Patent ID: 8820680
Filing Date: 2014-09-02
Classification: B64C

Abstract:
1. A retractable landing gear mechanism for extended and retracted positions relative to an aircraft structure, wherein the landing gear mechanism comprises: at least front and rear wheels, at least front and rear connecting arms having one end operatively connected to the front and rear wheels, respectively, and an opposite end pivotally connected to aircraft structure; a balance beam element having front and rear end portions; front and rear shock absorbers having lower and upper ends, wherein the lower ends of the front and rear shock absorbers are pivotally connected to the one end of the front and rear connecting arms, respectively, and wherein the upper ends of the front and rear shock absorbers are connected pivotally to the front and rear end portions of the balance beam element at respective front and rear pivot points, wherein the balance beam is thereby indirectly linked to the front and rear wheels through each one of the front and rear connecting arms and each of the front and rear shock absorber elements, respectively; and a retracting arm having an upper end pivotally connected to the aircraft structure and a lower end pivotally connected to the balance beam element at an intermediate pivot point which is aligned with and equidistantly positioned between the front and rear pivot points.