Patent ID: 6241185
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: B64D

Abstract:
Support apparatus for an aircraft having a cabin area with front and rear portions and opposite first and second outer side wall portions extending between the front and rear portions and having door openings therein, said support apparatus comprising:an elongated central support plank section having first and second opposite end portions with front and rear side edges;securing apparatus operative to horizontally secure said central support plank section to the aircraft, along a bottom side portion of the cabin area, in a manner such that said first and second opposite end portions of said central support plank section are respectively positioned inwardly adjacent the first and second outer side wall portions at the door openings;first and second auxiliary plank sections having inner ends and front and rear side edges; andcooperating mounting structures associated with said first and second end portions of said central support plank section and said inner ends of said first and second auxiliary plank sections and operative to respectively mount said first and second auxiliary plank sections on said first and second end portions of said central support plank section for pivotal movement relative thereto, about generally horizontal first and second pivot axes extending through the cabin area of the aircraft, between (1) first positions in which said first and second auxiliary plank sections are inwardly folded to overlying relationships with said end portions of said central support plank section and are disposed within the cabin area, and (2) second positions in which said first and second auxiliary plank sections are pivoted outwardly through the door openings and form longitudinal extensions of said central support plank section disposed exteriorly of the opposite sides of the aircraft.