The ramp - what is it? Purpose and varieties

The ramp - what is it? In the general technical sense, this device is a flat surface, connecting the other two, located at different heights relative to each other. Also they are called ramps. They are designed primarily to overcome the various obstacles on the wheelchairs and wheelchairs. A large spread to date has been the installation of such a device on the stairs at the entrance to the railway and bus stations, shops, hospitals, entrances, and also inside buildings on the stairwells.

What is

A properly designed ramp usually consists of two horizontal (at the beginning and the end) and one inclined surface, or is equipped with transitions to the surfaces at the ends. These design features are intended primarily for the confident arrival and departure of people in wheelchairs without assistance.

Where applicable

With a narrow understanding of the word ramp (that this device is only for strollers), it should be noted and its other application. Ramps are also available in the theater (scenic stage detail) and automobile (in underground garages for movement between their floors).

How to translate

If we talk about such a concept as the meaning of the word "ramp", then we can say the following. It is derived from the French expression pente douce, which in Russian translates to "gently sloping".

An irreplaceable device for people with disabilities

The ramp for disabled people is usually made of metal materials, often with corrugation to prevent the wheels of the wheelchair from slipping. Its mandatory element is the side edges of safety. They must be at least 5 cm high.

There are three varieties of this transport device for wheelchairs:

• stationary;
• Folding;
• removable.

The stationary ramp - what is it

When considering the first variety, it must be said that this is the most common among the listed species. These ramps are designed for long life and are not fixed. As a rule, they are mounted on the stairs at the entrance to the buildings.

Stationary structures can be one- or two-span (with a transitional platform between the spans) and the mandatory presence of supporting side handrails. Handrails should be continuous, parallel and with a length greater than the length of the inclined surface. The material for manufacturing the base of these stationary devices is usually a concrete mixture or a metal base.

Convenient folding option

These ramps (as well as stationary ones) are non-removable. But there is the possibility of tilting or tilting if you do not want to use them. In this regard, usually installed a folding ramp in the entrance. The basis of the design is the same as that of the stationary one, only the guide strips have a rigid connection with each other at the ends. The device itself is attached using specially mounted loops to the wall of the entrance. For use, the structure is removed from these loops and lies on the flight of stairs. After the movement of the stroller along it, the device is retracted and fixed to the retaining hinges (for unobstructed passage of people).

Types of removable ramps

The third kind is in turn subdivided into:

• Telescopic telescopic;
• Threshold;
• Roll-ramps.

On the stairwells

Sliding telescopic ramps are intended primarily for use in places where a stationary installation will severely interfere with the passage of people. Removable ramps are universal and can be installed on virtually any stairwells. They are easy to assemble and unfold, and in assembled form they are often used for overcoming curbs on the street or for a small number of steps on the stairs.

At the entrance to the apartment

Ramps for thresholds are more compact in comparison with other removable structures. They are intended for moving a wheelchair across thresholds in apartments, curbs on the street and other minor high-altitude obstacles. Installation of this design can produce one person due to its compactness and low weight.

For traveling

The third type of removable transport devices for wheelchairs is a kind of telescopic. Its difference from the sliding cousins lies in the way of folding. Here the entire structure is folded along the length. This makes them very convenient for transportation, since the assembled design occupies an insignificant place in the car or other vehicle, which is often of significant importance.

What is most often meant by the term "ramp"? That this device, which is intended primarily for people with disabilities. After all, this seemingly simple construction can not only significantly ease, but also improve their lives.