AU2020103875A4

AU2020103875A4 - Portable Ramp

Info

Publication number: AU2020103875A4
Application number: AU2020103875A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Michael LUCK
Original assignee: Tyrex Solutions Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Tyrex Solutions Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-14
Filing date: 2020-12-03
Publication date: 2021-02-11
Anticipated expiration: 2027-05-09
Also published as: AU2019203252A1

Abstract

In an aspect, there is disclosed a ramp apparatus for a wheeled apparatus such as a wheel chair. The ramp apparatus includes a first ramp, a second ramp and a tether between the first and second ramps. A length of the tether is arranged such that in a deployed state a distance between the first and second ramps is suitable to allow spaced apart wheels of the wheeled apparatus to respectively traverse the first and second ramps. A related method of use is also disclosed. 1/4 26b 12b 23b 22b 10 1630 12a 27a 23a 27b 24b 18b 22a 19b 24a 28a 18a 26a l9a 12b 22b Fig. 1 10 20b 27a 30 16 21 b 18b 23a 22a 21 a 20a 28a 12a Fig. 2 18a

Description

1/4 26b 12b 23b 22b 10 1630

12a 27a 23a 27b 24b 18b 22a 19b 24a

28a 18a 26a l9a

22b Fig. 1 12b

10

b 27a 30 16

21 b 18b 23a 22a

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20a 28a 12a Fig. 2 18a

Portable Ramp

Technical Field

[001] The invention relates to a portable ramp for a wheeled apparatus such as a wheel chair or the like, and an associated method of use.

Background

[002] Ramps are often required to assist wheeled apparatuses such as a wheel chair transverse a step or other sharp change in height. Accordingly, various types ramps have been developed that are typically fitted prior to the step. However, at times, people with a wheeled apparatus such as a wheel chair may travel to an area or building where there are no such fitted ramps and as such it is problematic for the person in the wheel chair to transverse such a step or other sharp change in height.

[003] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[004] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, a ramp apparatus for a wheeled apparatus such as, but not limited to, a wheel chair, the ramp apparatus including a first ramp, a second ramp and a tether between the first and second ramps, wherein the length of the tether is arranged such that in a deployed state a distance between the first and second ramps is suitable to allow spaced apart wheels of the wheel chair to respectively traverse the first and second ramps.

[005] In an aspect, the tether is flexible.

[006] In another aspect, the tether is a strap.

[007] In yet another aspect, the tether is coupled to inward facing sides of the respective first and second ramps.

[008] In yet another aspect, the ramp apparatus is moveable to a stowed condition in which the first and second ramps are stowed substantially adjacent one another.

[009] In yet another aspect, the tether provides a handle or carry strap.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the first and second ramps are wedge shaped in side profile.

[0011] In yet another aspect, each of the first and second ramps has a flat base, opposing flat sides, a sloped top and a flat rear substantially perpendicular to the flat base.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the first and second ramps are substantially formed from a rubber-based material.

[0013] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, a method for deploying and stowing a ramp apparatus to allow a wheeled apparatus to traverse a step, the method including: Moving the ramp apparatus to a deployed condition in which a first ramp and a second ramp coupled by a tether are positioned at the step with the tether extended such that a distance between the first and second ramps is suitable to allow spaced apart wheels of the wheeled apparatus to respectively traverse the first and second ramps; Moving the ramp apparatus toward a stowed condition in which the first ramp and the second ramp are moveable toward one another and cartable by the tether there between.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0014] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0015] Figure 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a ramp apparatus;

[0016] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the ramp apparatus;

[0017] Figure 3 is a top view illustrating the ramp apparatus;

[0018] Figure 4 is a bottom view illustrating the ramp apparatus;

[0019] Figure 5 is a front view illustrating the ramp apparatus;

[0020] Figure 6 is a rear view illustrating the ramp apparatus; and

[0021] Figure 7 is a side view illustrating the ramp apparatus.

Detailed Description

[0022] Referring to Figures 1 to 7, there is shown a ramp apparatus 10 for a wheeled apparatus (not shown) such as a wheel chair, a scooter, a trolley or the like. The ramp apparatus 10 includes a first ramp 12a, a second ramp 12b and a tether 16 between the first ramp 12a and the second ramp 12b.

[0023] The length of the tether 16 is arranged such that in a deployed state, in which the first ramp 12a and the second ramp 12b are fitted at or adjacent a step (not shown), a distance between the first ramps 12 and the second ramp 12b is suitable to allow spaced apart wheels of the wheel apparatus such as the wheel chair to respectively traverse the first ramp 12a and the second ramp 12b.

[0024] Each of the first and second ramps 12a, 12b include a flat base 18 extending from a leading edge 19 to a lower edge 20 of a rear face 21. The rear face 21 is perpendicular to the flat base 18. A sloped face 22 extends from the leading edge 19 to a top edge 23 of the rear face 21. The rear face 21 may be abutted in use against a step with the flat base 18 on a ground or other supporting surface.

[0025] The sloped face 22 may have a constant angle or may have an entry or lower ramp section 24 with a slightly higher slope than an upper or exit ramp section 26.

The first and second ramps 12a, 12b each have parallel inward facing sides 27 and outward facing sides 28. The first and second ramps 12a, 12b are wedge shaped in side profile, as best shown in Figure 7.

[0026] An example of the ramps 12a, 12b may have a base width "w" of about 200 mm and base length "L" of 200mm and a height "H" in the range of about 50mm to mm. Of course, other suitable dimensions may be employed. The ramps may be made of any suitable material. However, in this example, a light weight compressed recycled rubber material is used.

[0027] In this example, the tether 16 is a flexible strap 30 coupled to inward facing sides 27 of the respective first and second ramps 12a, 12b. However, the strap 30 may be coupled to other parts or portions of the first and second ramps 12a, 12b. The strap being coupled to the inward facing sides 27 reduces interference with the strap 30 when deployed. Moreover, the flexible strap 30 may also be used as a handle or "carry strap" such as by a person in a wheel chair to carry the ramp apparatus 10 and move the ramp apparatus 10 to the deployed condition. Examples of the strap 30 may be about 200 mm to 600 mm and preferably about 400mm in length. Of course, other suitable dimensions may be employed. The length of the strap 30 is preferably dimensioned such that the locations of the ramps 12a, 12b in the deployed condition is suitable for the track width of a wheel chair.

[0028] In the deployed condition, the ramp apparatus 10 is moveable to a stowed condition in which the first and second ramps 12a, 12b are stowed substantially adjacent one another. For example, the tether 30 may be folded and the sloped faces 22a, 22b may be fitted adjacent one another. The ramp apparatus 10 may then be stowed in a small bag or otherwise secured together.

[0029] In use, a method for deploying and stowing the ramp apparatus 10 to allow a wheel chair to transverse a step may include the steps of: moving the ramp apparatus to a deployed condition in which the first ramp 12a and the second ramp 12b coupled by the tether 10 are positioned at the step with the tether 10 extended such that a distance between the first and second ramps is suitable to allow space apart wheels of the wheel chair to respectively traverse the first and second ramps 12a, 12b.

After use or when no longer required, the ramp apparatus 10 may be moved to the stowed condition in which the first ramp 12a and the second ramp 12b are moveable toward one another and cartable by the tether 16 there between.

[0030] Advantageously, the ramp apparatus provides a light weight, easily storable and portable, and easy to use ramp. The use of two ramps and a tether of predetermined length allows the spacing between the ramps to be consistent and the tether provides a carry handle for a user.

[0031] 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 of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0032] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0033] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0034] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. A ramp apparatus for a wheeled apparatus, the ramp apparatus including a first ramp, a second ramp and a tether between the first and second ramps, wherein the length of the tether is arranged such that in a deployed state a distance between the first and second ramps is suitable to allow spaced apart wheels of the wheeled apparatus to respectively traverse the first and second ramps.

2. The ramp apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tether is flexible.

3. The ramp apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tether is a strap.

4. The ramp apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tether is coupled to inward facing sides of the respective first and second ramps.

5. The ramp apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ramp apparatus is moveable to a stowed condition in which the first and second ramps are stowed substantially adjacent one another.

6. The ramp apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tether provides a handle or carry strap.

7. The ramp apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ramps are wedge shaped in side profile.

8. The ramp apparatus according to claim 7, wherein each of the first and second ramps has a flat base, opposing flat sides, a sloped top and a flat rear substantially perpendicular to the flat base.

9. The ramp apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second ramps are substantially formed from a rubber based material.

10. A method for deploying and stowing a ramp apparatus to allow a wheeled apparatus to traverse a step, the method including: Moving the ramp apparatus to a deployed condition in which a first ramp and a second ramp coupled by a tether are positioned at the step with the tether extended such that a distance between the first and second ramps is suitable to allow spaced apart wheels of the wheeled apparatus to respectively traverse the first and second ramps; Moving the ramp apparatus toward a stowed condition in which the first ramp and the second ramp are moveable toward one another and cartable by the tether there between.