Modular Scissors Bridge, Placement Device and Method of Placing Modular Scissors Bridges

Abstract

A foldable modular scissors bridge adapted to be transported by a transport vehicle in a folded-together state and comprising two bridge modules, each formed by one or two pairs of spaced-apart track supports. Run-up ramps disposed at opposite ends of each bridge support are rigidly connected to their bridge supports. A respective ramp end tube, in the form of a hinge part, is disposed at each tip of the run-up ramps. A respective coupling tongue is disposed on each run-up ramp at a distance from the tip thereof. The coupling tongue of the upper bridge module forms an articulated joint with the ramp end tube of the lower bridge module.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
   
   
       9 . A foldable modular scissors bridge that in a folded-together state is adapted to be transported by a transport vehicle ( 1 ), comprising:
 two bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′), each of which is formed by at least one pair of spaced-apart track supports ( 6 ) that are adapted to be connected to one another by rods ( 7 );   respective run-up ramps ( 9 ) disposed at opposite ends of each of said bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′), wherein each of said run-up ramps ( 9 ) is rigidly connected to its bridge module, and wherein each of said run-up ramps ( 9 ) has a tip remote from its connection to said bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 );   a respective ramp end tube ( 10 ), in the form of a hinge part, disposed at each tip of said run-up ramps ( 9 ); and a respective coupling tongue ( 11 ,  11 ′) disposed on each of said run-up ramps ( 9 ) spaced from said tip thereof, wherein a coupling tongue ( 11 ) of an upper one ( 4 ) of said bridge modules is adapted to form an articulated joint ( 5 ) with one of said ramp end tubes ( 10 ) of a lower one ( 4 ′) of said bridge modules.   
   
   
       10 . A modular scissors bridge according to  claim 9 , wherein in a transport state, also a coupling tongue ( 11 ) of said lower bridge module ( 4 ′) is hingedly connected with said ramp end tube ( 10 ) of said upper bridge module ( 4 ) and wherein such hinged connection or articulated joint ( 5 ′) serves as a transport securement to prevent lifting-off of said upper bridge module ( 4 ). 
   
   
       11 . A modular scissors bridge according to  claim 10 , wherein each articulated joint ( 5 ,  5 ′) is adapted to be locked by means of a coupling bolt ( 12 ) that is connected to a coupling cable ( 14 ) via a tension spring ( 13 ), and wherein said coupling cable ( 14 ) is adapted to be actuated by a device for placing said scissors bridge via coupling levers ( 16 ) disposed on said bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′). 
   
   
       12 . A modular scissors bridge according to  claim 9 , wherein a lower wire ( 28 ) is provided between said two bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′), wherein ends of said lower wire ( 28 ) are secured to an underside of a respective one of said two bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′), and wherein said lower wire ( 28 ) is guided through a loop of a support cable ( 29 ) that is suspended in said articulated joint ( 5 ) between the two bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′). 
   
   
       13 . A placement device for placing the modular scissors bridge of  claim 9 , comprising an adapter frame ( 23 ) that is adapted to be connected to the transport vehicle ( 1 ) and that includes a support arm ( 22 ), a support cylinder ( 21 ), a placement arm ( 27 ) and a placement arm cylinder ( 26 ). 
   
   
       14 . A placement device according to  claim 13 , wherein a mechanism for actuating a coupling cable ( 14 ) of a coupling device for said articulated joint ( 5 ,  5 ′) is disposed in said placement arm ( 27 ) of the placement device. 
   
   
       15 . A method for placing the scissors bridge of  claim 9  by means of the placement device of  claim 13 , including the steps of:
 parking the transport vehicle ( 1 ) at such a distance from an obstacle that a forward part of said placement device ( 3 ) is disposed just behind the obstacle;   actuating said support cylinder ( 21 ) to deposit said support arm ( 22 ) on the ground to provide a tipping point for said scissors bridge ( 2 ) and to secure the transport vehicle ( 1 ) in position, wherein the transport vehicle serves as a counterweight during placement of said scissors bridge; and   actuating said placement arm cylinder ( 26 ) to pivot said placement arm ( 27 ) forwardly toward the obstacle, whereby said scissors bridge first automatically opens and during further extension of said placement arm cylinder ( 26 ) a deployment cable ( 25 ) becomes taut, wherein one end of said deployment cable is secured to said adapter frame ( 23 ) and another end of said deployment cable is secured to the tip of one of said run-up ramps ( 9 ) of said bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′), and wherein a now forward one ( 4 ) of said bridge modules is thus forced into a nearly horizontal position of use.   
   
   
       16 . A method of placing the scissors bridge of  claim 9 , as short bridges, by means of the placement device of  claim 13 , including the steps of:
 parking the transport vehicle ( 1 ) at such a distance from an obstacle that a distance remains between a forward part of said placement device ( 3 ) and the obstacle that is greater than a length of one of said bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′);   actuating said support cylinder ( 21 ) to deposit said support arm ( 22 ) on the ground to provide a tipping point for said scissors bridge ( 2 ) and to secure the transport vehicle ( 1 ) in position, wherein the transport vehicle serves as a counterweight during placement of said scissors bridge,   actuating said placement arm cylinder ( 26 ) to pivot said placement arm ( 27 ) forwardly toward the obstacle, whereby said scissors bridge first automatically opens and during further extension of said placement arm cylinder ( 26 ) a deployment cable ( 25 ) becomes taut, wherein one end of said securement cable is secured to said adapter frame ( 23 ) and another end of said deployment cable is secured to the tip of one of said run-up ramps of said bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′), and wherein a now forward one ( 4 ) of said bridge modules is thus forced into a nearly horizontal position of use;   removing said deployment cable ( 25 );   releasing said articulated joint ( 5 ) between said two bridge modules ( 4 ,  4 ′);   backing the transport vehicle ( 1 ) away from the obstacle to such an extent that the forward bridge module ( 4 ) no longer rests on the lower or rear bridge module ( 4 ,  4 ′); and   actuating said placement arm cylinder ( 26 ) such that said placement arm ( 27 ) raises the remaining, rear bridge module ( 4 ′), so that this rear bridge module is adapted to be received by the transport vehicle ( 1 ) for use at a different site.