Modular ramp with handrails and locking assembly

Abstract

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a ramp and/or platform assembly is described. The ramp and/or assembly can include a decking surface for supporting an object. The ramp and/or platform assembly can also include a bracket member that couples to the ramp and/or platform assembly. The ramp and/or platform assembly can also include a handrail assembly which includes an elongated member. The elongated member can include a first end portion that pivotably couples to the bracket member about a pivot point and a second end portion that is distal from the first end portion. The pivot point of the elongated member can be adjustable relative to the decking surface between a first position and a second position. The elongated member can also be adjustable between a first angular position and a second angular position.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A ramp and/or platform assembly, comprising:
 a decking surface for supporting an object;   a bracket member coupled to the decking surface; and   a handrail assembly including an elongated member having a first end portion pivotably coupled to the bracket member about a pivot point and a second end portion distal from the first end portion, wherein the pivot point of the elongated member is adjustable relative to the decking surface between a first position and a second position, and wherein the elongated member is adjustable between a first angular position and a second angular position such that when the elongated member is in the first angular position, the second end portion of the elongated member is nested with the decking surface, and when the elongated member is in the second angular position, the elongated member is substantially normal to the decking surface.   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the bracket member defines a slot having a length, and wherein the pivot point of the elongated member is adjustable along the length of the slot. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated member is configured to pivot between the first and second angular positions when the pivot point is positioned at the first position. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated member is substantially restricted from pivoting between the first and second angular positions when the pivot point is positioned at the second position. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a curb coupled to the decking surface, wherein the elongated member is configured to pivot around the curb when the pivot point is positioned at the first position, and wherein the elongated member forms an interference fit with the curb when the pivot point is positioned at the second position. 
     
     
         6 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking assembly coupled to the handrail assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to secure the handrail assembly in the first and second angular positions. 
     
     
         7 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the locking assembly is configured to secure the pivot point in the first and second position. 
     
     
         8 . The assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the locking assembly include a first locking member coupled to the handrail assembly at a first point and a second locking member coupled to the handrail assembly at a second point, the first point being different than the second point. 
     
     
         9 . The assembly of  claim 8 , wherein the first locking member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second locking member. 
     
     
         10 . A ramp and/or platform assembly, comprising:
 a decking surface for supporting an object;   a curb coupled to a first side of the decking surface;   a bracket member coupled to the curb; and   a handrail assembly including an elongated member having a first end portion pivotably coupled to the bracket member about a pivot point and a second end portion distal from the first end portion, wherein the pivot point of the elongated member is adjustable relative to the curb between a first position and a second position, and wherein the elongated member is adjustable between a first angular position and a second angular position, such that when the elongated member is in the first angular position, the second end portion of the elongated member is nested with the decking surface, and when the elongated member is in the second angular position, the elongated member is substantially normal to the decking surface.   
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10 , further comprising a locking assembly coupled to the handrail assembly, wherein the locking assembly is configured to secure the handrail assembly in the first and second angular position. 
     
     
         12 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the locking assembly is configured to secure the pivot point in the first and second positions. 
     
     
         13 . The assembly of  claim 11 , wherein the locking assembly includes a first locking member coupled to the handrail assembly at a first point and a second locking member coupled to the handrail assembly at a second point, the first point being different than the second point. 
     
     
         14 . The assembly of  claim 13 , wherein the first locking member is oriented substantially perpendicular to the second locking member. 
     
     
         15 . A method of forming a ramp and/or platform assembly, the method comprising:
 positioning the ramp and/or platform assembly between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the ramp and/or platform assembly comprises:
 a decking surface for supporting an object; 
 a curb coupled to a first side of the decking surface; 
 a bracket member coupled to the curb; and 
 a handrail assembly including an elongated member having a first end portion pivotably coupled to the bracket member about a pivot point and a second end portion distal from the first end portion, wherein the pivot point of the elongated member is adjustable relative to the curb between a first position and a second position, and wherein the elongated member is adjustable between a first angular position and a second angular position; 
   pivoting the elongated member from the first angular position to the second angular position; and   adjusting the pivot point of the elongated member from the first position to the second position.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the elongated member is nested with the decking surface at the first angular position, and wherein the elongated member is substantially normal to the decking surface at the second angular position. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the decking surface defines a width extending between the first side of the decking surface and a second side of the decking surface distal from the first side, and wherein the length of the elongated member is less than the width of the decking surface. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the ramp and/or platform assembly further includes a locking assembly coupled to the handrail assembly, and wherein the locking assembly is configured to secure the handrail assembly in the first and second angular positions. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein locking assembly include a first locking member coupled to the handrail assembly at a first point and a second locking member coupled to the handrail assembly at a second point, the first point being different than the second point. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising locking the elongated member with the locking assembly such that the elongated member is secured in the second angular position and the pivot point is secured in the second position.