Cargo rail system for an aircraft
US5140716A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 1991 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D9/00
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Fixed parallel cargo rails are positioned on the cargo bed floor of an aircraft, spaced sufficiently to fit a pallet snugly therebetween. A plurality of collinear slots arranged along the length of the cargo bed floor are positioned just inboard of each rail. The slots are evenly spaced and oriented lengthwise with respect to the cargo bed floor. A dog extends above the cargo bed floor from each slot and is adapted to engage a notch in the cargo. While engaged, the dog is adapted to move along its slot, thereby moving the pallet lengthwise along the cargo bed floor. The pallet is passed bucket brigade style from one dog to the next. Another aspect of the invention is the employment of movable cargo rails on the cargo ramp. The rails are slidable widthwise across the ramp within mounting slots, thus permitting the spacing between the rails to vary. The result is that loading cargo onto the ramp and aligning it with the fixed cargo rails on the cargo bed floor is made much easier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.