Patent ID: 11945603
Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED
Field: Transport (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B  Y | IPC B

Claim 17:
18. A system for loading a cargo hold of an aircraft with a freight element, the system comprising:
a freight carrier comprising:
a base element that has a bearing face configured to bear on a floor area of a cargo hold of an aircraft;
a connector;
a connection assembly;
two parallel-running ducts; and
a first closing element;
wherein the base element has a base area, which is disposed on a side of the base element that faces away from the bearing face;
wherein the bearing face comprises outlet openings, through which air can exit the bearing face to form an air cushion between the bearing face and the floor area;
wherein the connection assembly connects the connector to the outlet openings;
wherein the base element has a lateral face which extends from the bearing face to the base area and encircles the base element;
wherein each of the ducts has at least one inlet opening in the lateral face and, from the inlet opening, extends parallel to the bearing face;
wherein the ducts are in the base element such that a fork of a forklift truck can be received in the ducts;
wherein the outlet openings are connected to a first one of the ducts such that an air flow from the first one of the ducts can be generated through the outlet openings, so the first one of the ducts is at least part of the connection assembly;
wherein the connector is connected to the first one of the ducts; and
wherein the first closing element is configured for closing at least one inlet opening of the first one of the ducts; and

a blower comprising:
an outlet;
wherein, during operation, the blower is configured to generate an air flow from the outlet;

wherein the outlet and the connector are configured to be releasably connected to each other, such that the air flow from the outlet passes through the connector, through the connection assembly, and through and out of the outlet openings of the bearing face to form the air cushion during operation.