OPERATIVELY EXPANDABLE RAMP TO OVERCOME THE STEPS BY WHEELCHAIR

摘要

The mechanical equipment on offer is operatively expandable to transform the steps for the wheelchair and, if necessary, could be contracted, thus vacating the steps for the pedestrians. It could be unbent mechanically and spread on the steps thus being specifically suitable for the wheelchairs to overcome the slight difference in levels (steps) between the rooms as well as outdoors on terraces, stages and similar locations. The equipment on offer would be suitable for locations in buildings and constructions where the fitting of the stationary ramp is not necessary though it would be convenient to install the factory - built metal equipment of a simple design which is attached to the base (a wall or a floor) with few screws. The attachment is made with the help of a special double hinge which provides the free movement in two mutually perpendicular planes. The hinge has two mutually perpendicular axes. The ramp consists of two panels of a symmetrical construction - the rails which are placed bilaterally in the direction of the ascent and are intended for the wheelchairs which are equipped, preferably, with two wheels. A person who helps the wheelchair to overcome the slope may move in between these rails. When idle, the rails could be unbent by the turn of the hinges and the sides are supported vertically either at the side wall of the niche or placed horizontally. The equipment described could be easily manufactured in the metalworking shops. The ramp on offer provides the people with the special needs who are moving in wheelchairs with the access to the premises and objects where a slight difference in levels has to be overcome. It is considerably cheaper than the wheelchair elevator and occupies almost no space at all. When idle, it stays in a contracted condition. Each of the panels of the ramp is operated manually without any mechanisms and, being such, requires no technical maintenance.