GB2454275A

GB2454275A - Aircraft pushback and towing training rig

Info

Publication number: GB2454275A
Application number: GB0803116A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stewart Swanton; Douglas Johnston Mcnicol
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-01
Filing date: 2008-02-21
Publication date: 2009-05-06
Anticipated expiration: 2028-02-21
Also published as: GB0721451D0; GB0803116D0; GB2454275B

Abstract

A space saving collapsible equilateral triangular shaped training rig, for towing behind an aircraft tug so as to simulate an aircraft and thus allow a tug driver to be trained, where the rig comprises a plurality of removable sections (figure 3) which can be inserted into the sides of the rig so as to increase its size. When in its smallest size of 2 meters per side, and with all 2.1 meter long space sections strapped securely on top, it is easily transportable from the storage or parking area to a training stand. It has four car size hubs and wheels, one on each side at the back, and a pair in the front incorporating individual hand brakes, contained by a rotating centre column, which supports a push rod for maneuvering. To assemble the rig the side space sections are removed from the top of the rig, six bolts are removed from the rig and front and back sections are pulled apart (figure 2), the space sections are located between the front and back sections and the rig is bolted back together using a torque wrench. It takes approximately 15mins to transform into a training rig, including connecting two flashing safety lights powered by the tug.

Description

AIRCRAFT PUSHBACK AND TOWING TRAINING RIG

DISCRIPTION

At airports around the world, anyway to improve safety is of the utmost importance; also space for storage is at a premium.

The training rig design helps to solve both problems by having a collapsible equilateral triangular shape.

A tug instructor is a person who teaches trainees from day one, how to manoeuvre a real aircraft around, ready for take off, but unfortunately this causes delays for trainees and aircraft, including safety issues.

The training rig incorporated at the start of a training programme will eliminate many problems.

With nine 2.1 metre long space sections strapped securely on top, it is easily transported from storage to a training stand.

The training rig has four car size hubs and wheels, one on each side of the back, and a pair in the front incorporating two individual hand brakes, contained by a rotating centre column, which supports a push rod for manoeuvring.

Six Drawing page numbers as follows:-Page 1/6 Show's the rig in its smallest size without the space sections.

. Page 2/6 Show's the rig pulled apart by removing six bolts.

** Page 3/6 Show's three space sections on each of three sides ready to be connected.

* Page 4/6 Show's the rig bolted together.

* : Page 5/6 Show's the rig dimensions in its smallest size.

* **** * Page 6/6 Show's the overall dimensions in millimetres with the space sections on each side. It takes approximately 15 minutes to transform into a training rig, including the two flashing safety lights powered by a tug. 1.

Claims

TITLE AIRCRAFT PUSHBACK AND TOWING TRAINING RIG CLAIMS

1. A space saving collapsible equilateral triangle shape trailer, varying in size from approximately 2 metres per side for transportation up to 12 metres per side for simulator training.

2. The enlargement is achieved by using interchangeable 2.1 metre long sections.

3. With four car size wheels, one on each side at the back, and a pair at the front, contained by a rotating centre column which also supports an attachment for a push rod, for manoeuvring.

4. It has a double breaking system attached to the front wheels, and extended flashing safety lights at each corner.

5. When stowed or for transportation, all 2.1 metre long sections are placed securely on top.

Amendments To The Claims Have Been Filed As Follows 1. A space saving collapsible trailer, which is substantially equilateral triangle shaped in plan view, suitable for attachment to a tug for manoeuvring aircraft, where said trailer is variable in size so as to be extended from a first collapsed position to a plurality of extended positions so that, when in an extended position, it simulates the presence of an aircraft when attached in use to the tug.

2. A space saving collapsible trailer as claimed in claim I where each side of the trailer may be extended in length between substantially 2 metres and 12 metres.

3. A space saving collapsible trailer as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 comprising of plurality of removable interchangeable side sections which are inserted into the sides of the trailer so as to bring about the increase in size. * .*

4. A space saving collapsible trailer as claimed in claim 3 where the interchangeable side sections are each substantially 2.1 metres in length.

: 5. A space saving collapsible trailer as claimed in any of the preceding * claims comprising four wheels, one at each rear corner of the trailer, and a pair * located about a forwardly positioned rotating centre column provided with a push rod for manoeuvring the trailer.

6. A space saving collapsible trailer as claimed in claim 5 where the pair of front wheels are provided with a double braking system, and flashing safety lights extend upwardly from each corner of the trailer.

7. A space saving collapsible trailer as claimed in any of the claims 3 to 6 where the interchangeable side sections are stowed securely on top of the trailer when not required.