[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference 7.286::home_work

Title:	Home_work
Notice:	Check Directory (6.3) before writing a new note
Moderator:	CSLALL::NASEAM::READIO

Created:	Tue Nov 05 1991
Last Modified:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	2100
Total number of notes:	78741

917.0. "Plans, Handicapped Ramp" by OADEV::KAUFMANN (In the Shadow of the Almighty) Fri Oct 28 1988 19:47

    I'm about to build a portable handicap ramp for my home for my
    mother-in-law, who visits us about 6 times a year.  She rides in
    a motorized cart called an Amigo,, which runs on a 6 volt battery
    (I think that's the right voltage).  
    
    The ramp will go up through the front door of my house.  There are
    three steps: 7", 5" and 6", for a total of 18".  I was told that
    the ramp had to be one foot in length for each inch in height, which
    comes to an 18' ramp in my case.
    
    What I would like to do is build the ramp with two pieces of plywood
    hinged together, and supported underneath by 2"x3"s.
    
    Questions:
    
    Since plywood comes in 4'x8' sheets, will a 16' ramp be too steep?
    Should I add an extra 2' to make the required 18'?  Remember, the
    ramp will be used only a handful of times per year, not everyday.
    An occaissonal push up the ramp wouldn't bother me.
    
    What kind of hinge is strong enough to strap the two pieces of plywood
    together?  I'll be using 1/2" plywood, undergirded with 2"x3"s for
    support.  This will make the ramp heavy.  For portability, I plan
    to put caster wheels on it, so I can fold it up, and wheel it into
    the garage.
    
    Does any sort of material exist that I can put on the plywood, so
    the wheels of the Amigo can grip better in wet weather?
    
    Finally, has anyone attempted a project like this?  If so, what
    were your experiences?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Bo Kaufmann

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
917.1	Saves the Back	VLNVAX::LEVESQUE	The Dukes a DINK!	`Mon Oct 31 1988 14:08`	16
	My mom is handicapped and confined to a wheel chair so ramps are common in my family. Your right about the incline needing to be a foot for every inch climbed. But, that is for a person using there own strenght to push themselves up the ramp. If the ramp is only for a few times a year, I wouldn't bother with that one inch rule. You could probably get away with a much shorter ramp. If your always going to be there to provide help then a steep ramp won't be a problem. You could easily get away with a twelve foot ramp in your case. The surface can be covered with nonskid padding which is sold at hardware stores or marine supply stores. Its black sand paper type of stuff that you find on steps and boat decks. BAL
917.2	Not 2 x 3's for support	ISWS::VHAMBURGER	Nov 8th is coming....VOTE (or don't complain!)	`Mon Oct 31 1988 14:48`	53
	What I would like to do is build the ramp with two pieces of plywood hinged together, and supported underneath by 2"x3"s. >>>>I would agree with -.1, the 1:16 ratio should be no problem, even in bad weather if someone is there to assist. I would worry more about the 2" x 3" supports, however. I think you will find it is almost like a trampoline, it would be so bouncy. (well, maybe not that bad..) I would suggest 2 x 4 minimum, with supports to the ground every 4' along the length. Or better yet, create either box beams or I beams from plywood that will be light and strong enough to carry the load. Now watch me try some neat drawings here..... ======================================= Plywood top === === \| \| \| \| === === offsetting the box beams in from the sides will put the support directly underfoot for people walking and give you a sense of sturdy construction. I beam construction might look like this: ========= \ \| / \ \| / \\|/ ======= I would be inclined to put triangular stiffeners every few feet, alternating their direction on the beam, first pointed down, then up, then down,etc. 1/2" ply would save weight and still give you some real strength to the assembly. Use screws and glue liberally to hold it together. (please excuse the "l" word... 8^) What kind of hinge is strong enough to strap the two pieces of plywood together? I'll be using 1/2" plywood, undergirded with 2"x3"s for support. This will make the ramp heavy. For portability, I plan to put caster wheels on it, so I can fold it up, and wheel it into the garage. >>>Castors should be easy, the hinge should probably be the heaviest door type hinges you can find and bolted thru the plywood with a reinforcing block on the underside for strenth. Does any sort of material exist that I can put on the plywood, so the wheels of the Amigo can grip better in wet weather? >>>I vote for the self adhesive non-slip tape also. Vic H