Flexible and simple cargo handling components

Abstract

A convertible cargo handling assembly may include a mat, an accessory, and a removable cargo handling component. The accessory may include a fixed component and a coupling component. The fixed component may be located in an opening defined by the mat. The removable cargo handling component may be located above the mat and removably coupled to the fixed portion of the accessory via a coupling between the coupling component and the fixed component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cargo handling systems and, more particularly, to a flexible and simple turnaround cargo handling assembly. Background Art

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

[0003] A convertible cargo handling assembly is disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly may include a mat, a first accessory, and a first roller tray. The first accessory may include a first securing member positioned in a first opening defined by the mat, and a first coupling member configured to engage the first securing member. The first roller tray may be positioned above the mat and removably coupled to the first securing member of the first accessory via the first coupling member.

[0004] In various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly may further include a second accessory. The second accessory may include a second securing member positioned in a second opening defined by the pad, and a second coupling member configured to engage the second securing member. The first ball pad may be positioned above the pad and removably coupled to the second securing member of the second accessory via the second coupling member.

[0005] In various embodiments, the power drive unit may be located in the first ball pad. In various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly may also include a second ball pad. The first roller tray may be located between the first ball pad and the second ball pad. The first electrical connector may be located in the first roller tray and electrically coupled to the power drive unit in the first ball pad.

[0006] In various embodiments, the second roller tray can be located above the pad.The second electrical connector can be located in the second roller tray and electrically coupled to the first electrical connector.

[0007] In various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly may further include a container configured to store the first roller tray, the second roller tray, the first ball pad, and the second ball pad. The longitudinal length of the first roller tray, the longitudinal length of the second roller tray, the longitudinal length of the first ball pad, and the longitudinal length of the second ball pad may all be less than the width of the container.

[0008] In various embodiments, the first securing member of the first fitting may include a base defining a threaded hole, a threaded cup positioned within the threaded hole, and a threaded post positioned within the threaded cup.

[0009] An aircraft cargo hold is also disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, the cargo hold may include a first aircraft frame structure and a convertible cargo handling assembly formed above the first aircraft frame structure. The convertible cargo handling assembly may include a mat located above the first aircraft frame structure, a first accessory, and a first removable cargo handling component. The first accessory may include a first fixing component and a first coupling component. The first fixing component may be coupled to the first aircraft frame structure. The first coupling component may be configured to rotate relative to the first fixing component. The first removable cargo handling component may be located above the mat and removably coupled to the first fixing component of the first accessory via a threaded connection between the first coupling component and the first fixing component.

[0010] In various embodiments, the first removable cargo handling component may include a first roller tray. In various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly may also include a second accessory, the second accessory including a second fixed component and a second coupling component. The second fixed component may be located in an opening defined by the pad. The second coupling component may be configured to rotate relative to the second fixed component. The ball pad may be removably coupled to the second accessory via a threaded connection between the second coupling component and the second fixed component. The ball pad may include a power drive unit. In various embodiments, an electrical connector may be located in the first roller tray and electrically coupled to the power drive unit.

[0011] In various embodiments, the second aircraft frame structure can be adjacent to the first aircraft frame structure. The convertible cargo handling assembly can also include a second accessory, the second accessory including a second fixing component and a second coupling component. The second fixing component can be coupled to the second aircraft frame structure. The second coupling component can be configured to rotate relative to the second fixing component. The second roller tray can be located above the pad and removably coupled to the second fixing component of the second accessory via a threaded connection between the second coupling component and the second fixing component.

[0012] In various embodiments, the first electrical connector may be located in the first roller tray. The second electrical connector may be located in the second roller tray and electrically coupled to the first electrical connector. In various embodiments, the surface of the first fixing member may be flush with the surface of the pad.

[0013] According to various embodiments, a convertible cargo handling assembly may include a mat, a first accessory, and a first removable cargo handling component. The first accessory may include a first securing component and a first coupling component. The first securing component may be located in a first opening defined by the mat. The first removable cargo handling component may be located above the mat and removably coupled to the first securing component of the first accessory via a coupling between the first coupling component and the first securing component.

[0014] In various embodiments, the first securing member may include a base defining a threaded hole, a threaded cup positioned within the threaded hole, and a threaded post positioned in the threaded cup. In various embodiments, the first removable cargo handling member may include a first roller pallet.

[0015] In various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly may further include a second accessory and a ball bearing pad. The second accessory may include a second securing member and a second coupling member. The second securing member may be located in a second opening defined by the pad. The ball bearing pad may be located above the pad and removably coupled to the second securing member of the second accessory via a coupling between the second coupling member and the second securing member.

[0016] In various embodiments, the first electrical connector can be located in the first roller tray. The ball pad can include a power drive unit. The power drive unit can be electrically coupled to the first electrical connector.

[0017] In various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly may also include a third accessory and a second roller tray. The third accessory may include a third securing member and a third coupling member. The third securing member may be located in a third opening defined by the pad. The second roller tray may be located above the pad and removably coupled to the third securing member of the third accessory via a coupling between the third coupling member and the third securing member. The second electrical connector may be located in the second roller tray and electrically coupled to the first electrical connector.

[0018] 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

[0019] 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 reference to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an aircraft cargo hold according to various embodiments;

[0021] Figure 2A shows an assembled view of a convertible cargo handling assembly according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure 2B A convertible cargo handling assembly configured for loading and unloading containerized cargo is shown according to various embodiments;

[0023] Figure 2C A convertible cargo handling assembly configured for handling bulk cargo is shown according to various embodiments;

[0024] Figure 3A and Figure 3B illustrates a securing component of a convertible cargo handling assembly accessory according to various embodiments;

[0025] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A removable cargo handling component having a coupling component of a convertible cargo handling assembly accessory attached thereto is shown according to various embodiments;

[0026] Figure 5 illustrates a removable cargo handling component coupled to a fixed component of a convertible cargo handling assembly accessory according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 6 shows electrical connections for a roller tray of a convertible cargo handling assembly according to various embodiments;

[0028] Fig. 7A A guide roller pallet of a convertible cargo handling assembly is shown according to various embodiments;

[0029] Figure 7B A deck roller pallet of a convertible cargo handling assembly is shown according to various embodiments; and

[0030] Figure 8 Removable cargo handling components configured for handling containerized cargo stored in a convertible cargo handling assembly container are shown 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 these different embodiments are described in sufficient detail so that those skilled in the art can practice the present disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments can be realized without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and aerodynamics, thermodynamics and mechanical changes can be performed. Therefore, the specific embodiments of this article are presented only for illustrative and non-restrictive purposes. For example, the steps described in any method or process description can be performed in any order without being 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 may include a singular embodiment or step. In addition, any reference to attachment, fixing, connection, etc. may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, complete and / or any other possible attachment options. In addition, any reference to contactless (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.

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

[0033] As used herein, "rearward" refers to a direction associated with the tail (e.g., rear end) of an aircraft, or generally refers to the exhaust direction of a gas turbine engine. As used herein, "forward" refers to a direction associated with the nose (e.g., front end) of an aircraft, or generally refers to the direction of flight or movement. As used herein, "near" refers to a direction toward a reference component or generally a position closer to a reference component. As used herein, "longitudinal" refers to a direction from front to back.

[0034] As disclosed herein, convertible cargo handling assemblies can be configured to easily convert between handling containerized cargo (or ULDs) (where multiple cargo items are grouped into containers that are then loaded into or shipped from an aircraft) and handling bulk cargo (where cargo is loaded into and shipped from an aircraft individually). According to various embodiments, cargo handling components for containerized cargo can be removably coupled via fittings. The fittings can include threaded couplings and can allow containerized components to be quickly and easily installed and removed. When the containerized components are removed, the surfaces of the cargo area (e.g., floors and walls) can be flush, thereby reducing the possibility of bulk cargo getting stuck.

[0035] 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 through the cargo door 14 onto a cargo deck 16.

[0036] 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 items individually ( Figure 2C ). The convertible cargo handling assembly 100 includes a plurality of pads 102. The pads 102 can line the cargo compartment 12. For example, the pads 102 are positioned along the floor and walls of the cargo compartment 12. The pads 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 along the mat 102. For example, the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 can include a ball pad 110, a roller tray 120, and a guide rail 130. For a moment, Figure 1 , the ball pad 110 can be positioned adjacent to the cargo door 104. The convertible cargo handling assembly 100 can be equipped with one or more power drive units (PDUs) 124 configured to push the containerized cargo in a desired direction. The PDUs 124 can be located in the roller tray 120 and / or the ball pad 110.

[0037] The ball pad 110, roller tray 120 and guide rail 130 are removably coupled to the aircraft frame structure 140 via convertible cargo handling assembly fittings 150 (referred to herein as fittings 150). Each fitting 150 includes a fixing component 152 attached to the aircraft frame structure 140 and a coupling component 154 attached to the ball pad 110, roller tray 120 and guide rail 130. The coupling component 154 can be rotated relative to the fixing component 152 and form a threaded engagement therewith to fix the ball pad 110, roller tray 120 and guide rail 130 to the fixing component 152 and the aircraft frame structure 140. For the time being, reference Figure 3A , the fixing member 152 is attached to the aircraft frame structure 140, for example, via fasteners 166. Therefore, the positioning of the fixing member 152 and the attachment points of the ball pad 110, roller tray 120 and guide rail 130 are determined by the location of the aircraft frame structure 140. For example, if adjacent aircraft frame structures 140 are separated longitudinally (i.e., front to rear) by a distance D1 ( Figure 2C), the fixing members 152 attached to the adjacent aircraft frame structure 140 are separated by a longitudinal distance D2 equal to the distance D1. In various embodiments, the ball pads 110, roller trays 120, and guide rails 130 are fixed independently of each other. In other words, each ball pad 110, tray 120, and guide rail 130 is fixed via its own dedicated fitting 150, rather than being fixed via coupling to an adjacent ball pad 110, roller tray 120, and / or guide rail 130. In various embodiments, the ball pads 110, roller trays 120, and guide rails 130 may be fixed to the aircraft frame structure 140 only via the fittings 150.

[0038] The securing member 152 is positioned within the opening defined by the pad 102. Figure 3A , surface 162 of fixing member 152 is configured to be flush (or equal in height) with surface 103 of pad 102. Pad 103 and surface 162 of fixing member 152 are configured so that when ball pad 110, roller tray 120 and rail 130 are removed, the floor and walls of cargo hold 12 comprise smooth flat surfaces. When convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in containerized mode ( Figure 2B ), the ball pad 110, roller tray 120 and guide rail 130 are located above the pad 102 and attached to the fixed member 152. In this regard, in the containerized mode ( Figure 2B ), at least a portion of each ball pad 110, roller tray 120, and rail 130 is located on and / or overlaps the surface 103 of the pad 102. When the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in the bulk mode ( Figure 2C ), the ball pad 110, roller tray 120 and guide rail 130 are removed from the cargo hold 12, while the fixing member 152 and pad 102 remain attached.

[0039] Reference now Figure 2B And continue to refer to Figure 2A In various embodiments, the ball pads 110 may include a sill ball pad 110a, one or more PDU ball pads 110b, and one or more deck ball pads 110c. The sill ball pad 110a may be positioned closer to the cargo door 104 than the PDU ball pad 110b and the deck ball pad 110c. In various embodiments, at least one PDU 124 is located in the PDU ball pad 110b.

[0040] In various embodiments, the sill ball pad 110a, PDU ball pad 110b, and deck ball pad 110c may be secured to the cargo hold 12 at each of their four corners. In this regard, the coupling component 154 of the accessory 150 will be attached proximate to the corner of each ball pad 110, and the fixing component 152 of the accessory 150 will be attached to the aircraft frame structure 140 at a location corresponding to each corner. The exact location of the accessory 150 is determined by the aircraft frame structure 140, and therefore, the fixing component 152 will be attached to the aircraft frame structure 140 closest to the corner of the ball pad 110, and the location of the coupling component 154 in the ball pad will correspond to the location of the fixing component 152. In various embodiments, additional accessories 150 may be located in areas other than the corners of the ball pad 110. For example, one or more fixing components 152a ( Figure 2C ) may be located at an approximate midpoint between edges 112 and 114 of the deck ball pad 110c and / or at an approximate midpoint between edges 116 and 118 of the deck ball pad 110c. As previously described, the exact location of the securing member 152a is determined by the aircraft frame structure 140; thus, the securing member 152a will be attached to the aircraft frame structure 140 closest to the midpoint between edges 112 and 114 and the midpoint between edges 116 and 118.

[0041] refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B , a fixing member 152 of the accessory 150 is shown. In various embodiments, the fixing member 152 includes a base 160. The base 160 includes a flange 164. The flange 164 can be positioned proximate to a second surface 163 of the base 160. The second surface 163 can be oriented opposite and away from the surface 162 of the base 160. Referring temporarily to Figure 2A , the pad 102 can be located on or above the flange 164 when installed so that the pad 102 overlaps the flange 164. The fixing member 152 can 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 means. In various embodiments, the fasteners 166 may be positioned through the flange 164.

[0042] One or more threaded cups 170 may be located in the base 160. The base 160 may define a threaded hole 172 that is 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 flat with the surface 162 of the base 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 that is 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 160 to install the threaded cup 170 into the threaded hole 172 in the base 160 and / or remove the threaded cup 170 therefrom. In various embodiments, the accessory 150 may include a cover 190. When the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in the bulk cargo mode, the cover 190 may be placed on the recessed surface 184. The cover 190 is configured so that a surface 192 of the cover 190 will be flush with the surface 162 of the base 160. The cover 190 may reduce or prevent debris from accumulating in the volume between the threaded cup 170 and the threaded post 180.

[0043] 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 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 5 The second surface is opposite the first surface 202 and is oriented toward the fixed part 152 when the removable cargo handling component 200 is attached to the fixed part 152. The threaded portion 196 of the coupling component 154 includes a threaded surface 198.

[0044] refer to Figure 5 , the removable cargo handling component 200 is shown as being secured to the securing component 152 of the accessory 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 160. The coupling component 154 engaged with the threaded post 180 of the securing component 152 secures the removable cargo handling component 200 to the securing component 152 and the aircraft frame structure 140 ( Figure 2ATo remove the removable object handling component 200 , the operator rotates the coupling component 154 to disengage the coupling component from the threaded post 180 .

[0045] In various embodiments, the coupling component 154 may include a lip 195 formed around the head 194. The width or diameter of the lip 195 is greater than the width or diameter of the head 194. The gasket 199 may be located above the lip 195. In this regard, the gasket 199 is closer to the 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 may be greater than the width or diameter of the lip 195. The gasket 199 may be located in a groove 197 defined by the removable cargo handling component 200. Positioning the gasket 199 in the groove 197 may 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 securing component 152).

[0046] Back to Figure 2B In various embodiments, the guide roller tray 120a can be located between the PDU ball pad 110b and the deck ball pad 110c. The guide roller tray 120a can be electrically connected to the aircraft power supply to power the guide roller tray 120a, the PDU ball pad 110b, and / or the PDU 124 in the deck roller tray 120b.

[0047] refer to Figure 6 , showing details of the electrical connection to the guide roller tray 120a. In various embodiments, an aircraft electrical connector (e.g., wire) 300 is positioned along a side rail 301. The side rail 301 can be attached to the PDU ball pad 110b. A first end 302 of the aircraft electrical connector 300 is electrically coupled to connect to an aircraft electrical interface 304. A power source 306 is electrically coupled to the aircraft electrical interface 304 and supplies power (e.g., voltage) to the aircraft electrical connector 300. The power provided by the aircraft electrical connector 300 drives the PDU 124.

[0048] refer to Fig. 7A, shows a guide roller tray 120a according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the guide roller tray 120a includes a guide tray electrical connector (e.g., wire) 310 having an input end 312 and an output end 314. The guide tray electrical connector 310 can be located along a side wall 316 or floor 318 of the guide roller tray 120a. In various embodiments, the coupling member 154 can be located along the floor 318.

[0049] The guide tray electrical connector 310 can be electrically coupled to the power source 306. For example, in various embodiments, temporarily referring to Figure 6 , the input end 312 of the guide tray electrical connector 310 is configured to engage and electrically couple to the second end 308 of the aircraft electrical connector 300. The PDU 124 is electrically coupled to the guide tray electrical connector 310. In various embodiments, the guide roller tray 120a includes a pad PDU electrical connector 320. For a moment, Figure 2B , the pad PDU electrical connector 320 is electrically connected to the guide tray electrical connector 310 and the PDU 124 located in the PDU ball pad 110b. For example, in various embodiments, the output end 322 of the pad PDU electrical connector 320 is configured to engage and electrically connect to the PDU ball pad 110b ( Figure 2B ) in the PDU 124. The output end 314 of the guide tray electrical connector 310 is configured to engage and electrically couple to the electrical input end of an adjacent roller tray.

[0050] refer to Figure 7B , a deck roller pallet 120b is shown according to various embodiments. In various embodiments, the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 may include one or more deck roller pallets 120b arranged in series and electrically coupled to the guide roller pallet 120a and to each other. Each deck roller pallet 120b includes a pallet electrical connector 330. The pallet electrical connector 330 may be located along a side wall 336 or a floor 338 of the deck roller pallet 120b. In various embodiments, the coupling member 154 may be located along the floor 338.

[0051] The pallet electrical connector 330 can be connected to the pallet electrical connector of an adjacent roller pallet. For example, the input end 332 of the pallet electrical connector 330 in the first deck roller pallet 120b of the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 (i.e., the deck roller pallet 120b closest to the guide roller pallet 120a) is configured to engage and electrically connect to the output end 314 of the guide pallet electrical connector 310. The output end 334 of the pallet electrical connector 330 is configured to engage and electrically connect to the input end 332 of the pallet electrical connector 330 in the adjacent deck roller pallet 120b. The PDU 124 in the deck roller pallet 120b is electrically connected to the pallet electrical connector 330. Positioning the aircraft electrical connector 300 along the side rails 301 and the electrical connectors 310, 330 on the roller pallets 120a, 120b allows the electrical connector to be removed when the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 is in the bulk cargo mode, which reduces weight.

[0052] refer to Figure 8 In various embodiments, convertible cargo handling module 100 includes container 250. When convertible cargo handling module 100 is in bulk mode ( Figure 2C ), the removable cargo handling components of the convertible cargo handling assembly 100 (i.e., the guide roller tray 120a, the deck roller tray 120b, the sill ball pad 110a, the PDU ball pad 110b, the deck ball pad 110c, and the guide rail 130) can be stored in the container 250. The guide roller tray 120a, the deck roller tray 120b, the sill ball pad 110a, the PDU ball pad 110b, the deck ball pad 110c, and the guide rail 130 are all sized to fit within the container 250.

[0053] The container 250 may be a ULD. In this regard, in addition to the convertible cargo handling assemblies disclosed herein, the container 250 may be sized and configured so that it can be loaded, secured, and unloaded by a conventional ULD cargo handling system. In various embodiments, the guide roller tray 120a, deck roller tray 120b, sill ball pad 110a, PDU ball pad 110b, deck ball pad 110c, and guide rail 130 are sized to fit within a ULD. In other words, the guide roller tray 120a, deck roller tray 120b, sill ball pad 110a, PDU ball pad 110b, deck ball pad 110c, and guide rail 130 are configured to fit within a container having a longitudinal length L1 at its longest point and a width W1 at its widest point. For example, if the width W1 of the container 250 is 125.0 inches (317.5 cm), the longitudinal length L2 of the guide roller tray 120a ( Fig. 7A ), the longitudinal length L3 of the deck roller tray 120b ( Figure 7B ) and the longitudinal length L4 of the ball pads 110a, 110b, 110c ( Figure 2B) are less than 125.0 inches (317.5 cm). If the width W1 of the container 250 is 79.0 inches (200.7 cm), the longitudinal length L2 ( Fig. 7A ), the longitudinal length L3 of the deck roller tray 120b ( Figure 7B ) and the longitudinal length L4 of the ball pads 110a, 110b, 110c ( Figure 2B ) are less than 79.0 inches (200.7 cm). In various embodiments, the longitudinal length L4 ( Figure 2B ) can be less than the longitudinal length L1 of the container 250. For example, if the longitudinal length L1 is 88.0 inches (223.5 cm), the longitudinal length L4 is less than 88.0 inches (223.5 cm); if the longitudinal length L1 is 60.4 inches (153.4 cm), the longitudinal length L4 of the ball pads 110a, 110b, 110c is less than 88.0 inches (223.5 cm); Figure 2B ) is less than 60.4 inches (153.4 cm).

[0054] Configuring the removable cargo handling components of convertible cargo handling assembly 100 to fit within a ULD allows for the transport of container 250 via the ULD cargo handling system. For example, if a particular aircraft is in bulk mode, the removable components associated with the aircraft's convertible cargo handling assembly 100 may be transported to a different location and installed in a second aircraft equipped with fixed portion 152.

[0055] Here, the solution of benefit, other advantages and problem has been described for specific embodiment.In addition, the connecting line shown in each figure contained herein is intended to represent the exemplary functional relationship and / or physical connection between various elements.It should be noted that there may be many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections in the actual system.However, the solution of benefit, advantage, problem and any element that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to appear or become more significant should not be interpreted as the key, necessary or basic feature or element of the present disclosure.Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the appended claims, wherein the reference to the singular element 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" may include one or more, and the reference to the singular item may also include plural items.All scopes and ratio limits disclosed herein can be combined.

[0056] In addition, where phrases similar to "at least one of A, B, or C" are used in the claims, it is intended that the phrases 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 drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily performed in a particular order. For example, steps that may be performed simultaneously or in different orders are shown in the drawings to help improve understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0057] Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, reference to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "various embodiments," etc. indicates that the described embodiment 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, it is considered to be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect these features, structures, or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art how to implement the present disclosure with alternative embodiments.

[0058] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly stated in the claims. Unless a claim element is explicitly stated using the phrase "means for...", the claimed element is not intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f). As used herein, the terms "comprise," "include," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that a process, method, article, or device that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, articles, or devices.

Claims

1. A convertible cargo handling assembly comprising: pad; a first fitting including a first securing member positioned in a first opening defined by the pad and a first coupling member configured to engage the first securing member, and the first securing member being secured to the aircraft frame structure; and a first roller tray positioned above the pad and removably coupled to the first securing member of the first fitting via the first coupling member, thereby coupling the first roller tray to the aircraft frame structure via the first fitting; The first fixing component of the first accessory includes: a base defining a threaded hole; a threaded cup positioned within the threaded hole; and A threaded post is positioned in the threaded cup.

2. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 1 further comprising: a second accessory including a second securing member positioned in a second opening defined by the pad and a second coupling member configured to engage the second securing member; and A first ball bearing pad is located above the pad and is removably coupled to the second securing member of the second accessory via the second coupling member.

3. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 2, further comprising a power drive unit located in the first ball pad.

4. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a second ball pad, wherein the first roller tray is located between the first ball pad and the second ball pad; and A first electrical connector is located in the first roller tray and is electrically coupled to the power drive unit in the first ball pad.

5. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a second roller tray positioned above the pad; and A second electrical connector is located in the second roller tray and is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector.

6. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 5, further comprising a container configured to store the first roller pallet, the second roller pallet, the first ball pad, and the second ball pad, wherein a longitudinal length of the first roller pallet, a longitudinal length of the second roller pallet, a longitudinal length of the first ball pad, and a longitudinal length of the second ball pad are all less than a width of the container.

7. An aircraft cargo hold, comprising: First aircraft frame structure; and a convertible cargo handling assembly formed above the first aircraft frame structure, the convertible cargo handling assembly comprising: a pad positioned above said first aircraft frame structure; a first fitting comprising a first securing component and a first coupling component, wherein the first securing component is coupled to the first aircraft frame structure, and wherein the first coupling component is configured to rotate relative to the first securing component; and a first removable cargo handling component located above the mat and removably coupled to the first securing component of the first fitting via a threaded coupling between the first coupling component and the first securing component, thereby coupling the first removable cargo handling component to the first aircraft frame structure via the first fitting; The first fixing component of the first accessory includes: a base defining a threaded hole; a threaded cup positioned within the threaded hole; and A threaded post is positioned in the threaded cup.

8. A cargo hold according to claim 7, wherein the first removable cargo handling component comprises a first roller pallet.

9. The cargo hold of claim 8, wherein the convertible cargo handling assembly further comprises: a second accessory comprising a second securing member and a second coupling member, wherein the second securing member is positioned in an opening defined by the pad, and wherein the second coupling member is configured to rotate relative to the second securing member; and A ball bearing pad is removably coupled to the second accessory via a threaded coupling between the second coupling member and the second fixing member, wherein the ball bearing pad includes a power drive unit.

10. The cargo hold of claim 9, further comprising an electrical connector located in the first roller tray and electrically coupled to the power drive unit.

11. The cargo bay of claim 8, further comprising a second aircraft frame structure adjacent to the first aircraft frame structure, wherein the convertible cargo handling assembly further comprises: a second fitting comprising a second securing component and a second coupling component, wherein the second securing component is coupled to the second aircraft frame structure, and wherein the second coupling component is configured to rotate relative to the second securing component; and A second roller tray is located above the pad and is removably coupled to the second securing member of the second accessory via a threaded coupling between the second coupling member and the second securing member.

12. The cargo hold according to claim 11, further comprising: a first electrical connector located in the first roller tray; and A second electrical connector is located in the second roller tray and is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector.

13. The cargo hold according to claim 12, wherein a surface of the first fixing member is flush with a surface of the pad.

14. A convertible cargo handling assembly comprising: pad; a first fitting comprising a first securing member and a first coupling member, wherein the first securing member is located in a first opening defined by the pad and the first securing member is secured to an aircraft frame structure; and a first removable cargo handling component located above the mat and removably coupled to the first securing component via a coupling between the first coupling component and the first securing component, thereby coupling the first removable cargo handling component to the aircraft frame structure via the first fitting; The first fixing component of the first accessory includes: a base defining a threaded hole; a threaded cup positioned within the threaded hole; and A threaded post is positioned in the threaded cup.

15. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 14, the first removable cargo handling component comprising a first roller pallet, the cargo handling assembly further comprising a first electrical connector located in the first roller pallet, wherein the ball pad comprises a power drive unit, and wherein the power drive unit is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector.

16. The convertible cargo handling assembly of claim 15, the first removable cargo handling component comprising a first roller pallet, the cargo handling assembly further comprising: a third accessory including a third securing member and a third coupling member, wherein the third securing member is located in a third opening defined by the pad; a second roller tray located above the conveying mat and removably coupled to the third securing member of the third accessory via a coupling between the third coupling member and the third securing member; and A second electrical connector is located in the second roller tray and is electrically coupled to the first electrical connector.

Images