Wheelchair ramps and accessibility systems incorporating the same

Abstract

A ramp assembly includes a plurality of ramp panels. First and second opposing sides of each ramp panel include first and second connectors, respectively. The plurality of ramp panels are configured for positioning in side-by-side relation with the first and second connectors of adjacent ramp panels configured to engage one another to define a continuous ramp surface with the first connector of one outer-most ramp panel exposed and the second connector of the other outer-most ramp panel exposed. The first connector of the one outer-most ramp panel is configured to connect to a surface-defining assembly. An adapter is provided including a ramp panel connector configured to connect to the second connector of the other outer-most ramp panel and a surface-defining assembly connector configured to connect to the surface-defining assembly or another surface defining assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A ramp assembly, comprising:
 a plurality of ramp panels, each ramp panel defining first and second ends and first and second sides, the first side of each ramp panel including a first connector and the second side of each ramp panel including a second connector different from the first connector, wherein the plurality of ramp panels are configured for positioning in side-by-side relation with the first and second connectors of adjacent ramp panels of the plurality of ramp panels configured to engage one another such that the plurality of ramp panels cooperate to define a continuous ramp surface and such that the first connector of one outer-most ramp panel is exposed and the second connector of the other outer-most ramp panel is exposed, wherein the first connector of the one outer-most ramp panel is configured to connect to a surface-defining assembly; and   an adapter configured for positioning in side-by-side relation with the second connector of the other outer-most ramp panel of the plurality of ramp panels, the adapter including a ramp panel connector configured to connect to the second connector of the other outer-most ramp panel and a surface-defining assembly connector configured to connect to the surface-defining assembly or another surface defining assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The ramp assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the surface defining assembly is one of a platform assembly or a second ramp assembly and wherein the another surface defining assembly is one of a platform assembly or a second ramp assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The ramp assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the first connector of the one outer-most ramp panel is configured to directly connect to the surface-defining assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The ramp assembly according to  claim 3 , wherein the first connector of the one outer-most ramp panel is complementary to a connector of the surface-defining assembly. 
     
     
         5 . The ramp assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the adapter further includes a web defining a lip, the lip of the web of the adapter configured to engage the other outer-most ramp panel to secure the engagement between the adapter and the other outer-most ramp panel. 
     
     
         6 . The ramp assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the engagement of the ramp panel connector of the adapter with the second connector of the other outer-most ramp panel defines a screw boss, and wherein a fastener is engaged within the screw boss to secure the engagement of the ramp panel connector of the adapter with the second connector of the other outer-most ramp panel. 
     
     
         7 . The ramp assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the second connector of the other outer-most ramp panel is complementary to the ramp panel connector of the adapter. 
     
     
         8 . The ramp assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the engagement of the first and second connectors of adjacent ramp panels defines a screw boss configured to receive a fastener to secure the engagement of the adjacent ramp panels with one another.