Patent Publication Number: US-11028541-B2

Title: Modular bridge system

Description:
PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C SECTION 119(E) &amp; 37 C.F.R. SECTION 1.78 
     This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled: Modular Bridge System, Application No. 62/784,392 filed Dec. 22, 2018, in the name of Richard Carl Till, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to bridges, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a modular bridge system that is primarily comprised of three modular components that are configured to be easily transported and modularly linked in order to provide a temporary bridge for traversing a ravine or similar geographic feature. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Much of the earth&#39;s surface is undeveloped wild terrain. The terrain varies greatly and ranges from features including flat plains to mountainous regions. Mountainous regions provide unique challenges for an individual when the need arises to traverse thereacross. Remote areas are often undeveloped to the point wherein the area will have limited to no roads. Various reasons precipitate the need to traverse through these terrains and can range from a rescue operation to a recreational purpose such as but not limited to a running or biking event. Regardless of the purpose, it can often occur that the terrain may present a unique challenge at certain points along the route. Geographic features such as but not limited to gullies and ravines present a challenging obstacle for any individual trying to traverse across. It can often be inconvenient to be descend down the ravine or gully and then ascend up the opposing side. A maneuver such as the aforementioned is undesirable if time is of the essence in a rescue operation. Likewise, for a recreational event such as an outdoor run, such as maneuver can present unwanted risks to the participants of the event. 
     Existing technology available to assist in the crossing of ravines or gullies come with many challenges. One challenge is the transportation logistics of the bridge itself to the location. As bridges must be constructed to support certain loads with minimal sway and deflection, their construction often results in larger pieces, which are difficult to transport and install. Additionally, due to structural requirements, bridges may not be built from lighter weight materials and as such require additional manpower or equipment to facilitate the installation thereof. 
     It is intended within the scope of the present invention to provide a modular bridge system that is manufactured from a lightweight strong material wherein the present invention is configured to be easily transported and assembled at the desired location. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be easily transported and installed at a desired location wherein the modular bridge system comprises three primary components that are assembled at the installation site to create a bridge. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be installed across a geographic feature such as but not limited to a gully wherein one of the three primary modules is a deck module and wherein the deck module is operable to provide a surface for user to traverse across. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be easily transported and installed at a desired location wherein deck module is manufactured from aluminum and in a preferred embodiment includes non-skid decking. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be installed across a geographic feature such as but not limited to a gully wherein a second of the three primary modules are support modules, wherein the support modules are polygon in form and vertical in orientation. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be easily transported and installed at a desired location wherein the support modules include a plurality of support members welded in the aforementioned shape and are manufactured from aluminum. 
     Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be installed across a geographic feature such as but not limited to a gully wherein the support modules utilize no butt-welds on the linear members thereof. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be easily transported and installed at a desired location wherein the support members of the support modules are arranged in a duplicate pattern having intersecting supports therebetween. 
     An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be installed across a geographic feature such as but not limited to a gully wherein the deck module is superposed the bottom support members of the support module subsequent assembly. 
     Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be easily transported and installed at a desired location wherein the third primary module are side trusses, wherein the side trusses function as side railings and structural support for the assembled bridge. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be installed across a geographic feature such as but not limited to a gully wherein the side trusses include upper and lower support members and further have support members operably coupled therebetween. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be easily transported and installed at a desired location wherein the present invention further includes outrigger support members that are configured to operably couple to the bottom of the support modules and extend outward therefrom. 
     An alternative objective of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be installed across a geographic feature such as but not limited to a gully that further includes support members operably coupled intermediate the outrigger support members and the midpoint of the support module. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be easily transported and installed at a desired location wherein the modular bridge of the present invention is assembled utilizing a ubiquitous fastener. 
     An alternate object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be installed across a geographic feature such as but not limited to a gully wherein in a preferred embodiment the disassembled modules are of size to be transported in a conventional four by eight truck bed. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be easily transported and installed at a desired location wherein the outrigger support members are secured to connector plates present on the support modules. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be installed across a geographic feature such as but not limited to a gully wherein a preferred embodiment of the present invention is manufactured from T6 aluminum. 
     An alternative object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be easily transported and installed at a desired location wherein the modular bridge of the present invention can be installed with or without the outrigger support members. 
     An additional object of the present invention is to provide a modular bridge system that is configured to be installed across a geographic feature such as but not limited to a gully wherein the deck modules and side trusses can be provided in alternate sizes. 
     To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a detailed view of the base members of the lateral stability component; and 
         FIG. 2  is a detailed view of the deck member of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a detailed view of two support members of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed view of the top frame member of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the angular support members of the lateral stability component; and 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed view of the side rails of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the assembled present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     References now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a modular bridge system  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
     An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention. 
     It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic. 
     Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, the modular bridge system  100  includes a deck member  10 . The deck member  10  is manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to aluminum. The deck member  10  is rectangular in shape and in a preferred embodiment is approximately eight feet in length. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the deck member  10  could be provided in alternate lengths but it is intended within the scope of the present invention that the modular bridge system  100  is able to be disassembled and transported within a conventional pickup truck bed or small trailer of equivalent size. The deck member  10  includes an upper surface  11  that is non-skid material. It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the upper surface  11  could be manufactured from alternate non-skid materials. 
     The deck member  10  is manufactured having a width that facilitates the ability for the deck member  10  to be operably engaged with the support members  20 . The support members  20  are manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to aluminum. In a preferred embodiment the support members  20  are an elongated polygon in shape. The aforementioned shape and the structure of the support members  20  provides the desired structural load capabilities. While the support members  20  are illustrated and discussed herein in the preferred embodiment, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the support members  20  could be provided in alternate shapes. 
     The support members  20  are comprised of a plurality of structural members  21  that are arranged and secured to form the aforementioned elongated polygon shape. The structural members  21  are present in a first set  22  and a second set  23  wherein the first set  22  and second set  23  are adjacent to each other having a void  24  therebetween. A plurality of connection members  25  are intermediate the first set  22  and second set  23  of structural members  21  and perpendicular therewith. The connection members  25  are operably coupled to the first set  22  and second set  23  of the structural members  21  utilizing suitable techniques such as but not limited to welding. The modular bridge system  100  includes at least two upper members  20  once completely assembled. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the modular bridge system  100  could employ alternate quantities of the support members  20  depending upon the length of the modular bridge system  100  or during deployment of multiple modular bridge systems  100  operably coupled to extend a longer span. 
     A top frame support member  35  is superposed the support members  20  opposite the deck member  10  and functions to provide additional structural support for the modular bridge system  100  once assembled. The top frame support member  35  is manufactured from a rigid lightweight material such as but not limited to aluminum and is rectangular in shape. The top frame support member  35  is comprised of four support beams  36  that are secured to create the desired rectangular shape so as to be operably coupled to the top portion  29  of the support members  20 . It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the top frame support member  35  could be provided in alternate sizes so as to be positioned on top of the support members  20  wherein the end beams  39  of the top frame support member  35  are in alignment with the support members  20  in order to be releasably secured thereto. 
     The modular bridge system  100  further includes a first side panel  40  and a second side panel  50 . The first side panel  40  and second side panel  50  are operably secured to opposing sides of the support members  20  ensuing installation of the modular bridge system  100  in order to provide a laterally positioned safety rail. The first side panel  40  and second side panel  50  are manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to aluminum. The first side panel  40  and second side panel  50  include a plurality of horizontal support members  41  and vertical support members  42  that are operably coupled utilizing suitable durable techniques. The first side panel  40  and second side panel  50  further include transverse support members  43  wherein the transverse support members  43  are diagonally secured on the first side panel  40  and second side panel  50 . It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the first side panel  40  and second side panel  50  could be comprised of alternate quantities of horizontal support members  41 , vertical support members  42  and transverse support members  43 . 
     The modular bridge system  100  further includes a lateral stability component  60  that is configured to provide additional lateral stability in areas of uneven terrain wherein the modular bridge system  100  may be installed an requires the lateral stability component  60  in order to engage the surrounding terrain in an efficient manner to provide a stabile installation of the modular bridge system  100 . The lateral stability component comprises a first base member  61  and a second base member  62 . The first base member  61  and second base member  62  are elongated in form and manufactured from a lightweight rigid material such as but not limited to aluminum. The first base member  61  and second base member  62  are operably coupled to the bottom of the support members  20  having portions extending outward from opposing sides thereof. Angular support members  64  are positioned in between ends  68  of the first base member  61 , second base member  62  and the support member  20  in order to provide the desired structural support. Additional angular support members  66  are positioned in between ends  68  of the first base member  61 , second base member  62  and the support member  20 . It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the lateral stability component may or may not be required for installation of the modular bridge system  100  and is dependent upon the terrain. It is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the first base member  61  and second base member  62  could be configured to float so as to enable the modular bridge system  100  to be utilized in aquatic environments. 
     It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the components of the modular bridge system  100  described herein are configured to be releasably secured utilizing conventional fasteners such as but not limited to bolts and nuts. In a preferred embodiment of the modular bridge system  100  the components are configured with pre-drilled holes that will align upon placement of the components in the correct location so as to facilitate the ability to operably couple utilizing fasteners. It should be further understood within the scope of the present invention that the modular bridge system  100  could be configured to support various dynamic loads with minimal deflection and sway. By way of example but not limitation, a preferred twenty four foot embodiment could support a twenty seven hundred pound live dynamic load with minimal deflection and sway. It is additionally contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the modular bridge system  100  could support various traffic in addition to human traffic thereon such as but not limited to various motorized vehicles. Furthermore, while a single assembled modular bridge system  100  is illustrated herein in  FIG. 7 , it is within the scope of the present invention that multiple assembled modules could be linked together to span a desired distance. 
     In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the claims.