US 2016/0258188 A1Published application

Integrated locks with visual indicators for aircraft galley systems

AssigneeThe Boeing Company

InventorsCynthia A. VANDEWALL, Kai Shen Elston CHEAH, Jun Yuan Dexter TAN

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Abstract

Provided are integrated locks, aircraft galley systems using such locks, and aircraft including such galley systems. An integrated lock has a low profile and provides secure locking and visual indication of the lock status to meet various FAA regulations. The visual indication may be provided mechanically (e.g., by moving a two-color indicator between two positions) or electronically (e.g., by triggering a switch connected to a light or an electro-chromic device). Furthermore, a main indicator may be connected to multiple different locks to provide a combined visual indication of the status of all locks. A visual indicator may be disposed on a galley system frame. Each integrated lock may include a handle portion and a locking portion connected to the handle portion and configured to engage the galley system frame when the handle portion is in the locked position and the door is closed.

Claims19

Dependent claims

An integrated lock for use in a galley system of an aircraft, the integrated lock comprising:

a frame;
a door movable with respect to the frame between an open position and a closed position;
a handle portion movably attached to the door,
wherein the handle portion is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position;
a locking portion attached to the handle portion and movable with the handle portion with respect to the door,
wherein, when the handle portion is in the locked position, the locking portion engages the frame and prevents the door from moving away from the frame thereby maintaining the door in the closed position, and
wherein, when the handle portion is in the unlocked position, the locking portion is configured to stay clear from the frame thereby allowing the door to move away from the frame between the open position and the closed position;
a handle compression device connected to the handle portion and outwardly urging the handle portion to the locked position,
wherein the handle compression device is compressible thereby allowing the handle portion to inwardly advance from the locked position to the unlocked position;
and
a visual indicator controlled by at least one of the locking portion or the handle portion,
wherein the visual indicator is supported by the frame,
wherein the visual indicator is configured to switch between a locked indication and an unlocked indication,
wherein the visual indicator has the locked indication when the handle portion is in the locked position and the door is in the closed position,
wherein the visual indicator has the unlocked indication when the handle portion is in the unlocked position and the door is in the open position, and
wherein the visual indicator has the unlocked indication when the door is in the open position.

13 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 14/637,043Filed 3 Mar 2015
Published: 8 Sep 2016
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

E05B 41/00
Locks with visible indication as to whether the lock is locked or
B64D 11/04
Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for: galleys
E05B 17/10
Accessories in connection with locks: illuminating devices on or for locks or keys; Transparent or translucent lock parts; Indicator lights
E05C 1/10
With latching action: with operating handle or equivalent member rigid with the latch

Family

US 9,624,693 B2Related patent
US 2016/0258188 A1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

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