WO2013086559A1

WO2013086559A1 - A ramp assembly for a vehicle, and a vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2013086559A1
Application number: PCT/AU2012/001451
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josef Wiedenhorn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-13
Filing date: 2012-11-27
Publication date: 2013-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2014-06-13

Abstract

A ramp assembly for a vehicle, and a vehicle, are disclosed. The ramp assembly comprises at least one ramp member being adapted for attachment to the vehicle, wherein the at least one ramp member is movable between a retracted position at which the at least one ramp member is substantially retracted relative to the vehicle, and an extended position at which the at least one ramp member extends externally from the vehicle toward a ground surface in use, and a ramp deployment means operably connected to the at least one ramp member for selectively moving the at least one ramp member between the retracted position and the extended position.

Description

A RAMP ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE, AND A VEHICLE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to ramps and in particular to a ramp assembly for a vehicle, and a vehicle.

The invention has been developed primarily for use on rail carriages and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

Rail passengers are often faced with the problem of a gap existing between the rail carriage and the platform edge after the train has pulled into the railway station. The gap represents an obstacle and a danger for passengers, particular those passengers who may be in need of additional assistance such as the elderly or wheelchair bound passengers. In addition, the gap also represents an obstacle to those passengers transporting luggage, particularly luggage that is required to be pulled along the ground.

The present invention seeks to provide a ramp assembly for a vehicle, and a vehicle, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ramp assembly for a vehicle, the ramp assembly comprising: at least one ramp member being adapted for attachment to the vehicle, the at least one ramp member being movable between a retracted position at which the at least one ramp member is substantially retracted relative to the vehicle and an extended position at which the at least one ramp member extends externally from the vehicle toward a ground surface in use; and a ramp deployment means operably connected to the at least one ramp member for selectively moving the at least one ramp member between the retracted position and the extended position.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member can be moved using the ramp deployment means to the extended position allow passengers to embark and disembark from the vehicle in use.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member can be moved using the ramp deployment means to the retracted position to stow the at least one ramp member safely when not in use.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises at least one door having a bottom portion, the at least one ramp member being attachable to the vehicle adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member being located adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door allows quick and easy deployment of the at least one ramp member at the location where it is needed.

Preferably, the at least one ramp member in the extended position extends from the bottom portion of the at least one door to the ground surface at a generally horizontal or downward inclination.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member can be deployed in situations where the ground surface is generally level with, or lower than, the bottom portion of the at least one door.

Advantageously, the angle of inclination of the at least one ramp member relative to the ground surface is sufficient to enable passengers to embark and disembark from the vehicle safely. Preferably, the ramp deployment means comprises at least one drive mechanism adapted to actuate movement of the at least one ramp member between the retracted position and the extended position in use.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member can be moved between the retracted and extended positions automatically using the drive mechanism.

Preferably, the at least one drive mechanism is a motor.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member can be moved between the retracted and extended positions automatically using the motor.

Preferably, the ramp assembly further comprises a control unit in operative communication with the ramp deployment means to selectively actuate movement of the at least one ramp member between the retracted position and the extended position in use.

Advantageously, the movement of the at least one ramp member between the retracted and extended positions can be controlled using a control unit.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises at least one door configured for moving between an open position and a closed position, the ramp assembly further comprising at least one door sensor for detecting the position of the at least one door.

Advantageously, the movement of the at least one ramp member can be controlled in accordance with the position of the at least one door by virtue of the at least one door sensor.

Preferably, the at least one door sensor is in operative communication with the control unit and adapted to send an extend signal to the control unit prior to the at least one door being moved to the open position.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member is moved to the extended position prior to at least one door being opened.

Preferably, the at least one door sensor is in operative communication with the control unit and adapted to send a retract signal to the control unit after the at least one door is moved to the closed position. Advantageously, the at least one ramp member is moved to the retracted position after the at least one door has been closed.

Preferably, the at least one ramp member is pivotably mountable to the vehicle.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member can pivot between the retracted position and the extended position in use.

Preferably, the at least one ramp member extends substantially vertically and across the at least one door in the closed position when the at least one ramp member is in the retracted position.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member is safely stowed in the retracted position when it is substantially vertically and across the at least one door in the closed position.

Preferably, the at least one ramp member comprises a vehicle engagement portion, the at least one ramp member being attachable to the vehicle at the vehicle engagement portion.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member can pivot between the retracted position and the extended position by virtue of the pivotable attachment of the vehicle engagement portion to the vehicle in use.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises at least one door having a bottom portion, the vehicle engagement portion being located adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door.

Preferably, the at least one ramp member comprises a ground engaging portion distal to the vehicle engagement portion.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises at least one storage means, the at least one ramp member being adapted to at least partially retract within the at least one storage means when the at least one ramp member is in the retracted position.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member is safely stowed when it is partially retracted into the storage means of the vehicle.

Preferably, the vehicle comprises at least one door having a bottom portion, the at least one storage means being located adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door. Advantageously, the at least one ramp member can be deployed quickly and easily from the storage means adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door.

Preferably, the at least one storage means comprises guide means for guiding the movement of the at least one ramp member between the retracted position and the extended position in use.

Advantageously, the at least one ramp member can be deployed quickly and easily from the storage means adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door by virtue of the guide means.

Preferably, the at least one ramp member comprises an upper surface having one or more tread means disposed thereon.

Advantageously, the one or more tread means reduces the risk of passengers slipping when embarking or disembarking from the vehicle in use.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle, comprising: at least one door having a bottom portion; and at least one ramp assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding paragraphs, the at least one ramp member being attachable to the vehicle adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door.

Preferably, the ground surface is a platform having a platform edge, the at least one ramp member extending beyond the platform edge when the at least one ramp member is in the extended position.

Advantageously, any gap between the vehicle and the platform edge can be bridged by the at least one ramp member extending beyond the platform edge when the at least one ramp member is in the extended position.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows schematic side views of a ramp assembly for a rail carriage, the ramp assembly comprising ramps in (i) extended positions and (ii) retracted positions, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the ramp assembly in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a control unit for controlling the movement of the ramp of Figs. 1 to 2 between the retracted position and the extended position;

Fig. 4 shows schematic side views of a ramp assembly for a rail carriage, the ramp assembly comprising ramps in (i) extended positions and (ii) retracted positions, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view (in close up) of the ramp assembly of Fig. 4. Description of Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

Fig. 1 shows a ramp assembly 10 for a set of doors of a train rail carriage 15 (shown in dashed outline) suitable for use by passengers when boarding or alighting from the rail carriage 15 when the train is at a standstill at a platform 70.

The ramp assembly 10 comprises a ramp 20, which is of a generally rectangular shape having opposing front and rear portions 22 and 24 and opposing lateral portions 26 and 28, connected to, and extending between corresponding ends of the front and rear portions 22 and 24. In this embodiment, the width of the ramp 20, as defined by the distance between the two lateral portions 26 and 28, is greater than the width of the corresponding set of doors, such that the lateral portions 26 and 28 extend substantially beyond the corresponding lateral side of the set of doors. In this arrangement, passengers are more likely to board or alight from the rail carriage 15 toward the central portion of the ramp 20 as opposed to the lateral portions 26 and 28. As such, the risk of passengers falling off the sides of the ramp 20 when alighting from the rail carriage 15 is reduced. Similarly, the risk of passengers tripping over when boarding the rail carriage 15 from the lateral sides of the ramp 20 is also reduced. The ramp 20 comprises an upper surface 25 and a bottom surface 29. The upper surface 25 comprises tread means (not shown) disposed thereon to provide grip to prevent passengers slipping on the ramp 20 in use. The upper surface 25 may also comprise a raised wall (not shown) that extends along the length of each of the lateral portions 26 and 28 to prevent passengers, particularly those passengers in wheelchairs or pushing prams, from falling off the corresponding side of the ramp 20. The ramp 20 comprises a ground engaging portion located at the bottom surface 29 generally along the front portion 22 of the ramp 20.

The ramp 20 is pivotably mounted to the rail carriage 15 by virtue of a hinge or hinges (not shown) located along the rear portion 24 of the ramp 20. The ramp 20 is movable about the hinge between a retracted position at which the ramp 20 is substantially retracted relative to the rail carriage 15 and an extended position at which the ramp 20 extends externally from the rail carriage 15 toward the upper surface 75 of the platform 70. Each door of the set of doors in each rail carriage 15 comprises a bottom portion. The rear portion 24 of the ramp 20 is hingedly mounted to the rail carriage 15 at a location just below the bottom portion of the corresponding doors. Thus, when the ramp 20 is in the retracted position, the ramp 20 extends substantially vertically and across the corresponding set of doors. While, when the ramp 20 is in the extended position, the upper surface 25 of the ramp 20 is generally flush with the floor (not shown) of the rail carriage 15. In this arrangement, the difference between the floor of the rail carriage 15 and the upper surface 25 of the ramp 20 is minimal, thereby reducing the risk of passengers tripping over when boarding or alighting from the rail carriage 15 in use.

The ramp assembly 10 further comprises a ramp deployment means in the form of two hydraulic arms 30 and 40, each having top and bottom ends, that are located on opposing lateral sides of each set of doors. The bottom end 32 and 42 of each of the corresponding hydraulic arms 30 and 40 is operably connected to the corresponding lateral portion 26 and 28 of the ramp 20. The top end 35 and 45 of each of the corresponding hydraulic arms 30 and 40 is operably connected to the rail carriage 15. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the rail carriage 15 comprises cavities 50 and 60 located at the lateral sides of each set of doors that is of suitable dimensions to receive the corresponding hydraulic arm 30 and 40 when the ramp 20 is in the retracted position. The top end 35 and 45 of the corresponding hydraulic arm 30 and 40 is operably connected within the corresponding cavity 50 and 60. The ramp deployment means further comprises a hydraulic pump (not shown) operably connected to the hydraulic arms 30 and 40 and adapted to actuate the hydraulic arms 30 and 40 in use.

The ramp deployment means further comprises a drive mechanism in the form of a motor (not shown) for actuating movement of the ramp 20 between the retracted position and the extended position. The motor is operably coupled to the hydraulic pump to selectively actuate the hydraulic arms 30 and 40 so as to move the ramp 20 between the retracted and extended positions.

The ramp assembly 10 further comprises a control means in the form of a control unit 1000 to control the deployment of the ramp 20 for each set of doors of the rail carriage 15. The control unit 1000 may be any suitable type of controller such as an electronic control panel, an electronic switchboard, a digital computing device or workstation, which is capable of enabling extensive input/output (I/O) arrangements. In this embodiment, the control unit 1000 is an embedded programmable logic controller (PLC), which is mounted within the rail carriage 15 such that it is readily accessible by an authorized person. In this embodiment, the control unit 1000 is located within the train cabin, and the authorized person is the train driver.

The ramp assembly 10 further comprises motion sensors 100 mounted to the rail carriage 15. The motion sensors 100 are configured for detecting the motion of the rail carriage 15. Each motion sensor 100 is in operative communication with the control unit 1000 and is operable to send the control unit 1000 a signal in response to detecting when the rail carriage 15 is at a standstill at the platform. The motion sensors 100 are interfaced directly with the control unit 1000 by a wired electrical connection (not shown), which is adapted to facilitate the receiving of the signal from the motion sensors 100 in response to detecting the motion of the rail carriage 15. In other embodiments, the motion sensors 100 may be adapted for wirelessly communicating the signal to the control unit 1000. It will be appreciated that wireless communication may be achieved using any suitable wireless protocol, including, but not limited to: IEEE 802.1 1 . It will also be appreciated that power to the motion sensors 100 may be any suitable source of electrical power including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: a mains power supply associated with the train, one or more batteries.

The control unit 1000 is also in operative communication with the motor, and comprises an operative connection for communicating an operation signal to the motor to selectively actuate the motor as a function of the signal received from the motion sensors 100. The control unit 1000 sends the operation signal to the motor in the form of a digital ON or OFF signal depending on whether the motor is required to be ON or OFF, respectively. It will be appreciated that the ON and OFF signals will each correspond to a specific voltage or current range, depending on whether the discrete signal sent uses voltage or current. Power to the motor may be any suitable source of electrical power including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: a mains power supply associated with the train, one or more batteries. The ramp assembly 10 further comprises door sensors 102 mounted to the rail carriage 15 in the vicinity of each set of doors. The door sensors 102 are configured for detecting whether the doors of the rail carriage 15 are in an open position or closed position. Each door sensor 102 is in operative communication with the control unit 1000 and is operable to send the control unit 1000 an extend signal in response to detecting the open status of the doors and a retract signal in response to detecting the closed status of the doors. The door sensors 102 are interfaced directly with the control unit 1000 by a wired electrical connection (not shown), which is adapted to facilitate the receiving of the extend or retract signal from the door sensors 102 in response to detecting the open or closed status of the doors. In other embodiments, the doors sensors 102 may be adapted for wirelessly communicating the extend or retract signal to the control unit 1000. It will be appreciated that wireless communication may be achieved using any suitable wireless protocol, including, but not limited to: IEEE 802.1 1 . It will also be appreciated that power to the door sensors 102 may be any suitable source of electrical power including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: a mains power supply associated with the train, one or more batteries. Fig. 3 shows a general purpose control unit 1000 on which the various embodiments described herein may be implemented. The control unit 1000 comprises memory 1010 which may comprise volatile memory (RAM) and/or non- volatile memory (ROM). Typically the memory 1010 comprises a combination of volatile and non-volatile memory, such that the non-volatile memory stores the control unit 1000 firmware and the volatile memory stores one or more temporary results of the fetch-decode-execute cycle, as described below.

The control unit 1000 comprises a computer program code storage medium reader 1030 for reading data from a computer program code storage medium 1020. The storage medium 1020 may be optical media such as CD-ROM disks, magnetic media such as floppy disks and tape cassettes or flash media such as USB memory sticks. The I/O interface 1040 communicates with the storage medium reader 1030 and may take the form of a SCSI, USB or similar interface. The I/O interface 1040 may also communicate with one or more human input devices (HID) 106 such as a keyboard or pointing devices. The I/O interface 1040 may also communicate with one or more personal computing (PC) devices 107, using, for example, a suitable interface such as an RS-232 interface. The control unit 1000 also comprises a network interface 1070 for communicating with one or more computer networks 1080. Network 1080 may be a wired network, such as a wired Ethernet™ network or a wireless network, such as a Bluetooth™ network or IEEE 802.11 network. The network 1080 may be a local area, such as a local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN), such as the Internet. Typically, computer program code is preloaded into the memory 1010. However, computer program code instructions may be loaded into the memory 1010 from the storage medium 1020 using the storage medium reader 1030 or from the network 1080. The control unit 1000 comprises an arithmetic logic unit or processor 1100 for performing computer program code instructions. The processor 1100 is typically a low-power microprocessor suited to low power embedded controller applications. During the bootstrap phase, an operating system and one or more software applications are loaded into the memory 1010. During the fetch-decode-execute cycle, the processor 1100 fetches computer program code instructions from memory 1010, decodes the instructions into machine code, executes the instructions and stores the results in the memory 1010. The network 1080 can be used in situations where an operator wishes to control the ramp assembly 10 from a location that is remote from the rail carriage 15, such as from a control centre (not shown) at the station, or from a control centre (not shown) somewhere further afield. The control unit 1000 also comprises a video interface 1110 for conveying video signals to a display panel, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an LED display, a cathode-ray tube (CRT) or similar display device. Such a display panel may be embedded in the control unit 1000, or located remotely. In this embodiment, the display panel is an LED display panel 105 mounted in the train cabin such that it is visible to operators of the ramp assembly 10. The display panel 105 is used for displaying a plurality of information on the display panel 105 which may include, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following information: the train speed, the open/closed status of the doors of each rail carriage 15, the train running schedule, the length of the platform 70, and thus the number of doors required to be opened. The display panel 105 may also display information, such as, for example, the current time and date.

The control unit 1000 further comprises an analog to digital (A/D) converter 1 130 for converting analog signals received from, for example, the motion sensors 100 or door sensors 102, into a digital format. The control unit 1000 also comprises a communication bus 1 150 for interconnecting the various devices described above.

The ramp assembly 10 may comprise one or more audio indicators 108 to provide an audible warning signal to passengers or persons located within the vicinity of the ramp assembly 10 to warn them that the ramp 20 will soon be moving between the retracted position and the extended position. It will be appreciated that the audio indicators 108 can broadcast the audible warning signals alone or in conjunction with one or more visual indicators (not shown), such as flashing indicators mounted in the vicinity of the corresponding set of doors, to warn those persons who may be, for example, visually or hearing impaired.

In use, when the train arrives at a station platform 70, the control unit 1000 receives a signal from the motion sensors 100 indicating that the rail carriages 15 of the train are at a standstill at the platform edge 72. Prior to the doors opening, the door sensors 102 send the control unit 1000 an extend signal to trigger the control unit 1000 to then selectively actuate the motors to extend the ramps 20 outwardly from the rail carriages 15 toward the platform 70 such that the ground engaging portion of each ramp 20 extends beyond the platform edge 72 and engages the platform surface 75. Once the ramps 20 have been deployed, the corresponding doors of the rail carriages 15 are allowed to open to allow the passengers to board or alight from the rail carriages 15 using the ramps 20 in the extended position.

When the train is ready to depart, the doors of each rail carriage 15 close and once closed, the door sensors 102 send a retract signal to the control unit 1000 indicating the same.

The control unit 1000 then selectively actuates the motor to retract the ramps 20 to the retracted position. Once the ramps 20 are safely stowed, the train is then ready to depart. It will be appreciated that the one or more audio indicators 108 and visual indicators will alert the passengers and persons in the vicinity of the ramp assembly 10 prior to actuating movement of the doors and ramps 20.

The ramp assembly 10 takes advantage of the common height difference between the floor of the rail carriages 15 and the upper surface 75 of the platform 70 such that when the ramps 20 are in the extended position, the ground engaging portion at the front portion 22 of each ramp 20 engages the upper surface 75 of the platform 70 at a generally horizontal or downward inclination relative to the floor of the rail carriage 15. The angle of inclination is ideally in the range between 10 and 15 degrees to conform to safety regulations and to the angle requirements to allow for wheelchair access. However, in other embodiments, steeper angles of up to 30 degrees may be possible if desired. In this arrangement, where there is a gap between the stationary rail carriages 15 and the platform edge 72, this gap is necessarily bridged by the ramps 20 to prevent passengers from tripping over the platform edge 72 or falling through the gap.

As shown in Fig. l (ii), when the ramp 20 is in the retracted position, the upper surface 25 of the ramp 20 is aligned with the outer surface of the rail carriage doors. In this embodiment, the ramp 20 is of a suitable thickness so that when the ramp 20 is in the retracted position, the ramp 20 does not protrude outwardly from the rail carriage 15 so as to present a danger to passengers on the platform 70 or to impede the aerodynamic flow around the rail carriage 15 when the train is travelling. In a preferred embodiment, the rail carriage 15 comprises a recessed portion (not shown) at each set of doors to receive the corresponding ramp 20 when in the retracted position so that the ramp 20 is safely stowed.

In this embodiment, the ramps 20 will only be deployed in cases where there is sufficient platform 70 available to do so. For example, where the train stops at a local station, the train may be longer than the platform 70. In this case, only the ramps 20 of rail carriages 15 that are adjacent the platform edge 72 will be deployed. It will be appreciated that the ramp deployment means in this case will correspond to the existing door operation procedure.

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the ramp deployment means is not limited to two hydraulic arms 30 and 40 to lower and raise the ramp 20 as described above, but may comprise one hydraulic arm (not shown) or more than two hydraulic arms as desired.

In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the ramp deployment means is not limited to hydraulics to lower and raise the ramp 20 as described above, but may comprise other ramp deployment means.

Figs. 4 and 5 show a ramp assembly 200 according to another preferred embodiment in which the ramp assembly 200 employs a different ramp deployment means to deploy the ramp 220. The ramp 220 is similar in construction to ramp 20, being of a generally rectangular shape and having front and rear portions 222 and 224, and opposing lateral portions 226 and 228. In this embodiment, the rail carriage 15 comprises a storage means in the form of a cavity 210 located adjacent the bottom portion of the set of doors. The cavity 210 is of a generally rectangular shape having dimensions suitable to receive and safely stow the ramp 220 within the cavity 210 when the ramp 220 is in the retracted position.

The cavity 210 comprises guide means in the form of guide rails 230 and 240 mounted to a corresponding lateral side 212 and 215 within the cavity 210. The ramp 220 comprises complementary guide followers 250 and 260 mounted to the sides of the two corresponding lateral portions 226 and 228 of the ramp 220. The guide followers 250 and 260 are slidably received by the corresponding guide rail 230 and 240, which guides the movement of the ramp 220 so that the ramp 220 can slide back and forth between the extended position (see Fig. 4(i)) and the retracted position (see Fig. 4(ii)) in use. In other embodiments, it will be appreciated that the ramp 220 does not have to be fully retracted within the cavity 210 as described above, but may be partially retracted within the cavity 210. In this arrangement, it will be appreciated that the partially retracted ramp 220 will not protrude greatly from the outer surface of the rail carriage 15 so as to present a danger to passengers on the platform 70 or to impede the aerodynamic flow around the rail carriage 15 when the train is travelling.

In other embodiments, the guide followers 250 and 260 and corresponding guide rails 230 and 240 are not limited to being two as described above, but may be one guide rail and one complementary guide follower or more than two guide followers and complementary guide rails as desired.

In other embodiments, the ramp 220 is not limited to being fully retracted within the cavity 210 when in the retracted position, but may be partially received within the cavity 210 as desired.

In other embodiments, the ramp 220 is not limited to being a single ramp as described above, but may be a ramp comprising two portions (not shown) that are coupled together to form the ramp. For example, the two portions may be pivotably coupled together along their respective joining edges to form a ramp that has a first portion and an end portion that can pivot relative to the first portion. The end portion thus corresponds to the front portion of the ramp. In this arrangement, the ramp is selectively actuated by the motor such that it extends outwardly from the cavity 210 of the rail carriage 15 in a generally horizontal orientation relative to the platform 70, such that the end portion pivots in a generally downward direction relative to the first portion such that the end portion comprises the ground engaging portion to engage the platform surface 75.

In other embodiments, the upper surface 25 may also comprise a safety means (not shown) that extends along the length of each of the lateral portions 26 and 28 of the ramp 20 to alert passengers to the location of the lateral sides of the ramp 20. In one example, the safety means is in the form of a highly reflective strip (not shown). In another example, the safety means is a strip of LED lights (not shown).

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a rail carriage 15, comprising a ramp assembly 10 or 200 as described above, located below each set of doors of the rail carriage 15. Interpretation

Wireless:

The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and links, and wireless Ethernet.

In the context of this document, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term "wired" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires.

Processes:

Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "determining", "analysing" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities.

Processor: In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing device" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors. The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM.

Computer-Readable Medium: Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be included in a computer program product. A computer program product can be stored on a computer usable carrier medium, the computer program product comprising a computer readable program means for causing a processor to perform a method as described herein.

Networked or Multiple Processors: In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions

(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine.

Note that while some diagram(s) only show(s) a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Additional Embodiments:

Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer-readable carrier medium. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium. Carrier Medium:

The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an example embodiment to be a single medium, the term "carrier medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "carrier medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non- volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media.

Implementation:

It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system.

Means For Carrying out a Method or Function

Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a processor device, computer system, or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention.

Connected

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms. Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the rail transport industry.

Claims

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A ramp assembly for a vehicle, the ramp assembly comprising:

- at least one ramp member being adapted for attachment to the vehicle, the at least one ramp member being movable between a retracted position at which the at least one ramp member is substantially retracted relative to the vehicle and an extended position at which the at least one ramp member extends externally from the vehicle toward a ground surface in use; and

- a ramp deployment means operably connected to the at least one ramp member for selectively moving the at least one ramp member between the retracted position and the extended position.

2. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one door having a bottom portion, the at least one ramp member being attachable to the vehicle adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door.

3. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least one ramp member in the extended position extends from the bottom portion of the at least one door to the ground surface at a generally horizontal or downward inclination.

4. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ramp deployment means comprises at least one drive mechanism adapted to actuate movement of the at least one ramp member between the retracted position and the extended position in use.

5. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one drive mechanism is a motor.

6. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a control unit in operative communication with the ramp deployment means to selectively actuate movement of the at least one ramp member between the retracted position and the extended position in use.

7. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one door configured for moving between an open position and a closed position, the ramp assembly further comprising at least one door sensor for detecting the position of the at least one door.

8. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one door sensor is in operative communication with the control unit and adapted to send an extend signal to the control unit prior to the at least one door being moved to the open position.

9. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one door sensor is in operative communication with the control unit and adapted to send a retract signal to the control unit after the at least one door is moved to the closed position.

10. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one ramp member is pivotably mountable to the vehicle.

11. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one ramp member extends substantially vertically and across the at least one door in the closed position when the at least one ramp member is in the retracted position.

12. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one ramp member comprises a vehicle engagement portion, the at least one ramp member being attachable to the vehicle at the vehicle engagement portion.

13. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one door having a bottom portion, the vehicle engagement portion being located adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door.

14. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one ramp member comprises a ground engaging portion distal to the vehicle engagement portion.

15. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one storage means, the at least one ramp member being adapted to at least partially retract within the at least one storage means when the at least one ramp member is in the retracted position.

16. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the vehicle comprises at least one door having a bottom portion, the at least one storage means being located adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door.

17. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein the at least one storage means comprises guide means for guiding the movement of the at least one ramp member between the retracted position and the extended position in use.

18. A ramp assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one ramp member comprises an upper surface having one or more tread means disposed thereon.

19. A vehicle, comprising:

- at least one door having a bottom portion; and

- at least one ramp assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, the at least one ramp member being attachable to the vehicle adjacent the bottom portion of the at least one door.

20. A vehicle as claimed in claim 19, wherein the ground surface is a platform having a platform edge, the at least one ramp member extending beyond the platform edge when the at least one ramp member is in the extended position.