Abstract: A load, such as a pallet, is releasably secured to a fixed structure, e.g. a cargo bay of a space shuttle. The pallet (5) is secured to a support (2), which holds the pallet and is secured in the cargo bay. A first interlocking device (ID1) is provided at each end of the support. A second interlocking device (ID2) is provided at each end of the pallet. The first interlocking device (ID1) includes a shaft (1) rotatably held in a shaft mounting bracket (3A) secured to a respective support end (3). The second interlocking device (ID2) includes a bracket (4) secured to an end of the pallet (5), a claw (4A) secured to the bracket, a groove in the claw (4A) and a fork (6) in the groove of the claw (4A). A central shaft section (1A) is received in the fork (6) for the interlocking. The shaft (1) is movable in the fork (6) in the direction of the x-axis and of the z-axis. The shaft is also rotatable about the x-axis and tiltable relative to the y-axis. The fork is turnable about the z-axis.

Abstract: A load, such as a pallet, is releasably secured to a fixed structure, e.g. a cargo bay of a space shuttle. The pallet (5) is secured to a support (2), which holds the pallet and is secured in the cargo bay. A first interlocking device (ID1) is provided at each end of the support. A second interlocking device (ID2) is provided at each end of the pallet. The first interlocking device (ID1) includes a shaft (1) rotatably held in a shaft mounting bracket (3A) secured to a respective support end (3). The second interlocking device (ID2) includes a bracket (4) secured to an end of the pallet (5), a claw (4A) secured to the bracket, a groove in the claw (4A) and a fork (6) in the groove of the claw (4A). A central shaft section (1A) is received in the fork (6) for the interlocking. The shaft (1) is movable in the fork (6) in the direction of the x-axis and of the z-axis. The shaft is also rotatable about the x-axis and tiltable relative to the y-axis. The fork is turnable about the z-axis.