Device for attachment to a helicopter
First Claim
1. A load frame adapted for external attachment to a helicopter by its cargo hook, comprising a base means, a plurality of arms radiating from said base means and adapted to releasably engage predetermined parts on said helicopter, a strap-like member for engaging said cargo hook and winch means on said base means adapted, in operation, to winch-in said strap-like member and move said load frame into stable flight position beneath said helicopter with said arms firmly engaging said predetermined parts.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Cargo loads are frequently carried by being slung under a helicopter and carried by its cargo hook. One of the problems arising from this type of transportation is that the load is reasonably unstable relative to the helicopter, and its instability precludes certain operations which would otherwise be possible. The invention provides a device that creates the desired stability. There is described a load frame for external attachment to a helicopter by its cargo hook. The frame has a base from the upper face of which radiates a plurality of arms which engage the underside of the skids of the helicopter. By means of a winch mounted on the base, the load frame can be snugged up into a stable flight position beneath the helicopter with the arms firmly engaging the underside of the helicopter skids. There is also disclosed a reel for attachment to the load frame which conveniently can be used to pay out a fire hose or the like from the helicopter in flight.
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Citations
17 Claims
- 1. A load frame adapted for external attachment to a helicopter by its cargo hook, comprising a base means, a plurality of arms radiating from said base means and adapted to releasably engage predetermined parts on said helicopter, a strap-like member for engaging said cargo hook and winch means on said base means adapted, in operation, to winch-in said strap-like member and move said load frame into stable flight position beneath said helicopter with said arms firmly engaging said predetermined parts.
- 3. A load frame adapted for external attachment to a helicopter by its cargo hook, comprising a base means having an upper face, a plurality of arms radiating from said upper face outwardly of said base means and adapted to releasably engage predetermined parts on said helicopter, a strap-like member for engaging said cargo hook and winch means on said upper face, adapted in operation, to winch-in said strap-like member and move said load frame into stable flight position beneath said helicopter with said arms firmly engaging said predetermined parts.
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5. A load frame adapted for external attachment to a helicopter by its cargo hook, comprising a base means, a plurality of arms radiating from said base means, engagement means on said arms adapted to releasably engage predetermined parts on said helicopter, a strap-like member for engaging said cargo hook and winch means on said base means adapted, in operation, to winch-in said strap-like member and move said load frame into stable flight position beneath said helicopter with said engagement means firmly engaging said predetermined parts;
- said arms being vertically resilient.
- View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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14. A load frame adapted for external attachment to a helicopter by its cargo hook, comprising a base means, a plurality of arms radiating from said base means, engagement means on said arms adapted to releasably engage predetermined parts on said helicopter, a strap-like member for engaging said cargo hook and winch means on said base means adapted, in operation, to winch-in said strap-like member and move said load frame into stable flight position beneath said helicopter with said engagement means firmly engaging said predetermined parts;
- said engagement means being vertically resiliently biased.
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15. In combination, a load frame adapted for external attachment to a helicopter by its cargo hook and comprising a base means, a plurality of arms radiating from said base means and adapted to releasably engage predetermined parts on said helicopter, a strap-like member for engaging said cargo hook and winch means on said base means adapted, in operation, to winch-in said strap-like member and move said load frame into stable flight position beneath said helicopter with said arms firmly engaging said predetermined parts;
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a frame member on said load frame, and a reel member rotatably mounted on said frame member.
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16. In combination, a load frame adapted for external attachment to a helicopter by its cargo hook and comprising a base means, a plurality of arms radiating from said base means and adapted to releasably engage predetermined parts on said helicopter, a strap-like member for engaging said cargo hook and winch means on said base means adapted, in operation, to winch-in said strap-like member and move said load frame into stable flight position beneath said helicopter with said arms firmly engaging said predetermined parts;
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a ground-engaging rest frame; and a reel readily detachably mounted on said rest frame for being supported on said rest frame when said rest frame is on the ground, and means detachably mounting said reel and rest frame on said load frame. - View Dependent Claims (17)
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Specification