Patent ID: 11926431
Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
Field: Transport (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 0:
1. An apparatus for removably securing an auxiliary fuel tank in a cargo area of an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:
four or more coupler assemblies that removably couple sides of the auxiliary fuel tank to a fuselage of the aircraft, wherein at least two coupler assemblies of the four or more coupler assemblies are disposed on each of two sides of the auxiliary fuel tank;
wherein each of the coupler assemblies comprises:
a first coupler that includes a first attachment member that supports a body with a hollow channel having a centerline disposed longitudinally in the fuselage between a first end and a second end, and a slot between an outer surface of the body and the hollow channel; and
a second coupler that includes an engagement member, a second attachment member, and an arm extending between the engagement member and the second attachment member,
wherein the engagement member is slidably received within the hollow channel from the first end,
wherein a position of the engagement member is modifiable relative to the arm, and
wherein the engagement member fits slidably within the hollow channel to engage with the body of the first coupler, and the arm extends through the slot.