US4665577A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Methods of constructing modular bridges
Assignee: KNDS Defence UK Ltd
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Filing: 1985-06-07
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Granted: 1987-05-19
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Expires: 2005-06-07
Abstract
Abstract A method of constructing a modular bridge across a span comprises at least a first trestle on the home bank of the span, placing a first module of a modular launching rail on the trestle, connecting one or more subsequent launching rail modules to the launching rail being formed, placing a first bridge module on the launching rail, connecting one or more subsequent bridge modules to the bridge being formed, booming out the launching rail across the span and launching the bridge across the span along the launching rail. A trestle for use in such a method is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas S. Parramore
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 23:21
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01D; E01D19/00; E01D19/005; B; B63; B63B; B63B27/00; B63B27/14; B63B27/143; E01D15/00; E01D15/12; E01D15/124
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
230 words
A method of constructing a modular bridge across a span having a home bank and a far bank, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of bridge modules wherein each bridge module comprises two longitudinal main girder structures and an intermediate central deck having a deck surface capable of supporting vehicles, the central deck extending substantially the entire length of the bridge module; foldable connecting means foldably connecting the main girder structures to each side of the central deck in a manner such that the main girders are foldable between an operative position in which the main girder structures offer extensions of the deck surface on either side of the deck for use and a closed position in which the main girder structures are folded beneath the deck; (b) placing at least a first trestle on the home bank of the span; (c) placing a first module of a modular launching rail on teh trestle, thereby to start to form a launching rail, (d) connecting at least one subsequent module to the launching rail being formed, (e) placing a first bridge module on the launching rail, to thereby start to form a bridge, (f) connecting at least one subsequent bridge module to the bridge being formed, (g) booming out the launching rail across the span, and (h) launching the bridge across the span along the launching rail.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
230 words
A method of constructing a modular bridge across a span having a home bank and a far bank, the method comprising the steps of: (a) providing a plurality of bridge modules wherein each bridge module comprises two longitudinal main girder structures and an intermediate central deck having a deck surface capable of supporting vehicles, the central deck extending substantially the entire length of the bridge module; foldable connecting means foldably connecting the main girder structures to each side of the central deck in a manner such that the main girders are foldable between an operative position in which the main girder structures offer extensions of the deck surface on either side of the deck for use and a closed position in which the main girder structures are folded beneath the deck; (b) placing at least a first trestle on the home bank of the span; (c) placing a first module of a modular launching rail on teh trestle, thereby to start to form a launching rail, (d) connecting at least one subsequent module to the launching rail being formed, (e) placing a first bridge module on the launching rail, to thereby start to form a bridge, (f) connecting at least one subsequent bridge module to the bridge being formed, (g) booming out the launching rail across the span, and (h) launching the bridge across the span along the launching rail.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bridge comprises two end modules in each of which the main girder structures are longitudinally tapered in depth when seen from a side of the module and at least one intermediate module in which the main girder structures are not so tapered.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, in which the main girder structures are box girder structures.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each main girder structure comprises at least one first lifting attachment on a surface offering the extension of the deck surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one first lifting attachment is recessed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each main girder structure comprises at least one second lifting attachment on a surface which is facing a corresponding surface of the other main girder structure when the module is in the operative position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deck comprises two lip portions and wherein each of the main girder structures comprises a shoulder portion, each of which lip portions bears on a respective one of the shoulder portions when the module is in the operative position.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the module further comprises bracing means between the main girder structures for bracing the module when in the operative position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising providing means for altering the angle of approach offered by an end bridge module.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the altering means comprises one or more hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements for articulating the end bridge module.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 9, wherein a deck extension unit is provided for inserting in the end bridge module at a given angle of approach.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one sub-frame is provided for bracing the bridge and for supporting the bridge on the launching rail.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein one sub-frame is provided towards each end of the bridge.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein the at least one sub-frame has a pair of rollers, one for bearing on each of a pair of flanges on the launching rail.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as claimed in claim 1, which method comprises placing a second trestle on the home bank to take proportion of the load of the modules.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second trestle comprises at least one launching rail support roller for supporting the launching rail, at least one bridge support roller for supporting the bridge and lateral guide means for the bridge modules.
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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) | 1990-05-18 | 1990-11-17 | 1991-05-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-05-18 | 1994-11-17 | 1995-05-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-05-18 | 1998-11-17 | 1999-05-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |