Temporary ramp

Abstract

A temporary ramp having a plurality of segments coupled together by way of interlocking mating shapes located along the edges of adjacent ramp segments. Hinges couple adjacent ramp segments together. Fastener openings defined in the ramp segments allow a fastener to be fixed with the underlying roadway to help secure the ramp segment in position.

1 . A method of constructing a roadway having a roadway surface under construction and an obstruction elevated above the roadway surface under construction at a height corresponding to an expected elevation of a finished roadway surface upon completion of construction, said method comprising the steps of: 
 (a) providing a temporary ramp assembly, said temporary ramp assembly comprising a plurality of individual ramp segments, wherein each of said ramp segments includes: 
 (i) a substantially horizontal base for contacting the roadway surface under construction during use;  
 (ii) an upper surface for contact with vehicle wheels during use, said upper surface sloped from a first edge at an apex to a second edge opposite said first edge, and wherein said first edge apex has a predetermined height substantially the same as the height of the elevated obstruction above the roadway surface under construction;  
 (iii) a third edge having coupling formations extending therefrom;  
 (iv) a fourth edge having coupling formations formed therein complementary to said coupling formations extending from said third edge;  
   (b) placing a first one of said plurality of ramp segments on said roadway surface under construction such that said base is in contact with the roadway surface under construction and with said first edge thereof adjacent the elevated obstruction;    (c) placing at least a second ramp segment of said plurality of ramp segments on said roadway surface under construction such that said base is in contact with the roadway surface under construction and with said first edge thereof adjacent the elevated obstruction;    (d) positioning said fourth edge of said at least said second ramp segment adjacent said third edge of said previously placed first ramp segment;    (e) interlocking said coupling formations extending from said third edge of said first ramp segment with said coupling formations formed in said fourth edge of said at least said second ramp segment, whereby said interlocking, adjacently disposed said first ramp segment and said at least said second ramp segment forms a temporary ramp assembly disposed adjacent the elevated obstruction;    (f) maintaining said temporary ramp assembly on the roadway surface under construction adjacent the elevated obstruction until said roadway surface under construction is ready to be paved whereby said temporary ramp assembly provides a transition from the roadway surface under construction to the elevated obstruction such that vehicles traveling on the roadway under construction may transition over the elevated obstruction;    (g) removing said first ramp segment and said at least said second ramp segment from the roadway surface under construction prior to placing pavement adjacent the elevated obstruction; and    (h) placing pavement on the roadway surface under construction adjacent the elevated obstruction.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said elevated obstruction on the roadway surface under construction is substantially linear, and wherein said first ramp segment and said at least said second ramp segment are substantially rectangular.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said elevated obstruction on the roadway surface under construction is substantially circular, and wherein said first edges of said first ramp segment and said at least said second ramp segment are substantially arcuate with an inner radius substantially corresponding to a radius of the substantially circular elevated obstruction, and wherein said third edges and fourth edges thereof extend substantially radially outward from said first edges thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein each of said plurality of ramp segments are elastomeric.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein each of said plurality of ramp segments includes a metal core.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further including removably securing each of said plurality of ramp segments to the roadway surface under construction with fasteners received within fastener openings disposed through each of said plurality of ramp segments.