Compact folding aircraft passenger ramp
US6676358B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 13, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64F1/315
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A mobile passenger ramp for loading and unloading aircraft, the ramp comprising having upper and lower frame sections connected pivotally so that the ramp can be folded for storage or movement about the tarmac and unfolded at an obtuse angle to form a wide “footprint” to provide wind or jet blast stability. An arcuate surface bridges between the ramps of the two frames when unfolded. The compact ramp remains safely clear of a “No-Go” zone while still being sufficiently long to minimize the slope of the ramp for improved ease of use by passengers, either ambulatory or in wheelchairs. A steerable wheel at one end of the ramp enables rotation of one frame about the pivoting connection for folding and unfolding the frames. Fixed wheels on the upper frame and a castored wheel positioned near the pivot point on the lower frame provide stability and easy maneuverability of the folded ramp.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.