Aircraft engine storage frame and system
The embodied invention is a storage frame that supports an aircraft engine with flexible engine mounting and is easily assembled by bolts. It includes feet to anchor the frame to the ground. It has adjustable height legs and is attachable to a variety of engine mount positions. It includes a central lifting tube with lifting connections that allow the frame to be lifted by an overhead crane or forklift. The adjustable legs provide convenience in transferring the engine onto a shipping support stand.
1. An aircraft engine storage frame comprising:
A) two forward adjustable legs connected by a horizontally oriented first upper cross support,
B) two aft adjustable legs connected by a horizontally oriented second upper cross support,
C) a horizontally oriented lift support connected to a center of said first upper cross support and additionally connected to a center of said second upper cross support,
D) said lift support having a plurality of crane lift connections and a plurality of forklift connections,
E) a first cross brace support between said forward adjustable legs,
F) a second cross brace support between said aft adjustable legs, and
G) an engine attaching arm connected to each said forward adjustable leg and said aft adjustable leg.
2. The aircraft engine storage frame according to claim 1 , whereby said aircraft engine storage frame is capable of holding an aircraft engine weighing 7,500 lbs or less by a plurality of engine mounting points.
3. The aircraft engine storage frame according to claim 1 , wherein
A) said first upper cross support incorporates end connections and a center connection,
B) said second upper cross support incorporates end connections and a center connection, and
C) said forward adjustable legs and said aft adjustable legs incorporate upper end connections.
4. The aircraft engine storage frame according to claim 1 , wherein each said engine attaching arm further comprises:
A) a hanging plate connected to a threaded turnbuckle,
B) said threaded turnbuckle connected to a threaded clevis,
C) said threaded clevis rotatably connected to:
a) a lifting clevis with a locking pin, or
b) a lifting hook.
5. The aircraft engine storage frame according to claim 1 , wherein at least one lifting strap is connected to said first cross brace support or said second cross brace support.
6. A method of switching support for an aircraft engine from a transportation stand to a storage frame comprising:
A) providing an aircraft engine storage frame further comprising:
a) two forward adjustable legs connected by a horizontally oriented first upper cross support,
b) two aft adjustable legs connected by a horizontally oriented second upper cross support,
c) a horizontally oriented lift support connected to a center of said first upper cross support and additionally connected to a center of said second upper cross support,
d) said lift support having a plurality of crane lift connections and two forklift connections,
e) a first cross brace support between said forward adjustable legs,
f) a second cross brace support between said aft adjustable legs, and
g) an engine attaching arm connected to each said forward adjustable leg and said aft adjustable leg,
B) lifting said storage frame and positioning said storage frame above said aircraft engine that is mounted on said transportation stand,
C) lowering said storage frame to the ground and adjusting all said adjustable leg length relative to a plurality of engine mount positions, and
D) separately utilizing each of a plurality of aircraft mount connectors to transfer support of said aircraft engine from said transportation stand to each said aircraft engine storage frame.
7. The method according to claim 6 ,
whereby said aircraft engine storage frame is capable of holding said aircraft engine weighing 7,500 lbs. or less by a plurality of engine mounting points.
8. The method according to claim 6 , wherein
A) said first upper cross support incorporates end connections and a center connection,
B) said second upper cross support incorporates end connections and a center connection, and
C) said forward adjustable legs and said aft adjustable legs incorporate upper end connections.
9. The method according to claim 6 , wherein each said engine attaching arm further comprises:
A) a hanging plate connected to a threaded turnbuckle,
B) said threaded turnbuckle connected to a threaded clevis,
C) said threaded clevis rotatably connected to:
a) a lifting clevis with a locking pin, or
b) a lifting hook.
10. The method according to claim 6 , wherein at least one lifting strap is connected to said first cross brace support or said second cross brace support.