Patent ID: 12240607

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of various embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. It should also be understood that unless specifically stated otherwise, references to “a,” “an” or “the” may include one or more than one and that reference to an item in the singular may also include the item in the plural. Further, all ranges may include upper and lower values and all ranges and ratio limits disclosed herein may be combined.

Referring now to the drawings,FIGS.1A-1Gillustrate trolley cart stowage bays in accordance with various embodiments. A galley100having a plurality of cart storage bays, for instance a first bay102and a second bay104, may be in an area restricted by surrounding aircraft structures such as a door bustle. The first and second cart stowage bays102,104are at least partially defined by a T-divider200that restricts lateral movement of carts106,108within the corresponding cart stowage bays102,104. The T-divider200is configured to take the large loads (e.g., up to 9G of force) that are applied to the T-divider200(e.g., against sides of the T-divider200as will be explained herein) in a flight direction when the aircraft is in motion, while still allowing the carts106,108to be removed from the cart stowage bays102,104. The flight direction may be in the direction as shown inFIG.1B(e.g., forward-aft), or the flight direction may be any of 4 natural orientations (e.g., forward-aft, aft-forward, left-right, right-left).

The galley100may have at least one cart stowage bay (e.g., the first bay102and the second bay104), or may include double cart stowage bays. The T-divider200defines a boundary between the first bay102and the second bay104. The first and second cart stowage bays102,104may be restricted by surrounding aircraft structures: to facilitate removal of a cart during flight, a moveable portion of the T-divider200may be deflected from a stowed orientation (e.g., seeFIG.1E) to a removal orientation (e.g., seeFIG.1F). For instance, in various embodiments, where carts are removed from the unrestricted first cart bay102, the T-divider may be placed in the removal orientation, such that the cart108can be removed around the surrounding aircraft structure, either moving from side-to side (e.g., seeFIGS.1E-1F) or at an angle (e.g., seeFIGS.1C-1D), as necessary.

Referring now toFIGS.2A-2E, a T-divider200(e.g., a T-divider assembly200) is illustrated in detail. The T-divider200includes a housing202. The housing202may be configured to be disposed within the galley100. The housing202may be substantially rectangular. The housing202may be any shape suitable to be disposed in/coupled to the galley100. The housing202may define the boundary between the first stowage bay102and the second stowage bay104. The housing202includes a proximal end204and a distal end206, opposite the proximal end204. The distance between the proximal end204and the distal end206may define a length L of the housing202along a longitudinal axis201. The housing202may include at least one cavity. For instance, as shown inFIGS.2A-2C, the housing202may include a first cavity210and a second cavity212. The first and second cavities210,212may extend between the proximal end204and the distal end206. In various embodiments, as shown inFIGS.5A-5B, the housing202may include only one cavity (e.g., the first cavity210).

The T-divider200may include a moveable portion208. The moveable portion208may be a panel extending between the proximal end204and the distal end206of the housing, substantially the length of the length L. The moveable portion208may be disposed in a center of the housing202such that the moveable portion208separates the first cavity210and the second cavity212. The moveable portion208is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis201within the housing202. For instance, the first and second cavities210,212may be configured to receive the moveable portion208as it rotates from the stowed orientation to the removal orientation. In configurations that include the first cavity210and the second cavity212, the moveable portion208may be rotated in either direction (e.g., a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction). In configurations that include only the first cavity210, the moveable portion208may be rotated in a single direction (e.g., either a clockwise or a counterclockwise direction) (see e.g.,FIGS.5A-5B). In various embodiments, the moveable portion208may include a rub strip. For instance, the rub strip may be disposed along a surface of the moveable portion208and configured to prevent damage to the moveable portion208. The rub strip may be a rubber, silicone, or other abrasion resistant material.

The T-divider200may include a plurality of restraining lugs214. The plurality of restraining lugs214may be disposed within the housing202on either side of the moveable portion208(e.g., a plurality of restraining lugs214within the first cavity210and a plurality of restraining lugs214in the second cavity212). The plurality of restraining lugs214may be fixed within the housing202such that the restraining lugs214are configured to restrain the moveable portion208in the stowed orientation.

The T-divider200may include a plurality of recesses216. The plurality of recesses216may be configured to correspond with the plurality of restraining lugs214. For instance, when the plurality of recesses216align with the plurality of restraining lugs214, the moveable portion208may be allowed to rotate along the longitudinal axis such that the plurality of restraining lugs214pass through the plurality of recesses216during rotation.

The T-divider200may include a central shaft218. The central shaft218may be configured to enable a user, such as a flight attendant, to rotate the moveable portion208of the T-divider200from the stowed orientation to the removal orientation, and vice versa. In various embodiments, the central shaft218may be coupled to the moveable portion208. For instance, the central shaft218and the moveable portion208may be configured as one integral piece. In various embodiments, the central shaft218may be configured to slide through a channel of the moveable portion208such that the central shaft218acts as a bearing. The central shaft218may extend at least the length of the housing. For instance, a portion of the central shaft218may extend past the distal end206of the housing202such that when the central shaft218is pulled proximally, as described further herein, a portion of the central shaft218remains on an exterior side of the housing202to remain aligned/engaged with the housing202. The central shaft218may include a knob220. The knob220may be disposed on the central shaft218toward the proximal end204. The knob220may further facilitate the user to operate the T-divider.

Referring now toFIGS.3A-3B, the T-divider200may include a locking mechanism222. The locking mechanism222may be configured to prevent unintended pull of the knob220. Accordingly, the moveable portion208may be secured in the stowed orientation206via the locking mechanism222. The locking mechanism222may be a push pin that blocks rotation. For instance, a lever can be balked with a door. When the door is removed, the lever is visible, similar to turn buttons. As shown inFIG.3B, the pin may be pushed in to allow for rotation. In various embodiments, the locking mechanism222may be a detent pin. The detent pin may be a spring loaded pin that fits into a socket or it may be a ball in a groove to prevent unwanted movement. For instance, the central shaft218may be held by a detent pin, such that a slight force (e.g., by the user) is required to release the detent pin and pull the central shaft218proximally. The T-divider200may include a plurality of locking mechanisms222. For instance, the T-divider200may include multiple detent pins along the line of rotation. In various embodiments, the locking mechanism222may be a spring, a magnet, or other suitable restraint.

Referring now toFIG.4A, the rotation of the T-divider200is illustrated. In the stowed orientation, the moveable portion is linearly aligned with the carts106,108to restrict lateral movement of the carts stowed in the first bay102and second bay104. The moveable portion208is positioned upright between each of the plurality of restraining lugs214(see also, e.g.,FIG.2A). The knob220may be pulled proximally to move the central shaft218and in turn, the moveable portion208proximally until the plurality of restraining lugs214align with the plurality of recesses216(see also, e.g.,FIG.2B). The knob220may be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to move the moveable portion208into the first cavity210or the second cavity212(see also, e.g.,FIG.2C). The T-divider200may then be locked into the rotated and retracted position/removal orientation. In the removal orientation210, the carts106,108are then free to rotate sufficiently to bypass the obstructions caused by the surrounding aircraft structure and be removed from the first and second bays102,104.

As a safety mechanism, referring now toFIG.4B, the knob220may be extended approximately 20 mm in the removal orientation, thus blocking a bay door. In other words, the knob220is visible when the T-divider200is not fully locked into position and the bay door cannot be closed, thus indicated that the carts106,108are not secured.

Referring now toFIGS.6A-6B, front views of a T-divider are illustrated in accordance with various embodiments.FIGS.6A-6Billustrate an alternate configuration that allows the T-divider to load against a bottom structure rather than lugs (e.g., lugs214). Similar toFIGS.1-2, galley600may have at least one cart stowage bay (e.g., the first bay602and the second bay604) storing a first cart606and a second cart608. A T-divider610defines a boundary between the first bay602and the second bay604. The T-divider610may comprise similar components to that of the T-divider200as described with reference toFIGS.2A-2E. For instance, the T-divider may include a housing (e.g., the housing202) and a central shaft (e.g., the central shaft218).

FIGS.6A-6Billustrate a rotating offset to take side load. For instance, the T-divider610may include a moveable portion612. The moveable portion612is configured to rotate about a pivot point614. The moveable portion612may include a first portion616and a second portion618extending perpendicularly from the first portion616such that the moveable portion612is substantially “L” shaped. The first portion616is coupled to the pivot point614. The second portion618may extend between the first cart606and the second cart608in a stowed orientation (e.g., seeFIG.6A) to secure the first and second cart606,608in place. The pivot point614may include a knob such that the moveable portion612is coupled to the knob/pivot point614. The knob is configured to facilitate a user to rotate the moveable portion612about the pivot point614. Due to the “L” shape of the moveable portion612, the T-divider610may be rotated about the pivot point614without the need to remove the first606from the first bay602prior to rotation. When in the stowed orientation, the T-divider610is configured to withstand loads applied to the T-diver610when the aircraft is in motion. For instance, the first cart606may apply a force up to 9G against the second portion618. Further, the second cart608may apply a force of at least 3G against the second portion618. Accordingly, due to the configuration of the T-divider610, the T-divider610can retain the first and second carts606,608in the stowed orientation while the aircraft is in motion.

FIGS.7A-7Bare front views of a T-divider, in accordance with various embodiments.FIGS.7A-7Billustrate an alternate configuration that allows the T-divider to load against a side structure rather than lugs (e.g., lugs214). Similar toFIGS.1-2, galley700may have at least one cart stowage bay (e.g., the first bay702and the second bay704) storing a first cart706and a second cart708. A T-divider710defines a boundary between the first bay702and the second bay704. The T-divider710may comprise similar components to that of the T-divider200as described with reference toFIGS.2A-2E. For instance, the T-divider may include a housing (e.g., the housing202) and a central shaft (e.g., the central shaft218). However, T-divider720does not include restraining lugs.

FIGS.7A-7Billustrate a configuration of the T-divider710with a straight down leg. For instance, the T-divider710may include a moveable portion712. The moveable portion712is configured to rotate about a pivot point714. The moveable portion712may include a straight leg716extending from the pivot point714. The straight leg716is coupled to the pivot point714. The straight let716may extend between the first cart706and the second cart708in a stowed orientation (e.g., seeFIG.7A) to secure the first and second cart706,708in place. The pivot point714may include a knob such that the moveable portion712is coupled to the knob/pivot point714. The knob is configured to facilitate a user to rotate the moveable portion712about the pivot point714. For instance, the knob may be used to rotate the moveable portion712about the pivot point714without needing to When in the stowed orientation, the T-divider710is configured to withstand loads applied to the T-diver610when the aircraft is in motion. For instance, the first cart706may apply a force up to 9G against the straight let716. Further, the second cart708may apply a force of at least 3G against the straight leg716. Accordingly, due to the configuration of the T-divider710, the T-divider710can retain the first and second carts706,708in the stowed orientation while the aircraft is in motion.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment: for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Systems, methods and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

Numbers, percentages, or other values stated herein are intended to include that value, and also other values that are about or approximately equal to the stated value, as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art encompassed by various embodiments of the present disclosure. A stated value should therefore be interpreted broadly enough to encompass values that are at least close enough to the stated value to perform a desired function or achieve a desired result. The stated values include at least the variation to be expected in a suitable industrial process, and may include values that are within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, within 0.1%, or within 0.01% of a stated value. Additionally, the terms “substantially,” “about” or “approximately” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the term “substantially,” “about” or “approximately” may refer to an amount that is within 10% of, within 5% of, within 1% of, within 0.1% of, and within 0.01% of a stated amount or value.

Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

Finally, it should be understood that any of the above described concepts can be used alone or in combination with any or all of the other above described concepts. Although various embodiments have been disclosed and described, one of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, the description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the principles described or illustrated herein to any precise form. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.