A swing bridge type of aircraft loading bridge structure for use in providing access between an aircraft and a terminal can be constructed so as to minimize the amount of bridge slope by using a rotunda structure attached to a loading bridge so as to move in conjunction with the bridge. A first or rotunda support is used to rotatably carry a secondary support so that this secondary support may be rotated in a horizontal plane and the rotunda structure is rotatably mounted on the secondary support so as to be capable of being rotated in a vertical plane. The axis of the vertical rotation is preferably located adjacent to the terminal. Drive means are connected to the bridge for rotating the bridge horizontally and vertically with respect to the terminal.
A transition protector for telescopic gangways with a bellows having one end fixed to a rigid passageway and another end which can be brought to a door opening in the fuselage wall of an aircraft, and which surrounds the telescopic gangway in the manner of a tunnel or tube between its two ends. The front end of the bellows, which can be brought to the fuselage by changing the extension of the bellows, is surrounded by a rigid frame which is attached to the bellows and carries a large, detachably connected strip-shaped bumper, which can be elastomerically deformed on its front side facing the fuselage.
An improved connecting apparatus for providing a weatherproof connection between a stationary enclosure and a movable enclosure. The connecting apparatus is secured to the stationary enclosure. The movable enclosure is positioned in contact with the outer edges of the connecting apparatus whereby a connection corridor is formed between the stationary enclosure and the movable enclosure.
An assembly system comprises a connection tube of flexible sheet material. The connection tube has at its end a rigid frame element which is larger than a rigid frame element formed in similar manner but of smaller dimensions. The larger frame element and the sheet material affixed thereto are pushed through the smaller frame element and drawn tight against the latter for sealingly urging the flexible sheet material thereagainst.
An inflatable canopy which is primarily intended to be utilized in at least partially enclosing the space between an aircraft loading bridge and an aircarft can be constructed utilizing an inflatable member divided up into interconnected internal sections so that when the member is inflated, the inflatable member will flare outwardly from an essentially flat folded position to an inflated position corresponding to the shape of an aircraft hull. A frame means for supporting the sections of the inflatable member in both the folded and inflated positions is provided along with a counterweight folding means for moving the canopy from the inflated position to the folded position. The inflatable member is preferably mounted on a frame body pivotally connected to an aircraft loading bridge. This frame body may be spaced from the bridge; the space between it and the bridge may be enclosed by a bellows.
A passenger conveyance vehicle loading and unloading ramp has one end pivotally supported adjacent a terminal building and the other end supported for movement into and away from a loading position at a vehicle door includes an enlarged generally cylindrical head mounted adjacent the outer end of the ramp for limited pivotal movement about a horizontal axis extending transversely of the longitudinal axis of the ramp, and a cab or vestibule mounted on the enlarged head for movement therewith and for pivotal movement about a generaly vertical axis for contact with the vehicle throughout a wide range of angles between the longitudinal axes of the ramp and of the conveyance vehicle. The vestibule is supported entirely from its bottom portion whereby the vestibule structure may be relatively lightweight since only minimal loads will have to be transferred between the top and bottom of the vestibule structure.
