DEPLOYMENT MECHANISM FOR A BARIATRIC RAMP

Abstract

A deployment mechanism for a bariatric ramp which has a drive motor pivotally secured to one side of the ramp platform. The deployment mechanism includes a lever located in a housing on the opposing side of the platform ramp. One end of the lever being connected to a platform pivot bar and the other end being connected to a spring secured within the housing.

Claims

1. A deployment mechanism for a bariatric ramp which has a drive motor pivotally secured to one side of the ramp platform, the deployment mechanism including a lever located in a housing on the opposing side of the platform ramp, one end of the lever being connected to a platform pivot bar and the other end being connected to a spring secured within the housing.

2. A mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the lever is located opposite the drive motor pivot point.

3. A mechanism according to claim 1, wherein pivotal movement of a first section of the ramp platform in respect of a second section causes rotation of the pivot bar which, in turn changes the orientation of the lever in respect of the spring.

4. A mechanism according to any one of claim 1, further comprising a motor drive control which acts to turn off the drive motor when the first platform section is orientated approximately 20 from horizontal.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:—

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a bariatric ramp with a ramp deployment mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention;

[0022] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the mechanism;

[0023] FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the deployment mechanism in use; and

[0024] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternative tension spring mechanism suitable for use with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a non-conventional sized bariatric ramp with an improved ramp deployment mechanism suitable for the additional weight of the ramp system 2.

[0026] The ramp system 2 includes a platform section 2A tiltable with respect to pan section 2B. Pan 2B includes housing 4 in which is housed a geared motor (not shown). Platform 2A is pivotally secured to housing 4 and extends across pan 2B.

[0027] On the other side of ramp pan 2B, opposite the motor housing 4, is a further housing 6 in which is located a lever 8 secured at one end to a bearing housing 10 through which is connected a pivot bar 12 providing the mechanism to raise the platform 2A. The other end of the lever 8 is attached to a spring 14 secured within the lever housing 6. The spring may be gas traction spring as shown in FIG. 1 or could alternatively be one or more tension springs.

[0028] The lever 8 is positioned opposite the pivot point 16 of the drive motor.

[0029] The spring 14 is hard wearing and heavy duty and, in use, acts to assist the drive motor, or the operator during manual deployment, to stow or deploy the ramp platform 2A.

[0030] To this end, and as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, as the platform 2A lifts and tilts in respect of the pan 2B, the pivot bar 12 rotates causing the lever 8 to orientate towards the spring 14 which then provides a controlled pulling force to assist continued raising of the platform 2A.

[0031] Conversely, once the platform 2A passes the top dead centre, continued rotation of the pivot bar 12 causes the lever 8 to orientate away from the spring 14 which then acts to counteract the torque generated by the platform 2A as it lowers towards its end, stowed, position. When platform 2A closed, the process described above is reversed.

[0032] By reducing the torque required from the drive motor to lift the platform 2A, a smaller sized power drive motor can be used. In the case of manual deployment, the required force is reduced to a level associated with conventional ramps.

[0033] Once the platform 2A reaches approximately 20 degrees from its fully open or fully closed orientation, a drive controller (not shown) acts to turn the drive motor off at which time the platform 2A continues to lower under gravity to drive the motor, acting then as a generator.

[0034] The controller includes a resistor though which generated electricity is routed. The resistor causes a resistance to the drive motor rotational movement thereby slowing the motor and the movement of the platform 2A. Consequently, movement of the platform 2A decelerates as it reaches its fully closed or fully open orientation ensuring that the platform 2A does not slam open or closed.

[0035] FIG. 5 is an exploded view illustrating an alternative spring mechanism of the invention.

[0036] In this embodiment, two tension springs 17 are used orientated side-by-side to provide the required strength and extension range required for the deployment mechanism.

[0037] To this end, the lever 8 has side extensions 17 on opposing surfaces each to receive the end of a respective spring 17. The other end of the springs 17 are secure to a bracket 20 secured to the housing 6 which has similar opposing side extensions 22.

[0038] Each side extension 18, 22 provides a shaft and each end of both springs 17 has an end connector 24 which extends around the side extension 18, 22 to be rotatable about its shaft. The connector 24 is then held on the shaft by a retaining circlip and washer 28.

[0039] To provide a smooth rotation and reduce friction, each connector 24 includes a polymer sleeve bearing.

[0040] The single spring may be used, and which may also incorporate an end connector as described.