US3971532A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Rudder restraint for grounded aircraft
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1975-08-04
•
Granted: 1976-07-27
•
Expires: 1995-08-04
Abstract
Abstract A rudder restraint for grounded aircraft includes a central rudder trailing edge engaging bracket that may be secured on opposite sides of an airplane empennage by anchor clamps attached to the bracket through nonextendible cords. The clamps are attached to leading edges of opposite horizontal stabilizers. The leading edge clamps, nonextendible cords and central bracket hold the rudder against movement about its pivot axis. A spring is connected in line with one of the cords to enable a uniform tension to be applied to both cords when the restraint is positioned on the aircraft.
Inventors
- 👤 Craig Fountain
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 10:02
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64F; B64F5/00; B64F5/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
A rudder restraint for grounded or stored airplanes, comprising: a first clamp member for engaging the leading edge of a first horizontal stabilizer of an airplane empennage; a first nonextendible flexible cord connected at one end to the first clamp member; a rudder trailing edge engaging bracket connected to the remaining end of the first flexible cord; a second nonextendible flexible cord connected at one end to the rudder engaging bracket; a second clamp member connected to the remaining end of the second cord for engaging the leading edge of a second horizontal stabilizer of the airplane; and cord tensioning means for holding the cords taut when the first and second clamp members are in position on the leading edges of the horizontal stabilizers and the rudder engaging bracket is engaged with the trailing edge of the rudder.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
A rudder restraint for grounded or stored airplanes, comprising: a first clamp member for engaging the leading edge of a first horizontal stabilizer of an airplane empennage; a first nonextendible flexible cord connected at one end to the first clamp member; a rudder trailing edge engaging bracket connected to the remaining end of the first flexible cord; a second nonextendible flexible cord connected at one end to the rudder engaging bracket; a second clamp member connected to the remaining end of the second cord for engaging the leading edge of a second horizontal stabilizer of the airplane; and cord tensioning means for holding the cords taut when the first and second clamp members are in position on the leading edges of the horizontal stabilizers and the rudder engaging bracket is engaged with the trailing edge of the rudder.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The rudder restraint as recited by claim 1 wherein the tensioning means is comprised of a tension spring connected between the first clamp member and the first cord.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
42 words
The rudder restraint as recited by claim 1 wherein the first and second clamp members include concave leading edge engaging surfaces covered with a cushioning material to prevent damage to the leading edges and to resist sliding movement along the leading edges.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
41 words
The rudder restraint as recited by claim 3 wherein the rudder engaging bracket includes a concave rudder trailing edge engaging surface covered with a cushioning material to cushion the rudder trailing edge and resist sliding movement along the rudder trailing edge.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The rudder restraint as recited by claim 4 wherein the tensioning means is comprised of a tension spring connected between the first clamp member and the first cord.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3288401A
Cited
US3589760A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1979-07-27 | 1980-01-26 | 1980-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-07-27 | 1984-01-26 | 1984-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-07-27 | 1988-01-26 | 1988-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |