US Patent 9708064 Aircraft galley sink stations having movable sink covers

Sink stations for galleys of aircraft and other vehicles, methods of operating such sink stations, and aircraft equipped with galleys having such sink stations. A sink station includes a sink cover, which may fully or partially cover a sink and extend the countertop space over the sink cavity. When covering the sink, the sink cover may support a set weight corresponding to objects typically used in galleys, such as pots, cups, and the like. The sink cover allows for liquid to pass into the sink cavity even when the sink cover is used to cover the sink thereby reduce spill clean-ups. The sink cover is movable and may partially or completely expose the sink cavity or keep it completely covered. For example, the sink cover may be folded and/or rolled away and stored at the sink station for periodic use.