Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Method and apparatus for transporting a motorized vehicle
- Patent Title (中): 运送机动车辆的方法和装置
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Application No.: US11222018Application Date: 2005-09-09
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Publication No.: US07731472B2Publication Date: 2010-06-08
- Inventor: Ronald E. Miller , Joseph O. Nester
- Applicant: Ronald E. Miller , Joseph O. Nester
- Applicant Address: US VA Arlington
- Assignee: USAirways, Inc.
- Current Assignee: USAirways, Inc.
- Current Assignee Address: US VA Arlington
- Agency: Hunton & Williams LLP
- Main IPC: B60P3/00
- IPC: B60P3/00

Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a motorized vehicle, such as a wheelchair, between the loading bridge and cargo bin of an aircraft in a timely manner. According to one embodiment of the invention, a metal cage assembly is implemented with a drop down ramp at the front and an adjustable floor that is raised by a lever handle on either side, outside of the frame. The assembly can be attached to an end of aircraft cargo belt loader by a strap that is wrapped around the belt frame and tightened via a ratcheting clamp. The adjustable floor can be raised or lowered at one end to offset the angle of the belt loader when it is raised to an upright position, for example, to reach a galley door of an aircraft. Angling of the adjustable floor can allow the floor to be substantially parallel to the loading bridge or aircraft cargo bin, thereby enabling the easy transfer of a motorized wheelchair to and from various compartments of the aircraft. The present invention can eliminate injuries to employees, prevent damage to the customer's motorized wheelchair and provide prompt service to physically impaired airline customers.
Public/Granted literature
- US20060104772A1 Method and apparatus for transporting a motorized vehicle Public/Granted day:2006-05-18
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