Patent ID: 6896456
Filing Date: 2005-05-24
Classification: B64C,B64D

Abstract:
1. A latch unit for an aircraft cargo hold loading system that includes roller and ball units that are provided on a floor of the cargo hold, the latch unit comprising: a claw that can be depressed from an operating position in which an item of freight can be brought into an immobilizing engagement with the claw, into a resting position in which the item of freight can travel over the latch unit, and a mechanical actuator which causes a lowering movement when the actuator is encountered by the approaching item of freight, the actuator being positioned in front of a cargo hold door and constructed such that when the item of freight approaches the latch unit in a direction leading out through the cargo hold door, the claw remains in the operating position, whereas when the latch unit is approached from all other directions the claw is depressed into the resting position; and a locking mechanism for retaining the claw in a retracted position wherein when the claw is retracted out of the operating position, the claw is positioned lower than the resting position until the locking mechanism is released.