Portable ramp system

Abstract

A portable ramp system particularly intended to assist temporarily handicapped persons with transport in and out of houses and buildings. Specifically, the system consists of several modular ramp members removably attached to one another to allow convenient wheelchair access to the application in question. Preferably constructed of wood, the members consist of hingedly-attached starter, rise, and straight panels, which may be folded down to a relatively compact size for the purpose of removal and transport. In addition, the system may include collapsible railing members to further assist the user. Finally, the horizontal panels of the ramp system may include a skid-resistant surface for the utmost in wheelchair traction. As such, the ramp system meets applicable ADA guidelines and provides a quick, convenient, and relatively inexpensive means for temporarily handicapped persons to access houses and similar structures.

1 . A portable ramp system comprising: 
 a start component, which comprises a start top surface and a start bottom surface, the start component further comprising at least one closed extended rail member on a first side of the start top surface, functioning to provide a convenient means for a user to gain support when entering a ramp area, and functioning to provide a safe configuration;    a plurality of rise components, each of which comprises a rise top surface and a rise bottom surface;    a plurality of platform components, each of which comprises a platform top surface and a platform bottom surface;    at least one collapsible railing assembly, which comprises horizontal members and vertical members;    the railing assembly including a horizontal center rail thereon, the center rail continuous and unobstructed by obstacles;    the railing assembly further comprising an inside grab rail to provide extra safety and support;    a 90 degree horizontal, straight component which functions to affix to a rise component on a first side and a horizontal, straight component on a second side, functioning to create a generally “L” shaped configuration of the ramp system;    a 45 degree straight component, which functions to affix to a rise component on a first side and a straight component on a second side, functioning to create a generally curved configuration of the ramp system;    the start top surface, rise top surface, and platform top surface each comprising a non-skid material thereon, functioning to allow for increased traction for wheels;    the components manufactured of pressure treated lumber and comprising a textured, coated material thereon, functioning to protect the components from moisture and allow for an enhanced gripping surface for the purposes of safety;    the ramp system conforming to ADA guidelines with a 1 inch rise in pitch per every 1 foot in length of ramp utilized;    the system bearing indicia upon an outer surface thereof;    the system further comprising an illumination means upon an outer surface thereof;    the ramp system comprising a series of mounted brackets as a fastening means of components, the brackets interlocking in nature and providing convenience in installation and sufficient spaces for drainage;    and the ramp system comprising support brackets in a general “X” shape, functioning to provide additional support for higher vertical railing members.    
     
     
         2 . The portable ramp system as described in  claim 1 , wherein the railing assembly comprises a total of 3 horizontal members.  
     
     
         3 . The portable ramp system as described in  claim 1 , wherein the railing assembly comprises a total of 4 horizontal members.