Trolley

Abstract

A trolley (1, 2, 3), for example a galley trolley for an aircraft, comprises a housing (10, 210, 310) and compartments (C, C, 3C) for placing items. The housing (10, 20, 30) comprises walls (11, 11', 12, 12', 13, 211, 211', 212, 212', 311, 311', 312, 312', 313) and a door (14, 214, 214', 314), at least one of the walls being movable between a first state in which the wall is close to the compartment (C, 2C, 3C) and a second state in which the wall is further away from the compartment (C, 2C, 3C).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to temperature control, and more particularly to regulating the temperature of a trolley (such as an aircraft galley trolley) or the temperature within a trolley.

Background Art

[0002] Trolleys are often used to transport articles. Some of the articles being transported require temperature control to ensure that the articles do not spoil during transportation or that the articles can be delivered from the trolley in an optimal or near-optimal state (e.g., for ingestion). Examples of such articles are pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, and beverages.

[0003] An aircraft (e.g., a commercial aircraft) often needs to carry one or more service trolleys or galley trolleys (hereinafter, "galley trolleys") on any flight. These galley trolleys are supplied by the airline or the catering provider of the airline route and are used by the cabin crew on board the aircraft to transport beverages, in-flight meals, and other articles during the flight. One or more of these galley trolleys are often refrigerated when being transported within the aircraft, for example, to extend the shelf life of perishable food or beverage drinks or to ensure that the food or beverage is provided in an optimal (or near-optimal acceptable) state.

[0004] In recent years, galley trolleys may include a main compartment closed by a door for storing articles, and a refrigerated compartment. The main compartment may include a plurality of pairs of runners spaced vertically apart to support a tray slidably disposed within the main compartment. Articles, such as food, beverages, etc., are supported on the tray. The refrigerated compartment may be disposed at the top of the trolley, above the main compartment. The trolley may be cooled using blocks of solid carbon dioxide (dry ice). Generally, a large amount of dry ice (1.8 - 2.4 kg per trolley in the UK, and more than 3.5 kg in hot climates such as southern Europe and the Persian Gulf) is required to provide the necessary or desired cooling effect. Since the galley trolley needs to be loaded with food, delivered to the airport, delivered to the aircraft, loaded onto the aircraft, and provide cooling during the flight time, sufficient dry ice needs to be used to ensure that the food is maintained at the desired temperature. For this reason, extra (more than the optimally required amount) dry ice is needed to cope with the risk of delays during delivery, loading, takeoff, flight, etc.

[0005] Furthermore, the galley trolley is stored in the aircraft when not in use during takeoff, landing, and distribution of articles. It is obvious that the size and shape of the storage location (port or opening) for the galley trolley are determined when the aircraft is built or when the aircraft is equipped for commercial use. These storage locations are generally of standard size. Therefore, if a greater storage capacity for dry ice is required, the storage capacity of the main compartment for storing food has to be sacrificed.

[0006] Food suppliers to airlines, such as Gate Gourmet and LSG Sky Chefs (both RTM), may supply multiple galley trolleys filled with food to airports. Generally, a supplier may supply food to several airlines operating from a single airport. For this reason, in a congested airport, hundreds to thousands of trolleys are used per day. To provide such a number of refrigerated galley trolleys, a large amount of dry ice is required. This presents logistical problems since dry ice is generally supplied to the galley trolley supplier from off-site locations and needs to be kept at an appropriate temperature to ensure its usability. Also, handling dry ice may require the use of dedicated equipment. Dry ice is known to sublimate at room temperature. This is clearly wasteful and may not be optimal when galley trolleys are placed in confined spaces such as aircraft galleys.

[0007] Furthermore, since compartments for dry ice blocks are often located at the top of the galley trolley, items placed at different positions within the galley trolley, such as at the top, middle, or bottom of the galley trolley (e.g., pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, beverages), may experience different cooling levels.

[0008] Under general food safety standards, it is required that stored foodstuffs do not reach a temperature above 10°C. If the temperature exceeds 10°C, the guidelines state that the food should be discarded. This is clearly wasteful.

[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0193760 discloses a galley trolley for an aircraft that uses a phase change material to attempt to maintain the required temperature of stored items.

[0010] It is desirable to provide a means for reliably and inexpensively cooling aircraft galley trolleys. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] Accordingly, a first non-exclusive object of the present invention is to provide a trolley, such as a refrigerated trolley, that overcomes one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art or at least partially alleviates them.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] A first aspect of the present invention provides a trolley, such as an aircraft galley trolley, comprising a housing and a compartment for arranging articles, the housing comprising a plurality of walls and a door, at least one of the plurality of walls being movable between a first state close to the compartment and a second state further away from the compartment.

[0013] Advantageously, by providing a trolley in which the wall moves away from the compartment or is movable, the innermost surface of the wall can be cooled during cooling of the trolley.

[0014] The movable wall may be movable in parallel or rotatable between the first state and the second state. The movable wall may be fixed to or fixable to at least a part of the housing using, for example, hinges, brackets, runners, parallelogram links, a Sarrus link mechanism, etc. Preferably, the wall may be locked in the first state and lockable, and the wall may be locked in the second state and lockable.

[0015] A part of the housing may be formed from a panel having a first layer and an outermost layer. The outermost layer may provide or define the outermost periphery of the housing. In one embodiment, the outermost layer may be a relatively thermally insulating layer. In one embodiment, the outermost layer may have a thickness of less than 20 mm, such as less than 15 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 8 mm, or less than 6 mm, for example, 2 - 3 mm. In one embodiment, the outermost layer may be made of or include a polymer material or a composite material.

[0016] The outermost layer may be a carbon fiber composite material. Advantageously, the carbon fiber composite material may be sufficiently robust to protect the trolley while providing the required thermal insulation.

[0017] The first layer may be a single container or compartment, or may include a single container or compartment. The first layer may include a plurality of containers or compartments, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or n containers. There may be identical containers or different containers. For example, the containers may have different shapes or sizes. The first layer or compartment or container may be movable from the trolley, for example, removable. The first layer or container may have a handle. The handle may be disposed on the first major surface of the first layer or container. The handle may be disposed towards the upper part of the first layer or container, for example, towards the upper part of the trolley in use, and may be disposed. The handle may be disposed to face the inner layer when the first layer or container is within the trolley during use, i.e., when the first layer or container is between the outer layer and the inner layer. The handle may be adjacent to the first layer or container when in the first position, for example, flat or on the same plane. The handle may extend from the first layer or container when in the second position, for example, protrude outward. The trolley may have a portion for accommodating the handle. In one embodiment, the first layer or container may have a body with an internal volume. The phase change material may be disposed inside the first layer or inside the container. In one embodiment, the internal volume has a phase change material disposed inside the internal volume. A shape stabilizer may be disposed inside the internal volume. A foam, such as a phenolic or polyurethane foam, may be disposed inside the internal volume. The shape stabilizer or foam may be porous. The phase change material may be disposed inside the pores.

[0018] In one embodiment, one or more walls of the container may be thin and flexible. For example, one or more walls of the container may be capable of bending back onto itself. In one embodiment, the first layer or container may be a bladder.

[0019] At least one of the outermost layer of the wall or panel and the first layer or container may be translatable from a first state adjacent to (i.e., in a closed state) the compartment of the trolley to a second state further away from (i.e., in an open state) the trolley.

[0020] By having a wall or a part of the wall, for example, one or more layers of a wall panel, that moves away from the compartment in the second state, the phase change material can effectively discard the heat it has (i.e., can be cooled faster) than when it is held in the first state. Advantageously, this can shorten the cooling time or improve the cooling efficiency.

[0021] In one embodiment, the phase change material may have a phase change temperature between -100°C and 100°C, for example, between -75°C and 75°C, for example, from one of -75°C, -70°C, -65°C, -60°C, -55°C, -50°C, -45°C, -40°C, -35°C, -30°C, -25°C, -20°C, -15°C, -10°C, -5°C, 0°C to one of 75°C, 70°C, 65°C, 60°C, 55°C, 50°C, 45°C, 40°C, 35°C, 30°C, 25°C, 20°C, 15°C, 10°C, 5°C. The phase change material may have a phase change temperature higher than +6°C, for example, between +6°C and +10°C, for example, +7°C, +8°C, +9°C.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first layer or container may have shape-stabilizing means, a porous material, or a heat-insulating material. The shape-stabilizing means, porous material, or heat-insulating material may be disposed in the internal volume. The PCM may be disposed in the shape-stabilizing means, porous material, or heat-insulating material.

[0023] The panel may include an innermost layer. The innermost layer may define or provide at least a part of the compartment for placing the article.

[0024] For example, the movable wall may comprise the outermost surface of the trolley. The movable wall may comprise the innermost surface of the trolley (the surface facing the storage compartment). The PCM may be disposed between the outermost surface and the innermost surface. The trolley may be non - movable and may comprise, for example, an innermost surface (the surface facing the storage compartment surface) that is clearly different from the movable wall. The movable wall may comprise a compartment in which the PCM is disposed. The compartment may be removable from the movable wall, may be fixed to the movable wall, for example, permanently, or may be integral with the movable wall. The surface of the compartment may provide the innermost surface of the trolley (the surface facing the storage compartment). Alternatively, the surface of the compartment may be disposed adjacent to and may be positionable adjacent to a wall that provides the innermost surface of the trolley (the surface facing the storage compartment).

[0025] In one embodiment, the trolley may comprise a housing having an innermost layer that defines a compartment.

[0026] The innermost layer is a layer that is relatively highly thermally conductive compared to, for example, at least one outermost layer of a wall and a door. The innermost layer may have a thickness of less than 10 mm, for example, less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, for example, between 1 mm and 6 mm, for example, a thickness of 2 mm or 4 mm. The innermost layer may be formed from a metal, for example, aluminum.

[0027] One aspect of the present invention provides a trolley, for example, an aircraft galley trolley, comprising a housing having an outermost surface that provides an outer edge and an innermost surface that defines a compartment in which articles can be stored, wherein at least a part of the housing has a layer that is relatively highly thermally conductive as at least a part of the innermost surface and a layer that is relatively highly heat - insulating as at least a part of the outermost surface, and a phase - change material disposed between the layer that is relatively highly thermally conductive and the layer that is relatively highly heat - insulating.

[0028] The phase change material may be disposed inside the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer may be a container or may include a container. The intermediate layer may be formed from a single container, or the intermediate layer may be formed from a plurality of containers, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 containers.

[0029] At least one of the outermost layer of the wall or panel, the first layer or container, and the innermost layer may be translatable from a first state adjacent to (i.e., in a closed state) the compartment of the trolley to a second state further away from (i.e., in an open state) the trolley.

[0030] Another aspect of the present invention provides a trolley, such as an aircraft galley trolley, the trolley comprising a housing, at least a part of the housing comprising a panel, the panel comprising an intermediate layer and a relatively highly heat-insulating layer as at least a part of the outermost surface. The wall of the intermediate layer may encapsulate the phase change material.

[0031] The panel may further comprise a relatively highly thermally conductive layer as at least a part of the innermost surface. The intermediate layer (and the phase change material disposed therein) may be disposed between a relatively highly thermally conductive inner layer and a relatively highly heat-insulating outer layer.

[0032] The housing may comprise a plurality of panels.

[0033] Advantageously, the phase change material disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer eliminates the need to provide a closable container and a separate compartment for receiving the phase change material. Further, the phase change material disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer of the panel (as compared to a refrigerated compartment) enables optimization of the cooling of the entire trolley (as compared to local or non-uniform cooling).

[0034] The housing may have a height, a depth, and a width. The height may be greater than at least one of the depth and the width. The depth may be greater than the width. The housing may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. It should be understood that the housing can take any suitable shape, form, or dimensions that can fit into the storage location of an aircraft. For example, the housing may have a height (including wheels) lower than 1150 mm, for example 1100 mm, or may have a height (including wheels) between 900 mm and 1100 mm, for example 1030 mm. The housing may have a depth in the range of 400 mm to 820 mm, for example a depth of 400 mm, 405 mm, 750 mm, or 810 mm. The housing may have a width in the range of 280 mm to 310 mm, for example a width of 300 mm.

[0035] The thickness of the housing, at least a part of the housing, or at least a part of the panel may be in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm, for example in the range of 6 mm to 12 mm, for example in the range of 6 mm to 8 mm. Since the outermost layer of the trolley may be formed from the outer surface of the panel, the wall of the housing can be made thinner than the wall of a conventional trolley. Assuming that the storage location of the aircraft is of standard size, a housing with a thinner wall can advantageously provide or enable a larger internal space, and as a result, more items can be stored inside the trolley.

[0036] The housing may include one or more walls and at least one door. The panel may form at least a part of the housing. The panel may form at least a part of one or more walls. The panel may form at least a part of at least one door. The panel may include at least one of an intermediate layer, an outer layer with relatively high heat insulation, and an inner layer with relatively high thermal conductivity.

[0037] The relatively highly thermally conductive inner layer may be formed from a metal sheet, such as aluminum or copper. Advantageously, such a material enables efficient heat exchange. Importantly, the density of aluminum is much lower than that of copper (~8.92 g / cm 3 compared to ~2.7 g / cm 3 ). On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of copper is higher than that of aluminum (~238 Wm -1 K -1 compared to ~400 Wm -1 K -1 ). Also, aluminum provides a surface that is safe to use with food.

[0038] The relatively highly thermally conductive inner layer may comprise a first major surface and a second major surface. The first major surface of the relatively highly thermally conductive inner layer may form the inner surface of the trolley. Additionally or alternatively, the inner layer (e.g., the first major surface of the inner layer) may be sufficiently elastic to hold one or more supports, such as runners or brackets, that support at least one of the drawers and trays.

[0039] When an intermediate layer is present, the intermediate layer may be formed from a polymeric material. The intermediate layer may be a hollow molded polymer. The intermediate layer may be part of the container and may comprise part of the container. The intermediate layer may be a single container and may comprise a single container, or the intermediate layer may be a plurality of containers, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or n containers. There may be the same containers or different containers. For example, the containers may have at least one of different shapes and sizes. The intermediate layer or the container may be movable, for example, removable from a trolley. The intermediate layer or the container may have a handle. The handle may be disposed on the first major surface of the intermediate layer or the container. The handle may be disposed towards the upper part of the intermediate layer or the container, for example, towards the upper part of the trolley in use and may be deployable. The handle may be disposed to face the inner layer when the intermediate layer or the container is disposed inside the trolley during use, i.e., when the intermediate layer or the container is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The handle may be adjacent to the intermediate layer or the container at the first position, for example, flat or on the same plane. The handle may extend from the intermediate layer or the container and protrude outwardly at the second position. The trolley may have a portion for housing the handle.

[0040] The relatively highly heat-insulating outer layer may be a polymeric material (e.g., plastic or carbon fiber) or a composite material (e.g., laminate or fiber / polymer composite). Advantageously, the composite material may be able to improve the robustness. The relatively highly heat-insulating outer layer may be a graphene / carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite or a plastic material. Advantageously, the material is flame retardant (compliant with the US-FAA heat release certification process). Further, since the material is lightweight (compared to conventional trolleys where the lower wall is usually formed of 6-7 kg of metal to ensure the stability of the trolley), the total weight of the trolley can be reduced and the additional mass of the phase change material can be taken into account.

[0041] The relatively highly heat-insulating outer layer may include a first major surface and a second major surface. The first major surface of the relatively highly heat-insulating outer layer may form the outer surface of the trolley.

[0042] The second major surface of the relatively highly heat-conductive inner layer and the second major surface of the relatively highly heat-insulating outer layer are in a parallel and opposing relationship. The intermediate layer or the container may be disposed between the relatively highly heat-conductive layer and the relatively highly heat-insulating layer, for example, between the second major surface of the relatively highly heat-conductive inner layer and the second major surface of the relatively highly heat-insulating outer layer.

[0043] In one embodiment, the intermediate layer or the container may include a body having an internal volume. The phase change material may be disposed inside the intermediate layer. In one embodiment, the internal volume has a phase change material disposed therein.

[0044] The inner layer and the outer layer may have the same thickness as each other. Alternatively, the inner layer and the outer layer may have different thicknesses from each other. For example, the inner layer may be thinner than the outer layer of interest. At least a part of the inner layer may have a thickness of less than 10 mm, for example, less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, for example, between 1 mm and 6 mm, for example, a thickness of 2 mm or 4 mm. At least a part of the outer layer may have a thickness of less than 20 mm, for example, less than 15 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 8 mm, or less than 6 mm, for example, a thickness from 2 mm to 3 mm. In this way, the innermost surface has high thermal conductivity, and heat flows through the innermost layer with a greater heat flux than the heat flowing to the outermost surface. Of course, in addition to or instead of this, the innermost layer may be made of a material having higher thermal conductivity than the other walls. In any case, the panel has a preferred heat path.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, two side walls, an upper wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, and a door may be provided. The door may provide the front wall of the trolley. Alternatively, a front wall may be provided, and the door may provide the rear wall of the trolley. Additionally or alternatively, a front wall and a door, or a rear wall and a door may be provided. Together, the door and the walls may close the trolley.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, the trolley may comprise two doors. The first door may be arranged at the first end of the trolley, for example, at the front side (i.e., the door may replace at least a part of the front wall of the trolley), and the second door may be arranged at the second end of the trolley, for example, in a parallel and opposite relationship to the first door (i.e., the second door may replace at least a part of the rear wall of the trolley).

[0047] The trolley may comprise one or more handles. The one or more handles may be arranged on the door. Alternatively, the one or more handles may be attached to one or more of the walls of the trolley. For example, a first part of the handle may be attached to the first side wall, and a second part of the handle may be attached to the second side wall, or vice versa. The handle may be arranged at at least one of the front and rear of the trolley. The handle may be arranged towards the upper part of the trolley, i.e., towards the upper wall of the trolley.

[0048] In one embodiment, the door may have at least one of a handle, an attachment or attachment means, and a fixing device or fixing means. The attachment or attachment means may be, for example, a hinge, a tab, or a clip. The attachment or attachment means may be a single attachment or attachment means, or the attachment or attachment means may be a plurality of attachments or attachment means. For example, 1 to 10 attachment or attachment means may be provided for each door, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 attachment or attachment means may be provided for each door. The attachment or attachment means may attach the door to a part of the housing, such as a side wall, a front wall, or a rear wall. The door may be attached to open outwardly, for example, the door may have a hinge connection and may be hinge-connected to a part of the housing. Additionally or alternatively, the door may be attached to slide around the edge of a part of the housing. The fixing device or fixing means may be locked or lockable. For example, the fixing device or fixing means may hold or keep the door in a predetermined position, such as a closed position. For example, the fixing device or fixing means may be a lock, a latch, a tab, a clip, or a magnetic strip. The fixing device or fixing means may be locked or lockable with at least a part of the housing to hold or keep the door in the closed position.

[0049] Each panel or each layer of the housing, such as at least one of an inner layer and an outer layer, may be formed from a single sheet. For example, a single layer corresponding to the template of the housing may be cut and the sheet may be bent to form the housing. Alternatively, each of the inner and outer layers of one or more parts of the housing may be formed from separate parts and then joined together, such as by welding, fusing, screwing, nailing, or gluing.

[0050] When a wall above 1, for example, a side wall, is formed from panels, the wall, or a part of the wall, for example, one or more layers of the panel, may be movable between a first state (for example, a closed position forming a sealed unit of the trolley) and a second state (for example, an open position), and may be rotatable, for example. For example, at least one of the outer layer and the intermediate layer or the container may be translatable from a first state (i.e., a closed state) adjacent to the compartment of the trolley to a second state (i.e., an open state) further away from the trolley. By opening at least one of at least one door and one or more walls, it may be possible to improve cooling and improve the air circulation throughout the trolley.

[0051] Preferably, the panel is formed from an outer layer with relatively high heat insulation and an intermediate layer or a container. Advantageously, this allows the inner layer with relatively high thermal conductivity to remain in a predetermined position, protecting the food and articles placed inside the trolley and suppressing or reducing the possibility of food contamination when the panel is opened.

[0052] A movable, e.g., rotatable wall (e.g., a side wall) or a part of a wall (e.g., one or more layers of panels) may have at least one of attachment or mounting means and fixing means or securing means. The attachment or mounting means may be, for example, a hinge, a tab, or a clip. The attachment or mounting means may attach a side wall, e.g., a plurality of side walls, to a part of the housing. The wall (e.g., a side wall) or a part of a wall (e.g., one or more layers of panels) may be attached, e.g., rotatably, so as to open outwardly and may be attachable. For example, the wall or a part of a wall may have a hinge connection and may be hinge-connected to a part of the housing. The fixing means or securing means may be locked and may be lockable. For example, the fixing means or securing means may hold or keep the wall in a predetermined position, e.g., a closed position. For example, the fixing means or securing means may be a lock, a latch, a tab, a clip, or a magnetic strip. The fixing means or securing means may be arranged and may be arrangeable on at least one of the wall and at least a part of the housing so as to hold or keep the wall in a closed position.

[0053] The trolley may further comprise a peripheral edge. For example, the upper wall may comprise a peripheral edge extending around it. The peripheral edge may extend around all or part of the trolley, e.g., the peripheral edge may extend around all or part of the upper wall. For example, the peripheral edge may extend around the entire upper wall, e.g., around all four sides of the upper wall. Alternatively, a plurality of peripheral edges, e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4 peripheral edges may be provided. The peripheral edge may extend along a part of the upper wall. For example, the peripheral edge may not extend along the entirety of each side portion of the upper wall and may extend along only 1, 2, or 3 side portions of the upper wall, for example. For example, the peripheral edge may extend along only the first or second side portion of the trolley where the upper wall contacts the side wall.

[0054] The trolley may further include one or more partitions. The one or more partitions may be disposed on the upper surface of the upper wall, i.e., the outer surface. The one or more partitions may be disposed between the peripheral edges. For example, if the upper wall has peripheral edges disposed between the first side and the second side of the trolley, the partition may extend between the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge. The first partition may be disposed inside the edge of the upper wall toward the front of the trolley. The second partition may be disposed inside the edge of the upper wall toward the rear of the trolley.

[0055] The trolley may be compartmentalized. At least one of the compartments may be provided to have a coolant, such as dry ice or a phase change material, disposed therein. The compartment may be, for example, a refrigerated compartment of a conventional galley trolley. The compartment may be a rebate, such as a depression or groove formed inside the housing of the trolley. The compartment may be disposed at the topmost part of the trolley. The compartment, such as a rebate, depression, or groove, may extend along the depth direction of the housing, i.e., from the first side of the housing toward the second side of the housing, for example, from the front wall toward the rear wall.

[0056] At least one of the compartments may be a storage compartment provided to store at least one article, such as at least one of food and beverages. One or more containers, such as drawers, shelves, baskets, containers, trays, and any suitable alternatives capable of holding articles such as food or beverages, may be provided in at least one of the compartments. The storage compartment may be closed by a door or may be closable.

[0057] At least a part of the container may be integral with the housing. Additionally or alternatively, at least a part of the container may be movable inside or outside the housing.

[0058] The container may have a phase change material disposed therein. For example, when the container is a tray, the tray may be filled with a phase change material from 200 ml to 1000 ml, such as a phase change material from 600 ml to 800 ml, such as approximately 700 ml of the phase change material.

[0059] Alternatively, the container may be a drawer. The drawer may include a first compartment and a second compartment. The main compartment may store food or beverage, and the second compartment may have a phase change material disposed therein. The second compartment may be disposed inside the first compartment and may be disposable. The second compartment may be disposed below the main compartment and may be disposable.

[0060] When the container is integral with at least a part of the housing, the container may be formed of the same material as the inner layer of the housing and may have the same characteristics as the inner layer of the housing.

[0061] The container may be blow-molded. The container may have a thickness in the range of 2 mm to 8 mm, such as a thickness of 4 mm.

[0062] The container may be disposed on one or more supports. The container may be movable with or on the support. For example, the container may slide on the support or elsewhere. The container may engage removably with the support. For example, the container may be on a runner. Alternatively, the container may be firmly fixed to one or more supports and may be fixable and may be integral with one or more parts of the housing, at least one of the side walls and the rear wall of the housing.

[0063] The support may be, for example, a runner, bracket, rod, strut, bar, block, ledge, structure, or any suitable alternative that can support an object, such as a container. The support may be formed from any suitable material, such as a plastic material, wood, or metal. One support may be provided for each container, or one or more supports, such as two supports, four supports, five supports, or six supports, may be provided for each container. The supports may be arranged in parallel or in pairs. Preferably, the support may be arranged on, or be arrangeable on, the first major surface (i.e., the inner surface) of at least a part of the housing. The plurality of supports may be distributed along a direction orthogonal to at least one of the upper and lower walls. If the support is not integral with the housing, the support may be nailed, glued, or screwed to the housing.

[0064] The trolley may be transportable, i.e., the trolley may be provided with wheels. The wheels may be arranged on, or be arrangeable on, the lower wall, i.e., the outer surface of the lower wall (e.g., the first major surface). In one embodiment, four wheels respectively arranged at each corner of the lower wall may be provided.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the wheel may be a pallet jack wheel of a shark wheel, or any alternative wheel that can improve the stability of the trolley. Advantageously, by providing wheels that contribute to stability, a lighter material can be used for one or more parts of the housing, such as the bottom of the housing (which is usually formed of metal weighing 6-7 kg in a conventional galley trolley).

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, by providing wheels that contribute to stability, problems associated with top-heavy trolleys or trolleys loaded with a large amount of luggage can be reduced or at least partially alleviated. For example, by providing wheels that enhance stability, at least one of the likelihood of the trolley tipping over and the likelihood of the trolley falling can be reduced, for example, when the trolley collides with an object or travels over rubble.

[0067] In one embodiment, the wheel may comprise at least one of a pedal brake and a brake release pedal. At least one of the pedal brake and the brake release pedal may be disposed at the front end or the rear end of the trolley. At least one of the pedal brake and the brake release pedal may be disposed below the lower wall.

[0068] The phase change material may be a solid-liquid phase change material. The phase change material may be configured to transition between a solid state and a liquid state at a phase change temperature.

[0069] The phase change material may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature between -100°C and +100°C, for example, between -75°C and +75°C.

[0070] The container may be a cooling member. In an embodiment, the phase change material may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature lower than 0°C. The phase change material may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature between 0°C and -80°C, for example, between 0°C and -70°C, between 0°C and -60°C, between 0°C and -50°C, between 0°C and -40°C, between -5°C and -75°C, between -10°C and -70°C.

[0071] Alternatively, the phase change material may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature higher than 0°C. The phase change material may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature between 0°C and +100°C, for example, between +10°C and +90°C, between +20°C and +80°C.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least a part of the phase change material may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature higher than +6°C, for example, between +6°C and +10°C, for example, a phase change temperature or melting temperature of +7°C, +8°C, or +9°C. The central temperature inside the trolley is unlikely to exceed +10°C because the latent heat of the constituent material absorbs heat to lower the central temperature of the article. This has the advantage that the storage temperature remains within the range of food safety standards.

[0073] Preferably, the phase change temperature is from +4°C to +5°C, which is higher than the temperature of the refrigerator (for example, from +3°C to +5°C). The phase change material can be maintained in a first state, for example, a frozen or solid state, at a temperature lower than the melting temperature or phase change temperature. For example, at a temperature lower than +6°C, for example, +5°C, +4°C, or +3°C, it can be maintained in a "frozen / solid state".

[0074] The phase change material may include a eutectic solution. Additionally or alternatively, the phase change material may be an organic phase change material (for example, a bio-based, paraffin, eutectic, or carbohydrate-derived phase change material), and may include an organic phase change material. The phase change material may be an inorganic phase change material (for example, a compound, salt solution, salt, or salt hydrate-based phase change material), and may include an inorganic phase change material. The phase change material may be an inorganic eutectic phase change material, and may include an inorganic eutectic phase change material.

[0075] The phase change material may be encapsulated, for example, microencapsulated, in spherical or cylindrical capsules. The intermediate layer, container, or vessel may include a plurality of capsules, for example, spherical or cylindrical capsules, in which the phase change material is encapsulated inside.

[0076] To create a fluid-tight seal, the inner and outer layers may be fused, a snap-fit arrangement may be utilized, or one or more gaskets or sealants may be incorporated.

[0077] The panel, the container, a part of the housing, and at least one of the intermediate layer (e.g., between the second major surface of the inner layer and the second major surface of the outer layer) or the container may be insulated, for example, and may include at least one of an insulating material, a shape-stabilizing means, and a porous material. Advantageously, the insulating material, for example, an insulating foam, enables structural rigidity.

[0078] The phase change material may be at least partially disposed inside, integrated with, received by, or absorbed into the pores or spaces of the shape-stabilizing means, the porous material, or the insulating material. The intermediate layer or the container, or the container may have a layer of insulating foam or aerogel. The layer of insulating foam or aerogel may be disposed between or in the gaps between the wall or the periphery of the intermediate layer or the container, or the container, and the phase change material. The intermediate layer or the container, or the container may have an insulated side and a non-insulated side. Most or a small part of the intermediate layer or the container, or the container may be occupied by the phase change material.

[0079] Before use, the temperature of the phase change material may be lowered, i.e., at least a part of the phase change material may be transitioned from the first state to the second state. Advantageously, lowering the temperature of the phase change material does not involve a technique different from the standard / conventional method of preparing a trolley with perishable goods for an aircraft. For example, the trolley may be placed in a refrigerated warehouse for, for example, between 6 hours and 12 hours. The refrigerated warehouse may be, for example, a refrigerated warehouse at ~+3°C to +5°C, for example, a refrigerator at ~+4°C. The trolley may be placed in a refrigerated warehouse when not needed, for example, at night.

[0080] At least one door of the trolley may be opened fully or partially when the trolley is placed in the refrigerated warehouse. Advantageously, by opening the door, the central temperature of the trolley can be further lowered. For example, when the trolley at room temperature is a sealed unit, i.e., when the door is closed and placed in the refrigerated warehouse, the central temperature of the trolley may drop to ~6.5 °C after being left in the refrigerated warehouse for 12 hours. In comparison, by opening the door of the trolley, the central temperature of the trolley can reach ~ +4 °C.

[0081] Additionally or alternatively, if the trolley has a rotatable wall (e.g., a wall movable between a first state, e.g., a closed position and a second state, e.g., an open position), when the trolley is placed in the refrigerated warehouse, one or more walls, e.g., side walls, or a part of one or more walls, e.g., one or more layers of the panels forming the wall, may be opened (fully or partially). Advantageously, at least one of the walls, e.g., the side wall, or a part of one or more walls, e.g., one or more layers of the panels forming the wall, can lower the central temperature of the trolley from room temperature to ~3 °C to 5 °C, e.g., ~3 °C to 4 °C, in less than 12 hours, e.g., 4 hours to 9 hours, 4 hours to 8 hours, or 6 hours to 8 hours.

[0082] Advantageously, instead of at least one door of the trolley, opening one or more of the walls, or a part of one or more walls, e.g., one or more layers of the panels forming the wall (the wall is formed from a relatively highly heat-insulating outer layer and an intermediate layer or container) means that the food can be protected by a relatively highly thermally conductive layer where the food is located at a predetermined position, thus eliminating or reducing the possibility of the food being contaminated.

[0083] Advantageously, when a wall having a phase change material, e.g., an intermediate layer or container, is exposed during cooling, it enables rapid cooling without increasing the accommodation size. Furthermore, this may enable the articles placed in the trolley, especially the articles placed in the center of the trolley, to be kept colder for a longer time.

[0084] Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is a method for cooling a trolley comprising one or more walls, a door, and compartments for storing articles, the method comprising moving at least one of the walls from a first state in which at least one wall is close to the compartment to a second state in which at least one wall is away from the compartment, and placing the trolley in an environment at a temperature lower than the ambient temperature.

[0085] Prior to the flight, the trolley stores at least one of food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other necessary articles, i.e., the articles are arranged inside the trolley near the phase change material. The phase change material is arranged or can be arranged in at least one of at least a part of a panel or housing (e.g., an intermediate layer or a container) and a container.

[0086] After loading the articles, the trolley may subsequently be returned to the refrigerated warehouse. The trolley may then be transported to the required location, e.g., the trolley may be transported by a refrigerated vehicle to a waiting aircraft. When the trolley is moved from the final refrigerated location, e.g., a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated vehicle, the phase change material keeps the central temperature of the articles placed on the trolley cold, e.g., at +6 °C, +5 °C, or +4 °C or lower, for a period of about 4 to 9 hours, e.g., 4 to 8 hours, 4 to 7 hours, or 4 to 6 hours. After this time has elapsed, the central temperature of the articles placed inside the trolley may start to rise above, e.g., +7 °C, +8 °C, +9 °C, or +10 °C.

[0087] The trolley of the present invention can keep the articles placed on or inside the container cold for a short time, e.g., up to 4 to 6 hours. Thus, such a trolley is optimal for short flights where the articles only require refrigeration for up to 4 to 6 hours.

[0088] After use, the trolley may have the articles removed and be washed. The trolley may then be returned to the refrigerated warehouse before reuse. The trolley typically has wheels or casters to facilitate movement, such as rolling movement.

[0089] Advantageously, the trolley of the present invention may be a transportable refrigeration unit. The phase change material may be disposed in at least one of the interior of the panel, the interior of the housing, and the interior of the container, enabling uniform cooling of the trolley or uniform cooling inside the trolley. Further, this trolley has the additional advantage of having high structural rigidity.

[0090] If the trolley includes an intermediate layer or one or more containers, the intermediate layer or container may be removed from the trolley and may be removable. The intermediate layer or container may be movable, for example, removable from at least one of the trolley and the outer layer, and may be removable.

[0091] If it is desirable to remove the intermediate layer or container, the trolley may be positioned in a second state by rotating one or more layers of a wall, such as a side wall, or a part of the wall, such as a panel forming the wall, outward.

[0092] In the trolley in the second state, the intermediate layer or container may be usable. The operator may first lift the intermediate layer or container upward. The operator may then move the intermediate layer or container in a direction toward the rear or front of the trolley.

[0093] When the intermediate layer or container is removed from the trolley, the handle of the intermediate layer or the handle of the container may be moved from a first position where the handle is adjacent to the intermediate layer or container, for example, on a flat or coplanar surface, to a second position where the handle extends from the intermediate layer or container and, for example, protrudes outward.

[0094] Alternatively, the handle may be moved from the first state to the second state before removing the intermediate layer or the container from the trolley. Advantageously, one or more handles may assist an operator in moving the intermediate layer or the container, for example removing it from the trolley.

[0095] Advantageously, once removed from the trolley, the intermediate layer or the container may be stored in the trolley itself. For example, the intermediate layer or the container may be suspended from the peripheral edge of the upper wall of the trolley when the trolley is in the first state, i.e. when the wall of the trolley, for example the outer layer, is adjacent to the cavity. The intermediate layer or the container may be suspended from the peripheral edge of the trolley by means of the handle of the intermediate layer or the container, i.e. when the handle is in the second extended position.

[0096] Within the scope of the present application, it is explicitly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the foregoing paragraphs, the claims, and the following description and drawings, in particular their individual features, may be used independently or in any combination. That is, at least one of all embodiments and the features of any embodiment can be combined in any way or combination, except where they are contradictory. To avoid doubt, the terms "may", "and / or", and "for example" as used herein, and any similar terms, should be construed as non-limiting such that any feature so described need not be present. In fact, any combination of any features is clearly contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not explicitly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to amend any of the originally filed claims or to file new claims in response to any of the originally filed claims. These rights include the right to amend any of the originally filed claims to depend on any feature of any other claim or to incorporate any feature of any other claim, even though it was not originally so claimed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0097] Embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0098]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 1D

Figure 1E

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 4D

Figure 4E

Figure 5A

Figure 5B

Figure 5C

Figure 5D

Figure 5E

Figure 5F

Figure 5G

Figure 5H

Figure 5I

Figure 5J

Figure 5K

Figure 6

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0099] In FIGS. 1A to 1C, a trolley 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, for example, an aircraft galley trolley, is shown.

[0100] The trolley 1 has a housing 10, wheels 20, and a compartment C. The compartment C is provided with a plurality of supports 30, 30' and a plurality of containers 40. The housing 10 includes opposing side walls 11, 11', an upper wall 12, a lower wall 12', a rear wall 13, a door 14, and a rebate 15.

[0101] In the present embodiment, the door 14 provides the front wall of the housing.

[0102] At least a part of one or more of the side walls 11, 11', the upper wall 12, the lower wall 12', the rear wall 13, and the door 14 may have the same thickness as each other. Alternatively, at least a part of one or more of the upper wall 12, the lower wall 12', the rear wall 13, and the door 14 may have different thicknesses from each other. For example, the lower wall 12' may be thicker than at least one of the upper wall 12, the rear wall 13, the door 14, and the side walls 11, 11', or may be thinner than at least one of the upper wall 12, the rear wall 13, the door 14, and the side walls 11, 11'. The thickness of each wall may be in the range of 5 mm to 20 mm, for example, in the range of 6 mm to 12 mm, or in the range of 6 mm to 7 mm.

[0103] The housing 10 has a cubic shape. The housing 10 has a height H, a depth D, and a width W. The height H is greater than the depth D, and the depth D is greater than the width W. It should be understood that the trolley 1 can take any suitable shape, form, or dimension that can fit into the storage location of an aircraft. In this embodiment, the height H of the housing 10 is ~926 mm, the depth D is ~405 mm, and the width W is ~301 mm. The height H2 including the wheels of the trolley 1 is ~1030 mm.

[0104] Each of the side walls 11, 11', the upper wall 12, the lower wall 12', the rear wall 13, and the door 14 of this embodiment may be formed of a panel or may include a panel. The thickness of the panel may be within the range of 5 mm to 20 mm, for example, within the range of 6 mm to 12 mm, for example, within the range of 6 mm to 8 mm.

[0105] Each panel may include an outer layer B and an intermediate layer I (see FIG. 1D). The panel may further include an inner layer A' (see FIG. 1E).

[0106] The outer layers B, B' may have an outermost main surface B1, B1' and an innermost main surface B2, B2'. The innermost main surface is adjacent to the intermediate layers I, I'.

[0107] The innermost layer A' may be formed of a metallic material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The thickness of at least a part of the inner layer A' is less than 10 mm, for example less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, for example between 1 mm and 6 mm, for example 2 mm or 4 mm. The first main surface A1' of the inner layer A' with relatively high thermal conductivity may form the inner surface of the trolley.

[0108] Alternatively, the trolley may have a framework that provides the compartment C, such as a metallic framework. The panel of FIG. 1D may be used for a trolley having a framework, such as a metallic framework, such that the intermediate layer I is disposed adjacent to the framework.

[0109] The outer layers B, B' may be a polymer / composite material, such as a laminate composite material or a fiber / polymer composite material. The thickness of at least a part of the outer layers B, B' may be less than 20 mm, for example less than 15 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 8 mm, or less than 6 mm, and may be, for example, between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0110] The intermediate layers I, I' may be formed of a polymeric material. The intermediate layers I, I' may be a hollow-molded polymer. The intermediate layers I, I' may have an internal volume in which a phase change material PCM is disposed.

[0111] In a part of the housing, the second main surface A2' of the inner layer A' and the second main surface B2' of the outer layer B' may be in a parallel and opposing relationship. As shown by the side wall 11' in FIG. 1C, the intermediate layer I' may be disposed between the inner layer A' and the outer layer B' in a part of the housing.

[0112] The inner layer A' and the outer layer B' may have the same thickness as each other. Alternatively, the inner layer A' and the outer layer B' may have different thicknesses. For example, the targeted innermost surface (inner layer A') may be thinner than the targeted outermost surface (outer layer B'). In this way, the innermost surface A' has high thermal conductivity, and heat flows through the innermost layer A' with a larger heat flux than the heat flowing through the outermost surface B'. Of course, in addition to or instead of this, the innermost layer A' may be made of a material having higher thermal conductivity than other walls. In any case, the panel has a preferred heat path.

[0113] The upper wall 12 of the housing 10 may be parallel and opposite to the lower wall 12'. That is, the inner layer 12A of the upper wall (for example, the first main surface of the inner layer) faces the inner layer 12'A of the lower wall (for example, the first main surface of the inner layer). When the door 14 is closed, the rear wall 13 is parallel and opposite to the door 14. That is, the inner layer 13A of the rear wall (for example, the first main surface of the inner layer) faces the inner layer 14A of the door 14 (for example, the first main surface of the inner layer).

[0114] The side walls 11, 11' extend between the upper wall 12 and the lower wall 12'. The rear wall 13 extends between the upper wall 12 and the lower wall 12'. The door 14 extends between the lower wall 12' and the wall of the rebate 15.

[0115] The rebate 15 (for example, the freezer compartment) may extend along the depth D of the trolley 1. That is, the rebate 15 extends from the first side to the second side. The second side is the rear wall 13 side, and the first side is the door 14 side. The rebate 15 stores a coolant, for example, dry ice.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 1C, the side wall 11' is connected to the housing by a hinge. The side wall 11' includes retainers or retaining means 19a, 19b, and locks, locking means, or fixing devices or fixing means 20a, 20'a, 20b, 20'b. The attachment or attaching means 19 may be, for example, a chain, rope, or clip arranged to limit the movement of the side wall 11'.

[0117] In the first state (FIGS. 1B and 1C), the side wall 11' is adjacent to the compartment C and is fixed or fixable in a predetermined position against movement by engaging with the engagement portions of the lock, locking means, or fixing device or fixing means 20a, 20'a, 20b, 20'b.

[0118] When it is desired to position the trolley in the second state, first, the engagement of the engagement portions of the lock, locking means, or fixing device or fixing means 20a, 20'a, 20b, 20'b is released, and the wall 11' is made rotatable away from the compartment C. For example, the wall 11' rotates outwardly away from the compartment C around the hinge connection, and the wall 11' opens.

[0119] The movement of the wall 11' is restricted by the retainer or retaining means 19a, 19b.

[0120] The lock, locking means, or fixing device or fixing means 20, 20' may be a lock, latch, tab, clip, or magnetic strip. The fixing device or fixing means 20, 20' may be arranged or arranged to be arranged on at least a part of the housing so as to hold or keep the wall in the closed position. In this embodiment, the first parts 20a, 20'a of the fixing device or fixing means are arranged or arranged to be arranged on the housing 10, for example, on the upper wall 12 of the housing. The second parts 20b, 20'b of the fixing device or fixing means are arranged or arranged to be arranged on the wall, for example, on the side wall 11'.

[0121] The phase change material PCM is arranged in the intermediate layers I, I' between the inner layers A, A' and the outer layers B, B' of one or more of the side walls 11, 11', the upper wall 12, the lower wall 12', the rear wall 13, and the door 14.

[0122] The door of this embodiment has a handle 16. When the door 14 is closed, the trolley 1 is a closed unit. The door may be attached to one or more of the side walls 11, 11', the upper wall 12, and the lower wall 12' by one or more attachments or attachment means 17a, 17b. The one or more attachments or attachment means 17 may be, for example, hinges, tabs, or clips. For example, the door may have a hinge connection. For example, the door may be hingedly connected to one or more of the side walls 11, 11', the upper wall 12, or the lower wall 12'. The door 14 may be attached to open outward, or the door 14 may be attached to slide around the edge of one of the side walls 11, 11'.

[0123] The door 14 may further include a fixing device or fixing means 18 for holding the door 14 in the closed position. The fixing device or fixing means may be, for example, at least one of a latch, a tab, a clip, and a magnetic strip. The first part 18a of the fixing device or fixing means is disposed or disposable on the door 14, and the second part 18b of the fixing device or fixing means is disposed or disposable on the second side wall 11'.

[0124] A plurality of wheels 25 are provided. The wheels may be caster wheels, or pallet jack wheels of shark wheels. In this embodiment, four wheels are provided. However, it is understood that fewer wheels than four wheels 25, for example three wheels, may be provided. Alternatively, more wheels than four wheels 25, for example six wheels, may be provided. The wheels 25 of this embodiment are disposed or disposable on the outer surface of the lower wall 12'. The plurality of wheels 25 are provided for easily transporting the trolley 1. In this example, the wheels 25 are disposed or disposable adjacent to each corner of the outer surface of the lower wall 12'.

[0125] Looking at the supports 30, 30', in this embodiment, the plurality of supports 30, 30' are rectangular ledges. However, the plurality of supports 30, 30' can take any shape capable of supporting an article, such as a container 40. The supports 30, 30' may be integrated with the side walls 11, 11' of the housing, or may be separate from the side walls 11, 11' of the housing. The supports 30, 30' may be, for example, brackets, blocks, struts, rods, bars, or slides or runners for drawing. The supports 30, 30' may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, or wood. In this example, two supports 30, 30' are provided for each container 40. However, fewer than two supports 30 may be provided for each container 40. For example, one support 30 may be provided for each container 40. Or, more than two supports 30 (for example, four supports) may be provided for each container 40. In the embodiment, the supports 30 are arranged in parallel and in pairs.

[0126] In the panel of FIG. 1E, the support 30 may be provided on the first main surface A1' of the inner layer A of the panel.

[0127] In other panels, such as the panel shown in FIG. 1D, the framework provides or defines the compartment C, and the support 30 is arranged within the framework.

[0128] The supports 30, 30' may be attached or attachable at a predetermined position by nailing, gluing, screwing, or any suitable alternative means.

[0129] Each container 40 is disposed on one or more supports 30, 30'. In this embodiment, each container 40 is disposed or can be disposed in a pair of opposing parallel supports 30, 30'. The container 40 may be movable together with the supports 30, 30', or may be movable on the supports 30, 30'. For example, the container 40 may slide on the supports 30, 30' or elsewhere, and the container may be removably engaged with the supports 30, 30'. For example, the container 40 may be on the runner 30 for withdrawal. Alternatively, the container 40 may be firmly fixed to or can be fixed to the supports 30, 30', and the container 40 may be integral with the housing.

[0130] The plurality of containers 40 may be a tray, a basket, or any alternative capable of holding articles (such as at least one of food, beverage, and medicine). Further, the container may include or define a sealed cavity for receiving a phase change material therein.

[0131] Figures 2A, 2B, 2C show a container 40 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] In an embodiment, the container may be a tray 40A as shown in Figure 2A. The tray 2A may have a phase change material PCM disposed therein. For example, about 700 ml of the phase change material PCM may be disposed inside the tray 40A.

[0133] In an alternative embodiment, the container 40 may be a drawer 40B, as shown in FIG. 2B. The drawer 40B may comprise a main compartment 42 and a second independent compartment 43. The main compartment 42 may contain at least one article, such as food and beverage. The second independent compartment 43 may have a phase change material therein. The second compartment 43 may be disposed inside the first compartment 42 or may be disposed. Alternatively, the second compartment 43 may be disposed outside the first compartment 42, attached to the first compartment 42, or attachable thereto.

[0134] In yet another embodiment, the container 40C may be integral with at least a portion of the housing. The container 40C may be formed from the same material as and have the same properties as one or more inner layers A of the side walls 11, 11', top wall 12, bottom wall 12', rear wall 13, and door 14. In this embodiment, the container 40C is integral with the side wall 11. A phase change material may be disposed inside the container 40C.

[0135] The container 40 may be blow-molded. The thickness of the container 40 may be from 2 mm to 8 mm over the entire container, for example 4 mm over the entire container.

[0136] The container 40 may be insulated, for example, by comprising one of a thermal insulation material (e.g., a thermal insulation foam), a shape stabilizing means, and a porous material. The phase change material PCM may be at least partially disposed, integrated, received, or absorbed within the pores or spaces of the shape stabilizing means, porous material, or thermal insulation material.

[0137] If the container 40 is not integral with the housing 10 of the trolley 1, the container 40 may comprise runners for removably disposing or disposing the container from the trolley 1.

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the phase change material PCM of the present invention may be a solid-liquid phase change material. The phase change material PCM may be disposed inside a part of the housing or an intermediate layer I, I' of each part, and inside the container 40, for example, inside the sealed cavity of the container 40.

[0139] The phase change material PCM may be configured to transition between a solid state and a liquid state at a phase change temperature. In this embodiment, the phase change material PCM may have a temperature higher than 0 °C or a phase change temperature. For example, the phase change material PCM may have a melting temperature or a phase change temperature higher than +7 °C, for example, between +7 °C and +10 °C, for example, a melting temperature or a phase change temperature of +8 °C or +9 °C. The phase change material PCM may be maintained in a first state, for example, a frozen state or a solid state, at a temperature below the melting temperature or the phase change temperature. For example, the phase change material PCM may be maintained in a "frozen / solid" state at a temperature below +7 °C, for example, +6 °C, +5 °C, +4 °C, or +3 °C.

[0140] The phase change material PCM may include a eutectic solution. Additionally or alternatively, the phase change material PCM may be an organic phase change material (for example, a phase change material derived from a bio-based, paraffin, eutectic, or carbohydrate), or may include an organic phase change material. The phase change material PCM may be an inorganic phase change material (for example, a phase change material based on a compound, an aqueous salt solution, a salt, or a salt hydrate), or may include an inorganic phase change material. The phase change material PCM may be an inorganic eutectic phase change material, or may include an inorganic eutectic phase change material.

[0141] The phase change material PCM may be encapsulated, for example, microencapsulated, in spherical or cylindrical capsules. The intermediate layer I or the container 40 may have a plurality of capsules, for example, spherical or cylindrical capsules, containing the phase change material PCM encapsulated therein.

[0142] At least one of the panel, a part of the housing, the intermediate layers I, I', and the container 40 may further include at least one of a shape-stabilizing means, a porous material, and a heat-insulating material. The phase change material may be at least partially disposed in, integrated with, received by, or absorbed in the pores or spaces of the shape-stabilizing means, the porous material, or the heat-insulating material. The intermediate layers I, I' or the container 40 may include a layer of a heat-insulating foam or an aerogel. The layer of the heat-insulating foam or the aerogel may be disposed between or in a gap between the wall or periphery of the intermediate layers I, I' or the container 40 and the phase change material. The intermediate layers I, I' or the container 40 may have a heat-insulating side and a non-heat-insulating side. Most or a small part of the intermediate layers I, I' or the container 40 may be occupied by the phase change material.

[0143] Figures 4A to 4E show a trolley 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention, for example, a galley trolley of an aircraft.

[0144] The trolley 2 is similar to the trolley 1 of FIGS. 1A to 1C. Similar features are denoted by similar reference numerals prefixed with "2" before, and thus, further description thereof is omitted.

[0145] The trolley 2 of the present embodiment includes a housing 210, wheels 220, and a compartment 2C.

[0146] The trolley 2 of the present embodiment does not have the rebate 15 (for example, a refrigerated compartment) of the trolley 1.

[0147] The housing 210 includes opposing side walls 211, 211', an upper wall 212, a lower wall 212', a first door 214, and a second door 214'. In the present embodiment, the first door 214 is provided on the front wall of the housing, and the second door 214' is provided on the rear wall of the housing 210. The second door 214' is in a parallel and opposing relationship to the first door 214.

[0148] The side walls 211, 211' extend between the lower wall 212' and the upper wall 212. Each of the doors 214, 214' extends between the lower wall 212' and the upper wall 212.

[0149] In this embodiment, the upper wall 212 includes peripheral edges 221a, 221b. Each of the peripheral edges 221a, 221b extends along the length L' of the upper wall. The first peripheral edge 221a extends along the first side of the trolley where the upper wall 212 contacts the first side wall 211. The second peripheral edge 221b extends along the second side of the trolley where the upper wall 212 contacts the second side wall 211'.

[0150] The trolley further includes partitions 224a, 224b. The partitions 224a, 224b are disposed on the upper surface, i.e., the outer surface, of the upper wall 212. The partitions 224a, 224b are disposed so as to be orthogonal to the peripheral edges 221a, 221b. The partitions 224a, 224b are disposed between the peripheral edges 221a, 221b. The first partition 224a is disposed inside the edge of the upper wall 212 toward the front of the trolley. The second partition 224b is disposed inside the edge of the upper wall 212 toward the rear of the trolley.

[0151] The first door 214 is identical to the second door 214'. However, it should be understood that the first door 214 may be different from the second door 214'.

[0152] When the doors 214, 214' are closed, the trolley 2 is a closed unit. The doors 214, 214' are attached to one or more of the side walls 211, 211', the upper wall 212, or the lower wall 212' by attachment or mounting means 217a - 217e, 217a' - 217e'. In this embodiment, the first door 214 is attached to the first side wall 211 by five attachment or mounting means 217a - 217e, and the second door 214' is attached to the second side wall 211' by five attachment or mounting means 217a' - 217e'. The attachment or mounting means 217, 217' may be, for example, hinges, tabs, or clips. For example, the doors 214, 214' may have a hinge connection. For example, the doors 214, 214' may be hingedly connected to one or more of the side walls 211, 211', the upper wall 212, or the lower wall 212'. The doors 214, 214' may be mounted to open outward. The doors 214, 214' may be mounted to slide around one edge of the side walls 211, 211'.

[0153] The doors 214, 214' may further comprise a fixing device or fixing means for holding the doors in the closed position. The fixing device or fixing means may be, for example, at least one of a latch, a tab, a clip, and a magnetic strip. The first part of the fixing device or fixing means may be disposed on or may be disposed on each of the first door 214 and the second door 214', and the second part of the fixing device or fixing means may be disposed on or may be disposed on one or more of the side walls 211, 211'. In this embodiment, the fixing device or fixing means is a latch-type lock 218, 218' provided on each of the doors 214, 214'.

[0154] In this embodiment, two handles 216, 216' are provided. The first handle 216 is disposed on the front side of the trolley, that is, on the same side as the first door 214 of the trolley. The second handle 216' is disposed on the rear side of the trolley, that is, on the same side as the second door 214'. Each of the handles 216, 216' is disposed toward the top of the trolley, that is, toward the upper wall 212 of the trolley 2. The first portion of the handle 216 is attached to the first side wall 211, and the second portion of the handle 216 is attached to the second side wall 211'. The first portion of the handle 216' is attached to the second side wall 211', and the second portion of the handle 216' is attached to the first side wall 211.

[0155] In this embodiment, the wheel 220 includes a pedal brake 222 and a brake release pedal 223. The pedal brake 222 and the brake release pedal 223 are disposed at the front end of the trolley 2 and below the lower wall 212'.

[0156] Figs. 5A to 5K show a trolley 3 according to still another embodiment of the present invention, for example, a galley trolley of an aircraft.

[0157] The trolley 3 is similar to the trolley 1 of Figs. 1A to 1C. Similar features are denoted by similar reference numerals preceded by "3" hereinbefore, and thus, further description thereof is omitted.

[0158] The trolley 3 of this embodiment includes a housing 310, wheels 320, and a compartment 3C. A plurality of supports 330, 330' are provided in the compartment 3C.

[0159] The trolley 3 of this embodiment does not have the rebate 15 (for example, a refrigeration compartment) of the trolley 1.

[0160] The housing 310 includes opposing side walls 311, 311', an upper wall 312, a lower wall 312', and a rear wall 313. The side walls 311, 311' and the rear wall 313 extend between the lower wall 312' and the upper wall 312. Alternatively, the rear wall 313 or a part of the rear wall 313 may be a second door.

[0161] In the present embodiment, the upper wall 312 has a peripheral edge 321 that extends around. In the present embodiment, the peripheral edge 321 extends around all four sides of the upper wall 312.

[0162] The trolley 3 from FIGS. 5A to 5I does not have a front wall. However, it should be understood that a door (not shown) provides the front wall of the housing, and when the door (not shown) is closed, the trolley 3 is a closed unit.

[0163] Each of the side walls 311, 311', the upper wall 312, the lower wall 312', the rear wall 313, and the door may be formed from a panel or may include a panel.

[0164] Each panel may include an outer layer B and an intermediate layer I. The trolley may include a framework, such as a metal framework, that provides the compartment 3C. The panel may be used for a trolley having a framework, such as a metal framework, such that the intermediate layer I is disposed adjacent to the framework.

[0165] Alternatively, the panel may further include an inner layer A'. That is, the panel may include an outer layer B', an intermediate layer I', and an inner layer A'. For example, both of the side walls 311, 311' may be formed from panels including an outer layer B', an intermediate layer I', and an inner layer A'.

[0166] In this embodiment, the first side wall 311 is formed from a panel. The panel includes an outer layer B', an intermediate layer I', and an inner layer A'. The outer layer B' includes an outermost main surface B1' and an innermost main surface B2', and the innermost main surface is adjacent to the intermediate layer I'. The inner layer A' has a first main surface A1' and a second main surface A2'. The first main surface A1' of the inner layer A' may form the inner surface of the trolley.

[0167] The inner layer A' may be formed from a metallic material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. At least a part of the thickness of the inner layer A' is less than 10 mm, such as less than 6 mm, less than 5 mm, less than 4 mm, or less than 3 mm, for example, between 1 mm and 6 mm, for example, 2 mm or 4 mm.

[0168] The outer layer B' may be a polymer / composite material, such as a laminate composite material or a fiber / polymer composite material. At least a part of the thickness of the outer layer B' may be less than 20 mm, such as less than 15 mm, less than 12 mm, less than 8 mm, or less than 6 mm, and may be, for example, between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0169] In a part of the housing, the second main surface A2' of the inner layer A' and the second main surface B2' of the outer layer B' may be in a parallel and opposing relationship. The intermediate layer I' is disposed between the inner layer A' and the outer layer B' in a part of the housing, as shown by the side wall 311 in FIGS. 5B and 5C.

[0170] The intermediate layer I' may be formed from a polymer material. The intermediate layer I' may be a hollow molded polymer. The intermediate layer I' may have one or more containers 350. The intermediate layer I' may be formed from a single container 350, or the intermediate layer I' may be formed from a plurality of containers 350. In this embodiment, the intermediate layer I' is formed from two containers 350a, 350b. The containers 350a, 350b of this embodiment are half the size of the outer layer B'. The containers 350a, 350b of the intermediate layer I' of this embodiment are arranged side by side (as shown in FIG. 5C).

[0171] The intermediate layer I' or the container 350 may have an internal volume in which the phase change material PCM is disposed.

[0172] The intermediate layer I' or the container 350 may be movable, for example, removable from the trolley 3. The intermediate layer I' or the container 350 may be provided with a handle. In the present embodiment, each of the containers 350a, 350b is provided with handles 351a, 351b. The handles 351a, 351b are disposed on the respective first major surfaces of the containers 350a, 350b. The handles 351a, 351b are oriented toward the top of the trolley 3 and face the inner layer A' when the containers 350a, 350b are disposed within the trolley 3, that is, when the containers 350a, 350b are disposed between the outer layer B' and the inner layer A'. The handle 351 may be adjacent to the container 350 in a first position (see FIGS. 5C and 5F), for example, may be flat or on the same plane. The handle 351 may extend from the container 350 in a second position (see FIG. 5J), for example, may protrude outward.

[0173] The side wall 311 is hingedly connected to the housing 310 by hinges 352a, 352b. The side wall 311 may further include a retainer or retaining means, a lock or locking means, or a fixing device or fixing means.

[0174] In the first state (FIG. 5A), the side wall 311 is adjacent to the compartment 3C. For example, in the present embodiment, when the side wall 311 is in the first state, the outer layer B' and the intermediate layer I' are adjacent to the inner layer A'. The side wall 311 may be fixed or fixable to a predetermined position against movement. For example, the side wall 311 is fixed by the engagement of the locking or locking means or the engaging portion of the fixing device or fixing means shown in FIG. 1.

[0175] If it is desirable to put the trolley 3 into the second state (see FIGS. 5B and 5C), the wall 311, i.e., a part of the wall, is opened by rotating outwardly away from the compartment 3C around the hinge connection. If there is a lock or locking means, or a fixing device or fixing means, the engagement of the engagement part of the lock or locking means, or the fixing device or fixing means is unlocked, so that the wall 311 can rotate away from the compartment 3C.

[0176] In this embodiment, the intermediate layer I', i.e., the container 350, is movable together with the outer layer B', i.e., both the outer layer B' and the intermediate layer I' are rotatable from the first state to the second state.

[0177] The movement of the wall 311 may be restricted by a retainer or retaining means.

[0178] In this embodiment, the phase change material PCM is disposed in the intermediate layer I', i.e., the container 350, between each of the inner layer A' and the outer layer B' of the side wall 311.

[0179] In this embodiment, the plurality of supports 330, 330' are rectangular ledges. The supports 330, 330' are arranged in pairs parallel to each other. In this example, four pairs of supports 330a - 330d, 330a' - 330d' are provided. The supports 330, 330' are provided on the first main surface A1' of each inner layer A' of the side wall. The supports 330a - 330d are provided on the inner surface of the first side wall 311. The supports 330a' - 330d' are provided on the inner surface of the second side wall 311'. In this example, a pair of supports 330, 330' are provided to support each container, for example, a tray for holding articles. The trolley 3 of this example can hold four containers. The containers may be arranged on the upper supports 330a, 330a' of the trolley 3, the upper central supports 330b, 330b' of the trolley 3, the lower central supports 330c, 330c' of the trolley 3, or the bottom supports 330d, 330d' of the trolley 3.

[0180] Since trolleys 1, 2, 3 are washed and used once after the previous use, or when use is required, walls 11, 211, 311 (or multiple walls 11, 11’, 211, 211’, 311, 311’), for example, outer layers B, B’ or intermediate layers I, I’ (for example, container 350) are moved from the first state (for example, FIGS. 1A and 1B, FIGS. 4A to 4C, and FIGS. 5A) to the second state (for example, FIGS. 1C, 4D and 4E, 5B and 5C), for example, translated, so that trolleys 1, 2, 3 are placed in a near-ambient temperature environment. By bringing trolleys 1, 2, 3 to the second state, the PCM material can be cooled in a near-ambient temperature environment. Thereby, the time required to cool the PCM can be shortened, and the cooling efficiency of trolleys 1, 2, 3 can be improved.

[0181] Therefore, before use, the temperature of the phase change material PCM may be lowered to shift the phase change material PCM from the first state to the second state. In one embodiment, trolleys 1, 2, 3 are placed in a refrigerated warehouse for, for example, 6 to 12 hours. The refrigerated warehouse may be, for example, a refrigerated warehouse at +3°C to +5°C, or, for example, a refrigerator at +4°C. Trolleys 1, 2, 3 may be placed in a refrigerated warehouse when not needed, for example, at night.

[0182] At least one door 14, 214, 214’ of trolleys 1, 2, 3 may be opened entirely or partially when trolleys 1, 2, 3 are placed in a refrigerated warehouse. Advantageously, by opening the door 14, 214, 214’, the central temperature of trolleys 1, 2, 3 can be further lowered. A panel or wall, for example, side walls 11, 11’, 211, 211’, 311, 311’, or a part of the panel or wall, for example, one or more layers of the panel, may be opened from the first state to the second state (as described above).

[0183] When trolleys 1, 2, 3 are required to be used, the panel or wall, such as side walls 11, 11', 211, 211', 311, 311', or a part of the panel or wall, for example, one or more layers of the panel, are returned to the first state, and the trolleys 1, 2, 3 are moved from the refrigerated warehouse, and the required articles, such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, or other required articles, are placed therein. The articles are placed inside the compartments C, 2C, 3C, preferably on a tray or other container 40 supported by supports 30, 330, 330'. The trolleys 1, 2, 3 may then be returned to the refrigerated warehouse.

[0184] After the articles are placed, the trolleys 1, 2, 3 may be transported to the required location. For example, the trolleys 1, 2, 3 may be transported by a refrigerated vehicle to a waiting aircraft.

[0185] After the trolleys 1, 2, 3 are moved from the final refrigerated location, such as a refrigerated warehouse or a refrigerated vehicle, the phase change material PCM keeps the central temperature of the articles placed on the trolleys 1, 2, 3 cold, for example, at a temperature lower than +6°C, +5°C, or +4°C for about 4 to 9 hours, such as 4 to 8 hours, 4 to 7 hours, or 4 to 6 hours. After this period of time, the central temperature of the articles placed inside the trolleys 1, 2, 3 begins to rise, for example, higher than +7°C, +8°C, or +9°C. By setting the phase change of the PCM to, for example, +9°C, even if the central temperature of the trolleys 1, 2, 3 rises to the phase change temperature, it is possible to prevent the central temperature from rising further until all of the PCM has undergone a phase change. Since the walls of the trolleys 1, 2, 3 are large, a substantial amount of PCM is placed on the walls of the trolleys 1, 2, 3. The large-capacity PCM is sufficient to keep the central temperature lower than +10°C for the required time.

[0186] After use, the articles may be removed from the trolleys 1, 2, 3 and the trolleys may be cleaned. The trolleys 1, 2, 3 may then be returned to the refrigerated warehouse before reuse.

[0187] When the trolleys 1, 2, 3 are provided with the intermediate layers I, I' or one or more containers 350, the intermediate layers I, I' or the containers 350 may be removed from the trolleys 1, 2, 3 after use and may be removable. The intermediate layers I, I' or the containers 350 may be movable, for example, attached to at least one of the trolleys 1, 2, 3 and the outer layers B, B' of the panel and may be removable.

[0188] When it is desirable to remove the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 from the trolley, the trolley may first be positioned in the second state by rotating the walls, for example, the side walls 311, 311', for example, the outer layers B, B' and the intermediate layers I, I' (or the container 350) outward as described above.

[0189] In the trolley in the second position, the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 may be usable. The operator may first lift the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 upward (indicated by the arrow 360 in FIG. 5D). Next, the operator may move the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 toward the rear or the front of the trolley (indicated by the arrow 361 in FIGS. 5E and 5F). For example, when the intermediate layer I, I' has two containers 350a, 350b, the first container 350a may be moved in a first direction (arrow 361a in FIGS. 5E and 5F) toward the front of the trolley, and the second container 350b may be moved in a second direction (arrow 361b in FIGS. 5E and 5F) toward the rear of the trolley.

[0190] When the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 is removed from the trolley, the handle of the intermediate layer I, I' or the handle 351 of the container 350 can be moved from a first position (FIG. 5C) where the handle is adjacent to, for example, flat or in the same plane as the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350, to a second position (FIGS. 5G and 5J) where the handle 351 extends from the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 and protrudes, for example, outward (shown by arrow 362 in FIG. 5G). FIG. 5J shows an enlarged view of the container 350b and the handle 351b in FIG. 5G, and the handle 351b is in the second extended position.

[0191] Alternatively, the handle may be moved from the first state to the second state before the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 is removed from the trolley. Advantageously, one or more handles 350 are useful to the operator when moving, for example removing, the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 from the trolley.

[0192] Advantageously, the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 may be stored in the trolley once removed from the trolley. For example, when the trolley is in the first position, i.e., when the walls of the trolley, for example the outer layers B, B' are adjacent to the cavities C, 2C, 3C, the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 may be suspended from the peripheral edge 321 of the upper wall 312 of the trolley.

[0193] The intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350 may be suspended from the peripheral edge 321 of the upper wall 312 by the handle 350 of the intermediate layer I, I' or the container 350. FIG. 5K is an enlarged view of FIG. 5H, and the containers 350a, 350b are suspended from the peripheral edge 321 of the upper wall 312 of the trolley by the handles 351a, 351b in the second extended position.

[0194] The following conclusions were obtained through experiments. 1. A trolley at room temperature placed in a refrigerated warehouse in a first state with the door 14 closed: The central temperature of the trolley 1 decreased to ~6.5 °C after being left in the refrigerated warehouse for 12 hours. 2. Room-temperature trolley placed in the refrigerated warehouse in the first state where the door 14 is open: The central temperature of the trolley 1 dropped to ~4°C after being left in the refrigerated warehouse for 12 hours. 3. Room-temperature trolley placed in the refrigerated warehouse in the second state where the door 14 is open: The central temperature of the trolley 1 reached ~3°C to 4°C before 6 to 8 hours.

[0195] From the above results, the effectiveness of cooling the trolley when the trolley is in the second state was clearly shown. Furthermore, by placing trolleys 1, 2, and 3 in a 4°C refrigerated warehouse for about 6 to 8 hours, the PCM having a phase change temperature of +9°C is completely frozen, and as a result, the refrigeration capacity of the food can be "charged" to trolleys 1, 2, and 3.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 3, in an embodiment of the present invention, a graph 300 showing the temperature change over time is shown for a trolley having a phase change material disposed in the wall according to the present invention, for example, the trolleys according to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A to 1C. The phase change material has a phase change temperature of +9°C.

[0197] The graph 300 shows the temperature profile (line 301) of an article (in this case, a beverage can) disposed inside the trolley in comparison with the ambient temperature (line 302). The ambient temperature is measured by a sensor provided outside the trolley.

[0198] The beverage can is loaded into the trolley and the door is closed. The temperature outside the trolley and the temperature of the beverage can may be continuously monitored.

[0199] The trolley was placed in a refrigerated warehouse having a nominal temperature of ~+3°C. It can be seen that there is an initial temperature drop in both the article (line 301) disposed inside the trolley and the ambient temperature (line 302).

[0200] After removing the trolley from the refrigerated warehouse (time 14:24), while the ambient temperature (line 302) is rising rapidly, the temperature of the items (line 301) placed inside the trolley is maintained below 10°C for up to 6 hours and below 15°C for up to 16 hours. Advantageously, this can keep the food at a safe consumption temperature for up to 6 hours and can prevent waste of food.

[0201] This is in contrast to the standard cooling method using dry ice. It has been confirmed by tests that the cooling efficiency of a trolley with an upper compartment loaded with dry ice decreases by 30% at the center of the galley trolley and by more than 60% at the bottom of the galley trolley. These tests have shown that when using dry ice, the lower half of the trolley cannot keep food or beverages below 10°C for more than 3 hours.

[0202] Further tests have shown that when the dry ice in the galley trolley reaches 10°C or higher, the rate of temperature rise increases and rapidly exceeds 15°C. The temperature rose within 30 minutes to 1 hour in all compartments of the trolley. This is because when dry ice sublimates, it releases stored energy. This is important for two reasons. First, the difference between a safe consumption temperature and an unsafe temperature is very small. Second, when the temperature reaches 15°C or higher, the food needs to be discarded.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 6, for an embodiment of the present invention, a graph 600 showing the temperature change over time of a trolley, for example, the trolley according to FIGS. 5A to 5I, is shown. Both side walls 311, 311' are movable from a first state close to the compartment 3C to a second state away from the compartment 3C. A phase change material is disposed within the side walls 311, 311', for example, the phase change material is disposed in the containers 350 of the intermediate layers I, I'. The phase change material has a phase change temperature of +9°C.

[0204] Graph 600 shows the temperature profiles of the articles (lines 601 to 606) placed inside the trolley, compared with the ambient temperature (lines 607, 608) measured by the temperature probes placed outside the trolley.

[0205] The first article (in this case, food) is placed on the left - hand side of the container at the upper part of the trolley (line 601), the second article (in this case, a beverage can) is placed on the left - hand side of the container at the upper - middle part of the trolley (line 602), the third article (in this case, food) is placed on the left - hand side of the container at the lower - middle part of the trolley (line 603), the fourth article (in this case, a beverage can) is placed on the left - hand side of the container at the lower part of the trolley (line 604), the fifth article (in this case, food) is placed on the right - hand side of the container at the upper - middle part of the trolley (line 605), and the sixth article (in this case, a beverage can) is placed on the right - hand side of the container at the lower - middle part (line 604).

[0206] The external probes were provided on the side wall (line 607) and the door (line 608). The probe provided on the side wall was placed in the intermediate layer when the side wall was in the first state, and was moved to the outer surface of the side wall, i.e., the outer layer, when the side wall was in the second state, i.e., after being taken out of the refrigerated warehouse.

[0207] The temperature outside the trolley and the temperature of the articles placed inside the trolley were continuously monitored.

[0208] Before the trolley was placed in a refrigerated warehouse with a nominal temperature of ~ + 3°C, the door and the wall were opened. For example, the outer layer and the intermediate layer of the side wall were moved from the first state close to the compartment to the second state away from the compartment. It can be seen that there is an initial temperature drop in all the articles (lines 601 to 606) placed inside the trolley and in the external temperature measurement (lines 607, 608). The phase - change material takes 2 hours and 30 minutes to change to the frozen (solid - phase) state. The trolley reaches a desirable temperature lower than 5°C 3 hours and 45 minutes later (1:25 p.m.), i.e., all the probes record a temperature lower than 5°C.

[0209] When the desired temperature (less than 5 °C) was reached, the trolley was placed in the refrigerated warehouse for an additional 1 hour and 20 minutes.

[0210] After a total of 5 hours and 5 minutes (2:45 PM, line 600T), the trolley was removed from the refrigerated warehouse. After removing the trolley from the refrigerated warehouse, the walls and doors were closed. While the ambient temperature recorded by the external probes (lines 607, 608) increased rapidly, the temperature of the items placed inside the trolley (lines 601 to 606) was maintained below 10 °C for at least 5 hours and 30 minutes.

[0211] Advantageously, this allows the food to be kept at a safe consumption temperature for up to 5 hours and 30 minutes when placed at the top of the trolley (line 601), up to 6 hours and 55 minutes when placed at the bottom of the trolley (line 604), and up to 7 hours and 30 minutes when placed in the center of the trolley (lines 602, 603, 605, 606), thereby suppressing food waste.

[0212] The first item placed in the upper left of the trolley reached 10 °C after 5 hours and 30 minutes (8:15 PM, line 601T), the second item placed in the upper center and left of the trolley reached 10 °C after 8 hours and 45 minutes (11:30 PM, line 602T), the third item placed in the lower center and left of the trolley reached 10 °C after 7 hours and 30 minutes (10:15 PM, line 603T), the fourth item placed in the lower left of the trolley reached 10 °C after 6 hours and 55 minutes (9:40 PM, line 604T), the fifth item placed in the upper center and right of the trolley reached 10 °C after 8 hours and 15 minutes (11:00 PM, line 605T), and the sixth item placed in the lower center and right of the trolley reached 10 °C after 8 hours and 5 minutes (10:50 PM, line 606T).

[0213] Similar to the above-described embodiments, this embodiment has advantages for the use of dry ice. Also, this example can cool faster without increasing the size of the capacity by means of an intermediate layer that can be exposed during cooling, such as a trolley having a container. Further, articles placed in the trolley, particularly those placed within the center of the trolley, are kept cold for a longer time.

[0214] Obviously, the trolley of the present invention has improved performance compared to trolleys loaded with dry ice in the prior art.

[0215] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations of the above-described embodiments may be envisioned without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0216] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any combination of the above-described features, and any number of the features illustrated in the accompanying drawings, provide distinct advantages over the prior art and are within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A trolley, comprising a housing, and a compartment for placing an article and the housing comprises two side walls, an upper wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, and a door providing a front wall of the trolley and at least one of the side walls is movable between a first state fixed to at least a part of the housing and close to the compartment and a second state further away from the compartment.

2. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the movable side wall has a compartment with a phase change material disposed therein.

3. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the movable side wall is movable in parallel between the first state and the second state.

4. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the movable side wall is rotatable between the first state and the second state.

5. The trolley according to claim 4, wherein the movable side wall is hinged to at least a part of the housing.

6. The trolley according to claim 3, wherein the movable side wall is fixed to the housing by one or more of brackets, runners, and parallelogram links.

7. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the movable side wall is locked or lockable in the first state.

8. At least a part of the housing is formed of a panel, and the panel has a first layer and an outermost layer.

9. The outermost layer provides or defines the outermost periphery of the housing, the trolley according to claim 8.

10. The outermost layer is a layer with relatively high heat insulation properties, the trolley according to claim 8 or 9.

11. The outermost layer has a thickness of less than 20 mm, the trolley according to claim 8.

12. The outermost layer is made of a polymer material or a composite material, or contains a polymer material or a composite material, the trolley according to claim 8.

13. The first layer is made of a polymer material or contains a polymer material, the trolley according to claim 8.

14. The first layer has a phase change material disposed therein, the trolley according to claim 8.

15. The phase change material has a phase change temperature between -100°C and 100°C, the trolley according to claim 14.

16. The phase change material has a phase change temperature higher than +6°C, the trolley according to claim 14.

17. The first layer has shape stabilizing means, a porous material, or a heat insulating material, the trolley according to claim 8.

18. The panel further comprises an innermost layer, the trolley according to claim 8.

19. The innermost layer defines at least a part of the compartment for placing the article, the trolley according to claim 18.

20. The trolley according to claim 1, comprising a housing having an innermost layer defining the compartment.

21. The innermost layer is a layer with relatively high thermal conductivity, the trolley according to claim 18. Claim 22 The trolley according to claim 18, wherein the thickness of the innermost layer is less than 10 mm. Claim 23 The trolley according to claim 18, wherein the thermal conductivity of the innermost layer is higher than that of the outermost layer. Claim 24 The trolley according to claim 18, wherein the innermost layer is formed of metallic aluminum. Claim 25 The trolley according to claim 8, wherein the first layer is removable from the trolley.

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