Galley cart storage system and method of use

Abstract

A mobile platform galley cart storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of joined walls defining a galley area. A plurality of mobile carts are stored in the galley area, including at least a first side-by-side subgroup of carts and a second-side-by-side subgroup-of carts positioned above the first subgroup. An optional third subgroup is positioned above the second subgroup. An automatic transfer system lifts and horizontally transfers carts to predetermined storage locations on racks supporting each elevated subgroup of carts. The carts are stored in either randomly accessible locations or in first-in/last-out locations.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to mobile platform service item storage and handling and more specifically to an aircraft galley cart storage and retrieval system and method of use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mobile passenger carrying platforms, such as aircraft, ships, trains, buses, etc. often provide food or beverages for passengers. Food and beverages are commonly heated or otherwise prepared for distribution by personnel within galley areas. Food and beverages prepared in the galley are frequently transported to individual passenger seating areas using galley carts. Galley carts in many industries including the aircraft industry have been standardized in size. For example, an exemplary aircraft galley cart is approximately 34 inches high, approximately 12 inches wide and approximately 40.5 inches deep and can weigh approximately 250 pounds. Galley carts are therefore provided with wheels to provide mobility for the carts. For extended flights requiring two or more meals, several dozen carts may be required.

Service products including food, beverages and condiments are frequently loaded into multiple carts before the mobile platform departs. Separate meals of multiple meal flights are often accommodated in assigned groups of carts. Based on their quantity, size and weight, a system for storage and retrieval of carts is often necessary. In the aircraft industry, for example, galley carts are frequently stored at passenger deck level, under countertops within one or more galley areas. It is undesirable to significantly expand galley “footprint” size to accommodate more floor-area carts because this conflicts with the need to maximize the number of passenger seats. For the same reasons, it is undesirable to increase the number of galleys. Additional galley cart storage has been alternatively provided in lower levels of the aircraft, but this reduces available stowage space for cargo in the lower level.

Because galley cart weight can often reach 250 pounds, it is impractical for personnel to manually manipulate or lift carts to any significant height. This has prevented vertical stacking of carts in confined spaces such as a galley.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mobile platform service product storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of joined walls defining a galley area. A plurality of mobile carts is operably storable in the galley area. A first side-by-side subgroup of the mobile carts is provided. A second side-by-side subgroup of the mobile carts is positioned within the galley area above the first subgroup.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a mobile platform service product storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of joined walls defining a galley area. A plurality of mobile carts are operably storable in the galley area, including a first cart subgroup and a second cart subgroup positioned above the first subgroup. A substantially circular rack defines a plurality of predetermined mobile cart parking locations. Each of the locations is operable to store one of the mobile carts of the second cart subgroup.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a service product storage and retrieval system for a mobile platform includes a plurality of joined walls defining a galley area. A plurality of mobile carts are operably storable in the galley area in one of a first cart subgroup and a second cart subgroup. Each of the subgroups have the mobile carts arranged in a side-by-side configuration. A rack is operable to support each of the mobile carts of both the first and second subgroups. The rack is elevated above a galley area passageway.

According to still yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a galley cart storage and retrieval system for a mobile platform includes a first row of galley carts. A second row of galley carts is positioned above the first row. A third row of galley carts is positioned both approximately level with and in front of the first row. Each of the galley carts of the first, second and third rows are arranged in a side-by-side configuration of adjacent carts within each of the rows. An automated rotation mechanism is operable to simultaneously rotate both the first row and the second row of galley carts. Rotation of the first row and the second row of galley carts operably positions a desired one of the first row and the second row of galley carts for removal through an end cart removal cavity of the third row.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for storing and retrieving carts of a mobile platform galley comprises: grouping a plurality of mobile carts into a side-by-side orientation to each other; dividing the mobile carts into at least a first cart group and a second cart group; positioning the second cart group above the first cart group within the mobile platform galley; automatically accessing an individual mobile cart of the second cart group; and automatically transferring the individual mobile cart to an access area in the first cart group.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present inventions or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partially sectioned, perspective view of an aircraft having an exemplary galley cart storage system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view taken at section 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a partial elevational view taken at view 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partially sectioned, perspective view of another preferred embodiment of a galley cart storage system of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view taken at section 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially sectioned, perspective view of another preferred embodiment for a galley cart storage system of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken at section 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partially sectioned, perspective view of still another preferred embodiment for a galley cart storage system of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view taken at section 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partially sectioned, perspective view of still another preferred embodiment for a galley cart storage system of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view taken at section 11-11 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of still another preferred embodiment for a galley cart storage system of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view taken at view 13-13 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a partial plan view including an arrangement of the galley cart storage system of FIG. 12, combined with a mirror image configuration of the galley cart storage system of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view taken at view 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a partial end elevational view taken at view 16-16 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a partial plan view taken at view 17-17 of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a partial sectional view of still yet another preferred embodiment for a galley cart storage system of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view taken at view 19-19 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing an exemplary control panel and a plurality of access panels according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of exemplary operations to use a galley cart storage of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Galley cart storage systems as provided herein are described in reference to exemplary aircraft applications. Galley cart storage systems of the present invention are not intended to be limited to aircraft applications, but can be used in any mobile platform also including, but not limited to ships, trains, buses, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and referring to FIG. 1, an aircraft 10 includes wings 11 and a galley cart storage system 12 of the present invention, positioned within a passenger seating area of aircraft 10. Galley cart storage system 12 is shown positioned forward of wings 11, but is also preferably positioned aft of wings 11 when used in economy class seating areas of aircraft 10, normally positioned aft of wings 11. Galley cart storage system 12 is provided in a galley area 14. Galley area 14 includes a standard galley portion 15, including: at least one galley wall 16; a countertop area 18; a set of cabinets 20; and a galley passageway 22. Forward of standard galley portion 15 is a lower cart group 24, an upper forward cart group 26, and an upper aft cart group 28. Both upper forward cart group 26 and upper aft cart group 28 are positioned above a passenger cabin ceiling. Upper aft cart group 28 is also positioned above the galley passageway 22. Galley area 14 is positioned and supported on a passenger deck 30. FIG. 1 also shows a longitudinal axis 32 for aircraft 10. Galley passageway 22 is oriented approximately perpendicular to longitudinal axis 32.

Referring to FIG. 2, galley area 14 further includes a galley ceiling 34 in addition to the one or more galley walls 16. Galley walls 16 and galley ceiling 34, in addition to passenger deck 30 (shown in FIG. 1), provide sealed wall sections to enclose portions of galley area 14 to be subsequently refrigerated. Refrigeration equipment and tubing (not shown) is known in the art and is provided to refrigerate food and/or beverages in galley area 14 to temperatures of approximately 35° F. A rack 36 supports a plurality of galley carts 38 of both upper forward cart group 26 (shown) and upper aft cart group 28 (shown in FIG. 1). Both upper forward cart group 26 and upper aft cart group 28, together with rack 36, are positioned approximately perpendicular to longitudinal axis 32. An additional plurality of galley carts 38 are locally stowed and available for manual access under countertop area 18. Galley walls 16 are not required to enclose each galley cart for cooling, and alternatives for cooling include using dry ice local to any cart or using refrigerated air piping ducted to individual or groups of galley carts 38. Increased strength floor beams 37 are used in passenger deck 30 as necessary, in this and all embodiments of the present invention, to support the additional weight from increased quantities of galley carts 38.

Galley carts 38 are stored and retrieved in both upper forward cart group 26 and upper aft cart group 28, respectively, by positioning each individual galley cart 38 into a cart access area 40 and vertically lifting each galley cart 38 via a cart lift 42 in a cart vertical lift direction “A”. When each galley cart 38 reaches the elevation of rack 36, a mechanism (not shown) horizontally translates each galley cart 38 in a cart storage direction “B” (shown for the exemplary upper forward cart group 26) to a predetermined parking position 43 on rack 36. Rack 36 is elevated to provide a passageway headroom height “C”. Galley carts 38 are moved out of cart transfer space 48 and into upper forward cart group 26 in a cart forward loading direction “D”. Similarly, galley carts 38 are moved into upper aft cart group 28 in a cart aft loading direction “E”. In this embodiment, any galley cart 38 positioned on rack 36 is positioned in a randomly accessible configuration.

Based on the ability to vertically lift each galley cart 38 using cart lift 42, galley area 14 is expanded vertically into overhead area 44 of aircraft 10. This advantageously uses available space within overhead area 44, while still retaining the elevated galley carts 38 within a refrigerated envelope of galley area 14. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, galley area 14 is approximately centrally divided about an aircraft centerline 46. This maximizes an available envelope for galley area 14. It is also possible, however, to shift galley area 14 to either a left or a right position about aircraft centerline 46 as viewed in FIG. 2, thereby providing an off-center arrangement for galley area 14. An off-center arrangement for galley area 14 is advantageous in aircraft 10 having non-balanced seating arrangements, for example, an arrangement having three seats on one side of aircraft centerline 46 and two seats on the opposite side of aircraft centerline 46 (not shown for clarity).

Referring to both FIGS. 2 and 3, galley cart storage system 12 provides a cart transfer space 48 approximately centrally dividing upper forward cart group 26 from upper aft cart group 28. Cart transfer space 48 provides for an athwartship translation of individual galley carts 38 on rack 36 to access one of predetermined parking positions 43 on rack 36. The passageway headroom height “C” permits personnel in galley area 14 freedom of motion within the galley and under the stowed galley carts 38 of upper aft cart group 28. Each galley cart 38 is locked in position on rack 36 by locks known in the art (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 3, each galley cart 38 includes a pair of opposed cart “sides” 39. To maximum storage volume within galley area 14, each adjacent pair of galley carts 38 is arranged such that adjacent cart sides 39 approximately abut one another. This configuration is herein referred to as a “side-by-side” configuration. A minimum clearance between adjacent galley carts 38 is provided to allow ease in loading and/or unloading carts from rack 36. The side-by-side configuration is shown in greater detail in reference to FIG. 2.

Referring next to FIG. 4, a galley cart storage system 50 includes a lower cart group 52 and an upper cart group 54. The standard galley portion 15 is similarly provided as shown and described in reference to FIG. 1. Only the differences between FIG. 1 will therefore be described in reference to FIG. 4. Individual galley carts 38 are raised from the level of passenger deck 30 to upper cart group 54 via a central cart lift 56, centrally disposed within upper cart group 54. Each galley cart 38 is provided with a predetermined parking location 58 in upper cart group 54.

As best seen in FIG. 5, central cart lift 56 vertically raises each galley cart 38 from a cart access area 60 on a rotatable turntable 62. When central cart lift 56 raises the individual galley cart 38 to an elevation of a circular platform 64, rotatable turntable 62 is rotated to align galley cart 38 with a selected one of predetermined parking locations 58. A mechanism (not shown) translates galley cart 38 from the central cart lift 56 to its predetermined parking location 58 and locks the galley cart 38 in position. Similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 3, circular platform 64 provides sufficient headroom for personnel within galley passageway 22 (shown in FIG. 4). Similar to galley cart storage system 12, galley cart storage system 50 positions galley carts 38 within a portion of overhead area 44, advantageously using overhead area 44 for storage of galley carts 38 within and adjacent to galley area 14. Galley walls and a galley ceiling (not shown for clarity) can similarly enclose galley carts 38 stored on circular platform 64 to permit refrigeration of galley carts 38 of galley cart storage system 50. Alternative forms of refrigeration, as noted herein, can also be provided. As an alternative to galley cart storage system 50, (not shown), the rotatable turntable 62 can be replaced by a fixed platform, and circular platform 64 can be made rotatable to receive galley carts 38.

Referring to FIG. 6, a galley cart storage system 66 includes a lower cart group 68 and an upper cart group 70. Galley carts 38 are vertically lifted within end lift bay 72 from lower cart group 68 to upper cart group 70. Galley cart storage system 66 provides a plurality of galley carts 38 in upper cart group 70 each stacked approximately in vertical alignment with a corresponding galley cart 38 of lower cart group 68. Similar to previous embodiments, the standard galley portion 15 is positionable on an opposed side of a galley passageway as shown and described in reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 identifies a flow path for lifting individual galley carts 38 of galley cart storage system 66. Initially, an individual galley cart 38 is positioned within a cart access area 74 and vertically lifted in the cart vertical lift direction “A” by a cart lift 76. When cart lift 76 reaches the approximate elevation of a rack 78, the galley cart 38 is transversely, horizontally translated in the cart storage direction “B”. Galley cart storage system 66 also retains a countertop space 77 between lower cart group 68 and an upper cart group 70. Because upper cart group 70 provides only a single row of galley carts 38, and does not have an external access area for pre-selecting locations on rack 78 for each galley cart 38, galley carts 38 positioned on rack 78 are stowed in a first-in/last-out configuration. For example, an end cart 79 in upper cart group 70 is the first galley cart 38 positioned on rack 78. End cart 79 is therefore the last cart removed from rack 78.

Galley cart storage system 66 also provides individual galley carts 38 and an envelope of the associated galley area within overhead area 44, thus advantageously utilizing space in overhead area 44. Due to the alignment of galley carts 38 on rack 78 being substantially vertically above galley carts 38 in lower cart group 68, the overhead space within the passageway of the galley is not impacted for this embodiment. Therefore, galley cart storage system 66, compared to galley cart storage systems 50 and 12, provides a cart storage envelope with no galley passageway impact.

Referring next to FIGS. 8 and 9, a galley cart storage system 80 includes a lower cart group 82, a middle cart group 84, and an upper cart group 86. An end lift bay 88 is provided to shift individual carts from the elevation of passenger deck 30 to either middle cart group 84 or upper cart group 86, respectively. End lift bay 88 provides a cart access area 90. Individual galley carts 38 which are to be lifted to either middle cart group 84 or upper cart group 86 are first positioned within cart access area 90. A cart lift 92 then vertically lifts each individual galley cart 38 in the cart lift direction “A” to an elevation of either a central rack 94 or an upper rack 96. Central rack 94 supports the individual galley carts 38 of middle cart group 84. Upper rack 96 supports the individual galley carts 38 of upper cart group 86. When the individual galley cart 38 reaches the appropriate elevation, it is transferred in the cart storage direction “B” to the appropriate one of middle cart group 84 or upper cart group 86.

Because carts of both middle cart group 84 and upper cart group 86 are in general vertical alignment with the carts of lower cart group 82, any cart positioned in either middle cart group 84 or upper cart group 86 are positioned in a first in/last out configuration as described in reference to FIG. 7. For example, a middle group end cart 98 and an upper group end cart 100 are the first carts of the middle cart group 84 or the upper cart group 86 to be loaded, and would therefore be the last cart unloaded from these positions. Similar to previous embodiments noted herein, galley cart storage system 80 provides storage for individual galley carts 38 within overhead area 44.

Referring next to FIGS. 10 and 11, a galley cart storage system 102 includes a lower cart group 104 and an upper cart group 106. An end lift bay 108 vertically transfers individual galley carts 38 from an elevation of passenger deck 30 to upper cart group 106. Similar to previous embodiments, galley cart storage system 102 can also include a standard galley portion 15 within the galley configuration.

A cart access area 110 of end lift bay 108 is first loaded with an individual galley cart 38. A cart lift 112 lifts the galley cart 38 in the cart vertical direction “A” until the galley cart 38 reaches an elevation of a rack 114. A galley cart 38 is thereafter translated in the cart storage direction “B” to a stored position on rack 114. Translation in the cart storage direction “B” can be either automatic or manual. Galley carts 38 of upper cart group 106 are directly accessible by personnel in the galley area, such that if power to operate cart lift 112 is not available, contents of these carts can be removed by opening the galley cart door. Similar to previous embodiments, upper cart group 106 is substantially vertically aligned above lower cart group 104. Galley carts 38 stored in upper cart group 106 are therefore provided in a first in/last out configuration. For example, end cart 116 of upper cart group 106 is the first galley cart 38 loaded onto rack 114 and therefore is the last galley cart unloaded from rack 114.

Galley cart storage system 102 provides a two level configuration of galley carts which fits within a standard height galley. A galley ceiling 118 for cart storage system 102 therefore does not impact overhead area 44. Space normally devoted to a second standard galley portion 15 is completely converted for use in galley cart storage system 102 for storage of galley carts 38, doubling the number of galley carts 38 stored. No counter space or cabinets are provided in the immediate area of galley cart storage system 102 adjacent to the lower cart group 104 or the upper cart group 106.

Referring next to FIGS. 12 and 13, a galley cart storage system 122 increases a galley width “F” from known galley dimensions by a galley cart depth “G”. Galley cart storage system 122 provides a front cart section 124, and a rear cart section 126. Rear cart section 126 is positioned adjacent a galley wall 128. Because rear cart section 126 is provided behind front cart section 124, two cart lifts are provided at opposite ends of rear cart section 126 to rotate individual galley carts 38 stored within rear cart section 126. These include a first cart lift 130 and a second cart lift 132. Access for loading or unloading individual galley carts 38 from rear cart section 126 is at horizontally opposed ends of front cart section 124, including a first end cart access position 134 and a second end cart access position 136, respectively. A countertop 137, and food service devices 139 (including coffee makers, ovens and cabinets known in the art) are provided above front cart section 124 for access and food preparation by personnel located in a galley passageway 120. As best seen in FIG. 13, rear cart section 126 is divided into a lower rear cart subgroup 138 and an upper rear cart subgroup 140. Galley carts 38 are stored on a rack 141 of upper rear cart subgroup 140.

Referring next to FIGS. 14 and 15, a galley cart storage system 142 provides an arrangement having a galley cart storage system 122 and a cart storage system 144. Cart storage system 144 is a mirror image of galley cart storage system 122. Both galley cart storage system 122 and cart storage system 144 are positioned about a galley passageway 146 which is centrally divided by a galley centerline 148.

Referring next to FIGS. 16 and 17, the arrangement and an exemplary cart transfer path to either load or unload individual galley carts 38 from either galley cart storage system 122 or cart storage system 144 is shown. FIG. 16 identifies that rear cart section 126 provides a plurality of galley carts 38 stored on rack 141. Galley carts of upper rear cart subgroup 140 are generally aligned vertically with galley carts of lower rear cart subgroup 138. In an exemplary flow path, first cart lift 130 is used to raise individual galley carts 38 from lower rear cart subgroup 138 to upper rear cart subgroup 140. Second cart lift 132 is used to lower galley carts 38 from upper rear cart subgroup 140 to lower rear cart subgroup 138. In one preferred embodiment, a first transport device 150 is used to horizontally translate individual galley carts 38 of both lower rear cart subgroup 138 and upper rear cart subgroup 140 in a rotational manner. A first end bay 152 and a second end bay 154 are provided for lowering or raising individual galley carts 38, respectively.

In an exemplary path shown in FIG. 16, an individual galley cart 38 labeled “X” is accessed for removal by translating each of the individual galley carts 38 of upper rear cart subgroup 140 in a first direction “H” as shown. As each successive galley cart 38 enters first end bay 152, it is lowered by second lift 132 to lower rear cart subgroup 138. As each successive galley cart 38 of lower rear cart subgroup 138 enters second end bay 154, it is raised by first cart lift 130 to upper rear cart subgroup 140 and supported by rack 141. The direction of galley cart motion in lower rear cart sub group 138 is in a second direction “K” as shown. In the exemplary case shown, when galley cart 38 labeled “X” reaches the first end bay 152, designated “Y”, the galley cart is positioned for removal from rear cart section 126. In an alternative embodiment, first transport device 150 translates individual galley carts 38 to any one of a plurality of individual storage locations 151 of lower rear cart subgroup 138, and a second transport device 153 translates individual galley carts 38 to any one of a plurality of individual storage locations 155 of upper rear cart subgroup 140. In this manner, any desired galley cart 38 can be accessed by moving the desired galley cart until it reaches an end bay, such as end bay 152, for removal. In still another preferred embodiment (not shown for clarity), rack 141 is either modified or eliminated and a plurality of individual cart lifts, such as first cart lift 130, are each positioned in vertical alignment between any two vertically aligned individual storage locations 151 and individual storage locations 155. In this embodiment, galley carts 38 are positioned in a vacated individual storage location 151 when a galley cart 38 is positioned in the corresponding vertically aligned individual storage location 155.

FIG. 16 further identifies at least one structural device 157 used to contain and/or restrain galley carts 38 under crash load conditions. Structural device 157 includes, but is not limited to: structural walls, hold-down clamps, brackets and other devices known in the art to restrain galley carts.

As best seen in FIG. 17, from the “Y” position shown in FIG. 16, galley cart “X” is translated in a longitudinal direction “M” from rear cart section 126 to front cart section 124 and is accessible via first end cart access position 134. Galley carts 38 are translated in longitudinal direction “M” via either an automatic portion of transport device 150, or optionally, can be manually pulled from rear cart section 126 to front cart section 124 (acting as a vacated space) using a manual translation device 159. Manual translation device 159 includes, but is not limited to, a pullrod having a hook or clasp to grasp individual galley carts 38, or a winch having a cable/latch to grasp and remove a galley cart 38 from under countertop 137 (shown in FIGS. 13 and 15). Galley carts 38 are also accessible for loading or unloading at second end cart access position 136 of front cart section 124. The remaining cart positions in front cart section 124 are manually accessible at any time without the use of transport device 150. When transport device 150 is not in operation, individual galley carts 38 can be stored in either first end cart access position 134 or second end cart access position 136.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, a galley cart storage system 158 includes a lower cart group 160 and an upper cart group 162. Upper cart group 162 occupies a volume of overhead area 44, similar to previous embodiments. The difference between galley cart storage system 158 and previous embodiments is that galley carts 38 are stored in galley cart storage system 158 in a generally fore/aft direction and are therefore not confined within the envelope of a galley area. A centerline of each galley cart 38 of upper cart group 162 is aligned with aircraft centerline 46, shown and described in reference to FIG. 2. Galley carts 38 are raised or lowered to or from upper cart group 162 using a cart lift 164. FIG. 19 shows that galley carts of upper cart group 162 are divided into two subgroups, including an upper aft cart group 166 supported by a first track section 168 and an upper forward cart subgroup 170 supported by a second track section 172. Galley carts 38 stored in galley cart storage system 158 are configured in a side-by-side arrangement to maximize the number of galley carts which can be stored in each cart subgroup.

When a galley cart 38 is lifted by cart lift 164, it first reaches a transfer area 174. From transfer area 174, galley carts 138 are translated in either an aft transfer direction “N” and onto first track section 168, or in a forward direction “O” and supported by second track section 172. Because of the configuration of both upper aft cart subgroup 166 and upper forward cart subgroup 170, galley carts 38 stored in either of these subgroups are positioned in a first in/last out configuration. For example, an aft end cart 176 and a forward end cart 178 are the first carts loaded in either subgroup 166 or 170, respectively. Aft end cart 176 and forward end cart 178 are therefore the last carts removed from either of these subgroups. As shown in FIG. 18, galley cart storage system 158 also includes a standard galley portion 15 positioned on an opposed side of a passageway from lower cart group 160. First track section 168 extends above standard galley portion 15 and second track section 172 extends above a passenger seating area (not shown).

Referring to FIG. 20, cart storage system 144 is shown installed on passenger deck 30. In order to access individual storage carts positioned in elevated locations when a transport system is out of service, a plurality of access panels 180 are provided. At least one of the galley carts 38 stored in any elevated position can be removed through one of the access panels 180 by manually removing the access panel and manually removing the cart. FIG. 20 further shows an exemplary control panel 182. Control panel 182 is used to control the transport system to raise or lower a galley cart from a predetermined storage position or from a first in/last out storage position of any of the embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary location shown in FIG. 20, control panel 182 is positioned on an end face of cart storage system 144, providing personnel access to the controls for the transport device. Control panel 182 shown in FIG. 20 is exemplary of a plurality of positions possible for control panel 182. Access panels 180, shown in FIG. 20, are exemplary of locations for access panels for personnel standing on passenger deck 30.

Referring finally to FIG. 21, the operations to load a galley cart for an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are described. In a first operation 200, a plurality of mobile carts are grouped into a side-by-side orientation. In operation 202, the mobile carts are divided into at least a first cart group and a second cart group. Next, in an operation 204, the second cart group is positioned above the first cart group one of within and adjacent to the mobile platform galley. In operation 206, individual mobile carts of the second cart group are automatically accessed. Finally, in an operation 208, the individual mobile cart is transferred to an access area in the first cart group.

Galley cart storage systems of the present invention generally provide increased galley cart numbers in an improved galley arrangement that require less passenger cabin floor space, thus allowing more passenger seating and increased revenue earning potential. Mobile platforms such as aircraft have galleys which are fastenably attached to passenger or other deck support structure. It is desirable to provide galley designs which can be un-fastened and relocated in their entirety, to modify seating configurations of the aircraft. Galley cart storage systems of the present invention are also provided with removable mounts (not shown), allowing relocation of the entire galley area(s). Galley cart storage systems of the present invention are generally described herein in reference to lifting and loading individual galley carts 38. Galley carts 38 can be removed from storage by generally reversing the lifting and storing operations.

A galley cart storage system of the present invention offers several advantages. By locating galley carts in elevated positions within individual galley areas, the number of galley carts that can be stored in or adjacent to a galley for a mobile platform is increased. By providing automatic lift capability, access to galley carts stored in elevated positions is improved and can be controlled by a single person. Space previously used in galleys for additional countertop and/or cabinet storage is converted by the embodiments of the present invention to galley cart storage, thereby increasing the efficiency of galley cart storage. By providing certain embodiments of the present invention with galley cart storage in areas above galley area passageways, overhead area volume is advantageously employed which also allows the galley area to be enlarged without reducing passenger area seating capacity. By keeping galley cart storage in or immediately adjacent to the galley area, transfer noise, spillage and maintenance problems associated with previous system designs are mitigated. By keeping additional galley carts within the envelope of the galley area, mobile platforms such as aircraft have the added capability of relocating the entire galley area, including additional galley carts located either forward or aft, to modify passenger seating arrangements.

While various preferred embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications or variations which might be made without departing from the inventive concept. The examples illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore, the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with only such limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.

Claims

1. A mobile platform service product storage and retrieval system, comprising:

a plurality of joined walls defining a galley area;

a plurality of mobile carts operably storable in the galley area;

a first side-by-side subgroup of the mobile carts; and

a second side-by-side subgroup of the mobile carts positioned within the galley area above the first subgroup.

2. The system of claim 1, comprising at least one first track supporting the second subgroup of the mobile carts.

3. The system of claim 2, comprising:

a passageway located in the galley area; and

a work area having a counter space and a plurality of cabinets positioned on an opposed side of the passageway from the plurality of mobile carts;

wherein a headroom clearance is provided under the first track for personnel located within the passageway.

4. The system of claim 2, comprising a first plurality of predetermined parking locations, each operable to store one of the mobile carts of the second subgroup.

5. The system of claim 4, comprising:

at least one automatic transfer device operable to transfer select ones of the mobile carts;

wherein the transfer device is automatically operable to lift one of the mobile carts of the first subgroup to the first track and subsequently position the one cart in one of the first predetermined parking locations.

6. The system of claim 4, comprising:

a third side-by-side subgroup of the mobile carts positioned within the galley area above the second subgroup; and

at least a second track supporting the third subgroup of the mobile carts.

7. The system of claim 6, comprising a second plurality of predetermined parking locations, each operable to store one of the mobile carts of the third subgroup.

8. The system of claim 7, comprising:

at least one transfer device operable to transfer select ones of the mobile carts;

wherein the transfer device is automatically operable to lift one of the mobile carts of the first subgroup to one of the first track and the second track and subsequently position the one cart in one of the first predetermined parking locations and the second predetermined parking locations.

9. The system of claim 8, comprising:

a transfer path between one of the first and second tracks and the first subgroup of the mobile carts; and

a designated cart retrieval location in the first subgroup;

wherein the transfer device is operable to retrieve a stored one of the mobile carts positioned in one of the first predetermined parking locations and the second predetermined parking locations, and operably transfer the stored one cart along the transfer path to the designated retrieval location.

10. The system of claim 1, comprising a passenger area support deck operably supporting the galley area.

11. The system of claim 10, comprising a galley support system operable to permit a horizontal translation of the galley area on the passenger area support deck.

12. The system of claim 3, comprising:

the second group of mobile carts being divisible into both a forward and an aft subgroup of mobile carts, both the forward and the aft subgroup operatively oriented perpendicular to a mobile platform fore/aft centerline; and

the at least one first track includes a forward track operably supporting the forward subgroup and an aft track operably supporting the aft subgroup;

wherein the headroom clearance is provided under one of the forward track and the aft track for personnel located within the passageway.

13. The system of claim 5, comprising a control panel operable to control operation of the automatic transfer device.

14. The system of claim 5, comprising at least one access panel manually operable to access at least one of the mobile carts during a failure of the automatic transfer device.

15. A mobile platform service product storage and retrieval system, comprising:

a plurality of joined walls defining a galley area;

a plurality of mobile carts operably storable in the galley area including a first cart subgroup and a second cart subgroup positioned above the first subgroup; and

a substantially circular rack defining a plurality of predetermined mobile cart parking locations, each of the locations operable to store one of the mobile carts of the second cart subgroup.

16. The system of claim 15, comprising a rotatable platform positioned adjacent the rack rotatably operable to position each of the mobile carts of the second cart subgroup at one of the predetermined parking locations.

17. The system of claim 16, comprising a transfer device operable to transfer select ones of the mobile carts between the first cart subgroup and the rotatable platform.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the transfer device comprises at least a lift mechanism centrally located within the first cart subgroup.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the mobile carts of the first cart subgroup are configured in a side-by-side arrangement to any adjacent cart.

20. The system of claim 19, comprising:

a rack operably supporting the mobile carts of the second cart subgroup; and

a plurality of predetermined parking positions locatable on the rack;

wherein the transfer device is operable to one of position and retrieve each of the mobile carts of the second cart subgroup at one of the predetermined positions.

21. The system of claim 15, wherein each of the mobile carts is operable to store a plurality of service products.

22. The system of claim 15, comprising:

a passageway located in the galley area;

wherein a headroom clearance is provided under the circular rack for personnel located within the passageway.

23. The system of claim 22, comprising an arrangement having a counter and a plurality of cabinets positioned on an opposed side of the passageway from the plurality of mobile carts.

24. A galley cart storage and retrieval system for a mobile platform, the system comprising:

a plurality of joined walls defining a galley area;

a plurality of mobile carts operably storable in the galley area in one of a first cart subgroup, a second cart subgroup and a third subgroup;

each of the subgroups having the mobile carts arranged in a side-by-side configuration; and

a rack operable to support each of the mobile carts of both the first and second subgroups;

wherein the rack is elevated above a galley area passageway.

25. The system of claim 24, comprising:

a mobile platform longitudinal axis; and

a rack operably aligned in parallel to the mobile platform longitudinal axis;

wherein each of the mobile carts are positionable having a side of each mobile cart positioned perpendicular to the mobile platform longitudinal axis.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the rack comprises both a first rack portion operably supporting the first cart subgroup and a second rack portion operably supporting the second cart subgroup.

27. The system of claim 26, comprising a transfer device operable to transfer free ones of the mobile carts to one of the first rack portion and the second rack portion.

28. The system of claim 24, wherein each of the mobile carts of the first cart subgroup and the second cart subgroup are stored in a first-in/last-out order.

29. The system of claim 27, comprising:

a passageway located in the galley area; and

an input/removal access for the transfer device to operably access the mobile carts from one of the first cart subgroup and the second cart subgroup, the access located adjacent to a first side of the passageway.

30. The system of claim 29, comprising:

an arrangement having a countertop and a plurality of cabinets, the arrangement positioned adjacent an opposed second side of the passageway;

wherein the third cart subgroup is operably positioned under the countertop.

31. A galley cart storage and retrieval system for a mobile platform, the system comprising:

a first row of galley carts;

a second row of galley carts positioned above the first row;

a third row of galley carts positioned both approximately level with and in front of the first row;

each of the galley carts of the first, second and third rows being arranged in a side-by-side configuration of adjacent carts within each of the rows; and

an automated rotation mechanism operable to simultaneously rotate both the first row and the second row of galley carts;

wherein rotation of the first row and the second row of galley carts operably positions a desired one of the first row and the second row of galley carts for removal through an end cart removal cavity of the third row.

32. The system of claim 31, comprising a sub-portion of the automated rotation mechanism operable to translate the desired one of the first row and the second row of galley carts for removal through the end cart removal cavity of the third row.

33. The system of claim 31, comprising a manual device operable to manually translate the desired one of the first row and the second row galley carts for removal through the end cart removal cavity of the third row.

34. The system of claim 31, comprising a galley countertop positioned above the third set of galley carts.

35. The system of claim 31, wherein the automated rotation mechanism comprises an opposed pair of cart lifts, each positioned at an opposite ends of both of the first row and the second row of galley carts.

36. The system of claim 31, wherein the first row, the second row, and the third row of galley carts, together with the automated rotation mechanism comprise a first galley portion.

37. The system of claim 36, comprising:

a second galley portion forming a mirror image arrangement with the first galley portion; and

a central galley passageway disposed between the first and second galley portions.

38. An automated stacked galley cart stowage system, comprising:

a plurality of galley carts;

a two-layer stacked galley having an upper layer and a lower layer of the galley carts;

an automated, mechanized device to move the galley carts between the layers;

a single-cart-layer galley substantially adjacent to the two-layer stacked galley;

a transfer device operably permitting individual ones of the galley carts to be moved between the two-layer stacked galley and the single-cart-layer galley; and

a galley workspace substantially adjacent to the single-cart-layer galley operably positioned opposite from the two-layer stacked galley.

39. A galley cart storage system for an aircraft, comprising:

a passenger deck of the aircraft defining a first aircraft volume and a second aircraft volume positioned above the first aircraft volume;

a first storage device operably positioned in the first aircraft volume on the passenger deck having a first set of galley carts positioned in a side-by-side configuration;

a second storage device operably positioned in the second aircraft volume having a second set of galley carts positioned in the side-by-side configuration; and

a cart lift device operable to lower any of the second set of galley carts to the first aircraft volume.

40. The storage system of claim 39, comprising:

a ceiling of the passenger deck;

wherein the second aircraft volume is positioned substantially directly above the first aircraft volume and below the ceiling.

41. The storage system of claim 40, wherein the cart lift device comprises a single cart lift operably positioned at a location corresponding to a horizontally outward-most cart position of both the first and the second set of galley carts.

42. The storage system of claim 40, wherein the cart lift device comprises a pair of cart lifts each positioned at one of an opposed pair of horizontally outward-most cart positions of each of the first and the second set of galley carts.

43. The storage system of claim 40, wherein the cart lift device comprises a plurality of cart lifts having an individual one of the cart lifts positioned in vertical alignment with each galley cart of the second set of galley carts and operable to access each galley cart of the second set of galley carts.

44. The storage system of claim 39, comprising:

a plurality of individually accessible first galley cart storage positions located in the first aircraft volume; and

a first translation device operable to move any one of the galley carts in the first aircraft volume to one of the first storage positions.

45. The storage system of claim 44, comprising:

a plurality of individually accessible second galley cart storage positions located in the second aircraft volume; and

a second translation device operable to move any one of the galley carts in the second aircraft volume to one of the second storage positions.

46. The storage system of claim 39, comprising:

a third aircraft volume positioned horizontally adjacent the first aircraft volume on the passenger deck; and

a third storage device operably positioned in the third aircraft volume having a third set of galley carts positioned in the side-by-side configuration.

47. The storage system of claim 46, comprising:

a countertop operably positioned above the third aircraft volume;

wherein the countertop is usable by a flight attendant for meal preparation.

48. The storage system of claim 47, comprising a plurality of food service devices positioned above the countertop.

49. The storage system of claim 47, comprising an aisle space adjacent the third aircraft volume for personnel access to the third set of galley carts.

50. The storage system of claim 49, comprising:

a vacated space beneath the countertop in the third aircraft volume; and

a manual extraction device operable to translate an individual cart of the first set of galley carts through the vacated space and into the aisle space.

51. The storage system of claim 46, comprising a translation device operable to move an individual cart of the galley carts between the first aircraft volume and the third aircraft volume.

52. The storage system of claim 39, comprising a plurality of increased strength support beams located in the passenger deck below said storage system.

53. The storage system of claim 39, comprising a storage system structural containment system operable to secure the first and second set of galley carts during a high load condition.

54. A method for storing and retrieving carts of a mobile platform galley, the method comprising:

grouping a plurality of mobile carts into a side-by-side orientation to each other;

dividing the mobile carts into at least a first cart group a second cart group;

positioning the second cart group above the first cart group one of within and adjacent to the mobile platform galley;

automatically accessing an individual mobile cart of the second cart group; and

transferring the individual mobile cart to an access area in the first cart group.

55. The method of claim 54, comprising:

vertically aligning individual mobile carts of each of the first and second cart groups; and

removing one of the mobile carts from the access area of the first cart groups.

56. The method of claim 54, comprising:

further dividing the mobile carts into a third cart group; and

positioning the third cart group above the second cart group.

57. The method of claim 56, comprising:

automatically accessing an individual mobile cart of the third cart group; and

transferring the individual mobile cart to the access area in the first cart group.

58. The method of claim 54, comprising manually accessing any one of the mobile carts during a period when automatic access is not available.