GB2538602A

GB2538602A - Wheelchair access ramp

Info

Publication number: GB2538602A
Application number: GB1604581.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Woolard David
Original assignee: ALLIED VEHICLES Ltd
Current assignee: ALLIED VEHICLES Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-02
Filing date: 2016-03-17
Publication date: 2016-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-17
Also published as: GB2538602B; GB201604581D0; GB201505754D0

Abstract

A wheelchair ramp 10 comprising a ramp floor 12 and at least one longitudinal edge provided with an upstand flange 20, the flange provided with a generally U-shaped edging strip 30 surrounding the flange and extending along the flange from a first end 24 of the flange, wherein the U-shaped edging strip comprises inner and outer walls 32, 34 which extend along inner and outer walls of the upstand flange, and wherein the U-shaped edging strip comprises a web (36) which connects the inner wall and the outer wall, the web being U-shaped and having a smooth outer surface (38) without any sharp edges. The edging strip may be extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy and at least one end of the strip may be secured by an end cap 50. Also provided is an edging strip for securing to an upstand flange at the edge of a wheelchair ramp floor.

Description

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS RAMP

This invention relates to access ramps for use by wheelchair users. In particular, it relates to access ramps of metal which have upstanding flanges at their longitudinal edges to restrain the wheels of a wheelchair and to prevent a wheel of a wheelchair from falling off the ramp.

It will be appreciated that vehicles such as cars, vans and minibuses which are accessible to wheelchairs (or other similar mobility aids such as mobility scooters) make a huge difference to the lifestyle of those with impaired mobility. In many cases, such vehicles are modified versions of standard vehicles where the back seats are removed in order to provide space for a wheelchair. Further, at least the rear portion of the vehicle floor well is typically lowered to allow sufficient height clearance for a wheelchair user to sit comfortably within the vehicle whilst still seated in their wheelchair. Often the floor is lowered simply by cutting out the original vehicle floor and refitting with a lowered conversion.

Often, access to such a vehicle is by the rear door or boot area. The vehicles are provided with a fold out ramp which, when deployed, provides an inclined plane which allows a wheelchair user to enter the vehicle. The ramp may be stowed in the vehicle both when a wheelchair user is in the vehicle and at other times. Such ramps must be strong, to support the weight of a wheelchair user, and lightweight, to allow the ramp to be lifted or otherwise moved between stowed and deployed positions.

Typically such ramps may be manufactured by forming aluminium alloy, steel or other lightweight metallic material or metal plate. The ramps have upstanding flanges at their longitudinal edges, typically formed by bending, to restrain the wheels of a wheelchair and to prevent a wheel of a wheelchair from falling off the ramp. However such flanges, if formed from metal, may have sharp edges, which may cause discomfort or injury when handled by a user, for example when deploying or stowing the ramp. In some environments there may be a requirement that edges which are subject to manual holding by a user are rounded, for example by setting a minimum radius.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a ramp with upstanding flanges which reduces the risk of discomfort or injury when the ramp is handled by a user, and which is secure in use, but which is preferably economical to manufacture.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wheelchair ramp comprising a ramp floor and at least one longitudinal edge provided with an upstand flange, the flange being provided with a generally U-shaped edging strip surrounding the flange and extending along the flange from a first end of the flange, wherein the U-shaped edging strip comprises an inner wall which extends along an inner wall of the upstand flange and an outer wall which extends along an outer wall of the upstand flange, and wherein the U-shaped edging strip comprises a web which connects the inner wall and the outer wall, the web being U-shaped and having a smooth outer surface without any sharp edges.

The edging strip provides a smooth outer surface for handling by a user and prevents the user coming into contact with the potentially sharp edges of the upstand flange. The edging strip can be slid onto the upstand flange and avoids the need to provide a smooth machined finish to the upstand flange itself.

Preferably the outer surface of the web has a radius of curvature in cross-section which is greater than 3 mm, most preferably greater than 5 mm.

This avoids the need to machine the edge of the upstand flange to achieve a desired radius.

Preferably the edging strip is of extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy. Such a material provides the required strength to withstand impact during the working life of the ramp, while being sufficiently lightweight so as not to adversely affect the weight of the ramp.

Preferably the edging strip is of the same or similar metal as the ramp. For example both the ramp and the edging strip may be of aluminium or aluminium alloy.

The edging strip may include a return portion at the lower edge of the outer wall.

The lower edge is the edge opposite the web, which connects the upper edges of the inner wall and outer wall. The return portion may extend inwardly below the upstand flange and underneath a portion of the ramp floor. The return portion assists in holding the edging strip securely on the upstand flange and prevents it being pulled away from the upstand flange.

At least one end of the edging strip may be secured by an end cap which surrounds the upstand flange at its first end and which partially encloses an end portion of the edging strip. Each end of the edging strip may be secured by a corresponding end cap The end cap may be made of plastic.

The end cap may include fixing means to fix the end cap to the upstand flange. The fixing means may comprise an aperture in the end cap and a fastener adapted to engage with the aperture in the end cap and a corresponding aperture in the upstand flange. The fastener may be a screw, bolt or rivet, or other fixing.

The edging strip may include longitudinal ribs extending on the inner surfaces of one or more of the inner wall, outer wall and return portion. The ribs may be adapted to engage with the upstand flange. Such ribs may aid sliding engagement of the edging strip with the upstand flange.

The edging strip may include a cover portion at or adjacent to the lower edge of the inner wall. The lower edge is the edge opposite the web, which connects the upper edges of the inner wall and outer wall. The cover portion may extend inwardly over a portion of the ramp floor.

The ramp may comprise a covering layer which covers the ramp floor. The covering layer may be a non-slip surface layer. The cover portion of the edging strip may extend inwardly over a portion of the covering layer. The cover portion may this assist in protecting the edge of the covering layer and may prevent the edge of the covering layer from separating from the ramp floor. The covering layer may comprise a vinyl covering.

The edging strip may be coloured to aid visibility. For example the edging strip may be yellow or red, and may include a reflective coating.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an edging strip for securing to an upstand flange at the edge of a ramp floor of a wheelchair ramp, wherein the U-shaped edging strip comprises an inner wall adapted to extend along an inner wall of the upstand flange; an outer wall adapted to extend along an outer wall of the upstand; and a web which connects the inner wall and the outer wall, the web being U-shaped and having a smooth outer surface without any sharp edges.

Preferably the edging strip is of extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy.

The lower edge is the edge opposite the web, which connects the upper edges of the inner wall and outer wall. The return portion may be adapted to extend inwardly below the upstand flange and underneath a portion of the ramp floor.

The edging strip may include longitudinal ribs extending on the inner surfaces of one or more of the inner wall, outer wall and return portion. The ribs may be adapted to engage with the upstand flange.

The edging strip may include a cover portion at or adjacent to the lower edge of the inner wall. The lower edge is the edge opposite the web, which connects the upper edges of the inner wall and outer wall. The cover portion may extend inwardly, and may be adapted to cover a portion of the ramp floor.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an edging strip assembly for securing to an upstand flange at the edge of a ramp floor of a wheelchair ramp, the assembly comprising an edging strip according to the second aspect and at least one end cap which in use is adapted to surround the upstand flange at an end thereof and to partially enclose an end portion of the edging strip.

The assembly may comprise two end caps, one for each end of the edging strip.

The end cap may be made of plastic.

The end cap may include fixing means for fixing the end cap to the upstand flange. The fixing means may comprise an aperture in the end cap and a fastener adapted to engage with the aperture in the end cap and a corresponding aperture in the upstand flange. The fastener may be a screw, bolt or rivet, or other fixing.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers or characteristics, and compounds described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention, an embodiment will be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the following figures; 15 20 25 30 Figure 1 shows part of a wheelchair ramp in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with an edging strip and two end caps prior to assembly; Fig. 2 shows the edging strip of Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 shows the end cap of Fig. 1 prior to fitting to the upstand flange.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is shown part of a wheelchair ramp 10. Typically the ramp 10 is formed of a sheet of aluminium alloy, although other materials may be used.

Along the front and rear edges of the ramp are provided moulded ramp edges 14, 16, which facilitate the passage of a wheelchair wheel onto or off the ramp floor 12 of the ramp 10. Along the longitudinal edge of the ramp floor 12 is provided an upstand flange 20. This may be formed by bending the sheet of alloy. The upstand flange 20 has sharp edges 22 at the top and the front and rear.

Although the sharp edges could be made safe by machining to a suitable radius, such machining is expensive and time consuming. The present invention makes the sharp edges safe by the provision of an edging strip 30 of extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy, shown in more detail in Fig. 2.

The edging strip 30 is generally U-shaped in cross-section, and in use, as shown in Fig. 3, surrounds the flange 20 and extends along the flange from the first end 24 to the second end 26. The U-shaped edging strip 30 comprises an inner wall 32 which extends along the inner wall 28 of the upstand flange 20 and an outer wall 34 which extends along the outer wall 29 of the upstand flange 20. A web 36 connects the inner wall 32 and the outer wall 34. The web 36 is U-shaped and has a smooth outer surface 38 without any sharp edges. This provides a smooth outer surface for handling by a user and prevents the user coming into contact with the potentially sharp edges 22 of the upstand flange 20. The edging strip 30 can be slid onto the upstand flange 20 and avoids the need to provide a smooth machined finish to the upstand flange 20 itself.

Typically the outer surface 38 of the web 36 has a radius of curvature in cross-section which is greater than 3 mm, most preferably greater than 5 mm.

Because the edging strip 30 is of the same or similar metal as the ramp 20, there are no problems with corrosion which may arise with the contact of dissimilar metals.

The edging strip 30 includes a return portion 40 at the lower edge of the outer wall 34. The return portion 40 extends inwardly below the upstand flange 20 and underneath a portion of the ramp floor 12 and holds the edging strip securely on the upstand flange 20. The exterior surface of the return portion 40 is also provided with a radius of curvature in cross-section which is greater than 3 mm, most preferably greater than 5 mm.

The edging strip 30 is secured to the upstand flange 20 at each end by an end cap 50, shown in more detail in Fig. 3, made of a mouldable plastic, for example PE. Once the edging strip 20 has been slid onto the upstand flange 20, the end cap 50 is moved in the direction of arrow 52 and placed on the end 24 of the upstand flange 20. In this position it overlaps and partially encloses an end portion 39 of the edging strip 30. It is secured to the edging strip by a fastener 54, for example a screw, bolt or rivet, or other fixing, which engages an aperture 56 in the end cap 50 and corresponding aperture 28 in the upstand flange 20. A similar end cap 50 is secured at the other end of the edging strip 30 to hold the edging strip 30 in place.

The edging strip 30 may include longitudinal ribs 42 extending on the inner surfaces of the inner wall 32 and outer wall 34. The ribs aid sliding engagement of the edging strip 30 with the upstand flange 20.

The edging strip 30 includes a cover portion 44 adjacent to the lower edge of the inner wall 32. The cover portion 44 extends inwardly over a portion of the ramp floor 12, as best seen in Fig. 3. The ramp floor 12 is covered by a covering layer, such as a non-slip surface layer. The cover portion 44 of the edging strip 30 covers the edge of the covering layer and helps to prevent the edge of the covering layer from separating from the ramp floor 12. The cover portion 44 is angled away from the inner wall 32, to prevent water collecting at the upstand flange 20.

The cover portion 44 may include a longitudinally extending rib 46 which bears against that part of the ramp floor 12 which is not covered by the covering layer. The rib 46 helps to secure the edging strip 30 securely onto the ramp 10 and upstand flange 20.

The edging strip 30 and end caps 50 may be coloured to aid visibility. For example the edging strip may provided in a corporate colour to identify the ramp. The The edging strip 30 and end caps 50 may be provided with a reflective coating.

The inner wall 32 is provided with longitudinal ribs 48 in the illustrated example. This provides the necessary longitudinal stiffness, while permitting some resilient deformation of the inner wall 32 and cover portion 44 so that the rib 46 engages securely with the ramp 10.

The end cap 50 is of resilient plastic and includes an end wall 60, a front wall 62, a U-shaped web 64, a rear wall 66, a cover portion 68 and a return portion 70, all adapted to partially cover the corresponding portions of the edging strip 30. Internal ribs 72 are provided on the internal surfaces of the front wall 62, rear wall 66 and return portion 70, to space the walls of the end cap away from the upstand flange 20, so that it can enclose the end of the edging strip 30 but will not move relative to the upstand flange 20 when it is secured by the fastener 54.

Although only one upstand flange 20 of the ramp 10 is illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3, it is to be understood that another upstand flange 20 is generally provided on the opposite longitudinal edge of the ramp 10.

The invention thus achieves an efficient way of providing a ramp with no sharp edges such that the ramp and the upstand flanges can be manually operated safely and securely, with no risk of discomfort or injury.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A wheelchair ramp comprising a ramp floor and at least one longitudinal edge provided with an upstand flange, the flange being provided with a generally U-shaped edging strip surrounding the flange and extending along the flange from a first end of the flange, wherein the U-shaped edging strip comprises an inner wall which extends along an inner wall of the upstand flange and an outer wall which extends along an outer wall of the upstand flange, and wherein the U-shaped edging strip comprises a web which connects the inner wall and the outer wall, the web being U-shaped and having a smooth outer surface without any sharp edges.
2. A wheelchair ramp according to claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the web has a radius of curvature in cross-section which is greater than 3 mm, most preferably greater than 5 mm.
3. A wheelchair ramp according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the edging strip is of extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy.
4. A wheelchair ramp according to any preceding claim, wherein the edging strip includes a return portion at the lower edge of the outer wall which extends inwardly below the upstand flange and underneath a portion of the ramp floor.
5. A wheelchair ramp according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one end of the edging strip is secured by an end cap which surrounds the upstand flange at its first end and which partially encloses an end portion of the edging strip.
6. A wheelchair ramp according to claim 5, wherein the end cap includes fixing means to fix the end cap to the upstand flange.
7. A wheelchair ramp according to any preceding claim, wherein the edging strip includes longitudinal ribs extending on the inner surfaces of one or more of the inner wall, outer wall and return portion.
8. A wheelchair ramp according to any preceding claim, wherein the edging strip includes a cover portion at or adjacent to the lower edge of the inner wall, which extends inwardly over a portion of the ramp floor.
9. A wheelchair ramp according to claim 8, wherein the ramp comprises a covering layer which covers the ramp floor, and wherein the cover portion of the edging strip extends inwardly over a portion of the covering layer.
10. A wheelchair ramp according to any preceding claim, wherein the edging strip is coloured with a high-visibility colouring to aid visibility or is provided with a reflective coating.
11. An edging strip for securing to an upstand flange at the edge of a ramp floor of a wheelchair ramp, wherein the U-shaped edging strip comprises: an inner wall adapted to extend along an inner wall of the upstand flange; an outer wall adapted to extend along an outer wall of the upstand; and a web which connects the inner wall and the outer wall, the web being U-shaped and having a smooth outer surface without any sharp edges.
12. An edging strip according to claim 11, wherein the outer surface of the web has a radius of curvature in cross-section which is greater than 3 mm, most preferably greater than 5 mm.
13. An edging strip according to any of claims 11 to 12, wherein the edging strip is of extruded aluminium or aluminium alloy.
14. An edging strip according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the edging strip includes a return portion at the lower edge of the outer wall which is extends inwardly below the inner wall and is adapted to engage a portion of a ramp floor.
15. An edging strip according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the edging strip includes longitudinal ribs extending on the inner surfaces of one or more of the inner wall, outer wall and return portion.
16. An edging strip according to any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the edging strip includes a cover portion at or adjacent to the lower edge of the inner wall, which extends inwardly away from the outer wall.
17. An edging strip assembly for securing to an upstand flange at the edge of a ramp floor of a wheelchair ramp, the assembly comprising an edging strip according to any of claims 11 to 16 and at least one end cap which in use is adapted to surround the upstand flange at an end thereof and to partially enclose an end portion of the edging strip.
18. An edging strip assembly according to claim 17 comprising two end caps, one for each end of the edging strip.