U.S. patent application number 15/698342 was filed with the patent office on 2018-01-25 for aircraft emergency escape slide container and method of changing an aircraft emergency escape slide.
The applicant listed for this patent is UNITED AIRLINES, INC.. Invention is credited to Edison Herrera, William J. Rushin.
Application Number | 20180022460 15/698342 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51522512 |
Filed Date | 2018-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180022460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rushin; William J. ; et
al. |
January 25, 2018 |
Aircraft Emergency Escape Slide Container And Method Of Changing An
Aircraft Emergency Escape Slide
Abstract
An emergency escape slide container includes a first portion
having a first end wall and a first side wall, the first side wall
and the first end wall defining a first storage space that is sized
and shaped to receive an emergency escape slide. The first side
wall also includes a first rolling mechanism. The emergency escape
slide container also includes a second portion having a second end
wall and a second side wall, the second side wall and the second
end wall defining a second storage space sized and shaped to
receive the emergency escape slide. The second side wall also
includes a second rolling mechanism. The first portion and the
second portion cooperate to define a third storage space
therebetween, the third storage space being equal to a combination
of the first storage space and the second storage space.
Inventors: |
Rushin; William J.;
(Greenwood, IN) ; Herrera; Edison; (Yorkville,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
UNITED AIRLINES, INC. |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51522512 |
Appl. No.: |
15/698342 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13836127 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
9758251 |
|
|
15698342 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
182/48 ; 182/129;
206/524.1; 29/401.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 25/14 20130101;
A62B 1/20 20130101; B65D 25/20 20130101; Y10T 29/49716 20150115;
B65D 11/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64D 25/14 20060101
B64D025/14; B65D 6/00 20060101 B65D006/00; B65D 25/20 20060101
B65D025/20 |
Claims
1. An emergency escape slide container comprising: a first portion
including a first end wall and a first side wall, the first side
wall and the first end wall defining a first storage space sized
and shaped to receive an emergency escape slide, the storage space
including a first restraining mechanism for the emergency escape
slide, and the first side wall including a first rolling mechanism;
a second portion including a second end wall and a second side
wall, the second side wall and the second end wall defining a
second storage space sized and shaped to receive the emergency
escape slide, the storage space including a second restraining
mechanism for the emergency escape slide, and the second wall
including a second rolling mechanism; wherein the first portion and
the second portion cooperate to define a third storage space
therebetween, the third storage space being equal to a combination
of the first storage space and the second storage space.
2. The container of claim 1, further comprising an emergency escape
slide disposed within the first storage space.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the first rolling mechanism
includes a first roller and a second roller.
4. The container of claim 3, wherein the first roller is an
omni-roller.
5. The container of claim 3, wherein the second roller is a nylon
roller.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the first
portion includes a first recessed groove, the first recessed groove
being sized to receive a fork of a forklift.
7. The container of claim 1, further comprising a skid mounted on
the first portion, the skid extending outward away from an outer
surface of the first end wall.
8. The container of claim 7, further comprising a recess on the
outer surface of the first end wall, the recess being sized and
shaped to receive a portion of the skid.
9. The container of claim 7, wherein the skid is removably attached
to the first portion with a removable fastener.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the removable fastener is a
thumb nut.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein the first side wall includes
a first plurality of tongues and a first plurality of grooves and
the second side wall includes a second plurality of tongues and a
second plurality of grooves, the first plurality of tongues being
sized and shaped to be received by the second plurality of grooves
and the second plurality of tongues being sized and shaped to be
received by the first plurality of grooves.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein the first plurality of
tongues and the second plurality of grooves are arranged to locate
the first rolling mechanism on an opposite side of the container
from the second rolling mechanism.
13. The container of claim 1, wherein the first portion is
identical to the second portion.
14. The container of claim 1, wherein the container is made of one
of plastic and metal.
15. The container of claim 1, wherein the first restraining
mechanism is a belt strap.
16. The container of claim 1, further including a first handle on
an outer surface of the first side wall.
17. The container of claim 1, further comprising a locking
mechanism that releasably secures the first portion to the second
portion.
18. The container of claim 1, wherein the first storage space has a
length of about 43.75 inches (111.12 cm), a width of about 28.75
inches (73.025 cm), and a depth of about 11 inches (27.94 cm).
19. The container of claim 1, further comprising a raised ridge on
an outer surface of the first end wall.
20. A method of changing an emergency escape slide on an aircraft,
the method comprising: providing a replacement emergency escape
slide within a container, the container having a first portion and
a second portion removably attached to one another, the first
portion and the second portion defining the a first storage space
and a second storage space, respectively, separating the first
portion from the second portion so that the replacement emergency
escape slide remains attached to the first portion and at least
partially disposed within the first storage space, placing the
first portion on a surface of an aircraft so that a rolling
mechanism is disposed between the first portion and the surface,
moving the first portion on the surface to a predetermined location
proximate an egress door of an aircraft, orienting the first
storage space to be adjacent to an emergency escape slide storage
location on the aircraft, separating the emergency escape slide
from the first portion, and securing the emergency escape slide to
the emergency escape slide storage location.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: transporting the
second portion to the predetermined location proximate the egress
door, orienting the second portion so that the second storage space
is adjacent the emergency escape slide storage location, releasing
an existing emergency escape slide from the emergency escape slide
storage location, and securing the existing emergency escape slide
to the second portion so that the existing emergency escape slide
is at least partially disposed within the second storage space.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/836,127, entitled "Aircraft Emergency Slide Container and
Method of Changing an Aircraft Emergency Escape Slide," filed Mar.
15, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The disclosure generally relates to containers for aircraft
emergency equipment and to methods of changing aircraft emergency
equipment, and more specifically to containers for aircraft
emergency escape slides and methods of changing aircraft emergency
escape slides.
Related Technology
[0003] Modern passenger aircraft require quick egress options in
case of emergency. Because many modern passenger aircraft have
entry doors that are ten feet or more above ground level,
passengers need some sort of device to allow them to get to the
ground safely. Inflatable emergency escape slides have been used
for this purpose. The emergency escape slide is usually made from
an inflatable flexible material. When not inflated, the emergency
escape slide is folded up into a small volume and stored in or near
the egress door. When needed, the emergency escape slide is filled
with a gas so that it inflates to a semi-rigid slide structure that
extends from the egress door to the ground. While this solution to
speedy egress of a passenger aircraft has generally been very
successful, the emergency escape slides require periodic checking,
maintenance, and/or replacement to ensure that the emergency escape
slides will operate correctly in the case of an emergency.
[0004] In large passenger aircraft (in particular in wide-body,
long range aircraft), these emergency escape slides can weigh 100
to 150 lbs (45-68 kg) or more. Moreover, these large passenger
aircraft can have eight or more emergency escape slides. In order
to change or maintain these emergency escape slides, maintenance
personnel must carry a folded slide into the aircraft through the
egress door. After entering the aircraft, the folded slide must be
carried down an aircraft aisle to the correct egress door. Once
position by the correct egress door, maintenance personnel must
remove the old slide and then lift and position the new slide in
the correct location. Often during transport of the new slide to
the correct egress location, the new egress slide can become hooked
or torn on various aircraft parts, which would require a new slide
to be obtained. Additionally, due to the weight of the slides,
maintenance personnel are often injured during the transfer process
by bending over to pick up the slide off of the ground.
[0005] Additionally transportation and storage of the slides when
not installed in an aircraft can be a problem. Typically, the
slides are stored in a wooden container that is liftable by a
forklift. These wooden containers are very heavy and not very
durable. Furthermore, lifting the slide out of the wooden container
requires maintenance personnel to bend over, which subjects the
maintenance personnel to the possibility of back or other injuries.
These injuries result in a loss of workdays and a loss of
efficiency, which can be a problem for the employer.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] In accordance with one exemplary aspect of the invention, an
emergency escape slide container includes a first portion having a
first end wall and a first side wall, the first side wall and the
first end wall defining a first storage space that is sized and
shaped to receive an emergency escape slide. The first storage
space includes a first restraining mechanism for the emergency
escape slide. The first side wall includes a first rolling
mechanism. The emergency escape slide container also includes a
second portion having a second end wall and a second side wall, the
second side wall and the second end wall defining a second storage
space sized and shaped to receive the emergency escape slide. The
second storage space includes a second restraining mechanism for
the emergency escape slide. The second side wall includes a second
rolling mechanism. The first portion and the second portion
cooperate to define a third storage space therebetween, the third
storage space being equal to a combination of the first storage
space and the second storage space.
[0007] In further accordance with any one or more of the foregoing
aspects, an emergency escape slide container may include any one or
more of the following preferred forms.
[0008] In one preferred form, the emergency escape slide container
may include an emergency escape slide disposed within the first
storage space.
[0009] In another preferred form, the first rolling mechanism may
include a first roller and a second roller, the first roller may be
an omni-roller and the second roller may be a cylindrical nylon
roller.
[0010] In yet another preferred form, an outer surface of the first
portion may include a first recessed groove, the first recessed
groove being sized to receive a fork of a forklift.
[0011] In yet another preferred form, the emergency escape slide
container may include a skid mounted on the first portion, the skid
extending outward away from an outer surface of the first end
wall.
[0012] In yet another preferred form, the emergency escape slide
container may include a recess on the outer surface of the first
end wall, the recess being sized and shaped to receive a portion of
a skid.
[0013] In yet another preferred form, the emergency escape slide
container may include a skid that is removably attached to the
first portion with a removable fastener, in some preferred forms
the fastener may be a thumb nut.
[0014] In yet other preferred forms, the first side wall may
include a first plurality of tongues and a first plurality of
grooves and the second side wall may include a second plurality of
tongues and a second plurality of grooves, the first plurality of
tongues being sized and shaped to be received by the second
plurality of grooves and the second plurality of tongues being
sized and shaped to be received by the first plurality of grooves.
In other preferred forms, the first plurality of tongues and the
second plurality of grooves may be arranged to locate the first
rolling mechanism on an opposite side of the container from the
second rolling mechanism.
[0015] In yet other preferred forms, the first portion may be
identical to the second portion.
[0016] In yet other preferred forms, the container may be made of
one of plastic and metal.
[0017] In yet other preferred forms, the first restraining
mechanism may be a belt strap.
[0018] In yet other preferred forms, the emergency escape slide
container may include a first handle on an outer surface of the
first side wall.
[0019] In yet other preferred forms, the emergency escape slide may
include a locking mechanism that releasably secures the first
portion to the second portion.
[0020] In yet other preferred forms, the first storage space may
have a length of about 43.75 inches (111.12 cm), a width of about
28.75 inches (73.025 cm), and a depth of about 11 inches (27.94
cm).
[0021] In yet other preferred forms, the emergency escape slide
container may include a raised ridge on an outer surface of the
first end wall.
[0022] In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the
invention, a method of changing an emergency escape slide on an
aircraft includes providing a replacement emergency escape slide
within a container, the container having a first portion and a
second portion removably attached to one another, the first portion
and the second portion defining a first storage space and a second
storage space, respectively. The first portion and the second
portion are separated so that the replacement emergency escape
slide remains attached to the first portion and at least partially
disposed within the first storage space. The first portion is
placed on a surface of an aircraft so that a rolling mechanism is
disposed between the first portion and the surface. The first
portion is moved on the surface to a predetermined location
proximate an egress door of an aircraft. The first storage space is
oriented to be adjacent to an emergency escape slide storage
location on the aircraft. The emergency escape slide is separated
from the first portion, and the emergency escape slide is secured
to the emergency escape slide storage location.
[0023] In other preferred forms, the method may include
transporting the second portion to the predetermined location
proximate the egress door. The second portion may be oriented so
that the second storage space is adjacent the emergency escape
slide storage location. An existing emergency escape slide may be
released from the emergency escape slide storage location, and the
existing emergency escape slide may be secured to the second
portion so that the existing emergency escape slide is at least
partially disposed within the second storage space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft emergency escape
slide container;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a top view of the aircraft emergency escape slide
container of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a front view of the aircraft emergency escape
slide container of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of the aircraft emergency escape slide
container of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an upper portion of the
aircraft emergency escape slide container of FIG. 1, the upper
portion being flipped over so that an interior storage space is
visible; and
[0030] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the upper portion of the
aircraft emergency escape slide container of FIG. 5.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The emergency escape slide containers described herein
advantageously allow an inflatable emergency escape slide to be
stored and transported in a single container from a storage
facility to an emergency escape slide storage location on aircraft.
These emergency escape slide containers facilitate movement of the
emergency escape slide by forklift or other transportation device
from a storage location in a storage facility to an aircraft and
then to a predetermined location in an aircraft. The emergency
escape slide containers are robust and yet lightweight so that they
are easily maneuverable within an aircraft by one or two
maintenance personnel. Moreover, the emergency escape slide
containers are sized to accommodate deflated and folded emergency
escape slide in one portion and another deflated and folded
emergency escape slide in another portion so that the container
itself can be used to remove an existing emergency escape slide and
to install a replacement emergency escape slide on an aircraft. The
emergency escape slide containers also reduce on-the-job injuries
because the emergency escape slide does not need to be removed from
the container before transporting the emergency escape slide within
an aircraft.
[0032] Turning now to FIGS. 1-6, one embodiment of an emergency
escape slide storage container 10 is illustrated. The emergency
escape slide storage container 10 includes a first or upper portion
12 and a second or lower portion 14 removably attached to one
another. Generally speaking, the first portion 12 and the second
portion 14 combine to store a deflated emergency escape slide
therebetween. The first portion 12 and the second portion 14
protect the emergency escape slide during storage and
transportation. Moreover, the first portion 12 and the second
portion 14 may be separated from one another so that the emergency
escape slide remains attached to one of the first portion 12 and
the second portion 14. The portion of the container to which the
emergency escape slide remains attached is light enough and
maneuverable enough to be transported down and aisle of the
passenger aircraft by one or two maintenance personnel. In some
embodiments, the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 may be
identical to one another. In other embodiments, the first portion
12 and the second portion 14 may have slight differences as long as
the first portion 12 and the second portion 14 are removably
attachable to one another and that either the first portion 12 or
the second portion 14 may be transported down an aisle of an
aircraft with an emergency escape slide.
[0033] The first portion 12 may include a first end wall 16 and a
first sidewall 18. Similarly, the second portion 14 may include a
second end wall 116 and a second sidewall 118. The first end wall
16 and the first sidewall 18 define a first storage space 20 (FIG.
6). Similarly, the second end wall 116 and the second sidewall 118
form a second storage space 120 (FIG. 3). The first portion 12 and
the second portion 14 together form a third storage space 320 that
is equal to a combination of the first storage space 20 and the
second storage space 120. The first storage space 20 is sized and
shaped to receive the emergency escape slide 200. Similarly, the
second storage space 120 is sized and shaped to receive the
emergency escape slide 200. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
1-6, the first sidewall 18 may include a plurality of sidewall
portions 18a, 18b 18c, 18d that form a rectangular shape. In other
embodiments, the sidewall 18 may include more or fewer sidewall
portions that the fine other shapes such as circles, ovals,
squares, polygons, or any other regular or irregular shapes, as
long as the storage space defined by such shapes is capable of
receiving an emergency escape slide.
[0034] A first restraining mechanism 22, such as belt, may be
disposed within the first storage space 20. In some embodiments a
second restraining mechanism 23 may also be disposed in the first
storage space 20. In other embodiments, the first restraining
mechanism 22 and/or the second restraining mechanism 23 may include
other types of restraining devices, such as, strings, ropes, hook
and loop fasteners, doors, clasps, clamps, or any other device that
may be used to removably secure an emergency escape slide within
the first storage space 20. The first restraining mechanism 22 may
also include a plurality of restraining devices, such as a
plurality of belts or a plurality of strings or ropes. When
disposed in the first storage space 20, the emergency escape slide
is releasably secured to the first portion 12 with at least the
first restraining mechanism 22 and/or with the second restraining
mechanism 23, so that the first portion 12 may be rotated lifted or
otherwise oriented in any position and the emergency escape slide
will not fall out of the first storage space 20.
[0035] An outer surface of the first sidewall 18 may include a
first rolling mechanism 24 (FIG. 1). The first rolling mechanism 24
may include one or more ball rollers 26, such as omni rollers, that
allow the first portion 12 to roll in any direction on a surface,
such as an aircraft floor. The first rolling mechanism 24 may also
include a unidirectional roller, such as a cylindrical nylon roller
28. By orienting the first portion 12 so that the first rolling
mechanism 24 contacts the surface, the first portion 12 may be
easily rolled along the surface by one or more maintenance
personnel without having to lift the first portion 12 off of the
surface.
[0036] The first portion 12 may also include one or more handles 30
to enhance the maneuverability of the first portion 12. The first
portion 12 may further include one or more locking mechanisms 32,
such as locking clasps or latches, that are capable of releasably
securing the first portion 12 to the second portion 14. Similarly,
the second portion 14 may include one or more handles 130 and/or
one or more locking mechanisms 132.
[0037] A skid 34 may be removably attached to an outer surface of
the first end wall 16 or to an outer surface of the second end wall
116. The skid 34 may extend outwards away from the outer surface of
the first end wall 16 or the second end wall 116 so that the first
portion 12 or the second portion 14 is elevated above a surface,
such as an aircraft floor, when the skid 34 is resting on the
surface.
[0038] The outer surface of the first end wall 16 or the outer
surface of the second end wall 116 may also include a first
recessed groove 36, 136, and a second recessed groove 38, 138, that
are separated by a raised ridge 40, 140. The first recessed groove
36, 136 and the second recessed groove 38, 138 may be sized and
shaped to receive a first fork of a forklift and a second fork of a
forklift, respectively. The skid 34 and the recessed grooves 36,
136, 38, 138 combine to allow a forklift to lift the container 10
off of the surface when the container 10 is resting on the surface,
such as when the container 10 is resting on the ground in a storage
facility or on top of another container. As a result, the container
10 may be easily transported from the storage facility to a
passenger aircraft by transportation device such as a forklift. The
recessed grooves 36, 136, 38, 138 may be oriented generally
perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A and generally parallel to a
lateral axis B so that the recessed grooves 36, 136, 38, 138
traverse the container 10 in a generally widthwise manner. In other
embodiments, the recessed grooves 36, 136, 38, 138 may traverse the
container in a generally lengthwise manner.
[0039] The outer surface of the end wall 16, 116 may also include
one or more recessed landings 42 that are sized and shaped to
receive a portion of the skid 34. The recessed landings 42 locate
and stabilize the skid 34 on the end wall 16, 116. The skid 34 may
be removably attached to the end wall 16, 116 with a plurality of
removable fasteners 44, such as thumbscrews, wing nuts, screws,
clasps, latches, or any other removable fastener. The removable
fasteners 44 may be secured to the skid 34 with a lanyard 45, or
other securing device, so that the fasteners 44 do not become
lost.
[0040] A distal portion 46 of the sidewall 18, 118 (i.e., distal to
the end wall 16, 116) may include a plurality of tongues 48 and a
plurality of grooves 50 (FIG. 5). The plurality of tongues 48 and
the plurality of grooves 50 interact with corresponding tongues and
grooves on the second portion 14 two locate and stabilize the first
portion 12 on the second portion 14, or vice versa. Furthermore,
the plurality of tongues and grooves on the first portion interact
with the plurality of tongues and grooves on the second portion to
locate the first rolling mechanism 24 on an opposite side of the
container 10 from the second rolling mechanism 124.
[0041] Hereinafter, a method of replacing an emergency escape slide
on aircraft will be described. Initially, an emergency escape slide
may be stored in one of the containers 10 described above. The
container 10 may be housed in a storage facility. The container 10
may be transported from the storage facility to the passenger
aircraft with a forklift or other transportation device. In
particular, the forklift may approach the container 10, and orient
forks generally parallel to the recessed grooves 36, 136, 38, 138.
Because the container 10 is elevated off of the ground or off of a
lower container 10 the forks of the forklift easily slide into the
recessed grooves 36, 38. The forklift may then lift the container
10 off of the ground or off of another container 10. The forklift
may then carry the container 10 to the passenger aircraft. Once the
forklift is arrived at the passenger aircraft, the container 10 may
be lowered to the ground and the forks of the forklift may be
removed from the recessed grooves 36, 136, 38, 138. Once located on
the ground, maintenance personnel may remove the first portion 12
from the second portion 14, the emergency escape slide remaining
attached the second portion 14.
[0042] The first portion 12 may be rotated so that the first
rolling mechanism 24 is oriented downwardly, towards a floor of the
aircraft cabin. Once resting on the first rolling mechanism 24,
maintenance personnel may roll the first portion on the floor of
the aircraft cabin, and down an aisle of the aircraft if needed,
until the first portion 12 arrives in a predetermined location
proximate an emergency escape slide storage location. In some
aircraft, the emergency escape slide storage location is attached
to (or otherwise proximate or adjacent to) an egress door. The
first portion 12 may be oriented so that the first storage space 20
faces the emergency escape slide storage location. An existing
emergency escape slide may then be released from the emergency
escape slide storage location and moved into the first storage
space 20 of the first portion 12. Once located in the first storage
space 20 the emergency escape slide may be secured to within the
first storage space 20 by the first securing mechanism 22 and/or by
the second securing mechanism 23. After the existing emergency
escape slide is secured within the first storage space 20, the
first portion 12 may be reoriented so that the first rolling
mechanism 24 is again resting on the floor of the aircraft cabin,
and maintenance personnel may then roll the first portion 12 with
the existing emergency escape slide to a door of the aircraft were
the first portion 12 and the existing emergency escape slide may be
then removed from the aircraft.
[0043] Once the existing emergency escape slide is removed from the
aircraft, the second portion 14 with a replacement emergency escape
slide secured in a second storage space 120 may be moved through
the aircraft door and the aircraft cabin. Once located in the
aircraft cabin, the second portion 14 may be oriented so that the
second rolling mechanism 124 is located on the floor of the
aircraft cabin. The second portion 14 may then easily be rolled
along the floor of the aircraft cabin, and down an aisle of the
aircraft if needed, until the second portion 14 arrives in a
predetermined location proximate the emergency escape slide storage
location.
[0044] Once arriving at the predetermined location proximate the
emergency escape slide storage location, the second portion 14 may
be oriented so that the second storage space 120 faces the
emergency escape slide storage location. Thereafter, the
replacement emergency escape slide may be released from the second
portion 14 and moved into the emergency escape slide storage
location. Once replacement emergency escape slide is secured in the
emergency escape slide storage location, second portion 14 may be
oriented so that the second rolling mechanism 124 is located
proximate the floor the cabin. The second portion 14 may then be
rolled along the cabin floor to an exit of the aircraft. After
removing the second portion 14 from the aircraft, the second
portion 14 may be joined to the first portion 12 and releasably
secured to the first portion 12 with the locking mechanisms 32, 132
so that the existing emergency escape slide is disposed between the
first portion 12 and the second portion 14. Thereafter, the
container 10 may be transported to a storage location with a
forklift or other transportation device.
[0045] The foregoing detailed description has been given for
clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations
should be understood therefrom, as modifications will be obvious to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *