Patent Description:
The present application relates to a passenger vehicle for transporting one or more passengers, and more particularly to a modified passenger vehicle which is configured to provide access to the vehicle for 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 removing certain parts or structures within a vehicle and replacing those parts with parts specifically designed to accommodate the physically limited passenger. For example, in one configuration a van is retrofitted with a ramp to enable a physically limited individual using a wheelchair to enter and exit the vehicle without the assistance of another individual.

Other known products for retrofitting a vehicle, such as a van, include wheel chair lifts, lift platforms, and lowered floor surfaces. In some instances, a door of an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) van is enlarged or otherwise modified to permit entry and exit of the physically limited individual through what is known as the assisted entrance. Once inside the van, an individual who uses the assisted entrance is located in a rear passenger compartment of the van adjacent to or behind the assisted entrance. In other configurations, the van is retrofitted to allow an individual in a wheelchair to be located throughout the van including the same location as the front row seats.

In one known retrofitted van, the ramp includes a stored position and a deployed position. In a manual ramp system, the ramp is moved from the stowed position to the deployed position manually by an individual who must physically move the ramp between positions. In an automatic ramp system, the ramp moves from the stowed position to the deployed position and back to the stowed position in response to actuation of an electronic device, such as by actuation of a pushbutton located at a user console or actuation of a pushbutton located on a remote control device.

When a vehicle is ordered or purchased by an individual, the individual typically decides which ramp system, either the manual system or the automatic system, is preferred. In some cases, if the individual purchases a vehicle with a manual system, but later decides that an automatic system is preferred, the manual system must be removed and replaced with an automatic system. Such a change, however, can require a large expenditure as well as a significant amount of time to make the change. Consequently, what is needed therefore is a ramp system that reduces the time and expense required to make the change. The <CIT> discloses such a system.

In one embodiment, there is provided a convertible wheelchair ramp system for a vehicle, wherein the convertible wheelchair ramp system includes a manual ramp configuration and a power ramp configuration. The convertible wheelchair ramp system includes a bimodal bracket having a spindle aperture configured to engage a first spindle in a manual ramp mode and to engage a second spindle in a power ramp mode. A common ramp assembly, for use in both the manual ramp mode and the power ramp mode, includes a first ramp plate rotatably coupled to the first spindle in the manual ramp mode and through the second spindle in the power ramp mode. The first ramp plate includes a chain wheel mounting location. A common ramp fold arm for use in both of the manual ramp mode and the power ramp mode is fixedly coupled to the first ramp plate and rotatably coupled to the bimodal bracket. A common fold arm collar is configured to separately mount to either of the first spindle in the manual ramp mode or to the second spindle in the power ramp mode, wherein mounting of the common fold arm collar to the first spindle provides for the manual ramp configuration and the mounting of the common fold arm collar to the second spindle provides for the power ramp configuration.

In some embodiments, the convertible wheelchair ramp system further includes a motor operatively connected to the second spindle, wherein the second spindle extends through the spindle aperture in the power ramp configuration.

In some embodiments, the convertible wheelchair ramp system further includes comprising a spring operatively connected to the first spindle, wherein the first spindle extends through the spindle aperture in the manual ramp configuration.

In some embodiments, the convertible wheelchair ramp system further includes a stow switch supported by the bimodal bracket in both the manual ramp mode and the power ramp mode.

In some embodiments, the convertible wheelchair ramp system further includes a stow switch housing including a cutout, the stow switch housing surrounding the stow switch and the cutout exposing a switch arm of the stow switch.

In some embodiments, the convertible wheelchair ramp system further includes a projection connected to the common fold arm, wherein movement of the common fold arm moves the projection into and out of contact with the switch arm to determine a condition of the stow position.

In some embodiments, the convertible wheelchair ramp system further includes a deploy switch supported by the bimodal bracket in the power ramp mode.

In some embodiments, the convertible wheelchair ramp system further includes a position cam supported by the bimodal bracket in the power ramp mode, wherein the position cam is located adjacent to the deploy switch and the deploy switch determines a position of the ramp based on a relationship between the deploy switch and the cam.

In some embodiments, the convertible wheelchair ramp system further includes wherein the spindle of the motor includes a ramp arm key configured to engage the common fold arm collar.

In some embodiments, the convertible wheelchair ramp system further includes a chain link coupled to the common ramp fold arm and a chain cam coupled to the chain link and to a second ramp plate coupled to the first ramp plate, wherein actuation of the motor extends the second ramp plate with respect to the first ramp plate to deploy the common ramp assembly.

In another embodiment, there is provided a method of converting a wheelchair ramp system from one of a manual mode or a power mode to the other of the manual mode or the power mode, wherein the wheelchair ramp system includes a bimodal bracket having a spindle aperture, a common ramp, a common ramp fold arm, and a common fold arm collar. The method includes: identifying if the wheelchair ramp system is configured in the manual mode or in the power mode; if the wheelchair ramp system is configured in the manual mode, convert the wheelchair ramp system to the power mode by: removing the common ramp fold arm from the common fold arm collar, removing the common fold arm collar from a clock spring spindle of a clock spring assembly; removing the clock spring from the bimodal bracket; inserting a motor spindle of a motor assembly through the spindle aperture; coupling the common fold arm collar to the motor spindle, and coupling the common ramp fold arm to the fold arm collar; and if the wheelchair ramp system is configured in the power mode, convert the wheel chair ramp system to the manual mode by: removing the common ramp fold arm from the common fold arm collar; removing the common fold arm collar from a motor spindle of a motor assembly; removing the motor assembly from the bimodal bracket; inserting a clock spring spindle of a clock spring assembly through the spindle aperture; coupling the common fold arm collar to the clock spring spindle; and coupling the common ramp fold arm to the common fold arm collar.

In some embodiments, the method of converting a wheelchair ramp system further includes wherein if the wheelchair ramp system is configured in the manual mode, attaching a chain assembly to the common ramp fold arm.

In some embodiments, the method of converting a wheelchair ramp system further includes a chain, a chain link coupled to the chain, a chain wheel, and a chain cam coupled to the chain.

In some embodiments, the method of converting a wheelchair ramp system further includes if the wheelchair ramp system is configured in the manual mode, connecting the chain wheel and the chain cam to the common ramp, connecting the chain link to the common ramp fold arm, and placing the chain in contact with the chain wheel.

In some embodiments, the method of converting a wheelchair ramp system further includes if the wheelchair ramp system is configured in the manual mode, attaching a deploy switch and a cam to the bimodal bracket, wherein contact of the deploy switch with the cam determines a deploy position of the common ramp in the power mode.

In some embodiments, the method of converting a wheelchair ramp system further includes if the wheelchair ramp system is configured in the power mode, attaching a clock spring retainer plate to the bimodal bracket prior to inserting the clock spring spindle through the spindle aperture.

In a further embodiment, there is provided a method of converting a manual wheelchair ramp system to a power wheelchair ramp system, wherein the manual wheelchair ramp system includes a bimodal bracket supporting a spring having a spring spindle extending through a bimodal bracket aperture of the bimodal bracket, a common ramp including a common ramp fold arm and a common fold arm collar. The method includes: removing the common fold arm collar from the common ramp fold arm and the spindle of the spring; removing the spindle of the spring from the bimodal bracket aperture while removing the spring from the bimodal bracket; attaching a motor having a motor spindle to the bimodal bracket by inserting the motor spindle into the bimodal bracket aperture and fixedly connecting the motor to the bimodal bracket; attaching the common fold arm collar to the motor spindle; attaching the common ramp fold arm to the common fold arm collar; and attaching the common ramp fold arm to the ramp.

In some embodiments, the method of converting a manual wheelchair ramp system to a power wheelchair ramp system further includes attaching a chain link assembly to the common ramp fold arm and the common ramp.

In some embodiments, the method of converting a manual wheelchair ramp system to a power wheelchair ramp system further includes adjusting a relationship between a stow position switch and the common ramp in a stow position to set the stow position of the common ramp.

In some embodiments, the method of converting a manual wheelchair ramp system to a power wheelchair ramp system further includes attaching a deploy position switch to the bimodal bracket and adjusting a relationship between the deploy position switch and a cam coupled to the spindle to set the deploy position of the common ramp.

In still another embodiment, there is provided a kit for converting a manual wheelchair ramp system to a power wheelchair ramp system, wherein the manual wheelchair ramp system and the power wheelchair ramp system include a bimodal bracket common to both the manual wheelchair ramp system and the power ramp system. The kit includes: a motor; a spindle key: a motor spindle cam; a microswitch; and a chain link assembly.

In some embodiments, the kit further includes a clock spring retainer.

In some embodiments, the kit further includes a key fob.

The above-mentioned aspects of the present invention and the manner of obtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

The embodiments of the present invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.

<FIG> illustrates a vehicle <NUM>, commonly identified as a passenger van, available from any number of United States and foreign manufacturers. In the illustrated embodiment, 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.

The vehicle <NUM> includes a body <NUM> operatively coupled to front wheels <NUM> and rear wheels <NUM>. The vehicle <NUM> includes a unibody construction. A first passenger side door <NUM> is located between the front wheels <NUM> and rear wheels <NUM> and provides access to a passenger for sitting in a front seat of the vehicle adjacent to the driver.

The vehicle <NUM> includes a second passenger side door <NUM> coupled to the unibody frame through a sliding mechanism including three tracks. Other numbers of tracks are possible. The sliding mechanism is modified to slide along the tracks to increase the size of an opening <NUM> to the interior. The widened opening <NUM> provides improved access to a passenger seated in a wheelchair. The opening is defined on the sides thereof by an edge <NUM> of a B-pillar <NUM> and the edge <NUM> of the door <NUM>. The vehicle is further modified to include a ramp assembly <NUM> which provides rolling access of a wheelchair from pavement <NUM> into an interior <NUM> of the vehicle <NUM>. The ramp assembly <NUM> is installed at the opening <NUM> and is movable between the interior of the vehicle, where it is stored in some embodiments, and to the exterior for wheelchair access.

In known modified vehicles, such as the modified van, the middle row of seats is removed from the manufacturer supplied vehicle to enable access to a wheelchair supporting a passenger. Once the wheelchaired passenger moves into the interior of the vehicle, the passenger or caregiver locates the wheelchair in the middle portion of the interior behind the driver and passenger seats of the front row. In other configurations, the wheelchaired passenger is not limited to the middle row. As used herein, a wheelchaired passenger is used to indicate that the individual is making use of a wheelchair, whether that use is temporary or permanent.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of a convertible ramp system <NUM> for the vehicle <NUM>. In <FIG>, the convertible ramp system <NUM> is configured in a manual ramp mode <NUM> which includes the ramp assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. In another embodiment described in <FIG>, the convertible ramp system <NUM> is configured in a power ramp mode configuration <NUM> which also includes the ramp assembly <NUM>. In each embodiment of the manual ramp mode configuration <NUM> and the power ramp mode configuration <NUM>, not only is the ramp assembly <NUM> shared, i.e. common, between the two modes, but each mode also includes the use of a shared (common) ramp fold arm <NUM>, which is operatively connected between a first ramp plate <NUM> and a bimodal bracket <NUM>. The bimodal bracket <NUM>, when the convertible ramp system <NUM> is configured in the manual ramp mode configuration <NUM>, supports a manual ramp assembly <NUM>. The bimodal bracket <NUM> when the convertible ramp system is configured in the power ramp mode <NUM> supports a power ramp assembly <NUM>. In each of the manual modes and power modes, the bidmodal bracket <NUM> remains unchanged and is configured to accept the manual ramp assembly <NUM> and the power ramp assembly <NUM> without modification to the structure of the bimodal bracket <NUM>. The bimodal bracket <NUM> is therefore a common bracket which does not change, in one or more embodiments, between the manual mode and the power mode. Consequently, the bimodal bracket <NUM> is not modified when changing the ramp system from a manual ramp system to a power ramp system or when changing from the power ramp system to the manual ramp system.

The first ramp plate <NUM> is rotatably coupled to a second ramp plate <NUM> at a hinged location <NUM>. Sidewalls <NUM> extend along the outer edges of each of the first ramp plate <NUM> and the second ramp plate <NUM>. In the manual ramp mode configuration <NUM>, a handle <NUM> is connected to the second ramp plate <NUM> to enable an individual to move the ramp assembly <NUM> from a deployed position in which the second ramp plate <NUM> contacts the ground or pavement to enable a wheelchaired person to enter and exit the vehicle <NUM> by moving up and down the ramp assembly <NUM>. The handle <NUM> also enables an individual to raise the ramp assembly <NUM> to a stowed position located within the vehicle <NUM>. An oval slot <NUM>, included in ramp plate <NUM>, provides another location for a user to move the ramp assembly <NUM>. In other embodiments, the ramp assembly <NUM> includes a single ramp plate or three or more ramp plates connected together.

<FIG> illustrates one embodiment of the manual ramp system <NUM> coupled to the ramp fold arm <NUM> and a floor plate <NUM>. The floor plate <NUM> is attached to the floor of the vehicle <NUM>. The ramp fold arm <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the bimodal bracket <NUM> and each of the sides of the first ramp plate <NUM> is rotatably coupled to a standoff <NUM> and a standoff <NUM>, which are fixedly coupled to the floor plate <NUM>. The standoff <NUM> is configured as part of the bimodal bracket <NUM>. In another embodiment, standoff <NUM> is separate from the bimodal bracket <NUM>. In still other embodiments, the bimodal bracket <NUM>, the standoff <NUM>, and the standoff <NUM>, are fixedly connected to a floor of the vehicle <NUM> and the floor plate <NUM> is not included. Each of the standoffs <NUM> and <NUM> respectively <NUM> support pivot pins <NUM> and <NUM> to which first ramp plate <NUM> is rotatably coupled.

The ramp fold arm <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> that is configured to receive a roller pin <NUM> supporting a roller <NUM>. The roller pin <NUM> is fixedly connected to the first ramp plate <NUM> in both the manual ramp mode configuration <NUM> of <FIG> and the power ramp mode configuration <NUM> of <FIG>. The roller <NUM>, supported by the roller pin <NUM>, extends into the slot <NUM>. As the ramp assembly <NUM> is raised or lowered, the roller <NUM> engages slot <NUM>. In either the manual mode <NUM> or power mode <NUM>, the ramp fold arm <NUM> rotates about a rotational axis <NUM> at one end of the ramp fold arm <NUM> during raising and lowering the ramp assembly <NUM>. As the ramp assembly <NUM> moves between deployed and stowed positions, the roller <NUM> moves along the slot <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates the manual ramp assembly <NUM> that includes the bimodal bracket <NUM>. The bimodal bracket includes a vertically oriented portion <NUM> extending from a foot <NUM> which includes the standoff <NUM>. The foot <NUM> is connected to the floor plate <NUM>. A support bracket <NUM> extends laterally from the vertically oriented portion <NUM> and is configured to attach to the vehicle, such as the frame or other support structure, to support the bimodal bracket <NUM>. The portion <NUM> includes a spindle aperture <NUM> which is configured to receive a spindle <NUM> of a clock spring <NUM>. When ramp system is configured in the power ramp mode configuration <NUM>, the spindle aperture <NUM> receives a spindle of a motor.

The clock spring <NUM> is connected to the vertically oriented portion <NUM> by a clock spring retainer plate <NUM> as also seen in <FIG>. The clock spring retainer plate <NUM> holds the spindle <NUM><NUM> at the aperture <NUM> and also supports a clock spring pin <NUM>. The clock spring pin <NUM> holds the clock spring <NUM> under tension as the ramp assembly <NUM> moves from the stowed position to the deployed position and back to the stowed position. A fold arm collar <NUM> is connected to the spindle <NUM> and includes a curved projection <NUM> which is configured to fit in a corresponding curved slot <NUM> of the ramp fold arm <NUM>. (See <FIG>). Movement of the ramp assembly <NUM>, moves the ramp fold arm <NUM>, and rotates the spindle <NUM> about the rotational axis <NUM>. Engagement of the curved projection <NUM> with the slot <NUM> of ramp fold arm <NUM>, moves the ramp fold arm <NUM> and the ramp assembly <NUM> in response to movement of the spindle <NUM>. The fold arm collar <NUM> is a common part that is used without modification, in both the manual mode and the power mode. In one embodiment, the common fold arm collar <NUM> is a two-part collar in which a first half and a second half are secured together with connectors <NUM>.

As further seen in <FIG>, the bimodal bracket <NUM> supports a stow position switch assembly <NUM> including a housing <NUM> having an aperture, such as a cutout <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is fixedly connected to the vertically oriented portion <NUM>. A sliding block <NUM>, located within the housing <NUM>, is fixedly attached to the housing <NUM>. When the sliding block <NUM> and housing <NUM> are coupled together, both parts are moveable with respect to the bimodal bracket <NUM>. An adjustment screw <NUM> adjusts the position of the combined housing <NUM> and sliding block <NUM> along the bimodal bracket <NUM>. A stow switch <NUM>, fixedly attached to the sliding block <NUM>, includes a switch arm <NUM>. The switch <NUM> is electrically coupled to a controller by a cable (See <FIG>) which transmits a condition of the switch <NUM>, which is either an open condition or a closed condition. In one embodiment, the switch <NUM> is a microswitch. Other types of switches are contemplated. The switch arm <NUM> opens and closes the switch <NUM> and is deflected by contact with a projection <NUM> (See <FIG>) of the ramp fold arm <NUM>. As the ramp assembly <NUM> is moved to the stowed position, the projection <NUM> contacts the arm <NUM> which closes the switch <NUM> to provide a signal that the ramp assembly <NUM> has reached the stowed position. Since a preferred location of the stowed position can change depending on the vehicle in which the ramp is located, the stow position is adjustable by adjusting the position of the sliding block <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. The adjustment screw <NUM>, when adjusted, adjusts the position of the switch arm <NUM>, and consequently the position of the ramp assembly <NUM> when moved to the stow position. While the stow switch <NUM> is not used in the manual mode, it is installed with an initial installation of the ramp system <NUM>, to reduce the time to convert the ramp assembly <NUM> from the manual mode to the power mode. In other embodiments, the stow switch <NUM> is not included with the ramp assembly <NUM>, but is added later during conversion. The stow switch <NUM>, when the ramp is in the power mode, is used to cut power the ramp assembly <NUM>, once the ramp assembly <NUM> reaches the fully stowed position.

To prepare the convertible ramp system <NUM> for the power ramp mode <NUM>, the clock spring spindle <NUM>, the clock spring <NUM>, the clock spring retainer plate <NUM>, the clock spring pin <NUM>, and the fold arm collar <NUM> are removed as seen in <FIG>. The stow position switch assembly <NUM> remains and is used in the power ramp mode. Once the clock spring assembly is removed, apertures <NUM> are exposed to accept connectors <NUM> which are received by corresponding apertures in a motor <NUM> (See <FIG>). The motor <NUM> includes a spindle <NUM> that is inserted through the aperture <NUM>. Once inserted, the connectors <NUM> are secured to the motor <NUM> and a cam <NUM> is placed over the spindle. A spindle key <NUM> is connected to the spindle <NUM> with a set screw (not shown). The spindle key <NUM> includes an extension that extends into a recess, or keyway, located in the spindle <NUM>. The spindle key <NUM> is then aligned with a keyway located in the fold arm collar <NUM> of <FIG>.

The cam <NUM> includes a projection <NUM> which is configured to contact a switch arm of a deploy switch <NUM> which is attached to the vertically oriented portion <NUM>. The cam <NUM> is fixedly connected to the motor spindle and rotates about the axis <NUM> as the motor spindle turns. The deploy switch <NUM> is used during deployment of the ramp assembly <NUM> to cut power to the motor <NUM>. Once the ramp assembly <NUM> reaches a predetermined position, determined by contact of the cam <NUM> with the arm of switch <NUM>, the power to the motor <NUM> is turned off. In one embodiment, the predetermined position is around a horizontal position. Once power to motor <NUM> is turned off, the ramp assembly <NUM> gradually lower itself to the ground to complete deployment of the ramp assembly <NUM>. The inherent resistance of the spindle to turning once the power is turned off lowers the ramp relatively slowly to ground to prevent the ramp assembly <NUM> from contacting the ground with too much force. In one embodiment, the deploy switch <NUM> is a microswitch. Other types of switches are contemplated.

The location of the projection <NUM> with respect to the arm of the deploy switch <NUM> is adjustable. By rotating the cam <NUM> around the spindle, the projection <NUM> is repositioned to a location to provide for accurate deployment of the ramp. In another embodiment, the cam <NUM> is fixed and the position of the switch <NUM>, and therefore its arm, can be adjusted with respect to the projection <NUM>. Adjustment of the switch <NUM> position and/or the cam <NUM> position allows gravity to complete the deploy operation. This ensures that the ramp motor <NUM> shuts off before the ramp assembly <NUM> reaches the horizontal position or just below the horizontal position to provide for full extension of the ramp assembly <NUM>.

To further modify the convertible ramp system <NUM> from the manual mode to the power mode, a chain link assembly <NUM> is added to an end <NUM> of the ramp fold arm <NUM> as seen in <FIG>. See also <FIG>. A rigid chain link <NUM> is fixedly connected to the end <NUM> and flexible chain <NUM> is connected to the link <NUM>. The chain <NUM> extends from the chain link assembly <NUM> and is coupled to a chain cam <NUM> which includes a cam surface <NUM> about which the chain contacts during ramp movement. A chain wheel <NUM> guides the chain <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the chain cam <NUM> is fixedly connected to the sidewall <NUM> of the second ramp plate <NUM>. The chain wheel <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the first ramp plate <NUM>. The length of the chain link assembly <NUM> is adjustable with connectors <NUM>. During the stow operation, the length of the chain <NUM> is extended to allow ramp <NUM> and ramp <NUM> to fold toward each other at the seam <NUM>. During the deploy operation of the ramp assembly <NUM>, the folded ramp assembly <NUM> extends from the vehicle <NUM>. During the extension, the chain <NUM> pulls on the chain cam <NUM> that causes ramp panel <NUM> to unfold from ramp panel <NUM>, such that each ramp panel becomes substantially coplanar with the adjacent ramp panel at full deployment.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of a ramp control system <NUM> that includes the stow switch <NUM> and the deploy switch <NUM> which are electrically coupled to a receiving/control module <NUM>. The motor <NUM> is electrically coupled to a power supply <NUM> which supplies power to the motor <NUM> and to the control module <NUM>. The control module <NUM> is configured to determine the state of each of the stow switch <NUM> and the deploy switch <NUM>. In one embodiment, the state of the ramp assembly <NUM>, in either the folded mode or deployed mode is made by a visual inspection. In another embodiment, if the stow switch <NUM> is closed, the control module <NUM> transmits a signal to a user interface <NUM> that indicates that the ramp assembly <NUM> has reached the stowed position in either the manual mode or the power mode. If the deploy switch <NUM> is closed, the control module determines that the ramp assembly <NUM> has been sufficiently deployed and transmits a signal to the power supply <NUM> to turn off any power being delivered to the motor <NUM>. In one embodiment, the power supply <NUM> is powered by the vehicle's power supply that includes the vehicle's battery. The power supply <NUM>, in some embodiments, converts the vehicles power to a power appropriate to drive the motor <NUM>.

A power ramp remote <NUM> is used with the powered ramp system and includes one or more control buttons <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the power ramp remote <NUM> is a key fob and is configured to wirelessly transmit control signals to the control module <NUM>, which includes a wireless signal receiver. The control button <NUM> includes, in different embodiments, a deploy button, a stow button, an on button, an off button, or a single button that toggles between the functions of deploy and stow. In another embodiment, the ramp remote <NUM> includes only a stow button and a deploy button.

A relay (not shown) located within the control module <NUM> responds to activation of the control buttons <NUM>. If the ramp assembly <NUM> is in the stow position, activation of the relay turns on the motor <NUM> to start deployment of the ramp assembly <NUM>. Once the ramp assembly <NUM> has extended sufficiently from the vehicle <NUM>, the deploy switch <NUM> is actuated and the motor is turned off. The ramp assembly <NUM> then continues to deploy towards the pavement as previously described. After the ramp assembly <NUM> is no longer needed, activation of the relay in response to the controls button(s) <NUM> starts a ramp stowing sequence. The motor <NUM> starts to raise the ramp assembly <NUM> toward the stowed location determined by actuation of the stow switch <NUM>. Once the stow switch <NUM> is actuated, the control module generates a signal received by power supply with removes power from and turns the motor off.

The disclosed method and apparatus provides a very quick changeover from the manual ramp system to the power ramp system without removing the ramp from the vehicle. The clock spring retainer plate is initially installed onto the existing clock spring sub-assembly in the manual mode to secure the clock spring to the bimodal bracket <NUM>. The clock spring is securely attached to the bracket <NUM> with the plate <NUM> which also allows the clock spring <NUM> to be removed for the transition to the power ramp mode. Once the clock spring retainer plate <NUM> is removed, the ramp assembly <NUM> is converted to the powered ramp system by installing the motor <NUM> and connecting the appropriate wiring. Customers that initially purchase a manually extending ramp are now able to retrofit the vehicle from the manual ramp system to the power ramp system. In addition, if the clock spring and other related parts are retained after retrofitting to the power ramp system, the powered ramp system can be returned to the manual ramp system using the saved parts.

As seen in <FIG>, a manual ramp to power ramp conversion kit <NUM> is configured to convert, or retrofit, the manual ramp system to power ramp system. The kit <NUM> includes the necessary parts to convert from one ramp system to the other. As seen in <FIG>, the kit <NUM> includes the motor <NUM>, the spindle key <NUM>, the motor spindle cam <NUM>, the microswitch <NUM>, and the chain link assembly <NUM>. In addition, the kit includes a clock spring retainer <NUM>, which holds the clock spring in a wound condition, as would be understood by one skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the clock spring retainer <NUM> is not included. The kit further includes kit hardware, including various connectors including screws, bolts, and nuts to attach the kit parts to the bracket <NUM>. In one or more embodiments, the kit also includes the control module <NUM> and the power ramp remote <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A convertible wheelchair ramp system (<NUM>) for a vehicle (<NUM>), characterized in that the convertible wheelchair ramp system (<NUM>) includes a manual ramp configuration (<NUM>) and a power ramp configuration (<NUM>), the convertible wheelchair ramp system (<NUM>) comprising:
a first spindle (<NUM>) when the convertible wheelchair ramp system (<NUM>) is in the manual ramp configuration (<NUM>) and a second spindle (<NUM>) when the convertible wheelchair ramp system (<NUM>) is in the power ramp configuration (<NUM>);
a bimodal bracket (<NUM>) including a spindle aperture (<NUM>) configured to engage the first spindle (<NUM>) in a manual ramp mode (<NUM>) and to engage the second spindle (<NUM>) in a power ramp mode (<NUM>);
a common ramp assembly (<NUM>) for use in both the manual ramp mode (<NUM>) and the power ramp mode (<NUM>), the common ramp assembly (<NUM>) including a first ramp plate (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the first spindle (<NUM>) in the manual ramp mode (<NUM>) and through the second spindle (<NUM>) in the power ramp mode (<NUM>), the first ramp plate (<NUM>) including a chain wheel (<NUM>) mounting location;
a common ramp fold arm (<NUM>) for use in both of the manual ramp mode (<NUM>) and the power ramp mode (<NUM>), the common ramp fold arm (<NUM>) fixedly coupled to the first ramp plate (<NUM>) and rotatably coupled to the bimodal bracket (<NUM>); and
a common fold arm collar (<NUM>) configured to separately mount to either of the first spindle (<NUM>) in the manual ramp mode (<NUM>) or to the second spindle (<NUM>) in the power ramp mode (<NUM>), wherein mounting of the common fold arm collar (<NUM>) to the first spindle (<NUM>) provides for the manual ramp configuration (<NUM>) and the mounting of the common fold arm collar (<NUM>) to the second spindle (<NUM>) provides for the power ramp configuration (<NUM>).