Arthur F Jenkins

US Patent:

46023992, Jul 29, 1986

Filed:

May 24, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/613427

Inventors:

Arthur B. Jenkins - York PA

Assignee:

Harsco Corporation - Wormleysburg PA

International Classification:

E01D 1512

US Classification:

14 24

Abstract:

A bridge carrying and launching trailer includes a tilt frame mounted to a trailer frame. The tilt frame includes a foot portion which rests upon the ground when launching a bridge. The trailer relies upon the weight of another vehicle to counter the moment caused by launching an unfolding type military bridge. One or more control cables extend from the trailer to the other vehicle, preferably an armored vehicle such as a tank, to allow remote control of the bridge launching sequence. The trailer includes a redundant hydraulic system and mechanical components such that a bridge may be launched even if one of the two hydraulic systems is damaged. The bridge launching trailer is especially adapted to fit in compact places such as an airplane cargo bay. A tongue, which serves as an interfacing member between the trailer and a bridge mounted on the trailer, is adapted to nest within the trailer, thus allowing a bridge to have its width reduced while resting upon the trailer and facilitating the loading of the trailer into the airplane cargo bay with the bridge resting on the trailer. A unique method of loading the bridge into a compact space utilizes the ability of the tongue to nest within the trailer frame.