Sandwich plate ramps

Abstract

A moveable ramp has a load-bearing deck formed of a sandwich structure comprising upper and lower metal plates and an intermediate layer of plastic bonded to the metal plates so as to transfer shear forces between them.

1 . A moveable ramp comprising a load-bearing deck mountable at one end to a rotatable hinge, wherein said load-bearing deck comprises a sandwich structure having upper and lower metal plates and an intermediate layer of a plastic material bonded to said metal plates so as to transfer shear forces therebetween.  
     
     
         2 . A moveable ramp according to  claim 1  wherein said upper plate is thicker than said lower plate.  
     
     
         3 . A moveable ramp according to  claim 1  or  2  wherein the upper surface of said upper plate is provided with a surface finish, profiled surface or coating to improve traction of vehicles passing over it.  
     
     
         4 . A moveable ramp according to  claim 1 ,  2  or  3  wherein said upper plate has a thickness in the range of from 4 to 20 mm, said lower plate has a thickness in the range of from 3 to 20 mm and said intermediate layer has a thickness in the range of from 20 to 200 mm.  
     
     
         5 . A moveable ramp according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the distal end portion of the load-bearing deck tapers in thickness.  
     
     
         6 . A moveable ramp according to  claim 5  wherein said taper is accommodated in the intermediate layer.  
     
     
         7 . A moveable ramp according to  claim 6  wherein said lower plate has increased thickness in said distal end portion.  
     
     
         8 . A moveable ramp according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said intermediate layer comprises a compact elastomer.  
     
     
         9 . A moveable ramp according to any one of  claims 1  to  7 , wherein said intermediate layer comprises a form and said plastic material, which is located in the spaces between said upper and lower metal plates not occupied by said form.  
     
     
         10 . A moveable ramp constructed substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.  
     
     
         11 . A vessel having at least one moveable ramp according to any one of the preceding claims.