Load Bearer Tripped Retainer* Patents (Class 410/69)
  • Patent number: 11459104
    Abstract: A cargo handling system is disclosed. In various embodiments, the cargo handling system includes a power drive unit having a drive roller configured to impart movement to a unit load device; a first restraint; and a first sensor configured to detect movement of the unit load device with respect to a parked location following deployment of the first restraint and activation of the drive roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Scott Harms, Aaron J Roberts
  • Patent number: 11220206
    Abstract: A shim device and system for securing a unit load device (ULD) using the shim device are described. In one example, the system includes a pop-up lock in a deck for transporting a ULD. The system also includes the shim device, which can be placed between the ULD and the pop-up lock. The shim device provides a mechanical interference as a wedge, occupying any limited space that might exist between the bottom edge of the ULD and the pop-up lock. Thus, the shim device can prevent the ULD from moving by occupying the limited space between the ULD and the pop-up lock. In one example, the shim device includes a shim block having top, bottom, and side surfaces, an inner aperture that extends through the shim block, and a handle connected with and extending from the shim block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel F. Harrison, Sivan Almosnino, Kevin Mei
  • Patent number: 10988258
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system and associated methods may include sensing assemblies associated with cargo latches in a cargo hold of an aircraft. In some embodiments, the sensing assemblies include sensors configured to sense information relating to the cargo latches, wireless communication circuits configured to transmit the sensed information to a central controller, and batteries powering the wireless communication circuits. A wireless power transmission system may be configured to wirelessly broadcast power to the sensor assemblies to charge the batteries. In some embodiments, the cargo latches are transitionable between an extended configuration for cargo restraint and a retracted configuration for cargo loading and unloading, and the sensors are configured to sense whether the cargo latches are in the extended configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Justin Louis Weisfelner
  • Patent number: 10816367
    Abstract: The latch detection system and latch detection method disclosed herein determines an orientation of one or more latches used to secure cargo in a cargo hold, and thus improves latch security and cargo transportation safety. To that end, aspects presented herein provide an optical latch detection system that detects whether one or more latches are in the locked or unlocked orientation. More particularly, aspects presented herein rely on a reflective laser system to determine the orientation of one or more latches based on the amount of reflected light detected by the laser system. In so doing, the disclosed latch detection system provides a reliable and repeatable option for determining the orientation of latch(es) in a cargo hold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: William Robert Clos, Darrin Michael Noe
  • Patent number: 10562628
    Abstract: A restraint assembly includes a fitting base, a bushing, and a restraint roller disk, according to various embodiments. The fitting base includes a fitting lower surface and a fitting upper surface that is angled relative to the fitting lower surface, according to various embodiments. The fitting base may be configured to be coupled, via an anchor, to a rail upper surface of a guide rail of the cargo system. In various embodiments, the bushing is configured to be disposed about the anchor. In various embodiments, the restraint roller disk includes a roller upper surface and a roller lower surface, wherein the restraint roller disk is configured to be rotatably coupled about the bushing and the roller lower surface is configured to engage the fitting upper surface of the fitting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wallace Harold Larson, Troy Joseph Herberholz, Ryan Pfau, Brian Landis
  • Patent number: 10556683
    Abstract: A cargo handling system for restraining a unit load device includes a structural channel having a hollow interior, and a locking mechanism associated with the structural channel. The locking mechanism is movable to engage the unit load device. A motor assembly is coupled to the at least one locking mechanism. The motor assembly is operable to automatically move the at least one locking mechanism upon detection of the unit load device at or approaching a desired position adjacent the at least one locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Vikramkumar Bogar, Venkatesh Chitragar
  • Patent number: 10525869
    Abstract: A locking device for containers on a vehicle chassis, having a housing, a plug-in pin which is mounted displaceably in the housing and/or a rotary pin which is mounted rotatably in the housing, wherein the plug-in pin and/or the rotary pin can be moved between an open position and a locked position. The invention was based on the problem of providing a locking device for containers which is triggered automatically by way of the loading operation. According to the invention, the problem is solved by the fact that a spring element which interacts with a triggering element acts on the plug-in pin or the rotary pin, wherein the triggering unit has at least one sensing bolt which protrudes out of the housing in the direction of a container fitting in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: JOST-WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Paulekuhn, José Manuel Algüera, Stephan Albers
  • Patent number: 10471880
    Abstract: A locking device for containers on a vehicle chassis, having a housing, a plug-in pin which is mounted displaceably in the housing and/or a rotary pin which is mounted rotatably in the housing, wherein the plug-in pin and/or the rotary pin can be moved between an open position and a locked position. The invention was based on the problem of providing a locking device for containers which is triggered automatically by way of the loading operation. According to the invention, the problem is solved by the fact that a spring element which interacts with a triggering element acts on the plug-in pin or the rotary pin, wherein the triggering unit has at least one sensing bolt which protrudes out of the housing in the direction of a container fitting in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: JOST-WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Paulekuhn, José Manuel Algüera, Stephan Albers
  • Patent number: 10384592
    Abstract: An automatic lock for installation in a bottom corner fitting of a cargo container to secure stacked containers to one another. The automatic lock may be installed in the bottom corner fitting at the time of manufacture of the container or may be retrofit into existing containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Peck & Hale, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph Royt
  • Patent number: 10118700
    Abstract: A restraint assembly includes a base member, a pawl, a lock member, and an actuator assembly. The base member has a first side plate spaced apart from a second side plate. The pawl is pivotally coupled to the first side plate and the second side plate by a first pin. The lock member is pivotally coupled to the first side plate and the second side plate by a second pin. The actuator assembly includes a first shape memory alloy actuator that is drivably connected to the pawl and a second shape memory alloy actuator that is drivably connected to the lock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Skandan Berikai Kuppan, Chana Kesava Reddy, Bharath Marappan
  • Patent number: 10071796
    Abstract: A fastening device is disclosed for releasably fastening a mechanism in the region of a floor of an aircraft or spacecraft and includes a base component and a latch component. The latch component includes at least one holding portion including a latch-component-side holding face and is movably coupled to the base component between an unlocked and a locked position. When positioned in a predefined mounting position on the floor component and/or on the base component, the holding portion of the latch component engages a fastening portion, and the latch-component-side holding face faces the mechanism-side holding face. During passage of the latch component from locked position into unlocked position a gap between the latch-component-side holding face and the mechanism-side holding face continuously widens. The invention further relates to an arrangement for a cargo loading system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Esser, Ali Lohmann, Jörg Pump, Sönke Hager, Johannes Völker
  • Patent number: 10017251
    Abstract: Systems for restraining palleted cargo within an aircraft are provided. A first system operates to provide vertical and outboard lateral support to cargo at a location where the opposite ends of the system are connected to surfaces that are aligned at different orientations, for example, one end connected to a horizontal floor and the second end connected to a sidewall of the fuselage of the aircraft. A second system operates to provide aft, vertical, and outboard lateral support to cargo upon a pallet proximate to its corner, and at a location where a portion of cargo extends above a stay out zone of the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ancra International, LLC
    Inventors: John F. Rowles, Edward H. Moradians, Victor Bassly
  • Patent number: 10000149
    Abstract: A container-securing device is provided. A main body of the container-securing device is detachably/attachably supported on a cargo bed yet movement of the main body is restricted in any direction within the horizontal plane. The container-securing device 1 includes a socket 3 which is fixed onto the cargo bed; and a main body 2 which is fixed into the socket 3 to fix a container: The main body 2 has its lower region formed with projections 22b extending horizontally; and the socket 3 has a storage space 31 to store the projections 22b, a first restrictor 32 around the storage space 31 which allows rotation of the projections 22b within a horizontal plane but restricts other movement thereof in any direction within the horizontal plane, an opening 33 which communicates with the storage space 31 and allows the projections 22b to be inserted through, and a second restrictor 34 around the opening 33 which restricts movement of the projections 22b in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: MINATO SEIKI IRON WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Takaguchi
  • Patent number: 9809309
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for guide assemblies. A guide assembly may comprise a sliding rail comprising a first channel and a second channel, a first fitting comprising a first retaining rail, wherein the first retaining rail is configured to slide within the first channel, and a second fitting comprising a second retaining rail, wherein the second retaining rail is configured to slide within the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Skandan Berikai Kuppan, Bharath Marappan, Mallikarjun Awarad, Jeff Werbelow, Mark Olson
  • Patent number: 9721485
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to regulate the use and removal of freight. The apparatus includes a sensing element, a stoppage element, and at least one actuator. The sensing element is operable to determine the presence of freight. Stoppage element can alternate between a first condition configured to impede freight removal and a second condition configured to permit freight removal. The presence of freight maintains stoppage element in the first condition absent engagement of the at least one actuator and engagement of the at least one actuator switches stoppage element to the second condition when freight is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J Soares
  • Patent number: 9623789
    Abstract: An immobilizing device for limiting movement of a cargo container in a cargo area may include a tubular member configured to be inserted into an aperture of a cargo deck. The immobilizing device may further include a stop member extending at least partially across a hollow interior of the tubular member, wherein the stop member is configured such that extension of the tubular member into the aperture is limited by contact between the stop member and the portion of the cargo deck located in the aperture. The immobilizing device may also include an extension associated with the tubular member and configured to engage a lower edge of the cargo container, such that movement of the cargo container is limited upon receipt of the tubular member in the aperture and engagement between the extension and the lower edge of the cargo container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Federal Express Corporation
    Inventor: Abdelrazak Hindy
  • Patent number: 9447618
    Abstract: A locking device for containers with a container lock housing and with a locking hook. The locking hook has a pivot axis, which is stationary relative to the container lock housing and which can pivot about the locking hook into a standby position and a locking position. An activation mechanism is included for the locking hook, which has a first actuating element and a second actuating element as well as a release mechanism. The first actuating element holds the locking hook in its standby position, while the second actuating element is configured such that it blocks and clamps the locking hook in its locking position. The release mechanism after the releasing acts on the first actuating element and/or on the second actuating element, which automatically brings about the clamping and blocking of the locking hook in its locking position by the second actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: JOST-WERKE GMBH
    Inventors: Stephan Albers, Hans-Peter Paulekuhn, Michael Eiermann, José Manuel Algüera
  • Patent number: 9394102
    Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet positioned in a bottom thereof and a gate affixed adjacent the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to a second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container can be a ten foot ISO container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: OREN TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: John Oren, Joshua Oren
  • Patent number: 9376210
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cargo handling system for loading and securing one or more freight containers in a cargo hold of an aircraft. The system includes bracket members configured to be secured to a base or floor of the cargo hold, and elongate guide members, each of which is mounted on and interconnects a number of the bracket members arranged in a row, wherein each guide member forms a restraint or a stop against lateral movement of a freight container loaded in the cargo hold. The bracket members include at least one fastening portion configured for tool-less fast-release engagement and locking with a seat track profile in the base or floor of the cargo hold. Furthermore, the bracket members typically extend transversely inwards or inboard of the elongate guide members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Ali Lohmann, André Koehler, Johannes Voelker, Christian Grambole, Matthias Ulbrich, Joerg Pump, Soenke Hager
  • Patent number: 9359129
    Abstract: An automatic lock for interconnecting cargo containers. The lock includes a pin assembly located in, and extending from, each of the bottom corner fittings of the container. The lock further includes a receiver assembly located in each of the top corner fittings of the container for engaging the pin assembly, thereby securing the upper container to said lower container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Peck & Hale, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Joseph Royt
  • Patent number: 9266463
    Abstract: An immobilizing device for limiting movement of a cargo container in a cargo area may include a tubular member configured to be inserted into an aperture of a cargo deck. The immobilizing device may further include a stop member extending at least partially across a hollow interior of the tubular member, wherein the stop member is configured such that extension of the tubular member into the aperture is limited by contact between the stop member and the portion of the cargo deck located in the aperture. The immobilizing device may also include an extension associated with the tubular member and configured to engage a lower edge of the cargo container, such that movement of the cargo container is limited upon receipt of the tubular member in the aperture and engagement between the extension and the lower edge of the cargo container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: FEDERAL EXPRESS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Abdelrazak Hindy
  • Patent number: 9242730
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo handling system has a pair of load restraining rail assemblies, each of which has a shaft assembly running substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The shaft assembly has a plurality of lock pawls, each of which comprises a body having a cylindrical pallet-engaging surface. The pallet engaging surfaces of the lock pawls have increasing included angles at stations moving toward the front of the aircraft (or vice versa). This enables the pallets to be locked in place sequentially by rotating the shall assembly a predetermined angular rotation each time a pallet is loaded. Unloading of the aircraft is carried out in the reverse order, by rotating the shaft assembly in the opposite direction in steps to unlock each pallet individually as the aircraft is unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wallace H. Larson, James R. Brown
  • Patent number: 9079665
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo handling system has a pair of load restraining rail assemblies, each of which has a shaft assembly running substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft. The shaft assembly has a plurality of lock pawls, each of which comprises a body having a cylindrical pallet-engaging surface. The pallet engaging surfaces of the lock pawls have increasing included angles at stations moving toward the front of the aircraft (or vice versa). This enables the pallets to be locked in place sequentially by rotating the shaft assembly an predetermined angular rotation each time a pallet is loaded. Unloading of the aircraft is carried out in the reverse order, by rotating the shaft assembly in the opposite direction in steps to unlock each pallet individually as the aircraft is unloaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wallace H. Larson, James R. Brown
  • Patent number: 8926243
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Greg Schulze
  • Patent number: 8915683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch device for securing and/or guiding at least one cargo item on a cargo deck, wherein the latch device comprises: a sliding guide carriage extending longitudinally; a bearing in which the sliding guide carriage is movably supported in such a way that the sliding guide carriage is pivotable out of a restraining position into an inoperative position; at least one releasing device which is attached to the latch device by way of at least one articulation in such a way that the releasing device can be brought out of a blocking position into a releasing position, wherein in the blocking position the releasing device acts on the sliding guide carriage in such a manner that said carriage is locked in the restraining position, wherein the releasing device has at least one releasing device ramp section which is designed and arranged in such a manner that a cargo item approaching longitudinally pivots the releasing device out of the blocking position into the releasing position
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Telair International GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Holzner
  • Patent number: 8821088
    Abstract: A cargo rollout stop includes a base, and a guide head pivotally mounted to the base. The guide head is movable between a raised blocking position, and a lowered non-blocking position. A retraction pedal is pivotally mounted to the guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the guide head. The retraction pedal permits downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its second position, and blocks downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its it first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8721239
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for assisting the loading and unloading of a boat in relation to a boat trailer, including a snare at or toward a front of the boat, and a latch on the boat trailer which is adapted to adopt at least one of two positions, a first of which allows for a releasable engagement of the snare by the latch, and a second of which allows for a release from such engagement, and a lever to move the latch between the two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Geoffrey Calton Davis, Brian Donald Codd
  • Patent number: 8668416
    Abstract: A cargo rollout stop includes a base having a first end and a second end. A first guide head is movably mounted to the base proximate to the first end, and a second guide head is movably mounted to the base proximate to the second end. The guide heads each are movable between a raised blocking position and a lowered non-blocking position. A blocking member is movably mounted to the base, and is disposed between the guide heads. The blocking member includes a first portion engaged with the first guide head, and a second portion engaged with the second guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position. The first and second portions prevent substantial downward movement of the guide heads when the guide heads are in their raised blocking positions and the blocking member is in its first position. The guide heads are restrained in their lowered non-blocking positions by the blocking member when the blocking member is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8608003
    Abstract: A knockdown container A having a hook member 4 attached to the sleeve 2 such as to be rotatable in a plane parallel to the surface of the sleeve 2, and a receptacle portion 12 formed in the pallet 1 to retain the hook member 4. Alternatively, a knockdown container A having a hook member 4 attached to the sleeve 2 such that it is accommodated in a cut-out portion 21 formed in the sleeve 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Kyoraku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akinobu Uno
  • Patent number: 8590916
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for automatically connecting a watercraft to a trailer. The invention permits a watercraft to be connected to a submerged trailer so that the watercraft can be withdrawn from a body of water by a single operator. The systems and methods of the invention incorporate a bow target guide which guides the operator of a watercraft to a catch mechanism so that a connection between the trailer and watercraft can be made automatically. The systems of the invention may be provided as a kit for modifying an existing trailer, or they may form an integral component of a trailer. Methods of making and using the present system are within the scope of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Paul Velton
  • Publication number: 20130309036
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a latch device for securing and/or guiding at least one cargo item on a cargo deck, wherein the latch device comprises: a sliding guide carriage extending longitudinally; a bearing in which the sliding guide carriage is movably supported in such a way that the sliding guide carriage is pivotable out of a restraining position into an inoperative position; at least one releasing device which is attached to the latch device by way of at least one articulation in such a way that the releasing device can be brought out of a blocking position into a releasing position, wherein in the blocking position the releasing device acts on the sliding guide carriage in such a manner that said carriage is locked in the restraining position, wherein the releasing device has at least one releasing device ramp section which is designed and arranged in such a manner that a cargo item approaching longitudinally pivots the releasing device out of the blocking position into the releasing position
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Telair International GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Holzner
  • Patent number: 8585334
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide an attenuating cargo restraint device that mounts within the plan-view envelope of the cargo being restrained and that does not extend outboard beyond an allowable amount of attenuation. The device includes a sliding head assembly that can be movably disposed relative to a base. The head assembly includes a cavity covered by an upper housing with the upper housing extending inboard and below a point at which the cargo is restrained. The base includes a complimentary cavity extending inboard from a distal end to a proximal end of the base. These cavities collectively form a housing that incorporates and accommodates the elastic element of the device wholly within the innards of the device, below the point of engagement with cargo, and inboard from the point of engagement so as to locate the elastic element underneath and within the plan-view envelope of the cargo being restrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Ancra International LLC
    Inventors: Edward Moradians, John F. Rowles
  • Patent number: 8496418
    Abstract: Fastening elements are known in which locking elements can be swivelled out of a non-operative position and into a fixing position. Usually, each of these locking elements has a locking lug. The known fastening devices are mostly very complex in their structure. The some embodiments of present application propose the provision of a fastening device for at least partially securing a first and a second freight item, which fastening device comprises a frame and comprises a locking claw having a first locking lug and a second locking lug. The locking lugs in this case are aligned along a longitudinal direction of the fastening device, for the purpose of encompassing and holding partial portions of the freight items. The locking claws are pivotally fastened to the frame of the fastening device in such a way that the locking claw can be swivelled out of a fixing position, for securing the freight items, into a non-operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Telair International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Huber, Richard Holzner
  • Patent number: 8491242
    Abstract: A cargo rollout stop includes a base, and a guide head pivotally mounted to the base. The guide head is movable between a raised blocking position, and a lowered non-blocking position. A retraction pedal is pivotally mounted to the guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the guide head. The retraction pedal permits downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its second position, and blocks downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its it first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130168494
    Abstract: A dual pivot load restraint for cargo aircraft for restraining pallet type loads from vertical movement having an upper pivot member pivotally mounted on a lower pivot member and the lower pivot member is pivotally mounted on a base member and the upper pivot member having an engagement portion having an engagement position for projecting into pockets on a pallet type cargo load and abutting against a lower wall thereof, and the lower pivot member having an engagement position for the upper pivot member in the engagement position thereof, and the walls of the pallet type cargo load engaging the engagement portion of the upper pivot member to move the upper pivot member to a retracted position for movement of the pallet type cargo load in the aft direction of the aircraft, and the walls of the pallet type cargo load engaging the engagement portion of the upper pivot member to move the upper pivot member with the lower pivot member to a retracted position of the lower pivot member, and having resilient members
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Edward Moradians, Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 8348564
    Abstract: According to a container coupling device 1 of an embodiment, when a container has been lifted with an upper fitting (4) and a lower fitting (5) being engaged with corner fittings (F) of an upper container and a lower container, respectively, via a spring mechanism, a container weight acts on a lower half portion (42) of the upper fitting (4) that crosses an engaging hole (Fa) of the corner fitting (F) of the upper container and on an upper half portion (51) of the lower fitting (5) that crosses an engaging hole (Fa) of the corner fitting (F) of the lower container. The upper fitting (4) and the lower fitting (5) are forcibly rotated against a biasing force of the spring mechanism in a direction in which the upper fitting and the lower fitting overlap an upper fitted portion (22) and a lower fitted portion (23), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sanwa Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fumimochi Fukui
  • Patent number: 8328479
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Greg Schulze
  • Patent number: 8221038
    Abstract: An overrideable load restraint for restraining a preselected particular type pallet load having side pockets and the restraint having a frame and a body member pivotally mounted on the frame for movement between an upright position and a retracted position and a pawl pivotally mounted on the body and the pawl pivotally moveable between an engagement position and a retracted position and the pawl having a lip extending outwardly and the lip engaging a pocket on the preselected particular type of pallet load for the body in the upright position and the pawl in the engaged position to restrain the preselected type pallet load from movement in three directions: longitudinally in the fore and aft direction, transversely in the lateral direction and vertically in the up direction. The body member is pivotally moveable to the retracted position for the condition of a pallet load, or other load, having a greater width than the preselected particular type pallet load pressing down thereon while passing thereover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Angra International, LLC.
    Inventor: Edward Moradians
  • Patent number: 8221039
    Abstract: Latching device (50) for latching thereto a boat coupling part (24) of a boat (10) on a body of water (28) by moving the boat up a ramp. Latching device (50) has a latching element (54) mounted for pivotal movement such that it is engaged by said boat coupling part (24) when the boat is moved up the incline, to pivot the latching element (54) to a position at which the boat coupling part (24) can pass a catch part (85) of the latching element (54). After passage of the boat coupling part (24) past the catch part (85), the latching element (54) reversely pivots to allow capture of said boat coupling part (24) by said catch part (85), under reverse movement of the boat (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Trevor Wayne Boshuizen
  • Publication number: 20120163941
    Abstract: A safety and restraint assembly allows transition of palletized cargo into a cargo bay and prevents the palletized cargo from inadvertently rolling backwards out through the cargo bay door. The assembly includes a wedge-shaped, spring-loaded, anti-rollout component that rotates downward as force from a pallet is applied to the anti-rollout component during loading of pallets, and the anti-rollout component returns to its original position after the pallet has traversed entirely over the anti-rollout component. The assembly also includes a folding restraint pawl for vertical restraint of adjacent pallets during transport. In an engaged position, the restraint pawl snaps into a slot in the anti-rollout component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Dugic
  • Publication number: 20120126058
    Abstract: A locking element is described for securing containers, pallets or similar freight items in the cargo bay of an aircraft, wherein a first and a second locking claw are mounted on a frame swivellable from a lowered loading position into a raised working position for securing containers. A remotely controllable adjustment device is provided to change and adjust the state of the locking claws between the loading state in which the locking claws are in the loading position, a holding state in which the locking claws are in the working position and fixed, and a trigger state in which the locking claws are in the working position but can be swivelled from the working position into the loading position if a force acting on the locking claws exceeds a predetermined amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Telair International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Huber, Richard Holzner
  • Publication number: 20120114444
    Abstract: A cargo rollout stop includes a base, and a guide head pivotally mounted to the base. The guide head is movable between a raised blocking position, and a lowered non-blocking position. A retraction pedal is pivotally mounted to the guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the guide head. The retraction pedal permits downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its second position, and blocks downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its it first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Aaron J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20120093626
    Abstract: A container according the present application includes a container auto-lock system. The container auto-lock system is integrated into the outboard apertures of the lower castings of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system includes a locking mechanism which is configured to recess when the container is lowered onto a surface lacking an acceptable receiving aperture. The locking mechanism is also configured to automatically lock when placed on top of a domestic sized container. The container auto-lock system is configured to be compatible with international sized container by allowing the inboard apertures on each lower casting to be available for attaching the domestic container on top of an international container with a conventional locking device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas P. Kelly
  • Patent number: 8157492
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for securing a container on a platform of a transport vehicle, in particular on a lifting platform of a floor-bound and automatically guided transport vehicle, with securing elements which are supported on the platform and bear against the container to secure same. A multiplicity of securing elements are arranged moveably on the platform in such a manner that, depending on the position and type of a container deposited on the platform, a first group of the multiplicity of securing elements is moved from the container into a passive position, and a second group of the multiplicity of securing elements is moved from the container into an operating position or remains in the operating position in which the second group of securing elements secures the container against slipping from the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Gottwald Port Technology GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Franzen, Armin Wieschemann, Jannis Moutsokapas
  • Publication number: 20120087761
    Abstract: A cargo rollout stop includes a base, and a guide head pivotally mounted to the base. The guide head is movable between a raised blocking position, and a lowered non-blocking position. A retraction pedal is pivotally mounted to the guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the guide head. The retraction pedal permits downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its second position, and blocks downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its it first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Aaron J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8118524
    Abstract: A centerline restraint includes a conventional center guide/restraint and a pair of a overrideable guide/restraint at either end. Each overrideable guide/restraint is lockable into one of three rotational positions about a common axis: a retracted position, an erect position and an overridden position. The overrideable guide/restraint has a yoke-shaped body with a pair of legs rotatably mounted on an axle which, in turn, is mounted on a base of the centerline restraint. Lift handles, each operatively connected to a spring-loaded plunger are used to adjust the overrideable guide/restraint between the three positions. A head of the spring-loaded plunger abuts one or more stops formed on the legs of the overrideable guide/restraint to lock the overrideable guide/restraint in various predetermined positions. Lift handles operatively connected to the plungers, when operated, cause the overrideable guide/restraint to switch between positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory James Schulze, Wayne Vernon Huseby
  • Patent number: 8109702
    Abstract: A caster for use in aircraft along a cargo deck comprises a housing having at least one wall, a pivot assembly, a brake assembly and at least one spring. A pivot assembly can have at least one wall, first and second ends, and a base between the first and second ends, wherein the first end of the pivot assembly can be elevated above the second end of the pivot assembly. The wall of the pivot assembly can be rotatably linked to the wall of the housing. An optional brake assembly can be on the first end of the pivot assembly. At least one spring can be on the second end of the pivot assembly. A cover on or above the at least one spring can be secured to the wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Wesley Keith Stegmiller, Justin Wade Smith, Justin Daniel Williams
  • Patent number: 8109703
    Abstract: A cargo rollout stop includes a base, and a guide head pivotally mounted to the base. The guide head is movable between a raised blocking position, and a lowered non-blocking position. A retraction pedal is pivotally mounted to the guide head, and is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the guide head. The retraction pedal permits downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its second position, and blocks downward rotation of the guide head from its raised blocking position to its lowered non-blocking position when the retraction pedal is in its it first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20120027534
    Abstract: Fastening elements are known in which locking elements can be swivelled out of a non-operative position and into a fixing position. Usually, each of these locking elements has a locking lug. The known fastening devices are mostly very complex in their structure. The some embodiments of present application propose the provision of a fastening device for at least partially securing a first and a second freight item, which fastening device comprises a frame and comprises a locking claw having a first locking lug and a second locking lug. The locking lugs in this case are aligned along a longitudinal direction of the fastening device, for the purpose of encompassing and holding partial portions of the freight items. The locking claws are pivotally fastened to the frame of the fastening device in such a way that the locking claw can be swivelled out of a fixing position, for securing the freight items, into a non-operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: Telair International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Huber, Richard Holzner
  • Publication number: 20110217138
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo restraint has a base configured for attachment to a cargo deck. A housing is rotatably mounted to the base about a first axis and is movable between an erect position and a stowed position. A head is movably disposed in the housing, and is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in directions that are substantially parallel to the first axis. The restraint includes a lock configured to releasably secure the housing in the erect position when the head is in the contracted position, and to permit movement of the head from the erect position to the stowed position when the head is in the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Inventor: Greg Schulze