US4662020A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combined trailer and vehicle bridge
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1985-10-11
•
Granted: 1987-05-05
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Expires: 2005-10-11
Abstract
Abstract A combined trailer and vehicle bridge for detachable connection to a tow vehicle, the trailer being convertible to a bridge for spanning the opposite sides of a gulf in order to permit a vehicle to drive thereacross, including an elongate bed supported on a wheel assembly and provided with means extendable from either end of the bed on the opposite side of a gulf when the bed is being positioned thereacross by the tow vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry E. Wilkerson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:07
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01D; E01D15/00; E01D15/12; E01D15/127
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
177 words
A combined trailer and vehicle bridge capable of being towed by a tow vehicle and spannable across the opposite banks of a gulf to permit a vehicle to drive thereacross, which combined trailer and vehicle bridge comprises: (a) an elongate bed for conversion back and forth between a trailer and a bridge; (b) wheel means supporting the bed midway between the ends thereof; (c) connection means permitting either end of the bed to be detachably connected to a tow vehicle for travel as a trailer; (d) support means extendable from either end of the bed for supporting each end of the bed on a corresponding bank of a gulf when the wheel assembly is disposed within the gulf; (e) means carried at each end of the bed for lifting each end of the bed to permit connection or detachment of the connection means, and extension or retraction of the extendable means; and (f) the wheel means being always maintained midway between the ends of the bed during conversion of the bed between a trailer and a bridge.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
177 words
A combined trailer and vehicle bridge capable of being towed by a tow vehicle and spannable across the opposite banks of a gulf to permit a vehicle to drive thereacross, which combined trailer and vehicle bridge comprises: (a) an elongate bed for conversion back and forth between a trailer and a bridge; (b) wheel means supporting the bed midway between the ends thereof; (c) connection means permitting either end of the bed to be detachably connected to a tow vehicle for travel as a trailer; (d) support means extendable from either end of the bed for supporting each end of the bed on a corresponding bank of a gulf when the wheel assembly is disposed within the gulf; (e) means carried at each end of the bed for lifting each end of the bed to permit connection or detachment of the connection means, and extension or retraction of the extendable means; and (f) the wheel means being always maintained midway between the ends of the bed during conversion of the bed between a trailer and a bridge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combined trailer and vehicle bridge of claim 1 further including means carried at each end of the bed for permitting a vehicle to drive onto and off of the bed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
The combined trailer and vehicle bridge of claim 2 wherein the means permitting a vehicle to drive onto and off of the bed includes a pair of ramps pivotally connected to each end of the bed for displacement between a retracted position wherein the ramps overlie the bed and an extended position wherein the ramps extend longitudinally from either end of the bed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The combined trailer and vehicle bridge of claim 1 wherein the lifting means includes a fluid-operated jack.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The combined trailer and vehicle bridge of claim 1 wherein the extensible means includes a pair of beams which are longitudinally retractable within the bed and extendable from either end thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The combined trailer and vehicle bridge of claim 5 further including ground engaging pads for detachable connection to the ends of the beams in their extended position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The combined trailer and vehicle bridge of claim 5 further including rollers carried at each end of the bed and engageable by the beams for minimizing friction during retraction and extension of the beams.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combined trailer and vehicle bridge of claim 1 wherein the enlongate bed includes a deck and the longitudinal sides of the bed further include means for securing cargo on the deck.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The combined trailer and vehicle bridge of claim 1 wherein each end of the elongate bed includes a storage compartment.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The combined trailer and vehicle bridge of claim 1 wherein the connection means includes a retractable tongue carried at each end of the bed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
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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) | 1990-05-04 | 1990-11-03 | 1991-05-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-05-04 | 1994-11-03 | 1995-05-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-05-04 | 1998-11-03 | 1999-05-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |