Elevated Meal Carts, Hanging From A Rail.

Submitted 5 years ago

As a recent flyer I noticed two stewardesses struggle with the meal cart as the plane was experiencing some turbulence. It seemed to me that there is a better and safer way to move carts around in a plane. My idea is as follows: A sturdy light metal T-mold(?) track or rail mounted on the ceiling in the isles from the rear of the plane to the front which holds two support bars (front and rear of cart) which in turn allow a meal cart to "hang" elevated (no more bumping into people's ankles and less strain on personnel) The cart would only be able to move when a lever is pressed down (think of shopping carts with a similar system) to prevent forward or side to side movement when it is not desired. Such a construction would likely save in weight as it can be made of lighter materials and conceivably carry more as it can be made higher. Multiple smaller meal carts could operate at the same time (two in first class and two in economy for instance)When I mentioned this to the two struggling ladies they seemed to think that it was an idea worth submitting. I would love some feedback whether anyone in design and engineering thinks this might be feasible.

Thanks in advance,

Peter Bakker
603 W. Bianca Cir.
St Augustine, FL 32086
407-579-9980