Temperature Control Tray

Abstract

A tray (1) for releasably engaging a carriage. The tray (1) comprises a body (2) defining a sealed volume (V). The sealed volume (V) has a phase change material (PCM) received therein. The tray (1) comprises an engaging element (4) for releasably engaging the carriage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to temperature regulation, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a tray for regulating the temperature of an ambient area. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a tray for regulating the temperature of a truck or the interior of a truck, such as an aircraft galley trolley. [Background technology]

[0002] Trolleys are often used to transport goods, some of which require temperature control to better ensure that the goods do not spoil during transport and / or that the goods can be delivered from the trolley in, for example, optimal or near-optimal condition for consumption. Examples of such goods are medicines, food, and beverages.

[0003] Aircraft (e.g., commercial aircraft) often need to carry one or more service trolleys or galley trolleys (hereinafter "galley trolleys") on any given flight. These galley trolleys are supplied by airlines or airline catering suppliers and are used by cabin crew on board the aircraft to carry beverages, meals, and other items during flight.

[0004] One or more of these galley trolleys are often refrigerated when transported on board an aircraft, for example, to extend the life of perishable foods and beverages and / or to better ensure that the foods and beverages are presented in optimal (or acceptable near-optimal) condition. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Currently, galley trolleys can be refrigerated using blocks of solid carbon dioxide ("dry ice"). The galley trolley may have a compartment filled with blocks of dry ice prior to flight. This compartment is located, for example, in the top of the galley trolley. Typically, galley trolleys require a significant amount of dry ice (1.8-2.4 kg per trolley in the UK, but potentially more than 3.5 kg in warmer or hotter climates, e.g., Southern Europe and the Persian Gulf) to provide the necessary or desired refrigeration. Because galley trolleys must pack, deliver to the airport, deliver to the aircraft, load onto the aircraft, and provide cooling for the duration of the flight, sufficient dry ice must be used to more reliably maintain the food at the desired temperature (or at least below a threshold temperature). This necessitates the addition of excess (meaning more than optimally required) dry ice to accommodate potential delays in delivery, loading, takeoff, flight, etc.

[0006] Additionally, galley trolleys are stowed on board aircraft during takeoff, landing, and when not being used to distribute goods. The size and shape of the stowage locations (ports or openings) for the galley trolleys are obviously fixed when the aircraft is built or commercialized. These stowage locations are generally standardized sizes. Therefore, if more capacity for dry ice is required, capacity in the food compartment must be sacrificed.

[0007] Airline food suppliers, such as Gate Gourmet and LSG Sky Chefs (both RTM), may obviously supply multiple galley trolleys filled with food to an airport. Typically, a supplier may supply food to several airlines operating from a single airport. At busy airports, the number of galley trolleys may reach hundreds or even thousands per day. Providing such a large number of refrigerated galley trolleys requires the use of a significant amount of dry ice. This presents logistical challenges because the dry ice is typically supplied to the galley trolley supplier from an off-site location and must be maintained at an appropriate temperature for reliable use. Furthermore, handling dry ice may require the use of specialized equipment. Dry ice is known to sublimate at atmospheric pressure and room temperature. This is obviously wasteful and may not be optimal when the galley trolley is located in a confined atmosphere (such as an aircraft galley).

[0008] It is therefore desirable to provide a more reliable and / or less expensive means of refrigerating galley trolleys for aircraft.

[0009] It is therefore a non-exclusive object of the present invention to provide a temperature regulation (eg, refrigeration) system that overcomes or at least partially alleviates one or more of the problems of the prior art noted above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention provides a tray for engaging with a trolley, for example, a galley trolley of an aircraft, the tray comprising a body defining a sealed volume having a phase change material (PCM) received therein.

[0011] The body or a portion of the body may be rigid.

[0012] Such a structure provides a compact, reusable means for refrigerating galley trolleys. Phase-change materials can be selected to withstand thermal cycling, allowing for long-term use. Furthermore, the use of phase-change materials eliminates the need for loading and unloading dry ice compartments.

[0013] The trays may be sized and shaped to be placed within a compartment of the dolly. For example, the trays may be sized and shaped to be placed within an upper compartment of a galley trolley, such as the compartment typically used to store dry ice in conventional galley trolleys. By placing the trays in a compartment of the dolly, such as the dry ice compartment, space is advantageously avoided in the main portion of the dolly, which is a location for storing food items, such as food and beverages.

[0014] The trays may have a mass of less than 2 kg, e.g., less than 1.9 kg, less than 1.8 kg, or less than 1.7 kg. The trays may have a mass of 1.6 kg or less. It will be appreciated that the use of trays that are lighter than the dry ice that would otherwise be used, while still being able to provide the necessary cooling, is advantageous.

[0015] The sealed space may be a fluidly sealed space and / or a hermetically sealed space. Additionally or alternatively, the body may be openable to allow access to the sealed space.

[0016] By providing a sealed space, the tray can go through a sterilization process (ie, be sterilized) without the thermal properties of the phase change material and the entire instrument being affected.

[0017] The PCM may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature of -100°C to 100°C, for example, a phase change temperature or melting temperature of -75°C to 75°C.

[0018] In embodiments, the phase change material may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature below 0° C. The PCM may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature between −80° C. and 0° C., for example, between −70° C. and 0° C., between −60° C. and 0° C., between −50° C. and 0° C., between −40° C. and 0° C., between −75° C. and −5° C., between −70° C. and −10° C.

[0019] The tray may be a temperature-controlled tray, for example a cooling tray or a refrigerated tray. The tray or temperature-controlled tray may be configured to provide a cooling or refrigerating effect to the trolley.

[0020] Alternatively, the PCM may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature above 0°C. The PCM may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature between 0°C and 100°C, for example, between 10°C and 90°C, or between 20°C and 80°C. Thus, the tray may be a temperature regulated tray, for example a heated tray. The tray or temperature regulated tray may be configured to provide a heating effect to the carriage.

[0021] In an embodiment, the PCM may have a phase change temperature or melting temperature of -60°C to 20°C, for example, a phase change temperature or melting temperature of -55°C to 15°C, or -50°C to 10°C.

[0022] The PCM may be a solid-liquid phase change material, which may be configured to transition between a solid state and a liquid state (and vice versa) at a phase change temperature.

[0023] The use of solid-liquid phase change materials eliminates at least some of the aforementioned problems associated with dry ice, such as transporting, storing, handling, and / or sublimation of dry ice.

[0024] The tray may be configured to regulate the temperature in an environment, for example, the temperature in a food storage compartment of a trolley, for example, the trolley is a galley trolley of an aircraft. Trays used for cooling typically use PCMs with phase change temperatures below 0°C to more reliably maintain items contained within the trolley below a threshold temperature.

[0025] The PCM may comprise a eutectic solution. Additionally or alternatively, the PCM may be or comprise an organic PCM. For example, the organic PCM may be a bio-derived PCM, a paraffin PCM, a eutectic or a carbohydrate-derived PCM. The PCM may be or comprise an inorganic PCM. For example, the inorganic PCM may be a chemical compound-based PCM, a salt solution-based PCM, a salt-based PCM, and / or a salt hydrate-based PCM. The PCM may be or comprise an inorganic eutectic PCM.

[0026] The PCM may include one or more of the PCM materials disclosed in Oro et al. (Applied Energy, 99 (2012) 513-533).

[0027] The PCM may be encapsulated in a spherical or tubular capsule, e.g., microencapsulated. The sealed space may include a plurality of capsules, e.g., spherical or tubular capsules, one or more of which have the PCM encapsulated therein. The sealed space may be comprised of:

[0028] The sealed space may include a shape-stable element or a main body. The shape-stable element or the main body may include a porous material or may be a porous material. The shape-stable element or the main body or the porous material may include a foam material or may be a foam material. For example, the foam material is a polymer foam.

[0029] The sealed space may comprise a porous material, for example a synthetic porous material. The sealed space may comprise a foam material, preferably an insulative foam material, for example a thermally insulative foam material. Additionally or alternatively, the sealed space may comprise an aerogel.

[0030] The shape-stable element or body, the porous material, or the insulating foam may be an open-cell foam. Alternatively, the shape-stable element, the porous material, or the insulating foam may be a closed-cell foam. In embodiments, the shape-stable element, the porous material, or the insulating foam includes both open-cell and closed-cell foam, for example, arranged in different regions or layers.

[0031] The form-stable material, porous material, or insulating foam may include phenolic foam, phenol-aldehyde resole resin, phenolic derivatives, polyurethane, polystyrene, and mixtures and combinations thereof.

[0032] The PCM may be at least partially disposed, integrated, received, or absorbed within the pores or spaces of the form-stable device, porous material, or insulating foam.

[0033] The sealed space may include a layer of insulating foam or aerogel. The layer of insulating foam or aerogel may be disposed between or in a gap between the wall or periphery of the sealed space and the PCM. The sealed space may have an insulating surface and a non-insulating surface.

[0034] The sealed space may have a volume V. A quantity of PCM in the sealed space may have a volume V PCM The PCM may occupy a large or small percentage of the sealed volume V. For example, the PCM may occupy a large percentage of the sealed volume V. That is, V PCM <0.5V> V PCM In another embodiment, V PCM =0.5V.

[0035] In an embodiment, the shape-stabilizing device or body, the porous material or the insulating foam material has a total volume V P (The total volume is determined by the external dimensions.) In the embodiment, V P <V PCM >V P and in other embodiments V P =V PCMIn an embodiment, the shape-stable device, porous material, or insulating foam has a pore volume V OP In an embodiment, V OP <V PCM >V OP and in other embodiments V OP =V PCM is.

[0036] Volume V P may constitute a larger fraction of the volume V. For example, 0.5V <V P ≦0.9V. In an embodiment, 0.6V≦V P ≦0.8V. In other embodiments, 0.65V≦V P ≦0.75V.

[0037] In embodiments, the shape-stable device, porous material, insulating foam, or aerogel may include, for example, a thermally conductive material, member, or portion disposed or dispersed therein. The thermally conductive material, member, or portion may be or include a metal. The thermally conductive material, member, or portion, shape-stable device, porous material, insulating foam, or aerogel may include carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal, graphite, and / or graphene, for example, graphene powder or graphene ink. The thermally conductive material may be a material with relatively high thermal conductivity.

[0038] In an embodiment, the PCM may include, for example, distributed or dispersed therein, thermally conductive materials, members, or portions.

[0039] By providing a shape-stable device, porous material, insulating foam, or aerogel that includes a relatively thermally conductive material, member, or portion, the time required to bring the phase change material to the required temperature can be reduced, e.g., freezing time can be reduced.

[0040] The shape-stable device, porous material, insulating foam material, or aerogel may have open cell porosity. The porosity of the shape-stable device, porous material, insulating foam material, or aerogel may be 40% to 95%, for example, 50% to 95%, or 60% to 95%. The porosity of the shape-stable device, porous material, insulating foam material, or aerogel may be greater than 70%, for example, greater than 80%, greater than 85%, or greater than 90%.

[0041] In this context, a relatively thermally conductive material is one that has a thermal conductivity greater than that of the shape-stable material, porous material, insulating foam, or aerogel.

[0042] In embodiments, the tray, body, or thermally conductive material, member, or portion may include a direct contact heat exchanger. The direct contact heat exchanger may include a metal pin or rod, for example, extending through the body into the sealed space.

[0043] The shape-stable device, porous material, or insulating foam may include a combination of phenolic resin and CNTs, metal, graphite, graphene (e.g., powder and / or graphene ink). The shape-stable device, porous material, or insulating foam, or aerogel may include CNTs, metal, graphite, and / or graphene distributed or dispersed therein.

[0044] The shape-stable device, porous material, heat-insulating foam material, or aerogel may contain 20% by weight or less of CNTs and / or graphene, for example, 10% by weight or less of CNTs and / or graphene, or 1% to 2% by weight of CNTs and / or graphene. Alternatively, the shape-stable device, porous material, heat-insulating foam material, or aerogel may contain 20% by volume or less of CNTs and / or graphene, for example, 10% by volume or less of CNTs and / or graphene, or 1% to 2% by volume of CNTs and / or graphene.

[0045] The body may include or be formed of a polymeric or plastic material. The body may be molded, for example, by injection molding, compression molding, blow molding, or rotational molding, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0046] In alternative embodiments, the body may include or be formed of a metallic material. For example, the metallic material is an aluminum alloy or aluminum metal. The aluminum body may be made of a material having a thickness of 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, for example, a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm. In embodiments, the thickness of the material may be 0.6 mm to 1.0 mm, for example, 0.8 mm.

[0047] The body may have a liner material. The liner material may be an inner liner material. The liner material may be less than 1 mm thick, for example, less than 0.9 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.7 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.4 mm, less than 0.3 mm, less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm thick. In embodiments, the liner may be a plastic or polymeric material. In embodiments, the liner is between 0.1 mm and 0.9 mm thick, for example, between 0.2 mm and 0.8 mm thick, for example, between 0.3 mm and 0.6 mm thick.

[0048] If the body has or includes a liner material, the liner material is generally thinner than the body material.

[0049] The tray or body may have a coating. The coating may be an exterior coating. The coating may be ice-repellent. The coating may be a hydrophobic coating. The ice-repellent or hydrophobic coating advantageously facilitates removal of the tray from the trolley. For example, when the tray is placed in the upper compartment (i.e., the dry ice compartment of a conventional galley trolley), the ice-repellent or hydrophobic coating prevents any solids (trapped within the compartment) from freezing, which may secure the tray to the walls of the trolley, allowing for easy removal of the tray.

[0050] In embodiments, the body may have two parts or may be a two-part body. Each of the two parts may be combined or interlocked to represent the sealed space. Each of the two parts may represent a portion of the sealed space. One or each of the two parts of the body may be injection molded, blow molded, or rotationally molded. Alternatively, one or each of the two parts may be press molded.

[0051] The body may have one or more thermal conduction facilitators. The body or the thermal conduction facilitators may have one or more protrusions, matrices, meshes, and / or fins. The one or more thermal conduction facilitators may be configured to facilitate heat conduction across or through a portion of the body.

[0052] The body may have a first portion having a recess, cavity, or indentation and a second portion having a recess, cavity, or indentation, each of which may together represent a sealed space when the first and second portions are engaged together.

[0053] In embodiments, the body may have a first portion having a recess, cavity, or depression, and a second portion representing a lid or cover. The first and second portions are arranged relative to one another to define a sealed space. In embodiments, the lid or cover may be sealably secured to the first portion. For example, the second portion or cover may be sealably secured to a periphery of the recess, cavity, or depression.

[0054] The body, polymeric material, or plastic material may include a relatively thermally conductive material, member, or portion. For example, the relatively thermally conductive material may be distributed or dispersed within, a portion, or a region of the body, polymeric material, or plastic material. The relatively thermally conductive material, member, or portion may include a metal.

[0055] The body, polymeric or plastic material, or relatively thermally conductive material, member, or portion may include CNTs and / or graphene, such as graphene powder or graphene ink. The body, polymeric or plastic material, or thermally conductive material, member, or portion may include graphite, CNTs, and / or graphene distributed or dispersed therein.

[0056] The body, polymeric material, or plastic material may contain 20% or less by weight of CNTs and / or graphene, for example 10% or less by weight of CNTs and / or graphene, or 1% to 2% by weight of CNTs and / or graphene. Alternatively, the body, polymeric material, or plastic material may contain 20% or less by volume of CNTs and / or graphene, for example 10% or less by volume of CNTs and / or graphene, or 1% to 2% by volume of CNTs and / or graphene.

[0057] It has been found that plastics containing graphene or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be physically more robust than plastic materials without graphene or carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which is advantageous in environments where the plastic may be physically abused, for example, when trays are loaded onto and unloaded from dollies.

[0058] The tray and / or body may have insulating surfaces and non-insulating or conductive surfaces. In this context, an insulating surface is one that has a lower thermal conductivity than the thermal conductivity of a conductive surface. The insulating and conductive surfaces may be configured to facilitate heat transfer between different portions, surfaces, or regions of the tray and / or body.

[0059] The conduction surface may include a greater amount or proportion of a material, member, or portion with a relatively high thermal conductivity than the insulating surface. The tray and / or body may have a thicker wall thickness at the insulating surface than at the conducting surface. The tray may be shaped or positioned so that the conduction surface faces the food storage compartment when attached to the dolly, and / or the insulating surface faces away from the food storage compartment when attached to the dolly. For example, the tray may be shaped in a complementary manner to a portion of the dolly so that the tray can be attached to the dolly in only a desired (e.g., single) orientation. The conduction surface may be configured to face the food storage compartment of the galley trolley when in use. The insulating surface may be configured to face away from the food storage compartment of the galley trolley when in use. The tray and / or body may have indicia to identify the insulating surface and / or the conducting surface. The tray and / or body may have indicia to indicate the correct orientation of the tray, for example, based on the position of the insulating surface and / or the conducting surface.

[0060] The one or more heat transfer facilitators may be disposed on or against the transfer surface.

[0061] In an embodiment, the body has a metallic structure, substructure, or framework. The metallic structure, substructure, or framework may have a coating, for example, a polymer coating or a plastic material coating. The metallic structure, substructure, or framework may be disposed on or against a conductive surface. For example, the metallic structure, substructure, or framework may be disposed only on the conductive surface. The metallic structure, substructure, or framework may have a mesh.

[0062] One or each of the tray, body, and / or sealed space may be substantially rectangular, cuboid-shaped, or parallelepiped-shaped.

[0063] In embodiments, the tray or body may have a height or thickness of 20mm to 30mm, for example, a height or thickness of 22mm to 28mm. The tray or body may have a height or thickness of 25mm or 27mm.

[0064] The tray or body may have a length of 500 mm to 1500 mm, for example, 600 mm to 1400 mm, 700 mm to 1300 mm, or 800 mm to 1200 mm. The tray or body may have a length of less than 1200 mm, for example, less than 1100 mm, less than 1000 mm, or less than 900 mm. The tray or body may have a length of up to 900 mm.

[0065] The tray or body may have a length of 200 mm to 700 mm, for example, 300 mm to 600 mm, 400 mm to 500 mm. The tray or body may have a length less than 700 mm, for example, less than 600 mm, less than 500 mm, or less than 400 mm. The tray or body may have a length of up to 500 mm, up to 400 mm, or up to 300 mm. The tray or body may have a length of 450 mm, 350 mm, or 315 mm.

[0066] The tray or main body may have a width of 200mm to 500mm, for example, 250mm to 450mm, or 300mm to 400mm. The tray or main body may have a width of up to 350mm. The tray or main body may have a width of 270mm.

[0067] The sealed space may have a height or thickness of 10 mm to 30 mm, for example, a height or thickness of 25 mm. The sealed space may have a length of 250 mm to 350 mm, for example, a length of 275 mm to 325 mm or 280 mm to 300 mm. The sealed space may have a length of 325 mm or 282 mm. The sealed space may have a width of 150 mm to 300 mm, for example, a width of 200 mm to 300 mm, for example, a width of 220 mm or 224 mm.

[0068] In embodiments, the tray has a first major surface and a second major surface. In embodiments, the tray has at least one minor surface. The first and second major surfaces are preferably opposite, for example forming the base and top of the tray. The minor surface may provide a peripheral boundary wall disposed between the first and second major surfaces.

[0069] At least one of the first and second major surfaces may have a higher thermal conductivity than the at least one minor surface, e.g., at least one of the first and second major surfaces may be thinner than the at least one minor surface.

[0070] By providing a first portion of the tray with a higher thermal conductivity than a second portion of the tray, heat flow can be advantageously controlled.

[0071] In the embodiment, at least one of the first main surface and the second main surface has a thickness T m In an embodiment, at least one minor surface may have a thickness T s is 0.5mm to 4mm.

[0072] If the tray has a liner, its thickness T m and thickness T smay be the combined thickness of the body and liner material. The liner material may be thicker in some areas than in other areas. For example, the liner may be thicker in the area adjacent to the at least one minor surface than in the area adjacent to the at least one major surface, or vice versa.

[0073] In an embodiment, the tray has a rectangular cuboid shape. The first and second major surfaces may provide the major surfaces of the rectangular cuboid. Preferably, the at least one minor surface joins the first and second major surfaces.

[0074] Preferably, at least one of the first and second major surfaces has a thickness of 1 mm. In embodiments, at least one of the minor surfaces has a thickness of 3 mm.

[0075] In embodiments, one of the first and second major surfaces may have a higher thermal conductivity than the other of the first and second major surfaces. For example, one of the first and second major surfaces may be thinner than the other of the first and second major surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, one of the first and second major surfaces may be made from a material that has a higher thermal conductivity than the other of the first and second major surfaces.

[0076] By ensuring that one of the major surfaces has a higher thermal conductivity, heat flow is advantageously controlled.

[0077] The tray may have an inlet configured to allow fluid communication with the sealed space. The inlet may extend through the body, for example, into the sealed space. The inlet may have a one-way valve. Alternatively, the inlet may have a cap, plug, or bung. The inlet may be, or may be configured to, facilitate filling or emptying the sealed space.

[0078] Such an inlet may allow for recycling of the phase change material disposed within the sealed space, for example, when the phase change material has reached a certain number of thermal cycles.

[0079] The tray or body may have an engager or fixture, for example a releasable engager or retainer, for example for releasably securing or attaching the tray to a dolly in use.

[0080] In embodiments, the tray or dolly may each have an engageable engaging member or fitting or coupling to enable the tray to be secured to or removed from the dolly. For example, the tray may have a first member or portion (as an engaging member or fitting) and the dolly may have a second member or portion for engaging with the first member or portion. In embodiments, the tray is removably secured to the dolly by engaging an engaging member or fitting of the tray with a complementary portion of the dolly.

[0081] The engagers or engagers may be complementary mechanical engagers or engagers or couplings. In embodiments, the tray may have a first mechanical member or portion (as an engager or engager) and the carriage may have a complementary mechanical second member or portion for engaging with said first mechanical member or portion. The complementary mechanical engagers or engagers may enable releasable securing of the tray to the carriage. For example, the tray may be securely secured by the carriage (in use) and may be removable from the carriage. That is, the complementary mechanical engagers may enable positive release of the tray from the carriage.

[0082] The releasable engagers or mating members may include one or more latches, tabs, clips, or hooks for engaging with a portion of the dolly, e.g., a galley trolley of an aircraft. The releasable engagers or mating members may include one or more magnets or magnetic portions for engaging with a portion of the dolly, e.g., a shelf on the dolly. The releasable engagers or mating members may be configured to prevent movement of the tray relative to the dolly during use.

[0083] The releasable engager or retainer may have one or more retractable latches, tabs, clips, or hooks for engaging with a portion of the dolly. The tray may have an actuator or actuator that retracts the latches, tabs, clips, or hooks to release the tray from the dolly during use. Additionally or alternatively, the tray or body may have an engager or retainer that may include one or more grooves, notches, or recesses for receiving one or more pins, latches, clips, tabs, or hooks disposed on the dolly. A retainer or retainer may secure the tray within the trolley during use. The retainer or retainer may be disposed on the first and / or second major surfaces of the tray, e.g., the top and bottom of the tray. Additionally or alternatively, a retainer or retainer may be disposed on each minor surface of the tray. For example, a retainer may be provided on a peripheral boundary wall disposed between the first and second major surfaces. The engagement body or engagement device or coupling may include one or more pins, latches, clips, tabs, or hooks for securing the tray or body to a dolly, for example, part of an aircraft galley trolley.

[0084] The tray may have runners that engage with corresponding formations on the carriage.

[0085] The tray or body may have a gripper or grasper, gripping portion, or handle, for example, to facilitate insertion / removal of the tray onto / from the dolly. The gripper or grasper, gripping portion, or handle may have a recess formed in a portion of the tray or body. The gripper or grasper, gripping portion, or handle may be an extension of the tray or body.

[0086] In embodiments of the present invention, the gripper or gripping device, gripping portion, or handle may be located on a major surface of the tray or body. The gripper or gripping device, gripping portion, or handle may be located on an insulating surface of the tray or body, where the insulating surface of the tray or body may be configured to face away from the food compartment of the galley trolley in use. The gripper or gripping device, gripping portion, or handle may be located on a first major surface and / or a second major surface of the tray or body, where the first and second major surfaces may be opposite and form the top and bottom of the tray or body.

[0087] A gripper or grasper, gripping portion, or handle may be located on a first major surface (e.g., top surface) of the tray or body to facilitate insertion / removal of the tray or body into / from a trolley, such as into / from an upper compartment of the trolley (e.g., a dry ice compartment in a conventional galley trolley), where the compartment of the trolley is configured for top loading. The handle may be a hemispherical handle or any suitable alternative that may facilitate top loading of the trolley.

[0088] Where the tray comprises a body that presents a sealed volume having a PCM received therein, the gripper or grasper, gripper, or handle advantageously facilitates insertion / removal of trays at a range of temperatures, e.g., from -100°C to 100°C, or, by way of example, from -75°C to 75°C, where the tray is configured to be cooled to a temperature below -50°C, e.g., below -60°C, below -70°C, or below -80°C, prior to insertion into the galley trolley, e.g., where the tray may be configured to be cooled to a temperature of -86°C prior to insertion into the galley trolley.

[0089] The tray may include a communicator or device. The communicator or device may include an identification or tracking tag, such as an RFID tag. The identification or tracking tag may be a passive or active RFID tag. The RFID tag may be configured to include operational or tracking / location information associated with the tray. The operational information may include information regarding the number of thermal cycles the PCM has experienced and / or the elapsed time since the tray was removed from the freezer / heater and / or loaded onto a trolley. In embodiments, the operational information includes information regarding start-up times, start-up parameters, or conditions to more reliably achieve a solid or liquid phase for the PCM in the tray, such as freezer or heater times, temperatures, and / or other relevant conditions.

[0090] The work information may include information regarding the vehicle number or flight number or location. The tracking / location information may include information regarding where the tray originated and / or the particular vehicle to which a tray belongs or is associated.

[0091] In an embodiment, the tray comprises a protective cover, which may be arranged to at least partially cover or encase the tray or body, and which may be an elastomeric cover, for example a rubber cover.

[0092] In embodiments, the tray may be configured to be cooled to a temperature of less than −50° C. before insertion into the galley trolley, e.g., less than −60° C., less than −70° C., or less than −80° C. The tray may be configured to be cooled to a temperature of −86° C. before insertion into the galley trolley.

[0093] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising two parts configured to join or engage to represent the body of a tray as described above, the kit of parts optionally comprising a phase change material.

[0094] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tray as described above adapted to engage a galley trolley of an aircraft.

[0095] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a galley trolley for an aircraft, comprising a tray as described above.

[0096] For the avoidance of doubt, any feature described herein applies equally to any aspect of the invention.

[0097] Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element containing, representing, and / or specifying a three-dimensional design for use in a simulator or simulation method, or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing method or apparatus. For example, the apparatus is a 3D printer or a CNC machine. The three-dimensional design includes an embodiment of the tray described above.

[0098] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives described in the preceding paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings, particularly their individual features, may be used independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, except where inconsistent. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms "may," "and / or," and "for example," as used herein, and any similar terminology, should be interpreted as open-ended, such that any feature so recited may be absent. Indeed, any combination of any features, whether expressly claimed or not, is expressly contemplated without departing from the scope of the present invention. Applicant reserves the right to modify any originally filed claim or to submit new claims in response to any originally filed claim. These rights include the right to amend any originally filed claim to rely on and / or incorporate any feature of any other claim, even though not originally claimed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0099] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0100] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of the tray of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the holder or retaining means of the tray of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom exploded perspective view of the holder or retaining means of the tray of FIGS. 1-3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the tray of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the holder or retaining means of the tray of FIGS. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8a is an exploded perspective view of the tray of FIGS. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b is a cross-sectional view of the interface between the first and second portions in FIGS. 5 to 8a. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is an exploded perspective view of the holder or retaining means of the tray of FIG. 9. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the tray of FIGS. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the tray of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the boundary surface between the first portion and the second portion in FIGS. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a graph showing the results of the example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0101] 1 and 2, there is shown a tray 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention for use in an aircraft galley trolley (not shown). Tray 1 comprises a blow-molded body 2 (hereinafter "body") presenting a sealed volume V arranged to receive a phase change material (PCM). In this embodiment, body 2 is formed from a plastic material as a single piece.

[0102] The body 2 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape and has an upper surface 20, an opposing lower surface 21, a pair of side walls 23, 24, a front wall 25, and a rear wall 26. The upper surface 20 has a peripheral edge 22 extending therearound and any indicia formed thereon. In this embodiment, the lower surface 21 is substantially planar (as more clearly shown in Figure 4).

[0103] A pair of side walls 23, 24, a front wall 25, and a rear wall 26 together extend around the periphery of the body 2 with a thickness 't' expressed between the upper and lower surfaces 20, 21.

[0104] The grip 3 is formed adjacent to the front wall 25 as an extension of the main body 2. The grip 3 has a recess 30 extending widthwise along a portion of the front wall 25 to form a handle. A pair of shoulders 31 extend between the grip 3 and the front wall 25.

[0105] A recess 40 is formed in the top surface 20 adjacent the front wall 25 of the body 2 and has a retention means in the form of a retractable latch 4 arranged therein. The retractable latch 4 is configured to retain the tray 1 in the trolley during use. The recess 40 is deeper than the recess 30 and is centrally located therein.

[0106] Located in rear wall 26 is a recess 27. Inlet 5 extends through recess 27. Inlet 5 provides fluid communication with space V, allowing space V to be filled. In this embodiment, inlet 5 is sealed by cap 50.

[0107] 3 and 4, an exploded view of the retractable latch 4 is shown. In this embodiment, the retractable latch 4 has a resilient biaser received within a recess 40. In this example, the resilient biaser is a spring 4a. A latch piece 4b is received on the spring 4a. The latch piece 4b is retained within the recess 40 by a cover molding 4c.

[0108] In this embodiment, the spring 4a is made of sheet metal and has a base plate 40a. The base plate 40a has a pair of openings 41a penetrating the base plate 40a to receive the retaining screws R. Each opening 41a has a truncated cone-shaped protrusion 42a extending from the base plate 40a. A tongue 43a is disposed in the center of the opening 41a. One end of the tongue 43a is connected to the base plate 40a and is deformed relative to the base plate 40a to apply a biasing force to the latch component 4b.

[0109] In this embodiment, the latching element 4b is an injection-molded plastic part and has a latching portion 40b integrally formed with an actuating portion 41b via a connecting member 42b. The latching portion 40b and the actuating portion 41b define a slot therebetween. The actuating portion 41b is positioned such that, when pressed by a user, the tongue 43a deforms, displacing both the latching portion 40b and the actuating portion 41b and allowing the release of the tray 1 from the trolley (not shown).

[0110] The cover molding 4c is configured to be received within the recess 40. The cover molding 4c has a pair of openings 40c (only one of which is shown) that are positioned to align with the openings 41a in the spring element 4a in use, and the cover molding 4c also has a pair of openings 41c each positioned to receive one of the latch portion 40b and actuation portion 41b.

[0111] As shown more clearly in FIG. 4 , lower surface 21 defines a recess 45 opposite recess 40. A floor 46 extends between recess 40 and recess 45. Floor 46 has an opening 47 therethrough. Floor 46 is defined by a portion of upper surface 20 and a portion of lower surface 21 adjacent to each other to provide a rigid area for clearing opening 47. Openings 41 a, 41 c, and 47 are aligned and configured to allow retention screw R to extend therethrough and retain latch 4 within tray 1, and specifically within recess 40.

[0112] When assembling latch 4, spring piece 4a is positioned within recess 40 so that opening 41a is aligned with opening 47. Latch piece 4b is inserted into recess 40 over spring piece 4a. Cover molding 4c is inserted over latch piece 4b so that opening 40c is aligned with openings 41a and 47.

[0113] Retention screws R are inserted through openings 40c, 41a, and 47 from the underside 21 of tray 1 to retain latch 4 within recess 40. Each of latch portion 40b and actuation portion 41b is resiliently biased by tongue portion 43a and is displaceable upon application of force.

[0114] Also shown on the underside 21 are a pair of shut-off features 8 located on either side of the recess 41. The shut-off features 8 are formed by contacting a portion of the upper surface 20 with a portion of the lower surface 21 so as to provide some stiffening to the body 2. In this embodiment, the shut-off features 8 are located in the region of the recess 30.

[0115] 5 and 6, there is shown a tray 101 according to another embodiment of the present invention for use in an aircraft galley trolley (not shown). Features similar to those in Figures 1-4 are designated by similar reference numerals incremented by 100.

[0116] The tray 101 comprises a two-part injection-molded body 102 (hereinafter "body") that presents a sealed space V. The sealed space V is configured to receive a phase change material PCM in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped block (FIG. 6). The body 102 is formed from a plastic material and has a first part 102a and a second part 102b that together present the sealed space V.

[0117] In this embodiment, the first portion 102a is a tray assembly, and the second portion 102b is a lid, which is disposed to couple with the first portion 102a and is sealably fixed to the first portion 102a so as to define the sealed space V.

[0118] As with tray 1, body 102 is substantially rectangular in shape and has a top surface 120 represented by first portion 102a. Body 102 also has an opposing bottom surface 121, each represented by second portion 102b, a pair of side walls 123 and 124, a front wall 125, and a rear wall 126. Second portion 102b has a peripheral edge 122 extending therearound and including any indicia formed thereon.

[0119] A pair of side walls 123, 124, a front wall 125, and a rear wall 126 together extend around the periphery of the body 102 with a thickness 't' expressed between the upper surface 120 and the lower surface 121.

[0120] The first portion 102a has a cavity 106 for receiving a PCM. The cavity 106 is represented by a lower surface 121, side walls 123 and 124, a front wall 125, and a rear wall 126.

[0121] A grip portion 103 is integrally formed with the first portion 102a near the front wall 125. The grip portion 103 has a recess 130 extending widthwise along a portion of the front wall 125 to form a handle. A pair of shoulders 131 extend between the grip portion 103 and the front wall 125.

[0122] The gripping portion 103 also has a pair of openings 132, 133 extending therethrough for receiving retention means in the form of retractable latches 104. The pair of openings 132, 133 are separated by a wall portion 134. In this embodiment, the wall portion 134 has a pair of recesses (not shown) for receiving retention screws R. The wall portion 134 provides a mounting location for the latches 104. A portion of the latches 104 protrudes from the top surface 120 and is configured to retain the tray 101 in a trolley (not shown) during use.

[0123] 6 and 7, latch 104 has a spring member 104a positioned to attach to underside 121 of body 102 via retaining screw R. Received above spring 104a is latch member 104b, which extends through openings 132 and 133.

[0124] In this embodiment, the spring 104a is made of sheet metal and has a base plate 140a. The base plate 140a has a pair of openings 141a extending therethrough to receive the retaining screws R. Each opening 141a has a truncated cone-shaped protrusion 142a extending from the base plate 140a. A tongue 143a is disposed in the center of the opening 141a. One end of the tongue 143a is connected to the base plate 140a and is deformed relative to the base plate 140a to apply a biasing force to the latch component 104b.

[0125] Latch piece 104b, in this embodiment, is a molded plastic piece and includes a latch portion 140b integrally formed with an actuating portion 141b via a connecting member 142b. Latch portion 140b and actuating portion 141b define a slot therebetween. Actuating portion 141b is positioned such that, when pressed by a user, tongue 143a deforms, displacing both latch portion 140b and actuating portion 141b. Connecting member 142b includes a pair of recesses 144b for receiving respective retention screws R during assembly.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 7, to assemble the latch 104, the latch portion 140b is received in one opening 132 of the pair of openings, and the actuating portion 141b is received in the other opening 133. The connecting member 142b abuts the wall portion 134. The spring element 104a is adjacent to the lower surface 121 so that the connecting member 142b is between the wall portion 134 and a portion of the spring element 104a. The opening 141a is aligned with the recess in the wall portion 134 and the recess 144b. The retention screw R passes through the opening 141a to hold the latch element 104b to the tray 101 via the spring element 104a.

[0127] 8a and 8b, the assembly of the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b is shown to represent the sealed space V. As shown in more detail in FIG. 8b, the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b each have a ledge 128, 129. The ledge 128 extends around the outer periphery of the cavity 106. The ledge 129 extends around the outer periphery of the second portion 102b. Each ledge 128, 129 has a stepped portion 128a, 129a. Each ledge 128, 129 also has a wall portion 128b, 129b extending from the stepped portion 128a, 129a between the grip portion 103 and the cavity 106. Each wall 128b, 129b has a corresponding taper to provide a lead-in when attaching the second portion 102b to the first portion 102a. The banks 128, 129 are configured to provide an interface between the first portion 102a and the second portion 102b.

[0128] In this embodiment, during assembly of the tray 101, a foam pad FP is received within the cavity 106. The first portion 102a abuts the second portion 102b such that the banks 128 and 129 contact each other. In this embodiment, the interface between the banks 128 and 129 is heated to fuse the first portion 102a to the second portion 102b, forming a sealed cavity V. Before the first and second portions 102a and 102b are sealed together, a fluid PCM material is poured onto the foam pad FP. The foam pad FP acts as a matrix for the PCM, reducing the effective volume of the tray's interior volume.

[0129] In this embodiment of the present invention, the foam pad FP is preferably a polyurethane foam or a phenolic foam.

[0130] 9 and 10, there is shown a tray 201 according to an embodiment of the present invention for use in an aircraft galley trolley (not shown). Features similar to those in Figures 1-4 are designated by similar reference numerals, where applicable, incremented by '200'.

[0131] The tray 201 is formed by a combination of blow molding and injection molding and comprises a two-part body 202 that presents a sealed space V. The sealed space V is arranged to receive a phase change material PCM in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped block (FIG. 12). The body 202 is formed from a plastic material and has a first part 202a and a second part 202b that together present the sealed space V.

[0132] In this embodiment, the first portion 202a is a blow-molded sleeve assembly, and the second portion 202b is an injection-molded cap that is positioned to mate with and sealably secured to the first portion 202a to define the sealed space V.

[0133] As with tray 1, body 202 is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape. First portion 202a has an upper surface 220, an opposing lower surface 221, a pair of side walls 223, 224, and a rear wall 226 that together represent a sleeve forming a cavity 206 with an opening O (FIG. 11). Cavity 206 is configured to receive a foam pad FP and a PCM (FIG. 12).

[0134] The main body 202 also has a front wall 225 represented by the second portion 202b. The front wall 225 and the rear wall 226 each extend in the width direction. The first portion 202a has indicia formed on the top surface 220 of the first portion 202a.

[0135] A pair of side walls 223, 224, a front wall 225, and a rear wall 226 together extend around the periphery of the body 202 with a thickness 't' expressed between the upper surface 220 and the lower surface 221.

[0136] A grip portion 203 is integrally formed with the second portion 202b near the front wall 225. The grip portion 203 has a recess 230 extending widthwise along a portion of the front wall 225 to form a handle. A pair of shoulders 231 extend between the grip portion 203 and the front wall 225.

[0137] The gripping portion 203 also has a pair of openings 232, 233 extending therethrough for receiving retention means in the form of retractable latches 204. The pair of openings 232, 233 are separated by a wall 234. In this embodiment (FIG. 11), the wall 234 has one or more recesses for receiving retention screws R. The wall 234 provides a mounting location for the latches 204. The latches 204 protrude from the second portion 202b and are configured to retain the tray 201 in a trolley (not shown) in use.

[0138] 10 and 11, the latch 204 has a spring member 204a arranged to attach to the underside 221 of the body 202, particularly the second portion 202b, via a retaining screw R. Received on the spring member 204a is a latch member 204b which extends through openings 232 and 233.

[0139] In this embodiment, the spring component 204a is made of sheet metal and includes a base plate 240a. The base plate 240a has a pair of openings 241a extending therethrough to receive the retaining screws R. Each opening 241a has a truncated cone-shaped protrusion 242a extending from the base plate 240a. A tongue 243a is disposed in the center of the opening 241a. One end of the tongue 243a is connected to the base plate 240a and is deformed relative to the base plate 240a to apply a biasing force to the latch component 204b.

[0140] Latch piece 204b, which in this embodiment is a molded plastic piece, has a latch portion 240b connected to an actuating portion 241b via a connecting member 242b. Latch portion 240b and actuating portion 241b define a slot therebetween. Actuating portion 241b is positioned such that, when pressed by a user, tongue 243a deforms, displacing both latch portion 240b and actuating portion 241b. Connecting member 242b has a pair of recesses 244b for receiving respective retention screws R during assembly.

[0141] To assemble the latch 204, the latch portion 240b is received in one opening 232 of the pair of openings, and the actuating portion 241b is received in the other opening 233. The connecting member 242b abuts the wall portion 234. The spring element 204a is adjacent to the underside 221 of the second portion 202b such that the connecting member 242b is between the wall portion 234 and a portion of the spring element 204a. The opening 241a is aligned with the recess in the wall portion 234 and the recess 244b. The retention screw R passes through the opening 241a to hold the latch element 204b to the tray 201 via the spring element 204a.

[0142] 11 to 13, an assembly of the first portion 202a and the second portion 202b is shown to represent the sealed space portion V. As shown, the first portion 202a has a bank portion 227 extending around the periphery of the opening O and an inner wall portion 227b extending from the bank portion 227. In this sense, "inward" is understood to mean toward the center of the opening O. The second portion 202b also has a peripheral wall portion 229 extending from the front wall 225 toward a free end portion 229a.

[0143] During assembly of the tray 201, a foam pad FP is received within the cavity 206. The first portion 202a adjoins the second portion 202b such that the wall 227b is inboard of and adjacent to the peripheral wall 229 and the free end 229a abuts the bank 227. Before the first and second portions 202a, 202b are secured together, a fluid PCM material is poured into the interior volume of the tray.

[0144] In this embodiment, the boundary surface between the wall portion 227b and the wall portion 229 is heated so that the first portion 202a is fused to the second portion 202b, and a sealed space portion V is formed.

[0145] The following experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of PCM materials against the currently used dry ice (CO2(s)) coolant.

[0146] <Comparative Example 1> 2.4 kg of dry ice was packed into a tray measuring 315 x 270 x 27 mm and placed on top of the gallo trolley where the food was packed. The core temperature of the food was measured over time. The results are shown in Figure 14.

[0147] Example 1 A tray similar to that used in Comparative Example 1 was filled with a block of foam (282 x 224 x 25 mm) and 2 liters of phase change material with a phase change temperature of -50°C. The tray was placed in a similar gallon trolley containing the same food as in Comparative Example 1. The core temperature of the food was measured over time. The results are shown in Figure 14.

[0148] <Example 2> Example 1 was repeated, replacing the 2 liters of phase change material with 1.4 liters of PCM and 0.9 liters of water, and the results are shown in Figure 14.

[0149] Example 3 Example 1 was repeated, replacing the phase change material with 2 liters of a phase change material with a phase change temperature of −7° C. The results are shown in FIG.

[0150] Experiments demonstrated that the PCM material can maintain the core temperature of food below 10°C for an extended period of time.

[0151] In fact, all examples of the present invention outperform dry ice over a 5-hour window. Example 1 outperforms dry ice after 4 hours, while Example 2 outperforms dry ice after 2 hours. Because Example 2 contains less PCM than Example 1, its performance was expected to be inferior to that of Example 1. Therefore, the results of Example 2 are surprising.

[0152] All embodiments of the present invention are clearly capable of maintaining low food temperatures, and crucially, of ensuring low temperatures for extended periods of time, which is important in the case of delays.

[0153] The use of PCM materials provides users with more flexibility, reduces supply chain issues, and reduces handling issues associated with dry ice, while still improving performance.

[0154] It is understood that several variations of the above-described embodiments can be grasped by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, any feature described in connection with tray 1 may be applied to or substituted for any feature described in connection with tray 101 or tray 201, if not inconsistent. Furthermore, the interface between bank 128 and bank 129 of tray 101 and the interface between wall 227b and wall 229 of tray 201 are heated to fuse the first and second portions together, respectively, to form sealed space V, but this is not necessarily the case.

[0155] Alternatively, any other suitable means for connecting the first and second parts to one another to form a fluid-tight seal may be utilized, such as a snap-fit ​​arrangement, the incorporation of one or more gaskets, and / or the use of a sealing agent between the first and second parts.

[0156] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any combination of the features set forth above and / or illustrated in the accompanying drawings offers a distinct advantage over the prior art and, therefore, is within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0157] The walls of the container may also have different thicknesses. For example, the intended bottom surface (e.g., bottom surface 21) may be thinner than the intended top surface (e.g., top surface 20) and side walls (e.g., walls 23-26). In this way, the bottom surface has a higher thermal conductivity, and heat flows to the bottom surface at a higher rate than to the other walls. Additionally or alternatively, the bottom wall may be made of or include a material with a higher thermal conductivity than the other walls.

[0158] Each tray may have a heat transfer facilitator. For example, the side or face of the tray intended to face the food product may have a heat transfer facilitator. The heat transfer facilitator may be in the form of a protrusion, fin, or the like extending from the surface of the tray into the sealed space. In an embodiment, the heat transfer facilitator may be formed on the inner surface of the tray, for example by bonding or integral molding.

[0159] A convenient visual indicator can be provided by providing a pattern or other indicator on the intended top surface, which allows the operator to install the tray in the correct orientation. The tray can be shaped.

[0160] It is also possible to provide a tray with a liner material. The liner material covers some or all of the inner walls of the tray. The tray can be made of a metallic material, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The metallic liner material can aid or enhance heat conduction in a desired direction. The liner can also be made of a polymeric or plastic material. The polymeric or plastic liner material can inhibit heat conduction in a desired direction. The polymeric or plastic liner material can be doped with a thermally conductive material. The doped polymer / plastic liner can aid or enhance heat conduction in a desired direction.

[0161] The tray may also be provided with a hydrophobic coating.

Claims

1. A tray releasably engaging a dolly, a body having a first major surface and a second major surface and defining a sealed space; an engaging device that releasably engages with the carriage; Communication devices and Equipped with the sealed space having a phase change material received therein; the thermal conductivity of the first main surface is lower than the thermal conductivity of the second main surface; the communication device includes an RFID tag configured to have operation information associated with the tray. Tray.

2. the first major surface is thicker than the second major surface; and / or a thermal conductivity of a first material constituting the first main surface is lower than a thermal conductivity of a second material constituting the second main surface; The tray of claim 1 .

3. The tray according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a heat conduction facilitating portion located on or against the second main surface.

4. 4. The tray according to claim 1, wherein the phase change material has a phase change temperature of -75°C or higher and 75°C or lower.

5. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the phase change material comprises a eutectic solution.

6. The tray according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sealed space contains aerogel or insulating foam.

7. 7. The tray of claim 6, wherein the insulating foam is an open-cell foam.

8. 8. The tray of claim 6 or 7, wherein the insulating foam comprises phenolic foam, polystyrene, or polyurethane.

9. The tray of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the phase change material is at least partially disposed within pores of the insulating foam.

10. The tray according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the insulating foam has a thermally conductive member.

11. The tray of claim 10 , wherein the thermally conductive member comprises one or more of a metal, graphite, carbon nanotubes, and / or graphene.

12. 12. The tray of claim 11, wherein the insulating foam comprises between 1% and 2% by weight of carbon nanotubes and / or graphene.

13. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the body comprises a polymeric material.

14. A tray according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the body is moulded.

15. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the body comprises one or more of metal, graphite, carbon nanotubes, and / or graphene.

16. The tray of claim 15, wherein the body comprises between 1% and 2% by weight of carbon nanotubes and / or graphene.

17. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a metal structure having a coating of polymeric material.

18. A tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray or the body has a hydrophobic coating.

19. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising an inlet configured to allow fluid communication with the sealed space.

20. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the releasable engagement device comprises one or more tabs or clips that engage with a portion of the carriage.

21. A tray according to any preceding claim, wherein the releasable engager comprises one or more retractable tabs that engage with a portion of the carriage.

22. The tray of any one of claims 1 to 21, comprising an elastomeric cover arranged to be at least partially recessed in the body.

23. The tray according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the tray is a temperature-controlled tray.

24. A tray according to any preceding claim adapted to engage a galley trolley of an aircraft.

25. A tray according to any one of claims 1 to 24, having indicia for identifying the first major surface and / or the second major surface.

26. A galley trolley for an aircraft, comprising a tray according to any one of claims 1 to 25.

27. a food storage compartment; a tray receiving compartment in which the tray is placed or in which the tray can be placed; 27. The galley trolley of claim 26, comprising:

28. 27. The galley trolley of claim 26, wherein the second major surface faces the food storage compartment during use.

Images