Patent Publication Number: US-2023139044-A1

Title: Coupling systems and methods for carts

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63/275,003, filed Nov. 3, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to coupling systems and methods for carts, such as used in internal cabins of vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. Catering services aboard commercial aircraft utilize full-size and half-size galley carts. The carts are typically stowed within galleys. Flight attendants maneuver the carts into and through aisles of an internal cabin of the aircraft to deliver food items and beverages to seated passengers. A half-size cart has a wheelbase length that is approximately half that of a full-size cart. The carts (both half-size and full-size) provide various operational functions, such as storing meals, beverages, waste, sales of goods, and the like. 
     Typically, the carts are maneuvered by pushing on a handle at the top of the cart. However, half-size carts may be less stable than full size a full-size carts due to their reduced wheelbase. 
     Carts, such as meal carts, beverage carts, waste carts, and the like, are individually maneuvered into and through one or more aisles of an internal cabin. Consequently, the workload of flight attendants increases due to the multiple times they serve passengers via the different carts. Moreover, the potential instability of half-size carts may cause certain entities to prefer not to use them, despite that they can be more versatile and require less stowage space. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     A need exists for a system and method of reducing workload of flight attendants during a flight. Further, a need exists for increasing stability of certain carts, such as half-size carts. 
     With those needs in mind, certain examples of the present disclosure provide a coupling system for removably connecting a first cart to a second cart. The coupling system includes a first stabilizing arm configured to span between the first cart and the second cart on a first side, and a second stabilizing arm configured to span between the first cart and the second on a second side opposite from the first side. 
     In at least one example, the coupling system also includes a cart cross member configured to extend proximate to ends of the first cart and the second cart. The cart cross member connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. In at least one example, the cart cross member includes a spanner bar connected to the first stabilizing arm and the second stabilizing arm, and one or more spacer tabs downwardly extending from the spanner bar. 
     In at least one example, each of the first stabilizing arm and the second stabilizing arm includes one or more flanges that extend downwardly to trap an upper side edge of each of the first cart and the second cart. In at least one example, the one or more flanges include one or more first flanges downwardly extending from a first side of a ledge, and one or more second flanges downwardly extending from a second side of the ledge, wherein the second side is opposite from the first side. In at least one example, the one or more first flanges have a first size, and wherein the one or more second flanges have a second size that differs from the first size. In at least one example, each of the first stabilizing arm and the second stabilizing arm includes a central notch that traps upper edges of the first cart and the second cart. 
     In at least one example, a basket connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. In at least one example, a countertop connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. 
     Each of the first cart and the second cart can be a half-size cart. 
     Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a method for removably connecting a first cart to a second cart. The method includes connecting a first cart to a second cart with a first stabilizing arm spanning between the first cart and the second cart on a first side, and a second stabilizing arm spanning between the first cart and the second on a second side opposite from the first side. 
     Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a system including a first cart, a second cart, and a coupling system that removably connects the first cart to the second cart, as described herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view from a first side of a coupling system connecting a first cart to a second cart, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view from a first end of the coupling system connecting the first cart to the second cart. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view from a first side of a coupling system connecting a first cart to a second cart, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view from a first side of a coupling system connecting a first cart to a second cart, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of a coupling system mounted to a cart, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of coupling systems configured to connect a first cart to a second cart, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a perspective front view of the aircraft, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a flow chart of a method of coupling a first cart to a second cart, according to an example of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular condition can include additional elements not having that condition. 
     Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a coupling system for carts, such as may be used in internal cabins of vehicles (for example, commercial aircraft). The coupling system is configured to tie or otherwise couple carts together. An individual, such as a flight attendant, can link different carts (such as meal/beverage/waste carts) together in combination to better serve seated passengers, and reduce passes through the internal cabin. In at least one example, the coupling system combines, links, or otherwise couples two half-size carts, thereby increasing stability. Examples of the present disclosure provide coupling systems that allow a flight attendant to serve additional seats with meals, beverage and/or waste collection in a single pass. 
     Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a coupling system (for example, a cart connector) for galley carts within an internal cabin of a vehicle. The coupling system includes features for connecting and stabilizing multiple carts together for transport. The coupling system includes a pair of stabilizing arms, which can be connected together by a cart cross member extending between and relative to the carts. The stabilizing arms extend from opposing ends of the cart cross member. Each stabilizing arm includes flanges that extend downwardly to trap an upper side edge of the joined carts. Each stabilizing arm includes a central notch that traps upper lateral edges of the joined carts. Accordingly, the coupling system can removably and temporarily couple two carts together for transport. A plurality of connectors can be used to link together three or more carts in a linear array of carts for transport. 
     Examples of the present disclosure provide the ability to combine a meal cart with a second meal cart, or beverage cart or waste cart. The combination of carts provides increased capability while reducing workload for flight attendants. Combined half size carts for transport down an aisle of an internal cabin is equivalent to capacity of one full size cart, yet more versatile, allowing different types of service to be completed at one time in a safe manner. 
     Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a coupling system for connecting a first cart to a second cart. The coupling system includes a first stabilizing arm configured to span between the first cart and the second cart on a first side, and a second stabilizing arm configured to span between the first cart and the second on a second side opposite from the first side. In at least one example, a cart cross member is configured to extend between the first cart and the second cart. The cart cross member connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. In at least one example, each of the first stabilizing arm and the second stabilizing arm includes one or more flanges that extend downwardly to trap an upper side edge of the first cart and the second cart. In at least one further example, each of the first stabilizing arm and the second stabilizing arm includes a central notch that traps upper edges of the first cart and the second cart. In at least one example, a basket connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. In at least one example, a countertop connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view from a first side of a coupling system  100  connecting a first cart  102  to a second cart  104 , according to an example of the present disclosure.  FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view from a first end of the coupling system  100  connecting the first cart  102  to the second cart  104 . As shown a  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a system  101  includes the first cart  102 , the second cart  104 , and the coupling system  100 . In at least one example, the first cart  102  and the second cart  104  are beverage carts. As another example, the first cart  102  and the second cart  104  are food carts. As another example, the first cart  102  and the second cart  104  are waste carts. As another example, the first cart  102  is a beverage cart, a food cart, or a waste cart, and the second cart  104  is any other of a beverage cart, a food cart, or a waste cart. Each of the first cart  102  and the second cart  104  can be a half-size cart or a full-size cart. 
     The coupling system  100  is configured to removably connect the first cart  102  to the second cart  104 . That is, the coupling system  100  can be selectively disposed over and on portions of the first cart  102  and the second cart  104  to temporarily connect the first cart  102  to the second cart  104 . The coupling system  100  can be removed from the first cart  102  and the second cart  104  (such as by lifting the coupling system  100  off the portions of the first cart  102  and the second cart  104 ) to disconnect and uncouple the first cart  102  from the second cart  104 . 
     Each of the first cart  102  and the second cart  104  includes a base  150 . One or more wheels  152  are movably secured to the base  150 . End walls  154  and  156  and side walls  158  and  160  upwardly extend from the base  150 . An upper counter  162  connects to the end walls  154 ,  156  and the side walls  158  and  160 . A handle  164  can be disposed proximate to the upper counter  162 . For example, the handle  164  can be located at an upper end of an end wall  154  or  160 . 
     The base  150 , the end walls  154 ,  156 , and the side walls  158 ,  160  define one or more internal chambers therebetween. Various objects, such as food and beverage items, waste, and the like can be stored in the internal chamber(s). 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a perspective view from a first side of the coupling system  100  connecting a first cart  102  to a second cart  104 , according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the first cart  102  is a waste cart, and the second cart  104  is a beverage cart or a food cart. For example, a moveable door  170  can be coupled to the upper counter  162  of the first cart  102 . The door  170  can be opened to expose a waste compartment  172 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a perspective view from a first side of the coupling system  100  connecting a first cart  102  to a second cart  104 , according to an example of the present disclosure. In this example, the first cart  102  is a beverage cart, and the second cart  104  is a storage cart. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a perspective view of the coupling system  100  mounted to a cart  102 , according to an example of the present disclosure. Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the coupling system includes a pair of stabilizing arms  110  (a first stabilizing arm) and  112  (a second stabilizing arm). The stabilizing arm  110  spans between the first cart  102  and the second cart  104  on a first side, and the stabilizing arm  112  spans between the first cart and the second cart  104  on a second side that is opposite from the first side. 
     In at least one example, the stabilizing arms  110  and  112  include one or more interior flanges  180  (for example, first flange(s)) having a first size (for example, a first length and height) that downwardly extend from a first side  191  of a ledge  182 , which can be orthogonal to the interior flanges  180 . One or more exterior flanges (such as having a second size differing from the first size, such as reduced lengths and/or heights)  184  (for example, second flange(s)) can downwardly extend from a second (opposite) side  193  of the ledge  182  opposite from the flange(s)  180 . Optionally, the stabilizing arms  110  and  112  can include mirror image flanges extending from opposite sides of the ledge  182 . For example, the flanges on either side can be full length. As another example, the flanges can be shorter tabs (such as the tabs  184 ) extending from opposite sides of the ledge  182 . As an example, two or more flanges  184  can extend from a first side of the ledge  182 , and two or more flanges  184  can extend from a second (opposite) side of the ledge  182 . 
     As shown, the ledges  182  span between the first cart  102  and the second cart  104 . A first flange  180  downwardly extends from the ledge  182  over the first cart  102 , and a second flange  184  downwardly extends from the ledge  182  over the second cart  104 . A gap  181  separates the first flange  180  from the second flange  184 . Upper edges  183  of portions of walls of the first cart  102  and the second cart  104  are disposed within the gap  181 . 
     Optionally, a single ledge  182  can span between the first cart  102  and the second cart  104 . The ledge  182  can include a recessed portion in which the upper edges  183  are disposed. 
     In at least one example, the stabilizing arms  110  and  112  are connected together by a cart cross member  114  extending between and relative to the carts  102  and  104 . The stabilizing arms  110  and  112  extend from opposing ends  116  and  118  of the cart cross member  114 . Each stabilizing arm  110  and  112  includes the flanges  180  and  184  that extend downwardly to trap an upper side edge  122  of the joined carts  102  and  104 . Each stabilizing arm  110  and  112  includes a central notch  124  defined between the flange(s)  180 , the ledge(s)  182 , and the flange(s)  184  that traps upper edges of the joined carts  102 . Accordingly, the coupling system  100  can temporarily couple two carts  102  and  104  together for transport. A plurality of coupling systems  100  can be used to link together three or more carts in a linear array of carts for transport. In at least one example, the coupling system  100  does not include the cart cross member  114 . 
     In at least one example, the cart cross member  114  includes a spanner bar  190  that couples to and extends between the stabilizing arms  110  and  112 . The spanner bar  190  can be connected to upper surfaces of the stabilizing arms  110  and  112 , such as upper surfaces of the ledges  182 . Optionally, the spanner bar  190  can extend flush from the upper surfaces of the ledges  182 . In at least one example, one or more spacer tabs  192  downwardly extend from the spanner bar  190 . The cart cross member  114  is configured to be disposed above a separating and/or interface between end walls of the first cart  102  and the second cart  104 . The spacer tabs  192  can be disposed between the portions of the end walls of the first cart  102  and the second cart  104 . The spacer tabs  192  operate to form a barrier between the first cart  102  and the second cart  104 , and are configured to exert moving force into the first cart  102  and the second cart  104 , depending on whether the carts  102  and  104  are being pushed or pulled. Optionally, a single spacer tab  192  can extend from the spanner bar  190 . As another example, three or more spacer tabs  192  can extend from the spanner bar  190 . In at least one other example, the cart cross member  114  may not include any spacer tabs. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates a perspective view of coupling systems  100   a ,  100   b , and  100   c  configured to connect a first cart  102  to a second cart  104 , according to an example of the present disclosure. As an example, the coupling system  100   a  includes the two stabilizing arms  110  and  112  (but not a cart cross member). As an example, the coupling system  100   b  includes stabilizing arms  110  and  112  connected together by a basket  130 . As an example, the coupling system  100   c  includes stabilizing arms  110  and  112  connected together by a countertop  140 . As shown, the coupling system may or may not include a spanner bar. The stabilizing arms  110  and  112  may or may not be connected together. In at least one example, the stabilizing arms  110  and  112  can be connected together through an intermediate structure, such as a basket, a countertop, and/or the like. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft  200 , according to an example of the present disclosure. The aircraft  200  includes a propulsion system  220  that includes engines  222 , for example. Optionally, the propulsion system  220  may include more engines  222  than shown. The engines  222  are carried by wings  224  of the aircraft  200 . In other embodiments, the engines  222  may be carried by a fuselage  226  and/or an empennage  228 . The empennage  228  may also support horizontal stabilizers  230  and a vertical stabilizer  232 . It is to be understood that the aircraft  200  can be sized, shaped, and configured differently than shown in  FIG.  7   . 
     As described herein, the coupling systems can be used in relation to carts within an internal cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft (as shown in  FIG.  7   ). The coupling systems can be used in relation to internal cabins of other vehicles, such as buses, train cars, watercraft, spacecraft, and/or the like. For example, the coupling systems can be used to link carts together, which can then be moved within the internal cabin. As another example, the coupling systems can be used to link half-size carts together, which can then be stowed in a galley compartment. The linked half-size carts can be easily removed from the galley compartment (instead of an inner most half cart remaining within the galley compartment, and requiring an individual to reach further into the galley compartment to remove). Also, linking carts together with coupling systems increases the efficiency of transporting, loading, and unloading processes, such as in relation to catering operations. Carts linked by the coupling systems can be more stable within a catering vehicle, for example. Carts linked by the coupling systems also improved the efficiency of gate-turn catering operations, such as at an airport. Examples of the present disclosure can also be used in food catering service, for example, whether or not in a vehicle. For example, catering service providers can manage the galley and waste carts (for example, cleaning them, preparing meals, stowing meals in the carts, and refrigerating prior to transporting carts to and from the airplane). The coupling systems can be useful during such operations. The coupling systems can be used with respect to galley and waste carts used within fixed structures, such as residential or commercial buildings. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a flow chart of a method of coupling a first cart to a second cart, according to an example of the present disclosure. At  300 , a first cart is moved into close proximity to a second cart. For example, an end wall of the first cart can directly abut an end wall of the second cart. At  302 , a coupling system (such as any of those described herein) is disposed over the first cart and the second cart. At  304 , portions of the coupling system are connected to portions of the first cart and the second cart. 
     Further, the disclosure comprises examples according to the following clauses: 
     Clause 1. A coupling system for removably connecting a first cart to a second cart, the coupling system comprising: 
     a first stabilizing arm configured to span between the first cart and the second cart on a first side; and 
     a second stabilizing arm configured to span between the first cart and the second on a second side opposite from the first side. 
     Clause 2. The coupling system of Clause 1, further comprising a cart cross member configured to extend proximate to ends of the first cart and the second cart, wherein the cart cross member connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. 
     Clause 3. The coupling system of Clause 2, wherein the cart cross member comprises: 
     a spanner bar connected to the first stabilizing arm and the second stabilizing arm; and 
     one or more spacer tabs downwardly extending from the spanner bar. 
     Clause 4. The coupling system of any of Clauses 1-3, wherein each of the first stabilizing arm and the second stabilizing arm includes one or more flanges that extend downwardly to trap an upper side edge of each of the first cart and the second cart. 
     Clause 5. The coupling system of Clause 4, wherein the one or more flanges comprise: 
     one or more first flanges downwardly extending from a first side of a ledge; and 
     one or more second flanges downwardly extending from a second side of the ledge, wherein the second side is opposite from the first side. 
     Clause 6. The coupling system of Clause 5, wherein the one or more first flanges have a first size, and wherein the one or more second flanges have a second size that differs from the first size. 
     Clause 7. The coupling system of any of Clauses 4-6, wherein each of the first stabilizing arm and the second stabilizing arm includes a central notch that traps upper edges of the first cart and the second cart. 
     Clause 8. The coupling system of any of Clauses 1-7, further comprising a basket that connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. 
     Clause 9. The coupling system of any of Clauses 1-8, further comprising a countertop that connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. 
     Clause 10. The coupling system of any of Clauses 1-9, wherein each of the first cart and the second cart is a half-size cart. 
     Clause 11. A method for removably connecting a first cart to a second cart, the method comprising: 
     connecting first cart to a second cart with a first stabilizing arm spanning between the first cart and the second cart on a first side, and a second stabilizing arm spanning between the first cart and the second on a second side opposite from the first side. 
     Clause 12. The method of Clause 11, further comprising connecting the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm with a cart cross member proximate to ends of the first cart and the second cart. 
     Clause 13. The method of Clauses 11 or 12, wherein said connecting comprises trapping upper edges of the first cart and the second cart within a central notch of each of the first stabilizing arm and the second stabilizing arm. 
     Clause 14. The method of any of Clauses 11-13, further comprising connecting the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm with a basket. 
     Clause 15. The method of any of Clauses 11-14, further comprising connecting the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm with a countertop. 
     Clause 16. The method of any of Clauses 11-15, wherein each of the first cart and the second cart is a half-size cart. 
     Clause 17. A system comprising: 
     a first cart; 
     a second cart; and 
     a coupling system that removably connects the first cart to the second cart, the coupling system comprising:
         a first stabilizing arm spanning between the first cart and the second cart on a first side; and   a second stabilizing arm spanning between the first cart and the second on a second side opposite from the first side.       

     Clause 18. The system of Clause 17, wherein the coupling system further comprises a cart cross member proximate to ends of the first cart and the second cart, wherein the cart cross member connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. 
     Clause 19. The system of Clauses 17 or 18, wherein the coupling system further comprises one or both of a countertop or a basket that connects the first stabilizing arm to the second stabilizing arm. 
     Clause 20. The system of any of Clauses 17-19, wherein each of the first cart and the second cart is one or more of a meal cart, a beverage cart, or a waste cart, and wherein each of the first cart and the second cart is a half-size cart. 
     As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that reduce workload of flight attendants during a flight. Further, examples of the present disclosure increase stability of certain carts, such as half-size carts. 
     While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like can be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations can be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and the like. 
     As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.