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US 2003/0210976 A1Published application
Foldable ramp
AssigneeRicon Corporation
InventorDmitry Koretsky
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A foldable wheelchair ramp is disclosed having a mountable base, a first ramp section and a second ramp section. In an extended configuration, the first and second ramp sections form a single, continuous ramp for facilitating wheelchair access to vehicles. For convenient storage, the first and second ramp sections fold with respect to each other and preferably retract into the vehicle floor such that, in the folded configuration, the top surface of the second ramp section lies substantially in the same plane as the vehicle floor. A linking assembly is provided to facilitate and control the folding of the ramp sections. For safety purposes, the ramp also includes a lid that covers the gaps between the ramp and the vehicle floor when the ramp is in an extended position.
Claims18
A foldable ramp for use in a vehicle having a floor, comprising:
- a power source;
- a base;
- a first ramp section proximal the base and a second ramp section distal the base, the first and second ramp sections each having a top and a bottom surface when in an unfolded condition;
- a linking assembly operatively connecting the first ramp section to the power actuating system, the linking assembly further having a fold facilitating arm connected to the second ramp section, wherein during folding, the fold facilitating arm causes the second ramp section to pivot with respect to the first ramp section;
- and
- a folded configuration wherein the bottom surface of the first ramp section is in a facing relationship with the bottom surface of the second ramp section, and wherein the bottom surfaces are substantially parallel to the vehicle floor.
3 more elements
A foldable ramp for use in a vehicle having a floor, comprising:
- a power source;
- a base;
- a first ramp section proximal the base and a second ramp section distal the base;
- a first linking assembly operatively connecting the first ramp section with the power source;
- and
- a fold facilitating arm having a wheel at a first end, the wheel engageable with a guide on the second ramp section, wherein in a folding process, the fold facilitating arm causes the wheel to move within the guide to control the motion of the second ramp section with respect to the first ramp section.
3 more elements
A foldable ramp for use in a vehicle having a floor, comprising:
- a power source;
- a base;
- a first ramp section proximal the base;
- a second ramp section distal the base and pivotably connected to the first ramp section;
- a driving arm operative connected to the power source;
- a driven arm having a first end pivotably connected to the driving arm and a second end pivotably connected to the first ramp section;
- and
- a fold facilitating arm having a first end pivotably connected to the first ramp section and a second end, the fold facilitating link having a wheel at the second end, the wheel engageable with a guide on the second ramp section.
5 more elements
A foldable ramp for use in a vehicle having a floor, comprising:
- a power source;
- a base;
- a first ramp section proximal the base;
- a second ramp section distal the base and pivotably connected to the first ramp section;
- a driving arm operative connected to the power source;
- a driven arm having a first end pivotably connected to the driving arm and a second end pivotably connected to the first ramp section;
- a fold facilitating arm having a first end pivotably connected to the first ramp section and a second end, the fold facilitating link having a wheel at the second end, the wheel engageable with a guide on the second ramp section;
- wherein during a folding process, the fold facilitating arm causes the second ramp section to pivot with respect to the first ramp section;
- and
- a folded configuration wherein the first and second ramp sections are substantially parallel to the vehicle floor.
7 more elements
A foldable ramp comprising:
- a base;
- a ramp;
- a linking assembly connecting the base to the ramp and pivotally moving the ramp with respect to the base;
- a storage area;
- a folded configuration wherein the linking assembly is at least partially housed in the storage area;
- an extended configuration wherein the storage area is empty;
- a storage area lid that covers the storage area in the extended configuration and uncovers the storage area in the folded configuration.
4 more elements
A foldable ramp comprising:
- a base;
- a ramp;
- a linking assembly connecting the base to the ramp and pivotally moving the ramp with respect to the base;
- a storage area;
- a folded configuration wherein the linking assembly is at least partially housed in the storage area;
- an extended configuration wherein the storage area is empty;
- a storage area lid that covers the storage area in the extended configuration and uncovers the storage area in the folded configuration;
- a support member pivotably connected to the base;
- a spring connecting the storage area lid to a first end of the support member;
- and
- wherein during an extending process, the linking assembly contacts the support member and causes the support member to pivot in a direction that closes the storage area lid.
8 more elements
A foldable ramp for use in a vehicle having a floor, comprising:
- a power source;
- a base;
- a first ramp section proximal the base;
- a second ramp section distal the base and pivotably connected to the first ramp section;
- a driving arm operative connected to the power source;
- a driven arm having a first end pivotably connected to the driving arm and a second end pivotably connected to the first ramp section;
- a fold facilitating arm having a first end pivotably connected to the first ramp section and a second end, the fold facilitating link having a wheel at the second end, the wheel engageable with a guide on the second ramp section;
- a storage area;
- wherein during a folding process, the fold facilitating arm causes the second ramp section to pivot with respect to the first ramp section and wherein at least one of the driving arm, driven arm, and fold facilitating arm is housed in the storage area;
- a folded configuration wherein the first and second ramp sections are substantially parallel to the vehicle floor;
- an extended configuration wherein the first and second ramp for a continuous ramp, and wherein the storage area is empty;
- and
- a storage area lid that covers the storage area in the extended configuration.
10 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.