US3894307A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Spanning members for bridging purposes
Assignee: Superflexit SA
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Filing: 1974-05-01
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Granted: 1975-07-15
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Expires: 1994-05-01
Abstract
Abstract This invention relates to semi-rigid inflatable spanning members which are used for bridging purposes particularly for laying down temporary bridges over gaps in open terrain, or over a watercourse. In the prior art these spanning members are constituted by a plurality of inflatable members housed within an envelope above which are arranged rigid plates: these plates are connected together end to end so as to form an arched bearing surface. In accordance with the invention, the envelope is bordered by a cable which engages laterally in channels provided at either side of the rigid plates and this cable is held in place by a suitable locking means.
Inventors
- 👤 Guy Robert Delamare
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 07:50
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01D; E01D15/00; E01D15/14; E01D15/20; E01D15/12; E01D15/122
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
In a semi-rigid inflatable spanning member constituted by a plurality of inflatable members housed within an envelope above which are arranged rigid plates which are connected together end to end and which form an arched bearing surface, said envelope being bordered by a cable having ends engaged in lateral channels provided on either side of said rigid plates, and locking means holding said cable in place in the said channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
In a semi-rigid inflatable spanning member constituted by a plurality of inflatable members housed within an envelope above which are arranged rigid plates which are connected together end to end and which form an arched bearing surface, said envelope being bordered by a cable having ends engaged in lateral channels provided on either side of said rigid plates, and locking means holding said cable in place in the said channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
An inflatable spanning member according to claim 1 wherein a heel-plate is provided at each end of said spanning member, into which heel-plate fits the last of said plates and against which heel-plate the ends of said inflatable members and of said envelope, are held in position by a clamping plate, said envelope being provided with an end retaining cable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
An inflatable spanning member according to claim 2, wherein the ends of each of said inflatable members and of said envelope are apertured to receive screws for clamping said clamping plate against said heel-plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
58 words
An inflatable spanning member according to claim 1, wherein said rigid plates have adjoining edgings which are provided at the bottom thereof with hinge members which enable the plates to be joined together edge to edge by means of a pin, and at the top thereof with bearing noses which allow the plates to butt together under load.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
An inflatable spanning member according to claim 1, wherein at least one pillar is supported by the bearing surface of said member and bridge superstructure is supported on said pillar.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
An inflatable spanning member according to claim 1, wherein uninflated reserve chambers which can be inflated in the event of one of said inflatable members being damaged are also arranged within said envelope.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
56 words
A semi-rigid inflatable spanning member according to claim 1, wherein said rigid plates are constituted by a section made of honeycomb material arranged between two thin plates the adjoining edgings of which are provided with profiled members forming apertured brackets into which apertures fit a series of pins for joining said plates together edge to edge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
An inflatable spanning member according to claim 6, wherein said uninflated reserve chambers are made from unreinforced sheets of very thin flexible and elastic plastic material, and are accommodated within said inflatable chambers made of coated fabric which are used in normal operation, so that, if said inflatable cHambers should suffer local damage, a seal may be re-established by inflating said reserve chambers which then form an impermeable film by adapting to the internal shape when inflated of the walls of said inflatable chambers.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-07-14 | 1979-01-13 | 1979-07-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-14 | 1983-01-13 | 1983-07-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-14 | 1987-01-13 | 1987-07-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |