Self-adjusting ULD loading guide and restraint

A variable lead-in guide apparatus for use in loading a cargo container into an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:

• (a) a base configured to be secured to a structural interface of a cargo system in the aircraft;
• (b) a latch arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base, and a second end being movable between a lowered position and a raised position and including a vertical restraint portion outwardly extending from the second end;
• and
• (c) a guide member having at least one substantially planar guide surface, the guide member being separate from the vertical restraint portion, pivotally connected to the latch arm and movable between a first lead-in position and a second lead-in position different from the first lead-in position;
• (d) wherein the substantially planar guide surface extends between a first elevation proximate to the vertical restraint portion and a second elevation proximate to the base.

A unit load device (ULD) loading apparatus comprising:

• (a) means for selectively mounting the device to a structural interface of an aircraft cargo system proximate to a first ULD location and proximate to a second ULD location that is adjacent to the first ULD location;
• (b) means for at least partially guiding movement of a first ULD into the first ULD location and away from a second ULD positioned within the second ULD location, wherein the means for guiding self-adjusts to different horizontal spacings between the first ULD and the second ULD location;
• and
• (c) means for restraining vertical movement of the second ULD when the second ULD is in the second ULD location, the means for restraining vertical movement of the second ULD being separate from the means for at least partially guiding movement of the first ULD;
• (d) wherein the means for at least partially guiding movement of a first ULD extends between the means for restraining vertical movement and the means for selectively mounting the device to a structural interface of an aircraft cargo system.

A cargo-loading system comprising:

• (a) a first guide unit comprising a first base, a first arm substantially upwardly extending from the first base, a first vertical restraint portion that outwardly extends from the first arm, and a first guide member having at least a first substantially planar guide surface and being separate from the first vertical restraint portion, the first guide member being pivotally connected to the first arm and being movable between a first guide position and a second guide position;
• (b) a second guide unit spaced from the first guide unit and comprising a second base, a second arm substantially upwardly extending from the second base, a second vertical restraint portion that outwardly extends from the second arm, and a second guide member having at least a second substantially planar guide surface and being separate from the second vertical restraint portion, the second guide member being pivotally connected to the second arm and being movable between a third guide position and a fourth guide position;
• (c) wherein the first and second guide units are configured such that when the first guide member is positioned at or between the first and second guide positions and the second guide member is positioned at or between the third and fourth guide positions, the first and second substantially planar guide surfaces form an inwardly tapered entrance guide for at least partially guiding a first ULD into an entrance to a cargo location;
• (d) wherein the first substantially planar guide surface extends between a first elevation proximate to a first upper end of the first arm and a second elevation proximate to the first base;
• and
• (e) wherein the second substantially planar guide surface extends between an upper elevation proximate to a second upper end of the second arm and a lower elevation proximate to the second base.