Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft structure – Load accommodation
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-08
2001-10-23
Poon, Peter M. (Department: 3643)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft structure
Load accommodation
C244S118500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305643
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an aircraft food storage and supply system, and more particularly, to a galley cart system for an aircraft having an upper deck and a lower deck with a galley arranged on the upper deck, the food carts being movable between the galley and the lower deck.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Commercial aircraft are typically fitted with galleys for storing and preparing food provided in meal services to passengers. Galleys include storage spaces for galley carts, which in turn contain food trays, beverages, silverware, etc. Galleys may also include ovens for heating food, coffeemakers, trash receptacles, and countertop space for food service preparation.
Current galley systems have a number of shortcomings. For example, in long-range flights in which two or three meals are served, large galleys are needed to accommodate the large number of galley carts needed to store the food and waste. These large galleys occupy a lot of space, and as a result, reduce the number of passenger seats that can be fitted on the passenger deck. This reduces the amount of revenue for the airline. It is known to provide cart and/or tray stowage in the aircraft lower lobe. However, known lower lobe stowage systems typically use automated components that, upon failure, do not allow manual access to the lower storage area. A further disadvantage of known galley systems is that in many commercial aircraft configurations, the galley is located on the passenger deck adjacent to where passengers are seated. The passengers can thus view portions of the food preparation and cleanup, which may be unpleasant to view, especially during cleanup.
Thus, a need exists for a commercial aircraft galley arrangement in which a large number of carts may be used without interfering with the number of passengers the airline is able to accommodate and without interfering with galley service during anomalous conditions. Ideally, such an improved galley system will not create an unpleasant environment for passengers to view. The present invention is directed to fulfilling these needs and others as described below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with aspects of the present invention, an automated cart stowage system is provided for use in an aircraft having a passenger deck with a galley and a lower deck located below the passenger deck. The system includes a number of moveable galley carts, a container, a passageway connecting the container with the galley, a cart lift, and access means. The container is sized and shaped to be located within the lower deck near the galley. The car lift is provided in the passageway to automatically transfer at least one galley cart at a time between the galley and the container. The access means are positionable within the passageway to assist a person in moving between the galley and the container.
During normal operations, the container is used for storing the galley carts during flight. Unused carts can be brought up from the container via the cart lift, while used carts can be stowed back in the container, away from the passengers. During anomalous conditions, the access means is made available to assist an attendant in entering and exiting the container via the passageway. In this manner, the attendant can manually transfer material to and from the carts stored in the container even though the cart lift system may be inoperative.
In accordance with further aspects of this invention, the container includes a first end and a second end. The distance between the ends define a longitudinal direction. The layout of the container includes first and second interior regions that extend between the container first and second ends. The galley carts are stowable end-to-end in one of these regions. The other region is left open to serve as an aisle way for an attendant to pass. In addition, an access space is left available between the carts. Should the attendant need to manually access the carts, he or she may do so by translating the carts to position the access space at the desired cart where objects can then be moved to and from each individual cart.
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Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
Jakel Kevin
Poon Peter M.
The Boeing Company
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