"portable construction ramp"

Abstract

Embodiments generally relate to a portable ramp. An example ramp comprises: a central support member; a first ramp wing having a coupling end hingedly coupled to a first side of the central support member and having an opposite free end; and a second ramp wing having a coupling end hingedly coupled to a second side of the central support member and having an opposite free end. The first and second ramp wings are movable between a stowed configuration, in which the free ends of the first and second ramp wings are adjacent to each other, and an expanded configuration, in which the free ends are spread from each other on opposite sides of the central support member. The first and second ramp wings each include a unitary injection moulded plastic body. The central support member has a support body that at least partly defines a lower engagement surface, wherein the lower engagement surface is configured to overlie and rest on a step or raised structure when the first and second ramp wings are in the expanded configuration, wherein the lower engagement surface includes at least one high friction engagement portion extending across at least part of the lower engagement surface.

Description

"Portable construction ramp"Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to portable ramps. In particular, embodiments relate to portable ramps for use on construction sites.Background

[0002] Portable ramps are useful for enabling people and / or vehicles, such as wheelchairs, wheelbarrows, trolleys, and the like, to travel over raised structures, such as steps, bumps, and the like. Portable ramps may improve safety in reducing the risk of tripping and / or the need to lift vehicles up and over raised structures. However, prior portable ramps are generally bulky and difficult to carry around or be moved. They also commonly move out of position, requiring significant effort to put back into the desired position. Additionally, prior portable ramps generally rest on the raised structure they are overlying in a manner that does not reduce or negate damage to the raised structure.

[0003] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages of prior portable ramps, such as low portability, lack of damage prevention, or the need for constant repositioning, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0004] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common generalknowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.Summary

[0006] Some embodiments relate to a portable ramp. The portable ramp may comprise: a central support member; a first ramp wing having a coupling end hingedly coupled to a first side of the central support member and having an opposite free end; a second ramp wing having a coupling end hingedly coupled to a second side of the central support member and having an opposite free end; wherein the first and second ramp wings are movable between a stowed configuration, in which the free ends of the first and second ramp wings are adjacent to each other, and an expanded configuration, in which the free ends are spread from each other on opposite sides of the central support member; wherein the first and second ramp wings may each include a unitary injection moulded plastic body; wherein the central support member may have a support body that at least partly defines a lower engagement surface, wherein the lower engagement surface may be configured to overlie and rest on a step or raised structure when the first and second ramp wings are in the expanded configuration, wherein the lower engagement surface may include at least one high friction engagement portion extending across at least part of the lower engagement surface.

[0007] The support body may be formed of a material of lower durometer than the first and second ramp wings. The at least one high friction engagement portion may include a rib projecting downwardly from the lower engagement surface. The rib may have a shore hardness of between 40 and 70 durometer.

[0008] At least one of the first and second ramp wings may define a bolt hole in opposite comers of the free end to receive an anchor bolt therethrough. Each of the first ramp wing and the second ramp wing may have a depth that reduces in a direction away from the central support member. A lateral width of each of the first and second ramp wings may remain substantially the same or increases in the direction away from the central support member.

[0009] The first and second ramp wings may be configured so that, in the stowed configuration, lower side edges of each of the first and second ramp wings are closely adjacent or in contact with each other along a middle portion of the lower side edges.

[0010] The first and second ramp wings may each have cooperating engagement structure for retaining the first and second ramp wings in the stowed configuration. The cooperating engagement structure may be disposed in the middle portion of the lower side edges. The cooperating engagement structure may include a manually releasable latch. The cooperating engagement structure may include a projection on one of the first and second ramp wings and an aperture on the other of the first and second ramp wings, the aperture sized to matingly receive the projection.

[0011] The ramp may further comprise at least one frictional pad coupled to the free end of each of the first and second ramp wings. The ramp may further comprise a plurality of frictional pads spaced across the free end of each of the first and second ramp wings. Each at least one frictional pad may have at least one coupling portion on a back side and has a ground-engaging portion projecting away from an underside of the respective free end.

[0012] Each of the first and second ramp wings may have raised lip portions extending along opposite lateral side edges of an upper surface of the respective ramp wing. The first ramp wing may be coupled to the central support member to rotate about a first axis and the second ramp wing may be coupled to the central support member to rotate about a second axis that is parallel to and spaced from the first axis, wherein the first and second axes extend along lines disposed inwardly of outer surfaces of the central support member.

[0013] The central support member may extend less than a full lateral width of each of the first and second ramp wings. The central support member may define at least one first recess on the first side to receive an at least one first end portion of the coupling end of the first ramp wing and may define at least one second recess on the second sideto receive an at least one second end portion of the coupling end of the second ramp wing.

[0014] The central support member may include a plurality of first recesses to receive a plurality of first end portions of the coupling end of the first ramp wing. The central support member may be free of support legs. The lower engagement surface may include a substantially planar surface. The first and second ramp wings may be coupled to the central support member by elongate rods received through parts of a main body of the central support member. The support body may be a unitary body. A main body of the central support member may be formed of a moulded plastic and / or the support body may be coupled to the main body of the central support member with at least one fastener.

[0015] The support body may extend at least 80% of a lateral width of the coupling end of each of the first and second ramp wings. The support body may be partially received in a lower part of a main body of the central support member. A handle portion may be defined in the free end of each of the first and second ramp wings.Brief Description of Drawings

[0016] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described by way of nonlimiting example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a portable ramp, according to some embodiments;

[0018] Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the portable ramp of Figure 1, according to some embodiments;

[0019] Figure 3 shows a top view of the portable ramp of Figure 1, according to some embodiments;

[0020] Figure 4 shows a side view of the portable ramp of Figure 1 in use, according to some embodiments;

[0021] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the portable ramp of Figure 1 in a stowed configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0022] Figure 6 shows a side view of the portable ramp of Figure 1 in the stowed configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a portable ramp, according to some embodiments;

[0024] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of a ramp wing of the portable ramp of Figure 7, according to some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the portable ramp of Figure 7 in a partially stowed configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 10A shows a cross-section view of a cooperating engagement structure of the ramp wings of the portable ramp shown in Figure 9 in an unengaged configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 10B shows a cross-section view of a cooperating engagement structure of the ramp wings of the portable ramp shown in Figure 9 in an engaged configuration, according to some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 11A shows a cross-section view of a portion of a ramp wing of the portable ramp of Figure 7, according to some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 11B shows a zoomed exploded view of a portion of the cross-section view of Figure 11 A, according to some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 12A shows a top perspective view of a central support member of the portable ramp of Figure 7, according to some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 12B shows a bottom perspective view of the central support member of the portable ramp of Figure 7, according to some embodiments;

[0032] Figure 13 shows a bottom perspective view of the central support member of the portable ramp of Figure 7, according to some embodiments;

[0033] Figure 14 shows a cross-section view of the portable ramp of Figure 7, according to some embodiments;

[0034] Figure 15 shows a cross-section view of the portable ramp of Figure 7, according to some embodiments; and

[0035] Figure 16 shows a bottom view of a ramp wing of the portable ramp, according to some embodiments.Description of Embodiments

[0036] Described embodiments of the present disclosure relate to portable ramps. In particular, embodiments relate to portable ramps for use on construction sites. Portable ramps are commonly used to travel up and / or over raised structures, such as steps, for example. A portable ramp that provides ease of use, high portability, a level of damage protection for the raised structure, and / or stability is desirable. An example of such uses where a portable ramp, to be described herein, may be desired are construction sites where raised structures are commonly built prior to completion of a project. Further, eliminating the raised structures as tripping hazards whilst also protecting them from being damaged is beneficial.

[0037] Figure 1 shows an exploded perspective view of a portable ramp 100 and Figure 2 shows a bottom perspective view of the portable ramp 100, according to some embodiments. The portable ramp 100 is configured to be used to provide ease of accessover uneven terrain or surfaces or raised structures, such as, steps, door frames, street curbs, and the like. The portable ramp 100 comprises a first ramp wing 102 and a second ramp wing 104. In some embodiments, the second ramp wing 104 is a duplicate of the first ramp wing 102. In other words, the ramp wings 102, 104 may be identical. The ramp wings 102, 104 may each include a unitary injection moulded plastic body.

[0038] Each ramp wing 102, 104 includes a coupling end 103 and a free end 105, wherein the coupling end 103 is on an opposite side to the free end 105 of each ramp wing 102, 104. The coupling end 103 of the first ramp wing 102 is coupled to a first side of a central support member 106. The coupling end 103 of the second ramp wing 104 is coupled to a second side of the central support member 106, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. In some embodiments, a plane (or planes) of a top face of the coupling end 103 is angularly offset at a shallow angle from a plane of a top face of the free end 105. This may allow for the coupling end 103 to provide a smoother transition between the respective ramp wings 102, 104 and the central support member 106 in use, as shown in Figure 4.

[0039] In some embodiments, each of the first ramp wing 102 and / or the second ramp wing 104 include ribbed portions 120 disposed on the underside of the respective ramp wing. The ribbed portions 120 may allow for a reduction in weight of the portable ramp 100 whilst maintaining structural integrity, for example. Referring to Figure 16, in some embodiments, the first ramp wing 120 and / or the second ramp wing 104 include an increased density of ribbed portions 120 disposed on the underside of the respective ramp wing. An increase in the number of ribbed portions 120 may increase the structural integrity and weight bearing of the respective ramp wing, for example. In some embodiments, each of the first ramp wing 102 and / or the second ramp wing 104 include friction-enhancing portions 130 disposed on the top side (upper surface) of the respective ramp wing. The tactile portions on the upper surface may allow for improved traction when passing across the topside of the respective ramp wing, for example.

[0040] Each of the first and / or second ramp wings 102, 104 may further include side walls 128. Side walls 128 may act as a guide and / or assist in preventing vehicles (wheelbarrows, wheelchairs, trolleys, and the like) or people from travelling over the side of the respective ramp wing 102, 104. Each of the side walls 128 protrude upward relative to the upper surface of the ramp wings 102, 104. The side walls 128 are positioned along an outer edge of each ramp wing 102, 104 that connects the coupling end 103 and the free end 105 of each ramp wing 102, 104. The side walls 128 may slope downwardly from the coupling end 103 to the free end 105, such that they protrude further from the coupling end 103 than the free end 105.

[0041] The coupling end 103 of the first ramp wing 102 may be hingedly coupled to the central support member 106. The coupling end 103 of the second ramp wing 104 may be hingedly coupled to the central support member 106. Each ramp wing 102, 104 may be hingedly coupled to the central support member 106 via a coupling element 118. Coupling element 118 may be an elongate rod, for example. Coupling element 118 comprises an axle 124 and end caps 126. The axle 124 may be formed as a rod and / or manufactured from steel, for example. The axle 124 may have a diameter of about 8mm to about 16mm. The axle 124 may have a diameter of 12mm, for example. The end caps 126 may be Starlock dome end caps, for example. The end caps are configured to fit to the diameter of the axle 124.

[0042] In some embodiments, the coupling end 103 of each ramp wing 102, 104 may be configured to form a finger- like joint with the central support member 106, for example as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3. That is, the central support member 106 and the coupling end 103 of each ramp wing 102, 104 have complimentary profiles, wherein alternating portions 132 and 134 of each of the coupling end 103 of the respective ramp wing 102, 104 and the respective side of the central support member 106 interleave, for example.

[0043] The central support member 106 may define at least one recess 135 on the first side (positioned between two alternating portions 134) to receive an at least one end portion 132 of the coupling end 103 of the first ramp wing 102. The central supportmember 106 may define at least one recess 135 on the second side (positioned between two alternating portions 134) to receive an at least one end portion 132 of the coupling end 103 of the second ramp wing 104. The central support member 106 may include a plurality of recesses 135 on the first side for receiving a plurality of end portions 132 of the coupling end 103 of the first ramp wing 102. The central support member 106 may include a plurality of recesses 135 on the second side for receiving a plurality of end portions 132 of the coupling end 103 of the second ramp wing 104.

[0044] Each of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 may define recesses 133 at their respective coupling ends positioned between the end portions 132 to receive alternating portions 134 of the central support member 106. That is, the coupling end 103 of the ramp wings 102, 104 have both end portions 132 and recesses 133 that complement the alternating portions 134 and recesses 135 of the central support member, for example.

[0045] The axle 124 passes through each of the fingers, or alternating portions 132 and 134, of the coupling end 103 and the respective side of the central support member 106, such that a hinged coupling is formed.

[0046] In some embodiments, the central support member 106 is free of support legs. That is, a lower surface of the central support member 106 may lie directly on the surface of which the portable ramp 100 extends across, for example.

[0047] The central support member 106 includes a support body 108. The support body 108 may be partially received in a lower portion of the central support member 106. The support body 108 at least partially defines a lower engagement surface. The lower engagement surface is configured to overlie and rest on a step or raised structure (shown in Figure 4). The lower engagement surface may assist in preventing damage to the step or raised structure. For example, the lower engagement surface may disperse load across the step or raised structure to reduce point loads. The support body 108 may be formed of a material of a lower durometer than the ramp wings 102, 104, such as,flexible PVC (polyvinylchloride), flexible PU (polyurethane), neoprene, or silicone, for example.

[0048] In some embodiments, the central support member 106 is formed of a moulded plastic. The support body 108 may be coupled to the central support member with at least one fastener, for example. The support body 108 may be a unitary body, for example. Alternatively, the support body 108 may include multiple coupled portions or separate portions that are each coupled to the central support member, For example.

[0049] The lower engagement surface may include at least one high friction engagement portion extending across at least part of the lower engagement surface. In this context, high friction is intended to indicate an anti-slip quality of the material of the engagement portion (and frictional pads 110 described further below) that provides greater than average resistance to movement between two contacting surfaces. For example, rubbery, spiky, rough or tacky materials would provide such greater than average resistance, whereas a smooth metal or plastic material may have a lower than average resistance. It is not intended that the term high friction indicate that there cannot be any movement between two contacting surfaces, but rather that there would be little or no slippage under normal circumstances of use, such as under expected normal load conditions on the ramp. The high friction engagement portion may include a rubber, flexible PVC, silicone or other suitable anti-slip material or combination of materials.

[0050] In some embodiments, the at least one high friction engagement portion includes at least one rib 113 (optionally multiple spaced ribs 113) or other kind of projection projecting downwardly from the lower engagement surface. The at least one rib 113 or other kind of projection may have a shore hardness of between 40 and 70 durometer, for example. If the material of the support body 108 is flexible PVC, then the shore hardness of each of the ribs 113 or other projections may be around 50 durometer, for example. The lower engagement surface may be or define a substantially planar surface, for example.

[0051] The support body 108 may be frictionally coupled to the central support member 106. That is, the support body 108 may be coupled to the central support member 106 without fasteners, for example. The support body 108 may be removably coupled to the central support member 106 to allow for replacement of the support body 108, for example. In some embodiments, the support body 108 is coupled to the central support member 106 via a plurality of removable fasteners 122, which may be screws, for example. This may provide a more secure coupling of the support body 108 to the central support member 106.

[0052] Figure 3 is a top view of the portable ramp 100, according to some embodiments. The first ramp wing 102 is configured to rotate about a first axis 107 and the second ramp wing 104 is configured to rotate about a second axis 109. The first axis 107 is parallel to and spaced from the second axis 109. The first axis 107 and the second axis 109 extend along lines disposed inwardly of outer surfaces 139 of the central support member. That is, each axis 107 and 109 extends through the central support member 106 inwardly of the outer surfaces 139 that define an outer facing wall of the central support member 106, for example. The first axis 107 is coincident with the central axis of the coupling element 118 that couples the first ramp wing 102 to the central support member 106. The second axis 109 is coincident with the central axis of the coupling element 118 that couples the second ramp wing 104 to the central support member 106.

[0053] The first ramp wing 102 comprises a length LI that defines a distance between the free end 105 of the first ramp wing 102 and the first axis 107. The length LI may be between about 600mm and about 1000mm or between about 700mm and about 900mm, for example. The length LI may be about 800mm, for example. The second ramp wing 104 comprises a length L2 that defines a distance between the free end 105 of the second ramp wing 104 and the second axis 109. The length L2 may be between about 600mm and about 1000mm or between about 700mm and about 900mm, for example. The length L2 may be about 800mm, for example. In some embodiments, the length LI and the length L2 are substantially similar or the same. In someembodiments, the length LI and the length L2 are substantially different or not the same.

[0054] The central support member 106 comprises a length L3 that defines a distance between the first axis 107 and the second axis 109. The length L3 may be between about 60mm and about 100mm, for example. The length L3 may be about 85mm, for example. The portable ramp 100 comprises a length L4 that defines a distance between the free end 105 of the first ramp wing 102 and the free end 105 of the second ramp wing 104 when the portable ramp 100 is resting on a flat surface. The length L4 is equal to the sum of the lengths LI, L2, and L3. The length L4 may be between about 1260mm and about 2100mm or between about 1500mm and about 1860mm, for example. The length L4 may be about 1685mm, for example.

[0055] The portable ramp 100 further comprises a width W 1 that defines a distance in the direction of the axes 107, 109 between an outermost portion of the portable ramp 100 on a first side of the portable ramp 100 and an outermost portion of the portable ramp 100 on a second side of the portable ramp 100. The width W1 may be between about 500mm and about 800mm or between about 600mm and about 700mm, for example. The width W 1 may be about 650mm, for example. In some embodiments, the central support member 106 may extend at least 80% of the width W1 of the portable ramp 100. The first and second ramp wings 102, 104 may extend at least greater than or equal to the width of the central support member 106, for example.

[0056] The width of the portable ramp 100 may be uniform across its length L4, such that the width of the portable ramp 100 is equal to width W1 across its entire length L4. The width of the portable ramp 100 may be varied across its length L4, such that the width of the portable ramp 100 is different across its entire length L4. For example, the width of the portable ramp 100 may reduce in a direction away from the central support member 106. That is, the width of the portable ramp 100 at the central support member 106 may be greater than the width of the portable ramp 100 at the free end 105 of at least one of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104, for example. For example, the width of the portable ramp 100 may increase in a direction away from the centralsupport member 106. That is, the width of the portable ramp 100 at the central support member 106 may be less than the width of the portable ramp 100 at the free end 105 of at least one of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104, for example.

[0057] In some embodiments, each ramp wing 102, 104 includes a width (not shown) of a top surface of the respective ramp wing 102, 104 that extends between the side walls 128. That is, the width of the top surface of the respective ramp wing 102, 104 is equal to the width W1 minus the width of the raised side walls 128. The width of the top surface of the respective ramp wing 102, 104 may indicate the width of a walkable / useable surface of the portable ramp 100, for example.

[0058] Portable ramp 100 further comprises a height Hl (not shown) that defines a distance from a flat surface and the upper most portion of the portable ramp 100 in a vertical direction when the portable ramp 100 is resting on the flat surface. Each of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 have a depth (not shown) that defines a distance between an outermost portion of the respective ramp wing 102, 104 on a first side and an outermost portion of the respective ramp wing 102, 104 on a second side in a direction perpendicular to both the length LI and L2, respectively, and the width Wl. The depth may be considered a thickness of the respective ramp wing 102, 104. The depth of each of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 may reduce in a direction away from the central support member 106. That is, the first and / or second ramp wing 102, 104 may have a smaller depth, or thickness, at the free end 105 in comparison to the coupling end 103, for example.

[0059] In some embodiments, the weight of the portable ramp 100 may be up to about 15kg. Each ramp wing 102, 104 and / or the central support member 106 may be manufactured from a preferred suitable material, such as high density polyethylene (HDPE) HD 42000B, for example. Other suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic, glass filled nylon, glass filled nylon (30%), polyethylene (PE100), and HDPE 080M60, for example. Manufacturing of the ramp wings 102, 104 and / or the central support member 106 may include injection moulding of each respective ramp wing 102, 104. Each ramp wing 102, 104may be moulded as a single piece, for example. In other embodiments, each ramp wing 102, 104 may be moulded as multiple pieces and then coupled together to form the respective ramp wing.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a side view of the portable ramp 100 in use, or in an expanded configuration position, according to some embodiments. In the expanded configuration, the free ends 105 of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 are positioned on opposite sides of the central support member 106, such that the portable ramp 100 is spread out. In the example use shown, the central support member 106 is positioned above a raised surface 140, such that the support body 108 overlies a door sill 142. The lower engagement surface of the support body 108 frictionally engages the door sill 142 to reduce movement of the portable ramp 100.

[0061] The first ramp wing 102 is positioned such that it extends from the central support member 106 to the ground surface 144. The second ramp wing 104 is positioned such that it extends from the central support member 106 to the raised surface 140. This creates a transition from the ground surface 144 to the raised surface 140 that enables ease of movement from one surface to the other, for example, for a wheelbarrow, wheelchair, or a person to move between the surfaces 140, 144.

[0062] The distribution of forces on the portable ramp 100 to the ground surface 144, the raised surface 140, and the door sill 142 may also reduce or negate damage to the door sill 142. Without the presence of the portable ramp 100, the door sill 142 would be exposed to impact from boots, objects or small rolled vehicles travelling over the door sill 142 from the ground surface 144 to the raised surface 140 and vice versa. The portable ramp 100 provides a level of protection to the door sill 142 which may be, for example, beneficial for use in locations such as construction sites where damage to goods prior to completion of construction is unwanted.

[0063] In use, the portable ramp 100 has an alternate length L7 that is less than or equal to length L4. Each of the first ramp wing 102 and the second ramp wing 104 have an alternate length, L5 and L6, respectively, when in use that are less than or equal tolengths LI and L2, respectively. Lengths L5 and L6 are dependent on the angle at which each ramp is positioned with respect to the central support member 106 and their lengths LI and L2, respectively. As shown in Figure 4, length L5 is less than length L6 as the first ramp wing 102 is positioned such that it is steeper than the second ramp wing 104.

[0064] Portable ramp 100 also has an in-use height H2 that is greater than or equal to height Hl and defines a distance between the ground surface 144 (or non-raised surface) and the upper most portion of the portable ramp 100 in a vertical direction when in-use. In the example shown, H2 is about 350mm, for example.

[0065] Portable ramp 100 may further comprise at least one frictional pad 110 coupled to the free end 105 of at least one of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104. The frictional pad 110 may have similar anti-slip frictional properties to the high friction engagement portion described above. The portable ramp 100 may comprise two frictional pads 110 coupled at each free end 105 of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104. That is, the portable ramp 100 may comprise four frictional pads 110, two at each free end 105 of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104, for example. The two frictional pads 110 may be spaced across the free end 105 of the respective ramp wing 102, 104 in the direction of the axes 107, 109.

[0066] The frictional pads 110 may include a coupling portion 117 on a back side of the frictional pad 110 to couple to the ramp wings 102, 104 via holes 116. The coupling may be a pressure fit coupling, for example. The frictional pads 110 may further include a ground-engaging portion projecting away from an underside of the free end 105 of the respective ramp wing 102, 104. The frictional pads 110 may aid in reducing movement of the portable ramp 100 when in-use by frictionally engaging with the ground, for example.

[0067] Portable ramp 100 may further comprise a plurality of bolt holes 114 positioned in opposing comers of the free end 105 of each of the first and second ramps 102, 104. Bolt holes 114 are configured to receive an anchor bolt (not shown)therethrough for coupling the first and / or second ramp wings 102, 104 to a surface. Coupling the first and / or second ramp wings 102, 104 to a surface with an anchor bolt may assist in preventing movement of the portable ramp 100 until the anchor bolt is removed.

[0068] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there are shown a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the portable ramp 100 in a stowed configuration, according to some embodiments. In the stowed configuration, the free ends 105 of each of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 are adjacent to one another. In some embodiments, when in the stowed configuration lower side edges 148 of each of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 are closely adjacent or in contact with each other along a middle portion of the lower side edges 148. In the stowed configuration, the portable ramp 100 may be more compact and easier to move around than in the expanded configuration, for example.

[0069] The first and second ramp wings 102, 104 may each include a cooperating engagement structure for retaining the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 in the stowed configuration. That is, the cooperating engagement structure may hold the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 in the stowed configuration without external assistance, for example. The cooperating engagement structure may be disposed in a middle portion of the lower side edges 148. The cooperating engagement structure may include a manually releasable latch, for example. The cooperating engagement structure may include a projection on one of the first or second ramp wings 102, 104 and an aperture on the other of the first or second ramp wings 102, 104, wherein the aperture is sized to matingly receive the projection, for example.

[0070] The free end 105 of each ramp wing 102, 104 may include a handle portion 112. When in the stowed configuration, the handle portions 112 of each ramp wing 102, 104 align with one another to form a larger handle portion 112. When in the expanded configuration, each handle portion 102 of each ramp wing 102, 104 may be utilised independently of the other handle portion 112. Each handle portion 112 may be disposed on the respective ramp wing 102, 104 in a position that is receded from theouter edge of the free end 105. The holes 116 and the bolt holes 114 are located in an end margin portion that extends laterally across the respective ramp wing 102, 104 between the outer edge of the free end 105 and the handle portion 112, for example.

[0071] The portable ramp 100 is deploy able from the stowed configuration to the expanded configuration by hingedly rotating each of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 about their respective axes 107, 109 to spread the ramp wings 102, 104 apart from one another. That is, the ramp wings 102, 104 are unfolded to deploy the portable ramp 100, for example. Similarly, the portable ramp 100 is stowable from the expanded configuration to the stowed configuration by hingedly rotating each of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 about their respective axes 107, 109 to bring the ramp wings 102, 104 adjacent to one another. That is, the ramp wings 102, 104 are folded to stow the portable ramp 100, for example.

[0072] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of a portable ramp 200, according to some embodiments. Portable ramp 200 is an alternate configuration of portable ramp 100 as previously described. Portable ramp 200 comprises a first ramp wing 102 and a second ramp wing 104, a central support member 106, a support body 108, and coupling elements 118.

[0073] Portable ramp 200 may further comprise at least one frictional pad 110 coupled to the free end 105 of at least one of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104. The portable ramp 200 may comprise a frictional pad 110 at each free end 105 of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104. The frictional pad 110 of the portable ramp 200 may extend across the width of the first and second ramp wings such that it extends between each of the side walls 128 of the respective ramp wing 102, 104, for example. Each of the frictional pads 110 of the portable ramp 200 may further include bolt holes 211. Bolt holes 211 are configured such that they align with bolt holes 114 when the frictional pad 110 is coupled to its respective ramp wing 102, 104.

[0074] Portable ramp 200 may further include at least one cooperating engagement structure 204 disposed on same sides of each of the first and second ramp wings 102,104. Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, there is shown a cross-section view of the cooperating engagement structure 204 of the portable ramp 200 in an unengaged configuration and an engaged configuration, respectively. The cooperating engagement structure 204 of one of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 includes a first retaining element 205, and the cooperating structure 204 of the other one of the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 includes a second retaining element 206.

[0075] As shown, the first retaining element 205 and the second retaining element 206 are configured to engage one another to hold the ramp wings 102, 104 in the stowed configuration. That is, when the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 are transitioned from the expanded configuration to the stowed configuration, the retaining elements 205, 206 engage one another to retain the portable ramp 200 in the stowed configuration. The retaining elements 205, 206 may be disengaged from one another via manual manipulation of the portable ramp 200 or the cooperating structure 204 itself.

[0076] The first retaining element 205 and the second retaining element 206 may each comprise hook-like protrusions. During transition of the portable ramp 200 from the expanded configuration to the stowed configuration, the hook-like protrusions move across one another such that at least one of the protrusions slightly deflects to allow the hook-like protrusions to move passed one another. Upon moving passed one another, the at least one deflected protrusion un-deflects such that the hook-like protrusions engage one another. Once engaged, the protrusions retain the portable ramp 200 in the stowed configuration and require manual manipulation of the portable ramp 200 or the cooperating engagement structure 204 to disengage and allow transition to the expanded configuration.

[0077] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of the ramp wings 102, 104 of portable ramp 200, according to some embodiments. Each ramp wing 102, 104 of portable ramp 200 comprises covering portions 136 disposed along the coupling end 103. A top surface of each of the covering portions 136 forms a portion of the upper surface of the respective ramp wing 102, 104. The covering portions 136 are configuredto enclose the recesses 133 such that when the portable ramp 200 is in the expanded configuration, the covering portions 136 cover the respective alternating portions 134 of the central support member. Each ramp wing 102, 104 further comprises additional recesses 137 which may provide weight reduction and load absorption. Portions of the ramp wings 102, 104 configured to receive the coupling element 118 comprise support structures 220, 222, and 224 for providing increased structural support, as further illustrated in Figure 15, which shows a cross-section view of the portable ramp 200, according to some embodiments. Support structures 220 may be in the form of buttresses that assist in distributing forces / loads exerted on the portions of the ramp wings 102, 104 configured to receive the coupling element 118. The support structures 220, 222, and 224 may provide increased structural support to the ramp wings 102, 104 whilst reducing weight., for example.

[0078] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the portable ramp 200 in a partially stowed configuration, according to some embodiments. As shown, the covering portions 136 overlie the respective outer surfaces 139 of the central support member 106.

[0079] Figure 11A shows a cross-section view of a portion of the ramp wing 102, 104 of portable ramp 200 and Figure 11B shows a zoomed exploded view of a portion of the cross-section view of Figure 11A, according to some embodiments. As shown, the coupling portions 117 of the frictional pad 110, in the form of a mushroom-like head, are pushed through holes 116 such that a protruding edge of each coupling portion 117 engages an inner rim 219 of the respective hole 116. The coupling portions 117 each include a larger diameter head portion and a smaller diameter stem portion which couples the head to the frictional pad 110. The larger diameter head is configured to overlie the rim 219. Through applying a level of force, the frictional pad 110 can be both inserted and removed from the hole 116, for example. When inserting or removing the coupling portions 117, the larger diameter head portion deforms to fit through hole 116, for example. Each frictional pad 110 has a lesser thickness at a distal end of the respective ramp wing 102, 104 and an increased thickness at an end opposite the distal end. The change in thickness of the frictional pad 110 may allow thefrictional pad 110 to better engage the ground surface 144 at different angles of the respective ramp wing 102, 104. Each ramp wing 102, 104 may further comprise a first lip 221 and a second lip 223 to form a longitudinal recess at the free end 105 for receiving the frictional pad 110. The first lip 221 and / or the second lip 223 may aid in retaining the frictional pad 110 within the longitudinal recess.

[0080] Figures 12A and 12B show top and bottom perspective views, respectively, of the central support member 106 of the portable ramp 200, according to some embodiments. The central support member 106 includes a plurality of apertures 158 disposed within the alternating portions 134 for receiving the coupling elements 118. The plurality of apertures 158 are configured to align with either one of the first or second axis 107 and 109. That is, a number of apertures 158 align with the first axis 107 and a number of apertures 158 align with the second axis 109.

[0081] The central support member 106 further comprises a protruding top surface 161 configured to substantially align with the upper surface of the ramp wings 102, 104, when the portable ramp 200 is in the expanded configuration. Each of the alternating portions 134 protrude from the central support member 106 below the top surface 161, such that in the expanded configuration, the covering portions 136 overlie the alternating portions 134. A bottom surface of the covering portions 136 may contact the alternating portions 134 such that forces are transferred between the ramp wings 102, 104 and the central support member 106. The central support member 106 may further comprise a plurality of ribbed support portions 160. The ribbed support portions 160 may provide increased structural support for the central support member 106 whilst reducing its weight.

[0082] Figure 13 shows a bottom perspective view of the central support member 106 and the support body 108 of the portable ramp 200, according to some embodiments. The central support member 106 may comprise a plurality of engaging portions 156 for engaging the support body 108. The support body 108 may include a plurality of complementary engaging elements 158 for engaging the engaging portions 156 of the central support member 106. The engaging elements 158 may form apressure fit coupling with the respective engaging portions 156 to retain the support body 108 to the central support member 106. The central support member 106 may comprise a plurality of bolt holes 160 for receiving fasteners 122. As previously described, the support body 108 may be coupled to the central support member 106 using fasteners 122 via a plurality of holes 161.

[0083] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the portable ramp 200 in the expanded position, according to some embodiments. As shown, axles 124 pass through the central support member 106 to hingedly coupled the first and second ramp wings 102, 104 to the central support member 106. The complimentary engaging elements 158 of the support body 108 engage the engaging portions 156 of the central support member 106 to couple the support body 108 to the central support member 106. The support body 108 is further coupled to the central support member 106 via at least one fastener 122. The at least one fastener 122 is receivable in a respective bore extending upward from a lower surface of the central support member.

[0084] An example use case of the portable ramp 100, 200 will now be described.The portable ramp 100, 200 in the stowed configuration, is unfolded such that the ramp wings 102, 104 are spread apart into the expanded configuration. The central support member 106 is positioned on a raised portion, such as door sill 142, that the user wishes to traverse over. The ramp wings 102, 104 are each positioned on either side of the raised portion to provide a ramped pathway allowing for ease of travel over the raised portion. Upon completion of use of the portable ramp 100, 200 the ramp wings 102, 104 may be folded together again into the stowed configuration.

[0085] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A portable ramp, comprising: a central support member; a first ramp wing having a coupling end hingedly coupled to a first side of the central support member and having an opposite free end; a second ramp wing having a coupling end hingedly coupled to a second side of the central support member and having an opposite free end; wherein the first and second ramp wings are movable between a stowed configuration, in which the free ends of the first and second ramp wings are adjacent to each other, and an expanded configuration, in which the free ends are spread from each other on opposite sides of the central support member; wherein the first and second ramp wings each include a unitary injection moulded plastic body; wherein the central support member has a support body that at least partly defines a lower engagement surface, wherein the lower engagement surface is configured to overlie and rest on a step or raised structure when the first and second ramp wings are in the expanded configuration, wherein the lower engagement surface includes at least one high friction engagement portion extending across at least part of the lower engagement surface.

2. The ramp of claim 1, wherein the support body is formed of a material of lower durometer than the first and second ramp wings.

3. The ramp of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one high friction engagement portion includes a rib projecting downwardly from the lower engagement surface.

4. The ramp of claim 3, wherein the rib has a shore hardness of between 40 and 70 durometer.

5. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the first and second ramp wings defines a bolt hole in opposite comers of the free end to receive an anchor bolt therethrough.

6. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the first ramp wing and the second ramp wing has a depth that reduces in a direction away from the central support member.

7. The ramp of claim 6, wherein a lateral width of each of the first and second ramp wings remains substantially the same or increases in the direction away from the central support member.

8. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second ramp wings are configured so that, in the stowed configuration, lower side edges of each of the first and second ramp wings are closely adjacent or in contact with each other along a middle portion of the lower side edges.

9. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first and second ramp wings each have cooperating engagement structure for retaining the first and second ramp wings in the stowed configuration.

10. The ramp of claim 9 when dependant on claim 8, wherein the cooperating engagement structure is disposed in the middle portion of the lower side edges.

11. The ramp of claim 9 or 10, wherein the cooperating engagement structure includes a manually releasable latch.

12. The ramp of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the cooperating engagement structure includes a projection on one of the first and second ramp wings and anaperture on the other of the first and second ramp wings, the aperture sized to matingly receive the projection.

13. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising at least one frictional pad coupled to the free end of each of the first and second ramp wings.

14. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a plurality of frictional pads spaced across the free end of each of the first and second ramp wings.

15. The ramp of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein each at least one frictional pad has at least one coupling portion on a back side and has a ground-engaging portion projecting away from an underside of the respective free end.

16. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein each of the first and second ramp wings has raised lip portions extending along opposite lateral side edges of an upper surface of the respective ramp wing.

17. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first ramp wing is coupled to the central support member to rotate about a first axis and the second ramp wing is coupled to the central support member to rotate about a second axis that is parallel to and spaced from the first axis, wherein the first and second axes extend along lines disposed inwardly of outer surfaces of the central support member.

18. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the central support member extends less than a full lateral width of each of the first and second ramp wings.

19. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the central support member defines at least one first recess on the first side to receive an at least one first end portion of the coupling end of the first ramp wing and defines at least one second recess on the second side to receive an at least one second end portion of the coupling end of the second ramp wing.

20. The ramp of claim 19, wherein the central support member includes a plurality of first recesses to receive a plurality of first end portions of the coupling end of the first ramp wing.

21. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the central support member is free of support legs.

22. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the lower engagement surface includes a substantially planar surface.

23. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the first and second ramp wings are coupled to the central support member by elongate rods received through parts of a main body of the central support member.

24. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the support body is a unitary body.

25. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein a main body of the central support member is formed of a moulded plastic and / or the support body is coupled to the main body of the central support member with at least one fastener.

26. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the support body extends at least 80% of a lateral width of the coupling end of each of the first and second ramp wings.

27. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the support body is partially received in a lower part of a main body of the central support member.

28. The ramp of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein a handle portion is defined in the free end of each of the first and second ramp wings.

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