U.S. patent application number 15/812028 was filed with the patent office on 2018-11-08 for microbridges for regional aircraft and methods of using same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Robert L. Peterson. Invention is credited to Robert L. Peterson.
Application Number | 20180319515 15/812028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44654659 |
Filed Date | 2018-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180319515 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peterson; Robert L. |
November 8, 2018 |
MICROBRIDGES FOR REGIONAL AIRCRAFT AND METHODS OF USING SAME
Abstract
An aircraft boarding apparatus has a passenger bridge that has a
confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge. The
confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect on the
second passenger bridge to offset the ultralight configuration of
the passenger bridge.
Inventors: |
Peterson; Robert L.; (Salt
Lake City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Peterson; Robert L. |
Salt Lake City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
44654659 |
Appl. No.: |
15/812028 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15345055 |
Nov 7, 2016 |
9815572 |
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15812028 |
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14675571 |
Mar 31, 2015 |
9487307 |
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15345055 |
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14224823 |
Mar 25, 2014 |
8990989 |
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14675571 |
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13621715 |
Sep 17, 2012 |
8677540 |
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14224823 |
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12730853 |
Mar 24, 2010 |
8266750 |
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13621715 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01D 19/14 20130101;
E01D 18/00 20130101; B64F 1/305 20130101; E01D 15/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64F 1/305 20060101
B64F001/305; E01D 15/12 20060101 E01D015/12; E01D 18/00 20060101
E01D018/00; E01D 19/14 20060101 E01D019/14 |
Claims
1. An aircraft boarding apparatus, comprising: a first passenger
bridge having a first passenger deck, wherein the first passenger
bridge includes a concourse interface and an articulating first
interface; a second passenger bridge having a second passenger
deck, said second passenger bridge coupled to the first passenger
bridge at the articulating first interface, said second passenger
bridge having an aircraft interface end configured to couple with a
regional aircraft at a sill height thereof; and wherein the second
passenger bridge includes a unit weight per unit length ratio
between 58 and 200 lbs per lineal foot.
2. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
passenger bridge includes a ceiling coupled to the second passenger
deck.
3. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 2, further comprising
walls coupled between the ceiling and the second passenger
deck.
4. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, further including a
confinement structure coupled to the second passenger bridge,
wherein the confinement structure exerts a ground-anchoring effect
on the second passenger bridge.
5. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 4, wherein the
confinement structure exerts an active downward anchoring force on
the second passenger bridge.
6. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 5, wherein the active
downward anchoring force is dynamic.
7. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 4, wherein the
confinement structure exhibits a passive anchoring effect on the
second passenger bridge.
8. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
passenger bridge has a unit weight per unit length ratio of between
58 and 80 lbs per lineal foot.
9. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
passenger bridge is anchored to an apron below the first passenger
bridge.
10. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the
articulating first interface includes a circular floor element over
which a passenger may walk.
11. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
passenger bridge includes a ceiling coupled to the first passenger
deck.
12. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 11, further comprising
walls coupled between the ceiling and the first passenger deck.
13. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
passenger bridge can be radially articulated about the articulating
interface of the first passenger bridge.
14. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second
passenger bridge can be articulated into a straight position
relative to the first passenger bridge or an angled position
relative to the first passenger bridge.
15. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
passenger bridge inclines to allow the aircraft interface end to
couple with the passenger door of the regional aircraft at sill
height thereof.
16. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second
passenger bridge includes a ground-crew interface that allows
handling and passage of baggage there through.
17. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
and second passenger bridges are configured to service a first
regional aircraft, further including a rotunda coupled to the
concourse interface, wherein the rotunda is also configured to
service a subsequent regional aircraft with a subsequent first
passenger bridge that includes a subsequent concourse interface
coupled to the rotunda, a subsequent second passenger bridge
coupled to the subsequent first passenger bridge, wherein the
subsequent second passenger bridge includes an aircraft interface
and is configured to couple with a subsequent regional aircraft at
a sill height thereof.
18. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 17, further including
a single module configured to couple to each of the first- and
subsequent regional aircraft, wherein the single module is
configured to provide electrical power to each aircraft.
19. The aircraft boarding apparatus of claim 17, further including
a single module configured to couple to each of the first- and
subsequent regional aircraft, wherein the single module is
configured to provide electrical power to each aircraft, and
wherein the single module is affixed to the rotunda.
20. A method of connecting an airport concourse with a regional
aircraft comprising: providing an aircraft boarding apparatus as
recited in claim 1; articulating the boarding apparatus to allow a
regional aircraft to dock therewith within a ramp space; and
anchoring the second passenger bridge in a docking position with a
confinement structure.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/345,055, filed Nov. 7, 2016, now issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 9,815,572, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/675,571, filed Mar. 31, 2015, now issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 9,487,307, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/224,823, filed Mar. 25, 2014, now issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 8,990,989, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/621,715, filed on Sep. 17, 2012, now issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 8,677,540, which is a divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/730,853, filed on Mar. 24, 2010, now issued
as U.S. Pat. No. 8,266,750, each of which are incorporated by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] An embodiment relates to the field of airline travel. More
particularly, an embodiment relates to the field of aircraft
boarding piers, specifically to aircraft boarding piers servicing
regional aircraft.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Air travel has becoming increasingly popular over the past
decade and has evolved to handle an ever growing passenger volume.
An important aspect of this evolution is the structure of flight
routes through a "hub" airport. Today, hub routing has become an
essential part of the efficient operation of an airline. Another
marketing scheme includes the concept of maximizing nonstop flights
for passenger convenience.
[0004] These trends have been influenced by the advent of regional
aircraft. As the trends have continued, significant interest has
been taken in smaller aircraft as commercial carriers, albeit
perhaps as charter carriers.
[0005] The advent of regional aircraft has created a new market for
air travel in which air passengers can span relatively large
distances quickly on a regional aircraft.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The accompanying drawings illustrate the present aircraft
boarding piers and are a part of the specification. Together with
the following description, the drawings demonstrate and explain the
principles of the several embodiments of which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan layout of an aircraft boarding apparatus
according to an embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of an aircraft boarding apparatus
200 according to an embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front elevation of a pulley depicted in FIG. 2
according to an embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the aircraft boarding
apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a side perspective elevation of the aircraft
boarding apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 according to an
embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective elevation of a portion of the
aircraft boarding apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 according to an
embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective elevation of the aircraft boarding
apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a perspective elevation of the aircraft boarding
apparatus depicted in FIG. 7 according to an embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a top plan of two aircraft boarding apparatus
according to an embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a top plan of a plurality of aircraft boarding
apparatus according to an embodiment; and
[0017] FIG. 11 is a method flow diagram according to an
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is
shown, by way of illustration, specific ways which embodiments may
be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describe substantially
similar components throughout the several views. These embodiments
are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the
art to practice various embodiments. Other embodiments may be
utilized and structural, logical, and layout changes may be made
without departing from the scope of the various embodiments.
[0019] Many useful regional aircraft boarding pier embodiments are
described in detail below, which are integrated into a common
concourse with boarding facilities for large aircraft. As used
herein, a concourse comprises a single structure or wing of an
airport with sequentially or otherwise indicated boarding gates for
passenger aircraft. The term airport terminal can be synonymous
with concourse or denotes a group of interconnected concourses.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan layout of an aircraft boarding apparatus
100 according to an embodiment. A first passenger bridge 110 is
provided to anchor with an airport ramp. In an embodiment, the
airport ramp includes a concourse interface 112 that is coupled to
the external boundary 114 of an enclosed passenger concourse. A
portion of the first passenger bridge 110 also includes an
articulating first interface 116. The articulating first interface
116 can be seen in this plan layout as a circular floor element
over which a passenger may walk. The aircraft boarding apparatus
100 also includes a second passenger bridge 118. In an embodiment,
the second passenger bridge 118 is articulatingly coupled to the
first passenger bridge 110. The second passenger bridge 118
includes an aircraft interface end 120 configured to couple with a
regional aircraft 122 at the sill height of the passenger door 124.
It can now be appreciated that in each embodiment, at least one of
the first- and second passenger bridges 110 and 118 is inclined and
elevated above the tarmac.
[0021] A confinement structure is coupled to the second passenger
bridge 118. In an embodiment, the confinement structure includes a
cable 126 that is secured to the ramp such as with two
ground-anchored eye loops 128 and 129 at each end of the cable. The
confinement structure, such as the cable 126 and two eye loops 128
and 129, exerts an active downward anchoring force on the second
passenger bridge 118 in order to secure the second passenger bridge
118 for passenger-use stability and also for wind-load stability.
The confinement structure allows the aircraft interface end 120 to
align with the concourse interface 112 and the articulating first
interface 116. As depicted in FIG. 1, the aircraft interface end
120 is not aligned with the concourse interface 112 and the
articulating first interface 116 as the second passenger bridge 118
has been articulated to allow the regional aircraft 122 to dock. It
can be appreciated that the second passenger bridge 118 can
articulate to the left as depicted to approach the eye loop 128 and
the second passenger bridge 118 would then be aligned with the
concourse interface 112 and the articulating first interface 116.
When the regional aircraft 122 is not in the docking position, the
concourse interface 112 and the articulating first interface 116
can be aligned with the aircraft interface end 120 to make more
useful ingress and egress of the regional aircraft 122.
[0022] The second passenger bridge 118 includes a
unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio of less than 200 lbs per lineal
foot. In an embodiment, the second passenger bridge 118 includes a
unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio of less than 100 lbs per lineal
foot. In an embodiment, the second passenger bridge 118 includes a
unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio of less than 80 lbs per lineal
foot. In an embodiment, the second passenger bridge 118 includes a
unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio of less than or equal to 58 lbs
per lineal foot. As a consequence of the
unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio embodiments for the second
passenger bridge 118, the second passenger bridge 118 may be
referred to as an "ultralight" passenger bridge, both in reference
to the second passenger bridge 118 alone, and in reference to the
entire aircraft boarding apparatus 100. In an embodiment, the first
passenger bridge 110 may have any of the
unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio embodiments disclosed for the
second passenger bridge 118. In an example embodiment, the first
passenger bridge 110 has a unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio of
less than 200 lbs per lineal foot and the second passenger bridge
118 has a unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio of less than or equal
to 60 to 200 lbs per lineal foot. In an example embodiment, the
first passenger bridge 110 has a unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio
of less than 200 lbs per lineal foot and the second passenger
bridge 118 has a unit-weight-per-unit-length ratio of less than 200
lbs per lineal foot. Other permutations of first passenger bridge
110 weight ratio to second passenger bridge 118 weight ratio that
match individual disclosed unit-weight-per-unit-length ratios may
be appreciated.
[0023] As a consequence of the ultralight configuration embodiments
of the aircraft boarding apparatus 100, the second passenger bridge
118 may be manually articulated by a single ramp worker without the
use of motorized or otherwise non-human effort. In an embodiment,
the term "manually articulated" means mechanical devices are used
such as a tow bar that is a manual hitch. In an embodiment, the
term "manually articulated" means mechanical-advantage devices are
used such as a tow bar that is a manual hitch attached to a
ratcheting mechanism, or a crank handle that includes a reversible
ratcheting mechanism. In any event, a mechanical assist means a
device that allows the second passenger bridge 118 to be moved
without any motorized assistance.
[0024] The aircraft boarding apparatus 100 is illustrated with
length and width embodiments of the first passenger bridge 110
length of 15 foot, zero inches, and a first exterior width 130 of 8
foot, zero inches. The second passenger bridge 118 is illustrated
as 25 foot, zero inches and a second exterior width 132 of 8 foot,
zero inches. The interior width may therefore be in a range from 4
foot to about 8 foot (minus the collective wall widths). The second
passenger bridge 118 is also coupled with a cab 134 such that the
length of 25 foot, zero inches is measured to the center of the cab
134. The cab 134 also includes a boarding plate 136 that can be
hinged to land upon the sill of the regional aircraft 122. The cab
134 also has a ground-crew interface 135 that may be open to allow
ground personnel to handle gate-checked baggage according to an
embodiment. It can now be appreciated that the first- and second
passenger bridges 110 and 118 are inclined to meet sill height of a
regional aircraft, the passenger bridges are elevated above the
tarmac, and at least one passenger bridge has an ultralight weight
embodiment.
[0025] The regional aircraft 122 may be pushed back away from the
concourse interface 112 by a tug that may be parked within a tug
footprint 138 according to an embodiment. The tug footprint 138 may
run under the concourse interface 112 where the concourse may be
elevated. Other structures are shown that may be understood as
engineering drawing structures for construction of an aircraft
boarding apparatus embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of an aircraft boarding apparatus
200 according to an embodiment. The aircraft boarding apparatus 200
also includes a second passenger bridge 218 that includes walls 240
that couple to a ceiling 242. In an embodiment, the cab 234 is
configured at a right angle to the length of the second passenger
bridge 218 similarly to the configuration of the cab 134 and second
passenger bridge 118 depicted in FIG. 1.
[0027] In an embodiment, the ceiling 242 is curvilinear as
illustrated. In an embodiment, the walls 240 and ceiling 242 are an
integral structure such as a single piece of organic material that
can be affixed to a deck 244 (which is represented as a deck height
in phantom lines). In an embodiment, the walls 240 and ceiling 242
are deployed under a tensile load such that the integral structure
is affixed to the deck 244. In an embodiment, the tensile load
includes wrapping the integral wall-ceiling structure 240 and 242
around hoops that can give a profile depicted in the
illustrations.
[0028] The second passenger bridge 218 includes an aircraft
interface end 220 (depicted as the surface of the cab 234 that is
distal to the second passenger bridge 218) that is configured to
couple with a regional aircraft at the sill height of the passenger
door. The cab 234 also includes a boarding plate 236 that can be
hinged to land upon the sill of a regional aircraft at sill height
235.
[0029] A confinement structure is coupled to the second passenger
bridge 218. In an embodiment, the confinement structure includes a
cable 226 that is secured to the ramp such as with two
ground-anchored eye loops 228 and 229 at each end of the cable 226.
The confinement structure embodiment also includes two pulleys 246
and 247 that allow the second passenger bridge 218 to be slidingly
coupled to the cable 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the cable
226 and two eye loops 228 and 229 exert an active downward
anchoring force on the second passenger bridge 218 in order to
secure the second passenger bridge 218 for passenger-use stability
and also for wind-load stability. The two pulleys 246 and 247 may
also be configured with the cable 226 such as illustrated to assist
in exerting a downward anchoring force on the second passenger
bridge 218. Because of the constant downward force the confinement
system applies on the aircraft boarding apparatus 200, the
confinement system acts as an active anchor.
[0030] The confinement structure allows the aircraft interface end
220 to align with the concourse interface (see FIG. 4) and the
articulating first interface (see FIG. 4). A first spacing 248 and
a second spacing 249 are depicted between the first eye loop 228
and first pulley 246 and the second eye loop 229 and second pulley
247, respectively. In reference to spacing depicted, the cab 234
has been moved to the left but not to the extreme allowable
position, which is where the first pulley 246 is directly above or
almost directly above the first eye loop 228.
[0031] The aircraft boarding apparatus 200 may also be any of the
ultralight combination embodiments that are disclosed for the
aircraft boarding apparatus 100 depicted and described with
reference to FIG. 1. As a consequence of the ultralight
configuration of the aircraft boarding apparatus 200, the second
passenger bridge 218 may be manually articulated by a single ramp
worker without the use of motorized or otherwise non-human effort.
In an embodiment, a tow bar 282 is used for convenience of the ramp
worker for manually articulating the aircraft boarding apparatus
200.
[0032] In an embodiment, a motorized assist is applied for
articulating the second passenger bridge 218. In an example
embodiment, one or both of the two pulleys 246 and 247 is attached
to an assembly such as a motor and drive-belt or drive-chain that
causes the pulleys 246 and 247 to crawl along the cable 226.
[0033] In an embodiment, the tow bar 282 is used as a lever to
articulate the second passenger bridge. In an example embodiment,
the ramp worker rotates the handles of the tow bar 282 to the right
(clockwise) to engage a ratcheting mechanism that may also be
represented by the assembly 227 such that by moving the tow bar up
and down, the ratcheting mechanism causes the pulleys 246 and 247
to crawl along the cable 226 such that the aircraft interface end
220 moves into position for docking with a regional aircraft.
[0034] In an example embodiment, the ramp worker rotates the
handles of the tow bar 282 to the left (counter-clockwise) to
engage a ratcheting mechanism that may be represented by the
assembly 227 such that by moving the tow bar up and down, the
ratcheting mechanism causes the pulleys 246 and 247 to crawl along
the cable 226 such that the aircraft interface end 220 moves out of
position to allow a regional aircraft to taxi into place or to push
back. In any event, a motorized embodiment may allow a ramp worker
to articulate the second passenger bridge 218 against a wind that
is contrary to a desired articulation direction of the aircraft
interface end 220. Similarly, a mechanical non-motorized embodiment
such as a ratcheting mechanism may allow a ramp worker to
articulate the second passenger bridge 218 against a wind that is
contrary to a desired articulation direction of the aircraft
interface end 220.
[0035] In an embodiment, a ratcheting mechanism is used as a lever
to articulate the second passenger bridge. In an example
embodiment, the ramp worker inserts a crank handle to the center of
a ratcheting mechanism that may also be represented by the assembly
227. The assembly 227 may be set to ratchet either clockwise or
counter-clockwise, such that by turning the crank, the ratcheting
mechanism 227 causes the pulleys 246 and 247 to crawl along the
cable 226 such that the aircraft interface end 220 moves into
position, either for docking with a regional aircraft or out of
position to allow a regional aircraft to taxi.
[0036] Other structures are shown that may be understood as
engineering drawing structures for construction of an aircraft
boarding apparatus embodiment. For example, feet 250 may be brought
into contact with the ground to facilitate stability. For example,
a lift mechanism such as is known for commercial step ladders may
be used to lower the feet 250 to the tarmac after manually
articulating the second passenger bridge 218. Wheels 251 are also
depicted to allow the cab 234 to roll while the articulating first
interface 216 is allowed to move. Other structures include vertical
girders 252 and angle girders 254 to support the deck 244. In any
event, the whole of the aircraft boarding apparatus 200 is built to
achieve any of the ultralight embodiments disclosed herein.
[0037] FIG. 3 is a front elevation of a pulley 246 depicted in FIG.
2 according to an embodiment. The pulley 246 allows the cable 226
(FIG. 2) to wrap securely such that the second passenger bridge 218
can be articulated by a single ramp worker while the cable 226 and
supporting equipment act as an active and dynamic anchor. The
pulley 246 may be toothed to allow a locking ratchet to prevent
rotation except when desired. Other ways to prevent pulley rotation
except when desired may be employed such as a clutch mechanism to
prevent pulley rotation except when desired. These devices and
their equivalents are known and can be applied to these
embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the aircraft boarding
apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. The
aircraft boarding apparatus 201 is seen in an orientation that is
different from that depicted in FIG. 2. The first passenger bridge
210 may now be seen along the Y-dimension, as well as the second
passenger bridge 218. The first passenger bridge 210 has a
concourse interface 212 to couple to an external wall of a
concourse. In an embodiment, the concourse interface is elevated as
depicted, but it may be ground level according to an embodiment.
When the concourse interface 212 including a portion of the deck
244 is at ground level, the first passenger bridge 210 is sloped
from the ground level at the concourse interface 212 until it meets
the articulating first interface 216. The first passenger bridge
210 and the second passenger bridge 218 are coupled at the
articulating first interface 216. In an embodiment, the
articulating first interface 216 includes a hinge 256 below the
deck 244 that allows the second passenger bridge 218 to be
articulated at the girder sub-structural level with respect to the
first passenger bridge 210.
[0039] In an embodiment, at least one of the walls 240 or ceiling
242 is translucent such that natural light may illuminate a
passenger's pathway along the bridges. In an embodiment, at least
one of the walls 240 or ceiling 242 is at least partially
translucent. For example, the walls 240 may bear a decorative
stencil such as a perforated field that conveys an image, but has
sufficient lacunae in the stencil to allow light to pass through.
Such stencils are seen on commercial vehicles and even upon
windows.
[0040] In an embodiment, lighting may be placed either inside the
ceiling 242 or outside the aircraft boarding apparatus 200. As
illustrated lighting 239 is affixed outside the walls 240 such that
illumination through the walls 240 allows passengers to have a
lighted pathway. In an embodiment, at least one of the walls 240 or
ceiling 242 is translucent and an integral structure such as a
single piece of organic material that can be affixed to the deck
244. In an embodiment, lighting 239 is affixed inside the passenger
bridges and as illustrated, within the cab 234.
[0041] The lighting 239 inside the cab 234 may be affixed upon a
safety rail 262, and directed to illuminate the walls 240 to cast
reflected light inside the cab 234.
[0042] The aircraft boarding apparatus 201 also has at least one
spine girder 253 that is part of the superstructure. An aircraft
passenger is depicted within the cab 234 and walking upon the deck
244. Other structures are shown that may be understood as
engineering drawing structures for construction of an aircraft
boarding apparatus embodiment.
[0043] In an embodiment, the first passenger bridge 210 has a unit
weight-to-unit-length ratio of 200 pounds/lineal foot (lb/lft), and
the second passenger bridge 218 has a unit weight-to-unit-length
ratio of 200 lb/lft. In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and the
bridge 218 have the configuration of 200 lb/lft. In an embodiment,
the bridge 210 and the bridge 218 have the configuration of 200
lb/lft and 100 lb/lft, respectively. In an embodiment, the bridge
210 and bridge 218 have the configuration of 200 lb/lft and 80 or
less lb/lft, respectively. In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and
bridge 218 have the configuration of 200 lb/lft and 58 or less
lb/lft, respectively.
[0044] In an embodiment, the first bridge 210 and second bridge 218
have the configuration of 100 lb/lft and 200 or less lb/lft,
respectively. In an embodiment, the first bridge 210 and second
bridge 218 have the configuration of 100 or less lb/lft and 100 or
less lb/lft, respectively. In an embodiment, the first bridge 210
and second bridge 218 have the configuration of 100 or less lb/lft
and 80 or less lb/lft, respectively. In an embodiment, the first
bridge 210 and second bridge 218 have the configuration of 100 or
less lb/lft and 58 or less lb/lft, respectively.
[0045] In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and bridge 218 have the
configuration of 80 or less lb/lft and 200 or less lb/lft,
respectively. In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and bridge 218 have
the configuration of 80 or less lb/lft and 100 or less lb/lft,
respectively. In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and bridge 218 have
the configuration of 80 or less lb/lft and 80 or less lb/lft,
respectively. In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and bridge 218 have
the configuration of 80 or less lb/lft and 58 or less lb/lft,
respectively.
[0046] In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and bridge 218 have the
configuration of 58 or less lb/lft and 200 or less lb/lft,
respectively. In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and bridge 218 have
the configuration of 58 or less lb/lft and 100 or less lb/lft,
respectively. In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and bridge 218 have
the configuration of 58 or less lb/lft and 80 or less lb/lft,
respectively. In an embodiment, the bridge 210 and bridge 218 have
the configuration of 58 lb/lft and 58 lb/lft, respectively.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a side perspective elevation of the aircraft
boarding apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment.
The aircraft boarding apparatus 202 is seen in a different
orientation. A passive anchor 258 is depicted resting upon the
ground with an anchor loop 260 that is coupled to the spine 253
according to an embodiment. The passive anchor 258 therefore does
not load any disclosed embodiment of ultralight aircraft boarding
apparatus, but it is in place to secure the aircraft boarding
apparatus 202 from unexpected wind loads and for and other useful
purposes. The passive anchor 258 may also be referred to as a
ballast 258. In an embodiment, the ballast 258, although it does
not load any disclosed embodiment in the first- or second passenger
bridges, may provide a unit mass per lineal until length equivalent
of a conventional passenger bridge that can be used to service a
large aircraft. It may now also be appreciated that the ballast 258
may merely be an eye loop that effectively uses the tarmac as the
ballast.
[0048] It can now be appreciated that a passive confinement
apparatus may replace the cable 226 that is secured to the ramp
such as with two ground-anchored eye loops 228 and 229.
[0049] FIG. 6 is a perspective elevation of a portion of the
aircraft boarding apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 according to an
embodiment. The aircraft boarding apparatus 203 is seen in a
different orientation and with another anchor apparatus
embodiment.
[0050] A passive anchor configuration is depicted resting upon the
ground with an anchor loop 228 and a first cable 226 that is
coupled to the spine 253 according to an embodiment. An anchor loop
229 is also depicted that may be coupled to a second cable 226'
when the aircraft boarding apparatus 203 is moved into place to
allow a regional aircraft to dock therewith. This passive anchor
configuration allows the anchor loops to be alternatively attached
depending upon the position of the cab 234. Consequently, a ramp
worker may unhook the second cable 226', move the aircraft boarding
apparatus 203 to the left as depicted, and anchor the cab 234 to
the first cable 226 as illustrated. In any event, this passive
anchor embodiment does not load any disclosed embodiment of
ultralight aircraft boarding apparatus, but it is in place to
secure the aircraft boarding apparatus 202 from unexpected wind
loads and other useful purposes.
[0051] A passenger is depicted within the cab 234, but a safety
gate 262 has been drawn across the deck 244 within the cab 234 to
prevent the passenger from approaching the boarding plate 236.
[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective elevation of the aircraft boarding
apparatus depicted in FIG. 2 according to an embodiment. The
aircraft boarding apparatus 203 is seen in an orientation that is
different from that depicted in FIG. 2. The first passenger bridge
210 and the second passenger bridge 218 are coupled at the
articulating first interface 216. In an embodiment, the
articulating first interface 216 includes a hinge 256 below the
deck 244 that allows the second passenger bridge 218 to be
articulated with respect to the first passenger bridge 210.
[0053] In an embodiment, at least one of the walls 240 or ceiling
242 is translucent such that natural light may illuminate a
passenger's way. In an embodiment, lighting may be placed either
inside the ceiling 242 or outside the aircraft boarding apparatus
203. In an embodiment, at least one of the walls 240 or ceiling 242
is translucent and an integral structure such as a single piece of
organic material that can be affixed to the deck 244. It can be
seen that the deck 244 may be called a first passenger deck in the
first passenger bridge 210 and a second passenger deck in the
second passenger bridge 218 because they are separated at the
articulating first interface 216.
[0054] The aircraft boarding apparatus 203 also has at least one
spine girder 253 that is part of the superstructure. One aircraft
passenger is depicted within the cab 234 and walking upon the deck
244, and one aircraft passenger is depicted at the articulating
first interface 216. Other structures are shown that may be
understood as engineering drawing structures for construction of an
aircraft boarding apparatus embodiment.
[0055] The aircraft boarding apparatus 203 may also be any of the
ultralight combination embodiments that are disclosed for the
aircraft boarding apparatus 100 depicted and described with
reference to FIG. 1 or depicted and described with reference to
FIG. 4. As a consequence of the ultralight configuration of the
aircraft boarding apparatus 203, the second passenger bridge 218
may be manually articulated by a single ramp worker without the use
of motorized or otherwise non-human effort.
[0056] Other structures are shown that may be understood as
engineering drawing structures for construction of an aircraft
boarding apparatus embodiment. For example, feet 250 may be brought
into contact with the ground to facilitate stability. Wheels 251
are also depicted to allow the cab 234 to roll while the
articulating first interface 216 is allowed to move. Other
structures include vertical girders 252 and angle girders 254 to
support the deck 244. In any event, the whole of the aircraft
boarding apparatus 203 is built to achieve any of the ultralight
embodiments disclosed herein.
[0057] The aircraft boarding apparatus 204 may be anchored, either
actively or passively according to any permutation of active and
passive anchoring embodiments. For example, the cab 234 may be
actively anchored such as the active anchoring embodiments depicted
in FIG. 2 or 5, and the first passenger bridge 210 may be passively
anchored such as the passive anchoring embodiments depicted in FIG.
5 or 6. In an embodiment, passive anchoring is used to anchor the
cab 234 such as the passive anchoring embodiments depicted in FIG.
5 or 6.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a perspective elevation of the aircraft boarding
apparatus depicted in FIG. 7 according to an embodiment. The
aircraft boarding apparatus 204 is seen in an orientation that is
different from that depicted in FIG. 7. The aircraft boarding
apparatus 204 is anchored by a ground-anchored eye loop 229 and a
cable 226 that acts as a short tether. The aircraft boarding
apparatus 204 is depicted in an angled articulated position to dock
with a regional aircraft. When the aircraft boarding apparatus 204
is articulated such that the concourse interface 212, the
articulating first interface 216, and the cab 234 are aligned, the
aircraft boarding apparatus 204 can be ground anchored by the eye
loop 228 to the cable 226. As depicted, the cable 226 may be
center-placed on the support structure.
[0059] FIG. 9 is a top plan of two aircraft boarding apparatus 900
according to an embodiment. A first passenger bridge 910 is
provided to anchor with an airport ramp. In an embodiment, the
airport ramp includes a concourse interface 912 that is coupled to
the external boundary 914 of an enclosed passenger concourse. The
concourse interface 912 is depicted as both a joining section of
the first passenger bridge 910 as well as a two-bridge rotunda 912
(depicted with a bracket).
[0060] As depicted, the external boundary 914 includes a passenger
ingress/egress ramp section 915. In an embodiment where the
concourse is a conventional elevated structure to accommodate
regional as well as large aircraft, the passenger ingress/egress
ramp section 915 is depicted as a down-to-aircraft passenger
directional arrow 915. Consequently, the external boundary 914 is
within a concourse building and the two-bridge rotunda 912 is
disposed external to the concourse building at the external
boundary 914. In an embodiment where the concourse is a
ground-level structure, the passenger ingress/egress ramp section
915 is depicted as an up-to-aircraft passenger directional arrow
915 such that a passenger walks up to the concourse interface 912.
For example in this embodiment, the floor of the two-bridge rotunda
912 has a height above the apron of 3 foot seven inch, and the rest
of the height to meet the sill height of the regional aircraft 922
is achieved by the incline of the first passenger bridge 910 and
the second passenger bridge 918.
[0061] A portion of the first passenger bridge 910 also includes an
articulating first interface 916. The articulating first interface
916 can be seen in this plan layout as a circular floor element
over which a passenger may walk. The aircraft boarding apparatus
900 also includes a second passenger bridge 918. In an embodiment,
the second passenger bridge 918 is articulatingly coupled to the
first passenger bridge 910. The second passenger bridge 918
includes an aircraft interface end 920 configured to couple with a
regional aircraft 922 at the sill height of the passenger door
924.
[0062] For the aircraft boarding apparatus 900, FIG. 9 also
illustrates a subsequent first passenger bridge 911, a subsequent
articulating first interface 917, and a subsequent second passenger
bridge 919. Other structures may be illustrated. A subsequent
regional aircraft 923 is also depicted in the process of being
serviced at the aircraft boarding apparatus 900. At least one
confinement structure embodiment is coupled to the second passenger
919 bridge according to any disclosed embodiments. For example, the
confinement structure may include a cable that is secured to the
ramp such as with two ground-anchored eye loops at each end of the
cable. The confinement structure, such as a cable and two eye
loops, exerts an active downward anchoring force on the second
passenger bridge 919 in order to secure the second passenger bridge
919 for passenger-use stability and also for wind-load stability.
The confinement structure allows the aircraft interface end to
align with the concourse interface 912 and the articulating first
interface 917 when in a configuration that is articulated away from
the subsequent regional aircraft 923.
[0063] As depicted in FIG. 9, the aircraft interface end 920 is not
aligned with the concourse interface 912 and the articulating first
interface 916 as the second passenger bridge 918 has been
articulated to allow the regional aircraft 922 to dock. It can be
appreciated that the second passenger bridge 918 can articulate to
the left as depicted to approach an eye loop embodiment and the
second passenger bridge 918 would then be aligned with the
concourse interface 912 and the articulating first interface
916.
[0064] As a consequence of the ultralight configuration embodiments
of the aircraft boarding apparatus 900, the second passenger bridge
918 may be manually articulated by a single ramp worker without the
use of motorized or otherwise non-human effort. Consequently,
manually articulating the second passenger bridge 918 may be done
even against a contrary wind. This may be done without a
mechanical-advantage assist in an embodiment where no
mechanical-advantage assist is needed. And in an embodiment, this
may be done with a mechanical-advantage assist where a
mechanical-advantage assist is needed.
[0065] In an embodiment, the two passenger bridges draw utilities
from a single module 996 such as a 400 Hz, 110 Volt power module
that can be coupled to each of the two regional aircraft for ramp
usage. It can now be appreciated that other utilities such as a
vacuum cleaner system may be shared between two aircraft for
aircraft cleaning such as during a remain overnight (RON) stop.
[0066] The aircraft boarding apparatus 900 may have any disclosed
length and width embodiments for the first passenger bridge 910
length and the second passenger bridge 918. The second passenger
bridge 918 is also coupled with a cab 934 such that the length of
the second passenger bridge 918 is measured to the center of the
cab 934. The cab 934 also has a ground-crew interface 935 that may
be open to allow ground personnel to handle gate-checked baggage
according to an embodiment. As a consequence of the cab 934 and the
remainder of the aircraft boarding apparatus 910, a pressure seal
is achieved between the external boundary 914 and the regional
aircraft 922 during passenger ingress and egress.
[0067] As a consequence of the ground-crew interface 935, baggage
may be checked at the aircraft door and loaded directly into the
aircraft belly by the ground crew.
[0068] In an embodiment, the aircraft boarding apparatus 910
includes an electronic boarding module 994 such that a passenger
may use a hand-held device such as a smart phone to gain a boarding
pass. A printer 995 may be placed within the concourse interface
912 such that a passenger may obtain a hard-copy boarding pass if
desired or required.
[0069] In an embodiment, a catering caddy 998 is affixed to the
passenger bridge such as at the first passenger bridge 910, and the
passenger may purchase or otherwise obtain amenities. For example,
the passenger boarding pass may have a code that allows a catering
caddy 998 to be accessed based upon the passenger fare agreement.
Consequently catering amenities are obtainable by a passenger such
as "open bar" or by a pay-go basis.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a plan layout 1000 for an air terminal with
embodiments of aircraft boarding apparatus. The layout 1000 shows
six air terminal gates, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, and E6 for a concourse
1008. In each depicted embodiment, the unit weight to unit lineal
length ratio may be any embodiment set forth in this
disclosure.
[0071] At gate E1, an aircraft boarding apparatus embodiment 1001
includes a first passenger bridge 1010 that has an aspect ratio
(length 1090 to width 1092) of less than 2. A second passenger
bridge 1018 consequently has a significantly larger length than the
first passenger bridge 1010, since the passenger bridge 1010 acts
as a low aspect-ratio rotunda. The second passenger bridge 1018 is
coupled to the first passenger bridge at an articulating first
interface 1016. The second passenger bridge 1018 is also coupled to
a cab 1034 according to an embodiment. The cab 1034 is depicted
with a docked regional aircraft 1022E1.
[0072] In an embodiment, any section of the first passenger bridge
1010, the articulating first interface 116, the second passenger
bridge 1018, and the cab 1034 has a unit weight per unit length
ratio according to any of the disclosed unit weight per unit length
ratio embodiment permutations as set forth in this disclosure. In
an embodiment, any section of the aircraft boarding apparatus
embodiment 1001 is dynamically anchored according to disclosed
embodiments. In an embodiment, any section of the aircraft boarding
apparatus embodiment 1001 is passively anchored according to
disclosed embodiments.
[0073] At gate E2, an aircraft boarding apparatus embodiment 1002
includes first passenger bridge 1010, an articulating first
interface 1016, a second passenger bridge 1018, and a cab 1034. The
second passenger bridge 1018 is coupled to the first passenger
bridge 1010 at the articulating first interface 1016. The second
passenger bridge 1018 is also coupled to a cab 1034 according to an
embodiment. The cab 1034 is depicted with a docked regional
aircraft 1022E2.
[0074] The second passenger bridge 1018 is depicted as coupled to a
regional aircraft, but it is also depicted in phantom lines to be
articulated away from the port side of the regional aircraft. It
can be seen that even when the second passenger bridge 1018 is in
the aircraft-docked position (all solid lines), the second
passenger bridge 1018 is to the right of, but not aligned with the
articulating first interface 1016 and the concourse interface 1012.
In other words, the aircraft boarding apparatus 1001 docks with an
aircraft 1022E2 when the second passenger bridge 1018 is to the
right of the symmetry (along the Y-dimension) of the first
passenger bridge 1010.
[0075] In an embodiment, any section of the first passenger bridge
1010, the articulating first interface 116, the second passenger
bridge 1018, and the cab 1034 has a unit weight per unit length
ratio according to any of the disclosed unit weight per unit length
ratio embodiment permutations set forth in this disclosure. In an
embodiment, any section of the aircraft boarding apparatus
embodiment 1001 is dynamically anchored according to disclosed
embodiments. In an embodiment, any section of the aircraft boarding
apparatus embodiment 1001 is passively anchored according to
disclosed embodiments.
[0076] At gate E3, an aircraft boarding apparatus embodiment 1003
includes first passenger bridge 1010, an articulating first
interface 1016, a second passenger bridge 1018, and a cab 1034. The
second passenger bridge 1018 is coupled to the first passenger
bridge 1010 at the articulating first interface 1016. The second
passenger bridge 1018 is also coupled to a cab 1034 according to an
embodiment. The second passenger bridge 1018 is depicted as coupled
to a regional aircraft, but it is also depicted in phantom lines to
be articulated away from the port side of the regional aircraft. It
can be seen that when the second passenger bridge 1018 is in the
aircraft-docked position (all solid lines), the second passenger
bridge 1018 is to the right of, but not aligned with the
articulating first interface 1016 and the concourse interface 112.
In an embodiment, any section of the aircraft boarding apparatus
embodiment 1003 is passively anchored according to disclosed
embodiments.
[0077] At gate E4, an aircraft boarding apparatus embodiment 1004
includes first passenger bridge 1010, an articulating first
interface 1016, a second passenger bridge 1018, and a cab 1034. The
second passenger bridge 1018 is coupled to the first passenger
bridge at the articulating first interface 116. The second
passenger bridge 1018 is also coupled to a cab 1034 according to an
embodiment. The second passenger bridge 1018 is depicted as coupled
to a regional aircraft, but it is also depicted in phantom lines to
be articulated away from the port side of the regional aircraft. It
can be seen that when the second passenger bridge 1018 is in the
aircraft-docked position (all solid lines), the second passenger
bridge 1018 is to the right of, but not aligned with the
articulating first interface 1016 and the concourse interface 112.
In an embodiment, any section of the aircraft boarding apparatus
embodiment 1004 is passively anchored according to disclosed
embodiments.
[0078] At gate E5, an aircraft boarding apparatus embodiment 1005
includes first passenger bridge 1010, an articulating first
interface 1016, a second passenger bridge 1018, and a cab 1034. The
second passenger bridge 1018 is coupled to the first passenger
bridge 1010 and the articulating first interface 1016 is coupled to
the concourse 1008. The second passenger bridge 1018 is also
coupled to a cab 1034 according to an embodiment. The second
passenger bridge 1018 is depicted as coupled to an air taxi 1022E5,
but it is also depicted in phantom lines to be collapsed
(telescoped) and/or articulated away from the port side of the air
taxi to allow the air taxi to push out forward if desired. In an
embodiment, any section of the aircraft boarding apparatus
embodiment 1003 is passively anchored according to disclosed
embodiments.
[0079] At gate E6, a triple-pier aircraft boarding apparatus
embodiment 1006 (also referred to as a "W-bridge") is coupled to
the concourse 1008 at a rotunda 1009. In an embodiment the a
double-pier ("Y-bridge") aircraft boarding apparatus may be coupled
to the rotunda 1009. It may now be appreciated that the rotunda
1009 may be doubled in configuration such that six regional
aircrafts access it. This may be accomplished by constructing three
more passenger bridges in mirror-configuration to what is depicted.
The rotunda 1009 would need to extend beyond the edge of the
concourse 1008 sufficient to allow aircraft clearance.
Consequently, up to six ultralight passenger bridges are
configurable to allow manual articulation.
[0080] A tug 1088 is coupled to a regional aircraft 1022a in
preparation to push back. A first pier 1006a includes a first
passenger bridge 1010a, an articulating first interface 1016a, a
second passenger bridge 1018a, and a cab 1034a. The second
passenger bridge 1018a is coupled to the first passenger bridge
1010a at the articulating first interface 1016a. The second
passenger bridge 1018a is also coupled to the cab 1034a according
to an embodiment. The second passenger bridge 1018a is depicted in
phantom lines next to the region aircraft, but it is also depicted
in solid lines since it has been articulated away from the port
side of the regional aircraft to allow the push back. The second
passenger bridge 1018a is aligned with the articulating first
interface 1016b and the concourse interface 1012b.
[0081] The other two aircraft-boarding apparatus piers 1006b and
1006c are depicted as attached to the rotunda 1009 at interfaces
1012b and 1012c, respectively. In a pier embodiment, any section of
the aircraft boarding apparatus embodiment 1006 is passively
anchored according to disclosed embodiment. In an embodiment, any
section of the aircraft boarding apparatus embodiment 1006 is
actively anchored according to disclosed embodiments.
[0082] It may now be appreciated that manually articulating any of
the second passenger bridge embodiments depicted in FIG. 10 may
include a mechanical-advantage assist such as a ratcheting
mechanism assembly embodiment depicted in FIG. 2. The
mechanical-advantage assist embodiment may also be applied to the
telescoped bridge 1018 at gate E5.
[0083] FIG. 11 is a method flow diagram 1100 according to an
embodiment.
[0084] At 1110, the method includes manually articulating an
aircraft boarding apparatus to allow a regional aircraft to dock
therewith. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the second
passenger bridge 119 (FIG. 1) has been manually pushed by a single
ramp worker to dock with the regional aircraft 122 while it is in
the ramp space. In a non-limiting method embodiment, manually
articulating includes using a mechanical advantage such as a towbar
282. In a non-limiting method embodiment, manually articulating
includes using a mechanical advantage such as a ratcheting assembly
227 that is actuated with a towbar 282.
[0085] At 1120 the method includes anchoring the aircraft boarding
apparatus in docking position. In a non-limiting exemplary
embodiment, the confinement structure depicted in FIG. 2 can be
used as a dynamic and active anchor to anchor the cab 234 in
docking position.
[0086] At 1130, the method includes at least one of loading and
unloading baggage and other items through the ground-crew
interface. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the cab 934 is
accessed at the ground-crew interface 935 such that allow ground
personnel to handle gate-checked baggage for belly loading or
unloading of the regional aircraft 922.
[0087] At 1132, the method includes sharing utilities between the
regional aircraft and a subsequent regional aircraft. In a
non-limiting example embodiment, the regional aircraft 922 and the
subsequent regional aircraft share utilities such as the power
module 996.
[0088] At 1140, the method includes allowing a passenger to eBoard
the regional aircraft. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the
electronic boarding module 994 is accessed by a passenger such as
with a hand-held device to gain a boarding pass. The printer 995
may also be accessed by the passenger such that the passenger
obtains a hard-copy boarding pass.
[0089] At 1142, the method includes allowing a passenger to obtain
catering amenities. In a non-limiting example embodiment, a
passenger is allowed to remove catering items on a complementary
basis.
[0090] It may now be understood that parallel method elements may
occur. In an example method embodiment, a method proceeds from 1120
and takes in at least one method element from 1130 and 1132, and
simultaneously at least one element from 1140 and 1142.
[0091] At 1150, the method includes manually articulating the
aircraft boarding apparatus to allow a regional jet to move out of
a ramp space. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the second
passenger bridge 1022a (FIG. 10) has been manually articulated by a
single ramp worker, and the regional aircraft 1022a is allowed to
move in the ramp space by use of the tug 1088 to push back.
[0092] At 1160, the method includes anchoring the aircraft boarding
apparatus in standby position. In a non-limiting example
embodiment, the second passenger bridge 218 and the cab 234 (FIG.
6) has been anchored in a standby position by the passive anchoring
system of the ground-based eye loop 228 and cable 226.
[0093] In a method embodiment, the method begins at 1110, proceeds
through 1120, moves directly to 1150, and terminates at 1160. In a
method embodiment, the previous four elements are included and at
least one of 1130, 1132, 1140, and 1142.
[0094] It may now be appreciated that manually articulating any of
the second passenger bridge embodiments depicted in this disclosure
may include a mechanical-advantage assist such as a ratcheting
mechanism assembly embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.
[0095] The term air taxi represents an aircraft with two-to about
10 seats, one of which is allocated for at least one pilot. In an
embodiment, two pilot seats are available, but only one pilot is
required to fly the aircraft, and, e.g., the right seat is
available for a passenger. The term regional aircraft is an
aircraft with a passenger capacity from about 6 to about 110
passengers, but which includes two pilots. Examples of regional
aircraft include aircraft made by LM Bombardier, Embraer, Fairchild
Aerospace, Gulf Stream, Cessna, Learjet, and others. The term
"large aircraft" is an aircraft with more than 110 passenger seats.
Examples of large aircraft include a narrowbody such as the MD-80
and the Boeing 757, up to a widebody such as the Boeing 767 or
MD-11. The term jumbo aircraft relates to an aircraft of the class
such as the Boeing 747. Hereinafter unless specifically stated
otherwise, however, large and jumbo aircraft will be referred to
generically as large aircraft.
[0096] The term interstitial can mean between two large aircraft.
Similarly, interstitial can mean taking up a given space that is
less than the docking bay area required for a single large aircraft
in a docking bay. Similarly, interstitial can mean taking up a
given space that is less than twice the docking bay area required
for a single large aircraft in a docking bay. Similarly,
interstitial can mean taking up a given space in part of the
docking bay area required for two contiguous large aircraft in
contiguous docking bays, which is not physically occupied by either
of the large aircraft. Other meanings for interstitial are set
forth in this disclosure.
[0097] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.
1.72(b) requiring an Abstract that will allow the reader to quickly
ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is
submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
[0098] The preceding description has been presented only to
illustrate and describe disclosed embodiments. It is not intended
to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to any precise form
disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light
of the above teaching.
[0099] Several embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the embodiments and their practical
application. The preceding description is intended to enable others
skilled in the art to best utilize the embodiments in various
embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the
particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the
disclosed embodiments be defined by the following claims.
[0100] It will be readily understood to those skilled in the art
that various other changes in the details, material, and
arrangements of the parts and method stages which have been
described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of the
aircraft boarding piers may be made without departing from the
principles and scope as expressed in the subjoined claims.
* * * * *