Wheel chair abstract
A ramp assembly for use with a vehicle to provide access to and
from the vehicle. The ramp assembly is particularly suited for use
by people confined to a wheel chair. The assembly includes a control
lever pivotally mounted to a ramp member of the assembly to support
a control switch at hand level to someone in a wheel chair. The
control lever abuts a portion of the vehicle as the ramp assembly
closes and is supported in a substantially vertical position when
the assembly is closed to increase the space available within the
vehicle. The motor drive for the ramp assembly is positioned on
the vehicle between two pivotally mounted ramp members to further
increase the available space within the vehicle over past assemblies.
The present ramp assembly includes a number of safety features including
a warning light system that is turned on when the ramp assembly
is in use, automatic stops for the ramp assembly's motor, built-in
steps for persons walking on the ramp assembly or pushing a wheel
chair over the assembly, windows in the main ramp member for increased
visibility, and means to positively move the outer ramp members
to a position substantially coplanar with the main ramp member for
easy movement between the ramp assembly and the ground.
Wheel chair claims
I claim:
1. A ramp assembly for use with a vehicle having an opening into
the interior thereof, said ramp assembly comprising:
ramp means, said ramp means including at least one ramp member,
means operably connected to said ramp member for pivotally mounting
said ramp member to said vehicle for movement about a first substantially
horizontal axis located adjacent the opening into the vehicle,
means operably connected to said ramp means for reversibly moving
said ramp member about said first pivotal axis between an open position
providing access to and from the interior of said vehicle through
said opening and a substantially vertical position,
control means operably connected to said moving means for controlling
the operation of said moving means, said control means including
an elongated member,
means operably connected to the elongated member for pivotally
mounting said elongated member of said control means to said ramp
member for movement about a second pivotal axis, said elongated
member of the control means including at least a first portion extending
outwardly of said second pivotal axis and having a switch means,
and,
means to limit the pivotal movement of said first portion of said
elongated member about said second pivotal axis in a direction toward
said ramp member when said ramp member is in an open position, said
limiting means including a flexible strap attached to said vehicle
and to the elongated member whereby said first portion is supported
at an acute angle relative to said ramp member.
2. The ramp assembly of claim 1 wherein said second pivotal axis
is substantially parallel to said first pivotal axis.
3. A ramp assembly for use with a vehicle having an opening into
the interior thereof, said ramp assembly comprising:
ramp means, said ramp means including at least one ramp member,
means operably connected to said ramp member for pivotally mounting
said ramp member to said vehicle for movement about a first substantially
horizontal axis located adjacent the opening into the vehicle,
means operably connected to said ramp means for reversibly moving
said ramp member about said first pivotal axis between an open position
providing access to and from the interior of said vehicle through
said opening and a substantially vertical position,
control means operably connected to said moving means for controlling
the operation of said moving means, said control means including
an elongated member, and,
means operably connected to the elongated member for pivotally
mounting said elongated member of said control means to said ramp
member for movement about a second pivotal axis, said elongated
member of the control means including a first portion extending
outwardly of said second pivotal axis and having a switch means
and including a second portion joined to said first portion at an
angle, said joint being located adjacent said second pivotal axis,
said second portion of the elongated member having a first end spaced
outwardly of said second pivotal axis which abuts a portion of the
vehicle as said ramp member is moved from an open position to the
substantially vertical position to limit the pivotal movement of
said first portion of the elongated member about said second pivotal
axis in the direction away from the ramp member toward the interior
of the vehicle when said ramp member is in the substantially vertical
position.
4. The ramp assembly of claim 3 further including:
means to limit the pivotal movement of the first portion of the
elongated member toward said ramp member when said ramp member is
in the substantially vertical position.
5. A ramp assembly for use with a vehicle having an opening into
the interior thereof, said ramp assembly comprising:
ramp means, said ramp means including at least one ramp member,
means operably connected to said ramp member for pivotally mounting
said ramp member to said vehicle for movement about a first substantially
horizontal axis located adjacent the opening into the vehicle,
means operably connected to said ramp means for reversibly moving
said ramp member about said first pivotal axis between an open position
providing access to and from the interior of said vehicle through
said opening and a substantially vertical position,
control means operably connected to said moving means for controlling
the operation of said moving means, said control means including
an elongated member,
means operably connected to the elongated member for pivotally
mounting said elongated member of said control means to said ramp
member for movement about a second pivotal axis, said elongated
member of the control means including first and second portions
rigidly joined to each other at an angle, said joint being located
adjacent said second pivotal axis, said first portion extending
outwardly of said second pivotal axis and having a switch means,
and,
means to limit the movement of said first portion of elongated
member about the second pivotal axis toward and away from said ramp
member when said ramp member is in the substantially vertical position
whereby said first portion is supported at a first acute angle relative
to said ramp member.
6. The ramp assembly of claim 5 wherein:
said second portion of the elongated member of the control means
has an end spaced outwardly of the second pivotal axis, and,
said limiting means includes a strap member attached to said vehicle
and to said elongated member of the control means, means to secure
said strap near one end thereof to said vehicle at a point closer
to said first pivotal axis of the ramp member than the distance
said one end of the second portion of the elongated member is spaced
from the second pivotal axis whereby a middle portion of said strap
member is pinched between the one end of the second portion of the
elongated member and the secured portion of the strap member as
the ramp member is moved from an open position to the substantially
vertical position to limit the movement of said first portion of
the elongated member about said second pivotal axis toward and away
from said ramp member.
7. The ramp assembly of claim 5 wherein:
said limiting means further limits the pivotal movement of said
first portion of the elongated member about said second pivotal
axis in a direction toward said ramp member when said ramp member
is in an open position whereby said first portion is supported at
a second acute angle relative to said ramp member, said first acute
angle being less than said second acute angle.
8. A ramp assembly for use with a vehicle having an opening into
the interior thereof, said ramp assembly comprising:
ramp means, said ramp means including first and second ramp members
and means operably connected to said first ramp member for pivotally
mounting said first ramp member to said second ramp member for movement
about a first pivotal axis,
means operably connected to said first ramp member for pivotally
mounting said first ramp member to said vehicle for movement about
a second pivotal axis located adjacent the opening into the vehicle,
said second pivotal axis being fixed relative to said vehicle and
being substantially parallel to said first pivotal axis,
means to continuously bias said second ramp member toward a substantially
co-planar position with said first ramp member,
means to limit the pivotal movement of said second ramp member
relative to said first ramp member in a first direction about said
first pivotal axis,
means operably connected to said second ramp member for reversibly
moving said ramp means about said second pivotal axis between an
open position providing access to and from the interior of said
vehicle through said opening and a substantially vertical position,
said moving means moving said ramp means from an open position to
said substantially vertical position by first moving the second
ramp member about said first pivotal axis in said first direction
against the biasing force of said biasing means until said limiting
means prevents further movement relative to said first ramp member
and then moving said ramp means about said second pivotal axis to
said substantially vertical position,
a third ramp member and means operably connected to said third
ramp member for pivotally mounting said third ramp member to said
second ramp member for movement about a third pivotal axis, said
third pivotal axis being substantially parallel to said first and
second pivotal axis, and,
means operably connected to said first and third ramp members for
moving said third ramp member into substantially co-planar alignment
with said second ramp member as said first and second ramp members
are moved by said biasing means into said substantially co-planar
position.
9. The ramp assembly of claim 8, wherein said means for moving
the third ramp member into co-planar alignment with said second
ramp member includes a flexible strap member secured to said first
and third ramp members.
10. A ramp assembly for use with a vehicle having an opening into
the interior thereof, said ramp assembly comprising:
ramp means, said ramp means including first and second ramp members
and means operably connected to said first ramp member for pivotally
mounting said first ramp member to said second ramp member for movement
about a first pivotal axis,
means operably connected to said first ramp member for pivotally
mounting said first ramp member to said vehicle for movement about
a second pivotal axis located adjacent the opening into the vehicle,
said second pivotal axis being fixed relative to said vehicle and
being substantially parallel to said first pivotal axis,
means to bias said second ramp member in a substantially co-planar
position with said first ramp member,
means to limit the pivotal movement of said second ramp member
relative to said first ramp member in a first direction about said
first pivotal axis,
means operably connected to said second ramp member for reversibly
moving said ramp means about said second pivotal axis between an
open position providing access to and from the interior of said
vehicle through said opening and a substantially vertical position,
said moving means moving said ramp means form an open position to
said substantially vertical position by first moving the second
ramp member about said first pivotal axis in said first direction
against the biasing force of said biasing means until said limiting
means prevents further movement relative to said first ramp member
and then moving said ramp means about said second pivotal axis to
said substantially vertical position, said ramp means being in an
open position when said first and second ramp members are biased
in a substantially co-planar position, said moving means moving
said ramp means from said substantially vertical position to an
open position by moving said ramp means about said second pivotal
axis until a portion of said first ramp member contacts the ground
whereupon further operation of said moving means permits the biasing
means to move the second ramp member about said first pivotal axis
into substantially co-planar alignment with said first ramp member,
and,
means operably connected to said biasing means to automatically
stop said moving means when said first and second ramp members are
in the substantially co-planar position.
11. The ramp assembly in claim 10 wherein:
said biasing means includes a rod member operably connected at
one end to said second ramp member, a sleeve member operably connected
to said first ramp member and slidably receiving said rod member,
and a spring means biasing said rod member in a first position with
said one end extending outwardly of said sleeve member to align
said first and second ramp members in a substantially co-planar
position, and,
said automatic stopping means includes a switch means operably
connected to said rod member and actuated in response to movement
of the rod member to said first position to stop said moving means.
12. A ramp assembly for use with a vehicle having an opening into
the interior thereof, said ramp assembly comprising:
ramp means, said ramp means including a main ramp member and a
secondary ramp member, said secondary ramp member having a first
side with step means,
means operably connected to said main ramp member for pivotally
mounting said main ramp member to said vehicle for movement about
a first substantially horizontal, fixed axis located adjacent to
the opening into the vehicle,
means operably connected to the said secondary ramp member for
pivotally mounting said secondary ramp member to said vehicle for
movement about a second substantially horizontal, fixed axis located
adjacent to the opening into the vehicle, said first and second
pivotal axes being substantially parallel,
means operably connected to said ramp means for reversably moving
said main ramp member about said first pivotal axis between an open
position providing access to and from the interior of said vehicle
through said opening and a substantially vertical position, said
moving means including means to bias a portion of said secondary
ramp member against said main ramp member when said main ramp member
is in the substantially vertical position, said portion of the second
ramp member being spaced from said second pivotal axis and slideably
moveable relative to said main ramp member as said main ramp member
moves about said first pivotal axis from said substantially vertical
position to an open position, said moving means including a motor
means positioned substantially between said first and second pivotal
axes and a motor cover pivotally mounted to said vehicle for movement
about a pivotal axis, said motor cover being pivotally moveable
and extending over said motor means to form a step, and,
said secondary ramp member further having a cut out portion adjacent
said motor means and said motor cover, said cut out portion being
substantially in alignment with the step means of said secondary
ramp member whereby said motor cover extends through said cut out
portion when said ramp means is in an open position to form an additional
step in alignment with the step means of said secondary ramp member.
13. A ramp assembly for use with vehicle having an opening into
the interior thereof, said ramp assembly comprising:
ramp means, said ramp means including a main ramp member,
means connected operably to said main ramp member for pivotally
mounting said main ramp member to said vehicle for movement about
a first axis located adjacent the opening into the vehicle,
means operably connected to said ramp means for reversibly moving
said main ramp member about said first pivotal axis between an open
position providing access to and from the interior of said vehicle
through said opening and a substantially vertical, closed position,
said moving means including a motor means mounted to said vehicle
adjacent the first pivotal axis and having a reversibly rotatable
member, at least one flexible member attached at one end portion
to the rotatable member of said motor means and at the other end
portion to said ramp means, and support means spaced above said
motor means to slidably support the middle of said flexible member,
control means for selectively operating said motor means in a first
direction to wind said one end portion of the flexible member about
said rotatable member of the motor means to draw the second end
portion of the flexible member toward the vehicle and raise said
main ramp member and in a second direction to unwind said flexible
member from said rotatable member of the motor means to control
the lowering of the main ramp member,
a secondary ramp member having a first side with step means, means
operably connected to said secondary ramp member for pivotally mounting
said secondary ramp member to said vehicle for movement about a
second axis located adjacent the opening into the vehicle, said
second pivotal axis being substantially parallel said first pivotal
axis,
said moving means including means to bias a portion of said secondary
ramp member against said main ramp member when said main ramp member
is in a substantially vertical position, said portion of the second
ramp member being spaced from said second pivotal axis and slidably
moveable relative to said main ramp member as said main ramp member
moves about said pivotal axis from said substantially vertical position
to an open position,
said motor means of the moving means being positioned substantially
between said first and second pivotal axes and said moving means
including a motor cover pivotally mounted to said vehicle for moving
about a pivotal axis, said motor cover being pivotally moveable
and extending over said motor means to form a step, and,
said secondary ramp member further having a cutout portion adjacent
said motor means and said motor cover, the cutout portion being
substantially in alignment with the step means of said secondary
ramp member whereby said motor cover extends through said cutout
portion when said ramp member is in the open position to form an
additional step in alignment with the step means of said secondary
ramp member.
Wheel chair description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the field of ramp assemblies mountable
to a vehicle for providing access to and from the vehicle. The invention
is particularly suited for use by persons confined to a wheel chair.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND PRIOR ART
Many persons confined to wheel chairs are fully capable of driving
motor vehicles by the use of hand controls but find their opportunities
to do so restricted by the fact that they require assistance in
entering and leaving the vehicle. Prior ramp assemblies such as
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,651,965 to Simonelli et al. issued Mar. 28, 1972,
3,710,962 to Fowler, Jr. issued Jan. 16, 1973 and 3,847,292 to Williams
et al. issued Nov. 12, 1974 which have a horizontal platform that
is vertically moved present problems to people in wheel chairs when
the ground adjacent to the vehicle is not smooth or when the vehicle
is not parked on level ground. In such instances, the outer edge
of the platform is often unable to completely and continuously contact
the ground making movement between the ramp and the ground difficult
for someone in a wheel chair. Further, the controls for such assemblies
are often difficult for a person in a wheel chair to reach and operate
necessitating the assistance of another person. Such assemblies
are generally bulky and have portions that protrude into the vehicle
when the ramp assembly is in the closed position. These protruding
portions greatly reduce the available space within the vehicle.
Other examples of ramp assemblies that have a vertically moving
platform are U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,530,341 to Satsky issued Nov. 14,
1950 and 3,258,139 to Ridgeway issued June 28, 1966.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,527 to Royce issued Apr. 1, 1975 is an example
of a ramp assembly having at least one ramp member that pivots relative
to the vehicle between an open position providing access to and
from the interior of the vehicle and a substantially vertical, closed
position. Royce's ramp assembly has a control member that protrudes
outwardly from a ramp member to a position within easy reach of
a person on the ramp assembly. A person confined to a wheel chair
can move himself onto the lowered ramp assembly and manipulate the
control member to raise the assembly to a substantially horizontal
position from which he can move himself into the vehicle. To leave
the vehicle, the procedure is reversed. Assemblies like Royce's
also have additional control panels for the ramp assembly located
outside and inside the vehicle.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,783,080 to Ringesby issued Feb. 26, 1957, 3,711,882
to Iller issued Jan. 23, 1973, and 3,846,860 to Kummerman issued
Nov. 12, 1974 illustrate various arrangements for raising and lowering
ramps. Kummerman also illustrates the use of position sensing switches
to control the motors moving the ramp members.
The ideal vehicle ramp assembly for a person confined to a wheel
chair would provide easy access to and from the vehicle, controls
within easy reach, and smooth contact with the ground. It would
also include a number of safety features such as warning lights,
automatic stops, and steps for someone pushing a wheel chair. Further,
it would be fully operable by one person in a wheel chair and take
up as little room as possible within the vehicle as well as being
lightweight, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. The present invention
provides such a ramp assembly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The ramp assembly of the present invention is designed to provide
easy access to and from the interior of a vehicle through an opening
therein. The assembly includes a plurality of ramp members with
two of the ramp members being pivotally mounted to the vehicle adjacent
the opening. A motor arrangement reversably moves the ramp assembly
between an open position providing access to and from the interior
of the vehicle through the opening and a substantially vertical,
closed position. One control means for the operation of the ramp
assembly includes an elongated member pivotally mounted to one of
the ramp members and having a switch means on a first portion thereof.
In one embodiment, the pivotal movement of the first portion of
the elongated member towards the ramp assembly when the assembly
is in the open position is limited by a strap member. The strap
member maintains the first portion of the elongated member at an
angle away from the ramp assembly and keeps the switch means on
the first portion at approximately hand level to a person in a wheel
chair. The invention also includes an arrangement whereby the first
portion of the elongated member is maintained in a substantially
upright position when the ramp assembly is closed so that very little
of the ramp assembly protrudes into the interior of the vehicle.
This feature increases the available space within the vehicle over
past assemblies.
The ramp assembly further includes a warning light system, step
arrangement to aid those walking into the vehicle or pushing a wheel
chair into the vehicle, and limit switches to automatically stop
the motor when the ramp assembly is in its open or closed position.
The warning light system includes a flashing light that is turned
on when the ramp assembly is away from its closed position to warn
everyone in sight of the light that the ramp assembly is being used.
The flashing light is particularly desirable to alert oncoming cars
to the fact that the ramp assembly is protruding beyond the normal
bounds of the vehicle. Lights on the interior of the vehicle are
also activated when the ramp assembly is in use to warn those in
the vehicle that the assembly is down and to ensure that the driver
does not drive off without raising the ramp assembly into the closed
position. The invention may also include fiberglass skins mounted
to the inside and outside of the ramp assembly to improve the looks
and strength of the assembly without adding a great amount of weight
to it. The ramp assembly of the present invention is about thirty
pounds lighter than other commercially available assemblies. The
inside fiberglass skins also provide a surface to which carpeting
or panelling can be easily attached.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a new and novel ramp
assembly for easy access to and from a vehicle.
It is an object of this invention to provide a new and novel ramp
assembly mountable to a vehicle and operable by a person confined
to a wheel chair without the necessity of having assistance to enter
and leave the vehicle.
It is an object of this invention to provide a ramp assembly with
a new and novel warning light system to inform people in sight of
the lights that the ramp assembly is in use. This feature warns
oncoming cars that the ramp assembly is protruding beyond the normal
bounds of the vehicle and reminds the driver of the vehicle that
the ramp assembly needs to be raised before he drives off.
It is another object of this invention to provide a ramp assembly
with a new and novel control means pivotally mounted to a ramp member.
The control member is supported with a switch means at approximately
hand level for someone in a wheel chair when the ramp assembly is
down and supported in a substantially upright position when the
ramp assembly is closed.
Another object of this invention is to provide a new and novel
ramp assembly that protrudes a minimum amount of distance into the
vehicle when the ramp assembly is closed to provide increased space
within the vehicle over past assemblies.
It is an object of this invention to provide a ramp assembly with
a new and novel moving arrangement for increased efficiency and
safety to passengers within the vehicle.
It is an object of this invention to provide a ramp assembly with
a new and novel step means built into one of the ramp members. The
step arrangement further includes a portion of the motor means for
the ramp assembly that is positioned to be in alignment with the
step means on the ramp member when the ramp assembly is in the open
position to afford easier access to and from the vehicle for persons
walking or pushing a wheelchair.
It is an object of the invention to provide a ramp assembly with
a new and novel means to automatically stop the motor drive for
the ramp assembly when the ramp assembly is in the closed or open
position.
It is an object of the invention to provide a ramp assembly with
a new and novel arrangement of ramp members that more completely
and continuously contact the ground for smoother passage of a wheel
chair between the ramp assembly and the ground.
Another object is to provide a new and novel ramp assembly with
fiberglass skins to add strength to the assembly without adding
a great deal of weight. The fiberglass skins also provide a smooth
surface for attaching carpeting, panelling, and the like.
It is also an object of this invention to provide a new and novel
ramp assembly with windows therein for improved visibility.
Another object is to provide a new and novel ramp assembly that
is lightweight.
Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent
by reference to the accompanying drawings and specification
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the ramp assembly in an open position
providing access to and from the interior of the vehicle.
FIG. 2 is a view of along line 2--2 of FIG. 1 showing the ramp
assembly in an open position.
FIG. 3 is an elevated view of the outer ramp members of the assembly
that contact the ground.
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the ramp assembly supported
off the ground in a substantially horizontal position. In this view,
the outer ramp members have been pivoted to a position to prevent
the wheel chair from rolling off the ramp assembly in the direction
away from the vehicle.
FIG. 5 shows the ramp assembly in a substantially vertical, closed
position in which the elongated control member is supported in an
upright position.
FIG. 6 illustrates the open position of the outer ramp members
that contact the ground. When the ramp assembly reaches this position,
the drive means for the assembly is automatically stopped.
FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the outer ramp members
in the position of FIG. 2. The outer ramp members assume this position
as the ramp assembly is being raised or lowered.
FIG. 8 is a view along line 8--8 of FIG. 3 showing the means that
biases the outer ramp members in a substantially coplanar open position.
FIG. 9 is a view along the line 9--9 of FIG. 5 showing the bottom
side of the ramp member which has the built-in step means. FIG.
9 also shows the cut-out portion of this ramp member that is pivoted
about the step cover over the motor means.
FIG. 10 shows the details of the elongated control member that
is pivotally mounted to one of the ramp members. In the position
shown as FIG. 10, ramp assembly is in the open position and the
control member is being supported away from the ramp member as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2.
FIG. 11 shows the details of the elongated control member when
the ramp assembly is closed. A portion of the control member pinches
a fold of the strap between the floor of the vehicle and the control
member as the ramp assembly is closed. In this position, the control
member is prevented from moving about its pivotal axis.
FIG. 12 shows another way to hold the control member upright when
the ramp assembly is closed. In this embodiment, one end portion
of the strap member is secured with the end E toward the pivotal
axis so that the taut strap member extends about the control member.
FIG. 13 illustrates a third manner of holding the control member
upright in which the control member directly abuts the floor of
the vehicle to prevent movement in one direction about the pivotal
axis and a stop on the support of the pivot means prevents movements
in the other direction.
FIG. 14 is a view along line 14--14 of FIG. 3 illustrating the
fiberglass skins and carpeting that can be included in the ramp
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the ramp assembly 1 has a main ramp member
3 pivotally mounted to the vehicle 5 for movement about an axis
7. The main ramp member 3 is made by binding the standard double
doors of the vehicle 5 together and then remounting them for movement
about the horizontal axis 7. In one embodiment, molded fiberglass
skins 8 and 10 are mounted to the outside and inside of the bounded
double doors of the main ramp member 3 as shown in FIG. 14. Windows
9 are then mounted to be flush with the upper surface of the fiberglass
skin 8. The fiberglass skin 8 provides a smooth surface to which
carpeting C or panelling can be easily attached to improve the looks
of the ramp assembly 1 and its traction. The outer fiberglass skin
10 not only improves the looks of the ramp assembly 1 but also improves
its weatherability. The ramp assembly 1 further includes ramp member
11 and outer ramp members 13 and 15. Ramp member 11 is pivotally
mounted to the vehicle 5 for movement about a horizontal axis 17
as shown in FIG. 2. Outer ramp members 13 and 15 are pivotally mounted
to each other at 19 and ramp member 13 is pivotally mounted to the
main ramp member 3 at 21. The ramp member 11 can also have a fiberglass
skin 12 attached to it with carpeting C or panelling mounted on
the fiberglass skin 12 as shown in FIG. 14. Fiberglass skin 12 like
skins 8 and 10 not only provides a smooth surface for carpeting
C or panelling and increased weatherability but also adds strength
to the ramp assembly 1 without greatly increasing the weight of
it.
As best seen at FIGS. 2, 5-7, and 9, the arrangement for moving
the ramp assembly 1 between its substantially vertical, closed position
and an open position providing access to and from the vehicle includes
motor 23 with the rotatable member 25 to which one end of each strap
member 27 is secured. Each strap member 27 passes over support pulley
29 located at the top to the opening of the vehicle 5 and is secured
at the other end to the main ramp member 3. As shown in FIGS. 3,
6 and 7, the strap members 27 pass over the bar 33 which is connected
below the ramp member 13. The moving arrangement further includes
resilient members 34 in FIGS. 5 and 9 connected to the vehicle 5
and to the lower side of ramp member 11 to bias the ramp member
11 against the main ramp member 3. During lowering of the ramp assembly,
the motor 23 rotates member 25 to unwind the strap members 27. The
resilient members 34 biasing the ramp member 11 against the main
ramp member 3 will initially move the main ramp member 3 about the
pivotal axis 7 to begin opening the ramp assembly 1. As the center
of gravity of the ramp assembly 1 moves outwardly of the vehicle
5, gravitational forces combine with the force of the resilient
members 34 to move the ramp assembly 1 downwardly. The motor 23
controls the rate of descent. When the main ramp member 3 hits the
ground, biasing means 36 in FIGS. 6-8 moves the ramp member 13 to
a position substantially coplanar with the main ramp member 3. The
biasing means 36 in FIG. 8 includes rod member 38, spring 40, and
sleeve member 42 which slideably receives the rod member 38. The
sleeve member 42 limits movement of the rod member 38 in either
direction by contacting the end sections 44 and 46 of the rod member
38. As the biasing means 36 moves the rod member 13 into a substantially
coplanar alignment with the main ramp member 3, strap member 48
in FIGS. 6 and 7 connected between ramp member 15 and the main ramp
member 3 pivots ramp member 15 into substantially coplanar alignment
with ramp member 13 and main ramp member 3. During closing, the
procedure is reversed.
An important feature of the ramp assembly 1 is the elongated control
member 52 that is pivotally mounted to ramp member 13 and is best
seen in FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 10 and 11. The control member 52 is mounted
for movement about axis 54 that is substantially parallel to axis
17. As the ramp assembly 1 opens, the weight of the first portion
56 of the control member 52 tends to swing the first portion 56
about the axis 54 toward the ramp member 3. The first portion 56
has switch means 58. Flexible strap member 60 which is secured at
one end to the floor of the vehicle 5 and at the other end to the
control member 52 limits pivotal movement of the first portion 56
of the control member 52 toward the ramp member 3 and holds it away
from the ramp members 3 and 11 with the switch means 58 at approximately
hand level to someone in the wheel chair. As ramp assembly closes,
the surface 62 on the second portion 64 of the control member 52
pinches a folded portion of the strap member 60 between it and the
floor of the vehicle 5 as illustrated in FIG. 11. This draws the
strap member 60 taut and prevents movement of the control member
52 about the pivotal axis 54. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the first
portion 56 of the control member 52 is held in an upright position
when the ramp assembly 1 is closed.
FIGS. 12 and 13 show other arrangements to hold the first portion
56 of the control member 52 upright so that as little as possible
of the ramp assembly 1 extends into the vehicle 5. This increases
the available space within the vehicle 5 over past assemblies. In
FIG. 12, the surface 62 of the control member 52 pinches the strap
member 60 between the floor of the vehicle 5 and the surface 62
to draw the strap member 60 taut and prevent movement of the control
member 52 about its axis 54. In FIG. 13, the surface 62 directly
abuts the floor of the vehicle 5 to prevent pivotal movement in
one direction while stop 66 prevents pivotal movement in the other
direction.
The invention also includes a warning light system, a step arrangement,
and limit switches to automatically stop the ramp assembly 1 when
it reaches the substantially vertical, closed position or an open
position in which ramp members 3, 13, and 15 are substantially coplanar.
As best seen in FIGS. 1-4, the warning light system consists of
lights 68 and 70 within the vehicle 5, flashing red light 72 on
the main ramp member 3, and control switch 74 with actuator 76 on
the main ramp member 3. As soon as the ramp assembly 1 opens far
enough to break contact between the control switch 74 and the actuator
76, warning lights 68 and 70 along with the flashing red light 72
are turned on. The warning light system not only alerts oncoming
cars that the ramp assembly 1 is extending beyond the normal bounds
of the vehicle 5 but also reminds the driver to raise the ramp assembly
1 before he drives off.
The new step arrangement includes the built-in steps 78 in ramp
11 and the step cover 80 over the motor 23. The ramp member 11 has
a cut-out portion 82 as shown in FIG. 9 that moves about the step
cover 80 of the motor 23. The weight of the step cover 80 keeps
it over the motor 23, however, it can be pivoted upwardly about
the axis 17 to provide access to the motor 23. The step arrangement
enables a walking person to more easily use the ramp assembly or
push a wheel chair over the ramp assembly.
The automatic stop system for the motor 23 is also actuated by
the control switch 74 on the vehicle and the actuator 76 on the
main ramp member 3. When the ramp assembly 1 is in the closed position,
actuator 76 contacts the control switch 74 to turn the motor 23
off. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, as the ramp assembly 1 is lowered,
the main ramp member 3 contacts the ground. Further unwinding of
strap members 27 from about member 25 will allow the biasing means
36 to move the ramp member 13 into substantially coplanar alignment
with the main ramp member 3. Motor switch 84 is biased in the off
position as shown in FIG. 6. As the spring 40 of the biasing means
36 moves the rod member 38 outwardly of the sleeve member 42, the
rod member 38 which had previously held the motor switch 84 away
from its off position (see FIG. 7) is moved so that motor switch
84 can move to its biased off position.
In operation, the ramp assembly 1 is first moved to its open position
whereby a person in a wheel chair can roll the wheel chair onto
the main ramp member 3. If the ramp assembly 1 is initially closed,
it can be opened by operating the control panel 86 on the outside
of the vehicle 5. The ramp assembly 1 can also be operated by a
control panel (not shown) located within the vehicle 4. Once on
the ramp assembly 1 and within reach of the control switch 58, the
motor 23 can be actuated to rotate member 25 and wrap strap members
27 about it. As strap members 27 are wound around member 25, outer
ramp members 13 and 15 are moved from the coplanar position shown
in FIG. 6 to the folded position of FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 4,
outer ramp members 13 and 15 form a backstop in their folded position
to keep the wheel chair from rolling off the main ramp member 3.
Continued operation of the motor 23 will raise the ramp assembly
1 to a substantially horizontal position from which the person can
roll the wheel chair into the vehicle 5. Once inside, the person
can operate the control panel within the vehicle 5 to raise the
ramp assembly 1 to its closed position shown in FIG. 5. To leave
the vehicle 5, the procedure is reversed. The warning light system
of lights 68, 70 and 72 are turned on whenever the ramp assembly
1 is away from its closed position. The automatic stop system for
the motor 23 consisting of control switch 74, actuator 76, and motor
switch 84 will automatically stop the motor 23 when the ramp assembly
1 is in its closed position or in its open position in which the
biasing means 36 has moved the outer ramp members 13 in a position
substantially coplanar with the main ramp member 3.
While several embodiments of the present invention have been described
in detail herein, various changes and modifications can be made
without departing from the scope of the invention. |