Patent US6892409B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6892409B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Portable bridge apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2004-04-27
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Granted: 2005-05-17
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Expires: 2024-04-27
Abstract
Abstract A bridge is provided with at least five segments connected in series. Each segment includes two opposed ends. The ends of adjacent segments are in pivoting connection with respect to each other. The bridge also comprises a plurality of cables. For each end of each segment, at least one cable extends between the end of the segment and at least one end of at least one other segment. The cables have sufficient sizes, such that when the segments are pivoted to an orientation which forms an upwardly bowed arch, each of the cables extends in a substantially straight line between the ends of the segments. In addition, the segments on the ends of the bridge may be pivoted toward each other to provide slack in the cables, which enables the segments to pivot with respect to each other to form a compact configuration.
Inventors
- 👤 Jillian Marie Kaup
- 👤 Marc Ramsey Washington
- 👤 Jazlyn L. Carvajal
- 👤 Carl Peter Frank
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 18:32
CPC Classifications
E; E01; E01D; E01D15/00; E01D15/12; E01D15/124
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A bridge comprising: at least five segments connected in series, wherein each segment includes two opposed ends, wherein the ends of adjacent segments are in pivoting connection with respect to each other; at least four cables each having opposed ends, wherein for each end of each segment, each respective opposed end of at least one cable is in respective operative connection with the end of the segment and at least one end of at least one other segment; wherein when the segments are pivoted to an orientation which forms an upwardly bowed arch, each of the cables extends substantially taut in operative connection with the ends of different segments, whereby the cables are operative to resist downwardly directed force acting on the segments from causing the arch to collapse.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A bridge comprising: at least five segments connected in series, wherein each segment includes two opposed ends, wherein the ends of adjacent segments are in pivoting connection with respect to each other; at least four cables each having opposed ends, wherein for each end of each segment, each respective opposed end of at least one cable is in respective operative connection with the end of the segment and at least one end of at least one other segment; wherein when the segments are pivoted to an orientation which forms an upwardly bowed arch, each of the cables extends substantially taut in operative connection with the ends of different segments, whereby the cables are operative to resist downwardly directed force acting on the segments from causing the arch to collapse.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
44 words
The bridge according to claim 1 , wherein when the segments are pivoted to the orientation which forms the upwardly bowed arch, substantially all of each cable extends in a substantially straight line between portions of the bridge adjacent the ends of different segments.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The bridge according to claim 1 , wherein when the segments are pivoted to the orientation which forms the upwardly bowed arch, adjacent segments are oriented at angles less than 160 degrees and greater than 110 degrees with respect to each other.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The bridge according to claim 3 , wherein adjacent segments are operative to pivot in directions which decrease the angles with respect to each other and form slack in the cables.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The bridge according to claim 3 , wherein adjacent segments are operative to pivot in directions which decrease the angles with respect to each other and place segments at the ends of the series adjacent to each other.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
37 words
The bridge according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one rod at each junction between adjacent segments, wherein at least one segment of each adjacent set of segments is in pivoting connection with the rod.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The bridge according to claim 6 , wherein the cables are in operative connection with the rods.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
87 words
The bridge according to claim 1 , wherein each segment includes opposed first and second side ends which extend between the opposed ends of the segment, wherein the plurality of cables includes at least eight cables, wherein a first set of at least four of the cables is in operative connection with the segments adjacent the first side ends of the segments, wherein a second set of at least four of the cables is in operative connection with the segments adjacent the second side ends of segments.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
The bridge according to claim 1 , wherein when the segments are pivoted to the orientation which forms the upwardly bowed arch, the segments provide a walking surface which is adapted to support at least one person walking thereon.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
284 words
The bridge according to claim 1 , wherein the at least five segments each include first and second opposed ends, wherein the second end of the first segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the second segment, wherein the second end of the second segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the third segment, wherein the second end of the third segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the fourth segment, wherein the second end of the fourth segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the fifth segment, wherein at least one first cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the first end of the first segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the fourth segment and the first end of the fifth segment, wherein at least one second cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the first end of the first segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the third segment and the first end of the fourth segment, wherein at least one third cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the second end of the fifth segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the first segment and the first end of the second segment, wherein at least one fourth cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the second end of the fifth segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the second segment and the first end of the third segment.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
345 words
An apparatus comprising: a bridge, wherein the bridge comprises at least five segments connected in series, wherein each segment includes first and second opposed ends, wherein the second end of the first segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the second segment, wherein the second end of the second segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the third segment, wherein the second end of the third segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the fourth segment, wherein the second end of the fourth segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the fifth segment; a plurality of cables, wherein at least one first cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the first end of the first segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the fourth segment and the first end of the fifth segment, wherein at least one second cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the first end of the first segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the third segment and the first end of the fourth segment, wherein at least one third cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the second end of the fifth segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the first segment and the first end of the second segment, wherein at least one fourth cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the second end of the fifth segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the second segment and the first end of the third segment; and wherein when the segments are pivoted to an orientation which forms an upwardly bowed arch, each of the cables extends substantially taut in operative connection with the ends of different segments, whereby the cables are operative to resist downwardly directed forces acting on the segments from causing the arch to collapse.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
345 words
An apparatus comprising: a bridge, wherein the bridge comprises at least five segments connected in series, wherein each segment includes first and second opposed ends, wherein the second end of the first segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the second segment, wherein the second end of the second segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the third segment, wherein the second end of the third segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the fourth segment, wherein the second end of the fourth segment is in pivoting connection with the first end of the fifth segment; a plurality of cables, wherein at least one first cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the first end of the first segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the fourth segment and the first end of the fifth segment, wherein at least one second cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the first end of the first segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the third segment and the first end of the fourth segment, wherein at least one third cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the second end of the fifth segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the first segment and the first end of the second segment, wherein at least one fourth cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the second end of the fifth segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the second segment and the first end of the third segment; and wherein when the segments are pivoted to an orientation which forms an upwardly bowed arch, each of the cables extends substantially taut in operative connection with the ends of different segments, whereby the cables are operative to resist downwardly directed forces acting on the segments from causing the arch to collapse.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
42 words
The bridge according to claim 11 , wherein at least one fifth cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the first end of the first segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent the second end of the fifth segment.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
99 words
The bridge according to claim 11 , wherein at least one fifth cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the first end of the first segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the second segment and the first end of the third segment, wherein at least one sixth cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the second end of the fifth segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent a junction between the second end of the third segment and the first end of the fourth segment.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
42 words
The bridge according to claim 13 , wherein at least one seventh cable extends between a portion of the bridge adjacent the first end of the first segment and a portion of the bridge adjacent the second end of the fifth segment.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
57 words
The bridge according to claim 14 , wherein the cables have predetermined lengths, such that when the segments are pivoted to an orientation which forms an upwardly bowed arch, portions of each of the at least one first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh cables extend in substantially straight lines between the portions of the bridge.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
162 words
A method comprising: a) providing a bridge comprising at least five segments linked in a series, wherein each segment includes two opposed ends, wherein the ends of adjacent segments are in pivoting connection with respect to each other, wherein the bridge further comprises a plurality of cables each having opposed ends, wherein for each end of each segment, each respective opposed end of at least one cable is in respective operative connection with the end of the segment and at least one end of at least one other segment, wherein a portion of each cable is substantially slack; b) pivoting the segments to form an arch, wherein opposed ends of the series of segments are adjacent the ground and a central portion of the series of segments bows upwardly above the ground; c) responsive to (b), urging with the segments, each of the portions of the cables to extend substantially taut between portions of the bridge adjacent the ends of the segments.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
162 words
A method comprising: a) providing a bridge comprising at least five segments linked in a series, wherein each segment includes two opposed ends, wherein the ends of adjacent segments are in pivoting connection with respect to each other, wherein the bridge further comprises a plurality of cables each having opposed ends, wherein for each end of each segment, each respective opposed end of at least one cable is in respective operative connection with the end of the segment and at least one end of at least one other segment, wherein a portion of each cable is substantially slack; b) pivoting the segments to form an arch, wherein opposed ends of the series of segments are adjacent the ground and a central portion of the series of segments bows upwardly above the ground; c) responsive to (b), urging with the segments, each of the portions of the cables to extend substantially taut between portions of the bridge adjacent the ends of the segments.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 16 , where in (a) the segments are orientated in a compacted configuration with the opposed ends of the series of segments positioned adjacent to each other.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 17 , further comprising: d) pivoting the segments to return the bridge to the compacted configuration.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method according to claim 18 , wherein in (c) the bridge includes an upper side that has a substantially convex shape and an opposed lower side that has a substantially concave shape, wherein the cables extend along the lower side.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 16 , wherein in (c) substantially all of each cable extends in a substantially straight line between portions of the bridge adjacent the ends of different segments.
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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) | 2008-05-16 | 2008-11-15 | 2009-05-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2012-05-16 | 2012-11-15 | 2013-05-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2016-05-16 | 2016-11-15 | 2017-05-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |