U.S. patent application number 15/087157 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-06 for galley cart locking mechanism and method of use thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is NORDUYN INC.. Invention is credited to Martin BELANGER, Mathieu BOIVIN, Robert LAVIGNE, Omar PERTEW.
Application Number | 20160290023 15/087157 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57003780 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160290023 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BOIVIN; Mathieu ; et
al. |
October 6, 2016 |
GALLEY CART LOCKING MECHANISM AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF
Abstract
A galley cart for moving along a passenger aisle of a vehicle is
presented, the galley cart comprising a body comprising an upper
portion, a lower portion, a right lateral portion, a left lateral
portion and a door opening, the galley cart comprising wheels
attached to the lower portion for supporting the body, a door
pivotally attached to the body and adapted to mate with the door
opening, and a locking mechanism operatively associated with the
door, the locking mechanism comprising a first door-locking
portion, and a second door-locking portion, each door-locking
portion locking independently the door to the body when the door is
closing the door opening. A securing mechanism and a method of use
is also presented.
Inventors: |
BOIVIN; Mathieu; (Montreal,
CA) ; PERTEW; Omar; (Montreal, CA) ; BELANGER;
Martin; (Montreal, CA) ; LAVIGNE; Robert;
(Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NORDUYN INC. |
Montreal |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
57003780 |
Appl. No.: |
15/087157 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62141570 |
Apr 1, 2015 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 13/002 20130101;
B64D 11/04 20130101; B62B 5/0433 20130101; E05C 1/08 20130101; E05C
9/1808 20130101; Y02T 50/40 20130101; B62B 3/005 20130101; E05B
41/00 20130101; E05C 9/046 20130101; E05B 2001/0076 20130101; Y02T
50/46 20130101; B64D 11/0007 20130101; B62B 3/004 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E05C 1/08 20060101
E05C001/08; B62B 3/00 20060101 B62B003/00 |
Claims
1. A galley cart for moving along a passenger aisle of a vehicle,
the galley cart comprising: a body comprising an upper portion; a
lower portion; a right lateral portion; a left lateral portion; and
a door opening; the galley cart comprising wheels attached to the
lower portion for supporting the body; a door pivotally attached to
the body and adapted to mate with the door opening; and a locking
mechanism operatively associated with the door, the locking
mechanism comprising a first door-locking portion; and a second
door-locking portion, each door-locking portion locking
independently the door to the body when the door is closing the
door opening.
2. The galley cart of claim 1, wherein the first door-locking
portion is locking an upper portion of the door to the body and the
second door-locking portion is locking a lower portion of the door
to the body.
3. The galley cart of claim 1, wherein the first door-locking
portion includes a first engaging member for locking the door to
the body, and the second door-locking portion includes a second
engaging member for locking the door to the body, the two engaging
members being actuable independently for locking the door to the
body.
4. The galley cart of claim 3, wherein pivoting the door to close a
door opening is engaging an engaging portion of the engaging member
with a corresponding engaging member receiver secured to the body
without manual actuation of a handle of the locking mechanism.
5. The galley cart of claim 3, wherein the engaging members are
slidably housed in a peripheral frame of the door.
6. The galley cart of claim 3, wherein an engaging portion of the
first engaging member is engaging with the corresponding engaging
member receiver secured to the body, when moving in a first
direction, and the second engaging member is engaging with the
corresponding engaging member secured to the body, when moving in a
second direction opposed to the first direction.
7. The galley cart of claim 3, wherein an actuating member actuates
a pair of lock members pivotably secured on a first side and
operatively connected to respective engaging members on a second
side.
8. The galley cart of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
includes a handle pivotably secured thereon, the handle pivoting
the actuating member.
9. The galley cart of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism handle
includes a mechanism adapted to warn a user when one of the first
door-locking portion and the second door-locking portion is not
securing the door with the body.
10. The galley cart of claim 1, wherein the first door-locking
portion is biased toward a locked configuration and the second
door-locking portion is biased toward a locked configuration.
11. A door locking mechanism for selectively locking a door of a
galley cart for moving along a passenger aisle of a vehicle, the
galley cart comprising: a body comprising an upper portion; a lower
portion; a right lateral portion; a left lateral portion; and a
door opening; the galley cart comprising wheels attached to the
lower portion for supporting the body; and a door pivotally
attached to the body and adapted to mate with the door opening; the
locking mechanism comprising a first door-locking portion; and a
second door-locking portion, each door-locking portion locking
independently the door to the body when the door is closing the
door opening.
12. The door locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first
door-locking portion is locking an upper portion of the door to the
body and the second door-locking portion is locking a lower portion
of the door to the body.
13. The door locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first
door-locking portion includes a first engaging member for locking
the door to the body, and the second door-locking portion includes
a second engaging member for locking the door to the body, the two
engaging members being actuable independently for locking the door
to the body.
14. The door locking mechanism of claim 13, wherein pivoting the
door to close a door opening is engaging an engaging portion of the
engaging member with a corresponding engaging member receiver
secured to the body without manual actuation of a handle of the
locking mechanism.
15. The door locking mechanism of claim 13, wherein the engaging
members are slidably housed in a peripheral frame of the door.
16. The door locking mechanism of claim 13, wherein an engaging
portion of the first engaging member is engaging with the
corresponding engaging member receiver secured to the body, when
moving in a first direction, and the second engaging member is
engaging with the corresponding engaging member secured to the
body, when moving in a second direction opposed to the first
direction.
17. The door locking mechanism of claim 13, wherein an actuating
member actuates a pair of lock members pivotably secured on a first
side and operatively connected to respective engaging members on a
second side.
18. The door locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the locking
mechanism includes a handle pivotably secured thereon, the handle
pivoting the actuating member.
19. The door locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the locking
mechanism handle includes a mechanism adapted to warn a user when
one of the first door-locking portion and the second door-locking
portion is not securing the door with the body.
20. The door locking mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first
door-locking portion is biased toward a locked configuration and
the second door-locking portion is biased toward a locked
configuration.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE
[0001] The present invention relates to and claims priority from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 62/141,570, filed Apr. 1,
2015, entitled TROLLEY DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM AND METHOD OF USE
THEREOF, which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to a locking mechanism for
a galley cart for moving objects. The present invention relates
more precisely to a door locking mechanism for a galley cart for
use in an airplane, or another vehicle, that can include a
redundant door locking mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Galley carts are generally used in the transportation
industry for moving goods and other articles. Galley carts can be
used in critical environments like in the aeronautical industry and
are subject to safety requirements.
[0004] These requirements are intended to define the design and the
use of galley carts to increase the safety of the people using them
and also for the safety of the public. Galley carts used in
aircrafts are subjected to many technical requirements that must be
considered closely. Among others, mechanical resistance and fire
resistance requirements are mandatory and have a direct effect on
the design and the choice of material that can be used to
manufacture the galley cart.
[0005] The design and the construction of galley carts benefit from
innovation in connection with various elements thereof. One of the
elements that would benefit from innovative structure would be the
door locking mechanism of the galley cart. The door locking
mechanism might cause some safety issue if it becomes
defective.
[0006] It is therefore desirable to provide an improved door
locking mechanism over the existing art. It is also desirable to
provide an improved locking mechanism that would not be jeopardized
and unlocked by a shock in a direction over the existing art.
[0007] It is desirable to provide an improved door locking
mechanism that would use a structure that not be jeopardized by the
rupture of an element therein by using redundancy therein. It is
therefore desirable to provide an improved door locking mechanism
that would indicate to a user that the locking mechanism, or a
redundant element therein, is not working properly.
[0008] Other deficiencies will become apparent to one skilled in
the art to which the invention pertains in view of the following
summary and detailed description with its appended figures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention
in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the
invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the
invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of
the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole
purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a
simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description of
exemplary embodiments that is presented later.
[0010] Therefore, one aspect of the present invention improves at
least some of the deficiencies associated with the drawbacks
identified above.
[0011] It is one aspect of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a galley cart with a redundant
door locking mechanism.
[0012] It is one aspect of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a galley cart with a door locking
mechanism with self-locking capability when closing the door.
[0013] It is one aspect of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a galley cart with a mechanism
indicating to a user whether a galley cart door locking mechanism
is correctly engaged or not.
[0014] It is an aspect of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a galley cart with a mechanism
indicating to a user whether a galley cart double door locking
mechanism is correctly engaged or not.
[0015] It is an aspect of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a galley cart with a mechanism
indicating to a user whether a galley cart independent double door
locking mechanism is correctly engaged or not correctly
engaged.
[0016] It is an aspect of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a galley cart with a warning
mechanism indicating to a user whether a galley cart independent
double door locking mechanism is correctly engaged or not, the
warning mechanism being independent of the double door locking
mechanism.
[0017] It is an object of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a galley cart with a warning
mechanism using the position of the door locking handle to indicate
to a user whether a galley cart independent double door locking
mechanism is correctly engaged or not.
[0018] It is an aspect of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a galley cart with door locking
mechanism secured to a galley cart door frame for mechanically
securing the door locking mechanism secured to a galley cart door
frame hence increasing the mechanical strength of the door
assembly.
[0019] It is an aspect of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a galley cart for moving along a
passenger aisle of a vehicle is presented, the galley cart
comprising a body comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a
right lateral portion, a left lateral portion and a door opening,
the galley cart comprising wheels attached to the lower portion for
supporting the body, a door pivotally attached to the body and
adapted to mate with the door opening, and a locking mechanism
operatively associated with the door, the locking mechanism
comprising a first door-locking portion, and a second door-locking
portion, each door-locking portion locking independently the door
to the body when the door is closing the door opening.
[0020] It is an aspect of our work to provide, in accordance with
at least one embodiment thereof, a door locking mechanism for
selectively locking a door of a galley cart for moving along a
passenger aisle of a vehicle, the galley cart comprising a body
comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a right lateral
portion, a left lateral portion, and a door opening, the galley
cart comprising wheels attached to the lower portion for supporting
the body, and a door pivotally attached to the body and adapted to
mate with the door opening, the locking mechanism comprising a
first door-locking portion, and a second door-locking portion, each
door-locking portion locking independently the door to the body
when the door is closing the door opening.
[0021] These and other advantages and features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following description and
the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a full size galley cart in
accordance with at least an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a half size galley cart in
accordance with at least an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a semi exploded perspective view of a half size
galley cart equipped with a tablet module in accordance with at
least an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a galley cart door with
several illustrated operating configurations in accordance with at
least an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a front-right perspective exploded view of a
portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a front-right side perspective view of a portion
of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a front-right side perspective view of a portion
of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0029] FIGS. 8 A) is a front elevation views of a portion of a
locking mechanism of a galley cart in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0030] FIGS. 8 B) is a front elevation views of a portion of a
locking mechanism of a galley cart in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0031] FIGS. 8 C) is a front elevation views of a portion of a
locking mechanism of a galley cart in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0032] FIGS. 9 A) is a front elevation views of a portion of a
locking mechanism of a galley cart in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0033] FIGS. 9 B) is a front elevation views of a portion of a
locking mechanism of a galley cart in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a front-right side perspective view of a portion
of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a front-right side perspective view of internal
components of a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of internal components of
a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a front-right side perspective view of a portion
of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a front-right side perspective view of internal
components of a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a front elevation view of internal components of
a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a front-right side perspective view of a portion
of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a front-right side perspective view of internal
components of a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 18 is a front elevation view of internal components of
a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 19 is a front elevation view of internal components of
a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of internal components of
a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 21 is a front elevation view of internal components of
a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 22 is a rear-right side perspective view of internal
components of a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 23 is a front-right perspective exploded view of
internal components of a portion of a locking mechanism in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 24 is a rear-right perspective exploded view of
internal components of a portion of a locking mechanism in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 25 is a rear-right perspective semi exploded view of
internal components of a portion of a locking mechanism in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 26 is a section view of internal components of a
portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 27 is a front elevation view of internal components of
a portion of a locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 28 is a front-right perspective view of a portion of a
locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0053] FIG. 29 is a front-right perspective view of a portion of a
locking mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0054] FIG. 30 is a flow chart representing behavior when the
engaging member is engaged or not with respective engaging member
receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0055] FIG. 31 is a flow chart representing behavior when the
engaging member is engaged or not with respective engaging member
receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION
[0056] The present invention is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It may
be evident, however, that the present invention may be practiced
without these specific details. In other instances, well-known
structures and devices are shown in schematic form in order to
facilitate describing the present invention.
[0057] A galley cart 10 adapted to carry goods in accordance with
an embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The galley
cart 10 is adapted to be used in a passenger airplane but could
alternatively be used in other environments like in a passenger
train or, inter alia, in the medical field. The galley cart 10
illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a body 14 defining an upper portion
18, a right lateral portion 22, a left lateral portion 26 and a
bottom portion 30. The body 14 can be described as an assembled
construction 32 using composite material panels 34 and junction
members 36 therebetween simultaneously supplying the aesthetic
envelope of the galley cart 10 and the structure providing its
mechanical strength. In other words, the assembled construction 32
provides an envelope that is also the frame structure. As it will
be described below in respect with an embodiment, the assembled
construction 32 uses a body 14 made of a plurality of parts.
[0058] The upper portion 18, the right lateral portion 22, the left
lateral portion 26 and the bottom portion 30 of the body 14 are
connected together to obtain a strong unified structure.
Illustrative embodiments described herein are using a variety of
junction members 36 to interconnect adjacent portions 18, 22, 26,
30. The body 14 of the illustrated embodiment is forming a hollowed
structure having four planar side portions 18, 22, 26, 30. It can
be appreciated that the wall thickness of the different portions
18, 22, 26, 30 can have different thicknesses adapted to sustain
the specific mechanical loads applied thereto. In other words, the
assembled construction 32 of the galley cart 10 can be optimized to
only use the required material at the right place and therefore
reduces the weight while providing the appropriate mechanical
resistance. For example, the panel of the upper portion 18 can have
a thinner wall section than the panel of the bottom portion 30
because the upper portion 18 does not bear the weight of the entire
galley cart 10. Additional details about the construction of the
body 14 will be provided below.
[0059] The galley cart 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 is referred to as a
full-size galley cart 10 having a predetermined longitudinal length
28 and provided with a door opening 38 on each longitudinal side
42, 46. Each door 50 is hingedly 52 connected to body 14 and is
adapted to pivot between a closed position 54, when mating with its
respective door opening 38, and an open position (not illustrated
in the Figures). A locking mechanism 56 housing 60, that is also
acting as a reinforcement member 62 recessed into the door 50,
provides support for a pulling handle 66 pivotally secured thereon
and adapted to pull on the door 50. The pulling handle 66 can, in
embodiments thereof, be spring loaded to bias the pulling handle 66
toward its collapsed position adjacent to the housing 60. A locking
member 70 configured to align with an operatively pivotable locking
handle 74 when the door 50 is locked in the closed position 54, to
receive a lock 58 (not shown in FIG. 1, although, this element is
illustrated in FIG. 7) thereon to prevent opening of the door 50 is
also connected to the reinforcement member 62. The locking handle
74 is pivotally secured to the door 50 to selectively move a pair
of pivotable lock members 78 that is operatively actuating a pair
of opposed movable engaging member 82 to open the door 50. The
handle 74 can be actuated in both vertical directions to engage and
disengage the pivotable lock members 78 from cooperating engaging
member receivers 86 hereby embodies as hooks.
[0060] Still referring to FIG. 1, the galley cart 10 is provided
with a cover element 90 made of molded plastic to cover the upper
portion 18 of the body 14. The cover element 90 is defining a
planar work area 94 defined by a peripheral frame 98 configured to
prevent objects to slide off the upper portion 18 of the body
14.
[0061] The bottom portion 30 rests on a wheelbase 140 adapted to
pivotally secure thereto a set of four (4) of caster wheels 144.
Two pedals 148 are also pivotally secured to the wheelbase 140 to
selectively lock or unlock the caster wheels 144 to immobilize the
galley cart 10 when required.
[0062] A tablet module 110 is optionally secured inside the body
14, adjacent to the upper portion 18. The tablet module 110
comprises an extendable tablet/receptacle 114. The extendable
tablet 114 is moveable between a closed position 122 and an opened
position 126 as it can better be appreciated in FIG. 3. A locking
mechanism 130 prevents the extendable tablet 114 to extend when
undesired. A handle 118 is affixed to, or built in the extendable
tablet 114 and is more accessible when the extendable tablet 114 is
slightly extended.
[0063] The full size galley cart 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 has a
smaller counterpart. A reduced size galley cart 180, as illustrated
in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, has a smaller size due to its shorter
longitudinal length 28. The reduced size galley cart 180
illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 has a single door 50 located at
one end of the body 14. The smaller volume of the reduced size
galley cart 180 can contain fewer goods therein but takes less
space and allows nimbler movements.
[0064] As it is illustrated, the reduced size galley cart 180 of
the present embodiment is about half the length of the full size
galley cart 10. This is mainly obtained by reducing the length 28
of the body 14 and includes a single tablet module 110 on one
longitudinal side of the body and a single door 50. The
longitudinal side of the body opposed to the door 50 is closed with
a back portion 184, not illustrated in the Figures although a
skilled reader will infer from the Figures there is a single door.
The reduced size galley cart 180 is shown semi-exploded in FIG. 3.
Beside the shorter longitudinal length 28, the components of the
reduced size galley cart 180 are substantially similar as the
components of the full size trolley illustrated in FIG. 1. It can
be appreciated that the door 50 has a recessed portion 188 sized
and designed to receive therein the housing 60 such that the
reinforcement member 62 and some components of the locking
mechanism 56 located thereon do not extend above the external
surface of the door 50.
[0065] Moving now to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 depicting a door 50 of the
galley cart 10 and further detailing the locking mechanism
components 196 thereof. The locking handle 74 is pivotally secured
to a pivot 200 and is configured to pivot toward the upward
direction and the downward direction to unlock the locking
mechanism and allows the door 50 to open. The locking handle 74 is
in the locked position when it is in the horizontal position. When
the locking mechanism 56 is not properly engaged to lock the door
50 in the closed portion, the locking handle 74 is kept in the
horizontal position. The non-horizontal position of the locking
handle 74 is hence providing a visual indication to a user that the
locking mechanism 56 is not engaged correctly in its locked
position and the door 50 is not correctly secured. This ensures the
user can appreciate when the door 50 is locked or not. The locking
handle 74 actuates a pair of longitudinal engaging members 82 that
selectively engages a plurality of corresponding engaging member
receivers 86 (or any mechanism capable of providing a similar
function). In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal engaging
members 82 can be made of a polymer material or other suitable
material. The embodied locking mechanism 56 is comprising two
independent door-locking portions, a first door-locking portion 102
operational on the upper portion of the door 50 and a second
door-locking portion 106 operational on the lower portion of the
door 50. The pair of longitudinal engaging members 82 is assembled
with the door 50 and the engaging member receivers 86 are secured
to the body 14 of the galley cart 10. The door 50 is locked in the
closed position when the pair of longitudinal engaging members 82,
connected to the door 50, is engaged with the engaging member
receivers 86 connected to the body 14. The first door-locking
portion 102 is associated with the actuation of the upper
longitudinal engaging members 82.1 while the second door-locking
portion 106 is associated with the actuation of the lower
longitudinal engaging members 82.2. Both door-locking portion 102,
106 are actuated independently to lock the door 50 as it is
described below.
[0066] The pair of longitudinal engaging members 82 includes a
plurality of engaging portions 204. The engaging portions 204 can
be embodied in plastic or alternatively in metallic material such
as aluminum or steel to ensure it is strong enough to sustain the
loads generated by the engagement of the engaging portions 204 with
corresponding engaging member receivers 86. Each hook-engaging
portion 204 is embodied as a pair of opposed engaging portions 204
because the longitudinal engaging member 82 is used to engage the
engaging member receivers 86 on both sides when translated in each
of the two opposed directions. This way, only one longitudinal
engaging member 82 design is required for engaging the engaging
member receivers 86 in both locations, above and below each
engaging member receiver 86, to accommodate the opposite movements
of the longitudinal engaging member 82.
[0067] As better seen in FIG. 5, the locking handle 74 is
illustratively connected to a pivotable actuating member 208
(embodied as an asymmetric eccentric member in the Figures)
assembled inside the door 50. The actuating member 208, or any
comparable actuation member, is designed to contact the two
pivotable lock members 78. A vertical movement of the locking
handle 74, to unlock the door 50, is pivoting the two pivotable
lock members 78 about their respective pivots 212 that actuate, via
actuator arms 216, the vertical movements of the two longitudinal
engaging members 82. One can appreciate the actuating member 208
has two opposed contacting portions 220 of different lengths to
adapt to the different lever length of the actuator arms 216
between the pivots 212 and the contact point of the actuating
member 208. Each pivotable lock members 78 is independently biased
with a spring 224, respectively or collectively, to bias the two
pivotable lock members 78 in their locked position. Each spring 224
is retained in its operating position with spring locators 224
illustratively protruding from a rear panel 228 of the
reinforcement member 62.
[0068] One can appreciate from FIG. 5 the pivotal lock member 78 is
embodied in an "L" like shape. A first branch 236 of the pivotal
lock member 78 is extending from the pivot 212 to its associated
engaging member 82. A second branch 240 of the pivotal lock member
78 is extending from the pivot 212 to a signal portion 232. The
signal portion 232 includes two distinct signal areas 232.1 and
232.2, respectively having, for example, distinctive colors. The
signal areas 236.1 and 236.2 of the signal portion 232 are sized
and designed to be visible from information windows 244 in the
housing 60. In the present embodiment, each signal area 236 has a
specific color, for instance red and green, adapted to be seen from
the exterior of the cart 10 through the information windows 244.
Each color is associated with a locking state of the engaging
members 82. The color used in the present application are for
illustrative purposes only and could vary without departing from
the scope of the invention. When the color green of the signal
portion 232 is visible through its respective information window
244, it informs a viewer that its related engaging member 82 is in
its locked state and the door 50 is locked in its closed position.
Conversely, when the color red of the signal portion 232 is visible
through its respective information window 244, it informs a viewer
that its related engaging member 82 is in its unlocked state and
the door 50 is not locked in its closed position and can be
open.
[0069] A reader skilled in the art can appreciate the two engaging
members 82 are actuated in opposite vertical directions by a
pivotal of the locking handle 74. With reference to the illustrated
embodiment, a vertical upward pivotal of the locking handle 74 is
going to rotate the first branch of the upper engaging members 82
upward and the first branch of the lower engaging members 82
downward, unlocking the engaging members 82 from their respective
corresponding engaging member receivers 86. In contrast, a vertical
downward pivotal of the locking handle 74 is going to rotate the
first branch of the upper engaging members 82 downward and the
first branch of the lower engaging members 82 upward, unlocking the
engaging members 82 from their respective corresponding engaging
member receivers 86. In both configurations, the red color of the
signal portions 232 is going to be visible from the information
window 244 informing a viewer the locking mechanism of the door 50
is in the unlocked position. In both of the above configurations,
when the engaging members 82 are in their unlocked position, the
red portion 256 of the signal portion 232 is displayed through the
information window 244. A viewer will understand the engaging
members 82 are in their unlocked position.
[0070] Leaving the locking handle 74 in its horizontal position is
not biasing the engaging members 82 against their respective spring
224 and keeps the engaging members 82 in a locked position engaging
their respective engaging member receivers 86. In that state, when
the engaging members 82 are in their respective locked position,
the green portion 252 of the signal portion 232 is displayed
through the information window 244. A viewer will understand the
engaging members 82 are in their locked position.
[0071] The illustrated embodiment is constructed in a way the two
engaging members 82 are moving in their respective unlocked
position with opposed vertical movements thereof. For instance, the
upper engaging member 82 is moving in its locked position with an
upper movement thereof while the lower engaging member 82 is moving
in its locked position with a downward movement thereof. In
contrast, the upper engaging member 82 is moving in its locked
position with a downward movement thereof while the lower engaging
member 82 is moving in its locked position with an upward movement
thereof. This brings a significant advantage in a situation where
the galley cart 10 would be subjected to a flight load
(hypothetically) strong enough to cause a vertical movement of the
engaging members 82 in a direction adapted to unlock the engaging
member 82, at least one of the engaging members 82, the other
engaging member 82, is going to remain in its locked position
because the two engaging members 82 are actuated to be unlocked in
opposite vertical directions.
[0072] Independent engaging members 82 and associated pivotal lock
members 78 is another particularity of the embodied locking
mechanism 176. The independent engaging members 82 and associated
pivotal lock members 78 ensure a malfunction of one of the engaging
members 82 and associated pivotal lock members 78 is not going to
cause a malfunction of the other engaging member 82 and associated
pivotal lock member 78.
[0073] FIG. 6 depicts the assembled reinforcement member 62 with
the components described above operatively assembled therein. It is
possible to appreciate that the ends of the first branch 236 are
extending outside the housing 60 to cooperate with their respective
engaging members 82 when the housing 60 is operatively assembled
with the door 50. The assembled housing 60 is illustrated with the
locking handle 74 locked with a lock 58 in its horizontal locked
position in FIG. 7. It is also possible to see the engaging members
82 operatively assembled with the ends of the actuator arms 216 of
the first branches 236 extending outside the reinforcement member
62. The ends of the actuator arms 216 are inserted in arm receivers
248 formed on the engaging members 82. The mating of the actuator
arms 216 inserted in arm receivers 248 allow pivotal movements of
the actuator arms 216 in the arm receivers 248 to slide the
engaging members 82 in the desired position.
[0074] It can also be appreciated in FIG. 7 the engaging members 82
includes pairs of opposed hook-receiving portions 204. The
configuration of opposed hook-receiving portions 204 allows to
engage the engaging member receiver 86 in both vertical directions.
Movements of the locking handle 74, in the upward direction and the
downward direction, are going to disengage the engaging member
receivers 86. Central position of the locking handle 74 is allowing
self-positioning of the engaging member 82 biased by their
respective spring 224 in a locked position.
[0075] FIG. 8 shows the engagement member 82 (latch) engagement and
disengagement through normal locking handle 74 operation. FIG. 8 a)
depicts the locking handle 74 in the horizontal position
corresponding to the locked position of the engaging members 82
that is also locating the green portion 252 of the signal portion
232 to be visible through the information window 244. It can also
be seen the springs 224 are not compressed. FIG. 8 b) depicts the
locking handle 74 tilted in the downward position corresponding to
the unlocked position of the engaging members 82 that is also
locating the red portions 256 of the signal portion 232 to be
visible through the information window 244. It can also be seen the
springs 224 are compressed and bias the pivotal lock member 78
toward the locked position. FIG. 8 c) depicts the locking handle 74
tilted in the upward position corresponding to the unlocked
position of the engaging members 82 that is also locating the red
portions 256 of the signal portion 232 to be visible through the
information window 244. It can also be seen the springs 224 are
compressed and bias the pivotal lock member 78 toward the locked
position.
[0076] Mechanism failure scenarios are illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG.
9 a) illustrates the locking handle 74 is in the horizontal locked
position. However, the upper engaging member 82.1 is stuck in the
unlocked position, indicating the red portion 256 through the
information window 244. Conversely, the lower engaging member 82.2
is in the locked position, indicating the green portion 252 through
the information window 244. FIG. 9 b) still illustrates the locking
handle 74 is in the horizontal locked position. However, this time,
the upper engaging member 82.1 is in the locked position,
indicating the green portion 252 through the information window
244. Conversely, the lower engaging member 82.2 is undesirably
stuck in the unlocked position, indicating the red portion 256
through the information window 244. The configuration of the double
independent engaging members 82 provides a secondary retaining
mechanism for locking the door 50 in case one of the engaging
members 82 fails to engage correctly the engaging member receivers
86.
[0077] FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are further magnified illustrations of
the locking mechanism components 196 in the configuration of FIG. 8
a). It can be seen in FIG. 12 that the pivotal lock member 78
includes a shaped contacting portion 260 adapted to improve the
link between the first branch 236 and the engaging member 82 by
reducing the effect of the pivotal movement of the first branch 236
on the movement of the engaging member 82. The shaped contacting
portion 260 is embodied as a semi-circular 264 recessed portion
optimizing the contact interaction between the parts. The shaped
contacting portion 260 could alternatively have an elliptic shape
or an arbitrary shape reflecting a desired equilibrium of strength
between the parts to get a particular feeling when actuating the
mechanism.
[0078] FIG. 13 is a magnified illustration of the locking mechanism
56 components 196 in the configuration shown in FIG. 8 b). FIG. 14
and FIG. 15 are further magnified versions of the components of the
locking mechanism 56 components 196 in the configuration
illustrated in FIG. 8 b).
[0079] FIG. 15 is a magnified illustration of the locking mechanism
56 components 196 in the configuration depicted in FIG. 8 c). FIG.
16 and FIG. 17 are further magnified versions of the components of
the locking mechanism 56 components 196 in the configuration drawn
by FIG. 8 c).
[0080] Two mechanism failure scenarios are respectively illustrated
in FIG. 19 and in FIG. 20. FIG. 19 is a magnified illustration of
the locking mechanism 56 components 196 disposed in the
configuration exemplified in FIG. 9 a). FIG. 20 is a magnified
illustration of the locking mechanism 56 components 196 in the
configuration as in FIG. 9 b).
[0081] Another embodiment of the locking mechanism 56 is presented
in FIG. 21 throughout
[0082] FIG. 28. The signal portions 232 and corresponding
information windows 244 are absent in this design. The locking
mechanism 56 is embedded in the door 50 recessed into the composite
material 300, as best seen in FIG. 25, through the front external
layer of fibers 304 and the core 308. The housing 60 of the locking
mechanism 56 is containing locking mechanism elements 196 therein.
The housing 60 of the locking mechanism 56 is secured in place with
a series of fasteners 312 from the interior side of the door 50
hence providing a fasteners-free exterior design. The housing 60 of
the locking mechanism 56 is also secured to the peripheral frame 98
with an engagement of an extending housing portion 316 designed to
be located within the corresponding portion of the peripheral frame
98. The extending housing portion 316 is secured to the
corresponding portion of the peripheral frame 98 with a fastener
320 through a corresponding fastener opening 324 located in the
peripheral frame 98. This connection between the housing 60 and the
peripheral frame 98 further reinforce the peripheral frame 98 with
the panel 34 of the door 50. The peripheral frame 98 of the door 50
can sustain higher mechanical stresses.
[0083] It can be appreciated from FIG. 23, FIG. 24, FIG. 25 and
FIG. 26 that the actuating member 208, springs 224, branches 236,
240 are assembled behind the reinforcement member 62 and secured
with cover plate 328. The cover plate 328 is preferably made of
strong material, like steel or aluminum, to increase the strength
of the assembly. For achieving this, the cover plate 328 extends
within the corresponding portion of the peripheral frame 98 and
secured with fastener 320 through a corresponding fastener opening
324 located in the peripheral frame 98. The handle 74 is pivotally
secured along pivot axis 332 from behind with fastener 336 through
opening 340. The handle 74 includes hollowed portions 344 to
lighten its weight and is cover with handle cover 348. The handle
74, in this embodiment, has a structure reducing the mechanical
lever between the pivot axis 332 and the opposite end of the handle
74. The mechanical lever is reduced in the illustrated embodiment
by a retaining element embodied as a hook portion 356 pivotally
engaging corresponding slot 352 in the reinforcement member 62. The
hook portion 356 significantly increases the strength of the handle
74 when pulled from the front of the door 50 by reducing the lever
of about 50% in the current illustrated embodiment. An alternate
embodiment, not illustrated, is equipped of a similar retaining
element disposed at the complete end of the handle 74 that is
opposed to the pivot axis 332. This latter embodiment cancels the
lever effect and dramatically increases the strength of the handle
74. One can also appreciate from FIG. 23 the handle 66 is biased
toward the door with spring 360. The spring 360 and handle 66
assembly is covered with cover 364 that is securing the assembly in
place. More clearly illustrated, in FIG. 25, branch 240 of
pivotable lock member 78 includes a pivot 212 that is embodied as a
semi-circular external shape of an end of branches 240. A
counterpart pivot-receiver 272 built in the reinforcement member
62. A semi-circular ridge portion 276 is provided in the
reinforcement member 62 material and embodied with the
reinforcement ridges 280 therein.
[0084] FIG. 27, FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 are illustrating the
interaction of parts for the illustrated embodiment that is
substantially similar to the operating principles discussed above
in respect with the embodiments illustrated in the FIG. 1
throughout FIG. 20 of the specification. It is depicted the
branches 236 and 240 are extending on respective sides of the
extending housing portion 316. The distal end 368 of the handle 74
is arcuately moving in a recessed portion 372 in the reinforcement
member 62 hence providing a tight assembly. The door 50 is adapted
to close and engage the locking mechanism 56 by solely closing the
door 50 on the body 14. No manual actuation of the handle 74 is
required because the hook-receiving portions 204 of the engaging
member 82 are adapted to slide over the forward portion 376
engaging member receivers 86. The forward portion 376 includes
hook-contacting portion 380, that can be embodied with an angled
plane or a curved portion, to move the engaging member 82 against
its biasing spring 224 and smoothly engage the engaging member
receiver 86 with the engaging portion 204. This feature can be
referred to as a "slam latch" mechanism meaning closing the door 50
is going to engage the locking mechanism 56 without touching the
handle 74.
[0085] A flow chart of a typical behavior of the locking mechanism
56 informing a user of the door locking status is depicted in FIG.
30. The user is closing 400 the door 50 and the first engaging
member 82.1 is moved 404 to engage corresponding engaging member
receiver 86. Concurrently, the second engaging member 82.2 is moved
408 to engage corresponding engaging member receiver 86. A
detection of the locking status of the first engaging member 82.1
is made 412 and a detection of the locking status of the second
engaging member 82.2 is made 416. The user is informed of a
determination 420 that the two engaging members 82 are engaged with
corresponding engaging member receiver 86. Conversely, the user is
informed of a determination 424 that the at least one of the two
engaging members 82 is not engaged with corresponding engaging
member receiver 86.
[0086] Another flow chart of a typical behavior of the locking
mechanism 56 informing a user of the door locking status is
depicted in FIG. 31. The user is closing 430 the door 50 and the
first engaging member 82.1 is moved 434 to engage corresponding
engaging member receiver 86. Concurrently, the second engaging
member 82.2 is moved 438 to engage corresponding engaging member
receiver 86. A detection of the locking status of the first
engaging member 82.1 and a detection of the locking status of the
second engaging member 82.2 is made 442. The user is informed of a
determination 446 that the two engaging members 82 are engaged with
corresponding engaging member receiver 86. Conversely, the user is
informed of a determination 450 that the two engaging members 82 is
not engaged with corresponding engaging member receiver 86.
[0087] The description and the drawings that are presented above
are meant to be illustrative of the present invention. They are not
meant to be limiting of the scope of the present invention.
Modifications to the embodiments described may be made without
departing from the present invention, the scope of which is defined
by the following claims:
* * * * *