GB2520834A

GB2520834A - Ramp

Info

Publication number: GB2520834A
Application number: GB1419517.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerald David Morrish; Kenneth George Morrish
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-11-05
Filing date: 2014-11-03
Publication date: 2015-06-03
Anticipated expiration: 2034-11-03
Also published as: GB201404579D0; GB201419517D0; EP2868834A3; GB2520834B; GB201319544D0; EP2868834A2; GB2520013A

Abstract

The height adjustable ramp 1 comprises a down-turned lip 25 depending from or proximal its uppermost lateral end 8 which comprises at least one aperture 26, and a plate comprising at least one aperture which is dimensioned such that when the lip and plate are connected the apertures align and a contact end of the plate extends beyond the distal end of the lip. The apertures may be vertically and horizontally spaced and in diagonal rows. The plate may be L-shaped, both sections of the L having apertures. The lip and ramp may be integrally formed or separate. The ramp may have an upper surface comprising a recess 3 adapted to receive a mat. Also claimed is a ramp having an upper surface comprising a recess for receiving a mat. The recess may have transverse and lateral side walls and a mat may be placed within it.

Description

RAMP

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to ramps for facilitating movement between two S positions of unequal height and to ramps for facilitating movement between two positions separated by an obstruction where the two positions may be at equal or unequal height. In particular the present invention relates to ramps for facilitating movement between the two positions without transfer of debris between the two positions and also to ramps which are adjustable such that they can be used to facilitate movement between multiple positions of differing unequal height.

BACKGROUND

It is known to use ramps to facilitate access e.g. for people in wheel chairs, people with mobility impairments, or people pushing pushchairs/prams, into buildings having one or more steps at the entrance. It is also known to use ramps to facilitate access e.g. for people in wheel chairs or for people with goods on trolleys into the back of vehicles. Furthermore, it is known to provide ramps for bridging an obstruction such as PVC door threshold where the two ground levels either side of the threshold may be the same or a different from one another.

One problem with these known ramps is that they provide no means of preventing debris, such as mud, gravel, grass cuttings, rainwater, etc. from being transferred over the ramp. For example, a ramp for access from the outside into a building, e.g. up one or more steps or over a raised threshold, will allow debris such as mud to be carried, e.g. by the wheels of a wheel chair or child's pushchair or on user's feet, from the outside to the inside of the building. Obviously, this is undesirable as it will foul the floor inside the building which is unsightly and which can lead to safety hazards if the floor becomes slippery. It is equally undesirable to transfer debris such as mud or water into a vehicle for aesthetic and safety reasons.

It is also known to provide ramps which are adjustable so that the vertical height between the lateral edges of the ramp can be varied to allow the ramp to be used in multiple positions. The known means for adjusting the vertical height can be quite tricky to use and it is often difficult to balance the two transverse sides of the uppermost lateral end leading to instability in the ramp.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a ramp for facilitating movement between two positions of unequal height or for facilitating movement between two positions separated by an obstruction (where the positions may be at an equal or unequal height) without transfer of debris between the two positions.

It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a ramp in which is it is easy to adjust the vertical displacement between the lateral edges of the ramp with minimal risk of any imbalance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a ramp for facilitating movement between two positions of unequal height or between two positions separated by an obstruction (where the two positions may be at equal or unequal height) said ramp having an upper surface comprising a recess adapted to receive a mat.

By providing a ramp with a recess in which a mat can be received, it is possible to prevent transfer of debris (e.g. mud, gravel, snow, rainwater, grass cuttings etc.) between two positions of unequal heights or between two positions (of equal or unequal height) separated by an obstruction. During use, any debris can be trapped by or absorbed into the mat to prevent it being carried over the ramp. The recess retains the mat in position so that the mat does not slip or slide upon use -such slipping or sliding could create a hazard to the user. The secure retention of the mat also prevents the need for repeated re-positioning of the mat -the mat is securely held in a position in which maximum debris can be retained.

The term "upper surface" is intended to refer to the surface which is uppermost during use i.e. the surface which faces away from the ground during use.

Conversely, the term "lower surface" is intended to refer to the surface which is lowermost in use i.e. the surface which faces (and in some cases partly or fully contacts) the ground during use.

The term "mat" is intended to refer to a doormat such as: a mat formed of tufted, woven or plaited fibrous material (e.g. a coir or hemp mat); a mat formed of tufted, woven or plaited textile material (e.g. tufted, woven or plaited natural fibres such as cotton and/or wool, or tufted, woven or plaited synthetic fibres such as polyester, acrylic, nylon etc.); a corrugated/pafterned rubber mat, although any mat which can absorb/trap debris can be used.

Preferably, the recess is defined by a base, two transverse side walls and two lateral side walls. Preferably the base is planar. The depth of the recess i.e. the height of the side walls from the base is preferably between 1 and 5 cm. Preferably, the depth of the recess is around 0.5-2.5cm. This depth matches the typical depth of a doormat such that when a doormat is in place in the recess, the upper surface of the doormat is flush with the upper surface of the ramp. This helps prevent a tripping hazard. However, in some embodiments, especially those where doormat is formed of soft upper fibres, the upper surface of the doormat is raised above the upper surface of the ramp without any tripping hazard being presented.

In preferred embodiments, the recess extends substantially to at least one and preferably both of the transverse edges of the ramp i.e. the transverse wall(s) of the recess also define the transverse edge(s) of the ramp. The term "transverse edges" is intended to define the edges between which a user will pass without crossing.

Conversely the term "lateral edges" is intended to define the edges which a user will cross when passing over the ramp.

By providing a recess which extends to the or both transverse edges of the ramp, the recess can hold a mat which provides the maximum coverage of the ramp thus maximising the changes of trapping/absorbing any debris from as the user passes over the ramp.

In some embodiments, the transverse edges of the ramp may be raised e.g. they may comprise a respective upstanding wall. This is useful in guiding users (especially users in wheel chairs) over the ramp without any risk of them falling off the transverse edges.

One or both of the transverse edges or upstanding transverse walls may be provided with a handle to facilitate handling of the ramp. Alternatively, the upper surface may be provided with one or more though holes which can be used to lift or move the ramp by insertion of a hand or fingers into the hole(s).

In some embodiments, the ramp is a plank ramp i.e. it is formed of substantially planar upper and lower surfaces.

In some embodiments (which may or may not be plank ramps), the upper surface may comprise at least one surface portion which is parallel to the recess base surface. This parallel surface portion may partially or fully surround or frame the recess.

In preferred embodiments, the upper surface comprises at least one surface portion which is inclined relative to the recess base surface. Preferably, the at least one inclined surface portion extends from the or each lateral edge of the ramp to the recess or to the parallel surface portion at least partially surrounding the recess.

More preferably, the upper surface comprises two surface portions which are inclined relative to the recess base surface, each inclined surface portion extending from a respective lateral edge to the recess or to the parallel surface portion at least partially surrounding the recess.

In especially preferred embodiments, the ramp has an upper surface comprising two surface portions which are inclined relative to and symmetrically either side of the recess base surface, each inclined surface portion extending from a respective lateral edge to the recess or to the parallel surface portion at least partially surrounding the recess. In these embodiments, the lower surface of the ramp can be substantially uniformly spaced from the upper surface. This type of ramp is called a bridge ramp and can be used to bridge obstructions (e.g. door thresholds) between two positions of equal or unequal height. Alternatively, the entire lower surface of the ramp can be parallel to the recess base surface.

The inclined portion(s) facilitate(s) movement onto and off the ramp. An inclined portion at the lateral edge which, in use, contacts the lower of the two positions also allows truncation of the ramp thus making is more easily portable.

In some embodiments, the inclined (i.e. inclined relative to the recess base) surface portion between the recess (or the surface portion at least parfially surrounding the recess) and the lateral edge which, in use, contacts the higher of the two positions is horizontal in use. This is especially useful for ramps for providing access up steps where the horizontal surface portion can overlay or abut the uppermost step.

In some embodiments, the ramp is a wedge ramp. In these embodiments, the upper surface is separated from the lower surface (which, in use faces or even rests on the ground) by a wedge portion. Such a ramp is useful in situations where the two positions are at a significantly different height from one another and there are no intermediate positions. In this case, the lower surface of the ramp can rest entirely on the ground thus ensuring the stability of the ramp. Such wedge ramps may advantageously have an inclined (i.e. inclined relative to the recess base) surface portion between the recess (or the surface portion at least partially surrounding the recess) and the lateral edge which, in use, contacts the higher of the two positions, which is horizontal in use and parallel to the lower surface of the wedge ramp. This lateral edge of the wedge ramp can then abut the step so that the horizontal surface is level with the higher of the two positions.

In some embodiments, the base of the recess is not planar and includes two or more angled surfaces e.g. it may include a central portion angle relative to a first lateral portion, the first lateral portion (and hence the recess) extending to one of the lateral edges. The recess base may additionally include a second lateral portion, the second lateral portion (and hence the recess) extending to the other of the lateral edges. In this embodiment, the recess effectively covers the entire surface of the ramp.

In preferred embodiments (especially where the ramp is a plank or bridge ramp) at least one of the lateral edges is provided with an extension having a down-turned lip.

This lip is useful for securing onto door thresholds to prevent slippage of the ramp.

An underside of the lip (which, in use, contacts the threshold), can be provided with an anti-slip surface (e.g. a rubber surface) to minimise slippage even further.

In preferred embodiments, the ramp further comprises a mat housed in said recess.

The term "mat" is intended to refer to a doormat such as: a mat formed of tufted, woven or plaited fibrous material (e.g. a coir or hemp mat); a mat formed of tufted, woven or plaited textile material (e.g. tufted, woven or plaited natural fibres such as cotton and/or wool, or tufted, woven or plaited synthetic fibres such as polyester, acrylic, nylon etc.); a corrugated/patterned rubber mat, although any mat which can absorb/trap debris can be used Preferably the upper surface of the mat is flush with the upper surface of the ramp so that tripping hazards are avoided. However, in some embodiments, the upper surface of the mat may be raised above the upper surface of the ramp.

In some embodiments (especially when the ramp is a plank or bridge ramp), the ramp further comprises height adjustment means for varying the vertical displacement between the lateral edges in use. This allows the ramp to be used in a number of different locations having a variety of differences in height between the two positions. This makes the ramp more versatile and more widely useable.

In some embodiments, the height adjustment means comprises one or more threaded holes positioned at or adjacent to/proximal one of the lateral edges. The threaded hole(s) may be formed into the lower surface of the ramp. The threaded hole cooperates with a screw, the length of the screw protruding from the threaded hole being adjustable upon rotation of the screw. The lower end of the screw will abut the ground in use and by increasing the length of the screw protruding from the threaded hole, it is possible to raise the lateral end at or adjacent to which the threaded hole is positioned. Preferably, two threaded holes and corresponding screws are provided one at or adjacent to/proximal each side of one of the lateral edges of the ramp. The hole(s) and screw(s) provided adjacent to/proximal the lateral edge may be provided proximal the transverse edge(s) of the ramp.

In some embodiments, the height adjustment means comprises one or more plates positioned at or adjacent to/proximal one of the lateral edges and the threaded hole(s) is/are formed through the plate(s). The length of the screw protruding either side of the plate is adjustable upon rotation of the screw. The end of the screw adjacent the lower surface of the ramp will abut the ground in use and by increasing the length of the screw located on the side of the plate proximal the lower surface, it is possible to raise the lateral end at or adjacent to which the plate is positioned.

Preferably, two plates and corresponding screws are provided one at or adjacent to/proximal each side of one of the lateral edges of the ramp. The plate(s) and screw(s) provided adjacent to/proximal the lateral edge may be provided on the transverse edge(s) of the ramp.

In other embodiments, the height adjustment means comprises a hinged surface portion extending from a lateral edge to the recess or to the parallel surface portion surrounding the recess. The hinged surface portion is movable between a first position in which it forms part of the upper surface of the ramp and a second position S in which it is folded under the lower surface of the ramp. The hinged surface portion has a first downwardly projecting extension remote from the lateral edge. In the first position, the first downwardly projecting extension is aligned in parallel with/against a second downwardly projecting extension extending from the upper surface of the ramp adjacent the recess (or adjacent the parallel surface portion surrounding the 0 recess). The lowermost (distal) ends of the two downwardly projecting extensions are joined by one or more hinges. In the second position, the hinged surface portion is folded under the lower surface of the ramp such that the distal ends of the two downwardly projecting extensions are abutment with the two downwardly projecting extension being substantially coplanar. In this second position, the proximal end of the first downwardly projecting extension (i.e. the end remote from the hinge) contacts the ground and the end of the ramp having the hinged surface portion is raised by an amount equal to the length of the first downwardly projecting extension.

In yet further embodiments, the height adjustment means is as described in the second aspect below.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a ramp having height adjustment means for adjusting the vertical spacing between a lowermost lateral edge and an uppermost lateral edge, wherein the height adjustment means comprises a down-turned lip depending from or proximal the uppermost lateral end, the down-turned lip comprising at least one lip aperture, the height adjustment means further comprising a plate having at least one plate aperture, wherein the plate is dimensioned such that when the plate is connected to the down-turned lip using connection means with the at least one plate aperture and the at least one lip aperture aligned, a contact end of the plate extends beyond the end of the down-turned lip which is distal the uppermost lateral end.

In this way, the ramp can be used to bridge two positions spaced by a first (lower) vertical height by resting the lowermost lateral end at the lower position and the distal end of the down-turned lip at the higher position. To bridge two positions spaced by a second (higher) vertical height, the plate is affixed to the down-turned lip using the connection means with the lip aperture and plate aperture aligned and the contact end of the plate which protrudes beyond the end of the down-turned lip in contact with the second position.

The down-turned lip may be integral with the uppermost lateral edge of the ramp. In this case, it typically depends from the uppermost lateral edge.

In other embodiments, the down-turned lip may be a separate element from the ramp and may be affixed at or proximal the uppermost lateral edge of the ramp e.g. by one or more mechanical connectors e.g. screws/bolts/rivets or by a physical connection such as welding or brazing.

The plate may be affixed to the down-turned lip with the plate closer to the lowermost lateral edge than the down-turned lip or with the down-turned lip closer to the lowermost lateral edge than the plate.

Preferably, the down-turned lip includes at least two vertically spaced lip apertures and/or the plate includes at least two vertically spaced plate apertures. In this way, the plate can be affixed to the down-turned lip in two or more different positions. For example, if two vertically spaced plate apertures are provided, the lip aperture can be alternatively aligned with each of the two plate apertures and since the plate apertures are vertically spaced, the extent of protrusion of the contact end of the plate beyond the down-turned lip will vary i.e. if the lip aperture is aligned with the plate aperture proximal the uppermost lateral end, the protrusion will be minimum and if the lip aperture is aligned with the plate aperture distal the uppermost end, the protrusion (and thus the vertical spacing between the lateral edges) will be maximum.

The vertical spacing between the at least two vertically spaced lip apertures and/or the at least two vertically spaced plate apertures is preferably between 2 and 10mm, more preferably between 3 and 7 mm, and most preferably around 5mm.

In preferred embodiments, there are more than two e.g. three or four vertically spaced lip and/ or plate apertures to further increase the achievable number of different vertical spacings.

Where there are more than two, e.g. three or four vertically spaced lip and/or plate apertures, the apertures may be vertically aligned (such that the apertures form a vertical row) or horizontally spaced (such that the apertures form a diagonal row).

Using this arrangement of lip or plate apertures, multiple vertical spacings between the uppermost and lowermost lateral ends can be achieved by connecting pairs of lip/plate apertures. If there are n vertically spaced apertures on either the lip or plate, n vertical spacings between the uppermost and lowermost lateral ends are possible.

Where the apertures form a diagonal row, the lip apertures may be arranged with the apertures distal the uppermost lateral end being proximal the transverse edges of the lip and the apertures proximal the uppermost end being distal the transverse edges of the lip or they may be arranged with the apertures distal the uppermost lateral end being distal the transverse edges of the lip and the apertures proximal the uppermost end being proximal the transverse edges of the lip.

The plate apertures may be arranged with the plate apertures proximal the contact end being distal the transverse edges of the plate and the plate apertures distal the contact end being proximal the transverse edges of the plate or they may be arranged with the plate apertures proximal the contact edge being proximal the transverse edges of the plate and the plate apertures distal the contact end being distal the transverse edges of the plate.

In some embodiments, the plate apertures form a diagonal row (e.g. with the plate apertures proximal the contact edge being proximal the transverse edges of the plate and the plate apertures distal the contact end being distal the transverse edges of the plate) and the lip apertures form a horizontal row (with the apertures horizontally spaced and horizontally aligned).

In some embodiments, the lip apertures form a diagonal row and the plate apertures form a horizontal row (with the apertures horizontally spaced and horizontally aligned).

There may be two parallel, vertically spaced diagonal or horizontal rows of lip and/or plate apertures.

In preferred embodiments, there is one or more pairs of horizontally spaced and horizontally aligned lip apertures and one or more pairs of horizontally spaced and horizontally aligned plate apertures. Preferably, the pair(s) of lip/plate apertures is/are arranged such that the apertures in each pair are either side of (and S equidistant from) a vertical mid-line through the lip/plate.

By providing horizontally spaced and horizontally aligned lip/plate apertures, the stability of the ramp is improved. The connection means can be, for example, bolts, screws or pins which pass though the aligned lip/plate apertures. By aligning a pair of horizontally spaced apertures, with connection means passing through the apertures, the connection between the lip and plate is improved. Since the apertures are horizontally aligned, the protrusion of the plate beyond the end of the down-turned lip will be equal and thus there will be no imbalance in the ramp.

Where there are two, three, four or more pairs, the apertures on each side of the vertical mid-line may be vertically aligned and vertically spaced (such they form two b vertical rows), vertically spaced and horizontally spaced (such that they form two diagonal rows) or horizontally spaced and horizontally aligned (such that they form two horizontal rows) as described above.

In some embodiments, the plate apertures form two diagonal rows as described above. An extra pair of horizontally spaced, horizontally aligned plate apertures may be provided with these extra plate apertures having the maximum vertical spacing from the contact end of the plate but being vertically aligned with the plate apertures having the minimum vertical spacing from the contact end of the plate.

In some embodiments, the lip apertures form two horizontal rows (i.e. they all have the same vertical spacing from the uppermost lateral end).

Using this arrangement of lip/plate apertures, multiple vertical spacings between the uppermost and lowermost lateral ends can be achieved by connecting pairs of lip/plate apertures. If there are n pairs of vertically spaced apertures, n vertical spacings between the uppermost and lowermost lateral ends are possible.

Connecting the lip apertures with the plate apertures distal the contact end results in the greatest vertical spacing between the lateral ends. Connecting the lip apertures with the plate apertures proximal the contact end results in the minimum vertical spacing (other than the spacing obtained when the plate is not affixed to the down-turned lip).

To allow even greater height adjustment, the plate apertures may be provided as two sets of vertically spaced diagonal rows either side of the vertical midline of the plate.

S In some embodiments, further lip/plate apertures may be provided proximal the vertical midline of the lip/plate.

In some embodiments, the plate is a planar sheet of material e.g. metal and the contact end is an edge of the sheet. In these embodiments, a cap may be provided on the edge of the sheet to protect the surface on which the contact end rests.

0 In some embodiments, the plate is a sheet of material with an angled end i.e. a folded sheet of material. The angle between the angled/folded end and the sheet may be 90 degrees or less and the contact end is either the angled end (in the case of a 90 degree angle between the sheet and the angled end) or the bend/fold in the sheet (in the case of an angle of less than 90 degrees e.g. 45 degrees between the sheet and the angled end).

By providing a planar sheet of material, optionally with a bend/fold to create an angle of less than or equal to 90 degrees at the contact end of the plate, the contact end contacts the ground with minimal horizontal displacement from the uppermost lateral end and this helps improve stability of the ramp.

Preferably, the transverse width of the plate is substantially equal to the transverse width of the ramp.

Preferably, the height adjustment means comprises two or more plates as described above and the vertical spacing between the or each plate aperture and the respective contact end differs. For example, a first plate has a first vertical spacing between the contact end and the plate aperture(s) proximal the contact end. A second plate has a second vertical spacing between the contact end and the plate aperture(s) proximal the contact end. The second vertical spacing is greater than the first vertical spacing.

By providing multiple e.g. two or three plates having different spacing between the contact end and the plate aperture(s) proximal the contact end, it is possible to provide yet further vertical spacings between the lateral ends. Plates having greater vertical spacings between the contact end and the plate aperture(s) proximal the contact end will provide greater vertical spacing between the lateral ends.

In some embodiments, the plate(s) has/have an L-shaped cross-section and the plate(s) has/have a longer section and a shorter section joined at the contact end. At least one section has at least one plate aperture, and the or each section is dimensioned such that when the section is connected to the down-turned lip using connection means with the at least one plate aperture and the at least one lip aperture aligned, the contact end of the plate extends beyond the end of the down-turned lip which is distal the uppermost lateral end. Preferably, each section comprises the plate apertures described above with a greater spacing between the plate (apertures) proximal the contact end and the contact end on the longer section than on the shorter section. In this way, the plate aperture(s) in the shorter section can be aligned with the lip apertures to achieve smaller vertical spacings between the lateral ends and the plate apertures in the longer section can be aligned with the lip apertures In preferred embodiments of both the first and second aspects, the ramp is formed of metal. Aluminium (especially anodised aluminium) is preferred as it makes the ramp light and easily portable. However, the ramp may be made of fibreglass/glass reinforced plastic, steel, plastics material, e.g. rubber, or wood.

The ramp may be portable i.e. it may be carried (with or without the use of carrying equipment such as a trolley) to a location and then installed between the two positions of unequal height or the two positions separated by an obstruction. The ramp may be adapted so that installation is temporary (so that the ramp can be lifted and moved to an alternative location) or the ramp may be adapted so that installation is semi-permanent or permanent (so that the ramp remains in the location indefinitely). Preferably, the ramp does not form an integral part of a structure, e.g. building, housing the two positions i.e. the ramp is preferably integrally distinct (non-integral) from the two positions of unequal height or from the two positions separated by the obstruction (where the positions may be at an equal or unequal height) Features of the first and second aspects may be combined.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a ramp forming a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a ramp forming a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a ramp forming a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows a ramp forming a fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a ramp forming a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figures 6A-D show a ramp forming a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and 0 Figures 7A-D show a ramp formed a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a portable ramp 1 having an upper surface 2 comprising a recess 3 adapted to receive a mat (not shown).

The recess is defined by a planar base 4, two transverse side walls 5, 5' and two lateral side walls 6, 6'. The depth of the recess 3 i.e. the height of the side walls 5, 5', 6 and 6' from the base 4 is around 2.5cm. This depth matches the typical depth of a doormat such that when a mat is in place in the recess, the upper surface of the mat is flush with the upper surface 2 of the ramp 1.

The recess extends substantially to both of the transverse edges 7, 7' of the ramp i.e. the transverse walls 6, 6' of the recess 3 also define the transverse edges 7, 7' of the ramp 1. The transverse edges are those edges between which a user will pass without crossing. Conversely lateral edges 8, 8' are the edges which a user will cross when passing over the ramp 1. These lateral edges 8, 8' will, in use, contact the two positions joined or bridged by the ramp 1.

By extending the recess (and hence, in use, the mat) to the transverse edges of the ramp, maximum coverage can be achieved leading to maximum entrapmentlabsorbance of dirt/debris.

The upper surface 2 comprises two surface portions 9, 9' which are inclined relative to the recess base surface 4. The inclined surface portions 9, 9' extend from the respective lateral edge 8, 8' of the ramp 1 to the recess 3. They are inclined symmetrically either side of the recess 3.

These inclined surface portion facilitate user access onto and off the ramp.

The lower surface 13 of the ramp is substantially parallel to the recess base 4 and this will rest against steps in use.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention which is the same as the first embodiment except that the ramp further comprises adjustment means 10, 10' for varying the vertical displacement between the lateral edges 8, Bin use.

Preferably, the height adjustment means 10, 10' comprises two plates 11, 11' positioned on the transverse edges 7, 7' of the ramp 1 proximal one of the lateral edges 8 and each having a threaded hole. The threaded hole cooperates with a screw 12, 12', the length of the screw protruding either side of the plate 11, 11' being adjustable upon rotation of the screw 12, 12'. The end of the screws 12, 12' adjacent the lower surface 13 of the ramp 1 will abut the ground in use and by increasing the length of the screw 12, 12' located on the side of the plate 11, 11' proximal the lower surface 13, it is possible to raise the lateral end 8 proximal to which the plates 11, 1 l'are positioned.

This allows the lateral end B which is uppermost during use to be raised to the desired height for easy access onto and off the ramp at the higher of the two positions.

Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a ramp 1 having an upper surface 2 comprising a recess 3 adapted to receive a mat (not shown) and having alternative height adjustment means.

The ramp 1 has a hinged surface portion 19 extending from the lateral edge 8 to the recess 3. The hinged surface portion is movable between a first position (not shown) in which it forms part of the upper surface 2 of the ramp 1 and a second position (shown In Figure 5) in which it is folded under the lower surface of the ramp 1. The hinged surface portion 19 has a first downwardly projecting extension 20 remote from the lateral edge 8. In the first position, the first downwardly projecting extension 20 is aligned in parallel with/against a second downwardly projecting extension 21 extending from the upper surface 2 of the ramp adjacent the recess 3. The lowermost (distal) ends, 22, 22' of the two downwardly projecting extensions, 20, 21 are joined by hinges 23, 23'. In the second position, the hinged surface portion 19 is folded under the lower surface of the ramp such that the distal ends, 22, 22' of the two downwardly projecting extensions 20, 21, are abutment with the two downwardly projecting extensions being substantially coplanar. In this second position, the proximal end 24 of the first downwardly projecting extension 20 (i.e. the end remote 0 from the hinge 23) contacts the ground and the end of the ramp having the hinged surface portion is raised by an amount x equal to the length of the first downwardly projecting extension 20.

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a ramp 1 having an upper surface 2 comprising a recess 3 adapted to receive a mat (not shown) and having yet further S alternative height adjustment means. The recess and mat could be omitted.

As shown in Figure 6A, the ramp 1 has a down-turned lip 25 extending from the lateral end 8 which is uppermost in use. The down-turned lip includes two rows of diagonally spaced apertures 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, 26a', 2Gb', 26c' and 26d' extending diagonally downwardly from adjacent the transverse edges 27, 27' of the down-turned lip 25 towards the vertical midline of the down-turned lip 25.

As shown in Figure 6B, the height adjustment means further comprises a metal plate 28 having a length matching the distance between the transverse edges 27, 27' of the down-turned lip. The plate 28 has an [-shaped cross-sectional area with a first portion 29 having a length A and a second portion 30 having a longer length B. The first portion 29 has a has two rows of diagonally spaced apertures 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31a', 31b', 31c' and 31d' extending diagonally upwards from adjacent the transverse edges 35, 35'of the first portion 29 towards the vertical midline of the first portion 29. There is a vertical spacing of 5 mm between each adjacent aperture in each row. The second portion 30 has two rows of diagonally spaced apertures 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d, 34a', 34b', 34c' and 34d' extending diagonally from adjacent the transverse edges 36, 36' of the second portion 30 towards the centre of the edge 37 of the second portion 30. There is a vertical spacing of 5 mm between each adjacent aperture in each row.

As shown in Figures SC and SD, the bent metal plate 28 is affixed to the down-turned lip using two nuts/bolts 38 (only one shown). The height adjustment means allows eight different height settings. In the lowest four settings, the down-turned lip 25 lies in abutment with the first portion 29 with the second portion 30 in contact with the ground. In the highest four settings, the down-turned lip 25 lies in abutment with the second portion 30 with the first portion 29 in contact with the ground.

In the lowest setting (Figure 6C), the nuts/bolts extend through the holes 26a, 26a' closest to the transverse edges 27, 27' of the down-turned lip 25 and the holes 31a, 31a' closet to the transverse edges 36, 36' of the second portion.

In the highest setting (Figure 3D), the nuts/bolts extend through the holes 26d, 26d' furthest from the transverse edges 27, 27' of the down-turned lip 25 and the holes 34d, 34d' furthest from the transverse edges 35, 35'of the first portion.

In intermediate settings, the nut/bolts 38 extend through the following pairs of apertures: * 26b, 31b and 26b', 31b' * 26b, 34b and 26b', 34b' * 26c,3lcand26c',31c' * 26c, 34c and 26c', 34c' * 26d,3ldand26d',31d' * 26d, 34d and 26d', 34d' Figure 7 shows a further embodiment of a ramp 1 having an upper surface 2 comprising a recess 3 adapted to receive a mat (not shown) and having yet further alternative height adjustment means. The recess and mat could be omitted.

As shown in Figure 7A, the ramp 1 has a down-turned lip 25' extending from the lateral end 8 which is uppermost in use. The down-turned lip is affixed proximal the uppermost lateral end by bolts 32 but it could be affixed by other mechanical fixtures or by welding/brazing.

The down-turned lip includes two rows of horizontally aligned apertures 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d, 33a', 33b', 33c and 33d' extending from adjacent the transverse edges 27, 27' of the down-turned lip 25 towards the vertical midline of the down-turned lip 25'.

As shown in Figure 7B, the height adjustment means further comprises a metal plate 28' having a length matching the distance between the transverse edges 27, 27' of the down-turned lip. The plate 28 has an angled contact end 40.

The plate 28' has a has two rows of diagonally spaced apertures 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41a', 41b', 41c' and 41d' extending diagonally upwards from adjacent the transverse edges 35, 35' of the plate 28' towards the vertical midline of the plate 28'. There is a vertical spacing of 5 mm between each adjacent aperture in each row. There is an extra pair of apertures 41e, 41e' provided proximal the transverse edges 35, 35' of the plate with a maximum vertical spacing from the contact end 40 and vertically aligned with the apertures 41a, 41' having the minimum vertical spacing from the contact end.

As shown in Figures 70 and 70, the metal plate 28' is affixed to the down-turned lip using nuts/bolts 38.

The height adjustment means allows five different height settings.

In the lowest setting (Figure 7C), the nuts/bolts extend through the holes 33a, 33a' closest to the transverse edges 27, 27' of the down-turned lip 25' and the holes 41a, 41a' closest to the transverse edges 35, 35' and the contact end 40 of the plate 28'.

In the highest setting (Figure 70), the nuts/bolts extend through the holes 33a, 33a' closest to the transverse edges 27, 27' of the down-turned lip 25' and the holes 41e, 41e' closest to the transverse edges 35, 35' but furthest from the contact end 40 of the plate 28'.

In intermediate settings, the nut/bolts 38 extend through the following pairs of apertures: * 41 b, 33b and 41 b', 33b' * 41c,33cand4lc',33c' * 41d,33dand4ld',33d' Figure 3 shows a wedge ramp 1'. The upper surface 2 is separated from the lower surface 13 (which contacts the ground during use) by a wedge portion 14. The inclined surface portion 9 between the recess 3 and the lateral edge 8 which, in use, contacts the higher of the two positions is horizontal to the ground and to the lower S surface 13. This type of ramp (i.e. a wedge ramp) is especially useful in situations where the height difference between the two positions is significant and there are no positions of intermediate height. In this case, the lower surface 13 of the wedge ramp 1' can rest fully on the ground and this helps makes the ramp stable and secure.

As shown in Figure 4, the transverse edges 7, 7' of the ramp may be raised i.e. they comprise a respective upstanding wall 15, 15'. This helps guide the user over the ramp without any risk of falling off the transverse edges. One of the upstanding transverse walls 15' is provided with a handle 16 to facilitate handling and/or movement of the ramp 1.

One of the lateral edges 8 is provided with an extension 16 having a down-turned lip 17. This extension and lip can be positioned over an obstruction such as a door threshold (e.g. a PVC door threshold) with the lip engaging the threshold to secure the ramp in position. An underside of the lip (which, in use, contacts the threshold), is provided with a rubber strip 18 to minimise slippage.

The skilled person will appreciate that the embodiments illustrated in the Figures and described above are examples embodying inventive concepts described herein and that many and various modifications can be made without departing from the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A ramp having height adjustment means for adjusting the vertical spacing between a lowermost lateral end and an uppermost lateral end, wherein the height adjustment means comprises a down-turned lip depending from or proximal the uppermost lateral end, the down-turned lip comprising at least one lip aperture, the height adjustment means further comprising a plate having at least one plate aperture, wherein the plate is dimensioned such that when the plate is connected to the down-turned lip using connection means with the at least one plate aperture and the at least one lip aperture aligned, a contact end of the plate extends beyond the end of the down-turned lip which is distal the uppermost lateral end.
2. Ramp according to claim 1 wherein the down-turned lip includes at least two vertically spaced lip apeitures and/or the plate includes at least two vertically spaced plate apertures.
3. Ramp according to claim 1 or 2 comprising one or more pairs of horizontally spaced and horizontally aligned lip apertures and one or more pairs of horizontally spaced and horizontally aligned plate apertures.
4. Ramp according to claim 3 comprising two or more pairs of horizontally spaced, horizontally aligned lip and plate apertures, the pairs of plate apertures being vertically spaced from one another.
5. Ramp according to claim 4 wherein the plate apertures form two diagonal rows
6. Ramp according to claim 5 wherein the plate apertures are diagonally spaced with the apertures proximal the contact end being proximal the transverse edges of the plate and the apeitures distal the contact end being distal the transverse edges of the plate.
7. Ramp according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the height adjustment means comprises a plurality of plates and wherein the vertical spacing between the or each plate aperture and the respective contact end differs.
8. Ramp according to any one of claims 1 to 6 where the plate has an L-shaped cross-sectional profile, the plate comprising a longer section and a shorter section joined at the contact end, wherein at least one section has at least one plate aperture, wherein the or each section is dimensioned such that when the section is connected to the down-turned lip using connection means with the at least one plate aperture and the at least one lip aperture aligned, the contact end of the plate S extends beyond the end of the down-turned lip which is distal the uppermost lateral end.
9. Ramp according to claim 8 wherein both sections have at least one plate aperture and wherein both sections are dimensioned such that when the section is connected to the down-turned lip using connection means with the at least one plate aperture and the at least one lip aperture aligned, the contact end of the plate extends beyond the end of the down-turned lip which is distal the uppermost lateral end.
10. Ramp according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the down-turned lip is integral with the ramp.
ii. Ramp according to any one of claims ito 9 wherein the down-turned lip is a separate element to the ramp and is affixed to the ramp at or proximal the uppermost lateral end.
12. Ramp according to any one of the preceding claims, said ramp having an upper surface comprising a recess adapted to receive a mat.
13. A ramp for facilitating movement between two positions of unequal height or between two positions separated by an obstruction, said ramp having an upper surface comprising a recess adapted to receive a mat.
14. A ramp according to claim 13 wherein the ramp is integrally distinct from the two positions of unequal height or from the two positions separated by the obstruction.
15. A ramp according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the recess is defined by a base, two transverse side walls and two lateral side walls.
16. A ramp according to claim 15 wherein the depth of the recess defined by the height of the side walls is between 1 and 5 cm.
17. A ramp according to any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the recess extends substantially to at least one of the transverse edges of the ramp.
18. A ramp according to claim 17 wherein the recess extends substantially to both of the transverse edges of the ramp.
19. A ramp according to any one of claims 15 to 18 wherein the upper surface comprises at least one surface portion which is inclined relative to the surface of the recess base.
20. A ramp according to claim 19 wherein the upper surface comprises two surface portions which are inclined relative to the surface of the recess base, each inclined surface portion extending from a respective lateral edge of the ramp to the recess.
21. A ramp according to claim 19 or 20 wherein an inclined surface portion between the recess and the lateral edge which, in use, contacts the higher of the two positions is horizontal when in use.
22. A ramp according to any one of claims 13 to 21 wherein the upper surface is separated from the lower surface by a wedge portion.
23. A ramp according to any one of claims 13 to 22 wherein at least one of the lateral edges is provided with an extension having a down-turned lip.
24. A ramp according to any one of claims 13 to 23 wherein the ramp further comprises adjustment means for varying the vertical displacement between the lateral edges when in use.
25. A ramp according to any one of claims 13 to 24 further comprising a mat housed in said recess.
26. A ramp according to claim 25 wherein the mat is selected from: a mat formed of tufted, woven or plaited fibrous material; a mat formed of tufted, woven or plaited textile material; and a corrugated rubber mat.
27. A ramp according to claim 25 or 26 wherein the upper surface of the mat is flush with the upper surface of the ramp.
28. A ramp substantially as any one embodiment herein described with reference to the accompany figures.