TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to demountable ramp structures that are intended to be ridden upon by riders of conveyances such as skate boards, scooters, skis, wake boards, snow boards and the like. Embodiments of the present invention find application, though not exclusively, in providing components that may be interconnected so as to form a skate park- type configuration.

BACKGROUND ART

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia or elsewhere before the priority date of this application.

Riding parks, such as skateboard riding parks for example, are typically positioned on public sites and manufactured from concrete. It would be advantageous for riders of conveyances such as skate boards, scooters, skis, wake boards and snow boards if it were possible to erect temporary riding parks in various venues. It would also be advantageous if the riding parks were to contribute to improved participant safety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome, or substantially ameliorate, one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a demountable ramp structure for riding upon by a conveyance, the ramp structure including a frame supporting a riding surface such that a deflection of the riding surface in response to an impact upon a 100 mm by 100 mm impact area of a 60 kg load travelling at 20 kilometres / hour in a direction that is orthogonal to the impact area is between 5 mm and 20 mm. In one embodiment the deflection is between 8 mm and 15 mm.

In one embodiment placement of a base of the ramp structure upon a twisted support surface generates a torsion of the base tending to conform the base to the twisted support surface so as to avoid or minimise teetering of the structure relative to the support surface and a maximum allowable torsion allows a portion of the base to be displaced relative to an opposite portion of the base by up to a maximum of between 20 mm to 80 mm.

Preferably the riding surface and/or frame is formed from a plastics material, such as HDPE plastic.

One embodiment, when demounted, is flat packable to a thickness of less than 60 mm.

Preferably the riding surface is translucent or transparent and illuminated from below the riding surface so as to create a lighting effect on an upper side of the riding surface.

Preferably a lower edge of the ramp is configured to engage with at least one planar ground panel.

In one embodiment the riding surface defines an upper landing portion, an inclined concave portion and a transitional convex portion interconnecting the landing portion to the inclined concave portion. The transitional convex portion is formed from a planar sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel lines scored into the surface of said planar sheet such that the scored lines assist the planar sheet to assume a desired curvature. The frame comprises a plurality of planar braces, each brace being configured, in use, to be vertically disposed such that its edges provide support for the upper landing portion, the transitional convex portion and the inclined concave portion. A plurality of spacers extend between the planar braces so as to retain the braces at a desired spacing relative to each other.

In one embodiment a plurality of fasteners connect the riding surface to the frame. The fasteners each have a tapered head connected to an axially slotted threaded shaft such that an edge of one of the braces is receivable into the slot so as to position ends of the slotted threaded shaft adjacent to a hole disposed in the brace, thereby allowing a nut to be threadedly engaged onto the slotted threaded shaft so as to fasten the fastener onto the brace.

A ramp extension portion may be disposed upon the landing so as to vertically extend the riding surface of the inclined concave portion. In another embodiment a plurality of folded panels are inter-connectable so as to form the ramp structure and each panel is foldable to form a fold line that defines a boundary between a riding surface and a flap that functions as a part of the frame of the panel. In this embodiment the fold lines may be defined by lines scored into the panels.

Preferably at least one of the panels has at least two triangular flaps with a riding surface being disposed intermediate the triangular flaps such that, in use, when the riding surface is supported by the triangular flaps, the riding surface is inclined relative to the ground.

Preferably another of the panels has at least two flaps sharing a common height disposed thereon adjacent a riding surface such that, in use, when the riding surface is supported by the pair of flaps, the riding surface is substantially parallel to the ground.

Another embodiment includes a curved panel configured so as to extend intermediate two adjacent edges of two ramp structures that are angled relative to each other, thereby defining a riding surface extending continuously between the edges of the two ramp structures.

Another embodiment includes a rail being attachable to the ramp structure. The rail may be formed from a planar panel folded so as to define first and second side walls being interconnected by a curved portion, the first and second side walls being maintained at a fixed spacing relative to each other by a spacer.

Another embodiment includes at least one buoyancy tank adapted to allow the ramp structure to float in a semi-submerged manner such that a lower edge of the riding surface is submerged and an upper edge of the riding surface is maintained above the water level.

Another embodiment further includes padding shaped for disposition upon at least a portion of the riding surface such that the padding defines a seat portion. Preferably the padding further defines a back rest portion. Preferably the padding is, or includes, any one of: an inflatable bladder; foam; or a foldable mattress.

The features and advantages of the present invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, provided by way of example only, together with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plurality of planar braces used in the erection of a ramp structure according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the plurality of planar braces of figure 1 with the addition of a plurality of spacers to maintain the braces at a predefined spacing relative to each other.

Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the arrangement of figure 2 with the addition of an X-shaped rear brace and a planar upper landing;

Figures 5 and 6 are perspective views of the arrangement of figures 3 and 4 however with the X-shaped rear brace being replaced by a rear planar panel;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a fastener used in the assembly of the preferred embodiment;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a first configuration of a skate park utilizing two ramp structures disposed on either side of some ground panels;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a second configuration of a skate park;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a third configuration of a skate park;

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate the interlocking of a first pair of ground panels;

Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the interlocking of a second pair of ground panels;

Figures 15 to 17 are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a ramp structure;

Figures 18 to 20 are perspective views of blank patterns from which the panels making up the embodiment illustrated in figures 15 to 17 are made

Figures 21 and 22 are perspective views showing partial cross-sections of padding disposed on the riding surface of the ramp structure; and

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a ramp structure that has been transformed into a lounge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As shown for example in figure 8, the first embodiment of the ramp structure 1 has a frame 2 supporting a riding surface 3. The riding surface 3 defines a landing portion 4, an inclined concave portion 5 and a transitional convex portion 6 interconnecting the landing portion 4 to the inclined concave portion 5.

With reference to the skate park shown in figure 8, a rider of a conveyance such as a skateboard may choose to commence riding from the landing portion 4 of one of the ramp structures 1, and then ride over the transitional convex portion 6, down the inclined concave portion 5, across the horizontal platform 7 and then up onto the second ramp structure 1. Alternatively, the rider may choose to commence riding by starting on the horizontal platform

7 and building up sufficient momentum to climb some or all of one of the ramp structures 1.

Figures 1 to 6 illustrate steps in the assembly of a first embodiment of the demountable ramp structure 1. As shown in figure 1, three braces 8, which form part of the frame 2, are spaced apart from each other and positioned vertically. The flat upper edge of the braces 8 provides support for the landing portion 4. The curved edge at the top-front of the brace 8 provides support for the transitional convex portion 6 and the inclined concave portion 5. The lower edge of the brace functions as the base 21 of the ramp structure 1.

Next, as illustrated in figure 2, some spacers 9 are inserted into slots 10 in the braces

8 to maintain the braces 8 at the desired spacing relative to each other. Next, as shown for example in figure 3, an X-shaped brace 11 is attached to the rear of the braces 8 to provide additional structural rigidity. A piece of planar sheet material 12 is attached to at the tops of the braces 8 to form the landing portion 4 and the transitional convex portion 6. To assist the planar sheet material 12 to bend in the manner required to form the transitional convex portion 6, a number of parallel lines are scored into the sheet material 12 in the region that is proposed to be bent.

Some embodiments have a cylindrical support positioned underneath the transitional convex portion 6. If a cylindrical support is used, it should preferably be formed from a plastics material having impact absorption and flexibility properties that are matched to the rest of the ramp structure 1. However, other embodiments do not require any such support because the curved planar material alone provides a coping of sufficient strength. From a safety viewpoint the latter type of coping is generally preferable.

The X-shaped brace 11 and the planar sheet material 12 are affixed onto the braces 8 with the use of fasteners 13 as illustrated in figure 7. The fasteners 13 each have a tapered head 14 connected to an axially slotted threaded shaft 15. In use, the fastener 13 is firstly threaded through a hole in the item that is desired to be attached to a brace 8. The hole in the item is tapered so as to correspond to the tapering of the shaft head 14. Next the fastener 13 is positioned close to the edge of a brace 8 in the vicinity of one of the holes 16 that are disposed near the edge of the brace 8. The fastener 13 is then pushed towards the brace 8 so that the portions of the shaft 15 that are on either side of the slot slide along on either side of the brace 8 until the distal ends of shaft portions are positioned adjacent to the hole 16. The nut 17 is then screwed onto the slotted threaded shaft 15 until the nut 17 bears against the edge of the hole 16. This fastens the fastener 13 onto the brace 8 such that the tapered head 14 of the fastener 13 fastens the item (such as the X-shaped brace 11 or the planar sheet material 12) to the brace 8. The tapered head 14 fits snugly into the hole in the item. If properly aligned, the outer surface of the head 14 should form a flush finish with the surface of the item.

To attach the planar sheet material 12 onto the tops of the braces 8, an edge of the planar sheet material 12 is fed into slots 18 that are disposed towards the top of the braces 8. Then six fasteners 13 are used in the manner described in the preceding paragraph to affix the planar sheet material 12 in place.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrated another embodiment that dispenses with the X-shaped brace 11 and instead makes use of another piece of planar sheet material 19, which is affixed to the rear of the braces 8 via four of the fasteners 13. Thus affixed, the piece of planar sheet material 19 provides the necessary structural support.

The final step in the assembly of the ramp structure 1 is affixing another piece of planar sheet material 20 to form the inclined concave portion 5. A total of 21 fasteners 13 are used in the manner described above to affix the planar sheet material 20 to the three braces 8. In the above-described embodiment separate pieces of plastic sheet material 12, 19 and 20 were used to form the landing 4, the rear bracing and the inclined concave portion 5. However, in another embodiment, a single piece of plastic sheet material extends from the lower edge 24 to form the inclined concave portion 5, the transitional convex portion 6, the landing 4 and the rear side of the ramp structure 1.

The planar sheet materials 12, 19 that form the riding surface 3 (and, in some embodiments, the planar sheet material 20 that forms the rear bracing), along with the braces 8, spacers 9 and fasteners 13 are all made from a plastics material such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Both the plastic sheeting that forms the riding surface 3, and the braces 8, have a thickness of between 7 mm and 10 mm. The braces 8 and fasteners 13 are injection moulded and the planar sheet materials 12, 19 and 20, along with the spacers 9, are extruded. The strength and flexibility properties of the components that make up the ramp structure 1 are selected to ensure that the assembled structure deflects in a desired manner. This deflection yields two important benefits. Firstly, the degree of deflection exhibited by the preferred embodiment of the invention can assist to improve the safety of riders using the ramp structure because the deflection can reduce the forces experienced by a rider whose body impacts upon the ramp structure as compared to the forces that would be imparted by an another more rigid ramp structure. The second benefit associated with the deflection is that in normal use, the feelings experienced by a rider on the preferred embodiment may be described as more 'fluid' because the flexibility of the ramp structure 1 enables it to deflect in response to the rider's motion.

The desired degree of deflection can be tested by assembling a ramp structure 1 and then conducting a standardised test to determine if the deflection falls within a desired range. The test involve measuring the deflection of the riding surface 3 in response to an impact upon a 100 mm by 100 mm impact area of a 60 kg load travelling at 20 kilometres / hour in a direction that is orthogonal to the impact area. This deflection is to be between 5 mm and 20 mm. The amount of defection is likely to vary depending upon a number of factors, with the most pertinent being whether the impact area selected from the riding surface is supported immediately below the impact area by a brace 8, or is remote from a brace 8. In the preferred embodiment, the deflection of a supported impact area when subject to the standardised test is approximately 8 mm. The deflection of an unsupported impact area (i.e. at a point that is as distant as possible from the braces 8) when subject to the standardised test is approximately 15 mm.

Another benefit that arises from the flexibility of the ramp structure 1 is a broader ability to accommodate placement upon uneven surfaces. A more rigid structure, when placed on ground that is uneven by more than a couple of millimetres, is likely to teeter because the unevenness exceeds its flexibility. However, when the base 21 of the ramp structure 1 is placed upon a twisted support surface, a torsion of the base 21 is generated. This tends to conform the base 1 to the twisted support surface and thereby avoid or minimise teetering of the ramp structure 1. The maximum allowable torsion of the preferred embodiment allows a portion 22 of the base to be displaced relative to an opposite portion 23 of the base by up to a maximum of 80 mm. However, other embodiments have a maximum allowable torsion of between 20 mm and 80 mm. The tolerance of the preferred embodiment to uneven surfaces provides a greater range of options for the placement of the preferred embodiment.

In addition to the flexibility that provides the above-discussed impact absorption, fluid riding experience and the tolerance to uneven surfaces, other benefits associated with the use of a HDPE plastics material for construction of the preferred embodiment of the ramp structures 1 and 29 include:

• The ramp structure may be made from recycled material;

• The material has the potential to be recycled at the end of the ramp structure's working life;

• The material is water proof;

• The material is light weight;

• The material is resistant to degradation from sand, gravel, dirt, which can

cause problems with the metal hinges and telescopic components of the metal prior art ramp structures.

• If desired, the riding surface 3 can be abraded, for example by using a belt sander, to yield a surface finish varying from smooth to highly abraded, depending upon the rider's preference.

Dismantling the ramp structure entails the reverse of the above-described assembly steps. In its dismantled configuration, the ramp structure 1 may be flat packed to a thickness of less than 60 mm, with the preferred embodiment being flat packable to a thickness of less than 50 mm.

In one embodiment of the ramp structure 1 the riding surface 3, or portions thereof, is translucent or transparent. An LED light kit having solar chargeable batteries may be installed under the translucent or transparent riding surface 3 so as to illuminate the riding surface from below. This can create a pleasing lighting effect on an upper side of the riding surface. This embodiment is suited for night time riding. Advantageously, the LED light kit may be positioned to illuminate the edges of the ramp for improved visibility and safety when the ramp structure is to be used in low light conditions.

The lower edge 24 of the ramp structure 1 is configured to engage with at least one planar ground panel 25. As illustrated in figures 11 and 12, several of the planar ground panels 25 are inter-lockable so as to form the horizontal platform 7. Another connection methodology is illustrated in figures 13 and 14, in which the edges of the planar ground panels 25 overlap each other, with a fastener 26 extending through them. The type of fasteners 26 used to secure the planar ground panels 25 together are selected as to give rise to a flat smooth upper surface for horizontal platform 7 because any substantial discontinuities or projections could impede the passage of the conveyance. The inclusion of the horizontal platform 7 extends the types of areas in which a user may erect a skate park, such as within a grassed backyard, on the beach, on a gravel surface, etc.

As shown for example in figure 9, some skate park configurations include a ramp extension portion 27 disposed upon the landing 4. The ramp extension portion 27 vertically extends the riding surface of the inclined concave portion 5.

As shown for example in figures 9 and 10, some skate park configurations include one or more curved panels 28 configured so as to extend intermediate two adjacent edges of two ramp structures 1 that are angled relative to each other. The curved panel 28 provides a riding surface that extends continuously in a number of segments between the edges of the two ramp structures. Figure 9 illustrates one such curved panel 28 joining two ramp structures 1 that are at right angles to each other. Figure 10 illustrates the use of four such curved panels 28, which, in combination with six ramp structures 1, give rise to skate park having an oval configuration. Figures 15 to 17 illustrate another embodiment of a ramp structure 29, which is formed from a plurality of folded panels, which are inter-connectable so as to form the ramp structure.

Figures 18 to 20 illustrate the blanks that are marked onto a plastic sheet material 38 to be cut out and folded to form each of the panels of the ramp structure 29. As shown for example in figure 18, panel 30 is folded along fold lines 31, 32 and 33, which are defined by lines scored into the plastic sheet material forming the panel. These fold lines 31, 32 and 33 define boundaries between the riding surface 34 and flaps 35, 36 and 37. In this embodiment it is the flaps of the various panels that together form the frame of the ramp structure 29. Once the blank of panel 30 has been cut from the plastic sheet material 38, it is folded along lines 31, 32 and 33. Flaps 35 and 37 are triangular and the riding surface 34 is disposed intermediate them. Next the folded panel 30 is position so that the riding surface 34 is supported on either side by the triangular flaps 35 and 37 and at one end by flap 36 so that the riding surface 34 is inclined relative to the ground. Panel 30 is now ready to form the first panel component of the ramp structure 29 shown in figure 17.

Once blank 39 has been cut and folded, it is positioned next to panel 30 as shown in figure 17. In one embodiment the panels 30 and 39 are interconnected by means of fasteners extending between the abutting flaps of the two adjacent panels. In another embodiment the panels 30 and 39 are inter-connectable by interlocking tab and slot arrangements provided in the flaps of the two adjacent panels. In a similar manner, panels 40 and 41 are cut, folded and connected to the ramp structure 29 in the positions shown in figure 17.

As can be best seen in figure 20, panel 42 has four flaps 48, 49, 50 and 51, which each have a common height. These four flaps are disposed on panel 42 adjacent the riding surface 52. When the riding surface 52 is supported by the four flaps 48, 49, 50 and 51, the riding surface 52 is supported by the flaps substantially parallel to the ground.

Panel 42 is also cut, positioned and connected to the adjacent panel flaps in the position shown in figure 17, however due to its width, panel 42 requires some additional support from a pair of straight sections 46 and 47 of the plastic sheet material 38. These two straight sections each have half-width slots disposed at their mid-points. By positioning straight section 46 with its slot facing upwards, and straight section 47 with its slot facing downwards, the two straight sections can be inter-engaged to form a free standing cross, which is positioned underneath the riding surface 52 of panel 42 to provide the necessary support. Straight section 47 also has a tapered end 59, which extends under the centre of panel 30 to provide support for the centre of its riding surface 34. Next, in the same manner as described above, panels 43, 44 and 45 are cut, folded and connected to the ramp structure 29 in the positions shown in figure 17.

The final step in the assembly of the ramp structure 29 is to attach rail 53, which is best shown in figure 15. The rail 53 is formed from a planar plastic panel folded so as to define first and second side walls 54 and 55, which are interconnected by a curved portion 56. However, in this case the fold is not a sharp crease of the type used to form the fold lines on panels 30, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45. Rather, the fold of the curved portion 56 has a diameter that matches the desired width of the rail 53. A number of parallel lines are scored along the plastic panel in the region of the curved portion 56 to assist in yielding the desired curvature. The desired width is maintained along the length of the rail 53 by three spacers 57 that are positioned between the first and second side walls 54 and 55 towards the base of the rail 53. Three fasteners 58 connect the rail 53 to the structure 29. Each of the fasteners 58 extend through the first side wall 54, through a spacer 57, through the second side wall 55 and then into the side of the ramp structure 29.

The design of the rail 53, and in particular the first and second side walls 54 and 55, which extend continuously from the base of the structure 29, up to the curved portion 56 and back to the base, enhances safety. This is because the design stops a rider from accidentally snagging a part of their body, such as an arm or a leg, underneath the rail, which could potentially otherwise cause injures.

In addition to the potential to use the preferred embodiment in areas such as backyards, beaches, grass ovals and snow fields, another embodiment of the ramp structure includes a buoyancy tank that allows the ramp structure to float in a semi-submerged manner. The buoyancy tank is attached to the ramp structure in a position that submerges a lower edge of the riding surface and that maintains an upper edge of the riding surface above the water level. This allows the ramp structure to be used in a body of water for sports such as water ski jumping, wake board jumping, etc.

If suitable fasteners are utilised, an advantage of the preferred embodiment is that it may be assembled and disassembled by hand (i.e. with the need for any tools). As illustrated in figures 21, 22 and 23, an embodiment of the invention is convertible from a ramp structure 1 into a chair, and more specifically, into an outdoor lounge 60. Such a conversion extends the range of usage options of this embodiment of the invention and may be particularly advantageous if the individuals using the ramp structure 1 eventually, or temporarily, lose interest in riding upon it.

The conversion process requires one or more pieces of padding 61 to be disposed upon some or all of the riding surface 3. As best shown in figures 21 and 22, the lower surface of the padding 61 is shaped so as to correspond to with the riding surface 3 upon which it is disposed. The bulk of the padding 61 forms a seat portion 62 having a distal bottom edge 63 that rests upon the ground adjacent the leading edge of the ramp 1. The remainder of the lower surface of the padding 61 extends up the riding surface 3 and has a curvature that matches the curvature of the riding surface 3. A back rest portion 64 is attached to the seat portion 62 and extends up the riding surface 3, over the transitional convex portion 6 and onto the landing portion 4.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the padding 61 may be made from any suitable material. For example, in one embodiment the padding 61 is in the form of a bladder that is inflatable so as to assume the required shape. In another embodiment the padding 61 is formed from a latex foam material that is pre-formed in the required shape. In yet another embodiment the padding 61 is in the form of an elongate planar foldable mattress in which a single layer of the mattress is used as the back rest portion 64. The other end of the mattress is folded such that multiple layers of the mattress pile up upon each other so as to form the seat portion 62.

In some embodiments fasteners retain the padding 61 in place. In one such embodiment, a plurality of fasteners extend through the upper portion of the padding 61 and into the landing portion 4. This helps the padding 61 to resist slowly migrating down the riding surface 3 due to repeated usage of the lounge 60.

The final step in converting the ramp structure 1 to an outdoor lounge 60 involves applying a cover 65 over the ramp structure 1 and the padding 61. In one embodiment the cover 65 is provided in three separate pieces, which can be joined to each other, for example by a zipper or other suitable fastener. The three pieces are a left side, a right side and a top. To apply the cover 65, the top is firstly draped over the padding forming the seat portion 62, the padding forming the back rest portion 64, the padding covering the landing portion 4 and the remainder of the top is allowed to hang downwardly from the far side of the landing portion 4 so as to extend down to the ground behind the ramp structure 1. The left and the right sides of the cover 65 are then fastened to the top to yield the outdoor lounge illustrated in figure 23.

Converting the lounge 60 back into a ramp structure 1 is a simple matter of unzipping and removing the cover 65 and then removing the padding 61 so as to reveal the riding surface 3.

While a number of preferred embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.