Vehicle Accessibility Ramp

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle accessibility ramp. The device is an adjustable ramp for loading pets and other animals into a vehicle in an easy and safe way for both the user and animal. This structure includes a plurality of platforms which act as ascending steps for the animal in an easy-to-follow path design. The device has the ability of unfolding into three main platforms with an additional ramp component connecting the ground to the third step platform. Furthermore, the device attaches to a standard square trailer receiver fixture and is easily transportable.

Claims

1. An accessibility ramp comprising: a frame, wherein the frame comprises a first platform having a top surface and disposed of at a first height; a second platform having a top surface and disposed at a second height different than the first height and connected to the first platform; a third platform having a top surface and disposed at a third height different than the first and second heights and connected to the second platform; each of the heights of the second and third platforms is less than the height of the first platform; wherein the frame further comprises a plurality of cross members and a plurality of longitudinal members; and further wherein each of the second and third platforms further comprise longitudinal support members that are capable of contacting a ground surface.

2. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 1 further comprising a ramp or incline portion extending from the third platform to the ground surface.

3. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 1, wherein the third platform is folded onto the second platform to provide a storage position.

4. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 1 further comprising a trailer hitch adaptor connected to one of the plurality of cross members for removably connecting the accessibility ramp to a vehicle.

5. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 4, wherein the vehicle is a high-profile vehicle.

6. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 4, wherein the hitch adaptor connects to a trailer hitch on the vehicle and is held in position by a locking pin.

7. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 1 further comprising a removable surface cover for at least one of the first, second and third platforms.

8. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 7, wherein the removable surface cover is comprised of a non-slip, textured, carpeted or padded surface.

9. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the first, second and third platforms is manufactured from one of a steel, a metal, a composite material, a fiberglass, a high-strength plastic or a combination thereof.

10. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 1 further comprising a hanging box removably attached to the frame.

11. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 10, wherein the hanging box comprises one or more bowls for feeding or watering a pet or other animal.

12. The accessibility ramp as recited in claim 1 further comprising a reflective tape positioned along a portion of the frame.

13. A pet ramp for use with a vehicle, the pet ramp comprising: a frame comprised of longitudinal members and cross members for supporting a first platform; a second set of cross members for supporting a second platform a third set of cross members for supporting a third platform that is hingedly attached to the second platform and that is repositionable from a first storage position to a second extended position; a second set of longitudinal members for supporting the second platform; a third set of longitudinal members for supporting the third platform; and a hitch adaptor connected to the frame to removable connect the frame to the vehicle, wherein the first platform is disposed at a different height than each of the second and third platforms.

14. The pet ramp for use with a vehicle as recited in claim 13 further comprising a ramp or inclined portion extending from the third platform to a ground surface.

15. The pet ramp for use with a vehicle as recited in claim 13 further comprising a removable screen for enclosing the first, second and third platforms.

16. The pet ramp for use with a vehicle as recited in claim 13 further comprising a removable surface cover for each of the first, second and third platforms.

17. The pet ramp for use with a vehicle as recited in claim 16, wherein the removable surface cover comprises a non-slip, textured, carpeted or padded surface.

18. The pet ramp for use with a vehicle as recited in claim 13 further comprising a stabilizing plate connected to the ramp.

19. The pet ramp for use with a vehicle as recited in claim 16 further comprising an indicia positioned on the removable surface cover.

20. A foldable pet ramp comprising: a frame comprised of a pair of cross members and a pair of longitudinal members, wherein the pair of cross members support a first platform and a second platform, and further wherein each of the first and second platforms comprise a top surface; a hitch adaptor provided on at least one of the pair of cross members; a third platform hingedly connected to the second platform, wherein third platform is foldable onto the second platform; a ramp portion connected to the third platform and foldable onto the third platform; and a plurality of longitudinal members for supporting the second and third platforms from a ground surface.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0026] FIG. 2A illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention with the invention attached to vehicle in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention in a wheeled embodiment in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention where one or more bowls are supported from the accessibility ramp in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention with the ramp transformed into three main platforms in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention comprising the two-step deck component folded into storage mode in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention comprising taillights or warning lights and a license plate arrangement in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention disclosing the two-step deck fully extended to ground level in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates one potential method of using the ramp device of present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention with a screen set up behind the accessibility ramp in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention with a removable pad for the platforms of the accessibility ramp in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the accessibility ramp of the present invention used to allow pets and other animals to climb onto a bed or other furniture so that the accessibility ramp can be used both for purposes of traveling, as well as for home use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0037] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0038] As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for accessibility ramp for high profile vehicles that provides owners with a secure way to load and transport their pets and other animals into the vehicle. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a pet ramp device that allows users to quickly get their animal in the vehicle in case of danger. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vehicular pet ramp device that provides a set of folding steps for the animal to use to climb into the vehicle. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that keeps the pet ramp secured to the vehicle to prevent any collapse of the structure. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a pet ramp device with a folding frame that can be folded into two platforms for traveling. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a vehicle pet assist device that includes a convenient trailer hitch for easy transportation.

[0039] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is an accessibility ramp. The device is a transformable ramp for safely loading pets and other animals in and out of a vehicle. The device includes a staircase configuration having a plurality of square-shaped platforms made of steel, metal, fiberglass, composites, rigid plastic material or combinations thereof which attach to the vehicle at the trailer hitch fixture. The device further includes a two-step deck where the upper platform is above the hitch level. The two-step deck either has a ramp piece or a step that folds down to ground level. Further, the device has a base attached to a trailer hitch point and would be placed into a receiver fixture of a vehicle similar to attaching a trailer.

[0040] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the accessibility ramp 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the accessibility ramp 100 is an improved vehicle ramp or stair that provides users with a way of securely loading pets and other animals in and out of a vehicle. The device 100 is especially designed to allow animals and pets to load into a vehicle safely. More specifically, the device 100 has a rectangular-shaped frame 110 made of a rigid material such as steel, metal, fiberglass, composite materials or combinations thereof. The rectangular frame 110 has a base 112 which includes two longitudinal members 1120 (see FIG. 2A) connected by two cross members 1122. Both longitudinal members 1120 are roughly 3′ to 4′ in length and run parallel to each other. They are separated by the two cross members 1122 that run perpendicular to the longitudinal members 1120 and which are roughly 1′ to 2′ in length. The dimensions may be changed based on the vehicle type that the accessibility assist is used with. The frame also includes a trailer hitch adaptor 114 that inserts into a receiver fixture on a vehicle. The trailer hitch 114 has a pin lock system 1140 for securing the accessibility ramp 100 to a vehicle. The pin lock system 1140 may use a metal pin such as a carter pin to hold the hitch adaptor in place in the hitch on the vehicle. The trailer axle 114 is a three-dimensional rectangle that acts as a main cross member for the frame 110, specifically for the longitudinal members 1120. The trailer hitch 114 is roughly 2′ 6″ long and may be modified depending on the vehicle size. This size may vary depending on various preferences of the user while maintaining a functioning product. The accessibility access ramp of the present invention may also be produced in a color which matches the exterior of the vehicle.

[0041] The accessibility ramp 100 has two main components. The first component is the top platform 130. The top platform 130, also referred to as the first platform, includes a roof or top surface 1302 and four vertical legs 1304. The roof or top surface 1302 is made of a heavy plastic or metal and is directly attached to the four legs 1304. The top surface 1302 may be removable and reversible as will be discussed in connection with FIG. 8. The roof or top surface 1302 can be coated with a waterproof and/or rubberized, non-slip material to prevent an animal from injuring itself. The four legs 1304 are roughly 8-10″ in height and branch off of the two longitudinal members 1120 from the base 112. These dimensions can vary depending on the size or age of the animals utilizing the ramp.

[0042] The second component is the two-step deck 150. The two-step deck 150 is made up of a middle or second platform 1500, a third platform 1520, and a fourth platform or ramp piece 1540. All of the components that make up the two-step deck component 150 are connected via hinges. The middle or second platform 1500 has a roof or top surface 1502 which sits directly on the longitudinal members 1120 of the base 112. The roof or top surface 15020 is made of a heavy plastic or metal. The roof or top surface 1502 is roughly 2′ square and roughly 1 cm in thickness and may include a removable or reversible surface. These dimensions are adaptable to a certain point to fit the preferences of the user and vehicle type. The legs 1504 are connected by two-way connecting hinges 15040 which connect the top of the legs 1504 to the longitudinal members 1120. The third platform 1520 has a roof surface 15200 and legs 15220. The roof surface 15200 is roughly 2′ square and roughly 1 cm in thickness. The third platform 1520 has four legs 15220 all 8-10″ tall. Two of the legs are connected by two-way hinges 15222 and connect the bottom of the legs to the bottom of the middle platform legs 1504. The fourth platform 1540 is stored on the underside of, or beneath, the third platform's roof surface 15200. It is connected by a pair of hinges 15222 and can be folded out to work as a slanted platform for smaller or older animals to use to get off the ground.

[0043] In one embodiment, all four platforms have roughly equivalent sized roof surface components. The dimensions of the platforms range from 1′9″ squared 2′ square, 2′3″ square, or any other suitable size or shape as is known in the art, depending on the preferences of a user and vehicle type. Further, the leg components 1304, 1504, and 15220 can vary in height. The legs can be 6″ in height, 8″, 10″, 12″, or any other suitable size as is known in the art, depending on the preferences of a user and the vehicle type. Generally, the device 100 can be any suitable size and/or shape as is known in the art, with larger sizes for supporting larger animals or older pets, and smaller sizes for supporting small pets, or less agile ones.

[0044] In FIG. 2B, another embodiment is described in which the accessibility ramp 100 comes equipped with a pair of wheels 1126 to support the frame 110. The wheels 1126 are attached to the frame 110 by two metal rods that comprise the wheel axle (1124), and that relieves tension on the trailer hitch 114 when the ramp is being used. The wheels 120 act as additional support and can be kept down or flipped up when the vehicle is in operation. The wheel's diameter can measure 1′3″, 1′6″, 1′9″, 2′ or any other suitable size as is known in the art, depending on the preferences of a user or the vehicle type.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2C, the longitudinal member 1120 which is part of the frame 110, is used to attach the hanging box 190. The hanging box 190 has two J-shaped hooks 1900 which hang from the longitudinal member 1120. The hooks 1900 are attached to a rectangular shaped box 1904 and are connected by a small metal bracket 1902. The box's dimensions are roughly 9″×5″×4″, or or any suitable size as is known in the art, depending on the preferences of a user. The box 1904 has an exterior surface 19040. The box's surface 19040 can be composed of treated wood or plastic. The box 1904 has a bottom 19046 and both longitudinal walls 19042, as well as lateral walls 19048. The box's walls are either glued together or all conjoined depending on the material chosen. The hanging box 190 serves as an easy way of feeding and hydrating the animals before they get back into the car. The whole hanging box 190 can be easily removed and stored away in the interior of the car.

[0046] Furthermore, the longitudinal member 1120 furthest from the vehicle has a set of reflective strips 170 such as conspicuity tape. The reflective strips 170 allow cars traveling behind to see the accessibility ramp 100 extending from the user's vehicle. The strips are roughly two feet from the bumper of the vehicle it is attached to.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the top platform 130 has a roof or top surface 1302 and a plurality of legs 1304. The top platform 130 also has a safety side wall 1306 which acts as a cover for the gap between the top platform 130 and the middle or second platform 1500, when the two-step deck 150 is extended downward. The safety side wall 1306 has an exterior surface 13060 and a set of magnets 13062. The exterior surface can be manufactured from a heavy plastic, fiberglass, composite, metal material or combinations thereof. A set of magnets would be attached to the inside of the wall 1306 and have their opposite pole attached to two legs 1304 of the top platform 130. This would prevent an animal from overstepping the platform and catching one of its limbs in a hole possibly causing them to fall. The safety wall 1306 would only be able to be pulled off and not pushed through the gap since the dimensions of the components are barely larger than the gap.

[0048] FIG. 4A shows the accessibility ramp 200 in a first, folded configuration (as also seen in FIGS. 1 and 2A) and attached to the back of the vehicle. In the storage position, the invention may be used to hold other cargo like coolers, luggage, tents, pet kennels or pens when the animals are in the vehicle and there is no longer space to hold items which are normally carried in the interior of the vehicle.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 4B, a set of brake lights 160 is present on the ends of the exterior longitudinal member 1120. The lights 160 measure roughly 6″ in height and 4″ in width. The electrical wires 1600 that power said lights run along the longitudinal member 1120 eventually meeting on both sides at the trailer axle 114. The wiring 1600 then runs along the trailer axle 114 to the vehicle's wiring connector.

[0050] Furthermore, FIG. 4B shows the accessibility ramp device 100 with a license plate frame 165 which is mounted to the anterior longitudinal member 1120. This feature would be ideal for users who travel with the invention 100 attached to their vehicle frequently as the license plate would then be obscured by the invention potentially putting operation of the vehicle outside of compliance with motor vehicle laws.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5, the accessibility ramp in shown in a second or extended position which is also seen in FIG. 3. The accessibility ramp device 100 is manufactured from treated wood, metal, carbon fiber, aluminum, steel, titanium, PVC, iron, and plastic, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art. The accessibility ramp 100 may also include a stabilizing step plate 221 which may be placed near the ramp portion to allow the pet owner to stand on the plate 221 to further stabilize the accessibility ramp 100 when the pet is climbing up the device.

[0052] In yet another embodiment, the accessibility ramp device 100 includes a plurality of indicia 220. Specifically, the frame component 110 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component 112 or longitudinal members 1120, or any other indicia 220 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 220 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, or combinations thereof, that may or may not be animal or pet brand related.

[0053] In use, the vehicle ramp device 100 is adjustable, such that it can be extended into several stairs and platforms. Users unlatch the transportation lock 200 and extend the two-step deck component 150 outward, revealing a set of steps. Further, the invention 100 provides a set of wide and sturdy platforms (130, 1500, 1520, 1540) that prevent pets from falling off and injuring themselves. The device 100 is also easily accessible due to it being stored on a trailer hitch 114 which can remain there when the car is moving.

[0054] A method 210 of deploying the accessibility ramp of the present invention to its multiple possible positions is described in FIG. 6. The folding method 220 includes the initial step of providing the device 100 extending directly outwards from the vehicle. This method would deploy the platforms (130, 150, 1500, 1520, 1540) into an array of descending platforms. The method provides a safer route for pets or other animals to take when entering the vehicle and offers a straightforward and easy to follow path for the pets or other animals. This method 220 could very well alter the dimensions or functionality of components that make up the device 100.

[0055] FIG. 7 depicts an additional embodiment of the present invention. Some pets may be hesitant to walk upstairs or a ramp where they can see through the stairs. In the present embodiment, a removable screen 700 is placed on the back and from the sides of the accessibility ramp platforms, 702, 704 and 706 so as to appear that the platforms are in an enclosed configuration and there are no or limited openings for the pet to be concerned with. Cutouts may be provided for the trailer hitch 708 so that the screen 700 easily fits around the hitch.

[0056] FIG. 8 provides an embodiment in which there is a removable or reversible top surface 802 for at least one of the platforms 800, if not for each of the platforms 800 of the accessibility ramp. Providing a removable top allows the platforms to be cleaned, changed, or replaced as needed. In addition, the removable or reversible top surface 802 can provide additional flexibility for the type of surface to be used, e.g., a non-slip surface, textured surface, carpeted or padded surface or some combination. The top surface 802 may have extensions 804 surrounding the surface to form a short wall around the surface which can be used to help guide the animal. In another position, the extensions 804 which are generally perpendicular to the surface 802 may be used to hold cargo in place on the ramp when the ramp is in the stored position. FIG. 8 also shows the use of indicia 806 which can be any graphical or other indicia on the top surface so as to personalize the accessibility ramp for the user's preference.

[0057] FIG. 9 shows the accessibility ramp platforms 902 and 904 with the trailer hitch 906 used to allow pets and other animals to climb onto a bed 910 or other furniture so that the accessibility ramp can be used both for purposes of traveling as well as for home use.

[0058] In a further embodiment, the device 100 may also include a locking drawer or cabinet 912 positioned under the fixed, non-moveable step. The cabinet 912 may be used to store pet supplies or any other useful items.

[0059] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “accessibility ramp device”, “vehicle ramp device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the accessibility device 100 of the present invention.

[0060] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the accessibility device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the accessibility device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-9 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the accessibility device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the accessibility device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the accessibility device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0061] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0062] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such a term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.