427results about "Stowage devices" patented technology

Interior architectural structures and lighting for aircraft, particularly commercial passenger airplanes. Light diffusers and ceiling panels in a “wing-shape” and other secondary panels are utilized to create different interior designs and structures. A permeable secondary panel is utilized in one passenger cabin in order to provide a more private-type space. An enlarged ceiling arch with blended curves forming a “wing-type” configuration provides a more spacious cabin arrangement. Other features include air and light diffusers, passenger service modules, a “shelf”-like configuration and lighting above the airplane entrance / exit door, and bulkheads and monuments positioned at various positions in the cabin.

A baggage storage system especially for an aircraft passenger cabin includes a lowerable baggage compartment, a guide arrangement along which the motion of the baggage compartment is guided between an upper closed position and a lower open position, a powered drive unit, and a coupling arrangement that selectively couples or decouples the drive unit relative to the baggage compartment. With the drive unit coupled to the baggage compartment, a full powered raising and lowering of the baggage compartment is achieved. If the drive unit fails, it is decoupled from the baggage compartment, so that the baggage compartment can be manually raised and lowered. A locking latch arrangement securely latches the baggage compartment in the upper closed position.

Luggage storing bins in an aircraft passenger cabin are suspended from rigid mounting brackets by cooperating first and second securing elements forming part of the carriers and of bin end walls. The securing elements, such as holes, cooperate with connector members such as threaded bolts and nuts, whereby the bins can be secured to the respective bracket in different elevational positions to vary a cabin layout in accordance with airline requirements. Gaps between the cabin ceiling cover panels and the bins are covered by overlaps and / or additional moldings to accommodate different elevational bin positions.

A module for an aircraft having a fuselage structure and a floor element defining a floor plane. The module includes a frame device adapted for mounting a functional element and the frame device is adapted for attachment to the floor element of the aircraft at a first location in the floor plane. The frame device is adapted for attachment to the fuselage structure of the aircraft at a second location, wherein the second location is not in the floor plane.

Interior lighting and illumination systems for aircraft, particularly commercial passenger airplanes. Opposing pairs of LED lamps are positioned in the ceiling panels above the aisles between sets of seats in the passenger cabins. One set of LED lights are directed to illuminate the ceiling panels and may be in a particular color. The other set of LED lights are positioned to shine their lights on storage / stowage bins positioned across the aisles, thus creating a cross-bin lighting system. This enhances the cabin architecture and provides cabin illumination. A reflector can be positioned to direct the light and reduce possible glare to the passengers. The reflector directs the light rays from the LED lights which emanate from the top of the reflector to shine on the lowest part of the bins. The light rays leaving the reflector cross in front of the reflector.

In one embodiment, a method of operating an aircraft having a passenger cabin and a cargo hold, comprises the steps of directing passengers to board the aircraft, directing passengers to deposit their luggage in a luggage deposit location on-board the aircraft, and subsequently taking the deposited luggage from the luggage deposit location and then storing the luggage in the cargo hold of the aircraft. In another embodiment, a method of unloading an aircraft having a cargo hold and a passenger cabin, comprises the steps of transporting items of luggage from the cargo hold to a luggage collection location on-board the aircraft, and directing passengers to collect their luggage from the luggage collection location and to disembark the aircraft is also provided. Information may be gathered with regard to the identity of passengers embarking and disembarking the aircraft. Yet another embodiment relates to an aircraft having a passenger cabin, a cargo hold, and a luggage handling system mounted in the cargo hold. The luggage handling system may comprise a plurality of luggage storage locations located in the cargo hold of the aircraft, a selector for selecting one of the luggage storage locations, and a luggage transporter for transporting luggage from a luggage deposit location, to the selected luggage storage location.

A baggage storage system especially for an aircraft passenger cabin includes a lowerable baggage compartment, a guide arrangement along which the motion of the baggage compartment is guided between an upper closed position and a lower open position, a powered drive unit, and a coupling arrangement that selectively couples or decouples the drive unit relative to the baggage compartment. With the drive unit coupled to the baggage compartment, a full powered raising and lowering of the baggage compartment is achieved. If the drive unit fails, it is decoupled from the baggage compartment, so that the baggage compartment can be manually raised and lowered. A locking latch arrangement securely latches the baggage compartment in the upper closed position.

A storage bin system for holding luggage or the like has an upper shroud portion secured to a supporting structure and a cooperating lower bucket defining a storage space for items. The lower bucket pivots downwardly to open and has a curved front face with curved inner and outer surfaces. A latch handle is centrally mounted in the front surface and operatively connected to a latch operating mechanism secured to the inner surface. A flat bottom plate is removably mounted on the curved inners surface, covering the latch operating mechanism to from a flat surface to support items inserted into the storage space. A number of the storage bin systems are mounted on opposite sides of a passenger cabin of a single aisle aircraft to provide a cleaner, open passenger cabin look.

An integrated aircraft interior module includes one or more ceiling panels, sidewall linings, decompression ventilation provisions, and overhead stowage compartments including cabin air distribution ducting, personal service units. The sidewall linings, overhead stowage compartments and other interior structure integrated items attach to existing aircraft structural provisions.

A storage bin assembly is disclosed. The storage bin assembly includes a door moveably connected to an enclosure at first and second pivot axes by a pair of compound pivoting mechanisms including a first arm and a second arm. The storage bin assembly also includes an arcuate dampening arm integrally connected to the first arm of each pivoting mechanism to provide damped movement of the door relative the enclosure. A method for adjusting the position of the door relative the enclosure is also disclosed.

A damping mechanism that includes a housing with an inner circumferential surface defined by an assembly outer race, an axle shaft that is rotatable with respect to the housing, and a transmission assembly operatively associated with the axle shaft and disposed within the housing. The transmission assembly includes an assembly intermediate race. A fluid space that includes fluid therein is defined between the assembly intermediate race and the inner circumferential surface of the assembly outer race. A vane is disposed between the assembly intermediate race and the inner circumferential surface of the assembly outer race. The vane includes a restriction space defined therein. When the axle shaft rotates in the first direction, the transmission assembly transmits rotation from the axle shaft to the vane, and when the axle shaft rotates in the second direction, the transmission assembly transmits less rotation to the first vane than when the axle shaft rotates in the first direction.

An elastomeric tie rod end isolator or an elastomeric cartridge isolator that includes an outer metal sleeve defining a generally cylindrical socket, a generally cylindrical inner metal sleeve disposed coaxially within the socket in radially spaced relationship with the outer metal sleeve, and an elastomeric isolator disposed therebetween. The elastomeric isolator is a unitary annular body formed of an elastomer material and having a radially inboard surface in contact with the inner metal sleeve and a radially outboard surface in contact with the outer metal sleeve. The unitary elastomer body has a generally conical primary load-carrying section and a generally cylindrical secondary load-limiting section, each disposed coaxially about the axis of the socket. The load-limiting section includes a snubber gap formed by an axially extending groove. The annular unitary elastomeric body may be formed of an elastomer material having a relatively low damping characteristic and a relatively soft stiffness characteristic.

A laminate panel especially well suited to help form an overhead stowage bin door on an aircraft, wherein the door includes a portion of a high contrast color advertising mural or message integrally formed therewith. The door includes a honeycomb support layer on which at least one fiberglass pre-preg layer is formed. A polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) film is used as a substrate for the color mural or message. A ultraviolet (UV) curable ink is deposited directly on the PVF film via an ink jet printing process that produces a high color density, high color contrast image. The PVF film in one form is a Tedlar® PVF film. The ink is cured virtually immediately after it is deposited on the PVF film. An additional layer of PVF film is then secured to a side of the printed-on PVF film opposite to that on which the ink is deposited via a layer of embossing resin to form the laminate panel. The laminate panel is then secured via a suitable adhesive to the fiberglass pre-preg and honeycomb support layer in a subsequent manufacturing step. The stowage bin door and process of making same enable a portion of a high color density, high contrast image, advertising mural or message to be integrally formed with the door.

An overhead luggage bin for an aircraft interior includes a stowage compartment, an upper door movably attached to the stowage compartment and a lower door movably attached to the aircraft interior, the upper door and the lower door being moveable between a closed position and an opened position. A floor of the stowage compartment includes a first portion and a second portion movably attached to the first portion that defines a ramp surface with the lower door in the opened position for improved accessibility. An overhead luggage bin is provided with handles at opposed ends of the stowage compartment and includes one or more non-linear ridgelines and / or increased reflectance on an exterior surface for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. An overhead luggage bin includes an RFID reader for providing increased RFID functionality. An overhead luggage bin includes a stowage compartment having an integrated handrail.

A method and apparatus for assisting movement of a bin into a closed position. An assistance system associated with the bin may be activated in response to a manipulation of a switch associated with the bin. The assistance system may comprise a biasing system and a switch. The biasing system may be configured to generate a force in a direction towards a closed position for the bin. A switch may be connected to the biasing system and configured to activate the biasing system when a selected amount of weight is present in the bin. The force in the direction towards the closed position for the bin may be generated in response to activating the assistance system.

A luggage overhead bin system and method for a passenger cabin of an aircraft. A plurality of stowage compartments approximates an amount of passenger seats. A compartment number is labeled on each stowage compartment, wherein one or more of the compartment numbers are the same as a passenger seat number. An access control system capable of being overridden by a flight crew controls access to each stowage compartment. A locking mechanism locks and unlocks the stowage compartment in response to the access control system. Further included is a credential given to the passenger for enabling the passenger to provide the input to the lock, wherein the input is compared to an access control list within the control panel for the authentication. The above system allows for a fare structure which differentiates for travel fare with and without a carry-on piece of luggage ba d on use of the overhead compartment.

A pivot assembly is provided including a first pivot boss having an engagement extension and a first race element having a central race socket. A central engagement bushing is rotatably secured within the central race socket and includes an engagement chamber adapted to removably engage the engagement extension. The central engagement bushing allows the first race element to rotate relative to the first pivot boss while remaining longitudinally engaged to the first fixed pivot boss.

A hatrack module with a moveable hatrack comprises a housing with a hatrack accommodation space, a hatrack with laterally arranged guide elements and optionally at least one passenger service unit, wherein each guide rail is arranged on one sidewall of the hatrack accommodation space, and wherein the guide elements of the hatrack can be made to engage the guide rails on the housing.

A storage compartment is combined with an air flow channel (5) between a passenger seat and an aircraft side wall in an aircraft cabin. The storage compartment is constructed of five walls forming a box (3) inserted into the air channel that extends longitudinally along the aircraft side wall and along the cabin floor. The box (3) is upwardly closed by a hinged cover (16) forming a tray (17). The aircraft side wall (2) has at least one air filter element (10) facing into the channel. One or more dado panels (7) with air flow passages (6) enclose the channel toward the cabin. A cabin floor (4) closes the channel (5) downwardly. One or more decompression flaps (15) in the floor (4) normally close the channel (5). Under normal operating conditions air flow into and out of the cabin passes around the box through the channel (5) and the filter element (10). Should a decompression occur the flap (15) is opened and pressure equalization is achieved by air flow through the openings in the cabin floor thereby bypassing the air filter element (10) for rapid pressure equalization in different spaces of the aircraft.

A modular overhead stowage bin system has an outboard bin support and a center bin support coupleable to the fuselage. First and second stowage bin modules having different storage capacities are connectable to the outboard and center bin supports in first and second configurations. In a first configuration, the first and second stowage bin modules are coupled to the fuselage and have a first overhead aisle therebetween with first opposing edge portions. The first and second stowage bin modules in the second configuration are coupled to the fuselage and have a second overhead aisle therebetween. The second overhead aisle has second opposing edge portions each shifted laterally relative to the position of the first opposing edge portions of the first overhead aisle when the first and second stowage bin modules are in the first configuration.

An improved monument structure combining an integrated construction system with carbon fiber reinforced composites to form an exoskeleton chassis that significantly reduces the build times, manufacturing skill level requirements, post processing activities, and overall weight of a given aircraft monument.

A system for reducing the manual force required to move a lowerable shell of a luggage compartment in a passenger aircraft includes a load determination device for determining a load acting on the lowerable shell of the luggage compartment, and a state detection device for detecting whether the lowerable shell is in a closed position or an open position. The system also includes a force assisting device for applying a constant assisting force which opposes the load acting on the lowerable shell. The system further includes an actuating device adapted to move the force assisting device from a first inactive operating state to a second active operating state when the lowerable shell is in the open position and the load acting on the lowerable shell exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

A galley monument assembly that is configured to be positioned in the interior of an aircraft. The galley monument assembly includes a lower storage section that is adapted to receive at least one trolley cart and that includes a vertically oriented rear wall and two opposing side walls. The lower storage section defines a first storage depth. The galley monument assembly also includes an upper storage section that defines a second storage depth. The second storage depth is deeper than the first storage depth.

A power assist device for use in a luggage bin with a drop-down shell has a load measuring mechanism, a power assist mechanism, and an actuation mechanism. The load measuring mechanism is changed from the inactive operating state to the active operating state by the actuation mechanism when the load determined by the load measuring mechanism exceeds a specified threshold that is larger than an assist force. The actuation mechanism has cooperating locking elements of which a first element is connected to a first abutment point and a second element is connected to a second abutment point. The locking elements can move relative to one another such that, in an inactive operating state, the one locking element meshes with a friction fit into the cooperating other locking element and releases it in an active operating state.

The present application describes a quick-change fastening system for demountably mounting an element to a fastening structure. The element comprises an engagement element that is designed to engage a bearing element of the fastening structure, wherein the element is hingeably held around the bearing element between a hooked-in position and a fastened position. The element further comprises a fastening element that can be affixed to a locking element of the fastening structure when the element is in its fastened position. The engagement element and the bearing element are designed such that along a hingeing movement of the element a form-fit connection is established when the element is in its hooked-in position, and that a force-fit connection is established when the element is in its fastened position.

A stowage bin assembly is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of one or more seats within a vehicle. The stowage bin assembly may include a pivot bin including a forward end panel, an aft end panel that is opposed to the forward end panel, a front panel extending between the forward and aft end panels, and a closeout bracket secured to the forward end panel, the aft end panel, and the front panel. A baggage retaining chamber is defined between the forward end panel, the aft end panel, and the front panel. The closeout bracket spans between the forward end panel and the aft end panel.