Abstract:
An aircraft galley configuration ( 10 ) extending along a longitudinal axis of a fuselage of an aircraft and on one side of the aircraft includes a forward end ( 12 ) of the galley ( 10 ) closest to the front of the aircraft and a rear end ( 14 ) of the galley ( 10 ) on an opposite longitudinal end of the galley ( 10 ) and closest to a passenger section of the aircraft, and a plurality of galley modules ( 20, 22, 24, 26 ) disposed in the galley ( 10 ) between the forward ( 12 ) and rear ends ( 14 ) of the galley. The galley modules comprise a storage module ( 20 ), a heating module ( 22 ), a preparation module ( 24 ), and a service module ( 26 ). The storage module ( 20 ) is disposed at the forward end ( 12 ) of the galley ( 10 ) and the service module ( 26 ) is disposed at the rear end ( 14 ) of the galley ( 10 ), An efficient work flow in the direction of the passenger section is created by the galley configuration ( 10 ).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
       [0001]    This International PCT Patent Application relies for priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/984,211, filed on Apr. 25, 2014, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention concerns configurations for the interior architecture of an aircraft, specifically, the layout of an efficient galley within an aircraft. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    It is known to passengers in commercial and business aircraft that the food service or galley section of an aircraft is typically very cramped and poorly laid out. There is often a limited amount of work surface available. There is seemingly a random organization of food storage and accessory cabinets. This layout is typically inefficient in that food and accessories are stored without regard to the needs of the aircraft passenger service staff, often referred to as the flight attendants. It is readily apparent that the emphasis in aircraft galleys is on a very small plan in order to maximize the seating capacity of the aircraft and giving little regard to galley efficiencies. 
         [0004]    Air travelers all recognize the routine chaotic scene in an aircraft galley when it is time for a meal service. There tends to be a very chaotic scene even when routine snacks and drinks are being served. Whether there is one or more server, there is often a hunt for items. Much energy is wasted with back and forth movement by a server. Even stocking of a galley between flights can be difficult as a ground service needs to be figure out where all of the replenishment items are supposed to be stored. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to overcome inefficient galley designs and to create a galley layout having a more intuitive and efficient layout that fosters better work flow. 
         [0006]    It is one aspect of the present invention to provide an aircraft galley configuration extending along a longitudinal axis of a fuselage of an aircraft and on one side of the aircraft that includes a forward end closest to the front of the aircraft and a rear end on an opposite longitudinal end of the galley and closest to a passenger section of the aircraft, and a plurality of galley modules disposed in the galley between the forward and rear ends of the galley. The galley modules comprise a storage module, a heating module, and a preparation module. The storage module is disposed at the forward end of the galley and the preparation module is disposed closer to the rear end of the galley than the storage module. An efficient work flow in the direction of the passenger section is created by the galley configuration. 
         [0007]    In one contemplated embodiment, the aircraft galley configuration further includes a service module disposed adjacent to the preparation module, at the rear end of the galley. 
         [0008]    It is contemplated that the heating module may be disposed adjacent to the storage module, between the storage module and the rear end of the galley. 
         [0009]    It is also contemplated that the preparation module may be disposed adjacent to the service module, between the service module and the forward end of the galley. 
         [0010]    Still further, the galley modules are contemplated to be disposed adjacent to each other and, from the forward end to the rear end of the galley, such that they are positioned in the order of the storage module, the heating module, the preparation module, and the service module. 
         [0011]    In one contemplated embodiment, the storage module may be a refrigerator. 
         [0012]    It is contemplated that the heating module may be an oven including, but not limited to a stem oven, a microwave oven and/or a convection oven. 
         [0013]    The present invention also provides for an aircraft galley configuration where the preparation module includes a counter. 
         [0014]    It is contemplated that the service module may include a hot beverage maker. 
         [0015]    In another contemplated embodiment, the heating module ma include a first retractable, pull-out, flat work surface. 
         [0016]    Still further, the service module may include a second retractable, pull-out, flat work surface. 
         [0017]    Where two pull out work surfaces are provided, a C-shaped work surface may be created by the two work surfaces. 
         [0018]    Another aspect of the present invention provides that the preparation module may include an accessory cabinet for storage of dishes and drinkware. 
         [0019]    It is also contemplated that the galley modules include several drawers and cabinet doors. The drawers and doors define lines and the drawers and doors are aligned to create uniform line of sight across the drawers and doors of the galley. 
         [0020]    The present invention also provides for a cabinet door system for use in an aircraft galley that includes a first galley cabinet disposed underneath a second, overhanging galley cabinet wherein the overhanging galley cabinet defines a substantially flat surface on the bottom side of the overhanging cabinet and is disposed above a galley cabinet door on a front of the first galley cabinet, a bifold door that includes two panels forming the galley cabinet door, a top panel and a bottom panel, each panel having a width substantially equal to a full horizontal width of the galley cabinet door and a height less than a full vertical height of the galley cabinet door, and further wherein the combined height of the top panel and the bottom panel is substantially equal to the full vertical height of the galley cabinet door, a first hinge disposed along an adjacent horizontal edge, connecting the top panel to the bottom panel, and a second hinge disposed on a top side of the top panel and opposite the second hinge. The top and bottom panels may be rotated up to lay flat relative to one another, adjacent to the flat surface on the bottom side of the overhanging galley cabinet. The cabinet door may be releasably secured under the overhanging galley cabinet. 
         [0021]    It is contemplated, in an alternative embodiment, that the cabinet door also includes first and second tracks disposed on opposing vertical edges of the bifold door, and first and second guides configured on opposing bottom sides of the bottom panel slidably retained in the first and second tracks, respectively. The top and bottom panels are substantially the same vertical height and may be retracted upwardly in the first and second tracks to a folded storage position underneath the overhanging galley cabinet. 
         [0022]    Still further, the bifold door may include a handle in one of either the top panel or the bottom panel, disposed proximate to the hinge edge to facilitate opening and upward rotation of the top and bottom panels to the folded storage position. 
         [0023]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate other aspects of the invention based on the discussion that follows and the drawings appended hereto. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    One or more embodiments of the present invention will be described in connection with the figures appended hereto, in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a galley section of an aircraft as described herein; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is another front perspective view of the galley section shown in  FIG. 1  further demonstrating the work flow of the galley shown therein; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a right side perspective view of another example of a galley for an aircraft; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a left side perspective view of the same galley shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a sink that may be used in connection with a galley as described herein; 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a work area in a galley as described herein; 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a work area as shown in  FIG. 6  except with various features having covers placed thereon; 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is a further example of a work surface in an aircraft galley; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a kettle that may be alternatively used in an aircraft galley; 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a perspective geometric view of a layout of a galley as described herein; 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines AA shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is a side cross-section view taken along lines BB of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a top plan view of a galley taken along lines CC of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is atop plan cutaway view of a galley taken along lines BE of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is atop plan view of a cutaway view taken along lines DD of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a front view of an oven having a ventilation grill mounted around the perimeter of the face thereof; 
           [0041]      FIG. 17A  is one alternative of a styling cap storage area; 
           [0042]      FIG. 17B  is a second example of a styling cap storage area use; 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a bifold door as may be deployed in connection with a galley as described herein; 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the bifold door in the closed position as compared with  FIG. 18 ; and 
           [0045]      FIG. 20  is a rear perspective view of the storage area above and behind the bifold door as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]    The description of the invention set forth herein focuses on one or more examples of the invention. The examples are intended to be exemplary of the invention and not limiting of the scope of the invention. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, the examples described herein present aspects of the invention for which there are numerous variations and equivalents. Those variations and equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
         [0047]    The various figures presented herein are contemplated to be employed in connection with an aircraft typically referred to as a business aircraft or a personal aircraft. Business and personal aircraft share many features with commercial aircraft, except that business and private aircraft tend to be more modest in size and offer a different interior configuration for the passengers. While aspects of the present invention are intended to be employed in connection with a business aircraft or a private aircraft, it is noted that one or more aspects of the present invention may be employed on a commercial aircraft. Separately, it is contemplated that one or more aspects of the present invention may be employed on other vehicles, including recreational vehicles, boats, trains, etc., without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0048]      FIG. 1  is front perspective view of an aircraft galley configuration  10 . In this view, the galley configuration  10  displays the galley with a portion of the ceiling  18  and floor  16  shown to give the context of the aircraft galley. Also, the galley configuration  10  as shown would be on the left hand side of an aircraft when facing the front of the aircraft such that the forward end  12  of the galley is toward the front of the aircraft and the rear end  14  of the galley is adjacent the passenger section, toward the back of the aircraft. It is noted that, when viewed from the perspective of a person standing in an aisle of the aircraft, facing the cockpit, the galley configuration is on the right hand side of the aircraft in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0049]    The galley configuration  10  includes four galley modules a storage module  20  (also referred to as a “chilled area”), a heating module  22 , a preparation module  24 , and a service module  26 . These galley modules  20 ,  22 ,  24  and  26  are shown in order from the forward end  12  to the rear end  14  of the galley  10 . 
         [0050]    The storage module  20  of the galley  10  includes refrigeration units  30  and  32  and a chilled drawer  33 . There is also shown a storage cabinet  34 . It is intended that this storage module  20  may include only one refrigerator or more than the two refrigerators  30  and  32  as shown. This storage module  20  is the primary portion of the galley  10  where food items are stored prior to being cooked and served to a passenger. 
         [0051]    The second module of the galley configuration  10  is the heating module  22 . In  FIG. 1 , the heating module  22  shows a steam oven  36 , a microwave/convection oven  38 , and a storage cabinet  40 . There could be more and/or different types of cooking and heating units in this heating module  22 . Moreover, the positions of the microwave/convection oven  38  and the steam oven  36  may be reversed without departing from the scope of the present invention. Conveniently, and for the sake of efficiency, the heating module  22  is directly adjacent the storage module  20  so that food may be moved directly from the storage module  20  into the heating module  22  during the food service process. 
         [0052]    The next adjacent preparation module  24  includes a countertop  42  that is a work surface for a food preparer to handle food that is to be heated and served to a passenger. The preparation module  24  includes lower cabinets  56 ,  58  and  60  where various plates and pans and other preparation items may be stored. There is also an upper cabinet  44  where, for instance, glassware may be stored. There is also a storage area behind the two panels  46  and  48  of a bifold door. It is readily apparent that the number, size and arrangement of doors and storage compartments may be varied depending on the space and size of a particular galley configuration  10 . 
         [0053]    Finally, the service module  26  is on the rear end  14  of the galley configuration  10 . This is the section of the galley configuration  10  that is contemplated to be positioned immediately adjacent or closest to the passenger section toward the rear of an aircraft. As shown, the service module  26  includes an aircraft cabin control panel  50  which is a computer interface that allows for control over most of the internal environmental and communications equipment in the passenger section of the aircraft. The control panel  50  also may provide controls over one or more of the appliances within the galley  10 . The control panel  50  also ma be utilized for maintenance. There is a divider  54  that creates a slot into which is placed a hot beverage maker  52 . Cabinets  62  are provided in the lower section of the service module  26 . 
         [0054]    Also shown in the galley configuration  10  are retractable, pull-out, flat work boards  70  and  71 . These work surfaces  70  and  71  give a food service provider extra space if or when desired. Ergonomically, these work surfaces  70  and  71  are on either side of the preparation module  24  in order to present a more efficient and ergonomically sensible work area. Use of either one of these work surfaces  70  or  71  creates an L-shape work surface from atop perspective. Use of both of the work surfaces  70  and  71  creates a C-shape work space from the same view. 
         [0055]      FIG. 2  is another view of the galley configuration  10 . The work flow through the galley is shown through the use of the arrows shown in  FIG. 2 . As can be seen, the various galley modules  20 ,  22 ,  24  and  26  are as shown in  FIG. 1 . They have the same forward toward rear, left to right configuration. As shown in  FIG. 2 , food will arrive onboard an aircraft as demonstrated by arrow  75 . This arrival is typically through an aircraft door that is situated substantially opposite the galley configuration  10 . Arrow  77  shows that the food is then appropriately stored in the storage module  20 . When the time is appropriate, arrow  79  shows that food is moved from the storage module  20  to the heating module  22 . Arrow  81  shows that the heated food moves from the heating module  22  to the preparation area  24 . Arrows  83  show the food being prepared and passed backward to the service module  26  where, as indicated by arrow  85 , the food is then presented to the passengers. 
         [0056]    It is readily apparent that the left-to-right flow of work shown in  FIG. 2  is an efficient order of work. Each of the modules  20 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26  is stationed relative to the other to enhance this work flow. Since most aircraft have an entry door on the right side of the fuselage when facing the front of the aircraft, this left-to-right flow is considered to be applied in most environments. However, in the event that the galley configuration  10  is set up on the right hand side of the fuselage of an aircraft, then the mirror image of this galley configuration  10  is contemplated to be employed in the alternative. The flow would move from right to left and the position of the respective modules would be reversed. 
         [0057]      FIGS. 3 and 4  are right perspective and left perspective views of an alternative example of a galley configuration  90 . In this galley configuration  90 , there are shown two different hot beverage makers  92  and  94 , for instance, a drip coffee maker  94  and an espresso maker  92 . As is readily apparent in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there is a countertop  96  and a sink  98  configured and set into the countertop  96 . The sink  98  includes a spigot  99 . Adjacent to the sink  98  is a cutting board, cooktop cover, or other work surface  100 . 
         [0058]    A visual, uniform line of sight is also demonstrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . As shown, the parallel section  102  that runs the lateral length of the galley configuration  90  is lighter in tone or color than the remainder of the galley. For instance, drawer faces  104  are similarly light colored and are aligned across the entire front of the galley configuration  90 . This uniform line of sight creates a pleasing visual impression. It is also noted that other aspects of the galley  10 ,  90  present a uniform line of sight. For example, the bottom edge of the upper cabinet  44  forms a continuous line of sight with respect to the top edge of the microwave/convention oven  38 , the upper refrigerator  30 , and the hot beverage maker  52 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 5  illustrates an example of a sink  110  having a spigot  112  and faucet  116 . The spigot  112  is shown in the upright position.  FIG. 5  also demonstrates the spigot  114  in its retractable and down position. The spigot  112 ,  114  may be reconfigured from the deployed or upright position  112  and the stowed or retracted position  114  by a flight attendant or other user. 
         [0060]      FIG. 6  illustrates a sink  120  set into a countertop  121 . Also shown is an optional cooktop  122  with a vent  123  and electronic controls  124 . The cooktop  122  may be of any variety including, but not limited to, an induction-based cooking surface. As may be apparent, while hot surfaces are not prohibited in an aircraft, it is contemplated that an induction cooktop may be preferred to reduce the potential for exposed surfaces at elevated temperatures. 
         [0061]    When not in use, as shown in  FIG. 7 , both the sink  120  and cooktop  122  are covered by surfaces  125  and  127 . Alternatively, a single surface may be employed to cover both the sink  120  and the cooktop  122  simultaneously. As may be apparent, providing separate covers  125 ,  127  permits access to the sink  120  or the cooktop  122  independently of the other galley convenience. 
         [0062]      FIG. 8  illustrates a still further embodiment of a countertop  130  having a sink  132 , a stove cooktop  134  with electronic controls  135 , and a pop-up fume hood  137 . The air ventilation  139  is shown as well. The pop-up fume hood  137  is provided to exhaust odors and smells associated with cooking items during their preparation. The pop-up fume hood  137  may exhaust to a suitable air filtration system, the details of which are not critical to the present invention. 
         [0063]      FIG. 9  illustrates an example of a hot beverage kettle  150  that is an optional appliance that may be located in the service module portion  24  of an aircraft galley  10 , for example. The kettle may be mounted behind the bifold doors  46  and  48 . The kettle  150  is releasably mounted on a base  152 . A bottom flange  154  is provided at the base of the kettle  150  is engineered to fit within tracks  156  in the base  152 . In this way, the kettle  150  is held by a friction fit within the base  152  so that it will not accidentally tip over. A manual lock  158  allows for the kettle  150  to be secured and unsecured as it is locked into and removed from the base  152  during use. 
         [0064]      FIG. 10  is a perspective geometric block view of a galley configuration  175 . This galley configuration  175  as shown is generally similar to the earlier examples of galley configuration  10  and galley configuration  90 . One or more uniform lines of sight, both horizontally and vertically oriented, are illustrated. 
         [0065]    Looking along the side, cross-sectional view of lines AA, there is shown on  FIG. 11  the side of the fuselage  179  of an aircraft. Then, beginning with the top of the configuration, there is shown a top cabinet storage area  180 , a top oven  182  configured within the top space, a bottom oven  184  configured in the bottom space, and a storage area  186  on the bottom. The top oven  182  may be a microwave oven, a convection oven, or a combination of the two. Alternatively, any other type of oven may be employed in this upper location without departing from the scope of the present invention. The bottom oven  184  is contemplated to be a steam oven, but, as with the top oven  182 , any other type of oven may be positioned at this location without departing from the present invention. 
         [0066]    Turning now to  FIG. 12 , the view is a cross-sectional view taken along lines BB of  FIG. 10 . In  FIG. 12 , there is shown a storage area  190  above the sink  194  and storage drawers  196  and  198  below the sink  194 . The storage area  190  above the sink  194  may be for glassware, as discussed above. In the area behind the sink  194 , there is shown the storage area  192 . Again, the wall of the fuselage  179  is shown to give context to the back of the galley  175 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 13  shows the top plan view of the galley configuration  175 , taken along lines CC indicated in  FIG. 10 . As shown, there are storage cabinets  200 ,  202 ,  204  and  206  along the longitudinal length of the galley configuration  175 . The storage cabinet  204  may be employed as a glassware storage area, as discussed above. 
         [0068]      FIG. 14  shows the top plan cross-sectional view, taken along lines EE illustrated in  FIG. 10 . As shown, there is a storage cabinet  210 , an insert space  212  adapted to receive a microwave or other heating element, the storage area  214 , and a divider  216 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 15  is the top plan cross-sectional view taken along lines DD of  FIG. 10 . There is shown the storage cabinets  220 ,  224 ,  226 ,  228  and  230 . There is also shown the space  222  where an oven or other heating device may be mounted within the configuration  175 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 16  illustrates an oven  240  and a cover  242  that is mounted around the perimeter of the oven  240  when inserted into its slot in a gallery configuration. The cover  242  leaves a half-inch air gap between the oven and cover that allows for air to circulate around the oven  240 . The cover  242  also prevents any passenger or service provider from accidentally inserting objects between the oven  240  and the space above the oven within the slot where it is positioned. The cover  242  also provides a clean visual line around the perimeter of the oven  240 . It is noted that, in the illustrated embodiment, the oven  240  is a steam oven that includes a water reservoir  241 . The water reservoir  241  may be filled by an attendant, as required or as desired. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  show alternative embodiments of a divider  250  and  256  respectively that may be used in connection with a galley configuration. In  FIG. 17A , the divider  250  includes a door  254  that opens into the space  252  within the divider. This space  252  may be used for storage of magazines, newspapers or other items. Similarly, in  FIG. 17B , a sliding compartment  258 , shaped as a narrow drawer, may be moved into and out of the divider  256 . One example for use as demonstrated in  FIG. 17B  would be for the drawer  258  to store a sink and/or cooktop cover as earlier illustrated, for instance, as items  125  and  127 , which are illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 18-20  illustrate first and second bifold door systems  270  and  290 . In  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the first bifold door system  270  includes a lower panel  272  and an upper panel  274 . These upper and lower panels  272  and  274  extend along the entire horizontal length of the door system  270 . The two panels  272  and  274  are hingedly connected to each other by hinges  276 . There are tracks  278  on either side of the door system  270 . Pins  282  are mounted on the opposite lower edge corners of the bottom panel  272  and extend into the tracks  278 . Hinges  280  allow for the top panel to rotate. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the bottom panel  272  may rotate upwardly and nest against the bottom of the top panel  274 . The bottom panel  272  is retained in that position with the pins  282  being retained within the tracks  278 . As demonstrated in  FIG. 20 , the bifold panels  272  and  274  may fold up and be attached to the bottom surface of an overhead cabinet  294 , such as a cabinet that may be used for storage of glassware, for example. As illustrated in  FIG. 20 , storage shelves  292  are positioned behind the panels  296  and  298  as shown in the door system  290 . 
         [0073]    The second bifold door system  290  differs from the first bifold door system in the arrangement of storage shelves  292  positioned behind the door panels. 
         [0074]    Within the present specification there may be explicit or implicit references to aspects of safety. It is noted that any comments or implications with respect to safety are merely for purposes of the present discussion. As should be apparent to those skilled in the art any furniture and/or components that are incorporated into the interior space of an aircraft are subject to various federal regulations worldwide. As a result, any suggestion, whether explicit or otherwise, should not be taken as an indication that any component of an aircraft, whether currently produced or not, is more or less safe than any other component. 
         [0075]    As indicated above, the present invention is not intended to be limited solely to the examples described and/or illustrated herein. To the contrary, there are numerous variations and equivalents that should be apparent to those skilled in the art based upon the examples described and/or illustrated herein. Those variations and equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.