GB2578829A

GB2578829A - Ramp

Info

Publication number: GB2578829A
Application number: GB1914902.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mangnall Lee
Original assignee: Indespension Ltd
Current assignee: Indespension Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-18
Filing date: 2019-10-15
Publication date: 2020-05-27
Also published as: GB201914902D0; GB201816952D0

Abstract

A ramp (e.g. on a trailer) has spaced-apart first and second tracks (12,13, fig 3) and a separate removable infill section (30, fig 3) to optionally provide a full width ramp. Each track 12,13 has a stand (18,19, fig 2) and pivots to a raised transport position with the help of gas springs 35,36. Side flanges 31,32, 33 at edges of the ramp tracks 12,13 and infill section 30 can be bolted together.

Description

RAMP

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a ramp having particular, but not exclusive, application in relation to transportation apparatus such as a vehicle or trailer.

Trailers are often used to transport other vehicles. Access to the trailer may be via a single full-width ramp. Alternatively access to the trailer may be via a pair of ramp tracks set an appropriate distance apart for receiving the vehicle wheels of the vehicle to be driven onto the trailer.

Unlike fixed-position ramp track pairs, full-width trailer ramps provide access to the trailer for a variety of track widths. However, these full-width trailer ramps are heavy and it may be difficult to lift them manually.

The present invention has been made from a consideration of this. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a ramp comprising first and second ramp tracks being spaced-apart from each other, and an infill ramp section, the infill section being removable from a first position where it is fixed in position between the first and second ramp tracks so as to provide a full width ramp comprising the first and second ramp tracks and the infill ramp section, to a second position in which the infill ramp section is separated from the first and second ramp tracks and access to the trailer via the ramp is provided by the spaced-apart first and second ramp tracks, but not the infill ramp section.

This arrangement provides flexibility in that the infill section may be added to the ramp only when required such that the ramp is relatively light in weight unless a full-width ramp is required.

In one embodiment of the invention, the infill ramp section is secured by a plurality of bolts which extend through apertures in flanges in the ramp tracks and apertures in the infill ramp section. A nut is provided for each bolt to secure the bolt in place in conventional fashion.

The ramp may be moved about a pivot between a raised vertical position for transportation and a lowered ramp position. This movement may be weight assisted to aid lifting of the ramp.

Typically, this would be by one or more springs. In one embodiment movement of the ramp is assisted by one or more gas springs. In a further embodiment movement of the ramp is assisted by one or more conventional springs. This is particularly helpful when the infill ramp section is in place. Spring assistance may be from at least one spring connected to one of the ramp tracks. In one embodiment of the invention one spring is provided per ramp track and a spring is not provided for the infill ramp section.

One or more lift cylinders may be provided for the ramp or ramp tracks to assist with raising the ramp or ramp tracks.

The ramp tracks may be moveable independently of one another. The ramp tracks may be moveable in unison, even when the infill ramp section is not fixed between the ramp tracks Each ramp track comprises a ramp platform Each ramp platform is preferably substantially planar. Each ramp platform is preferably solid with one or more openings therein to reduce the weight of the ramp platform.

Each ramp track preferably includes a pair of side rails. Each ramp track preferably includes a plurality of transverse rails. The transverse rails typically extend between the side rails.

Each ramp track is preferably provided with a stand. The stand is typically provided adjacent to the inner end of the ramp track (closest to the higher end of the ramp track.

Normally, the ramp tracks are mounted to a trailer. The ramp tracks are normally mounted to the trailer using one or more hinge or pivot rods about which the ramp track can pivot between a raised and a lowered position.

When in the lowered position, the ramp track is supported at one end by a stand. Each stand preferably comprises a base in the form of a cross-piece extending under the ramp platform. Each stand preferably includes a pair of spaced apart supporting structures which are mounted to extend from the underside of the end of the ramp track adjacent the trailer platform. The base preferably extends between a lower end of the supporting structures Each supporting structure is preferably V-shaped. Each supporting structure preferably includes a pair of elongate members that are provided at an angle to each other. The angle is preferably acute. The elongate members preferably meet at an apex. The apex is typically oriented downwardly. The base typically extends between the spaced apart supporting structure at or adjacent to the apex.

A further member may be provided at the opposite ends of the elongate members to the apex. The further member preferably extends between the spaced apart ends of the respective elongate members to form a triangular supporting structure.

The further member is typically planar. The further member preferably abuts one of the side rails on an outer side of the side rail. The further member preferably overlies one of the side rails for a length along the side rail. The elongate members that are provided at an angle to each other are preferably located under the side rail to support the side rail. A portion of the elongate members of a supporting structure preferably abuts an underside of a side rail.

The infill ramp section comprises a ramp platform. The ramp platform is preferably substantially planar. The ramp platform is preferably solid with one or more openings therein to reduce the weight of the ramp platform The infill ramp section preferably includes a pair of side rails The infill ramp section preferably includes a plurality of transverse rails. The transverse rails typically extend between the side rails.

A portion of each of the side rails of the infill ramp section is typically removed, or absent to allow for the provision of the preferred further member to overlie a lateral side of the side rail.

The first and second ramp tracks will generally be securable in the raised position. Securing the first and second ramp tracks in the raised position will typically secure the infill ramp section (if fixed in position between the first and second ramp tracks) in the raised position as well.

Any securing mechanism can be used ranging from simple clevis pins with a spring retaining pin, or antiluce fasteners to more complex lockable mechanisms. In one very simple form, a laterally extending wing with an opening is provided on each of the first and second ramp track. The vehicle is provided with a clevis pin located on the vehicle relative to the wing and opening to be received partially through the opening. A spring retaining pin can then be inserted into the transverse opening in the clevis pin to secure the first and second ramp tracks in the raised position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle comprising a load bearing section and a ramp associated with the load bearing section, the ramp comprising first and second ramp tracks being spaced-apart from each other, and an infill ramp section, the infill section being removable from a first position where it is fixed in position between the first and second ramp tracks so as to provide a full width ramp comprising the first and second ramp tracks and the infill ramp section, to a second position in which the infill ramp section is separated from the first and second ramp tracks and access to the load bearing section of the vehicle via the ramp is provided by the spaced-apart first and second ramp tracks, but not the infill ramp section.

In an embodiment, the vehicle is a trailer or a utility vehicle. The load bearing section is typically at an elevated height above a ground surface The ramp associated with the load bearing section may be a ramp including any one or more of the aforementioned features, in any combination.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention without the infill ramp section in place, with the ramp in a lowered position;

S

Fig 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Fig. 1 with the ramp in a raised transportation position; Fig 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figs 1 and 2, but with the infill ramp section in place, with the ramp in a lowered position; and Flo 4 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figs. Ito 3, but with the infill ramp section in place, with the ramp in a raised transportation position Referring to the drawings a trailer 10 has a ramp II provided at its rear for vehicular access. Fig. 1 shows a pair of spaced-apart ramp tracks 12, 13 the outer edges of which align with the side walls 14, 15 of the trailer 10 Each ramp track comprises a ramp platform 16, 17 which when in the lowered position of Fig. 1 is supported at one end by a stand 18, 19. Each stand comprises a base 20, 21 in the form of a cross-piece extending under the ramp platform 16, 17 between the ends of supporting structures 22, 23, 24, 25 which extend from the underside of the end of the ramp track adjacent the trailer platform to the stand base 20,2t.

A channel is provided at the end of the ramp track adjacent to the stand. This channel 26, 27 receives a rod 28 fixed to the trailer such that the ramp track may pivot about the rod 28 between the lowered ramp position shown in Fig. 1 and the raised transportation position shown in Fig. 2. The ramp tracks may be releasably held in the raised transportation position by way of retractable retaining belts (not shown).

Fig. 3 shows an arrangement similar to Fig. 1, but here an infill ramp section 30 is secured in position in the gap between the two ramp tracks 12, 13. Flanges 31, 32, 33 depend from the edges of the ramp tracks 12, 13 and infill section 30 and apertures 34 are periodically provided in those flanges. Bolts (not shown) may be passed through apertures in an inner flange of a ramp track and an adjacent aperture in the ramp infill section. The bolts may be held in place by a nut received on the free end of the bolt in conventional fashion so as to clamp the infill ramp 30 section to the two ramp 12, 13 tracks at various points.

In Fig. 4 two gas sprung devices 35, 36 are shown. These extend between a cross piece 37, 38 on the bottom of the ramp tracks arms 39 extending from the rear of the trailer. These gas springs assist in the movement of the trailer ramp from a lowered to a raised position. They are useful when the infill ramp section is in place because of the additional weight.

It is to be understood that the above disclosed embodiment is by way of illustration only. Many modifications and variations are possible.

Claims

CLAIMSA ramp comprising first and second ramp tracks being spaced-apart from each other, and an infill ramp section, the infill section being removable from a first position where it is fixed in position between the first and second ramp tracks so as to provide a full width ramp comprising the first and second ramp tracks and the infill ramp section, to a second position in which the infill ramp section is separated from the first and second ramp tracks and access to a vehicle via the ramp is provided by the spaced-apart first and second ramp tracks, but not the infill ramp section.
2. A ramp as claimed in claim 1 wherein the infill ramp section is secured to the first and second ramp tracks by a plurality of bolts which extend through apertures in flanges in the ramp tracks and apertures in the infill ramp section.
3. A ramp as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising a pivot about which the ramp is movable between a raised vertical position for transportation and a IS lowered ramp position A ramp as claimed in claim 3 further comprising at least one lift assistance device to assist with movement of the ramp into the raised vertical position.A ramp as claimed in claim 4 wherein a pair of lift assistance devices are provided.6. A ramp as claimed in claim 5 wherein one lift assistance device mounted relative to each of the first and second ramp tracks.A ramp as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the or each at least one lift assistance device includes a spring.8. A ramp as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the or each at least one lift assistance device includes a gas spring.A ramp as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the or each at least one lift assistance device includes one or more lift cylinders.10. A ramp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the first and second ramp tracks are moveable independently of one another.A ramp as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the first and second ramp tracks are moveable in unison, even when the infill ramp section is not fixed between the first and second ramp tracks.U. A ramp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each ramp track comprises a substantially planar ramp platform 13. A ramp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each ramp track comprises a pair of side rails.14. A ramp as claimed in claim 13 wherein each ramp track comprises a plurality of transverse rails extending between the pair of side rails.15. A ramp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each ramp track comprises a stand provided adjacent to an inner end of the respective ramp track.16. A ramp as claimed in claim 15 wherein when in a lowered ramp position, the respective ramp track is supported at the inner end by the stand 17. A ramp as claimed in claim 16 wherein each stand includes a pair of spaced apart supporting structures which are mounted to extend from an underside of the inner end of the ramp track and a base extending under the ramp platform between a lower end of the respective supporting structures.18 A ramp as claimed in claim 17 wherein each supporting structure is V-shaped, includes a pair of elongate members that are provided at an angle to each other.19 A ramp as claimed in claim 18 wherein the elongate members meet at a lower apex and the base extends between the spaced apart supporting structures at the lower apex 20. A ramp as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein a further member extends between spaced apart ends of the respective elongate members to form a triangular supporting structure.2L A ramp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the infill ramp section comprises a planar ramp platform which forms a coplanar ramp with the first and second ramp tracks 22. A vehicle comprising a load bearing section and a ramp associated with the load bearing section, the ramp as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 23 A vehicle as claimed in claim 22 wherein the vehicle is a trailer or a utility vehicle.24. A vehicle as claimed in claim 23 wherein the load bearing section is at an elevated height above a ground surface.25. A vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 22 to 24 further comprising a pivot about which the ramp is movable between a raised vertical position for transportation and a lowered ramp position, whether provided as the full width ramp or the first and second ramp tracks without the infill ramp section.