Patent US2439951A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4601079A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Portable bridging apparatus
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1984-09-28
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Granted: 1986-07-22
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Expires: 2004-09-28
Abstract
Abstract Portable bridge apparatus is disclosed comprising a plurality of connected bridge segments. The bridge segments are adapted to be extended outward from a base to form a bridge and then can be retracted when the bridge is no longer needed. The apparatus is useful in rescue operations, among other uses.
Inventors
- 👤 John A. Corica
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 06:23
CPC Classifications
A; A62; A62B; A62B99/00; B; B63; B63B; B63B27/00; B63B27/14; B63B27/143; E; E01; E01D; E01D15/00; E01D15/12; E01D15/124; E04; E04C; E04C3/00; E04C3/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
Portable bridge apparatus comprising; (a) a plurality of bridge segments which are pivotably connected to one another; wherein each said segment includes a floor portion and spaced apart wall portions; wherein said segments are pivotably connected to one another at the tops of said wall portions; and wherein the length of said segment is shorter at said floor portion than at said tops of said wall portions; (b) extension and retraction means comprising a rotatable reel adapted to support said bridge segments; (c) elevation means carried by said base member; (d) a base member adapted to carry said extension and retraction means and said elevation means; (e) tensioning means, carried by said base member, which is adapted to maintain said bridge segments in rigid arched alignment when in extended position; wherein said extension and retraction means is adapted to extend said bridge segments outward from said base in a manner such that an arched bridge is formed; wherein said elevation means is adapted to retract said bridge segments.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
Portable bridge apparatus comprising; (a) a plurality of bridge segments which are pivotably connected to one another; wherein each said segment includes a floor portion and spaced apart wall portions; wherein said segments are pivotably connected to one another at the tops of said wall portions; and wherein the length of said segment is shorter at said floor portion than at said tops of said wall portions; (b) extension and retraction means comprising a rotatable reel adapted to support said bridge segments; (c) elevation means carried by said base member; (d) a base member adapted to carry said extension and retraction means and said elevation means; (e) tensioning means, carried by said base member, which is adapted to maintain said bridge segments in rigid arched alignment when in extended position; wherein said extension and retraction means is adapted to extend said bridge segments outward from said base in a manner such that an arched bridge is formed; wherein said elevation means is adapted to retract said bridge segments.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said floor portion of each said bridge segment has a width which is narrower than the width at the top of said segment, wherein said bridge segments are adapted to nestably engage when rolled upon said reel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said base member is adapted to rotate in a horizontal plane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said tensioning means comprises a cable.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein each said bridge segment is connected to an adjacent said segment at its lower end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said elevation means comprises (a) an outwardly projecting arm which is pivotably supported by said base member, (b) a hydraulic cylinder adapted to pivot said projecting arm, and (c) actuating means for actuating said hydraulic cylinder.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said apparatus is mounted on a trailer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said apparatus is mounted on a truck bed.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, further comprising catch means adapted to be carried by the outermost bridge segment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 9, wherein said catch means comprises an inflatable pad disposed within a basket.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 10, wherein said basket is cone-shaped.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein each said bridge segment has a length in the range of about 6 to 10 feet.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
Portable bridge apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the width of each bridge segment is in the range of about 3 to 5 feet.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
Portable apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein the length of each bridge segment is about 2 to 6 inches shorter at the bottom than the top thereof.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-07-21 | 1990-01-20 | 1990-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-07-21 | 1994-01-20 | 1994-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-07-21 | 1998-01-20 | 1998-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |