CARGO HOIST SYSTEM FOR HELICOPTERS

• US 3,601,342 A
• Filed: 06/20/1969
• Issued: 08/24/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 06/20/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Frank N. Piasecki
• Original Assignee: Frank N. Piasecki
• Inventors: PIASECKI, Frank N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Buchler, Milton
• Assistant Examiner(s): Weinrieb, Steven W.
• Application Number:
  US04/835,049
• Time in Patent Office: 795 Days
• Field of Search: 244/137 212/55 254/143 52/118,121
• US Class Current: 244/137.4
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 1/22 Taking-up articles from earth's surface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18848 with pulley

Abstract

A cargo hoist system for a helicopter including a boom extensible along its length, operatively connected at one end thereof to the helicopter, carrier means detachably connectable to a cargo unit to be hoisted, means disposed on the free end of the boom detachably connectable to the carrier means, and means for retracting the extensible boom.

Claims

1. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter comprising a single boom extensible along its length, operatively connected at one end thereof to said helicopter, carrier means detachably connectable to cargo to be hoisted, means disposed on the free end of said boom detachably connectable to said carrier means, and means disposed on said helicopter and extending entirely within said boom for retracting said extensible boom along its length.

2. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said extensible boom coMprises a plurality of telescopic sections.

3. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said extensible boom comprises a plurality of telescopic sections and wherein successive sections are provided with engageable surfaces for preventing rotary displacement of successive sections about the longitudinal axis of said extensible boom.

4. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said extensible boom comprises a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at the opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section.

5. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein the connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter is operative to permit pitch and roll motions of said extensible boom.

6. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said carrier means includes a collapsible hoop and said means disposed on the free end of said extensible boom comprises a hook device operatively engageable with said hoop for engaging and suspending said carrier means on the free end of said extensible boom.

7. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said means for retracting said extensible boom comprises a winch including a cable having the free end thereof secured to the free end of said extensible boom.

8. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, including means for pivoting said boom in the extended condition about a pitch axis.

9. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said means for retracting said extensible boom comprises a winch including a strap having the free end thereof secured to said means detachably connectable to said carrier means.

10. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said extensible boom comprises a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at the opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section and wherein said means for retracting said extensible boom comprises a winch disposed adjacent said helicopter including a multiple-ply lifting strap having the free end thereof secured to said means detachably connectable to said carrier means.

11. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said extensible boom comprises a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at the opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section, said connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter is operative to permit pitch and roll motions of said extensible boom, said carrier means includes a hoop, said means disposed on the free end of said extensible boom comprises a hook device mounted on a telescopic boom section, operatively engageable with said hoop for engaging and suspending said carrier means on the free end of said extensible boom, and said means for retracting said extensible boom comprises a winch disposed adjacent said helicopter including a multiple-ply lifting strap having the free end thereof secured to the telescopic boom section at the free end of said extensible boom, and including means for pivoting said extensible boom in the extended condition about its pitch axis.

12. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said means for retracting said extensible boom comprises a winch including a winding drum disposed adjacent the helicopter and a cable reeved about a first set of sheaves mounted on the free end of said extensible boom and a second set of sheaves mounted adjacent said drum, and the free end thereof secured to the free end of said extensible boom.

13. A cargo hoist system according to claim 1, wHerein said carrier means detachably connectable to cargo to be hoisted, comprises an elongated frame adapted to be positioned on the cargo to be hoisted, a hoop adapted to be engaged and connected by said detachably connectable means disposed on the free end of said boom, and means for detachably securing said cargo to the underside of said frame.

14. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 13, wherein said means for securing said cargo to the underside of said elongated frame comprises a plurality of straps adapted to be passed under the cargo and drawn taut to positively secure the cargo to the underside of said elongated frame.

15. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 1, wherein said extensible boom comprises a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at the opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section, and wherein said connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter includes a mounting bracket mounted on said helicopter, a mounting frame pivotally connected to said mounting bracket and a base end telescopic section pivotally connected to said mounting frame.

16. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 13, wherein said pivotal connection between said mounting frame and said mounting bracket permits pivotal movement of said boom about a roll axis and said pivotal connection between the base and telescopic section of said boom and said mounting frame permits pivotal movement of said boom about a pitch axis.

17. A cargo hoist system according to claim 16, including means for dampening any oscillating motion of said extensible boom about at least one of said axes.

18. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 15, wherein said means for retracting said extensible boom comprises a winch including a winding drum operatively mounted on said mounting frame and a cable extending through said telescopic boom sections and connected at its free end to the telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, and means mounted on said mounting frame for operating said winch.

19. A cargo hoist system according to claim 18, including a first set of sheaves mounted on said mounting frame and a second set of sheaves mounted on said telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, and wherein said cable is reeved about said sheaves.

20. A cargo hoist system according to claim 15, including a hydraulic cylinder assembly operatively interconnecting said helicopter and a base end telescopic section for pivoting said boom fore and aft about a pitch axis, and remote control means for operating said hydraulic cylinder assembly.

21. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter according to claim 15, wherein said connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter permits pivotal movements of said boom about roll and pitch axes, and wherein said means for retracting said extensible boom comprises a winch including a winding drum rotatably mounted on said mounting frame, having an axis of rotation disposed parallel to said pitch axis, and a multiple ply lifting strap extending through said telescopic boom sections and connected at its free end to the telescopic boom sections at the free end of said boom, and means mounted on said mounting frame for operating said winch including remote control means.

22. A cargo hoist system according to claim 17, including a first set of sheaves rotatably mounted on said mounting frame, having axes disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of said winding drum, and a second set of sheaves rotatably mounted on said telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, and wherein said strap is reeved about said sheaves.

23. A cargo hoist system according to claim 15, wherein said extensible boom comprises a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at thE opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section, and wherein said connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter includes a bracket mounted on said helicopter, a mounting frame pivotally connected to said mounting bracket to permit movement of said extensible boom about a roll axis, said mounting frame having a pair of downwardly extending arm sections, a base end telescopic section pivotally connected to the arm sections of said mounting frame to permit pivotal movement of said extensible boom about a pitch axis, and wherein said means for retracting said extensible boom comprises a winch including a winding drum rotatably connected to said frame member between said arm sections, having an axis of rotation disposed parallel with said pitch axis, and a multiple-ply lifting strap extending through said telescopic boom sections and connected at its free end to the telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, and means mounted on said mounting frame for operating said winch having remote control means.

24. A cargo hoist system according to claim 18, including a hydraulic cylinder assembly operatively interconnecting said helicopter and said base end telescopic section for pivoting said boom fore and aft about said pitch axis, and remote control means for operating said hydraulic cylinder assembly.

25. A cargo hoist system according to claim 23, including a first set of sheaves rotatably mounted on said mounting frame between said arm sections, having the axes thereof disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of said winding drum, and a second set of sheaves mounted on said telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, having the axes thereof disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of said winding drum, and wherein said strap is reeved about said sheaves.

26. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter comprising a boom extensible along its length, operatively connected at one end thereof to said helicopter, carrier means detachably connectable to cargo to be hoisted, means disposed on the free end of said boom detachably connectable to said carrier means, and means for retracting said extensible boom, said extensible boom comprising a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at the opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section and said means for retracting said extensible boom comprising a winch disposed adjacent said helicopter including a multiple-ply lifting strap having free end thereof secured to said means detachably connectable to said carrier means.

27. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter comprising a boom extensible along its length, operatively connected at one end thereof to said helicopter, carrier means detachably connectable to cargo to be hoisted, means disposed on the free end of said boom detachably connectable to said carrier means, means for retracting said extensible boom, aid extensible boom comprising a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at the opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section, said connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter being operative to permit pitch and roll motions of said extensible boom, said carrier means including a hoop, said means disposed on the free end of said extensible boom comprising a hook device mounted on a telescopic boom section, operatively engageable with said hoop for engaging and suspending said carrier means on the free end of said extensible boom, and said means for retracting said extensible boom comprising a winch disposed adjacent said helicopter including a multiple-ply lifting strap having the free end thereof secured to the telescopic boom section at the free end of said extensible boom, and means for pivoting said eXtensible boom in the extended condition about its pitch axis.

28. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter comprising a boom extensible along its length, operatively connected at one end thereof to said helicopter, carrier means detachably connectable to cargo to be hoisted, means disposed on the free end of said boom detachably connectable to said carrier means, and means for retracting said extensible boom, said means for retracting said extensible boom comprising a winch including a winding drum disposed adjacent the helicopter and a cable reeved about a first set of sheaves mounted on the free end of said extensible boom and a second set of sheaves mounted adjacent said drum, and the free end thereof secured to the free end of said extensible boom.

29. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter comprising a boom extensible along its length, operatively connected at one end thereof to said helicopter, carrier means detachably connectable to cargo to be hoisted, means disposed on the free end of said boom detachably connectable to said carrier means, and means for retracting said extensible boom, said extensible boom comprising a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at the opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section, said connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter boom sections and connected at its free end to the telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, and means mounted on said mounting frame for operating said winch including remote control means.

30. A cargo hoist system according to claim 29, including a first set of sheaves mounted on said mounting frame and a second set of sheaves mounted on said telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, and wherein said cable is reeved about said sheaves.

31. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter comprising a boom extensible along its length, operatively connected at one end thereof to said helicopter, carrier means detachably connectable to cargo to be hoisted, means disposed on the free end of said boom detachably connectable to said carrier means, and means for retracting said extensible boom, said extensible boom comprising a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at the opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section, said connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter including a mounting bracket mounted on said helicopter, a mounting frame pivotally connected to said mounting bracket and a base end telescopic section pivotally connected to said mounting frame, said connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter permits pivotal movements of said boom about roll and pitch axes, and said means for retracting said extensible boom comprising a winch including a winding drum rotatably mounted on said mounting frame, having a axis of rotation disposed parallel to said pitch axis, and a multiple ply lifting strap extending through said telescopic boom sections and connected at its free end to the telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, and means mounted on said mounting frame for operating said winch including remote control means.

32. A cargo hoist system according to claim 31, including a first set of sheaves rotatably mounted on said mounting frame, have axes disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of said winding drum, and a second set of sheaves rotatably mounted on said telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, and wherein said strap is reeved about said sheaves.

33. A cargo hoist system for a helicopter comprising a boom extensible along its length, operatively connected at one end thereof to said helicopter, carrier means detachably connectable to cargo to be hoisted, means disposed on the free end of said boom detachably connectable to said carrier means, and means fOr retracting said extensible boom, said extensible boom comprising a plurality of telescopic sections each having a noncircular cross-sectional configuration and means disposed at the opposite ends thereof for limiting the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to a successive telescopic section, said connection of said extensible boom to said helicopter includes a mounting bracket mounted on said helicopter and a mounting frame pivotally connected to said mounting bracket, said mounting frame having a pair of downwardly extending arm sections, a base end telescopic section pivotally connected to the arm sections of said mounting frame to permit pivotal movement of said extensible boom about a pitch axis, and said means for retracting said extensible boom comprising a winch including a winding drum rotatably connected to said frame member between said arm sections, having an axis of rotation disposed parallel with said pitch axis, and a multiple-ply lifting strap extending through said telescopic boom sections and connected at its free end to the telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, and means mounted on said mounting frame for operating said winch having remote control means.

34. A cargo hoist system according to claim 33, including a hydraulic cylinder assembly operatively interconnecting said helicopter and said base end telescopic section for pivoting said boom fore and aft said pitch axis, and remote control means for operating said hydraulic cylinder assembly.

35. A cargo hoist system according to claim 33, including a first set of sheaves rotatably mounted on said mounting frame between said arm sections, having the axes thereof disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of said winding drum, and a second set of sheaves mounted on said telescopic boom section at the free end of said boom, having the axes thereof disposed parallel to the axis of rotation of said winding drum, and wherein said strap is reeved about said sheaves.