Access ramp has two platforms one extendible relative to the other and a fluid pressure force ram that extends in a transverse direction relative to the direction of extension and retraction of the extendible platform

摘要

A ramp (2) to give wheelchair access to a bus (4) has a raisable and lowerable platform (26) pivotably mounted on a supporting frame (14) and a further platform (28) extensible beyond a front end of the platform (26) and retractable relative to that platform. A fluid pressure operated piston and cylinder unit below the ramp is arranged to act between the platforms to extend and retract the platform (28) along a line of action. The cylinder unit acts along a line of action which is transverse to the other action line. The supporting frame (14) is U-shaped with horizontal open ended slots (82 and 84) at the front ends of its arms. Similar platform slots are formed in two opposite sides of the platform (26) adjacent its front end and each platform slot coincide with the respective slot (82 or 84) when the platform (26) is in a raised position. When the platform (26) is in that position and the platform (28) is fully retracted lateral flanges (86 and 88) on platform (28) enter the corresponding slot (82 or 84) and the corresponding platform slot in platform (26) so the flanges can rest on the lower sides of the slots (82 and 84) and support the raised and retracted ramp.