INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR OVERHEAD STOWAGE

One advantageous embodiment of the present invention is an integrated transport system ( 14 ) for moving an object ( 20 ) in an aircraft ( 10 ) between a main cabin ( 16 ) and an overhead cabin ( 18 ) via a shaft ( 24 ) in connection therebetween. This integrated transport system ( 14 ) includes a single-unit gantry-lift device ( 42 ) with an object carrier ( 32 ) for receiving the object ( 20 ). This object carrier ( 32 ) has one or more restraint members ( 34, 38 ) for securing the object ( 20 ) in the object carrier ( 32 ) and preventing the object ( 20 ) from inadvertently tipping or falling out of the object carrier ( 32 ). In this embodiment, the single-unit gantry-lift device ( 42 ) further includes a lift device ( 46 ) for moving the object carrier ( 32 ) generally along a longitudinal axis ( 22 ) of the shaft ( 24 ) and a gantry device ( 44 ) for moving the object carrier ( 32 ) generally along a first axis ( 26 ) of the overhead cabin ( 18 ) and/or a second axis ( 28 ), which is disposed generally perpendicular to the first axis ( 26 ).