US2433523A - Universal bomb hoisting band - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 30, 1947. L. F. MAHAN ETAL UNIVERSAL BOMB HOISTING BAND Filed May 24, 1943' 7 Sheets-Sheet l R m M f H. K212601411- M fia,

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y [71598728 md' Dec. 30, 1947. L. F. MAHAN ETAL UNIVERSAL BOMB HOIS'TING' BAND 7 She ets-Sheet 2 Filed May 24, 1943 zwww 5 I w w waunga Q Dec. 30, 1947. MAHAN r A 2,433,523

UNIVERSAL BOMB HOISTING BAND.

Filed May 24, 1945 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 Dec. 30, 1947. L, F. MAHAN ETAL 2,433,523

UNIVERSAL BOMB HOISTING BAND Filed May 24, 1 943 '7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 30,1947, L. RMAHAN ETAL 2,433,523

UNIVERSAL BOMB HOISTING BAND Filed May 24, 1943 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 BY E enelfzz'ebol Dec. 30, 1947- L. F. MAHAN ETAL UNIVERSALBOMB HOISTING BAND Filed May 24, 194s 7 Shets-Sheet 6 BY @W L14 Patented Dec. 30, 1947 it shares PAT-BENT orri- .1.

UNIVERSAL-BOMB HOIS'EINGeBAND ApplicationMay'2-45,v 1943, SerialNo'. 4883260 This invention relates to a universal bon'ib hoisting mechanism for use inliftingvarioustypes of'bombs, such as-aerialbombs, torpedoes, smoke tanks; depth charges, mines, etc.,-and morepar+ ticularly to a bomb hoisting band adapted-to be readily clamped about a bomb and used in'hoistingthe bomb during'the loading operationsand to be thereafter released and removed from the bomb.

The invention particularly contemplates a structure-that may bereadily used to load pra'ctically all types, sizes and shapes of bombs under all known basic hoisting conditions into-a shackle or rack suspension with a single or dub1e hoist andin: all types of planes or ships.

It will be understood that, among other things; one of'the'features of the inventionresides' in the ability quickly to attach'the bomb =hoisting band herein disclosed to a bomb, and,=after the bomb is lifted in position and secured, quickly to detach and drop the bombhoistingbandfrom about the bomb without requiring the use of toolsor excessive effort in cramped quarterson -the parttofthe crew, althoughthexbomb may be cated in a position,.after itis secured, affording. li-ttleif any spacefor theiremoval offthe band.

Many diificult problems arise in the loading of bombs. The space provided'iorreceiving bombs in the bomb bays -and under the wings .is usually'limited and it varies in many'of the different types of airplaneslnow inuse. The desig of theships fuselage and wing section, the pattern of the load to be carried, as well as' the different Weights and types of bombsvto'be'loaded, are :factors that limit the space receiving the bombs and make the loading of bo-mbsdifiicult. They likewise add to'the difiiculties encountered in lifting the bombsand. in removing-the hoisting mechanism after the bombs aresecured. Speed is also an essential consideration becauseiloading often occurs between aerial operations-ofthe planes or during refueling and wl'ien 'lit'tlentime is .given as when alarms are .sounded-.:and the 1-1 Glaims. (0];294-314) e 2 removed without difiiculty to assure that :the samewill not be left uponthe bombs after they areloaded. The-inventionovercomes the diliiculties heretofore experienced and requires but a single structure to meet all conditionsof bomb hoisting and'loading.

A-further object of theinvention is'toprovide a ver y simple-and efficient structure. This structure is designedly constructed to assure rapid loading-of bombs. In actual use, it has reduced the timeconsider-ably. In certainxinstances, a bomb may beloaded in approximately one minute ascornpared toapproximately ten minutes heretofore required. "Moreover, the possibility of leaving parts of the hoisting' device about the bombs due-to the diificulty'of removal in cramped quarters is eliminated.

still further objectof the invention is the manner in which :the bombs, irrespective of weight; may be raised With their axes parallelto the longitudinal axesof the ships to conform to the attitude of'the ships, Thestructure is "designed so that the cable fittings may be readily placed elf-center whereby the bombs may be raised at an angle to the horizontahor, inthe case-ofthe use o'f-- double hoists, these-cable fittings may be placed slightlyv above the athwartships center of the bombs instead of directly opposite one another onthe horizontal center in order to prevent any tendencylof the bombs to spin about their longitudinal axes during'hoistmg.-

A still further object of the invention is to provide a bomb hoisting band that Will'bevnot only universally adaptable to all types of missiles to be loadedbut will alsofacilitate the loading of the missiles in any 'type of airplane or ship, Whether requiring inboard or outboard loading, and will provide further forquick detachment from the bombs, and without the use of tools so that limitations of space will not hamper the removal of the structure after the bombs are-secured in position. Quite often the construction of the ship makes it difiicult for the crew to use tools .in removing the clamped structure about the bomb after it is secured in-loaded.position. Lackof time and the difiiculty of removing the clam'pedstructure by tools have heretofore resulted in leaving the same about the bomb. Without=makingproper calculations for the presence of this clamped structure about the bombs, the bombs/have been released in actual combat only tofind that the deflection resulting therelrom caused the loss of these bombs without the :desiredefi'ect. The invention proposesa construc- 3 tion of bomb hoisting band that includes a plurality of parts adapted to be drawn about the bombs circumferentially and to be held tightly in position during the hoisting operation, but which, when released by a take-up device or its equivalent, will readily separate and drop from about the bombs.

Another important feature is that the structure disclosed herein is capable of universal use upon any known type of bomb for loading any design or type of plane or ship.

The employment of bomb hoisting bands embodying the present invention novelly permits attaining the important feature of economy because these bands universally fit all types of bombs or missiles and may be used to load the same on all designs and types of ships. Accordingly, different sizes and styles of loading equipment need not be carried in stock and the investment in material on hand will be reduced. Only minimum space for storage will be required which is an important factor on carriers and at outposts Where space is very definitely accounted for and particularly the space allocated to the storage of equipment.

The ability to adapt the present bomb hoisting bands to all types of bombs and missles cannot be emphasized too strongly. Numerous suspension lugs, keyways and dive bombing trunnions,'

and similar essential fixtures affect the location of hoisting bands on the bombs and also hinder removal of the bands. The present invention presents a construction that very efiectively overcomes the difficulties of such protuberances and permits easy attachment and removal by adjustably positioning the parts to avoid the protuberances without requiring a special construction of band for any particular bomb or missile or type of ship that may be loaded.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent from the following detail description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof.

In the drawings:

Figure l is an end view of an aerial bomb having a band assembly of the single hoist shackle type embodying the invention disclosed herein,v

parts of the take-up plate assembly being in cross section for the purposes of illustration;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side view of the aerial bomb shown in Fig. l to illustrate one side of the band assembly in side elevation;

Fig. 3 is the view shown in Fig. 1 but with the parts of the band assembly in open position and about to be dropped from the aerial bomb that has been hoisted in position on the ship and attached, say, to the shackle connection, the locking pin being shown removed to free the hoist cable fitting;

Fig. 4 is a detail View to illustrate how the bands are slidable to bring the clips at their ends opposite the removal notches of the clip-retaining brackets in order to free the same from the upper hoisting plate assembly and allow the parts to drop from about the bomb;

Fig. 5 is an end view of substantially'the same construction shown in Fig. l but of the double hoist shackle or rack type, parts of the take-up plate assembly being in cross section for the purposes of illustration;

Fig. 6 is also a fragmentary side view of the aerial bomb shown in Fig. 5 to illustrate in side elevation the take-up mechanism and its plate assembly and the manner of connecting-the hoist 4 cable fitting thereto when a double hoist is used;

Fig. 7 is a detail side view of a clevis connection that may be used in lieu of the hoist cable fitting shown in Figs. 5 and 6;

Fig. 8 is a side view of the same; Fig. 9 illustrates somewhat diagrammatically the manner of loading bombs to the underside or as the bomb is lifted to its position in the ship;

Fig. 11 is a detail view of the clip retaining bracket showing how the clips at the ends of the bands are held against displacement when the bomb is lifted by the hoist cable and how this connection may be readily broken to separate the parts by sliding the clips sidewise to align with the removal notches when moved inwardly or to disengage the hinged connection at the plate when moved outwardly, this latitude of disconnection being advantageous when obstruction prevents the bands from being shifted in one of the directions;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary detail view of this clip-retaining bracket illustrating how the bracket at the removal notches may be bent to prevent this sidewise movement inwardly of the clips whereby the clip will be held against displacement except when moved outwardly or away from the plate assembly;

Fig. 13 is an exploded detail view of the clip and the connectors, the bolts being omitted, to illustrate their assembly at a predetermined position along the straps according to the diameter of the bomb to be lifted;

Fig. 14 is a view similar to Fig. l but showing the construction of plate and hoisting lug assembly that may be used to connect the hoisting cable fitting when the bomb is to be attached to a rack in the bomb bay;

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the construction used in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 illustrates a further use of the structure embodying the invention; and

Fig. 17 diagrammatically illustrates how a number of bombs may be mounted in a bomb bay by the form illustrated in Fig. 16 or by any of the other forms of structure.

Although we illustrate and describe several embodiments of the invention, it will be understood at the outset that the invention may be embodied in other forms and that one or more of the novel features may be employed without adopting all of the structure disclosed herein.

As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, inclusive, a bomb hoist band embodying the invention includes a plurality of band sections I and 2 adapted to encircle a bomb, designated broadly as 3, and to be drawn about the bomb by a take-up mechanism 4. Connectible means in the form of plate assemblies 5 and 6 may be provided between the opposite ends of the band sections I and 2 for receiving these opposite ends in hinged relation. Band sections I and 2 may be metal straps, if so desired, and, while it is not essential to the invention disclosed in so far as accomplishing certain of the novel results is concerned, these straps may be made of a metal having some resiliency or spring action so that, when flexed about the bomb circumferentially, the gripping action at the hinged connections between their ends and the plate assemblies will be increased to prevent disc eapes placement 'of the parts at these points, :and so that, when ithefparts are released by'the take-up mechanism after the bomb is securedin position in the bomb-bay or other desired location, these parts will t'end',--dueto thisspring action orresiliency of the metal band sections, to separate from the plate assembliesand drop quickly from about thebomb'without the' further aid of tools.

Plat'e assem'blyb constitutes essentially an element to which the endsof band sections I and 2 may hingedly connect and at'the same time receive a cable hoist fitting I. It may comprisean outerplate 8 andan inner plate-9 suitably welded or otherwise secured together. Both plates Band 9' may be curvedslightly so that their side edges rest against the periphery-of the bomb 3, these sideedges being turnedoutwardly as indicatedat wand |:I, the side edges II being curved into an inturned'flange for receiving clips I2 adapted to be adjustably carried along band sections I and2 at or near their ends.

Outer plate 8 is provided with cutaway portions I3 and is arched at I l preferablyalong its medial line at the portions I5 between the cutaway portions I3. Inner plate 9 is also slightly arched at I6, Which, with arching I I of outer plate 8',v forms a hole II to receive a removable pin I8. Pin I8 forms the swivel connection for hoist cable fittin I adapted to seat in any one of the cutaway portions I3. Providing a number of positions for hoist cable fitting I along the upper plate assembly 5 on pin I 8 enables the bomb to be lifted with its longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the airplane. The connection can be made centrally of the upper plate assembly 5, and, if the entire structure of the bomb hoistin band is located approximately centrally of the bomb, the bomb will remain horizontal while lifted. However, locating the connection of the hoist cable fitting I on pin I8 on either side of the center cutaway portion I3 will cause the bomb to tilt slightly so that its longitudinal axis may be made to assume a parallel position with that of the axis of the airship to facilitate the hoisting and the attaching of the bomb.

Pin I8 may have one end curved as at I9 and grooved at 2B. Curved portion I9 serves as a handle grip which may be gripped by the crew to remove the pin I8 quickly without the use of tools after the bomb is positioned in the bomb bay or under the wing and secured either to the shackle 2| as illustrated in Fig. 3, or to the rack 22 illustrated in dotted lines in Figs. 14 and 15. Groove 2|] receives a spring clip 25 suitably carried by plate 8 to lock pin I8 in position to prevent accidental displacement while the bomb 3 is bein lifted. This can be readily accomplished by laying the curved portion I9 against plate 8 after the cable fitting I is placed in the proper recess 13 and the pin I8 is inserted in"hole I'I. Turning curved portion I9 downwardly will bring groove' 2'il' in spring engaging relation with clip 25 to hOldpin I8 from being accidentally pushed out of position and will keep the curved part I9 from interfering with the lifting operation.

Clips 12 may be secured at one of a plurality of positions along band sections I and 2 at or near their ends. These ends may be provided with-.a-number of perforations 26 to receive bolts 2 1 that are adapted to connect the clips I2 to the underside of the band sections, there being connectors '28 employed on the opposite side, these :connectors 28 being preferably channel shapedandcreceiving the lock washers and nuts 6 zewithin their side flanges 3c. Connectors28 provide-every sturdy fasteningfor clips 7 I22 atthe' ends of the band sections and provide by their side-flanges 30 a surface that'm'ay be tapped by a hammer or the like if the ends of these band sections fail to slide readily along the curvedflan'ges II of the plate assembly 5 to bring clips represent the approximate spacing of the band sections I and 2 when they are used in pairs as illustrated herein. In Figs. 4 and 11, three lug-s 3'3-are sh0wn,-and hence, three positions are-represented for the reception of band sections 2, but'two only are employed. The third position,

which may be the middle or either end position;

is provided to allow for positioning of band'sec tions I and 2 to avoid keyways, lugs or other protuberances-that may project from the'surfa'ce of the bomb. In this Fig. 4, the band sections 2' are in their full line positions shown opposite the removal notches 3i so that the clips I2 thereon will drop out of engagement with the curved side edge II of outer plate 8 and the band section 2 will drop free therefrom and from the bomb. It will be apparent that little spacewill be required to allow the clips I2' and connectors 28 at the end of each band section 2 to clear.

Line 36 illustrates, for example, a wall against 2 may be worked through this space without difliculty while the small clips I2 and connectors 28 will obviously present little, if any, problem of removal.

The dotted'line positions in Fig. 4 represent the band sections 2 in their positions when the band sections 2 are drawn and held about the bomb 3 during the hoisting operation. It will be ap parent that lugs 33 very efiectively prevent clips I2 unhooking from the curved side edges I I and require these clips I2 to be moved sidewise either entirely outside of the clip-retaining brackets 32 or opposite the removal notches '31. As previously mentioned, band sections I and 2 may be, although not necessary, made of resilient or spring metal. If made of resilient or spring metal, it will be apparent that when the band sections are released after the bomb has been spotted and secured in position, they will tend to straighten themselves and thereby cause the clips I2 to unhook from the upturned side edges II of top plates 8 and that any side movement at the lower end of the band sections by the crewmen will cause the clips I2 to side slip and move opposite the removal notches iii to free themselves from the lugs 33.

At the lower end, each band section I and 2' may also receive clips I2 secured in adjustable relation in substantially the same way. The lower plate assembly 6 may likewise be constructed the same as upper plate assembly 5, one addition being the use of, say, a lug 38 to which a take-up device 3 may be pivotally connected. Take-up device 4 may comprise a threaded bolt 4| pivoted to lug 38 and a nut 42 carried by bolt 4|. Nut 42 is provided with a handle 43 that may beused to move nut 42 back and forth along bolt 4i. Cooperating with the lower plate assembly 6 is another plate ;45 that may be hingedly connected to clips [2 at the lower ends of band sections I in substantially the same manner as outer plates 8 of the upper and lower plate assemblies and 6 connected to clips I2. This can be accomplished by placing a socket lug 46 of take-up device 4 centrally upon plate 45 and employing two clip-retaining brackets 41 close for the clips I2, the removal notches 31 being provided by the space left between the socket lug 46 and thee lip-retaining brackets 41, each bracket having upturned lugs 41 similar to lugs 33 of clip-retaining brackets 32 (this being clearly shown in Fig. 6). As long as the clips I2 engage the upturned side edge 48, similar to side edges II, the plate 45 will remain hingedly connected to these clips. Lug 46 is provided with a socket 49 to receive the spherical face 58 (Fig. 3) of take-up nut 42 when these parts are coupled together.

Plate 45 is preferably of channel shape or the like with side flanges 5I. The adjacent end of the lower plate assembly 6 is adapted to lie in this channel formation between side flanges 5i of plate 45, the side flanges 5i acting as a guide to bring the take-up nut 42 into alignment with stud 45 so that spherical face 55 will readily drop into socket 49.

Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate the bomb hoisting band completely assembled about a bomb and being attached to shackle 2| carried by the airplane, the bomb having the usual lug 5i or equivalent attachment member for connection with the shackle. Fig. 3 illustrates how the parts separate after the connection is made with shackle 2 I. Pin i8 is removed and the take-up nut 42'is backed out of its socket 49 in lug 46. The hoist cable fitting I is immediately freed and the band sections I and 2 open and hang loosely at the bottom. Slight side movement of these band sections l and 2 will bring clips I2 at'their upper ends opposite removal notches 3| or free of the curled edges ii if moved the other way whereupon these clips will snap out of engagement with the upturned side edges II of top plate 8 and the band sections will drop to the ground.

The manner of handling the hoists and the loading of bombs either in the bomb bay or the underside of wings is illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. The bombs may be brought on dollys 55 to the airplane, or, in the case of an aircarrier, the bombs may be brought to the ship on a conveyor (not shown). In view of the fact that the structure embodying the present invention solves the problem of loading different types of planes and bombs by the use of a single form of unit, the bomb hoist bands may be assembled upon the bombs in advance of the loading operation. Thus, the time heretofore consumed in applying the hoist mechanism about-the bomb only after the type of plane and its construction for receiving the bomb are known, is saved in the actual loading operation which is important in an emergency. The hoist rod 55 is provided with a lug and pin fitting 57 at its far end for hooking into a slotted fixture 58 or the like on the plane. The opposite end of the rod 56 with its reel 59 is handled by the crew, who, after inserting the hoist cable fitting l in the desired recess l3; in

the top plate assembly 5 and pin I8 into hole I! and of course through fitting I, will wind cable 60 onto reel 59. The operation is quick, although the bomb may be heavy and bulky and must be handled exceedingly carefully. The shackle 2| is connected to lug 5| and the bomb hoisting band is disconnected in the manner heretofore described.

If the weight of the bomb or its location in the bomb bay or other position on the ship Warrants the use of two hoists, or, if for other desired reasons the loading operation would be expedited by the use of two hoists, the structure above described may be assembled about the bomb in the manner shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Inasmuch as the upper and lower plate assemblies 5 and 6 are substantially of the same construction, the assemblies may be used about the bombs in the manner shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Each assembly is provided with the outer plate 8 and the inner plate 9, the outer plate having cutaway portions forming recesses I3 to receive the hoist cable fitting I and arched portions I4 with arched portion I6 on inner plate 9 forming hole IT to receive the removable pin I 8. Hence, the lower plate assembly 6, which may in fact be properly termed the plate assembly of the take-up mechanism, is adapted also to carry a hoist fitting pin I8 so that it may be used directly with the hoist cable also.

When locating the plate assemblies 5 and 6 for double cable hoisting, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, it is desirable that they be placed slightly above the athwartships center of the bomb instead of directly opposite one another, say, along the horizontal diameter and apart. This will prevent any tendency of the bomb to spin about its longitudinal axis during hoisting. The degree of off-centering the plate assemblies may vary and possibly need not be great as will be noted by 62 at the left-hand side in Fig. 5, which represents the difference above the athwartships center of the bomb the plate assemblies 5 and 6 are placed.

It will be apparent that plate assemblies 5 and 5 may be positioned anywhere about periphery of the bomb and that they may be positioned difierently with respect to each other, this being accomplished by reason of the adjustability of clips I2 along band sections I and 2. By moving the clips I2 backward or forward at adjacent ends of these band sections, the plate assemblys position may readily be varied. Such adjustment of a plate assemblys position may be made without necessarily changing the opposite plate assembly. The flexibility of such adjustments is particularly advantageous on certain types of missiles that have projecting lugs, etc., that interfere with the positioning of these plate assemblies at the center and sometimes require offcentering.

It will be apparent from the construction of the bomb hoisting band disclosed that pins I8 can be quickly removed from both plateassemblies 5 and 6 and the cable fitting I attached, the pins i8 being replaced with their handle portions I9 turned to lie flat against the outer plates 8 and held by the spring snaps or catches 25. If time should enter into the loading period to the extent of desiring to save even the time required to remove pins I8 and attach hoist fittings l as each bomb is lifted and loaded in the bomb bay or under the wing of a ship, the bombs may have the bomb hoisting bands attached in advance of the loading periods and be provided with clevises 65 shown in Figs. 7 and 8. These 'clevises'65 may be of any desired'construction and-may be attached by pins I 8 in the same manner' asthe cable' fittingsl. The cables 159 may thenhavehooks w carried at their ends toconnect to the:clevi'ses=65. The'time required to connect the cablesfifl tothe bomb hoisting bands-during the loading periods will be therefore that which: is required merely to snap hooks 'ilfiontoclevises 65'.

Whether single or double cable hoisting is employed the choiceofthelength of band seetions-l and 2 only requires that the combined length equal at least the circumference of the bomb with the space occupied by the plate assemblies-bein of course taken into consideration 'It is not necessary-that the straps be of equal length orthatthelengthof-the straps on one side be-equal to the length of the pair on the opposite side. Various arrangements are possible. More-than'three positions, as shown in Figs. land 11, for the band sections oneach side may be-p-rovided if it so desired, so as to give anydesired'latitude iii-placing the band sections about-the bombsto avoid-protruding lugs, trunnions,-keyw-ays, etc. The protuberances heretofore caused considerable annoyance and made the task of-attaching the hoisting mechanism quite'difiicult at times. The extra position or positions for these band sections on each side allows agreater choice in positioning the band sections so as to avoidsuch protuberances. Moreover, it is not essential that the band sectionson each side align with the band sections on the oppositesi'de. It'isonly necessary that the plate assemblies be firmly held against the sur'face'of the bombs and-that the 'load be fairly Well distributed.

Fig. 13 illustratestherelative ease of attaching the clips-l2 at different positions along or near'the ends of the band sections so that the structure can be readily made -to'-fit different diameter bombs. The attendant may hold clip It in the palm of one hand with the bolts 21 inserted from the underside through the two holes therein, then lay the band section thereover with the properholes 26 thereof in alignment with the holes in the clip -andwith the shanks'of the bolts passing therethrough, and then place connector 28 thereover and tighten the lock nuts '29 with their washers in place upon bolts 21. This-operation is simple and can be accurately carriedout without-much difficulty.

Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate the bomb hoisting band as applie'd 'to'single cable hoisting where racksare usedito receive thebombs. ture is substantially the same as'previously described except for the upper plate assembly 5. lffhisassembly is eliminated and a single plate Till may be used instead. Platelfldnay be of the same shape and construction as outer plates 8 with th omission of the recesses l3 and raised portions 14 to form the holes I l. Hoisting lugs ll andl'IZ maybeusedan'd a space 13 may be provided therebetween to receive cable fitting I. A removable locking pin 14 having a tapered end may be inserted in holes in lugs" and 12 and through fitting *1. The tapered fit will hold this locking pin 74 in position and-prevent its accidental displacement.

The construction of the plate assemblies may be changed, as will :beJthus seen', without necessarily departing fromthe invention in so far as the adoption of certain novel features disclosed herein is concerned. Thestructure used will depend upon the particular: conditions under which the loading,.maynbe carried out; or the kind or The st-ruc- 10 type of'rack or shacklethat may be'used. Hence, it is to be understood that any departure on the design" of the plate assemblies will not necessarily avoid the'scope of the invention. The feature of ready adaptability to any type of missile and design or type of airplane, which the structure disclosedherein seeks to accomplish, is novel and. of considerable importance in devices of this kind. Likewise, the features of speed of application and removal, and the factthat tools are not required to effect removalgare also novel and important.

Afterthecable'fitting isremoved either-by renioving pins H8 or by disconnectinghooks 66 fromclevises-t5, the'-mere' backing down of takeup nut (32 byhandle- M-willloosen the parts and break theconnections'bettveeh them to the extent, if moved-sufiiciently, o'freadily separating andfalling from the" bomb after it is hoisted and secured inposition. However, when the parts are drawn about the bomb, they will be'firmly held and it willjbe impossible for the band structure to shift or become loose during the hoisting operation.

Fig. 16 illustrates another example ofdouble hoisting, when-desired; by the use of two of the type of plates illustrated at 5 and several of the bands Ziorming a cradle-like lift for-the bomb. These plates '5' maybe placed'slightly above'the athwartships-center of the bomb, and the bands it may have-their clips lit-hooked into the-curved 33' in the same manner as previously described,

so that these clips: l-z-will hold in their hooked relation with the curved flanges H and be prevented from being inadvertently displaced from the curved flanges H except'bybeing side slipped beyond-the lugstt. If desired, the unbent portions 34 may also be bent up-slightly, as shown in Fig. 1-2, to prevent the clips l2 from sideslipping freeof lugs tfl inaninward direction. This is, of course, optional.

Cables 60 are attachedby fittings I being secured upon pins '18 in any of the openings l3, the pins l8 being locked by the groove 20 of curved portion I9- engaging clips 25 or the like. The cables then'lift the bomb or other object to its place inthe bomb bay, as illustrated in Fig. 17, or under the wings of the ship. The manner in which the loading takes place in the bomb bays is illustrated-in Fig. '17, although this mayvary. The cables 6E3 entrain-over sheaves 65 whichmay be carried by pin vfittings-156'hooking into a slotted fixture 61, suitably disposed in or above the bomb bay. Any number of bombs may be supportedand mountedin their proper positions in the bomb-bay. Hoisting the bombs in'this manner will not interfere with the upper bombs which are first'loaded. Suitable bomb doors 168 are provided for the bomb bay in-the'usual way, but it will be understood that the construction of the bay, or the way in which the bombs are mounted, may be varied without departing'from the scope of the invention.

The manner of hoisting illustrated in Fig. 16 is-generally suitable for use where the lift is not great and the bomb'will'readily remain cradled in bands 2 without slipping therefrom. Where the lift is considerable, or where there is disturbance as by the rolling of a ship, extending the bands'completely' about'the bomb, as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 16, inclusive, may be more desirable. The form illustrated in Fig. 16 permits adaptation of the structure shown to any size or shape of bomb, and likewise avoids interference with .the expansion lugs; keyways and dive bombing so fully explain the gist of our invention that others may, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under varying conditions of service, without eliminating certain features, which may properly be said to constitute theessential items of novelty involved, which items are intended to be defined and secured to us by the following claims.

We claim:

'1. A band assembly for a bomb hoist comprising band sections of resilient spring metal adapted to be drawn circumferentially and tightly about the bomb, members disposed longitudinally of said bomb to which the ends of said band sections are connected, inter engaging flanges on said members and said band sections, the spring resiliency of the metal of said band sections tending to increase the engagement between said 'flanges when said band sections are drawn tightly about the bomb, and interlocking means to pre vent disengagement between said flanges except by an initial sidewise movement thereof.

'2. A band assembly for a bomb hoist comprising a plurality of band sections adapted to be drawn circumferentially about a bomb, there being portions of clip formation at the ends of said band sections, connectible means between the adjacent ends of said band sections for receiving said clip-formed portions, take-up means for drawing and holding said band sections about the bomb,clip-retaining brackets on said connectiblemeans for preventing displacement of said clip-formed portions when said band sections are "drawn and held about the bomb by said take-up means, said clip-retaining brackets having provisions for releasing said clip-formed portions on'said band sections from said clip retaining brackets when said take-up means releases said band sections from about the bomb.

3. A band assembly for a bomb hoist comprising a plurality of band sections adapted to be drawn circumferentially about acbomb, there being portions of clip formation at the ends or said band sections, connectible means between the ends of adjacent band sections for receiving said clip-formed portions, and clip-retaining brackets on said connectible means for preventing displacement of said clip-formed portions when said band sections are drawn about the bomb, said cli retain ing brackets having notches therein for the removal of said clip formed portions.

4. A band assembly for a, bomb hoist comprising a plurality of band sections adapted to be drawncircumferentiallyabout a bomb, there being portions of clip formation at the ends of said band. sections, connectible means between the ends of adjacent band sections for receiving said clip-formed portions, and clip-retaining brackets on said connectible means for receiving said clipformed portions by a slidable movement of the latter in a direction longitudinally of the bomb, there being elements on said brackets for preventing outward displacement of said clip-formed portions when the latter are opposite said elements.

5. ,A band assembly for a bomb hoist comprising a plurality of band sections adapted to be drawn circumferentially about abomb, clips carried by said band sections, connectible means between the ends of adjacent band sections having portions receiving said clips in hinged relation, mechanism for drawing said band sections circumferentially about the bomb, and means for preventing displacement of said clips from said receiving portions while said band sections remain in a predetermined position with respect to said conne'ctible means.

65A band assembly for a bomb hoist comprising a plurality of band sections adapted to be drawn circumferentially about a bomb, clips carried by said band sections, connectible means between the ends of adjacent band sections having portions receiving said clips in hinged relation, mechanism for drawin and holding said band sections circumferentially about the bomb, there being means to provide relative adjustability between said band sections and said connectible means whereby band sections of different lengths for the same or different size of bombs may be used.

' 7. A band assembly for a bomb hoist comprising a plurality of band sections adapted to be drawn circumferentially about a bomb, clips carried by said band sections, plate assemblies between the ends of adjacent band sections having portions for receiving said clips in hinged relation, one of said plate assemblies having separable parts, a take-up bolt and nut on one of said parts," a socket carried by the other part for receiving said take-up nut whereby said band sections may be drawn and held about the bomb, and a cable fitting for at least one of said plate assemblies.

8. A band assembly for a bomb hoist comprising a plurality of band sections adapted to be drawn circumferentially about a bomb, plate assemblies to which said band sections are connected at opposite ends, one of said plate assemblies having separable parts, a take-up mechanism carried by said separable parts whereby said band sections may be drawn and held about the bomb, a cable fitting for at least one of said plate assemblies, a removable locking pin for attaching said cable fitting in position, said pin having a readily grippable portion adapted to be used to remove said pin but to be swung when not used in a locking position, and a movable clasp for engaging said pin to hold it in said locking position.

9. A band assembly for a bomb hoist comprising circumferential band sections, adjustable means at opposite ends of said band sections for detachably connecting said band sections circumferentially'about a bomb, a take-up mechanism for drawing and holding said band sections about the bomb, 2. cable fitting, a removable locking pin for attaching said cable fitting in position, said pin having a readily grippable portion adapted to be used to remove said pin but to be swung when not used in a locking position, and a clasp for engaging said pin to hold it in said locking position.

10. A band assembly for a bomb hoist comprising circumferential band sections adapted to be drawn circumferentially about a bomb, plate assemblies to which said band sections are connected, a take-up mechanism for drawing said band sections about the bomb, a cable fitting, and a removable locking pin to which said cable fitting is pivotally attached, at least one of said plate assemblies having a series of spaced elements receiving said pin and between which elements spaces are provided to receive said cable fitting in one of a number of positions on said plate assembly.

11. A bomb hoisting band assembly comprising a pair of spaced spring bands to encircle the bomb, each of said bands being in sections, an

elongated plate-like member at the ends of said sections extending longitudinally of the bomb and beyond the bands of the pair, clips adjustable on and adjacent the ends of said band sections arranged hingedly to connect in adjusted relation with and along the edges of said member, a takeup device associated with one of said members operable simultaneously and independently of the hoisting cable to tighten and hold said bands and plates around the bomb during hoisting, and ahoisting cable connection engageable with one of said members at different positions along the length thereof.

LOUIS F. MAHAN.

WALTER C. HASSELHORN.

EUGENE H. ZIEBOLD,

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Carter Sept, 28, 1869 Number Number Number 14 Name Date Brisack Apr. 17, 1874 Beatty Jan. 13, 1885 Lum -1 July 31, 1888 Forssell July 30, 1895 Jensen Jan. 12, 1897 Bogel Feb. 12, 1907 Sullivan Jan. 21, 1908 Johnson Jan. 4, 1916 Weaver Apr. 10, 1917 Ottman June 26, 1923 Mann Jan. 12, 1926 Schroeder Apr. 5, 1932 Nullmeyer Apr. 24, 1934 Jenkins Apr, 9, 1940 Lagana July 21, 1942 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Jan. 27, 1911 Great Britain Jan. 23, 1930 Norway Dec. 22, 1902 Italy Mar. 12, 1934

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