Vehicle cargo restraint system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a cargo restraint system, the cargo restraint system including a cargo conveying system and a cargo restraint, the cargo conveying system including a plurality of rollers. The cargo restraint includes an inner jaw rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system and an outer jaw rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system. A lever is rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system. A mechanical linkage connects the lever to the outer jaw and the inner jaw, and the outer jaw and the inner jaw are controlled by movement of the lever through the mechanical linkage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to cargo restraint systems and, more particularly, to an aircraft cargo transport system. Background Art

[0002] Modern aircraft carry cargo in specially designed containers or on flat pallets. The containers or pallets are loaded onto rollers in the aircraft that are attached to the floor of the aircraft so that the containers and pallets can be rolled to the desired location in the aircraft. Some other types of transportation (e.g., trucks, ships, and trains) use similar types of cargo loading systems.

[0003] Aircraft are sensitive to the weight and balance created by cargo containers and pallets. The container or pallet must remain fixed in the loaded position so that it does not move around during flight, which would affect the control of the aircraft. Therefore, today's aircraft cargo systems also include cargo locks, which prevent the movement of containers and pallets once loaded.

[0004] Today's cargo locks are manually operated. The operator must lower all of the locks individually before loading or unloading cargo. After loading cargo, each lock must be raised individually to lock the container and pallet in place. In addition to being time consuming, since each lock must be lowered and raised individually, there is the possibility that the lock may not extend if the ground crew is distracted during the loading process. Unlocked cargo containers and pallets can affect the handling characteristics of the aircraft if the container or pallet moves during flight. In addition, the manual operation of today's locks can cause injuries to the operator, such as pinching or crushing fingers and hands. Summary of the invention

[0005] In a first example, a cargo restraint system includes a cargo conveying system including a plurality of rollers and a cargo restraint. The cargo restraint includes an inner jaw rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system and an outer jaw rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system. A lever is rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system. A mechanical linkage connects the lever to the outer jaw and the inner jaw, and the outer jaw and the inner jaw are controlled by movement of the lever through the mechanical linkage.

[0006] In a second example, an aircraft cargo restraint system includes a cargo transfer system and a cargo restraint mounted on a cargo floor of an aircraft. The cargo loading system includes a plurality of tracks and a plurality of rollers. The cargo restraint includes an inner jaw rotatably attached to the cargo transfer system and an outer jaw rotatably attached to the cargo transfer system. A lever is rotatably attached to the cargo transfer system. A mechanical linkage connects the lever to the outer jaw and the inner jaw, and the outer jaw and the inner jaw are controlled by movement of the lever through the mechanical linkage.

[0007] In a third example, a method of securing cargo in an aircraft includes placing a cargo carrying platform on rollers of a cargo conveying system. The cargo carrying platform is moved on the rollers. A lever of a cargo restraint system is contacted by the cargo carrying platform. The lever is rotated, which raises a cargo securing claw. A cargo release claw is raised by the cargo securing claw.

[0008] Any of the above-mentioned first, second and third examples may include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0009] In one optional form, the mechanical linkage includes a lift linkage and a retract linkage.

[0010] In another alternative form, the lift linkage is operably connected to the outer jaw.

[0011] In yet another alternative form, the lift linkage includes a lift cylinder and a lift rod slidably attached to the lift cylinder, the lift rod and the lift cylinder sharing a substantially common longitudinal axis.

[0012] In yet another alternative form, the lift linkage further includes a first biasing element proximate the first end of the lift cylinder and a second biasing element proximate the second end of the lift cylinder.

[0013] In yet another alternative form, the lift cylinder includes an annular ridge between the first biasing element and the second biasing element.

[0014] In yet another alternative form, the lift cylinder includes a longitudinal slot, and the lift rod includes a lift pin that slides in the longitudinal slot, the lift pin being disposed between the first biasing element and the second biasing element.

[0015] In yet another alternative form, the lift bar includes an outer jaw attachment having an angled channel, and the outer jaw includes a lift pin slidably disposed in the angled channel.

[0016] In yet another alternative form, the retraction linkage is mechanically connected to the inner jaw.

[0017] In yet another alternative form, the retraction linkage includes a retraction cylinder and a retraction rod slidably attached to the retraction cylinder, the retraction rod and the retraction cylinder sharing a substantially common longitudinal axis.

[0018] In yet another alternative form, the retraction linkage further includes a first biasing element proximate the first end of the retraction cylinder.

[0019] In yet another alternative form, the retraction cylinder includes a longitudinal slot and the retraction rod includes a retraction pin that slides in the longitudinal slot.

[0020] In yet another alternative form, the outer jaw includes a viewing aperture that aligns with another viewing aperture in the cargo conveying system when the outer jaw is in the locked position.

[0021] The third example may include any one or more of the following optional forms.

[0022] In an optional form, the cargo carrying platform continues to be moved over the lever until the cargo carrying platform leaves the lever; and after the cargo carrying platform leaves, the lever is raised, which retracts the cargo releasing claw and the cargo releasing claw retracts the cargo securing claw.

[0023] In another alternative form, a force is applied to the cargo release claw, thereby retracting the cargo release claw, which retracts the cargo securing claw.

[0024] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments or may be combined in yet another embodiment, further details of which will be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A cutaway perspective view of an aircraft loaded with cargo containers and pallets.

[0026] Figure 2 An interior view of an airplane cargo hold loaded with cargo containers.

[0027] Figure 3 An interior view of an aircraft cargo hold loaded with cargo pallets.

[0028] Figure 4A is a schematic side view of a cargo restraint system constructed in accordance with the present disclosure with outer and inner jaws in an extended position.

[0029] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A partial perspective view of a cargo restraint system with the outer claws retracted and the inner claws retracted.

[0030] Figure 5 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system of FIG. 1 with a cargo container or pallet being loaded.

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system in which a cargo container or pallet activates a lever when the cargo container or pallet moves to the next cargo station.

[0032] Figure 7 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system with the outer and inner jaws extended and the cargo container or pallet moved to the next cargo station.

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 4ASchematic side view of a cargo restraint system in which a cargo container or pallet releases a lever and the inner claw begins to retract.

[0034] Fig. 9 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system of FIG. 1 , wherein the lever is released while the inner jaw continues to retract and the outer jaw begins to retract.

[0035] Fig.10 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system with the lever released and both the outer and inner jaws retracted.

[0036] Fig.11 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system of FIG. 1 , wherein a cargo container or pallet is in a loading position with the outer and inner jaws extended and restraining the cargo container or pallet.

[0037] Fig.12 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system with a cargo container or pallet in a loading position and the inner jaws activated to retract in preparation for removal of the cargo container or pallet.

[0038] Fig.13 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system with a cargo container or pallet in a loading position and the inner jaws retracted and the outer jaws beginning to retract.

[0039] Fig.14 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system with a cargo container or pallet in a loading position and with both the outer and inner jaws retracted so that the cargo container or pallet can be unloaded.

[0040] Fig.15 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system of FIG. 1 , wherein unloading of a cargo container or pallet from a cargo station is initiated and a lever is released.

[0041] Fig.16 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system of where unloading of a cargo container or pallet from a cargo station is initiated and the lever is released and the lift pin slides into an angled slot in the lift linkage to hold the outer claw in a retracted position.

[0042] Fig.17 yes Figure 4ASchematic side view of a cargo restraint system in which unloading of a cargo container or pallet from a cargo station is initiated and a lever is released, the cargo container or pallet moves away from the outer jaws and the inner jaws, while the outer jaws are held in a retracted position by a lifting linkage and the inner jaws are held in a retracted position by a retracting linkage.

[0043] Fig.18 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system of , wherein unloading of a cargo container or pallet from another cargo station is initiated and the cargo container or pallet moves through the cargo station shown, and the lever is depressed, which keeps the outer and inner jaws in the retracted position.

[0044] Fig.19 yes Figure 4A Schematic side view of a cargo restraint system of , wherein unloading of a cargo container or pallet from a cargo station is initiated and the lever is released, with the outer and inner jaws remaining in the retracted position.

[0045] Fig. 20 is used Figure 4A A logical block diagram of the method by which a cargo restraint system secures cargo in an aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Reference Figure 1 , the aircraft 1 includes a cargo hold 2 (sometimes referred to as a cargo compartment). The aircraft 1 may include a single cargo hold 2, such as in Figure 1 As shown in , the aircraft 1 may include multiple cargo holds 2 (e.g., an upper cargo hold and a lower cargo hold), or the aircraft 1 may include a passenger cabin (not shown) and a cargo hold 2 (e.g., the cargo hold may be located below the passenger cabin).

[0047] The cargo hold 2 may include one or more cargo containers 12 and / or one or more cargo pallets 14 for delivery into position. The cargo container 12 is a closed structure having a body that maintains its outer shape. A single piece of cargo may be placed inside the cargo container 12. The advantage of the cargo container 12 is that the volume of the cargo container 12 is fixed and known to fit into the cargo hold 2, thereby making it easy to load the cargo container 12 into the cargo hold 2. In addition, the outer body of the cargo container 12 constrains the movement of individual pieces of cargo during loading, unloading, and flight. The bottom of the cargo container 12 is generally flat and is capable of rolling on the rollers of the cargo loading system (discussed further below).

[0048] Alternatively, the individual pieces of cargo may be loaded onto cargo pallets 14. Cargo pallets 14 are generally flat metal structures (although in other embodiments, the pallets may be formed of other materials, such as wood or plastic). The individual pieces of cargo may be secured to the cargo pallets 14 by a net or other structure (such as a plurality of straps) to prevent movement of the individual pieces of cargo during loading, unloading, or flight. The cargo bay 2 can carry multiple cargo containers 12 and multiple cargo pallets 14 in various configurations. Like the cargo containers 12, the bottom of the cargo pallets 14 is generally flat and can roll on the rollers of the cargo loading system.

[0049] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , two different close-up views of a cargo hold 2 are shown. In these examples, a cargo container 12 and a cargo pallet 14 are loaded into the cargo hold 2. The cargo hold 2 includes a cargo conveying system 20. The cargo conveying system 20 includes a plurality of tracks 22 and a plurality of rollers 24.

[0050] The track 22 in this example is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft 1. In other examples, the track 22 may be oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft 1, or the track 22 may be oriented in a combination of the following directions: substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft 1, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft 1, and / or at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft 1.

[0051] The roller 24 is disposed between two adjacent and parallel tracks 22. The roller 24 has an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the tracks 22. The roller 24 in this example is substantially cylindrical in shape and may include a durable outer surface, such as aluminum or other metal. In other examples, the roller 24 may have other shapes, such as a spherical or partially spherical shape, as long as the roller 24 can support the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 during loading or unloading of the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 from the cargo hold while allowing the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 to move or roll on the roller 24.

[0052] The cargo transfer system 20 may also include one or more cargo locks 26. The cargo locks 26 are extendable to secure the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 in a selected cargo position, which may be referred to as a cargo station. During loading and unloading, the cargo locks 26 are retractable so that the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 can move on the rollers 24.

[0053] Now turn Figure 4A and Figure 4B , shows a cargo restraint system 30. The cargo restraint system 30 includes Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the cargo transfer system 20 , the inner jaw 32 (or cargo release jaw), the outer jaw 34 (or cargo securing jaw), the lever 36 and the mechanical linkage 38 .

[0054] The inner jaw 32 is rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system 20. More specifically, the inner jaw 32 is rotatably attached to one or more tracks 22 of the cargo conveying system 20. The inner jaw 32 is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the track 22, whereby the inner jaw 32 can be rotated to an extended position, such as in Figure 4A , or rotated to a retracted position wherein the inner jaws 32 are located between adjacent rails 22, as will be discussed further below.

[0055] The outer jaw 34 can also be rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system 20. More specifically, the outer jaw 34 can be rotatably attached to one or more tracks 22 of the cargo conveying system 20. The outer jaw 34 can rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the track 22, whereby the outer jaw 34 can be rotated to an extended position, such as in Figure 4A , or rotated to a retracted position wherein the outer jaws 34 are located between adjacent tracks 22, as will be discussed further below.

[0056] The lever 36 may also be rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system 20. More specifically, the lever 36 may be rotatably attached to one of the tracks 22 of the cargo conveying system 20. The lever 36 may be rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the track 22, so that the lever 36 may be moved from an extended position ( Figure 5 ) rotates to the first retracted position ( Figure 6 ), and rotate to the second retracted position ( Fig.18 ).

[0057] A mechanical linkage 38 operably connects the lever 36 to the outer jaw 34 and the inner jaw 32. The outer jaw 34 and the inner jaw 32 are controlled by movement of the lever 36 through the mechanical linkage 38. More specifically, actuation of the lever 36 can extend or retract the outer jaw 34 and the inner jaw 32 through various interactions with the mechanical linkage 38, as will be discussed further below.

[0058] The mechanical linkage 38 includes a lift linkage 40 and a retract linkage 42. The lift linkage is operably connected to the outer jaw 34. The lift linkage 40 includes a lift cylinder 44 and a lift rod 46 slidably attached to the lift cylinder 44. The lift rod 46 and the lift cylinder 44 share a substantially common longitudinal axis A. The lift linkage 40 also includes a first biasing element 50 proximate a first end 52 of the lift cylinder 44 and a second biasing element 54 proximate a second end 56 of the lift cylinder 44. The lift cylinder 44 includes an annular ridge 60 between the first biasing element 50 and the second biasing element 54.

[0059] The lift cylinder 44 includes a longitudinal slot 62, and the lift rod 46 includes one or more lift pins 64 that slide in the longitudinal slot 62. The lift pin 64 is disposed between the first biasing element 50 and the second biasing element 54. The lift rod 46 includes an outer jaw attachment 70 having an angled channel 72. The outer jaw 34 includes a lift pin 74 slidably disposed in the angled channel 72.

[0060] Turning now to the retract linkage 42, the retract linkage 42 is mechanically connected to the inner jaw 32. The retract linkage 42 includes a retract cylinder 75 and a retract rod 76 slidably connected to the retract cylinder 75. The retract cylinder 75 and the retract rod 76 share a substantially common longitudinal axis B.

[0061] The retraction linkage 42 also includes a first biasing element 78 proximate a first end 80 of the retraction cylinder 75. The retraction cylinder 75 includes a longitudinal slot 82, and the retraction rod 76 includes a retraction pin 84 that slides in the longitudinal slot 82.

[0062] In some embodiments, the outer jaws 34 include viewing holes 86 that align with viewing holes in the cargo loading system when the outer jaws 34 are in the locked position. After loading the cargo, as an additional safety measure, a laser is projected through these viewing holes to indicate that the outer jaws 34 are in the locked position. When the outer jaws 34 are in the non-extended position, the viewing holes 86 are blocked by a portion of the outer jaws 34, and thus the laser will be blocked, indicating that the outer jaws 34 are not in the extended position. A similar laser viewing hole indication system is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 936,540, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0063] Now turn Figures 5 to 10 , describes methods of securing cargo in an aircraft. Figures 5 to 10 In the process of loading cargo containers 12 or cargo pallets 14 into the cargo hold of the aircraft, the cargo restraint system 30 is located at a cargo station, or at a location in the cargo transfer system 20, which is located in the cargo hold 2 of the aircraft. Figures 5 to 10 The particular cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 in the cargo compartment is loaded and moved through the cargo station shown and onto another cargo station further downstream. In order to move through this particular cargo station (i.e., to a cargo station further downstream in the cargo compartment), the outer jaws 34 and the inner jaws 32 must remain in the retracted position to allow the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 to move through the cargo station.

[0064] Initially, in Figure 5 In the embodiment, the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 is placed on the rollers 24 of the cargo conveying system 20 (for clarity, it is shown in FIG. Figures 5 to 19The cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 moves on the rollers 24 toward the lever 36. In the non-actuated condition, or in the cargo loading position, the lever 36 is generally upright, such as in Figure 5 The outer jaws 34 and the inner jaws 32 are held in a retracted position by a mechanical linkage 38, between the rails 22 and below the highest point of the outer surface of the rollers 24 (i.e., the contact point between the rollers 24 and the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14), so that the outer jaws 34 and the inner jaws 32 do not interfere with the movement of the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 on the rollers 24. The plane formed by the highest point of the rollers passes through Figures 5 to 20 The plane R is the plane on which the cargo container 12 or the cargo pallet 14 is placed when being loaded or unloaded.

[0065] When a cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 moves through a cargo station ( Figure 6 ), and finally the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 contacts the lever 36 of the cargo restraint system 30. The lever 36 rotates (in Figure 6 The outer claw 34 and the inner claw 32 are biased to rotate in the indicated direction by a biasing element such as a claw spring 90. When the mechanical linkage 38 releases the outer claw 34 and the inner claw 32 from the retracted position, the outer claw 34 and the inner claw 32 begin to rise, but stop due to the weight of the cargo container 12 or the cargo pallet 14.

[0066] When the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 leaves the outer claw 34 and the inner claw 32 ( Figure 7 ), the claw spring 90 drives the outer claw 34 and the inner claw 32 to the extended (upright or deployed) position. The lever 36 is still held downward by the weight of the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14, which pushes the lifting linkage 40 and the retracting linkage 42 to Figure 7 14, thereby releasing any tension that may prevent the claw spring 90 from fully extending the outer claw 34 and the inner claw 32. If the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 is properly located at the designated cargo station, the outer claw 34 and the inner claw 32 will remain extended and the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 will remain restrained in the cargo station, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 middle.

[0067] However, if the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 continues to move through the cargo station to another cargo station, eventually, the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 leaves the lever 36, which is shown in FIG. Figure 8When the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 moves away from the lever 36, a lever biasing element such as a lever spring 92 begins to raise the lever 36. As the lever 36 rises, the lever 36 pulls the lift linkage 40 and the retract linkage 42 toward the lever 36. As the retract linkage 42 moves toward the lever 36, the retract rod 76 pulls on the bottom of the inner claw 32, which causes the inner claw 32 to begin to retract (as in Figure 8 ).

[0068] As the lever 36 continues to rise, the lifting rod 46 pulls the lifting pin 74, which causes the outer claw 34 to begin to retract (as in Fig. 9 ). Fig.10 The fully reset condition of the cargo restraint system 30 is shown. The lever 36 is fully extended, and the outer jaws 34 and the inner jaws 32 are fully retracted. The cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 has moved through the cargo station, and the cargo station is ready to receive another cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14.

[0069] Now turn Figures 12 to 17 , showing the cargo removal sequence. Initially, a force is applied to the inner claw 32 in the direction of arrow F. This causes the inner claw 32 to rotate toward the retracted position (in Fig.12 As the inner pawl 32 rotates, the lift linkage 40 is lowered and the lift pin 74 slides upward in the angled channel 72, which releases the outer pawl 34 from the locked position, as in Fig.13 Once the outer claw 34 is released, the claw spring 90 rotates the outer claw toward the retracted position. The lifting pin 74 slides freely in the angled channel 72 to allow rotation ( Fig.14 Once the outer jaws 34 and the inner jaws 32 are retracted, the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 may be moved out of the cargo station by rolling on the rollers 24 .

[0070] When a cargo container 12 or a cargo pallet 14 is removed from a cargo station ( Fig.15 ) and the lever 36 is allowed to extend, the lifting linkage 40 is pulled toward Fig.15 36) and the lift pin 74 slides back toward the downwardly angled portion of the angled channel 72. Once the lift pin 74 is clamped in the downwardly angled portion of the angled channel 72, further movement of the lift linkage 40 pulls on the lift pin 74, which causes the outer claw 34 to rotate toward the retracted position ( Fig.16 ).

[0071] Once the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 clears the outer jaws 34 and inner jaws 32, the outer jaws 34 and inner jaws are held in the retracted position by the extended lever 36 through a mechanical linkage 38 ( Fig.17 ). The cargo restraint system 30 is now ready to receive another cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14.

[0072] Fig.18 and Fig.19 A passing sequence is shown in which a cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 moves through a cargo station during the unloading process. When a cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 moves from another cargo station toward the cargo station shown, the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 contacts a lever 36, which causes the lever 36 to rotate. Fig.18 The outer jaws 34 and the inner jaws 32 are held in the retracted position by the mechanical linkage 38. More specifically, as the lever 36 rotates, the lift rod 46 extends from the lift cylinder 44 and the retract rod 76 extends from the retract cylinder 75 to accommodate the increased distance caused by the rotation of the lever 36. Once the cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 clears the lever 36, the first biasing element 50 and the second biasing element 54 on the lift linkage 40 and the first biasing element 78 on the retract linkage 42 pull the lift rod 46 and the retract rod 76, which pushes the lever 36 to the upright position, and thus the cargo restraint system 30 is reset for the next cargo container 12 or cargo pallet 14 ( Fig.19 ).

[0073] Reference Fig. 20 , a logic block diagram shows a method 100 for securing cargo in an aircraft using the cargo restraint system described above. Fig. 20 When describing the components of the cargo restraint system, the reference numerals correspond to the Figures 1 to 19 The reference number in the Fig. 20 When describing the components in Figures 1 to 19 The reference numerals in Fig. 20 Also refer to.

[0074] Initially, at 110, the cargo carrying platform 12, 14 is placed on the rollers 24 of the cargo conveying system 20. Then, at 120, the cargo carrying platform 12, 14 is moved on the rollers 24. At 130, the lever 36 of the cargo restraint system 30 is contacted by the cargo carrying platform 12, 14. At 140, the lever 36 is rotated, which raises the cargo securing claw 34 at 140. At 150, the cargo release claw 32 is raised by the cargo securing claw 34, which secures the cargo carrying platform 12, 14 in place at the designated cargo station.

[0075] The method 100 optionally includes continuing to move the cargo loading platform 12, 14 over the lever 36 until the cargo loading platform 12, 14 leaves the lever 36; and after the cargo loading platform 12, 14 leaves, raising the lever 36, which retracts the cargo release claw 32 and the cargo release claw 32 retracts the cargo fixing claw 34 to prepare the cargo station to receive another cargo loading platform 12, 14.

[0076] The method 100 also optionally includes applying a force to the cargo release pawl 32 to retract the cargo release pawl 32 , which retracts the cargo securing pawl 34 and allows the cargo carrier platform 12 , 14 to be removed from the cargo station.

[0077] Advantageously, the disclosed cargo restraint system and method automatically secures cargo containers and pallets in place without the need to manually raise the restraint and without the use of a motor. Thus, loading time is reduced and the risk of injury to personnel is also reduced. The restraint is actuated by movement of the cargo container or pallet, rather than by motor or manual actuation. Additionally, the disclosed cargo restraint system and method are more reliable than manual restraints, which reduces the likelihood of cargo moving during flight.

[0078] Although various embodiments are described above, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to these embodiments. Various modifications may be made to the disclosed embodiments, which still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cargo restraint system, wherein: The cargo restraint system comprises: A cargo conveying system, the cargo conveying system comprising a plurality of rollers; an inner jaw rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system; an outer jaw rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system; a lever rotatably attached to the cargo conveying system; and a mechanical linkage connecting the lever to the outer jaw and the inner jaw, the outer jaw and the inner jaw being controlled by movement of the lever via the mechanical linkage, wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a lifting linkage and a retracting linkage, the lifting linkage being operatively connected to the outer jaw and the retracting linkage being mechanically connected to the inner jaw, wherein the lift linkage comprises a lift cylinder and a lift rod slidably attached to the lift cylinder, the lift rod and the lift cylinder sharing a substantially common longitudinal axis, wherein the lifting cylinder comprises a longitudinal slot, and the lifting rod comprises a lifting pin sliding in the longitudinal slot, wherein the lifting bar includes an outer claw attachment having an angled channel, and the outer claw includes a lifting pin slidably disposed in the angled channel, The lever has a first end, a second end and a middle portion therebetween, the first end being an actuating end, the second end being respectively connected to the lifting linkage and the retracting linkage, and the rotation axis of the lever being located at the middle portion.

2. The cargo restraint system according to claim 1, wherein: The lift linkage also includes a first biasing element proximate the first end of the lift cylinder and a second biasing element proximate the second end of the lift cylinder.

3. The cargo restraint system according to claim 2, wherein: The lift cylinder includes an annular ridge between the first biasing element and the second biasing element.

4. The cargo restraint system according to claim 3, wherein: The lift pin is disposed between the first biasing element and the second biasing element.

5. The cargo restraint system according to claim 1, wherein: The retraction linkage includes a retraction cylinder and a retraction rod slidably attached to the retraction cylinder, the retraction rod and the retraction cylinder sharing a substantially common longitudinal axis.

6. The cargo restraint system according to claim 5, wherein: The retraction linkage also includes a first biasing element proximate the first end of the retraction cylinder.

7. The cargo restraint system according to claim 6, wherein: The retraction cylinder includes a longitudinal slot, and the retraction rod includes a retraction pin that slides in the longitudinal slot.

8. The cargo restraint system according to claim 1, wherein: The outer jaw includes a viewing aperture that aligns with another viewing aperture in the cargo conveying system when the outer jaw is in the locked position.

9. An aircraft cargo restraint system, wherein: The aircraft cargo restraint system comprises: A cargo conveying system installed on the floor of the aircraft, the cargo conveying system comprising a plurality of tracks and a plurality of rollers; an inner jaw rotatably attached to a first track of the plurality of tracks; an outer jaw rotatably attached to the first track of the plurality of tracks; a lever rotatably attached to the first of the plurality of tracks; and a mechanical linkage connecting the lever to the outer jaw and the inner jaw, the outer jaw and the inner jaw being controlled by movement of the lever via the mechanical linkage, wherein the mechanical linkage comprises a lifting linkage and a retracting linkage, the lifting linkage is mechanically linked to the outer claw, and the retracting linkage is mechanically connected to the inner claw, wherein the lift linkage comprises a lift cylinder and a lift rod slidably attached to the lift cylinder, the lift rod and the lift cylinder sharing a substantially common longitudinal axis, wherein the lifting cylinder comprises a longitudinal slot, and the lifting rod comprises a lifting pin sliding in the longitudinal slot, wherein the lifting bar includes an outer claw attachment having an angled channel, and the outer claw includes a lifting pin slidably disposed in the angled channel, The lever has a first end, a second end and a middle portion therebetween, the first end being an actuating end, the second end being respectively connected to the lifting linkage and the retracting linkage, and the rotation axis of the lever being located at the middle portion.

10. The aircraft cargo restraint system according to claim 9, wherein: The retraction linkage includes a retraction cylinder and a retraction rod slidably attached to the retraction cylinder, the retraction rod and the retraction cylinder sharing a substantially common longitudinal axis.

11. The aircraft cargo restraint system according to claim 9, wherein: The outer jaw includes a viewing aperture that aligns with another viewing aperture in the cargo conveying system when the outer jaw is in the locked position.

12. A method of securing cargo in an aircraft using the cargo restraint system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or the aircraft cargo restraint system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The method comprises: Place the cargo carrying platform onto the rollers of the cargo conveying system; moving the cargo carrying platform on the rollers; contacting a lever of a cargo restraint system with said cargo carrying platform; rotating the lever, which raises the cargo securing claw; and The cargo releasing claw is raised by the cargo securing claw.

13. The method according to claim 12 further includes continuing to move the cargo carrying platform over the lever until the cargo carrying platform leaves the lever; and after the cargo carrying platform leaves, raising the lever, which retracts the cargo release claw and the cargo release claw retracts the cargo fixing claw.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising applying a force to the cargo release claw to retract the cargo release claw, which causes the cargo securing claw to retract.

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