Movable RAMP assembly for vehicle

The movable ramp assembly addresses inefficiencies in existing designs by integrating internally within the vehicle, using a dual-bearing arm mechanism for smooth operation and safety features, ensuring safe and space-efficient access for wheelchair users.

WO2025217681A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2025-10-23YAHVAVI RAMIN GILANI
View PDF 15 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/AU2025/050377
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-05-09
Filing Date
2025-04-15
Publication Date
2025-10-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing movable ramp assemblies for vehicles are cumbersome, space-consuming, and inefficient, often requiring external deployment and lacking flexibility for various environments, posing safety and accessibility challenges for wheelchair users.

Method used

A movable ramp assembly that operates internally within the vehicle, utilizing a pivoted ramp with a dual-bearing arm mechanism and level adjuster, allowing seamless integration with the vehicle floor and ground, and featuring a safety overload design to prevent actuator overload and ensure smooth, jerk-free movement.

Benefits of technology

The ramp assembly provides safe, efficient, and space-saving access for wheelchair users, with a robust design that doubles as a lift, ensuring secure and comfortable travel, even on uneven terrain, while reducing the risk of hazards and conserving vehicle interior space.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure AU2025050377_23102025_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure AU2025050377_23102025_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention relates to a movable ramp assembly (100) for a vehicle that eliminates the need for additional external space, as the ramp operates internally within the vehicle, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and functionality to set new benchmark for vehicle safety and convenience. The assembly (100) mainly includes a ramp (110) and an at least one ramp moving mechanism (120). The ramp (110) is used as a floor of the vehicle that includes a first end (112), a second end (114), a locking means (118), a ramp bracket (116), and a top surface (T). The assembly (100) includes a pair of ramp moving mechanisms (120). The mechanism (120) includes an actuator (121), a bearing (122), and a slotted arm (126). The assembly (100) utilizes gravitational force, hence requires less energy to operate.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] MOVABLE RAMP ASSEMBLY FOR VEHICLE

[0002] This patent application claims priority and benefit of United Arab Emirates Patent Application No.: P2024-00964 filed on 17 April 2024 and Australian Patent Application No.: 2024203097 filed on 9 May 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004]

[0001] The present invention relates to advanced automobile systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a movable ramp assembly for a vehicle that eliminates the need for additional external space, as the ramp operates internally within the vehicle, prioritizing safety, accessibility, and functionality to set new benchmark for vehicle safety and convenience.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006]

[0002] Accessible transportation for individuals with mobility challenges, particularly those who rely on wheelchairs, is essential for ensuring inclusivity and independence in modem society. Traditional vehicle designs often lack efficient and safe means for wheelchair users to embark and disembark, posing significant obstacles to their mobility and freedom. While stationary ramps exist, they often require external assistance for deployment and may not be practical for frequent use.

[0007]

[0003] A growing concern exists for persons who are physically challenged or otherwise have limited mobility. That concern has given rise to the development of structures to accommodate such persons. Such developments have included the development of lifts for transporting occupied wheelchairs, and the like, in and out of vehicles. Typically, these lifts provide mobile platforms to raise and lower passengers in wheelchairs between loading from outside the vehicles from a ground level and entry into the vehicles at a vehicle floor level.

[0008]

[0004] Ramps have also been developed for enabling access into and out of vehicles. Concerning ramps which travel with the vehicles, these ramps are typically stored in vehicles when not in use and deployed when it is necessary to provide passenger access. When deployed, the ramp must provide a safe surface on which the passengers are supported while they travel across the ramp. The ramp should also be safe in its operation for people assisting the person in the wheelchair.

[0009]

[0005] The available ramps and lifts addressing this need are often cumbersome, spaceconsuming, and may not be compatible with all vehicle types. Additionally, these stationary solutions may not offer the flexibility required for efficient and convenient access in various environments, such as uneven ground level or terrain.

[0010]

[0006] The Applicant has conducted a worldwide prior art patent search before filing the present patent application. The following are some of the attempts made to design the movable ramp assemblies:

[0011]

[0007] US patent reference 5,393,192 A to REB MANUFACTURING CO INC [US] provides under ramp extendible ramp for vehicles that comprises a tray mountable under the ramp of a vehicle, which tray contains an extendible ramp mechanism. This mechanism comprises a ramp and a driving panel for the ramp. The ramp is fulcrummed intermediate its ends on the outer ends of parallel arms extending from the driving panel. Also in the tray, as part of the driving mechanism, there is a pair of parallel toothed belts driven by a reversible rotating actuator, these belts being attached to the driving panel for extending and retracting the ramp from the tray. Mounted under the driving panel is a reciprocating actuator connected by a crank arm to a shaft having additional crank arms pivotally connected to the underside of the ramp adjacent the driving panel. When the ramp is fully extended, the reciprocating actuator tilts the ramp so that its inner end is moved upwardly to be flush with the ramp of the vehicle. Simultaneously, the outer end of the ramp contacts the ground. The ramp has parallel side barriers which spring into position when the ramp is fully extended. These barriers are automatically folded against the top surface of the ramp by an angularly mounted roller which contacts a cammed surface at the inner ends of each barrier as the ramp is retracted into the tray.

[0012]

[0008] US patent reference 4,131,209 A filed on 1978-12-26 by MANNING DONAED L provides vehicle entrance ramp, wherein the motor bus has a side door at its forward end which when opened accommodates laterally outward extension of a ramp from a normally stowed position below the ramp of the bus, a portion of the ramp adjacent its outer end serving as a step for entering the bus when the ramp is in its stowed position. Extending longitudinally of the ramp and journalled therein at its outward end is a lead screw which is rotatively driven by a rotary power actuator mounted to the inner end of the ramp. A nut threadedly engaging the screw is hingedly mounted to the lower end of a step riser which is hinged at its upper end to the bus ramp so as to swing up to a position co-planar with the ramp when the ramp is fully extended. A bell crank having an arm underlying the ramp is actuatable by a fluid motor to swing the inner end of the ramp and lower end of the riser upwardly to their co-planar relation when the motor comes into abutment with the nut during outward extending movement of the ramp.

[0013]

[0009] The cited references move the inner end of the ramp that requires more controlling force. They failed to utilize the gravitational force, therefore consuming more energy to operate. Further, it failed to use ramp as a floor of the vehicle. The mechanism separately uses a slotted bracket that makes it more complex. The traditional ramps extend outside the vehicle inner space, therefore, said ramps require more space to use.

[0014]

[0010] In view of above prior art, it can be understood that many movable ramp assemblies have been designed in an attempt to provide a similar solution, however they are complex, expensive, and inefficient. Therefore, there is a need to address the above, and / or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0015] SUMMARY

[0016] [Oil] According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a movable ramp assembly (100) for a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising: - a ramp (110) comprising: a first end (112) which is pivoted to a vehicle chassis (102); and a second end (114) which is movable between a first position (F) and a second position (S) thereof; and - at least one ramp moving mechanism (120) that comprises: an actuator (121) that: a) controls movement of the second end (114) towards gravity from the first position (F) to the second position (S); and b) produces a required force for moving the second end (114) against gravity from the second position (S) to the first position (F); 4 a rotary movement-performing bearing (122) comprising a first bearing arm (123) and a second bearing arm (124); a level adjuster arm (125) of the actuator (121) connected to the first bearing arm (123); and a slotted arm (126) pivoted to the second bearing arm (124) and which is fixed to a ramp bracket (116); - wherein the slotted arm ( 126) prevents overloading the actuator (121).

[0017]

[0012] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a novel movable ramp assembly which is pivoted inside the vehicle through the modification of the low ramp, chassis, and suspension frame, setting it apart from traditional designs and available solutions in the market.

[0018]

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a movable ramp assembly that eliminates a need for additional external space, as the ramp operates internally within the vehicle.

[0019]

[0014] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a movable ramp assembly that can be used for loading and unloading goods significantly easier, wherein the ramp's robust design allows it to double as a lift, with a substantial load capacity of 900kg (for example), catering to diverse transportation needs.

[0020]

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a simple ramp moving assembly that reduces chances of potential hazards such as falling or leaning objects onto passengers, ensuring a secure and comfortable travel experience.

[0021]

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a novel ramp moving mechanism that ensures steady and accurate movement, fail-safe design, and adaptive ramp positioning.

[0022]

[0017] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention, along with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023]

[0018] So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may have been referred to by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:

[0024]

[0019] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary schematic view of a movable ramp assembly without vehicle, wherein a second end of the ramp is at first position (F), in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a view of FIG. 1, wherein the second end of the ramp is at second position (S);

[0026]

[0021] FIG. 3 shows a view of the ramp from below, pivoted to a vehicle chassis;

[0027]

[0022] FIG. 4 shows a view of a preferred embodiment of the ramp assembly when connected to the vehicle;

[0028]

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a view of a vehicle with assembly of FIG. 1;

[0029]

[0024] FIG. 6 shows a view of vehicle with assembly of FIG. 2;

[0030]

[0025] FIG. 7 shows a detailed rear view of FIG. 6; and

[0031]

[0026] FIG. 8 shows a use case of the movable ramp assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032]

[0027] Some embodiments, illustrating its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” and “including,” and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods, and systems similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments, the preferred methods, and systems are now described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary.

[0033]

[0028] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals used in the accompanying drawings correspond to the like elements throughout the description. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, several materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0034]

[0029] The various features and embodiments of the present invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying figures, namely FIGS. 1-8, which should be regarded as merely illustrative without restricting the scope and ambit of the present invention.

[0035]

[0030] From herein afterwards the assembly is referred to as an assembly (100).

[0031] Referring now to the FIGS. 1 and 2, the assembly (100) mainly includes a ramp (110) and an at least one ramp moving mechanism (120). For installation (i.e. assembly 100), the wheels are separately assembled without axel.

[0036]

[0032] The ramp (110) includes a first end (112), a second end (114), a locking means (118), a ramp bracket (116), and a top surface (T). The first end (112) is pivoted to a vehicle chassis (102). The first end (112) is pivoted to the vehicle chassis (102) by means of at least one hinge pin (103) (as best seen in FIG. 3). The second end (114) is bent. The bending of the second end may provide a more substantially horizontal surface for the wheelchair when exiting the ramp. The second end (114) is movable between a first position (F) and a second position (S). The first position (F) is a position of the ramp (110) when it gets locked with the vehicle body. In first position (F), the top surface (T) acts as a floor of the vehicle. The second position (S) is a position of the ramp (110) when it rests over a ground surface or any other hard surface. In the second position (S), the ramp (110) gets inclined and allows hustle free entry of the user inside the vehicle. In another non-limiting exemplary implementation of the present invention, the ramp (110) is separately arranged with the floor of the vehicle. The ramp bracket (116) is fixed to the ramp (110) by means of a weld joint. The locking means (118) is fixed to the top surface (T). The locking means (118) is strategically relocated to the second end (114), working in tandem with the door (150) or tail gate to secure the ramp (110) in place. This prevents unintended movement of the ramp (110) due to gravity, further enhancing passenger safety.

[0037]

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assembly (100) includes a pair of ramp moving mechanisms (120). A first ramp moving mechanism is movably attached to a first ramp side. A second ramp moving mechanism is movably attached to a second ramp side. The first ramp moving mechanism and the second ramp moving mechanism are synchronously operable. In some embodiments, the assembly (100) is operated using the single mechanism (120). In another embodiment, the assembly (100) is operated using the multiple mechanisms (120). The mechanism (120) includes an actuator (121), a bearing (122), a level adjuster arm (125) and a slotted arm (126).

[0038]

[0034] In a preferred embodiment the actuator (121) is a linear actuator. The actuator (121) may comprise pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical (spring operated) or electrical (motor operated), or electromagnetic driving means. In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the actuator (121) is located in the upper location of the vehicle floor covered by the vehicle chassis. This arrangement may reduce the effect on the environmental factors and may reduce the risk of environmental damage, if the actuator / s would fail. The actuator (121) includes a level adjuster arm (125). The actuator (121) ensures jerk free smooth movement of the second end (114) towards gravity from the first position (F) to the second position (S). The actuator (121) produces a required force for moving the second end (114) against gravity from the second position (S) to the first position (F). The bearing (122) is a rotary movement performing bearing and includes a first bearing arm (123) and a second bearing arm (124). The first bearing arm (123) and the second bearing arm (124) are rigidly fixed to the rotary movement performing bearing (122) with a predefined angle there between. The level adjuster arm (125) is rigidly connected to the first bearing arm (123). The slotted arm (126) is movably pivoted to the second bearing arm (124). The slotted arm (126) is rigidly fixed to the ramp bracket (116). The slotted arm (126) comprises a slot (127). In the preferred embodiment, the slot is disposed on the slotted arm (126). In other embodiments, the slot may be disposed on either a level adjuster arm (125), or on the first bearing arm (123), or on the second bearing arm (124). The ramp (110) concludes in the second position (S), seamlessly integrating with the ground surface. The slotted arm (126) enables flexibility and prevents overloading the ramp (110) and overloading the actuator (121), even when the vehicle is parked and the ramp (110) is operated on uneven terrain.

[0039]

[0035] Initially, the level adjuster arm (125) is at an extended position (i.e. actuator is normally open and extended position to keep the ramp (110) closed) that ensures that even in the event of mechanical or electrical failure, the ramp (110) remains securely closed. This prevents unintended deployment, maintaining passenger safety at all times.

[0040]

[0036] When the actuator (121) starts extending the level adjuster arm (125) from a retracted position thereof, the first bearing arm (123) rotates the bearing (122) by a predefined angle in a first direction thereof thereby the second bearing arm (124) by means of the slotted arm (126) pulls the second end (114) against gravity towards the first position (F). (For first position (F) - Refer FIGS. 1 and 5) Similarly, when the actuator (121) starts retracting the level adjuster arm (125) from the extended position thereof, the first bearing arm (123) rotates the bearing (122) by an angle in a second direction thereof thereby the second bearing arm (124) by means of the slotted arm (126) releases the second end (114) under effect of gravity towards the second position (S) until rests over a surface there below. (For second position (S) - Refer FIGS. 2, 4, 6, and 7).

[0041]

[0037] Although the ramps of the prior art rely on using the actuator alone, the advantage of the present disclosure is that the ramp assembly utilizes a first bearing arm (123) and a second bearing arm (124) to lift and lower the ramp which may reduce the load on the actuator / s (121).

[0042]

[0038] The level adjuster arm may retract or extend and activate the bearing arms which in its outcome ensures smooth transition through the lowering or lifting of the ramp.

[0043]

[0039] A further advantage of the present disclosure is that it has a mechanical “safety overload” design where the actuator / s (121) may not overload once the floor touches the ground, regardless of the level of the ground or how uneven the terrain is. This safety overload design may be achieved by using the slotted arm (126) in synergy with the second bearing arm (124). This feature allows the actuator (121) to continue its motion without the floor of the ramp being pushed down into the ground. The force exerted by the actuator (121) retracts the adjuster level arm (125), which in turn brings into action the bearing arms (123) (124). Once the floor of the ramp touches on the ground, or any other object, the excess of the movement of the bearing arms (123) (124) is absorbed in the slot (127) of the slotted arm (126) and can avoid the pushing of the floor (114) further into the ground / object on the ground. This feature provides safety and protects the actuators (121) from overloading while at the same time providing protection for an object on the ground, such as for example, the feet of a person standing in front of the ramp and operating the ramp. The present invention is designed to avoid the overload of actuator (121), which may damage the actuator (121) itself and thereby damage the ramp system. This built-in safety overload system is one of the main advantages of the present disclosure, where the slotted arm (126) provides adaptive ramp positioning to seamlessly integrate the ramp with the ground surface. This is also helped by the bend on the second end (114).

[0044]

[0040] A further preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 4., is an anti-pinch feature of the present disclosure. In this embodiment the ramp (110) has a sidewall (128) on each side of the ramp. Each sidewall (128) moves together with the ramp whether up or down. The sidewall is preferably vertical and once the ramp moving mechanism (120) is activated, each sidewall (128) covers the space between the ramp and the car body (129), the space being created by the ramp (110) moving away from the car body (129). This may increase the safety of the ramp system and the safety of the operator, as it helps to avoid any object falling through the space created by lowering the ramp, losing tie-down items, or injuring people’s toes. Another advantage of the sidewalls of the present disclosure is that the wheels of the wheelchair can not slip or can not end up hanging off the ramp.

[0045]

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment also shown in FIG.4, the ramp assembly (100) of the present disclosure, specifically the ramp moving mechanism (120), when in use, is disposed below the vehicle floor, externally of the ramp, i.e. not between sidewalls (128).

[0046]

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the assembly (100) is operated using the pair of the mechanism (120) operating with a force of 4500N (485kg) and a speed of 25mm / s, wherein the ramp's movement is steady and precise. The controlled speed of 25mm / s ensures smooth and strong mobility, reducing the risk of damage from sudden accidents.

[0047]

[0043] The locking means (118) may be locked with a door lock (130). In one embodiment, the door lock (130) can be attached to an extended aluminum box (140). In another embodiment, the door lock (130) can be attached to a tailgate extension means (140). The extended aluminum box or the tailgate extension means (140) may be fixed to the door (150) of the vehicle. The aluminum box (140) has a quadrilateral shape, preferably a square or a rectangle. The extended aluminum box or tailgate extension means (140) may be rigidly fixed to the door (150) through welding. In another embodiment of the present invention, the extended aluminum box or tailgate extension means (140) may be detachably fixed to the door (150). The aluminum box or the tailgate extension means (140) may be provided with a rubber seal. The extended aluminum box or the tailgate extension assembly may be made from any light weight material(s) with integrated seals that latches onto the ramp system or vehicle. The aluminum box or the tailgate extension means (140) may feature an additional safety lip that prevents the ramp (110) from descending in case primary safety measures fail, ensuring passenger safety remains paramount. Another advantage of the movable ramp assembly of the present invention is that it may allow for better access to the ramp by integrating the rear ramp door into the tailgate. This may reduce the amount of space needed behind the vehicle to access the ramp. It is also more convenient as the ramp door can be opened together with tailgate and is up out of the way. An additional safety feature is that the tailgate may not close unless the ramp is being safely stowed away, i.e. the ramp being in the first position.

[0048]

[0044] The actuator (121) is connected to a power source. In one embodiment, the power source is provided with a limit switch (160) that prevents accidental operation while the vehicle is in motion, thus ensuring optimal safety standards. The limit switch (160) is configured closer to a door seal of a vehicle body (200). The electric power from the power source to the actuator (121) is disconnected when the limit switch (160) connected in a series therewith is pressed. The limit switch (160) gets pressed by the pressing means (162) when the door (150) is locked, thereby; the assembly (100) becomes non-operable. Similarly, the limit switch (160) gets released when the door (150) is opened, thereby; the assembly (100) becomes operable. The pressing means (162) fixed to the door side edge. The door (150) and mechanism (120) are remotely operated using an electronic device (300) (Refer to FIG. 7) or using a mechanical switch. The electronic device (300) may include a remote control, a mobile phone, or a like operating device. The advantage of the present disclosure is that it may provide a fully integrated ramp and tailgate system which makes access of the wheelchair to the vehicle easier.

[0049]

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a wheelchair ramp that does not take extra space when the ramp is lowered, and also to provide a seamless system, where all parts work in unity and the sophisticated ramp system achieves seamless lowering, and ensures jerk free smooth movement of the ramp and reduces additional jerking or shock actions at the time when the ramp touches the ground. The ramp of the present invention may stow flush with the vehicle floor, conserving interior space and maintaining a clean appearance of the ramp.

[0050]

[0046] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0051]

[0047] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from 10 it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

[0052]

[0048] In the claims, any reference symbol between parentheses should not be interpreted as a limitation on that claim. It should be understood according to the preceding description of the present invention that the same is susceptible to changes, modifications and adaptations, and that the said changes, modifications and adaptations fall within scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A movable ramp assembly (100) for a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising: a ramp (110) comprising: a first end (112) which is pivoted to a vehicle chassis (102); and a second end (114) which is movable between a first position (F) and a second position (S) thereof; and at least one ramp moving mechanism (120) that comprises: an actuator (121) that: a) controls movement of the second end (114) towards gravity from the first position (F) to the second position (S); and b) produces a required force for moving the second end (114) against gravity from the second position (S) to the first position (F); a rotary movement-performing bearing (122) comprising a first bearing arm (123) and a second bearing arm (124); a level adjuster arm (125) of the actuator (121) connected to the first bearing arm (123); and a slotted arm (126) pivoted to the second bearing arm (124) and which is fixed to a ramp bracket (116) wherein the slotted arm (126) prevents overloading the actuator (121).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ramp further comprises sidewalls (128) on each side of the ramp (110).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ramp moving mechanism (120) is disposed externally of the ramp (110).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in any one of preceding claims, wherein when the actuator (121) starts extending the level adjuster arm (125) from a retracted position thereof, the first bearing arm (123) rotates the bearing (122) by a predefined angle in a first direction thereof thereby the second bearing arm (124) by means of the slotted arm (126) starts pulling the second end (114) against gravity towards the first position (F).

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in any one of preceding claims, wherein when the actuator (121) starts retracting the level adjuster arm (125) from the extended position thereof, the first bearing arm (123) rotates the bearing (122) by an angle in a second direction thereof thereby the second bearing arm (124) by means of the slotted arm (126) starts releasing the second end (114) under an effect of gravity towards the second position (S) until rests over a surface there below.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed any one of preceding claims, wherein the ramp (110) itself a floor of the vehicle.

7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein the ramp (110) is separately arranged with the floor of the vehicle.

8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) comprises a pair of ramp moving mechanisms (120), wherein a first ramp moving mechanism is movably attached to a first ramp side and a second ramp moving mechanism is movably attached to a second ramp side.

9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first ramp moving mechanism and the second ramp moving mechanism are synchronously operable.

10. The assembly (100) as claimed in any one of preceding claims, wherein the ramp (110) is provided with a locking means (118) fixed to atop surface (T) thereof that gets locked with a door lock (130) at the second end (114).

11. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the door lock (130) is attached to a tailgate extension means (140) which is fixed to a door of the vehicle (150).

12. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the door lock (130) is attached to an extended aluminum box (140) which is fixed to a door of the vehicle (150).

13. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the tailgate extension means or the aluminum box (140) is provided with a rubber seal.

14. The assembly (100) as claimed in any one of preceding claims, wherein the actuator (121) is connected to a power source.

15. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein electric power from the power source to the actuator (121) is disconnected when a limit switch (160) connected in a series therewith is pressed.

16. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the limit switch (160) is configured closer to a door seal of a vehicle body (200).

17. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the limit switch (160) gets pressed by a pressing means (162) fixed to the door side edge.

18. The assembly (100) as claimed in any one of preceding claims, wherein the slotted arm (126) comprises a slot (127).

19. The assembly (100) as claimed in any one of preceding claims, wherein the rotary movement-performing bearing (122) is mounted to a side (115) of the ramp (110) or to a vehicle body.

20. The assembly (100) as claimed in any one of preceding claims, wherein a door of the vehicle (150) and the ramp moving mechanism (120) are remotely operated using an electronic device (300) or using a mechanical switch.

21. The assembly (100) as claimed in any one of preceding claims, wherein the first end (112) is pivoted to the vehicle chassis (102) by means of at least one hinge pin (103).

22. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the aluminum box (140) has a quadrilateral shape preferably a square or a rectangle.

23. The assembly (100) as claimed in any one of preceding claims, wherein the second end (114) is bent.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Improvements in passenger carrying vehicles

    EP0390431A2

  • Telescopic mechanism

    EP3181106A1

  • Vehicle installation for transporting disabled in wheelchairs - has rear platform pivoting to ground for loading, and raised to horizontal position for transport by electro-mechanical actuators

    FR2689478A1

  • Welfare vehicle with a electromotion type of slope

    KR100788747B1

  • Welfare cars for wheelchair boarding

    KR101409349B1