AU2019219789A1 - Modular ramp system - Google Patents

Abstract

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019 - 14 A modular ramp system, comprising: a plurality of rigid floor support frames configured to be arranged in an end to end 5 configuration at an angle to a ground level to form a ramp; a plurality of support legs securable to a lower portion of each of the floor support frames, the support legs having adjustable feet downwardly extending therefrom; a plurality of handrail assemblies securable to the rigid floor support frames by the support legs; and 10 a plurality of handrail interconnection members, wherein the support legs are inset from an end of the rigid floor support frames so that a handrail interconnection member can be received between each handrail assembly. CDw

Description

Modular ramp system

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a modular ramp system and kit.

Background

Access ramps are often required on a temporary basis for homes and other buildings. In such circumstances it is undesirable to construct a permanent ramp that can 10 be expensive and time consuming to construct and difficult and expensive to remove when no longer needed. Furthermore, previous access ramps are required to be specifically constructed for a particular application, making it difficult to repurpose them if no longer required.

It is also desirable that access ramps can configured so that they can be efficiently transported to a place of need and easily and quickly assembled and disassembled.

Access ramps can also be required for temporary use at public buildings where it is often not possible or desirable to have a permanent access ramp installed. Similarly, 20 concert venues are often multipurpose venues that have varying needs for access ramps, so additional ramps must be installed and removed as required.

Also, it is desirable to have a modular system that is easily adaptable or configurable to different layouts.

Previous modular access ramps have often been over complicated and difficult or time consuming to install, difficult to transport due to their size and configuration and difficult to uninstall.

There is a need to address the above, and/or at least provide a useful alternative.

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

-22019219789 21 Aug 2019

Summary

According to the invention there is provided a modular ramp system, comprising:

a plurality of rigid floor support frames configured to be arranged in an end to end configuration at an angle to a ground level to form a ramp;

a plurality of support legs securable to a lower portion of each of the floor support frames, the support legs having adjustable feet downwardly extending therefrom;

a plurality of handrail assemblies securable to the rigid floor support frames by the support legs; and a plurality of handrail interconnection members, wherein the support legs are inset from an end of the rigid floor support frames so that a handrail interconnection member can be received between each handrail assembly.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interconnection members are securable to the support legs. Preferably, the support legs have a support lug formed thereon, the support lug being disposed on a side of the bracket toward and end of the floor support frame.

The system can further comprise a landing, the landing including a rigid floor support frame, a plurality of said support legs, a plurality of handrail assemblies adapted to surround exposed sides of the landing, and a plurality of handrail interconnection members, the handrail interconnection members having upright members formed at an angle to each other to allow connection between a handrail assembly on an inclined part of the ramp and a handrail assembly on the landing.

Some systems can have handrail assemblies disposed at right angles to each other, and handrail interconnecting members forming a closing piece between the assemblies.

The system can further comprise a second ramp section, the second ramp section having a plurality of rigid floor support frames a plurality of said support legs, a plurality of

2019219789 21 Aug 2019

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

-3said handrail assemblies, and a plurality of said handrail interconnection members, wherein the handrail interconnection members between the landing and the second ramp section have upright members formed at an angle to each other to allow connection between a handrail assembly on an inclined part of the ramp and a handrail assembly on the landing.

Preferably, the system includes an end piece configured to be placed between a lowermost floor support frame and a ground surface, the end piece having handrail supports fixed near corners thereof, and a flat section for engagement with the ground surface, wherein lowermost handrail supports are secured to the flat section.

Preferably the system further comprises a handrail securable to an upper portion of the handrail assemblies, wherein the handrail spans the length of more than one rigid floor support frames.

Preferably, the handrail assemblies and rigid floor support frames are flat sections stackable against each other. Preferably the handrail assemblies include a mid-rail and a kick board.

According to the invention there is also disclosed a kit comprising a system of the above described type and a vehicle trailer, the kit being configured for transportation within the trailer.

Brief description of the drawings

In order that the invention may be more easily understood, an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1: is a perspective view of a ramp system of one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2: is a front oblique view of the system in a partially disassembled state;

Figure 3: is a close side view of the system;

2019219789 21 Aug 2019

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

-4Figure 4: is a side perspective view of the ramp system in another partially disassembled state;

Figure 5: is a close view of a handrail support;

Figure 6: is a side view of a handrail;

Figure 7: is a side view of one handrail infill member;

Figure 8: is a side view of another handrail infill member for use as a corner piece;

Figure 9: is a plan view of the handrail infill member of Figure 8;

Figure 10: is a side view of another handrail infill member for use as a transition between a landing and a ramp section;

Figure 11: is a side view of another handrail infill member for use on a landing;

Figure 12: is a plan view of a floor support frame of one example;

Figure 13: is a plan view of an end piece;

Figure 14: is a side view of the end piece;

Figure 15: is a plan view of a ramp system incorporating a spacer;

Figure 16: is a close plan view of the spacer of Figure 15;

Figure 17: is a side view of another handrail; and

Figure 18: is a plan view of the handrail of Figure 17.

Detailed description

Figure 1 illustrates an access ramp system 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The ramp system 10 is modular and configured to be easily installable and removable for temporary use as well as permanent use.

Ramp system 10 comprises a plurality of rigid floor support frames 12 (see Figures 2 and 3) which are configured to be arranged at an angle to a ground level to form a ramp. In a preferred form the slope is 1:14, though it will be appreciated that the system 10 may be installed at other angles, both lower and higher than 1:14. The support frames 12 are of a ladder frame construction and constructed to support the weight traffic travelling over the ramp. For ease of installation and to reduce the weight of individual sections for easier

2019219789 21 Aug 2019

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

-5handling, the support frames 12 may have a separately securable floor surface 13 to reduce weight. The floor surface may be aluminium sheeting for example, though it will be appreciated that other materials, such as other metallic materials or polymers, may similarly be used. To avoid drumming, an insulating material or a bead of sealant may be applied to the support frame 12 to reduce vibrations from traffic on the ramp. To meet non-slip safety standards, a plurality of rubber tiles may be fitted over the floor surface. In other embodiments, the floor surface may be coated in a non slip material or carpet tiles may also be used for example.

In one example, the floor support frames 12 are 2.0m long and Im wide, though they may also be formed of different lengths and widths.

Floor support frames 12 may have installation brackets 32 (Figures 2 and 12) formed at one end to allow an adjacent floor support frame to be coupled to an already installed floor support frame 12 and supported during installation. In other embodiments, brackets 32 may be otherwise configured or omitted.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the ramp system 10 also includes a plurality of support leg and handrail post spigots 14 (hereinafter referred to a support leg 14 - see Figure 5) which are securable to a lower side portion of each of the floor support frames 12. As can be seen in Figures 3 and 4, the support legs 14 have adjustable feet 16 downwardly extending therefrom. The feet 16 include a rubber block mounted on a threaded shaft that is received in a threaded lower portion of the support legs. In other embodiments, a block formed of steel or other metals may be used. In use, rotation of the rubber block causes the feet 16 to raise or lower, thereby allowing the ramp system 10 to be adjusted to achieve a desired slope during installation, regardless of the level of the ground surface.

The ramp system 10 also includes a plurality of handrail assemblies 18 (refer Figure 6) securable to the rigid floor support frames 12 by the support legs 14. The handrail assemblies 18 will be described further below.

2019219789 21 Aug 2019

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

-6The ramp system 10 also includes a plurality of handrail interconnection members 20. The interconnection members 20 are used to close a gap between the handrail assemblies 18 fitted to adjacent floor support frames. It is important for safety, particularly when used by children, that handrails are continuous and the interconnection members 20 allow this continuity to be conveniently achieved by providing differently sized and shaped components, as well as offering flexibility and adaptability, as will be described further below.

To provide space for the interconnection members 20, the support legs 14 are inset from an end of the rigid floor support frames 12 a predetermined amount. The end of the rigid floor support frames 12 being the edge along which adjacent rigid floor support frames 12 abut each other. This allows a handrail interconnection member 20 to be received between each handrail assembly 18.

Previously, handrail assemblies have extended to a location generally in line with an end of the floor support frames, making it difficult to align and join sections together. It is necessary that sections join together closely so that adjacent handrail assemblies touch without creating gaps or snag points that can present a danger to users.

In the illustrated embodiments, the interconnection members 20 are securable to the support legs 14 via a support lug 22 formed on bracket 14, as can be seen in Figure 5. The support lug 22 is disposed on a side of the bracket 14 toward an end of the floor support frame so as to be available to receive an end of the interconnection members 20. In other embodiments, the interconnection members 20 may be secured to the support legs 14 by another means or secured directly to the floor support frame 12. For structural strength and rigidity, the interconnection members 20 are bolted to the hand rail assemblies 18 at a location just below mid rail 34 (Figure 6) using stainless steel bolts.

As can be seen in Figures 2 to 4, the ramp system 10 can further include a landing 24. A landing 24 is required to be used in various situations, such as when the ramp

2019219789 21 Aug 2019

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

-7meets a building or other structure, at a change of direction, or to break up long ramp sections.

The landing 24 is of similar construction to the above described ramp and includes a rigid floor support frame 12, a plurality of said support legs 14, a plurality of handrail assemblies 18 adapted to surround exposed sides of the landing 24, and a plurality of handrail interconnection members 20.

A number of differently configured handrail interconnection members 20, 20a, 20b are used with the landing 24. Interconnection members 20c, as illustrated in Figure 10, are used to allow connection between a handrail assembly 18 on an inclined part of the ramp and a handrail assembly on the landing 18. Interconnection members 20a have upright members 30a, 30b which are formed at an angle to each other to allow connection of adjacent handrail assemblies 18.

When using a landing 24, some of the handrail assemblies 18 on the landing 24 are disposed at right angles to each other. In such a configuration, a handrail interconnecting member 20b, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, are used to form a closing piece between the assemblies.

Similarly, a half size interconnection member (not shown) may be used to close a gap between a handrail assembly 18 and the building.

The size of the landing 24 may be varied as required and to suit the various standards that apply. To achieve this, the landing 24 may be made up of a number of differently sized modules that are interconnected. In the illustrated embodiments, the landing 24 is wider than the width of the ramp to provide additional room, though in other embodiments it may be the same width as the ramp. Where a landing is used for a 180 degree transition into a second ramp section, the width may be at least 2.0 times the width of the ramp.

2019219789 21 Aug 2019

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

-8Each modular component used to form the landing 24 is configured to be interchangeable and easily connected to each other. In this regard, bolt holes are provided that are configured to be in alignment in different configurations. In one example, each of the modules has bolt holes inset 90amm from each corner so as to be easily turned around while still fitting within the landing.

The ramp system 10 can further comprise a second ramp section (not shown) to form a longer straight or zig-zagging ramp. The second ramp section can have a plurality of rigid floor support frames 12 a plurality of said support legs 14, a plurality of said handrail assemblies 18, and a plurality of said handrail interconnection members 20. The handrail interconnection members 20 between the landing 24 and the second ramp section also have upright members formed at an angle to each other to allow connection between a handrail assembly 18 on an inclined part of the ramp and a handrail assembly 18 on the landing.

It will be appreciated that the second ramp section may terminate at a second landing which is positioned against a building. It will also be appreciated that additional ramp sections may also be used and that the present disclosure is not limited to arrangements having two landings. In other embodiments, the system 10 may have up to 6 or 7 (or even more) ramp sections that terminate against a building or other structure. The resulting ramp system may be in a line, zig-zagging arrangement, or combinations thereof.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the system 10 includes an end piece 28 (see Figure 13) which is configured to extend between a lowermost floor support frame 12 and a ground surface. The end piece 28 is configured to received handrail assemblies, which may be of the above described type or similarly configured parts of smaller length. The end piece 28 has, near corners thereof, upwardly extending tubes in which the handrail assemblies are received. The uppermost tubes may be support legs 14 of the above described type. The lowermost tubes are rectangular tubes welded to a flat section or plate configured to lie against the ground surface.

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

-92019219789 21 Aug 2019

The ramp system 10 includes a handrail 26 securable to an upper portion of the handrail assemblies 18. In a preferred embodiment, the handrail 26 spans the length of more than one rigid floor support frames 12. It is desirable that the handrail be as long as possible to reduce the number of joints. In this regard, at each joint a gap may be created, thereby creating a pinch point which can injure a person or cause damage to their property. The handrail may be up to 6m in length and formed of shorter sections that are riveted, screwed or welded together. In preferred embodiments, a spring loaded sleeve element having at least one longitudinal slot formed therein may be received in ends of handrail sections to be joined together. The sleeve element is configured to resiliently compress to frictionally secure the handrail sections together.

When the ramp system 10 is disassembled, the handrail assemblies 18 and rigid floor support frames 18 are flat sections stackable against each other. This allows the system to be conveniently stored when not in use or during transportation. The handrail assemblies 18 include a mid-rail 34 and a kick board 36, as illustrated in Figure 6. Interconnecting members 20 also have mid-rails and kickboards so that along the length of the ramp, the mid-rails and kick boards are generally continuous without large gaps. At an upper end of each post of the handrail assembly a threaded block is provided for receiving a threaded bar having a saddle fastener secured to an upper end thereof. Rotation of the saddle and bar raises and lowers a support for the handrail so that the height of the handrail can be varied as required.

Figure 15 illustrates a partial plan view of a ramp system 10 incorporating a spacer 40 that allows for a more gradual corner transition and removal of'hard' 90-degree corners. Spacer 40 is formed of an underlying support structure, which may be similar to that described above and include aluminium RHS sections, preferably 40x40mm or 60x60mm sections, and a flat top plate.

Spacer 40 is further illustrated in Figure 16 and includes edge 42, over which handrail connector 20d can be received. So that edge 42 meets a side of an adjacent rigid

2019219789 21 Aug 2019

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

- 10floor support frame 12, it is formed with a cutaway 41, a short side of which abut a side of the rigid floor support frame 12 and a long side abuts an end of the rigid floor support frame 12.

As illustrated in Figure 17, handrail connector 20d is similarly configured to those described above and includes upright members 30d, a mid-rail 34d and a kick board 36d. As can be seen in Figure 18, upright members 30d are offset from each other so as to engage the rigid floor support frame 12 and landing 24 and mid-rail 34d and kick board 36d are connected to the upright members 30d at an angle.

Each corner may be provided with one or two spacers 40. It will be appreciated that a ramp system may include spacers 40 configured for both left-hand and right-hand corners, whereas only a left-hand spacer 40 is illustrated.

With the above described system, a truly modular system that can be easily configurable to different applications can be achieved. This is possible by using standardised floor support frames, support legs and handrail assemblies. By providing a plurality of differently configured handrail interconnecting members 20, the system can easily be configured to suit different applications with only a small number of different parts. This reduces complexity and manufacturing cost and provides increased flexibility.

In preferred embodiments, the system can also be quickly and easily installed without highly skilled workers, and quickly removed and packed away when no longer required.

The system is preferably formed predominantly of aluminium for lightweight construction and to resist corrosion though it will be appreciated that some parts may be formed of other materials, both metallic and polymer. For a permanent bond some of the aluminium sections are preferably welded together and other parts bolted. Where appropriate, other parts may be joined using conventional fasteners such as rivets.

2019219789 21 Aug 2019

P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019

- 11 The ramp system may be provided in a vehicle trailer, such as a box or open trailer, in kit form. This would allow the system to be easily hired for short term use, such as for concerts and public events. By configuring the handrail assemblies and floor support frames to be generally flat and stackable, the system can be stored in a state taking up a relatively 5 small amount of room, lending itself to be supplied in a trailer for convenient delivery.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group 10 of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an 15 acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (11)

1. CLAIMS:

   1. A modular ramp system, comprising:

   a plurality of rigid floor support frames configured to be arranged in an end to end configuration at an angle to a ground level to form a ramp;

   a plurality of support legs securable to a lower portion of each of the floor support frames, the support legs having adjustable feet downwardly extending therefrom;

   a plurality of handrail assemblies securable to the rigid floor support frames by the support legs; and a plurality of handrail interconnection members, wherein the support legs are inset from an end of the rigid floor support frames so that a handrail interconnection member can be received between each handrail assembly.
2. 2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the interconnection members are securable to the support legs.
3. 3. A system according to claim 2, wherein the support legs have a support lug formed thereon, the support lug being disposed on a side of the bracket toward and end of the floor support frame.
4. 4. A system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a landing, the landing including a rigid floor support frame, a plurality of said support legs, a plurality of handrail assemblies adapted to surround exposed sides of the landing, and a plurality of handrail interconnection members, the handrail interconnection members having upright members formed at an angle to each other to allow connection between a handrail assembly on an inclined part of the ramp and a handrail assembly on the landing.
5. 5. A system according to claim 4, further comprising handrail assemblies disposed at right angles to each other, and handrail interconnecting members forming a closing piece between the assemblies.

   2019219789 21 Aug 2019

   P10083.AU Specification final - 21/08/2019
6. 6. A system according to claim 5, further comprising a second ramp section, the second ramp section having a plurality of rigid floor support frames a plurality of said support legs, a plurality of said handrail assemblies, and a plurality of said handrail interconnection members, wherein the handrail interconnection members between the landing and the second ramp section have upright members formed at an angle to each other to allow connection between a handrail assembly on an inclined part of the ramp and a handrail assembly on the landing.
7. 7. A system according to any preceding claim, comprising an end piece configured to be placed between a lowermost floor support frame and a ground surface, the end piece having handrail supports fixed near corners thereof, and a flat section for engagement with the ground surface, wherein lowermost handrail supports are secured to the flat section.
8. 8. A system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a handrail securable to an upper portion of the handrail assemblies, wherein the handrail spans the length of more than one rigid floor support frames.
9. 9. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the handrail assemblies and rigid floor support frames are flat sections stackable against each other.
10. 10. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the handrail assemblies include a kick board and a mid-rail.
11. 11. A kit including a modular ramp system according to any preceding claim, the system being disassembled and housed in a vehicle trailer.