GB2415680A - Vehicle ramp device - Google Patents

Vehicle ramp device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2415680A
GB2415680A GB0513260A GB0513260A GB2415680A GB 2415680 A GB2415680 A GB 2415680A GB 0513260 A GB0513260 A GB 0513260A GB 0513260 A GB0513260 A GB 0513260A GB 2415680 A GB2415680 A GB 2415680A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
ramp
section
vehicle
floor
ramp device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0513260A
Other versions
GB0513260D0 (en
Inventor
John Philip Rumsey
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
UV MODULAR Ltd
Original Assignee
UV MODULAR Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by UV MODULAR Ltd filed Critical UV MODULAR Ltd
Publication of GB0513260D0 publication Critical patent/GB0513260D0/en
Publication of GB2415680A publication Critical patent/GB2415680A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
    • A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
    • A61G3/066—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like using a lowering device for a part of the floor of the vehicle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61G—TRANSPORT, PERSONAL CONVEYANCES, OR ACCOMMODATION SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR PATIENTS OR DISABLED PERSONS; OPERATING TABLES OR CHAIRS; CHAIRS FOR DENTISTRY; FUNERAL DEVICES
    • A61G3/00—Ambulance aspects of vehicles; Vehicles with special provisions for transporting patients or disabled persons, or their personal conveyances, e.g. for facilitating access of, or for loading, wheelchairs
    • A61G3/02—Loading or unloading personal conveyances; Facilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
    • A61G3/06—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
    • A61G3/061—Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like using ramps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/43—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle
    • B60P1/433—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle the loading floor or a part thereof being movable to form the ramp
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P1/00—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading
    • B60P1/43—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle
    • B60P1/435—Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle the ramp being attached to or making part of the side- or tailboards of the vehicle

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Vehicle Step Arrangements And Article Storage (AREA)

Abstract

A ramp device for a vehicle includes a ramp section and a floor section and is capable of adjustment between a closed position where said ramp section is stored on the vehicle and said floor section forms part of the internal floor of the vehicle, and an open position where said ramp section is moved such that one end lies adjacent the vehicle supporting surface, and said floor section is substantially in line with the ramp section. Part of the internal floor of the vehicle thus forms part of the ramp device, allowing the ramp to have a more acute angle to the vehicle supporting surface.

Description

Ramp Device The invention to which this application relates is a ramp
device suitable, although not exclusively, for the rear of a vehicle such as an ambulance.
Although the following description refers almost exclusively to use of ramp device for an ambulance, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention can be used with other vehicles.
It is known to provide access ramps or lifts for vehicles, for example GFl 2372482 discloses a platform lift suitable for an ambulance which can pivot to form the rear door of the vehicle.
The lift has a lowered position to allow easy access for a trolley for example, a raised position where one end of the lift is raised, forming a ramp from the ground to the interior of the ambulance, and a closed position where the lift is pivoted to form the rear door of the ambulance.
In this example, undesirable delays can often occur if the ramp has to be lowered to enable a patient to be loaded onto the ambulance as the angle of the ramp in the raised position may be too high to facilitate the same. This angle should also be minimised for health and safety reasons. Ilowever, the minimum angle of the ramp while maintaining continuity with the inner floor of the vehicle is restricted by the length of the door and the height of the inner floor from the ground. Rear wheel drive vehicles in particular tend to have a higher inner floor relative to the ground than front-wheel drive vehicles. A further problem is that a kick plate provided to cover gaps between the floor and ramp can trap material as it is not wholely continuous with the vehicle floor.
. . . . . . . . - The aim of the present invcution is to provide a ramp device in a form which allows improved access to a vehicle.
In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a ramp device for a vehicle, said ramp device capable of adjustment between a closed position where said ramp device is stored on the vehicle and an open position where said ramp device is moved such that one end lies adjacent the vehicle supporting surface, and wherein said device includes a ramp section and a floor section which together form an angled ramp in the open position.
In one embodiment, in the closed position the floor section forms part of the internal floor of the vehicle, and in the open position the floor and ramp sections are substantially in line.
Preferably the ramp section forms part of and/or is in substantially the same plane as the back or side wall of the vehicle, when in the closed position.
The vehicle can thereby be provided with a ramp device partially formed from one of the rear doors. Together, the ramp section and the floor section form a longer ramp than disclosed in the prior art allowing the ramp to have a more acute angle to the vehicle supporting surface. This allows loading of the vehicle to be easier and safer.
Preferably the floor section is in substantially the same plane as the internal floor of the vehicle when the device is in the closed position.
Preferably the floor section is of a similar width to that of the ramp section.
. . . . . - . . . A- .. . ...
Alternatively the floor section extends between the internal walls of the vehicle.
In one embodiment the ramp device can be retrofitted to a vehicle to replace a conventional rear door.
In one embodiment the vehicle can be used for emergency services, for example an ambulance.
l'referably, the device can be provided with hydraulic means for adjustment between open and closed positions.
typically the hydraulic means are connected to the ramp section and the floor section to allow simultaneous movement of the same.
Typically the floor section can be pivotally connected to the internal floor of the vehicle at a point at or adjacent the internal floor of the vehicle.
Preferably the ramp section can be pivotally connected to the rear of the vehicle at a point lower than the internal floor of the vehicle.
Preferably the ramp section can be provided with a support to engage and support the floor section when the ramp device is in a closed position.
Preferably the vehicle can be provided with access means adjacent the ramp device which is uninhibited by the same.
Typically in use, a user operates the ramp device such that the ramp section is pivoted at the lower end connected to the vehicle, from a position where the ramp section is substantially * e : - : : : -:- : : : * * * a * * e * * vertical, to a position where the ramp section forms an acute angle with the supporting surface. Preferably at the same time, the floor section is pivoted at the front end connected to the vehicle, from a position where the floor section is substantially horizontal, to a position where the floor section is substantially in line with the ramp section.
In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle with an internal space bounded by at least walls and a floor, said floor including an adjustable floor section connected to a ramp section, such that said ramp section can be adjusted from a closed position in which the ramp section is in a substantially vertical plane, to an open position where one end of the ramp section is on or adjacent the vehicle supporting surface, and wherein said floor section is adjusted to form a ramp with said ramp section in the open position.
In one embodiment, when in the closed position, the ramp section forms part of the walls of the internal space.
In a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle with an internal space bounded by at least walls and a floor, said vehicle including a ramp device having a ramp section which can be adjusted from a closed position to an open position where one end of the ramp section is adjaccut the vehicle supporting surface, and wherein said floor includes at least one floor section which is substantially in line with said ramp section at least when in the open position.
In one embodiment the floor section is permanently sloped or can be selectively moved to a sloped position.
In one embodiment, the floor section is provided of a similar width to that of the ramp section.
. : . :.. . . .
-- :.. :.
In an alternative embodiment two or more floor sections are provided which are narrower than the ramp section, and are wide coough to accept the wheels and/or legs of a trolley. Thus the floor is substantially continuous within the vehicle, with narrow sloping tracks therein to allow a trolley to be loaded.
Specific embodiments of the invention are now described wherein: Figurc 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle with a ramp device in the closed position.
Figurc 2 illustrates a side view of a vehicle with a ramp device in the open position.
Figure 3 illustrates a more detailed side view of a vehicle with a ramp device in the closed position.
Figurc 4 illustrates a more detailed side view of a vehicle with a ramp device in the open position.
Figure 5 illustrates a rear view of a vehicle with a ramp device in the closed position.
Figurc 6 illustrates a rear view of a vehicle with a ramp device in the open position.
With reference to ligure 1, there is illustrated a vehicle with a ramp device including a ramp section 2 and a floor section 4.
When the ramp device is in the closed position as illustrated, the ramp section 2 is substantially vertical and engages with the vehicle body 18 and the adjacent door, and the floor section 4 is e e e e ë. e e . - . see e in substantially the same plane as the adjacent vehicle floor 6, thereby effectively forming part of the vehicle floor 6.
Referring to I-igure 2, there is illustrated a vehicle with a ramp device in the open position. The ramp section 2 is pivotally connected to the vehicle, at a point lower than the vehicle floor 6, such that one end of the ramp section 2 can be lowered to the ground 8. The floor section 4 is also pivotally connected to the vehicle floor 6, such that one end can be lowered to a level such that the floor section 4 and ramp section 2 are continuous.
Hydraulic means 10 are provided to ad just the device between open and closed positions.
As the ramp provided by the ramp device in the open position is longer than that which would be provided by a ramp section alone, the angle is shallower and it is therefore safer and easier to load the vehicle.
Referring to Figures 3-4, the ramp device is shown in more detail, indicating the floor section pivot point 12 and the ramp section pivot point 14. The ramp section may also be provided with a floor support 16 to help support the floor section 4 when the ramp device is in a closed position.
Referring to Figures 5-6, the ramp device is shown in relation to the vehicle body 18 and the ad jacent door 20, which allows access to the vehicle when open, irrespective of the ramp device position.
In use, as a user lowers the ramp section 2 around pivot point 14 from a vertical position to a position in contact with and at an angle to the support surface, the hydraulic means 10 causes one end of the floor section 4 to lower, pivoting about pivot i. . ... . .
. . . . ..
point 12, such that the floor section 4 is brought into line with the ramp 2 section to form a continuous ramp.
As a user raises the ramp section 2 back into the upright position, the end of the floor section 4 is also raised such that the floor section 4 is brought into line and forms a continuous section of the floor of the vehicle.
Alternatively the floor section can be provided as a fixed ramp (not shown) which would be cheaper and easier to manufacture.
Further alternatively, the floor of the vehicle could be provided with two narrow sloping sections or tracks disposed therein (not shown) to allow a trolley to be loaded onto an ambulance, the legs passing along the sloping tracks in the floor into the internal space of the ambulance. The floor of the vehicle is substantially continuous as the tracks are narrow. Of course in this example the trolley would need to be able to pass over the edge of the ambulance floor, to allow the legs to enter the sloping tracks when loading the trolley.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention also includes further additional modifications made to the device which does not effect the overall functioning of the device, such as the provision of decoration, a fabric or plastic covering to provide improved aesthetic appearance, and/or the like.
a 8 a Be a a

Claims (20)

  1. Claims 1. A ramp device for a vehicle, said ramp device capable of
    adjustment between a closed position where said ramp device is stored on the vehicle and an open position where said ramp device is moved such that one end lies adjacent the vehicle supporting surface, and wherein said device includes a ramp section and a floor section which together form an angled ramp in the open position.
  2. 2. A ramp device according to claim 1 wherein, in the closed position the floor section forms part of the internal floor of the vehicle, and in the open position the floor section and ramp section are substantially in line.
  3. 3. A ramp device according to claim 1 wherein the ramp section forms part of and/or is in substantially the same plane as the back or side wall of the vehicle.
  4. 4. A ramp device according to claim 1 wherein the ramp section forms one of the rear doors of the vehicle.
  5. 5. A ramp device according to claim 2 wherein the floor section is in substantially the same plane as the internal floor of the vehicle when the device is in the closed position.
  6. 6. A ramp device according to claim 1 wherein the floor section is substantially the same width as the ramp section.
  7. 7. A ramp device according to claim 1 wherein the floor section extends between the internal walls of the vehicle.
    . . . . . . . .. . . ... ..
  8. 8. A ramp device according to claim 1 wherein the ramp device can be retrofitted to a vehicle to replace a conventional rear door.
  9. 9. A ramp device according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle is an ambulance or can be used for emergency services.
  10. 10. A ramp device according to claim 1 wherein hydraulic means are provided for adjustment of the ramp section and/or the floor section between open and closed positions.
  11. 1 1. A ramp device according to claim 10 wherein the hydraulic means are connected to the ramp section and the floor section to allow simultaneous movement of the same.
  12. 12. A ramp device according to claim 2 wherein the floor section is pivotally connected to the internal floor of the vehicle at a point at or adjacent the internal floor of the vehicle.
  13. 13. A ramp device according to claim 2 wherein the ramp section is pivotally connected to the rear of the vehicle at a point lower than the internal floor of the vehicle.
  14. 14. ramp device according to claim I wherein the ramp section is provided with a support to engage and support the floor section when the ramp device is in a closed position.
  15. 15. A ramp device according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle is provided with access means adjacent the ramp device which is uninhibited by the same.
    . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... ..
  16. 16. vehicle with an internal space bounded by at least walls and a floor, said floor including an adjustable floor section connected to a ramp section, such that said ramp section can be adjusted from a closed position in which the ramp section is in a substantially vertical plane, to an open position where one end of the ramp section is on or adjacent the vehicle supporting surface, and wherein said floor section is adjusted to form a ramp with said ramp section in the open position.
  17. 17. A vehicle according to claim 16 wherein, when in the closed position, the ramp section forms part of the walls of the internal space.
  18. 18. 1\ vehicle with an internal space bounded by at least walls and a floor, said vehicle including a ramp device having a ramp section which can be adjusted from a closed position to an open position where one end of the ramp section is adjacent the vehicle supporting surface, and wherein said floor includes at least one floor section which is substantially in line with said ramp section at least when in the open position.
  19. 19. A vehicle according to claim 18 wherein one floor section is provided and is substantially the same width as the ramp section.
  20. 20. A vehicle according to claim 18 wherein two or more floor sections are provided in the form of tracks to allow the wheels ancl/or legs of a trolley to pass therealong.
    . e . . . . . . . .. . . . ... ...
GB0513260A 2004-07-01 2005-06-03 Vehicle ramp device Withdrawn GB2415680A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0414762A GB0414762D0 (en) 2004-07-01 2004-07-01 Ramp device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0513260D0 GB0513260D0 (en) 2005-08-03
GB2415680A true GB2415680A (en) 2006-01-04

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GB0414762A Ceased GB0414762D0 (en) 2004-07-01 2004-07-01 Ramp device
GB0513260A Withdrawn GB2415680A (en) 2004-07-01 2005-06-03 Vehicle ramp device

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0414762A Ceased GB0414762D0 (en) 2004-07-01 2004-07-01 Ramp device

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1650077A1 (en) * 2004-10-19 2006-04-26 Rampdoors Limited Combined door and access ramp
WO2008081201A1 (en) * 2007-01-05 2008-07-10 Lateral Design Concepts Ltd Access apparatus
WO2009140714A1 (en) * 2008-05-20 2009-11-26 George Denis Zisti Vehicle mounted, wheelchair boarding apparatus
DE202010011687U1 (en) 2010-08-23 2010-10-28 Ambulanz Mobile Gmbh & Co. Kg Ramp for ambulance
GB2547027A (en) * 2016-02-05 2017-08-09 S Cartwright & Sons (Coachbuilders) Ltd Vehicle with access opening closure apparatus
WO2019215356A1 (en) * 2018-05-11 2019-11-14 Perez Van Sluijs Jacobo Caravan with built-in access for driving motorcycles or other vehicles into same
EP4122437A1 (en) * 2021-07-20 2023-01-25 API CZ s.r.o. Adjustable automobile cabin floor, wheelchair access system, and automobile
WO2023001512A3 (en) * 2021-07-20 2023-03-16 Api Cz S.R.O. Adjustable automobile cabin floor, wheelchair access system, and automobile

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2598362A1 (en) * 1986-05-09 1987-11-13 Gruau Constructeur Sa Vehicle which can be loaded from the rear
US4792274A (en) * 1987-04-30 1988-12-20 Cockram Robert E Utility trailer including automatic tailgate assembly
US5137413A (en) * 1990-10-05 1992-08-11 Paul Ressler Expanded interior space and improved access mini-van
GB2276592A (en) * 1993-04-03 1994-10-05 L T I Limited Transporting wheelchairs in road vehicles
WO2000009060A1 (en) * 1998-08-11 2000-02-24 Daimlerchrysler Ag Vehicle comprising a loading floor lower than the vehicle floor, for receiving a wheel chair
GB2356847A (en) * 1998-08-28 2001-06-06 Passenger Lift Services Ltd Access ramp
GB2372482A (en) * 2001-02-26 2002-08-28 John Phillip Rumsey Door platform lift

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2598362A1 (en) * 1986-05-09 1987-11-13 Gruau Constructeur Sa Vehicle which can be loaded from the rear
US4792274A (en) * 1987-04-30 1988-12-20 Cockram Robert E Utility trailer including automatic tailgate assembly
US5137413A (en) * 1990-10-05 1992-08-11 Paul Ressler Expanded interior space and improved access mini-van
GB2276592A (en) * 1993-04-03 1994-10-05 L T I Limited Transporting wheelchairs in road vehicles
WO2000009060A1 (en) * 1998-08-11 2000-02-24 Daimlerchrysler Ag Vehicle comprising a loading floor lower than the vehicle floor, for receiving a wheel chair
GB2356847A (en) * 1998-08-28 2001-06-06 Passenger Lift Services Ltd Access ramp
GB2372482A (en) * 2001-02-26 2002-08-28 John Phillip Rumsey Door platform lift

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1650077A1 (en) * 2004-10-19 2006-04-26 Rampdoors Limited Combined door and access ramp
WO2008081201A1 (en) * 2007-01-05 2008-07-10 Lateral Design Concepts Ltd Access apparatus
GB2458850A (en) * 2007-01-05 2009-10-07 Lateral Design Concepts Ltd Access apparatus
GB2458850B (en) * 2007-01-05 2011-04-06 Lateral Design Concepts Ltd Access apparatus
WO2009140714A1 (en) * 2008-05-20 2009-11-26 George Denis Zisti Vehicle mounted, wheelchair boarding apparatus
AU2008202212B2 (en) * 2008-05-20 2014-07-24 George Denis Zisti Vehicle mounted, wheelchair boarding apparatus
DE202010011687U1 (en) 2010-08-23 2010-10-28 Ambulanz Mobile Gmbh & Co. Kg Ramp for ambulance
GB2547027A (en) * 2016-02-05 2017-08-09 S Cartwright & Sons (Coachbuilders) Ltd Vehicle with access opening closure apparatus
WO2019215356A1 (en) * 2018-05-11 2019-11-14 Perez Van Sluijs Jacobo Caravan with built-in access for driving motorcycles or other vehicles into same
EP3792109A4 (en) * 2018-05-11 2022-04-13 PEREZ VAN-SLUIJS, Jacobo Caravan with built-in access for driving motorcycles or other vehicles into same
EP4122437A1 (en) * 2021-07-20 2023-01-25 API CZ s.r.o. Adjustable automobile cabin floor, wheelchair access system, and automobile
WO2023001512A3 (en) * 2021-07-20 2023-03-16 Api Cz S.R.O. Adjustable automobile cabin floor, wheelchair access system, and automobile

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0513260D0 (en) 2005-08-03
GB0414762D0 (en) 2004-08-04

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