Quick-connect fittings for convertible cargo handling modules

Abstract

A quick-connect fitting for a convertible cargo handling assembly may include a fixed portion and a coupling component. The fixed portion may be fixed to an aircraft frame structure. The coupling component may be coupled to a removable cargo handling component. The coupling component may be configured to rotate relative to the fixed portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cargo handling systems and, more particularly, to quick connect fittings for convertible cargo handling assemblies. Background Art

[0002] Aircraft cargo handling systems are typically configured for containerized cargo (commonly referred to as unit load devices (ULDs)) or bulk cargo. Current aircraft cargo handling systems do not provide the flexibility to easily convert between containerized cargo handling systems and bulk cargo handling systems. For example, current cargo handling systems may have hardware associated with containerized cargo systems (e.g., rails and power drive units) that are permanently mounted to the aircraft. Permanently mounted hardware adds unnecessary weight, takes up space, and may cause obstructions or other hindrances when loading bulk cargo. In addition, cargo handling systems that do not permanently attach hardware often utilize track fittings for hardware attachment. These track fittings are susceptible to foreign debris and may form uneven surfaces when loading bulk cargo, which may cause obstructions or other hindrances. Summary of the invention

[0003] A quick-connect fitting for a convertible cargo handling assembly is disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the quick-connect fitting may include: a fixed portion configured to be fixed to an aircraft frame structure; and a coupling component coupled to a removable cargo handling component of the convertible cargo handling assembly. The coupling component may be configured to rotate relative to the fixed portion.

[0004] In various embodiments, the fixing portion may include a threaded post. In various embodiments, the fixing portion may further include: a base portion defining a threaded hole; and a threaded cup located within the threaded hole.

[0005] In various embodiments, the threaded cup may include a concave surface. In various embodiments, the cap may be located over the concave surface.

[0006] In various embodiments, the removable cargo handling component may include at least one of a ball pad, a roller tray, or a side guide.

[0007] A convertible cargo handling assembly is also disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly may include a mat and a quick-connect fitting, the quick-connect fitting including: a fixed portion that is located within an opening in the mat; and a coupling component that is configured to rotate relative to the fixed portion. A removable cargo handling component may be removably coupled to the fixed portion of the quick-connect fitting.

[0008] In various embodiments, the surface of the pad may be flush with the surface of the fixing portion of the quick connect fitting. In various embodiments, a portion of the pad may be located above a flange of the fixing portion of the quick connect fitting.

[0009] In various embodiments, the coupling component may include a head portion located at a first surface of the removable cargo handling component and a threaded portion located at a second surface of the removable cargo handling component opposite the first surface. In various embodiments, the securing portion may include a threaded post configured to engage the threaded portion of the coupling component.

[0010] In various embodiments, the fixed portion may further include: a base portion defining a threaded hole; and a threaded cup located within the threaded hole. In various embodiments, the removable cargo handling component may include at least one of a ball pad, a roller tray, or a guide angle.

[0011] In various embodiments, a surface of the coupling member may be configured to be flush with a surface of the securing portion when the quick connect fitting is in the unsecured position.

[0012] In various embodiments, the removable cargo handling component may define a channel configured to receive the coupling component.The removable cargo handling component may include a protrusion located in the channel.

[0013] In various embodiments, the protrusion may be located between the coupling member and the surface of the fixing portion when the quick connect fitting is in the fixed position.

[0014] According to various embodiments, a convertible cargo handling assembly may include a mat and a quick connect fitting located in an opening of the mat. The quick connect fitting may include a securing portion including a surface that is flush with a surface of the mat.

[0015] In various embodiments, the quick-connect fitting may further include: a coupling component configured to rotate relative to the fixed portion; and a biasing member coupled between the fixed portion and the coupling component. In various embodiments, a surface of the coupling component may be configured to be flush with the surface of the fixed portion and the surface of the cushion when the quick-connect fitting is in the non-fixed position.

[0016] In various embodiments, a removable cargo handling component may be removably coupled to the fixed portion of the quick connect fitting. The removable cargo handling component may include a protrusion positioned in a channel defined by the removable cargo handling component. The protrusion may be positioned between the coupling component and the surface of the fixed portion when the quick connect fitting is in a fixed position.

[0017] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, the foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements and the operation of the disclosed embodiments will become more apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, a more complete understanding of the disclosure may be best obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aircraft cargo hold according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 2A shows an assembly view of a convertible cargo handling assembly according to various embodiments;

[0021] Figure 2B A convertible cargo handling assembly configured for loading and unloading containerized cargo is shown according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure 2C A convertible cargo handling assembly configured for handling bulk cargo is shown according to various embodiments;

[0023] Figure 3A and Figure 3B shows a fixing portion of a quick connect fitting according to various embodiments;

[0024] Figure 4A and Figure 4B illustrates a removable cargo handling component attached to a coupling component of a quick connect fitting according to various embodiments;

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a removable cargo handling component coupled to a fixed portion of a quick connect fitting according to various embodiments;

[0026] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A quick connect fitting in a non-secured position and a secured position are shown, respectively, according to various embodiments;

[0027] Fig. 7Aillustrates a removable cargo handling component positioned above a quick connect fitting according to various embodiments, wherein the quick connect fitting is in a non-secured position;

[0028] Figure 7B illustrates a removable cargo handling component attached to a quick connect fitting, wherein the quick connect fitting is in a secured position, according to various embodiments;

[0029] Fig. 8A illustrates a quick connect fitting in a non-secured position according to various embodiments; and

[0030] Figure 8B and Figure 8C A quick connect fitting is shown in a secured position according to various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The detailed description of various embodiments herein refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate various embodiments by way of illustration. Although each embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments can be implemented without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and logical, aerodynamic, thermodynamic and mechanical changes can be performed. Therefore, the specific embodiments herein are only for the purpose of illustration rather than for the purpose of limitation. For example, the steps listed in any method or process description can be performed in any order, and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. In addition, any reference to the singular includes multiple embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step can include a singular embodiment or step. In addition, any reference to attachment, fixing, connection, etc. can include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, complete and / or any other possible attachment options. In addition, any reference to contactless (or similar phrases) can also include reduced contact or minimum contact degree.

[0032] Section lines and surface hatching may be used throughout the drawings to represent different parts, but not necessarily to represent the same or different materials. Throughout this disclosure, similar reference numerals represent similar elements. Therefore, elements with similar element numbers may be shown in the drawings, but for clarity, they need not be repeated herein.

[0033] As disclosed herein, convertible cargo handling assemblies can be configured to easily convert between handling containerized cargo (or ULDs), where multiple cargo items are strapped into containers and loaded into and unloaded from an aircraft, and handling bulk cargo, where cargo items are loaded into and unloaded from an aircraft individually. According to various embodiments, cargo handling components for containerized cargo can be removably coupled via quick-connect fittings. The quick-connect fittings can allow for quick and easy installation and removal of containerized components. When the containerized components are removed, the surfaces of the cargo area (e.g., floors and walls) can be flush, thereby reducing the likelihood that bulk cargo will become obstructed.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 , an aircraft 10 is shown having a cargo hold 12. A cargo door 14 provides access to the cargo hold 12. Cargo (e.g., pallets, ULDs, and / or bulk cargo) may be loaded and unloaded on a cargo deck 16 through the cargo door 14.

[0035] refer to Figure 2A , Figure 2B and Figure 2C , showing a convertible cargo handling assembly 100 that can be located within the cargo hold 12. According to various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 can be in a container mode ( Figure 2B ) and bulk mode for loading and unloading bulk cargo individually ( Figure 2C ). The convertible cargo handling assembly 100 includes a plurality of mats 102. The mats 102 can be lined within the cargo hold 12. For example, the mats 102 are positioned along the floor and walls of the cargo hold 12. The mats 102 are located above the aircraft frame structure 140. In this regard, reference is made temporarily to Figure 1 , the mat 102 can form the cargo deck 16. In various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 includes components configured to facilitate translation of containerized cargo on the mat 102. For example, the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 may include a ball pad 110, a roller tray 120, and a guide rail 130. Figure 1 , the ball pad 110 can be located near the cargo door 104. The convertible cargo handling assembly 100 can be equipped with one or more power drive units (PDU) 124, which are configured to push the containerized cargo in a desired direction. The PDU 124 can be located in the roller tray 120 and / or the ball pad 110. As discussed in further detail below, the ball pad 110, the roller tray 120, and the guide rail 130 are each removably coupled to the aircraft frame structure 140 via one or more quick connect fittings 150.

[0036] The quick connect fittings 150 each include a fixed portion 152 that is attached to the aircraft frame structure 140 and one or more coupling components 154 that are attached to the removable cargo handling component (i.e., to the ball pad 110, roller tray 120, or rail 130). The coupling components 154 can be rotated relative to the fixed portion 152 and form a threaded engagement with the fixed portion 152 to secure the ball pad 110, roller tray 120, and rail 130 to the fixed portion 152 and the aircraft frame structure 140. The fixed portion 152 is located within the opening defined by the mat 102. For the time being, Figure 3A , the surface 162 of the fixed portion 152 is configured to be flush or aligned with the surface 103 of the mat 102. The surface 162 of the fixed portion 152 and the surface 103 of the mat 102 are configured so that when the ball pad 110, the roller tray 120 and the guide rail 130 are removed, the floor and walls of the cargo hold 12 constitute a smooth flat surface. When the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in the container transport mode ( Figure 2B ), ball pads 110, roller trays 120, and guide rails 130 are attached to fixed portion 152. When convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in container handling mode, at least a portion of each ball pad 110, roller tray 120, and guide rail 130 is located on and / or overlaps surface 103 of mat 102. When convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in bulk mode ( Figure 2C ), the ball bearing pad 110, roller tray 120, and guide rail 130 are removed from the cargo hold 12, while the securing portion 152 and the mat 102 remain attached. In various embodiments, the ball bearing pad 110, roller tray 120, and guide rail 130 are secured to the aircraft frame structure 140 independently of each other. In other words, each ball bearing pad 110, roller tray 120, and guide rail 130 is secured via its own dedicated quick connect fitting 150, rather than via a coupling with an adjacent ball bearing pad 110, roller tray 120, and / or guide rail 130. In various embodiments, the ball bearing pad 110, roller tray 120, and / or guide rail 130 may be secured to the aircraft frame structure 140 solely via the quick connect fitting 150.

[0037] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , showing a fixing portion 152 of a quick connect fitting 150. In various embodiments, the fixing portion 152 includes a base portion 160. The base portion 160 includes a flange 164. The flange 164 can be located adjacent to a second surface 163 of the base portion 160. The second surface 163 can be opposite to the surface 162 of the base portion 160 and oriented away from the surface 162. When installing, temporarily refer to Figure 2A, the cushion 102 may be located on or above the flange 164 such that a portion of the cushion 102 overlaps the flange 164. The fixed portion 152 may be fixed to the aircraft frame structure 140 ( Figure 2A ). The fasteners 166 may include screws, rivets, clips, nuts and bolts, or any other fastening devices. In various embodiments, the fasteners 166 may be positioned through the flange 164.

[0038] One or more threaded cups 170 may be located in the base portion 160 of the fixing portion 152. The base portion 160 may define a threaded hole 172 configured to engage a threaded surface 174 of the threaded cup 170. A threaded post 180 may be located in the threaded cup 170. The threaded cup 170 includes a surface 182 that is flush or as flat as the surface 162 of the base portion 160. In various embodiments, the threaded cup 170 also includes a recessed surface 184 and a wall 186 extending between the recessed surface 184 and the surface 182. The wall 186 may define a tool hole 187 configured to receive and engage a tool having a geometry complementary to the tool hole 187. In this regard, the tool hole 187 is configured to engage with a tool that facilitates rotating the threaded cup 170 relative to the base portion 160 so as to install the threaded cup 170 into and / or remove the threaded cup 170 from the threaded hole 172 in the base portion 160.

[0039] In various embodiments, the quick connect fitting 150 can include a cap 190. When the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in the bulk cargo mode, the cap 190 can be placed on the recessed surface 184. The cap 190 is configured so that a surface 192 of the cap 190 will be flush with the surface 162 of the base portion 160. The cap 190 can reduce or prevent debris from accumulating in the volume between the threaded cup 170 and the threaded post 180. The spacing between the threaded post 180 and the inner wall of the threaded cup 170 (i.e., the wall opposite the threaded surface 174) tends to allow for easy detection and / or removal of any debris that may be located in the threaded cup 170.

[0040] refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , shows the coupling component 154 attached to the removable cargo handling component 200 according to various embodiments. Figure 2A , the removable cargo handling component 200 may be a ball pad 110, a roller tray 120, or a guide rail 130 of the convertible cargo handling assembly 100. The head portion 194 of the coupling component 154 is located at a first surface 202 of the removable cargo handling component 200. The threaded portion 196 of the coupling component 154 is located at a second surface 204 of the removable cargo handling component 200. Referring temporarily to Figure 5The second surface is opposite the first surface 202 and is oriented toward the fixed portion 152 when the removable cargo handling component 200 is attached to the fixed portion 152. The threaded portion 196 of the coupling component 154 includes a threaded surface 198.

[0041] refer to Figure 5 , the removable cargo handling component 200 is shown secured to the fixed portion 152 of the quick connect fitting 150. The threaded post 180 engages the threaded surface 198 of the coupling component 154. The second surface 204 of the removable cargo handling component 200 may be located on or above the surface 162 of the base portion 160. The engagement of the coupling component 154 with the threaded post 180 of the fixed portion 152 secures the removable cargo handling component 200 to the fixed portion 152 and the aircraft frame structure 140 ( Figure 2A To remove the removable cargo handling component 200 , the operator rotates the coupling component 154 to disengage the coupling component 154 from the threaded post 180 .

[0042] In various embodiments, the coupling component 154 can include a lip 195 formed around the head portion 194. The width or diameter of the lip 195 is greater than the width or diameter of the head portion 194. The gasket 199 can be located above the lip 195. In this regard, the gasket 199 is closer to the first surface 202 of the removable cargo handling component 200 than the lip 195. The width or diameter of the gasket 199 (measured at the outer circumference of the gasket 199) can be greater than the width or diameter of the lip 195. The gasket 199 can be located in a groove 197 defined by the removable cargo handling component 200. Positioning the gasket 199 in the groove 197 can reduce or prevent vertical translation (i.e., translation in the direction of arrow 193) of the coupling component 154 relative to the removable cargo handling component 200. Positioning the washer 199 in the recess 197 may also secure the coupling component 154 to the removable cargo handling component 200, thereby reducing the likelihood that the coupling component 154 will become detached from the removable cargo handling component 200 when the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in the bulk cargo mode (i.e., when the removable cargo handling component 200 is not attached to the fixed portion 152).

[0043] Combination reference Figure 2A and Figure 5 , the quick connect fitting 150 can allow container handling components (e.g., ball pads 110, roller trays 120, and rails 130) to be quickly and easily installed in and removed from the cargo hold 12. When the container handling components are removed, the surface of the fixed portion 152 can be aligned with the surface 103 of the mat 102 so that the floor and walls of the cargo hold 12 will form a flush surface to reduce obstruction of bulk cargo. The quick connect fitting 150 may also be less susceptible to foreign debris than a track fitting.

[0044] refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , a quick connect fitting 250 is shown according to various embodiments. Fig. 6A The quick connect fitting 250 is shown in an unsecured position. Figure 6B The quick connect fitting 250 is shown in a fixed position. The quick connect fitting 250 includes a fixed portion 252 and a coupling member 254. In various embodiments, temporarily refer to Figure 2A , the fixed portion 252 and the quick connect fitting 250 can replace one or more fixed portions 152 and one or more quick connect fittings 150 in the convertible cargo handling assembly 100, respectively. In various embodiments, the fixed portion 252 includes a base portion 260. The coupling member 254 can be positioned to pass through the base portion 260. The flange 264 can surround the perimeter of the base portion 260. When the fixed portion 252 is installed in the convertible cargo handling assembly 100, temporarily refer to Figure 2A , the cushion 102 may be located on or above the flange 264 such that a portion of the cushion 102 overlaps the flange 264. The fixed portion 252 may be fixed to the aircraft frame structure 140 ( Figure 2A ). The fasteners 266 may include screws, rivets, clips, nuts and bolts, or any other fastening devices. In various embodiments, the fasteners 266 may be positioned through the flange 264. The base portion 260 includes a surface 262 configured to be flush with the surface 103 of the mat 102.

[0045] Combination reference Fig. 6A and Figure 2C , the surface 272 of the coupling member 254 is configured to be flush with the surface 262 of the base portion 260 and the surface 103 of the cushion 102 when the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in the bulk cargo mode. In other words, the surface 272 of the coupling member 254 is configured to be flush with the surface 262 of the base portion 260 and the surface 103 of the cushion 102 when the quick connect fitting 250 is in the unsecured position. The coupling member 254 can define a tool hole 274. The tool hole 274 is configured to receive and engage a tool having a geometry complementary to the tool hole 274. In this regard, the tool hole 274 is configured to engage a tool that facilitates rotation of the coupling member 254 relative to the fixed portion 252.

[0046] Combination reference Figure 6B and Figure 2B, when the coupling member 254 rotates in the direction of arrow 292, the surface 272 extends above the surface 262. In various embodiments, the base portion 260 may include an inclined surface 290, and the coupling member 254 may include an inclined surface 276. The inclined surface 276 is generally opposite to the surface 272. The inclined surface 290 is oriented to be at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the surface 262. For example, the inclined surface 290 can be oriented to be at an angle between 5° and 80° relative to a plane parallel to the surface 262. The inclined surface 276 and the surface 272 of the coupling member 254 can form an angle between 10° and 80°. The inclined surfaces 290 and 270 can facilitate the rotation of the coupling member 254. As discussed in further detail below, the volume (or area) between the inclined surface 276 and the surface 262 is configured to accommodate a portion of a removable cargo handling component (e.g., a portion of the ball pad 110, the roller tray 120, or the guide rail 130), thereby securing the removable cargo handling component to the fixed portion 252.

[0047] refer to Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , showing the fixed connection of the removable cargo handling component 300 to the fixed portion 252 of the quick connect fitting 250. Fig. 7A In the embodiment, the quick connect fitting 250 is in a non-fixed position (i.e., in Fig. 6A , where surface 272 of coupling member 254 is flush with surface 262), and removable cargo handling member 300 is movable relative to fixed portion 252. Figure 7B In the embodiment, the quick connect fitting 250 is in a fixed position (i.e., in Figure 6B , wherein surface 272 of coupling member 254 is elevated relative to surface 262), and removable cargo handling member 300 is coupled or otherwise secured to fixed portion 252. Figure 2B , the removable cargo handling component 300 can be a ball pad 110, a roller tray 120, or a rail 130 of the convertible cargo handling assembly 100. The removable cargo handling component 300 defines a channel 302, which is configured to accommodate the coupling component 254. One or more protrusions 304 can be located in the channel 302. The protrusion 304 includes an inclined surface 306. The inclined surface 306 is oriented at a non-orthogonal angle relative to the surface 262 of the base surface 260. For example, the inclined surface 306 can be oriented at an angle between 5° and 80° relative to a plane parallel to the surface 262.

[0048] Combination reference Fig. 7A , Figure 7B and Figure 6BAs the coupling member 254 rotates in the direction of arrow 292, the coupling member 254 slides over the protrusion 304 such that the protrusion 304 is located between the inclined surface 276 of the coupling member 254 and the surface 262 of the fixed portion 252. The inclined surface 306 of the protrusion 304 can facilitate the rotation and translation of the coupling member 254. Positioning the protrusion 304 between the inclined surface 276 of the coupling member 254 and the surface 262 of the fixed portion 252 secures the removable cargo handling member 300 to the fixed portion 252.

[0049] refer to Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C , additional components of the quick connect fitting 250 are shown. Fig. 8A In the embodiment, the quick connect fitting 250 is in a non-fixed position (i.e., in Fig. 6A , where surface 272 of coupling member 254 is flush with surface 262), and removable cargo handling member 300 is movable relative to fixed portion 252. Figure 8B and Figure 8C In the embodiment, the quick connect fitting 250 is in a fixed position (i.e., in Figure 6B , where surface 272 of coupling member 254 is elevated relative to surface 262 ), and removable cargo handling member 300 is attached to fixed portion 252 .

[0050] The quick connect fitting 250 may include a biasing member 310 (e.g., a coil spring) coupled to the coupling component 254. The biasing member 310 may be located around an axis 312 of the coupling component 254. The biasing member 310 may be located between the coupling component 254 and a surface 314 of the fixed portion 252. The biasing member 310 may apply a force to the coupling component 254 in the direction of arrow 316. When the quick connect fitting 250 is in the unsecured position, temporarily refer to Fig. 6A , the biasing member 310 can facilitate maintaining the surface 272 of the coupling component 254 in a flush position with the surface 262 of the fixed portion 252. When the quick connect fitting 250 is in the fixed position, temporarily refer to Figure 6B , the biasing member 310 can facilitate maintaining contact between the inclined surface 276 and the protrusion 304 ( Fig. 7A ), which can reduce movement and / or rattling of the removable cargo handling components 300.

[0051] The fixing portion 252 may include protrusions 320 and 322. The protrusions 320, 322 may extend from the surface 314 of the fixing portion 252. Figure 8CAs shown in , the protrusions 320, 322 can create obstacles to the connecting member 254. In this regard, the protrusions 320, 322 can contact the connecting member 254 to prevent further rotation of the connecting member 254. Therefore, the protrusions 320 and 322 can prevent or reduce excessive rotation of the connecting member 254. In various embodiments, the connecting member 254 can rotate approximately 90° between the non-fixed position and the fixed position. As used herein, "approximately" means ±15°.

[0052] In various embodiments, the retractable tab 324 may extend from each of the protrusion 320 and the protrusion 322. The coupling member 254 may define a recess 330 ( Fig. 8A ). When the quick connect fitting 250 is in the secured position, the recess 330 is positioned such that the projection 324 is located in the recess 330. Positioning the projection 324 in the recess 330 can prevent or reduce unintended rotation of the coupling component 254. In this regard, the projection 324 can create an obstruction to the coupling component 254, thereby preventing the coupling component 254 from rotating to the unsecured position. The projection 324 can be biased toward the coupling component 254. In this regard, when a force greater than the biasing force is applied to the projection 324 by the coupling component 254, the projection 324 can be configured to retract into the protrusions 320, 322. For example, the operator turning the coupling component 254 can overcome the biasing force.

[0053] Combination reference Figure 2A and Figure 6B , the quick connect fitting 250 can allow container handling components (e.g., ball pads 110, roller trays 120, and rails 130) to be quickly and easily installed in and removed from the cargo hold 12. When the container handling components are removed, the surfaces of the fixing portion 252 and the coupling member 254 will be aligned with the surface 103 of the mat 102, so that the floor and walls of the cargo hold 12 will form a flush surface to reduce obstruction of bulk cargo. Compared to track fittings, the quick connect fitting 250 may also be less susceptible to foreign debris.

[0054] Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described herein for specific embodiments. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the various figures included herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical connections between the various elements. It should be noted that many optional or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in actual systems. However, these benefits, advantages, solutions to problems and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more obvious should not be interpreted as key, necessary or basic features or elements of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims, wherein the reference to the elements in the singular form is not intended to represent "one and only one" unless so clearly stated, but to represent "one or more". It should be understood that, unless otherwise clearly stated, the reference to "one", "one" and / or "the / said" may include one or more, and the reference to the singular item may also include plural items. All ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein can be combined.

[0055] In addition, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B, and C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A may be present alone in an embodiment, B may be present alone in an embodiment, C may be present alone in an embodiment, or any combination of elements A, B, and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. The elements and steps in the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily presented in any particular order. For example, steps that may be performed simultaneously or in different orders are shown in the figures to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0056] Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, reference to "one embodiment," "embodiment," "various embodiments," etc. indicates that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment does not necessarily include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when specific features, structures, or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments. After reading the description, one or more technicians in the relevant field will understand how to implement the present disclosure in optional embodiments.

[0057] Furthermore, regardless of whether the elements, components, or method steps in the present disclosure are explicitly recited in the claims, these elements, components, or method steps are not intended to be contributed to the general public. Claim elements are not intended to invoke 35 USC 112(f) unless the element is explicitly described using the phrase "means for..." As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other permutation thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions such that a process, method, article, or device that includes a series of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to those processes, methods, articles, or devices.

Claims

1. A quick-connect fitting for a convertible cargo handling assembly, comprising: a fixing portion configured to be fixed to an aircraft frame structure, the fixing portion having a fixing portion surface that is flush with the cushion surface and forms a flat surface of the cargo hold liner; as well as A coupling member is coupled to a removable cargo handling member of the convertible cargo handling assembly, wherein the coupling member is configured to rotate relative to the fixed portion.

2. The quick connect fitting of claim 1, wherein the securing portion comprises a threaded post.

3. The quick-connect fitting according to claim 2, wherein the fixing portion further comprises: a base portion defining a threaded hole; as well as A threaded cup is located in the threaded hole.

4. The quick connect fitting of claim 3, wherein the threaded cup includes a concave surface.

5. The quick connect fitting of claim 4 further comprising a cap positioned over the recessed surface.

6. The quick connect fitting of claim 5, wherein the removable cargo handling component comprises at least one of a ball pad, a roller tray, or a guide angle.

7. A convertible cargo handling assembly comprising: a mat having a mat surface, the mat surface comprising a cargo hold liner; Quick-connect fittings, including: a fixing portion located within the opening in the mat, the fixing portion having a fixing portion surface that is flush with the mat surface and forms a planar surface of the cargo hold liner, and a coupling member configured to rotate relative to the fixed portion; as well as A removable cargo handling component is removably coupled to the fixed portion of the quick connect fitting.

8. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 7, wherein a portion of the cushion is located above a flange of the securing portion of the quick connect fitting.

9. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 8, wherein the coupling member comprises: a head portion located at a first surface of the removable cargo handling component; as well as A threaded portion is located at a second surface of the removable cargo handling component opposite the first surface.

10. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 9, wherein the securing portion comprises a threaded stud configured to engage the threaded portion of the coupling component.

11. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 9, wherein the fixed portion further comprises a base portion defining a threaded hole and a threaded cup positioned within the threaded hole.

12. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 9, wherein the removable cargo handling component comprises at least one of a ball pad, a roller tray, or a guide angle.

13. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 7, wherein a surface of the coupling member is configured to be flush with a surface of the securing portion when the quick connect fitting is in the unsecured position.

14. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 7, wherein the removable cargo handling component defines a channel configured to receive the coupling component, and the removable cargo handling component includes a protrusion located in the channel.

15. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 14, wherein the projection is located between the coupling member and a surface of the fixed portion when the quick connect fitting is in the fixed position.

16. A convertible cargo handling assembly comprising: a mat having a mat surface, the mat surface comprising a cargo hold liner; as well as a quick connect fitting located in the opening of the mat, the quick connect fitting comprising a fixing portion, the fixing portion comprising a fixing portion surface, the fixing portion surface being flush with a surface of the mat; a removable cargo handling component removably coupled to the fixed portion of the quick connect fitting; The quick-connect fitting further comprises a coupling member configured to rotate relative to the fixing portion.

17. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 16, wherein the quick connect fitting further comprises: A biasing member is coupled between the fixing portion and the coupling component.

18. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 16, wherein a surface of the coupling member is configured to be flush with a surface of the securing portion and a surface of the cushion when the quick connect fitting is in the unsecured position.

19. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 16, wherein the removable cargo handling component includes a protrusion positioned in a channel defined by the removable cargo handling component, and wherein when the quick connect fitting is in the secured position, the protrusion is positioned between the coupling component and a surface of the secured portion.

Images