US 6,345,950 B1Granted

Telescoping ramp comprised of modular units

OwnerWilliam Gerwitzinventor

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Abstract

A ramp assembly for spanning between a first lower surface and a second relatively elevated upper surface defined by a structure having at least two elongated runners in telescoping relation relative to each other. The ramp assembly includes at least two elongated runners, preferably formed of a light weight structural plastic or aluminum, and an angular support member integral with each end of each runner for engaging the upper surface and lower surface of a platform. Thus, upon extension and placement of the ramp assembly in an inclined orientation relative to such platforms, each end thereof forms a secure and slip resistant attachment to such platform. The assembly can also include an additional runner disposed intermediate between each of the two runners. In this latter assembly configuration, each of two end runners are similarly configured, relative to said intermediate runner, to engage and support the intermediate runner, both in the compact and extended configuration. The ramp surface finish is textured or covered with a slip resistance material to afford traction and thereby controlled access and egress between the surfaces at either end thereof.

In a ramp assembly having a plurality of interlocking, telescoping runners wherein each of said runners of said assembly slidingly engaged another so as to permit relative, reciprocal extension and retraction therebetween, wherein the improvement comprises:

a modular ramp assembly having at least two elongated runners, wherein each of said runners, slidingly engage a complementary member along each lateral border thereof so as to permit reciprocal extension and retraction of a member of a runner pair relative to another member of said runner pair upon placing said assembly in an inclined position,
wherein each complementary runner of said runner pair comprises a load bearing surface and interlocking profiles formed along each of said lateral borders of a runner surface, said interlocking profiles including a relatively flexible track or a relatively, non-confining channel formed along each lateral border of each member of said runner pair, so as to permit both (a) gravity deployment and extension of one runner relative to another upon inclination of the ramp and (b) binding engagement therebetween upon application of weight to said load bearing surface of said runner, so as to lock or arrest relative movement of said complementary runners in an extended position, independent of a channel stop,
said channel of said runner of said runner pair having a cross-sectional profile suitable for engaging a complementary track of another member of said runner pair without substantially confining movement of said track within said channel;
and
said track of said runner of said runner pair, being integral with said runner, and having a cross-sectional profile that is inclined less than 30 degrees to the vertical, relative to said cross-sectional profile of said channel of said runner of said complementary runner pair, so as to permit engagement and positive locking of said track within said channel in an extended position, without aid of a channel stop, upon application of weight on said load bearing surface of said runner.

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Abstract

Claims4