US20030145399A1

US20030145399A1 - Extendable passenger loading bridge having improved placement of roller assemblies

Info

Publication number: US20030145399A1
Application number: US10/120,352
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Smith; Andrew Plummer
Original assignee: DEW Engineering and Development ULC
Current assignee: DEW Engineering and Development ULC
Priority date: 2002-02-01
Filing date: 2002-04-12
Publication date: 2003-08-07

Abstract

Disclosed are passenger loading bridge tunnels having improved placement of roller assemblies. Two or more separate tunnels form an extendable passenger loading bridge, which has flaps as to allow for easy access to the roller assemblies. The roller assemblies are placed in close vicinity to an edge of a passenger loading bridge tunnel, and are disengageable from the tunnel without disassembly of the passenger loading bridge.

Description

This application claims the benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/352,845 filed on Feb. 1, 2002.[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to passenger loading bridges and more particularly to passenger loading bridges that can be telescopically extended.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to make aircraft passengers comfortable, and in order to transport them between the airport terminal and the aircraft in such a way that they are protected from weather and other environmental influences, passenger loading bridges are used, which can be telescopically extended and the height of which is adjustable. For instance, an apron drive bridge in present day use comprises a plurality of adjustable modules, including a rotunda, a telescopic tunnel, a bubble section, a cab, and elevating columns with wheel carriage. Typical bridges include two or three telescoping tunnels, which are rectangular in cross-section, the inner one of which is supported by the rotunda arranged to provide passage to and from the terminal through a door or gate, and the outer one by a drive unit which can position the outer end of the bridge adjacent a door of the parked aircraft. Changes in the length of the bridge, achieved by extending or retracting the telescoping tunnels, are necessary for a number of reasons, including the provision of a clear, unimpeded path for parking of the aircraft, accommodation of variations in the length of various aircraft types and the location of the passenger door thereon or different doors on a given type of aircraft, compensation for variations in the parked position of the aircraft, and/or clearance for the push vehicle and the aircraft as the aircraft is pushed back, or otherwise moves away, from the gate.

Conventional passenger loading bridges for large jet aircraft are well known in the art as illustrated by U.S. Pat. No. 3,123,167 issued to Lichti on Mar. 3, 1964, U.S. Pat. No. 3,317,942 issued to Wollard et al. on May 9, 1967, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,660 issued to Lichti on Dec. 24, 1985. Although the basic principles of passenger loading bridges are well described in the early art, particular aspects of such a device are subject to constant improvements.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,086 issued to Hansen et al. on Jan. 6, 1998 teaches a passenger loading bridge having an outer tunnel and an inner tunnel telescopically received within the outer tunnel and defining an overlapping area on each of the tunnels, and including a first roller assembly carried by the overlapping area of the inner tunnel for engaging a surface of the outer tunnel, and a second roller assembly carried by the overlapping area of the outer tunnel and normally engaging a surface of the inner tunnel. The first and second roller assemblies are attached to floor members of the respective tunnel. Since the roller assemblies assist in reducing the downward load in the overlapping area of the bridge sections, this invention provides a passenger loading bridge which eliminates or significantly reduces the compressive loads imposed on side walls of the bridge, which reduces the size of side wall members for a given loading, which eliminates the need for high strength flanges on the upper corners of the inner tunnels, which reduces the number of roller assemblies, which is easier to install and maintain, and which can be less costly to manufacture. Hansen et al. do not disclose roller assemblies attached to top members, however guide rollers are provided at the upper corners of the tunnels for engaging the sidewall of an adjacent tunnel so as to relatively align the adjacent tunnels.

Besides the aspect of functionality and practicability of passenger loading bridges, there exists the need for a proper maintenance of such devices, which is desirable for obvious reasons, including the aspects of passenger safety, as well as an increased lifespan of the bridge. Hansen et al. have already briefly mentioned this problem, but did not address it in greater detail.

One of the critical components in this regard are the above mentioned roller assemblies. The common constructions of passenger loading bridges, as for example the one disclosed by Hansen, do not allow for an easy access to the roller assemblies. In order to properly maintain these roller assemblies, it might be necessary to completely disengage the single bridge components.

It would be advantageous to provide a passenger loading bridge suitable for all kind of aircrafts, which is constructed in a way as to provide an easy access to the roller assemblies, without the need for disengaging the single components of the bridge. It would be of further advantage to provide a set of roller assemblies constructed in a way as to allow for independent maintenance of these devices.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

In an attempt to overcome the limitations of the prior art it is an object of the instant invention to provide a passenger loading bridge, in which the roller assemblies can be easily and independently accessed and serviced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a passenger loading bridge comprising an inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section having an opening at each of two ends for passenger communication therewith, and an outer roller assembly fixedly attached to the inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section in proximity to one of the openings of said inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section and disposed outside said inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section, so that when said inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section serves as an inner tunnel section of a telescoping passenger loading bridge, said outer roller assembly is rollingly engaged to a surface of an outer tunnel section of the telescoping passenger loading bridge.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a passenger loading bridge having inner and outer tunnels, each tunnel having sidewalls, a floor section and a top section, said inner tunnel and said outer tunnel telescoping with respect to each other and defining an overlapping area on each of said tunnels, said overlapping area defining an inward edge for an inner tunnel, and an outward edge for an outer tunnel, the direction of telescoping defining its longitudinal axis, the passenger loading bridge comprising a plurality of roller assemblies, each comprising a at least one wheel structure, and each positioned in the proximity of an edge of a tunnel in such a manner so as to allow access thereto without disengaging said inner and outer tunnels.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is further provided a passenger loading bridge tunnel having sidewalls, a floor section, and a top section, a first and a second opening defined by the floor section, the top section and the sidewalls, as well as an inside and an outside defined by the floor section, the top section and the sidewalls, the passenger loading bridge comprising at least one roller assembly comprising a at least one wheel structure, positioned in proximity of the first opening and disengageably mounted on the floor section of the passenger loading bridge tunnel, and at least one roller assembly comprising a at least one wheel structure positioned in proximity of the first opening and disengageably mounted on the top section of the passenger loading bridge tunnel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, in which similar reference numbers designate similar items: [0013]
FIG. 1 shows a prior art schematic top view of an exemplary passenger loading bridge, comprising three telescoping tunnels; [0014]
FIG. 2[0015] a presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an inner and an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends an arrangement of four roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.
FIG. 2[0016] b presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an inner and an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends a first arrangement of three roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.
FIG. 2[0017] c presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an inner and an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends a second arrangement of three roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.
FIG. 2[0018] d presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an inner and an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends a third arrangement of three roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.
FIG. 2[0019] e presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an inner and an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends a fourth arrangement of three roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.
FIG. 2[0020] f presents a side view of the overlapping ends of an inner and an outer tunnel having at the overlapping ends an arrangement of two roller assemblies comprised of multiple wheel structures.
FIG. 3[0021] a shows a side view of a tunnel segment, serving as inner tunnel as well as outer tunnel, having a set of four roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.
FIG. 3[0022] b shows a side view of a tunnel segment, serving as inner tunnel as well as outer tunnel, having a set of three roller assemblies comprised of single wheel structures.
FIG. 3[0023] c shows a side view of a tunnel segment, serving as inner tunnel as well as outer tunnel, having a set of two roller assemblies comprised of multiple wheel structures.
FIG. 4[0024] a shows a first embodiment of a roller assembly;
FIG. 4[0025] b shows a second embodiment of a roller assembly;
FIG. 4[0026] c shows a third embodiment of a roller assembly;
FIG. 5 shows roller assemblies attached to an inner tunnel by means of shafts; [0027]
FIG. 6 presents another side view of the overlapping ends of an inner and an outer tunnel, indicating possible access to the roller assemblies; and, [0028]
FIG. 7[0029] a presents a perspective view down from the inward edge of an outer tunnel to the outward edge of an inner tunnel, showing closed flaps that enable easy access to the roller assemblies attached to the inner tunnel.
FIG. 7[0030] b presents a perspective view down from the inward edge of an outer tunnel to the outward edge of an inner tunnel, showing one flap that enables easy access to the roller assemblies attached to the inner tunnel.
FIG. 7[0031] c presents a perspective view down from the inward edge of an outer tunnel to the outward edge of an inner tunnel, showing two open flaps that enable easy access to the roller assemblies attached to the inner tunnel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. [0032]
Referring to FIG. 1, a prior art exemplary [0033] passenger loading bridge 1 is shown. The exemplary passenger loading bridge 1 has three telescoping tunnels identified in the drawings as tunnels A, B, and C. Tunnel B slips over and encircles tunnel A, and slips inside of, and is encircled by tunnel C. Tunnel A therefore operates as an inner tunnel, tunnel C operates as an outer tunnel, whereas tunnel B operates as an inner tunnel with respect to tunnel C, as well as an outer tunnel with respect to tunnel A.
Each of the tunnels has sidewalls, as well as a [0034] floor section 2, and a top section 3, respectively. The overlapping of the inner tunnel with respect to the outer tunnel, defines an inward edge for the inner tunnel, and an outward edge for the outer tunnel. The inward edge includes a left edge, a right edge, a floor edge, and a top edge for a particular tunnel. These definitions also apply in the case where the passenger loading bridge contains two tunnels, or more than three tunnels.
FIGS. 2[0035] a through to 2 f, illustrate the overlapping of an inner tunnel A with respect to an outer tunnel B. Each tunnel is provided with roller assemblies, which provide for inner tunnel mobility with respect to the outer tunnel thus allowing for telescoping movement of the inner tunnel within the outer tunnel along a longitudinal axis. Further, the roller assemblies provide for alignment in both vertical directions, substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.
The roller assembly comprises an at least one wheel structure and a mounting fixture for the at least one wheel structure. The at least one wheel structure comprises either of at least one single wheel structure and at least one multiple wheel structure. A single wheel structure comprises one wheel and a fixture for attaching said wheel structure to either of the mounting fixture and another wheel structure. A multiple wheel structure is comprised of more than one single wheel structures, arranged in a sequential manner, along an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the passenger loading bridge, where the wheel structure closest to the outward edge of a tunnel member of the passenger loading bridge is attached to the tunnel member of the passenger loading bridge, and a subsequent wheel structure is attached to the wheel structure closest to the outward edge, with any following subsequent other wheel structures attached to the preceding wheel structure, forming the multiple wheel structure. Optionally, the multiple wheel structure is a structure having a frame and a predetermined number of wheels mounted thereon. Having at least one wheel [0036]
In FIG. 2[0037] a, roller assemblies 11, 12, 21, and 22 between the overlapping section of the tunnels A and B are shown. These roller assemblies comprise one or more single wheel structures. Two of the roller assemblies, namely 11 and 12, are disposed in proximity of the outward edge of the outer tunnel B and in contact with inner tunnel A. One of these roller assemblies 11 is disposed at the floor section of the outer tunnel B, while the other one 12 is disposed at its top section. The two roller assemblies allow for rolling of tunnel A thereon. The other two roller assemblies 21 and 22 are disposed in proximity of the inward edge of the floor section and of the top section of the inner tunnel A, respectively, and are in contact with the outer tunnel B for rolling thereon. Optionally, at least one of the tunnels is supported by a bearing construction.
Although the presence of four roller assemblies lends enhanced stability to the structure described above, only three roller assemblies are optionally installed for an inner tunnel A and an outer tunnel B to properly fulfill their telescoping function. In FIG. 2[0038] b, an overlapping section of an inner tunnel A and outer tunnel B is shown where three roller assemblies 11, 12, and 21 are utilized. Here, the non-overlapping edge of the inner tunnel A is oriented towards a terminal building or the like, whereas the non-overlapping edge of the outer tunnel is oriented towards an aircraft. Thus in the telescoping action, the outer tunnel B slides over the inner tunnel A. Further, the outer tunnel B is supported by a bearing construction 20.
In FIG. 2[0039] c, an overlapping section of an inner tunnel A and outer tunnel B is shown where three roller assemblies 11, 12, and 22 are utilized. Again, the non-overlapping edge of the inner tunnel A is oriented towards a terminal building or the like, whereas the non-overlapping edge of the outer tunnel is oriented towards an aircraft. In this case, the inner tunnel A is supported by the bearing construction 20.
In FIG. 2[0040] d, an overlapping section of an inner tunnel A and outer tunnel B is shown where three roller assemblies 12, 21, and 22 are utilized. Here, the non-overlapping edge of the inner tunnel A is oriented towards an aircraft, whereas the non-overlapping edge of the outer tunnel is oriented towards a terminal building or the like. Thus in the telescoping action, the inner tunnel A slides inside the outer tunnel B. Further, the inner tunnel A is supported by a bearing construction 20.
In FIG. 2[0041] e, an overlapping section of an inner tunnel A and outer tunnel B is shown where three roller assemblies 11, 21, and 22 are utilized. Again, the non-overlapping edge of the inner tunnel A is oriented towards an aircraft, whereas the non-overlapping edge of the outer tunnel is oriented towards a terminal building or the like. In this case, the inner tunnel A is supported by a bearing construction 20.
FIG. 2[0042] f illustrates another manner in which the outer tunnel engages a surface of the inner tunnel, while fulfilling telescoping as well as inner tunnel, with respect to outer tunnel, centering requirements. Roller assemblies 31 and 32 comprising at least one multiple wheel structure are disposed at the outward edge of the outer tunnel B, being in contact with inner tunnel A, for rolling thereon. One of the roller assemblies 31 comprising at least one multiple wheel structure is disposed at the floor section of the outer tunnel B, while the other of the multiple roller assemblies 32 comprising at least one multiple wheel structure is disposed at its top section. The roller assemblies 31 and 32 comprising at least one multiple wheel structure maintain the essential function of rendering the inner tunnel movable with respect to the outer tunnel, while providing for approximate centering of the inner tunnel with respect to the outer tunnel. Optionally, at least one of the tunnels is supported by a bearing construction.
Referring to FIGS. 3[0043] a through 3 c, a side view of tunnel B is presented. Since tunnel B serves as the inner tunnel as well as the outer tunnel, roller assemblies are attached at its outward edge, defined by the overlapping area of tunnels A and B as shown in FIG. 1, as well as on its inward edge, defined by the overlapping edge of tunnels B and C as shown in FIG. 1. Since tunnel B serves as both an inner tunnel as well as an outer tunnel, the roller assemblies 11 and 12 at the outward edge of tunnel B are directed to the inside of the tunnel, and the roller assemblies 21 and 22 at the inward edge of tunnel B are directed to the outside of the tunnel. This embodiment of tunnel B is shown in FIG. 3a. In FIG. 3b, an embodiment, which only comprises the three roller assemblies 11, 12 and 21, is shown. Of course, other tunnel section comprising sets of three roller assemblies such as roller assemblies 11, 12 and 21, roller assemblies 12, 21 and 22, and roller assemblies 11, 21 and 22, are easily envisaged. In FIG. 3c, the tunnel comprises two roller assemblies 31 and 32 comprising at least one multiple wheel structure, disposed at its outward edge. These roller assemblies 31 and 32 each comprising at least one multiple wheel structure are directed to the inside of the tunnel.
FIGS. 4[0044] a through 4 c illustrate various types of roller assembly configurations, for mounting to either the floor section of a tunnel, or to the top section of a tunnel. In FIG. 4a, the roller assembly comprises two single wheel structures 111 and 112, which are disposed at the left side and at the right side of the inward edge or the outward edge of the particular section of the tunnel. Of course, the single wheel structures are replaceable with the multiple wheel structures. Another roller assembly mounting configuration is shown in FIG. 4b, in which the roller assembly comprises one single wheel structure 113, which is disposed in the middle between the left side and the right side of a particular floor or top section. Again, the single wheel structure is replaceable with the multiple wheel structure. Optionally, the roller assembly comprises a plurality of single wheel structures, distributed between the left side and the right side of a particular section. Further optionally, the roller assembly comprises a single roller-like structure 114, the roller-like structure extending from the left side to the right side of a particular section, as shown in FIG. 4c.
The [0045] roller assemblies 11, 12, 21, 22, 31, and 32 comprise single or multiple wheel structures that are attached to the mounting fixture in a manner providing an easy means for disengagement of the roller assemblies from the tunnel. For example, each wheel structure is disengable from the tunnel through the use of a tool, or through the use of a latching mechanism.
The roller assembly is optionally attached to the tunnel by means of a shaft. It is then possible that a roller assembly points away from the tunnel it is attached to, meaning that the roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly other than bisects the same tunnel. Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary side view of the overlapping area between the inner tunnel B and outer tunnel C is shown, wherein the [0046] roller assemblies 21 and 22 are attached to the inner tunnel by means of the shafts 41 and 42.
When an inner tunnel is telescoping within an outer tunnel, space between the outer and inner tunnel, in the form of a cavity, is not completely sealed by tunnels having only sidewalls, a floor section and a top section. Additional panels are desirable, in order to protect the cavity formed between the outer tunnel and the inner tunnel so that members which are placed inside this cavity, and which fulfill essential functions in order to ensure proper operation of the loading bridge, as for example said roller assemblies, are protected from the elements and from harmful influences due to airport exhausts and the like. Closing of the cavity at the inward edge of the floor section is especially important so as to prevent passenger injury. [0047]
Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary side view of the overlapping area between the inner tunnel B and outer tunnel C is shown, as well as a possible means for protecting the cavity formed between the inner and outer tunnels. Two [0048] flaps 51 and 52 are attached at the outward edge of the floor and the top section of the outer tunnel C, respectively. These flaps close the cavity between the outer and the inner tunnel at the outward edge of the floor and the top sections, and also allow easy access to the roller assemblies 11 and 12. Similarly, flap 61 is attached at the inward edge of the floor section and flap 62 is attached to the top sections of the inner tunnel B, thereby closing the cavity between the outer tunnel and the inner tunnel at the inward edge of the floor and the top sections, while allowing easy access to the roller assemblies 21 and 22.
Referring to FIG. 7[0049] a, a perspective view of a retracted inner tunnel with respect to an outer tunnel is shown. The perspective view is from the inward edge of an outer tunnel down to the outward edge of an inner tunnel, with flaps 61 and 62 closing the space between the floor and the top sections of the inner and the outer tunnel, respectively.
Referring to FIG. 7[0050] b, these flaps are attached to the inner tunnel by hinges in a way, which allows them to pivot around an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the inner tunnel. Providing an easy access to the cavity between the floor and top sections of the inner and outer tunnel, thereby effectively allowing for easy access to floor mounted roller assemblies 21 and top mounted roller assemblies 22.
Referring to FIG. 7[0051] c, the flaps 61 and 62 alternatively comprise of two single flaps, for example 611 and 612. Each single flap is attached to either the left side or the right side of the inner tunnel using hinges, in such a manner that each flap is pivotable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner tunnel, offering access to roller assemblies 21 and 22.
Advantageously, the placement of roller assemblies at the edges of the inner and outer tunnels, as well as the configuration and placement of flaps allows for easy access to said roller assemblies without the need of disassembling the single modules of the passenger loading bridge, thus greatly facilitating the maintenance of extendable passenger loading bridges. [0052]
Further advantageously, when using multiple wheel structures, only one wheel of the multiple wheel structure is attached to the tunnel and as a result the multiple wheel structure is removable as a single unit, thereby allowing for easier maintenance of extendable passenger loading bridges. [0053]
Numerous other embodiments may be envisaged without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. [0054]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A passenger loading bridge comprising:

an inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section having an opening at each of two ends for passenger communication therewith;

an outer roller assembly fixedly attached to the inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section in proximity to one of the openings of said inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section and disposed outside said inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section, so that when said inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section serves as an inner tunnel section of a telescoping passenger loading bridge, said outer roller assembly is rollingly engaged to a surface of an outer tunnel section of the telescoping passenger loading bridge.

2. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 1, wherein said outer roller assembly is attached to a bottom section of said inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section.

3. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 1, wherein said outer roller assembly is attached to a top section of said inner passenger loading bridge tunnel section.

4. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 1, comprising:

an outer passenger loading bridge tunnel section having an opening at each of two ends for passenger communication therewith; and,

an inner roller assembly fixedly attached to the outer passenger loading bridge tunnel section in proximity to one of the openings of said outer passenger loading bridge tunnel section and disposed inside said outer passenger loading bridge tunnel section,

wherein the outer passenger loading bridge section is telescopically engaged with the inner passenger loading bridge section such that the inner roller assembly is rollingly engaged to a surface of the inner tunnel section and,

wherein the roller assembly is detachable from said outer tunnel without disassembly of said telescoping passenger loading bridge tunnel sections one from another.

5. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 4, wherein said inner roller assembly is attached to the floor section of said outer tunnel.

6. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 4, wherein said inner roller assembly is attached to the top section of said outer tunnel.

7. A passenger loading bridge having inner and outer tunnels, each tunnel having sidewalls, a floor section and a top section; said inner tunnel and said outer tunnel telescoping with respect to each other and defining an overlapping area on each of said tunnels; said overlapping area defining an inward edge for an inner tunnel, and an outward edge for an outer tunnel, the direction of telescoping defining its longitudinal axis, the passenger loading bridge comprising:

a plurality of roller assemblies, each comprising a at least one wheel structure, and each positioned in the proximity of an edge of a tunnel in such a manner so as to allow access thereto without disengaging said inner and outer tunnels.

8. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, wherein the at least one wheel structure is a single wheel structure, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising:

at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the outward edge of the floor section of the outer tunnel, in contact with the inner tunnel for rolling thereon; and

at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the outward edge of the top section of the outer tunnel, in contact with the inner tunnel for rolling thereon.

9. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 8, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising:

at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the inward edge of the floor section of the inner tunnel, in contact with the outer tunnel for rolling thereon.

10. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 8, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising:

at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the inward edge of the top section of the inner tunnel, in contact with the outer tunnel for rolling thereon.

11. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, wherein the at least one wheel structure is a single wheel structure, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising:

at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the inward edge of the floor section of the inner tunnel, in contact with the outer tunnel for rolling thereon; and,

12. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 11, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising:

at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the outward edge of the floor section of the outer tunnel, in contact with the inner tunnel for rolling thereon.

13. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 11, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising:

14. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, wherein the at least one wheel structure is a multiple wheel structure, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising:

15. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, wherein the at least one wheel structure is a multiple wheel structure, the plurality of roller assemblies comprising:

at least one roller assembly positioned in proximity of the inward edge of the floor section of the inner tunnel, in contact with the outer tunnel for rolling thereon; and

16. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, wherein the roller assembly is disengageable from the tunnel without disassembly of the bridge.

17. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 16, wherein the roller assembly is disengageable from the tunnel through the use of a latching mechanism.

18. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 16, wherein the roller assembly is disengageable from the tunnel through the use of a tool.

19. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, comprising:

a flap hingedly mounted for covering at least one roller assembly and for providing access to the at least one roller assembly.

20. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, comprising:

a flap hingedly mounted to the floor section of the inner tunnel, extending the floor section of the inner tunnel, and for providing access to the at least one roller assembly.

21. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 20, comprising:

a flap hingedly mounted, in an axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the inner tunnel, for providing access to the at least one roller assembly as well as for providing an inclined ramp and for allowing an other than step transition from the outer tunnel to the tunnel.

22. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 20, comprising:

a flap hingedly mounted, in an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner tunnel, for providing access to the at least one roller assembly as well as for providing an inclined ramp and for allowing an other than step transition from the outer tunnel to the tunnel.

23. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned within 24 inches of said edge.

24. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 23, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned within 12 inches of said edge.

25. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 24, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly other than bisects the same tunnel.

26. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 24, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly bisects the same tunnel.

27. A passenger loading bridge according to claim 7, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly other than bisects the same tunnel.

28. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 7, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly bisects the same tunnel.

29. A passenger loading bridge tunnel having sidewalls, a floor section, and a top section, a first and a second opening defined by the floor section, the top section and the sidewalls, as well as an inside and an outside defined by the floor section, the top section and the sidewalls, the passenger loading bridge comprising:

at least one roller assembly comprising a at least one wheel structure, positioned in proximity of the first opening and disengageably mounted on the floor section of the passenger loading bridge tunnel; and

at least one roller assembly comprising a at least one wheel structure positioned in proximity of the first opening and disengageably mounted on the top section of the passenger loading bridge tunnel.

30. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein at least one roller assembly is disengageably mounted on the inside of the passenger loading bridge tunnel.

31. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein at least one roller assembly is disengageably mounted on the outside of the passenger loading bridge tunnel.

32. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 30, having a roller assembly, which comprises a at least one wheel structure, positioned in proximity of the second opening disengageably mounted on the outside of the passenger loading bridge tunnel floor section.

33. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 30, having a roller assembly, which comprises a at least one wheel structure, positioned in proximity of the second opening disengageably mounted on the outside of the passenger loading bridge tunnel top section.

34. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 31, having a roller assembly, which comprises a at least one wheel structure, positioned in proximity of the second opening disengageably mounted on the inside of the passenger loading bridge tunnel floor section.

35. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 31, having a roller assembly, which comprises a at least one wheel structure, positioned in proximity of the second opening disengageably mounted on the inside of the passenger loading bridge tunnel top section.

36. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein the at least one wheel structure is a single wheel structure.

37. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein the at least one wheel structure is a multiple wheel structure.

38. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein a roller assembly is disengageable from the tunnel through the use of a latching mechanism.

39. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein a roller assembly is disengageable from the tunnel through the use of a tool.

40. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an opening of the passenger loading bridge tunnel is positioned within 24 inches of said opening.

41. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 40, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned within 12 inches of said opening.

42. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 41, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the passenger loading bridge tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly other than bisects the passenger loading bridge tunnel.

43. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 41, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the passenger loading bridge tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly bisects the passenger loading bridge tunnel.

44. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the passenger loading bridge tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly other than bisects the passenger loading bridge tunnel.

45. A passenger loading bridge tunnel according to claim 29, wherein a roller assembly in proximity to an edge is positioned on a side of said edge that is away from the passenger loading bridge tunnel from the plane defined by said edge such that a plane parallel to the plane defined by said edge and passing through the roller assembly other than bisects the passenger loading bridge tunnel.