摘要 |
The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for joining a first structure to a second structure. In one embodiment, a bridge (100) is provided for joining a movable structure (105) to a fixed structure (110). The bridge (100) includes a number of spaced apart extensible beams (115), each beam having a first end (125) pivotably and rotatably attached to the movable structure (105) and a second end (130) pivotably and rotatably attached to the fixed structure (110). Deck members (135) are supported by the extensible beams (115) in a substantially horizontal attitude, each of the deck members pivotably and rotatably attached to one of the beams, whereby access is provided between the movable structure (105) and the fixed structure (110). In one version, the movable structure (105) includes a vehicle, such as a train, an automobile, a watercraft, an aircraft or a spacecraft. In another version, the movable structure (105) is a motion-based (230) of a simulator, amusement ride or a theater (235).
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