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Having thus described the invention, it is claimed:
1. A modular ramp assembly for connecting first and second structures
respectively having first and second pedestrian walkways and comprising:
an elongated rectangular modular ramp assembly having first and second ends
and comprising a plurality of elongated rectangular channel shaped float
modules of rigid self-supporting form comprised of a fiberglass material,
said float modules each comprising a web portion with opposite side and
end flanges of equal height and defining therewith an elongated channelway
closed at its opposite ends by said end flanges,
said float modules being arranged in a laterally adjacent side-by-side
position and being secured together into a unitary self-supporting
elongated modular ramp unit structure solely by having their adjacent side
flanges bolted together, with the backs of their channel web portions
facing upwardly and defining a planar walking surface extending between
said ramp assembly ends and with their said closed end channelways facing
downwardly to form downwardly opening air pocket means in said float
modules.
2. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said web portions
and side and end flanges of said float modules are comprised of a molded
fiberglass shell filled with polyurethane foam.
3. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the said web
portions and side and end flanges of said float modules are comprised of a
molded fiberglass reinforced plastic shell filled with a polyurethane
foam.
4. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said float modules
include a plurality of interior stiffening rib members extending laterally
between said side flanges at spaced points therealong and from said web
portions and approximately equal in height to said side flanges, said
interior members rigidifying said module side flanges and defining with
said side and end flanges and web portions a plurality of separate
interior air pockets of said float modules.
5. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein said float modules
each include a plurality of interior rib members extending laterally
between said side flanges at spaced points therealong and from said web
portions and approximately equal in height to said side flanges, said
interior members rigidifying said module side flanges and defining with
said side and end flanges and web portions a plurality of separate
interior air pockets of said float modules.
6. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein said float modules
each include a plurality of interior rib members extending laterally
between said side flanges at spaced points therealong and from said web
portions and approximately equal in height to said side flanges, said
interior rib members rigidifying said module side flanges and defining
with said side and end flanges and said web portions a plurality of
separate interior air pockets of said float modules.
7. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said float modules
are arranged in one or more rectangular modular units with each said
modular unit comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent float modules of
equal length.
8. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein said float modules
are arranged in one or more rectangular modular units with each said
modular unit comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent float modules of
unequal length.
9. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein said modular
modules are arranged in one or more rectangular modular units with each
said modular unit comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent float
modules of equal length.
10. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein said float
modules are arranged in one or more rectangular modular units with each
said modular unit comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent float
modules of unequal length.
11. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein said float
modules are arranged in one or more rectangular modular units with each
said modular unit comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent float
modules of equal length.
12. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein said float
modules are arranged in one or more rectangular modular units with each
said modular unit comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent float
modules of unequal length.
13. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1 further comprising means
for connecting said first end of said ramp assembly to said first
structure with said walking surface closely adjacent to said first
pedestrian walkway, said connecting means being adapted to constrain said
ramp assembly from horizontal movement relative to said first structure,
and to permit vertical pivotal movement of said ramp assembly relative to
said first structure.
14. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 5 further comprising means
for connecting said first end of said ramp assembly to said first
structure with said walking surface closely adjacent to said first
pedestrian walkway, said connecting means being adapted to constrain said
ramp assembly from horizontal movement relative to said first structure,
and to permit vertical pivotal movement of said ramp assembly relative to
said first structure.
15. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 11 further comprising means
for connecting said first end of said ramp assembly to said first
structure with said walking surface closely adjacent to said first
pedestrian walkway, said connecting means being adapted to constrain said
ramp assembly from horizontal movement relative to said first structure,
and to permit vertical pivotal movement of said ramp assembly relative to
said first structure.
16. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 12 further comprising means
for connecting said first end of said ramp assembly to said first
structure with said walking surface closely adjacent to said first
pedestrian walkway, said connecting means being adapted to constrain said
ramp assembly from horizontal movement relative to said first structure,
and to permit vertical pivotal movement of said ramp assembly relative to
said first structure.
17. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein said float
modules are arranged in one or more rectangular modular units with each
said modular unit comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent float
modules of equal length.
18. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein said float
modules are arranged in one or more rectangular modular units with each
said modular unit comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent float
modules of unequal length.
19. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein a plurality of
said elongated modular ramp units are secured together in end-to-end
relation into a unitary self-supporting elongated multi-unit modular ramp
assembly solely by having their adjacent said end flanges of the
respective modules of said modular ramp units abutting one another and
bolted together.
20. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein the said float
modules each include a plurality of longitudinally extending interior
stiffening rib members extending between the said web portions of said
channel shape float modules and said end flanges thereof.
21. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein one of the
adjacent bolted together side flanges of each pair of said laterally
adjacent bolted together modules is provided with a horizontal flange
extending longitudinally along its lower edge and underlying and on which
the lower edge of the other one of the said adjacent side flanges rest to
provide a supplemental support therefor anD for the bolted connections of
said adjacent side flanges of said laterally adjacent modules.
22. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein an elongated
insert member of inverted T-shape cross-section is bolted between adjacent
bolted together side flanges of a pair of said laterally adjacent modules,
with the cross flange of said T-shape insert member disposed horizontally
below and spaced from the lower edges of said adjacent side flanges, to
provide a pair of horizontal ledge surfaces extending along the length of
said laterally adjacent modules for supporting thereon one or more utility
conduits.
23. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein a handrail
assembly is mounted on and extends longitudinally along each respective
outer side of said ramp assembly, each handrail assembly comprised of a
plurality of vertical fiberglass support post members bolted at their
lower ends to an outermost one of the said side flanges of said laterally
adjacent float modules and a horizontal fiberglass handrail member
extending the length of the said laterally adjacent bolted together float
modules of said ramp assembly and bolted to the upper ends of said support
post members.
24. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 19, wherein the said float
modules of said modular ramp units are composed of a fiberglass reinforced
plastic material and have steel reinforcing plates embedded in their said
end flanges.
25. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 19, wherein the said float
modules of said modular ramp units are composed of a fiberglass reinforced
plastic material and each include a plurality of longitudinally extending
interior stiffening ribs extending between the said web portions of said
channel shape float modules and said end flanges thereof, said float
modules having steel reinforcing members comprising plate sections
respectively embedded in their said end flanges and in their
longitudinally extending stiffening ribs.
26. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 5, wherein the said float
modules of said modular ramp units are composed of a fiberglass reinforced
plastic material and have steel reinforcing plate members embedded in said
laterally extending stiffening rib members.
27. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 25, wherein the said float
modules of said modular ramp units also include a plurality of interior
stiffening rib members extending laterally between the said side flanges
of the respective modules at spaced points therealong and from said web
portions and approximately equal in height to said side flanges, and said
laterally extending stiffening rib members also having steel reinforcing
plate members embedded therein.
28. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 25, wherein the said steel
reinforcing members also have horizontally extending plate sections
embedded in and extending a short distance into the said web portions of
the respective float modules.
29. A modular ramp assembly as defined in claim 4, wherein the said web
portions, side flanges, and lateral stiffening rib members of the float
modules are composed of a solid plastic foam material encased in a
fiberglass reinforced plastic shell and a plurality of said elongated
modular ramp units are secured together in end-to-end relation solely by
having their adjacent said end flanges of the respective modules of said
modular ramp units abutting one another and bolted together, said end
flanges of each of said modules being comprised of the two downturned and
overlayered end wall portions of the fiberglass reinforced plastic shell
of said modules, and said modules having steel reinforcing members
comprising end plate sections bolted between the said two overlayered end
wall portions of said modules, and top and side plate sections
respectively embedded in the said web portions and side flanges of said
modules. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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The present invention pertains to pedestrian bridges, and particularly to a
modular pedestrian ramp extending between marine structures such as piers
and docks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Pedestrian access to boats moored in a marina is often provided between a
pier or other waterfront structure and the boats by means of a floating
dock having a pedestrian walkway extending along side a row of mooring
stations for the boats. Consequently, the need arises for a pedestrian
bridge between the pier and the floating dock to complete the walkway
between the boats and the shore. Pedestrian bridges known to be used for
this purpose generally comprise a ramp extending at an incline between the
floating dock and the raised pier. Such ramps may be of wooden
construction, but in order to span extended distances across the water
without intermediate structural supports such as trusses or columns
associated with more elaborate bridge structures, the ramps are commonly
formed of steel or aluminum. However, metal ramps suffer from several
disadvantages as they are somewhat incompatible with the conditions
surrounding use of a pedestrian walkway in a marine environment.
Specifically, metal ramps are known to be formed in a single unitary piece
extending between the opposite ends. Unless custom made, they are
consequently manufactured and available only in standard lengths and
widths. This may often require that the location and dimensions of the
floating dock be made to accommodate the available ramp dimensions, as
opposed to the converse situation wherein a ramp will be selected to meet
the preferred location of the floating dock. This is an important
consideration in the construction of a pedestrian walkway between the
shore and the moored boats since the location of a floating dock is
determined in consideration of the layout of the entire marina, and should
not be critically dependent upon a single element such as the pedestrian
ramp. Furthermore, known unitary ramps of any substantial length are
extremely costly to ship from the factory to the site, particularly when
the elongated ramps dominates the space available on a truck or rail car.
Other disadvantages of known steel or aluminum pedestrian ramps are caused
by the metal material itself. Metal is obviously a heavy material which
makes handling and installation of the ramp difficult in most
circumstances. Beyond the usual problems associated with excessive weight,
there is the additional problem of maintaining floatation when one end of
the ramp rests atop a floating dock. The dock should be at least generally
level along its length in order to provide a convenient pedestrian
walkway, and likewise should rise and fall in response to wave action
consistently along its length. An excessive weight load imposed at one
spot by the ramp could easily interfere with those floatation features of
the dock. Furthermore, metals tend to corrode in both fresh and salt water
environments, and as electrical conductors they may pose a particular
safety hazard with respect to lightning or electrical utilities extended
from the shore outwardly to the floating dock.
The prior art is thus seen to fail to provide a pedestrian ramp for
spanning the water between a floating dock and a pier or other land based
structure which is adaptable in length and width to accommodate existing
dock and pier conditions, or which is lightweight and electrically
nonconductive.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the above described disadvantages and
others and provides a pedestrian ramp for use in a marine environment
which is inexpensive, safe, and easy to install. In accordance with a
principal feature of the invention, there is provided a modular ramp
assembly having first and second ends, and comprising a plurality of
elongated, rectangular channel shaped modules in a laterally adjacent
arrangement with the backs of the channel webs defining a planar walking
surface extending between the two ends. Use of separate modules to
construct the ramp assembly advantageously permits variations in length
and width not attainable with unitary ramp assemblies, and forming the
modules as elongated rectangular channels provides the ramp assembly with
strength across an extended span.
In accordance with a more specific feature of the invention, the modules
are comprised predominantly of a fiberglass material. This feature of the
invention advantageously provides a high strength, lightweight,
electrically nonconductive structure. The use of fiberglass in the marine
environment of the present invention provides extraordinary advantages
beyond those ordinarily expected of fiberglass as a structural material
since the ramp assembly faces unique requirements of light weight where it
rests atop the floating dock, and as an electrical insulator the
fiberglass will especially protect against lightning or other electrical
hazard as it spans the open water.
Another specific feature of the invention is the provision of lateral
stiffeners extending across the interior of the channel shaped modules
between the side flanges or walls. In addition to adding strength, the
stiffeners define interior sections which serve as downwardly open air
pockets should the modules be dropped into the water. Although structural
fiberglass material might not be buoyant enough to float atop the surface,
it is considerably more buoyant than steel or aluminum, and in combination
with the structural arrangement of stiffeners and air pockets it provides
a ramp which is far easier to handle in or to retrieve from the water.
In accordance with another specific feature of the invention, the modules
making up the ramp assembly are arranged in one or more rectangular units,
with each unit comprising a plurality of laterally adjacent modules of
equal length. The units may be of the same or differing lengths, and
beneficially enable the construction of an extended span as a combination
of connected units without requiring any single piece to extend the entire
length of the span.
In accordance with yet another specific feature of the invention, a
rectangular unit of the ramp assembly may be comprised of laterally
adjacent modules of unequal length. This feature of the invention provides
a staggered layout of elongated modules whereby a single unit may be
constructed with a length greater than any one of the individual modules.
This is an alternate means of constructing a lengthy ramp assembly without
requiring any one of the individual components to extend the entire length
of the span. Furthermore, a staggered layout of modules avoids a
connecting joint extending entirely across the width of the ramp assembly
and thus provides greater bending strength.
Still another feature of the invention calls for one end of the elongated
ramp assembly to be connected to a structure such as a pier or other land
based structure by means of a connection which constrains the ramp
assembly from horizontal movement relative to that structure, but which
permits vertical pivotal movement of the ramp assembly relative thereto.
The pivotal connection of the ramp assembly to the land based structure
permits the opposite end of the ramp to move vertically with the floating
dock in response to tides or wave action.
The principle object of the present invention is to provide an improved
pedestrian ramp for spanning a section of open water which is inexpensive,
lightweight, and easy to install.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a pedestrian ramp
which is adaptable in length and width to accommodate various existing
conditions requiring a ramp to bridge a span of open water between two
spaced structures.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pedestrian ramp
as defined above which has sufficient strength to extend a substantial
distance across open water and yet is sufficiently light in weight to rest
atop a floating dock without interfering with the buoyancy thereof.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a pedestrian
ramp as defined above which is electrically nonconductive and consequently
safe in environments exposed to lightning or other electric shock.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the
following description of the preferred embodiments thereof taken together
with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a modular pedestrian ramp assembly in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a top view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial side view, partially in section, of
the..assembly shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a side view, partially in section, taken along line 6--6 of FIG.
3;
FIG. 7 is a top view, partially in section, taken along line 7--7 FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a side view, partially in section, taken along line 9--9 of FIG.
3;
FIG. 10 is an end view taken along line 10--10 of FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a partial pictorial view of the assembly shown in FIG. 2 taken
in cross section;
FIG. 12 is a partial cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a
modular pedestrian ramp assembly in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 13 is a partial pictorial view, taken in cross section, of another
alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 14 is a partial top view, partly in section, of a modular pedestrian
ramp assembly in accordance with the embodiment of 13;
FIG. 15 is a cross sectional view taken along line 15--15 of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view taken along line 16--16 of FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is a partial pictorial view, taken in cross section, of yet another
alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a partial top view, partially in section, of a modular
pedestrian ramp assembly in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a partial cross sectional view taken along line 19--19 of FIG.
18;
FIG. 20 is a partial side view taken along line 20--20 of FIG. 18;
FIG. 21 is a developed view of a component of the assembly of FIG. 17;
FIG. 22 is cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the component
of FIG. 21;
FIG. 23 is a cross sectional view of an alternate embodiment o assembly of
FIG. 17; and,
FIG. 24 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the assembly of
FIG. 3.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for the purpose of
illustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the
purpose of limiting same, in FIG. 1 there is shown a modular pedestrian
ramp assembly R spanning a section of open water between a floating dock D
and a pier P. The lower end of the modular ramp assembly R rests atop the
floating dock D such that the dock may shift slightly with respect to the
ramp, and the upper end is pivotally connected to the pier P by means of a
connecting assembly C so that the modular ramp assembly R can move
vertically with the floating dock D in response to wave action or tides.
Referring more specifically to FIGS. 3 through 5, the modular ramp assemble
R is comprised of a plurality of modules 10 formed of a fiberglass
material. Each module 10 is an elongated rectangular element having a
length L, a width W, and a channel shaped cross section defined by a
horizontal web 12 and a pair of vertical side flanges 14 and 16 of equal
height. An end plate 18 closes each end of the elongated channel, and
internal structural support is provided by lateral stiffeners 20 and
longitudinal stiffeners 22 as shown. Laterally extending bolt holes 24 are
disposed along the vertical side flanges 14 and 16 in aligned pairs, and
longitudinally extending bolt holes 26 are likewise disposed at the end
plates 18. Each module 10 is thus adapted to be arranged as one of several
laterally adjacent components of a rectangular modular ramp unit U having
a length equal to the module length L and a combined total width defined
by the number of adjacent modules 10 each of width W. The modular units U
thus provide a planar walking surface WS along the backs of the channel
webs 12 which is flush without tripping hazards across the length L and
width W. A sheet of skid resistant material 27 may be applied to the
walking surface WS.
As components of a modular ramp unit U, the modules 10 are firmly held
together by means of bolts 28 secured through the laterally extending bolt
holes 24. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention and
as specifically shown in FIG. 5, all but one of the modules 10 along the
cross section of the modular ramp assembly R include a horizontal flange
30 extending longitudinally between the end plates 18 along the lower edge
of the right hand vertical side flange 16. The horizontal flanges 30 are
each adapted to register with the lower edge of the adjacent left hand
vertical side flange 14 to provide supplemental structural support for the
bolted connections and, in order to provide a simplified structural
outline in accordance with the preferred embodiment, are not provided at
the outer edges of the modular assembly.
Each modular ramp unit U is further adapted to serve as a component of the
modular ramp assembly R by the provision of a pair of fiberglass kick
plates 32 extending along the length of the unit U to provide footing
safety and to confine dropped objects from falling into the water. Also
provided is a fiberglass handrail assembly 34 comprising vertical posts 36
bolted to the modules 10 at the laterally extending bolt holes 24,
rectangular horizontal support members 38 extending between the vertical
posts 36, and channel shaped horizontal handrail members 40 extending
across the tops of the vertical posts 36. The modular ramp units U are
connected together as individual components of the modular ramp assembly R
by means of bolts 28 secured through the longitudinally extending bolt
holes 26 at the end plates 18. Metal plates 42, preferably galvanized
steel, are provided to support the bolted fiberglass end plates 18 against
the bending moment forces developed at the laterally extending joint
between adjacent modular ramp units U. The adjacent handrail assemblies 34
are similarly bolted together for the purposes of strength and safety.
Referring now to FIGS. 6 through 8, a connecting assembly C is provided to
connect the modular ramp assembly R to the pier P. The connecting assembly
C is comprised of a pair of connectors known as Follansbee Connectors.
Each Follansbee Connector comprises a first steel end plate 44 having a
pair of first projecting arms 46, a second steel end plate 48 having a
second projecting arm 50, and a pin 52 providing a hinged connection
between the first projecting arms 46 and the second projecting arm 50. The
first steel end plate 44 of each Follansbee Connector is securely
connected to an end plate 18 of an associated module 10 by means of bolts
28 and metal plates 42. The second steel end plate 48 is secured to the
concrete pier structure by means of anchor bolts 54. The connecting
assembly C further includes a handicap ramp 56 comprising a first section
58 secured to the walking surface 59 of the pier P by means of concrete
fasteners 60, and a second section 62 connected to the first section 58 by
means of an elongated hinge 64 and resting atop the walking surface WS of
the ramp assembly R.
As shown in FIG. 9 and 10, a base assembly B is provided where the modular
ramp assembly R rests atop the walking surface 65 of the floating dock D.
The floating dock D may comprise a modular float drum system in accordance
with the invention set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,445 to Meriwether,
assigned to the present assignee and incorporated herein by reference.
That patented system provides an especially stable floating dock which
responds to wave action and live loads uniformly along the length of the
walking surface, and could accommodate placement of a pedestrian ramp at
any position on the dock surface. A base unit 66 is associated with each
module 10 of the lower modular ramp assembly unit U. Each base unit 66 has
a channel shaped cross section with a web 67 and a pair of opposite
flanges 68 and 69 each of which include tapered sections 70. A first end
plate 71 extends across the tapered end of the channel shaped base unit
66, and a second end plate 72 corresponds with the end plate 18 of the
associated module 10 and is connected thereto by means of bolts 28 and
metal plates 42 associated with the longitudinally extending bolt holes
26. A rubber roller 73 is mounted on an axle 74 extending between the
opposite side flanges 68 and 69. In response to wave action and tides
which cause both vertical and horizontal movements of the floating dock D,
the base assembly B comprising base units 66 is thus adapted to
accommodate horizontal movement on the roller 73 as well as vertical
pivotal movement as cleared by the tapered sections 70 of the side flanges
68 and 69, while at the same time extending the walking surface WS to a
position closely adjacent the walking surface 65 of the floating dock D.
In accordance with the invention the modules 10 are manufactured in
standard lengths and widths whereby the modular ramp units U can be
constructed in various lengths and widths by selecting the corresponding
combination of component modules 10. The modular ramp assembly R can
likewise be constructed of selected modular units U of varying lengths to
provide a total length to meet existing conditions between a floating dock
and a pier. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the modular ramp
units U are constructed of laterally adjacent modules of equal length. For
example, no more than three of such units constructed of modules having
lengths of 10 and 15 feet would be required to construct overall modular
ramp assemblies R having any total length between 10 and 40 feet defined
in increments of 5 feet.
In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the invention, the modular
ramp units U are constructed of laterally adjacent modules 10 of unequal
length. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 24, a modular ramp unit U
could comprise an offset arrangement of modules 10 having lengths of 5,
10, and 15 feet. A modular ramp assembly R having a total length of 20
feet could be provided by a single one of such units whereby a more
lengthy modular structure is provided without having a joint extend
entirely across the width of the structure. Likewise, only two of the
latter described units would be required to construct a total length of 40
feet, whereas three of the former described units would be required.
However, the preferred embodiment of the invention is found to provide a
modular pedestrian ramp assembly which is sufficiently strong and easy to
construct, and the alternate embodiment of the modular unit construction
is presented only to illustrate specific features of the invention whereby
a modular ramp assembly can be constructed to accommodate spans of varying
lengths across the open water between a floating dock and a pier.
In FIG. 12 there is shown an alternate embodiment of the bolted connection
between two adjacent modules 10 wherein a utility line carrier is provided
in the form of an insert 75. The insert 75 is an elongated element having
a T-shaped cross-section with a horizontal member 76, and a vertical
member 77 of height somewhat greater than the height of the module side
walls 14 and 16. The insert 75 is bolted between two adjacent module side
walls 14 and 16 with the upper insert edge 78 flush with the walking
surface WS of the modular ramp assembly R, and with the horizontal member
76 spaced vertically below the side walls 14 and 16 to provide a pair of
elongated ledge surfaces 79 upon which utility conduits or lines 81 can
run without hanging or sagging. This feature of the invention safely
provides a means to run electrical power out to a floating dock since the
predominantly fiberglass composition of the modular units U enables
placement of power lines which might otherwise be prohibited on a metal
structure, and the position of the ledge surfaces 79 is safely out of
reach of persons using the ramp.
Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 16, there is shown another alternate
embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the modular components 80
differ in structural composition from the modules 10 described above with
respect to the preferred embodiment. Similar to the modules 10, the
modules 80 are elongated rectangular elements having a channel shaped
cross section with a web 82, side wall flanges 84 and 86 including
laterally extending bolt holes (not shown), end plates 88 including
longitudinally extending bolt holes 90, lateral stiffeners 92, and
longitudinal stiffeners 94. However, the modules 80 are composed of a
fiberglass reinforced plastic material 96 formed in a mold and provided
with embedded steel reinforcing elements 98 at the lateral stiffeners 92,
the longitudinal stiffeners 94, and the end plates 88. The steel
reinforcing elements 98 at the end plates 88 include sections 99 extending
over into the webs 82 for added bending strength where longitudinally
adjacent modular ramp units U are bolted together. A lightweight ramp
assembly is thereby provided, and the embedded steel reinforcing elements
98 rigidify the alternate structure while also serving the same purpose at
the bolted connections as the metal plates 42 in the preferred embodiment.
In FIGS. 17 through 20 there is shown yet another alternate embodiment of
the present invention. Similar to the above described embodiments, the
modules 100 are formed as elongated rectangular elements having a channel
shaped cross section with a web 102, opposite side wall flanges 104 and
106 including laterally extending bolt holes 108, end plates 110 including
longitudinally extending bolt holes 112, and lateral stiffeners 114.
However, the webs 102, the sidewall flanges 104 and 106, and the lateral
stiffeners 114 are composed of a solid foam material 116 surrounded by a
fiberglass or a fiberglass reinforced plastic coating or shell 118. The
side wall flanges 104 and 106 include metal bolt tubes 120 at the
laterally extending bolt holes 108 to reinforce the bolted connections,
and the end plates 110 each include an embedded steel support member 122
comprising an upper wall element 124 extending slightly into the web 102
and a pair of tapered side wall elements 126 and 128 extending slightly
into the associated side wall flanges 104 and 106. The modules 100 can be
also be manufactured in a mold with the fiberglass or fiberglass
reinforced shell being formed around the embedded foam and steel
components. This structural arrangement has a relatively low density and
consequently a greater degree of buoyancy whereby the modular ramp
assembly R can more easily be retrieved from the water if accidentally
dropped in.
Further regarding the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 17-20, in
FIG. 22 there is shown an alternate form of the embedded steel support
member 122 which reinforces the end plate 110 of the module 100. This
alternate embedded steel support member 130 has the same developed outline
configuration of the member 122 including an upper wall element 132 and a
pair of tapered side wall elements 134 and 136 as shown in FIG. 21, but
the upper wall element 132 reaches the upper region of the web 102 as
shown in FIG. 22 to provide greater bending strength than the element 124
at the lower region of the web 102 as shown in FIG. 20. Alternately, the
end plates 110 could be formed with the same composite structure of solid
foam 116 with the shell 118 as are the web 102 and the side walls 104 and
106. In this case an embedded support member is not used at the end plate,
but bolt tubes 120 are provided as shown in FIG. 23.
Structural features common to each of the above described embodiments of
the invention are the channel shaped cross sections of the rectangular
modules and the provision of lateral stiffeners extending across the
inside of the channels. These features define downwardly open air pockets
140 extending longitudinally between the stiffeners which render the
modules as float members and contribute to floatation of the modular ramp
units U. The invention thus provides a pedestrian ramp which has
substantial resistance to sinking even if the fiberglass material alone
does not provide sufficient buoyancy to float the ramp, and which is
thereby more easily handled in and around the water than known ramp
structures would be if merely transformed into fiberglass material.
The invention has been described with reference to the preferred
embodiment. It will be appreciated that modifications or alterations which
would not deviate from the present invention will occur to others upon
their reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended that
all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come
within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalence thereof
* * * * *
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Description |
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