Patent Abstract:
A ramp having a main section and a landing section. The landing section has a riser section with a first end and a second end. A first connector connects the first end of the riser section to a distal end of the main section. A landing platform, having a first end and a second end and gripping structures depending from a lower surface, is connected by the first end to the second end of the riser section with a second connector, where the second connector selectably retains the landing platform and the riser section in a desired angular position. In some embodiments the main section includes an upper section having a connecting end and a distal end, and a lower section having a connecting end and a distal end. A connector connects the connecting end of the upper section to the connecting end of the lower section. The connector selectably retains the upper and lower sections in at least one of a rigid substantially-arched surface and a rigid substantially-planar surface.

Full Description:
FIELD  
       [0001]    This application claims rights and priority on prior pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/467,481 filed 2012 May 9 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,468,632 issued 2013 Jun. 25. This invention relates to the field of tactical equipment. More particularly, this invention relates to a ramp for humans and animals, such as to gain access between different levels. 
       INTRODUCTION  
       [0002]    Peace-keepers, such as police officers, the military, and other service personnel, often have a need to traverse land and structures that are hazardous for one or more reasons. For example, police officers might have need of a safe and secure pathway over a fence or other barrier. A police service animal, such as a dog, might have need to access one level of a structure from another. Humans or animals might need to cross over a section of land that has a pit, or is otherwise dangerous, such as when broken glass or hazardous substances are found thereon. 
         [0003]    As a specific example, police service dogs are often deployed to search a structure. Dogs are very adept at handling a variety of different terrain and structures. However, a dog will typically need assistance in gaining access to a portion of a structure such as an attic, when the only access might otherwise be through a ladder. Additionally, if stairs between levels are not available for some reason, it is likewise difficult for dogs or officers to safely ascend or descent from one level to another. 
         [0004]    One method of providing access for a police dog to an upper level is for the officers to have the dog stand on a surface, such as a table or a riot shield, and then for the officers to lift the animal up to an opening into the upper level. However, this is somewhat dangerous, as the surface could tip, causing the animal to lose its balance. In addition, during such a procedure, the officers would tend to have their attention focused on the process of raising the animal, rather than on more important matters, such as what might be happening around them. In such situations, even the smallest distractions could prove disastrous. 
         [0005]    What is needed, therefore, is a system that reduces problems such as those described above, at least in part. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]    The above and other needs are met by a ramp having a main section and a landing section. The landing section has a riser section with a first end and a second end. A first connector connects the first end of the riser section to a distal end of the main section. A landing platform, having a first end and a second end and gripping structures depending from a lower surface, is connected by the first end to the second end of the riser section with a second connector, where the second connector is constructed so as to retain the landing platform and the riser section in a desired angular position. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments the main section includes an upper section having a connecting end and a distal end, and a lower section having a connecting end and a distal end. A connector connects the connecting end of the upper section to the connecting end of the lower section. The connector is constructed such that the upper and lower sections form one of a rigid substantially-arched surface, and a rigid substantially-planar surface. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS  
         [0008]    Further advantages of the invention are apparent by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the figures, which are not to scale so as to more clearly show the details, wherein like reference numbers indicate like elements throughout the several views, and wherein: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fully extended access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a folded access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first position in unfolding an access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second position in unfolding an access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a detailed perspective view of a folded landing portion of an access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an extended access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of an extension locking mechanism of an access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 8  is a first detailed perspective view of a landing portion of an access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 9  is a second detailed elevation view of a landing portion of an access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10  is a third detailed perspective view of a landing portion of an access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a deployed access ramp according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a hinge according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0021]    With reference now to  FIG. 1 , there is depicted a ramp  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the ramp  100  is fully extended, with feet  132  resting on the ground  134 , and a landing section  144  deployed atop a wall  136 . The embodiments of the ramp  100  as described herein thus provide for safe ascent of both animals and personnel from one level to another, or across hazardous portions of terrain. In the example as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the ascent is from the ground  134  to the top of the wall  136 . However, in other embodiments the ascent could be from one level of a structure to another level of the structure, such as from one floor of a house to an attic of the house. In other embodiments, the ramp  100  could provide secure access between buildings. Obviously, the ramp  100  also provides a safe means for descending between two levels as well. Other uses of the ramp  100  are contemplated herein. 
         [0022]    The ramp  100  in the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1  is comprised of several different elements that function together to provide the stability that is desired in a tactical situation, or in other situations in which a stable surface is desired. The ramp  100  has an upper surface  108  and a lower surface  110 . The upper surface  108  is the load-bearing surface of the ramp  100 , and basically includes all of the surfaces of the various elements that are pointing up or away from the wall  136  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . The lower surface  110  includes all of the opposite surfaces of the various elements of the ramp  100 , such as those that are pointing down or toward the wall  136  in the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1 , and in typical deployment are not anticipated to be load-bearing. However, some load-bearing use of the bottom surface  110  of the ramp  100  could be made in some situations. 
         [0023]    The main section  146  of the ramp  100  is formed of an upper section  102  and a lower section  104 , that are joined together by a hinge  106 . One embodiment of the hinge  106  is depicted in  FIG. 12 . The hinge  106  is designed so as to either lock into a desired position, or otherwise stop in a desired position and not bend any further. The desired position is as depicted in  FIG. 1 , with the upper section  102  and the lower section  104  disposed in a planar arrangement, one with the other, and forming a substantially flat surface. While the main section  146  can bend at the hinge  106  in one direction (as depicted in  FIG. 11 ), the construction of the hinge  106  does not permit the main section  146  to bend in the other direction, so that the main section  146  of the ramp  100  can bear a load on the upper surface  108  when it is deployed as depicted. Thus, the upper surfaces  108  of the main section  146  cannot be brought to an angle that is less than about one hundred and eighty degrees. In some embodiments, the length of the lower section  104  is about the same as the length of the upper section  102 . 
         [0024]    In the embodiment as depicted, a lower extension section  128  slides in and out of the lower section  104 . A locking mechanism  140 , such as a tab that fits into a selection of slots, is used to lock the lower extension section  128  at the desired length of extension, be it fully extended, partially extended, or not extended at all. The lower section  104  and the lower extension section  128  are constructed and connected together such that no substantial bending occurs between them. In some embodiments, the lower extension section  128  is about the same length as the lower section  104 . In this manner, when the lower extension section  128  is fully extended, the total length of the lower section  104  and the lower extension section  128  is about twice the length of the lower section  104  alone. However, when the lower extension section  128  is completely retracted into the lower section  104 , the total length is not substantially more than about the length of the lower section  104  alone. 
         [0025]    Also in the embodiment as depicted, lower extension arms  130  slide in and out of the lower extension section  128 . Locking mechanisms  142 , such as tabs or pins that fit into a selection of slots or holes, are used to lock the lower extension arms  130  at the desired length of extension, be it fully extended, partially extended, or not extended at all. The lower extension arms  130  can be independently extended, so as to provide stability on uneven terrain or surfaces  134  on which the ramp  100  might be deployed. The lower extension arms  130  and the lower extension section  128  are constructed and connected together such that no substantial bending occurs between them. In some embodiments, the lower extension section  128  is about the same length as the lower extension arms  130 . In this manner, when the lower extension arms  130  are fully extended, the total length of the lower extension section  128  and the lower extension arms  130  is about twice the length of the lower extension section  128  alone. However, when the lower extension arms  130  are completely retracted into the lower extension section  128 , the total length is not substantially more than about the length of the lower extension section  128  alone. 
         [0026]    In the embodiment as depicted, feet  132  are connected at the ends of the lower extension arms  130 . One purpose of the feet  132  is to provide additional stability to the ramp  100 , by reducing the occurrence of slipping between the ramp  100  and the surface  134  on which the ramp  100  is deployed. The feet  132  can also help keep the ramp  100  stable by reducing the occurrence of the lower extension arms  130  from sinking into the surface  134 , in those cases where the surface  134  might be formed of a relatively soft substance. Thus, the feet  132  can be constructed in a variety of different configurations. For example, the feet  132  can be formed of pads, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , or spikes, claws, teeth, or combinations of all such. The feet  132  in some embodiments are connected to the lower extension arms  130  by swivels, so that they can find the plane of the surface  134 . The feet  132  can be formed of a variety of different materials, such as metals, rubbers, or thermoplastic resins, as desired for the terrain  134  on which the ramp  100  is anticipated to be deployed. 
         [0027]    In various embodiments, one or more of the lower extension section  128 , lower extension legs  130 , and feet  132  are not present in the ramp  100 . For example, the feet  132  in some embodiments are connected directly to the lower section  104 , or directly to the lower extension section  128 . In some embodiments, no feet  132  are provided, and one of either the lower section  104  or the lower extension section  128  is deployed directly on the terrain  134 . 
         [0028]    As depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , an upper extension section  112  slides in and out of the upper section  102 . A locking mechanism  138 , such as a tab that fits into a selection of slots, is used to lock the upper extension section  112  at the desired length of extension, be it fully extended, partially extended, or not extended at all. The upper section  102  and the upper extension section  112  are constructed and connected together such that no substantial bending occurs between them. In some embodiments, the upper extension section  112  is about the same length as the upper section  102 . In this manner, when the upper extension section  112  is fully extended, the total length of the upper section  102  and the upper extension section  112  is about twice the length of the upper section  102  alone. However, when the upper extension section  112  is completely retracted into the upper section  102 , the total length is not substantially more than about the length of the upper section  102  alone. 
         [0029]    Also as depicted in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , upper extension arms  116  slide in and out of the upper extension section  112 . Locking mechanisms  114 , such as tabs or pins that fit into a selection of slots or holes, are used to lock the upper extension arms  116  at the desired length of extension, be it fully extended, partially extended, or not extended at all. The upper extension arms  116  can be independently extended, so as to provide stability on uneven structures  136 , against which the ramp  100  might be deployed. The upper extension arms  116  and the upper extension section  112  are constructed and connected together such that no substantial bending occurs between them. In some embodiments, the upper extension section  112  is about the same length as the upper extension arms  116 . In this manner, when the upper extension arms  116  are fully extended, the total length of the upper extension section  112  and the upper extension arms  116  is about twice the length of the upper extension section  112  alone. However, when the upper extension arms  116  are completely retracted into the upper extension section  112 , the total length is not substantially more than about the length of the upper extension section  112  alone. 
         [0030]    Hinges  118  are connected to the ends of the upper extension arms  116 , and connect the upper extension arms  116  to the landing section  144 . The hinges  118  in some embodiments have locks—such as pins that fit into holes, or teeth that engage and can be clamped into position—to retain the hinges  118  in a desired position that provides a desired angle between the upper extension arms  116  and the landing section  144 . However, in some embodiments the hinges  118  can be configured to not lock, so that the angle between the upper extension arms  116  and the landing section  144  can float as circumstances may require. 
         [0031]    In the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1 , feet  132  are also connected at the ends of the upper extension arms  116 . One purpose of the feet  132  is to provide additional stability to the ramp  100  when it is deployed in a manner where the upper extension arms  116  are also deployed against a surface, such as in the situation indicated in  FIG. 11 , where the ramp  100  provides a stable pathway across the wall  136  and back to the ground  134 , or otherwise. The stability is provided by reducing the occurrence of slipping between the ramp  100  and the surface  134  (or otherwise) on which the ramp  100  is deployed. The feet  132  can also help keep the ramp  100  stable by reducing the occurrence of the upper extension arms  6  from sinking into the surface  134 , in those cases where the surface  134  might be formed of a relatively soft substance. Thus, the feet  132  can be constructed in a variety of different configurations. For example, the feet  132  can be formed of pads, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , or spikes, claws, teeth, or combinations of all such. The feet  132  in some embodiments are connected to the upper extension arms  116  by swivels, so that they can find the plane of the surface  134 . The feet  132  can be formed of a variety of different materials, such as metals, rubbers, or thermoplastic resins, as desired for the terrain  134  on which the ramp  100  is anticipated to be deployed. 
         [0032]    In various embodiments, one or more of the upper extension section  112 , the upper extension legs  116 , and the feet  132  are not present in the ramp  100 . For example, the hinges  118  in some embodiments are connected directly to the upper section  102 , or directly to the upper extension section  112 . In some embodiments, the feet  132  are not present at the ends of the upper extension arms  116 . 
         [0033]    In the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the landing section  144  includes a riser section  120 , a landing platform  124 , and hinges  122  that connect the riser section  120  to the landing platform  124 . The hinges  122  have locks—such as pins that fit into holes, or teeth that engage and can be clamped into position—to retain the hinges  122  into a desired position that provides a desired angle between the riser section  120  and the landing platform  124 . By locking the hinges  122  in place, the desired angle between the landing platform  124  and the rest of the ramp  100  can be maintained. This provides a great deal of stability to the ramp  100 . 
         [0034]    As depicted, the hinges  118  are connected to the riser section  120 . However, in some embodiments the riser section  120  and the hinges  122  are not provided, and the landing platform  124  is connected directly to the hinges  118 . In such an embodiment, the hinges  118  would have the characteristics as described above for the hinges  122 , and would not have an option where they float freely, because the locking aspect of the hinges (either  122  or  118 ) that connect to the landing platform  124  is an element that adds a great deal of stability to the ramp  100 . 
         [0035]    Gripping structures  126  are provided on the lower surface  110  of landing platform  124 . The gripping structures  126  engage and retain the surface  136  against which the landing platform  124  is deployed, and reduce the occurrence of slipping between the ramp  100  and the surface  136 . The gripping structures  126  can be constructed in a variety of different configurations. For example, the gripping structures  126  can be formed of teeth, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , or spikes, claws, or combinations of all such. The gripping structures  126  can be formed of a variety of different materials, such as metals, rubbers, or thermoplastic resins, as desired for the surface  136  on which the ramp  100  is anticipated to be deployed. 
         [0036]    Whereas the ramp  100  has heretofore been described in a completely extended configuration and with primary reference to  FIG. 1 , the manner in which it is extended from its compact collapsed configuration, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , is now described. As seen in  FIG. 2 , the various sections of the ramp  100  fold and collapse such that substantially the entirety of the ramp  100  is contained between the lower section  104  and the upper section  102 , with what has been called the upper surface  108  now disposed on the outside of the collapsed ramp  100 , and the lower surfaces  110  of both the upper and lower sections  102  and  104  facing each other (with other sections disposed therebetween). This is accomplished by the construction of the hinge  106  that is disposed between the upper section  102  and the lower section  104 , which hinge  106  is not visible in the view of  FIG. 2 , but is hidden at the upper right of the ramp  100  as depicted. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  depicts the ramp  100 , where the following changes have been made from the fully compacted configuration as depicted in  FIG. 2 . First, the lower section  104  is slightly unfolded from the upper section  102  by means of the hinge  106  (still not depicted in this view), and the landing section  144  is unfolded from between the upper and lower sections  102  and  104  by operation of the hinges  118 . This process starts to reveal the lower surfaces  110  of the upper and lower sections  102  and  104 , which face one another when the ramp  100  is completely collapsed. 
         [0038]    In  FIG. 4 , the lower section  104  has remained in place, and the upper section  102  has been completely rotated underneath the lower section  104  to the stopping position of the hinge  106 , such that the upper and lower sections  102  and  104  now form the flat and planar upper surface  108 . As previously described, the hinge  106  is either constructed such that it cannot rotate any further past this position, or is lockable in this position.  FIG. 5  provides a closer look at the folded landing section  144 .  FIG. 6  depicts the landing section  144  completely unfolded, with the hinges  122  and  118  in a position where there are either fully rotated, or in a position where they are lockable. The upper and lower extension sections  112  and  128  have also been extended in this view. 
         [0039]      FIG. 7  depicts some detail on the lock  114  between the upper section  102  and the upper extension section  112 . In the embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 7 , the lock  114  takes the form of a spring tab  114   b  that can be retracted by means of the lever  114   c,  so that the tab  114   b  can be placed in one of a selection of slots  114   a,  thereby enabling the upper extension section  112  to be retracted to and locked at different lengths of extension. The other extension locks  142 ,  140 ,  138 ,  114  as described herein can also be configured with this same construction. In other embodiments, these locks  114 ,  138 ,  140 , and  142  are constructed as pins that fit in holes, or lock-knobs on screws that slide along slots. Other embodiments are also contemplated. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 8-10  provide additional detail in regard to the landing section  144 , including holes  148   b  that receive pins  148   a,  which is one embodiment of the locking mechanisms for hinges  118  and  122 . Another embodiment is physical stops that prevent the hinges  118  and  122  from rotating more than the 270 degree and 90 degree angles, respectively, as indicated in  FIG. 8 . Also depicted is more detail in regard to the gripping structures  126  that extend downward from the landing platform  124 . In addition,  FIG. 10  provides a view of teeth  150  that extend outward from the landing platform  124 , and which can be used to break through obstructions, such as a window, or drywall or plaster and lathe between floors. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the ramp  100  when extended (as depicted in  FIG. 1 ) is about twenty inches wide, less than about three inches thick, and about twelve feet long, and the ramp  100  when folded (as depicted in  FIG. 2 ) is about twenty inches wide, less than about nine inches thick, and about three feet long. In some embodiments, the ramp  100  is formed of at least one of aluminum, titanium, and rigid composite materials, and the hinges  106 ,  118 , and  122  are formed of at least one of titanium and steel. In some embodiments, the ramp  100  weighs no more than about fifty pounds, and can hold a load of up to about four hundred pounds. 
         [0042]    In some embodiments, the surfaces of the ramp  100  are formed with holes that provide a variety of functions. For example, the holes make the ramp  100  lighter by removing material, allow for drainage off the surfaces of the ramp  100 , and provide for increased traction. In some embodiments, there is a lip that runs along either side of the ramp  100 , in which the locks  138  and  140  are disposed, and into which the upper and lower extension arms  130  and  116  are retracted. The box shape of the lips also helps provide structural support when the ramp  100  is extended. In some embodiments lights are provided at the landing section  144 , so as to illuminate the upper level  136  to which access is desired. A power supply built into the ramp  100 , or a power supply conduit such as an electrical cord, are provided in some embodiments to power the lights. 
         [0043]    The foregoing description of embodiments for this invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments are chosen and described in an effort to provide illustrations of the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4