Access ramp

Abstract

A drive-over ramp for crossing a door threshold that represents an obstacle for a wheelchair user or a walker user, such as a patio or balcony door threshold, comprising a first ramp part (8, 8.1) supported on the ground and a second ramp part (9, 9.1) that is pivotably connected to the first ramp part (8, 8.1) and that can be pivoted relative to the first ramp part (8, 8.1) from a non-use position into a use position that spans a door threshold, characterized in that the second ramp part (9, 9.1) is pivotally connected to the first ramp part (8, 8.1) at a distance from the door threshold-side end of the first ramp part (8, 8.1) and is equipped with a support (13, 13.1) that is pivotally connected at one end to the second ramp part (9, 9.1) at a distance from its pivot axis relative to the first ramp part (8, 8.1) and rests with its other end on the door sill-side edge area of ​​the first ramp part (8, 8.1) and has at least one actuating structure for pivoting the second ramp part (9, 9.1) from its non-use position to its use position and vice versa.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drive-over ramp for driving over a door threshold that represents an obstacle for a wheelchair user or a walker user, such as a patio or balcony door threshold, with a first ramp part supported on the ground and with a second ramp part that is articulated to the first ramp part and can be pivoted relative to the first ramp part from a non-use position into a use position that spans a door threshold.

[0002] The transition from patio and balcony door thresholds often represents an insurmountable obstacle for wheelchair users, but also for walker users. The reason for this is the door threshold profile, which is raised compared to the interior and exterior floor, with the height to the exterior floor being significantly greater than the height to the interior floor. Access ramps have been developed to overcome such an obstacle for wheelchair users. A previously known access ramp has a first ramp section, which is arranged on the outside of the door threshold. This first ramp section is supported on the floor by spindle feet adjacent to the door threshold profile. The other end rests on the floor. The end of the first ramp section closest to the door threshold is set at a height that exceeds the height of the door threshold profile. A second ramp section is articulated to the end of the first ramp section.When the access ramp is not in use, the second ramp section is folded down and its top side rests on the first ramp section. The access ramp can remain in this position even when the door is closed, for example when a patio or balcony door is closed. From this non-use position, the second ramp section is swung open so that it overlaps the door threshold and its free end rests on the top side of the interior floor. The second ramp section is significantly shorter than the first ramp section as it only needs to compensate for a smaller height difference. When in use, both ramp sections are inclined, with the apex of the access ramp in the pivot axis of the second ramp section opposite the first ramp section. A strap attached to it is used to handle the second ramp section.To pivot the second ramp section from its non-use position to its use position, an assistant first grasps the second ramp section using the strap initially resting on the second ramp section and then pivots it open by exerting pulling force on the strap until the free end rests on the upper side of the interior floor. A wheelchair user or walker user can then easily overcome the obstacle presented by such a door threshold. If the door, for example, the patio or balcony door, is to be closed again, the second ramp section must first be returned to its non-use position resting on the first ramp section. An assistant is required for this.

[0003] Based on this prior art, the invention is based on the object of proposing a ramp for driving over a door threshold that represents an obstacle for a wheelchair user or a walker user, such as a terrace or balcony door threshold, in which an adjustment of the second ramp part from its non-use position to its use position and vice versa can also be carried out by a wheelchair user or a walker user and an assistant does not necessarily have to be available for this purpose.

[0004] This object is achieved according to the invention by a generic drive-over ramp as mentioned at the outset, in which the second ramp part is articulated to the first ramp part at a distance from the door sill-side end of the first ramp part and is equipped with a support which is articulated at one end to the second ramp part at a distance from its pivot axis relative to the first ramp part and is supported at its other end on the door sill-side edge region of the first ramp part and has at least one actuating structure for pivoting the second ramp part from its non-use position into its use position and vice versa.

[0005] This access ramp is characterized by the fact that the second ramp section is in an upright position when not in use. Furthermore, the second ramp section has a support which, when the second ramp section is not in use, is located between the second ramp section, to which it is articulated, and the end section of the first ramp section on the door sill side. The articulated connection of the support to the second ramp section is shear and tensile resistant. The support has at least one actuating structure. The support can be moved on the actuating structure, thus pivoting the second ramp section. The actuating structure can, for example, be an opening similar to an eyelet in the support.This can be engaged by a person sitting on the inside floor with the door open, for example in a wheelchair, using a tool, such as a rod fitted with an actuating hook, and the second ramp section can then be pivoted. To do this, the tool engaged with the support simply needs to be pulled towards the person. The upright position of the second ramp section in its non-use position allows the actuating structure to be located above the pivot axis between the second ramp section and the first ramp section, so that the second ramp section can be easily adjusted from its non-use position to its use position from the inside of the door threshold using such a tool. In this drive-over ramp, the second ramp section is hinged to the first ramp section at a distance from the end of the first ramp on the door threshold side.This creates space for the support to rest with its free end on the door sill-side edge of the first ramp section when the second ramp section is not in use. Since the second ramp section overlaps the door sill when the access ramp is in use and is hinged to the first ramp section at a distance from the door sill-side edge, the height of the first ramp section at its door sill-side end can be adjusted such that the uppermost section of the door frame can be used as a support stop to support the support when the second ramp section is in the non-use position.

[0006] When the second ramp section is in its use position spanning the door threshold, the support is located beneath the second ramp section and extends from the direction of the door threshold toward the interior floor. To ensure that the second ramp section can be pivoted from its use position to its non-use position without the assistance of a person, the support's operating structure is also accessible when the second ramp section is in the use position. Using an adjustment tool, such as a hook tool as described above, the support is simply pushed toward the door threshold, causing the second ramp section to pivot into its non-use position. An assistant is not necessarily required to perform this adjustment, for example, when the door needs to be closed.

[0007] Since the support of the second ramp part, when in its position of use, is located below the second ramp part, it can be provided to equip the end of the support with a small roller or a sliding body so that the above-described movement of the support on the floor does not cause damage to the floor and also to facilitate the movement process for a user.

[0008] At the same time, in its non-use position, in which the support is supported on the first ramp section, the second ramp section is secured by the support against any pivoting movement directed towards the door opening or the closed door, for example in the event of wind. This support, which also serves as a safeguard in the non-use position, allows the second ramp section to be designed so that it has curved sections transverse to its longitudinal extent or adjoining sections at an angle. Such a design of the second ramp section is not possible with the drive-over ramp initially assessed in terms of the state of the art, since the section of the second ramp section then raised at the end by the first ramp section not only represents a tripping hazard, but can also be undercut by the wind and thus inadvertently swung open, damaging a patio door.

[0009] Due to its shape, the second ramp section, when in its use position, forms the apex of the access ramp. This can be rounded, which makes driving over the access ramp smoother. It is also possible for the second ramp section of this access ramp to be designed with two sections arranged at an angle to one another along its length, which enclose an obtuse angle of typically 150° to 170°. The edge thus formed does not need to form the apex of the second ramp section, but can form the transition from a first ramp section, which runs more or less horizontally, to the ramp section located on the inside of the door sill when the second ramp section is in the use position.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the second ramp section carries at least one latch protruding from its underside in the use position, which latch is positioned on the underside of the second ramp section such that it engages behind the door sill profile at a short distance from it. Then, in its use position, in which the second ramp section engages over the door sill, the access ramp is secured against adjustment or displacement in the direction of use. Typically, such a second ramp section has two such latches, which are typically arranged in the region of its lateral end.

[0011] The access ramp according to the invention also allows for different designs. According to a first embodiment, the second ramp section is designed with a length such that, in its use position, its free end rests on the interior floor, i.e., on the inside relative to the door sill profile. It is also possible to supplement the access ramp with a third ramp section, which serves as an interior access ramp and whose end closest to the door sill rests, for example, on a door sill profile ledge. The second ramp section can then be designed shorter, since it only needs to overlap the door sill, so that, in the use position, the free end rests on a door sill-side end section of the third ramp section.Due to the shorter length of the second ramp section in this design, the weight is naturally also lower, which is why it can be pivoted from its non-use position to its use position and vice versa with correspondingly less effort. This design is also suitable when a large height difference must be overcome on the inside of the door threshold. In a two-part design of the access ramp, the second ramp section would then have to be correspondingly long to avoid an excessive gradient in the use position.

[0012] The first and, if applicable, third ramp sections are typically made of sheet steel. If the weight of the second ramp section needs to be kept as low as possible, it could also be made of another suitable material, such as light metal or fiber-reinforced plastic.

[0013] The support of the second ramp section is typically hinged centrally to the underside of the second ramp section, in relation to its width. Such a support can be designed with one leg. It is also possible to design such a support with two legs, thus forked. It is important that the support does not support the second ramp section when the access ramp is in its operating position.

[0014] When the support is designed as a single-legged support which, when the second ramp section is in use, is located underneath the latter, a preferred embodiment provides for the second ramp section, starting in its free end section, to have a support recess in which the support is arranged when the second ramp section is in the use position. This recess extends over a certain length into the second ramp section. This recess, which is arranged centrally with respect to the width of the second ramp section, does not interfere when driving over the drive-over ramp. This ensures that, despite the support, the sections of the second ramp section adjacent to it in the width direction rest with their free ends on the inner floor or the third ramp section, depending on the design.At the same time, such a support recess allows the support's operating structure to be accessible even when the second ramp section is in the use position.

[0015] To support the first ramp section on the door sill side, according to a preferred embodiment, the first ramp section carries a downwardly beveled support leg at its door sill end. Depending on the design of the door sill to be overcome, the support leg can rest on a ledge of the door sill profile or, if the door sill profile does not have an outer ledge, on the floor adjacent to the door sill profile on the outside.

[0016] In this drive-over ramp, the second ramp section can be supported by the support in its non-use position. In another embodiment, the pivoting movement of the second ramp section from its use position to its non-use position is limited after the pivoting dead center is exceeded. This can be achieved by using folding hinges designed and configured such that the pivoting movement of the second ramp section is limited by the end of the second ramp section facing the first ramp section, which then strikes the top of the first ramp section.

[0017] The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: A schematic side view of a drive-over ramp according to the invention according to a first embodiment, Fig. 2: a perspective view of one of the ramp parts of the crossing ramp of the Fig. 1, Fig. 3: a representation corresponding to that of the Fig. 1, with the access ramp in its position of use, Fig. 4: a perspective view of the ramp part of the Fig. 2 when the ramp is in use and Fig. 5: a schematic side view of a drive-over ramp according to the invention according to a further embodiment.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a floor structure 1 into which a patio door threshold profile 2 is integrated. The patio door threshold profile 2 is formed by the floor-side frame of a patio door. In addition to the patio door threshold profile 2, the floor structure 1 includes an interior floor 3. This is located inside a building (not shown in detail). Also part of the floor structure 1 is an exterior floor 4, located outside the building. The exterior floor 4 is the patio floor.

[0019] The patio door threshold profile 2 comprises a door threshold leg that projects beyond the upper edge of the interior floor 3. The patio door threshold profile 2 is stepped toward the exterior floor 4, forming a step 6.

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a very schematic representation of a drive-over ramp 7, with which a transition from the inner floor 3 to the outer floor 4 by overcoming the door threshold profile 2 is also possible for a wheelchair user or a walker user, and this without necessarily requiring an assistant to adjust the drive-over ramp 7 from its in Fig. 1 shown non-use position into a use position. The drive-over ramp 7 of the Fig. 1 is designed in two parts and comprises a first ramp part 8 and a second ramp part 9. Both ramp parts 8, 9 are sheet steel components in the illustrated embodiment. The first ramp part 8 has a support leg 10 at its door sill-side end, which is folded downwards and rests on the step 6 by means of a support flange 11 folded relative to the support leg 10. The other end of the first ramp part 8 rests on the outer floor 4. In the illustrated embodiment, a first section of the first ramp part 8, bordering the support leg 10, is provided to run horizontally. This is followed by a section inclined towards the outer floor 4. The second ramp part is articulated to the first ramp part 8 by means of folding hinges 12, which extend around the outside of the first ramp part 8. The second ramp part 9 is in Fig. 1 in its non-use position. The second ramp section 9 is erected and held in this position by a support 13. The support 13 is connected to the underside of the second ramp section 9 in an articulated but tensile and shear-resistant manner. The other end is supported on the upper side in the end section of the first ramp section 8, which is closest to the door threshold. In this position, the patio door can be closed. The second ramp section 9 does not interfere with this. The patio door is not shown in the figures.

[0021] The support 13 has an actuating structure which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as an eye 14 (see Fig. 4). The width of the eyelet 14 is designed so that a wheelchair user, who is in the vicinity of the patio door threshold profile 2 with the patio door open, can insert an operating hook attached to a rod or bar into it. By simply pulling this operating tool, the support 13 is released, as shown in Fig. 1, indicated by the arrow, is pivoted out of its support arrangement, so that the second ramp part 9 is pivoted into its use position, as also indicated by an arrow. In the use position of the second ramp part 9, its free end rests on the upper side of the inner floor 3.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the second ramp part 9 with its two lateral folding hinges 12. The ramp part 9 is designed in the same angled manner as the first ramp part 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the two sections form an angle of approximately 165°. In the section of the second ramp part 9, which has its free end in Fig. 1 projects upwards and rests on the inner floor 3 in its position of use, a recess 15 is provided in which, in the position of use of the second ramp part 9, the support 13 with its eye 14 is located as an actuating structure.

[0023] Fig. Figure 3 shows the drive-over ramp 7 in its position of use with the second ramp part 9 lowered relative to the first ramp part 8. The support 13 is then located on the underside of the second ramp part 9 and projects with a section into the recess 15. In this position, the mutually facing sections of the first ramp part 8 and the second ramp part 9 are located, as in Fig. 3 recognizable, flat on top of each other.

[0024] Two bars 16 are arranged on the underside of the second ramp section 9 in the area of ​​its lateral ends. These bars engage behind the Fig. 3 shown in the use position of the drive-over ramp 7, the door sill leg 5. The bolts 16 are arranged on the second ramp part 9 in a position such that they rest on the side of the door sill leg 5 facing the interior floor 3 or are only a short distance away from it. The illustration of the drive-over ramp 7 in use of the Fig. 3 makes it clear that in this position it is secured against displacement in both directions of travel.

[0025] Fig. 4 shows the second ramp part 9 in a single view with the eye 14 of the support 13 accessible via the recess 15.

[0026] To move the second ramp part 9 from its Fig. 3 shown use position into its Fig. In the non-use position shown in Figure 1, the previously described operating tool can again be engaged with the support 13. The support 13 is then pushed toward the first ramp part 8 or the patio door threshold profile 2, whereby the second ramp part 9 is erected and pivoted into its non-use position.

[0027] For additional securing of the second ramp section in its Fig. In the upright position shown in Figure 1, the first ramp part 8 can have a support recess in the center of its door threshold-side end section, into which the support 13 engages when the second ramp part 9 is in the non-use position. This simultaneously provides a user with haptic feedback that the second ramp part 9 is in its intended non-use position when the support 13 has been inserted with its free end into such a support recess.

[0028] Fig. 5 shows a similar floor structure as in Fig. 1. Only the door threshold profile 2.1 differs from the patio door threshold profile 2. The patio door threshold profile 2.1 also has a step 17 on the inside.

[0029] The following explains only the differences between the ramp 7.1 and the ramp 7. Otherwise, the statements made regarding the ramp 7 apply equally to the ramp 7.1.

[0030] The crossing ramp 7.1, which is located in the Fig. 5 is also shown in its non-use position, comprises, in addition to the two ramp parts 8.1, 9.1 already described, a third ramp part 18. The third ramp part 18 serves as a ramp from the interior floor 3 towards the upper end of the patio door threshold profile 2.1. The second ramp part 9.1 is in the embodiment of the Fig. 5 is shorter, since it only has to reach the door sill end area of ​​the third ramp part 18. In this embodiment, the second ramp part 9.1 is pivoted beyond a dead center and in the Fig.5, the support 13.1 is held in the position shown solely by the stop of its rear end against the upper side of the first ramp section 8.1 due to the folding hinges. Nevertheless, the support 13.1 is held in an upright position with its free end, namely by being supported on the door sill-side end of the first ramp section 8.1 and on the end of the door sill leg 5.1, which protrudes slightly beyond the upper edge of the first ramp section 8.1. The support 13.1 also has an eyelet. The second ramp section 9.1 can be operated by the user in the same way as the second ramp section 9 of the drive-over ramp 7.

[0031] The invention has been described using exemplary embodiments. Without departing from the scope of protection described by the applicable claims, numerous further embodiments for implementing the inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art without the need for further explanation within the scope of these statements. List of reference symbols 1 Floor structure 2, 2.1 Patio door threshold profile 3 Interior floor 4 Exterior floor 5, 5.1 Door sill leg 6th level 7, 7.1 Access ramp 8, 8.1 first ramp section 9, 9.1 second ramp section 10 support legs 11 Support flange 12 folding hinge 13, 13.1 Support 14 Eye 15 Column recess 16 bars 17th level 18 third ramp section

Claims

[1] A ramp for crossing a door threshold that represents an obstacle for a wheelchair user or a walker user, such as a terrace or balcony door threshold, with a first ramp part (8, 8.1) supported on the ground and with a second ramp part (9, 9.1) connected in an articulated manner to the first ramp part (8, 8.1), which can be pivoted relative to the first ramp part (8, 8.1) from a non-use position into a use position that spans a door threshold, characterized byin that the second ramp part (9, 9.1) is articulated to the first ramp part (8, 8.1) at a distance from the door sill-side end of the first ramp part (8, 8.1) and is equipped with a support (13, 13.1) which is deflected at one end in an articulated manner to the second ramp part (9, 9.1) at a distance from its pivot axis relative to the first ramp part (8, 8.1) and is supported at its other end on the door sill-side edge region of the first ramp part (8, 8.1) and has at least one actuating structure for pivoting the second ramp part (9, 9.1) from its non-use position into its use position and vice versa. [2] Access ramp according to claim 1, characterized by that the second ramp part (9, 9.1) is designed and arranged to rest with its free end on the floor opposite the first ramp part (8, 8.1) with respect to the door threshold in its position of use. [3] Access ramp according to claim 1, characterized by that the drive-over ramp has a third ramp part (18) which is arranged as a drive-on ramp on the side opposite the first ramp part (8, 8.1) with respect to the door threshold, and that the second ramp part (9, 9.1) is designed and arranged to rest on the third ramp part (18) with its free end in its position of use. [4] Override ramp according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that in the upright non-use position of the second ramp part (9), this is supported by means of its support (13) on the door sill-side edge region of the first ramp part (8). [5] Override ramp according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the support (13, 13.1) of the second ramp part (9, 9.1) has the actuating structure. [6] Access ramp according to claim 5, characterized bythat the actuating structure is designed as an eye (14) into which an actuating hook can be inserted to move the second ramp part (9, 9.1). [7] Access ramp according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the support (13, 13.1) is pivoted centrally on the underside of the second ramp part (9, 9.1) with respect to the width of the second ramp part (9, 9.1). [8] Access ramp according to claim 7, characterized by that the second ramp part (9, 9.1) has a support recess (15) in its free end section, into which the support (13, 13.1) engages when the second ramp part (9, 9.1) is in the use position. [9] Access ramp according to claim 7 or 8 in their respective reference to claim 5 or 6, characterized bythat the actuating structure of the support (13, 13.1) is accessible when the second ramp part (9, 9.1) is in the use position in that a section of the support (13, 13.1) with the actuating structure projects beyond the free end of the second ramp part (9, 9.1) or the actuating structure is accessible through the support recess (15). [10] Access ramp according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that a roller or a sliding body is arranged at the free end of the support (13, 13.1) and the support (13, 13.1) rests on the roller or the sliding body in the use position of the second ramp part (9, 9.1). [11] Override ramp according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the first ramp part (8, 8.1) carries a support leg (10) at its door sill-side end. [12] Access ramp according to claim 11, characterized bythat the support leg (10) is designed to support the first ramp part (8, 8.1) on a shoulder (6) of a door sill profile (2, 2.1). [13] Access ramp according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that the second ramp part (9, 9.1) is shaped to form an apex which, in the position of use of the second ramp part (9, 9.1), is arranged above or, viewed from the direction of view of the first ramp part (8, 8.1), immediately behind the door sill leg (5, 5.1) of a door sill profile (2, 2.1). [14] Access ramp according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by that the second ramp part (9, 9.1) carries on its underside at least one bolt (16) for locking the drive-over ramp (7, 7.1) in the use position in the drive-over direction to a door sill profile (2, 2.1).

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