Tactical Access Ramp
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.
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.
INTRODUCTIONPeace-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.
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.
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.
What is needed, therefore, is a system that reduces problems such as those described above, at least in part.
SUMMARYThe 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.
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.
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:
With reference now to
The ramp 100 in the embodiment as depicted in
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
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.
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.
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
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.
As depicted in the embodiment of
Also as depicted in the embodiment of
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.
In the embodiment as depicted in
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.
In the embodiment as depicted in
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.
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
Whereas the ramp 100 has heretofore been described in a completely extended configuration and with primary reference to
In
In some embodiments, the ramp 100 when extended (as depicted in
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.
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.
Claims
1. A ramp comprising:
- a main section, and
- a landing section, comprising, a riser section having a first end and a second end, a first connector connecting the first end of the riser section to a distal end of the main section, a landing platform having a first end, a second end, and gripping structures depending from a lower surface, and a second connector connecting the second end of the riser section to the first end of the landing platform, the second connector selectably retaining the landing platform and the riser section in a desired angular position.
2. The ramp of claim 1, wherein the main section comprises:
- an upper section having a connecting end and a distal end,
- a lower section having a connecting end and a distal end, and
- a connector connecting the connecting end of the upper section to the connecting end of the lower section, the connector selectably retaining the upper and lower sections in a rigid substantially-planar surface.
3. The ramp of claim 1, wherein the main section comprises:
- an upper section having a connecting end and a distal end,
- a lower section having a connecting end and a distal end, and
- a connector connecting the connecting end of the upper section to the connecting end of the lower section, the connector selectably retaining the upper and lower sections in a rigid substantially-arched surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 24, 2013
Publication Date: Jul 10, 2014
Inventor: Gabriel J. Ricci (Huntington Beach, CA)
Application Number: 13/925,675
International Classification: E01D 15/12 (20060101);