WO2019220423A1

WO2019220423A1 - Method for ergonomically self-servicing products on a passenger transportation vehicle using an autonomous machine

Info

Publication number: WO2019220423A1
Application number: PCT/IL2018/050521
Authority: WO
Inventors: Leeor WEINREB
Original assignee: Weinreb Leeor
Priority date: 2018-05-14
Filing date: 2018-05-14
Publication date: 2019-11-21

Abstract

Method for self -servicing products on a passenger transportation vehicle (5) having a substantially elongated aisle (6) delimited by passenger seats (7), the method comprises providing a mobile self- service autonomous machine (1), placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) in the aisle (6), moving the mobile self- service autonomous machine (1) along the aisle (6) in the elongated direction of the aisle (6) for a predetermined distance, servicing seated passengers sitting on passenger seats (7) along the aisle (6) at the position of the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) characterized in that the grasping height is such that the step of servicing seated passengers can be performed through self-service of seated passengers sitting on passenger seats (7) along the aisle (6) at the position of the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) by allowing passengers to access the active container.

Description

l

Method for ergonomically self-servicing products on a passenger transportation vehicle using an autonomous machine

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a method for ergonomically self servicing products by an autonomous machine on a passenger transportation vehicle. In particular the present invention relates to a method for ergonomically self-servicing products on a passenger carrying aircraft. The invention also relates to an apparatus for ergonomically self-servicing products on any given passenger transportation vehicle.

State of the art

Passengers traveling by transportation vehicle such as an aircraft, usually are seated along at least one aisle extending along the transportation vehicle. Due to the stringent budget requirements in the passenger transportation industry, passenger seating is closely packed, often in multiple seats per row at each side of the aisle with a cramped seat pitch between the rows. It is undesirable in such situations that passengers stand up to move up and down the aisle, as this is experienced as annoying for the remaining passengers in the row of seats. Therefore transportation companies often provide stewards within the transportation vehicle. The stewards are required to assist the passenger such that the passengers’ need to stand up and walk down the aisle is minimized. One common assistance provided by the stewards is the distribution of products to the passengers such as the distribution of food, drinks, tax-free shopping items and the collection of trash. The stewards therefore use a mobile device, referred to as a conveying trolley or a conveying cart, which can be pushed up and down the aisle of the transportation vehicle. An example of such a trolley is disclosed in patent application WO2014014784. The trolley has an active container having a substantially beam shape with a beam length along the elongated direction of the aisle, a beam width in the direction crossing the aisle and a beam height in a direction perpendicular to the directions of the beam height and the beam length, the container being provided with a base plate having wheels configured for rolling the mobile device through the aisle, two elongated and two short sidewalls, and a top plate. As described in WO2014014784, the container is filled with trays of food from the base plate up to the top plate and the container top plate provides means for storing drinks and accessories. In order to optimize the ergonomic working environment for the stewards, trolleys in the state of the art are always constructed such that the top plate of the trolley is at a height that is easily accessible to the steward, for example at the height of the steward’s chest. Unfortunately, many stewards still struggle with health issues such as back problems, causing discomfort for the stewards and as a consequence economical disadvantages for the employers. One of the elements causing the ergonomic discomfort to the stewards is the fact that they are required to fetch product such as food trays from the container, and pass it over to the passengers seated in the row. This task can be physically demanding especially in case the food tray is stowed away at the bottom of the container or in case the steward is required to pass the tray to a passenger seated the furthest away from the aisle. In the latter the steward is encumbered even more due to the difficulty for the passenger to stand up from his seat because of the lack of space, thus requiring the steward to bend over the remaining passengers in the row seated closer to the aisle. It is not uncommon that is this process, the steward hinders the remaining passengers for example by accidentally knocking over drinks, for example hot beverages, positioned on the tray tables in front of them.

Detailed description of the invention

It is a goal of the present invention to provide a new method and apparatus for servicing products such as distributing or collecting products, in a transportation vehicle, wherein the problem encountered in the state of the art is solved. The present invention therefore provides a method for self-servicing products on a passenger transportation vehicle, having a substantially elongated aisle delimited by passenger seats. The method comprises a step of providing a mobile self-service autonomous machine comprising a base container configured as an active container, the base container having a substantially beam shape having a beam length along the elongated direction of the aisle, a beam width in the direction crossing the aisle, for example perpendicularly, and a beam height in a direction perpendicular to the directions of the beam height and the beam length. The active container is provided with a base plate having wheels configured for rolling the machine through the aisle, two elongated and two short sidewalls, and a top plate. The method comprises the step of placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine in the aisle of the transportation vehicle. The method further comprises a step of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine along the aisle in the elongated direction of the aisle for a predetermined distance. The method further comprises a step of servicing seated passengers sitting on passenger seats along the aisle at the position of the mobile self-service autonomous machine. The method is characterized in that the beam height is equal or inferior to a grasping height, the grasping height being such that the step of servicing seated passengers can be performed through self-service of seated passengers sitting on passenger seats along the aisle at the position of the mobile self-service autonomous machine by allowing the passengers access to the active container.

The method of the present invention has the advantage that the active container is sufficiently proximate to the aisle floor such that passengers can access the active container, and as a consequence its content, themselves. The passengers can for example grasp products arranged on the top plate of the active container or within the active container by merely reaching out to the active container, without being required to stand up. The passengers are able to self-distribute the products available in the active container. It is noted that in the present invention the term servicing encompasses the terms grasping and distributing as well as the terms collecting and disposing. The passenger can for example also easily self-collect and self-dispose trash within the active container in a similar process. In a more general description, the present method is aimed at self-servicing of products by seated passengers on a passenger transportation vehicle. The method is especially advantageous if the passenger seated closed to the aisle in a row of passengers reaches out to the active container in order to take the products arranged thereon or therein, and if that passenger subsequently distributes the products on to the remaining passengers in his row seated further away from the aisle. In the method of the present invention, the steward is merely required to oversee the actions of the passengers and to push or remotely actuate the mobile self-service autonomous machine in order to advance the machine along the aisle. The stewards are no longer required to fetch products such as food trays from the container, and pass it over to the passengers seated in the row. Furthermore, the stewards no longer hinder the remaining passengers when serving a passenger distally seated from the aisle for example by accidentally knocking over drinks, for example hot beverages such as coffee, positioned on the tray tables in front of the more proximate passengers. Apart from creating a more ergonomic working environment for the stewards, the present method also has additional advantages. A further advantage of the present method is related to the reduction in number of stewards required in order to service, such as distribute and collect, products to and from the passengers. In the methods of the state of the art, usually 2 stewards are required to handle one mobile machine, i.e. one trolley, whereas in the method of the present invention one steward can handle one or two mobile machines simultaneously. The stewards, that would have been occupied with the servicing job during a major part of the transportation vehicle travel time, have in the present invention new time freed up, allowing them for example to take care of an emergency that may occur. It is also known that companies operating passenger transportation vehicles such as airline companies are increasingly striving to be as cost efficient as possible. As an alternative, the method of the present invention therefore enables passenger transportation companies to organize trips with a reduced number of stewards per transportation vehicle, thereby cutting costs and becoming more competitive. The possibility to reduce the number of stewards required for servicing is particularly advantageous as today there are fewer young people who are willing to work as stewards because they consider this line of work to be monotonous, repetitive and non-challenging. It is a further advantage of the method of the present invention, that the method can be used in a transportation vehicle without requiring invasive and costly adaptations of the transportation vehicle. The method merely requires the provision of a mobile self-service autonomous machine configured to move through the aisle of the transportation vehicle. The user of the method is thus not required to install elements such as rails or conveyor belts, within the transportation vehicle. The necessity to install specific elements in a transportation vehicle would render the invention of the present invention economically unviable as the construction and adapting of elements in transportation vehicles is often linked to stringent and costly regulatory approval procedures. For example, in the aircraft industry, the installing and adapting of elements in an aircraft is subject to stringent design control governed among others by the RTCA DO-160 requirements.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention the grasping height is the height with respect to the aisle floor at which a passenger seated along the aisle can easily access the products arranged on or in the active container from a seated position. In practice, the grasping height is substantially equal to the height of the arm rests provided on the seats in the transportation vehicle. The seats on transportation vehicles generally have arm rests at a specific height with respect to the aisle floor, enabling passengers to ergonomically rest their arms on the arm rests. In an embodiment of the method of the present invention the passenger seats have an armrest at armrest height and the grasping height is substantially equal to the armrest height, for example at approximately 20cm from the height of the arm rests, by preference approximately 10cm from the height of the arm rests. The arm rest height is thereby measured from the top or bottom surface of the arm rest. In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the grasping height with respect to the aisle floor is substantially equal to 1 m for example between 90cm and 110cm, by preference between 95cm and 105cm. The grasping height is by preference substantially equal to 90cm for example between 80cm and 100cm, by preference between 85cm and 95cm. By further preference the grasping height is substantially equal to 70cm for example between 60cm and 80cm, by preference between 65cm and 75cm. Providing a grasping height substantially equal to the armrest height or substantially equal to 1 m by preference 90cm, by further preference 70cm, ensures that the passenger can easily access the products provided in or on the active container from a seated position. The container according to the present embodiment greatly facilitates the self-servicing of products by seated passengers on a transportation vehicle.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention the height of the top plate of the active container of the mobile self-service autonomous machine is equal or inferior to the grasping height. Providing the top plate of the mobile self-service autonomous machine substantially at grasping height, ensures that the passengers can easily access the top plate from a seated position. Passengers, more specifically the passenger sitting closest to the aisle, can easily dispose his thrash on the top plate or retrieve products such as food trays from the top plate.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention the active container is provided with at least one passenger access opening, allowing passengers to grasp the active container via the at least one opening. This allows the passenger, more specifically the passenger sitting closest to the aisle, to access or deposit products within or on the active container via the passenger access opening. In an embodiment of the method of the present invention the top plate of the active container is provided with the at least one passenger access opening. Providing the top plate of the active container with the at least one passenger access opening allows the passengers to easily access products via the top of the mobile self-service autonomous machine. This alleviates the necessity for passengers to make complicated movements in order to access or deposit the products in the active container. In an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one passenger access opening has a shape corresponding to the shape of the product to grasp or deposit. In case the active container comprises one or more of food trays and drinks, passenger access openings may be provided with shapes corresponding to trays and for example drink bottles. In an embodiment of the present invention the mobile self-service autonomous machine comprises a spring-mechanism pushing products within the active container towards the passenger access opening, for example provided in the top plate, such that passengers can easily access the products through the passenger access opening, for example provided in the top plate. The spring mechanism for example pushes trays of food that are stacked within the active container, up towards the passenger access opening such that passengers are not required to reach within the active container in order to access the products. By preference, the passenger access opening is provided with a stopping mechanism in combination with the spring mechanism, the stopping mechanism configured for stopping the products such as the food trays at the passenger access opening. The stopping mechanism for example comprises an element such as a pin blocking a part of the passenger access opening until a passenger actuates the pin for example through a lever or a button connected to an electric mechanism, or even simply through the application of force on the product in order to retrieve the product from the passenger access opening.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention the height of the passenger access opening in the active container with respect to the aisle floor is equal or inferior to the grasping height. Providing the passenger access opening substantially at grasping height, ensures that the passengers can easily access the top plate from a seated position. Passengers, more specifically the passenger sitting closest to the aisle, can easily dispose his thrash in the passenger access opening or retrieve products such as food trays from the passenger access opening.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention the steps of the method are subsequent steps, wherein the two steps of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine and allowing the passenger to access the active container are repeated until one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines have covered the entire aisle. Upon one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines having covered the entire aisle, the one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines are removed from the aisle and returned to a stalling place such as a kitchen or a storage room. Furthermore, the removal of a mobile self-service autonomous machine from the aisle is also performed upon the mobile self-service autonomous machine becoming useless for example being in rupture of products such as food trays or drinks or for example being filled with trash such as empty food trays. In such a case, the useless mobile self-service autonomous machine is returned to the stalling place, for example the kitchen for refurnishing of products or emptying of trash before being placed back in the aisle. In an embodiment of the present invention at least one of the sidewalls is provided with a first door enabling the refurnishing of the active container. In an embodiment of the present invention the step of placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine in the aisle is preceded by a step of refurnishing the active container with products via the first door. In an embodiment of the present invention the step of placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine in the aisle is preceded by a step of emptying the thrash from the active container via the first door.

In an embodiment of the present invention the mobile self-service autonomous machine is provided with a distance separator configured for adjusting the height of the top plate of the active container with respect to the aisle floor. In an embodiment of the present invention the distance separator comprises a lift, such as a scissor lift configured to raise or lower the top plate. In an embodiment of the present invention the distance separator is provided between the base plate of the base container and the wheels. Providing the distance separator enables the steward to lift the active container to a height that facilitates the filling of the active container with products or emptying the active container of trash. The steward can for example lift the active container to the appropriate height with respect to the floor upon the mobile self-service autonomous machine being removed from the aisle, for example upon the mobile self-service autonomous machine being brought into the kitchen of the transportation vehicle. In an embodiment of the present invention the step of placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine in the aisle is preceded by a step of adjusting the height of the top plate of the active container with respect to the aisle floor by actuating the distance separator such that the height of the top plate of the active container is equal or inferior to the grasping height. Alternatively the height of the passenger access opening of the active container is adjusted such that the height of the passenger access opening is equal or inferior to the grasping height. These embodiments have the advantage that the passengers can easily access the products within or on the active container from a seated position. These embodiments are particularly advantageous if the steward has raised the height of the active container for example in order to easily work with the active container in the kitchen, prior to placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine in the aisle. In an embodiment of the present invention the step of allowing passengers to access the active container is preceded by a step of adjusting the height of the top plate of the active container by actuating the distance separator such that the height of the top plate of the active container is equal or inferior to the grasping height. Alternatively the height of the passenger access opening of the active container is adjusted such that the height of the passenger access opening is equal or inferior to the grasping height. These embodiments have the advantage that the height of the top plate or passenger access opening can be adjusted for every row of seats such that the passenger closest to the aisle can easily grasp or dispose products in or on the active container even for changing grasping heights of the rows of seats along the aisle.

In an embodiment of the present invention the beam length equals to a natural integer multiple of the seat pitch. In an embodiment of the present invention the beam length is at least equals two seat pitches. The seat pitch is a common measure in the passenger transportation industry and is defined as the distance between two rows of seats i.e. the measurement from the same position on two seats, one behind the other. Providing a mobile self-service autonomous machine having a beam length at least equal to two seat pitches has the advantage that multiple rows of passenger seats can be served simultaneously. Having a beam length of two seat pitches has the additional advantage that the beam length is not excessively large such that the mobile self-service autonomous machine can still be easily stowed away in the stalling place. In an embodiment of the present invention the step of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine along the aisle in the elongated direction of the aisle, comprises moving the machine over a distance at least equal to one seat pitch. In an embodiment of the present invention the step of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine comprises moving the self-service machine over a distance equal to two seat pitches when the beam length equals two seat pitches. This feature enables to quickly cover the aisle with the mobile self-service autonomous machine as two rows passengers are served at a time. Alternatively, the step of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine comprises moving the self-service machine over a distance equal to one seat pitches when the beam length equals two seat pitches. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the content of the container of the mobile self-service autonomous machine differs along the beam length, for example if drinks are provided in a first part of the beam length substantially equal to one seat pitch and if food trays are provided in a second part of the beam length substantially equal to one seat pitch. In an embodiment of the present invention the grasping height is a height inferior to the beam length. Providing the grasping height inferior to the beam length i.e. a low aspect ratio, has the advantage of providing a long and low container. A mobile self-service autonomous machine having a long and low container facilitates the self servicing of products by seated passengers. In an embodiment of the present invention, the beam width substantially equals the aisle width. Providing a beam width substantially equal to the aisle width enables to maximize the storage space within the container. Furthermore, the present embodiment has the advantage that the aircraft does not have to be adapted to fit the mobile self-service autonomous machine as the machine width is adapted to the aisle width.

In an embodiment of the present invention the top plate of the base container is provided with a receiving means configured for receiving a detachable container. The receiving means according to the method of the present invention are any means able to fixate a detachable container to the base container in a stable manner. An example of receiving means is a latch- protrusion combination wherein the detachable container is provided with one or more latches and/or one or more protrusions and wherein the top plate of the base container is provided with complimentary protrusions and latches. In an embodiment of the present invention a first detachable container having a detachable container base plate and a detachable container top plate, is provided on the base container by placing and fixating the detachable container to the receiving means of the base container such that the detachable container base plate lies adjacent to the base container top plate, and wherein the detachable container is configured as an active container. An active container is a container that is made accessible to the seated passengers. The active container can be made accessible by the stewards, for example by unlocking passenger access openings. Inversely, a non-active container can be made non-active by the stewards for example by locking the passenger access openings or by blocking the passenger access opening for example by placing and fixating a detachable container over the passenger access opening. Upon the detachable container being fixed to the base container, the base container may no longer be configured as an active container. Alternatively, both the base container and the detachable container may be configured as an active container. Providing the mobile self-service autonomous machine having a detachable container configured as an active container has the advantage of allowing passengers to easily access the active detachable container even from a seated position. In an embodiment of the present invention the height of the top plate or the passenger access opening of the active detachable container is equal or inferior to the grasping height. This embodiment enables passengers to easily access the active detachable container even from a seated position. As a general rule, in a mobile self- service autonomous machine comprising multiple active containers, the active container positioned highest with respect to the aisle floor must have a top plate or a passenger access opening at a height equal or inferior to the grasping height.

In an embodiment of the present invention the step of providing the first detachable container to the base container is performed after one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines have covered the entire aisle. It is advantageous to simply attach a new container on the base container which for example has become useless after having covered the aisle. This method allows for rapid refurnishing of the mobile self-service autonomous machine, alleviating the need for stewards to manually refurnish the base container which for example has become useless. In an embodiment of the present invention the first detachable container is replaced by a second detachable container, for example by removing the first detachable container from the base container and by placing and fixating the second detachable container to the base container. The replacement takes place for example after the active first replaceable container has become useless or after one or more of the mobile self-service autonomous machines provided with the first detachable container have covered the entire aisle. Upon the second detachable container being fixed on the base container in replacement of the first detachable container, the second detachable container is configured as an active container. This embodiment enables the rapid switching of containers, for example containing the same or different products respectively because the container has become useless for example void of products and because one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines have covered the entire aisle. In the latter situation the second replaceable container may for example contain tax-free shopping products whereas the first replaceable container contained food products. The stewards are no longer required to refurnish or empty the entire useless container manually, but are instead required to simply attach a new detachable container to the base container. The passengers are subsequent allowed to access the active second detachable container from a seated position. In an embodiment of the present invention the second detachable container is replaced by a further detachable container, upon the second detachable container becoming useless or upon one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines provided with the second detachable container having covered the entire aisle. In an embodiment of the present invention the first, second or further detachable container are provided with receiving means configured for receiving an additional detachable container. The additional detachable container, upon being placed and fixated to the receiving means of the first, second or further detachable container, is configured as an active container. In an embodiment of the present invention the step of placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine provided with the first, second or further detachable container in the aisle is preceded by a step of adjusting the height of the top plate of the active detachable container provided on the base container by actuating the distance separator such that the height of the active detachable container top plate is equal or inferior to the grasping height. Alternatively, the step of placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine provided with the first, second or further detachable container in the aisle is preceded by a step of adjusting the height of the passenger access opening of the active detachable container provided on the base container by actuating the distance separator such that the height of the active detachable container passenger access opening is equal or inferior to the grasping height. In an embodiment of the present invention one or more of the base container, the first, second or further detachable containers, or the additional detachable container are active containers. This embodiment specifies that multiple containers can be accessible to the seated passengers. The seated passenger is for example allowed to deposit thrash in the base container through a passenger access opening provided in the sidewalls of the base container as well as allowed to grasp and distribute products such as food trays from the first, second or further detachable container through a passenger access opening provided in the top plate of the first, second and further detachable container. In an embodiment of the present invention the step of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine provided with the first, second or further detachable container is preceded by a step of adjusting the height of the top plate or passenger access opening of the active container with the greatest height with respect to the floor, to the required level. For example, a mobile self-service autonomous machine comprising an active base container as well as an active detachable container, can be adjusted in height such that the height of the top plate of the active detachable container is equal or inferior to the grasping height.

In an embodiment of the present invention the base container and the detachable containers are configured as one of a food and beverage storage container, a trash storage container and a purchase item storage container. In an embodiment of the present invention the step of allowing passengers to access the active container comprises emptying the container when the container is configured as one of a food and beverage storage container or purchase item storage container and wherein the step of allowing passengers to access the active container comprises filling the container when the container is configured as a trash storage container.

In an embodiment of the present invention the mobile self-service autonomous machine comprises a driving mechanism provided with an engine configured for actuating the wheels of the mobile self-service autonomous machine and wherein the step of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine along the aisle comprises activating the driving mechanism. Providing an engine to actuate the wheels of the mobile self-service autonomous machine has the advantage of creating a more ergonomic working environment, as stewards are not required to manually push or pull the mobile self-service autonomous machine. In an embodiment of the present invention the mobile self-service autonomous machine comprises a remote-controlled driving mechanism configured to actuate the wheels of the mobile self-service autonomous machine upon remote activation of the driving mechanism. The advantage of the present embodiment is that a single steward can oversee the self-servicing activity of one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines, reducing the number of stewards required for servicing the passengers. Furthermore, the present embodiment enables to replace a personal steward by a smart computer based control system, digitally monitoring and controlling the self-servicing activity from a distance. In an embodiment of the present invention the driving mechanism of a mobile self- service autonomous machine moving in a first direction along the aisle, retracts, upon one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines having covered the entire aisle or upon the mobile self-service autonomous machine becoming useless, the machine from the aisle in a direction opposite the first direction.

In an embodiment of the present invention the passenger transportation vehicle is an aircraft carrying passengers. In an embodiment of the present invention the passenger transportation vehicle is a train carrying passengers. The invention is particularly advantageous when implemented in an aircraft as the aircraft industry imposed stringent regulatory requirements on installations to be used within the aircraft, and as the method of the present invention requires relatively little adaptations of the aircraft, falling under lighter regulatory requirements.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a mobile self- service autonomous machine for carrying out the method for the self-servicing of products on a transportation vehicle as described above. The mobile self- service autonomous machine therefore being configured for self-servicing products on a passenger transportation vehicle having a substantially elongated aisle delimited by passenger seats having arm rests at armrest height with respect to the aisle floor. The mobile self-service autonomous machine comprises a base container configured as an active container, the base container having a substantially beam shape having a beam length along the elongated direction of the aisle, a beam width in the direction crossing the aisle and a beam height in a direction perpendicular to the directions of the beam height and the beam length, the base container being provided with a base plate having wheels configured for rolling the machine through the aisle, two elongated and two short sidewalls, and a top plate, characterized in that the beam height is equal or inferior to a grasping height. In an embodiment of the present invention the grasping height is substantially equal to the armrest height. In an embodiment of the present invention, the armrest is substantially equal to 1 m, by preference substantially equal to 90cm, by further preference substantially equal to 70cm. Alternatively, the grasping height is substantially equal to 1 m, by preference substantially equal to 90cm, by further preference substantially equal to 70cm. Providing a mobile self-service autonomous machine having beam height equal or inferior to the grasping height has the advantage that seated passengers can access the active container through self-service. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mobile self-service autonomous machine has a beam length of at least two seat pitches. This embodiment provides a long and flat machine, enabling easy access of passengers to the machine.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a passenger transportation vehicle comprising the mobile self-service autonomous machine as described above. In an embodiment of the present invention, the passenger transportation vehicle is a passenger carrying aircraft. Figures

Figure 1 shows a particular embodiment of the mobile self-service autonomous machine

Figure 2 shows the method step of placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine in the aisle of the passenger transportation vehicle

Figure 3 shows the machine wherein the height of the machine is adapted such as to allow self-servicing of the passengers

Figure 4 shows the machine provided with a first detachable container

Figure 5 shows the machine provided with the first detachable container in a lowered position

Description of the figures

The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. The terms are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and the embodiments of the invention can operate in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Furthermore, the various embodiments, although referred to as “preferred” are to be construed as exemplary manners in which the invention may be implemented rather than as limiting the scope of the invention.

The term“comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the elements or steps listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression“a device comprising A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B, rather with respect to the present invention, the only enumerated components of the device are A and B, and further the claim should be interpreted as including equivalents of those components.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide a method for ergonomically self servicing products on a passenger transportation vehicle. Therefore, the method of the present invention comprises a step of providing a mobile self- service autonomous machine. Figure 1 shows a particular embodiment of the mobile self-service autonomous machine 1 of the present invention. The machine 1 comprises a base container 2 having a substantial beam shape. The base container 2 comprises a base plate 17 having wheels configured for rolling the machine 1 , two elongated and two short sidewalls, a top plate 3, and a bottom plate 16. The base container 2 is substantially beam shaped, having a beam length, a beam width and a beam height. The beam height of the base container 2, defined as the height between the top plate 3 and the bottom plate

16, equals H1. A distance separator 10 is provided as a scissor lift mechanism for example driven by an hydraulic actuator, preferably driven by an electrical actuator and is arranged between the base plate 17 and the bottom plate 16. Alternatively (not shown in the drawings) the base plate 17 is the bottom plate 16 of the base container 2 and the distance separator 10 is provided between the wheels and the base plate 17. In the alternative embodiment, the distance separator 10 could for example comprise four individual lifts provided on the shaft of every one of the four wheels connecting the wheels to the base plate

17. The individual lifts could for example each be constructed as an hydraulic actuator, preferably an electrical actuator wherein a first part of the shaft acts as a plunger with respect to a second part of a shaft acting as the receiving cylinder. The base container 2 comprises a passenger access opening 9 provided in the top plate 3 of the base container 2. The passenger access opening 9 is configured for enabling passengers of the passenger transportation vehicle to access products on or within the base container 2. In the present embodiment the base container 2 is provided with drinks, which are available to the passengers through self-service. In the terminology of the present patent, a container such as the base container which is being made accessible to the passengers, is an active container. The drinks that are being made accessible to the passengers could be cool and/or warm beverages such as respectively cooled cans of soda and warmed, preferably sealed and isolated such as polystyrene, cups of coffee or tea. Isolating and sealing the cups eliminates the risk of burn injuries, for example by eliminating the risk of accidentally dropping or knocking over of a cup comprising hot fluid by a steward such as is the case in the prior art. The drinks can be arranged in any way, but a preferred arrangement comprises providing lines of drinks along the direction of the aisle, wherein each line is a different beverage type such as one or two lines comprising coffee and one or two lines comprising tea. Although the base container 2 as shown in figure 1 carries drinks, the base container can carry any type of product such as tax-free shopping items or trash bags. The container carrying tax-free shopping items is preferably sealed such that passengers cannot access the shopping items until the passenger has paid the required amount for example by using a pay-terminal build into the container. The base container 2 further comprises a door 14 enabling the refurnishing of the base container, for example with products upon the base container becoming useless for example upon being empty. Alternatively, the door 14 could also enable access an interior space of the base container 2 which is not accessible through the passenger access opening 9. This interior space could for example comprise cooling means such as ice or a refrigeration device configured to cool the space of the base container 2 accessible through the passenger access opening 9. The door 14 can be any type of door, but a sliding door is preferred. The door 14 can be placed on any sidewall of the base container 2, but is preferably placed such that the opening faces the aisle. This door placement is preferred as it avoids unwanted tampering with the doors 14 due to the clear oversight of the stewards walking behind the machine in the aisle.

The present invention particularly aims to provide a method for self -servicing products on a passenger transportation vehicle 5 having a substantially elongated aisle 6 delimited by passenger seats 7 provided with arm rests 8. The method therefore comprises a step placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine 1 in the aisle 6 of the passenger transportation vehicle 5 as shown in figure 2. The transportation vehicle 5 shown in figure 2 could be any commonly known transportation vehicle, but is preferably an aircraft. The machine 1 , upon being placed in the aisle 6 of the transportation vehicle 5, is typically provided in an extended state. The extended state refers to the fact that the distance separator 10 of the machine 1 is extended such that the top plate 3 of the base container 2 is at a height H2 with respect to the aisle floor. The height H2 is typically such that a standing person, such as a steward, can easily and ergonomically manipulate the base container 2. The steward for example filled the base container with products for example through the passenger access opening 9 or through the door 14 or with cooling means such as ice through door 14, when being in a preparation room such as a kitchen at a distance from the aisle 6. After the preparations, the steward places the machine 1 in the aisle 6.

The steward then advances the machine 2 through the aisle such that passengers seated on the passenger seats 7 can access the container in order to service themselves. In order to allow the passengers seated along the aisle 6 to easily access the products through the passenger access opening 9, the steward lowers the machine 1 by actuating the distance separator 10 such that the height of the top plate 3 of the base container 2 is equal or inferior to a grasping height for the seated passenger. The grasping height is the height at which the seated passenger can easily access and grasp products on or within the base container 2. In practice the grasping height is based on the grasping height of an average adult person, which is at substantially 1 m for example between 80cm and 120cm. However, not every transportation vehicle 5 is provided with the same type of seats 7 having the same height of sitting plane. Therefore, it is preferred to adapt the height of the top plate 3 of the base container 2, or the height of the passenger access opening 9 of the base container, to a grasping height which is substantially equal to the height of the armrests 8 of the seats 7 in the transportation vehicle 5. Figure 3 illustrates the machine 1 wherein the height of the top plate 3 of the base container 2 with respect to the aisle floor is substantially equal to the height of the armrests 8 with respect to the aisle floor, namely equal to H3. It can be seen that as a minimum requirement, the height H1 of the base container 2 should be equal or inferior to the grasping height, and thus by preference equal or inferior to H3. It is a particular advantage of the present invention to adjust the height of the top plate 3, or the passenger access opening 9, of the base container 2 as a function of the passenger seated along the aisle 6 at the position of the machine 1. As an example, upon the machine 1 being brought up to a position along the aisle 6 where a child is seated, the steward may activate the distance separator 10 of the machine 1 such as to lower the top plate 3, or the passenger access opening 9 of the base container 2 to such as height that the child can easily grasp or access the base container 2. As is illustrated in figure 3, the length of the base container 2 is equal to two seat pitches, enabling the simultaneous servicing of two seat rows along the aisle 6.

Figure 4 shows the machine 1 being provided with a first detachable container 1 1. The first detachable container 11 is attached to the base container 2, for example by the steward in a preparation room such as a kitchen, prior to placing the machine 1 in the aisle 6. The first detachable container 11 comprises a base plate 12 coupled to the top plate 3 of the base container 2, and a top plate 13 provided with passenger access openings 9. The passenger access openings 9 of the first detachable container 1 1 are adapted to the function of the first detachable container 11. The first detachable container 11 can for example be provided with meal trays. Therefore four passenger access openings 9 are provided in the first detachable container 11 in a square configuration, for example in order to allow simultaneous servicing of two seat rows along the aisle 6 at both sides of the aisle 6. The doors 14 provided in the base container and in the first detachable container 1 1 enable stewards to access the interior of the containers. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 4, the passenger access opening 9 of the base container 2 has been blocked by the attachment of the first detachable container, whereas the passenger access openings 9 of the first detachable container are made accessible to the seated passengers. In the illustration of the present embodiment, the base container 2 is thus configured as a non-active container, whereas the first detachable container is configured as an active container. Similarly to what is shown in figures 2 and 3, the machine 1 can be placed in the aisle 6 and lowered by actuating the distance separator 10 such that the height with respect to the aisle floor 6 of the top plate 13, or the passenger access openings 9, of the first detachable container 11 is lowered from a first height, for example H2, to a second height H4 equal or inferior to the grasping height. Figure 5 illustrates the machine 1 provided with the first detachable container 1 1 in a lowered position. Upon the first detachable container 11 becoming useless, for example being empty, the first detachable container 11 can be removed from the aisle 6 by the stewards and replaced by a second detachable container 15. The second detachable container 15 can for example comprise the same products as the first detachable container 11 if the entire aisle 6 has not yet been covered by the machine 1 provided with the first detachable container 11 , or can for example comprise different products such as garbage bags for the subsequent self-collection of thrash.

Claims

1. Method for self -servicing products on a passenger transportation vehicle (5) having a substantially elongated aisle (6) delimited by passenger seats (7), the method comprises

· providing a mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) comprising a base container (2) configured as an active container, the base container (2) having a substantially beam shape having a beam length along the elongated direction of the aisle (6), a beam width in the direction crossing the aisle (6) and a beam height in a direction perpendicular to the directions of the beam height and the beam length, the base container (2) being provided with a base plate (17) having wheels configured for rolling the machine through the aisle (6), two elongated and two short sidewalls, and a top plate (3),

• placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) in the aisle (6),

• moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1 ) along the aisle (6) in the elongated direction of the aisle (6) for a predetermined distance,

• servicing seated passengers sitting on passenger seats (7) along the aisle (6) at the position of the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1),

characterized in that

the beam height is equal or inferior to a grasping height, the grasping height being such that the step of servicing seated passengers can be performed through self-service of seated passengers sitting on passenger seats (7) along the aisle (6) at the position of the mobile self- service autonomous machine (1 ) by allowing passengers to access the active container.

2. The method for self-servicing products according to the first claim, wherein the passenger seats (7) have an armrest (8) at armrest height and wherein the grasping height is substantially equal to the armrest height.

3. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grasping height is substantially equal to 1 m, by preference substantially equal to 70cm.

4. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grasping height is equal or inferior to the beam length.

5. The method for self-servicing products according to the any one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the top plate (3, 13) of the active container of the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) is equal or inferior to the grasping height.

6. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, the steps of the method are subsequent steps, wherein the two steps of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) and allowing the passenger to access the active container, are repeated until one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines (1 ) have covered the entire aisle (6).

7. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the sidewalls is provided with a first door (14) enabling the refurnishing of the active container and wherein the step of placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) in the aisle (6) is preceded by a step of refurnishing the active container via the first door (14).

8. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the active container is provided with at least one passenger access opening (9), allowing passengers to access the active container via the at least one opening (9).

9. The method for self-servicing products according to the preceding claim, wherein the top plate (3, 13) of the active container is provided with the at least one passenger access opening (9).

10. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1 ) is provided with a distance separator (10) configured for adjusting the height of the top plate (3, 13) of the active container with respect to the aisle floor.

1 1. The method for self-servicing products according to the preceding claim, wherein the distance separator (10) is provided between the base plate (17) of the base container (2) and the wheels.

12. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims 10 - 11 , wherein the step of placing the mobile self- service autonomous machine (1 ) in the aisle (6) is preceded by a step of adjusting the height of the top plate (3, 13) of the active container by actuating the distance separator (10) such that the height of the top plate (3, 13) is equal or inferior to the grasping height.

13. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims 10 - 12, wherein the step of allowing the passenger to access the active container is preceded by a step of adjusting the height of the top plate (3, 13) of the active container of the mobile self- service autonomous machine (1 ) by actuating the distance separator (10) such that the height of the top plate (3, 13) of the active container is equal or inferior to the grasping height.

14. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the beam length equals two seat pitches, and wherein the step of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) comprises moving the self-service machine (1) over a distance equal to two seat pitches.

15. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the beam width substantially equals the aisle width.

16. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the top plate (3) of the base container (2) is provided with a receiving means configured for receiving a detachable container (1 1 , 15).

17. The method for self-servicing products according to the preceding claim, wherein a first detachable container (1 1) having a detachable container base plate (12) and a detachable container top plate (13), is provided on the base container (2) by placing and fixating the detachable container (11) to the receiving means of the base container (2) such that the detachable container base plate (12) lies adjacent to the base container top plate (3), and wherein the detachable container (1 1 ) is configured as an active container.

18. The method for self-servicing products according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of providing the first detachable container (1 1) to the base container (2) is performed after one or more mobile self- service autonomous machines (1 ) have covered the entire aisle (6).

19. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims 17 - 18, wherein the first detachable container (1 1) is replaced by a second detachable container (15) and wherein the second detachable container (15) is configured as an active container.

20. The method for self-servicing products according to the preceding claim, wherein the step of replacing the first detachable container (1 1) by the second detachable container (15) is performed after one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines (1 ) provided with the first detachable container (1 1) have covered the entire aisle (6).

21. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims 17 - 20 at least in combination with claim 10 wherein the step of placing the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) provided with the detachable container (1 1 , 15) in the aisle is preceded by a step of adjusting the height of the top plate (13) of the active detachable container (11 , 15) provided on the base container (2) by actuating the distance separator (10) such that the height of the active detachable container top plate (13) is equal or inferior to the grasping height.

22. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base container (2) and the detachable containers (1 1 , 15) are configured as one of a food and beverage storage container, a trash storage container and a purchase item storage container.

23. The method for self-servicing products according to the preceding claim wherein the step of allowing passengers to access the active container comprises emptying the container when the container is configured as one of a food and beverage storage container or purchase item storage container and wherein the step of allowing passengers to access the active container comprises filling the container when the container is configured as a trash storage container.

24. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the mobile self-service autonomous machine comprises a driving mechanism provided with an engine configured for actuating the wheels of the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1 ) and wherein the step of moving the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) along the aisle (6) comprises activating the driving mechanism.

25. The method for self-servicing products according to the preceding claim wherein the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) comprises a remote-controlled driving mechanism configured to actuate the wheels of the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) upon remote activation of the driving mechanism.

26. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims 21 -22, wherein the driving mechanism of a mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) moving in a first direction along the aisle (6), retracts, upon one or more mobile self-service autonomous machines (1) having covered the entire aisle (6), the machine (1) from the aisle (6) in a direction opposite the first direction.

27. The method for self-servicing products according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the passenger transportation vehicle (5) is an aircraft carrying passengers.

28. A passenger transportation vehicle (5) comprising a mobile self-service autonomous machine (1 ) for carrying out the method of claims 1 -27, the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1 ) being configured for self servicing products on the passenger transportation vehicle (5) having a substantially elongated aisle (6) delimited by passenger seats (7) having arm rests (8) at an armrest height with respect to the aisle floor, the mobile self-service autonomous machine (1) comprising a base container (2) configured as an active container, the base container (2) having a substantially beam shape having a beam length along the elongated direction of the aisle, a beam width in the direction crossing the aisle and a beam height in a direction perpendicular to the directions of the beam height and the beam length, the base container (2) being provided with a base plate (17) having wheels configured for rolling the machine (1 ) through the aisle (6), two elongated and two short sidewalls, and a top plate, characterized in that the beam height is equal or inferior to a grasping height, the grasping height being substantially equal the armrest height.

29. The passenger transportation vehicle according to the preceding claim, wherein the armrest height is substantially equal to 1 m, by preference substantially equal to 70cm.

30. The passenger transportation vehicle according to any one of the claims 28-29, wherein the beam length is at least two seat pitches.

31. The passenger transportation vehicle according to any one of the claims 28-30, wherein the passenger transportation vehicle is a passenger carrying aircraft.