Patent ID: 6783327
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
A blade fold hinge unit, usable with a helicopter blade attached to a blade support via two blade pins, to enable blade folding with removal of both said blade pins while retaining blade connection continuity, comprising:a first portion configured for pivotal attachment to the blade via a first pin positionable in alignable apertures in said first portion and the blade upon removal of one said blade pin; a second portion configured for pivotal attachment to the blade support via a second pin positionable in alignable apertures in said second portion and the blade support upon removal of said one blade pin; a hinge pin positioned in aligned apertures in said first and second portions to pivotally hinge the first portion to the second portion, the center line of the hinge pin extending transversely to the insertion axes of said first and second pins; and a restraining strut of length suitable for connection between apertures in said blade and said blade support after said other blade pin has been removed therefrom and subsequent to movement of the blade to a folded position; the blade fold hinge unit configured to enable attachment between the blade and blade support upon removal of said one blade pin and to maintain connection continuity of the blade to the blade support via said hinge unit upon removal of the other said blade pin for blade folding.