E-Z Ramp adjustable, modular handicap ramp system

United States Patent Application 20090229060

The E-z Ramp adjustable, modular handicap ramp system is a handicap ramp that is adjustable by means of pivoting mounting brackets on each end of the plank as well as a universal transition component that can be adjusted vertically and be used either straight or at a 90 degree angle. The ramp is constructed of fiberglass composite material with a reinforcement molded into each end for added strength around the mounting bracket bolts, all brackets and bolts are constructed of aluminum or stainless steel for corrosion.

Sandberg, John Paul (Savannah, GA, US)

12/075607

09/17/2009

03/13/2008

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HARTMANN, GARY S

John P. Sandberg (Savannah, GA, US)

1. A ramp assembly for installation on a home or building having adjustable mounting brackets which comprises: a) a “C” shaped adjustable mounting bracket which extends from the ramp plank to the structure in an arch with a flat steel plate on each end with slotted holes for mounting; b) a “C” shaped mounting bracket consisting of one male and one female end that when engaged form a “C” shape and slide along an arch; c) a mounting bracket with a slotted end and an end that is predrilled with mounting holes which lock with the addition of a carriage bolt.

2. A ramp assembly for installation on a home or building which keeps existing steps intact which comprises: a) at least one ramp plank with raised sides and nonskid surface; b) a “C” shaped mounting bracket with slotted holes and male and female ends that slide on an arch which allows one end to be mounted to steps and on end to the ramp plank;

3. A ramp assembly which can be extended in a straight line or in an “L” formation which comprises: a) a transition with four adjustable legs; b) a transition with a molded bottom which may be filled with concrete or sand; c) a bolt on side wall which can be bolted parallel or in an “L” shape to the top molded section.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,874

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The E-Z Ramp adjustable, modular handicap ramp system is designed to reduce the costs and time associated with the building of wooden or concrete ramps at residential dwellings. Requiring only simple hand tools to install, the E-Z Ramp system may be installed by the homeowner or contractor in a fraction of the time and cost associated with building wooden or concrete ramps, and will last longer than the traditional wooden ramp. E-Z Ramp can also be removable and will keep the original house steps in place.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

• • A) E-Z Ramp can be installed in hours, not days like wooden or concrete ramps.
  • B) E-Z Ramp system has an available Universal transition for installations that require more than twelve feet of ramp (more than one foot of rise from ground to entry)
  • C) E-Z Ramp has a non-skid surface for traction, and raised four inch wide sides for safety and to accommodate a wide variety of railing choices.
  • D) The twelve foot lengths of ramp platform and available transitions allows that the system will always meet the standard for building codes, twelve feet of ramp for every one foot of rise.
  • E) The adjustable pivoting mounting brackets allow for variations in height while still allowing the platforms mount flush to entry ways.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF DRAWING

FIG. 1 Details adjustable mounting bracket and its arching movement in relation to a step or dwelling foundation and how it mounts.

FIG. 2 Details a cross-cut section of the mounting bracket showing the male and female ends of the bracket when engaged together.

FIG. 3 Details the slotted adjustment holes on the ends of the mounting brackets.

FIG. 4 Details the ramp plank and its shape and configuration in relation to the raised sides and reinforcement plates.

FIG. 5 Details the reinforcement plate with pre-drilled mounting holes.

FIG. 6 Details the universal transition and its components, specifically the molded top with bolt-on side rail to allow for straight or “L” shaped configurations, the angle legs, and the one piece molded bottom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

E-Z Ramp twelve foot ramp platforms and universal transition components should be constructed of ⅜″ thick FRP composite fiberglass construction for strength either by use of hand lay up or preferably by vacuum infusion, the reinforcement plates at both ends should be infused into the material or adhered with methacrylic adhesive. Reinforcement plates should be constructed of stainless steel or aluminum for corrosion resistance. Both the ramp platforms and transition tops will be coated with a non-skid textured surface.

E-Z Ramp adjustable mounting brackets to be constructed out of ⅜″ thick stainless steel or aluminum, depending on type of construction (welded or machined) gussets may need to be added for extra strength. Holes in brackets are to allow for ½″ diameter stainless steel bolts and lag screws (included in kit to assure that proper mounting is performed). All components are to be pre-drilled to assure proper installation.

E-Z Ramp has four inch raised sides for safety and to allow the purchaser to choose any type of railing that they would prefer, such as decorative wood, vinyl, or steel.

E-Z Ramp has three adjustable mounting brackets at each end of the ramp platform to allow for adjustment in getting the platform to align with threshold. The adjustable mounting bracket design also allows for quick and easy installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A ramp system comprised of at least three adjustable mounting brackets consisting of one male 1, and one female end 2 each, male end with pre-drilled mounting holes and female end with curvature slot 3 to allow for carriage bolt to be installed when bracket is installed in its final position. An adjustable bracket that slides in an arching motion 4, containing slotted holes in the end of the bracket 5 for added adjustment at the mounting point 10. One end of mounting bracket mounts to plank 13 through reinforcement plate 13 and its mounting holes 14 by use of carriage bolts 6. The other end of the bracket connects to the house or dwelling 8 by use of lag screws for wood or expansion anchors for concrete 7, slots and arching adjustment allow for ease of installation 9.

Connected to the mounting brackets the plank section(s) 11 are molded FRP (fiberglass reinforced plastic) construction with non-skid surface. The reinforcement plates 13 are either infused into the plank or adhered in a comparable manor and contain three sets of mounting holes 14 to allow for connection to mounting brackets. The raised sides 12 allow for a wide range of railing choices and aide in keeping wheel chairs on the ramp for safety.

A universal transition consisting of a molded top 15 with a bolt-on side rail 16 to allow for a straight or “L” shaped configuration 17. Four angle shaped legs 18 available in different lengths for different height requirements. A one piece molded bottom 19, all of the transition components are bolted together through pre-drilled holes 20.