Movable ramp assembly
US5636399A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 10, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S414/134
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A movable ramp assembly is provided that can be securely stored and safely and reliably operated. The ramp assembly includes a platform that is conveniently stored to travel with a vehicle and deployed in a motion pattern to allow the passage of passengers across the platform into and out of the vehicle. The motion pattern includes an upwardly inclined motion and a downwardly inclined motion which together accommodate most uneven terrain on which the vehicle may be parked. In the disclosed embodiment, the motion pattern of the platform is faciliated by cam guides formed within side beams of a mounting structure and cam followers provided on bracket arms supporting the platform at one end. As the cam followers follow the cam guides, the platform is pitched upwardly at an incline and then downwardly at an incline when the platform is deployed from storage. As part of the top panel of the mounting structure, a hinged panel is provided, having multiple functions. In the disclosed embodiment, the hinged panel is substantially horizontal when the platform is stored so as to serve as part of the operating passenger floor with the top panel. When the platform is deployed; however, the hing…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.