Abstract: A pallet that is initially not completely aligned with a support structure, such as support rails in the floor of an aircraft, is properly aligned by the function of an aligning and coupling device which has two sections interconnected by a coupling member, such as a screw bolt that can be tightened. One section is connected to the support and the other section is connected to the pallet. Relative movement at least in a radial direction of the components of one section permit an adjustment. The relative movement is preferably permitted in the radial and axial direction. The continued tightening of the two sections to each other provide the required alignment.

Abstract: Loads, such as pallets or freight containers, are guided and restrained on the loading floor of an aircraft by a device which provides guide rollers oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the aircraft to hold pieces of freight in the horizontal direction. Additionally, cantilevered latching members hold a piece of freight against vertical and/or tilting movements. Both, the guide elements and the latching members are mounted to be tilted into the floor structure. The latching members perform simultaneously a rotating movement and a tilting movement when the device is moved or tilted into its recessed position below a top surface of the loading floor.

Abstract: A guiding mechanism for loads on the loading floor of an aircraft has two separate guide elements tiltably mounted in a support frame. The frame with its guide elements is arranged so that the longitudinal frame axis extends substantially perpendicularly to the freight moving direction on the loading floor. Each guide element is equipped with guide rollers for guiding a vertical edge of a pallet and with a latching hook for guiding a horizontal edge of a pallet. The guide hooks prevent a tilting of a pallet. The guide elements are journalled in the frame, so that one of the guide elements is tiltable into the frame with its guide surface facing downwardly, while the other guide element is tiltable into the frame so that its guide surface faces substantially upwardly. Further, one of the two guide elements is equipped with a roll-over bail which tilts the respective guide element into the frame when a load rolls over the bail.

Abstract: The door sill of a cargo loading and unloading opening in an aircraft body is protected against damage by a cover plate that is hinged to the loading floor alongside the door opening to be tiltable outwardly to cover the sill when in the operative position. The outwardly pointing edge of the cover plate is supported by a support linkage, including a support link or section and a tie rod or bracing link, which are pivoted to the cover plate and to each other, so that the plate and its support linkage may be tilted into a recessed position in which the plate with its support linkage extends substantially in parallel and close to the door or gate that closes the cargo opening, thereby using very little space in the stowed condition.