AU2019101227A4

AU2019101227A4 - A Vehicle Ramp

Info

Publication number: AU2019101227A4
Application number: AU2019101227A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Andrew John Shephard
Original assignee: STANFRED METAL PRODUCTS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: STANFRED METAL PRODUCTS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-10-07
Filing date: 2019-10-07
Publication date: 2019-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2027-10-07

Abstract

Abstract The present invention is a vehicle ramp assembly including a rear portion and a forward portion that is selected from a plurality of forward portions so that when the two portions are combined, the resulting assembly is a vehicle ramp. The rear portion includes a rear top portion, and a forward top portion. The rear top portion is substantially parallel to the base of the vehicle ramp and acts as a landing for a tyre on a vehicle. The forward top portion has a first angle of decline extending from the forward edge of the rear top portion downwardly partway towards the ground, and wherein each forward portion within the plurality of forward portions has a different angle of decline, relative to the other forward portion within the plurality of forward portions, and the top of the angle of decline on each of the forward portions is substantially at the same height as the bottom of the first angle of decline of the forward top portion so that when the rear portion and the selected forward portion is abutted, the angle of decline of the selected forward portion creates a second angle of decline upon the vehicle ramp and the vehicle tyre is able to roll upon the first and second angles of decline up to and onto the landing at the rear of the vehicle ramp, and back down again. FIGURE 1 23' FIGURE 2A 23' -15 21 '15 FIGURE 2B FIGURE 2C 23' 23' . .- '1

Description

A Vehicle Ramp

Scope of the Invention [0001] This invention relates to vehicle wheel ramps, and in particular to vehicle wheel ramp assemblies where the user can assemble a wheel ramp that has different ramp angles.

Background of the Invention [0002] There are a wide variety of vehicle types, and these have differing ground clearances. High performance vehicles such as muscle cars and sports cars often have very small ground clearances. These types of vehicles often include bodywork features, such as spoilers and front air dams. People who own these types of cars are often motoring enthusiasts and enjoy maintaining their vehicles so that it is at peak performance. To do this, people still need access to the underside of the vehicle, so ramps are often deployed in workshops and garages to raise the vehicle off the ground, thereby giving the necessary clearance for a person to work under the vehicle.

[0003] A significant problem associated with vehicles that have low ground clearance is that often the vehicle ramp will impinge upon a section of the bodywork before the tyre is able to engage with the ramp. This may result in the portion of the bodywork becoming marred or damaged by the vehicle ramp. This is often costly to repair, particularly on exotic sports cars, and it may be highly inconvenient for the owner to have their vehicle off the road while the repair is taking place. It also causes the owner a great deal of anxiety and stress.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a wheel ramp assembly that at least ameliorates the abovementioned problems.

Disclosure of the Invention [0005] Accordingly, in a first preferred embodiment, the present invention is a vehicle ramp assembly including a rear portion and a forward portion that is selected from a plurality of forward portions so that when the two portions are combined, the resulting assembly is a vehicle ramp. The rear portion includes a rear top portion, and a forward top portion. The

2019101227 07 Oct 2019 rear top portion is substantially parallel to the base of the vehicle ramp and acts as a landing for a tyre on a vehicle. The forward top portion has a first angle of decline extending from the forward edge of the rear top portion downwardly partway towards the ground, and wherein each forward portion within the plurality of forward portions has a different angle of decline, relative to the other forward portion within the plurality of forward portions, and the top of the angle of decline on each of the forward portions is substantially at the same height as the bottom of the first angle of decline of the forward top portion so that when the rear portion and the selected forward portion is abutted, the angle of decline of the selected forward portion creates a second angle of decline upon the vehicle ramp and the vehicle tyre is able to roll upon the first and second angles of decline up to and onto the landing at the rear of the vehicle ramp, and back down again.

[0006] Preferably, the vehicle assembly further includes connector means that enable the rear portion and the selected forward portion, selected from the plurality of forward portions, to be releasably connected together.

[0007] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is a vehicle ramp assembly including a landing portion, and a first inclined portion, and connector means, and a plurality of forward portions. The top of the vehicle ramp includes the landing portion and the first inclined portion, where the landing portion is located at the top rear of the vehicle ramp, and the first inclined portion slopes downwardly from the leading edge of the landing portion down to the ground, and both the first inclined portion and the landing portion are adapted to enable a vehicle tyre to ride along the first inclined portion and sit upon the landing portion and back down again. The connector means are adapted to enable a selected forward portion, that has been selected from the plurality of forward portions, to be connected to the vehicle ramp, so that when the forward portion is attached, it provides a second incline either between the leading edge of the landing portion and the ground, or partway down the first inclined portion so that the vehicle tyre runs either solely upon the second incline, or a combination of both the first and second inclines.

[0008] Preferably, each forward portion in the plurality of forward portions has a different incline when attached to the vehicle ramp assembly and the user is able to select the most appropriate forward portion from the selection of forward portions to best suit the particular requirements of a specific vehicle.

2019101227 07 Oct 2019 [0009] Optionally, the forward portion may remain attached to the assembly and is adapted to fold about the connector means thereby making the vehicle ramp assembly more compact and easier to store when not in use.

Brief Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0010] Figure 1 is an illustration of one preferred embodiment of the rear portion of the wheel ramp assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0011] Figures 2 a, b, c, and d, are illustrations of a preferred embodiment of the selection of forward portions.

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates one preferred embodiment of an assembled wheel ramp assembly.

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the rear portion of the wheel ramp assembly.

[0014] Figures 5 a, b, c, d, illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the selection of forward portions.

[0015] Figure 6 illustrates another preferred embodiment of an assembled wheel ramp assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0016] Figures 7 a and b illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention where the rear portion and the attached forward portion are able to fold together to make a more compact arrangement that is better for storage when not in use.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0017] Turning to Figure 1, we are shown a rear portion 1 of the wheel ramp assembly. The rear portion 1 includes a top rear portion 3 that acts as a landing for a vehicle tyre supported by the wheel ramp assembly. The rear portion 1 also includes a forward top portion 5 that includes a first angle of decline. The angle of decline only goes partway towards the ground.

2019101227 07 Oct 2019 [0018] Figures 2 a, b, c, and d, illustrate the selection of forward portions 15. Each individual forward portion 15 within the selection has a second angle of decline that is different from the first angle of decline in the rear portion 1. Each forward portion 15 has a different angle of decline when compared to each other.

[0019] The height 19 of the front of the rear portion 1 is the same as the height 21 of the rear of the forward portions 15.

[0020] As shown in Figure 3, the user is able to select a suitable forward portion 15 from the selection of forward portions and abut it against the rear portion 1. The rear and forward portions combine to assemble the vehicle wheel ramp. When assembled as shown, the first angle of decline combines with the second angle of decline to create a suitable slope for a vehicle. For example, high performance vehicles, or sports cars are often low to the ground. Vehicle bodywork features, such as front air dams may impinge upon the vehicle ramp and become marred or damaged. To avoid this, the user may select a forward portion 15 that has a gentler second angle of decline so the tyre can ride up on the ramp before any of the bodywork is damaged by coming into contact with the vehicle ramp.

[0021] Optionally connector means 23 and 23’ are included that enable the two portions to be releasably connected together.

[0022] Turning to Figures 4, 5 and 6 where we are shown another preferred embodiment for the vehicle ramp assembly. In this embodiment, the rear portion 25 is a complete vehicle ramp in its own right. The declining portion 27 at the front of the vehicle ramp provides a first angle of decline that continues all the way down to the ground. The rear portion 25 also includes a landing portion 37.

[0023] In Figures 5 a, b, c and d we are shown another selection of forward portions. Each individual forward portion 31 within the selection of forward portions has an individual second angle of decline when compared to each other and to the rear portion 25. When a user needs to change the angle of the slope of the assembled vehicle ramp, he or she can select the most appropriate forward portion 31 from the selection of forward portions. The selected forward portion 31 is attached to the rear portion 25 via connector means 33 and 33’. The resulting vehicle wheel ramp assembly then includes two angles of decline, the original first

2019101227 07 Oct 2019 angle of decline and the second angle of decline provided by the attachment of the forward portion 31. The vehicle tyre is then able to roll up the two angles of decline respectively and sit upon the landing portion 37, and then run back down again off the ramp.

[0024] Please note that this is only an illustration of one preferred embodiment. It is also within the scope of this invention for the second angle of decline to attach to the rear portion 25 at the location marked as A at the top of the first angle of decline. In this embodiment, the second angle of decline of the forward portion 31 completely overlays the first angle of decline.

[0025] As shown in Figures 7 a and b, in another preferred embodiment, the connector means 33 and 33’ are adapted to enable the attached forward portion 31 to hinge around the connector means 33 and 33’ and fold on top of the body of the rear portion 25 as indicated by the arrows. This has the advantage of enabling the assembled wheel assembly to be made more compact when not in use, thereby making it easier to handle and store.

[0026] While the above description includes the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that many variations, alterations, modifications and/or additions may be introduced into the constructions and arrangements of parts previously described without departing from the essential features or the spirit or ambit of the invention.

[0027] It will be also understood that where the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, are used in this specification, unless the context requires otherwise such use is intended to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or features but is not to be taken as excluding the presence of other feature or features.

[0028] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

Claims

1. A vehicle ramp assembly including a rear portion and a forward portion that is selected from a plurality of forward portions so that when the two portions are combined, the resulting assembly is a vehicle ramp, said rear portion including a rear top portion, and a forward top portion, and wherein the rear top portion is substantially parallel to the base of the vehicle ramp and acts as a landing for a tyre on a vehicle and wherein the forward top portion has a first angle of decline extending from the forward edge of the rear top portion downwardly partway towards the ground, and wherein each forward portion within the plurality of forward portions has a different angle of decline, relative to the other forward portion within the plurality of forward portions, and the top of the angle of decline on each of the forward portions is substantially at the same height as the bottom of the first angle of decline of the forward top portion so that when the rear portion and the selected forward portion is abutted, the angle of decline of the selected forward portion creates a second angle of decline upon the vehicle ramp and the vehicle tyre is able to roll upon the first and second angles of decline up to and onto the landing at the rear of the vehicle ramp, and back down again.
2. The vehicle ramp assembly as defined in claim 1 further including connector means that enable the rear portion and the selected forward portion selected from the plurality of forward portions to be releasably connected together .
3. A vehicle ramp assembly including:

a landing portion, and a first inclined portion, and connector means, and a plurality of forward portions, wherein the top of the vehicle ramp includes the landing portion and the first inclined portion, where the landing portion is located at the top rear of the vehicle ramp, and the first inclined portion slopes downwardly from the leading edge of the landing portion down to the ground, and both the first inclined portion and the landing portion are adapted to enable a vehicle tyre to ride along the first inclined portion and sit upon the landing portion and back down again, and wherein the connector means are adapted to enable a selected forward portion, that has been selected from the plurality of forward portions, to be connected to the vehicle ramp, so that when the forward portion is attached, it provides a second incline either

2019101227 07 Oct 2019 between the leading edge of the landing portion and the ground, or partway down the first inclined portion so that the vehicle tyre runs either solely upon the second incline, or a combination of both the first and second inclines.
4. The vehicle ramp assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein each forward portion in the plurality of forward portions has a different incline when attached to the vehicle ramp assembly and the user is able to select the most appropriate forward portion from the selection of forward portions to best suit the particular requirements of a specific vehicle.
5. The vehicle ramp as defined in either claim 2 or 3 wherein the forward portion may remain attached to the assembly and is adapted to fold about the connector means thereby making the vehicle ramp assembly more compact and easier to store when not in use.