GB2551158A

GB2551158A - Vehicle ramp

Info

Publication number: GB2551158A
Application number: GB1609987.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jones Kristian; Scott Digby
Original assignee: Rampmaster Ltd
Current assignee: Rampmaster Ltd
Priority date: 2016-06-08
Filing date: 2016-06-08
Publication date: 2017-12-13
Also published as: GB201609987D0

Abstract

A folding vehicle ramp 503 comprises a ramp portion 503 rotatable between a storage position and an operational position, a link portion 501 and a hinge portion 502. An actuation means 512, rotates the link portion about a first axis 510, which rotates the ramp portion about a second axis 508 and the hinge portion rotates about a third axis 511. The actuation means may be a hydraulic ram. The link and the hinge portions are preferably attached to the rear structure of a vehicle at a connection point. The ramp may have a supporting portion such as a leg and a foot, which is attached to the link portion. The ramp may be configured to rotate between 0 and 180 or 276 degrees. When the ramp is attached to a vehicle and the ramp is in the operational position there is a continuous slope angle with a chassis and when the ramp is in the storage position the slope angle of the ramp co-operates with the slope angle of the chassis 504. There may be two ramps, which are independently operable. A method of operating the ramp is disclosed.

Description

Vehicle Ramp

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application represents the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a ramp for mounting to a vehicle, a vehicle comprising such a ramp and a method of a method of activating a ramp for a vehicle.

Vehicles for transporting goods, such as heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) or transporters are well known in the art. Some such vehicles include foldable hydraulic loading ramps attached to the rear of the vehicle which are often utilised to allow freight, for example, plant machinery and other vehicles, to be loaded onto the back of the transporter or HGV. The ramps are therefore typically able to move from an operational loading position (whereby the ramps allow wheeled freight to move up the ramp) to a storage position (whereby the ramps are folded onto the back of the HGV to allow the HGV to transport unhindered). A problem with available systems is that each ramp usually comprises two independently controlled portions which require separate actuators to activate each of the independent portions. In these systems, one of the portions is rotated a distance of around ninety degrees (90°) by means of a first actuator, before a second actuator rotates the second section a further ninety degrees (90°) in order to move the ramp into a position for loading freight. A consequential problem of this arrangement is that the angle of the slope of the ramp is often too steep to allow vehicles with relatively low ride heights or less manoeuvrable vehicles to be easily loaded. In particular, the ramps have a chamfered toe at one end which increases the slope angle of the ramp. Other ramps have a chamfered underside which presents a further problem of having a broken flat surface on the vehicle flat bed when the ramps are in the storage position. This makes the situation more difficult if loads are being supported by the stored ramp.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ramp for mounting to a vehicle, comprising: a ramp portion rotatable between a storage position and an operational position; a link portion attached to said ramp portion; a hinge portion attached to said ramp portion; and an actuation means configured to rotate said link portion about a first axis so as to rotate said ramp portion about a second axis; wherein said hinge portion is configured to rotate about a third axis due to rotation of said ramp portion so as to move said ramp portion between said storage position and said operational position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of activating a ramp for a vehicle, comprising the steps of: activating an actuation means to effect rotation of a link portion of a mechanism about a first axis; rotating a ramp portion attached to said link portion about a second axis; and rotating a hinge portion attached to said ramp portion about a third axis so as to move said ramp portion between a storage position and an operational position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows an example heavy goods vehicle having a ramp embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a close-up perspective view of a ramp fitted to the rear of a vehicle; and

Figure 3 shows an alternative perspective view of the ramp in isolation from a vehicle;

Figure 4 shows an exploded perspective rear view of a ramp in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the rear portion of a vehicle illustrating the operation of ramp in a storage position;

Figure 6 shows the diagrammatical cross sectional view of Figure 5 with the ramp in an operational position;

Figure 7 shows a side view illustrating the rear of a vehicle including a ramp in a storage position;

Figure 8 shows the ramp of Figure 7 in a stabilised intermediate operational position; and

Figure 9 shows the ramp of Figure 7 in a fully operational position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1

An example heavy goods vehicle (HGV) embodying an aspect of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. Vehicle 101 is a wheeled transporter which comprises a cab 102 in which a driver sits to drive the vehicle, a flat bed 103 which is configured to support freight, goods or loads and a loading ramp 104 shown in a storage position.

Loading ramp 104 is situated to the rear of vehicle 101 and includes, in this example embodiment, two separate ramp portions 105 and 106. Loading ramp 104 is attached to the rear of the vehicle to a valance 107. Valance 107 is a rear structure which is fixed to the chassis of the vehicle and which provides support for the ramp 104. The valance also provides crash protection for impacts to the rear of the vehicle as well as providing positioning for lights and vehicle licence or number plates.

In the embodiment, vehicle 101 includes ramp 104 to enable freight or loads to be wheeled onto bed 103. Ramp 104, when positioned in an operational position (as will be described in greater detail in Figures 3, 6 and 9) permits any such loads to be wheeled onto the slope of the ramp to raise these loads onto the bed 103 for transporting.

In this illustrated embodiment, the vehicle comprises a first ramp portion 105 and second ramp portion 106. It is appreciated however, that in some embodiments a single ramp may be utilised rather than two.

Figure 2 A close-up perspective view of ramp 104 when fitted to the rear of vehicle 101 is shown in Figure 2. Ramp 104 comprises ramp portion 105 and ramp portion 106. Each ramp portion is configured to be rotatable between the storage position as shown and an operational position as will be shown in Figure 3.

Each ramp portion 105 and 106 is substantially wedge shaped with each wedge shape being configured to rotate about an axis 201 which is substantially parallel to the track of the vehicle and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the vehicle. As will be described further in Figures 7 and 9, each ramp portion comprises a top surface having a continuous slope angle and a continuous substantially flat underside surface.

In this illustrated embodiment, valance 107 provides a structure which is positioned a predetermined distance above the ground so as to prevent other vehicles from running under vehicle 101 in line with crashworthiness regulations. Valance 107 further includes a rear underrun device which is configured to withstand one hundred kilonewtons (100 kN) of impact force. In an embodiment, the underside 202 of valance 107 is no more than five hundred and fifty millimetres (550 mm) in height above the ground surface.

As shown in Figure 2, valance 107 also provides support for vehicle lighting, such as lights 203 and vehicle licence or number plate 204. It is appreciated that lights 203 may be rear tail lights, brake lights, reversing lights or any other necessary lights for similar vehicles.

Figure 3

An alternative perspective view of ramp 104 is shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, ramp 104 is shown isolated from vehicle 101, although it is appreciated that, in use, ramp 104 would typically be fitted to vehicle 101 in the manner shown in Figures 1 or 2. It is further appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, ramp 104, in a substantially similar configuration to that as shown in Figure 3, is also suitable for utilising on alternative vehicles or systems which require objects to be moved from one height to another height. This includes utilisation of the ramp for transportation purposes, but may also be used for non-transportation purposes such as storage or general maintenance.

Figure 3 shows ramp 104 in an operational position, in contrast to the storage position previously described in Figure 2. Thus, in relation to the storage position of Figure 2, ramp portions 105 and 106 have been rotated by a distance of approximately one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) between the storage positon and the operational position. In the embodiment, each ramp portion is configured to rotate to between substantially one hundred and seventy degrees (170°) and one hundred and ninety degrees (190°) from the storage position to the operational position. It is appreciated however, that the ramp portions are able to rotate a total of up to two hundred and seventy six degrees (276°) from the storage position.

Valance 107, as shown in Figure 3, includes two connecting portions 301 and 302. Each connecting portion 301 and 302 comprises a bracket which is configured to attach to the rear of the vehicle, such as vehicle 101, which can then be secured by a suitable fastener, such as a plurality of screws, bolts or rivets. Not only does this maintain the ramp onto the vehicle, but also provides additional support for the hydraulic system which is configured to drive the ramp’s rotation. Further, valance 107 also absorbs the rotational loading as the ramp rotates in use.

Ramp 104 is substantially constructed from metal, and, in an embodiment, is substantially constructed from steel or steel alloy. It is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, ramp 104 may be constructed from other materials, such as other metals, for example, aluminium or aluminium alloys or non-metallic materials. For weight considerations, the components, where possible, have portions removed to create hollow elements in line with conventional weight saving practices.

In the operational position of Figure 3, ramp portions 105 and 106 are supported on a ground surface. The rotation of the ramp portions between the storage position and the operational position will be described further in Figures 7 to 9.

Figure 4

An exploded perspective rear view of ramp 104 is shown in Figure 4. Ramp 104 comprises ramp portions 105 and 106. Ramp 104 further comprises link portion 401 and link portion 402 and a plurality of hinge portions 403, 404, 405 and 406. Link portion 401 is substantially similar to link portion 402. Additionally, each hinge portion 403, 404, 405 and 406 is substantially similar to each of the other hinge portions.

In use, as will be described further in Figures 5 and 6, link portion 401 is configured to rotate about a first axis through axle 407 to thereby rotate ramp portion 105. Similarly, link portion 402 is configured to rotate about a second axis through axle 408 to thereby rotate ramp portion 106.

In a similar way, each hinge portion 403, 404, 405 and 406 is configured to rotate about a third axis through respective axes 409, 410, 411 and 412. Hinge portions 403, 404, 405 and 406 comprise a top portion 413, 414, 415 and 416 respectively, which, when ramp 104 is formed, provide a supporting surface for loads to rest upon or to be transported thereon.

In the exploded view of Figure 4, it can be seen that ramp 104 further comprises supporting portions 417 and 418. Each supporting portion is substantially similar and works to support the ramp when in the operational position, as will be shown and described further in Figure 9. Each supporting portion 417 and 418 comprises a leg and a foot. For example, supporting portion 417 comprises leg 419 and foot 420. When in the storage position of the present invention, supporting portions 417 and 418 are stored in recesses in valance 421.

The operation of the ramp in use will now be described with respect to Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5 A diagrammatic cross sectional view of the rear portion of a vehicle illustrating the operation of ramp 104 is shown in Figure 4. It is appreciated that, in the cross section shown, link portion 501 and hinge portion 502 are positioned in different planes, as clear from the exploded view of Figure 4. Additionally, ramp portion 503 has sufficient width so as to exist in the planes of both the link portion 501 and the hinge portion 502.

Vehicle chassis 504 comprises flat bed 505 and a sloping section 506. Substantially similar to as previously described, towards the rear of the vehicle, a valance 507 forming the rear structure of the vehicle is attached to the chassis and provides support for the unfolding mechanism for the ramp.

Ramp 104 comprises ramp portion 503 which is rotatable between the storage position shown in Figure 5 and an operational position, as will be illustrated diagrammatically in Figure 6. Ramp 104 further comprises link portion 501 which is attached to ramp portion 503 at axis 508. Ramp portion 503 is rotatable about axis 508 but remains attached to link portion 501 as it rotates about axis 508. Hinge portion 502 is also attached to ramp portion 503, however, hinge portion 502 is attached at a different point of ramp portion 503, at axis 509. In a similar manner, ramp portion 503 is configured to rotate about axis 509 while remaining attached to hinge portion 502.

Link portion 501 is further attached to rear structure or valance 507 at point 510. However, in contrast to the attachment to ramp portion 503, valance 507 is not configured to rotate in use, although link portion 501 is able to rotate about an axis at point 510. Thus, in this way, link portion 501 rotates both relative to the valance 507 and relative to the ramp portion 503.

Hinge portion 502 is also attached to rear structure or valance 507 at a separate point 511. Again, in contrast to the attachment to ramp portion 503, hinge portion 502 is able to rotate about an axis at point 511. Again, valance 507 is not configured to rotate about point 511 and remains fixed in position in use.

Ramp 104 further comprises an actuation means 512 which is configured to rotate link portion 501 about axis 510. In the embodiment, actuation means 512 comprises a hydraulic ram. In particular, a single hydraulic ram is utilised to drive a single ramp portion 503. Thus, in contrast to prior known designs, the ramp portion 503 is able to rotate approximately one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) by means of a single hydraulic ram, and up to two hundred and seventy-six degrees (276°).

While in the illustrated embodiment the actuation means utilises a hydraulic ram, in alternative embodiments the actuation means comprises an electric actuator or pneumatic actuator. It is appreciated that other suitable actuation means may also be utilised in further embodiments.

In operation, actuation means 512 is activated so as to effect rotation of link portion 501 about axis 510. In view of Figure 5, link portion 501 rotates in a clockwise direction about axis 510 on activation of hydraulic ram 512. As a result, the movement of link portion 501 means that axis 508 is translated in a first plane to the position shown in Figure 6. As ramp portion 503 is attached to link portion 501 at axis 508 the attachment forces ramp portion to move in line with link portion 501. As a result, because hinge portion 502 is attached to ramp portion 503 at axis 509, ramp portion 503 further rotates about axis 509, again in a clockwise direction, which simultaneously pulls hinge portion 502 around in a clockwise direction. Thus, in a similar way to axis 508, axis 509 is translated in a second plane to the position shown in Figure 6. Axis 511 remains in a fixed position, while hinge portion 502 rotates about axis 511 due to the rotational force of ramp portion 503. Thus, for a single activation on actuation means 512 on link portion 501, the arrangement allows for rotation of ramp portion 503 and hinge portion 502 such that ramp portion 503 takes up the operational position of Figure 6. Figure 6 A similar diagrammatic cross sectional view of ramp 104 to that of Figure 5 is shown in Figure 6. In this example, however, actuation means 512 has been activated to rotate link portion 501 about axis 510. This has effectively pulled ramp portion 503 and translated axis 508 from the position of Figure 5 to the position shown in Figure 6. As illustrated, in this example embodiment, axis 508 is positioned in Figure 5 at a height above axis 510, and, in contrast, in Figure 6, axis 508 is positioned a horizontal displacement away from axis 510, but of a similar height from the horizontal.

As a consequence, ramp portion 503 has flipped substantially one hundred and eighty degrees (180°) such that a top surface 601 is exposed when ramp portion 503 is in the operational position of Figure 6.

Further, the rotation of ramp 503 has allowed hinge portion 502 to rotate about axis 511 thereby displacing axis 509 in a second plane. Specifically, in this example embodiment, axis 509 is previously seen a height above axis 511 when in the storage position of Figure 6, and has been translated to a height below axis 511 in the operational position of Figure 6.

In the example described, a single hydraulic ram is utilised to operate a single ramp portion. In this manner, each of the ramps are independently operable such that, one ramp portion can be adjusted independently and separately from the other ramp portion. This is particularly advantageous when loading on uneven ground surfaces, whereby it may be preferable to adjust one of the ramps to provide a consistent loading angle for the load. In an alternative embodiment however, it is appreciated that a single hydraulic ram can be used to operate both first and second ramp portions, reducing the number of hydraulic mechanisms required. In a still further embodiment, the vehicle comprises a single ramp which is operated by a single hydraulic ram. In further embodiments, the actuation means may comprise any number of hydraulic rams or arrangements as required. As previously indicated, it is further appreciated that, in further embodiments, any hydraulic ram may be replaced by a pneumatic or electrical actuator.

Figure 7 A side view illustrating the rear of a vehicle including a ramp in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 7. In this illustrated embodiment, ramp portion 503 is shown in a storage position. Hinge portion 502 protrudes from ramp portion 503 while link portion 501 is obscured by valance 507 and the ramp portion 503. Vehicle chassis 504 again has a flat bed 505 and a sloping section 506. Valance 507 is secured to the rear of vehicle 701 and supports the ramp 104.

In the embodiment, valance 507 is positioned a height 702 above ground level 703. This is height is typically a maximum of five hundred and fifty millimetres (550 mm) due to legislative requirements.

Typically, sloping section 506 has an angle 704 to the horizontal of between five to fifteen degrees (5 - 15°). In an embodiment, angle 704 is substantially between eight and thirteen degrees (8° - 13°) in this illustrated embodiment, underside surface 705 of ramp portion 503 is exposed and forms a flat supporting surface in combination with flat bed 505. Thus, in this way, loads can be supported across flat bed 505 and underside 705.

Due to the wedge shape of ramp portion 503, ramp portion also fits in co-operation with sloping section 506 so as to reduce the space therebetween. In the embodiment, ramp portion 503 comprises a top surface which has a continuous slope angle which co-operates with the sloping section 506. Underside 705 of ramp portion 503 also comprises a continuous flat surface which provides an uninterrupted platform for storing loads thereon.

Figure 8

When actuation means 512 is activated, as described in Figures 5 and 6, the ramp portion 503 rotates as hinge portion 502 rotates.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, a controlled force application from actuation means 512 does not move ramp portion 503 to the fully operational position. Instead, ramp portion 503 is configured to be stabilised in an intermediate position in the manner shown in Figure 8, whereby the ramp portion 503 is positioned substantially vertically to ground level 703. This intermediate position is suitable for transporting loads and freight, and allows the sloping section 506 to be used to support further loads. Thus, the link portion and hinge portion can be utilised to move the ramp portion to the intermediate position without moving it fully to the operational position. Furthermore, the link portion and the hinge portion are configured to move the ramp portion to any desired position between the storage position and the operational position such that the ramp portion can be held in any position required by an operative.

Figure 9

With a further application of force to the actuation means 512, ramp 104 is moved to the operational position as illustrated in Figure 9.

In this illustrated embodiment, ramp portion 503 is positioned such that top surface 601 is exposed so as to enable the support of loads being taken up ramp 104. The underside surface 705 is now positioned in contact with ground level 703 which provides additional support for ramp portion 503 as loads are placed on top surface 601. In the embodiment, when the ramp portion is used for loading, supporting portion 903 provides a primary load carrying structure for the loads being taken up the ramp. The ramp portion itself, however, provides a secondary load carrying structure in addition to the supporting portions.

Top portions, such as top portion 901 of hinge portion 502, provide a further surface onto which loads can be supported. Furthermore, the sloping section 506 also includes a supporting surface 902 which is also able to support loads.

In this embodiment, supporting portion 903 is also visible. As previously described, supporting portion 903 comprises a leg 904 and a foot 905. In the storage position of Figure 7, supporting portion 903 is hidden in a recess in valance 507. However, supporting portion is also attached to the link portion, meaning, that as link portion rotates so as to rotate ramp portion 503 to the operational position, supporting portion 903 is pushed out of the recess and released onto the ground level 703. In the embodiment, supporting portion 903 is pushed out by means of an activation means, which may be hydraulic, electric, pneumatic or any other suitable means for providing a force to push the supporting portion from the recess. Thus, supporting portion 703 provides additional support to valance 507 when loads are positioned on upper surface 906 of valance 507 while also supporting the load on top surface 601.

As previously explained in reference to Figure 7, sloping section 506 has an angle 704 to the horizontal which is between eight and thirteen degrees (8 - 13°). In the embodiment, the angle 907 of ramp portion 503 is typically between eight and fifteen degrees (8 - 15°). This is one to two degrees larger because many heavy goods vehicles operate with air controlled suspension systems, and, when air is removed from these systems, for example, when the vehicle is parked and stationary, the larger angle of the ramp allows for compensation of the variance in angle due to the air release. This produces, however, a relatively consistent slope, with the ramp portion 503 having a slope angle 907 which is substantially similar to the angle 704 of the chassis.

Thus, in this way, the ramp portion not only provides a slope angle which co-operates with the sloping portion 506 when in the storage position of Figure 7, but also provides a continuous loading slope and an uninterrupted surface when loading items onto the back of the vehicle in the operational position of Figure 9.In Figures 7 to 9, the ramp is described as being rotated from the storage position of Figure 7 to an intermediate position of Figure 8 to the operational position of Figure 9. It is appreciated that the converse is true and with reverse application of the actuation means, the ramp is able to be rotated from the operational position to either the intermediate position of Figure 8 or the storage position of Figure 7.

Claims

CLAIMS The invention claimed is:

1. A ramp for mounting to a vehicle, comprising: a ramp portion rotatable between a storage position and an operational position; a link portion attached to said ramp portion; a hinge portion attached to said ramp portion; and an actuation means configured to rotate said link portion about a first axis so as to rotate said ramp portion about a second axis; wherein said hinge portion is configured to rotate about a third axis due to rotation of said ramp portion so as to move said ramp portion between said storage position and said operational position.

2. A ramp according to claim 1, wherein said actuation means comprises a single hydraulic ram.

3. A ramp according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said link portion is further attached to a rear structure of a vehicle at a first connection point.

4. A ramp according to claim 3, wherein said hinge portion is further attached to said rear structure of said vehicle at a second connection point.

5. A ramp according to any of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a supporting portion.

6. A ramp according to claim 5, wherein said supporting portion comprises a leg and a foot.

7. A ramp according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said supporting portion is attached to said link portion.

8. A ramp according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein said ramp portion includes a recess in which said supporting portion is stored.

9. A ramp according to any preceding claim, wherein said ramp portion comprises a top surface having a continuous slope angle.

10. A ramp according to claim 9, wherein said continuous slope angle is configured to provide a co-operating surface to a sloping portion of a vehicle when in the storage position and further configured to provide a continuous loading slope when in the operational position.

11. A ramp according to any preceding claim, wherein said ramp portion is configured to rotate from between substantially 0 and 276 degrees.

12. A vehicle comprising the ramp of any preceding claim.

13. A vehicle according to claim 12, wherein said vehicle comprises: a chassis having a sloping section; and said ramp portion having a slope angle which is substantially similar to the angle of the sloping section of said chassis.

14. A vehicle according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein said vehicle comprises a first ramp and a second ramp which are independently operable.

15. A vehicle according to claims 12 or claim 14, wherein said vehicle comprises a first ramp and a second ramp which are operated by a single hydraulic ram.

16. A vehicle according to claims 12 or claim 14, wherein said vehicle comprises a single ramp operated by a single hydraulic ram.

17. A method of activating a ramp for a vehicle, comprising the steps of: activating an actuation means to effect rotation of a link portion of a mechanism about a first axis; rotating a ramp portion attached to said link portion about a second axis; and rotating a hinge portion attached to said ramp portion about a third axis so as to move said ramp portion between a storage position and an operational position.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein said step of activating an actuation means comprises moving a hydraulic ram to rotate said link portion.

19. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18, further comprising the step of: releasing a supporting portion to provide support for said ramp portion.

20. A method according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein said ramp portion rotates to between substantially 170 and 190 degrees from said storage position.

21. A ramp for mounting to a vehicle as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.

22. A method of activating a ramp for a vehicle as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures.