Apparatus for guiding different size pallets, especially on the loading floor of an aircraft

US5316242A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Deutsche Aerospace Airbus GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Wilfried Eilenstein-Wiegmann · Stuhr, DE
• Guenter Vogg · Bremen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 29, 1993
• Grant date: May 31, 1994
• Expiry date: Mar 29, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02T50/40
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

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. Thus, a large pallet moves one of the guide elements out of the way, whereby the large pallet is guided by the other guide element.