GB2618854A

GB2618854A - Ramp kerb

Info

Publication number: GB2618854A
Application number: GB2207454.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Morrish Gerry
Original assignee: Enable Access Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Enable Access Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2022-05-20
Filing date: 2022-05-20
Publication date: 2023-11-22
Also published as: GB202207454D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a ramp kerb 12 comprising a longitudinally extending spine 13 and first 14 and second 15 flanges projecting laterally from the spine. The flanges are spaced from one another so as to define a channel 16 therebetween for supporting a longitudinally extending edge 17 of a ramp member therein. A distal end portion 19 of the first flange projects laterally beyond a distal end 19 of the second flange. An axis A passing through the distal end portion of the first flange, and that is perpendicular to the lateral extension of the first flange, does not intersect any portion of the ramp kerb other than the first flange. The flanges may be integrally formed with the spine. The ramp kerb may further comprise opposed surfaces defining the distal end portion of the first flange are substantially planer. Also disclosed is a ramp including the ramp kerb and a method of forming such a ramp.

Description

RAMP KERB

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a ramp kerb, a ramp including the ramp kerb, and a method of assembling such a ramp.

Background

It is known to use ramps to provide access between two surfaces at different height. Ramps may, for example, be easier to use than stairs for people in wheelchairs, people with mobility impairments, or people pushing pushchairs/prams. It is also known to use ramps to facilitate access e.g. for people in wheelchairs or for people with goods on trolleys into the back of vehicles.

Portable ramps which can be placed at e.g. the entrance to a building or at the back of a vehicle and then removed and stored at an alternative location are known. This type or ramp (and other known types of ramps) typically comprise a ramp member over which a user can pass from a first end to a second (higher or lower) end. Such ramps sometimes include two ramp kerbs, each extending along one of two opposite longitudinally extending edges (extending between the two ends) of the ramp member. One purpose of these ramp kerbs is to increase the safety of the ramp by preventing e.g. wheels of a wheelchair or pushchair/pram from rolling off an edge of the ramp.

In some cases, ramp kerbs may be integrally formed with the ramp member. In other arrangements, the ramp kerbs and ramp surface member may be provided as separate components that are subsequently fixed together to form the ramp. Such fixing can be provided in the form of fasteners, such as screws or rivets, that pass through (e.g. pre-drilled holes in) the ramp kerbs and ramp member to secure them together. VVhile such fixing can provide the necessary structural rigidity required by a ramp, this process can form a significant portion of the time and cost of assembling the ramp.

The present disclosure has been devised in light of the above considerations. Summary At its most general, the present disclosure relates to a ramp kerb that is configured so that it can be assembled with a ramp member using a process which requires both sides of a flange of the ramp kerb to be accessible (by fixing the ramp member to a flange of the ramp kerb).

In a first aspect there is provided a ramp kerb comprising a longitudinally extending spine and first and second flanges projecting laterally from the spine, the flanges spaced from one another so as to define a channel therebetween for supporting a longitudinally extending edge of a ramp member therein, wherein a distal end portion of the first flange projects laterally beyond a distal end of the second flange, and wherein an axis passing through the distal end portion of the first flange, and that is perpendicular to the lateral extension of the first flange, does not intersect any portion of the ramp kerb other than the first flange.

The arrangement of the distal end portion of the first flange in this way means that access is provided to opposing sides of the distal end portion of the first flange (i.e. access is not obstructed by any other part of the ramp kerb). This can be advantageous when assembling the ramp kerb to e.g. a ramp member (i.e. the part of the ramp upon which users may be supported). This is especially the case where such fixing requires both opposing surfaces of the flange to be accessible.

One example of a fixing that requires such access is a self-piercing rivet. Use of a self-piercing rivet involves positioning a punch (and the self-piercing rivet) on one side of two adjacent workpieces to be fixed (e.g. the first flange and an edge of a ramp member) while providing a die on the opposite side of the two workpieces. Of course, access must be provided on both sides of the workpieces for the punch and the die. The rivet is then driven into the two workpieces by the punch so as to pierce one of the two workpieces while deforming the other (such deformation being controlled by the shape of the die). In the resulting arrangement, an annular piercing element of the rivet is flared and embedded in the workpieces so as to fix the workpieces together.

As may be appreciated, this process is both quick and inexpensive, at least partly because the fixing is provided in a single movement without the need to first form a hole for receipt of a fastener.

Another example is a clinch fixing formed by a clinching process. This process again involves a punch and a die, except in this case there is no rivet required. Instead, the punch and die are configured so that when the two workpieces are punched, portions of both workpieces are deformed so as to interact with one another. In particular, a portion of one workpiece is received in a portion of the other workpiece so they interlock. In some case, this can simply be in the form of a protrusion in one workpiece received in a recess of the other workpiece On which case resistance to in-plane movement is provided, but not necessarily resistance of the pieces away from one another). In other arrangements the deformation may be such that a portion of one or both of the workpieces flares outwardly. The flared portion of the workpiece closest to the punch can be received within (i.e. be enveloped by) the flared portion of the other workpiece, which retains the workpieces together. The provision of a join without needing a fastener (such as a rivet) can reduce the cost of assembling a ramp.

As set forth above, the arrangement of the ramp kerb of the first aspect permits use of this type of process in assembly and, accordingly, the ramp kerb of the first aspect may provide for faster and more cost-effective assembly of a ramp including the ramp kerb.

For the avoidance of doubt, the term "distal" is used to describe the end of each flange that is distal from the spine. The proximal end of each flange is the end at which the flange is connected to the spine (i.e. the end from which the flange extends).

Optional features of the first aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

The first flange may have an external surface that faces in a direction away from the second flange. The first flange may have an internal surface (opposite the external surface) that faces in a direction towards the second flange. Likewise, the second flange may have an external surface that faces in a direction away from the first flange. The second flange may have an internal surface (opposite the external surface) that faces in a direction towards the first flange.

The portion of external surface at the distal end portion of the first flange (i.e. an external surface of the distal end portion) may be substantially planar. This may aid in fixing of the first flange to a ramp (e.g. using the self-piercing rivet or clinching process described above). The portion of the internal surface at the distal end portion of the first flange (i.e. an internal surface of the distal end portion) may be substantially planar. Again, this may aid in fixing the first flange to a ramp (e.g. using the self-piercing rivet process described above).

Thus, the distal end portion of the first flange may be defined between two substantially planar parallel surfaces (one facing away from the second flange and one facing towards the second flange).

The distal end portion of the flange may be configured for fixing by self-piercing rivet or clinching. Preferably, for example, the distal end portion of the flange is solid (e.g. does not include any internal cavity or recess). Having such a cavity could otherwise interfere with the process of fixing the flange to a ramp by such methods.

The distal end portion of the first flange may have a width dimension defined as the distance the first flange extends laterally beyond the distal end of the second flange (i.e. a lateral distance between the distal end of the first flange and the distal end of the second flange). The width of the distal end portion may be at least 8 mm, or e.g. at least 10 mm, or e.g. at least 14 mm (e.g. about 16 mm). In some cases, the width may be larger (for example to allow for double or staggered fixings as discussed further below). In such embodiments, the width may be e.g. more than 30 mm, or more than 40 mm, or more than 50 mm. The width of distal end portion may be less than 100 mm or less than 80 mm.

The first and second flanges may be substantially parallel to one another. One or both of the first and second flanges may extend substantially perpendicularly to the spine.

The first and second flanges may be spaced from one another by a distance of between 5 mm and 25 mm, or between 10 mm and 20 mm, or between 10 mm and 15 mm, or about 11 mm (i.e. this distance defining the height of the channel formed between the flanges). In other versions of the ramp kerb (e.g. such as a heavy duty version), the distance may be between 10 mm and 50 mm, or between 20 mm and 40 mm, or about 30 mm. These embodiments may be particularly suited for ramp kerbs used with ramp members of the type that include legs (as discussed further below).

In other embodiments, however, the ramp kerb may be suited for a ramp member that is formed of a single sheet (i.e. is planar). In this case, the first and second flanges may be spaced from one another by a distance of e.g. less than 5 mm, e.g. about 2mm.

The first flange may be an in-use upper flange (i.e. may be above the second flange in use, which may be a lower flange). Such an arrangement may be desirable because it may be preferable to arrange the ramp member (to which the first flange is fixed), and thus the surface upon which user's are supported, at the upper flange.

Alternatively, the first flange may be an in-use lower flange (i.e. may be below the second flange in use, which may be an upper flange) The ramp kerb may comprise a longitudinally extending, upstanding rail. The rail may upstand from, or proximate to, the first or second flange (e.g. whichever is the in-use upper flange of the two flanges). For example, the rail may upstand from or proximate to the proximal end of the first or second flange.

The external surface of the first or second flange (e.g. whichever is the in-use upper flange of the two flanges) may comprise a plurality of longitudinally extending ridges. The plurality of longitudinally extending ridges may be disposed at or proximate to a proximal end of the respective flange. Where the ridges are formed on the first flange, the ridges may be spaced from the distal end portion of the first flange (e.g. so as not to interfere with fixing of the first flange to a ramp member).

The ramp kerb may comprise a longitudinally extending support rib. The rib may project downwardly On use) from, or proximate to, the spine. The support rib may provide additional support to the ramp kerb (e.g. particularly in embodiments in which the rail is not provided).

One or both flanges may be integrally formed with the spine. The ramp kerb may have a constant cross-sectional shape for substantially its entire length (i.e. in the longitudinal direction). Thus, the ramp kerb may be formed by extrusion. The ramp kerb may, for example, be formed of aluminium (e.g. extruded aluminium). In other embodiments, the ramp kerb may be formed of steel (e.g. rolled steel, steel tube), pultruded polyurethane, fibreglass, etc. In a second aspect there is provided a ramp comprising a ramp kerb according to the first aspect and a ramp member having a longitudinally extending edge supported within the channel of the ramp kerb.

Optional features of the second aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

The ramp member may comprise a ramp panel (e.g. forming a main body of the ramp member) having an upper surface upon which a user may be supported in use. The ramp member may also comprise legs projecting downwardly from the ramp panel (e.g. each leg projection downwardly to a distal free end of the leg). Each leg may extend laterally across ramp member (e.g. the legs may be substantially parallel and may be perpendicular to the ramp kerb). The legs may be integrally formed with the ramp member.

The ramp member may be configured such that the axis of the ramp kerb, passing through the distal end of the first flange, intersects only the ramp panel of the ramp member (e.g. does not intersect any legs of the ramp panel). That is, the ramp may be arranged (i.e. the ramp kerb and ramp member may be arranged) such that the axis extending through the distal end portion of the first flange (that is perpendicular to the lateral extension of the first flange), intersects only the first flange and the ramp panel. Hence, the ramp may be arranged such that when received in the channel, a clear path is provided to (the underside of) a portion of the panel member that is adjacent to the distal end portion of the first flange.

The legs may be spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction. The spacing between each pair of two neighbouring legs may be at least 10 mm, e.g. at least 15 mm. The spacing may be at most e.g. 120 mm, or 100 mm. For example, the spacing may be between 30 mm and 80 mm, or between 40 mm and 70 mm, (or about 45 mm, or about 70 mm). The spacing may ensure that, when the ramp member is received in the channel, the legs do not interfere with fixing of the ramp member to the ramp kerb (i.e. the spacing ensures that one or more portions of the ramp panel adjacent the distal end portion of the first flange are accessible for fixing).

In some embodiments the legs maybe primary legs and one or more secondary legs may be provided interposed between neighbouring pairs of primary legs. The secondary legs may be shorter than the primary legs. The secondary legs may be configured to provide additional support to the ramp panel.

As may be appreciated, the longitudinally extending edge of the ramp member may be defined by both the legs and the ramp panel. That is, a portion of each of the ramp panel and each of the legs may be received in the channel of the ramp kerb.

In this way, the upper surface of the ramp panel may abut the internal surface of the first flange (i.e. the surface of the first flange partly defining the channel). The upper surface of the ramp panel that abuts the first flange may be substantially planar (which may provide a closer fit between the upper surface of the ramp panel and the internal surface of the first flange).

Likewise, a distal (e.g. lower) end of each leg may abut an internal surface of the second flange (i.e. the surface of the second flange partly defining the channel). A height of the channel may be substantially the same as a height of the ramp (i.e. the distance between the distal end of a leg of the ramp and the upper surface of the ramp member).

The ramp member may have a constant cross-sectional shape along at least one of its axis (e.g. such as is width). For example, when the legs extend laterally, a cross-sectional shape of the ramp member taken in a longitudinally extending plane may be constant for the width of the ramp member. This may allow the ramp member to be formed by way of an extrusion process.

The first flange of the ramp kerb may be fixed to the ramp panel by way of a plurality of clinch fixings (i.e. in which portions of each of the first flange and ramp panel are deformed so as to be held together) or by way of a plurality of self-piercing rivets.

Thus, for example, when the ramp kerb is fixed to the ramp member by way of clinch fixings, one of the first flange and the ramp member (e.g. ramp panel) may comprise a deformed portion forming a recess and the other of the first flange and the ramp member may comprise a deformed portion forming a protrusion received in the recess. In some cases, each of the recess and protrusion may flare or splay outwardly (i.e. such that a distal end of the protrusion is enlarged and the recess envelopes this enlarged portion). Such an arrangement may be configured such that movement of the first flange and ramp member away from one another (e.g. perpendicular to the planes of the first flange and ramp member) is resisted.

Alternatively, the protrusion/recess may not be flared/splayed. For example, the protrusion and recess may each be hemispherical shaped, or a half-shear clinch may be provided. In such arrangements the fixing may only resist in-plane movement. Nevertheless, such fixing may be sufficient where the longitudinally extending edge of the ramp member fits closely within the channel of the ramp kerb (because such close fit will provide resistance to movement of the ramp member away from the first flange).

The ramp kerb may be a first ramp kerb and the ramp may comprise a second ramp kerb. The second ramp kerb may be substantially the same as the first ramp kerb. The longitudinally extending edge of the ramp member received in the channel of the first ramp kerb may be a first longitudinally extending edge and the ramp member may comprise a second longitudinally extending edge opposite the first longitudinally extending edge. The second longitudinally extending edge may be received in the channel of the second ramp kerb.

The ramp may be a portable ramp. That is, the ramp may be of the type that can be positioned for use and then subsequently removed and stored at an alternative location. The ramp may be a folding ramp (e.g. comprising a longitudinally extending hinge in the ramp member) or maybe non-folding. The ramp may also be non-portable (e.g. may be in the form of a permanent structure).

In a third aspect there is provided a method for assembling a ramp (e.g. of the second aspect), the method comprising: inserting a longitudinally extending edge of a ramp member into the channel of a ramp kerb according to the first aspect; positioning one of a die and a punch on a surface of the distal end portion of the first flange of the ramp kerb; positioning the other of the die and punch on a surface of the ramp member opposing the surface of the first flange on which the die/punch is positioned; actuating the punch to punch and deform the first flange and the ramp member to fix the first flange and the ramp member together.

Optional features of the third aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

The surface of the first flange on which the die or punch is positioned may be an external surface of the first flange (i.e. facing away from the second flange).

The surface of the ramp member on which the other of the die or punch is positioned may be a surface of the ramp panel (e.g. an underside surface of the ramp panel).

The method may comprise, when actuating the punch, driving a self-piercing rivet into the first flange and the ramp member to fix the first flange and the ramp member together.

The die may comprise moveable portions (e.g. arms) that are configured to move outwardly (in a direction radially outwardly from the punch) as the punch is actuated in order to form a clinch fixing.

The method may be repeated one or more times at locations spaced along a length On the longitudinal direction) of the ramp kerb.

Brief Summary of the Figures

Embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1A is a front section view of a ramp; Figure 1B is a side section view of the ramp of Figure 1A; Figures 2A and 2B are schematic views illustrating a self-piercing rivet fixing process; Figures 3A and 3B are schematic views illustrating a clinching fixing process; and Figures 4A and 4B are front and side section views of an exemplary clinching fixing.

Detailed Description

Aspects and embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures.

Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Figures 1A illustrates a portion of a ramp 10 comprising a ramp member 11 and a ramp kerb 12. The ramp 10 is a portable ramp that can be used to provide access (e.g. wheelchair access) between surfaces at two different heights.

The ramp kerb 12 comprises a longitudinally extending spine 13, and first (upper) 14 and second (lower) 15 flanges projecting laterally from the spine 13. The flanges 14, 15 at spaced from one another On the vertical direction as illustrated) so as to define a channel 16 therebetween. A longitudinally extending edge 17 of the ramp member 11 is received in (and supported in) this channel 16.

Each flange 14, 15 extends from a proximal end 18, joined to the spine 13, to an opposite distal (free) end 19. Each flange 14, 15 has an external surface 23 that faces away from the other of the flanges 14, 15 (i.e. faces outwardly) and an internal surface 24 that faces inwardly towards the other of the flanges 14, 15. The external surface 23 of the first flange 14 is an upper surface of the first flange 14.

As should be apparent from Figure 1A, the first flange 14 is wider than the second flange 15.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first flange 14 has a width of about 32 mm and the second flange has a width of about 16 mm. Thus, a planar distal end portion 20 of the first flange 14 projects laterally beyond the distal end 19 of the second flange 15 by about 16 mm. As a result of this, and because the distal end portion 20 represents an uppermost part of the ramp kerb 12 (e.g. there is no structure positioned above the end portion 20), an axis A passing through the distal end portion 20 of the first flange 14 (that is perpendicular to the lateral extension of the first flange 14) does not intersect with any portion of the ramp kerb 12 other than the first flange 14 One benefit of such an arrangement is that it allows fixing of the ramp member 11 to the ramp kerb 12 by methods that require access to both sides of the workpieces (in this case, the first flange 14 and the ramp panel 18) to be fixed. Such methods will be described in detail further below (with respect to figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B).

The ramp kerb 12 further comprises a rail 21 upstanding from the spine 13 (so as to form an extension of the spine 13). The rail 21 acts as a safety feature in that it helps to prevent e.g. a wheel of a wheelchair or pram/pushchair from travelling off the edge of the ramp 10. A further safety feature of the ramp kerb 12 is a plurality of laterally spaced, longitudinally extending ridges 22, which extend along the external upper surface 23 of the first flange 14 proximate to the rail 21. The ridges 22 provide additional grip to the external upper surface 23 of the first flange 14 and are spaced away from the distal end portion 20 of the first flange 14 so as not to interfere with the fixing process.

The ramp kerb 12 has a constant cross-sectional shape for its entire longitudinal length. This means that the ramp kerb 12 can be formed by way of an extrusion process.

The ramp member 11 comprises a planar ramp panel 25, an upper surface 26 of which supports a user of the ramp 10 in use. The ramp member 11 also includes a plurality of support legs 27 that are integrally formed with the ramp panel 25 and that extend laterally across an underside of the ramp panel 25. Each support leg 27 extends downwardly from the ramp panel 25 (perpendicularly to the ramp panel 25) to a distal (i.e. lower) end 28.

At one (longitudinal end) the ramp member 11 is provided with a ramp lip 29 that is angled with respect to the ramp panel 25 so as to facilitate movement by a user onto the panel 25 (i.e. the lip provides for transition onto the ramp panel 25).

The edge 17 of the ramp member 11 (received in the channel 16) is therefore formed by a combination of the legs 27 and the ramp panel 25. In particular, the height of the ramp member 11 (i.e. taken from the upper surface 26 of the ramp panel 25 to the distal end 28 of each leg 27) is substantially the same as the height of the channel 16. In this way, the upper surface 26 of the ramp panel 25 abuts the internal (lower) surface 24 of the first flange 14, and the distal ends 28 of the legs 27 abut the internal (upper) surface 23 of the second flange 15. This close fit between the ramp member 11 and the ramp kerb 12 helps to provide a secure connection therebetween.

The open arrangement of the lower part of the ramp member 11 (e.g. that no lower panel is provided extending across the distal ends 28 of the legs 27, such that the distal ends 28 are free ends) allows for access to an underside of the ramp panel 25. Such access is also facilitated by the spacing of the legs 27 of the ramp member 11. Between each pair of neighbouring legs 27 there is a portion of the ramp panel 25, adjacent to the distal end portion 20 of the first flange 14, that is open to an underside of the ramp member 11. In this way, the abovementioned axis A intersects only the ramp panel 25 of the ramp member 11 (i.e. no other portion of the ramp member 11 is intersected by the axis A). Accordingly, only the first flange 14 and the ramp panel of the ramp 10 (i.e. the two parts of the ramp 10 to be fixed) are intersected by the axis A. As already discussed above, such an arrangement allows the ramp 10 to be assembled using a process in which both sides of the workpieces (in this case the first flange 14 and the ramp panel 25) must be accessible. One such fixing process is exemplified by Figures 2A and 2B, which illustrate a self-piercing rivet fixing process that can be used to fix the ramp member 11 to the ramp kerb 12.

For clarity, in these figures only a portion of each of the ramp panel 25 and the first flange 14 are shown. In Figure 2A, a fixing device 30 is shown, which comprises a body 31 having an internal bore 32 along which a punch (or plunger) 33 can be driven. The body 31 is disposed on the upper surface of the first flange 14. On the underside of the ramp panel 25, the device 30 includes a die 34 having an annular recess 35. A self-piercing rivet 36 is loaded in the bore 32 of the device 30, at a lower end of the punch 33. The rivet 36 (which is generally cylindrical) includes an enlarged portion 37 at an upper end thereof and a cutting portion 38 projecting downwardly from the enlarged portion 37. The cutting portion 38 includes an annular cutting edge 39 that is coincident with the annular recess 35 of the die 34.

In use, the punch 33 is driven along the bore 32 towards the first flange 14 such that the cutting edge 39 impacts and pierces the first flange 14. As this occurs, the rivet 36, the first flange 14 and the ramp panel 25 are caused to deform. This is shown in Figure 2B. As is apparent from this figure, the cutting portion 39 of the rivet 36 splays outwardly. This, along with the deformation of the first flange 14 and the ramp panel 25, fixes the ramp panel 25 to the flange 14.

As may be appreciated, because this method of fixing can be performed in a single movement and does not require a hole to be pre-formed in the first flange 14 and/or the ramp panel 25, it can be particularly cost effective.

An alternative fixing device 30' is illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B. This is a clinching fixing device 30' and include similar feature to that of Figures 2A and 2B (the same reference numerals have been used for corresponding features).

The device 30' includes a body 31 defining a bore 32 in which a punch 33 is received, and along which the punch 33 can be driven. The device body 31 is disposed on an upper surface of the first flange 14 (that, in turn, overlies the ramp panel 25).

A die 34 is positioned on an underside of the ramp panel 25 so as to oppose the body 31. The die 31 includes a die body 40 having an upper forming surface 41. The die 34 further includes moveable On this case pivotable) arms 42 that are pivotably mounted to the die body 40. Each arm 42 includes an inwardly facing side forming surface 43.

In operation (as can be understood from Figure 3B), the punch 33 is driven along the bore 32 and into the first flange 14. This deforms the first flange 14 and the ramp panel 25 so as to be forced against the upper forming surface 41 and the side forming surfaces 43. As the punch 33 is driven, the arms 42 of the die 34 move outwardly in a controlled manner, and this helps to shape the deformed portions of the first flange 14 and the ramp panel 25. In particular, the resulting shape of these portions is such that a deformed portion of the first flange 14 splays outwardly and is enveloped by a deformed portion of the ramp panel 25. This results in the first flange 14 and ramp panel 25 being fixed together.

As should be appreciated, this process has the same benefits as that described above with respect to Figures 2A and 2B, and further avoids the need to provide any fastener (i.e. therefore reducing complexity and cost). The arrangement of the ramp 10, being such that it is suited to these two fixing methods, therefore makes the ramp faster and cheaper to assemble.

Figures 4A and 4B provide a further example of how the first flange 14 and ramp panel 25 may be fixed via clinching process. In this case, the fixing has been formed with a static die (i.e. a die not including moveable parts such as arms). The die and punch (not shown) are configured so as to both shear and deform portions of the first flange 14 and the ramp panel 25. The result is overlying strips 44 that are deformed and sheared away from the plane of the first flange 14 and ramp panel 25, but that each remain connected at opposed ends to the respective one of the first flange 14 and ramp panel 25. As should be appreciated, this fixing prevents in-plane movement between the first flange 14 and ramp panel 15 but not movement of the ramp panel 25 away from the first flange 14. This type of fixing may be referred to as half-shear clinching.

The exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention For example, the positioning of the die and punch as shown in Figures 2A-3B can be reversed (e.g. the die can be provided on the first flange and the punch provided on the ramp panel).

Likewise, the clinching arrangement shown in Figure 3A and 38 is merely one example of how such clinching could be performed. In other arrangements, for example, the die may not include any moving parts (i.e. may be a static die). Instead, the die may be shaped such that flaring/splaying of the deformed portions of the ramp kerb/ramp member occurs.

Alternatively, the clinching device may also be configured to form deformed portions in the ramp kerb and ramp member that do not include any such flaring/splaying. For example, the clinching device may be configured to form a hemispherical protrusion received in a hemispherical recess. As already set forth above, this may be suitable where movement of the ramp member away from the ramp kerb (i.e. in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the ramp member) is otherwise restricted by close receipt of the ramp member between the first and second flanges.

The deformed portions of the first flange and ramp member may take other shapes, for example the half-shear arrangement described above.

Further, the ramp member may be modular and may be formed of a plurality of modules arranged side-by-side (i.e. each module extending laterally). Each module may comprise a ramp panel and one or more legs as described above.

Moreover, the ramp illustrated above is shown only with a single lip. It should be appreciated that the ramps disclosed herein may comprise a lip at only one, or both, ends of the ramp member (i.e. providing easy transition onto the ramp member at each end).

For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example +/-10%.

Claims

Claims: 1 A ramp kerb comprising a longitudinally extending spine and first and second flanges projecting laterally from the spine, the flanges spaced from one another so as to define a channel therebetween for supporting a longitudinally extending edge of a ramp member therein, wherein a distal end portion of the first flange projects laterally beyond a distal end of the second flange, and wherein an axis passing through the distal end portion of the first flange, and that is perpendicular to the lateral extension of the first flange, does not intersect any portion of the ramp kerb other than the first flange.
2. A ramp kerb according to claim 1 wherein the first flange is an in-use upper flange.
3. A ramp kerb according to claim 2 comprise a longitudinally extending rail upstanding from, or proximate to, the first flange.
4. A ramp kerb according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the width of the distal end portion of the first flange is at least 10 mm.
5. A ramp kerb according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the flanges are integrally formed with the spine.
6. A ramp kerb according to claim 5 that has a constant cross-sectional shape for substantially its entire length.
7. A ramp kerb according to any one of the preceding claims wherein opposed surfaces defining the distal end portion of the first flange are substantially planar.
8 A ramp comprising a ramp kerb according to any one of the preceding claims and a ramp member having a longitudinally extending edge supported within the channel of the ramp kerb.
9 A ramp according to claim 8 comprising a ramp panel having an upper surface upon which a user may be supported in use and a plurality of legs, each leg projecting downwardly from the ramp panel to a distal free end of the leg.
10. A ramp according to claim 9 wherein each leg extends laterally across the ramp member and wherein the legs are spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction.
11. A ramp according to any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the first flange of the ramp kerb is fixed to the ramp member by way of a plurality of clinch fixings or by way of a plurality of self-piercing rivets.
12. A ramp according to any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein the ramp kerb is a first ramp kerb, and the longitudinally extending edge of the ramp member is a first longitudinally extending edge, and wherein the ramp further comprises a second ramp kerb and the ramp member comprises a second longitudinally extending edge, opposite the first longitudinally extending edge, that is supported in a channel of the second ramp kerb.
13. A method of assembling a ramp, the method comprising: inserting a longitudinally extending edge of a ramp member into the channel of a ramp kerb according to any one of claims 1 to 7; positioning one of a die and a punch on a surface of the distal end portion of the first flange of the ramp kerb; positioning the other of the die and punch on a surface of the ramp member opposing the surface of the first flange on which the die or punch is positioned; actuating the punch to punch and deform the first flange and the ramp member to fix the first flange and the ramp member together.
14. A method according to claim 13 further comprising, when actuating the punch, driving a self-piercing rivet into the first flange and the ramp member to fix the first flange and the ramp member together.