Patent Description:
The present application relates to a passenger vehicle for transporting one or more passengers, and more particularly to a ramp assembly movable to a raised position for accommodating ingress and egress of a physically limited passenger.

Automobile manufacturers do not currently mass-produce passenger motor vehicles specifically designed to transport passengers having physical limitations, either as a driver or as a non-driving passenger. Consequently, mass-produced passenger vehicles are modified, or retrofitted, by a number of aftermarket companies dedicated to supplying vehicles to physically limited passengers. Such vehicles can be modified by altering or adding certain parts or structures within a vehicle to accommodate the physically limited passenger without inconveniencing other passengers or sacrificing space in the vehicle. For example, in one configuration, a van or bus is retrofitted with a ramp to enable a physically limited individual using a wheelchair to enter and exit the vehicle.

In some instances, the ramp is stored below the conventional vehicle floor and deploys to accommodate an entry and exit of the physically limited individual through a side door or entrance of the vehicle. Challenges may arise related to stowing the ramp and ensuring that the ramp is flush with the conventional vehicle floor when the ramp is deployed. <CIT> discloses an access ramp. <CIT> discloses a movable ramp assembly.

In a first embodiment of this disclosure, a ramp assembly to accommodate a wheel-chaired passenger to enter or exit a motorized vehicle is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a frame including a front end, a rear end spaced apart longitudinally from the front end, and a track system extending longitudinally between the front end and the rear end of the frame; a ramp pivotably and slidably coupled to the track system and including a front end, and a rear end; a drive block configured to translate longitudinally along the track system; a linkage arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the drive block and a second end spaced apart from the first end; a linkage panel having a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of the linkage arm for rotation about a first pivot axis of the linkage panel and a second end pivotably coupled to the rear end of the ramp; and an upper roller pivotably coupled to the linkage panel for rotation about a second pivot axis of the linkage panel that is positioned between and spaced apart from the first and second ends of the linkage panel.

In the illustrative embodiment, the track system includes a roller socket defined at the front end of the frame, and the linkage panel is configured to rotate about the second pivot axis of the linkage panel when the upper roller is positioned in the roller socket to adjust the height of the ramp relative to the frame. The track system further includes a longitudinal channel extending from the rear end of the track system to a guide block, and the guide block includes a sloped surface increasing in height as the sloped surface extends between the longitudinal channel and the roller socket. The upper roller is configured to translate along the sloped surface to adjust the height of the ramp relative to the frame.

In the illustrative embodiment, the ramp assembly includes a lower roller pivotably coupled to the linkage panel for rotation about the first pivot axis of the linkage panel. The track system further includes a longitudinal channel extending from the rear end of the track system to a guide block, the guide block includes a sloped surface increasing in height as the sloped surface extends between the longitudinal channel and a roller socket configured to receive the upper roller, and the guide block includes a curved groove opening to a first portion of the sloped surface and configured to receive the lower roller. The upper roller is configured to translate along a second portion of the sloped surface adjacent to the first portion of the sloped surface as the lower roller is received in the curved groove of the guide block.

In the illustrative embodiment, the ramp is moveable between (i) a stowed position in which the ramp is positioned inside the motorized vehicle and beneath the conventional floor, (ii) a lowered position in which the ramp is positioned outside the motor vehicle and the rear end of the ramp is positioned below the conventional floor, and (iii) a raised position in which the ramp; is positioned outside the motor vehicle and the rear end of the ramp is positioned flush with the conventional floor. The linkage panel defines a plane extending through the first end and the second end of the linkage panel. The drive block includes a first roller configured to rotate about a first rotational axis and a second roller configured to rotate about a second rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis.

In the illustrative embodiment, the linkage arm includes a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end of the linkage arm, and when the ramp is in the raised position the longitudinal axis of the linkage arm is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the linkage panel. When the ramp is not in the raised position the longitudinal axis of the linkage arm forms a non-orthogonal angle with the plane defined by the linkage panel.

In the illustrative embodiment, the drive block includes a first roller configured to rotate about a first rotational axis and a second roller configured to rotate about a second rotational axis perpendicular to the first rotational axis. The drive block is coupled to a conveyer belt that surrounds a pair of wheels, and rotation of the wheel rotates the conveyer belt and translates longitudinally the drive block coupled thereto along the track system.

In another embodiment of this disclosure, a ramp assembly for a motorized vehicle having a conventional floor is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a frame including a front end, and a rear end spaced apart longitudinally from the front end, and a track system extending longitudinally between the front end and the rear end of the frame; a ramp pivotably and slidably coupled to the track system and including a front end, and a rear end; wherein the ramp is moveable between (i) a stowed position in which the ramp is positioned inside the motorized vehicle and beneath the conventional floor, (ii) a lowered position in which the ramp is positioned outside the motor vehicle and the rear end of the ramp is positioned below the conventional floor, and (iii) a raised position in which the ramp is positioned outside the motor vehicle and the rear end of the ramp is flush with the conventional floor.

In the illustrative embodiment, the linkage panel defines a plane extending through the first end and the second end of the linkage panel, the linkage arm includes a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end of the linkage arm, and when the ramp is in the raised position the longitudinal axis of the linkage arm is substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the linkage panel. When the ramp is in the lowered position the longitudinal axis of the linkage arm forms a non-orthogonal angle with the plane defined by the linkage panel. When the ramp is in the stowed position the longitudinal axis of the linkage arm is contained in the plane defined by the linkage panel.

In the illustrative embodiment, the ramp assembly includes a drive block configured to translate longitudinally along the track system; a linkage arm having a first end pivotably coupled to the drive block and a second end spaced apart from the first end; a linkage panel having a first end pivotably coupled to the second end of linkage arm and a second end pivotably coupled to the rear end of the ramp; an upper roller coupled to the linkage panel for rotation about a pivot axis of the linkage panel. The upper roller is configured to translate longitudinally along the track system to move the ramp from the stowed position to the lowered position, the track system includes a roller socket positioned at the front end of the frame, and the roller socket is configured to receive the upper roller and retain the upper roller in a fixed location relative to the frame to move the ramp to the raised position.

In another embodiment of this disclosure, a method of moving a ramp assembly relative to a conventional floor of a motorized vehicle is disclosed. The method includes moving a ramp to a stowed position in which the ramp is positioned inside the motorized vehicle and beneath the conventional floor of the motorized vehicle; moving the ramp to a lowered position in which the ramp is positioned outside the motorized vehicle and a rear end of the ramp is positioned below the conventional floor; and moving the ramp to a raised position in which the ramp is positioned outside the motorized vehicle and the rear end of the ramp is positioned flush with the conventional floor of the motorized vehicle.

In the illustrative embodiment, moving the ramp to a raised position includes advancing a drive block toward a front end of the ramp; pivoting a first end of a linkage arm relative to the drive block; pivoting a second end of the linkage arm relative to a linkage panel; and pivoting a linkage panel relative to the ramp.

The embodiments of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description.

<FIG> illustrates a vehicle <NUM>, commonly identified as a passenger van or bus, available from any number of United States and foreign manufacturers. The vehicle may be a single-level bus, a double-decker bus, or any other type of vehicle. The principles and teachings of the present disclosure may be used for any type of vehicle.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> includes a unibody construction, but other vehicles having a frame on body construction, are also included in the present disclosure. Consequently, the use of vehicle herein includes all types and kinds of vehicles with a body on frame construction, a unibody construction, or other constructions. In addition, while the passenger van <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG>, the present disclosure is directed to all passenger vehicles carrying one or more passengers including, but not limited to, a bus, motor coach, sport-utility vehicle, truck, taxi, ambulance, or passenger car.

The vehicle <NUM> includes a frame or chassis <NUM> operatively coupled to a first pair of wheels <NUM> and a second pair wheels <NUM> that propel the vehicle <NUM> along a ground surface <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the vehicle is shown as a bi-directional vehicle; however, it should be appreciated that in other examples, the vehicle may be any vehicle suitable for use with or adaptable to be used with the ramp assembly <NUM> described below. A first passenger opening <NUM> is located between the first pair of wheels <NUM> and the second pair of wheels <NUM>, and provides access to a passenger for sitting or standing in the vehicle <NUM>. The passenger opening <NUM> may be modified to increase the size of the opening <NUM> to provide access, for example, to a passenger seated in a wheelchair to enter and exit the vehicle <NUM>. The vehicle <NUM> may include a conventional floor <NUM> extending throughout the vehicle <NUM> to support passengers and other objects traveling in the vehicle <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the vehicle <NUM> may be further modified to include the ramp assembly <NUM> which provides rolling access of a wheelchair from the ground surface <NUM> into an interior <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The ramp assembly <NUM> is positioned adjacent the opening <NUM> beneath the conventional floor <NUM> (or beneath a modified floor positioned level with the conventional floor <NUM>) of the vehicle <NUM>.

The ramp assembly <NUM> includes a frame <NUM>, a ramp <NUM> movable relative to the frame <NUM> and a linkage assembly <NUM> (see in <FIG>) coupled between the frame <NUM> and the ramp <NUM> to allow for movement of the ramp <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. As will be described below in greater detail below, the ramp <NUM> is movable between several positions including a stowed position <NUM>, a lowered position <NUM>, and a raised position <NUM>. As suggested by <FIG>, in the stowed position, <NUM> the ramp <NUM> is positioned in the interior <NUM> the vehicle <NUM> and beneath the conventional floor <NUM>. As suggested by <FIG>, in the lowered position, <NUM> the ramp <NUM> is positioned outside the vehicle <NUM> and a rear end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> is positioned below the conventional floor <NUM>. As suggested by <FIG>, in the raised position, <NUM> the ramp <NUM> is positioned outside the vehicle <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> is positioned flush with the conventional floor <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the frame <NUM> includes a front end <NUM>, a rear end <NUM>, and a track system <NUM>. The rear end <NUM> of the frame <NUM> is spaced longitudinally apart from the front end <NUM>, and the track system <NUM> extends longitudinally between the front end <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>. The track system <NUM> includes a first side <NUM>, a second side <NUM>, and a frame floor <NUM> extending between the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM>. In some embodiments, the frame floor <NUM> supports the ramp <NUM> as the ramp <NUM> is moved between the stowed position <NUM> and the lowered position <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the conventional floor <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM> may be modified such that the rear end <NUM>, the first side <NUM>, and the second side <NUM> of the frame <NUM> are surrounded by the conventional floor <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. In such an arrangement, the frame <NUM> is positioned below and fixed relative to the conventional floor <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

It should be understood that in the illustrative embodiment the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the track system <NUM> are a mirror image of one another and are otherwise identical such that the description of the track system <NUM> to follow applies equally to both the first side <NUM> and the second side <NUM> of the track system <NUM>.

As suggested by <FIG>, the track system <NUM> includes a pair of wheels <NUM> and a conveyer belt <NUM>. The pair of wheels <NUM> are spaced longitudinally apart from one another, and the conveyer belt <NUM> surrounds the pair of wheels <NUM>. The pair of wheels <NUM> is positioned in a fixed location relative to the frame <NUM>, and rotation of the pair of wheels <NUM> drives movement of the conveyer belt <NUM> around the pair of wheels <NUM> in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. In the illustrative embodiment, the pair of wheels <NUM> is a pair of toothed wheels, and the conveyer belt <NUM> is a toothed belt. Engagement between teeth of the wheels and teeth of the belt allows the pair of wheels <NUM> to drive rotation of the conveyer belt <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, the belt and wheels may be replaced with any suitable drive mechanism for advancing the drive block <NUM> as described below.

Referring still to <FIG>, the track system <NUM> of the frame <NUM> includes a first longitudinal channel <NUM>, a second longitudinal channel <NUM>, and a longitudinally-extending hanger track <NUM> each extending from the rear end <NUM> of the frame <NUM> toward the front end <NUM> (not shown). Each of the longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> and the longitudinally-extending hanger track <NUM> extend parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction shown by the double headed arrow <NUM>. The longitudinal channels <NUM>, <NUM> and the longitudinally-extending hanger track <NUM> are vertically-oriented relative to one another. As such, the first longitudinal channel <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the frame floor <NUM>; the second longitudinal channel <NUM> is positioned directly above the first longitudinal channel <NUM>; and, the longitudinally-extending hanger track <NUM> is positioned directly above the second longitudinal channel <NUM>.

As suggested above, the linkage assembly <NUM> is coupled to the frame <NUM> and the ramp <NUM> to facilitate movement of the ramp <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. As such, the linkage assembly <NUM> includes a plurality of rollers configured to translate along the frame <NUM>, pivot relative to the frame <NUM>, or facilitate rotation of other components of the ramp assembly <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>.

The linkage assembly <NUM> includes a drive block <NUM>, a linkage arm <NUM>, and a linkage panel <NUM>. The drive block <NUM> is coupled to a first pair of drive-rollers <NUM> and a second pair of drive-rollers <NUM>. Each drive-roller included in the first pair of drive-rollers <NUM> is configured to rotate about a rotational axis 162a, 162b. Each drive-roller included in the second pair of drive-rollers <NUM> is configured to rotate about a rotational axis 164a, 164b. The rotational axes 162a, 162b are parallel to one another; the rotational axes 164a, 164b are parallel to one another; and, the rotational axes 162a, 162b are perpendicular to the rotational axes 164a, 164b.

As shown in <FIG>, the first pair of drive-rollers <NUM> are positioned in the longitudinally-extending hanger track <NUM> and configured to translate longitudinally along the longitudinally-extending hanger track <NUM> to facilitate sliding movement of the ramp <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. The second pair of drive-rollers <NUM> are positioned in (or in some embodiments adjacent to) the second longitudinal channel <NUM> to facilitate sliding movement of the ramp <NUM> relative to the frame <NUM>. Further, the drive block <NUM> includes an attachment arm <NUM> fixedly coupled to the conveyer belt <NUM>. As such, movement of the conveyer belt <NUM> around the pair of wheels <NUM> causes movement of the drive block <NUM>, which, in turn, drives movement of the plurality of rollers and, thereby, the ramp <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the linkage arm <NUM> is coupled between the drive block <NUM> and the linkage panel <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the linkage arm <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> pivotably coupled to the drive block <NUM> and a second end <NUM> spaced apart from the first end <NUM>. The linkage arm <NUM> defines a longitudinal axis <NUM> extending from the first end <NUM> to the second end <NUM> of the linkage arm <NUM>.

The linkage panel <NUM> includes a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> spaced apart from the first end <NUM>, and the linkage panel <NUM> defines a plane <NUM> extending through the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM>. When the ramp <NUM> is in the stowed position <NUM>, the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the linkage arm <NUM> is contained in the plane <NUM> defined by the linkage panel <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the first end <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the second end <NUM> of the linkage arm <NUM> for rotation about a first pivot axis <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM>. The second end <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM> is pivotably coupled to the rear end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, a hinge <NUM> is coupled between the linkage panel <NUM> and the rear end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> to facilitate pivoting movement of the ramp <NUM> relative to the linkage panel <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a lower roller <NUM> and an upper roller <NUM> are each pivotably coupled to the linkage panel <NUM>. The lower roller <NUM> has a width <NUM> and is configured to rotate about the first pivot axis <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM>. The upper roller <NUM> has a second width <NUM> and is configured to rotate about a second pivot axis <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM>. The width <NUM> of the upper roller <NUM> is greater than the width <NUM> of the lower roller <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the second pivot axis <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM> is positioned between and spaced apart from the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM>. In some instances, as will be described in greater detail below, the upper roller <NUM> facilitates rotation of the linkage panel <NUM> about the second pivot axis <NUM>. Because the second pivot axis <NUM> (and upper roller <NUM>) is spaced apart from the second end <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM>, when the linkage panel <NUM> rotates about the second pivot axis <NUM>, the second end <NUM> of the linkage panel <NUM> rotates above the upper roller <NUM>. Rotation of the linkage panel <NUM> above the upper roller <NUM> pulls the rear end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> to a higher position relative to the frame <NUM> to facilitate ease of movement of a wheel-chaired passenger to and from the interior <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the ramp <NUM> is shown in the lowered position <NUM>. When the ramp <NUM> is in the lowered position <NUM>, the ramp <NUM> is deployed from the frame <NUM>, the front end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> is resting on the ground <NUM> (not shown), and the rear end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> is resting on the frame floor <NUM>. As such, in the lowered position <NUM>, the rear end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> is positioned below the level of the conventional floor <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the ramp <NUM> is again shown in the lowered position <NUM>. When the ramp <NUM> is in the lowered position <NUM>, the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the linkage arm <NUM> forms a non-orthogonal angle with the plane <NUM> defined by the linkage panel <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, when the ramp <NUM> is in any position other than the raised position <NUM> (including but not limited to the stowed position <NUM> and the lowered position <NUM>), the longitudinal axis <NUM> of the linkage arm <NUM> forms a non-orthogonal angle with the plane <NUM> defined by the linkage panel <NUM>.

As suggested by <FIG>, the lower roller <NUM> and the upper roller <NUM> translate longitudinally along the track system <NUM> in the first longitudinal channel <NUM> to move the ramp <NUM> from the stowed position <NUM> to the lowered position <NUM>. The track system <NUM> includes the first longitudinal channel <NUM>, as discussed above, and the track system <NUM> includes a guide block <NUM> and a roller socket <NUM>. Together, the first longitudinal channel <NUM>, the guide block <NUM>, and the roller socket <NUM> define a continuous portion of the track system <NUM> along which the upper roller <NUM> translates and/or pivots to move the ramp <NUM> between the stowed position <NUM>, the lowered position <NUM>, and the raised position <NUM>.

The first longitudinal channel <NUM> of the track system <NUM> extends from a rear end <NUM> to a front end <NUM> of the channel <NUM>, and the guide block <NUM> is defined at the front end <NUM> of the channel <NUM>. The guide block <NUM> includes a sloped surface <NUM> that increases in height as it extends longitudinally away from the front end <NUM> of the first longitudinal channel <NUM>. The sloped surface <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. The first portion <NUM> is adjacent the ramp <NUM> when the ramp is in the lowered position <NUM>, and the second portion <NUM> is adjacent to the first portion <NUM> and spaced apart from the ramp <NUM>. A curved groove <NUM> is defined in the guide block <NUM> and opens through the first portion <NUM> of the sloped surface <NUM>. Together, the first longitudinal channel <NUM>, the first portion <NUM> of the sloped surface <NUM>, and the curved groove <NUM> define a continuous portion of the track system <NUM> along which the lower roller <NUM> translates to move the ramp <NUM> between the stowed position <NUM>, the lowered position <NUM>, and the raised position <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the sloped surface <NUM> extends upwardly from the front end <NUM> of the first longitudinal channel <NUM> to the roller socket <NUM>. The roller socket <NUM> is defined along the track system <NUM> at the front end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, and the roller socket <NUM> is configured to receive the upper roller <NUM>. While the upper roller <NUM> is sized and shaped to seat in the roller socket <NUM>, the upper roller <NUM> cannot enter the curve groove <NUM> defined in the guide block <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the width <NUM> of the upper roller <NUM> is greater than the width <NUM> of the lower roller <NUM>. As such, when the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are advanced along the sloped surface <NUM>, the upper roller <NUM> translates along the second portion <NUM> of the sloped surface <NUM> to pass over the curved groove <NUM>, and the lower roller <NUM> translates along the first portion <NUM> of the sloped surface and enters the curved groove <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the ramp <NUM> is illustratively shown between the lowered position <NUM> and the raised position <NUM>. As the lower roller <NUM> and the upper roller <NUM> translate along the sloped surface <NUM> of the guide block <NUM>, the linkage arm <NUM> pivots relative to the drive block <NUM> at the first end <NUM> of the linkage arm <NUM>. When the upper roller <NUM> is seated in the roller socket <NUM> and the drive block <NUM> is advanced longitudinally toward the front end <NUM> of the frame <NUM>, the linkage panel <NUM> pivots relative to the linkage arm <NUM> about the pivot axis <NUM>. As such, the lower roller <NUM> swings into the curved groove <NUM> to facilitate rotation of the linkage panel <NUM> about the second pivot axis <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the ramp <NUM> is shown in the raised position <NUM>. When the ramp <NUM> is in the raised position <NUM>, the ramp <NUM> is deployed from the frame <NUM>, the front end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> is resting on the ground <NUM> (not shown), and the rear end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> is spaced apart from the frame floor <NUM>. As such, in the raised position <NUM>, the rear end <NUM> of the ramp <NUM> is flush with the conventional floor <NUM> of the motorized vehicle <NUM> to facilitate ease of entry and exit of a wheel-chaired passenger from the motorized vehicle <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A ramp assembly (<NUM>) for a motorized vehicle (<NUM>) having a conventional floor (<NUM>), the ramp assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a frame (<NUM>) including a front end (<NUM>), and a rear end (<NUM>) spaced longitudinally apart from the front end (<NUM>), and a track system (<NUM>) extending longitudinally between the front end (<NUM>) and the rear end (<NUM>) of the frame (<NUM>);
a ramp (<NUM>) pivotably and slidably coupled to the track system (<NUM>) and including a front end (<NUM>) and a rear end (<NUM>);
a linkage assembly (<NUM>) configured to move the ramp (<NUM>) between (i) a stowed position in which the ramp (<NUM>) is positioned inside the motorized vehicle (<NUM>) and beneath the conventional floor (<NUM>), (ii) a lowered position in which the ramp (<NUM>) is positioned outside the motor vehicle (<NUM>) and the rear end (<NUM>) of the ramp (<NUM>) is positioned below the conventional floor (<NUM>), and (iii) a raised position in which the ramp (<NUM>) is positioned outside the motor vehicle (<NUM>) and the rear end (<NUM>) of the ramp (<NUM>) is flush with the conventional floor (<NUM>);
wherein the linkage assembly (<NUM>) includes a drive block (<NUM>) and wherein the ramp (<NUM>) moves between the lowered position and the raised position as the drive block (<NUM>) translates longitudinally along the track system (<NUM>) toward the front end (<NUM>) of the frame (<NUM>).