Oppositely Directed Latch Pair To Retain Contiguous Load Bearers Patents (Class 410/79)
  • Patent number: 11491907
    Abstract: A restraint for use in restraining cargo includes a main body having an elongated shape with a contact end configured to contact and restrain the cargo and a second end opposite the contact end, the contact end defining a first face and a second face such that a first angle between the first face and the second face is at least one of less than or equal to 160 degrees. The restraint further includes a spring configured to allow the main body to rotate relative to a stationary object in response to contact with the cargo and to cause the main body to return to a neutral position in response to a lack of contact with the cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Christopher P. Seubert, Kruse Otto
  • Patent number: 11136197
    Abstract: A cargo handling system (CHS) is provided and includes a guide tray along which an electric rail extends and a carrier movably disposable within the guide tray. The carrier includes a carrier surface, guide and contact rollers for establishing electric communication with the electric rail with the carrier movably disposed within the guide tray, drivable elements to assume retracted or extended positions at which, with the carrier movably disposed within the guide tray, the carrier surface is deployed within or above the guide tray, respectively; and a control system. The control system is configured to draw current from the electric communication between the electric rail and the contact roller and to use the current to operate the drivable elements to move the carrier along the guide tray and to control extension and retraction of the drivable elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mohinder Saini, Pankajkumar Manilal Patel
  • Patent number: 10919630
    Abstract: A restraint assembly includes a base configured to be mounted to a tray of the cargo system, a lateral restraint, and a vertical restraint. The lateral restraint comprises a guide face and a top edge, wherein the lateral restraint is rotatably coupled to the base, according to various embodiments. The vertical restraint extends from the top edge of the lateral restraint, according to various embodiments. The restraint assembly comprises a stored position and a raised position. In the stored position both the lateral restraint and the vertical restraint are configured to be disposed within a volume defined by the tray of the cargo system. In the raised position the vertical restraint and at least the guide face of the lateral restraint are configured to be disposed above the volume defined by the tray of the cargo system to provide guidance and restraint to cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brandon Lee, Wallace Harold Larson, Mark L Olson
  • Patent number: 10919433
    Abstract: A restraint assembly includes a lateral restraint comprising a guide face, wherein the lateral restraint is configured to be rotatably coupled to a tray of the cargo system. The restraint assembly also includes a vertical restraint rotatably coupled to the lateral restraint. The restraint assembly is configured to have a stored position and a raised position. In the stored position, both the lateral restraint and the vertical restraint are configured to be disposed within a volume defined by the tray of the cargo system. In the raised position, the vertical restraint and at least the guide face of the lateral restraint are configured to be disposed above the volume defined by the tray of the cargo system such that the restraint assembly provides at least one of longitudinal guidance, lateral restraint, and vertical restraint to cargo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brandon Lee, Mark L Olson
  • Patent number: 10689114
    Abstract: A mounting device for mounting functional devices within a cargo hold of an aircraft. The mounting device includes at least one surface unit and a plurality of functional devices which can be mounted on the surface unit in such a way that the surface unit can be inserted together with functional devices mounted thereon into the aircraft cargo hold in the manner of a template in such a way that all the functional devices come to lie in defined mounting locations in the cargo hold and can be mounted on supporting structures of the aircraft or the cargo hold without adjustment in relation to the surface unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Telair International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Huber, Richard Holzner
  • Patent number: 10189375
    Abstract: A fitting for fixing an object on a rail, the fitting having a retainer (2) in a sliding body and having a holding and locking element (8.1) arranged so as to be movable relative to the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Allsafe Jungfalk GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Ingolf Stubbe
  • Patent number: 9896019
    Abstract: A cargo stop for use with a tie down strap with attachment members attachable to anchors in a floor of a cargo compartment usable for carrying cargo. The cargo stop having an elongated cargo engagement wall member portion with a rearward facing elongated engagement wall sized for engagement with cargo to resist forward movement of cargo engaging the engagement wall beyond the engagement wall, an elongated backing member portion rigidly connected to the cargo engagement wall member portion and projecting forward beyond the cargo engagement wall member portion, and an elongated strap receiving recess sized to receive the tie down strap. The length of the engagement wall being sized to position the left end portion of the engagement wall in proximity with a starboard wall of the cargo compartment and the right end portion of the engagement wall in proximity with a port wall of the cargo compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Inventor: William J. Boyer
  • Patent number: 9776791
    Abstract: A cargo supporting structure made of a liner, mounted inside a container cargo, comprising a plurality of pre-tensioned belts coupled to an elastically deformable and not extensible element shaped like a circular ring, made of composite material and reinforced with steel stiffening elements; and comprising one ratchet tensioning means, mounted on one of the pre-tensioned belts to tension all pre-tensioned belts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: ECEPLAST, S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Altobelli
  • Patent number: 9540106
    Abstract: A lock is proposed for securing containers or similar freight on a cargo bay floor of an aircraft in a vertical direction perpendicular to the cargo bay floor and in a transverse direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The locking element comprises at least one lock attached to a frame for securing containers or similar freight and with a claw in the transverse direction of the aircraft to surround and hold a part section of the container. At least one lock is arranged mobile and fixable in a guide of the frame in order to adapt the spacing of the locks to containers of different sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Telair International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Huber, Richard Holzner
  • Patent number: 9284036
    Abstract: The invention relates to a floor plate for bearing upon a floor framework in an aircraft. The floor framework is formed with a multiplicity of transverse beams which are arranged like a truss, and a multiplicity of longitudinal profiles, especially seat rail profiles, which extend transversely to the transverse beam. At least one sub-assembly, for example a kitchen module and/or a sanitary cell, can be fastened on the floor plate. The floor plate bears upon at least four longitudinal profiles and has at least one connecting point, especially an insert, for fastening of the sub-assembly. In addition, at least one system port is provided for the tool-less, pluggable connecting of the sub-assembly to any on-board systems of the aircraft, especially to electrical systems, to feed-air systems, to exhaust air systems, to fresh-water systems or to waste-water systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Kook, Wolfram Schopenhauer
  • Patent number: 9238504
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a cargo hold floor for a cargo hold of an aircraft. The cargo hold floor comprises a multiplicity of panels (110a, 110b) to form the cargo hold floor, wherein the panels have rail segments to form rails extending over several profile panels (120-130, 120?-129?) and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the aircraft. The rail segments comprise full seat rail segments (150, 150b) and partial seat rail segments (155a, 155b, 155b, 155b) for fixing of freight loading components. Such full seat rail segments and partial seat rail segments can be used advantageously to anchor freight items to the cargo hold floor or to fasten function elements there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Telair International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Huber, Richard Holzner
  • Patent number: 9139303
    Abstract: A seat mounting assembly including a swingarm configured for attachment to spaced-apart floor tracks, and a plinth having a seat mounted thereon mounted on the swingarm such that the swingarm is configured to deflect in a direction away from the plinth in response to floor deformation. An assembly for mounting a suite-style seat supported on a plinth to spaced floor tracks to isolate the plinth from floor deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Bechtold, Timothy E. Fry, James R. Penley, Gregory Nield, Marc F. Pearce
  • Patent number: 9076560
    Abstract: A jet pump including a riser as a coolant supply tube, an inlet mixer forming a turn-around path for the coolant, a diffuser, and a jet pump beam provided with a bolt fixing device is disclosed. The bolt fixing device includes: a head bolt of a jet pump beam for pushing and supporting the inlet mixer from an upper side of the riser, the head bolt being provided with a polygonal head portion; a lock cap provided on the polygonal head portion of the head bolt; a body housing disposed on an upper surface of the jet pump beam and adapted to accommodate the lock pin; a plurality of tapered external teeth formed on an outer peripheral side surface of the lock cap; and a plurality of internal tooth-shaped grooves formed to the body housing to fix the head bolt of the jet pump beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hajime Mori, Kunihiko Kinugasa, Yuusuke Watanabe, Jun Suzuki, Yoshiki Ishizaki, Yasuo Morishima
  • 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: 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: 7854579
    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: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron J. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20040245397
    Abstract: A single transportation platform system capable of interfacing with standardized ISO containers, PLS truck-and-trailer systems, HSVs Fast Sealift Ships, and cargo aircraft's 463L rail and pallet locking systems. The system can be handled by a LHS equipped vehicle as a joined platform or separated into individual pallets and handled like a 463L pallet. The platform provides a pallet system that eliminates the need for a married pallet system to be used in the process of loading and supporting loads normally transported on standard CROPs when being transported on a cargo aircraft. The platform can be positioned directly on the roller assembly of a loading ramp of a cargo aircraft, such as a C-17 by a LHS equipped vehicle, so as to facilitate loading and unloading from the aircraft without the need for large cranes or K-loaders. The platform also permits combat offloads to be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Anibal J. Garcia, James S. Wells, Myles A. Rohrlick, John B. Simmons
  • Patent number: 6485238
    Abstract: An aircraft cargo carrier restraint device that is constructed so that it cannot be accidentally moved from extended, pallet locking position to a retracted position. The device embodies locking pawls of unique design that positively preclude movement of the pawls into a retracted position unless a specific sequence of operation is followed. One of the locking pawls includes a locking notch and the other of the locking pawls includes a locking protuberance, which is closely received within the locking notch so as to positively prevent accidental downward movement of the pawls into their lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Pemco Aviation Group
    Inventor: B. Javier Segura
  • Patent number: 6450744
    Abstract: A cargo restraint system for retaining a cargo pallet. The cargo restraint system comprising a frame having a receiving channel and a pallet latching member. The pallet latching member is rotatably coupled at a first end to the frame for pivotal movement between a stowed position and a retaining position. The latch member includes a pair of camming surfaces that are engageable with the cargo pallet during an overriding movement of the cargo pallet, which forces the pallet latching member into the stowed position. The pallet latching member has an overall maximum width that is less than a width of the receiving channel of the frame to eliminate any wing-like feature and minimize the potential for damage to the pallet latching member caused by inadvertent snagging of the pallet latching member by the cargo pallet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Daniel Roger Gilhuys, Rosario Simon Saggio, Karlton Kazumi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6425717
    Abstract: A cargo restraint device including a base having an outer pawl and an inner pawl pivotally connected to the base. The outer pawl has a generally horizontal locking surface that cooperates with a generally horizontal locking surface on the inner pawl to provide a cargo restraint device capable of resisting vibration and downward forces applied to the inner pawl to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the cargo restraint device. During an unlocking movement, foot pressure is applied generally downward upon the outer pawl to enable the inner pawl to rotate to an unlocked position. The foot pressure is then released from the outer pawl to enable the outer pawl to rotate to an unlatched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Rosario Simon Saggio, Frank J. Caldwell, Jr., Karlton K. Okamoto
  • Patent number: 6413029
    Abstract: A cargo locking device for locking of freight in a vehicle such as the stowage of containers or pallets in aircraft in which track connectors, namely the tensile studs are arranged in such a manner that tensile load is distributed between the floor beams. The cargo lock has a lock length about equal to or exceeding the transverse beam pitch, the tensile studs being placed in groups at both ends of the lock and the pawls in the middle of the lock such that pawl loads are split between the forward and the aft stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Inventor: Willem J. A. Kernkamp
  • Patent number: 6318938
    Abstract: An assembly and associated system for assuring that one or more freight or cargo carrying pallets are secured to a supporting surface in the cargo or storage area of an aircraft. The assembly including a plurality of spaced apart tracks fixedly mounted to the supporting surface, and disposed in underlying, supporting relation to the pallets. A plurality of locking assemblies, are provided and structured to removably but lockingly engage the tracks at strategic positions immediately adjacent peripheral portions of the pallets. Each of the locking assemblies are selectively oriented into a locked position which retains and lockingly secures the pallets in a preferred position relative to the plurality of tracks on which they are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Aymos Aircraft Electronic Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Luis Araujo
  • Patent number: 6193453
    Abstract: A cargo locking device for locking of freight in a vehicle such as the stowage of containers or pallets in aircraft in which track connectors, namely the tensile studs are arranged in such a manner that tensile load is distributed between the floor beams. The cargo lock has a lock length about equal to or exceeding the transverse beam pitch, the tensile studs being placed in groups at both ends of the lock and the pawls in the middle of the lock such that pawl loads are split between the forward and the aft stud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Willem J. A. Kernkamp
  • Patent number: 5871317
    Abstract: So-called butterfly latches are known, by way of which containers, pallets or similar items of freight can be secured within the cargo area of an aircraft. These comprise a frame that can be attached to holding rails on the floor of the cargo area. In the present latch, in the frame is disposed a double latch hook comprising two arms that are hinged to one another at first ends and at these first ends are provided with hook elements so constructed as to engage and retain items of cargo. At second ends the arms are mounted in the frame so that they can move in a plane of rotation in such a way that when they are struck by an item of cargo travelling in a first horizontal direction parallel to the plane of rotation, the first ends of the arms are deflected downward from an upper operating position toward the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Telair International GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Huber, Jurgen Volkel, Richard Holzner
  • Patent number: 5454673
    Abstract: A horizontal connector interconnects adjacent ISO shipping containers. The connector has oppositely disposed locking arms which engage the inside surfaces of the respective container corner fittings. A push block assembly moves in a first direction to rotate the locking arm to engage the inside surface of a corner fitting, and then a reactive force from the surface engagement causes the push block to move in a second direction angularly disposed to the first direction to in turn cause push block surfaces to be frictionally engaged to lock the arm to the corner fitting. This locking action permits the containers to remain securely interconnected even when the connector and containers are subjected to excessive vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: John M. DiMartino
  • Patent number: 5433564
    Abstract: Conventionally, a container is secured in the cargo hold of an aircraft by a latch comprising a frame having a floor part to which are attached two upwardly extending side parts. At least one latch-arm is mounted on an axle set between the side parts so that it can rotate from a lower, inoperative position into an upright, locking position. Restraining means are used to fasten the latch to a floor of the cargo hold. The present invention proposes the provision of at least one resiliently deformable section in the floor part of the frame so that in use when a force is applied to the latch-arm, the side parts of the frame can move relative to the floor part as the floor part is deformed. A latch of this kind is intended to ensure increased operational reliability with no increase in weight over a conventional latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Electro Pneumatic International GmbH
    Inventor: Jarl Sundseth
  • Patent number: 5265991
    Abstract: A cargo restraint for use with a cargo carrying deck in an aircraft, the deck having an upper support surface. The restraint includes a base adapted for attachment to the deck and a guide member pivotally attached to the base. The guide member is adapted to overlie the side edge of a cargo carrying unit to vertically and laterally restrain a cargo carrying unit. The guide member also forms a vertical and lateral guide during movement of a cargo carrying unit within the aircraft. The guide member is pivotal between an upright operating position and a retracted position wherein the guide member is located below the support surface of the cargo deck and is additionally pivotal to a latched position. A spring biases the guide member from the retracted and latched positions to the upright position. A latch releasably retains the guide member in the latched position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: AAR Corp.
    Inventors: William H. Herrick, Shivshankar S. Burde, Ronald J. Vermeulen
  • Patent number: 5131673
    Abstract: An automatic, pneumatically operated flatrack lockdown device is provided for a palletized load system trailer. The lockdown device includes a manual release system which can override the pneumatic system when, for example, the pneumatic system fails. The release system includes a main handle, which when pivoted unlocks the flatrack. In one embodiment, the release system further includes a locking assembly which prevents the main handle from unlocking the flatrack , and a pair of release handles, each of which release the locking assembly to allow for operation of the main handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Assignee: Southwest Mobile Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Gleeson, Stephen B. Hupperts, Tim R. Thorman
  • Patent number: 5112173
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for latching cargo pieces to a loading floor of aircraft has two latches housed in a common latch housing. The latching claws face in opposite directions. The latches rotate on journal shafts arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft with a lateral on-center spacing between the journal shafts. Tension springs act eccentrically to hold the latches in their extended locking position. In the locking position the latches support each other by bearing against respective stops. An inclined ramp, provided on each latch and extending in the loading direcion, cooperates with a connecting lever joint to assure that the latches can be rolled over by cargo pieces of full width, while pieces of half the full width are arrested in lateral and vertical directions when the mechanism is located between two pieces of half width closely spaced from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Assignee: Deutsche Airbus GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Eilenstein, Guenter Vogg
  • Patent number: 5011348
    Abstract: An automatically retractable restraint assembly for vertically restraining a body by engagement with its side. The centerline restraint (10) includes a pair of normally upright positioned inside heads (20), each head having an outwardly extending toggle (76) for engaging the side of a cargo body (14). The inside heads are automatically retractable into the frame (24) upon engagement by the cargo body after the preceding engagement of either of a pair of release wings (30). The inside heads are also spring loaded outwardly along the longitudinal centerline of the centerline restraint to maintain contact between the toggle and the cargo body should it attempt to move out of engagement. A pair of normally upright positioned and automatically retractable outside heads (22) are included to engage a cargo body of lesser widthwise dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Tom M. Jensen, Herbert E. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4997326
    Abstract: A symmetrical latching plate, which includes a central latching portion having a recess and two lateral hook portions, is used for mutually coupling two back-to-back containers and for simultaneously locking the same to a common twistlock. In the latching position, in which the latching plate extends in parallel to a loading surface accommodating the containers, the twistlock engages in the recess, and the hook portions engage behind web portions respectively provided on either container. In a vertical position, which is pivoted by 90.degree. relative to the latching position, the latching plate can be withdrawn along a bottom framework member of at least one of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Westerwaelder Eisenwerk Gerhard GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Gerhard
  • Patent number: 4993899
    Abstract: An apparatus is used for automatic insertion and alignment of freight units, such as pallets or containers, into mobile cargo compartments. The apparatus includes a pivotal guide lever with a hold-down member arranged at an entry guide in the region of an opening into the mobile cargo compartment. For moving the freight into the cargo compartment, the guide lever is displaced by an adjustment lever extending upwardly from the bottom of the cargo compartment. The adjustment lever can be displaced from the path of on-coming freight units so that the freight unit passes over the adjustment lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm GmbH
    Inventors: Hinrich Engel, Hartmut Sempert, Gerhard Palme
  • Patent number: 4770578
    Abstract: An arrangement for securing bins to a deck of a vehicle, which employs a tie-down frame. The tie-down frame includes longitudinally extending right angle members that extend along the outboard upper end edges of the bins and outboard transversely extending right angle end members that extend across the uppermost side edges of the outboard bins. Right angle members are fixed to the longitudinal members inwardly of the transverse end members to engage the outward corners of the intermediate bins. The tie-down frame also includes intermediate transversely extending channel-shaped members that extend along the top of the bins inwardly from the outboard transversely extending end members for receiving the tines of a fork lift truck to move the tie-down frame from place-to-place. The tie-down frame is placed along the top of the bins. Cables releasably secure the tie-down frame to the deck to prevent the bins from sliding along the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Fabricated Metals, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence B. Coleman
  • Patent number: 4696609
    Abstract: A cargo restraint device is automatically adapatable for the retention and conveyance of half size width or full size width pallets and containers on a floor mounted track in a vehicle such as an aircraft. A pair of similar wing portions are spring urged to an upright position opposite each other. Each of the wing portions has an arm which extends outwardly therefrom from a support plate in a direction substantially normal to the support plate, these wing portions being adapted to engage the edges of the pallets or containers to retain them to the track. A camming member has a camming arm which engages camming surfaces on the wing members. This camming member is spring urged upwardly so that the camming arm thereof firmly engages the camming surfaces of the wing members at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1987
    Assignee: Ancra Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen C. Cole
  • Patent number: 4695184
    Abstract: Improved lock assemblies for locking two construction components together. A pair of tandem male lock assemblies each includes a rigid pin which is reciprocable with respect to a surrounding male socket between an advanced position and a retracted position. Each male lock assembly includes a transversely reciprocable lock adapted to lock the pin in at least one of, and preferably both of, its two positions. All parts of each lock assembly are retained against separation. The locks of the tandem male lock assemblies are connected for joint movement and are adapted so that, when moved from release positions to pin-locking positions, one lock engages its respective pin before the other lock engages its pin. A cooperative pair of tandem female lock assemblies may have identical jointly movable locks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Inventors: Alces P. Robishaw, Paul A. Robishaw
  • Patent number: 4557648
    Abstract: The floor in an aircraft having a cargo space is provided with a conveyor system comprised of roller type tracks and an array system of rails superimposed upon the conveyor system. Latch elements positionable in relation to and connectable to the rails in variable positions are provided for sliding on the rails and being fastened thereto in selective positions. The latch elements are constructed for engaging pieces of freight, such as containers and pallets, for latching them into positions as predetermined by the positions of the rail elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: Vereinigte Flugtechnische Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Eckhard Koch, Gunter Vogg, Jochen Soller
  • Patent number: 4540080
    Abstract: An end stop for restraining the motion of a pallet in a cargo loading system, such as might be employed in an aircraft. A pair of similar left and right-hand pieces are removably mounted in a track or mounting channel having alternate lip and cutout portions. Each of these members has a main body portion having an elongated tension lug extending normally along the bottom edge thereof and a plurality of shear lugs directly above the tension lugs and extending substantially parallel thereto, such lugs being spaced from each other along the longitudinal extent of the main body. Each body portion further includes an overhanging restraining arm extending along the top edge of the body in a direction substantially normal to that in which the shear and tension lugs extend, a stop plate extending downwardly from the inner edge of the restraining arm in a direction normal thereto and a sloped shoulder which extends outwardly from the bottom edge of the stop plate towards the bottom edge of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1985
    Assignee: Ancra Corporation
    Inventor: Arnold B. Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 4508296
    Abstract: A payload retention system for securing and retaining a payload in a fixed docked position on a platform in a cargo bay of a space vehicle is disclosed which includes a plurality of latching assemblies 16 carried by platform 10 each of which includes a latching member A having a contoured spherical latch element 24. A plurality of payload latching elements B are carried by the payload having a complementary contoured spherical latch element 18. The latching elements 18 are carried in interlatching alignment with the latching members 24 of the latching assemblies 16 defining latch couplings C. Spherical latch element 18 has a convex latching surface 19 and spherical element 24 has a concave latching surface 25 which mate and couple with one another when interlatched. The spherical latch elements 18, 24 having their axes aligned with one another when interlatched whereby the payload is retained in a fixed docked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Keith H. Clark
  • Patent number: 4491446
    Abstract: A hold-down apparatus clamps functional elements, for instance solar cell nels which are unfoldable from a carrying body, possibly a spacecraft, in their folded condition. The folded functional elements (15) rest on a counter support (3) provided on the carrying body. A pressure piece (4) is mounted on the outermost functional element (15a). A swingable retaining arm or bail (5) rests with its one end on the pressure piece (4). In order to produce a high biasing force in the locked position, and in order to be able in an easy and reliable manner to reverse at any time from the unlocked to the locked position, the hold-down apparatus has the following features. A lever arm (7) is articulated or journalled to the counter support (3) and may be rotated by means of a drive element (10). The lever (7) is rotatably connected at one of its ends to the retaining arm or bail (5) which is biased by a spring (9) pressing in the direction toward the pressure piece (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1985
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventor: Ruediger Ewald
  • Patent number: 4419033
    Abstract: A system for releasably securing support elements in a space vehicle wher a holding element extending through the support elements is pivotally mounted to a lever at the inner end thereof with a spring loaded release lever maintaining the outer end of the holding element in securing position. The inner end of the holding element is pivotally mounted to the lever at a point located eccentrically relative to the point of rotation of the lever and a releasable spring loaded piston operates upon severing of a blocking element to release the spring loaded piston to enable the lever to rotate to move the holding element so that the release lever engaging the outer end thereof may operate to release the holding engagement between the release lever and a support bushing whereupon the support elements will be released for movement. A limitation member is provided to limit the angle of movement of the release lever to 90.degree. when releasing the outer end of the holding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Martin Roth, Helmut Kiendl
  • Patent number: 4372715
    Abstract: A punch type release lock intended for use primarily in retaining load supports such as pallets in locked position in an aircraft. The lock comprises a detent mechanism which is inserted into a recess preferably at the side of the load support. A preferred form of detent mechanism comprises a pair of relatively movable elements, at least one of which is pivoted. The elements include abutments which are movable apart as the elements are inserted into the recess. When a load is applied to the pivoted detent, as for example, by a parachute extracting system, movement of the element in a direction to withdraw the element to release the load support is prevented by a load cell comprising a fuse plate and punch, in which the punch is prevented from movement by the fuse plate until attainment of a predetermined load on the pivoted detent element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Assignee: AAR Corp.
    Inventor: Faisal A. Naffa
  • Patent number: 4349168
    Abstract: The system includes two parallel rails, multiple airdrop/logistics locks mounted by one rail, and multiple forward restraint mechanisms mounted by the other rail opposite alternate airdrop/logistics locks. Two drawbars are connected to and provide remote operation of the airdrop/logistics locks and the forward restraint mechanisms, respectively. The airdrop/logistics locks additionally are operable locally. Each airdrop/logistics lock includes a movable detent and a force responsive release assembly which releases the detent from an extended locking position upon attainment of a predetermined threshold force in the aft direction. The release assembly includes a fuse and a contractible cartridge assembly connected to the detent such that movement of the detent toward a release position will cause the cartridge to contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Franklin K. Barnes, Eddie D. Banks
  • Patent number: 4349302
    Abstract: The device is a cargo restraint mechanism for restraining cargo pallets. The mechanism includes two links rotatably attached to a frame member, and a latch member pivotably attached to the links. One link is provided with a lever and the latch includes a cargo restraint lip. The mechanism is erected by pressing the lever thereby raising the restraint lip above the plane of the top surface of the frame and into a cargo pallet engaging position. A downward force delivered to the top surface of the restraint lip retracts the restraint mechanism beneath the plane of the top surface of the frame. A helper leaf spring follows a cam surface on the other link causing a snap-type action in the mechanism. The frame may include an additional mechanism such as a separately actuatable and retractable seat pallet guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1982
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Jesse T. Ferguson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4347023
    Abstract: In a system for holding support elements on a body, which elements can be lded or swung out from the held position, such as support elements used with solar generators on space vehicles, a pin is arranged to carry the support elements and a locking bolt retains the pin in the held position. The locking bolt is biased toward a position where it releases the pin. The pin is tensioned so that it contributes to the biasing action on the locking bolt. A blocking element holds the locking element in position for securing the pin in the held position. When the blocking element is displaced, the locking bolt is released and, due to the biasing action, moves out of the position where it secures the pin in the held position. A number of pin-locking bolt-blocking element combinations can be secured in the held position by a common cable acting on the blocking elements. When the cable is cut, each of the combinations is released at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Ioannis Rizos
  • Patent number: 4344726
    Abstract: Cargo loading and unloading systems, particularly for military aircraft such as helicopters, including right and lefthand restraint rail assemblies having longitudinally spaced lock mechanisms which are adapted to provide lateral and forward and aft restraint of load-supporting pallets. Operating controls for each lock to enable the locks to be closed individually, and further include control rod assemblies to permit all such lock mechanisms to be closed simultaneously or to be opened either sequentially or simultaneously. Other lock mechanisms are operable to secure non-palletized types of cargo and are closed and opened sequentially by one of the control rod assemblies. A ramp structure is also provided, including guide structure for proper guidance of the pallets as they are loaded into or unloaded from the aircraft, and pallet supporting rollers facilitating the loading and unloading of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1982
    Assignee: Brooks & Perkins, Incorporated
    Inventor: Faisal A. Naffa
  • Patent number: 4341496
    Abstract: A seat pallet lock and more particularly an improved seat pallet lock for utilization with aircraft passenger seat pallets to retain such pallets in the operational position on the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Assignee: Western Gear Corporation
    Inventors: Gary J. Carpenter, Gabor L. Radi
  • Patent number: 4236853
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a coating of cadmium applied to a container pedestal latch protuberance lowers the maximum exit force sufficiently as to be within the 2200 pound maximum in the AAR specification while the minimum exit force of 1600 pounds and the maximum container entry force of 800 pounds were also within the specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1980
    Assignee: ACF Industries, Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph F. Niggemeier, David A. Stoller, William J. Xander
  • Patent number: 4231695
    Abstract: An apparatus including a plurality of interconnected portable pallets on which cargo is placed and which may be selectively moved into or removed from a truck body. The pallets constitute the bed or floor of the truck and may be independently or simultaneously moved into the body of the truck or removed therefrom so that portions of the contents may be loaded or discharged from different loading docks or the entire contents of the truck may be loaded or discharged from the same dock. The cargo may be loaded on the pallet or pallets prior to insertion into the body of the truck and such cargo may be unloaded from the pallets after the truck has departed so as to reduce delay in the operation of the truck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Inventor: Robert M. Weston, Sr.