Patent ID: 7033125

Claim:
A ground apparatus for loading and unloading an aircraft having a cargo compartment, said apparatus comprising: a height-adjustable and tiltable first conveyor which is adapted to convey cargo between an area outside said cargo compartment and a second conveyor, said second conveyor having a first end and a second end and being at least partially extendable from said first conveyor into said cargo compartment, said second conveyor including a succession of conveyor units of which a first end conveyor unit is arranged at said first end, wherein each conveyor unit has a set of wheels, the conveyor units being mutually interconnected by means of coupling members that allow for a sideways mutual pivotal movement of said conveyor units, and wherein each of said conveyor units defines a respective activatable conveyor path; wherein said first end conveyor unit includes means for varying the inclination of said conveyor path of said first end conveyor unit, and wherein each conveyor unit comprises an endless conveyor belt, whereby a mutual sideways pivotal movement of at least two successive conveyor units allow for a sideways movement of said first end conveyor unit.