GB2509342A

GB2509342A - Vehicle ramp assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2509342A
Application number: GB1307272.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Chacksfield
Original assignee: SG Technical Systems Ltd
Current assignee: SG Technical Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-08
Filing date: 2013-04-23
Publication date: 2014-07-02
Anticipated expiration: 2033-04-23
Also published as: GB2515157A; GB201405932D0; GB2515157B; GB2509342B; GB201307272D0; GB201306296D0

Abstract

A ramp assembly comprises a frame 11 and a wedge shaped ramp member 6 which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed 27 and wider edges. The ramp 6 is stepped or plane on its other side to present a stepped or level generally horizontal surface (Figure 1). The ramp member can move between a stowed position (Figure 1) in which the ramp member 6 is located within the frame 11 with its stepped or level surface uppermost, and a deployed position in which the ramp member 6 extends outwardly from an edge of the frame 11 with its single-phase inclined surface uppermost. The end of the ramp member 6 which includes its wider edge comprises a replaceable section (30, Figure 7) which deforms in response to a horizontal impact force being applied to the wider edge of the ramp member 6 when in its stowed position. Also disclosed is a ramp which when in the stowed position, the uppermost corner (29, Figure 5) of a thicker end of a wedge shaped ramp is offset from a vertical line passing through a pivot point (8, Figure 5) of the wedge in a direction away from the thin end of the wedge 27.

Description

RAMP ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a ramp assembly. More particularly the invention relates to a ramp assembly which can selectively provide either an inclined single-plane access between different levels, or a stepped or level surface access on occasions when a single-plane inclined access is not required.

More especially, but not exclusively, the invention relates to such a ramp assembly which can be stowed in a vehicle cabin floor and, when required, be deployed to provide unimpeded single-plane inclined access to the vehicle cabin. Typically, the vehicle comprises an ambulance where there is often a need to move wheelchairs, patient trolleys and the like into and away from the ambulance cabin.

Whereas the invention will be described belcw with particular reference to a stowable ramp for a vehicle such as an ambulance, it is to be understood that ramp assemblies in accordance with the invention can be employed in a variety of other applications where there is a need selectively to provide either a single-plane inclined surface over which, for example, a wheeled trolley can be moved, or a stepped or level surface when a single-plane inclined surface is not required.

One such application is the loading and delivery of goods from a storage facility to one or more shops, supermarkets or the like.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Ready access to many vehicle cabins for wheelchairs and trolleys, for example, is difficult, if not impossible, unless an inclined single-plane ramp is provided. Where such a ramp is available, on many occasions it comprises simply a portable ramp which may or may not be secured to a vehicle when in use.

Such ramps are inherently unsafe and need tc be stcred cn the vehicle with the inherent possibility that parts will be mislaid. Where they are to be secured to the vehicle, they require correct assembly and attachment to the vehicle.

Single-plane ramps are known which are secured permanently to a vehicle surface, these being stowed away within a cabin floor located frame when not in use so as not to present a hazard to people inside the cabin. One such ramp assembly is that which is referred to as a "book leaf" ramp. Such a ramp assembly is generally connected to a side or rear of a vehicle through an axle or hinges which enable it to be folded from a stowed position in which it locates within a frame set in the vehicle cabin floor, and a deployed position in which it is folded away from the vehicle with its inclined single-plane surface forming an extension of an inclined floor surface of the frame and with its leading edge in contact with a road or other external surface. When stowed, the stepped surface defines a smooth extension of the cabin floor of the vehicle.

Such a ramp assembly is described in GB2306152. A disadvantage of the ramp assembly disclosed in G32306152 and other similar assemblies is that when it is in its stowed position, there is a tendency for the ramp to rotate about its axis of rotation when a force is applied to its exposed ramp surface close to the rear or side of the vehicle in which it is located. Such a force can occur simply through someone stepping onto this surface when gaining entry to the vehicle cabin. If the ramp assembly should lift in such a circumstance, there is every chance that the person concerned will fall from the vehicle. Furthermore, any unwanted pivotal movement of the ramp assembly from its stowed position will cause the forward lip of the assembly to rise thereby presenting a hazard to anyone already in the vehicle cabin.

Thus, such ramp assemblies are potentially unsafe unless measures are taken to prevent any unwanted rotation or lifting of the assembly when in its stowed position. Previously, such ramp assemblies have been fitted with mechanical and/or electromagnetic locks or other similar devices to hold the assemblies firmly in place when stowed. Such locks are not only costly but are also potentially unreliable. Should they fail for any reason then the problems referred to above will occur.

A further disadvantage of ramps when fitted to vehicles such as that disclosed in GB2306152 is that, because of their location, the assembly is susceptible to irreparable damage in the event of a collision to the rear of the vehicle.

One object of this invention is to provide a ramp assembly which facilitates single-plane access to a vehicle and which does not suffer from these and other disadvantages of known vehicle ramps.

ST.ThIMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention provides a ramp assembly for providing access between two levels, the assembly comprising a frame and a wedge-shaped ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wider edges, and is stepped or plane on its other side to present a stepped or level generally horizontal surface, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member relative to the frame between a first stowed position in which the ramp member is located within the frame with its stepped or level surface uppermost, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame with its single-phase inclined surface uppermost, and wherein the end of the ramp member which includes its wider edge comprises a replaceable section which deforms in response tc a horizontal impact force above a predetermined level being applied to the wider edge of the ramp member when in its stowed positicn.

In another aspect, the invention provides a ramp assembly for providing access between two levels, the assembly comprising a frame and a wedge-shaped ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wider edges, and is stepped or plane on its other side to present a stepped or level generally horizontal surface, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member about a pivot axis relative to the frame between a first stowed position in which the ramp member is located within the frame with its stepped or level surface uppermost, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame with its single-phase inclined surface uppermost, and wherein the ramp member comprises a first section which is bordered on one side by its pointed edge and a second section which is bordered on one side by its wider edge, the second section being releasably connected to the first section and being so constructed that it deforms in the event that an impact force above a predetermined level is applied to the wider edge of the ramp member when the ramp member is in its stowed position.

In a still further aspect, the invention provides a ramp assembly for providing access between two levels, the assembly comprising a frame and a wedge-shaped ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wider edges, and includes a step on its other side, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member relative to the frame about a pivot axis between a first

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stowed position in whioh the ramp member is boated within the frame with its stepped surface uppermost, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame with its single-phase inclined surface uppermost, the arrangement being such that when the ramp member is in its stowed position the uppermost corner of the wider edge of the ramp member is positioned between first and seccnd points on the uppermost surface of the ramp member, the first point being positioned towards the wider edge of the ramp member and lying on a straight line which passes through the pivot axis of the ramp member but which is inclined at an angle of 200 to a vertical line which also passes through said pivot axis, and a seoond point positioned towards the pointed edge of the ramp member and lying on a straight line which also passes through the pivot axis of the ramp member but whioh is inclined at an angle of to the aforesaid vertical line.

The term "aforementioned pre-determined distance" is used herein to mean the distance between first and second points on the uppermost surface of the ramp member when in its stowed position, the first point being positioned towards the wider edge of the ramp member and lying on a straight line which passes through the pivot axis of the ramp member but which is inclined at an angle of 20° to a vertical line which also passes through said pivot axis, and a second point positioned towards the pointed edge of the ramp member and lying on a straight line which also passes through the pivot axis of the ramp member but which is inclined at an angle of 10° to the aforesaid vertical line.

In a still further aspect, the invention provides a vehicle to which is secured a wedge-shaped ramp assembly which provides access between a road or other surface and the interior of the vehicle cabin, the ramp assembly comprising a frame positicned within the vehicle cabin floor and a ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wide edges for entry to the vehicle cabin and is stepped or plane on its side remote from said one surface to present a stepped or generally horizontal level surface for entry to the vehicle cabin, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member relative to the frame between a first stowed position in which the ramp member is located within the frame flush with the cabin floor, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame and the cabin floor with its single-phase inclined surface uppermost, and wherein the ramp member comprises a first section which is bordered on one side by its pointed edge and a second section which is bordered on one side by its wider edge, the second section being releasably connected to the first section and being so constructed that it deforms in the event that an impact force above a predetermined level is applied to the wider edge of the ramp member when the ramp member is in its stowed position.

In another aspect, the invention provides a vehicle to which is secured a wedge-shaped ramp assembly which provides access between a road!or other surface and the interior of the vehicle cabin, the ramp assembly comprising a frame positioned within the vehicle cabin floor and a ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wide edges for entry to the vehicle cabin and is stepped or plane on its side remote from said one surface to present a stepped or generally horizontal level surface for entry to the vehicle cabin, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member relative to the frame between a first stowed position in which the ramp member is located within the frame flush with the cabin floor, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame and the cabin floor with its sinole-phase inclined surface uppermost, the arrangement being such that when the ramp member is in its stowed position the uppermost corner of the wider edge of the ramp member is positioned within the aforementioned predetermined distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: -Figures 1 is an isometric view from above of a ramp assembly in accordance with the present invention in its stowed position in the floor of the cabin of a vehicle; Figure 2 is an isometric view from above of the ramp assembly of Figure 1 in its deployed position; Figures 3 and 4 are respectively isometric views from above of the ramp assembly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in its stowed and deployed positions before assembly into the cabin floor of a vehicle; Figures 5 and 6 are side views partly in section of the illustrated ramp assembly in its stowed and deployed positions respectively; and Figure 7 is a side view partly in section of a detail of the ramp assembly illustrated in Figure 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The ramp assembly illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a frame 2 set in the cabin floor 4 of a vehicle, and a generally wedge-shaped ramp member 6 having a pointed edge 6A and a wider edge 6B. Typically the frame 2 is fabricated from steel, preferably stainless steel, and the ramp member from a lighter material such as aluminium. Other materials including GRP and other composite materials having similar properties to steel and aluminium could, however, be used. The ramp member 6 is connected to the frame through stub axles 8 which enable it to pivot about a horizontal axis between a stowed position as shown in Figure 1 in which it is located fully within the frame 2, and a deployed position as shown in Figure 2 in which its end which includes the pointed edge 6A overhangs the rear of the vehicle.

Brackets 10 are secured to the sides of the ramp member 6 and include openings through which the stub axles 8 pass to support the ramp member 6 between supporting structures 11 located one to each side of the ramp member. As illustrated, the structures 11 are secured to the rear of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the structures 11 could be installed and secured in a number of alternative ways. Thus the ramp member may include side flanges which rest on the vehicle cabin floor, these flanges subsequently being covered; alternatively, the ramp member could be secured to the underside of the vehicle floor.

The horizontal axis about which the ramp member 6 rotates when moving between its stowed and deployed positions passes through the axles 8.

The axles 8 could readily be replaced by a single longer axle supported at each end between the brackets 10. Furthermore, the mechanisms for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member 6 relative to the frame 2 could be employed. Thus, the ramp member could be connected to the frame through one or more hinges.

As will be seen from Figure 4, the frame 2 includes an inclined floor 12 bordered on two sides by tapered walls 14 each formed with a lip 16. when assembled into a complementary dimensioned recess set in the floor of the cabin of the vehicle, the upper edges of the side walls 14 and the forward edge 13 of the ramp member lie alongside the adjoining walls of the floor recess.

Although the ramp assembly is shown in the drawings as being positioned close to the rear of the vehicle cabin, it could alternatively, be positioned towards one or each side of a vehicle cabin where appropriate access to the cabin is provided.

As illustrated in Figure 3, on one side the ramp member comprises two generally flat horizontal surfaces 18, 20 separated by a step 22. The surface 18 defines a platform onto which a person can step when entering the vehicle cabin on occasions when entry via the single-plane inclined surface of the ramp member is not required. As will be seen from Figure 1, the surface 18 projects beyond the cabin floor.

The other side of the ramp member is, as shown in Figure 4, wedge-shaped and comprises a single-plane inclined surface 24 which terminates in the pointed edge 6A. In its stowed position shown in Figure 1, the ramp member is located within the frame 2 with its stepped surface uppermost.

When the ramp is in its stowed position as shown in Figure 3, entry to the vehicle is, as mentioned above, by use of the platform 18. The approximate position of the initial load applied to the platform 18 by a foot of a person stepping onto the platform entering is ioboard of the rearmost end of the platform and is indicated by reference A" in Figure 5.

If, as has previously been the oase, the pivot axis of the ramp member 6 was positioned rearward of the applied load position A (that is to say further from the rear of the vehiole cabin than a vertical line passing through the applied load position), the ramp member 6 could tend to pivot about the pivot axis thereby presenting a danger to the health of the person seeking to enter the vehicle. In some instances a person stepping onto known ramp assemblies has caused the ramp assembly to move from its stowed position to such an extent that the person has fallen from the vehicle cabin onto a road or other surface.

Furthermore, any pivotal movement of the ramp will cause the pointed edge 6A of the ramp to move away from its seating within the frame to create a potential danger to anyone moving within the vehicle interior.

This problem is overcome by the present invention by ensuring, as will be explained below, that the ramp member is prevented from moving about its pivot axis when a person seeks to enter the vehicle cabin using the platform 18 when the ramp assembly is in its stowed position.

As will be seen from Figure 5, the end wall 28 of the ramp member 6 is inclined so that, when in its stowed position, its uppermost corner 29 is positioned within the aforementioned predetermined distance, namely the uppermost corner 29 is positioned between first and second points on the uppermost surface of the ramp member when in its stowed position, the first point being positioned towards the wider edge 6B of the ramp member and lying on a straight line which passes through the pivot axis 8 of the ramp member 2 but which is inclined at an angle of 200 to a vertical line which also passes through the pivot axis 8, and a second point positioned towards the pointed edge 6A of the ramp member and lying on a straight line which also passes through the pivot axis 8 but which is inclined at an angle of 100 to the aforesaid vertioal line.

As shown, the uppermost corner 29 is positioned substantially immediately above the pivot axis 8. However, as mentioned above, different angles could be employed to move the uppermost corner 29 of the end wall towards or away from the wider edge 6B of the ramp member 6. In this way a force applied by a person stepping up onto the platform 18 at or around the position "A" will effeotively urge the ramp member towards its closed position rather than to its deployed position, or be insufficient to cause the ramp member to move.

The end wall could alternatively be wholly or partially curvilinear to ensure that the uppermost corner of the end wall is positioned as described in the preceding paragraph.

As mentioned previously, ramp assemblies in accordance with the invention are frequently installed in vehicles such as ambulances and other vehicles which are required to carry long items such as stretchers and trolleys which tend to occupy the major part of the rear cabin of the vehicle. This limits the space available for installation of the ramp assembly.

It is also the case that the surface angle of the ramp member 6 when deployed is required to meet regulatory and preferred requirements. The maximum surface angle allowed to meet regulatory requirements is 16 degrees. A preferred angle is between 12 and 14 degrees. This angle applies to both the inclined surface of the ramp member 6 and the inclined surface 12 of the frame 2. As will be appreciated, the ramp member when deployed must provide a continuous surface between the floor of the vehicle cabin and the road, kerb or other surface below the vehicle cabin floor. Thus the overall length of the ramp member 6 when deployed is not a design parameter which can be varied at will but is essentially stipulated by regulation.

These criteria mean that there are many occasions when the installed ramp assembly cannot physically be installed fully inside the vehicle cabin. On such occasions the installed ramp assembly will, as will be seen from Figure 1, partially extend beyond the rear boundary of the vehicle. Typically, this extension is between 150mm and 400mm.

This projection of the ramp assembly from the rear of the vehicle makes it prone to damage if, for example, the vehicle collides with another vehicle or other object when reversing.

Such a collision may well cause damage to the ramp member 6 and also the frame 2. Damage to the frame is less likely for reason that frames are, as previously mentioned, typically produced from steel which is relatively robust and therefore less prone to damage. The ramp member, being a pivotal member, is required to be relatively light weight and is, again as previously mentioned, typically produced from a material such as aluminium or composite materials. Conseguently, it is more prone to damage in an accident.

A major problem resulting from damage to a conventional ramp member is that the assembly will likely need to be removed and replaced in its entirety. Whereas this is not in itself a difficult task to undertake, replacement of the entire ramp member is expensive. It is also the case that because of their size, storage of replacement ramp members presents problems for the user.

Such problems are significantly reduced in ramp assemblies in accordance with this invention by ensuring that any damage caused to the rear of the ramp assembly is confined to a section of the ramp member which can readily be replaced, is relatively inexpensive and is easy to store.

As will be seen from Figure 7, the shaped end of the ramp member 6 comprises a sacrificial section 30 which is designed to withstand loads applied to the ramp member when in its deployed and stowed positions, but to deform in the event of a rear impact. This section 30 includes the inclined surface 28 and the corner 29.

As illustrated, the section 30 is screwed to the main body of the ramp member. Other known methods of connecting the section to the ramp member body, these Including the use rivets, industrial Velcro (RTM), adhesives or tack welding. As shown, the width and height dimensions of the section 30 where it is attached to the rear of the ramp member are the same as those of the ramp member itself. This need not be the case.

In an alternative arrangement to that Illustrated, the section includes one or more protrusions which define sliding fits within suitably positioned guide ways or slots formed in the main body of the ramp member. In a further alternative arrangement, the section 30 is produced as an extrusion of rubber or similar material which slides into a mating slot across the back of the ramp member.

Thus, the section 30 simply defines a sacrificial extension of the ramp member.

Because the forces applied during normal use of the ramp assembly are primarily in the vertical plane and the forces applied during a rear impact are primarily in the horizontal plane, the section 30 is designed tc be strong when subject to normal vertical forces, and to be relatively weak when subject to rear impact forces. To avoid damage to the platform member 6 during deformation of the sacrificial section 30, the end of the ramp member to which the sacrificial section is attached is reinforced.

In Figure 7 the section 30 is shown as a hollow box section.

It is, however, to be understood that other sections which will deform in the event of an applied impact force could be employed. Thus the sacrificial section 30 could be produced from an impact absorption material or a combination of such materials.

In the event of a rear impact, the sacrificial extension 30 is simply removed and replaced with an undamaged section. The cost of the extension 30 is significantly less than that of the entire ramp member and the time taken to replace a damaged section 30 is significantly less than that for replacing an entire ramp assembly. Storage of replacement sections 30 is also easier to accommodate than entire replacement ramp assemblies.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing is merely exemplary of ramps in accordance with this invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. ramp assembly for providing aocess between two levels, the assembly comprising a frame and a wedge-shaped ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wider edges, and is stepped or plane on its other side to present a stepped or level generally horizontal surface, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member relative to the frame between a first stowed position in which the ramp member is located within the frame with its stepped or level surface uppermost, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame with its single-phase inclined surface uppermost, and wherein the end of the ramp member which includes its wider edge comprises a replaceable section which deforms in response to a horizontal impact force above a predetermined level being applied to the wider edge of the ramp member when in its stowed position.
2. p. ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein when the ramp member is in its stowed position the uppermost corner of the wider edge of the ramp member is positioned within the aforementioned predetermined distance.
3. ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the ramp member includes stub axles about which it rotates when pivoting between its stowed and deployed positions.
4. ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the replaceable section is a box section.
5. A ramp assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the replaceable section includes one or more protrusions which define sliding fits within one or suitably positioned guide ways or slots formed in the main body of the ramp member.
6. A ramp assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the replaceable section comprises an extrusion of rubber or like deformable material which locates within a recess positioned across the rear end of the ramp member.
7. A ramp assembly for providing access between two levels, the assembly comprising a frame and a wedge-shaped ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wider edges, and is stepped or plane on its other side to present a stepped or level generally horizontal surface, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member relative to the frame between a first stowed position in which the ramp member is located within the frame with its stepped or level surface uppermost, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame with its inclined surface uppermost, and wherein the ramp member comprises a first section which is bordered on one side by its pointed edge and a second section which is bordered on one side by its wider edge, the second section being releasably connected to the first section and being so constructed that it deforms in the event that an impact force above a predetermined level is applied to the wider edge of the ramp member when the ramp member is in its stowed position.
8. ramp assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein the second section is connected to the first section by tack welding, rivets, bolts, screws, industrial Velcro (TM) or an adhesive.
9. A ramp assembly for providing access between two levels, the assembly comprising a frame and a wedge-shaped ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wider edges, and includes a step on its other side, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member relative to the frame about a pivot axis between a first stowed position in which the ramp member is located within the frame with its stepped surface uppermost, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame with its single-phase inclined surface uppermost, the arrangement being such that when the ramp member is in its stowed position the uppermost corner of the wider edge of the ramp member is positioned within the predetermined distance.
10. I ramp assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the wider edge of the ramp member is inclined at a angle of between 5° and 45°.
11. I ramp assembly as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the end of the ramp member which includes its wider edge comprises a replaceable section which deforms in response to a horizontal impact force above a predetermined level being applied to the wider edge of the ramp member when in its stowed position.
12. I vehicle to which is secured a wedge-shaped ramp assembly which provides access between a road or other surface and the interior of the vehicle cabin, the ramp assembly comprising a frame positioned within the vehicle cabin floor and a ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wide edges for entry to the vehicle cabin and is stepped or plane on its side remote from said one surface to present a stepped or generally horizontal level surface for entry to the vehicle cabin, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member relative to the frame between a first stowed position in which the ramp member is located within the frame flush with the cabin floor, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame and the cabin floor with its single-phase inclined surface uppermost, and wherein the ramp member comprises a first section which is bordered on one side by its pointed edge and a second section which is bordered on one side by its wider edge, the second section being releasably connected to the first section and being so constructed that it deforms in the event that an impact force above a predetermined level is applied to the wider edge of the ramp member when the ramp member is in its stowed position.
13. P. vehicle to which is secured a wedge-shaped ramp assembly which provides access between a road or other surface and the interior of the vehicle cabin, the ramp assembly comprising a frame positioned within the vehicle cabin floor and a ramp member which is inclined on one side to present a single-phase surface between its pointed and wide edges for entry to the vehicle cabin and is stepped or plane on its side remote from said one surface to present a stepped or generally horizontal level surface for entry to the vehicle cabin, means for enabling pivotal movement of the ramp member relative to the frame between a first stowed position in which the ramp member is located within the frame flush with the cabin floor, and a second deployed position in which the ramp member extends outwardly from an edge region of the frame and the cabin floor with its single-phase inclined surface uppermost, the arrangement being such that when the ramp member is in its stowed position the uppermost corner of the wider edge of the ramp member is positioned within the aforementioned predetermined distance.