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WO1993000288A1 - Rampe pour vehicules - Google Patents

Rampe pour vehicules Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993000288A1
WO1993000288A1 PCT/GB1992/001161 GB9201161W WO9300288A1 WO 1993000288 A1 WO1993000288 A1 WO 1993000288A1 GB 9201161 W GB9201161 W GB 9201161W WO 9300288 A1 WO9300288 A1 WO 9300288A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
ramp
ground
support frame
tilting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB1992/001161
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
John Winston Childs
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB919113812A external-priority patent/GB9113812D0/en
Priority claimed from GB9122470A external-priority patent/GB2257411B/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of WO1993000288A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993000288A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F7/00—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts
    • B66F7/24—Lifting frames, e.g. for lifting vehicles; Platform lifts for raising or lowering vehicles by their own power
    • B66F7/243—Ramps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a ramp for elevating a vehicle such as a car or van from the ground to allow inspection and/or work to be carried out on the lower part of the vehicle.
  • Vehicle ramps which comprise a vehicle support frame in the general shape of an inverted triangle, the base of which forms a vehicle supporting surface and the apex of which defines a fulcrum point about which the ramp can pivot between a tilted loading position and a position in which the vehicle supporting surface is generally parallel to the ground.
  • Such ramps are disclosed in GB-A-2047196 and GB-A-2153338.
  • a disadvantage of such ramps is that once the centre of gravity of the vehicle has passed over the fulcrum point, tilting of the ramp towards the horizontal point can be rapid and uncontrolled leading to a substantial impact as the forward support legs of the ramp come into contact with the ground. This can be unnerving to the driver of the vehicle and, over a period, could result in damage to the ramp and/or the vehicle.
  • the invention provides a vehicle ramp comprising a support frame having a vehicle supporting surface and. on its underside, a ⁇ round-engaging surface which has a downwardly convex ⁇ enerally arcuate profile about which the support frame can roll from a tilted first position, in which a vehicle can mount the ramp, to a second position, in which the vehicle is substantially parallel to the ground and is elevated therefrom, the ground engaging surface being disposed such that a turning force to tilt the support frame between first and second positions is provided by the advancing of the centre of gravity of the vehicle along the supporting surface.
  • the arcuate ground-engaging surface is substantially continuously in contact with the ground as the support frame tilts between the two positions.
  • the radius of curvature of the ground-engaging surface is chosen such that it is ⁇ reater in dimension than the vertical height of the vehicle supporting surface from the around in the said second position.
  • the radius of the arcuate surface will be ⁇ reater than 1.5 metres, the actual radius dependin ⁇ UDO ⁇ th ⁇ length of the ramp. More usually, it will be 1.75 metres or more, for example between 1.8 and 1.9 metres.
  • the invention provides a vehicle ramp comprising a support frame having a vehicle supporting surface and. on its underside, a ground- en ⁇ a ⁇ in ⁇ surface about which the support frame can roll from a tilted first position, in which a vehicle can mount the ramp, to a second position, in which the vehicle is substantially parallel to the ground and is elevated therefrom, the ground engaging surface having a curvature and/or being formed of a material such that the surface is substantially continuously in contact with the ground as the support frame tilts between the two positions: the ground-engaging surface being disposed such that a turning force to tilt the support frame between the first and second positions is provided by the advancing of the centre of gravity of the vehicle along the supporting surface.
  • the ground-engaging surface can be formed, at least in part, of a resilientl defor ably material such as a rubber, or it can be formed from a substantially rigid material. Where it is formed, at least in part, of a resilientlv deformable material, the material deforms when comoressed so as to increase the area of contact of the surface with the ground as the ramp rolls about the ground-engaging surface between the two positions. In one embodiment, substantially the entire ground-engaging surface is formed from the resiliently deformable material.
  • the resilience of the material means that a resistance to the rolling motion of the ramp between the first and second positions is imparted, the extent of the resistance depending upon inter alia the particular nature of the resiliently deformable material and the thickness of the material.
  • the resiliently deformable surface may take the form of a "tyre" secured to a supporting member.
  • the supporting member can have a downwardly convex generally arcuate profile, in which case the resiliently deformable material typically would be of uniform thickness along the length of the arc, or it may be, for example, substantially planar. In such a case, the resiliently deformable material can be configured so as to present an arcuate profile when secured to the support member.
  • the nature and configuration of the resiliently deformable material is preferably selected such that when the material is compressed by the load of a vehicle on the ramp, the area of contact between the ground-engaging surface and the ground corresponds to at least 10%, preferably at least 25%. and most preferably at least 50% of the total area of the ground -engaging surface at rest (i.e. in a non-compressed state).
  • the action of the resiliently deformable material in slowing the tilting of the ramp can be likened to the action of a deflated car tyre, in increasing the resistance to movement of the car wheels.
  • the ramp be provided with means for arresting rearwards tilting of the support frame as the frame is tilted between the first and second positions.
  • Such means can take the form of a ground-engaging member located between the ground engaging surface and the loading end of the ramp, the ground-engaging member being brought into contact with the ground as tilting commences and remaining in contact with the ground during substantially the entire tilting movement.
  • the ground-engaging member can take the form of a resilient (e.g. rubber) body which acts as a cushion against any rearward tilting of the ramp.
  • the ground-engaging member can take the form of, for example, an eccentric cam pivotably mounted on the frame for rotation during the tilting of the ramp such that a surface of the cam remains in contact with the ground during tilting thereby to define a stop to prevent r ⁇ arward tilting.
  • a ground-engaging member include a support leg which can be slideably mounted or pivotably mounted on the frame to be brought into engagement with the ground as tilting commences. Such a support leg suitably is designed to be locked against retraction in the event that an unwanted reverse turning force is applied to the ramp.
  • the ground-engaging member comprises a pivotably mounted support leg and a ratchet mechanism which enables downwards pivotal motion of the support leg into a ground engaging position but prevents retraction of the support leg.
  • the ground-engaging member comprises a ground engaging pin slideably received within a sleeve or sheath mounted on the support frame; the pin being extensible from the sleeve to engage and remain in contact with the ground as the support frame tilts between first and second positions, but being lockable in an extended position, in response to the application of a reverse turning force on the ramp, thereby to arrest rearwards tilting of the support frame towards the first position.
  • the vehicle ramp may be constructed so as to support all the wheels of a vehicle, or may be constructed so as to support the wheels on only one side of the vehicle, in which case a pair of such ramps will be used. Where a pair of ramps is used, it is preferred that they are secured together in some way, for example by means of at least one linking member, e.g. a rod, tube, bar or the like. Such an arrangement is more stable and. moreover, enables the lateral distance between the ramps to be fixed for a given type of vehicle.
  • a linking member e.g. a rod, tube, bar or the like.
  • the vehicle ramp can have an inverted generally triangular form when viewed from the side in which case it is generally necessary to provide supports under at least one end of the support frame in order to prevent the ramp from tilting away from the desired (e.g. horizontal) position when the vehicle is in the elevated position.
  • the distal end of the support frame i.e. the end remote from the end at which the vehicle mounts the ramp, may be provided with a set of fixed supports e.g. support legs.
  • the proximal end i.e. the end at which the vehicle mounts the ramp, can be provided with supports which are collapsible to allow the support frame to be tilted into the first (i.e.
  • collapsible supports can take the form of legs pivotably connected to the support frame to swing downwardly into a supporting position when the support frame is tilted away from the first or loading position.
  • the collapsible supports can take the form of a portion of the proximal end of the ramp which is pivotably linked to the remainder of the ramp and can be folded down to form the collapsible support after the vehicle has mounted the ramp and has been elevated into the horizontal position.
  • the proximal end of the vehicle supporting surface is configured such that in the tilted first (i.e. loading) position, it presents a less steeply inclined portion to assist the vehicle to mount the ramp.
  • the present invention provides a vehicle ramp of generally inverted triangular shape with the base of the triangle serving as a supporting surface for a vehicle: the ramp having in the region of its apex a ground-engaging surface having a downwardly convex arcuate profile about which the ramp can be tilted from a first position in which one side of the triangle is in ground contact and a second position in which the base of the triangle lies generally horizontal; the ramp being provided with means for arresting rearwards rocking of the ramp, the said means comprising a member extensible from the said one side to engage and maintain contact with the ground during the tilting of the ramp between the first and second positions, to define a stop which arrests rearward tilting towards the first position.
  • FIGS. 1A to 1G illustrate, schematically, the general principles of construction and operation of the apparatus ;
  • Figure 2 is a side elevation of one embodiment:
  • Fi ⁇ ure 3 is an end view of the embodiment of Fi ⁇ ur ⁇
  • Figure 4 is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure
  • Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of part of a side elevation of the embodiment of Figure 2, illustrating in particular the attachment of a pivotably mounted support leg;
  • Figure 6 is a partial side view illustrating a modification to the support leg of Figure 5?
  • Figures 7A and 7B are partial side elevations illustrating in more detail the arrangement of the ground- engaging arcuate surface.
  • Figures 8A. and 8B are partial side sectional views of a modification to the embodiment shown in Figure 7:
  • Figure 9A is a partial sectional view along the line A-A in Figure 8A:
  • Figures 9B and 9C are partial sectional views along the line A-A in Fi ⁇ ure 8B:
  • Figure 10 is a schematic view from the side of a modified embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 11 is a partial side view in section of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10;
  • Figure 12 is a plan view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 11.
  • FIGS 1A to 1G illustrate one embodiment of the invention in schematic form.
  • a support frame SM having a vehicle- supporting surface S.
  • the support member in this embodiment has a longitudinal cross-section of inverted triangular shape, with the base of the triangle serving as the vehicle-supporting surface S.
  • a ground-engaging foot F Located adjacent the apex A is a ground-engaging foot F which has a ground- engaging lower surface AS of arcuate profile about which the support frame SM can be tilted.
  • the apex A of the triangle in this case defines the proximal end of the surface AS.
  • the support frame SM is shown in a tilted first position wherein the end PE is in contact with the ground.
  • the surface S thus constitutes a ramp up and along which a vehicle may be driven or otherwise manoeuvred.
  • the portion R of the surface S adjacent the end PE is set at a slight angle (e.g. 2 to 10° , preferably approximately 2° to 4°) with respect to the rest of the surface S, and the reason for this is to provide a less steeply inclined ramp section to facilitate movement of a vehicle onto the ramp.
  • a supporting leg Li At the other end DE (the distal end) of the support member SM is affixed a supporting leg Li .
  • a vehicle is driven or manoeuvred onto the ramp surface S via the less steeply inclined portion R.
  • the centre of gravity C of the vehicle lies between the vertical plane P (which is the plane extending vertically from the proximal end A of the arcuate surface AS) and the proximal end of the ramp PE and thus there is no turning force to cause the support member SM to tilt.
  • the centre of gravity C of the vehicle V passes through the plane P, the turning force due to the weight of the vehicle V causes the support member SM to roll about the surface AS such that the distal end DE of the ramp moves nearer to the ground whilst the proximal end PE is lifted away from the ground.
  • the support member continues to tilt until a point is eventually reached where it is in a substantially horizontal position, further tilting motion being prevented by means of the support leg Li .
  • the surface AS maintains contact with the ground throughout, the point of contact with the ground advancing progressively along the surface as the support member tilts.
  • the proximal end of the support member SM is also provided with a support leg L2 which can be moved into a generally vertical supporting position once support member SM has attained a horizontal position or can be constructed so as to be lowered automatically (e.g. under the influence of gravity) during the tilting movement of the support frame SM.
  • the vehicle may be driven or manoeuvred onto the ramp until its centre of gravity is just behind (or lies in) the vertical plane P.
  • the turning force needed to initiate tilting movement is relatively small, and can be provided manually, for example with the aid of removable or telescopic lever arms LA extending from the distal end DE of the ramp SM.
  • the centre of gravity C passes through plane P and thereafter the weight of the vehicle provides the turning force necessary to tilt the ramp into the horizontal position (see Figure 1G) .
  • the support leg 2 is removed or retracted and the vehicle is moved back along the ramp towards the end PE.
  • the centre of gravity C of the vehicle passes through the plane P. so the support member SM tilts in the reverse direction until the end PE comes into contact with the ground, at which point the vehicle can be moved off of the ramp.
  • the support frame is constructed so as to allow free access to the underside of the vehicle. It can be a unitary member, or it can take the form of two laterally spaced discrete support frames, each defining a track or ramp for the train of wheels along one side of the vehicle.
  • the support member comprises two laterally spaced support frames with one or more connecting members extending therebetween.
  • the connecting members provide a means of fixing the distance between the supports and can be provided with adjustment means to enable the distance to be varied to suit the type of vehicle.
  • FIGS. 2 to 7 illustrate in more detail the construction of an apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the invention.
  • the apparatus comprises two individual support frames generally designated 1, which are secured together at positions X and Y by transverse members 2 and 3.
  • Each support member 1 comprises an open framework which is generally in the shape of an inverted triangle.
  • Each frame is formed from parallel pairs of upper supporting members 4; parallel pairs of lower supporting members 5 and parallel pairs of lower supporting members 6.
  • members 5 and 6 are conveniently secured to members 4 by means of welded joints.
  • Pairs of parallel frame members 4, 5 and 6 are secured together by means of cross slats 7 which, in this embodiment, are formed from metal of angular section and are welded to the frame members 4, 5 and 6.
  • the cross slats 7 support the vehicle wheels.
  • Frame members 4, 5 and 6 are tied together by means of reinforcing struts 8 which can be welded thereto.
  • a "hub” assembly 31 (shown in phantom) connects frame members 5, 6 and 8 at the apex of the triangle.
  • a "shoe ⁇ like" structure 28 comprising a lower wall 29 of arcuate profile, an end wall 30 and side walls 33. As is illustrated, when the ramp is in the horizontal position, the end 29b of the arcuate lower wall 29 is in contact with the ground.
  • the triangle i.e.
  • rails 13 Disposed above the frame members 4, generally parallel thereto, are rails 13 which are secured to the supporting members 4 by means of end posts 14 and the upstanding support posts 15.
  • the purpose of the rails 13 is to prevent the vehicle from slipping sideways off the ramp.
  • the cross member 16 linking the end posts 14 prevents the vehicle from slipping off, or over-running, the distal end of the ramp.
  • the rails 13 are shown as being continuous along the length of the frame member 4. However, rail 13 could equally well be discontinuous, extending for only a portion, or portions, of the length of member 4. Preferably, a length of rail 13 is provided in the vicinity of the proximal end so as to guide the wheels of the vehicle on to the ramp.
  • a tubular socket 24 Secured beneath the upper supporting members 4, (e.g. by means of welded joints to members 8, 9a and 12) and substantially parallel thereto is a tubular socket 24 which provide a housing for levering arm 23.
  • the levering arm 23 can be extended telescopically from the housing 24 when it is required to impart a manual turning force to the ramp, as will be described below.
  • the socket 24 may be omitted if desired, since, in general, the weight of the vehicle will provide sufficient turning force to tilt the ramp.
  • the proximal end of the ramp i.e, the end at which the vehicle mounts the ramp
  • there is a slight inflexion I in member 4 such that the end is tilted upwards slightly by an angle of about 2° to 10° , for example about 4° , for reasons which are explained above.
  • the slats 7a linking the proximal ends of the upper frame members 4 are of a flattened construction so as to ease the passage of the vehicle on to the ramp.
  • the two support frames 1 are secured together by means of at least two transverse members 2 and 3, one of which is located in the vicinity of the distal end immediately beneath upper frame member 4, and the other of which extends between the support frames 1 towards the proximal end.
  • transverse members 2 and 3 one of which is located in the vicinity of the distal end immediately beneath upper frame member 4, and the other of which extends between the support frames 1 towards the proximal end.
  • the connection between the transverse members and the support frames conveniently is made adjustable so that the lateral distance between the support frames 1 can be varied to accommodate different makes of car or other vehicle.
  • the distance between the support frames 1 could be made variable simply by providing telescoping transverse members 2 and 3.
  • the support leg 17, which is shown in phantom in Figure 2 and in ⁇ reater detail in Figures 5 and 6. comprises two substantially parallel members 18, each having a cranked upper portion 18a and the ends of each being linked by cross members 19 of similar angular section to the slats 7.
  • the cross member 19 When the support leg 17 is in the retracted position, the cross member 19 functions as a support slat.
  • the lower part 18b of each parallel member 18 is cranked in the opposite direction, a feature which serves to prevent the leg from slippin ⁇ beneath the ramp when the ramp is in the elevated position.
  • a cross member 20 of similar angular section to the slats links parallel members 18 at a position between the pivot mounting and the end 18b. for reasons which will be explained below.
  • a ratchet arm 21 which is pivotally mounted on the support frame for rotation about an axis offset from the pivot axis of the leg 17.
  • the ratchet arm 21 comprises two substantially parallel members 22 linked by cross members 23 which, in this embodiment, are len ⁇ ths of cylindrical rod welded to one edge of each member 22. Additional cross members can be provided between parallel members 22 if re ⁇ uired.
  • the ends 24 of the members 22 remote from the pivot mounting have a generally triangular recess 25 such that the ends 24 function as a pawl which can engage the cross member 20 to hold the leg 17 in its retracted position.
  • the arm 21 is lifted to disengage cross member 20 from the pawl.
  • the cross member 23 and arm 21 then cooperate with the angle section cross member 20 to provide a ratchet mechanism which allows the leg 17 to be pivoted downwardly but prevents the reverse pivotal movement.
  • the inclined outer surface 25 of the cross member 20 slides successively over each of the cylindrical cross members 23 as the leg 17 pivots downwardly.
  • the ratchet arm could be provided with a series of teeth cut into the members 22 in conventional fashion.
  • a ground-engaging assembly 28 comprising a lower wall 29, formed of metal (e.g. steel) strip, which defines an arcuate "cam surface” on the underside of the apparatus, and an end wall 30.
  • Lower wall 29 is welded to the "hub" 31 which, in this embodiment, is in the form of a tubular member of irre ⁇ ular hexagonal cross section although it could in principle be of circular (as shown in Fi ⁇ ure 2 and schematically in Figure 7B) or regular polygonal cross section- Lower support members 5 and 6 and the supporting struts 8 are fastened to the "hub" member 31.
  • the lower surface of wall 29 has a sligh curvature, the radius of which is r ⁇ .
  • the lateral edges of the lower wall 29 and the end wall 30 are affixed (e.g. by welding) to side plates 33 to form a shoe-like construction which encloses the hub assembly 31.
  • the lateral walls of the hub 31 are also welded to the inner surfaces of side plates 33.
  • the proximal end 29a of the lower surface of wall 29 is in contact with the ground and the distal end 29b of the surface is slightly elevated above the ground.
  • the support member SM will begin to tilt and roll about the curved surface of 29. the end 29a lifting from the ground. Further forward movement of the vehicle will cause the support frame SM to continue to roll about the curved surface until the point end 29b comes into contact with the ground. at which point the support frame is in the horizontal position, as shown in Figure 7A.
  • the presence of the curved wall 29 serves to prevent rapid and relatively uncontrolled descent of the distal end DE of the supporting member SM, and enables the vehicle to be advanced along the ramp until the ramp reaches the horizontal position. In such a case, the turning force necessary to tilt the ramp from the loading position to the horizontal position is supplied entirely by the vehicle, no levering arms being necessary.
  • the leg 17 pivots downwardly to contact the ground under the influence of gravity as the support frame tilts away from the loading position, and continues to pivot downwardly, so as to remain in contact with the ground, as the support frame tilts towards the horizontal position. If at any time during the tilting process, the movement of the vehicle along the ramp were to take place in a jerking or stuttering fashion, this would result, in the absence of a trailing leg 17, in a violent rocking motion being imparted to the ramp. However, the presence of the ratchet mechanism prevents the support frame tilting backwards and thereby prevents the onset of the aforesaid rocking motion .
  • FIG. 7A An alternative anti-rocking mechanism (which may be used in combination with the mechanism shown in Fi ⁇ ure 6) is illustrated in Figure 7A.
  • the alternative mechanism comprises a sheath or sleeve 34 secured, e.g. by welding, to a side wall 33 of the ground-engaging assembly between the proximal end 29a of the arcuate surface and the proximal end of the ramp.
  • the sheath or sleeve 34 may be mounted on a cross member extending between pairs of frame members 6, or pairs of frame members 8.
  • Slideably located within the sheath is a metal pin 35, the axis of which forms an angle with respect to the frame member 6. The angle is typically in the range 30° to 50° (preferably approximately 46° ) .
  • the pin 35 slides downwardly under the force of gravity such that its end 35a remains in contact with the ground throughout substantially the entire tilting process.
  • the pin would act as a stop to orevent the ramp from tilting back towards the loading position. In this way, any rocking movement of the ramp would be minimised or avoided altogether.
  • the angle at which the pin 35 and the sheath 34 are set is an angle which is sufficient]y steep so that the pin will slide downwardly from the sheath under the influence of gravity, but is sufficiently shallow that a reverse turning force applied to the ramp will not result in the pin being forced upwardly into the sheath. Instead, the pin is forced against the wall of the sheath and the frictional force between pin and sheath wall prevents retraction of the pin.
  • Fi ⁇ ure 8A is a partial view in section of a modified ground-engaging assembly similar to that disclosed in Figure 7A, but differing in that the lower wall 29 of the assembly has secured to its lower surface a "tyre" or cushioning strip 36 formed from a resiliently deformable material such as rubber.
  • Figure 8A illustrates the assembly before the lower surface of the cushioning strip 36 has come into contact with the ground. As the ramp is tilted, so the ground-engaging assembly 28, and more particularly the cushioning strip 36 comes into contact with the ground.
  • strip 36 is compressed between the ground and the wall 29, and deforms such that a length 37 to 39 of the lower surface of the strip is in contact with the ground. A bulge 37 is formed forwardly of the area of contact with the ground.
  • the thickness and composition of the str ⁇ p 36 is typically such that length 37 to 39 constitutes at least 25% and preferably 50% of the overall length of the wall 29.
  • the resilience of the strip 36 provides a resistance to the rolling motion to the ramp about the ground- engaging assembly and thereby slows the descent of the distal end of the ramp still further.
  • the layer 36 need not extend along the entire length of wall 29 and could extend for only a part of its length.
  • wall 29 need not necessarily be arcuate in profile. It could, for example, have a planar lower surface; with the strip 36 being configured as as to present an arcuate lower surface.
  • the lower surface need not be arcuate at all, provided that it remains in contact with the ground throughout the tilting motion of the ramp, with the area of contact with the ground advancing progressively along the lower surface as the ramp is tilted.
  • the strip 36 may be provided with ridges, projections or indentations of various configurations, for example in the manner of a tyre.
  • the strip 36 need not be solid but could, depending upon the materials used, be provided with internal hollows.
  • Fi ⁇ ure 9A illustrates a view in cross-section alon ⁇ line A-A in Figure 8A.
  • the "tyre" or cushioning strip is secured to the outer edge of the wall 29, by means of adhesive 40 and a bolt 41 set into a recess 42 in the underside of the tyre.
  • the tyre In its relaxed state, the tyre has a tapering cross- section, but as illustrated in Figure 9B, which is a view in cross-section along line A-A of Figure 8B, it can be seen that under compression, the walls 44 of the tyre bulge to increase the area of contact with the ground.
  • FIG. 9C An alternative method of fixing the tyre to the underside of wall 29 is illustrated in Figure 9C, where it can be seen that the tyre 36 is set into a track defined by parallel flanged walls 45 preferably an adhesive layer 40 is also used.
  • Figure 10 illustrates in schematic form an embodiment of the ramp in which a portion 51 of the proximal end of the ramp is pivotably linked to the remainder of the ramp body and can be pivoted downwardly to function as a support leg when the ramp is in the horizontal loaded position.
  • Figures 11 and 12 illustrate in more detail the construction of the embodiment shown schematically in Figure 10.
  • the ramp has frame members 54 and 56 which correspond to the frame members 4 and 6 in Figure 2.
  • Frame members 54 and 56 have inwardly inclined end portions 57 and 58 which converge and are welded together at 59.
  • a cross member 60 bridge the parallel pairs of frame members at 59.
  • Welded to the cross-member 61 and the abutting ends of frame members 54 and 56 are links of tubing 62 and 63 of circular internal cross-section. These are formed preferably of steel.
  • the length of tubing 62 and 63 function as part of the hinge, as will now be explained.
  • a structure 51 Pivotably connected to the frame members 54 and 56 , by means of a hinge arrangement, is a structure 51, which comprises parallel pairs of frame members 64 and 66. Each member 64 is secured to its corresponding member 66 (e.g. by welding) at one end 65 and is further linked by members 67 and 68 welded therebetween.
  • a cross-member 69 links the ends of members 64 whilst frame member 66 has an inclined portion 70 which is fixed to length of tubing 71 of circular internal corss-section. Tubing 71 is also welded to the underside of cross-member 69.
  • length of tubing 71 is aligned with lengths 62 and 63 and a hinge pin 72 is located within the walls of the three lengths of tubing.
  • a hole 73 is provided in length of tubing 62 for a retaining clip for the hinge pin.
  • An arrestor or safety stop 74 is provided which comprises members 75 and 76 which extend in a direction parallel to frame members 64, and are braced by cross members 77 and 78. The ends 79 and 80 are welded to the tubing 71. As illustrated in Figure 11, when the end part 51 is pivoted downwardly the arrestor assembly 74 is elevated above the supporting surface of the ramp so as to prevent the wheels of a vehicle from running off the end of the ramp.
  • a locking mechanism maybe provided to lock the portion 51 in the extended and /or folded positions.
  • the advantage of the arrangement shown in Figures 10 to 12 is that it enables the ramp to be used in a situation where space is at a premium, for example, in the domestic household garage.
  • the overall length of the ramp must be such that the vehicle can mount the ramp fully before tilting occurs, but once the ramp has been loaded and tilted into its elevated position, the surplus length of ramp at the proximal end can be folded down to fulfil the twin functions of reducing the length of the ramp and providing a steadying leg.
  • the apparatus of the present invention can be constructed such that although sufficiently strong to take the weight of a vehicle, it is light enough to be moved around a workshop without difficulty. It can be made portable, for example, by virtue of the individual support frame members being releasably secured together, e.g. bolted together.
  • the apparatus can be supplied prefabricated, or in kit form, and the present invention comprehends the provision of a kit of parts for making up to form the apparatus.
  • the dimensions of the apparatus will depend upon the size and shape of the vehicle that it is intended to support. However, the various members of the apparatus may be interconnected in an adjustable manner in order to allow the dimensions to be varied to accommodate a range of different vehicles.
  • a mirror may be attached to the apparatus in such a position as to assist the driver of a vehicle to see whether he is mounting the ramp correctly.
  • a further modification to the apparatus would be the provision of a further supporting member extending between the two support frames, upon which a jack could be mounted for lifting and supporting the vehicle, for example to enable a wheel to be removed. All such modifications are within the scope of this application.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Methods And Devices For Loading And Unloading (AREA)

Abstract

Rampe pour véhicules comportant un cadre de support (1) doté d'une surface (4, 7) porteuse de véhicules et, sur sa face inférieure, d'une surface (29) en prise avec le sol et présentant un profil généralement arqué dont la convexité est tournée vers le bas et autour de laquelle peut rouler le cadre de support (1) entre une première position inclinée, dans laquelle un véhicule peut monter sur la rampe, et une seconde position, dans laquelle le véhicule est sensiblement parallel au sol et surélevé par rapportà ce dernier, ladite surface (29) en prise avec le sol étant configurée de telle sorte que la force de rotation faisant basculer le cadre de support (1) entre la première et la seconde positions est fournie par l'avance du véhicule sur la surface porteuse du centre de gravité.
PCT/GB1992/001161 1991-06-27 1992-06-26 Rampe pour vehicules Ceased WO1993000288A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB919113812A GB9113812D0 (en) 1991-06-27 1991-06-27 A vehicle ramp
GB9113812.3 1991-06-27
GB9118170.1 1991-08-23
GB919118170A GB9118170D0 (en) 1991-06-27 1991-08-23 A vehicle ramp
GB9122470.9 1991-10-23
GB9122470A GB2257411B (en) 1991-06-27 1991-10-23 A vehicle ramp

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1993000288A1 true WO1993000288A1 (fr) 1993-01-07

Family

ID=27265730

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB1992/001161 Ceased WO1993000288A1 (fr) 1991-06-27 1992-06-26 Rampe pour vehicules

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1993000288A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1046778C (zh) * 1993-10-22 1999-11-24 普罗克特和甘保尔公司 含有可生物降解的化学柔软成分和粘结剂材料的多层搽面纸产品
EP3647254A1 (fr) * 2018-10-29 2020-05-06 Andreas Krause Dispositif de levage pour véhicules

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE347954A (fr) *
FR332074A (fr) * 1903-05-14 1903-10-15 William Robert Webb Appareil pour soulever les voitures et automobiles en vue de leur inspection ou de leur réparation
FR560060A (fr) * 1922-12-20 1923-09-28 élévateur à bascule pour motocyclettes, cycle-cars, side-cars, automobiles et autres véhicules
US1566427A (en) * 1924-06-21 1925-12-22 Lawrence E Coker Automobile lift
FR682568A (fr) * 1929-08-06 1930-05-30 Basculeur permettant le remplacement des fosses dans la réparation des voitures automobiles
FR737970A (fr) * 1931-09-30 1932-12-19 Metallurg D Auvergne Atel Pont de levage à bascule et à chute amortie pour automobiles
FR1058318A (fr) * 1951-06-23 1954-03-16 Système de levage à basculement pour l'entretien des véhicules automobiles
FR1306442A (fr) * 1961-11-17 1962-10-13 élévateur basculant pour voitures automobiles
US3693818A (en) * 1971-07-27 1972-09-26 Raymond E Teagarden Trailer stand for installing automobile muffler
GB2047196A (en) * 1979-04-12 1980-11-26 Samuel R G Vehicle lifting devices
GB2134482A (en) * 1982-12-03 1984-08-15 Clive Rawlinson Paige Apparatus for self-elevation of vehicles

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
BE347954A (fr) *
FR332074A (fr) * 1903-05-14 1903-10-15 William Robert Webb Appareil pour soulever les voitures et automobiles en vue de leur inspection ou de leur réparation
FR560060A (fr) * 1922-12-20 1923-09-28 élévateur à bascule pour motocyclettes, cycle-cars, side-cars, automobiles et autres véhicules
US1566427A (en) * 1924-06-21 1925-12-22 Lawrence E Coker Automobile lift
FR682568A (fr) * 1929-08-06 1930-05-30 Basculeur permettant le remplacement des fosses dans la réparation des voitures automobiles
FR737970A (fr) * 1931-09-30 1932-12-19 Metallurg D Auvergne Atel Pont de levage à bascule et à chute amortie pour automobiles
FR1058318A (fr) * 1951-06-23 1954-03-16 Système de levage à basculement pour l'entretien des véhicules automobiles
FR1306442A (fr) * 1961-11-17 1962-10-13 élévateur basculant pour voitures automobiles
US3693818A (en) * 1971-07-27 1972-09-26 Raymond E Teagarden Trailer stand for installing automobile muffler
GB2047196A (en) * 1979-04-12 1980-11-26 Samuel R G Vehicle lifting devices
GB2134482A (en) * 1982-12-03 1984-08-15 Clive Rawlinson Paige Apparatus for self-elevation of vehicles

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN1046778C (zh) * 1993-10-22 1999-11-24 普罗克特和甘保尔公司 含有可生物降解的化学柔软成分和粘结剂材料的多层搽面纸产品
EP3647254A1 (fr) * 2018-10-29 2020-05-06 Andreas Krause Dispositif de levage pour véhicules

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