Top assembly for aircraft cabin waste collection and classification cart

Abstract

A roof assembly for an aircraft cabin waste collection and classification cart. The invention relates to a roof assembly (1) for a waste collection and classification cart (100) for an aircraft cabin, comprising a rectangular support frame (2) defined by two linear lateral sides (3) and two linear end sides (4) joining the lateral sides (3), the lateral sides (3) being longer than the end sides (4), and the top assembly comprises two top flaps (6) for closing a top opening (5) of the assembly (1) delimited by the support frame (2), each top flap (6) extending along and mechanically coupled to one of the lateral sides (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a top assembly for a waste collection and sorting trolley for an aircraft cabin, and to a waste collection and sorting trolley comprising such a top assembly. Background Art

[0002] Trolleys are well known in the field of aircraft cabin catering. Flight attendants typically use meal trolleys (also known as galley trolleys or service trolleys) during flights to serve meals including food and beverages to passengers. The vast majority of meal containers are single-use, which results in different types of waste. For example, food may be placed on paper plates, and cutlery may be made of wood or hard plastic. For example, beverages may be contained in aluminum cans or plastic bottles and consumed using soft plastic or paper cups. Another waste during meals on aircraft is leftover or uneaten food and beverages. Other wastes may include magazines. Thus, providing meals on an aircraft generates different types of waste. Currently, these wastes are typically collected by the aircraft crew and incinerated or sent to landfills. Flight attendants typically use dedicated waste trolleys to collect waste during flights. Such waste trolleys are typically of a relatively small size to minimize the space required to store them in the aircraft and the weight carried on the aircraft. For example, the waste trolley may have a relatively narrow width of about 30 cm to fit in the aisle between aircraft seats. In this way, the flight attendant can keep the trolley nearby while moving around, which is beneficial for waste collection. The height of the trolley is typically 103 cm, which is limited by the height of the storage space in the aircraft into which the trolley is inserted when not in use. The storage space for the trolley is, for example, a cabinet into which the trolley is inserted.

[0003] The waste trolley typically includes a waste inlet located at its top, which is configured for waste to pass through and be placed into a waste compartment located inside the trolley body. To meet fire hazard standards, the waste inlet must be closable. In this way, the waste inlet is typically closed when the waste trolley is stored after use until the waste contained in the waste trolley is unloaded, i.e., until after the aircraft has landed. Thus, current waste trolleys include a lid for closing the waste inlet, which lid remains open throughout the waste collection process. To reduce the risk of fire, the lid in the open position preferably protrudes from the top of the trolley such that the trolley cannot be placed into the trolley storage space in the aircraft.

[0004] Incinerating waste or sending waste to landfills increases the costs for airlines. In addition, many countries are adopting increasingly strict standards that require waste sorting in order to, for example, improve waste recycling through recycling. Such waste sorting can be carried out by flight attendants while collecting waste from passengers. However, considering the above-mentioned size and safety limitations of the trolley, current waste trolleys are not suitable for easily and efficiently sorting multiple types of waste. Therefore, there is still a need in the art for waste collection and sorting trolleys that allow for easier and more efficient sorting of waste in an aircraft cabin. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide technical means that enable flight attendants in a flying aircraft to more easily and efficiently collect and sort waste, for example, into two or more categories. In particular, these technical means allow for easy and efficient sorting of multiple types of waste while considering the above-mentioned size and safety limitations of the trolley.

[0006] To this end, the present invention provides a top assembly for a waste collection and sorting trolley for an aircraft cabin, the top assembly including a rectangular support frame including two lateral sides and two end sides, the two lateral sides extending mainly along a longitudinal axis, and the two lateral sides and the two end sides defining a top opening for accessing at least one waste compartment in the interior space of the trolley. The top assembly is characterized in that the top assembly includes two lateral top flaps configured to completely close the top opening, each of the two lateral top flaps extending mainly along the longitudinal axis and being mechanically coupled to one of the lateral sides via a first hinge joint.

[0007] The present invention provides a top assembly for mounting on a waste collection and sorting trolley for an aircraft cabin, the waste collection and sorting trolley being referred to as a trolley. When installed, the top assembly can form the top of the trolley, preferably forming the entire top of the trolley. The top of the trolley refers to the upper end of the trolley in the vertical direction when the trolley is in use. The upper end or the highest part of the trolley is generally opposite to the lower end of the trolley in the vertical direction, and the lower end of the trolley has support wheels coupled thereto, and the support wheels contact the floor of the aircraft cabin when the trolley is in use.

[0008] The top assembly includes a rectangular support frame, which includes two lateral sides mainly extending along a longitudinal axis (Y) and two end sides connecting the lateral sides and extending transversely to the lateral sides along a transverse axis (X). The transverse axis is parallel to the end sides and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y). When the top assembly is mounted on a trolley, the top assembly is preferably configured such that the longitudinal axis (Y) is aligned with the moving direction of the trolley in use, such as along the aisle of an aircraft cabin. The top assembly is preferably configured to be mounted on the trolley by connecting the rectangular support frame to the wall and / or a structure of the trolley, such that the lateral sides cooperate with the corresponding lateral walls of the trolley, and the end sides cooperate with the corresponding end walls of the trolley. The top assembly can be configured to be mounted on the trolley in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

[0009] The two lateral sides and the end sides of the rectangular support frame define a top opening, which is configured to provide access to one waste compartment or preferably a plurality of waste compartments in the internal space of the waste sorting trolley. For example, the top opening can be configured to provide access to two, three, four or more than four waste compartments in the internal space of the waste sorting trolley.

[0010] The surface of the top opening is preferably planar. The top opening can include a single main hole, or can be divided into multiple holes for accessing the corresponding waste compartments. For example, the top assembly can include a partition plate closing the top opening and including one or more holes, wherein each hole is preferably configured to provide an entrance to the corresponding waste compartment. Preferably, the partition plate can be detachably connected to the top assembly and interchanged with another partition plate having different sizes or numbers of holes to adapt the trolley for collecting other types of waste or different quantities of waste types.

[0011] The rectangular support frame is preferably not square, and preferably the lateral sides of the rectangular support frame are longer than the end sides. In this way, the surface area of the top opening can be maximized to provide a larger entrance to the waste compartments, while still ensuring that the top assembly can fit into the aisle between the rows of seats in an aircraft and be displaced by a flight attendant in the aisle without being overburdened.

[0012] The top assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the top assembly includes two lateral top flaps, which are referred to as top flaps herein, and the top flaps are configured to completely close the top opening. Each of the two top flaps is mechanically connected to one of the lateral sides by a corresponding first hinge joint. The rotation axis of each hinge joint is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y). The two top flaps are connected to different lateral sides. Each of the two lateral top flaps mainly extends along the longitudinal axis (Y).

[0013] The top assembly according to the present invention allows opening the top opening to access the waste compartment in the interior space of the trolley, and closing the top opening to prevent access to the waste compartment in the interior space of the trolley. In the present invention, two lateral top flaps coupled to the lateral sides and mainly extending along the longitudinal axis (Y) can achieve an optimal compromise between closing the top opening with a maximized top opening surface area and preventing the top flaps from protruding too much from the trolley when the top opening is open. On the one hand, maximizing the top opening surface area allows for the collection and sorting of a greater variety of waste types, as this provides access to a larger number of waste compartments, which is important for sorting various types of waste. On the other hand, it is important to prevent the top flaps from protruding too much from the trolley when opening the top opening to provide access to the waste compartment, as this reduces the effort of the flight attendants to avoid the open top flaps when collecting and sorting the waste. When a passenger is sitting next to the aircraft aisle, the passenger may bring their head close to the top assembly mounted on the passing trolley. Therefore, preventing the top flaps from protruding too much from the trolley also reduces the risk of collision between the passenger's head and the top flaps.

[0014] The top opening in the top assembly according to the present invention can be configured to provide access to all or only some of the waste compartments in the interior space of the waste sorting trolley. For example, the trolley may include other compartments that cannot be accessed via the top opening but can be accessed via holes in the end walls of the trolley.

[0015] Preferably, each top flap is substantially rectangular. Preferably, each top flap extends along all lateral sides. Preferably, each top flap extends over the entire depth of the top opening measured along the longitudinal axis (Y) and separates the two end sides. Preferably, the two top flaps are similar. This allows for a reduction in the number of different parts used to manufacture the top assembly.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the top assembly according to the present invention, the top flaps are double-hinged. This allows the top flaps to be folded and prevents the top flaps from protruding excessively from the trolley when the top opening is open. Preferably, each double-hinged top flap includes a proximal flap mechanically coupled to the corresponding lateral side via a first hinge joint and a distal flap mechanically coupled to the proximal flap via a second hinge joint. Preferably, the axis of rotation of the first hinge joint and the axis of rotation of the second hinge joint are parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y). This reduces the extent to which the top flaps protrude from the trolley when the top opening is open, while keeping the trolley very compact and practical.

[0017] In one example, the proximal flap and the distal flap can be substantially rectangular and mainly extend along the longitudinal axis (Y). This further reduces the extent to which the top flap protrudes from the trolley when the top opening is open. Each of the proximal flap and the distal flap preferably extends from one end side to the other end side over the entire depth of the top opening measured along the longitudinal axis (Y) to further reduce the extent to which the top flap protrudes from the trolley when the top opening is open.

[0018] Preferably, each top flap can be reversibly moved between:

[0019] - an extended position corresponding to a closed configuration of the top opening, in which both the proximal flap and the distal flap extend along a plane parallel to the support frame, and

[0020] - a folded position corresponding to an open configuration of the top opening, in which the distal flap folds towards the proximal flap.

[0021] In the extended position, the proximal flap and the distal flap preferably extend almost parallel to the top opening surface, and the proximal flap and the distal flap each enclose a part of the top opening.

[0022] When the two top flaps are in the extended position, the top opening is completely closed by the top flaps and access to the waste compartment is prevented. In the extended position of the top flaps, the proximal flaps and the distal flaps of the two top flaps preferably extend almost parallel to the lateral axis and the longitudinal axis. When the two top flaps are in the folded position, the top opening is opened to provide access to the waste compartment. In the folded position of the top flaps, each of these proximal flaps preferably extends almost parallel to the corresponding proximal flap plane, and the angle between the normal to the corresponding proximal flap plane and the transverse axis is preferably between -20° and 20°, preferably between -10° and 10°. In the folded position of the top flaps, each of these distal flaps preferably extends along the corresponding distal flap plane such that the angle between the normal to the corresponding distal flap plane and the transverse axis is preferably between -20° and 20°, preferably between -10° and 10°.

[0023] Preferably, the folded position and the extended position are the extreme positions of the top flap, and the top flap can move continuously between the folded position and the extended position. When using a trolley on which the top assembly according to the present invention is mounted, the top assembly is preferably configured such that the top flap is stable when placed in the folded position and the extended position, such that the top opening remains open or closed without the user having to continuously maintain the folded position or the extended position of the top flap.

[0024] Preferably, each top flap includes a handle configured to allow a user to grip and move the top flap. In one example, the handle is coupled to the distal flap of the top flap. Preferably, the handle is a central handle coupled to the distal flap such that the handle is equidistant from the end sides. In this way, a user standing near the end side of the trolley on which the top assembly is mounted can easily reach the handle. In the deployed configuration of the top flap, the handle may be configured to protrude from the distal flap to which it is coupled and protrude upward along the vertical axis (Z), where the vertical axis (Z) is perpendicular to the transverse axis (X) and the longitudinal axis (Y).

[0025] In one example, the top assembly is configured such that the proximal flap or the distal flap is inclined toward the top opening when the top flap is in the folded position and preferably serves as a waste chute toward the top opening. Preferably, the top assembly is configured such that the distal flap is inclined toward the top opening when the top flap is in the folded position. In this configuration, the distal flap may serve as a waste chute toward the top opening. In other words, waste contacting the distal flap can slide along the distal flap and fall into the waste compartment via the top opening, for example under the action of gravity. For example, in the case of the above embodiment, the absolute value of the angle between the normal to the plane of each distal flap and the transverse axis is between 5° and 20°, for example approximately 10° or 15°.

[0026] Preferably, the top assembly has an outer top assembly width measured along the transverse axis (X) and is configured such that when the top flap is in the folded position, neither of the two top flaps protrudes beyond the outer top assembly width. This means that along the transverse axis (X), each top flap in the folded position is contained within the outer top assembly width, i.e., extends within the boundaries defined by the outer top assembly width along the transverse axis (X). Preventing each top flap in the folded position from extending beyond the top assembly width along the transverse axis (X) reduces the risk of collision between the top flap and a passenger's head during waste collection and sorting.

[0027] The top assembly with the top flap deployed and closing the top opening has an outer top assembly height measured along the vertical axis (Z). Preferably, the top assembly is configured such that each of the two top flaps in the folded position extends beyond the top assembly height along the vertical axis (Z) such that the top opening is opened. In this way, the folded top flaps protrude vertically upward from the top assembly mounted on the trolley in use. The upward protrusion of the top flaps from the top assembly mounted on the trolley in use prevents a user from placing the trolley in its storage position in the aircraft cabin when one of the two top flaps is folded. This can prevent a fire because the top opening should be closed when the trolley is in the storage position.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the top assembly including a proximal flap and a distal flap, each top flap includes a slideway surface that extends along a longitudinal axis (Y) and is arranged to cooperate with and preferably hold a fitting above the top opening. Preferably, the slideway surface extends along the longitudinal axis (Y) substantially over the entire length measured along the longitudinal axis (Y) of the lateral sides, or each top flap includes a plurality of coplanar slideway surfaces distributed over substantially the entire length of the lateral sides. Preferably, the fitting is a drawer, such as a drawer that can be used as an additional waste sorting compartment. Preferably, the slideway surface of each top flap is configured to cooperate with the fitting when the top flap is folded. The slideway surfaces of two folded top flaps are preferably configured to support the fitting against gravity and preferably allow the fitting to slide in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y). The top assembly is preferably configured such that when the top assembly is mounted on a trolley in use, the normal to the slideway surface of each folded top flap is oriented vertically upward. In one example, each top flap further includes a lateral edge that preferably forms an angle iron with the slideway surface and is configured to cooperate with the fitting and prevent the fitting from shifting in a direction parallel to the transverse axis (X) when the top flap is folded. This allows the fitting to slide above the top opening and in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (Y), while preventing the fitting from translating in a direction parallel to the transverse axis (X) and falling from the top assembly. For example, the angle iron can be configured to receive the base or feet of the drawer. Each top flap may further include one or more longitudinal stoppers for limiting the extent of the sliding range of the fitting along the longitudinal axis. Preferably, the one or more longitudinal stoppers are configured to prevent the fitting from shifting along the longitudinal axis beyond the end of the slideway surface. In this way, the fitting is prevented from protruding out of the external depth of the top assembly, which is measured along the longitudinal axis, from outside the top assembly.

[0029] Preferably, when the top flap is in the folded position, the slideway surface of each top flap is formed at or substantially at the level of the second hinge joint. In this way, the drawer can be supported at an elevated position relative to the top opening of the top assembly mounted on a trolley in use, preferably such that the user's access to the waste compartment is unobstructed and as wide as possible. In one example, the top assembly is configured such that the distance measured along the vertical axis and separating the fitting from the top opening is between 4 cm and 15 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 10 cm, preferably approximately 7 cm.

[0030] Each embodiment of the top flap including the top assembly of the chute surface can be configured for use in combination with one or more interchangeable fittings and for achieving the effects of gravity - resistant support and guiding and sliding various fittings along the longitudinal axis (Y) as described above.

[0031] The top assembly preferably includes a flap blocker, also referred to as a flap catcher, which is configured to block at least one of these top flaps, preferably two top flaps, in at least one of the deployed position and the folded position.

[0032] Preferably, the flap blocker is configured to hold the top flap in the folded position and keep the top opening open to access the waste compartment in the interior space of the trolley, such that when the top assembly is mounted on a trolley in use, the top flap in the folded position is stable under the action of gravity.

[0033] Preferably, the flap blocker for blocking one of these top flaps in the folded position includes a protrusion protruding from each of these end sides, the protrusion having a recess sized to receive the distal edge of the corresponding distal flap opposite the second hinge joint.

[0034] Preferably, the top assembly includes two flap catchers, each flap catcher being configured to block a different one of the two top flaps in the folded position, wherein each of the two flap catchers includes a protrusion protruding from each of these end sides, the protrusion having a recess sized to receive the distal edge of the corresponding distal flap, wherein the distal edge of the distal flap is positioned opposite the second hinge joint of the same distal flap. In this embodiment, the top flap can preferably be positioned in a folded configuration, wherein the distal edge of the top flap is received in the recesses of each end side, such that the protrusion prevents the distal edge from shifting in a direction only parallel to the transverse axis (X), and such that the flap catcher prevents the top flap from shifting towards the deployed position only under the action of gravity.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a waste collection and sorting trolley, also referred to herein as a trolley, which includes a top assembly according to the present invention.

[0036] The embodiments and advantages of the top assembly according to the present invention extend, with necessary modifications, to the trolley according to the present invention.

[0037] The "usage position" or "position of use" of the trolley corresponds to the normal use of the trolley in the aircraft cabin, i.e., when the trolley is displaced on a substantially horizontal floor parallel to the transverse axis and the longitudinal axis to serve aircraft passengers. The top assembly mounted on the trolley in the usage position is located in the highest part of the trolley along the vertical axis (Z), and preferably constitutes the highest part of the trolley along the vertical axis. The body of the trolley encloses the internal space of the trolley and extends in the external trolley body width and the external trolley body depth measured along the transverse axis (X) and the longitudinal axis (Y), respectively. Preferably, the top assembly mounted on the trolley extends along the transverse axis (X) over the entire external trolley body width and along the longitudinal axis (Y) over the entire external trolley body depth. In this way, the top opening surface area is maximized while the top assembly does not protrude from the external trolley body width along the transverse axis and does not protrude from the external trolley body depth along the longitudinal axis.

[0038] The trolley is preferably a trolley with standard dimensions for the cabin of current commercial airliners. Preferably, the trolley body is substantially in the shape of a box or a rectangular cube.

[0039] Preferably, the trolley of the present invention has an external trolley width of approximately 30 cm measured along the transverse axis (X), and the external trolley width is preferably equal to or substantially equal to the external trolley body width.

[0040] Preferably, the trolley of the present invention has an external trolley depth measured along the longitudinal axis (Y), and the external trolley depth is preferably equal to or substantially equal to the external trolley body depth. For example, the external trolley depth can be approximately 81 cm and the internal space of the trolley preferably includes 4 waste compartments, or the external trolley depth can be approximately 40 cm and the internal space of the trolley preferably includes 2 waste compartments.

[0041] Preferably, the trolley of the present invention has an external trolley height of approximately 103 cm measured along the vertical axis (Z).

[0042] Preferably, the top opening width of the top opening surface is measured along the transverse axis (X) and is between 15 cm and 28 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 25 cm, preferably between 22 cm and 25 cm.

[0043] Preferably, the trolley is selected from:

[0044] - a trolley with an external trolley depth of approximately 81 cm and a top opening depth between 65 cm and 70 cm;

[0045] - A trolley with an external depth of approximately 40 cm and a top opening depth between 30 cm and 35 cm.

[0046] The present invention also relates to the use of the waste collection and sorting trolley according to the present invention for collecting and sorting waste in an aircraft cabin.

[0047] The embodiments and advantages of the top assembly according to the present invention extend, mutatis mutandis, to said use.

[0048] The trolley can be used for collecting waste in the cabin by displacing the trolley in the cabin and keeping the trolley close to the flight attendant collecting the waste, thereby reducing the waste collection time. This can be achieved by selecting a standard size for the trolley such that the trolley can be displaced in the aisle and stored in a standard passenger aircraft. After removing the waste from the passengers, the flight attendant can sort the waste of different components by throwing the waste of different types into separate waste compartments via the top opening. The types of waste include cardboard, aluminum cans, food residues, plastic cutlery, etc.

[0049] The present invention also relates to a method for opening a waste collection and sorting trolley according to the present invention, the top opening of which is completely closed by a top flap. The method includes the step of pushing each top flap towards the lateral side mechanically coupled thereto. This allows for easy opening of the top opening while providing all of the above advantages of the top assembly according to the present invention.

[0050] More generally, the embodiments and advantages of the top assembly according to the present invention extend, mutatis mutandis, to the method according to the present invention.

[0051] The disclosed subject matter is further presented in the claims. As will be understood by those skilled in the art from the present disclosure, any one of the multiple embodiments set forth in these claims can be considered individually or in combination. In particular, the dependency relationships of the claims can be considered in a broader manner such that any possible combination of the multiple possible combinations of the claims (as long as they are technically possible and understood by those skilled in the art, particularly in view of the present disclosure being as such) is part of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent upon reading the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings for understanding the following detailed description.

[0053] The list of these drawings is as follows:

[0054] - Figure 1aA perspective view of an embodiment of the top assembly according to the present invention is shown, wherein the top flap is in the deployed position, i.e., the top opening is closed;

[0055] - Figure 1b A perspective view of an embodiment of the top assembly is shown Figure 1a wherein the top flap is in the folded position, i.e., the top opening is open;

[0056] - Figure 2 A sectional view of an embodiment of the top assembly is shown Figure 1b of;

[0057] - Figure 3 A perspective view of the body of a waste collection and sorting trolley according to the present invention is shown, on which the top assembly is mounted;

[0058] - Figure 4a A top view of a top assembly according to the prior art is shown, which has an open top opening;

[0059] - Figure 4b A top view of a top assembly according to the present invention is shown, the top opening of which is open;

[0060] - Figure 5a A perspective view of a top assembly is shown Figure 1a wherein two folded top flaps support a drawer;

[0061] - Figure 5b A sectional view of a top assembly with a Figure 5a drawer is shown.

[0062] The drawings may not be drawn to scale. Similar elements are denoted by similar reference numerals. In the context of this document, identical or similar elements may have the same reference numerals. The presence of reference numerals in the drawings should not be considered limiting, including when such reference numerals are indicated in the claims. Detailed Description

[0063] This part of the document presents a description of specific and preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by these references. The above-described drawings are particularly schematic only and are not limiting in any way.

[0064] Some of the drawings have abstract geometric markings mainly for quantifying and visualizing the technical features of the embodiments of the present invention, such as metric or geometric features. These geometric markings do not generally correspond to specific physical objects themselves. These geometric markings include 3D space references that form an orthogonal basis for a generally Euclidean 3D ambient space: a transverse axis X, a longitudinal axis Y, and a vertical axis Z.

[0065] Figure 1a shows a top assembly 1 for a waste collection and sorting trolley in an aircraft cabin. The top assembly 1 includes two lateral sides 3 and two end sides 4. The two lateral sides have an elongated profile extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis Y, and the two end sides have an elongated profile extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis X. The end sides connect the ends of the lateral sides to form a rectangular support frame 2. As Figure 1b shown, the end sides and the lateral sides define a top opening 5. The top opening 5 is enclosed by the end sides and the lateral sides and has a flat top opening surface orthogonal to the vertical axis Z.

[0066] As Figure 3 shown, the top opening is configured to provide an entrance to the interior space of the trolley 100 on which the top assembly is mounted. In the example of the trolley shown in Figure 3 the interior space of the trolley is enclosed within the body of the trolley 100, the body of the trolley 100 being shaped like a box and containing four waste compartments 101, each waste compartment being substantially open at the level of the top opening 5.

[0067] The top assembly according to the present invention includes top flaps 6 for closing the top opening and preventing access to the waste compartments. When the trolley on which the top assembly is mounted is not in use and stored in a cabinet, the top flaps 6 separate the waste compartments from the external environment of the trolley to reduce the fire hazard or the spread of fire. Thus, the top flaps are configured to close the entire top opening. In other words, the top flaps cover all of the top opening, as Figure 1a shown. To allow for the collection and sorting of waste in the aircraft cabin, the top flaps can be moved to open the top opening and unobstruct the entrance to the interior space of the trolley, in which the waste compartments 101 are installed.

[0068] There is a trend to improve waste sorting in many countries. However, existing trolleys, especially existing top assemblies of trolleys, are not suitable for sorting multiple types of waste. In Figure 4a a plan view of a prior art top assembly is shown, in which two top openings 5 are opened by rotating flaps 5 in the open position. The flaps are configured to close the top openings. To open the top openings, as Figure 4aAs shown, the flap of the prior art can rotate about 180° around its axis parallel to the transverse axis X and is positioned at the central portion of the top assembly between two top openings. Each flap must be wide enough to completely close the corresponding top opening and small enough to avoid obstructing the other top opening when opening its corresponding top opening. This compromise is an inherent limitation of the prior art trolley top assembly, which limits the total surface area of the top openings and thus the number of waste compartments for sorting the waste that can enter via the top openings.

[0069] As Figure 4b shown, the top assembly according to the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art and provides a wider surface area of the top openings. The surface area of the top openings is maximized while avoiding the top flaps protruding too much from the trolley, thus avoiding accidental closure during waste handling and injury to passengers when moving the trolley close to passengers. As Figure 1a and Figure 1b shown, the top assembly according to the present invention includes two top flaps 6, which are lateral top flaps. Each of the two top flaps 6 is mechanically coupled to the corresponding lateral side 3 via a first hinge joint, and the two top flaps 6 are coupled to different lateral sides 3. Each of the two top flaps mainly extends along the longitudinal axis Y. The present invention does not limit the number of the two top flaps, but this number is preferred because it allows a symmetric configuration of the top assembly while limiting the space requirements of the top flaps beyond the dimensions of the trolley.

[0070] The top assembly according to the present invention advantageously provides flexibility in terms of the number of waste compartments of the trolley that can be reached by the user, which is achieved, for example, by using interchangeable waste compartments in the trolley. Preferably, the number of waste compartments accessible via the top assembly according to the present invention can vary. For example, as Figure 3 shown, a trolley including four waste compartments can be modified to include five or three waste compartments to adapt to local waste sorting regulations.

[0071] The present invention should not be limited to a top assembly installed on a trolley including a specific number of waste compartments, especially multiple waste compartments. The purpose of the top assembly according to the present invention is to allow the collection and sorting of waste according to multiple waste types. For example, the same top assembly according to the present invention can be configured to:

[0072] - lead to a single waste compartment of the trolley, while the other waste compartments preferably lead in through holes in the side panels of the trolley, or

[0073] - lead to multiple waste compartments of the same trolley after modifying the number of compartments of the same trolley.

[0074] In Figure 1a 、 Figure 1b and Figure 2 In the preferred embodiments shown, the two top flaps are similar. Each of the two top flaps is double-hinged and includes a proximal flap 8 mechanically coupled to the respective lateral side 3 via a first hinge joint 7 and a distal flap 10 mechanically coupled to the proximal flap 8 via a second hinge joint 9. The axis of the first hinge joint and the axis of the second hinge joint are parallel to the longitudinal axis Y. In this way, a user standing in front of one of the end sides 4 of the top assembly mounted on the trolley in use can open the top opening by laterally unfolding the top flap towards the lateral side. Preferably, a central handle projects from the upper surface of the distal flap, and the upper surface of the distal flap is oriented towards the outside of the trolley when the top flap is in the folded position and the top opening is closed. The central handle is substantially located at an intermediate position between the two end sides 4 of the top assembly 1. Preferably, the handle is configured to project vertically upwards along the vertical axis Z when the top flap is in the Figure 1a folded position shown, so that the user can grasp each handle with their fingers and push the two flaps towards the lateral side.

[0075] Preferably, when the top flap is in the deployed configuration as shown in Figure 1a and closes the top opening, the proximal flap and the distal flap are substantially rectangular plates that extend almost parallel to the transverse axis X and the longitudinal axis Y. The proximal flap and the distal flap extend from one end side to the other end side in the depth of the top opening and elongate along the longitudinal axis Y.

[0076] In Figure 1b 、 Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the folded configuration shown, when the top flap is in the folded configuration, the proximal flap 8 of each top flap rotates about the first hinge and rests against the lateral side to which it is attached. In this way, the lateral side 3 limits the range of rotation of the proximal flap about the axis of the first hinge. The distal flap 10 folds towards the proximal flap and tilts towards the top opening 5. In this way, the distal flap can act as a chute and guide the waste portion towards the top opening and the interior space of the trolley.

[0077] In Figure 1b the folded configuration shown, the top flap projects from the top assembly along the vertical axis, i.e., the highest part of the top assembly mounted on the trolley in use belongs to the top flap as shown. In Figure 1aIn the deployed configuration shown, the top flap does not protrude from the top assembly along the vertical axis as shown in FIG. 1. In this way, measuring the overall height along the vertical direction of the trolley on which the top assembly is mounted, the overall height with the top flap in the folded configuration and the top opening unobstructed is strictly greater than the overall height with the top flap in the deployed configuration and the top opening closed. This prevents, for example, the accidental storage of a trolley with an open top opening in a storage location that is configured to closely fit the height of the trolley with the top flap deployed.

[0078] As Figure 1a and Figure 1b shown, the top flap is configured to remain outside the internal space of the trolley when moving between the folded and deployed positions. In other words, the top flap is configured to fold above the top opening such that the top flap does not enter the internal space of the trolley. In this way, the waste compartment can extend near the top opening to maximize the volume of the waste compartment.

[0079] Figure 1a and Figure 1b the top assembly of is configured such that when mounted on a trolley in the use position, the top flap is stable in the folded and deployed positions. For example, in Figure 1a the top flap 6 in the deployed position is supported by the end side part 4 and rests on the end side part under the action of gravity such that the top flap does not move towards the internal space of the trolley under the action of gravity. For example, in Figure 1b and Figure 2 the top flap 6 in the folded position is also stable. First, the top assembly is configured such that each proximal flap 8 in the deployed position abuts against the corresponding lateral side part 3. This also provides the effect that the rotation of the proximal flap 8 of each top flap about the axis of the first hinge 7 is restricted by the corresponding lateral side part such that the proximal flap does not protrude beyond the outer top assembly width, which is measured along the transverse axis X. Second, the top assembly includes a flap blocker, which is also referred to herein as a flap catcher. As Figure 5b shown, each flap blocker includes a protrusion 14 protruding from at least one end side part 4, preferably a protrusion 14 protruding from each end side part 4, wherein each protrusion 14 has a recess 15 configured to receive the distal edge 16 of the corresponding distal flap. The protrusion 14 adjacent to the recess 15 is configured to prevent the distal edge 16 from sliding along the transverse axis X. In this way, the flap blocker prevents the top flap in the folded position from returning towards the deployed position solely under the action of gravity.

[0080] Preferably, the top assembly is configured such that when the top flap is in the folded position, the smaller angle between the plane including the top opening surface and the proximal flap is between 80° and 90°. Preferably, the top assembly is configured such that when the top flap is in the folded position, the smaller angle between the plane including the top opening surface and the distal flap is between 70° and 90°.

[0081] As Figure 1b shown, the top assembly may include a separator 18 configured to divide the top opening surface into a plurality of smaller holes and configured to communicate with corresponding waste compartments. In Figure 1b and Figure 4b , the separator 18 divides the top opening 5 into two holes of equal area.

[0082] As Figure 5a and Figure 5b shown, the top assembly may further include a slide surface configured to support a fitting, such as a drawer 102. In the example of Figure 5a , the slide surface belongs to the proximal flap and is adjacent to the second hinge. The slide surface is configured to receive and support the legs 17 of the drawer located above the top opening. When the top flap is in the folded position, the slide surface is orthogonal to the vertical axis Z. The slide surface extends substantially along the longitudinal axis Y. The slide surface is configured to allow the drawer to slide parallel to the longitudinal axis Y such that the user can select which portions of the top opening are blocked or unblocked by the drawer by shifting the drawer along the slide surface. Preferably, each top flap further includes a lateral edge which, when the top flap is in the folded position, forms an angular joint 12 in combination with the slide surface. As Figure 5b shown, each lateral edge is configured to limit the displacement of the mating fitting along the transverse axis X. In Figure 5b , the angular joints 12 of the two top flaps are configured to guide the drawer to translate along the longitudinal axis Y and to prevent the drawer from translating along the transverse axis X.

[0083] The present invention also relates to a trolley 100 for collecting and sorting waste in an aircraft cabin and including a top assembly according to the present invention. Such a trolley may include a plurality of waste compartments, at least one of which may be accessed via a top opening 5. The trolley may have an external trolley width of approximately 30 cm measured along a transverse axis X. The trolley may have an external trolley height of approximately 103 cm measured along a vertical axis Z. In one example, the external trolley depth is preferably approximately 81 cm, the top opening depth is between 65 cm and 70 cm, and the internal space of the trolley includes four waste compartments that may be accessed via the top opening. In another example, the external trolley depth is preferably approximately 40 cm, the top opening depth is between 30 cm and 35 cm, and the internal space of the trolley includes two waste compartments that may be accessed via the top opening. The top opening width is preferably between 20 cm and 25 cm.

[0084] In other words, the present invention relates to a top assembly for a waste collection and sorting trolley for an aircraft cabin, the top assembly including a rectangular support frame defined by two linear lateral sides and two linear end sides connecting these lateral sides, the lateral sides being longer than the end sides, and the top assembly including two top flaps for closing a top opening defined by the support frame, each top flap extending along one of the lateral sides and being mechanically coupled to the lateral side.

[0085] The present invention is described with respect to specific embodiments that have a purely illustrative value and should not be considered restrictive. In particular, all values mentioned in this specification have a 5% tolerance. In general, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples or measured values shown or described above, and the scope of the present invention is more broadly defined by the appended claims.

[0086] Reference numerals

[0087]

[0088]

Claims

1. A top assembly (1) for a waste collection and sorting trolley (100) for an aircraft cabin, said top assembly comprising a rectangular support frame (2), said rectangular support frame comprising two lateral sides (3) and two end sides (4), said two lateral sides extending mainly along a longitudinal axis (Y), said two lateral sides and said two end sides defining a top opening (5) for accessing at least one waste compartment (101) in the interior space of the trolley (100). Characterized in that: Said top assembly (1) comprises two lateral top flaps (6), said two lateral top flaps being configured to completely close said top opening (5), each of said two lateral top flaps extending mainly along said longitudinal axis (Y) and being mechanically connected to one of said lateral sides (3) via a first hinge joint (7).

2. The top component (1) according to claim 1, wherein, Said two top flaps (6) are similar.

3. The top component (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Said top flap (6) is double-hinged.

4. The top assembly (1) according to claim 3, wherein, Each top flap (6) comprises: - A proximal flap (8) mechanically connected to the corresponding lateral side (3) via said first hinge joint (7), and - A distal flap (10) mechanically connected to said proximal flap (8) via a second hinge joint (9); Wherein, the rotation axis of said first hinge joint (7) and the rotation axis of said second hinge joint (9) are parallel to said longitudinal axis Y.

5. The top component (1) according to claim 4, wherein, Said distal flap (10) comprises a central handle (11).

6. The top assembly (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Said proximal flap (8) and said distal flap (10) are substantially rectangular and extend mainly along said longitudinal axis (Y).

7. The top assembly (1) according to claim 6, wherein, Each of said proximal flap (8) and said distal flap (10) extends from one end side (4) to the other end side (4) over the entire depth of said top opening (5) measured along said longitudinal axis (Y).

8. The top assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, Each top flap (6) is reversibly movable between the following positions: - An unfolded position, said unfolded position corresponding to a closed configuration of said top opening (5), and according to said unfolded position, both said proximal flap (8) and said distal flap (10) extend along a plane parallel to said support frame (2); - A folded position, said folded position corresponding to an open configuration of said top opening (5), and according to said folded position, said distal flap (10) folds towards said proximal flap (8).

9. The top assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein, When said top flap (6) is in said folded position, said distal flap (10) is inclined towards said top opening (5).

10. The top assembly (1) according to claim 8 or 9, the top assembly having an outer top assembly width measured along a transverse axis (X) parallel to the end side portion (4) and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y), wherein, When said top flap (6) is in said folded position, said top flap (6) does not project beyond the width of the external top assembly.

11. The top assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein, Each top flap (6) comprises a slide surface extending along said longitudinal axis (Y), said slide surface being arranged to cooperate with a drawer (102) above said top opening (5).

12. The top assembly (1) according to claim 11 when dependent on any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, When said top flap (6) is in said folded position, said slide surface is formed at the level of said second hinge joint (9).

13. The top assembly (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, the top assembly including a flap blocker for blocking the top flap (6) at at least one of the deployed position and the folded position.

14. The top assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein, The flap blocker for blocking one of the top flaps in the folded position of the top flap (6) includes a protrusion (14) protruding from each end side portion (4), the protrusion having a recess (15) sized to receive a distal edge (16) of the corresponding distal flap (10) opposite the second hinge joint (9).

15. A waste collection and sorting trolley (100), the waste collection and sorting trolley including the top assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The waste collection and sorting trolley (100) according to claim 15, wherein, The waste collection and sorting trolley (100) has: - An external trolley width of approximately 30 cm measured along a transverse axis (X) parallel to the end side portions (4) and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (Y); - An external trolley depth measured along the longitudinal axis (Y); - An external trolley height of approximately 103 cm measured along a vertical axis (Z) perpendicular to the transverse axis (X) and the longitudinal axis (Y); - A top opening width between 20 cm and 25 cm measured along the transverse axis (X); - A top opening depth measured along the longitudinal axis (Y); And wherein the waste collection and sorting trolley (100) is selected from: - A waste collection and sorting trolley (100) having an external trolley depth of approximately 81 cm and a top opening depth between 65 cm and 70 cm; - A waste collection and sorting trolley (100) having an external trolley depth of approximately 40 cm and a top opening depth between 30 cm and 35 cm.

17. Use of the waste collection and sorting trolley (100) according to claim 15 or 16 for collecting and sorting waste in an aircraft cabin.

18. A method for opening the waste collection and sorting trolley (100) according to claim 15 or 16, the top opening (5) of the waste collection and sorting trolley being completely closed by the top flap (6), the method including the step of pushing each top flap (6) towards the lateral side portion (3) mechanically coupled thereto.

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