Description SLAB-SHAPED BLOCK RAMP

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a ramp that provides a gentle slope in place of a stairway in order to improve safety and convenience during movement on the plane of an indoor floor or an outdoor ground, which has a small difference in level or a low step.

[2]

Background Art

[3] In general, a ramp is a structure having a gentle slope, which is constructed in a walkway, which has a step or a difference in level, to replace a stairway, so that an apparatus mounted on wheels, such as a wheelchair or a cart, or an impaired pedestrian, such as an elder person or an infant, can conveniently access.

[4]

[5] FIGS. 1 to 4 are perspective views illustrating conventional ramps, each of which is provided in or adjacent to a walkway having a difference in level of about 30cm or less.

[6] Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional ramp is a recessed ramp, in which part of curbstones 4 are lowered, a slope surface 6 is formed in a slope that connects a lower level surface 2 to a higher level surface 3, and vertical surfaces 7 are formed in both sides of the slope surface 6.

[7] Referring to FIG. 2, another conventional ramp is a projected ramp, in which a slope surface 6 protrudes from curbstones 4 to connect a lower level surface 2 to a higher level surface 3. That is, the slope surface 6 is gradually raised from the lower level surface 2 to the higher level surface 3.

[8] Referring to FIG. 3, a further conventional ramp is constructed by providing slope curbstones 5 and side slope surfaces 8 on both sides of an entrance from a lower level surface 2.

[9] However, these conventional ramps involve inconvenience and danger. That is, since the single slope surface 6, the vertical surfaces 7 or the side slope surfaces 8 extend from the lower level surface 2 to the higher level surface 3, there is no rest area where an apparatus mounted on wheels, such as a wheelchair, can turn the direction, or stop for a while safely and conveniently.

[10] In the conventional recessed ramp as shown in FIG. 1, the vertical surfaces 7 act as a stumbling block, thereby causing an inconvenience or a danger to a pedestrian when he/she crosses or turns right or left on the ramp.

[11] Furthermore, the conventional projected ramp as shown in FIG. 2 has problems in that water or waste gathers at corners 9 where the ramp meets the curbstones 4 and the projected ramp acts as a stumbling block to a pedestrian who walks across the ramp on the lower level surface 2.

[12] Moreover, the conventional ramp as shown in FIG. 3 is inconvenient to use since the side slope surfaces 8 are oriented differently from the moving direction of an apparatus mounted on wheels such as a wheelchair.

[13] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a prefabricated ramp, which is proposed to overcome some of the problems related with the above-mentioned ramps with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The prefabricated ramp includes a plane plate 20 placed in an entrance from the lower level surface 2 to act as a rest area and a slope plate 40 covering from the outer edge of the plane plate 20 to the higher level surface 3. The plane plate 20 includes plane blocks 25 and extensional plane blocks 30, and the slope plate 40 includes the same types of slope blocks 44 and extensional slope blocks 50. However, in this type of prefabricated ramp, the weight of the blocks disadvantageously increases corresponding to the length of the slope since the slope blocks 44 and the extensional slope blocks 50 have a trapezoidal cross section as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Furthermore, through holes 26 and 46 formed in the blocks to facilitate the treatment also cause drawbacks such as inconveniences in terms of fabrication, delivery, construction and management as well as economic loss.

[14] In the ramp of the prior art, it is possible only to land on/off the ramp in a position adjacent to the ramp entrance where the step is lowered. Therefore, a narrow entrance or the plane plate 20 having a small area limits the turning of the apparatus mounted on wheels to determine their destinations, thereby causing inconvenience.

[15] Furthermore, the length of the slope surface 6, the side slope surface 8 and the slope plate 40 of the ramp are determined by the angle of inclination and a difference in level. If the slope surface 6 and the slope plate 40 are lengthy, impaired pedestrians who ride in a wheelchair have troubles in moving up the slope surface 6 or the slope plate 40. That is, the disabled need a large amount of physical force for a long time to move up the ramp.

[16] Since the conventional prefabricated ramp as shown in FIG. 4 is fan-shaped, careful and precise construction is required in the finishing of an outer paving material.

[17] Furthermore, the slope blocks 44 or the extensional slope blocks 50 having a trapezoidal cross section as shown in FIG. 4 are not easily constructed in some cases where a pipeline is buried, tree roots are growing, or a precise slope is already established in a base on which the prefabricated ramp is constructed. Disadvantageously, it requires unnecessary earthwork for the blocks.

[18] In order to provide beautility or emphasize visual accent on the conventional ramp

for the purpose of contrast to a surrounding paving material, a specific design capable of realizing beautility and an associated construction are required. Accordingly, designers and constructors are required to spend extensive time and be skilled.

[19] Furthermore, the conventional ramp is generally applied to a place that has a low step or a difference in level of about 30cm. In a place that has a relatively high step or a relatively great difference in level of about 60cm, a long slope surface is disadvan- tageously formed as a single structure.

[20]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[21] The present invention has been made to solve the foregoing problems with the conventional ramp, and therefore the present invention has an object to enhance the practicability of a ramp by improving functions thereof.

[22] For this purpose, the present invention has an object to optimize the dimension and light the unit weight of slope blocks 44 and extensional slope blocks 50 of the slope plate 40 of the conventional prefabricated ramp, thereby effectively reducing the cost of the blocks related with fabrication, delivery, construction and management.

[23] The present invention has another object to enable the angle of inclination of the slope plate 40 to be easily adjusted.

[24] The present invention has a further object to provide a ramp that can be constructed not only on a plane base but also on a slope base, in which, for example, the base is stable, a pipeline is buried, or a slope is formed due to the growth of tree roots.

[25] The present invention has still another object to provide blocks of a slope plate, which are compatible, can be easily fabricated, and have various patterns and beautility according to an assembling method, thereby providing a more aesthetic appearance to users and an easier design to designers.

[26] The present invention has another object to improve a prefabricated ramp, which has been conventionally applicable to a difference in level of about 30cm, to be applicable to a difference in level up to 60cm, thereby enhancing the generality and practicability of the ramp.

[27] The present invention has a further object to enhance the function of a plane plate, so that impaired pedestrians and apparatuses mounted on wheels, such as a wheelchair and a baby carriage, can more easily access to a ramp, or more conveniently stand by and turn on the ramp.

[28] The present invention has another object to improve the profile of a slope plate by modifying, for example, an ellipse, a circle or a polygon into a linear shape, so that the slope plate can be easily finished with outer paving materials.

[29] The present invention has still another object to enhance the function of a ramp, such as aesthetic appearance, visibility and friction or optimally reduce manufacturing cost by inserting a specific material into blocks, attaching a different material to the top portion of the blocks, or engraving or embossing the top portion of the blocks.

[30] The present invention has another object to enhance the structural stability of a ramp by increasing the engaging force of blocks.

[31] The present invention has yet another object to provide a specific shape of blocks, which can be processed according to the shape of a walkway, thereby enhancing con- structability.

[32]

[33] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a slab-shaped block ramp for forming a slope in the step-forming portion between a lower level surface 2 and a higher level surface 3. The slab-shaped block ramp includes a fan- shaped plane plate 110 having a plane upper surface and a slope plate 130 having an upper slope 135. The fan- shaped plane plate 110 includes a boundary portion 114 conforming to the shape of a step-forming portion of a higher level surface 3, an inner angular portion 112 formed about a central point 111 on the inner edge of the boundary portion 114, the angle of the inner angular portion 112 being the same as the inside angle of the higher level surface 3, and 1 to 15 radial rows of plane blocks 115 outwardly expanding about the central point 111 into a fan shape, plane blocks 115 laterally connected to each other, thereby defining an outer circumferential edge 113 of the fan-shaped plane plate 110, each of the plane blocks 115 having an inside angle about the central point 111, the inside angle of the plane block 115 being produced by dividing the angle of the inner angular portion 112 at a predetermined ratio. The slope plate 130 is formed at the same angle as the inner angular portion 112 of the plane plate 110, and includes a boundary portion 131 continuing from the boundary portion 114 of the plane plate 110 and conforming to the shape of the step-forming portion of the higher level surface 3, 1 to 30 rows of slab type slope blocks 134 defining, inside the boundary portion 131, an inner circumferential edge 132 continuing from the outer circumferential edge 113 of the plane plate 110, outwardly expanding from the inner circumferential edge 132 into a fan shape, and laterally connected to each other, thereby forming an outer circumferential edge 133 in contact with an upper paving surface of the higher level surface 3; and detachable upholding blocks 139 having different heights and supporting undersides of the slab type slope blocks 134, so that the upper slope 135 of the slope plate 130 is defined from the inner circumferential edge 132 to the outer circumferential edge 133.

[34] In consideration that a paving block is generally sized about 20cm to 30cm and the plane plate of the present invention has a maximum available radius about 300cm

when constructed in a walkway or a square, it is preferable that the blocks of the plane plate be arranged in 10 (300/30) to 15 (300/20) rows.

[35] In addition, in the case where the length of a paving block is generally 20cm to

30cm and the angle of the slope plate is 1/20 or more, it is preferably that the blocks of the plane plate be arranged in 20 (= 600/30) to 30 (= 600/20) rows. That is, the slope- horizontal length is 600cm (= 30X20) when a difference in level is 30cm.

[36] According to an embodiment, the plane plate 110 is formed by laterally connecting the plane blocks 115 to each other into a fan shape having the plane upper surface, each of the plane blocks 115 has an angle produced by circumferentially dividing the angle of the inner angular portion 112, which is inside the boundary portion 114 of the plane plate 110, and the angle of the inner angular portion 112 ranges from 90 to 270 degrees about the central point 111. The plane block 115 expands in dimension while extending away from the central point 111, thereby forming a fan shape.

[37] According to another embodiment, the inside angle of the fan-shaped plane blocks

115, assembled into the plane plate 110, and the fan-shaped slab type slope blocks 134, assembled into the slope plate 130, ranges from 9 to 60 degrees about the central point 111.

[38] The inside angle is preferably set in the range from 9 to 60 degrees. At the inside angle of 9 degrees or less, the plane or slab type slope block 115 or 134 has a pointed tip and thus it becomes difficult to fabricate and/or manage the blocks 115 or 134. At the inside angle above 60 degrees, there is a drawback in that the blocks are heavy.

[39] In reference figure 1 as will be illustrated below, part 1-a is a plan view of a ramp having five (5) rows of slope plates, each of the rows having a regular polygon of 24 angles. The slab type slope blocks in the same row have the same shape and dimension, but the slab type slope blocks in one row do not have compatibility with those in other rows.

[40] In order to devise a ramp structure having desirable beautility superior to that of the ramp of part 1-a, various ramp structures are illustrated as in 1-b to 1-p of reference figure 1. In these embodiments, when the outer edge of each row of the slope plate corresponds, in a plan view, to a side of a regular polygon having n number of angles, isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks (L type), isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type), parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type) and quadrangular slab type slope blocks (T+T type) as a combined form of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type), can be combined variously in such a shape that respective rows are compatible. Accordingly, the slope plate composed of the compatible blocks can promote desirable beautility.

[41] As a method of providing beautility to the slope plate using the blocks, which have combining ability and compatibility, the outer shape of respective rows of the slope

plate and the shape and dimension of respective slab type slope blocks in the respective rows can be determined with reference to part 1-a of reference figure 1. The outer edge of the respective slab type slope block in the each row of the slope plate corresponds, in a plan view, to a side of a regular polygon having n number of angles, drawn from the central point 111. Since the inside angle of the block, divided about the central point, ranges from 9 to 60 degrees as mentioned above, the n number preferably ranges from 6 (= 360deg./9deg.) to 40 (= 360deg./60deg.), and thus the regular polygon has 6 to 40 sides and angles. Accordingly, the respective slab type slope blocks have an isosceles trapezoidal shape in a plan view. Here, the length of an oblique side of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block 134 is set to be equal to the length from the central point 111 of the plane plate 110 to a vertex of the inner circumferential edge 132 of the slope plate 130 in contact with the outer circumferential edge 113 of the plane plate 110, so that the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks 134 in the respective rows are equal in shape and dimension. Then, the slab type slope blocks in the respective row have the same length of oblique sides and the same inside angle, which is defined by the opposite oblique sides and faces the central point.

[42]

[43] [Reference figure 1] Plan views of various embodiments of a slab-shaped block ramp having multiple rows

[44]

[45]

[46]

[47]

< 1-p >

)

[48] [49] In the slab-shaped block ramp of the above-illustrated structure, isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) can be combined with isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks (L type). The outer shape and dimension of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type), in a plan view, are determined according to the folio wing(follows) conditions: Each of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) has a vertex angle produced by dividing 360 degrees by the n number (from the regular polygon having the n number of angles) and two oblique sides defining the

vertex angle. Each of the oblique sides of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block has the same length as the oblique side of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block.

[50] The isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) can be combined with the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks (L type), thereby forming various types of isosceles trapezoids, which are compatible with slab type slope blocks. Available examples of the combination types may include L + 2T type, 2L + T type, 2L + 3T type and L + 4T type.

[51] In these types shown in reference figure 1, L+2T combinations are arranged in the third row of the slope plate of part 1-b, in the second row of the slope plate of parts 1-c, 1-d, 1-e and 1-f, in the third row of the slope plate of part 1-g, in the second row of the slope plate of parts 1-i, 1-j and 1-k, and in the first row from left of the slope plate in part 1-p of reference figure 1. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, a pair of isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) are combined, in the form of an inverted triangle, to an isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate, by one isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) to one oblique side of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type), so that the resultant combination of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) of the Nth row has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the (N+l)th row of the slope plate, thereby making the slab type slope block in the (N+l)th row. Preferably, the combination of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) of the first row produces the shape of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block in the second row (1 substitutes N in (N+l)th), so that the combined shapes begin from the second row of the slope plate. Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[52] 2L+T combinations are arranged in the fifth row of the slope plate in part 1-b, in the third row of the slope plate in parts 1-c, 1-d, 1-h, 1-i and 1-k, and in the second row from left of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, a pair of isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate are combined with the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type), by one isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) to one side of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type), so that the resultant combination of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) of the Nth row and the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the (2N+l)th row of the slope plate, thereby making the slab type slope block in the (2N+l)th row. Preferably, the

combination of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) in the first row produces the shape of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block in the third row (1 substitutes N in (2N+l)th), so that the combined shapes begin from the third row of the slope plate. Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[53] 2L+3T combinations are arranged in the fourth row of the slope plate of part 1-c and in the third row from left of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above- mentioned parts of reference figure 1, two isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate are arranged side by side, and three isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) are combined, in the form of an inverted triangle, between the isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type), so that the resultant combination of the three isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and the two isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the (2N+2)th row of the slope plate, thereby making the slab type slope block in the (2N+2)th row. Preferably, the combination of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) of the first row produces the shape of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the fourth row (1 substitutes N in (2N+2)th), so that the combined shapes begin from the fourth row of the slope plate. Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[54] 3L+2T combinations are arranged in the fifth row of the slope plate of part 1-c and the fourth row from left of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above- mentioned parts of reference figure 1, three isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate are arranged side by side, and two isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) are combined between the isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type), so that the resultant combination of the two isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and the three isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the (3N+2)th row of the slope plate, thereby making the slab type slope block in the (3N+2)th row. Preferably, the combination of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) of the first row produces the shape of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block in the fifth row (1 substitutes N in (3N+2)th), so that the combined shapes begin from the fifth row of the slope plate. Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[55] A different form of 3L+2T combinations are arranged in the fifth row of the slope plate of part 1-f and in the fifth row from left of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, three isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate are engaged with each other in an alternating fashion, and two isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) are combined, in the form of an inverted triangle, to both sides of the resultant structure of the three isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type), so that the resultant combination of the two isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and the three isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the (3N+2)th row of the slope plate, thereby making the slab type slope block in the (3N+2)th row. Preferably, the combination of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) of the first row produces the shape of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block in the fifth row (1 substitutes N in (3N+2)th), so that the combined shapes begin from the fifth row of the slope plate. Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[56] L+4T combinations are arranged in the fourth row of the slope plate of part 1-g and in the sixth row from left of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above- mentioned parts of reference figure 1, two pairs of isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type), each pair including two isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) engaging with each other in an alternating fashion, are combined with an isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate, by one pair to one oblique side of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type), so that the resultant combination of the four isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and one isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the (N+2)th row of the slope plate, thereby making the slab type slope block in the (N+2)th row. Preferably, the combination of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) of the first row produces the shape of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the third row (1 substitutes N in (N+2)th), so that the combined shapes begin from the third row of the slope plate. Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[57]

[58] Alternatively, the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks (L type) can be combined with parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type), thereby forming various types of isosceles trapezoids, which are compatible with other slab type slope

blocks. Available examples of the combination types may include L + P type and L + 2P type.

[59] In these types, L+P combinations are arranged in the third row of the slope plate of part 1-1 and the seventh row from left of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, one parallelogrammic slab type slope block (P type) is combined, at a side thereof, with an oblique side of an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate, the combining sides of the parallelogrammic slab type slope block (P type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block (L type) of the Nth row have the same length, so that the resultant combination of the parallelogrammic slab type slope block (P type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block (L type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block in any of second to 30th rows, thereby providing the slab type slope block in any of the second to 30th rows. Preferably, the combination of the parallelogrammic slab type slope block (P type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) of the first row produces the shape of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block in the second row, so that the combined shapes begin from the second row of the slope plate. Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[60] L+2P combinations are arranged in the fifth row of the slope plate in part 1-d, in the third and fourth rows of the slope plate of part 1-e, in the third row of the slope plate of part 1-f, and in the eighth row from left of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, a pair of parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type) are symmetrically combined, at a side thereof, with an either oblique side of an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate, the combining sides of the parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block (L type) of the Nth row have the same length, so that the resultant combination of the parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block (L type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block in any of second to 30th rows, thereby providing the slab type slope block in any of second to 30th rows. Preferably, the combination of the parallelogrammic slab type slope block (P type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) in the first row produces the shape of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the second row, so that the combined shapes begin from the second row of the slope plate. Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[61]

[62] Alternatively, the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) can be combined with parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type), thereby forming various types of isosceles trapezoids, which are compatible with other slab type slope blocks. Available examples of the combination types may include T + 2P type and T + P type.

[63] In these types, T+2P combinations are arranged in the fourth row of the slope plate of part 1-d, in the second row of the slope plate of part 1-h, the fourth row of the slope plate of part 1-j, and the ninth row from left of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, an isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) is placed in the form of an inverted triangle and a pair of parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type) are symmetrically combined, at a side thereof, with an either oblique side of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type), the combining sides of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) and the parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type) have the same length, so that the resultant combination of the parallelogrammic slab type slope block (P type) and the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the Nth row of the slope plate, thereby providing the slab type slope block of the Nth row of the slope plate. Preferably, the combination of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) and the parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type) begins from the first row (1 substitutes N). Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[64] T+P combinations are arranged in the second row of the slope plate of part 1-1, in the third row of the slope plate of part 1-m, and the tenth row from left of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, an isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) is placed in the form of an inverted triangle and a parallelogrammic slab type slope block (P type), having the same length as the oblique side of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the Nth row of the slope plate, is combined, at a side thereof, with an oblique side of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type), the combining sides of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) and the parallelogrammic slab type slope block (P type) having the same length, so that the resultant combination of the parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks (P type) and the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the Nth row of the slope plate, thereby providing the slab type slope block of the Nth row of the slope plate. Preferably, the combination of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block (T type) and the parallelogrammic slab type slope block (P type) begins from the first row (1 substitutes N). Accordingly, the slope plate

can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[65]

[66] Alternatively, a plurality of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks (L type) can be combined, thereby forming various types of isosceles trapezoids, which are compatible with other slab type slope blocks. Available examples of the combination types may include L + 2L' type and 3L type.

[67] In these types, L+2L' combinations are arranged in the fifth row of the slope plate of part 1-e and in the second row from right of the slope plate of part 1-p. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, an isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate is placed in the (2N'+N+l)th row and a pair of isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L' type) of the N'th row (N' < N) are symmetrically combined, at an oblique side thereof, with an either oblique side of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) of Nth row, so that the resultant combination of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L' type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the (2N'+N+l)th row of the slope plate, thereby providing the slab type slope block in the (2N'+N+l)th row of the slope plate. Preferably, the combination of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type block (L type) and the isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L' type) begins from the fifth row (2 substitutes N and 1 substitutes N' in 2N'+N+1). Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[68] 3L combinations are arranged in the fourth row of part 1-b and part 1-f and in the first row from right of part 1-p. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, this combination is a modification to the above-mentioned L+2L' combination, which is produced by replacing L' type with L type. Particularly, three isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) of the Nth row of the slope plate are placed in the (3N+l)th row, engaging with each other in an alternating fashion, so that the resultant combination of the three isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the (3N+l)th row of the slope plate, thereby providing the slab type slope block in the (3N+l)th row of the slope plate. Preferably, the combination of the three isosceles trapezoidal slab type blocks (L type) begins from the fourth row (1 substitutes N in 3N+1). Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[69] nT type combinations can be produced by engaging n number of isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) in an alternating fashion, and are arranged in

the first row of the slope plate of part 1-m, and in the first section of the second row from right and the fourth section of the third row from left of part 1-p. As shown in the above-mentioned parts of reference figure 1, this combination produces an isosceles trapezoid, and is compatible with the slab type slope plate in the Nth row. Particularly, 2N+1 number of isosceles triangular slab type blocks (T type), conforming to the shape and dimension of an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the Nth row of the slope plate, are placed in the Nth row of the slope plate, so that the resultant combination of 2N+1 number of isosceles triangular slab type blocks (T type) has the same shape and dimension as an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block of the Nth row of the slope plate, thereby providing the slab type slope block in the Nth row of the slope plate. Preferably, the combination begins from the first row. Accordingly, the slope plate can be preferably provided with a desirable pattern based on the combination and compatibility of the blocks.

[70] As shown in the third row of the slope plate of part 1-n and part l-o of reference figure 1, two isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type), used in the form of the above-mentioned L+2T, 2L+3T, 3L+2T, L+4T, T+P and nT combinations in any row of the slope plate, are arranged in contact with each other in an axially- symmetrical relation, so that the resultant combination of isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks (T type) produces an outer shape of a quadrangular slab type slope block (T+T type). Preferably, the resultant quadrangular slab type slope block (T+T type) provides a slab type slope plate of the corresponding row, so that the slab type slope place is provided with a desirable pattern.

[71]

[72] Another embodiment is provided to increase the dimension of the slab-shaped block ramp in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the plane plate 110 and the slope plate 130 are laterally divided about the central point 111. The ramp further includes a plurality of rows of extensional plane blocks 119 mediating between the divided plane plate 110, and continuously extending according to the extensional width of the plane plate 110; a plurality of rows of slab type extensional slope blocks 140 mediating between the divided slope the slope plate 130, and laterally extending according to the extensional width of the slope plate 140; and detachable upholding blocks 145 having different heights and supporting, from below, the slab type extensional slope block 140, so that the slab type extensional slope block 140 has the same slope as that of the upper slope 135 of the slab type slope block 134. Accordingly, the width of the ramp is increased.

[73]

[74] Another embodiment is provided to increase the dimension of the slab-shaped block ramp in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the slab-shaped block ramp

further includes a plurality of rows of quadrangular extensional plane blocks 119 connected to the plane block 115 in the boundary portion 114 of the plane plate 110, and the quadrangular extensional plane blocks 119 continuously extending according to the extensional length of the plane plate 110; a plurality of rows of slab type extensional slope blocks 140 connected to the fan-shaped slab type slope blocks 134 in the boundary portion 131 of the slope plate 130, longitudinally extending according to the extensional length of the slope plate 130, and continuing from the boundary portions 114 and 131 of the plane and slope plates 110 and 130 to conform to the shape of the higher level surface 3; and detachable upholding blocks 145 having different heights and supporting, from below, so that the slab type extensional slope block 140 has the same slope as that of the upper slope 135 of the slab type slope block 134. Accordingly, the length of the ramp 100 is increased.

[75]

[76] According to another embodiment is provided to divide the slope of the slab-shaped block ramp into two slope sections in order to promote convenience in the use of the ramp. The slab-shaped block ramp further includes a slab type side ramp 150 in a section of the higher level surface 3 outside the slope plate 130, which is connected to the outer circumferential edge 113 of the plane plate 110, in order to reduce a difference in level of the higher level surface 3 in the section of the higher level surface 3 while reducing the dimension of the slope plate 130. The slab type side ramp 150 includes 1 to 10 rows of the slab type side slope blocks 151 along the length of the higher level surface 3, the rows laterally connected to each other; and detachable upholding blocks 156 supporting, from below, the slab type side slope blocks 151, so that the slab type side slope blocks 151 form an upper slope 152.

[77] Here, in the case where a difference in level is 15cm and a minimum angle of inclination is 1/20, a horizontal distance is 300cm (= 15X20). Accordingly, when the length of unit row is about 20cm, the rows of the slab type slope blocks of the side ramp are preferably about 15 (= 300/20).

[78]

[79] According to another embodiment, the slab-shaped block ramp may further include a periphery-finishing block 146 connected to the outer circumferential edge 133 of the slope plate 130, thereby forming the outer shape of the slope plate 130 as part of the outer shape of a polygon having 4 to 8 angles. Accordingly, the outer circumferential edge 133 can be much more easily finished with other paving materials than in the case where the outer circumferential edge 133 is in the shape of a circle, an ellipse or a fan.

[80] According to another embodiment, the slab-shaped block ramp may further include a projected plane plate 160 having projected plane blocks 161, connected to and protruding outwards from the boundary portions 114, 131, and expanding from the

central point 111, the projected plane block 161 having a plane upper surface, and the upper surface of the projected plane plate 160 being flush with that of the plane plate 110. Accordingly, it becomes easy to access the plane plate 110 or turn the direction on the plane plate 110.

[81]

[82] According to another embodiment, the slab-shaped block ramp may further include a projected slop plate 170 having slab type projected slope blocks 171 and detachable upholding blocks 176, connected to and protruding outwards from the boundary portions 114, 131, and expanding from the central point 111, the detachable upholding blocks 176 supporting, from below, the slab type projected slope blocks 171, thereby forming the upper slope 172 extending downwards from an exposed upper edge of the plane plate 110, whereby the ramp has a double-slope structure. Accordingly, the dimension of the slope plate 130 can be reduced, or the slope of the projected slope plate 170 can be connected to the lower level surface 2.

[83]

[84] According to another embodiment, the slab-shaped block ramp may further include a slab type front ramp 180, which includes a projected plane plate 160 having projected plane blocks 161, connected to and protruding outwards from the boundary portions 114, 131, and expanding from the central point 111, the projected plane blocks 161 having a plane upper surface, and the upper surface of the projected plane plate 160 being flush with that of the plane plate 110; and a multiple rows of projected slope plates 170 , each of which has slab type projected slope blocks 171 and detachable upholding blocks 176, connected to and protruding outwards from the a boundary portion 165 of the projected plane plate 160, the detachable upholding blocks 176 supporting, from below, the slab type projected slope blocks 171, thereby forming an upper slope 172 extending downwards from an exposed upper edge of the boundary portion 165 of the projected plane plate 160, whereby the ramp has enhanced functions and a double-slope structure. This, as a result, enhances accessibility to the plane plate, facilitates turning on the plane plate, and reduces the dimension of the slope plate or provides a slope on the lower level surface 2, connected to the plane plate.

[85] Here, in the case where a difference in level is 15cm and a minimum angle of inclination is 1/20, a horizontal distance is 300cm (= 15X20). Accordingly, when the length of unit row is about 20cm, the rows of the projected slope plate 170 are preferably about 15 (= 300/20). Moreover, the outer shape of the projected slope plate 170 is desirable to be part of a polygon, a circle, or fan.

[86]

[87] According to another embodiment, the detachable upholding blocks 139, 145, 156 and/or 176 having different heights support, from below, the slab type slope blocks

134, slab type extensional slope blocks 140, the slab type side slope blocks 151 and/or the slab type projected slope blocks 171, thereby having an inclination ranging from 1/5 to 1/20. Accordingly, the inclination of the slab type slope blocks, the slab type extensional slope blocks, the slab type side slope blocks and/or the slab type projected slope blocks can be suitably maintained or adjusted by the detachable upholding blocks 139, 145, 156, and/or 176.

[88]

[89] According to another embodiment, the slab type slope blocks 134, the slab type extensional slope blocks 140, the slab type side slope blocks 151 and/or the slab type projected slope blocks 171 are placed on a slope base so as to have an inclination ranging from 1/5 to 1/20, by omitting the detachable upholding blocks 139, 145, 156 and/or 176 having different heights. This embodiment is desirable in the case where the detachable upholding blocks are unnecessary in a place where a slope base is well made, underground facilities are buried in the base, plant roots are growing in the base or the base can be easily sloped.

[90]

[91] According to another embodiment, the slab-shaped block ramp may further include a central insert (116, 120, 136, 142, 153, 162 and/or 173) disposed in a central upper recess of at least one of the plane blocks (115), the extensional plane blocks (119), the slab type slope blocks (134), the slab type extensional slope blocks (140), the slab type side slope blocks (151), the projected plane blocks (161) and/or the slab type projected slope blocks (171), wherein the central insert (116, 120, 136, 142, 153, 162 and/or

173) is made of a different material from the corresponding block (115, 119, 134, 140, 151, 161 and/or 171). Accordingly, the blocks of the ramp can be provided with various merits, such as aesthetic appearance, visibility, friction, usability and price reduction.

[92]

[93] According to another embodiment, the slab-shaped block ramp may further include

[94] an upper attachment (117, 121, 137, 143, 154, 163 and/or 174) attached to an upper portion of at least one of the plane blocks (115), the extensional plane blocks (119), the slab type slope blocks (134), the slab type extensional slope blocks (140), the slab type side slope blocks (151), the projected plane blocks (161) and/or the slab type projected slope blocks (171), wherein the upper attachment (117, 121, 137, 143, 154, 163 and/or

174) is made of a different material from the corresponding block (115, 119, 134, 140, 151, 161 and/or 171). Accordingly, the blocks of the ramp can be provided with various merits, such as aesthetic appearance, visibility, friction, usability and price reduction.

[95]

[96] According to another embodiment, the slab-shaped block ramp may further include a patterned portion (118, 122, 138, 144, 155, 164 and/or 175) embossed on or engraved in an upper portion of at least one of the plane blocks (115), the extensional plane blocks (119), the slab type slope blocks (134), the slab type extensional slope blocks (140), the slab type side slope blocks (151), the projected plane blocks (161) and/or the slab type projected slope blocks (171). Accordingly, the blocks of the ramp can be provided with various merits, such as aesthetic appearance, visibility, friction, usability and price reduction.

[97]

[98] According to another embodiment, wave features for enhancing engaging force are formed in a lateral face of at least one of the plane blocks (115), the extensional plane blocks (119), the slab type slope blocks (134), the slab type extensional slope blocks (140), the slab type side slope blocks (151), the projected plane blocks (161) and/or the slab type projected slope blocks (171). Accordingly, the structural stability of the slab-shaped block ramp can be promoted.

[99]

[100] According to yet another embodiment, if the higher level surface (3) is curved, the plane blocks (115), the extensional plane blocks (119), the slab type slope blocks (134), the slab type extensional slope blocks (140) and/or the upholding blocks (139, 145) forming the boundary portion (131) have a curved shape conforming to the shape of the higher level surface (3), so that the boundary portions (114, 131) have a curved shape.

[101]

Advantageous Effects

[102] As set forth above, in the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention, the sections of slab type slope blocks and the slab type extensional slope blocks of the slope plate have a slab-shaped face. Accordingly, the block materials can be saved, and the ramp and blocks of the ramp can be easily made, fabricated, delivered, constructed and managed.

[103] In the case where the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention is in the shape of a regular polygon, the slab type slope blocks can be shaped into four (4) types such as an isosceles trapezoid, an isosceles triangle, a parallelogram and a quadrangle. Fourteen (14) combinations are obtained from the four block types, thereby providing various patterns. Accordingly, the slope plate can have an aesthetic appearance and designer's work can be relieved.

[104] Furthermore, the using of upholding blocks makes it easy to adjust the inclination of the slab type slope blocks and the slab type extensional slopes of the invention. In

addition, the upholding blocks are detachable, and thus make it possible to apply both dry and wet processes to the base, thereby enhancing constructability.

[105] The projected plane plate is additionally connected to the plane plate to protrude to the lower level surface, thereby promoting convenience and safety in standby, turning and moving on the plane plate. The slab type front ramp can be provided by directly attaching the projected slope plate to the plane plate or adding the projected slope plate to the projected plane plate, or by additionally providing the slab type side ramp in the higher level surface, thereby reducing the dimension of the slope plate. Accordingly, construction cost can be reduced, and the ramp structure having two short slopes promotes convenience in use.

[106] In the case where the slab type front ramp or the slab type side ramp is added to the slab-shaped block ramp , the resultant ramp structure can be applied to a difference in level up to about 60cm, and thus enhances generality.

[107] In the case where the outer shape of the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention is shaped as, for example, a circle, an ellipse, or a polygon, the periphery- finishing blocks are added to the ramp, thereby enabling the ramp to be easily finished with different paving materials.

[108] The central inserts are provided in the central upper recesses of the blocks of the ramp by inserting a different material therein, or the upper attachments are provided on the upper portions of the blocks of the ramp by attaching a different material thereto, thereby producing various advantageous effects, such as aesthetic appearance, visibility, friction, usability, shock absorbing and price reduction.

[109] The patterned portions are formed on the upper portions of the blocks of the ramp by embossing or engraving a predetermined pattern, thereby improving the visibility, beautility and friction of the blocks.

[110] Furthermore, the wave features for enhancing engaging force are formed in the lateral face of the plane blocks, the extensional plane blocks, the slab type slope blocks, the slab type extensional slope blocks, the slab type side slope blocks, the projected plane blocks and/or the slab type projected slope blocks, thereby promoting the structural stability of the slab-shaped block ramp .

[I l l] Moreover, the periphery-finishing blocks for forming a straight outer portion are added to the outer circumferential edge of the slope plate in order to promote pro- cessibility with a different material. In addition, the plane blocks, the extensional plane blocks, the slab type slope blocks and/or the slab type extensional slope blocks can be curved for the curved boundary portions in order to promote processibility with a different material.

[112]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[113] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[114] FIG. 1 is a usage view illustrating a conventional ramp, which has a recessed slope;

[115] FIG. 2 is a usage view illustrating another conventional ramp, which has a projected slope;

[116] FIG. 3 is a usage view illustrating a further conventional ramp, in which slope curbstones are provided;

[117] FIG. 4 is a usage view illustrating a conventional prefabricated ramp including a plane plate, which is placed in an entrance and is composed of plane blocks and ex- tensional plane blocks, and a slope plate, which is placed on a slope and is composed of slope blocks and extensional slope blocks;

[118] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the prefabricated ramp of FIG. 4;

[119] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view illustrating the plane block of the conventional prefabricated ramp, which has a central insert of a different material, formed in a central portion thereof, and through holes for manipulating the block;

[120] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view illustrating the slope block of the conventional prefabricated ramp, which a central insert of a different material, formed in a central portion thereof, and through holes for manipulating the block;

[121] FIG. 8 is a usage view illustrating a slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention constructed on a linear walkway, the prefabricated ramp including a slope plate, which includes four (4) rows of slab type slope blocks and upholding blocks supporting the slope blocks, and a plane plate;

[122] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention shown in FIG. 8, in which some of the blocks are disassembled;

[123] FIG. 10 is a usage view illustrating an embodiment of the four-row slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention constructed on a linear walkway, in which the ramp is laterally and longitudinally expanded, tactile patterned portions are formed on the upper portions of the slab type extensional slope blocks and the extensional plane blocks, and compatible slab type slope blocks are combined into various shapes in order to promote the beautility of the slope plate;

[124] FIG. 11 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention constructed in a curved walkway, the ramp expanded laterally and longitudinally;

[125] FIG. 12 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention constructed in a walkway corner angled at 90 degrees,

the ramp expanded laterally and longitudinally; [126] FIG. 13 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention constructed in a walkway angled at 270 degrees, the ramp expanded laterally and longitudinally; [127] FIG. 14 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention constructed in a linear walkway, the ramp having an elliptical configuration, in which the inclination of the slab type slope blocks with the upholding blocks and the length of the blocks are sequentially changed; [128] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention shown in FIG. 14, in which some of the blocks are disassembled; [129] FIG. 16 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention constructed on a platform in front of a building; [130] FIG. 17 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention, constructed on a walkway section together with slab type side ramps; [131] FIG. 18 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention, constructed on a linear walkway using periphery-finishing blocks, which are provided on the outer circumference of the ramp to define part of a regular octagon; [132] FIG. 19 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention, in which central inserts are formed by inserting a different material into the plane blocks and the slab type slope blocks; [133] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention shown in FIG. 19, in which some of the blocks are disassembled; [134] FIG. 21 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention, in which wave features are formed in the lateral face of the slab type slope blocks to enhance the engaging force thereof; [135] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention shown in FIG. 21, in which some of the blocks are disassembled; [136] FIG. 23 are perspective views of various embodiments of the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention having single or multiple block rows, in which the upholding blocks are not provided, and the slope plates are provided with various patterns through combinations of the same or different types of blocks; [137] FIG. 24 are perspective views of various embodiments of the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention, in which the upholding blocks are provided, and the slope plates are provided with various patterns through combinations of the same or different types of blocks; [138] FIG. 25 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block

ramp of the invention constructed in a linear walkway, in which a circular projected plane plate connected to the boundary portions is provided at 180 degrees;

[139] FIG. 26 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention, constructed in a walkway corner angled at 90 degrees, in which a circular projected plane plate connected to the boundary portions is provided at 270 degrees;

[140] FIG. 27 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention having a double- slope structure, in which quadrangular projected slope plates are connected to the plane plate of the ramp;

[141] FIG. 28 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention, in which a projected plane plate and a projected slope plate are added to the plane plate of the ramp, thereby providing a slab type front ramp having a regular octagonal configuration;

[142] FIG. 29 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention, in which the plane plate and the slope plate are expanded in 45 degree direction and the longitudinal direction, tactile patterned portions are engraved in the blocks, and a projected plane plate is provided to enhance the function of the plane plate;

[143] FIG. 30 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp of the invention, in which the plane plate and the slope plate are expanded in 45 degree direction to the left and the longitudinal direction to the right about the central point;

[144] FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view of the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention, in which upper attachments are attached to the top portions of the plane blocks, the extensional plane blocks, the slab type slope blocks, the slab type ex- tensional slope blocks and the projected plane block, the upper attachments made of a material different from those of the blocks, and the slope blocks are not supported by the upholding blocks; and

[145] FIG. 32 is a cross sectional view of the slab-shaped block ramp of the present invention, in which central inserts are provided in the top portions of the plane blocks, the extensional plane blocks, the slab type slope blocks, the slab type extensional slope blocks and the projected plane block, and the slab type projected slope blocks by inserting a material different from that of the blocks into the top portions thereof, and the slope blocks are supported by the upholding blocks.

[146]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[147] Hereinafter exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described

more fully with reference to FIGS. 8 to 32 to the extent that the embodiments can be carried out in specific forms.

[148] A slab-shaped block ramp 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is constructed in a walkway as illustrated in the usage view of FIG. 8 and the exploded view of FIG. 9. In the slab-shaped block ramp 100, boundary portions 114 and 131 conforming to the linear shape of curbstones 4 are formed in a region where a higher level surface 3 such as a walkway joints a lower level surface such as a road. The slab-shaped block ramp 100 also includes a plane plate 110 and a slope plate 130. The plane plate 110 is formed using plane blocks 115, as a plane area in an entrance of the ramp, and is arranged about the central point 111 of the boundary portion 114 of a lowered curbstone, at 180 degrees to be identical with the higher level surface 3 of the walkway and the angle of an inner angular portion 112. The slope plate 130 is in contact with an outer circumferential edge 113 of the plane plate 110, and includes slab type slope plates 134 having a slab type cross section and detachable upholding blocks 139. The slab type slope plates 134 are assembled to each other from an inner circumferential edge 132 to an outer circumferential edge 133 of the slope plate 130.

[149] Describing the plane plate 110 in more detail, the inside angle of the plane block

115 about the central point 111 is 22.5 degrees, produced by equally dividing 180 degrees of the inner angular portion 112 of the boundary portion 114 by eight (8), so that eight (8) of the fan-shaped plane blocks 115 are assembled into a set. Each of the fan-shaped plane blocks 115 has a pointed tip with the inside angle of 22.5 degrees. In order to prevent the tip of the plane blocks 115 from being cut or fractured during fabrication or management, the eight plane blocks 115 are combined with a semicircular plane block 115 located at the central point 111. As a result, a total of nine (9) plane blocks 115 makes the plane plate 110, which has a plane surface substantially flush with the lower level surface 2.

[150] Describing the slope plate 130 in more detail, the slope blocks 134 are divided into four (4) rows of blocks, which extend from the inner circumferential edge 132 of the slope plate 130, in contact with the outer circumferential edge 113 of the plane plate 110, to the outer circumferential edge 133 of the slope plate 130. The rows of the slab type slope blocks 134 are placed inside the boundary portion 131, in the same angle as the inner angular portion 112 of the plane plate 110.

[151] The slab type slope blocks 134 of the slope plate 130 have a slab type cross section, and the upholding blocks 134 are detachably supporting the underside of the slab type slope blocks 134, so that the slope of the slope plate 130 can be adjusted. It is desirable that the upholding blocks 134 be provided at both ends of the slab type slope blocks, so that each of the upholding blocks 134 can support the slab type slope blocks on upper and lower ends thereof.

[152] Furthermore, when the slope plate 130 is constructed of four rows of the slab type slope blocks 134, the slab type slope blocks 134 can be made compatible with others. That is, the outer edges of the slope blocks 134 in a respective row of the slope plate 130 corresponds to that of the side of a regular polygon having thirty-two (32) angles, which has the central point 111 as its center, so that each slab type slope block 134 of the respective rows are shaped as an isosceles trapezoid. The length of an oblique side, in the plan view, of the isosceles trapezoid is also determined to be the same as the length from the central point 111 to a vertex of the inner circumferential edge 132 of the slope plate 130, which is in contact with the outer circumferential edge 113 of the plane plate 110. Therefore, isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks 134a in the same row have the same shape and dimension.

[153] Here, in the third row of the slope plate 130, a slab type slope block 134b having the form of an isosceles triangle is placed, in the form of an inverted triangle, on either side of a respective isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block 134a. The isosceles triangular slab type slope block 134b has an inside angle 11.25 degrees, i.e., 360 degrees divided by 32. (32 indicates 32 sides of the regular polygon of thirty-two angles.) The length of two (2) oblique sides of the isosceles triangular slab type slope block 134b, including the inside angle 11.25 degrees, is the same as that of the oblique side of the slab type slope block 134. Then, the resultant combination of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block 134a and the two isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks 134b has the same shape as and thus is compatible with the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block 134 in the third row. In this way, the third row of the slope plate 130 can have various patterns.

[154] Furthermore, the slab type slope block 134 in the fourth row of the slope plate 130 is compatible with three of the isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks 134 in the first row, which engage with each other in an alternating fashion. Accordingly, the slope plate can have various patterns.

[155]

[156] FIG. 10 is a usage view illustrating an expanded form of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention, which is produced by expanding the slab-shaped block ramp of FIG. 8 with five (5) lateral rows and with one (1) longitudinal row. Patterned portions 122 and 144, such as tactile indicating blocks, are formed on the top portions of extensional plane blocks 119 and slab type extensional slope blocks 140.

[157] In order to laterally expand the dimension of the slab-shaped block ramp 100, a plane plate 110 and a slope plate 130 are halved about central point 111, a row of five slab type extensional plane blocks 119 are provided to mediate between the halved plane plate 110, five rows of slab type extensional slope blocks 140 are provided mediate between the halved slope plate 130, and detachable upholding blocks 139 are

placed to support the underside of the slab type extensional slope blocks 140, so that an upper slope 141 of the slab type extensional slope blocks 140 has a slope such as an upper slope 135 of the slab type slope blocks 134.

[158] Furthermore, in order to longitudinally expand the slab-shaped block ramp 100, the boundary portion 114 is formed by adjoining a row of the extensional plane blocks 119 to the plane blocks 115, and the boundary portion 131 is formed by adjoining a row of slab type extensional slope blocks 140 which have an upper slope 141 as the same as the upper slope 135 of the slab type slope blocks 134.

[159]

[160] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 having four rows of slab type slope blocks and patterned slope plate, in which the slab-shaped block ramp 100 is applicable to a place where boundary portions 114 and 131 are curved.

[161] Since the boundary portions 114 and 131, in contact with a plane plate 110 and a slope plate 130, are curved, the shape of the extensional plane blocks 119 in contact with the boundary portion 114 is set to conform to the shape of the boundary portion 114, and the shape of the slab type extensional slope blocks 140 in contact with the boundary portion 131 is set to conform to the shape of the boundary portion 131.

[162]

[163] FIG. 12 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100, which is applicable to a walkway structure of 90 degrees, in which an inner angular portion 112 of boundary portions 114 and 131 about the central point 111 is accordingly adapted.

[164] For this purpose, a plane plate 110 is formed by arranging four (4) fan-shaped plane blocks 115 and one quarter circle-shaped plane block 115 at 90 degrees about the central point 111. A slope plate 130 is formed by arranging four (4) rows of slab type slope blocks 134 around an outer circumferential edge 113 of the plane plate 110, so that the slab type slope blocks 134 form an upper slope 135.

[165] In the third row of the slope plate 130, each of slab type slope blocks 134 having the form of an isosceles trapezoid is formed by combining a parallelogrammic slab type slope block 134c and an isosceles triangular slab type slope block 134b. In the fourth row of the slope plate 130, each of slab type slope blocks 134 is formed by combining an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block 134a in the first row and the parallelogrammic slab type slope block 134c. Accordingly, the slope plate 130 can have various patterns.

[166] Furthermore, in order to expand the dimension of the plane plate 110 and the slope plate 130, a row of extensional plane blocks 119 and four (4) rows of slab type extensional slope blocks 140 are provided in a line.

[167]

[168] FIG. 13 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100, which is expanded according to an application where an inner angular portion 112 has 270 degrees about the central point 111.

[169] For this purpose, a plane plate 110 is formed by providing extensional plane blocks

119 in a boundary portion 114 of the plane plate 110 at 270 degrees corresponding to an inner angular portion 112, and plane blocks 115 and extensional plane blocks 119 are arranged each other inside the extensional plane blocks 119, angled at 270 degrees.

[170] A slope plate 130 is formed by providing slab type extensional slope blocks 140 and slab type slope blocks 134, 134b and 134d inside a boundary portion 131 of the slope plate 130. The slab type extensional slope blocks 140 and the slab type slope blocks 134, 134b and 134d are arranged in two rows from an inner circumferential edge 132 to an outer circumferential edge 133 of the slope plate 130, corresponding to the inner angular portion 112 of the central point 111.

[171] It is preferable that the combined shape of two isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks 134b, which axisymmetrically, in a plan view, join with each other, make a quadrangular slab type slope block 134d in order to impart beautility to the second row of the slope plate 130 while reducing the number of the isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks 134b.

[172]

[173] FIG. 14 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100, which has an elliptical shape.

[174] In the slab-shaped block ramp having an elliptical shape, slab type slope blocks 134 of respective rows of a slope plate 130 are formed in such a fashion that an upper slope has various inclinations different in respective directions. As a result, respective slab type slope blocks 134 have different inclinations and shapes.

[175] In particular, the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of this embodiment is advantageously applicable to a place, which is narrow in width and elongated in length.

[176] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention shown in FIG. 14, in which part of the slab type slope blocks 134 and part of upholding blocks 139 are exploded. Each of the upholding blocks 139 detachably supports the underside of the slab type slope blocks 134 on the upper and lower ends thereof, so that the slab type slope blocks 134 form a slope.

[177]

[178] FIG. 16 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100, which is constructed in a platform 6 in front of a building 5, and has a recessed structure.

[179] For this purpose, curbstones 4 are mounted on boundary portions 114 and 131,

where the platform 6 of the building 5 meets a lower level surface 2, and a plane plate 110 is placed inside the central point 111 of the boundary portions 114 and 131, corresponding to 180 degrees of an inner angular portion 112. A slope plate 130 having two rows is constructed in contact with an outer circumferential edge 113 of the plane plate 110.

[180] In the second row of the slope plate 130, two of slab type slope blocks 134b having the form of an isosceles triangle are placed, in the form of an inverted triangle, on either side of a respective isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block 134a of the first row, so that a combined structure forms an isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope block 134 of the second row. Accordingly, the slope plate 130 of this embodiment can have beautility.

[181]

[182] FIG. 17 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100, in which a double-slope structure is provided to compensate for the height of a higher level surface 3.

[183] In a place where the higher level surface 3 has a great difference in level from a lower level surface 2, it is required to increase the length of a slope plate 130 of the slab-shaped block ramp 100. In order to solve this drawback of a long single slope, slab type side ramps 150 are added on both sides of the slab-shaped block ramp 100, by arranging slab type slope blocks 151 to form an upper slope 152. This as a result provides a double-slope structure, which divides a long single slope into two short slopes, thereby reducing the difference in level.

[184]

[185] FIG. 18 is a usage view illustrating another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100, in which an outer circumferential edge 133 of a slope plate 130 is fan- shaped similarly to a circle. Periphery-finishing blocks 146 are placed around the outer circumferential edge 133 of the slope plate 130 to form straight outlines of a regular octagon. This can facilitate the cutting of a finishing material of a higher level surface 3, which would otherwise be difficult to cut owing to a curved area in contact with the finishing material.

[186]

[187] A usage view of FIG. 19 and an exploded perspective view of FIG. 20 illustrate another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100, in which aesthetic appearance, abrasion, elasticity and visibility are improved. In the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of this embodiment, a recess is formed in the top portion of the plane blocks

115 and the slab type slope blocks 134, and a material different from that of the plane and slope blocks 115 and 134 is inserted into the recess, thereby forming central inserts

116 and 136.

[188]

[189] A usage view of FIG. 21 and an exploded perspective view of FIG. 22 illustrate another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention, which can be more easily finished or more efficiently engaged. In the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of this embodiment, wave features are formed in edges of slab type slope blocks 134, slab type extensional slope blocks 140 and periphery-finishing blocks 146, so that the blocks 134, 140 and 146 can more efficiently engage with each other. The periphery-finishing blocks 146 are placed in contact with an outer circumferential edge 133 of the slope plate 130, thereby facilitating the finishing process.

[190]

[191] FIG. 23 illustrates various embodiments of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention, in which the dimensions of plane and slope plates 110 and 130 are expanded, and various combinations including slab type slope blocks 134, isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks 134a, isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks 134b and parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks 134c are applied to the slope plate 130. Here, the upholding blocks 145 are not provided under the slab type slope blocks 134, 134a, 134b and 134c or slab type extensional slope blocks 140 of the slope plate 130.

[192] As shown in FIGS. 19, 20 and 23, the upholding blocks 139 or 145 for a slope plate may be omitted at a place where the base has a good slope, or places where underground facilities are buried, tree roots are growing, or a rocks are present in the base. The upholding blocks 139 or 145 may also be omitted at other places where the base can be processed into a good slope without the use of the upholding blocks 139 or 145.

[193]

[194] FIG. 24 illustrates various embodiments of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention, in which upholding blocks 139 and 145 for a slope plate are provided under slab type slope blocks 134 or slab type extensional slope blocks 140, and a slope plate 130 is provided with various patterns by variously combining the slab type slope blocks 134, isosceles trapezoidal slab type slope blocks 134a, isosceles triangular slab type slope blocks 134b, parallelogrammic slab type slope blocks 134c, and quadrilateral slab type slope blocks 134d.

[195] In the case where the slab type slope blocks 134, 134a, 134b, 134c and 134d and the slab type extensional slope blocks 140 are constructed with the upholding blocks 139 and 145, it is desirable that the base underlying the upholding blocks 139 and 145 be planarized. Furthermore, an inexpensive material such as sand may be charged or not be charged between the upholding blocks 139 and 145, which are placed in upper and lower sides.

[196]

[197] FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate other embodiments of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention, which are designed to enhance some functions of a plane plate 110, such as access, movement, standby and turning, by providing projected plane plates 160. The projected plane plates 160 protrude from boundary portions 114 and 131, expand at 180 and 270 degrees on a lower level surface 2, and are flush with the plane plate 110. Each of the projected plane plates 160 includes projected plane blocks 161.

[198]

[199] FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention, which has a double-slope structure. In the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of this embodiment, a projected slope plate 170 includes slab type projected slope blocks 171, which are in contact with and protrude from a plane plate 110 of boundary portions 114 and 131, thereby forming a slope smoothly rising from the lower level surface 2.

[200] As described above, the projected slope plate can be desirably constructed in the case where the dimension of the slope plate 130 can be reduced to be smaller than in the case where the projected slope plate 170 is not attached, so as to reduce construction cost, or it is necessary to reduce the dimension of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 because the width of the lower level surface 3 is narrow.

[201]

[202] FIG. 28 illustrates another embodiment of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention having a two-plane and double-slope structure, which is produced by expanding from a plane plate 110 and adding a slab type front ramp 180. The slab type front ramp 180 includes a projected plane plate 160 and a projected slope plate 170. The projected plane plate 160 is composed of projected plane blocks 161, which are in contact with boundary portions 114 and 131 and protrude to a lower level surface 2 to be flush with the plane plate 110. The projected plate 170 is in contact with the projected plane plate 160, and includes projected slope blocks 171.

[203] This embodiment provides two short slopes, in which reduce the dimension of the slope plates is reduced, thereby making it easy to use the ramp. This embodiment can also enhance some functions, such as standby, access and turning on the expanded plane plates 110 and 160.

[204]

[205] FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate other embodiments of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention, which are expanded in different directions with respect to a central point 111.

[206] Referring to FIG. 29, extensional plane blocks 119 and slab type extensional slope

blocks 140 are inserted to expand the ramp, and more particularly, are oriented at two angles, i.e., 45 degrees about the central point 111 and along the longitudinal direction. Patterned portions 122 and 144, such as tactile indicating blocks, are formed on the top portion of extensional plane blocks 119 and extensional slope blocks 140, thereby providing convenience and safety to impaired pedestrians. Furthermore, a projected plane plate 160 is added in order to promote accessibility to the plane plate 110 as well as other functions, such as standby and turning, on the plane plate 110.

[207] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 30, the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention is expanded in two different directions with respect to the central point 111. a row of extensional plane blocks 119 and a row of slab type extensional slope blocks 140 are inserted in 45 degree direction to the left and in the longitudinal direction to the right about the central point 111.

[208]

[209] FIG. 31 is a cross sectional view of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention, in which the slab type slope blocks 134, 134a, 134b, 134c and 134d or slab type extensional slope blocks 140 are disposed without the use of the upholding blocks 139 or 145. This structure may be desirably used in case that the ramp can be constructed without the use of the upholding blocks 139 or 145, for example, in some cases where a slope base is well made, plant roots are growing in the base, or underground facilities are buried in the base.

[210] In addition, upper attachments 117, 121, 137, 143 and 163 are attached to the top portions of the plane blocks 115, the extensional plane blocks 119, the slab type slope blocks 134, 134a, 134b, 134c and 134d, the slab type extensional slope blocks 140 and the projected plane block 161. The upper attachments 117, 121, 137, 143 and 163 are made of a material different from the blocks, and serve to increase friction, enhance an aesthetic appearance, alleviate an impact, and/or reduce material cost.

[211]

[212] FIG. 32 is a cross sectional view of the slab-shaped block ramp 100 of the present invention, in which the slope plate 140 is supported, at the underside thereof, by the upholding blocks 139, 145 and 176. The slope plate 130 is constructed by planarizing the base and then placing the upholding blocks 139, 145 and 176 on the base.

[213] Then, central inserts 116, 120, 136, 142, 162 and 173 are provided in the top portions of the plane blocks 115, the extensional plane blocks 119, the slab type slope blocks 134, 134a, 134b, 134c and 134d, the slab type extensional slope blocks 140, the projected plane block 161 and the slab type projected slope block 171. The central inserts 116, 120, 136, 142, 162 and 173 are made of a material different from the blocks, and serve to increase friction, enhance an aesthetic appearance, alleviate an impact, and/or reduce material cost.

[214]

[215] While the present invention has been described with reference to the particular illustrative embodiments and the accompanying drawings, it is not to be limited thereto but will be defined by the appended claims.