GB583389A - Improvements in or relating to ramps for loading and unloading aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

583,389. Ramps for loading aircraft; conveyers. HORNBLOW, H. A. Aug. 19, 1944, No. 15877. [Classes 78 (i), 78 (iii) and 78 (iv)] [Also in Group XXXIII] A mobile device for loading and unloading aircraft comprises a selfpropelled carriage on which are mounted a ramp and a vertically movable platform. The upper end of the ramp is pivotally connected to the platform and the lower end is free to slide in a horizontal plane. The platform 24 is supported by two pairs of members 27, 28 which are connected by a pivot 29. Each member 27 is pivoted to the chassis 4 at 30 and is provided with a pin 31 which engages a slot 32 formed in a member attached to the platform. The member 27 is locked to the platform in any position by inserting a pin 39 through a hole near its upper end into any one of a series of holes 38 formed below the slot 32. Similar means is provided for securing the lower end of each member 28, but in this case the pin engaging the slot is secured to a nut 36 which is traversed.by the rotation of a screw 37 driven by the engine. The platform is connected by a pivot 23 to a ramp 20, the lower end of which rests on the side plates 13 of the chassis and takes beneath the horizontal surface 12a of a plate 12b which extends across the full width of the chassis. A frame 17 of triangular crosssection is pivoted at 16 to the plate 12b and either can rest on the ground with its inclined surface 18 forming a continuation of the surface 12b, or be turned up so that its horizontal surface forms a continuation of the surface 12a. Loads are raised and lowered by a cable 43, which is passed over pulleys 46, 44 to a winch 42, and may be withdrawn from the aircraft by passing the cable over a pulley 45. When heavy loads are being handled, jacks 47 on the undercarriage may be brought into contact with the ground and jury struts may be placed between the platform and chassis. In order that the device may be used with an aircraft, the door in which is inclined relatively to the ground, the platform is provided with a pivoted triangular extension 49a, Fig. 2, which is retained in position by catches 51 slidably mounted in its edge and adapted to grip the sides of the door. The upper surface of the ramp may be provided with an endless belt conveyer, a number of rollers, slotted tracks for motor vehicles, rail tracks for trolleys or rail vehicles, and one or more gangways for passengers. Similar tracks &c. are provided on the platforms 24, 12a. The chassis can be made of detachable units 4a, 4b, 4r which are provided with wheels 52 for mobility. The platform 24 may be actuated by a system of mechanical, electrical or hydraulic jacks.