Assembly Manual PATHWAY® Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Kit Configuration shown with straight ramp run and 4’ x 4’ top platform. However, there are multiple configurations and sizes available. See inside manual for additional information. LIFETIME WARRANTY. Please register at www.ezaccess.com/warranty-satisfaction. © EZ-ACCESS®, a division of Homecare Products, Inc. All rights reserved.
ATTENTION INSTALLER and END USER • • • • • For residential use only! Maximum weight capacity is 1,000 lbs.; never exceed weight capacity. Read this manual in its entirety, ensuring you understand all instructions and warnings prior to ramp assembly and use. Please read and become familiar with the ‘MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY’ section of this manual. Fill out online warranty registration. IMPORTANT SHIPPING INFORMATION • • Immediately inspect for damage or missing parts.
INTRODUCTION Throughout this manual, the term “system” refers to the entire PATHWAY® Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Kit, including all components and hardware which are intended to be assembled on the PATHWAY Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Kit. SYMBOLS The WARNING symbol indicates a potentially hazardous condition/situation. The safety warnings throughout this manual, and on your equipment, if any, are for the protection of people and property.
WARNINGS, CONT’D. Do not run, jump, or play on or around the system, including climbing on or between the handrails. Improper use of the system could result in serious injury. Properly support and restrain system in transit or storage. Do not use the system if its surface is covered with ice, snow, dirt, leaves, or other debris. Remove all accumulations and sweep the surface clean before use. The system may be slippery in wet conditions; use caution as traction may be reduced.
1. CONFIGURATIONS PATHWAY Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Kits are available in three basic configurations: straight, L-shaped, and U-shaped, with two platform sizes available, 4’ x 4’ and 5’ x 5’. All systems feature solid surface tread and two-line handrails.
2. BASIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS Because of varying lengths/configurations, your system may not contain all of these basic system components. Identify your system components before you begin installation.
KEY RAMP COMPONENTS, CONT’D.
PLATFORMS AND PLATFORM HANDRAILS PLATFORM (STRAIGHT CONFIGURATION) W/TWO-LINE HANDRAILS PLATFORM (L-SHAPED CONFIGURATION) W/TWO-LINE HANDRAILS KEY PLATFORM COMPONENTS PPPC – CONNECTOR – PLATFORM TO PLATFORM PBP36 – BRIDGE PLATE CLOSURE OPTION PPCTL – TWO-LINE HANDRAIL CLOSURE PATHWAY® Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Kit PTBCTL – TWO-LINE HANDRAIL CLOSURE U-SHAPED Page 8 of 39 1
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS PLP – LANDING PAD PATHWAY® Aluminum Wheelchair Ramp Kit PRLT – RAMP LOWER TRANSITION Page 9 of 39 1
3. PLATFORMS 3.1. INSTALL PLATFORMS If your configuration does not include a platform, skip to ‘CONNECT RAMP SECTIONS’. Platform handrails are shown for clarity of how to orient platforms in various configurations. It is strongly suggested that all platforms and ramps be installed before installing handrails (see ‘HANDRAILS’). 3.1.1. There are three basic platform arrangements (one or more of these arrangements may be used in an installation). All require the same procedure for assembly except for FIG.2.
3.2. INSTALL SUPPORT TUBES AND FEET, THEN ADJUST PLATFORM HEIGHT 3.2.1. Support tubes, plugs, and feet come in pairs. Support tubes will come in lengths sufficient to accommodate a range of slope options. ADA guidelines call for a maximum slope of 1:12 (approximately 5-degrees) and this is the ideal slope for the system. However, the ramps can be installed from 1:14 to 1:8 (approximately 4- to 7-degrees). Do not attempt to install the ramps outside this range. 3.2.2.
3.2.6. Lift each corner of the platform and install a Base Foot (foot) on each support tube oriented so that the foot extends under the platform (FIG. 3.4). The feet can be oriented in other directions if necessary due to site conditions but may present a tripping hazard if not oriented under the platform. It is the installer’s responsibility to install the system in a manner which is safe for the persons on and around the system and clearly mark any hazards created by the installation. 3.2.7.
FIG. 3.5 FIG. 3.
3.4. INSTALL UNIVERSAL ANGLE BRACE – PLATFORMS For added stability, any platform with a walking surface over 36″ high requires bracing. The PUAB (PATHWAY ANGLE BRACE) is used for all surfaces 36″ elevation and over. 3.4.1. Angle braces come in pairs. Use four pairs per platform (one pair per support tube, or side) or six pairs when two platforms are connected. 3.4.2.
4. RAMPS 4.1. CONNECT RAMP SECTIONS If your configuration does not contain two or more consecutive ramps, skip to 'INSTALL A SINGLE RAMP RUN TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE’. 4.1.1. Place the walking surface side of the ramp sections face down, onto cardboard or lawn so that the ramp is not damaged (scratched or dented). 4.1.2.
4.2. INSTALL RAMPS ON PLATFORMS If your configuration does not include a platform, skip to ‘ATTACH SUPPORT LEG BRACKETS AND LEGS TO RAMPS’. This section addresses the attachment of a ramp or ramp run to a platform. If the ramp needs to be angled with respect to the platform or is going to be attached to an existing porch, skip to ‘ANGLE RAMPS WITH RESPECT TO PLATFORMS, PORCHES, OR DECKS’. 4.2.1. Ramps must be placed on either the left or right side of the platform (cannot be centered). 4.2.1.1.
4.3. ATTACH SUPPORT LEG BRACKETS AND LEGS TO RAMPS 4.3.1. Install the Support Leg Bracket (bracket), included with PRRUC, onto the center studs of the Center Saddle Bracket (ramp connector included with PRRUC) with the round hole on the upper stud and the curved slot over the lower stud (FIG. 4.5). 4.3.2. Attach the bracket using the provided 5/16” flat washers and 5/16”-18 nylon insert locknuts onto the studs but do not tighten fully until the bracket has been leveled. FIG. 4.5 FIG. 4.
4.3.3. Level the bracket using a bubble level or similar tool, then torque the 5/16”-18 nylon insert locknuts to 20 ft.-lbs. 4.3.4. Locate the appropriate PRLxxPR (SUPPORT LEG PAIR where “xx” denotes the leg length) for the location. Place a foot under the bracket with the foot extending under the ramp, then insert a 1-1/2” square Support Leg (leg) through the bracket into the foot. Loosen the 3/8”-16 headless socket set screws and the foot thumb screw if needed to fully engage the leg in the foot (FIG. 4.
4.4. INSTALL UNIVERSAL ANGLE BRACE – RAMPS If the walking surface is over 36″ high, a PUAB (UNIVERSAL ANGLE BRACE) must be installed under the ramp (FIG. 4.8). 4.4.1. Angle Braces (braces) come in pairs; use one pair per ramp connection. 4.4.2. The brace bands are installed on ramp legs in the same manner as platform legs (refer to ‘INSTALL UNIVERSAL ANGLE BRACE – PLATFORMS’). 4.4.3.
4.5. INSTALL RAMP GROUND TRANSITION 4.5.1. The PRGT (RAMP GROUND TRANSITION) consists of two sections that need to be installed into the ramp and connected together. The Ramp Ground Transition is only designed to transition from the lowest ramp in the run to the ground; do NOT USE in any other location. 4.5.2. Lift the lowest end of the ramp/ramp run and bring the upper section of the Ramp Ground Transition into the ramp end tread until the “hook” is engaged (FIG. 4.9). 4.5.3. Rotate into place (FIG. 4.
4.6. INSTALL A SINGLE RAMP RUN TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE This section (as well as 4.7 & 4.8) addresses configurations that do not include a top platform (the ramp run will be connected to an existing landing, such as a porch, deck, stairs, etc.). 4.6.1. Turn the ramp section upside down on a flat surface. Do this on cardboard or a lawn so that the ramp is not damaged (scratched or dented). 4.6.2. Locate PRHBPR (RAMP HANDRAIL END BRACKET PAIR).
4.7. ANCHOR RAMP UPPER TRANSITION The PRUT (RAMP UPPER TRANSITION) must be anchored to a substantial surface. Use the predrilled holes at each corner of the Ramp Upper Transition as guides. 4.7.1. IF RESTING ON A WOOD SURFACE: 4.7.1.1. Secure Ramp Upper Transition by installing the 1/4″ x 1” long self-drilling screw through each hole (FIG. 4.16). 4.7.2. IF RESTING ON A CONCRETE SURFACE: 4.7.2.1.
FIG. 4.17 4.9. BRIDGE PLATE For configurations that include a top platform, a PBP36 (BRIDGE PLATE) is included. It is intended to be used to bridge gaps up to a maximum of 6” between a platform and a porch or deck. 4.9.1. Securing to WOOD SURFACE OR PLATFORM: 4.9.1.1. To secure to a wooden deck or platform, use the four supplied 1/4″ x 1″ selfdrilling self-tapping screws. 4.9.2. Securing to CONCRETE: 4.9.2.1. To secure to concrete, drill a 1/4″ diameter hole at least 1 1/4″ deep.
5. HANDRAILS 5.1. RAMP HANDRAILS 5.1.1. Two-line handrails are provided in pairs. One handrail is required on each side of the ramp, but handrails are interchangeable side to side. 5.1.2. In configurations with more than one ramp in a run, handrail connectors (PRRC – CONNECTOR RAMP TO RAMP) are used to join handrails together. Refer to FIGs. 5.1 and 5.2 for the following: 5.1.2.1.
5.2. ASSEMBLE PLATFORM HANDRAILS If your configuration does not include a platform, skip to ‘INSTALL RAMP HANDRAIL END LOOPS’. 5.2.1. Two-line handrails are provided in pairs when ordered with the platform. It is strongly recommended the bolts be assembled loosely and not fully tightened until all have been installed and the handrail has been installed in the platform. 5.2.2. Using holes shown (FIG. 5.
5.3. INSTALL PLATFORM HANDRAILS 5.3.1. Depending on the configuration, refer to FIGs. 5.4 and FIG. 5.5 as needed. For U-shaped configurations, assemble handrails on both platforms as shown in FIG. 5.5. 5.3.2. Pre-assemble the platform handrail for both sides of a straight configuration and the “first″ handrail of a turn configuration. Make sure the unattached legs of the angle posts are on the same side with respect to handrail tubes and curb and pointing outward (FIG. 5.4). 5.3.3.
6. CLOSURES 6.1. CLOSURE UPPER RAIL AND CURB 6.1.1. Closures fill the space between ramp handrails and platform posts. As a standard, the closure comes with components which require the ramp to be mounted to one side or the other of a platform. When mounting to the side, the ramp handrail post should be positioned 1-1/2” (minimum) to 2” from the inside of the platform post. The installation of the upper rail is the same regardless of the closure’s position. 6.1.2.
6.1.6. 6.1.7. 6.1.8. 6.1.9. Cut the 1-1/2″ diameter round tube to the length measured less 1/16” (FIG. 6.3). Using a metal file, smooth any sharp edges from the cutting. Disassemble the adjustable elbow by removing the screw, nut, and center insert (FIG. 6.4). Install an elbow half into the end of the cut tube which will attach to the ramp handrail and a 5/16”-18 round threaded insert into the end which will attach to the post (FIG. 6.3). 6.1.10. Tighten internal set screws of the adjustable elbow (FIG. 6.
6.1.11. Reassemble elbow by replacing center insert and securing with screw and nut (FIG. 6.5). 6.1.12. Install a 5/16″-18 x 1″ hex bolt through a 5/16” flat washer and the upper hole in the angle post into the 5/16”-18 round threaded insert (FIG. 6.6), then tighten all fasteners securely. 6.1.13. Test to ensure elbow is properly secured and attached. If needed, tighten internal set screws to secure more rigidly. 6.1.14. Once the upper rail is in place, install the 1-1/2” x 2” curb. 6.1.15.
6.1.16. Measure the gap between the long leg of the bracket and the post then cut the 1-1/2” x 2” curb to the measured length, less 1/8” to account for the threaded inserts which will be installed after cutting (FIG. 6.8). 6.1.17. Insert 5/16”-18 square threaded inserts into both ends of the curb. Use a rubber mallet or similar tool to fully seat the threaded inserts as needed (FIG. 6.8). 6.1.18.
6.2. CLOSURE LOWER RAIL 6.2.1. Clamp the platform closure bracket (bracket) to the ramp handrail post such that short leg is centered on the lower two-line ramp handrail and aligned with the post. Orient the bracket so the long leg is on the same side as and parallel to the platform post (FIG. 6.10). 6.2.2. Measure the gap between the long leg of the bracket and platform post (FIG. 6.11). 6.2.3.
6.3. U-SHAPED CLOSURE 6.3.1. Closures for a U-shaped configuration are created using the same method described in the preceding section. 6.3.2. Install the upper rail, curb, and lower rail as described in ‘HANDRAILS’. 6.3.3. FIG. 6.13 shows the completed assembly. RAMPS ASSEMBLED IN U-SHAPED CONFIGURATION PLATFORMS ASSEMBLED IN U-SHAPED CONFIGURATION (5’ X 5’ PLATFORMS SHOWN) FIG. 6.
7. FINAL PLATFORM/RAMP STEPS AND CHECKS 7.1. SECURE RAMP TO PLATFORM 7.1.1. Once the positioning of all ramps and platforms, and installation of all handrails, connectors, and end loops are complete, you will need to secure ramps to platforms with Ramp End Clips (clips), included in PRHP - RAMP HANGER PAIR. Use two clips at all locations where ramps meet platforms. 7.1.2. Position each clip with the hole pointing up and oriented as shown (FIG. 7.
7.2. INSTALL RAMP HANDRAIL END LOOPS 7.2.1. Upper and lower end loops (FIG. 7.4) are installed in the same manner. If the end loop being installed doesn’t fit correctly (i.e., the attachment plate is angled the wrong direction, the lower leg seems too long or short, etc.), it is most likely being installed on the wrong end of the ramp or ramp run. 7.2.1.1. Install the O-ring over the swaged portion of the end loop until it rests against the loop shoulder (FIG. 7.5). 7.2.1.2.
7.3. INSTALL RAMP CORNER PROTECTORS 7.3.1. Install protective caps over side rail corners by placing one cap on each side at both the top and bottom of the ramp or ramp run (FIG. 7.7). If necessary, use construction adhesive to bond the cap to the ramp. 7.4. TOUCH-UP ARCHITECTURALLY FINISHED HANDRAILS 7.4.1. As needed, use sandpaper (180 grit or equivalent) for blending scratches on architecturally finished handrails. Sand in direction of the grain as shown (FIG. 7.8). 7.5. FINAL CHECKS 7.5.1.
8. OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT 8.1. LANDING PAD The PLP (LANDING PAD) is used at the bottom of a ramp or ramp run to assist mobility on soft ground. This is purchased separately and not included in any of the configurations. 8.1.1. Contour the ground where the landing pad will be positioned to remove any high or low areas which would prevent portions of the landing from contacting the ground. The underside of the landing pad must be fully supported by the ground.
8.2. RAMP LOWER TRANSITION When using the landing pad, the ramp lower transition replaces the ramp ground transition at the end of the ramp system. 8.2.1. Lift the end of the ramp and install the lower transition as shown (FIG. 8.3). 8.2.2. Slide the landing pad underneath the lower transition and end of the ramp. Make sure the landing pad is oriented so that the side marked for ramp attachment is at the end of the ramp. 8.2.3. Ensure that the lower transition extends fully onto the pad. 8.2.4.
9. MAINTENANCE & SAFETY 9.1. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY 9.1.1. Caution should be always used. Proper maintenance and upkeep to the ramp surface is vital. 9.1.2. Only use the system with a qualified helper. 9.1.3. Always use a lap belt if using the system with mobility equipment. 9.1.4. Before use with mobility equipment, refer to your mobility equipment's owner guide for acceptable ramp usage, including proper slope/incline, chair direction, etc.; never exceed its recommendations. 9.1.5.
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