Abstract:
A Protection Barrier adapted to provide a barrier between an aircraft propeller on one side, and an engine on the opposite side is disclosed. The protection barrier isolates a technician from a rotating propeller while performing engine maintenance, such as adjustments during an aircraft run-up procedure. The Protection Barrier includes a frame assembly supporting dual panels in an elevated position independently adjustable vertically, laterally, and for inclination.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application, claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/688,807 filed 22 May 2012. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to aircraft ground run-up protection barriers, and more particularly to an aircraft ground run-up protection barrier that isolates a technician from a rotating propeller while performing engine maintenance, such as adjustments during an aircraft run-up procedure. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE  INVENTION 
       [0003]    Ground run-ups are routine aircraft engine maintenance tests which require the operation of an engine at various power levels from idle to full for extended periods of time, and for propeller driven aircraft, while the propeller is rotating. Currently, ground run-ups are done on a remote taxiway, or runway on the airport with the aircraft pointed into the wind. In more congested areas, ground run-ups occur in a ground run-up enclosure, sometimes referred to as a “Hush House.” 
         [0004]    During a run-up a technician may be working on the aircraft engine which is dangerously close to the spinning propeller. It is common practice for technicians to perform this maintenance at a safe distance away from the propeller, hoping accidents do not occur, which would assuredly be life threatening. 
         [0005]    The present invention addresses this problem by providing an adjustable protection barrier or screen between the technician and propeller to provide safe isolation for maintenance on a propeller aircraft while it is running. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a protection barrier comprises a frame portion configured for resting on a ground surface having at one end a first and second adjustment mechanism for independently adjusting first and second guard-member panels that make up the complete propeller guard. 
         [0007]    The first and second adjustment mechanisms include at one end an adjustment for vertical and lateral positioning of the guard-member sections and at the opposite end an adjustment for pitch of the independent guard-member panels. The guard-member panels may be adjusted in substantially coextensive positioning or independently if desired. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an Aircraft Ground Run-up protection barrier for Propeller equipped Planes. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  illustrates the attachment mechanism  32  of  FIG. 1 , to attach first and second guard-member panels  30 A to first and second frame upper support portions  26 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  illustrates an extension arm that can be used to mate the protection barrier to the airplane engine mount. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the first and second guard-member sections of  FIG. 1 , being opened laterally from the coextensive position of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  illustrates the first and second guard-member sections of  FIG. 1 , in a substantially coextensive position. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  illustrates an aircraft propeller positioned through the opening created in the first and second guard-member sections of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of an aircraft positioned for use with, the protection barrier of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the first and second guard-member sections of  FIG. 1 , being coextensive and in a pitched position relative to the ground surface. 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the first and second guard-member sections of  FIG. 1 , one section being laterally disposed in relation to the opposite section. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  illustrates a locking mechanism that can be used to secure guard member panel&#39;s  30 A, described below, in a substantially coplanar position, 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  illustrates the Protection Barrier described below and including an extension arm, tire chalk, and locking wheels for securing an airplane. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]    The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what I presently believe is the best mode of carrying out the invention. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that ail matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
         [0020]    While not shown, those skilled in the art will understand that the Aircraft Protection Barrier of the present invention is equally adaptable to other applications where an adjustable screen is necessary for isolation from dangerous physical conditions. 
         [0021]    In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. 
         [0022]    Referring  FIG. 1 , an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated; depicting a protection barrier  10  having a frame  20  configured for resting on a ground surface having at one end a first and second upward projecting support portion  26 . The protection barrier includes positionable guard-member section  30 , comprised of a first and second guard-member panels  30 A supported by the first and second frame upward projecting support portion  26 , the guard-members being adjustable independently in a vertical, lateral and pitching orientation. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , guard-member panel&#39;s  30 A may be laterally opened. At this point, an airplane would be guided inward into the protection barrier  10  towards a separation barrier  70 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , separation barrier  70  may include a grill type mesh (not shown) with caution signs for people approaching the aircraft. 
         [0024]    Next, first and second guard-member panels  30 A are closed leaving the propeller  60  on the safe side of the barrier as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The frame structure of plane  65  may foe attached to protection barrier  10  to keep the barrier stationary during use, utilizing an extension arm  90  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Extension arm  90  can be any stiff adjustable rod or the like with attachment means at both ends for securement of the airplane to the protection barrier. 
         [0025]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the barrier  10  provides a safe environment for working on an airplane engine  67  while it is running and propeller  62  is spinning. First and second guard-member panels  30 A include an edge recess  30 AB ( FIG. 4 ) that forms a single opening  34  when the guard-member panels  30 A are closed and substantially coplanar ( FIG. 5 ,  6 ). 
         [0026]    The size of the opening  34  may be smaller or larger depending on the application. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a pitched protection barrier  10  is useful in applications for pitched type aircraft such as tail draggers. Further, depending on the height of the engine bay vertical adjustment of the barrier  10  may be necessary to facilitate use. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, and referring to  FIG. 1 , frame  20  includes a frame base  22  with upward projecting first and second frame upper support portions  26 , extending vertically from frame base  22  and configured to support first and second guard-member sections  30 A. 
         [0028]    First and second frame upper support portions  26 , are adjustable vertically by any means known in the art, and in one embodiment, include a first and second frame extension  26 A, and a first and second locking extension  26 B. Extension  26 A includes an opening  26 AB for slideable adjustment and locking of extension  26 B at varying vertical positions within hole  26 AB. Locking extension  26 B is interlocking at one end  27  by interlocking reciprocating pins to selectively engage extension  26 B at different vertical heights. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , at the opposite end of first and second locking extension  26 B is a guard-member attachment section  32 , for securing first and second guard-member panels  30 A such that guard-member sections  30 A are positionable at varying pitching angles about attachment section  32 . 
         [0030]    Any attachment configuration known in the art that allows guard-member panels  30 A to pitch to 180 degrees could be used. In the preferred embodiment, and referring to  FIG. 2 , guard-member attachment section  32  includes a cross member  40  in pivotal rotational engagement with first and second guard-member sections  30 A. In the preferred embodiment, cross member  40  is cross sectionally positioned at the mid-section of first and second guard-member sections  30 A as illustrated in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, cross member  40 , at opposite ends, rotatably engages a circular channel  50  of the peripheral frame  55  of guard-member sections  30 A. In one embodiment, the circular channels are within a machined stanchion  52  affixed to the frame  55 . Guard member attachment section  32  further includes a locking mechanism  60  for selectively fixing guard member panels  30 A in a variety of pitched positions. 
         [0032]    Any mechanism in the art may be used, however in the preferred embodiment, locking mechanism  60  includes a first interlocking section  45 , movable with the pitching of guard-member panels  30 A. Locking mechanism  60  further includes a stationary second interlocking section  47  affixed to cross-member  40 . In one embodiment, both interlocking sections are semi-circular allowing for greater angular fixed positioning at various position apertures  46 , when engaged by a locking pin. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , an adjusting arm  90 , with locking pin  90 A is illustrated for securely positioning an aircraft at a distance from the Protection Barrier, via connection to an aircraft frame. A second adjusting arm  140 , is utilised to connect frame  22  to locking wheel arm  110 , and is adjustable lengthwise. 
         [0034]    A tire chalk  100  being positionable away from and forward to the guard-member sections  30 A is connected to locking wheel arm  110  which is connected to the wheel nuts, and is used for securement of an airplanes wheels therein. These securement means are necessary for proper positioning of the propeller within the protection barrier and stabilisation of the airplane when the propeller is spinning. The frame base  22  may also include retractable swivel wheels  120  and rubber shoes  130  for when the wheels are not in use. The rubber shoes  130  will contact the ground surface and provide grip when the swivel wheels  120  are retracted.