Ramp - what is it? In the general technical understanding, this device is a flat surface connecting two others located at different heights relative to each other. They are also called ramps. They are intended primarily to overcome obstacles of different heights on wheelchairs and prams. Today, the installation of such a device on the stairs at the entrance to the railway and bus stations, shops, hospitals, porches, as well as inside buildings on staircases has become widespread.
What is a
A properly designed ramp usually consists of two horizontal (at the beginning and end) and one inclined surface, or is equipped with transitions on the surface 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), its other application should be noted. There are also ramps in the theater (decoration detail of the stage) and car (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 translation into Russian means "gentle slope".
An indispensable tool for people with disabilities
The ramp for the disabled is usually made of metal materials, often with corrugation to prevent the wheels of the wheelchair from slipping. A mandatory element is the side safety rails. They must be at least 5 cm high.
There are three varieties of this wheelchair transport device:
- stationary;
- folding;
- removable.
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 a long service life and are non-removable. As a rule, they are mounted on stairs at the entrance to buildings.
Stationary structures can be single- or double-span (with a transition platform between 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 base material for these stationary fixtures is usually a concrete mix or a metal base.
Convenient folding option
These ramps (as well as stationary) are non-removable. But at the same time there is the possibility of tilting or tilting if their use is unnecessary. In this regard, a folding ramp is usually installed at the entrance. The basis of the design is the same as that of the stationary one, only the guide strips have a rigid connection to each other at the ends. The device itself is mounted using specially mounted hinges in the entrance wall. For use, the structure is removed from these hinges and lies on a flight of stairs. After moving the stroller along it, the device is removed and fixed on the retaining loops (for unhindered passage of people).
Varieties of removable ramps
The third species, in turn, is divided into:
- telescopic sliding;
- threshold;
- roll ramps.
On flights of stairs
Sliding telescopic ramps are intended primarily for use in places where the installation of a stationary will greatly interfere with the passage of people. Removable ramps are universal and can be installed on almost any flight of stairs. They are easy to assemble and fold out, and when assembled, they are often used to overcome curbs on the street or a small number of steps on the stairs.
At the entrance to the apartment
Sill ramps are more compact in comparison with other removable structures. They are intended for moving a wheelchair through the thresholds in apartments, curbs on the street and other minor high-altitude obstacles. Installation of this design can be done by one person due to its compactness and low weight.
For traveling
The third type of removable transporting devices for wheelchairs is a kind of telescopic. Its difference from the sliding counterparts lies in the folding method. Here, the entire structure collapses in length. This makes them very convenient for transportation, since the assembled structure takes up a small place in a car or other vehicle, which is often of great importance.
What today is most often meant by the concept of "ramp"? What is this device, which is intended primarily for people with disabilities. After all, this, it would seem, simple construction is capable of not only noticeably facilitating, but also improving their life.