The present invention relates to a case for packaging and transporting an aircraft brake assembly.

As known by those skilled in the art, the aircraft brake assembly has characteristics such as its overweight, its constructive sensitivity and the need for a fair and accurate fitting in relation to the axis of the aircraft landing gear.

In addition to these peculiarities, in general, changing the brake assembly can be performed with the aircraft already having passengers on board, which requires speed, precision and great care on the part of the operators, because in this change the brake assembly to be removed is still hot due to its use, at a temperature exceeding 60°C.

The case for packaging and transporting the aircraft brake as- sembly does not require the use of belts, pulleys and hoists for removal and installation of the brake assembly during its change. Furthermore, the case holds the brake assembly always housed in its horizontal position, both in the withdrawal and in its fitting in relation to the axis of the aircraft landing gear, making these tasks easier. Still, the case for packaging and transporting of aircraft brake assembly allows the serial number and the proprietary number of the brake assembly to be checked, while said assembly is stored in the case.

The case also allows accommodating the brake assemblies that are at high temperatures while being removed, due to the use.

The present invention will be described in more detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 represents an exploded perspective view of the case for packaging and transporting the brake assembly;

Figure 2 represents a perspective view of the case for packaging and transporting the brake assembly in the closed position;

Figure 3 represents a side view of the case; and

Figure 4 represents a section view of the case in the closed posi- tion.

According to these figures, the case for packaging and transporting the brake assembly, object of the present invention, is comprised of a substantially parallelepiped body in its closed condition, internally defining contoured peripheral walls in a compatible volumetric format of the brake assembly to be accommodated therein in order to set up an accommodation niche that receives the brake assembly in a tight position.

The case also comprises an internal lining provided with a thermal insulation which coats the accommodation niche, so as to enable the niche to endure high temperatures. This feature allows the brake assembly to be withdrawn from the axis of the aircraft landing gear to be removed even when the brake assembly is at a high temperature due to use, all without damaging the case. Examples of thermal insulating materials which may be used are the celeron and the silicone.

This case presents on their transverse walls a plurality of inspection windows that serve as a display, or allow visual access to the brake assembly, thus allowing the checking of serial numbers and control numbers of the brake assembly, without opening the case.

The longitudinal upper and lower walls of the case have the same profile consisting of recesses and projections determining beds or engaging axial rails for supporting booms or arms in an existing trolley (not shown).

As can be seen in the figures, the case in its open condition defines two parts, engageable with one another by oblique edges, which extend according to the diagonal of the side walls and transversely to the upper and lower walls of the case, setting up on each of the open parts an access edge with an elliptical contour and on an inclined plane. This inclination is presented in mirror image to each piece so as to allow top fitting among the pieces, thus setting up the parallelepiped case when in its closed condition.

The pieces are fixed together by engagement under pressure performed by ironware existing near the access edges of the pieces, and said ironware being defined by a provided articulated clamp and a piece which operates under pressure with a gripper provided on the other piece. Additionally, the case comprises a system in the form of through bolt for tightly attaching the pieces that comprise the case.

Although a preferred constructive concept has been described and illustrated, it should be clarified that design changes are possible and attainable without departing from the scope of the present invention.