AU2018100120A4 - An Elevated Vehicle Ramp Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

An elevated vehicle ramp assembly including a support frame and at least a pair of ramps provided on the support frame, each ramp having a first angled ramp portion, a first substantially horizontal portion, a second angled ramp portion and a second substantially horizontal portion spaced from the first substantially horizontal portion, the pair of ramps spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.

Description

AN ELEVATED VEHICLE RAMP ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to vehicle cleaning or service equipment and particularly for a vehicle ramp assembly allowing a user to park a vehicle in an elevated position safely providing accessibility to the underside of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] A variety of vehicle ramps are available to allow a user to elevate some or all of a vehicle. In a simple form, a pair of ramps are provided one for each side of the vehicle allowing a user to drive the front r rear of the vehicle, that is either the front wheels or the rear wheels, onto the ramps to elevate the front or rear of a vehicle.

[0003] In a more advanced form, a larger structure can be provided in a ramp configuration to allow a user to drive the vehicle wholly onto the ramp. This will typically elevate either the front or rear of the vehicle to a larger extent as the vehicle is normally parked on the ramp and held there using the vehicle brakes.

[0004] In a further form, a substantially horizontal platform is provided with one or more ramps to drive the vehicle up the ramp and onto the platform. This configuration allows the vehicle to be parked in a more or less horizontal position elevated above the ground.

[0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is directed to an elevated vehicle ramp assembly, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an elevated vehicle ramp assembly including a support frame and at least a pair of ramps provided on the support frame, each ramp having a first angled ramp portion, a first substantially horizontal portion, a second angled ramp portion and a second substantially horizontal portion spaced from the first substantially horizontal portion, the pair of ramps spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.

[0008] In a preferred form, the elevated vehicle ramp assembly is large enough to have a walkway on both lateral sides thereof, outside the ramps. The elevated vehicle ramp assembly of the present invention preferably has a walkway/platform at an upper end of the ramps, extending transversely across the support frame, typically laterally outside the ramps allowing an operator to walk completely around the ramp assembly and any vehicle which is parked thereon.

[0009] The elevated vehicle ramp assembly of the present invention is typically designed such that a vehicle can be parked on the first substantially horizontal portion and the second substantially horizontal portion of each of the ramps such that the entire vehicle is off the ground and on the ramps. It is preferred that the vehicle will be elevated at an angle. In this position, the vehicle can be parked on the ramps with the front wheels of the vehicle on one of the substantially horizontal portions and the rear wheels of the vehicle on the other of the substantially horizontal portions. This allows the vehicle to be parked in an elevated position in a stable configuration with the front and rear wheels of the vehicle on respective horizontal portions.

[0010] The elevated vehicle ramp assembly is preferably sufficiently robust to carry the entire weight of the vehicle. The elevator vehicle ramp assembly is typically manufactured of a number of metal members. It is preferred that the position and orientation of the vehicle when parked on the elevated vehicle ramp assembly of the present invention will allow an operator to more easily inspect the vehicle and/or clean the vehicle.

[0011] The elevated vehicle ramp assembly of the present invention includes a support frame. As mentioned, the support frame will typically be manufactured from a number of members, typically metal members attached relative to one another to form a support frame to carry the pair of ramps and/or any walkways or platforms provided. It is preferred that the support frame be open in order to allow access beneath the support frame if necessary.

[0012] The support frame will normally be configured with a substantially planar base plane with a number of members attached together to form an open base in a common plane. One or more upright members will normally be provided relative to the planar base plane. The upright members will normally have different heights in order to support the different portions of the ramps and/or walkways. Normally, the uprights provided at the rear of the ramp assembly will be taller than those provided at the forward or entry end of the ramp assembly.

[0013] In a particularly preferred configuration, the support frame will preferably be a two tier frame with a taller, rear section and a lower, forward section.

[0014] The lower forward section is normally at the entry side of the ramp assembly, that is, the side from which the vehicle will enter the ramp assembly.

[0015] The support frame will generally be formed from a pair of lateral frame assemblies, one on either lateral side of the ramp assembly with the lateral frame assemblies connected together using one or more internal tie members to maintain the lateral frame assemblies in a spaced apart configuration, allow access between the frame assemblies but to also maintain the connection between the lateral frame assemblies. Preferably, the frame assemblies will be connected to one another at the rear end of the assembly, by the preferred walkway or platform.

[0016] Each of the lateral frame assemblies preferably supports a ramp relative thereto. Each of the lateral frame assemblies also preferably supports a laterally extending walkway/access portion, preferably substantially parallel to the ramps as well as supporting either end of the preferred rear walkway or platform.

[0017] Each lateral assembly includes a rectangular rear, tall section with a lesser height, rectangular intermediate section with angled sections linking the taller rear section with the intermediate section and the intermediate section with the ground at a forward end of the assembly.

[0018] Each lateral frame assembly is preferably formed from a number of upright members extending from the open frame provided in the planar base but the upright members may be configured differently between the outside of the lateral frame assembly and an inner side of the lateral frame assembly. For example, the outer side of each lateral frame assembly is preferably associated with a walkway or access portion. The inner side of each lateral frame assembly will normally support the portions of the ramp. The ramp portions are preferably formed from a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel in elongate side rails with one or more cross members or assemblies between the side rails. In a preferred configuration, each of the side rails is supported directly by an upright member of the respective lateral frame assembly.

[0019] Typically, the stairs are provided relative to the angled section of each lateral frame assembly. The stairs may coincide with but preferably will be offset from the angled ramp portions. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate section of each lateral assembly will typically be adjacent to an angled portion of a ramp with at least one set of stairs being located adjacent to the second angled ramp portion and an upper horizontal walkway portion located adjacent to the upper horizontal portion of each ramp.

[0020] The upper horizontal walkway is preferably associated with the transversely extending walkway or platform extending at the top or rear of each of the ramps. Preferably, the upper horizontal walkway is at the same level as the transversely extending walkway platform allowing an operator to walk around the rearward side of the ramp assembly.

[0021] In a preferred form, an end stop assembly is provided at an upper end of the ramps in order to separate the end of the ramps from the preferred transversely extending walkway or platform. The end stop assembly preferably includes at least one transversely extending member. The at least one transversely extending member is preferably provided at an elevated level above the end of the ramp. Preferably, the at least one transversely extending member extends substantially perpendicularly to the ramps. Preferably, a pair of substantially vertical members are provided with the at least one transversely extending member provided at an upper end of the vertical members. Bracing may be provided between the vertical members and/or transversely extending member and the support frame ramps.

[0022] Each of the walkways or platforms will preferably have a substantially planar member such as check a plate or a great or grill or similar to allow liquid for example rain to drain through. Preferably, each of the walkways and/or platforms will have a lateral upstand about an outer edge of the walkway or platform to form kick plates or the like. The kick plates may be provided relative to the stairs.

[0023] A handrail assembly will preferably extend about the lateral side edges or perimeter of the ramp assembly in particular, the walkway/platforms on the lateral side and the transversely extending rear platform where provided. The orientation of the handrail will typically correspond to the portion of the walkway or platform or stairs relative to which the handrail is provided with the stairs having angled portion is and the platform is having substantially planar portions. The platforms and/or walkways may be formed from a number of planar floor portions which are located relative to the support frame. The planar floor portions may be provided in a separated configuration or edges of the planar floor portions may abut one another.

[0024] The elevated vehicle ramp assembly of the present invention includes at least a pair of ramps provided on the support frame, each ramp having a first angled ramp portion, a first substantially horizontal portion, a second angled ramp portion and a second substantially horizontal portion spaced from the first substantially horizontal portion, the pair of ramps spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.

[0025] The first substantially horizontal portion and the second substantially horizontal portion are preferably at different heights, with the first substantially horizontal portion preferably being positioned towards the lower, entry end of the ramp and the second substantially horizontal portion being a higher portion positioned relative to the rear of the ramp.

[0026] The first angled ramp portion and the second angled ramp portion may be provided at the same angle as one another or at different angles. Typically, the first angled ramp portion will be provided at the lower, entry end of each ramp and the second angled ramp portion will preferably be provided between the first substantially horizontal portion and the second substantially horizontal portion. Normally, the first angled ramp portion will be shorter than the second angled ramp portion which will be longer.

[0027] Each of the ramps will typically be formed with a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel side rails and at least one cross member or assembly extending their between. The cross member may be an open weave cross member such as a grill or grate. Alternatively, a plurality of individual cross members can be provided spaced over the length of the side rails.

[0028] Each side rail will typically be substantially L-shaped having a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion preferably at right angles to the substantially horizontal portion. The overall shape of the ramp will preferably be defined by the configuration of the side rails and therefore, the side rails will typically have sections which correspond to the portions of the ramp. Each side rail can be formed from a unitary rail which is bent to shape or alternatively, a number of rail sections can be provided which are attached together or relative to one another.

[0029] The first angled portion of the ramp will typically extend from ground level to the first substantially horizontal portion. The entry end of the first angled portion will normally be substantially coplanar with the base plane of the support frame. The entry end of the first angled ramp portion will typically extend further forwardly then the entry side of the support frame.

[0030] The first horizontal ramp portion will typically be a shorter length portion which preferably starts forwardly of the forward end of the support frame and ends within the support frame. In a preferred embodiment, a substantially vertical support frame member will be provided approximately midway along the length of the first horizontal ramp portion, typically directly supporting each of the side rails.

[0031] The second angled ramp portion will preferably extend from an inner end of the first horizontal ramp portion to a level approximately equal to the upper deck of the ramp assembly. The second horizontal ramp portion will typically extend a short distance rearwardly, typically level with the upper deck of the ramp assembly.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the first horizontal portion and the second horizontal portion need only be sufficiently large to receive a vehicle wheel thereon. It is preferred that the length of the second angled ramp portion will typically define the length of the wheelbase of vehicles that can use the ramp. For example, if the second angled ramp portion is too short or too long, then the vehicle’s front and rear wheels will not be properly received on the respective horizontal ramp portions. There will be some leeway in the length of the second angled ramp portion in that it will be able to accept a range of vehicles with a wheelbase which is approximately equal to the length of the second angled ramp portion.

[0033] Each of the ramps will typically be provided with a plurality of individual cross members extending between the side rails. The individual cross members may have any cross-sectional shape but will typically be hollow with the length of the individual cross members defining the width of the ramps. Normally, the individual cross members will be received between the substantially vertical portions of the side rails with an outer portion or end of each of the cross members resting on the substantially horizontal portions of the spaced apart side rails of each ramp. Preferably, the cross members will be attached, typically permanently to both side rails to form the ramp.

[0034] The ramps are provided spaced from one another and again, the spacing between the pair of ramps will define the overall width of the vehicle which can use the ramp assembly of the present invention. Typically, at least one, and normally a number of internal tie members may be provided extending between the ramps but preferably, the tie members will extend between the lateral assemblies of the support frame with the ramps mounted securely to a respective lateral assembly.

[0035] Normally, the members of the support frame and the tie members will be box shaped in cross section and preferably hollow to provide the required strength but to reduce weight.

[0036] The ramp assembly of the present invention can be fixed in place but will normally have a significant weight and therefore, may not require fixing provided is provided on a level surface.

[0037] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0038] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0039] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0040] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an elevated vehicle ramp assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the elevated vehicle ramp assembly illustrated in Figure 1 from the reverse side.

[0042] Figure 3 is a photograph showing the elevated vehicle ramp assembly of a preferred embodiment with a vehicle located thereon.

[0043] Figure 4 is an alternate view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 3. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0044] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, an elevated vehicle ramp assembly 10 is provided.

[0045] The elevated vehicle ramp assembly 10 illustrated in the Figures includes a support frame 11 and at least a pair of ramps A and B provided on the support frame 11, each ramp having a first angled ramp portion 12, a first substantially horizontal portion 13, a second angled ramp portion 14 and a second substantially horizontal portion 15 spaced from the first substantially horizontal portion 13, the pair of ramps spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.

[0046] In the accompanying Figures, the following Reference Letters are used:

[0047] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the elevated vehicle ramp assembly 10 is large enough to have a walkway on both lateral sides thereof, outside the ramps A, B. The elevated vehicle ramp assembly 10 illustrated has a transversely extending walkway/platform 16 at an upper end of the ramps A, B, extending transversely across the support frame 11, typically laterally outside the ramps A, B, allowing an operator to walk completely around the ramp assembly 10 and any vehicle which is parked thereon, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0048] The elevated vehicle ramp assembly of the present invention is typically designed such that a vehicle can be parked on the first substantially horizontal portion and the second substantially horizontal portion of each of the ramps such that the entire vehicle is off the ground and on the ramps. It is preferred that the vehicle will be elevated at an angle. In this position, the vehicle is preferably parked on the ramps with the front wheels of the vehicle on one of the substantially horizontal portions and the rear wheels of the vehicle on the other of the substantially horizontal portions. This allows the vehicle to be parked in an elevated position in a stable configuration with the front and rear wheels of the vehicle on respective horizontal portions. This is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 [0049] The support frame 11 of the illustrated embodiment is manufactured from a number of members, typically metal members attached relative to one another to form a support frame to carry the pair of ramps A, B, and/or any walkways or platform is provided. It is preferred that the support frame 11 be open in order to allow access beneath the support frame 11 if necessary.

[0050] The support frame 11 is configured with a substantially planar base plane with a number of members attached together to form an open base in a common plane. One or more upright members will normally be provided relative to the planar base plane. The upright members will normally have different heights in order to support the different portions of the ramps and/or walkways. As illustrated, the rear uprights provided at the rear of the ramp assembly are taller than those provided at the forward or entry end of the ramp assembly 10.

[0051] In the preferred configuration illustrated, the support frame 11 is a two-tier frame with a taller, rear section and a lower, forward section. The lower forward section is normally at the entry side of the ramp assembly, that is, the side from which the vehicle will enter the ramp assembly. The entry end of the assembly 10 is illustrated with the large arrow.

[0052] The support frame 11 is formed from a pair of lateral frame assemblies 17, one on either lateral side of the ramp assembly with the lateral frame assemblies connected together using one or more internal tie members D, E, F to maintain the lateral frame assemblies 17 in a spaced apart configuration, allow access between the frame assemblies 17 but to also maintain the connection between the lateral frame assemblies 17. Preferably, the frame assemblies 17 will be connected to one another at the rear end of the assembly, by the preferred walkway or platform 16.

[0053] Each of the lateral frame assemblies 17 preferably supports a ramp A, B relative thereto. Each of the lateral frame assemblies 17 also preferably supports a laterally extending walkway/access portion 19 as well as supporting either end of the preferred transverse rear walkway or platform 16.

[0054] Each lateral assembly 17 includes a rectangular rear, tall section 20 with a lesser height, rectangular intermediate section 21 with angled sections 22 linking the taller rear section 20 with the intermediate section 21 and the intermediate section 21 with the ground at a forward end of the assembly 10.

[0055] Each lateral frame assembly 17 is formed from a number of upright members extending from the open frame provided in the planar base but the upright members may be configured differently between the outside of the lateral frame assembly 17 and an inner side of the lateral frame assembly 17. For example, the outer side of each lateral frame assembly 17 is preferably associated with a walkway or access portion 19. The inner side of each lateral frame assembly 17 supports the portions of the ramps A, B. The ramp portions are preferably formed from a pair of spaced apart substantially parallel in elongate side rails 23 with a plurality of cross members 24 between the side rails 23. In the illustrated preferred configuration, each of the side rails 23 is supported directly by an upright member of the respective lateral frame assembly 17.

[0056] Typically, stairs are provided relative to the angled section 22 of each lateral frame assembly 17. The stairs may coincide with but preferably will be offset from the angled ramp portions. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate section GR6, GR7 of each lateral assembly is adjacent to an angled portion of a ramp with a set of stairs being located adjacent to the second angled ramp portion and an upper horizontal walkway portion GR2, GR3 located adjacent to the upper horizontal portion of each ramp A, B.

[0057] The upper horizontal walkway GR2, GR3 is associated with the transversely extending walkway or platform 16 extending at the top or rear of each of the ramps A, B. Preferably, the upper horizontal walkway GR2, GR3 is at the same level as the transversely extending walkway platform 16 allowing an operator to walk around the rearward side of the ramp assembly 10.

[0058] In a preferred form, an end stop assembly G including a transversely extending member 25 is provided at an upper end of the ramps A, B in order to separate the end of the ramps A, B from the transversely extending walkway or platform 16. The transversely extending member 25 is provided at an elevated level above the end of the ramps A, B and extends substantially perpendicularly to the ramps. Preferably, a pair of substantially vertical members 26 are provided with the transversely extending member 25 provided at an upper end of the vertical members 26. Bracing is provided between the vertical members 26 and/or transversely extending member 25 and the ramps A, B.

[0059] Each of the walkways or platforms will preferably have a substantially planar member such as checkerplate or a grate or grill or similar to allow liquid for example, rain to drain through. Preferably, each of the walkways and/or platforms has a lateral upstand about an outer edge of the walkway or platform to form a kickplate. A kickplate may be provided relative to the stairs as well.

[0060] A handrail assembly 27 extends about the lateral side edges or perimeter of the ramp assembly 10 in particular, the walkway/platforms 19 on the lateral side and the transversely extending rear platform 16. The orientation of the handrail 27 will typically correspond to the portion of the walkway or platform or stairs relative to which the handrail is provided with the stairs having angled portions of handrail and the platforms having substantially planar portions of handrail. The platforms and/or walkways may be formed from a number of planar floor portions which are located relative to the support frame 11. The planar floor portions may be provided in a separated configuration or edges of the planar floor portions may abut one another.

[0061] The first substantially horizontal portion 13 and the second substantially horizontal portion 15 are provided at different heights, with the first substantially horizontal portion 13 being positioned towards the lower, entry end of the ramp and the second substantially horizontal portion 15 being a higher portion positioned relative to the rear of the ramps A, B.

[0062] The first angled ramp portion 12 and the second angled ramp portion 14 are provided at the same angle as one another in Figures 1 and 2 or at different angles, such as is illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. Typically, the first angled ramp portion 12 is provided at the lower, entry end of each ramp and the second angled ramp portion 14 is provided between the first substantially horizontal portion 13 and the second substantially horizontal portion 14. Normally, the first angled ramp portion 12 will be shorter than the second angled ramp portion 14 which will be longer.

[0063] Each of the ramps A, B are formed with a pair of spaced apart, substantially parallel side rails 23 and a plurality of individual cross members 24 provided spaced over the length of the side rails 23.

[0064] Each side rail 23 is substantially L-shaped having a substantially horizontal portion and a substantially vertical portion at right angles to the substantially horizontal portion. The overall shape of the ramps A, B is defined by the configuration of the side rails 23 and therefore, the side rails 23 will typically have sections which correspond to the portions of the ramp. Each side rail 23 can be formed from a unitary rail which is bent to shape or alternatively, a number of rail sections can be provided which are attached together or relative to one another.

[0065] The first angled portion 12 of the ramp extends from ground level to the first substantially horizontal portion 13. The entry end of the first angled portion 12 is substantially coplanar with the base plane of the support frame 11. The entry end of the first angled ramp portion 12 will typically extend further forwardly than the entry side of the support frame 11 as shown in Figure 1 in particular.

[0066] The first horizontal ramp portion 13 is a shorter length portion which preferably starts forwardly of the forward end of the support frame 11 and ends within the support frame 11. In a preferred embodiment, a substantially vertical support frame member is provided approximately midway along the length of the first horizontal ramp portion 13, typically directly supporting each of the side rails 23 (as shown in Figure 1 connected by internal tie F).

[0067] The second angled ramp portion 14 will preferably extend from an inner end of the first horizontal ramp portion 13 to a level approximately equal to the upper deck of the ramp assembly. The second horizontal ramp portion 15 extends a short distance rearwardly, typically level with the upper deck GR4, GR5 of the ramp assembly 10.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the first horizontal portion 13 and the second horizontal portion 15 need only be sufficiently large to receive a vehicle wheel thereon. It is preferred that the length of the second angled ramp portion 14 will typically define the length of the wheelbase of vehicles that can use the ramp assembly 10. For example, if the second angled ramp portion 14 is too short or too long, then the vehicle’s front and rear wheels will not be properly received on the respective horizontal ramp portions. There will be some leeway in the length of the second angled ramp portion 14 in that it will be able to accept a range of vehicles with a wheelbase which is approximately equal to the length of the second angled ramp portion 14.

[0069] Each of the ramps A, B is provided with a plurality of individual cross members 24 extending between the side rails 23. The individual cross members 24 will typically be hollow with the length of the individual cross members 24 defining the width of the ramps A, B. Normally, the individual cross members 24 are received between the substantially vertical portions of the side rails 23 with an outer portion or end of each of the cross members 24 resting on the substantially horizontal portions of the spaced apart side rails 23 of each ramp. Preferably, the cross members 24 are attached, typically permanently, to both side rails 23 to form the ramp.

[0070] The pair of ramps A, B are provided spaced from one another and again, the spacing between the pair of ramps A, B will define the overall width of the vehicle which can use the ramp assembly 10. Typically, at least one, and normally a number of internal tie members D, E, F are provided extending between the ramps but preferably, the tie members will extend between the lateral assemblies 17 of the support frame 11 with the ramps A, B mounted securely to a respective lateral assembly 17.

[0071] Normally, the members of the support frame and the tie members will be box shaped in cross section and preferably hollow to provide the required strength but to reduce weight.

[0072] The ramp assembly of the present invention can be fixed in place but will normally have a significant weight and therefore, may not require fixing provided is provided on a level surface.

[0073] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0074] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0075] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (2)

1. An elevated vehicle ramp assembly including a support frame and at least a pair of ramps provided on the support frame, each ramp having a first angled ramp portion, a first substantially horizontal portion, a second angled ramp portion and a second substantially horizontal portion spaced from the first substantially horizontal portion, the pair of ramps spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another.