Re: Ideas for a DIY ramp

["BruceR" <razrbruce@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Try a search for "loading dock ramps." You might find something there
that you could adapt.

 Bill Stock wrote:
> I'd like to build a folding ramp for an exterior door. This is not a
> wheel chair ramp, so it does not have to be wheelchair specific.
>
> My design criteria are as follows:
>
> It would be nice if the extended ramp did not land more than 4' from
> the wall.
> Step height is about 18"
> This is a nice to have, so cheap is good.
> Automatic lowering would be nice when the door is opened
> It would be nice if it did not kill anyone/anything when lowering.
> (inside only)
> Exterior door opens in.
>
> My initial thought was some diamond plate, with an electric hoist and
> some kind of pulleys from the rafters (garage).
> Plan B, would be some kind of hydraulic cylinders.
> Plan C, some kind of spring loaded manual system like a garage door.
>
> The hoist would be kind of messy with the cables in the way.
> The hydraulics are likely more dangerous in that they have crushing
> power.
> Any thoughts or reasonable commercial alternatives.