GB2476296A

GB2476296A - Wheelchair access ramp with pivoted flaps forming a window to improve rear view visibility

Info

Publication number: GB2476296A
Application number: GB0922157A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Greenwood
Original assignee: LATERAL DESIGN CONCEPTS Ltd
Current assignee: LATERAL DESIGN CONCEPTS Ltd
Priority date: 2009-12-18
Filing date: 2009-12-18
Publication date: 2011-06-22
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-18
Also published as: GB2476296B; GB0922157D0

Abstract

A two-part folding vehicle access ramp includes a pair of pivoted flaps 123,125 which are arranged to create a window 160 in the ramp when the ramp is in a stowed position. The ramp comprises first and second ramp parts 122,124 which are pivotally coupled 126,127 to one another, with each ramp part including a cut out having a flap 123,125 pivotally mounted therein. The two flaps are also pivotally coupled 150 to one another and arranged such that when the first and second ramp parts move from a ramp position to a vertical stowed position, as shown in Fig 7, they move automatically to a lowered position so that a driver can see rearwardly through the cut outs. Support legs 140 and abutment means 130 may be used to lock the flaps within the cut-outs when the ramped is lowered for use. Also disclosed is a method of automatically deploying or retracting the ramp, and a vehicle fitted with the access ramp. The flaps are used to create a window in the ramp to improve the driver's rear view.

Description

Access Apparatus The present invention relates to a vehicle access apparatus and a method of enabling disabled access to a passenger vehicle and, in particular although not exclusively, to a vehicle access apparatus for wheelchair access.

Vehicles are often adapted for disabled access, for example wheelchair access, by providing a vehicle access apparatus, such as a ramp at the rear of the vehicle. One end of the ramp is pivotally mounted at the rear of the vehicle so that it pivots between a ramp position and a stowed position. In the ramp position, the ramp extends downwardly and rearwardly from a floor of the vehicle and into contact with the ground. Accordingly, a wheelchair may be transferred between the ground and the floor of the vehicle via the ramp. In the stowed position the ramp is stowed in an upright position such that the vehicles' entrance (e.g. the boot) may close.

EU rules govern the maximum steepness/angle at which the ramp may be inclined.

Consequently, for a certain height of floor, the minimum length of the ramp is defined by the maximum angle. Furthermore, the current high levels of congestion create an increased demand for parking. Cars are therefore leaving reduced distances between adjacent cars particularly when parking one behind another. Thus there is often insufficient space to deploy a ramp.

W02008/081201 discloses an access ramp for a vehicle. As shown in Prior Art Figures 1 and 2, a vehicle 10 is adapted for disabled access by providing a vehicle access apparatus comprising a ramp 20 that is pivotally connected to the vehicle 10 below the level of a floor 12 of the vehicle 10. The ramp 20 comprises a first part 22 and a second part 24 that are pivotally connected to each other. The ramp is moveable between a ramp position and a stowed position by lifting the pivoted connection between the first and second parts. Consequently, the first part pivots towards an upwardly extending position relative to the vehicle's floor 12 and the second part pivots relative to the first to lie in a downwardly extending position. The floor 12 includes a cavity 14, which extends forwardly from a rear of the vehicle 10. A floor insert 16 is pivotally connected at a front end of the cavity 14 and at an upper portion of the cavity. A free end of the floor insert 16 includes a cam follower that co-operates with a cam attached to the ramp 20. Consequently, when the ramp is moved between the stowed position (Figure 1) and the ramp position (Figure 2), the floor insert 16 is automatically moved between a position in which it forms a continuation of the ramp and a position in which it forms a continuation of the floor.

Although the stowed position of the ramp is suitable for use when transporting a wheelchair or the like, it does not allow for easy access to the rear of the vehicle when used to transport other goods. In order to use the rear of the vehicle for transport of other goods, the ramp will generally need to be deployed regardless of the nature of those goods. Furthermore, when in the stowed position the ramp often obscures the view through the rear window of the vehicle, which may hinder reversing and other manoeuvres.

It is known to improve the view through the rear window by forming each of the first and second parts with a flap that is able to fold downwardly to provide a "window" through the stowed ramp. For instance, as shown in Prior Art Figures 3 to 5, a ramp 20 is pivotally connected to a vehicle at pivot 21. The ramp comprises a first part 22 and a second part 24 that are pivotally connected at a mid point of the ramp 20. The ramp further includes a first flap 23 and a second flap 25. The first 22 and second 24 parts each include a cut out that receives the respective first and second flaps, such that, when the first and second flaps are arranged in the cut-outs in the same plane as the first and second parts, the flaps and first and second parts provide a substantially continuous surface. As shown, the cut outs extend from ends of each section that are pivotally connected to each other. Thus, two pivots 26, 27 are provided on either side of the cut outs to pivotally connect the first and second parts. The flaps 23, 25 are not pivoted to each other, rather they are pivotally connected to respective first and second parts at pivots 28, 29. The pivotal connections are arranged along the edge opposite an open end of the cut out so that each flap can pivot to be completely clear of the cut out. Consequently, as shown in Figure 3, each flap is moveable between a stowed position and a ramp position. The flaps are shown in the stowed position in Figure 5. Here the flaps are folded to be on top of the first and second parts and in a substantially vertical orientation. In use, when the ramp is deployed, the flaps are moved to the ramp position to form a ramp between the vehicle and floor. Stops 30 are provided to stop the flaps form pivoting beneath the first and second parts when in the ramp position. For instance, a flange can be provided on the top of the flap or on the underneath of each tilt and secured. Legs 40 are provided to support the pivots 26,27.

Advantageously, as shown in Figure 5, when the ramp is in the stowed position the cut outs provide a driver with improved rearward vision. However, in order to benefit from the improved vision, the operator must move the flaps to the stowed position.

That is an extra step must be carried out. Furthermore, in order to prevent injury, the flaps should be folded to their stowed position before the ramp is lifted to its stowed position. If they are not, the flaps can rotate unexpectedly to their stowed position which risks trapping fingers and other parts.

It is an object of the present invention to attempt to overcome at least one of the above or other disadvantages.

It is a further aim to provide an access apparatus that provides a cut out through which a drive can see, automatically and with improved safety features.

According to the present invention there is provided a vehicle access apparatus, a method of operating a vehicle access apparatus, and a vehicle including vehicle access apparatus, as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

According to an exemplary embodiment there is provided a vehicle access apparatus comprising a ramp. The ramp includes a first part that is pivotally connectable to a vehicle. The ramp also includes a second part. The first part may be pivotally connected to the vehicle at one end and pivotally connected to the second part at an opposed second end. The first and second parts are pivotally connected to each other such that they can pivot between a ramp position and a stowed position. The first part includes a cut-out within which a first flap is arrangeable. The second part also includes a cut-out. A second flap is arrangeable within the cut-out of the second part. The first and second flaps are pivotally connected to respective first and second parts such that they are movable between a stowed position and a ramp position. In the stowed position the flaps are arranged to be clear of the cut-outs whereas in the ramp position the flaps are arranged within the cut-out. The vehicle access apparatus is improved because the first and second flaps are pivotally connected to each other such that movement of the first and second parts towards the stowed position causes the pivotal connection between the two flaps to move away from the pivot connection of the first and second parts. Advantageously, movement of the flaps between the stowed and ramp positions is automatic on movement of the two ramp parts between the respective ramp and stowed positions. Moreover, the flaps are retained from moving unexpectedly so the risk of trapping fingers is reduced.

Preferably at least one foot is provided. The foot may be provided to support the pivoted connection between the two flaps. Hence, each flap may include an abutment means. Each abutment means is held fast to each flap and arranged to support the respective first or second ramp part when the ramp is in the ramp position. In the exemplary embodiments a foot is provided on each side of the pivoted connection between the flaps. Furthermore, each abutment means comprises flanges that extend from either side of the respective flap.

According to the exemplary embodiments, there is provided a method of operating the vehicle access apparatus wherein the method comprises automatically, on movement of the ramp between the stowed and ramp positions, causing the flaps to move between the stowed and ramp positions.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle having a prior art, vehicle access apparatus deployed in a ramp position; Figure 2 is a perspective view looking out from a boot space of the vehicle of Figure 1, wherein the prior art, vehicle access apparatus is stored in a stowed position; Figure 3 is a perspective side view of an alternative prior art, vehicle access apparatus that has a viewing window in a semi-deployed position; Figure 4 is a perspective side view of the alternative prior art, vehicle access apparatus deployed in a ramp position; Figure 5 is a perspective side view of the alternative prior art, vehicle access apparatus stored in a stowed position; Figure 6 is a side schematic view of a vehicle access apparatus of the present invention stored in a stowed position and Figure 7 is a front schematic view of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a side schematic view of the vehicle access apparatus of the present invention in a semi-deployed position; Figure 9 is a side schematic view of the vehicle access apparatus of the present invention deployed in a ramp position and Figure 10 is a front schematic view of Figure 9; and Figure 11 is a perspective side view of the vehicle access apparatus of the present invention in the semi-deployed position.

Referring to Figure 8, a vehicle 110 has a vehicle access apparatus attached. The vehicle access apparatus comprises a ramp 120. The ramp 120 has a first part 122 that is pivotally connected to the vehicle 110 at pivot 121. The first part extends away from the pivot 121 to a second, opposed end. The ramp 120 also has a second part 124. The second part is pivotally connected to the second, opposed end of the first part 122. Each part includes a cut out that extends from the pivotally connected ends to a mid portion of each ramp part. Consequently, the pivot between the first and second parts is formed by two co-planar pivots 126, 127. The ramp 120 also includes first and second flaps 123 and 125 respectively. The first flap 123 is pivotally connected to the first part at the mid portion by pivot 128. Consequently, the first flap is able to pivot with respect to the first part and such that in a ramp position, the first flap is co-planar with the first part and in a second, stowed position the ramp lies face to face with an underside of the first part. Likewise, the second flap 125 is pivotally connected to the second part 124 at the mid portion by pivot 129 and able to pivot between a stowed and ramp position. In the ramp position, the flaps substantially fill the cut outs. Rather than the flaps being free at the opposed end to the pivotal connections with the ramp parts, as shown in Figure 8, the first and second ramps are pivotally connected together by pivot 150. When in the ramp position, the access apparatus may include means to lock the pivots between the first and second parts and first and second flaps such that the respective parts and flaps cannot pivot relative to each other.

Figure 6 shows the vehicle access apparatus 120 stored in a stowed position. The first and second ramp parts and arranged substantially vertical with respect to a floor of the vehicle 110. Locks may be used to maintain the first and second ramp parts in the stowed position. As shown, the first and second flaps are arranged to extend from the respective pivots 128, 129 away from pivots 126, 127 such that pivot 100 lies substantially vertically beneath the pivots 126, 127. Thus the first and second flaps lie substantially parallel to and face-to-face with the undersides of the respective ramp parts. That is the flaps are arranged when in the stowed position to be between the two ramp parts. As shown in Figure 7, advantageously, this provides an automatic "window" 160 through which a driver can see.

The ramp is deployed by moving a free end of the second ramp part downwardly and away from the pivot 121 (as shown in Figure 8). As this occurs, pivots 128, 129 are spaced further apart. As a consequence, pivot 150 is moved towards the pivots 126, 127. As shown in Figures 9 and 10 when the ramp 120 is fully deployed in the ramp position a continuous surface formed by the fist and second ramp parts and the first and second flap is formed. Hence, pivot 150 is substantially co-planar with the pivotal connection between the first and second parts. Substantially co-planar includes the situation where one pivot is arranged on the top surface of the ramp parts and the other pivot arranged on the bottom. That is, when the pivots 150 and 126, 127 are substantially co-planar the pivot axis of each pivot may in fact be parallel but spaced from each other by the thickness of the ramp parts or somewhere there between.

Suitably the means to lock pivots 150, 126 and 127 when the ramp 120 is deployed in the ramp position may comprise a combination of abutment means 130 and support means 140. Suitably, as shown in Figure 11, the abutment means may comprise flanges 130 on each flap that extend from an underside and to an extent greater than the width of the cut out. Thus the flanges 130 are arranged to support the underside of the ramp parts. Furthermore, the support means 140 is substantially shown as at least one leg. Each leg is arranged to contact the ground when the ramp is deployed in the ramp position. Thus the leg supports pivot 150. Preferably a leg is provided on each side of pivot 150.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the access apparatus provides an automatic viewing window 160 to increase the drives visibility without the need for an operator to undertake further steps other than moving the ramp parts between the ramp and stowed positions. Furthermore, the flaps are not free to move without movement of the ramp parts. Thus the risk to trapping fingers etc. is reduced.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A vehicle access apparatus comprising a: a first part having first and second opposed ends, wherein the first end is mountable to a vehicle in a pivoting relationship and the second end includes a cut out having a flap pivotally mounted therein; and a second part having first and second opposed ends, wherein the first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the first part and the first end also includes a cut out having a flap pivotally mounted therein; wherein in use, the first and second parts and the first and second flaps are pivotable between a ramp position, wherein a substantially continuous surface is provided between the second end of the second part and the first end of the first part, and a stowed position, wherein the first and second flaps are arranged not to obstruct the cut outs; characterised in that the first and second flaps are pivotally connected to each other so that movement of the first and second parts towards the stowed position causes the pivotal connection between the two flaps to move away from the pivot connection between the first and second parts.
2. The vehicle across apparatus of claimi wherein the ramp includes locking means to, in use, lock the pivots between the first and second parts, the pivots between the first and second flaps and the pivots between the flaps and respective first and second parts.
3. The vehicle access apparatus of claim 2 wherein the locking means comprises a support means to support the pivot between the first and second flaps when in the vehicle access apparatus is in the ramp position.
4. The access apparatus of claims 2 or 3 wherein the locking means includes abutment means wherein the abutment means are located on the flaps and arranged, in use, to support the first and second parts when the vehicle access apparatus is in the ramp position.
5. A method of operating a vehicle access apparatus, wherein the vehicle access apparatus is as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, the method comprising causing the second end of the first part to pivot relative to a vehicle in order to move the first and second parts towards the ramp position, wherein said movement automatically causes the first and second flaps to move towards the ramp position.
6. A method of operating a vehicle access apparatus, wherein the vehicle access apparatus is as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, the method comprising causing the second end of the first part to pivot relative to a vehicle in order to move first and second parts towards the stowed position, wherein said movement automatically causes the first and second flaps to move towards the stowed position.
7. A vehicle including a vehicle access apparatus wherein the vehicle access apparatus is as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4.
8. An access apparatus, method of operating an access apparatus or vehicle including an access apparatus, wherein the access apparatus is as herein described with reference to Figures 6 to 11.