The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 06, 2012
Filed:
Mar. 31, 2006
Timothy C. Hudson, Edmonds, WA (US);
Timothy C. Hudson, Edmonds, WA (US);
The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US);
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for removably securing payloads are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes coupling the payload to a body of a locking assembly, engaging an insertion portion of the body into a channel of a track, translating the insertion portion to a second position until at least one self-alignment feature of the locking assembly abuts an abutment portion of the track, the body being substantially constrained from movement away from the track in the second position, and actuating at least one engagement member to a secured position, the body being substantially constrained from movement along the track in the secured position. In an alternate embodiment, in the unsecured position the at least one engagement member is withdrawn from the channel, and in the secured position the at least one engagement member projects into the channel.