Restraint apparatus
AssigneePemco Aviation Group
InventorB. Javier Segura
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims20
A restraint device for use in restraining cargo carriers within an aircraft cargo hold, said restraint device comprising:
- (a) a frame having spaced apart sidewalls defining a central opening;
- (b) a first pawl pivotally connected to said frame for pivotal movement about a first axis between an upstanding position and a lowered position;
- (c) a second pawl pivotally connected to said frame for pivotal movement about a second axis between an upstanding position and a lowered position;
- (d) a first biasing means for yieldably resisting movement of said first pawl toward said first pawl upstanding position;
- (e) a second biasing means for yieldably resisting movement of said second pawl toward said second pawl lowered position;
- and
- (f) locking means for releasably locking said second pawl in said second pawl upstanding position, said locking means comprising a notch formed in said first pawl and a locking protuberance formed on said second pawl, said protuberance being closely received within said notch.
A foot operated restraint device for use in restraining adjacent air cargo carriers within an aircraft cargo hold having a floor provided with spaced apart tracks, the air cargo containers having lower, outwardly extending flange portions, said restraint device comprising:
- (a) a frame having spaced apart top and bottom walls and spaced apart side walls defining a central opening;
- (b) a first pawl pivotally connected to said frame for pivotal movement within said central opening about a first axis between an upstanding position and a lowered portion;
- (c) a first biasing means for yieldably resisting movement of said first pawl toward said upstanding position;
- (d) a second pawl pivotally connected to said frame for pivotal movement within said central opening between an upstanding position and a lowered position;
- (f) second biasing means for yieldably resisting movement of said second pawl toward said second pawl lowered position;
- and
- (g) locking means for releasably locking said second pawl in said second pawl upstanding position, said locking means comprising a notch formed in said first pawl and a locking protuberance formed on said second pawl, said locking protuberance being closely receivable within said notch.
A foot operated restraint device for use in restraining adjacent air cargo carriers within an aircraft cargo hold having a floor provided with spaced apart tracks, the air cargo containers having lower, outwardly extending flange portions, said restraint device comprising:
- (a) a frame having spaced apart top and bottom walls and spaced apart side walls defining a central opening;
- (b) a first pawl pivotally connected to said frame for pivotal movement within said central opening about a first axis between an upstanding position and a lowered portion, said first pawl having a cargo flange engagement segment for engaging a flange of an air cargo carrier, said segment having a cam surface engaging shoulder;
- (c) a first spring connected to said frame for yieldably resisting movement of said first pawl toward said upstanding position;
- (d) a second pawl pivotally connected to said frame for pivotal movement within said central opening between an upstanding position and a lowered position, said second pawl having a cargo flange engagement segment for engaging the flange of an air cargo carrier, said flange engagement segment of said second pawl having a curved cam surface engagable by said cam surface engaging shoulder;
- (f) a second spring connected to said frame for yieldably resisting movement of said second pawl toward said second pawl lowered position;
- and
- (g) locking means for releasably locking said second pawl in said second pawl upstanding position, said locking means comprising a notch formed in said first pawl and a locking protuberance formed on said second pawl, said locking protuberance being closely receivable within said notch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.