Temporary ramp

Abstract

A temporary ramp having a plurality of segments coupled together by way of interlocking mating shapes located along the edges of adjacent ramp segments. Hinges couple adjacent ramp segments together. Fastener openings defined in the ramp segments allow a fastener to be fixed with the underlying roadway to help secure the ramp segment in position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to temporary ramps for use on roadways under construction, wherein the roadways have obstructions such as manhole structures which are temporarily positioned at slightly higher elevations than the existing roadway. [0002] During roadway construction, various structures such as manholes, storm sewer inlets and structures which allow access to water mains are constructed at a raised elevation corresponding to that of the finished roadway. The roadway is then built up such that the surface of the roadway is at the same elevation as the manholes, storm sewers and other structures, resulting in a smooth roadway with all structures being at the proper elevation. [0003] Other roadway construction projects involve removing the top layer of roadway by grinding and then replacing it with a new surface layer. Removal of the top layer of these roadways leaves the structures such as manholes and sewer inlets slightly elevated. These eleva...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The present invention provides a temporary ramp adapted for use on roadways under construction. The roadways have elevated obstructions such as manholes located in the roadway. The temporary ramp includes a plurality of elastomeric ramp segments positioned adjacent each other, each having a lower surface which contacts the roadway when installed and an upper inclined surface that vehicle wheels contact during use. The ramp segments each have at least one edge portion along which each ramp segment is coupled with an adjacent ramp segment during use. The ramp segments are positionable adjacent the elevated obstruction for allowing vehicles traveling the roadway to ride up and over the elevated obstruction.

[0009] The ramp segments are removably coupled together by way of interlocking mating shapes which are formed in abutting edge portions of adjacent ramp segments. The mating shapes comprise male and female shapes which fit together to secure the adjacent ramp segments together when the ramp segments are installed for use on a roadway under construction. The mating shapes extend substantially the entire vertical height of the edge portions of the ramp segments proximate the mating shape. The temporary ramp can be disassembled so that the ramp segments are detached from each other, thereby allowing an operator to handle individual ramp segments. This allows a single operator to assemble and disassemble an entire temporary ramp relatively easily. And the temporary ramp according to the present invention is re-usable so that materials are not wasted.

[0010] The ramp segments can be provided with a core of rigid and relatively heavy material such as metal that adds weight to the segment for helping the segment resist shifting that may be caused by forces imparted by vehicles traveling over the temporary ramp.

[0011] Hinge mechanisms can be positioned between adjacent edge portions of adjacent ramp segments for allowing the adjacent ramp segments to pivot with respect to one another when removed from the roadway. The hinges allow an operator to fold adjacent ramp segments about the hinge axis to allow an operator to transport the ramp segments relatively easily.

[0012] The ramp segments according to the present invention can also include fastener openings through which fasteners can be positioned. Fasteners positioned within the fastener openings can be coupled with the roadway beneath the ramp segments and operatively abut the ramp segments to help the ramp segments resist shifting due to forces transmitted to the ramp segments by vehicles traveling across the temporary ramp. Fasteners such as nails can be placed within the fastener openings and driven into the underlying roadway. The head of the nail will abut a washer or directly abut the top surface of the ramp segment for helping to secure the ramp segment in place on the roadway.

Problems solved by technology

The roadways have elevated obstructions such as manholes located in the roadway.

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