Wheelchair for aircraft interior cabin

Abstract

A system (100) and method includes a wheelchair (106) and a cart housing (116) removably coupled to the wheelchair (106). The cart housing (116) is configured to be selectively secured to and removable from a wheelchair (106). The system (100) is operable as a galley cart when the cart housing (116) is secured to the wheelchair (106). The system (100) is operable as a transfer chair when the cart housing (116) is removed from the wheelchair (106).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to wheelchairs for use in the interior cabins of aircraft, such as commercial aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles such as commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers between various locations. A typical aircraft includes an interior cabin with seats for passengers, one or more galleys, and one or more lavatories.

[0003] The galley inside a commercial aircraft cabin includes a trolley compartment for holding a galley trolley. The trolley compartment includes a dedicated shell with walls and a top surface, such as a shelf or countertop. The galley trolley can be moved in and out of the compartment.

[0004] Wheelchairs can be used to assist people with limited or reduced mobility within the interior of an aircraft cabin. For example, a person can move around the interior cabin with the aid of a wheelchair or a specialized transfer seat. These wheelchairs may be referred to as onboard wheelchairs or transfer wheelchairs.

[0005] However, space is limited within the aircraft's interior cabin. As should be understood, wheelchairs or transfer seats occupy space within the interior cabin. Summary of the Invention

[0006] There is a need for systems and methods to increase the available space inside the interior compartments of vehicles. Furthermore, there is a need for systems and methods for arranging wheelchairs within the interior compartments while simultaneously reducing the space occupied by the wheelchairs within the interior compartments.

[0007] In view of these needs, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system including a wheelchair and a trolley housing removably coupled to the wheelchair. The trolley housing is configured to be selectively attached to and removed from the wheelchair. When the trolley housing is attached to the wheelchair, the system can be operated as a kitchen trolley. When the trolley housing is removed from the wheelchair, the system can be operated as a transfer chair.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the trolley housing attached to the wheelchair is configured to be stored in the trolley compartment of the kitchen within the interior cabin of the vehicle.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the wheelchair includes a platform, a plurality of wheels extending downward from the platform, a height adjuster supported on the platform opposite to the wheels, and a seat fixed to the height adjuster. In at least one embodiment, the height adjuster includes one or more of a scissor jack, a hydraulic cylinder jack, and a motor. The height adjuster is configured to move between a folded position where the seat is at its lowest horizontal height and a fully extended position where the seat is at its highest horizontal height. In at least one embodiment, the seat tilts backward as the height adjuster moves from the folded position to the fully extended position.

[0010] The wheelchair may also include: a brake pedal operably coupled to one or more of the multiple wheels; and a release pedal operably coupled to the brake pedal or to one or more of the multiple wheels.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the wheels can move between different wheelbases. As another embodiment, the wheels are connected to the platform via one or more springs and / or energy storage devices (such as one or more gas struts).

[0012] The height adjuster is operable to move the seat above the horizontal level of the armrests of the passenger seats in the interior cabin of the vehicle.

[0013] The cart shell is configured to store one or more of the following: beverages, food, and garbage.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the wheelchair includes a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat base. The seat back is movable between an upright position and a folded-down position. In the folded-down position, the seat back is folded onto the seat base. The trolley housing is configured to be secured to the rear surface of the seat back in the folded-down position.

[0015] One or more armrests may be movably attached to the seat back. One or more handles may be movably attached to the seat back. The system may also include one or more foot pedals. For example, one or more foot pedals may be movably attached to the seat base.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, one or more latches are configured to removably secure the trolley housing to the wheelchair.

[0017] In at least one embodiment, the size and shape of the trolley housing attached to the wheelchair are set to the size and shape of a half-size kitchen trolley or a full-size kitchen trolley.

[0018] The trolley housing may include a movable bracket fixed to the lower surface of the trolley housing.

[0019] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method comprising: detachably attaching a trolley housing to a wheelchair; operating the system as a kitchen trolley when the trolley housing is attached to the wheelchair; and operating the system as a transfer chair when the trolley housing is removed from the wheelchair.

[0020] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a vehicle including an interior compartment comprising a kitchen. A trolley compartment is provided within the kitchen. A system having a trolley housing capable of being secured to a wheelchair is stored within the trolley compartment of the kitchen. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system for use in the interior cabin of a vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A frontal perspective view of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 3 An interior perspective view of an aircraft interior compartment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 4 The figure shows a front view of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which has a trolley housing that can be secured to a wheelchair, wherein the height adjuster is in a folded position.

[0025] Figure 5 A side view of the system is shown, which has a trolley housing that can be secured to a wheelchair, with the height adjuster in a folded position.

[0026] Figure 6 The figure shows a front view of a system in which the trolley housing is removed from a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 7 A side view of the system in which the trolley housing is removed from the wheelchair is shown.

[0028] Figure 8 A front view of a trolley housing having a lower support bracket in the unfolded position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0029] Figure 9 A side view of the trolley housing with a lower support bracket in the unfolded position is shown.

[0030] Figure 10 A front view of a wheelchair with a height adjuster in a folded position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0031] Figure 11 A side view of a wheelchair with a height adjuster in the folded position is shown.

[0032] Figure 12 A front view of a wheelchair with a height adjuster in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0033] Figure 13 A side view of a wheelchair with a height adjuster in an extended position is shown.

[0034] Figure 14 A side view of a wheelchair with armrests in the unfolded position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0035] Figure 15 A side view of a wheelchair with handles in the extended position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0036] Figure 16 A front view of a wheelchair with a footrest in the unfolded position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0037] Figure 17 A side view of a wheelchair with a footrest in the unfolded position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0038] Figure 18 A side view of a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0039] Figure 19 A side view of the wheelbase in a static position is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 20 A side view of the wheelbase in an enlarged position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 21 A front view of a wheelchair, raised to the same height as the adjacent passenger seat, is shown in the aisle of an interior compartment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 22 A front view of a passenger seated in the aisle and raised above the armrests of a passenger seat, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0043] Figure 23 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps stated in the singular and preceded by the words "a" or "an" should be understood to not necessarily exclude the plural form of the elements or steps. Furthermore, the reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" one or more elements with specific conditions may include additional elements that are not conditional.

[0045] Figure 1 A block diagram of a system 100 for use within an interior compartment 102 of a vehicle 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. In at least one embodiment, the vehicle 104 is an aircraft, such as a commercial aircraft. As another embodiment, the vehicle 104 may be a land-based vehicle such as a bus, train carriage, etc., a water-based vehicle, or a spacecraft.

[0046] System 100 includes a wheelchair 106, which includes a platform 108. Wheels 110 extend downward from the platform 108 and are configured to rotatably support the wheelchair 106 on the floor 111 of the interior compartment 102. A height adjuster 112 is supported on the platform 108 opposite to the wheels 110. In at least one embodiment, the height adjuster 112 includes a scissor jack that can be operated by a manual crank, foot pedal, etc. As another embodiment, the height adjuster 112 includes a hydraulic cylinder jack that can be operated by a foot pedal. As yet another embodiment, the height adjuster 112 includes a motor (such as an electric motor) operably coupled to one or more arms, pistons, bellows, etc. A seat 114 is attached to the height adjuster 112.

[0047] In at least one embodiment, wheelchair 106 is configured as an onboard or transfer wheelchair for use within the interior cabin of an aircraft. For example, wheelchair 106 is sized and shaped to move through narrow aisles and confined spaces within the aircraft interior cabin.

[0048] In operation, wheelchair 106 is configured to move within interior compartment 102, for example, by a crew member pushing wheelchair 106 to a person on seat 114. Height adjuster 112 is configured to move between a folded position (where seat 114 is at its lowest level) and a fully extended position (where seat 114 is at its highest level) and all levels in between.

[0049] In at least one embodiment, system 100 further includes a trolley housing 116 comprising one or more internal chambers configured to hold beverages, food, waste, etc. The trolley housing 116 is removably coupled to wheelchair 106. That is, the trolley housing 116 is selectively attached to and removed from wheelchair 106. As an example, seat 114 includes a seat back configured to pivot between an upright position and a folded-down position, in which a person can sit on seat 114, and in the folded-down position, the seat back folds onto a seat base, such as a seat cushion (which may include a seat panel and pads attached to the seat panel). In the folded-down position, a person cannot sit on the seat base. In the folded-down position, the seat back provides a platform for securing the trolley housing 116 to wheelchair 106. For example, in the folded-down position, the trolley housing 116 is directly supported on the rear surface of the seat back and secured thereto by one or more latches.

[0050] When the trolley housing 116 is secured to the wheelchair 106, the system 100 can be used as a kitchen trolley within the interior compartment 102 of the vehicle 104. For example, the trolley housing 116 is supported on the wheelchair 106 and can move within the interior compartment via wheels 110. The trolley housing 116 holds beverages and food that can be delivered to a person within the interior compartment 102. The system 100, having a trolley housing 116 that can be secured to the wheelchair 106, can have the same size and shape as a standard-sized kitchen trolley. In this way, the system 100 can be removably held within the trolley compartment 118 of the kitchen 120 within the interior compartment 102.

[0051] Alternatively, system 100 may not include the trolley housing 116. In at least one embodiment, system 100 may include a wheelchair 106 without a trolley housing 116 removably attached to the wheelchair 106.

[0052] Figure 2 A front perspective view of an aircraft 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The aircraft 200 is... Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of vehicle 104. Aircraft 200 includes, for example, a propulsion system 212 including an engine 214. Optionally, propulsion system 212 may include more engines 214 than shown. Engines 214 are carried by wings 216 of aircraft 200. In other embodiments, engines 214 may be carried by fuselage 218 and / or tail 220. Tail 220 may also support horizontal stabilizer 222 and vertical stabilizer 224.

[0053] The fuselage 218 of the aircraft 200 defines an internal compartment 230, which includes a cockpit or flight cabin, one or more work areas (e.g., a galley, carry-on baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class, business class, and second class areas), one or more lavatories, etc. As described herein, the aircraft 200 includes systems 100 as shown and described herein.

[0054] Alternatively, in addition to aircraft, the systems and methods described herein can be used with a variety of other means of transportation, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train carriages, ships, spacecraft, etc.

[0055] Figure 3 An interior perspective view of an aircraft interior compartment 230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The interior compartment 230 includes outer side walls 232 and a ceiling 234. Windows 236 are formed within the outer side walls 232. A floor 238 supports multiple rows of seats 240. Figure 3 As shown, a row 242 may include three seats 240 on either side of the aisle 243. However, a row 242 may include more or fewer seats 240 than shown. Furthermore, the interior compartment 230 may include more aisles than shown.

[0056] Figure 4 The figure shows a front view of a system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which has a trolley housing 116 that can be secured to a wheelchair 106, wherein a height adjuster 112 is in a folded position. Figure 5 A side view of a system 100 with a trolley housing 116 that can be secured to a wheelchair 106 is shown, with the height adjuster 112 in a folded position. See also Figure 4 and Figure 5 The height adjuster 112 includes a scissor jack. One or more wheels 110 extend downward from the platform 108 at each corner. The wheels 110 can be configured to rotate or constrained not to rotate. For example, the rear wheels 110 can be constrained not to rotate, while the front wheels are configured to rotate. In at least one embodiment, a brake pedal 300 is operatively coupled to one or more wheels 110, and a release pedal 302 is operatively coupled to one or more wheels 110 and / or the brake pedal 300. The brake pedal 300 is configured to engage (e.g., via a person's foot) to brake one or more wheels 110 and stop these wheels from rolling, while the release pedal 302 is configured to engage (e.g., via a person's foot) to release the brake pedal 300 so that it no longer stops the rolling motion of the wheels(s) 110. Alternatively, the system 100 may not include the brake pedal 300 and / or the release pedal 302.

[0057] As described above, the trolley housing 116 is selectively attached to and removed from the wheelchair 106. In at least one embodiment, the seat 114 includes a seat back 304, shown in a folded-down position, wherein the seat back 304 is folded onto the seat base 306. In the folded-down position, the rear surface 308 of the seat back 304 is generally parallel to the upper surface 310 of the floor 111 (e.g., within + / - 5 degrees). The lower surface 312 of the trolley housing 116 is directly supported on the rear surface 308 of the seat back 304. One or more latches 314 are used to secure the trolley housing 116 to the seat back 304. For example, two latches 314 are mounted on the side surfaces 316 of each side 318 of the seat back 304. The latches 314 are configured to selectively engage with the reciprocating latch members 320 of the trolley housing 116.

[0058] The trolley housing 116 includes an end wall 324 connected to a side wall 326 and a work surface 328. An internal chamber is defined between the end wall 324, the side wall 326, and the work surface 328. This internal chamber includes one or more shelves, cabinets, etc., configured for storing various items such as beverages, food, garbage, etc. One or more handles 330 extend upward from the work surface 328 and are configured to be grasped by a person (such as a flight attendant) to move the system 100 within the internal compartment.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, a system 100 having a trolley housing 116 that can be secured to a wheelchair 106 (such as...) Figure 4 and 5 The dimensions and shape of the system 100 are set to the dimensions and shape of a standard-sized kitchen cart or a standard half-size kitchen cart, thereby allowing the system 100 to be conveniently stored in the kitchen 120. Figure 1 The system 100 is located within the cart compartment 118 (as shown). For example, the system 100 may have a width of 12 inches or less (such as 11.84 inches), a length of 16 inches or less (such as 15.95 inches), and a height of 42 inches or less (such as 40.55 inches), 336. Alternatively, the system may have a width of 12 inches or less (such as 11.84 inches), a length of 334 of 32 inches or less (such as 31.89 inches), and a height of 42 inches or less (such as 40.55 inches), 336.

[0060] As described herein, system 100 includes a wheelchair 106 and a trolley housing 116 configured to be selectively attached to and removed from the wheelchair. The trolley housing 116 attached to the wheelchair 106 is configured to be stored in the trolley compartment 118 of the galley 120 within the interior compartment 102 of the vehicle 104.

[0061] Figure 6A front view of a system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the trolley housing 116 is removed from the wheelchair 106, is shown. Figure 7 A side view of a system 100 in which the trolley housing 116 is removed from the wheelchair 106 is shown. See also Figures 4 to 7 To remove the trolley housing 116, the latches 314 are operated to disengage from the interacting latch members 320. After the latches 314 disengage from the interacting latch members 320, the trolley housing 116 is lifted upward away from the wheelchair 106 in the direction of arrow 338. Thus, the trolley housing 116 is separated from the wheelchair 106.

[0062] As shown, the cart housing 116 includes a door 340 configured to selectively open and close. A handle 342 is operatively coupled to the door 340 to allow easy movement of the door 340 between an open position and a closed position. When the door 340 is open, the internal cavity of the cart housing 116 is exposed. The door 340 and handle 342 may be located at one end of the cart housing 116, or each end may include both the door 340 and the handle 342.

[0063] Figure 8 A front view of a trolley housing 116 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 9 A side view of the stroller housing 116 is shown. The stroller housing 116 extends from the wheelchair 106 (… Figures 4 to 7 After removal (as shown), the trolley housing 116 can be disposed within an internal compartment, such as a trolley compartment. A movable bracket 350 is secured to the lower surface 312 of the trolley housing 116. The bracket 350 may include foldable legs 352, such as support legs, which can be deployed in an unfolded position (e.g., ...). Figure 8 and 9 The trolley housing 116 pivots between a (shown) position and a retracted position (where the support leg 352 is folded against and below the lower surface 312). Alternatively, the trolley housing 116 may not include the support leg 350. Instead, the lower surface 312 of the trolley housing 116 may be configured to rest directly on the floor 111.

[0064] Figure 10 A front view of a wheelchair 106 having a height adjuster 112 in a folded position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. Figure 11 A side view of a wheelchair 106 with a height adjuster 112 in the folded position is shown. See also Figure 10 and Figure 11 In at least one embodiment, the height adjuster 112 is a scissor jack having a plurality of arms 360 pivotally connected together.

[0065] In the trolley shell 116 ( Figures 6 to 9After the seat (shown in the diagram) has been removed from wheelchair 106, a person can sit in wheelchair 106. Therefore, the seat back 304 pivots upward from a downward-folded position about the pivot connection 364 with the seat base 306 in the direction of arc 365. This exposes the seat base 306, and a person can sit on the seat base 306. The height adjuster 112 can be operated, for example via a manual crank, foot pedal, motor, etc., to move the seat 114 to a specific height desired by the individual.

[0066] Figure 12 The figure shows a front view of a wheelchair 106 having a height adjuster 112 in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 A side view of a wheelchair 106 with a height adjuster 112 in an extended position is shown. See also Figure 12 and Figure 13 The height adjuster 112 can be operated to extend the seat 114 to the desired height. For example, the height adjuster 112 can be a scissor jack with an arm 360 pivotally connected to a strut support 361. As shown, a first upper arm 370 is pivotally connected to the rear section of the seat base 306, while a second upper arm 372 is pivotally connected to the front section of the seat base 306. The first upper arm 370 is shorter than the second upper arm 372. Therefore, the first upper arm 370 is pivotally connected from the rear end 309 of the seat base 306 to the rear of the seat base 306 by a distance 373, while the second upper arm 372 is pivotally connected to the front end 311 of the seat base 306. Therefore, when the seat 114 is moved upward by the height adjuster 112, the seat 114 tilts backward, thereby ensuring that a person sitting on the seat base is not easily able to slide forward on the seat base 306. As shown in the figure, when the seat 114 moves upward via the height adjuster 112, an angle θ is defined between the rear surface 308 of the seat back 304 and a vertical plane 313 perpendicular to the plane containing the top surface of the floor 111. The dimensions of the first upper arm 370 and the second upper arm 372 can be set to provide the angle θ, such as between 5 degrees and 15 degrees. Optionally, the first upper arm 370 and the second upper arm 372 can be of the same length, such that the seat base 306 is not configured to tilt backward when the height adjuster 112 moves the seat 114 upward.

[0067] The height adjuster 112 is configured to operate in the folded position (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 6 and Figure 7 The seat 114 can be moved between the fully extended position (as shown) and all positions in between. This allows the height adjuster 112 to be operated to adjust the height of the seat 114 to the desired horizontal level.

[0068] Figure 14A side view of a wheelchair 106 with armrests 380 in an extended position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. The armrests 380 are pivotally connected to the side of the seat back 304. The armrests 380 are configured to pivot in the direction of arrow 382 to an extended position (e.g., ...). Figure 14 (as shown), and pivots to a retracted position, in which the armrests 380 are generally parallel to and abut against the side of the seat back 304. Alternatively, the wheelchair 106 may not include armrests.

[0069] Figure 15 A side view of a wheelchair 106 with a handle 390 in the extended position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. The handle 390 is pivotally connected to the top of the seat back 304. The handle 390 is configured to pivot to the extended position along an arc 392 (e.g., Figure 15 As shown), and pivots to a retracted position, in which the handle 390 is folded into or otherwise abuts against the rear surface 308 of the seat back 304. The handle 390 in the extended position allows a person to easily grasp the handle 390 and control the movement of the wheelchair 106. Alternatively, the wheelchair 106 may not include a handle.

[0070] Figure 16 A front view of a wheelchair according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the wheelchair having armrests 380 in the deployed position and handles 390 in the deployed position. A person can sit on the seat base 306 and move by another person by gripping the handles 390 (or other parts of the wheelchair 106).

[0071] Figure 17 A side view of a wheelchair 106 with a footrest 394 in an unfolded position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. The footrest 394 may be a foldable panel pivotally coupled to an extension arm 396, which is pivotally coupled to one side of a seat base 306. The extension arm 396 and the footrest 394 are configured in a folded position abutting against the seat base 306 and an unfolded position downwards away from the seat base 306 (e.g., ...). Figure 17 Pivot between (as shown). Optionally, the footrest 394 may be movably coupled to the platform 108 instead of the seat base 306. Alternatively, the wheelchair 106 may not include the footrest.

[0072] Figure 18A side view of a wheelchair 106 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In at least one embodiment, the wheels 110 are configured to linearly shift outward toward the end of the platform 108. For example, the wheels 110 may be connected to the platform 108 via bearings 410, rails, springs, etc., configured to slide or otherwise move. Thus, the wheels 110 can be linearly adjusted outward from the central plane 400 in the direction of arrow 398 to widen the wheelbase 402 of the wheelchair 106. The widened wheelbase 402 increases the stability of the wheelchair 106.

[0073] In at least one embodiment, the wheels 110 can be manually adjusted to an enlarged wheelbase 402. As another embodiment, the wheels 110 can be spring-loaded to the platform 108, the springs extending in response to weight on the seat base 306. As yet another embodiment, the bearings 410 of the wheels 110, movably coupled to the platform 108, can be coupled to a height adjuster 112 (such as a scissor jack) and move in response to operation of the height adjuster 112. Alternatively, the wheelbase 402 of the wheelchair 106 is not configured to be changeable.

[0074] Figure 19 A side view of wheel track 402a in an at-rest position (non-load-bearing position) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 20 A side view of the wheel track 402b in an enlarged position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. See also Figure 19 and Figure 20 The bearing 410 is connected to the platform 108 via a pivotally connected first arm 430 and second arm 432, and a spring 434 connecting the first arm 430 and the second arm 432. For example... Figure 19 As shown, when no weight is applied downwards to the platform, spring 434 is in a static position, thus holding wheel track 402a in a static position. When a person is sitting in seat 114 of wheelchair 106 (e.g., Figure 18 As shown), the person's weight is transferred to platform 108, which allows the first arm 430 and the second arm 432 to... Figure 20 As shown, the wheelbase 110 extends outwards, while spring 434 applies resistance in between, but extends to provide an enlarged wheelbase 402b. When a person dismounts from wheelchair 106, spring 434 pulls and retracts the first arm 430 and the second arm 432 to return the wheel 110 to the wheelbase 402a.

[0075] Figure 21A front view of a wheelchair 106 within an aisle 500 of an interior compartment 102 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The aisle 500 extends between passenger seats 502 and 504. An operating height adjuster 112 allows the seat base 306 to be positioned at a horizontal height 510 of the seat base 520 of passenger seats 502 and 504, thereby allowing a person 530 to easily transfer between passenger seats 502 or 504 and the seat base 306 of wheelchair 106.

[0076] Figure 22 A front view of a person 530 seated in a wheelchair 106 within an aisle 500, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. When the person 530 is in the wheelchair 106, the height adjuster 112 is operable to move to a fully extended position such that the seat base 306 is above the horizontal level of the armrests 550 of the seats 502 and 504, thereby ensuring that the person 530 does not come into contact with the armrests 550 when moving within the aisle 500. Thus, the wheelchair 106 is operable to reduce potential injury to the person 530. Alternatively, the fully extended position may not have the seat base 306 positioned above the armrests 550.

[0077] See Figures 1 to 22 Embodiments of this disclosure provide a height-adjustable transfer wheelchair that can be used and stored within the interior compartment of a vehicle. In at least one embodiment, a system 100 having a trolley housing 116 that can be secured to a wheelchair 106 (in a folded position) is configured to be stored in a trolley compartment 118 of a kitchen 120. For example, in this configuration, the system 100 may have a width of 11.84 inches, a height of 40.55 inches, and a length of 15.95 inches, which is typically the size of a standard half-size kitchen trolley. Alternatively, the system 100 may have a width of 11.84 inches, a height of 40.55 inches, and a length of 31.89 inches, which is typically the size of a standard full-size kitchen trolley (but may have, for example, a longer length). The trolley housing 116 is configured to be removed from the wheelchair 106, which is then movable and adjustable to provide a safe and comfortable transfer seat. By attaching wheelchair 106 to trolley housing 116, system 100 can be stored in the trolley compartment without occupying the entire space used for a kitchen trolley (because system 100 can be used as a kitchen trolley when trolley housing 116 is attached to wheelchair 106). Both trolley housing 116 and wheelchair 106 roll on floor 111 via common wheels 110. Furthermore, both trolley housing 116 and wheelchair 106 can use a common brake pedal 300 and release pedal 302. When a person is seated in wheelchair 106, wheel track 402 extends, thereby increasing stability, especially when height adjuster 112 is extended to the fully extended position.

[0078] In at least one embodiment, the height adjuster 112 includes one or more of a scissor jack, a hydraulic cylinder jack, and / or a motor, each of which can be used independently or in combination. For example, the hydraulic cylinder jack can be operated to provide large incremental height adjustment (e.g., lifting inch by inch), and the scissor jack can be operated to provide fine-tuned height adjustment.

[0079] In at least one embodiment, wheelchair 106 may further include restraints, such as leg straps or corner straps, waist belts, chest straps, etc. Optionally, wheelchair 106 may not include restraints.

[0080] Figure 23 A flowchart of a method according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. See also Figure 1 and Figure 23 At 600, the trolley housing 116 is secured to the wheelchair 106. At 602, it is determined whether the system 100 will be used as a kitchen trolley. If so, the method proceeds to 604, where the trolley housing 116 remains in a fixed position on the wheelchair 106. The method then returns to 602.

[0081] If at 602, system 100 is not used as a kitchen cart, the method proceeds to 606, where the cart housing 116 is removed from wheelchair 106. At 608, wheelchair 106 is then adjusted as needed, for example via height adjuster 112, armrests, footrests, handles, etc.

[0082] At 610, it is determined whether system 100 will still be used as a transfer chair (i.e., a wheelchair). If so, the method proceeds to 612, where system 100 continues to be used as a transfer chair, and the method returns to 610. If at 610, system 100 is no longer used as a wheelchair, the method proceeds to 614, where wheelchair 106 is folded (e.g., via height adjuster, seat back 304 pivots back to the folded position), and the method returns to 600, where trolley housing 116 is secured to wheelchair 106.

[0083] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments according to the following provisions:

[0084] Clause 1. A system comprising: a wheelchair; and a trolley housing removably coupled to the wheelchair, wherein the trolley housing is configured to be selectively attached to and removed from the wheelchair, wherein when the trolley housing is attached to the wheelchair, the system can operate as a kitchen trolley, and wherein when the trolley housing is removed from the wheelchair, the system can operate as a transfer chair.

[0085] Clause 2. The system according to Clause 1, wherein the trolley shell fixed to the wheelchair is configured to be stored in the trolley compartment of the galley within the interior cabin of the vehicle.

[0086] Clause 3. A system according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the wheelchair comprises: a platform; a plurality of wheels extending downward from the platform; a height adjuster supported on the platform opposite to the wheels; and a seat fixed to the height adjuster.

[0087] Clause 4. The system pursuant to Clause 3, wherein the height adjuster comprises one or more of a scissor jack, a hydraulic cylinder jack, and a motor.

[0088] Clause 5. A system according to Clause 3 or 4, wherein the height adjuster is configured to move between a folded position that lowers the seat to its lowest horizontal position and a fully extended position that raises the seat to its highest horizontal position.

[0089] Clause 6. The system according to Clause 5, wherein the seat reclines backward when the height adjuster moves from the folded position toward and to the fully extended position.

[0090] Clause 7. A system according to any one of Clauses 3 to 6, wherein the wheelchair further includes: a brake pedal operatively coupled to one or more of the plurality of wheels; and a release pedal operatively coupled to the brake pedal or to one or more of the plurality of wheels.

[0091] Clause 8. A system according to any one of Clauses 3 to 7, wherein the wheels can move between different wheel tracks.

[0092] Clause 9. A system pursuant to Clause 8, wherein the wheels are connected to the platform by one or more springs or one or more energy storage devices (such as gas struts) or both.

[0093] Clause 10. A system pursuant to any one of Clauses 3 to 9, wherein the height adjuster is operable to move the seat above the horizontal level of the armrest of a passenger seat in the interior compartment of the vehicle.

[0094] Clause 11. A system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the cart shell is configured to hold one or more of beverages, food and garbage.

[0095] Clause 12. A system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the wheelchair includes a seat back pivotally coupled to a seat base, wherein the seat back is movable between an upright position and a folded-down position, wherein the seat back is folded onto the seat base in the folded-down position, and wherein the trolley housing is configured to be secured to the rear surface of the seat back in the folded-down position.

[0096] Clause 13. The system pursuant to Clause 12 also includes one or more armrests movably attached to the seat back.

[0097] Clause 14. The system according to Clause 12 or 13 also includes one or more handles movably coupled to the seat back.

[0098] Clause 15. The system pursuant to any one of Clauses 12 to 14 may also include one or more foot pedals.

[0099] Clause 16. In a system pursuant to Clause 15, one or more foot pedals are movably coupled to the seat base.

[0100] Clause 17. The system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16 further includes one or more latches configured to removably secure the trolley housing to the wheelchair.

[0101] Clause 18. A system pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 17, wherein the size and shape of the trolley housing attached to the wheelchair are set to the size and shape of a half-size kitchen trolley or a full-size kitchen trolley.

[0102] Clause 19. A system according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18, wherein the trolley housing includes a movable bracket fixed to the lower surface of the trolley housing.

[0103] Clause 20. A method for a system, wherein the system includes: a wheelchair; and a trolley housing configured to be selectively attached to and removed from the wheelchair, the method comprising: removably attaching the trolley housing to the wheelchair; operating the system as a kitchen trolley when the trolley housing is attached to the wheelchair; and operating the system as a transfer chair when the trolley housing is removed from the wheelchair.

[0104] Clause 21. A means of transport comprising: an interior compartment including a kitchen, wherein a trolley compartment is located within the kitchen; and a system comprising: a wheelchair; and a trolley housing removably coupled to the wheelchair, wherein the trolley housing is configured to be selectively attached to and removed from the wheelchair, wherein when the trolley housing is attached to the wheelchair, the system can operate as a kitchen trolley, and wherein when the trolley housing is removed from the wheelchair, the system can operate as a transfer chair, and wherein the system having the trolley housing that can be attached to the wheelchair is stored in the trolley compartment of the kitchen.

[0105] As described herein, embodiments of this disclosure provide systems and methods for increasing the available space within the interior compartment of a vehicle. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure provide systems and methods for arranging a wheelchair within the interior compartment while simultaneously reducing the space occupied by the wheelchair within the interior compartment.

[0106] While various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. These orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed such that upper becomes lower, or vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0107] As used herein, structures, constraints, or elements "configured" to perform a task or operation are specifically structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, objects that can only be modified to perform a task or operation are not "configured for" performing the task or operation used herein.

[0108] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of various embodiments of this disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive but rather exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Therefore, the scope of the different embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by referring to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as concise equivalents of the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein”. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose a labeling requirement on their objects. In addition, the limitations of the appended claims are not written in the form of means plus function unless such a claim is limited by the expression “means for…” followed by a statement of function without further structural description.

[0109] This written description uses embodiments to disclose various embodiments of this disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if the embodiments have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if the embodiments include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A system (100), comprising: a wheelchair (106); and a cart housing (116) removably coupled to the wheelchair (106), wherein the cart housing (116) is configured to be selectively secured to and removed from the wheelchair (106), wherein the system (100) is operable as a kitchen cart when the cart housing (116) is secured to the wheelchair (106), and wherein the system (100) is operable as a transfer chair when the cart housing (116) is removed from the wheelchair (106). The cart housing (116) secured to the wheelchair (106) is configured to be stored within a cart compartment (118) of a kitchen (120) within an interior cabin (102) of a vehicle (104).

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein The wheelchair (106) comprises:

3. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein, a platform (108); a plurality of wheels (110) extending downwardly from the platform (108); a height adjuster (112) supported on the platform (108) opposite the wheels (110); and a seat (114) secured to the height adjuster (112). The height adjuster (112) comprises one or more of a scissors jack, a hydraulic bottle jack, and an electric motor.

4. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein, The height adjuster (112) is configured to move between a collapsed position with the seat (114) at a lowest level and a fully extended position with the seat (114) at a highest level.

5. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein, The seat (114) is tilted rearwardly as the height adjuster (112) moves from the collapsed position toward and to the fully extended position.

6. The system (100) of claim 5, wherein, The wheelchair (106) further comprises:

7. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein, a brake pedal operatively coupled to one or more of the plurality of wheels (110); and a release pedal operatively coupled to the brake pedal or to one or more of the plurality of wheels (110). The wheels (110) are movable between different wheelbases (402).

8. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein, The wheels (110) are coupled to the platform (108) by one or both of one or more springs and one or more energy storage devices.

9. The system (100) of claim 8, wherein, The height adjuster (112) is operable to move the seat (114) above a level of an armrest of a passenger seat within an interior cabin (102) of a vehicle (104).

10. The system (100) of claim 3, wherein, The cart housing (116) is configured to store one or more of a beverage, a food item, and trash.

11. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein, The wheelchair (106) comprises a seat back (304) pivotally coupled to a seat base (306), wherein the seat back (304) is movable between an upright position and a downwardly folded position, wherein the seat back (304) folds over the seat base (306) in the downwardly folded position, and wherein the cart housing (116) is configured to be secured to a rear surface (308) of the seat back (304) in the downwardly folded position.

12. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein, ​ 13. The system (100) of claim 12, further comprising: one or more armrests (304) movably coupled to the seat back.

14. The system (100) of claim 12, further comprising: one or more handles (342, 390) movably coupled to the seat back (304).

15. The system (100) of claim 12, further comprising: one or more foot pedals (394).

16. The system (100) of claim 15, wherein, the one or more foot pedals are movably coupled to the seat base (306).

17. The system (100) of claim 1, further comprising one or more latches (314) configured to removably secure the cart housing (116) to the wheelchair (106).

18. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the cart housing (116) secured to the wheelchair (106) is sized and shaped to be a half-size or full-size kitchen cart.

19. The system (100) of claim 1, wherein, the cart housing (116) includes a movable shelf secured to a lower surface of the cart housing.

20. A method for a system (100) comprising: a wheelchair (106); and a cart housing (116) configured to be selectively secured to and removed from the wheelchair (106), the method comprising: removably coupling the cart housing (116) to the wheelchair (106); operating the system (100) as a kitchen cart when the cart housing (116) is secured to the wheelchair (106); and operating the system (100) as a transfer chair when the cart housing (116) is removed from the wheelchair (106).

21. A vehicle (104) comprising: an interior cabin (102) including a kitchen (120), wherein a cart compartment (118) is disposed within the kitchen (120); and a system (100) comprising: a wheelchair (106); and a cart housing (116) removably coupled to the wheelchair (106), wherein the cart housing (116) is configured to be selectively secured to and removed from the wheelchair (106), wherein the system (100) is operable as a kitchen cart when the cart housing (116) is secured to the wheelchair (106), and wherein the system (100) is operable as a transfer chair when the cart housing (116) is removed from the wheelchair (106), and wherein the system (100) having the cart housing (116) securable to the wheelchair (106) is stored within the cart compartment (118) of the kitchen (120).

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