WO2017009818A1

WO2017009818A1 - Foldable ramp with c-section joint bars

Info

Publication number: WO2017009818A1
Application number: PCT/IE2016/000006
Authority: WO
Inventors: William O'neill; Alan O'neill
Original assignee: William O'neill
Priority date: 2015-07-10
Filing date: 2016-05-16
Publication date: 2017-01-19
Also published as: GB201512086D0

Abstract

A ramp (100) comprising at least an upper ramp section (102) and a lower ramp section (104), the upper ramp section (102) and the lower ramp section (104) being connected to one another by way of a hinged connection (120) such that the ramp (100) may be transitioned between a folded configuration and an in-use configuration; the lower ramp section (104) comprising a lower C-section joint bar (124) which protrudes beyond the uppermost edge (106) of the lower ramp section (104); the upper ramp section (102) comprising an upper C-section joint bar (122) which is set back from a lowermost edge (105) of the upper ramp section (102); such that, in the in-use configuration of the ramp (100), a planar topside surface of the upper ramp section (102) is brought to be substantially co-planar with the, planar topside surface of the lower ramp section (104), and, the lower C-section joint bar (124) is brought into abutment with and beneath a portion of the upper ramp section (102) so as to partially support the upper ramp section (102) during use.

Description

FOLDABLE RAMP WITH C-SECTION JOINT BARS

Introduction

This invention relates to a ramp for use in catering for the transportation of heavy machinery and equipment between different surface heights.

In particular, the present invention is directed towards a foldable ramp which can be transported between locations to serve as a ramp between different surface heights in a building or in a facility.

Heavy machinery and equipment often arrives in a facility on pallets in a truck and have to be transported to an installation location within the facility. One such example of heavy equipment are the server racks that must be installed in vast number in large data centres to allow for the ever growing cloud computing services industry. Such server racks can be up to 1800 kilograms in mass. The server racks are typically supplied on wooden pallets and have to be transported to their installation location. Load moving motorised tugs are oftentimes used to transport the equipment. These tugs attach onto the equipment and act as motive means to pull and/or push the heavy equipment into place in the installation location. A part of this transportation path will include transporting the server racks from one surface height in the pallet to a different surface height on the floor of the facility. A ramp is used to facilitate the transportation of the equipment from one surface height to another surface height. It wijl be understood that although the present invention foresees immediate application to the transportation of server racks, the ramp of the present invention could of course be utilised for many different applications and transportation of various different types of machinery and equipment.

An example of a load moving device which would be capable of transitioning heights is a hand pallet truck with a hydraulic system for height changes. However, such a device would require manual handling of heavy loads, and, it would also have issues with a top heavy load, which would be unstable of such a pallet truck and would require further support. Server racks can occasionally be top heavy loads, when the server equipment is located on higher shelves within the rack.

A further alternative solution would be a counterbalanced pick-up and place system. However, such a system would suffer from disadvantages such as the manufacturing cost, a lack of portability, relatively bulky sixe, requiring a permanent designated work area, and the loads would have to be shaped and sized to be compatible with the pick-up and place system. Another alternative would be an overhead lifting cradle, but such an overhead cradle could only be used in areas without any existing overhead infrastructure, and would be costly to implement if such a system was designed to cover an entire facility.

It is a goal of the present invention to provide a method and/or apparatus that overcomes at least one of the above mentioned problems.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a ramp comprising at least an upper ramp section and a lower ramp section, the upper ramp section and the lower ramp section being connected to one another by way of a hinged connection such that the ramp may be transitioned between a folded configuration and an in-use configuration; the lower ramp section comprising a lower C-section joint bar which protrudes beyond the uppermost edge of the lower ramp section; the upper ramp section comprising an upper C-section joint bar which is set back from a lowermost edge of the upper ramp section; such that, in the in-use configuration of the ramp, a planar topside surface of the upper ramp section is brought to be substantially co- planar with the planar topside surface of the lower ramp section, and, the lower C- section joint bar is brought into abutment with and beneath a portion of the upper ramp section so as to partially support the upper ramp section during use.

The advantage of providing the ramp with the lower C-section joint bar being brought into abutment with and beneath a portion of the upper ramp section so as to partially support the upper ramp section during use, is that the upper ramp section can be used as a bridge with the lower C-section joint bar acting as one of the legs of the bridge and a load would only be therefore bridging the upper ramp section of the ramp, and not the entire ramp.

In a further embodiment, the lower ramp section comprises tapered surface engaging supports which cause the lower ramp section to be in contact with a surface beneath the lower ramp section during use.

The advantage of the lower ramp section comprising tapered surface engaging supports which cause the lower ramp section to be in contact with a surface beneath the lower ramp section during use is that the lower ramp section is not acting as a bridge during use and is able to accommodate relative high loads. The upper ramp section which is acting as a bridge is only spanning or bridging a distance equivalent to the upper ramp section, and not the entire ramp length, which allows higher loads to be accommodated safely and handled on the ramp without damaging the ramp.

In a further embodiment, the ramp comprises removable jacks which connect to the ramp at jack attachment points on the upper ramp section, such that, the removable jacks partially support the upper ramp section during use. The removable jacks act as the other legs for the upper ramp section when it is acting as a bridge.

In a further embodiment, the ramp further comprises a towing attachment which is suitable for connection with existing motorised tugs so as to facilitate the transportation of the ramp using the existing motorised tugs.

In a further embodiment, the ramp further comprises a top transition plate, and, a bottom transition plate, whereby the top transition plate is inter-changeable and the bottom transition plate is constructed of raw nylon.

In a further embodiment, at least one of the lower ramp section and the upper ramp section further comprises additional support tracks; the additional support tracks being installed on an underside of the lower ramp section and/or the upper ramp section so as to provide additional load bearing support along parallel tracks which are substantially co-linear with channels along which caster wheels of a load would be expected to travel, as the load is moved along the ramp.

In a further embodiment, the additional support tracks are formed of a laminated aluminium construction.

In a further embodiment, the ramp further comprises detachable wheels connected to wheel brackets on the upper ramp section.

In a further embodiment, the component parts of the ramp are connected together using bolts.

Detailed Description of Embodiments

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the ramp of the present invention, in its in- use configuration;

Figure 2a is a perspective view of the ramp of Figure 1 , in its folded configuration;

Figure 2b is a further perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the ramp of Figure 1 , in its folded configuration;

Figure 2c is a cross-sectional view of the additional support tracks which would be connected to the underside of an upper ramp section of the ramp of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a side view of the ramp of the present invention, in its folded configuration;

Figure 4 is a side view of the ramp of Figure 3, in an intermediate position between its folded configuration and its in-use configuration;

Figure 5 is a further side view of the ramp of Figure 3, in an intermediate position between its folded configuration and its in-use configuration;

Figure 6 is yet a further side view of the ramp of Figure 3, in an intermediate position between its folded configuration and its in-use configuration;

Figure 7 is a side view of the ramp of Figure 3, in its in-use configuration;

Figure 8 is a detail side view of a hinged connection between an upper ramp section and a lower ramp section, when the ramp is in its folded configuration;

Figure 9 is a detail side view of a hinged connection between an upper ramp section and a lower ramp section, when the ramp is in the intermediate position between its folded configuration and its in-use configuration; and,

Figure 10 is a detail side view of a hinged connection between an upper ramp section and a lower ramp section, when the ramp is in its in-use configuration.

Referring to Figure 1 and Figures 2a to 2c inclusive, there is provided a ramp indicated generally by reference numeral 100.

The ramp in Figure 1 is shown in an in-use configuration and the ramp 100 shown in Figures 2a and 2b is shown in a folded configuration.

The ramp 100 comprises an upper ramp section 102 and a lower ramp section 104. In its in-use configuration as shown in Figure 1 , the upper ramp section 102 of the ramp 100 is held at a height from a supporting surface which is higher than the lower ramp section 104 is held from the supporting surface. In its in-use configuration, the upper ramp section 102 and the lower ramp section 104 form a continuous ramped path. In the in-use configuration, the upper ramp section 102 and the lower ramp section 104 will be positioned in abutment to one another and adjacent to one another. A lowermost end 105 of the upper ramp section 102 will abut against the uppermost end 106 of the lower ramp section 104 so as to form the continuous ramped path.

Sidewalls 108 are provided on the upper ramp section 102 and the lower ramp section 104 for guidance of loads, such as heavy machinery and heavy equipment, as the loads are moved along the ramp 100. The sidewalls 108 are serve a safety purpose to prevent server racks and heavy loads from falling off the side of the ramp 100 when in use.

A pair of wheel brackets 110 are provided, with one of the pair of wheel brackets 110 being provided on each side of the upper ramp section 102 such that the pair of wheel brackets 100 are located on opposing sides of the upper ramp section 102. The pair of wheel brackets 110 are capable of receiving a pair of detachable wheels 200, respectively so that the ramp 100 can be transported from one location to another on the pair of wheels 200. In alternative embodiments, it is of course envisaged, that the wheels may be permanently affixed to the ramp 100 or could be fold away wheels which would fold beneath the upper ramp section 102 when the ramp 100 was in use.

Jack attachment points 112 are located on opposing sides of the upper ramp section 102, adjacent an uppermost end of the upper ramp section 102. The jack attachment points 112 are designed to receive and interlock with removable jacks 114. The removable jacks 114 are used to raise and lower the ramp 100, and in particular the upper ramp section 102 to a height which is suitable for facilitating the transportation of loads, such as the server racks, from one surface height to a lower facility floor surface height. These removable jacks 114 give the ramp 100 the ability to adjust to various different elevations and to thus accommodate the unique and various heights of different pallets which are used to deliver equipment and machinery to facilities. The jacks 114 do not necessarily have to be removable, but in a preferred embodiment the jacks are removable to improve the compactness of the ramp in its folded configuration for transportation and storage. In a preferred embodiment, the slope of ramp 100 would not be permitted to exceed a 5 degree slope, for safety reasons. The removable jacks 114 may be limited to extending to a height which would produce a slope no greater than 5 degrees.

The typical height difference which would be bridged using the ramp 100 of the present invention would be in the range of 150mm to 250mm. A height of 250mm, with the dimensions of the ramp 100 which are currently envisaged would result in a slope of approximately 5 degrees. Thus, the slope of ramp 100 would not be permitted to exceed this 5 degree slope. The removable jacks 114 would therefore be limited to extending to a height which would produce a slope no greater than 5 degrees. A height of 178mm would result in a slope of 3 degrees.

An inter-changeable top transition plate 116 is used to provide a substantially planar and continuous path from a pallet (not shown), which is used to support the load during delivery, to the upper ramp section 102. This inter-changeable top transition plate 116 may preferably be constructed of stainless steel, so as to be able to bare the weight of the load. Occasionally the loads being delivered, such as a server rack, will comprise caster wheels as part of the racking system. These caster wheels result in the entire weight of the server rack being concentrated through the caster wheels. The pressure on the pallet and the ramp 100 is therefore relatively high, when caster wheels are being used, as the weight of the entire server rack (or load) will be borne by the pallet and/or the ramp 100 across the relatively small surface area of the part of the caster wheel in contact with the surface supporting it. This is problematic as certain channels along the inter-changeable top transition plate 116 and the ramp 100 in general will have to bear the weight of the load, whereas, other parts of the ramp 100 will not be directly bearing any load. In short, the load will not be evenly distributed and this can cause prior art ramp solutions to fatigue very quickly. By constructing the inter-changeable top transition plate 116 from a strong material, such as stainless steel, this problem can be overcome. The inter-changeable top transition plate 116 can be inter-changed to suit different types of known pallet types, so that the planar surface of the inter-changeable top transition plate 116 is substantially co-planar with the particular type of delivery pallet being used. Regarding the weight of the loads on caster wheels, it would not be practical to construct the entire ramp 100 out of stainless steel as with the inter-changeable top transition plate 116. The ramp 100 would be too heavy and difficult to manoeuvre if it was constructed entirely from stainless steel. The cost of construction of the ramp 100 would also be relatively high. Therefore, it is envisaged in a further embodiment of the present invention that additional support will be provided along parallel tracks on the upper ramp section 102 and the lower ramp section 104, which tracks being substantially co-linear with the channels along which the caster wheels of a load would be expected to pass over, as the load travels along the ramp 100. In Figure 2a, these additional support tracks are shown on the underside of the lower ramp section 104 and indicated by reference numerals 204. In Figure 2b, these additional support tracks are shown on the underside of the upper ramp section 102 and indicated by reference numerals 208. In one embodiment, laminated aluminium may be used to provide the additional load bearing support in the form of the additional support tracks 204, 208. In yet a further embodiment, the laminated aluminium forming the additional support tracks 204, 208 will be approximately 14mm in thickness. The additional support tracks 208 which are connected to the underside of the upper ramp section 102 are shown in detail in Figure 2c. The additional support tracks 208 which are connected to the underside of the upper ramp section 102 comprises a top plate 210 that is connected to the upper ramp section 102. The top plate 210 is reinforced by a box-section bar 212 and a pair of C-section bars 214A, 214B which are fixed to the top plate 210. Bolts 216 travel through the C-section bars 214A, 214B, the top plate 210 and the upper ramp section 102.

A bottom transition plate 118 is used to provide a substantially planar and continuous path from the lower ramp section 104 to a floor surface (or lower surface height). This bottom transition plate 118 may preferably be constructed of a raw nylon. Raw nylon is preferable as the material is considered to be hard wearing and resistant to high impacts.

A pair of hinge assemblies 120 are provided on each side of the ramp 100, and connect the upper ramp section 102 with the lower ramp section 104 so that the upper ramp section 102 can rotated through approximately 180° and be folded on top of the lower ramp section 104, when the ramp 100 is in its folded configuration; and, so that the upper ramp section 102 can be rotated back through 180° and unfolded so that the planar surface of the lower ramp section 104 is substantially co-planar with the planar surface of the upper ramp section 102, when the ramp 100 is in its in- use configuration. The construction and operation of these hinges is discussed in further detail in respect of Figures 8 to 10.

An upper C-section joint bar 122 is connected to an underside of the upper ramp section 102 adjacent to the lowermost end 105 of the upper ramp section 102. The upper C-section joint bar 122 is set back from the lowermost edge 105 of the upper ramp section 102 such that a strip of the underside surface of the upper ramp section 102, intermediate the upper C-section joint bar 122 and the lowermost edge 105, is free. The upper C-section joint bar 122 is arranged to able to house a towing attachment 202. The towing attachment 202 is designed to be compatible with motorised tugs as are known from the prior art. In Figure 2b, an alternative arrangement is shown where the towing attachment 202 is located beside the top transition plate 116.

A lower C-section joint bar 124 is connected to an underside of the lower ramp section 104 adjacent to the uppermost end 106 of the upper ramp section 104. The upper C-section joint bar 124 protrudes slightly beyond the uppermost edge 106 of the lower ramp section 104 such that a strip of the topside surface of the lower C- section joint bar 124 protrudes beyond the uppermost edge 106 of the lower ramp section 104.

As detailed above, and with reference now to Figures 8 through 10, the upper ramp section 102 is rotatable through approximately 180°. The upper ramp section 102 is folded on top of the lower ramp section 104, when the ramp 100 is to be placed into its folded configuration; and, the upper ramp section 102 is rotated back through 180° and unfolded from being on top of the lower ramp section 104 so that the planar surface of the lower ramp section 104 is substantially co-planar with the planar surface of the upper ramp section 102 when the ramp 100 is in its in-use configuration. When the upper ramp section 102 is brought to be substantially co- planer with the lower ramp section 104, the lowermost edge 105 of the upper ramp section 102 is brought into abutment with the uppermost edge 106 of the lower ramp section 104. The strip on the topside surface of the lower C-section joint bar 124, which protrudes beyond the uppermost edge 106 of the lower ramp section 104, fits snugly against the strip on the underside surface of the upper ramp section 102, which is intermediate the upper C-section joint bar 122 and the lowermost edge 105, and has been left free due to the upper C-section joint bar 122 being offset and set back from the lowermost edge 105. In this manner, when the ramp 100 is in its in-use configuration, a portion of the lower C-section joint bar 124 is located beneath the upper ramp section 102 and supports the upper ramp section 102 at one end, whilst the removable jacks 114 support the upper ramp section 102 at the other end. The upper ramp section 102 is bridged between the support from the lower C-section joint bar 124, and, the support from the pair of removable jacks 114.

In Figures 8 through 10, the hinge assemblies indicated generally by reference numeral 120 comprise a floating link arm 800 which comprises a fixed connection 803 to the lower ramp section 104, and a floating connection 804 to the upper ramp section 102. It is envisaged that the hinge assemblies 120 could alternatively comprise a fixed connection to the upper ramp section, and a floating connection to the lower ramp section. The floating connection provides some movement between the upper ramp section 102 and the lower ramp section 104. It will be readily understood that many different alternative types of hinged assemblies may be used to connect the upper ramp section 102 and the lower ramp section 104 and allow the ramp 100 to transition from its folded configuration, with the upper ramp section 102 folded up on top of the lower ramp section 104, to its in-use configuration.

The sidewalls of the upper ramp section 102 and the lower ramp section 104 comprise curved endpoints indicated generally by reference numerals 900, 902 in Figure 9 to assist with rotating the upper ramp section 102 relative to the lower ramp section 104 when the ramp is being transitioned from its folded configuration into its in-use configuration. Figure 8 shows a portion of the ramp 100 in its folded configuration; Figure 9 shows the portion of the ramp 100 being transitioned intermediate its folded configuration and its in-use configuration; and, Figure 10 shows the portion of the ramp 100 in its in-use configuration. The strip 808 on the topside surface of the lower C-section joint bar 124, which protrudes beyond the uppermost edge 106 of the lower ramp section 104, fits snugly against the strip 806 on the underside surface of the upper ramp section 102, which is intermediate the upper C-section joint bar 122 and the lowermost edge 105, when the ramp is in its in- use configuration as shown in Figure 10. It will also be appreciated that the vee- shaped void 1000, between the uppermost end 106 of the lower ramp section 104 and the lowermost end 105 of the upper ramp section 102, assists when the ramp 100 is being transitioned from its folded configuration to its in-use configuration.

The lower ramp section 104 is not bridged between support points. Instead, the lower ramp section 104 comprises a pair of tapered surface engaging supports 206A, 206B which are connected to each of the additional support tracks 204 for increased robustness of the ramp 100. These tapered surface engaging supports 206A, 206B can be seen in Figure 2a and Figures 8 through 10. Therefore, the load borne by the lower ramp section 104 is transferred to the supporting surface beneath the lower rap section 104 by these tapered surface engaging supports 206A, 206B, and there is no bridging effect by the construction of the lower ramp section 104. The lower ramp section 104 is thus of a lay-flat type construction. This provides good support and strength to the ramp 100. The tapered surface engaging supports 206A, 206B are envisaged, in a preferred embodiment, to have a slope of no less than 3 degrees and no greater than 5 degrees. Ideally, a slope of 3 degrees would be used for the tapered surface engaging supports 206A, 206B. Figure 10 shows one of the tapered surface engaging support 206B resting against a supporting surface 1002, such that it can be appreciated that the entire lower ramp section 104 will rest on top of and be supported by the supporting ground 1002. The upper ramp section 102 can be seen to be bridging over the supporting ground 1002, rising upwardly from support point on the lower C-section joint bar 124.

Referring now back to Figures 1 and 2, the upper C-section joint bar 122 is arranged to able to house a towing attachment 202. The towing attachment 202 is designed to be compatible with motorised tugs, as are known from the prior art. Therefore, a tug can be attached to the ramp 100 when it is in its folded configuration, with the wheels on, and the ramp 100 can be towed to a new location in a facility with minimal effort by a user.

In use, and with reference to Figures 3 to 7 inclusive, the ramp 100 is shown in its folded configuration in Figure 3. The upper ramp section 102 rests atop the lower ramp section 104. The towing attachment 202 is shown in its engaging position to allow a motorised tug to engage the towing attachment 202. To transition the ramp 100 to its in use configuration, the towing attachment 202 is retracted into the upper C-section joint bar 122 and the lower ramp section 104 is rotated from resting on top of the upper ramp section 102 by use of the hinged assemblies 120. This is shown in Figures 4 and 5. During the rotation of the lower ramp section 104, any dirt or grit which has settled on the lower C-section joint bar 122 will fall away so that the portion of the lower C-section joint bar 122 which will nest beneath and in abutment with a portion of the underside of the upper ramp section 102, will be free of dirt and any other grit or foreign objects which could impede the safe operation of the ramp 100. In Figure 6, the lower ramp section 104 has been fully rotated through approximately 180° and the planar surface of the topside of the lower ramp section 104 forms a substantially continuous and co-planar path with the planar surface of the topside of the upper ramp section 102. A portion of the lower C-section joint bar 122 nests beneath and in abutment with a portion of the underside of the upper ramp section 102. The ramp 100 is then fully transitioned into its in-use configuration by bringing the tapered surface engaging supports 206A, 206B which are connected to each of the additional support tracks 204 on the lower ramp section 104 into contact with the supporting floor surface; and, attaching the removable jacks 114 to the jack attachment points 112 on either side of the upper ramp section 102 and raising the upper ramp section 102 to the desired height; and, optionally removing the wheels 120 from the wheel brackets 110. The ramp 100 in its in-use configuration is shown in Figure 7.

In further embodiments, it is envisaged that the ramp 100 will comprise grips on the floor engaging surfaces of the tapered surface engaging supports 206A, 206B to retain the ramp 100 in its installed location during use.

The ramp 100 may be used for many diverse purposes, although one of the readily foreseen uses is to facilitate the movement of server racks which may be approximately 450mm in width and comprise a gross load weight which does not exceed 1600 kilograms. The ramp 100 is conceived to be load tested up to 2500 kilograms. An important aspect of the design of the ramp 100 is that there will be no welded joints on the ramp 100. The component parts of the ramp 100 will be bolted together. This type of bolted construction allows a certain degree of flexing as loads are passed along the ramp 100. The bolted construction allows mass load absorption and the ramp 100 will return substantially to its original state after each load has passed along the ramp 100. Due to this design the ramp 100 does not fatigue as quickly as it would if it was welded together.

The ramp 100 will have a mass of approximately 165kg, which will facilitate ease of storage and transportation.

It will be understood that one or more intermediate ramp sections may be hingedly connected to one another and between the upper ramp section and the lower ramp section, such as to allow the lower ramp section and the intermediate ramps sections to be folded on top of the upper ramp section.

In an alternative embodiment, the placement of the wheel brackets and wheels are on the lower ramp section and the upper ramp section is folded on top of the lower ramp section when transitioning the ramp into its folded configuration.

A tow bar (not shown) will be attached to the towing attachment 202, and the tow bar will then connect with a motorised tug. The motorised tug which is used to move the heavy equipment and machinery down and up the ramp 100 can be used to move the ramp 100 itself by way of the towing attachment 202 and a tow bar.

The terms "comprise" and "include", and any variations thereof required for grammatical reasons, are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.

It will be understood that the components shown in any of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and, like parts shown in several drawings are designated the same reference numerals. It will be further understood that features from any of the embodiments may be combined with alternative described embodiments, even if such a combination is not explicitly recited hereinbefore but would be understood to be technically feasible by the person skilled in the art.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims

1. A ramp (100) comprising at least an upper ramp section (102) and a lower ramp section (104), the upper ramp section (102) and the lower ramp section (104) being connected to one another by way of a hinged connection (120) such that the ramp (100) may be transitioned between a folded configuration and an in-use configuration;

the lower ramp section (104) comprising a lower C-section joint bar (124) which protrudes beyond the uppermost edge (106) of the lower ramp section (104);

the upper ramp section (102) comprising an upper C-section joint bar (122) which is set back from a lowermost edge (105) of the upper ramp section (102);

such that,

in the in-use configuration of the ramp (100), a planar topside surface of the upper ramp section (102) is brought to be substantially co-planar with the planar topside surface of the lower ramp section (104), and, the lower C- section joint bar (124) is brought into abutment with and beneath a portion of the upper ramp section (102) so as to partially support the upper ramp section (102) during use.

2. A ramp (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, the lower ramp section (104) comprises tapered surface engaging supports (206A, 206B) which cause the lower ramp section (104) to be in contact with a surface beneath the lower ramp section (104) during use.

3. A ramp (100) as claimed in any of claims 1 or 2, wherein, the ramp (100) comprises removable jacks (114) which connect to the ramp (100) at jack attachment points (1 12) on the upper ramp section (102), such that, the removable jacks (114) partially support the upper ramp section (102) during use.

4. A ramp (100) as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the ramp (100) further comprises a towing attachment (202) which is suitable for connection with existing motorised tugs so as to facilitate the transportation of the ramp (100) using the existing motorised tugs.

5. A ramp (100) as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the ramp (100) further comprises a top transition plate ( 16), and, a bottom transition plate (118), whereby the top transition plate (1 16) is inter-changeable and the bottom transition plate (118) is constructed of raw nylon.

6. A ramp (100) as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, at least one of the lower ramp section (104) and the upper ramp section (102) further comprises additional support tracks (204);

the additional support tracks (204) being installed on an underside of the lower ramp section (104) and/or the upper ramp section (102) so as to provide additional load bearing support along parallel tracks which are substantially co-linear with channels along which caster wheels of a load would be expected to travel, as the load is moved along the ramp (100).

7. A ramp (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein, the additional support tracks (204) are formed of a laminated aluminium construction.

8. A ramp (100) as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the ramp (100) further comprises detachable wheels (200) connected to wheel brackets (110) on the upper ramp section (102).

9. A ramp (100) as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the component parts of the ramp (100) are connected together using bolts.