Patent · US Expired

Compact moveable ramp assembly

US5832555A · kind A · utility

64Cited by
21References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 24, 1997
Grant dateNov 10, 1998
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 24, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S414/134
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A compact movable ramp assembly is provided that can be securely stored beneath a vehicle floor and safely and reliably operated. The ramp assembly comprises a mounting structure having a series of top panels that form the vehicle floor. The ramp assembly also includes a moveable platform that deploys outward from the mounting structure forming an extended ramp from the ground level to the vehicle to allow the passage of passengers across the platform into and out of the vehicle. The compact design of the ramp assembly is achieved by enclosing the motor unit within the ramp assembly and positioning the drive mechanism above the moveable platform but below the top panels of the mounting structure. The platform is formed of two portions pivotally connected by a hinge which enables the platform to pivot downward and allows the ramp assembly to be used in partial stages of deployment.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.