WO2024077365A1

WO2024077365A1 - Support ladder for aircraft and system for storing and transporting a support ladder for aircraft

Info

Publication number: WO2024077365A1
Application number: PCT/BR2023/050336
Authority: WO
Inventors: Phillipe XAVIER E SILVA; Alexandre DALPRAT SOUSA RICARDO
Original assignee: Xavier E Silva Phillipe
Priority date: 2022-10-11
Filing date: 2023-09-28
Publication date: 2024-04-18

Abstract

The present patent application relates to a support ladder (E) for a boarding region or landing structure (A1) of an aircraft (A), such as a helicopter. The ladder (E) comprises an attachment region (1) for attaching a ladder structure (2) to a boarding region or landing structure (A1) of the aircraft (A). The attachment region (1) is arranged on the ladder structure (2) itself, below the highest rung (3), such that the ladder structure (2) can be hooked onto a boarding region or landing structure (A1). The invention also relates to a system for storing and transporting the ladder (E) in the same aircraft (A) on which said ladder (E) will be used.

Description

“AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER AND AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM”

[01] The present invention patent refers to a support ladder for aircraft, particularly used to facilitate the boarding and disembarking of passengers and crew in aircraft, such as helicopters or similar, so that the ladder is easily installed and removed , by a single user, and provides security and practicality for users. The invention also deals with a system for storing and transporting support ladders for aircraft, so that the ladder is light and can be transported in a practical and efficient way, inside the aircraft itself.

History of the Invention

[02] Ladders for boarding and disembarking landed aircraft, specifically helicopters and the like, are known to those skilled in the art.

[03] Nowadays, with the population increase and infrastructure and safety restrictions for efficient land transport, especially in large cities, fast and efficient passenger transport is becoming increasingly dependent on air alternatives. Therefore, the number of passengers who are not willing to use popular means of transport, essentially land, to get around is increasing.

[04] This trend has resulted in an exponential increase in air transport. In this context, helicopters and other transport vehicles of the “VTOL - Vertical Take-Off and Landing” type, which use their own propulsive means to take off, such as drones, cars or flying motorcycles, offer broad advantages over others. means of air transport with few passengers, as they allow passengers to travel over small and medium distances safely and practically, at a more attractive cost-benefit ratio than other air transport alternatives.

[05] Furthermore, helicopters and other VTOL-type vehicles have the advantage of not requiring excessively spacious structures to take off or land, all you need is a small helipad for this. This fact has popularized the use of helicopters, especially in urban regions, where spaces are, by definition, more crowded.

[06] Thus, the increase in the number of helicopters and other VTOL vehicles has resulted in opportunities for improvements in the use of accessories necessary for their daily operation, safely and practically. One of these accessories, widely used in various models of VTOL aircraft, is the ladder used to facilitate the boarding and disembarking of people.

[07] Stairs are necessary, as it is, at the very least, uncomfortable and unsafe, or even unfeasible, depending on the conditions, to get on or off the aircraft without the aid of a ladder, due to the distance between the ground and the floor level or floor of the helicopter or other type of VTOL vehicle. This height is a natural result of the use of skis or landing pads on these aircraft.

[08] It is important to highlight that this type of aircraft strives for lightness, so non-essential equipment for flight, such as maneuvering wheels and stairs, are not incorporated into the aircraft structure. This allows this type of equipment to always remain on the ground, and to be used only when the aircraft is completely landed. However, a ladder with the appropriate size and weight to fit in the aircraft's luggage compartment allows the efficiency of always having the ladder available for use, regardless of where you need to land.

[09] To facilitate the boarding and disembarking of people from aircraft, several models of stairs were developed, which are formed by complex and heavy structures, generally having four support bases on the ground, to provide the stability and safety necessary for your flight. use is viable.

[010] However, disadvantageously, these ladder models end up having higher manufacturing costs and, mainly, impair their transportation and handling, due to the high weight of these ladder models. [011] To alleviate the problem of difficulty in handling these ladders, models were developed that feature casters that facilitate their respective movement on the ground. However, disadvantageously, this solution makes these ladders even heavier and makes their transport off the ground even more difficult, making it unfeasible to store and transport them inside the aircraft itself.

[012] Thus, disadvantageously, it ends up being necessary for more than one staircase to be used by the same aircraft whenever it travels any route that does not result in a cyclical route at each landing, and normally the route traveled begins at one point and ends at another, far from the first.

[013] Furthermore, disadvantageously, it is necessary that both the take-off location and the landing location each have a staircase available. This does not always occur, as many routes that take advantage of the versatility of transport via aircraft have take-off and/or landing locations that are not appropriate places for the permanent storage of ladders, such as open fields, backyards, farms, rooftops, buildings, etc.

[014] Aiming to solve these drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention proposes a support ladder for aircraft and a support ladder storage and transport system for aircraft, which provides a compact and light ladder, extremely easy to handle and use, at the same time as it increases the safety of passengers and crew during boarding and disembarking from aircraft, offering excellent safety during use.

[015] Thus, it is an objective of the present invention to provide an aircraft support ladder and aircraft support ladder storage and transport system, which uses a fitting region strategically positioned next to the body of the ladder structure, in a superior position, to provide the stair fitting next to a boarding area or landing structure of the aircraft, for example, on the foot step or on the aircraft's landing skis, depending on the aircraft model, reducing the occupancy volume and contributing to reduce the weight of the ladder. [016] It is also an objective of the present invention to provide an aircraft support ladder and aircraft support ladder storage and transport system, with the configuration of the ladder allowing its components to provide the structural resistance necessary for its use, even when the ladder is made of a relatively light and flame-retardant material, suitable for transporting next to the luggage compartment door, inside the luggage compartment or inside the aircraft itself.

[017] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an aircraft support ladder and an aircraft support ladder storage and transport system, which may be provided with a retractable handrail device, which accompanies one of the ladder flanges and , unarmed, only minimally increases the staircase's occupancy volume.

[018] Advantageously, the present invention presents the objective of the present invention to provide an aircraft support ladder and aircraft support ladder storage and transport system, which presents a simplified, practical and safe, purely mechanical, compact, light and which allows the transport and storage of the ladder inside the helicopter itself.

[019] The following are schematic figures of a particular embodiment of the invention, the dimensions and proportions of which are not necessarily the real ones, as the figures have only the purpose of didactically presenting its various aspects, whose scope of protection is determined only by the scope of the attached claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[020] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the staircase (E); figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the staircase (E); figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the staircase (E), showing a retractable handrail device (5) in a disarmed/retracted position; figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the staircase (E), showing a retractable handrail device (5) in an armed/extended position; figure 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the staircase (E), showing a retractable handrail device (5) in a disarmed/retracted position; figure 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the staircase (E), showing a retractable handrail device (5) in an armed/extended position; figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of an example of application of the ladder (E) in an aircraft (A).

Description of the Invention

[021] As represented by the attached figures, the ladder (E) is designed to be simply supported on a boarding region or landing structure (A1), such as the foot step or some part of the landing skis, of an aircraft ( A), such as a helicopter or other vertical take-off aircraft, so that this support provides safety and practicality so that users (not illustrated) can board the aircraft (A) quickly, without wasting considerable amounts of time to install and uninstall the ladder (E) next to the boarding area or landing structure (A1) of the aircraft (A).

[022] As illustrated in figure 1, the ladder (E) comprises a ladder structure (2), preferably configured as a single body, made from a composite material, light and at the same time resistant, such as carbon fiber and Aramid, so that the weight of the ladder (E) is significantly reduced, allowing for easier transportation and handling. Such ladder structure (2) is provided with flanges (6) and steps (3).

[023] As illustrated by figures 2 and 7, the ladder (E) comprises a fitting region (1) of the ladder structure (2) in a boarding region or landing structure (A1) of the aircraft (A), being that said fitting region (1) is responsible for promoting the safe and practical fitting of the ladder structure (2) in said boarding region or landing structure (A1) of the aircraft (A). To achieve this, and also to reduce the weight and cubic footprint of the staircase (E), the fitting region (1) is arranged on the ladder structure itself (2) and at a height level below the highest step (3), so that the ladder structure (2) can be hooked onto a boarding region or landing structure (A1).

[024] Preferably, as illustrated in figure 2, the fitting region (1) is arranged under the highest step (3) and comprises coupling elements (10) provided with fitting recesses (11) in a boarding region or landing structure (A1), with each fitting recess (11) limited at its ends by stop elements (12).

[025] In this way, fitting occurs safely and quickly, as the fitting recesses (11) are sized to be compatible with the width of the boarding region or landing structure (A1), so that the stop elements ( 12) have a convenient height and shape to avoid unintentional disengagement of the ladder (E).

[026] Exemplarily, the fitting region (1) comprises two coupling elements (10), each arranged on one of the sides of the ladder (E), close to the flanges (6) thereof. Furthermore, each coupling element (10) is preferably configured in a lattice format, and can be integrated into the body of the ladder structure (2) itself.

[027] Furthermore, the ladder (E) comprises a support region (4) of the ladder structure (2) on a base or ground by coupling the docking region (1) to a boarding region or landing structure (A1), in order to determine the stability of said ladder (E) while users (not illustrated) are using it to climb aboard the aircraft (A).

[028] Preferably, the base support region (4) is arranged under the ladder structure (2), and may comprise some type of gripping surface, to prevent slipping on slippery floors.

[029] Also preferably, the steps (3) are arranged along the flanges (6) at spacings equivalently distanced from each other and from the support region (4), and this spacing is also preferably equivalent to the distance between the highest step (3) and the aircraft boarding surface (A), when the ladder (E) is attached to a boarding area or landing structure (A1). In this way, greater comfort is established for users (not illustrated) who use the ladder (E) to get on board or disembark from the aircraft (E), since all their steps will be standardized, avoiding stumbles that commonly occur when there is differences in the heights of the steps of an ascent or descent.

[030] The support region (4) may have an inclination angle, in relation to the flanges (6), which is additional to the inclination angle of the ladder structure (2), that is, when positioning the ladder (E ) for use, with the docking region (1) coupled to a boarding region or landing structure (A1) of the aircraft (A), the inclination of the ladder structure (2) itself causes the support region (4 ) is positioned parallel to the ground. Preferably, the ladder structure (2) is inclined at 45° to the ground.

[031] Optionally, as illustrated by figures 3 to 6, the staircase (E) may comprise a retractable handrail device (5) installed along one of the flanges (6), so that said handrail device retractable ladder (5) can be armed/extended (see figures 4 and 6) after installing the ladder (E) in a boarding area or landing structure (A1) of the aircraft (A), to facilitate manual support for users ( not illustrated) who are boarding or, mainly, disembarking from the aircraft (E).

[032] After use, the retractable handrail device (5) can be disarmed/retracted (see figures 3 and 5) again, maintaining a position of little volume occupation next to the body of the staircase structure (2), since which follows the extension of the chords (6), slightly increasing the width of the staircase (E).

[033] Preferably, as illustrated by figure 6, the retractable handrail device (5) comprises articulating columns (51) interconnected with a handrail rod (50) through upper articulation points (51 a) and with elements connection (52) through lower articulation points (51 b). Furthermore, it comprises an assembly for locking (53) the position of the retractable handrail device (5) in a retracted position or in an extended position.

[034] In this way, all articulation of the retractable handrail device (5) can occur mechanically, through manual manipulation by a user (not illustrated), through manipulation of the locking assembly (53) to release or prevent movement of the other articulated components of the retractable handrail device (5).

[035] In an example of an exemplary configuration of the present invention, the locking assembly (53) is configured by an element, such as a pin or spring key, installed in one of the connecting elements (52), with each connection (52) is pivotable around the lower articulation points (51 b) and is statically fixed to one of the articulating columns (51).

[036] Thus, the user (not illustrated) can pull this spring pin to release the articulation of the retractable handrail device (5), with the spring pin automatically returning to its initial position, locking the movement, when the retractable handrail device retractable handrail (5) reaches its maximum advance. The retraction of the retractable handrail device (5) also occurs through similar manipulation of said spring pin.

[037] Also optionally, when the retractable handrail device (5) is applied, the staircase (E) may comprise a structural reinforcement element (7) installed between the staircase structure (2) and the retractable handrail device ( 5), preferably between a connection element (52) and the ladder structure (2), in order to provide greater structural resistance so that users (not illustrated) can lean on the retractable handrail device (5) with greater strength. in extended/cocked position.

[038] The compact configuration of the ladder (E) also facilitates the use of a protective cover (not illustrated), which can be used for storage and preservation of the ladder (E). [039] The present invention also deals with a storage and transportation system for a support ladder (E) for aircraft (A), and said ladder (E) comprises a ladder structure (2) provided with flanges (6) and steps (3).

[040] Essentially, the ladder (E) comprises a ladder structure (2) in a single body, which is attachable to the aircraft luggage compartment (A), the ladder structure (2) being provided with a fitting region (1 ) of the ladder structure (2) in a boarding region or landing structure (A1), in which the docking region (1) is arranged under the highest step (3) of the ladder structure itself (2) and comprises coupling elements (10) provided with fitting recesses (11) in a boarding region or landing structure (A1), each fitting recess (11) being limited at its ends by stop elements (12).

[041] Such stop elements (12) are preferably manufactured in grade and have the function of an “invitation” to facilitate the fitting of the area that is actually recessed to “lock” the ladder (E) in the fitting position. Furthermore, they are preferably made from material such as nylon, to avoid scratching the paintwork where they are fitted to the aircraft (A). Furthermore, the fitting recesses (11) preferably have an area with a re-squared recess for locking, and are covered in rubber, or similar material, to assist with longitudinal locking and also avoid risks in the fitting area on the aircraft (A).

[042] This configuration allows the ladder (E) to be easily transported in the aircraft's luggage compartment (A), taking up little space, since said ladder (E) does not include elements that extend the volume of its cubic occupation. Furthermore, this configuration allows the ladder (E) to be placed between the doors and the internal protective screen/net of the aircraft luggage compartment (A), as its reduced dimensions and weight eliminate the need to position the ladder (E) in the internal to the luggage compartment protective screen/net.

[043] Preferably, straps are also used, for example with Velcro closure, to keep the ladder (E) secured inside the aircraft luggage compartment (A). [044] Furthermore, the fact that the cubic occupancy volume of the staircase (E) is essentially related to its longitudinal extension ensures that it can be transported inside the aircraft itself (A), considering that the height of the landing region boarding or landing structure (A1) in relation to the ground provides a necessary dimension for the staircase (E) that is supported by the internal spaces of the vast majority of aircraft (A), such as helicopters and other vertical take-off aircraft.

[045] This ladder (E) may also comprise a support region (4) of the ladder structure (2) on a base or ground by coupling the docking region (1) to a boarding region or landing structure ( A1 ), with the base support region (4) being arranged under the ladder structure (2).

[046] Furthermore, the staircase (E) may comprise a retractable handrail device (5) installed along one of the flanges (6), with the retractable handrail device (5) comprising articulating columns (51) interconnected with a handrail rod (50) through upper pivot points (51a) and with connecting elements (52) through lower pivot points (51 b). Said retractable handrail device (5) may further comprise an assembly for locking (53) the position of the retractable handrail device (5) in a retracted position or in an extended position.

[047] A person skilled in the art will readily perceive, from the description and drawings represented, several ways of carrying out the invention without departing from the scope of the claims accompanying this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS 1 - “AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER”, wherein the ladder (E) is supported in the boarding region or landing structure (A1) of an aircraft (A) and comprises a ladder structure (2) provided with flanges ( 6) and steps (3), characterized by comprising a fitting region (1) of the ladder structure (2) in a boarding region or landing structure (A1), in which the fitting region

(1) is arranged in the stair structure itself (2) and at a height level below the highest step (3); comprise a support region (4) of the ladder structure

(2) on a base or ground by coupling the docking region (1) to a boarding region or landing structure (A1).

2 - “AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER”, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fitting region (1) is arranged under the step

(3) higher and comprises coupling elements (10) provided with fitting recesses (11) in a boarding region or landing structure (A1), each fitting recess (11) being limited at its ends by elements stops (12).

3 - “AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER”, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the base support region (4) is arranged under the ladder structure (2).

4 - “AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER”, according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises a retractable handrail device (5) arranged along one of the flanges (6).

5 - “AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER”, according to claim 4, characterized in that the retractable handrail device (5) comprises articulating columns (51) interconnected with a handrail rod (50) by means of upper articulation points ( 51 a) and with connection elements (52) through lower articulation points (51 b); comprising a locking assembly (53) positioning the retractable handrail device (5) in a retracted position or in an extended position. 6 - “AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER”, according to claim 5, characterized in that the locking assembly (53) is configured by a spring pin/key installed in one of the connection elements (52), with each connection (52) is pivotable around the lower pivot points (51 b) and is statically fixed to one of the articulating columns (51).

7 - “AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER”, according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a structural reinforcement element (7) installed between the ladder structure (2) and the retractable handrail device (5 ).

8 - “AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER”, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the steps (3) are arranged along the flanges (6) at spacings equivalently distanced from each other and from the support region (4); the support region (4) has an angle of inclination in relation to the flanges (6) that is supplementary to the angle of inclination of the ladder structure (2), which is preferably inclined at 45° in relation to the ground.

9 - “SUPPORT LADDER STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT”, wherein the ladder (E) is supported in the boarding region or landing structure (A1) of an aircraft (A) and comprises a ladder structure (2 ) provided with flanges (6) and steps (3), characterized in that the ladder (E) comprises a ladder structure (2) in a single body attachable to the aircraft luggage compartment (A), the ladder structure (2) being equipped with a docking region (1) of the ladder structure (2) in a boarding region or landing structure (A1), wherein the docking region (1) is arranged under the highest step (3) of the landing structure itself. ladder (2) and comprises coupling elements (10) provided with fitting recesses (11) in a boarding region or landing structure (A1), each fitting recess (11) being limited at its ends by stop elements (12).

10 - “SUPPORT LADDER STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR AIRCRAFT”, according to claim 9, characterized in that the ladder (E) comprises a support region (4) of the ladder structure (2) in a base or ground by coupling the docking region (1) to a boarding region or landing structure (A1), with the base support region (4) being arranged under the ladder structure (2).

11 - “AIRCRAFT SUPPORT LADDER STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM”, according to any one of claims 9 to 10, characterized in that the staircase (E) comprises a retractable handrail device (5) installed along one of the flanges (6), the retractable handrail device (5) comprising articulating columns (51) interconnected with a handrail rod (50) through upper articulation points (51a) and with connecting elements (52) through lower pivot points (51 b); comprising an assembly for locking (53) the position of the retractable handrail device (5) in a retracted position or in an extended position.