Remotely locked airline overhead bins

A storage system that includes storage bins and a locking system. The locking system includes an actuation lever, pins that engage with the storage bins, and an elongated link that extends between and connects the actuation lever to the pins. The locking system is selectively movable between a locked position with the actuation lever in a first position and the pins engaged with the storage bins to prevent the storage bins from moving from the closed position, and an unlocked position with the actuation lever in a second position and the pins disengaged from the storage bins to allow the storage bins to move between the open and closed positions.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of storage systems and, more specifically, to storage systems that include a locking system for selectively locking storage bins.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles that transport people, such as aircraft, buses, and trains, typically include storage bins located near the passenger seats. The storage bins are sized to hold the passenger's personal items such as small suitcases, jackets, briefcases, etc. Aircraft, for example, have closable storage bins located above the passenger seats for securing their personal items.

Passengers are able to access the storage bins at various times. This can include when the passenger initial enters the vehicle and locates their seat. The passenger places their personal items in the storage bins prior to sitting down in their seat. During the trip, the passengers may be able to access the storage bins under normal conditions, such as when the flight is smooth (i.e., no turbulence) and the seatbelt sign has been turned off. The passengers can also access the storage bins to remove their personal items upon exiting the vehicle.

There are situations that can occur when the storage bins should not be accessed. This can include when the vehicle is involved in an event when it is necessary to quickly exit the vehicle. The passengers should disregard their personal items and instead just exit the vehicle as fast as possible for their own safety and the safety of other passengers. There have been numerous instances when during an emergency evacuation of a vehicle passengers have retrieved their personal items from the storage bins prior to exiting. This blocks the emergency exits and slows other passengers from exiting.

SUMMARY

One aspect is directed to a storage system. The storage system includes storage bins that are movable between an open position and a closed position. A latch on each of the storage bins to keep the storage bins from moving to the open position while in the closed position. A locking system locks the storage bins in the closed position. The locking system includes: an actuation lever; a plurality of pins with one of the pins positioned at each one of the storage bins; and an elongated link that extends between and connects the actuation lever to the pins with the elongated link configured to transfer motion of the actuation lever to the pins. The locking system is selectively movable between a locked position with the actuation lever in a first position and the pins engaged with the storage bins to prevent the storage bins from moving from the closed position, and an unlocked position with the actuation lever in a second position and the pins are disengaged from the storage bins to allow the storage bins to move between the open and closed positions.

In another aspect, each of the pins is biased to be disengaged from the storage bins.

In another aspect, a biasing member is attached to the link at a point away from the actuation lever with the biasing member applying a biasing force that biases the actuation lever towards the unlocked position.

In another aspect, each of the pins is mounted to one of the storage bins to move with the storage bins between the open and closed positions.

In another aspect, each of the pins includes a leg that is attached to the elongated link and a foot that extends outward from the leg and engages with the storage bin.

In another aspect, the elongated link includes an inner cable that is attached to the actuation lever and an outer sheath that extends around the inner cable with the outer sheath being stationary and the inner cable moving when the actuation lever moves between the first and second positions.

In another aspect, each of the latches includes a release lever that is engaged by the pins in the closed position.

In another aspect, a support frame supports the storage bins and pins that are attached to the support frame and engaged by the latches when the storage bins are in the closed positions.

In another aspect, the link includes a main section that is connected to the actuation lever and offshoot sections that extend between the main section and the pins.

One aspect is directed to a storage system. The storage system includes a support frame. Storage bins are mounted to the support frame and movable relative to the support frame between an open position and a closed position with each of the storage bins comprising: a body that extends around and forms a interior space; and a latch mounted to the body and that engages with the support frame in the closed position. A locking system locks the storage bins in the closed position and includes: an actuation lever; a plurality of pins that are each positioned at one of the storage bins; and an elongated link that extends from the actuation lever to each of the pins. The locking system is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the actuation lever is at a first position with each of the pins engaged with one of the latches to prevent the storage bins from moving from the closed position. In the unlocked position, the actuation lever is at a second position with each of the pins disengaged from the corresponding latch to allow movement of the storage bins between the open and closed positions.

In another aspect, a release lever on each of the latches can be actuated to unlock the latch from the support frame and move the storage bin to the open position with each of the pins positioned to engage with one of the release levers in the locked position.

In another aspect, each of the pins is attached to the body of one of the storage bins.

In another aspect, the elongated link includes a main section that is attached to the actuation lever and bin sections that extend from the main section and are connected to one of the pins.

In another aspect, a biasing member biases the main section of the elongated link to maintain the locking system in the locked position.

One aspect is directed to a method of securing storage bins. The method includes: positioning an actuation lever that is positioned in a cabin of a vehicle in a first position and engaging pins that are operatively connected to the actuation lever into engagement with each of a plurality of storage bins and locking the storage bins; and moving the actuation lever to a second position and disengaging each of the pins from the storage bins and unlocking the storage bins.

In another aspect, the method includes moving an elongated link that is connected to each of the actuation lever and the pins and moving the pins out of engagement with the storage bins when moving the actuation lever from the first position to the second position.

In another aspect, the method includes maintaining an outer sheath of the link stationary while moving an inner cable of the link and moving the pins out of engagement with the storage bins and into engagement with the storage bins.

In another aspect, the method includes positioning each of the pins underneath a release lever on the storage bins and locking the storage bins.

In another aspect, the method includes applying a biasing force and biasing the pins away from the storage bins.

In another aspect, the method includes biasing the actuation lever towards the open position and out of engagement with the storage bins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates a vehicle100, specifically an aircraft100. The aircraft100includes a fuselage109with an interior cabin101to carry passengers. The cabin101can extend along a majority of the length of the fuselage. A cockpit105is positioned at the front of the fuselage109.

FIG.2is a cross-sectional, schematic view of the fuselage109and the cabin101configured for use by the passengers. Seats102are spaced across the width and length of the cabin101. One or more aisles103are formed between the seats102and can extend along the length of the cabin101. The aisles103provide pathways for the passengers to enter and exit the vehicle100, and move about the cabin101during flight. A cargo hold104can extend within the lower section of the fuselage109to carry larger passenger items (e.g., larger suitcases, boxes) as well as various other cargo.

Storage bins30are positioned in proximity to the seats102to hold the personal items of the passengers. The storage bins30include a body31that extends around and forms an interior space32. The storage bins30can be positioned between a closed position that prevents access to the interior space32, and an open position that allows access to the interior space32. The storage bins30are attached to a support frame39. The support frame39can include a housing that receives the storage bin30. The support frame39can be attached to a structural member of the aircraft100, such as an interior wall, support rod, and ceiling member.

FIG.3illustrates a storage bin30positioned within a support frame39. The storage bin30includes the body31that includes an opening34that leads into the interior space32. The body31also includes a front side33that faces outward into the cabin101. The storage bin30is movable relative to the support frame39between an open position as illustrated inFIG.3in which the interior space32is accessible, and a closed position in which the interior space32is not accessible. In one design as illustrated inFIG.3, the entire body31is movable relative to the support frame39. In another design, the front side33is movable relative to a remainder of the body31to control access to the interior space32.

A handle49is positioned on the front side33for a passenger to move the storage bin30between the open and closed positions. The handle49is operatively connected to one or more latches40that are positioned on one or both of the lateral sides of the body31. In one design, the handle49is connected to an elongated member that extends to the one or more latches40. Movement of the handle49by a passenger causes the one or more latches40to move and thus provide for opening the storage bin30.

FIGS.4and5illustrate a latch40connected to a lateral side of the body31. In one design, the storage bin30includes a single latch40on one of the lateral sides. In another design, the storage bin30includes latches40on each of the two lateral sides with each of the latches40operating in a similar manner. As illustrated inFIG.4, the latch40engages with a pin42on the support frame39in the closed position. Movement of the handle49on the front side33of the storage bin30causes the latch40to open allowing the storage bin30to move to the open position as illustrated inFIG.5.

A release lever41is connected to the latch40. The release lever41can be moved to release the latch40from the pin42and open the storage bin30. As illustrated inFIG.4, the release lever41extends outward from the latch40when the latch40is engaged with the pin42and the storage bin30is in the closed position. The release lever41is moved relative to the latch40causing the latch40to disengage from the pin42and allow the storage bin30to move from the closed position to the open position. In one design as illustrated inFIG.5, the release lever41is positioned closer to the latch40in the open position.

The release lever41can be moved to cause the latch40to open and release from the pin42. The release lever41can be used to open the storage bin30in the event the handle49malfunctions. The release lever41can be activated by applying a force that moves the release lever41relative to the latch40as illustrated inFIG.5. In one method, an elongated tool can be inserted into a gap formed between the body31and the support frame39. The tool can contact against and move the release lever41relative to the latch40. This causes the latch40to release from the pin42and for the storage bin30to move to the open position.

FIG.6illustrates an overview of a storage system10. The storage system10includes storage bins30and a locking system20. As disclosed, the storage bins30are movable between open and closed positions. The locking system20locks the storage bins30in the closed position. The locking system20includes pins23that are positioned at each of the storage bins30. An actuation lever21is connected to the pins23through an elongated link22. The locking system20is selectively movable between a locked position with the actuation lever21in a first position and the pins23engaged with the storage bins30to prevent the storage bins30from moving from the closed position. The locking system20can also be moved to an unlocked position with the actuation lever21in a second position and the pins23disengaged from the storage bins30to allow the storage bins30to move between the open and closed positions.FIG.7illustrates another design of the storage system10and includes the storage bins30connected to the support frame39.

In the various embodiments, the locking system20can be configured to lock one or more storage bins30. The locking system20can include one or more actuation levers21. In one design, each of the one or more actuation levers21can lock each of the storage bins30. In another design, the locking system20includes multiple actuation levers21that each locks a limited number of the storage bins30. The one or more actuation levers21can be positioned at various locations within the aircraft100. This can include but is not limited to the galley, the cockpit105, and along an aisle103.

As illustrated inFIGS.8and9, the actuation lever21can be movable about a pivot70. The actuation lever21is movable about the pivot70between a first position (illustrated in solid lines inFIG.9) in which the storage bins30are locked, and a second position (illustrated in dashed lines inFIG.9) in which the storage bins30are unlocked. The actuation lever21can include a variety of different structures, including but not limited to lever arm (as illustrated), joystick, slidable handle, and a rotating member.

The elongated link22connects the actuation lever21to the pins23. The elongated link22is configured to transfer the motion of the actuation lever21to the pins23. The elongated link22can include a variety of configurations, including but not limited to wire, cable, cord, line, and chains and sprockets. In one design, the elongated link22includes a cable71that is housed within an exterior sheath72. The sheath72can be fixedly mounted to the aircraft100while the interior cable71remains movable for selectively positioning the pins23. One or more anchors73can be positioned along the length to secure the sheath72while still allowing for movement of the cable71.

A biasing member50can be attached to the link22. The biasing member50applies a tensioning force to the link22. This can include being attached to and applying a force to the interior cable71. In one design as illustrated inFIGS.8and9, the biasing member50is positioned at an end of the link22opposite from the actuation lever21. The biasing member50can include a variety of structures, including but not limited to a spring and an elastic member. The biasing member50can bias the locking system20towards one of the locked and unlocked positions.

The link22is configured to connect with each of the pins23. The link22can include a main section26that extends between the actuation lever21and the biasing member50. Offshoot sections27extend off from the main section and lead to and are connected to the pins23. Pulleys74can be positioned along the elongated link22to support the link22. In one design pulleys74are positioned at the intersections of the main section26and offshoot sections27.

The locking system20is configured to engage with the storage bins30and prevent the storage bins30from moving from the locked position to the open position. This can include the pins23engaging with the storage bins30in various manners. One design includes the pins23contacting against the body31and preventing movement relative to the support frame39. This can also include engaging with the handle49or latch40to prevent release of the latch40.

FIG.9illustrates one design with each of the pins23engaging with the release lever41on the latch40. The pin23includes a leg24and a foot25. The leg24is attached to the link22and is movable about a pivot75. The foot25extends outward from an end of the leg24. A biasing member76(e.g., spring, elastic member) can be connected to the pin23and apply a biasing force. In one design as illustrated inFIG.9, the cable71of the link22is attached to a first end of the leg24and the biasing member76is attached to a second end of the leg24.

FIGS.10-12illustrate the engagement of the pin23with the latch40when moving from an open position to a closed position. Both the latch40and the pin23are mounted to the support frame39.FIG.10includes the relative positioning when the storage bin30is open and the locking system20is not engaged. The latch40is in a retracted position and the pin23is not engaged with the release lever41. The biasing member76applies a force to the pin23towards the disengaged position.

FIG.11includes the storage bin30in the open position and the locking system20engaged with the latch40. As illustrated, the pin23has moved about the pivot75and engages with the release lever41. This movement is caused by a force applied to the pin23through the cable71. This force from the cable71overcomes the force applied to the pin23by the biasing member76. This positioning can be a standby mode because the storage bin30remains in the open position but the locking system20is engaged. The locking system20does not cause the storage bin30to move to the closed position (but rather prevents the storage bin30from being moved from the closed position when engaged). Thus, the locking system20can be engaged with the latch40when the storage bin30is in the open position. Upon closure of the storage bin30, the locking system20will fully engaged and prevent the storage bin30from being opened.

FIG.12illustrates the relative positioning with the storage bin30in the closed position and the locking system20engaged. The pin23has fully engaged the release lever41. This can include the foot25moving between the release lever41and the latch40. In this position, the storage bin30is prevented from being opened, despite the movement of the handle49by a passenger or a trained operator.

FIG.13illustrates a method of securing storage bins30. The actuation lever21is positioned in a first position causing pins23that are operatively connected to the actuation lever21to move into engagement with each of the storage bins30to lock the storage bins30(block200). The actuation lever21can be moved to a second position to disengage each of the pins23from the storage bins30to unlock the storage bins30(block202).

In the various design, one or more of the storage bins30can be separate from the locking system20. These one or more storage bins30can be used for supplies for the operators, emergency supplies, etc. that may need to be accessed during an event. These one or more storage bins30remain unlocked and accessible when the remainder of the storage bins30used for passenger's personal items are locked.

The aspects have been described for use within the context of an aircraft100, and specifically a commercial aircraft100configured to transport passengers. These aspects can also be used on other vehicles100. Vehicles100can include but are not limited to other aircraft, spacecraft, rotorcraft, terrestrial vehicles, surface water borne vehicles, sub-surface water borne vehicles, and combinations thereof.

The storage bins30can be used in a variety of other contexts that do not include a vehicle. For example, within a person's house, work environment, and locker room.