U.S. patent number RE34,889 [Application Number 08/094,351] was granted by the patent office on 1995-04-04 for vehicle service ramp.
Invention is credited to William W. Fogarty, Phillip M. Friday.
United States Patent |
RE34,889 |
Fogarty , et al. |
April 4, 1995 |
Vehicle service ramp
Abstract
A lightweight, high strength, portable vehicle service ramp
capable of being used by aerodynamic vehicles and heavy trucks. The
ramp is solid on all sides with integrated handles on the sides and
rear. The base and rear of the structure are covered with a
corrosive-and-wear resistant material. The incline and top plane
area of the ramp are covered with non-skid material. A wheel stop
is provided in a Configuration to reduce kickback. The internal
construction is a system of cross members running longitudinally
and transversely to provide weight bearing capability. Ramp design
provides for movement, storage and transporting efficiency.
Inventors: |
Fogarty; William W.
(Harrisburg, PA), Friday; Phillip M. (Camp Hill, PA) |
Family
ID: |
24171962 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/094,351 |
Filed: |
July 21, 1993 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
544387 |
Jun 27, 1990 |
05033146 |
Jul 23, 1991 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
14/69.5;
254/88 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60S
13/00 (20130101); B66F 7/243 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B66F
7/00 (20060101); B66F 7/24 (20060101); E01D
001/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;14/69.5 ;248/352
;254/88 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Brown; Peter R.
Assistant Examiner: Mulcare; Nancy Connolly
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Renz, Jr.; Eugene E.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lightweight, high strength, vehicle service ramp to elevate
and support vehicles that they may be serviced, comprising,
(a) an exterior structure formed with vertical sides which are the
outermost longitudinal support members, and rear, which is the
outermost transversal support member, including an inclined top
surface sloping upwards toward a top flat plane surface,
(b) a system of interlocking vertical cross members running
longitudinally and transversely throughout the length and width of
the structure from which the ramp derives the strength to support
vehicles as they are being elevated and stopped,
(c) a system of interlocking cross members serving as support
members with individual members running longitudinally and
transversely, formed with the outermost longitudinal support
members serving as vertical side walls and the outermost integrated
transversal support member serving as the vertical rear wall,
(d) internal cross members serving as the support structure,
comprised of longitudinal and transversal members with longitudinal
members extending lengthwise throughtout the interior of the
structure, being tapered toward the lowest end of the member and
being fashioned in such a manner as to accommodate interlocking
transversal members that extend widthwise the interior width of the
structure and are of a height and vevelled in such a manner as to
conform to the plane and incline of the longitudinal members
creating an interior support structure that is integrated into the
interior of the structure,
(e) means interconnecting all internal interlocking longitudinal
and transversal cross members with the sides, incline, rear and top
plane of the structure to form a structure that is essentially one
piece and that is of an incline and of sufficient height that motor
vehicle tire secure purchase throughout their upward travel from
the lowest portion of the inclined surface until the vehicle's tire
are resting on the top flat plane surface,
(f) a base comprised of the lowermost portions of the interlocking
internal and external longitudinal and transversal members,
(g) stop means provided, situated forward of rear member and formed
on its rearward surface in such a configuration to atabilize the
structure when transporting or storing vertically.
2. The ramp of claim 1 wherein the structure is comprised of a
plastic type compound.
3. The ramp of claim 1 wherein the structure has a solid exterior
formed with integrated handles in the sides and rear.
4. The ramp of claim 1 whereby the incline and/or top plane are
covered with skid-resistant material.
5. The ramp of claim 1 whereby the base and rear are covered with a
corrosive and wear resistant flexible material. .Iadd.
6. A lightweight, high strength vehicle service ramp to elevate and
support vehicles that they may be service, comprising;
(a)an exterior structure formed wth generally vertical sides,
including an inclined top surface and a flat top surface;
(b)a honeycomb system of interlocking members disposed through-out
the length and width of the structure from which the ramp derives
the strength to support vehicles as they are being elevated and
stopped, said system comprising interlocking longitudinal and
transversal cross members serving as support members wherein in the
outermost longitudinal support members serve as vertical side walls
and the outermost integrated transversal support member serves as
the vertical rear wall; and
(c) means interconnecting all internal interlocking longitudinal
and transversal cross members with the sides, inclined, rear and
top surface of the structure to form a structure that is
essentially on piece and that is of an incline and of sufficient
height that motor vehicle tires secure purchase throughout their
upward travel from the lowest portion of the inclined surface until
the vehicles tires are resting on the flat top surface. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.
7. The ramp of claim 6, wherein the structure is a molded high
strength plastic type compound. .Iaddend. .Iadd.8. A lightweight,
high strenght vehicle service ramp to elevate and support vehicles
that they may be serviced, comprising:
(a) an exterior structure formed with generally vertical sides,
including an inclined top surface and a flat top surface;
(b) a honeycomb system of interlocking members disposed through-out
the structure from which the ramp derives the strength to support
vehicles as they are being elevated and stopped, said system
comprising interlocking cross members serving as support members
wherein the outermost longitudinal support members serve as
vertical side walls and the outermost integrated transversal
support member serves as the vertical rear wall; and
(c) means interconnecting all internal interlocking longitudinal
and transversal cross members with the sides, inclined, rear and
top surface of the structure to form a structure that is
essentially one piece and that is of an incline and of sufficient
height that motor vehicle tires secure purchase throughout their
upward travel from the lowest portion of the inclined surface until
the vehicles tires are resting on the flat top
surface. .Iaddend. .Iadd.9. The ramp of claim 8, wherein the
structure is comprises of a plastic type compound. .Iadd.10. The
ramp of claim 8, wherein the structure is a molded high strength
plastic type compound. .Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to raising a vehicle quickly and
safely. More specifically, the present invention relates to
portable to portable ramps that are driven upon to elevate vehicles
and allow acces to the undercarriages for service.
2Description of Prior Art
Today's cars have been designed with fuel conservation and
quietness in mind. The achieve these qualities, automotive
companies have designed and manufactured vehicles with very low
profile front ends. These designs preclude the use of prior ar
portable ramps because they strike a vehicle's body before it is
raised sufficiently to clear the structures.
This is not the case when previous are portable ramps are used on
less aerodynamics vehicles such as trucks. However, the higher
strength requirement necessary for repeated daily use by higher
weight vehicles mandate the use of bulky, extremelty heavy portable
structures.
Thus, in the marketplace today there are generally two types of
prior art portable rams available:
1. Those manufactured for use on lighter vehicles that cannot
accommodate most cars manufactured during the past five years.
There ramps generally weigh less than twenty pounds each and
achieve this attribute through sacrifice of weight bearing
capacity.
2. Those manufactured for use on heavier vehicles such as trucks
where weight bearing capcity and strength under continuous use are
a consideration. These types of ramps are bulky and can weigh in
excess of 50 pounds.
In addition to these shortcomings there are other drawbacks when
using prior art portable ramps.
Prior art ramps are unstable and prone to move away from a vehicle
when they are driven upon. This is due to the small amount of
surface contact made with the ground and the narrow base of current
art structures for incline rate and total height achieved. This
inadequate surface contact with the ground also creates the
tendency for current art ramps to damage asphalt because they do
not evenly displace the forces applied to them by the weight of the
vehicle.
Previous art will also illustrate that handles to ease lifting and
movement of the structures are absent. Various edges that are used
in place of handles are sharp and off center, making lifting and
maneuvering difficult.
Storage of previous art ramps in achieved by setting them on top of
each other, which causes binding and difficulty in separating, or
side by side which takes up additional space. Transporting previous
art ramps is also difficult for the same reasons and because they
have a tendency to move due to inadequate ground surface contact
and a high center of gravity.
Most previous art ramps do have some type of stop to halt tire
rotation when the tire reaches the top plane of the ramp. However,
previous art has not satisfactorily addressed the problem of
kickback which occurs when a vehicle rides upon the stop. Kickback
raises the incline portion of the ramp and can damage the
undercarriage or rocker panel of vehicles.
This compilation of drawbacks precludes the use of piror art
lightweight portable ramps on most cars of current design and makes
their use difficult on the remainder accepting them. In addition,
portable ramps designed for commercial use have, to date, been
bulky, heavy and difficult to use.
These inadequacies have been further crystallized by changes in
society which dictate that vehicle service organization be capable
of providing maintenance at a client's location.
Many companies now operate 24 hours a day and weekends. Companies
no longer want to take their vehicles out of operation to receive
oil changes and other lubrication and fluid services. This
phenomenon requires that required regular maintenance be performed
at the site the vhicle is located. In addition to company vehicles
the expansion of office complexes into the suburbs allows for
maintenance procedures to be performed while employees are working.
During the next decade this trend is expected to continue.
As a result of these changes in vehicle design and vehicle service
concepts thre has been created the need for a light-weight, more
easily handled, transported and stored ramp that is stronger, more
stable, easier to use and adaptable for use on all types of
vehicles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
With the above in mind, an object of the present invention is to
provide a ramp that is usable by a wide variety of cars, vans,
trucks and other automotive vehicles.
It is also an objects of the present invention that it be
lightweight and have a load bearing capacity in excess of 10,000
pounds.
Another object of the presented invention is that it be less prone
to move when driven upon. Still, a further objects is that it have
a rduced tendency to kickback.
Additionally, it is an object of the invention that it take up less
space in storage and have the capability to be stored more
efficiently both horizontally and vertically.
Another object is that is be much easier to drive a vehicle upon.
It is also an object of the invention that it be easier to maneuver
and lift. A last objects is that is not cuase damage to road
surfaces.
These objects as well as other objects which will become apparent
from the discussion that follows, are achieved, according to the
present invention by providing a vehicle service ramp that is solid
on all sides with integrated handles on the sides and rear. In the
preferred embodiment of the invention the rear of the structure is
covered with a corrosive-and-wear resistant flexible compound. The
top plane and incline of the structure are covered with a skid
resistant material. A stop is integrated onto the top plane of the
ramp, making contact with the wheel forward of the rear of the
struture and in such configuration to greatly reduce kickback by
better displacing forces that cause this phenomenon. The rear of
the ramp is flat and serves as a support for vertical storage of
two similar structures base to base; or horizontal storage can be
achieved by setting similar structures base to base on their sides.
Internal construction of the invention is made up of a system of
interlocking vertical cross members throughout the structure.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the
invention will be apparent from the following more particular
description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a 3/4 side view showing the side and rear handles. The
opposite side is a mirror image.
FIG. 2 is a view from the bottom.
FIG. 3 is a schematic of the internal structure from 3/4 side
view.
FIG. 4 is a cut away view of an internal transverse support
panel.
FIG. 5 is a cut away view of a longitudinal support panel.
FIG. 6 is a view of two structures being stored or transported
horizontally.
FIG. 7 is a view of two structures being stored or transported
vertically.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
Refer now to FIG. 1, which is an overall drawing of the preferred
embodiment of the invention. The preferred vehicle service ramp in
accordance with the present invention has solid vertical sides 1
and rear 6 with side integrated handles 2 and a rear integrated
handle 3. The incline 7 slopes upward toward a top flat plane 4.
The side handles 2 are situated to provide for an approximate 52/48
percent weight distribution. All handles have rounded edges for
comfort and allow for easy pick up and maneuvering of the structure
under vehicles.
The incline 7 and top flat plane 4 area of the ramp are solid and
covered with a skid resistant material to allow for better traction
in climbing the incline 7 and stopping. The rear 6 of the ramp is
covered with a flexible corrosive-and-wear resistant material to
protect the structure when storing or transporting vertically.
The tire stop 5 is brought forward and formed in such a
configuration so that pressures exerted on it are better displace
to reduce kickback. The rear 6 of the stop also provides stability
when storing the ramp vertically.
The preferred angle of the incline 7 is fifteen degrees. This
incline 7 allows for use on all vehicles sufficiently raises
vehicles for service and is easy to ascend.
As shown in FIG. 2, the base 8 of the structure allows greater
contact with the ground, thus lessening the tendency for movement
when driven upon; and displacing weight more evenly to avoid
damaging asphalt and other surfaces.
As shown in FIG. 3, the structure's strength is derived from a
system of interlocking vertical cross members 9, 10 which run
longitudinally and transversely throughout the inside of the ramp.
Individual members are wall type structures. The outermost
transverse support members 1 serves as vertical side walls. The
outermost traverse support member serves as the vertical rear wall
6. Internal crossmembers 9, 10 are integrated into the base, 8
incline, 7 top plane, 4 rear, 6 and sides 1. All components are
held together by screws and by a waterproof glue type compound that
is applied at all points of contact making the entire structure
essentially one piece.
Preferably, the entire structure is made of very dense wood such as
marine grade plywood, sealed and painted or a mold of the structure
could be formed of a high strength plastic type compound.
FIG. 4 illustrates an internal transverse suport member 10 that is
provided in a variety of heights to accommodate the incline 7 and
the top plane 4. The top edge of the transverse members 12
supporting the incline 7 are beveled. The cut out areas 13 are
integrated into the longitudinal support members 9.
FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal support member 9. The sloped area 14
supports the incline 7 and rises to a flat surface 15 to support
the top plane 4. The cut out areas 16 are integrated into the
transverse support members 10.
FIG. 6 illustrates two of the structures being transported
horizontally as they would be inside the trunk of a car.
FIG. 7 shows two of the structures being transported vertically
with a cord securing them as they would be inside a commercial
van.
With the above construction it will be seen that in constrast to
prior art lightweight vehicle service ramps the present invention
is much stronger, much easier to drive upon, maneuver, transport
and store. It will also be seen to be able to be used by all
vehicles in the marketplace, eliminate damage to road surfaces and
its wheel stop will be shown to be an improvement over current art
in reducing kickback.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the
invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by the
detailed description but rather by the claims appended hereto.
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