Bridge deploying apparatus and bridge transporting vehicle incorporating such apparatus

摘要

An apparatus (23) for carrying a bridge (1) on a vehicle (2) and deploying the bridge to the ground is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a mounting bracket (19) for mounting the apparatus to a vehicle, and a foot (18) pivotable relative to the mounting bracket between a first position in which the foot engages the ground for supporting a bridge and a second position in which the foot is separated from the ground to permit movement of the vehicle. A bridge engaging probe (17) is pivotable relative to the foot between a third position in which the bridge is on the ground and a fourth position in which the centre of gravity of the bridge is raised relative to the third position. First (28) and second (30) cylinder actuators pivot the probe between the third and fourth positions. Third (34) and fourth (36) cylinder actuators pivot the foot between the first and second positions. The first and second cylinder actuators, and the third and fourth cylinder actuators, are arranged such that the sum of the turning moments produced by the first and second, and by the third and fourth actuators, is never zero when each pair of cylinder actuators pivots between said positions.