slope

Abstract

To provide a slope that can be connected at an end to a sloped floor surface, can be safely passed by a wheelchair, etc., and can be easily assembled and inexpensively configured.SOLUTION: There is provided a slope through which wheelchairs and persons with impaired lower limbs can pass by being laid from a high-position floor surface of a step difference to a low-position floor surface thereof. For a first slope on the high-position floor surface side and a second slope on the low-position floor surface side supported on the first slope, by screwing a first slope body and a second slope body together with a screw member and a nut member through a first long hole and a second long hole drilled in the first slope and a hole drilled in the second slope body, the second slope is extended with respect to the first slope to moderate an angle of entry onto the slope, further, the second slope is rotated so that the low-position floor surface and a tip of the second slope are connected to each other when the low-position floor surface is sloped on either left or right side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slope used when a wheelchair user or a user with lower limb disabilities moves from a lower position to a higher position of a step.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, when a wheelchair user or a user with lower limb disabilities moves between a lower position and a higher position of a step, a slope has been provided that can span between the lower position and the higher position of the step to enhance the safety of movement. In addition, slopes in various forms have been proposed, and an optimal specification can be selected according to the usage environment of the user.

[0003] The portable slope shown in Patent Document 1 is a portable slope that can be used alone. This portable slope has a configuration that realizes weight reduction and high rigidity, so it is easy to carry and can be easily removed when not in use.

[0004] In addition, the slope may be used in combination with other mechanisms. For example, when installing a non-portable concrete slope in the yard of a house, it is necessary to set a gentle slope (boarding angle) so that wheelchair users or users with lower limb disabilities can pass easily, and a space of a certain size or more must be secured in the yard. However, compared to public facilities or commercial facilities where a space of a certain size or more can be secured, in general houses, there may be cases where a space for installing a non-portable slope in the yard cannot be secured. Thus, in order to cope with an environment where it is difficult to provide a non-portable slope, the applicant of the present application has proposed a wheelchair lift shown in Patent Document 2. This wheelchair lift can be installed in a small space, and the table moves up and down to allow wheelchairs and other wheelchair users to overcome steps. However, because the table is positioned above the base frame, a step is created between the floor and the top of the table. To eliminate this step and allow wheelchair users and caregivers to safely board the table, a ramp is pivotally attached to the side edge of the table. In this case, the floor surface where the wheelchair lift is installed is at a lower level, while the wheelchair lift's table is at a higher level, creating a step difference. A ramp will be used to eliminate this step difference.

[0005] On the other hand, when installing a ramp, it is necessary to ensure the stability of the mounting surface for the ramp. For example, the exterior of a house, such as the garden or garage, is designed with a slope to allow rainwater to drain properly. When a wheelchair is brought into the living room from a garden with this slope, a gap equal to the slope will be created between the lower end of the wheelchair lift ramp that touches the floor and the floor. This gap can cause the ramp to wobble or the wheelchair's casters to get caught at the end of the ramp, resulting in an unstable boarding motion. In some cases, it could even lead to deformation or damage to the ramp. To solve these problems, a ramp device, as shown in Patent Document 3, has been proposed. According to this ramp device, even if the installation surface is unstable, the multiple single plates that make up the lower end of the ramp rotate appropriately along the end of the ramp body to conform to the unevenness of the contact surface, so that no gap is created between the ramp and the contact surface, allowing for stable entry. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-143260 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-081231 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-180070 [Overview of the project]

[0007] However, the ramp device described in Patent Document 3, as shown in Figure 7 of Patent Document 3, has each plate that rotates vertically to change its orientation. As a result, when boarding with a wheelchair, a step is created in the left-right direction by the end ramp, and there is a possibility that the wheelchair wheels or the caregiver's feet may get caught, so one must pass through carefully watching their footing. Furthermore, while subdividing the veneers that make up the edge slope allows for the formation of smoother surfaces that conform to unevenness, resulting in a higher effectiveness, there are concerns that the increased number of parts will lead to higher management and labor costs. Additionally, if a problem occurs with a veneer other than the edge and it needs to be replaced, it will be necessary to remove a healthy veneer first, which raises concerns about complicated maintenance work. [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a ramp that allows wheelchairs and other vehicles to pass safely by connecting its ends to a sloped floor surface, and that can be assembled easily and inexpensively. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The ramp of the present invention is a ramp that spans from a higher floor surface to a lower floor surface of a step, allowing wheelchair users and people with lower limb disabilities to pass through, and comprises a first ramp installed on the higher floor surface side and a second ramp supported on the first ramp and installed on the lower floor surface side Second slopeThe first ramp body is characterized by having a first elongated hole drilled approximately in the center of the first ramp body parallel to the direction of passage for wheelchairs and people with lower limb disabilities, and a second elongated hole drilled at a certain distance apart to either the left or right side of the first elongated hole, or both sides thereof. The first ramp body and the second ramp body are screwed together with a screw member and a nut member through the holes drilled in the second ramp body of the second ramp body, the first elongated hole, and the second elongated hole, so that the second ramp extends relative to the first ramp, making the angle of entry onto the ramp gentler. In addition, when the low-level floor surface has a slope on either the left or right side, the second ramp can be rotated so that the tip of the second ramp connects with the low-level floor surface. Furthermore, the nut member is connected and fixed with a plate-shaped slope fixing member. Furthermore, by drilling countless circular holes in the first slope body in a perforated metal-like manner, the second slope can be fixed to any position on the first slope. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The ramp of the present invention is configured such that a first ramp has a first elongated hole and a second elongated hole parallel to the direction of passage for wheelchairs and people with lower limb disabilities, and the second ramp is screwed onto the first ramp using a screw member and a nut member via the first and second elongated holes, thereby allowing the second ramp to extend and rotate relative to the first ramp. With this configuration, the second ramp can be connected to the inclined surface when the floor surface of the exterior of a house, such as a water slope in the garden of a house, is sloped relative to the floor surface of the house, so that no gap is created between the tip of the ramp and the lower floor surface. In other words, the high floor surface and the low floor surface can be connected by the ramp, which can increase the safety of people with wheelchairs and lower limb disabilities when they pass through. Furthermore, it helps to prevent deformation and damage to the ramp itself, which increases its durability. In addition, because the second ramp is plate-shaped and flush with the surface, there are no obstacles such as steps in the left or right direction relative to the direction of passage, so it is possible to pass through safely. Furthermore, since the first and second elongated holes are drilled in the first ramp body parallel to the direction of travel for wheelchairs and people with lower limb disabilities, the ramp's entry angle can be made gentler by extending the second ramp towards the lower floor surface. In other words, it makes it easier for wheelchairs and people with lower limb disabilities to move when passing through the ramp. In addition, although it is a simple configuration in which a screw member moves within the first and second elongated holes drilled in the first ramp to determine its position, the second ramp can be fixed in any position, so it can be manufactured inexpensively without increasing the number of parts or using a complex linkage mechanism. Furthermore, by connecting and fixing the multiple nut components using a plate-shaped slope fixing member, the nut components will not fall off during tightening or loosening of the screw components, and the nut components will not rotate together with the tightening or loosening of the screw components, eliminating the need to use tools such as wrenches on the nut components themselves, thus improving work efficiency. In addition, the slope fixing member can serve as a substitute for a flat washer placed between the nut component and the second slope body, which also has the advantage of reducing the number of parts. By drilling innumerable holes in the first slope body in a perforated metal shape, it is possible to create freedom in the layout when changing the posture of the second slope with respect to the first slope. For example, when there are obstacles such as columns that form the exterior structure at the tip of the first slope, the obstacles can be avoided by shifting the center of the first slope and the center of the second slope in a plan view, and the installation range of the slope can be expanded.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] [Figure 1] Overall perspective view showing the usage state of slope 1 in the first embodiment [Figure 2] Overall perspective view showing the storage state of slope 1 in the first embodiment [Figure 3] Exploded perspective view of slope 1 in the first embodiment [Figure 4] Partial plan views of the state where the second slope 12 is in the (a) reference position and (b) extended position when the first slope 11 and the second slope 12 of slope 1 in the first embodiment are attached in parallel [Figure 5] Partial plan view showing the state where the second slope 12 has rotated with respect to the first slope 11 of slope 1 in the first embodiment [Figure 6] Partial plan views and side views showing the state where the end point P1 of the second slope 12 touches the floor surface L on the lower position side when the first slope 11 and the second slope 12 of slope 1 in the first embodiment are attached in parallel [Figure 7] Partial plan views and side views showing the state where the end point P1 and the end point P2 of the second slope 12 touch the floor surface L on the lower position side in parallel when the second slope 12 has rotated with respect to the first slope 11 of slope 1 in the first embodiment [Figure 8] Partial plan view showing slope 1A in the second embodiment [Figure 9] Perspective view and side view showing the usage state of slope 1B in the third embodiment [Figure 10] Perspective explanatory view of slope 1 in the fourth embodiment

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

Examples

[0012] The slope 1 of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. [[ID=ll]]Figs. 1 to 7 show a first embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, steps such as the threshold lintel (kamachi) of the entrance are used as the low-position floor surface L and the high-position floor surface H, and the wheelchair B moves using the wheelchair lift A installed on the low-position floor surface L.

[0013] First, the configuration of the wheelchair lift A will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the wheelchair lift A mainly includes a rectangular base 2 laid on the low-position floor surface L, an X-frame 3 disposed above the base 2, a rectangular table 4 supported by the X-frame 3, a drive unit 5 for moving the table 4 up and down, a slope 1 for the wheelchair B etc. to board on the table 4, a bridge 6 for moving from the table 4 to the high-position floor surface H, a guard 8 for preventing falls having a lever 7 for opening and closing the bridge 6, and a slope opening and closing mechanism 9 that enables the slope 1 to be automatically opened and closed in accordance with the elevation of the table 4. Although the details of this wheelchair lift A are omitted, the X-frame 3 is opened and closed using a drive device (not shown) in which a motor, sprocket, chain, etc. provided inside the drive unit 5 are pivotally attached, so that the table 4 is moved up and down in the vertical direction. And by the on / off operation of the switch of a remote control (not shown) for operating the drive device, the table 4 can be raised, lowered, and stopped at an arbitrary height. Also, the table 4 of the wheelchair lift A is rectangular in plan view, and a guard 8 is disposed on the facing surface of the drive unit 5 and a bridge 6 is disposed on the facing surface of the slope 1 to form a straight-in boarding specification. However, a bridge 6 can also be disposed on the facing surface of the drive unit 5 and a guard 8 can be disposed on the facing surface of the slope 1 to form an L-shaped boarding specification. As shown in Figure 3, when the table 4 is raised or lowered, the roller 92 attached to the tip of the guide member body 91 of the slope opening / closing mechanism 9, which is attached to the side of the slope 1, is configured to always be in contact with the support pole 93, which is erected on the side of the mast 3 on the slope 1 side and is formed in an L-shape when viewed from the front. This creates an automatic slope configuration that allows the slope 1 to be opened and closed in accordance with the raising and lowering of the table 4. In other words, when table 4 is in its lowest position, ramp 1 is open, allowing wheelchair B to get onto table 4. Until table 4 is in the process of being raised or lowered, or until it reaches the height of the higher floor surface H and can move to the higher floor surface H, ramp 1 can be used as a wheel stopper to prevent wheelchair B from falling. Furthermore, the bridge 6 can also be opened and closed by rotating the lever 7, which is located above the guard 8, in the direction of wheelchair B's passage. Therefore, the configuration of the ramp 1 and bridge 5 in this embodiment can be adjusted as needed, preventing wheelchair B from falling off the table 4. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, screw-type adjusters 21, 21, ... are screwed into the lower corners of base 2, allowing for adjustable placement between base 2 and the lower floor surface L. By adjusting the protrusion amount of these adjusters 21, 21, ..., it becomes possible to install the wheelchair lift A on an unstable floor surface and to position the table 4 parallel to the high floor surface H.

[0014] Note that the wheelchair lift A is not limited to the form shown in this embodiment. For example, instead of using an automatic ramp configuration with a ramp opening / closing mechanism 9, the ramp 1 may be manually opened and closed using a lever 7, like the bridge 5. Alternatively, the drive unit 5 may be erected directly on the base 2, and one end of the table 4 may be attached to the drive unit 5 to form a cantilevered structure, thereby raising and lowering the table 4. In other words, as long as the wheelchair B can be moved from a low floor surface L to a high floor surface H, the configuration of the wheelchair lift A can be chosen arbitrarily.

[0015] Next, we will describe the slope 1 in the first embodiment. This slope 1 mainly consists of the first slope 11 and the second slope 12. First, let me explain the configuration of the first slope 11. As shown in Figure 3, etc., support plates 11b, 11b are fixed to both ends of the first ramp body 11a, which is bent in a roughly U-shape and opens downward to the floor surface, having a length approximately equal to the width direction of the entry side of the table 4. Support shafts 11c, 11c are fixed to one end of the support plates 11b, 11b on the table 4 side. Support bosses 11e, 11e are fixed to mounting plates 11d, 11d which are formed in a roughly U-shape and open downward to the floor surface, and the support shafts 11c, 11c are inserted through the support bosses 11e, 11e and pivotally attached. Then, the first slope 11 is pivotally attached to the side of the table 4 by hooking the mounting plates 11d, 11d onto the side frame 41a that forms one side of the table frame body 41 on the slope 1 side, while being secured with the table plate 42 laid on top of the table frame body 41. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, in a plan view, an L-shaped plate 11f with a hole in the center is fixed to the central end of the first slope body 11a on the table 4 side. The L-shaped plate 11f is hooked to one end of a roughly L-shaped hook-shaped plate 41b fixed to the end of the side frame 41a of the table frame body 41, so that it can be inserted and removed through the central hole. With this configuration, when wheelchair B passes over ramp 1, the load can be received not only by the support shafts 11c, 11c but also by the central hook-shaped plate 41b, thereby suppressing the deflection of ramp 1 (first ramp 11). Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, below the support plates 11b, 11b, a curtain case 11g is attached that can store a curtain 11h that prevents foreign matter from entering between the base 2 and the table 4. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the method described herein, and the user may choose any mounting configuration for the table 4 and the slope 1 as long as the slope 1 is pivotally attached to the table 4.

[0016] As shown in Figure 4, the first ramp body 11a has a first elongated hole h1 and second elongated holes h2, h2 drilled parallel to each other in the direction of wheelchair B's passage to table 4. In this embodiment, the vertical lengths h12, h12 of the second elongated hole h2 are longer than the vertical length h11 of the first elongated hole h1. Furthermore, in a plan view, the first elongated hole h1 is located approximately at the center of the first slope body 11a, the second elongated holes h2, h2 are located at equal distances to the left and right of the first elongated hole h1, and one end of the first elongated hole h1 and the second elongated holes h2, h2 on the table 4 side are located at approximately the same position.

[0017] Next, we will explain the configuration of the second slope 12. As shown in Figure 4, a second slope body 12a, which is made of a plate bent into a roughly U-shape with an open top, is positioned above the first slope body 11a, and a slope fixing member 12b is positioned below the first slope body 11a, to which nut members 12c, 12c, 12c arranged at the same pitch width as the first elongated hole h1 and second elongated holes h2, h2 of the first slope body 11a are connected and fixed. The effect of the ramp fixing member 12b is that when tightening or loosening the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d, there is no need to use tools such as a wrench on the nut members 12c, 12c, 12c side, and because the nut members 12c, 12c, 12c are connected, there is no need to worry about them falling off individually, thus improving work efficiency. Furthermore, rubber cushioning materials 12e, 12e are attached to the underside of the tip of the second slope 12 that contacts the lower floor surface L. These cushioning materials 12e, 12e are for protecting the contact surface of the second slope 12, but their use and placement can be determined at the discretion of the user. The second slope 12, configured in this way, is fixed to the first slope 11 by inserting the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d from the side of the holes 121a, 121a, 121a drilled in the second slope body 12a, and screwing them onto the nut members 12c, 12c, 12c via the first elongated hole h1 and the second elongated holes h2, h2.

[0018] As shown in Figure 4(a) and other figures, the first elongated hole h1 and the second elongated hole h2 of the first slope body 11a are configured such that the lateral lengths h22 and h22 of the second elongated holes h2 and h22 are longer than the lateral length h12 of the first elongated hole h1. With this configuration, the second slope 12 can rotate relative to the first slope 11 with the screw member 12d inserted through the first elongated hole h1 as the pivot point. To elaborate, when attempting to rotate the second slope body 12a, the second slope body 12a rotates with the screw member 12d inserted through the first elongated hole h1 and the screw members 12d, 12d inserted through the second elongated holes h2, h2 as its radius of rotation. As a result, the screw members 12d, 12d inserted through the second elongated holes h2, h2 move not only up and down but also left and right within the second elongated holes h2, h2. In this embodiment, the lateral lengths of the second elongated holes h2, h2 are made longer by h22, h22 than the lateral length h12 of the first elongated hole h1 by the amount of arrow height (height of the arc) required for the rotation of the second slope 12. As a result, the second slope 12 can be rotated even though it is an elongated hole shape drilled linearly in the direction of passage. In this embodiment, in order to reduce the number of parts, the screw members 12d, 12d, and 12d are of the same standard. As a result, the lateral length h22 of the second elongated hole h2 is longer than the lateral length h12 of the first elongated hole h1. However, by making the screw members 12d, 12d inserted into the second elongated hole h2 smaller in diameter than the screw member 12d inserted into the first elongated hole h1, the lateral lengths of the first elongated hole h12 and the second elongated hole h22 can be made the same. In other words, as long as the second slope 12 is configured to be rotatable relative to the first slope 11, the combination of the first elongated hole h1 and the second elongated hole h2 and the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, in order to stably fix the second slope 12 to the first slope 11, two second elongated holes h2, h2 and two screw members 12d, 12d are provided, but it is also acceptable to provide the second elongated holes h2 and screw members 12d on only one side of the first elongated hole h1, as long as the second slope 12 can be extended and rotated relative to the first slope 11.

[0019] By combining the first slope 11 and the second slope 12 configured in this way, the first slope 11 can be extended and rotated by the length of the first elongated hole h1 and the second elongated holes h2, h2 by tightening and loosening the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d. First, the advantages of extending the second ramp 12 are that it makes the entry angle to table 4 gentler, allowing wheelchair B to easily pass over ramp 1, and if there is an obstacle at the point where the second ramp 12 touches ground, the obstacle can be avoided by extending the second ramp 12 and changing its touch point, thereby reducing the physical burden on users and ensuring safety. Furthermore, the advantage of the second ramp 12 being able to rotate is that, although details will be described later, when installing ramp 1 on a sloped floor surface such as a water drainage slope, the contact surface between the sloped floor surface and ramp 1 can be configured to be continuous, thereby improving safety when boarding.

[0020] Next, I will explain how to operate the second slope 12. Figure 4(a) shows the reference position where the second slope 12 is attached parallel to the first slope 11. To extend the second slope 12 relative to the first slope 11 from this state as shown in Figure 4(b), loosen the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d, and have a caregiver or similar person grasp the second slope 12 and pull it straight forward while adjusting it arbitrarily between the end point of the first elongated hole h1 on the table 4 side and the lower end point on the floor surface side, then tighten the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d to make the adjustment. Next, Figure 5 shows the state after the second slope 12 has been rotated, compared to the state in which the second slope 12 has been extended relative to the first slope 11 shown in Figure 4(b). To achieve this state, with the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d loosened, the screw member 12d inserted through the first elongated hole h1 is used as the pivot point. A caregiver or the like grasps the second slope 12 and rotates the drive unit 5 side of the second slope 12 counterclockwise in a plan view, adjusting it arbitrarily between the endpoints of the second elongated hole, and then tightens the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d to make the adjustment. At this time, as shown in Figure 5, the second ramp 12 is extended forward by the first elongated hole h1 and the second elongated holes h2, h2. Therefore, when the ramp is rotated, the end of the ramp 12 on the table 4 side does not protrude beyond the first ramp 11. As a result, wheelchair B can safely pass through without obstructing its movement when getting onto the table 4.

[0021] The second slope 12 can be constructed in ways other than those shown in this embodiment. For example, in this embodiment, the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d are truss screws with heads that are approximately the same length as, or slightly longer than, the top surface of, the top surface of,, the top surface of, in order to ensure the stability of, wheelchair B when it is in motion. However, they are not limited to truss screws as long as they can be screwed into the nut members 12c, 12c, 12c and do not obstruct the passage of wheelchair B. Furthermore, if wear of the male thread portion of the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d is a concern when the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d move within the first elongated hole h1 and the second elongated holes h2, h2, wear can be prevented by extrapolating a hollow collar member (not shown) onto the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d.

[0022] Furthermore, while a 2% to 3% slope (a drop of 2cm to 3cm per meter) is generally required for water drainage in the garden and exterior of a house, wheelchair lift A is usually installed on a nearly horizontal surface such as the entrance or under the eaves, so even if a water drainage slope is formed, it is often only 1% to 2% (a drop of 1cm to 2cm per meter). In light of these considerations, the ramp 1 in this embodiment is configured to accommodate a floor surface with a water slope of 1.5%, which is the installation surface for the wheelchair lift A. However, it is not necessary to limit ourselves to this embodiment, and the configuration of the ramp 1 can be appropriately modified to accommodate different floor surfaces. For example, by increasing the length in the vertical and horizontal directions of the first elongated hole h1 and the second elongated holes h2, h2, the rotation angle can be increased, making it possible to accommodate water gradients of 1.5% or more. Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, if the first elongated hole h1 is made into a round hole, and a second elongated hole h2 is drilled so that the second slope 12 can rotate relative to the first slope 11, then it is possible to accommodate this even without an extension function. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ramp 1 is configured to accommodate a 1.5% water gradient, and even when the first ramp 11 is spaced apart from the low-positioned floor surface L, it is configured so that deflection does not occur even when a downward load is applied when a wheelchair B or the like passes over the ramp 1. If there are concerns regarding strength when accommodating a water gradient of 1.5% or more, although not shown in the diagram, a support column for the slope device described in Patent Document 3 may be attached to the slope 1 below the first slope body 11a, between the low-positioned floor surface L and the slope 1. In other words, the slope 1 in this embodiment only needs to be configured such that the second slope 12 can rotate relative to the first slope 11 to accommodate slopes such as water gradients.

[0023] Next, we will describe the installation environment for wheelchair lift A. The steps shown in Figure 1 and other figures consist of a higher floor surface H, which is horizontally positioned in the left-right direction when wheelchair B is facing the direction of travel from the lower floor surface L side relative to the ramp 1 of wheelchair lift A, and a lower floor surface L, which is positioned lower than this higher floor surface H and is formed to descend from the right side L1 to the left side L2 of wheelchair B. Furthermore, the higher floor surface H and the lower floor surface L are connected via a wall.

[0024] Next, the procedure for installing wheelchair lift A on the low floor surface L and changing the orientation of ramp 1 is shown below. The assembly instructions for wheelchair lift A will be omitted. (1) Place the base 2 of the wheelchair lift A on the lower mounting surface L. (2) Adjust the adjusters 21, 21, ... so that the top surface of the table 4 of the wheelchair lift A and the floor surface H on the higher side are approximately parallel. (In the first embodiment, the adjusters 21, 21 on the guard 8 side are extended.) (3) Loosen the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d that fix the first slope 11 and the second slope 12. (4) Lower the table 4 to its lowest position and temporarily place the L1 end P1 of the second slope 12 on the lower floor surface L. (In this case, as shown in Figure 6, the L1 end of the second slope body 12a will be in contact with the lower floor surface L, but a gap G will be created between the L2 end P2 and the floor surface L.) (5) Rotate the second slope 12 until there is no gap G between the L1 end P1 and the L2 end P2 of the second slope 12 and the floor surface L. (In some cases, extend the second slope 12 to make the entry angle gentler.) (6) The screw members 12d, 12d, 12d of the first slope 11 and the second slope 12 are tightened and fixed in place.

[0025] The slope 1 in the first embodiment configured in this way has the following advantages. 1. Since the second slope 12 can rotate relative to the first slope 11, the second slope 12 can be made a continuous surface with the inclined surface such as a water slope, thereby increasing the stability of the installation of the slope 1. In addition, deformation and damage to the slope 1 can be prevented. 2. Since the second ramp 12 can be extended relative to the first ramp 11, the entry angle for wheelchair B can be made gentler, making it easier to get the wheelchair onto the elevated floor surface such as the table 4 from ramp 1. In addition, if there is an obstacle at the point where the second ramp 12 is to be placed with the ground, the second ramp 12 can be extended to avoid the obstacle and make contact with the floor surface. 3. By simply providing the first elongated hole h1 and the second elongated holes h2, h2 in the first slope body 11a, the second slope 12 can be extended and rotated relative to the first slope 11. Therefore, there is no need to employ a complex mechanism, and the number of parts is small, resulting in an inexpensive construction. 4. Since the nut members 12c, 12c, 12c are connected and fixed by the slope fixing member 12b, when loosening the screw members 12d, 12d, a tool to fix the nut members 12c, 12c, 12c is not required, and only a screwdriver for tightening and loosening the screw members 12d, 12d, 12d is needed. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the trouble of any of the nut members 12c falling off on their own, thereby improving work efficiency. In other words, the ramp 1 in the present invention can make continuous contact with the ground at its ends, even on a sloped surface, just like on a horizontal surface, making it safe to use, and its simple component structure also allows for lower costs.

[0026] Next, the slope 1A in the second embodiment will be described using Figure 8. Note that the explanation of components with the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted. In the second embodiment, the slope 1A is formed by the first slope body 11Aa of the first slope 11A having a number of holes ha, ha, ... perforated in a perforated metal-like manner, through which screw members 12d, 12d, 12d can pass. The advantage of this configuration is that, in the first embodiment, the second slope 12 rotates around the screw member 12d inserted and screwed into the first elongated hole h1 as the pivot point, thus limiting the range of rotation. However, in the second embodiment, there are no restrictions on the fixed position of the second slope 12, so the layout of the second slope 12 can be freely determined. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the second slope 12 (dotted line in the figure) in the first embodiment cannot be installed if there are obstacles such as pillars within the installation range of the second slope 12 because the center of the first slope 11 is the pivot point. However, in the second embodiment, the slope 1A can be installed by selecting holes ha, ha, ... at any position so that the second slope 12A avoids obstacles. In other words, by using slope 1A in the second embodiment, the installation range can be expanded.

[0027] Up to this point, we have described the ramp 1 provided on the wheelchair lift A, but the present invention can also be applied to portable ramps that can be easily carried by the user. A third embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, illustrates the application of the present invention to a portable ramp. Note that the portable ramp 1B shown in Figures 9(a) and 9(b) is a schematic diagram, and components that ensure user safety have been omitted, with only the main structure being shown. The portable ramp 1B shown in the third embodiment will be described below. In a plan view for wheelchair B and the like to pass through, the first ramp 11 (first ramp body 11a) is made up of a long rectangular plate, and the second ramp 12 (second ramp body 12a) is positioned on the lower floor surface L end of the first ramp body 11a, while being screwed and fixed to the first ramp body 11a by screw members 12d, 12d, 12d through the first elongated holes h1 and second elongated holes h2, h2 drilled in the first ramp body 11a using nut members (not shown) positioned on the back of the first ramp body 11a. Furthermore, boss members 1B1, 1B1 are fixed to the end of the first slope body 11a on the floor surface H side at the higher position, and one end of the bridge 6 is pivotally attached to the boss members 1B1, 1B1. By configuring it in this way, the present invention can be applied to the portable ramp 1B in the same way as the ramp 1 of the wheelchair lift A shown in the first embodiment described above. In the case of the portable ramp 1B, there is no need to limit it to the embodiment as long as the second ramp 12 can be extended and rotated relative to the first ramp 11, just like the ramp 1 of the wheelchair lift A shown in the first embodiment.

[0028] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described using Figure 10. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the first embodiment, showing how the second slope 12 rotates relative to the first slope 11 of the slope 1 to accommodate the gradient. At this time, rotating the second slope 12 may cause a slight step to occur between the first slope 11 and the second slope 12. To eliminate this step, a plate-shaped packing member 1C, which has the same thickness as the second slope 12, is installed in the space created by the rotation of the second slope 12, thereby eliminating the step. Then, the plate-shaped packing member 1C shown in Figure 10 is screwed and fixed to the first slope body 11a via a hole 1C1 drilled in the plate-shaped packing member 1C using a screw member 1C2 and a nut member 1C3, utilizing the second elongated hole h2 of the first slope 11 which is exposed when the second slope 12 is rotated. Note that the plate-shaped packing member 1C shown in Figure 10 is triangular in plan view, but it is not necessary to limit it to that. For example, when the second slope 12 is moved parallel to the first slope 11, it may be rectangular, and it is sufficient to match the surface shape of the first slope 11 that is exposed when the second slope 12 moves relative to the first slope 11. Furthermore, when attaching the plate-shaped packing member 1C to the first slope body 11a, in addition to screwing it in as in the fourth embodiment, adhesive may be applied to the back surface of the plate-shaped packing member 1C, double-sided tape may be attached, or hook-and-loop fasteners may be attached.

[0029] Up to this point, the embodiment of the present invention has described a case in which a slope such as a water slope is formed on the lower floor surface L. However, the slope 1 of the present invention can also be used when the higher floor surface H has a slope for some reason. For example, in the case of slope 1 in the first embodiment, the bridge 6 may be made to have the structure of slope 1 and pivotally attached to the table 4. By using the slope 1 of the present invention on a surface that has been sloped in this manner, it is possible to address only the low-positioned floor surface L, only the high-positioned floor surface H, or both the low-positioned floor surface L and the high-positioned floor surface H, depending on the situation.

[0030] Furthermore, from the first to the fourth embodiment, the tip of the first ramp 11 is spaced apart from the low floor surface L, but the first ramp body 11a is formed in a U-shape with an open bottom, so that when the wheelchair B passes over the ramp 1, both ends that rise up make contact with the floor surface and receive a load, minimizing deflection (bending). However, if there are concerns about the durability of slope 1, reinforcing members such as the support columns provided in the slope device described in Patent Document 3 may be added to the lower part of the first slope body 11a as appropriate. In other words, it is acceptable to appropriately set up components that improve durability without departing from the configuration of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0031] 1 slope 11 First Slope 12 Second Slope 2 bases 21 Adjuster 3 X Frame 4 tables 5 Drive Unit 6 Bridges 7 Lever 8 Guard 9. Slope opening and closing mechanism h1 First long hole h2 Second long hole A wheelchair lift B Wheelchair G gap H High floor surface L Low floor surface L1: Higher side of the low-level floor surface L2 Lower side of the floor surface at a low position

Claims

1. A ramp that spans from a higher floor to a lower floor, allowing wheelchair users and people with lower limb disabilities to pass, characterized in that a first ramp is provided on the higher floor side, and a second ramp is provided on the lower floor side, supported on the first ramp, and a first elongated hole is drilled approximately in the center of the first ramp body parallel to the direction of passage for wheelchair users and people with lower limb disabilities, and a second elongated hole is drilled at a certain distance apart to either the left or right side of the first elongated hole or both, and the first ramp body and the second ramp body are screwed together with a screw member and a nut member through the hole drilled in the second ramp body of the second ramp, the first elongated hole and the second elongated hole, so that the second ramp extends relative to the first ramp and the angle of entry onto the ramp is made gentler, and in the case that there is a slope on either the left or right side of the lower floor, the second ramp can be rotated so that the tip of the second ramp connects with the lower floor.

2. The ramp according to claim 1, characterized in that the nut member is connected and fixed with a plate-shaped ramp fixing member.

3. The slope according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the first slope body has numerous circular holes drilled in it in the form of perforated metal, thereby enabling the second slope to be fixed at any position on the first slope.

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