For use with the pathway 3g modular ramp and pathway stair system (10 pages)
Summary of Contents for EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY 3G
Page 1
, a division of Homecare Products, Inc. All rights reserved. All text and images contained in this document are proprietary and may not be shared, modified, distributed, reproduced, or reused without the express written permission of EZ-ACCESS. Manufactured in the USA...
Page 2
PATHWAY ® Modular Access System Assembly Manual ATTENTION INSTALLER and END USER • For residential use only! • 1,000 Lb. weight capacity. • Read this manual in its entirety, ensuring you understand all instructions and warnings prior to ramp assembly and use. •...
Page 3
Use caution at all times. Proper maintenance and upkeep to the PATHWAY® 3G Modular Access System and all PATHWAY® system components is vital. The term “system” refers to the entire PATHWAY 3G Modular Access System, including any gates, stairs, ramps, platforms, risers, handrails, supports, transition plates, landing pads, and any/all hardware and components which are intended to be assembled on the PATHWAY 3G Modular Access System.
BASIC SYSTEM COMPONENTS Because each ramp configuration will differ from one another, your system may or may not contain all these basic system components. Identify your system components before you begin. Check which surface option and handrail options are included. SURFACE OPTIONS SOLID SURFACE EXPANDED METAL SURFACE...
Page 6
KEY RAMP COMPONENTS PRGT & PRGT48 PRLXXPR – RAMP LEG PAIRS RAMP GROUND TRANSITION 18” X 36”and 18” X 48” XX DENOTES USABLE LENGTH (LENGTHS AVAILABLE 10” THROUGH 100" IN 6” INCREMENTS) SHOWN ASSEMBLED PRHBPR – RAMP HANDRAIL END BRACKET (PAIR) PRRC –...
Page 7
KEY RAMP COMPONENTS, CONT’D. PRHRLU- UPPER HANDRAIL END LOOP PRHRLL - LOWER HANDRAIL END LOOP PHREC - HANDRAIL END CAP WITH THE WITH THE UPPER END LOWER END LOOP, THE TUBE LOOP, THE TUBE WITH WITH ATTACHMENT ATTACHMENT PLATE IS LONGER PLATE IS THAN ON THE SHORTER THAN...
PLATFORMS AND PLATFORM HANDRAIL OPTIONS PLATFORM (STRAIGHT CONFIGURATION) PLATFORM (TURN CONFIGURATION) PLATFORM (8’ X 5’ TURN BACK) PLATFORM* WITH SINGLE-LINE HANDRAIL PLATFORM* WITH VERTICAL PICKET HANDRAIL PLATFORM* WITH HORIZONTAL PICKET HANDRAIL *RAMP OR PLATFORM NOT INCLUDED Page 8 of 72...
Page 9
PLATFORMS AND PLATFORM HANDRAIL OPTIONS, CONT’D. PLATFORM (45° ANGLE W/ TWO-LINE HANDRAILS) PLATFORM (45° ANGLE W/VERTICAL PICKETS) 45° Angle Platform not available with SINGLE-LINE or HORIZONTAL PICKET handrails KEY PLATFORM COMPONENTS PSTSXXPR – PLATFORM FEET & SUPPORT TUBE PAIRS PPPC – CONNECTOR – PLATFORM TO PLATFORM XX DENOTES USABLE LENGTH (LENGTHS...
Page 11
PUCB4, PUCB5 & PUCB8 – UNIVERSAL CROSS BRACE • PUCB4 USED ON 4’ PLATFORM SIDE PUCB5 USED • ON 5’ & 6’ PLATFORM SIDES • PUCB8 USED ON 8’ PLATFORM SIDE PLP – LANDING PAD PUG36 – PATHWAY 3G GATE 36” Page 11 of 72...
PLATFORMS 2.1. INSTALL PLATFORMS If your system 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’...
Page 13
2.2. INSTALL SUPPORT TUBES AND FEET, THEN ADJUST PLATFORM HEIGHT 2.2.1. Support tubes, plugs, and feet come in pairs. Support tubes will come in lengths sufficient for the heights at specific locations. 2.2.2. Loosen all set screws in the platform corner pockets. 2.2.2.1 The set screws on the outside of the platform are for the platform support tubes.
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. 2.2.7. Make sure the feet are fully engaged on the tubes and tighten the thumb screw on each foot securely.
2.4. 45° ANGLE PLATFORM This platform is used between two ramps to make a 45-degree turn and features a symmetrical design, making it usable in either direction. 2.4.1. There are two options for 45° Angle Platform handrails, Two-Line and Vertical Pickets. The platform includes the handrail components needed for the option ordered.
2.6. 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 surfaces 36″ up to 72″. Walking surfaces 72″ and higher requires cross braces in addition to the angle braces.
RAMPS 3.1. CONNECT RAMP SECTIONS 3.1.1. 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). When installing a single ramp section, skip to 'INSTALL A SINGLE RAMP RUN TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE’.
3.2. INSTALL RAMPS ON PLATFORMS 3.2.1. The following will address attaching 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’...
3.3. ATTACH RAMP LEGS TO RAMPS 3.3.1. Locate the appropriate PRLxxPR (RAMP LEG PAIR where “xx” denotes the leg length) for the location. Insert the leg into a foot. Make sure the leg is fully engaged in the foot and the foot will be oriented so it extends under the ramp once installed.
Page 21
ADA guidelines call for a maximum slope of 1:12 (approximately 5°) and this is the ideal slope for the PATHWAY 3G system. However, the ramps can be installed from 1:14 to 1:8 (approximately 4° to 7°). Do not attempt to install the ramps outside this range.
FIG. 3.8 INSTALL UNIVERSAL ANGLE BRACE - RAMPS If the ramp walking surface is over 36″ high, a PUAB (UNIVERSAL ANGLE BRACE) must be installed under the ramp (FIG. 3.8). 3.3.6. The opposite end of the angle brace is attached to the bottom of the ramp (near the center of the tread at the end of the ramp) using a 1/4″...
3.4. INSTALL GROUND TRANSITION RAMP 3.4.1. The PRGT (RAMP GROUND TRANSITION) consists of two sections that need to be installed into the ramp and connected together. The PRGT (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. 3.4.2.
3.5. INSTALL A SINGLE RAMP RUN TO AN EXISTING STRUCTURE If installing a ramp run to an existing landing other than a PATHWAY 3G Platform, such as a porch, deck, stairs, etc., follow these steps: 3.5.1. 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).
3.6. ANCHOR RAMP UPPER TRANSITION The PRUT (RAMP UPPER TRANSITION) must be anchored to a substantial surface. Use the pre-drilled holes at each corner of the PRUT (RAMP UPPER TRANSITION) as guides. 3.6.1. IF RESTING ON A WOODEN SURFACE: 3.6.1.1. Secure PRUT (RAMP UPPER TRANSITION) by installing the 1/4″ x 1” long self-drilling screw through each hole (FIG.
3.7. ANGLE RAMPS WITH RESPECT TO PLATFORMS, PORCHES, OR DECKS There are situations where it is necessary to angle ramps with respect to a platform, porch or deck. The components required are not normally included with a typical system unless it is a ramp or ramp run without a platform.
HANDRAILS 4.1. RAMP HANDRAILS 4.1.1. Two-line handrails are provided in pairs when ordered with the ramp. Other styles of ramp handrails, Single-Line, Vertical Pickets, and Horizontal Pickets, are provided for a single side to allow maximum flexibility in handrail options. Two-line handrails can also be converted to other styles.
FIG. 4.2 4.2. FIELD CONVERT TWO-LINE RAMP HANDRAILS TO VERTICAL PICKETS 4.2.1. Remove the Two-Line handrail from the ramp (if installed) then remove the lower rail (FIG. 4.3). 4.2.2. Install the vertical pickets into the two uppermost and lowermost holes in the ramp handrail posts using the provided 5/16”-18 x 2-1/4”...
4.3. ASSEMBLE HORIZONTAL PICKET RAMP HANDRAILS 4.3.1. Assemble the Horizontal Picket ramp handrails before installing on the ramp. 4.3.2. Starting with the uppermost holes, insert a horizontal picket between the ramp handrail frame posts and secure using the 5/16”-18 x 2-1/4” long hex bolts and 5/16” flat washers provided (FIG.
4.4. ASSEMBLE STANDARD PLATFORM HANDRAILS 4.4.1. Two-Line and Single-Line handrails are provided in pairs when ordered with the PATHWAY 3G platform. Vertical Pickets & Horizontal Pickets are provided for a single side to allow maximum flexibility in handrail options. When Vertical Pickets or Horizontal Pickets are ordered, you will receive a platform with Two-Line handrails and the picket option(s) ordered.
Page 31
4.4.4. For Vertical Picket platform handrails, pre-assemble the handrails by inserting a 5/16”-18 x 1” long hex bolts through a 5/16” flat washer, the angle post, and into a 5/16”-18 round threaded insert in the handrail or square threaded insert in the vertical pickets. Use the holes shown in FIG.
4.5. INSTALL STANDARD PLATFORM HANDRAILS 4.5.1. Regardless of the handrail style, but depending on the configuration, refer to FIG. 4.9 and FIG. 4.10 as needed. 4.5.2. Pre-assemble the platform handrail for both sides of a straight configuration and the “first″ handrail of a turn configuration as described above. Make sure the unattached legs of the angle posts are on the same side with respect to the handrail tubes, curb and pickets and pointing outward as shown.
FIG. 4.10 4.6. CONVERT TWO-LINE PLATFORM HANDRAILS TO OTHER STYLES 4.6.1. To convert a Two-Line Handrail to Vertical Pickets in the field, leave the top handrail in place but loosen the attachment bolts on both sides and remove lower rail and curb. Install the Vertical Pickets in the same manner described in ‘ASSEMBLE STANDARD PLATFORM HANDRAILS’...
4.8. 45° ANGLE PLATFORM HANDRAILS 4.8.1. There are two options for 45° Angle Platform handrails, Two-Line and Vertical Pickets. The platform includes the handrail components needed for the option ordered. Single-Line and Horizontal Picket handrail options are not available for the 45° Angle Platform.
Page 37
4.8.4. Insert adjustable elbows into both the ramp handrails and the Bolt-On Stub Rails (FIG. 4.16). 4.8.5. Loosen the elbow assembly screws and position the adjustable elbows so they are aligned with the adjustable elbows on the opposite side (but do not tighten), then measure the distance between the two larger round faces.
Page 38
4.8.8. Insert one half of the elbow into the ramp handrail and the other half into the leg of the handrail extension above the connector plate (FIG. 4.17). 4.8.9. Center the large hole in the connector plate over the bolt and washer attaching the lower ramp handrail (or over the second hole from the top if no rail is present) and reassemble the adjustable elbow.
Page 39
4.8.12. Insert adjustable elbows into the open ramp handrail, the Bolt-On Stub Rail and the open ends of the welded handrail extension (FIG. 4.19). 4.8.13. Align the adjustable elbows and measure and cut the 1-1/2” diameter handrail tubes connecting the ramp handrail and Bolt-On Stub Rail to the handrail extension. Measure both upper and lower gaps because they could be different and cut tubes accordingly.
Page 40
4.8.16. After installing the ramp handrails, insert the Short Side Vertical Picket on the “short” side of the 45° Angle Platform. Align the bottom of the posts with the bottom of the corner pockets and tighten the set screws securely. Install angle caps on top of the posts. Refer to Section 4.5 for installing platform handrails and attaching angle caps (FIG.
Page 41
4.8.18. For the “long” side of the 45° Angle Platform there are two welded Vertical Picket panels which are inserted into the corner pockets then bolted together. Left hand and right hand refer to looking at the “long” side from the “short” side. Insert both into their respective corner pockets and align the bottom of the posts with the bottom of the corner pockets.
Page 42
4.8.20. Install an adjustable elbow in the last open ramp handrail and align with the adjustable elbow at the split between the Vertical Picket panels. Measure the gap between the large round faces, cut a 1-1/2” diameter handrail tube to fit the gap and install the handrail tube (FIG.
CLOSURES Closures fill the space between ramp handrails and platform posts. Like the ramp and platform handrails, they are available in Two-Line, Single-Line, Vertical Pickets and Horizontal Pickets. As a standard, the closures come with components which require the ramp to be mounted to one side or the other of a platform but the ramp can also be centered or mounted in any location on a platform side except when using the Vertical Picket closure (refer to Section 5.3).
Page 44
5.4.1. Cut the 1-1/2″ diameter round tube to the length measured less 1/16” (FIG. 5.3). 5.4.2. Using a metal file, smooth any sharp edges from the cutting. 5.4.3. Disassemble the adjustable elbow by removing the screw, nut and center insert (FIG. 5.4). 5.4.4.
Page 45
5.4.7. 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, then tighten all fasteners securely (FIG. 5.6). 5.4.8. Test to ensure elbow is properly secured and attached. If needed, tighten internal set screws to secure more rigidly.
Page 46
FIG. 5.8 FIG. 5.9 5.4.10. 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. 5.8). 5.4.11.
5.5. TWO-LINE CLOSURE LOWER RAIL 5.5.1. Locate a platform closure bracket. Remove the 5/16″-18 x 2-1/4″ hex bolt and 5/16” flat washer attaching the lower Two-Line ramp handrail then reinstall bolt and washer through the slot in the short leg of the bracket, the ramp handrail post and into the threaded insert in the lower rail.
5.6. VERTICAL PICKET CLOSURE 5.6.1. Vertical Picket closures are specific to the platform size (4’, 5’ and 6’) and come in two pieces which allow the ramp to be mounted to one side or be centered on a platform side. If the ramp is to be centered on a platform additional components are needed. The additional components will come with the closure if specified at the time of order but the closure can be converted to allow the ramp to be centered in the field by ordering a second set of hardware.
HORIZONTAL PICKET CLOSURE 5.6.7. The Horizontal Picket closure includes a special bracket which is attached to the ramp handrail post. If the ramp handrail has Horizontal or Vertical Pickets, remove the 5/16″- 18 x 2-1/4″ hex bolt and 5/16” flat washer attaching the upper and lower rail then reinstall through the slots in the horizontal picket closure bracket as shown in FIG 5.18.
Page 51
5.6.12. Attach the tube with threaded inserts installed to the platform handrail post and the horizontal picket closure bracket using 5/16”-18 x 1” long hex bolts and 5/16” flat washers but do not tighten fully (FIG. 5.20). 5.6.13. Repeat the steps above until all five 1 1/2″ diameter round tubes and curb have been installed then tighten all fasteners securely.
5.7. TURN BACK CLOSURES 5.7.1. There are three special closures available for filling the space between two ramps in a turn back configuration. The Single-Line and Two-Line Turn Back Closures can be used with platforms of any size but the 8’ x 5’ Vertical Picket Closure can only be used with the 8’...
Page 53
5.7.11. Measure the gap between the long leg of the closure brackets and cut the 1-1/2” x 2” curb to the measured gap length less 1/8” to account for the threaded inserts which will be installed after cutting (FIG. 5.23). 5.7.12.
Page 54
5.7.15. If installing a Single-Line Turn Back Closure the installation is complete. 5.7.16. If installing a Two-Line Turn Back Closure, a second 1-1/2″ diameter round tube is installed in the second hole from the top of the ramp handrail posts in the same manner as the curb at the bottom.
FINAL PLATFORM/RAMP STEPS AND CHECKS 6.1. SECURE RAMPS TO PLATFORMS 6.1.1. Once 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 (included in PRHP - RAMP HANGER PAIR).
INSTALL RAMP HANDRAIL END LOOPS 6.1.6. The PATHWAY 3G Modular Ramp System may include both upper and lower end loops (FIG. 6.4). Upper and lower end loops are installed in the same manner. If the end loop being installed doesn’t fit correctly (i.e. the connector plate is angled the wrong direction, the lower leg seems too long or short), you are most likely trying to install it on the wrong end of the ramp or ramp run.
6.1.6.1. Install one 1/4” x 1” long hex washer head self-drilling screw through the hole in the connector plate into the ramp handrail post and tighten securely (FIG. 6.6). FIG. 6.6 6.2. INSTALL RAMP HANDRAIL END CAPS 6.2.1. Use plastic end caps when there are any remaining open ends on the handrails (FIG. 6.7). Push them on by hand or use a rubber mallet.
6.4.4. Ensure that the level and slope has not shifted during installation. 6.4.5. Check that all handrail ends are covered (either with loops or with end caps). 6.4.6. CONGRATULATIONS! The EZ-ACCESS® PATHWAY® 3G System is assembled. Page 58 of 72...
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT 7.1. RAMP SUPPORT TOP The PRST (RAMP SUPPORT TOP) provides supplemental support at the upper (or lower) end of the ramp. When used, the support top replaces the PRHBPR (RAMP HANDRAIL END BRACKET PAIR). 7.1.1. Attach top support brackets with two 5/16"-18 x 1-1/2" hex bolts and each 5/16" flat washers (FIG.
7.2. RAMP LOWER TRANSITION 7.2.1. The lower transition, in combination with an PRST (RAMP SUPPORT TOP) is commonly used to span wider gaps or accommodate larger angular misalignment than can be achieved with an upper transition. It can also be used in place of the ground transition in some situations.
7.4. LANDING PAD 7.4.1. The PLP (LANDING PAD) is used at the bottom of a ramp or ramp run to assist mobility on soft ground. Contour the ground to remove any high or low areas which would prevent portions of the Landing Pad from contacting the ground. WARNING The Landing Pad is intended for use on the ground only.
Page 62
7.4.4. Lift the lower end of the ramp and install the lower transition as described (see ‘RAMP LOWER TRANSITION), then slide the pad underneath. Make sure the ramp is on the side marked for ramp attachment and ensure that the lower transition extends fully onto the pad.
7.5. PLATFORM TIE STRAPS 7.5.1. The PTPS (PLATFORM TIE STRAP) is intended to attach a platform to an existing porch, deck, threshold or platform where there is little or no gap (1/2″ maximum if being installed per ADA Guidelines). 7.5.2. Position straps next to the platform corner pockets, extending equally onto the platform and the existing surface (FIG.
7.6. LIGHTNING GROUND ROD Prior to installing, ensure that any underground electrical conductors, natural gas lines, water/drain lines, and/or other interferences are located and will not hinder the installation. 7.6.1. Since aluminum can conduct electricity, the PLGRK (LIGHTNING GROUND ROD KIT) provides the components needed to ground a ramp system.
The installer, based on field conditions, will determine the exact location of the tie downs. As a general rule, they should be positioned opposite one another as shown (FIG. 7.10) Install the PATHWAY 3G Modular Access System to establish layout and locations. It may be necessary to temporarily reposition components in order to install the anchors.
Page 66
FIG. 7.11 7.7.1. For platforms, install one tie down at each corner where a support tube is installed (FIG 7.11). 7.7.2. Place a brace band around the support tube approximately 2″ below either the corner pocket of a platform and secure using the 5/16″ square neck carriage bolt 5/16″ nut, and 3/8″...
Page 67
Install one of the 5/16″ eyebolts and secure to the ramp using one 5/16″ flat washer and one 5/16″ nut in each hole (FIG. 7.12). 7.7.11. Secure one end of the wire rope to the eyebolts using the supplied 3/16″ wire rope clamps.
7.8. GATE 7.8.1. The PUG36 (MODULAR GATE 36”) can be installed to swing either direction. Determine which side the hinge should be on and the direction the gate should swing before starting installation (FIG. 7.13). FIG. 7.13 7.8.2. Using the rubber mallet, tap in the provided round tube plugs into the tubing ends on the gate.
Page 69
7.8.4. Remove gravity latch and finger catch from bag. IMPORTANT! Discard the screws included in the same bag as the gravity latch and finger catch, as they will not be used. Instead, use the screws included in the separate hardware bag for the following steps. 7.8.5.
MAINTENANCE & SAFETY 8.1. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY 8.1.1. Caution should be used at all times. Proper maintenance and upkeep to the ramp surface is vital. 8.1.2. Use ramp only with a qualified helper. 8.1.3. Always use your mobility device’s lap belt. 8.1.4.
Page 71
DEICING For the safety of all users, it is important to keep your system clear of snow, ice, and other debris. Always follow the deicing agent manufacturer’s directions. EZ ACCESS will not be held responsible for any injuries or damages that arise from the information provided.
Page 72
® Thank you for choosing EZ-ACCESS for your accessibility needs. We’d love to hear from you! 1-800-451-1903 www.ezaccess.com Page 72 of 72...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the PATHWAY 3G and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers