Cargo latch

US5871317A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Telair International GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Thomas Huber · Schliersee, DE
• Jurgen Volkel · Frankfurt, DE
• Richard Holzner · Rosenheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 15, 1996
• Grant date: Feb 16, 1999
• Expiry date: Nov 15, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D9/003
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

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. To prevent unintended collapse of the arms, there are provided releasable locking mechanisms that in their locked position block downward rotation of the arms in such a way that the arms can be deflected downward only when unlocked by the frontal impact of an item of cargo moving in the first horizontal direction against one of the arms.