The pins 17 may be plain or in an alternative embodiment the pins 17 are splined or knurled to create adhesion in the apertures 18, 19. The pins 17 can be formed in different sizes -eg 6mm for the joints 20 and/or 8mm for the joints 21. For example to top joints 20 could be formed in 6mm and the bottom joints in 8mm or vice versa or both can be formed from the same size. The pins 17 are designed to have a tight fit between components and can be used without any adhesive. However in an alternative embodiment adhesive can be used. Alternative fixing means can be employed to locate the component parts together as determined by the materials specialist.

Referring to Figures 7, 8, 9 and 21 which show the bicycle ramp assembly 22, 23 in situ on a staircase 24. These figures exemplify the bespoke retrofitable' bicycle ramp assembly that can be fitted to any type of staircase enabling cyclists to move bikes up or down with ease. It is designed so as to minimise any disruption for pedestrian usage of stairways; with health and safety in mind, by having the bicycle ramp assembly fitted to one side of the staircase 24 as opposed to centrally fitted tracks; and to have the off and on ramp portions of the track designed tobe non-obstructive yet accessible to cyclists.

Referring to Figures 10 to 14 and 17 which show the header/footer portions 11, 12 of the bicycle ramp assembly 22, 23. The header 11 and footer portions 12 are essentially the same component depending on whether they are used at the head or top of the bicycle ramp assembly or the bottom of the bicycle ramp assembly. The components are designed such that they are reversible depending on whether the bicycle ramp assembly is place on the left of the staircase or the right of the staircase.

The header 11 and footer 12 portions are the on/off access ramps for the bicycle ramp assembly. The header being at the top of the staircase and the footer being at the base. The design of these two unique components has been carefully considered for several reasons: i) The main reason for the curved nature of each is to allow these components to accommodate any normal pitch of a staircase and the enable easy access from ground onto the bicycle ramp assembly.

ii) They were designed so that they would not encroach on the pedestrian trafficked areas -e.g. landings, and therefore would not provide a trip hazard.

iii) Both components have three way curves to enable flexibility in fitting (as indicated below) but to also enable the bicycle wheel to be guided onto the bicycle ramp assembly easily.

iv) Both components can be fitted at either end of the track -i.e. the header and footer are interchangeable depending on which side of the staircase the track is to be fitted.

The curved form allows the component to fit any pitch of staircase. The head of each part 30 fits into the track portion 10 with the aid of joining pins 17 and the tail 31 (the slender part of the component) is cut to suit and then drilled and fixed against the riser or the tread of the stairs 24. The bottom fixing, the footer 12, can be fixed in two locations on the staircase -on the bottom tread raising the footer off the ground completely, or against the last riser, still raising it off the ground but making it easier to push the bicycle wheel against. Both would however still provide easy access to the cyclist. The top fixing, the header 11, would be located on the first step down from the landing fixed to the last top riser or last top tread. This would enable the curved part of the header 11 to be in line with the landing surface, again enabling again easy access for the cyclist.

Figures 18 to 20, 22 to 25, 37, 38 and 41 to 54 show the bracket assembly 13 and the component parts thereof. The unique bracket assembly 13 for this track has been designed with two criteria in mind; firstly to enable the bicycle ramp assembly to be retro fitted to an existing staircase 24; and, secondly to provide a good anchor to the staircase 24 for the bicycle ramp assembly. As staircase pitches differ the bicycle ramp assembly must be capable of being fixed securely to any angle of staircase. The bracket assembly 13 is made of two parts 14, 15 with the first bracket member 14 at the base placed on the stair tread near the nose of the stair and the second bracket member 15 fitting on top of the first bracket member 14.

This second bracket member 15 is curved to enable it to slide back and forth to suit the angle of the staircase. Both the first bracket member 14 and the second bracket member 15 have serrated connecting surfaces 40, 41, enabling the second bracket member 15 to be positioned accurately and held in place. In one embodiment the serrations could be provided on a portion of the bracket members as shown in Figures 18 to 20 and 22 to 25 or in the alternative the serrations could be provide on the whole of the connecting surfaces as shown in Figures 37, 38 and 41 to 54. Both parts have holes 95, 96 predrilled for fixing, but this is not an essential part of the design. The bracket could operate without predrilled holes as the track is fixed by screwing it through the bracket into the staircase. To do this the installer would need to drill through the track portion and therefore drill through the bracket members too. The track portion is then laid on top and slotted into the track. In an alternative embodiment the track portion 10 has twin 5mm grooves 50, 51 on the underside which fit into twin raised rails 92, 93 on top of the second bracket member 15. When set at the appropriate angle the track portion 10 is drilled through the bracket assembly 13 and into the stair.

These bracket members 13 will be used on each stair tread along the full length of the staircase and in particular at the final steps before both the header portion 11 and the footer portion 12 to ensure added strength to the track portion 10 at these locations. In an alternative embodiment the track portion could be fitted to the staircase without the need for the bracket assemblies, depending upon the construction of the staircase if secure fixing is possible without them.

Referring to Figures 26 to 33 which show the track portion 10. The track portion 10 is designed so that it can take any size bicycle tyre. It is also designed in profile to have rounded edges for safety (see below). The profile of the track portion is unique in that it is raised on the one side 52 and curved in profile. The raised side always fits against the outer edge of the staircase and the lower edge facing towards the centre of the staircase. The curve is to allow the track to hold' the wheel steady and the raised side is to allow for the track portion to be used up against the staircase edge; and it allows the cyclist to lean the bike when taking the vehicle up or down the stairs. This leaning of the bike is an important aspect of the design as it means that the track portion can be located in the corner' of the staircase, up against the wall or balustrade of the stairs. This part of the staircase is out of the way of the main pedestrian flow being under' the handrail of any staircase and is therefore not subjected to footfall. The leaning of the bike also assists the user to be able to guide the bike with one hand whilst using the other to carry a brief case, bag etc. The profile of the track portion 10 is such that the curvature allows for a bicycle wheel to be positioned at approximately 30 from vertical which is a comfortable position for the bicycle to be held in by the cyclist.

The track portion is designed to come in various lengths and can be cut to suit. The profile of the track portion 10 is designed to enable extensions or on/off ramps to be connected through the use of pins 17.

The profile of the track portion is such that it has enlarged rounded heads' 90, 91 which take the holes for the connecting pins, but also ensures a broad rounded surface along which the bicycle wheel can run without obstruction and safely. In an alternative embodiment these enlarged rounded heads' can vary in size if desired with the outer edge being enlarged 94 further to grip' the tyre more firmly if required this enlargement is shown in Figures 39 and 40.

The profile base of the track portion is also designed with twin 5mm grooves 50, 51 running the full length of the underside of the track portion -these are to enable the accommodation of a specially designed bracket assembly 13 allowing the track to be fitted to any staircase pitch and allowing it a good quality anchor to the stair. In an alternativeembodiment if the bracket assemblies are not required the track portion need not incorporated the grooves.

Referring to Figures 34 to 36 which show the traction surface located on the upper surface of the track portion or integral with the upper surface of the track portion in an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The track portion 10 will need a textured surface 16 to improve traction. In an alternative embodiment this will be through the use of applied lettering, fitted to the inner curve. This can be a logo or trade mark for example. This letter not only serves as an advertising element of the design the raised letters will act as the much needed traction surface for the inner surface of the track enabling the user to ascend and descend easily without the bicycle sliding down the track; especially when the wheels are wet. These words will be set at regular intervals along the entire length of the track to ensure constant traction occurs. They will come either ready fixed to the track at manufacture or in an alternative manufactured individually and applied post fitting. In an alternative the traction surface may be formedfrom shapes such as ribs ie non-lettering' where lettering is not acceptable in the final location of the ramp.

It is proposed that the track is made from heavy duty plastics material examples of such plastics materials include ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or polypropylenes or any other plastics material as determined by the materials specialist. It can be made from metal such as aluminium but any metal may be problematic for a number of reasons -scrap value; chemical reaction between steel and aluminium; maintenance of steel tracks, etc. Plastics materials on the other hand are more robust; can come ready coloured which will help in advertising' the presence of the ramp and is an easier material to fit. It is also possible to ensure that the plastics material used is sourced through recycling.

In summary the bicycle ramp of the present invention is a bespoke retrofitable' ramp system that can be fitted to any type of staircase enabling cyclists to m ove bikes up or down with ease. It is designed so as to minimise any disruption for pedestrian usage of stairways; with health and safety in mind, by having the track fitted to one side as opposed to centrally fitted tracks; to have the off and on ramp portions of the track designed to be non-obstructive yet accessible to cyclists; and, to have it made from a highly visible material - coloured high density plastic.

Claims

Claims: 1. A ramp for a bicycle comprising two end portions and a track

portion intermediate to the end portions, the track portion having an upper surface, wherein at least one of the end portions is curved away from the upper surface of the track portion.
2. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the curve of the at least one end portion provides a multiplicity of engagement surfaces for engagement with a stair tread or riser of a staircase to which the ramp is mounted in use.
3. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the track portion is U-or C-shaped in cross-section.
4. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the at least one end portion includes a laminar section.
5. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein a section of the at least one end portion which is adjacent to the track portion is U-or C-shaped and tapers towards a laminar cross-section.
6. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein both of the end portions are curved away from the upper surface of the track portion.
7. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the end portions are formed integrally with the track portion.
8. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the end portions are formed separately from the track portion and are attachable thereto.
9. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the end portions are attachable to the track portion by means of at least one aperture provided in the end portions and at least one corresponding aperture provided in the track portion, and locating one dowel portion into the said apertures to attach the portions together.
10. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the at least one dowel portion is splined.
11. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the at least one dowel portion is knurled.
12. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of the preceding claims further provided with at least one first attachment means for attaching the ramp to a surface.
13. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the first attachment means is provided in at least one of the end portions.
14. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 12 or Claim 13 wherein the first attachment means is provided in both of the end portions.
15. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of the preceding Claims wherein the ramp is further provided with at least one second attachment means.
16. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 15 wherein the second attachment means is a bracket assembly attachable to the underside of the track portion.
17. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the bracket assembly comprises first and second bracket members.
18. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the first bracket member is attachable to a surface and the second bracket member locates on to the first bracket member and the second bracket member is attachable to the track portion.
19. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 17 or Claim 18 wherein the second bracket member is slidably engageable with respect to the first bracket member.
20. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 19 wherein the first and second bracket members are provided with slidably engaging surfaces to allow the relative angle between the members to be changed.
21. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of Claims 17 to 20 wherein the first and second members are provided with serrations.
22. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 21 wherein the sen-atioris are provided on the top side of the first bracket member and on the underside of the second bracket member such that in use the serrations of the first bracket member interact with the serrations of the second bracket member to hold the second bracket member in a fixed position with respect to the first bracket member.
23. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the upper surface of the track portion is provided with a traction surface.
24. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the traction surface is raised in respect of the track portion.
25. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the traction surface is engraved in respect of the track portion.
26. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 25 wherein the traction surface is formed from a series of repeating shapes.
27. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 25 wherein the traction surface is formed from a series of repeating logos.
28. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 25 wherein the traction surface is formed from a series of repeating words.
29. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the track portion is curved towards its upper surface to receive a wheel.
30. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 29 wherein the curve is provided at an angle to the vertical.
31. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in Claim 29 or Claim 30 wherein the curve is provided at about 20 to about 40 degrees to the vertical.
32. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of Claims 29 to 31 wherein the curve is provided at about 30 degrees to the vertical.
33. A ramp for a bicycle as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the ramp is formed from a plastics material.
34. A ramp for a bicycle as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
35. A bracket assembly for locating a straight member on a pitched surface comprising a first bracket member and a second bracket member wherein the first* and second bracket members are provided with slidably engaging surfaces to allow the relative angle between the first and second bracket members to be altered.
36. A bracket assembly as claimed in Claim 35 wherein the first and second bracket members are provided with serrations, which retain the second member in position at the desired angle after it has been pivoted.
37. A ramp for a bicycle comprising a track portion and at least one bracket assembly as claimed in Claim 35 or Claim 36.