Abstract:
A portable passenger boarding ramp assembly includes a main chassis having a plurality of drive wheels; a ramp structure carried by the main chassis, the ramp structure including a lower ramp sloping upwardly to the main chassis; a lower turndeck carried by the main chassis at an upper end of the lower ramp; a mid ramp carried by the main chassis, the mid ramp sloping upwardly from the lower turndeck; an upper turndeck carried by the main chassis at an upper end of the mid ramp; an upper ramp carried by the main chassis, the upper ramp sloping upwardly from the upper turndeck; and a level deck carried by the main chassis and disposed in vertically pivoting relationship to the upper ramp; and a drive system drivingly engaging the plurality of drive wheels.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/967,606, filed Mar. 24, 2014 and entitled “SOLAR POWERED DRIVEABLE PORTABLE PASSENGER BOARDING RAMP”, which provisional application is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure relate to boarding and deplaning ramps for passenger aircraft. More particularly, illustrative embodiments of the disclosure relate to a portable passenger boarding ramp assembly which may be solar powered and can be docked with commercial aircraft to facilitate the boarding and deplaning of passengers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Current systems and methods for deployment of a portable passenger boarding ramp in docking relationship to an aircraft requires the passenger boarding ramp to be towed behind a towing apparatus to within 50 to 60 feet of the parked aircraft. The passenger boarding ramp must then be manually pushed the remaining distance to the aircraft to facilitate docking of the ramp with the aircraft. 
     Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for deployment of portable passenger boarding ramps in docking relationship to aircraft. More particularly, illustrative embodiments of the disclosure relate to systems and methods for deployment of portable passenger boarding ramps in docking relationship to aircraft without the need for a towing apparatus or ground operating personnel to push the ramp to the aircraft. Specifically, illustrative embodiments of the disclosure relate to a solar powered portable passenger boarding ramp that can be driven up to and positioned at an aircraft without the need for a towing apparatus or individuals to push the ramp given its unique drive system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a portable passenger boarding ramp assembly that can be used for deplaning passengers from and boarding passengers on an aircraft. An illustrative embodiment of the ramp assembly includes a main chassis having a plurality of drive wheels; a ramp structure carried by the main chassis, the ramp structure including a lower ramp sloping upwardly to the main chassis; a lower turndeck carried by the main chassis at an upper end of the lower ramp; a mid ramp carried by the main chassis, the mid ramp sloping upwardly from the lower turndeck; an upper turndeck carried by the main chassis at an upper end of the mid ramp; an upper ramp carried by the main chassis, the upper ramp sloping upwardly from the upper turndeck; and a level deck carried by the main chassis and disposed in vertically pivoting relationship to the upper ramp; and a drive system drivingly engaging the plurality of drive wheels. 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the current method of deployment of portable passenger boarding ramps, the portable passenger boarding ramp of the present disclosure can be utilized for reduction of alternate supportive equipment and ground personnel required for deployment of the portable passenger boarding ramp. The general purpose of the portable passenger boarding ramp assembly which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to allow for a portable passenger boarding ramp to be driven to the aircraft regardless of where the aircraft is parked. The portable passenger boarding ramp assembly may allow a single operator to drive and position a portable passenger boarding ramp up to an aircraft so as to commence boarding and deplaning of passengers. This portable passenger boarding ramp assembly may include a ramp structure, a series of solar panels, level deck, primary and remote drive consoles, electric drive motors and drive axles with drive engagement lever. In some embodiments, solar panels may be mounted to the exterior of the upper turndeck handrails of the main ramp assembly so as to charge a bank of rechargeable batteries stored in the battery enclosure mounted on at least one side of the main chassis. The power stored in the batteries may energize the electric drive motors with the articulation of dual progressive drive joystick controls. The energizing of the electric motor may subsequently transfer energy to a gear box which may then rotate a drive sprocket. The drive sprocket may transfer torque to the axles through a drive chain resulting in powered movement of the ramp assembly, thus eliminating the need for a towing apparatus as well as any need for ground support personnel to physically push the portable passenger boarding ramp assembly into final position. The level deck may allow for optimal docking conditions if the ramp assembly is not exactly parallel with the aircraft. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an overhead view of an illustrative embodiment of the main solar powered driveable portable passenger ramp assembly; 
         FIG. 2  is an overhead partial view of an illustrative embodiment of the main solar powered driveable passenger ramp assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a forward view of an illustrative embodiment of the level deck assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded overhead view of an illustrative embodiment of the level deck; 
         FIG. 5  is an overhead view of an illustrative embodiment of the primary drive console assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded overhead view of an illustrative embodiment of the relationship between the electric drive motor and the gear reduction box; 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded overhead view of an illustrative embodiment showing the components of the drive axle; 
         FIG. 8  is an overhead view of an illustrative embodiment of the hub release lever; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic drawing illustrating power distribution; and 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of an aircraft parked at an aircraft terminal with an illustrative main solar powered driveable portable passenger ramp assembly deployed at the aircraft in exemplary application thereof. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to practice the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Moreover, the illustrative embodiments described herein are not exhaustive and embodiments which are not described herein and which fall within the scope of the claims are possible. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     With reference to the drawings and, in particular, with reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an illustrative embodiment of a portable passenger boarding ramp assembly, hereinafter ramp assembly, is generally indicated by reference numeral  100 . The ramp assembly  100  has an integrated drive system  80  which may be solar powered and will be hereinafter described. The ramp assembly  100  may include a main frame or chassis  7 . At least two independent drive axles  6  with drive wheels  57 , driven by operation of dual drive motors  4  via gear boxes  5 , may be provided at the forward operating end on the underside of the main chassis  7 . At least two swivel wheels  8  may be provided at the aft end on the underside of the main chassis  7 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , a typical motor mounting assembly  82  for each dual drive motor  4  may include a motor mount bracket  83  which is attached to the main chassis  7  using bolts and/or other suitable fastener technique which is known by those skilled in the art (not illustrated). A motor mount plate  84  may be sandwiched between the motor mount bracket  83  and the gear box  5 . The motor  4  drivingly engages the gear box  5  and may be attached to a gear box flange  85  on the gear box  5  using bolts and/or other suitable fastener technique which is known by those skilled in the art (not illustrated). 
     A ramp structure  74  is provided on the main chassis  7 . The ramp structure  74  may include a lower turndeck  9  which is supported on the main chassis  7  above the drive axles  6 . In some embodiments, the lower turndeck  9  may have a generally rectangular shape. Handrail sections  3  may extend upwardly from the lower turndeck  9  on three sides. The lower turndeck  9  may be attached to the main chassis  7  by way of fixed height, upright support braces  32 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a lower bridge  1  and a lower ramp  2  may slope upwardly from the ground or tarmac  88  onto the lower turndeck  9 , with the lower turndeck  9  at an upper end of the lower ramp  2 . The sloped lower bridge  1  may be attached to the sloped lower ramp  2  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     A mid ramp  10  may slope upwardly from the lower turndeck  9 . The mid ramp  10  may be disposed in adjacent, parallel relationship to the lower ramp  2 . Handrail sections  3  may extend upwardly from both sides of the mid ramp  10 . The mid ramp  10  may be supported above the main chassis  7  by way of a series of varying height support braces  17 . 
     An upper turndeck  11  may be supported on the main chassis  7  generally above the swivel wheels  8  and at an upper end of the mid ramp  10 . The upper turndeck  11  may include a rectangular-shaped platform that is supported above the main chassis  7  such as by an angled H-brace  59  and a bullnose brace  27 . The angled H-brace  59  and the bullnose brace  27  may be mounted to the main chassis  7  and to the bottom surface of the upper turndeck  11  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The upper end of the sloped mid ramp  10  is attached to one side of the upper turndeck  11  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Handrail sections  3  may extend upwardly from the remaining sides of the upper turndeck  11 . 
     An upper ramp  12  may slope upwardly from the upper turndeck  11 . The upper ramp  12  may be disposed in generally adjacent, parallel relationship to the mid ramp  10 . The upper ramp  12  may be attached to the upper turndeck  11  by way of a deck hinge  23  to allow for the upper ramp  12  to pivot upwardly and downwardly relative to the upper turndeck  11 , as indicated by the directional arrow  25  in  FIG. 1  and for purposes which will be hereinafter described. A hydraulic cylinder  78  may be attached to the underside of the upper ramp  12 . The hydraulic cylinder  78  may be supported by an A-brace  28  such as by way of a cylinder mounting tab  29 . The A-brace  28  may be attached to the main chassis  7  using any suitable fastening technique known by those skilled in the art. The hydraulic cylinder  78  is operable to selectively raise the upper ramp  12  typically by way of a hand operated hydraulic pump (not pictured) which may be mounted on at least one side of the main chassis  7 . At least one telescoping adjustable ramp support arm  33  may be pivotally attached to the main frame  7  and to the upper ramp  12 . An arm lock pin (not illustrated) may be used to secure the adjustable ramp support arm  33  at a particular length to support the upper ramp  12  at a desired slope. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-4 , a level deck  13  may be provided at an upper end of the upper ramp  12 . The level deck  13  may be vertically pivotally attached to the upper ramp  12  by way of a deck hinge  24  that allows the level deck  13  to remain level during the upwardly and downwardly pivoting motions of the upper ramp  12  typically by actuation of the hydraulic cylinder  78 . As particularly illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the level deck  13  may include a deck frame  37  and a deck platform  64  supported by the deck frame  37 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , handrail sections  3  may extend upwardly from the level deck platform  64 . At least one main boarding walk space  26  may be provided in the upwardly extending handrail  3  of the level deck  13 . At least one deck gate  35  may extend upwardly from the level deck platform  64  to selectively block access to the main boarding walk space  26 . In some embodiments, a platform bumper  36  may be provided on the deck frame  37 . At least one truss  14  ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) may be attached to the underside of the level deck  13 . The truss  14  may extend rearwardly toward the upper turndeck  11  and pivotally attach to truss connection tabs  31  ( FIG. 2 ) which may be mounted to the upward-standing support bracing  17  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , a deck rotunda  60  which may have a generally semicircular shape may be rotationally pivotally mounted on the deck frame  37  of the level deck  13  according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the deck rotunda  60  may be attached to the level deck platform  64  by way of a pivot mounting plate  43 , from which extends a pivot shaft  41  that pivotally extends through a shaft collar  50  in the platform frame  37  with at least one bushing  42 . The deck rotunda  60  may rest on rollers  40  which are attached to the deck frame  37  of the level deck  13  such as by way of roller mounting tabs  61 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , on at least one side of the level deck  13 , a pivot lever  18  may be connected to a pivot linkage arm  39 , which is in turn connected to the deck rotunda  60  at a pivot bracket  38 . The pivot lever  18  may be pivotally mounted to a pivot bushing  63  which is fastened to a roller gate support column  62  that is upward-standing from the level deck platform  64 . Accordingly, with forward pivoting movement of the pivot lever  18  about the pivot bushing  63 , the pivot linkage arm  39  moves aft, resulting in a clockwise articulation or rotational pivoting of the deck rotunda  60  relative to the level deck platform  64  via the pivot shaft  41  ( FIG. 4 ). Alternately, aft or backward movement of the pivot lever  18  pushes the pivot lever linkage arm  39  forward, resulting in counter-clockwise articulation or rotational pivoting of the deck rotunda  60  relative to the level deck platform  64  via the pivot shaft  41 . The deck rotunda  60  can be pivoted in the side-to-side motion via operation of the pivot lever  18 , as heretofore described, to achieve optimal docking conditions in the event that the level deck  13  is not properly parallel with an aircraft (not illustrated) to which the ramp assembly  100  is to be docked. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a pair of sliding supports  15  may extend upwardly from the main chassis  7 . The sliding supports  15  may be attached to the underside of the level deck  13  by way of sliding support mounting tabs (not illustrated). A series of openings (not illustrated) may extend along each of the sliding supports  15 . The sliding supports  15  may be inserted through square tubing sleeves  22  which form the perimeter frame of an X-brace  16 . The X-brace  16  may be attached to the main chassis  7  by way of X-brace mounting tabs  34  ( FIG. 2 ). As the upper ramp  12  is pivoted in an upward manner typically by operation of the hydraulic cylinder  78 , the sliding supports  15  extend both upwardly and outwardly from the respective sleeves  22 . Once the desired height of the level deck  13  has been achieved, a lock pin (not illustrated) can be inserted through the registering openings (not illustrated) in the sliding supports  15  and in the sleeves  22 , respectively, to secure the level deck  13  at the selected height. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5 , a primary drive console  19  may be provided on the level deck  13  at the fore end of the ramp assembly  100 . A secondary drive console  20  may be provided on the upper turndeck  11  at the aft end of the ramp assembly  100 . The primary drive console  19  may be mounted to a handrail section  3  that extends upward from the level deck  13 . The primary drive console  19  may include a console enclosure  44  which contains the wiring of, and provides a means of attachment for, dual progressive joystick controls  45 , two position switches  46 , battery charge gauges  47  and an emergency stop button  48 . The secondary drive console  20  may be mounted to a handrail section  3  that extends upward from the upper turndeck  11  at the aft end of the ramp assembly  100 . The secondary drive console  20  may have the same structural and control components as the primary drive console  19 . In other embodiments, the primary drive console  19  and the secondary drive console  20  may be provided at alternative locations on the ramp structure  74 . 
     The primary drive console  19  and the secondary drive console  20  are connected to the electric dual drive motors  4  for selective operation of the drive axles  6  and respective drive wheels  57  in the forward or reverse direction. At least one solar panel  65  may be electrically connected to the dual drive motors  4 , typically via at least one rechargeable battery  66  ( FIG. 2 ), to provide a source of electrical current for the dual drive motors  4 . By movement of the dual progressive drive joysticks  45  at either the primary drive console  19  or the secondary drive console  20 , electric current is directed from the rechargeable battery  66  to the dual drive motors  4 . The dual drive motors  4  energize the gear boxes  5 , which turn a meshing gear drive sprocket  49  ( FIG. 6 ). Torque may be transferred from the gear drive sprocket  49  to the drive axles  6  through a drive chain or heavy roller chain (not illustrated) which meshes with a drive axle sprocket gear  56  ( FIG. 7 ) on each drive axle  6  for movement of the ramp assembly  100  in the selected forward or reverse direction. 
     In some embodiments, at least four of the solar panels  65  may be mounted in pairs of two on the ramp structure  74 , such as on the exterior of the handrails of the upper turndeck  11  as well as the lower turndeck  9  of the ramp assembly  100 , for example and without limitation, according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The solar energy collected by the solar panels  65  may be transmitted to solar controllers (not pictured) which direct electrical current to the rechargeable batteries  66  ( FIG. 2 ) that may be contained in a battery enclosure  21  on the main chassis  7 . The electrical power which is stored in the rechargeable batteries  66  is available to the dual drive motors  4  upon operation of any of the two position switches  46  and the joystick controls  45  located on the primary drive console  19  and the secondary drive console  20 . 
     As will be hereinafter described, the primary drive console  19  may be operated to transport the ramp assembly  100  toward an aircraft  89  ( FIG. 10 ) to which the ramp assembly  100  is to be docked for deplaning and boarding of passengers on the aircraft  89 . The secondary drive console  20  may be operated to transport the ramp assembly  100  when a canopy or awning structure (not illustrated) is mounted above the ramp structure  74  of the ramp assembly  100 , and therefore, may otherwise obstruct or hinder the view of an operator at the primary drive console  19 . The secondary drive console  20  may also provide better visibility to an operator when the ramp assembly  100  is to be driven away from the aircraft  89  to which the ramp assembly  100  was docked, typically after boarding of passengers on the aircraft  89 . The drive system  80  for the drive axles  6  may include various other components such as microprocessor control boards  67  ( FIG. 2 ) and the rechargeable batteries  66 , for example and without limitation, in addition to the primary drive console  19 , the secondary drive console  20 , the solar panels  65 , the dual drive motors  4 , the gear boxes  5  and the drive axles  6 . A typical electrical schematic diagram for the drive system  80  is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 and 8  of the drawings, in some embodiments, the two independent drive axles  6  can be selectively engaged and disengaged by articulation of a hub release lever  68  ( FIG. 8 ) so as to place the drive system  80  into a neutral state, allowing for the ramp assembly  100  to be relocated by towing or by manually pushing of the ramp assembly  100 , as well as conducting safe preventative maintenance. The hub release lever  68  may include a section of rectangular tube steel having on one end a clevis connecter  71  that allows for a pivoting connection to a locking engagement hub  54  ( FIG. 7 ) which is slidably mounted on the drive axle  6  using attachment bolts  71 A. Each drive axle  6  may be mounted on the main chassis  7  via a pair of axle mount bearing brackets  52 . A drive axle shaft  55  extends from the drive axle  6 . A hub engagement spring  53  engages the locking engagement hub  54 . A wheel hub  58  is mounted on the drive axle  6 . At least one drive wheel  57  is mounted on the wheel hub  58 . 
     The hub release lever  68  can be selectively locked in the neutral position by way of a locking chain (not pictured) that fits into a keyhole slot machined into a tab of steel (not pictured) fastened to the steel A-frame support  28  ( FIG. 2 ) on the main chassis  7 . Upon release of the lock chain, the hub engagement spring  53  ( FIG. 7 ) decompresses and moves the locking engagement hub  54  down the drive axle shaft  55 , allowing for reengagement of the locking engagement hub  54  with the drive axle sprocket gear  56 . This reengagement is accomplished when the locking engagement hub  54  that is attached to the clevis connector  71  ( FIG. 8 ) of the hub release lever  68  and slides horizontally along the drive axle shaft  55  is mated with the drive axle sprocket gear  56 . The locking engagement hub  54  may have multiple protruding lugs  72  of cylindrical shape that engage into corresponding pockets (not pictured) in the drive axle sprocket gear  56  of the drive axle  6 . 
     With reference to the drawings and, in particular,  FIG. 10 , the ramp assembly  100  can be selectively transported on the tarmac  88  to a deployed position for the deplaning and boarding of passengers on an aircraft  89  which is parked at a terminal at an airport (not illustrated). Accordingly, an operator (not illustrated) may stand on the level deck  13  and manipulate the controls at the primary drive console  19  to advance the ramp assembly  100  toward the aircraft  89 . After the ramp assembly  100  arrives at a position which is adjacent to the aircraft  89 , the height of the upper ramp  12  and the level deck  13  may be adjusted, typically by operation of the hydraulic cylinder  78 , until the level deck platform  64  is substantially level with a cabin door  90  on the aircraft  89 . As the hydraulic cylinder  78  raises the upper ramp  12  and the level deck  13 , the level deck  13  may pivot with respect to the upper ramp  12  via the deck hinge  24  to maintain the level deck  13  in a substantially horizontal position. In the event that the ramp assembly  100  is positioned such that the level deck  13  is not aligned in parallel relationship to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft  89 , the pivot lever  18  ( FIG. 3 ) may be manipulated to rotationally pivot the deck rotunda  60  relative to the level deck platform  64 , as was heretofore described, such that the platform bumper  36  is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft  89  and engages the aircraft  89  at the cabin door  90 . Alternatively, the ramp assembly  100 A may be positioned at a rear cabin door  90 A. 
     A deplaning group of passengers (not illustrated) exits the aircraft  89  by walking from the cabin door  90 , and then across the deck rotunda  60  and the level deck platform  64 , respectively, and through the main boarding walk space  26  between the handrail sections  3  of the ramp assembly  100 . The deplaning passengers then descend the upper ramp  12 , the upper turndeck  11 , the mid ramp  10 , the lower turndeck  9 , the lower ramp  2  and the lower bridge  1 , respectively. The deplaning passengers may then walk across the tarmac  88  to the gate of the terminal. A boarding group of passengers (not illustrated) may subsequently walk from the gate of the terminal across the tarmac  88  and ascend the lower bridge  1 , the lower ramp  2 , the lower turndeck  9 , the mid ramp  10 , the upper turndeck  11 , the upper ramp  12  and the level deck  13 , respectively, of the ramp assembly  1  and enter the aircraft  89  by walking from the level deck  13  through the cabin door  90 . 
     After the boarding passengers have boarded the aircraft  89 , the ramp assembly  1  may be backed away from the aircraft  89  preparatory to departure. Reverse transport of the ramp assembly  1  on the tarmac  88  away from the aircraft  89  may be accomplished by an operator who typically stands on the upper turndeck  11  while manipulating the controls at the secondary drive console  20 . A second aircraft  89  subsequently lands and then arrives and parks at the terminal, after which the ramp assembly  100  is again driven on the tarmac  88  until the level deck  13  is disposed adjacent to the cabin door  90 . The hydraulic cylinder  78  may again be operated to adjust the slope of the upper ramp  12  and the height of the level deck  13  depending on the height of the cabin door  90 . The position of the deck rotunda  60  may again be adjusted by operation of the pivot lever  18  ( FIG. 3 ) to align the deck rotunda  60  with respect to the aircraft  89 . Passengers can be subsequently deplaned from and boarded onto the aircraft  89  and additional aircraft  89  in a similar manner. In some applications, canopies (not illustrated) may be deployed over the lower ramp  2 , the lower turndeck  9 , the mid ramp  10 , the upper turndeck  11 , the upper ramp  12  and/or the level deck  13  of the ramp structure  74  to shield the passengers from the sun or inclement weather during deplaning and boarding of the aircraft  89 . 
     While certain illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, it will be recognized and understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications which may fall within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.