GB2576492A

GB2576492A - Mobility scooter ramp apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2576492A
Application number: GB1811938.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Allen Mccarthy Roy
Original assignee: Mill Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Mill Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2018-07-20
Filing date: 2018-07-20
Publication date: 2020-02-26
Also published as: GB201811938D0

Abstract

A mobility scooter ramp arrangement 10 for use in a vehicle 100 has a ramp 12 and a storage compartment 14, typically a box, in which, in a storage condition, ramp 12 is stored. Storage compartment 14 has a surface 18, on which, in use, a mobility scooter 102 can be stored. The arrangement is moveable between the storage condition and a loading condition in which ramp 12 is positioned to allow to permit loading or unloading of mobility scooter 102 onto or from supporting surface 18. Ramp 12 may have upstanding side walls on its longer sides, and may have a slip or skid resistant surface and may have lightening apertures or be formed of checker plate. A winch may be provided for hauling the scooter up the ramp.

Description

Mobility Scooter Ramp Apparatus

Technical Field

The present invention relates to mobility scooter ramp apparatus, particularly but not exclusively mobility scooter ramp apparatus for fitting in a vehicle.

Background

Mobility scooters have become popular as a way of providing those who find walking difficult with some mobility and thus a measure of independence. However, mobility scooters can be difficult to load into vehicles since they comprise a heavy battery and motor. Various solutions have been put forward to overcome this problem. One solution comprises providing a scooter which can be disassembled easily. However a user may not wish to, or may not be able to, disassemble the scooter, and the battery itself remains an inconveniently heavy item. Another solution comprises installing a small hoist arm in the vehicle to lift the scooter. However, hoist arms are expensive, involve an inherent risk in lifting a heavy load and require a degree of skill, strength and dexterity to operate. Hoist arms also require ongoing maintenance and safety checks.

Statements of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobility scooter ramp apparatus for fitting in a vehicle, the apparatus including a ramp member and a storage arrangement for the ramp member, the storage arrangement defining a storage space, in which, in a storage condition, the ramp member is located for storage, the storage arrangement including a mobility scooter supporting surface, on which, in use, a mobility scooter is located, the apparatus being moveable between the storage condition and a loading condition in which the ramp member is located to permit loading or unloading of the mobility scooter onto or from the supporting surface.

Possibly, the supporting surface is substantially planar and may, in use, face upwardly. Possibly, the storage arrangement comprises a platform member. Possibly, the supporting surface comprises an upwardly directed surface of the platform member. Possibly, the storage arrangement comprises side walls, which may support the platform member. Possibly, the storage arrangement comprises a base wall and may comprise an end wall. Possibly, at least the platform member and the or some of the side walls define an entrance to the storage space.

Possibly, the storage arrangement is in the form of a box, which may be open ended at a loading end, and may comprise the side walls, the base wall, the platform member and the end wall.

Possibly, the ramp member comprises a ramp surface which may be substantially planar.

Possibly, in the loading condition, a ground engaging end of the ramp member locates on a ground surface. Possibly, in the loading condition, a storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member locates at or near to a loading end of the supporting surface.

Possibly, the storage space is directly below the platform member.

Possibly, the ramp member includes a handle, which may be located at or towards the ground engaging end.

Possibly, the ramp member is substantially rectangular in plan, with relatively long sides and relatively short ends. Possibly, the ramp member includes upstanding perimeter side walls, which may extend along the relatively long sides, but not along the relatively short ends.

Possibly, the ramp member includes a plurality of parts, and may define one or more lightening apertures.

Possibly, the platform member is substantially rectangular in plan, with relatively long sides and relatively short ends. The ends may comprise a loading end and a non-loading end. Possibly, the platform member includes upstanding perimeter side walls, which may extend along the relatively long sides and along the non-loading end, but not along the loading end.

Possibly, the platform member includes a plurality of parts, and may define one or more lightening apertures.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a fastening arrangement for fastening the apparatus to the vehicle.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a transition arrangement for aiding the transition of the scooter between the ramp member and the supporting surface.

The transition arrangement may include a bridging member, and may include a pivot mounting to pivotally mount the bridging member to the loading end of the platform member. Possibly, in the loading condition, the bridging member extends at a downward inclination from the loading end of the platform member to the ramp member. Possibly, in the storage condition, the bridging member extends substantially upwardly from the loading end, possibly to form a securing end wall for the platform member.

Possibly, the bridging member includes a plurality of parts, and may define one or more lightening apertures.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a retaining arrangement for retaining the ramp member in engagement with the storage arrangement.

Possibly, the retaining arrangement comprises a lip which extends downwardly from the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member and a corresponding lip which extends upwardly from the loading end of the base wall, so that, in use, the ramp member downwardly extending lip engages the base wall upwardly extending lip to prevent movement of the ramp member out of the storage space.

Possibly, the retaining arrangement comprises a retaining lug which projects outwardly from the ramp member and a retaining projection which projects inwardly from one of the side walls, and/or the base wall and/or the platform member. Possibly, in the loading condition, the retaining lug locates against the retaining projection to prevent further movement of the ramp member out of the storage space.

Possibly, the retaining arrangement comprises a pair of the retaining lugs. Possibly each retaining lug projects outwardly from the ramp member, possibly in laterally opposite directions. Possibly, the retaining arrangement comprises a pair of the storage arrangement retaining projections, each of which may project inwardly from one of the sidewalls, and/or the base wall and/or the platform member. Possibly, in the loading condition, each of the ramp member retaining lugs locates against one of the storage arrangement retaining projections.

Possibly, the transition arrangement comprises a pair of raising formations, each of which may include an inclined guide surface. Possibly, each of the inclined guide surfaces is arranged to guide one of the retaining lugs as the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member moves towards the entrance.

Possibly, as the ramp member moves towards the loading condition, each of the ramp member retaining lugs moves up one of the inclined guide surfaces to lift the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member upwardly towards the loading end of the platform member. Possibly, each of the ramp member perimeter sidewalls is spaced by a gap from the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member. Possibly, the gaps permit the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member to move upwardly towards the loading end of the platform member.

Possibly, the apparatus includes a winch for hauling the scooter up the ramp member. Possibly, the winch is located at or towards the non-loading end of the platform member.

Possibly, the supporting surface and/or the ramp member and/or the bridging member comprises a slip or skid resistant surface, which may comprise a surface pattern or surface texture.

Possibly, the ramp member includes one or more low friction contact surfaces, which ease movement of the ramp member and may extend longitudinally, possibly continuously, along the length of the ramp member.

Possibly, the storage arrangement and/or the ramp member and/or the bridging member is formed of a metal with a corrosion resistant finish, such as stainless steel, galvanised steel, aluminium or an alloy thereof.

Possibly, the platform member and/or the ramp member and/or the bridging member is formed of checker plate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of transporting a mobility scooter in a vehicle, the method comprising providing a mobility scooter ramp apparatus for fitting in a vehicle, the apparatus including a ramp member and a storage arrangement for the ramp member, the storage arrangement defining a storage space, in which, in a storage condition, the ramp member is located for storage, the storage arrangement including a mobility scooter supporting surface, on which, in a transport condition, a mobility scooter is locatable, the ramp member being moveable between the storage condition and a loading condition in which the ramp member is located to permit loading or unloading of the mobility scooter onto or from the supporting surface.

Possibly, the apparatus includes any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description. Possibly, the method includes any of the steps described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

Figures

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figs. 1A and 1B are schematic cross-sectional side views of a mobility scooter ramp apparatus in use in a storage condition and loading condition respectively;

Figs. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the mobility scooter ramp apparatus in the storage condition and the loading condition respectively, with a side wall in Fig. 2A shown as transparent to enable viewing of the features therebehind;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a second mobility scooter ramp apparatus in the loading condition;

Fig. 4A is a scrap perspective view of part of a storage arrangement engaging end of a ramp member of a third mobility scooter ramp apparatus;

Fig. 4B is a scrap perspective view of part of a loading end of a storage arrangement of the third mobility scooter ramp apparatus;

Fig. 4C is a scrap perspective view of part of a loading end of a storage arrangement of a fourth mobility scooter ramp apparatus;

Fig. 4D is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the loading end of the storage arrangement of the fourth mobility scooter ramp apparatus in use in the loading condition;

Fig. 4E is a schematic cross-sectional side view of the loading end of the storage arrangement of a fifth mobility scooter ramp apparatus in use in the loading condition; and

Fig. 4F is an end cross-sectional view of a side wall of a ramp member of a sixth mobility scooter ramp apparatus.

In the drawings, where multiple instances of the same or similar features exist, only a representative one or some of the instances of the features may have been provided with numeric references for clarity.

Description

Figs. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B show a mobility scooter ramp apparatus 10 for fitting in a vehicle 100. The apparatus 10 includes a ramp member 12 and a storage arrangement 14 for the ramp member 12. The storage arrangement 14 defines a storage space 16, in which, in a storage condition, the ramp member 12 is located for storage.

The storage arrangement 14 includes a mobility scooter supporting surface 18, on which, in use, a mobility scooter 102 is located. The apparatus 10 is moveable between the storage condition and a loading condition in which the ramp member 12 is located to permit loading or unloading of the mobility scooter 102 onto or from the supporting surface 18.

The supporting surface 18 is substantially planar and, in use, faces upwardly.

The storage arrangement 14 comprises a platform member 20. The supporting surface 18 comprises an upwardly directed surface of the platform member 20. The storage arrangement 14 comprises side walls 22, base wall 24 and an end wall 26. The side walls 22 and the end wall 26 support the platform member 20. The platform member 20, the side walls 22 and the base wall 24 define an entrance 28 to the storage space 16.

In Fig. 2A, the side wall 22 shown on the right hand is shown as transparent to enable viewing of the ramp member 12 in the storage space 16.

It will be understood that, in the example shown, the storage arrangement 14 is in the form of a solid walled box 30, which is open ended at a loading end 40, and comprises the side walls 22, the base wall 24, the platform member 20 and the end wall 26.

The ramp member 12 comprises a ramp surface 32 which is substantially planar.

The storage space 16 is directly below the platform member 20.

The ramp member 12 includes a handle 42, which is located at or towards a ground engaging end 34 of the ramp member 12.

The ramp member 12 is substantially rectangular in plan, with relatively long sides 44 and relatively short ends 46. The ramp member 12 includes upstanding perimeter side walls 48, which extend along the relatively long sides 44, but not along the relatively short ends 46.

The platform member 20 is substantially rectangular in plan, with relatively long sides 54 and relatively short ends 56. The ends 56 comprise a loading end 58 and a non-loading end 60. The platform member 20 includes upstanding perimeter side walls 62, which extend along the relatively long sides 54 and along the non-loading end 60, but not along the loading end 58.

The apparatus 10 includes a transition arrangement 64 for aiding the transition of the scooter 102 between the ramp member 12 and the supporting surface 18.

In the example shown, the transition arrangement 64 includes a bridging member 66 and a pivot mounting 68 to pivotally mount the bridging member 66 to the loading end 58 of the platform member 20. In one example, the pivot mounting 68 could comprise hinges 88. In the loading condition, the bridging member 66 extends at a downward inclination from the loading end 58 of the platform member 20 to the ramp member 12. In the storage condition, the bridging member 66 extends substantially upwardly from the loading end 58, to form a securing end wall 90 for the platform member 20. The apparatus 10 could include one or more securing devices (not shown) to secure the bridging member 66 in the storage condition.

The apparatus 10 includes a fastening arrangement (not shown) for fastening the apparatus 10 to the vehicle 100, which could comprise, for example, straps or bolts.

In the example shown in Fig. 1B, the apparatus 10 includes a winch 82 for hauling the scooter 102 up the ramp member 12. The winch 82 could be located at or towards the non-loading end 60 of the platform member 20.

The supporting surface 18, the ramp member 12 and the bridging member 66 each comprise a slip or skid resistant surface 84, which could comprise a surface pattern or surface texture 86.

The storage arrangement 14, the ramp member 12 and the bridging member 66 are formed of a metal with a corrosion resistant finish, such as stainless steel, galvanised steel, aluminium or an alloy thereof.

In one example, the platform member 20, the ramp member 12 and the bridging member 66 are each formed of checker plate. In one example, the platform member 20 and the ramp member 12 could each be formed of 3mm thick plate and the bridging member 66 could be formed of 2mm thick plate.

In one example, the ramp side walls 48 are approximately 25mm high, the height of the storage space 16 is approximately 40mm and the height of the supporting surface 18 is no more than approximately 50mm. Thus, the apparatus 10 is relatively compact in height, minimising the reduction of storage volume for the scooter 102 above the apparatus 10 in the vehicle 100.

In use

Initially, the storage arrangement 14 is located in the vehicle 100 with the loading end 40 as close as possible to the rear of the vehicle 100. The storage arrangement 14 could be fastened in position to the vehicle 100 by the fastening arrangement mentioned above.

In the loading condition as shown in Figs. 1B and 2B, the ground engaging end 34 of the ramp member 12 is located on a ground surface 36 and a storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12 is located at or near to the loading end 58 of the platform member 20.

In the loading condition, the bridging member 66 extends at a downward inclination from the loading end 58 of the platform member 20 to contact the ramp surface 32 of the ramp member 12.

With the apparatus 10 in the loading condition, the mobility scooter 102 can be driven from the ground surface 36, up the ramp member 12, over the bridging member 66 and onto the supporting surface 18. It is advantageous for the scooter 102 to be equipped with a remote control for this purpose. Alternatively, the winch 82 can be used to haul the scooter 102 onto the supporting surface 18.

The ramp member side walls 48 and the platform member side walls 62 act as guides for the wheels of the vehicle 100, to prevent the vehicle 100 being driven off the ramp member 12 and the platform member 20.

The apparatus 10 is moved from the loading condition to the storage condition as follows.

The ramp member 12 is moved to the storage condition by lifting the ground engaging end 34 by the handle 42. Advantageously, the storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12 is still supported by the loading end 58 of the platform member 20, so that the user only has to bear a proportion of the full weight of the ramp member 12 and not the full weight.

The bridging member 66 is rotated around its pivot mounting 68 to the storage condition in which the bridging member 66 extends substantially upwardly from the loading end 58 of the platform member 20. The securing devices mentioned above could be utilised to secure the bridging member 66 in the storage condition. Examples of suitable securing devices could include locking bolts, latches, hasps and staples etc.

The ground engaging end 34 of the ramp member 12 is lifted until level with the storage arrangement engaging end 38, and is then simply slid completely into the storage space 16.

To move from the storage condition to the loading condition, the ramp member 12 is slid out from the storage space 16 until the ground engaging end 34 of the ramp member 12 locates on the ground surface 36 and the storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12 is located at or near to the loading end 58 of the platform member 20. The bridging member 66 is then rotated around its pivot mounting 68 to the loading condition, in which the bridging member 66 extends at a downward inclination from the loading end 58 of the platform member 20 to the ramp member 12.

With the apparatus 10 in the loading condition, the scooter 102 can be driven from the supporting surface 18, over the bridging member 66, down the ramp member 12 and onto the ground surface 36. The apparatus 10 can then be moved back to the storage condition until it is required to load the scooter 102 into the vehicle 100 again.

Advantageously, the apparatus 10 is robust and very simple to operate, and takes up relatively little storage volume in the vehicle 100. The apparatus 10 is mechanically simple with few moving parts, and so requires little maintenance. The apparatus 10 is relatively easy to install and relatively inexpensive. No disassembly of the scooter 102 is required in loading and unloading the scooter 102 from the vehicle 100. The apparatus 10 is inherently safe since no lifting of the scooter 102 is required. If/when the apparatus 10 is no longer required, removal of the apparatus 10 from the vehicle 100 is simple. Other Embodiments

Figs. 3 and 4A-4D show other embodiments of the invention, many features of which are similar to those already described in relation to the embodiment of Figs 1A to 2B. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments will only be described in so far as they differ from the embodiment already described. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used and the features will not be described again.

Fig. 3 shows a second mobility scooter ramp apparatus 210. In this embodiment, the ramp member 12 comprises two parts 12A, 12B. Similarly, the platform member 20 and the bridging member 66 comprise respective parts 20A, 20B and 66A, 66B.

In the embodiment shown, the ramp member parts 12A, 12B and the bridging member parts 66A, 66B are separated from each other, and can be moved independently of each other, while the platform member parts 20A, 20B are connected by connecting/strengthening members 92.

In other similar embodiments, the ramp member parts 12A, 12B could be connected by connecting/strengthening members (not shown) and similarly the bridging member parts 66A, 66B could be connected by connecting/strengthening members (not shown).

The platform member parts 20 define a lightening aperture 52. Effectively also, the ramp member parts 12A, 12B and the bridging member parts 66A, 66B define lightening apertures 52.

The division of the ramp member 12, the platform member 20 and the bridging member 66 into parts reduces the weight of each of these items and the overall weight of the apparatus 210. In particular, the division of the ramp member 12 into the parts 12A, 12B reduces the weight which has to be handled by the user in moving the apparatus 210 between the storage condition and the loading condition. In the embodiment in which the parts 12A, 12B are separate from each other, the individual item weight which has to be handled by the user in moving between the storage condition and the loading condition is reduced by at least half.

Figs. 4A and 4B show a third mobility scooter apparatus 310, the apparatus 310 including a retaining arrangement 70 for retaining the ramp member 12 in engagement with the storage arrangement 14. The retaining arrangement 70 comprises a pair of retaining lugs 72. Each retaining lug 72 projects outwardly from the ramp member 12, in laterally opposite directions, from or near to the storage arrangement engaging end 38.

The retaining arrangement 70 comprises a pair of storage arrangement retaining projections 74, each of which project inwardly from one of the side walls 22, the base wall 24 and the platform member 20.

In use, in moving from the storage condition to the loading condition, the ramp member 12 is slid out of the storage space 16 until each of the retaining lugs 72 locates against one of the storage arrangement retaining projections 74 to prevent further movement of the ramp member 12 out of the storage space

16. Thus, in the loading condition, each of the retaining lugs 72 is located against one of the storage arrangement retaining projections 74.

Advantageously, the retaining arrangement 70 acts as a safety feature to prevent the ramp member 12 being withdrawn too far out of the storage space 16 so that the storage arrangement engaging end 38 disengages from the storage arrangement 14 and falls downwardly. If this occurs, the ramp member 12 might fall onto the vehicle 100, causing damage thereto, and the user will be required to lift the full weight of the ramp member 12 to insert the ramp member 12 back into the storage space 16.

Figs. 4C and 4D show a fourth mobility scooter apparatus 410. In this embodiment, the transition arrangement 64 comprises a pair of raising formations 76, each of which includes an inclined guide surface 78, which is located against an internal face of one of the side walls 22. Each of the inclined guide surfaces 78 is arranged to guide one of the retaining lugs 72 as the storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12 moves towards the entrance 28.

As shown in Fig. 4D, each of the ramp member perimeter side walls 48 is spaced by a gap 80 from the storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12.

In use, as the ramp member 12 moves towards the loading condition, each of the ramp member retaining lugs 72 moves up one of the inclined guide surfaces 78 to lift the storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12 upwardly towards the loading end 58 of the platform member 20. The gaps 80 permit the storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12 to move upwardly towards the loading end 58 of the platform member 20 without the ramp member side walls 48 fouling against the platform member 20.

Advantageously, in this embodiment, the storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12 is closer to the loading end 58 of the platform member 20, so that the bridging member 66 is not required. This reduces the overall weight of the apparatus 410 and also reduces some mechanical complexity.

It will be noted that, in this embodiment, the apparatus 410 also includes the storage arrangement retaining projections 74, so that, when each of the retaining lugs 72 is at the top of the respective guide surface 78 in the loading condition, each of the retaining lugs 72 locates against one of the storage arrangement retaining projections 74 to prevent further movement of the ramp member 12 out of the storage space 16.

While, in this embodiment, the storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12 is now closer to the loading end 58 of the platform member 20 in the loading condition than in previous embodiments, the user may still select the option of the apparatus 410 including a pivoting bridging member 66, since this provides further aid in smoothing the transition of the scooter 102 between the ramp member 12 and the supporting surface 18, and also provides a securing end wall 90 for the platform member 20.

Fig. 4E shows a fifth mobility scooter apparatus 510. In this embodiment, the apparatus 510 includes a retaining arrangement 70 which comprises a lip 94R extending downwardly from the storage arrangement engaging end 38 of the ramp member 12 and a corresponding lip 94S extending upwardly from the loading end 40 of the base wall 24. In use, the ramp member downwardly extending lip 94R engages the base wall upwardly extending lip 94S to prevent movement of the ramp member 12 out of the storage space 16.

Fig. 4F shows a sixth mobility scooter apparatus 610. In this embodiment, the ramp member 12 includes a pair of low friction contact surfaces 98, which ease movement of the ramp member 12 along the base wall

24. The contact surfaces 98 extend continuously longitudinally along the length of the ramp member. The contact surfaces 98 comprise part of edge protector members 96, one of which is fitted to each of the ramp member side walls 48. The edge protector members 96 could be formed of a low friction material such as an oily plastics material eg nylon, polyethylene.

Other Modifications

Various other modifications could be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The apparatus and the various components thereof could be of any suitable size and shape, and could be formed of any suitable material (within the scope of the specific definitions herein).

In one example, the storage arrangement could be formed in a different way. For example, the storage arrangement could comprise only the side walls and the platform member, with no end wall or base wall. The side walls could comprise parts which define one or more lightening apertures. The storage arrangement could comprise a fabricated frame structure of steel sections which supports the platform member.

The retaining arrangement 70 and the transition arrangement 64 could be different.

Any of the features or steps of any of the embodiments shown or described could be combined in any suitable way, within the scope of the overall disclosure of this document.

There is thus provided mobility scooter ramp apparatus with a number of advantages over conventional arrangements. In particular, the apparatus is mechanically simple, easy to install, relatively inexpensive, robust and easy to operate. No disassembly of the scooter is required in loading and unloading the scooter from the vehicle and the apparatus is inherently safe, since no lifting of the scooter is required.

Claims

1. A mobility scooter ramp apparatus for fitting in a vehicle, the apparatus including a ramp memberand a storage arrangement for the ramp member,

5 the storage arrangement defining a storage space, in which, in a storage condition, the ramp member is located for storage, the storage arrangement including a mobility scooter supporting surface, on which, in use, a mobility scooter is located, the apparatus being moveable between the storage condition and a loading condition in which the ramp member is located to 10 permit loading or unloading of the mobility scooter onto or from the supporting surface.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the supporting surface is substantially planar and may, in use, face upwardly.

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which the storage arrangement comprises a platform member; the supporting surface comprises an upwardly directed surface ofthe platform member; and the storage space is located, in use, directly below the platform member.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which the storage arrangement comprises side walls, which support the platform member, and may comprise a base wall, and may comprise an end wall; and in which at least the platform member and the or some ofthe side walls define an entrance

25 to the storage space.

5. Apparatus according to any ofthe preceding claims, in which the storage arrangement is in the form of a box, which is open ended ata loading end.

30

6. Apparatus according to any ofthe preceding claims, in which, in the loading condition, a ground engaging end ofthe ramp member locates on a ground surface and a storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member locates at or near to a loading end ofthe supporting surface.

22 07 19

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, in which the ramp member includes a handle, which is located at or towards the ground engaging end.

8. Apparatus according to claim any ofthe preceding claims, in which the ramp member comprises a ramp surface which is substantially planar; the ramp member is substantially rectangular in plan, with relatively long sides and relatively short ends; and the ramp member includes upstanding perimeter

10 side walls, which extend along the relatively long sides, but not along the relatively short ends.

9. Apparatus according to claim 3 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the platform member is substantially rectangular in plan, with relatively long

15 sides and relatively short ends; the ends comprise a loading end and a nonloading end; and the platform member includes upstanding perimeter side walls, which extend along the relatively long sides and along the non-loading end, but not along the loading end.

20

10.Apparatus according to any ofthe preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a fastening arrangement for fastening the apparatus to the vehicle.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the apparatus includes a transition arrangement for aiding the transition of 25 the scooter between the ramp member and the supporting surface; the transition arrangement includes a bridging member and a pivot mounting to pivotally mount the bridging member to the loading end of the platform member; and in the loading condition, the bridging member extends at a downward inclination from the loading end ofthe platform member to the 30 ramp member.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, in which in the storage condition, the bridging member extends substantially upwardly from the loading end, to form a securing end wall for the platform member.

13. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a retaining arrangement for retaining the ramp member in engagement with the storage arrangement.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 6 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the storage arrangement comprises a base wall, the retaining arrangement comprises a lip which extends downwardly from the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member and a corresponding lip which extends upwardly from the loading end of the base wall, so that, in use, the ramp member downwardly extending lip engages the base wall upwardly extending lip to prevent movement of the ramp member out of the storage space.

15. Apparatus according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 4 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the retaining arrangement comprises a retaining lug which projects outwardly from the ramp member and a retaining projection which projects inwardly from one of the side walls, and/or the base wall and/or the platform member and, in which, in the loading condition, the retaining lug locates against the retaining projection to prevent further movement of the ramp member out of the storage space.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, in which the retaining arrangement comprises a pair of the retaining lugs; each retaining lug projects outwardly from the ramp member, possibly in laterally opposite directions; the retaining arrangement comprises a pair of the storage arrangement retaining projections, each of which may project inwardly from one of the sidewalls, and/or the base wall and/or the platform member, and, in which in the loading condition, each of the ramp member retaining lugs locates against one of the storage arrangement retaining projections.

17. Apparatus according to claims 6, 11 and 16, in which the transition arrangement comprises a pair of raising formations, each of which includes an inclined guide surface; each of the inclined guide surfaces is arranged to guide one of the retaining lugs as the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member moves towards the entrance; and, in which, as the ramp member moves towards the loading condition, each of the ramp member retaining lugs moves up one of the inclined guide surfaces to lift the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member upwardly towards the loading end of the platform member.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17 when dependent on claims 6 and 8, in which each of the ramp member perimeter sidewalls is spaced by a gap from the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp member; and in which the gaps permit the storage arrangement engaging end of the ramp memberto move upwardly towards the loading end of the platform member.

19. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the ramp member of claim 1, and/or the platform member of claim 3, and/or the bridging member of claim 11 includes a plurality of parts, and may define one or more lightening apertures, and may be formed of checker plate.

20. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a winch for hauling the scooter up the ramp member, and, in which the winch is located at or towards the non-loading end of the platform member.

21. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the supporting surface of claim 1 and/or the ramp member of claim 1 and/or the bridging member of claim 11 comprises a slip or skid resistant surface, which may comprise a surface pattern or surface texture.

22. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the ramp member includes one or more low friction contact surfaces, which ease movement of the ramp member and may extend longitudinally, possibly continuously, along the length of the ramp member.

23. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the storage arrangement of claim 1 and/or the ramp member of claim 1 and/or the bridging member of claim 11 is formed of a metal with a corrosion resistant finish, such as stainless steel, galvanised steel, aluminium or an alloy thereof.

24. A method of transporting a mobility scooter in a vehicle, the method comprising providing a mobility scooter ramp apparatus for fitting in a vehicle, the apparatus including a ramp member and a storage arrangement for the ramp member, the storage arrangement defining a storage space, in which, in a storage condition, the ramp member is located for storage, the storage arrangement including a mobility scooter supporting surface, on which, in a transport condition, a mobility scooter is locatable, the ramp member being moveable between the storage condition and a loading condition in which the ramp member is located to permit loading or unloading of the mobility scooter onto or from the supporting surface.

25. A method according to claim 24, in which the apparatus includes any of the features defined in any of claims 1 to 23.