Bridging system

Abstract

A modular bridging system comprising modules ( 10 ) which inter-link to form a deck suitable for use as a buoyant walkway or roadway; and in which the means for causing successive modules to interlink comprises pegs ( 61 ; FIG. 6 A- 6 D) which, in use, joint the facing surfaces of adjacent modules allowing the modules a limited relative up-and-down linked movement and, which are readily detachable when the deck is to be dismantled.

1 . A modular bridging system comprising modules which inter-link to form a deck suitable for use as a buoyant walkway or roadway; and with means for causing successive modules to interlink, said means comprising pegs which, in use, joint the facing surfaces of adjacent modules allowing the modules a limited relative up-and-down linked movement, said modules being readily detachable when the deck is to be dismantled. 
     
     
         2 . A modular bridging system as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the facing surfaces of adjacent modules are in close juxtaposition. 
     
     
         3 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  wherein the modules are shaped such that when not in use they can be stored in a nested stack. 
     
     
         4 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  wherein the modules incorporate one or more orifices to allow the insertion of one or more poles which attach to plates such that a stack of the modules can be sandwiched between two such plates to form an assembly for storage purposes. 
     
     
         5 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  wherein the pegs incorporate a locking mechanism to lock the pegs to the modules. 
     
     
         6 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  wherein the use pegs utilise a releaseable locking mechanism. 
     
     
         7 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  wherein the modules have a wider cross-section at their upper face, in use, than at their lower face. 
     
     
         8 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  wherein modules incorporating a tapered shape are used at the outer edges of the deck facing in the direction of a water flow and away from the direction of the water flow. 
     
     
         9 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  wherein at least the sides, in use, of at least one module are produced from a flexible, and preferably elastomeric material. 
     
     
         10 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  including means to allow the modules to be at least partially deflated. 
     
     
         11 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  wherein the pegs incorporate one or more openings to assist the flow of water through the pegs. 
     
     
         12 . A modular bridging system according to any  claim 1  wherein the pegs are sized such as to enable a selective increase or decrease of the distance between adjacent modules in use. 
     
     
         13 . A modular bridging system according to  claim 1  wherein panels are provided which fix to the upper surface, in use, of one or more modules and wherein successive panels interlock in a manner which provides additional rigidity to a deck formed from modules and panels. 
     
     
         14 . A module suitable for building a modular bridging system in accordance with  claim 1  and shaped such that when not in use it can interengage with one or more identical such modules to form a nested stack. 
     
     
         15 . A peg suitable for building a modular bridging system in accordance with  claim 1  and characterised by the feature that the peg is generally I-shaped in cross-section. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled)