Modular Support Catch System

Abstract

A removable support structure for attachment underneath a bridge is provided. The removable support structure has one or more pre-assembled platform modules. Each module comprises an underlying grid and one or more panels attached to the top of the underlying grid. The modules are attached to, suspended below, or otherwise supported beneath the underside of a bridge. The underlying grid is constructed from substantially parallel beams and lateral supports perpendicular to the beams connecting the parallel beams.

1 . A removable debris catching and support structure for attachment underneath a bridge comprising;
 one or more pre-assembled modules wherein each module comprises an underlying grid and one or more panels attached to the top of the underlying grid; and   a means for securing the one or more modules to or below the underside of a bridge.   
   
   
       2 . The support structure of  claim 1  wherein the underlying grid is comprised of a plurality of substantially parallel beams and a plurality of lateral supports perpendicular to the beams connecting the parallel beams to form the underlying grid. 
   
   
       3 . The support structure of  claim 2  wherein the parallel beams are I-beams. 
   
   
       4 . The support structure of  claim 3  wherein the I-beams are comprised of structural steel. 
   
   
       5 . The support structure of  claim 3  wherein the grid has at least 5 parallel beams. 
   
   
       6 . The support structure of  claim 3  wherein the I-beams are spaced about 8 feet apart. 
   
   
       7 . The support structure of  claim 6  wherein the I-beams are 15 to 25 feet in length. 
   
   
       8 . The support structure of  claim 2  wherein the lateral supports are pipes or rods. 
   
   
       9 . The support structure of  claim 2  wherein the panels substantially cover the entire top of the support structure. 
   
   
       10 . The support structure of  claim 9  wherein the panels have a length that corresponds to the distance from the center of one I-beam to the center of the adjacent I-beam. 
   
   
       11 . The support structure of  claim 8  wherein the I-beams have pipe sleeves extending perpendicular from the beam dimensioned to receive the pipe or rod. 
   
   
       12 . A method for installing a temporary support stricture on the underside of a bridge comprising the steps of;
 i) assembling one or more platform modules wherein each module comprises an underlying grid and one or more panels attached to the top of the support grid;   ii) raising a platform module to a position underneath the bridge;   iii) securing the platform module to the underside of the bridge; and optionally iv) repeating steps ii) and iii) one or more times.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the one or more platform modules attached to the underside of the bridge in step iv) are also attached to a platform previously attached to the underside of the bridge. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the platform modules are raised in step ii) using a crane and a carrier platform wherein the crane is positioned on top of the bridge deck, the carrier platform is attached to the crane by cables, and the platform modules rest on the carrier platform. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the grid is comprised of a plurality of substantially parallel beams and a plurality of lateral supports perpendicular to the beams connecting the parallel beams to form underlying grid. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the parallel beams are  1 -beams. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the grid has at least  5  parallel beams. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the lateral supports are pipes or rods. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the I-beams have pipe sleeves extending perpendicular from the beam dimensioned to receive the pipe or rod.