Ceiling retaining assemblies and methods for an internal cabin of a vehicle

A retaining assembly and method for use within an internal cabin of an aircraft, in which the retaining assembly includes a hinge including a biasing member. The hinge is moveable between a retaining position, in which the biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force into a top surface of a ceiling panel within an internal cabin of a vehicle to prevent the ceiling panel from upward motion, and a release position, in which the hinge is configured to be pivoted away from the ceiling panel and the biasing member is configured to be separated from the ceiling panel.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to ceiling retaining assemblies, systems, and methods, such as may be used within an internal cabin of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Commercial aircraft include internal cabins having passenger seats, stowage bin assemblies, and monuments, such as lavatories, galleys, closets, and the like. Ceiling panels within the internal cabin are coupled to one another, certain monuments, and/or stowage bin assemblies. The ceiling panels conceal ducts, wiring, and other components within the internal cabin.

For various reasons, ceiling panels may need to be temporarily removed or replaced. For example, certain components above the ceiling panels may be due for inspection and/or maintenance. As such, a ceiling panel may need to be removed in order to gain access to a component.

However, known retainers that secure the ceiling panels in position often do not allow for the ceiling panels to be easily removed. As an example, a monument below the ceiling panel may restrict movement of the ceiling panel. In particular, the ceiling panel may not be able to be downwardly moved as it may be blocked by the monument. Further, the retainers may not allow the ceiling panel to be upwardly moved. Therefore, the ceiling panel may need to be laterally shifted in order to be removed, which may be difficult and time-consuming. In short, the shapes and sizes of certain ceiling panels and adjacent structures within an internal cabin of an aircraft may cause a removal process of the ceiling panel to be time and labor intensive.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A need exists for a system and method that facilitate quick, easy, and efficient removal of a ceiling panel. Further, a need exists for a system and method that allow for effective removal of a ceiling panel (such as a B-transition ceiling panel) that is coupled to a monument within an internal cabin of an aircraft.

With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a retaining assembly including a hinge having a biasing member. The hinge is moveable between a retaining position, in which the biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force into a top surface of a ceiling panel within an internal cabin of a vehicle to prevent the ceiling panel from upward motion, and a release position, in which the hinge is configured to be pivoted away from the ceiling panel and the biasing member is configured to be separated from the ceiling panel.

In at least one embodiment, the retaining assembly further includes a base. A portion of the ceiling panel is configured to be sandwiched between the biasing member and the base when the hinge is in the retaining position. The retaining assembly further includes a wall connected to the base. The hinge is pivotally coupled to the wall. The wall is configured to secure the retaining assembly to a rail connected to a strongback of an overhead stowage bin assembly. For example, the wall includes one or more fastener through-holes that retain fasteners that are configured to secure the retaining assembly to the rail. In at least one embodiment, the hinge is pivotally coupled to the wall through an axle.

In at least one embodiment, the retaining assembly also includes a plunger that is configured to selectively extend into and retract from a channel of a pivot restraint spur of the hinge. Upward pivotal motion of the hinge is restrained when the plunger extends into the channel. As an example, the plunger includes a shaft having a distal end that is configured to be pushed into the channel and pulled out of the channel.

As an example, the biasing member is coupled to a pivot coupler of the hinge. The biasing member includes an extension beam extending below the pivot coupler. The extension beam is pivotally coupled to the pivot coupler through an axle. A coil spring extends between the pivot coupler and the extension beam. The coil spring is configured to bias at least a portion of the extension beam onto the top surface of the ceiling panel when the hinge is in the retaining position. The portion can include an expanded panel engagement member that is configured to abut against the top surface of the ceiling panel when the hinge is in the retaining position.

As another example, the biasing member includes a spring steel strap. The spring streel strap can include a securing segment secured to the hinge, an extension segment connected to the securing segment (wherein the extension segment outwardly and downwardly extends from the hinge), and an engagement member connected to the extension segment (wherein the engagement member is configured to engage the top surface of the ceiling panel).

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method including providing a retaining assembly including a hinge that includes a biasing member, and moving the hinge into a retaining position. Said moving the hinge into the retaining position causes the biasing member to exert a biasing force into a top surface of a ceiling panel within an internal cabin of a vehicle to prevent the ceiling panel from upward motion. The method also includes moving the hinge into a release position. Said moving the hinge into the release position pivots the hinge away from the ceiling panel and separates the biasing member from the ceiling panel.

In at least one embodiment, the method also includes extending a plunger into a channel of a pivot restraint spur of the hinge when the hinge is in the retaining position. Said extending restrains pivotal motion of the hinge. The method also includes retracting the plunger from the channel of the pivot restraint spur to allow the hinge to move into the release position.

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide an aircraft including an internal cabin, a stowage bin assembly within the internal cabin, a monument within the internal cabin, a ceiling panel extending between the stowage bin assembly and the monument, and a retaining assembly, as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a retaining assembly for a ceiling panel of an internal cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. The retaining assembly allows for quick, effective, and efficient installation and removal of the ceiling panel within the internal cabin. In at least one embodiment, the retaining assembly includes a hinge clip having a biasing member. In at least one embodiment, the biasing member includes a spring. As another example, the biasing member includes a spring steel strap. The biasing member presses against a ceiling panel to keep the ceiling panel from lifting upwardly, such as during a flight of an aircraft.

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective top view of an aircraft10, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft10includes a propulsion system12that includes two engines14, for example. Optionally, the propulsion system12can include more engines14than shown. The engines14are carried by wings16of the aircraft10. In other embodiments, the engines14can be carried by a fuselage18and/or an empennage20. The empennage20may also support horizontal stabilizers22and a vertical stabilizer24.

The fuselage18of the aircraft10defines an internal cabin, which can be defined by interior sidewall panels that connect to a ceiling and a floor. The internal cabin can include a flight deck, one or more work sections (for example, galleys, personnel carry-on baggage areas, and the like), one or more passenger sections (for example, first class, business class, and coach sections), and an aft section. Each of the sections can be separated by a cabin transition area, which can include one or more class divider assemblies. Overhead stowage bin assemblies can be positioned throughout the internal cabin.

Alternatively, instead of an aircraft, embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train cars, seacraft, spacecraft, and the like.

FIG. 2Aillustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin30of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal cabin30can be within a fuselage32of the aircraft. For example, one or more fuselage walls can define an interior of the internal cabin30. The interior of the internal cabin30is defined by sidewall panels that connect to a ceiling and a floor. The internal cabin30includes multiple sections, including a front section33, a first class section34, a business class section36, a front galley station38, an expanded economy or coach section40, a standard economy or coach section42, and an aft section44, which can include multiple monuments, such as lavatories, closets, and galley stations. It is to be understood that the internal cabin30can include more or less sections than shown. For example, the internal cabin30may not include a first class section, and may include more or less galley stations than shown. Each of the sections can be separated by a cabin transition area46.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the internal cabin30includes two aisles50and52that lead to the aft section44. Optionally, the internal cabin30can have less or more aisles than shown. For example, the internal cabin30can include a single aisle that extends through the center of the internal cabin30that leads to the aft section44.

FIG. 2Billustrates a top plan view of an internal cabin80of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal cabin80can be within a fuselage81of the aircraft. For example, one or more fuselage walls can define the interior of the internal cabin80. The internal cabin80includes multiple sections, including a main cabin82having passenger seats83, and an aft section85behind the main cabin82. It is to be understood that the internal cabin80can include more or less sections than shown.

The internal cabin80can include a single aisle84that leads to the aft section85. The single aisle84can extend through the center of the internal cabin80that leads to the aft section85. For example, the single aisle84can be coaxially aligned with a central longitudinal plane of the internal cabin80.

FIG. 3illustrates a perspective interior view of an internal cabin100of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal cabin100includes outboard sidewalls102connected to a ceiling104, which can include numerous ceiling panels, such as B-transition ceiling panels proximate to monuments, such as lavatories. Windows106can be formed within the outboard sidewalls102. A floor108supports rows of seats110. As shown inFIG. 3, a row112can include two seats110on either side of an aisle113. However, the row112can include more or less seats110than shown. Additionally, the internal cabin100can include more aisles than shown.

Passenger service units (PSUs)114are secured between an outboard sidewall102and the ceiling104on either side of the aisle113. The PSUs114extend between a front end and rear end of the internal cabin100. For example, a PSU114can be positioned over each seat110within a row112. Each PSU114can include a housing116that generally contains vents, reading lights, an oxygen bag drop panel, an attendant request button, and other such controls over each seat110(or groups of seats) within a row112.

Overhead stowage bin assemblies118are secured to the ceiling104and/or the outboard sidewall102above and inboard from the PSU114on either side of the aisle113. The overhead stowage bin assemblies118are secured over the seats110. The overhead stowage bin assemblies118extend between the front and rear end of the internal cabin100. Each stowage bin assembly118can include a pivot bin or bucket120pivotally secured to a strongback (hidden from view inFIG. 3). The overhead stowage bin assemblies118can be positioned above and inboard from lower surfaces of the PSUs114. The overhead stowage bin assemblies118are configured to be pivoted open in order to receive passenger carry-on baggage and personal items, for example.

As used herein, the term “outboard” means a position that is further away from a central longitudinal plane122of the internal cabin100as compared to another component. The term “inboard” means a position that is closer to the central longitudinal plane122of the internal cabin100as compared to another component. For example, a lower surface of a PSU114can be outboard in relation to a stowage bin assembly118.

FIG. 4illustrates an interior view of an internal cabin100looking aft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The internal cabin100includes a ceiling panel200over an aisle113. The ceiling panel200is coupled to a stowage bin assembly118(such as to a strongback of the stowage bin assembly118) over seats110on one side of the aisle113, and a monument202on an opposite side of the aisle113. In at least one embodiment, the monument202is a lavatory, a closet, a galley, a transition wall, or the like, which is inboard from the aisle113. In at least one embodiment, the ceiling panel200is a B-transition ceiling panel.

FIG. 5illustrates a front view of the ceiling panel200coupled to the stowage bin assembly118and the monument202within the internal cabin100ofFIG. 4. The ceiling panel200includes a lower segment204that is disposed above the aisle113. The lower segment204connects to an arcuate upper segment206. An outboard end208of the upper segment206rests on a beam, such as a cove210that connects to an upright rail212. The rail212can be part of, or other otherwise connected to, a strongback of the stowage bin assembly118. An inboard end214of the upper segment206secures to the monument202through a latch216.

As noted, in at least one embodiment, the ceiling panel200is a B-transition ceiling panel. Optionally, the ceiling panel200can be various other ceiling panels200within the internal cabin100. The ceiling panel200can be sized and shaped differently than shown inFIGS. 4 and 5.

At least one retaining assembly220secures the ceiling panel200in position, such as with respect to the stowage bin assembly118. In at least one embodiment, the retaining assembly220is secured to the rail212, such as through one or more bolts. The retaining assembly220includes a biasing member222that exerts a biasing force in the direction of arrow224into a top surface226of the ceiling panel200, thereby ensuring that an edge228of the outboard end208is securely sandwiched between the biasing member222and a base of the retaining assembly220.

As shown inFIG. 5, the monument202provides structure that can prevent the inboard end214of the ceiling panel200from being moved downwardly when unlatched from the latch216. As described herein, the retaining assembly220is configured to be moved between a retaining position (as shown inFIG. 5), in which the retaining assembly220retains the outboard end208in position, and a release position, in which a hinge of the retaining assembly220is disengaged from (for example, separated from) the ceiling panel200. As such, the outboard end208may be upwardly moved (for example, pivoted) in the direction of arrow297, and the inboard end214may be inwardly shifted in the direction of arrow299to clear the monument202. As such, the ceiling panel200may be moved into a removal position, and removed into the aisle113.

FIG. 6illustrates a perspective first lateral view of the retaining assembly220, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 7illustrates a perspective second lateral view (opposite from the first lateral view) of the retaining assembly220.FIG. 8illustrates a perspective rear view of the retaining assembly220.

Referring toFIGS. 6-8, the retaining assembly220includes the base230, such as a flat beam. The base230connects to a wall232, which can be perpendicular to the base230. The wall232includes one or more fastener through-holes237, which are configured to receive fasteners (such as bolts) that secure the retaining assembly220to a structure, such as the rail212(shown inFIG. 5).

An axle retaining sleeve234extends upwardly from a first upper lateral portion236of the wall232. A plunger retaining sleeve240extends upwardly from a second upper lateral portion238(opposite from the first upper lateral portion236) of the wall232. The axle retaining sleeve234and the plunger retaining sleeve240are separated by a gap242.

A hinge244is pivotally coupled to the wall232. The hinge244includes a pivot coupler247that pivotally couples the hinge244, such as a first end246thereof, to the wall232through an axle248that is rotatably retained within an axle bearing250of the axle retaining sleeve234and an axle bearing252of the plunger retaining sleeve240. The pivot coupler247includes a main beam254that extends away from the wall232. The pivot coupler247further includes a pivot restraint spur256that upwardly extends from a top surface proximate the first end246of the hinge244, and abuts against the plunger retaining sleeve240.

The plunger retaining sleeve240slidably retains a shaft258of a plunger260, which further includes an engagement handle262that connects to the shaft258. When the plunger260is in an extended position that restrains movement of the hinge244, a distal end264of the shaft258extends into a reciprocal channel266of the pivot restraint spur256. The plunger260is configured to selectively extend into and retract from the channel266of the pivot restraint spur256of the hinge244. Upward pivotal motion of the hinge244is restrained when the plunger260extends into the channel266.

A biasing member268is coupled to the pivot coupler247. The biasing member268includes an extension beam270that extends below the pivot coupler247. The extension beam270is pivotally coupled to the pivot coupler247through an axle272proximate to the first end246. The extension beam270includes an expanded panel engagement member274that is distally located from the first end246. A spring276, such as a coil spring, extends between an end278of the pivot coupler247and the panel engagement member274at a second end249of the hinge244. The spring276biases the panel engagement member274in the direction of arrow224towards the base230.

Referring toFIGS. 5-8, the edge228of the ceiling panel200is sandwiched between the panel engagement member274and the base230. The spring276exerts the biasing force into the edge228, thereby securely trapping the ceiling panel200in position when the plunger260is in the extended position, which restrains pivotal motion of the hinge244. The extension beam270is pivotal in relation to the pivot coupler247via the axle272in the directions of arc273. As such, as the spring276compresses and expands, the extension beam270responds through the pivotal motion about the axle272.

In at least one embodiment, the panel engagement member274includes a rounded tip280. The rounded tip280provides a smooth surface that is unlikely to scratch or dig into the ceiling panel200. Optionally, the panel engagement member274can be sized and shaped differently than shown.

Referring toFIGS. 5-8, when the plunger260is in the extended position, the hinge244is constrained from upward pivot motion. In particular, the distal end264of the shaft258of the plunger260is retained within the reciprocal channel266, thereby blocking upward pivotal motion of the hinge244in the direction of arc290.

In order to disengage the hinge244from the edge228of the ceiling panel200, the plunger260is pulled outwardly in the direction of arrow292until the shaft258is removed from the reciprocal channel266so that the shaft258no longer engages the pivot restraint spur256. As such, the hinge244may be pivoted upwardly in the direction of arc290so that the biasing member268releases from the edge228of the ceiling panel200. Therefore, the outboard end208of the ceiling panel200can be lifted upwardly (for example, pivoted) in the direction of arrow297. Because the hinge244pivotally releases from the ceiling panel200, there is no portion of the retaining assembly220above the ceiling panel200.

In contrast to known retainers, the retaining assembly230is moveable between a retaining position, in which the hinge244is restrained from upward pivot motion and the biasing member268exerts a biasing force into the ceiling panel, and a release position, in which the hinge244is pivoted upwardly away from the ceiling panel200. When the retaining assembly230is in the release position such that the hinge244is no longer over the ceiling panel200, the ceiling panel200can be lifted upwardly, in contrast to known retainers that inhibit upward motion of the ceiling panel200. In at least one embodiment, the ceiling panel200can first be unlatched from the latch216, the retaining assembly230may be moved into the release position, and then the ceiling panel200can be moved upwardly in the direction of arrow297, and downwardly angled or otherwise shifted to remove the ceiling panel200from the stowage bin assembly118and the monument202.

As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide the retaining assembly220including the hinge244having the biasing member268. The hinge244of the retaining assembly220is moveable between a retaining position, in which the biasing member268is urged into a top surface of the ceiling panel200to prevent the ceiling panel200from upward motion, and a release position, in which the hinge244is pivoted away from the ceiling panel200and the biasing member268is disengaged from the ceiling panel200. In the retaining position, the plunger260engages the pivot restraint spur256, which restrains upward pivotal motion of the hinge244.

FIG. 9illustrates a perspective front view of a retaining assembly220in a retaining position with respect to a ceiling panel200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the retaining assembly220is secured to the rail212, such as through fasteners300.

The retaining assembly220is similar to the retaining assembly220shown inFIGS. 6-8, except that the biasing member268includes a spring steel strap302. The spring steel strap302includes a securing segment304secured to the hinge244. The securing segment304connects to an extension segment306that outwardly and downwardly extends from the hinge244. The extension segment306connects to an engagement member308, such as an upturned end segment, which is configured to directly engage (for example, abut against) a top surface of the ceiling panel200. The spring steel strap302exhibits a spring force constant that exerts a biasing force into the ceiling panel200when the retaining assembly220is in the retaining position as shown inFIG. 9. In order to disengage the retaining assembly220from the ceiling panel200, the plunger260is outwardly pulled in the direction of arrow292, as described above, thereby disengaging from the pivot restraint spur256. As such, the hinge244can be upwardly pivoted away from the ceiling panel200.

FIG. 10illustrates a perspective front view of the retaining assembly220in an intermediate position with respect to the ceiling panel200. As shown, the retaining assembly220pivots away from the ceiling panel200.

FIG. 11illustrates a perspective front view of the retaining assembly220in the release position with respect to the ceiling panel200. In the release position, the244is no longer above the ceiling panel200. As such, the ceiling panel200may be upwardly lifted.

In order to secure the ceiling panel200in position, the process is reversed. For example, the hinge244is downwardly pivoted towards the ceiling panel200until the biasing member268engages a top surface of the ceiling panel200. The plunger260is then pushed inwardly in the direction of arrow293so that the plunger260re-engages the pivot restraint spur256, thereby restraining the hinge244from upward pivotal motion.

FIG. 12illustrates a flow chart of a retaining method for a ceiling panel within an internal cabin of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method includes providing (400) a retaining assembly including a hinge that includes a biasing member, and moving (402) the hinge into a retaining position. The moving (402) the hinge into the retaining position causes the biasing member to exert a biasing force into a top surface of a ceiling panel within the internal cabin of the aircraft to prevent the ceiling panel from upward motion. The method also includes moving (404) the hinge into a release position. The moving (404) the hinge into the release position pivots the hinge away from the ceiling panel and separates the biasing member from the ceiling panel.

In at least one embodiment, the method also includes sandwiching a portion of the ceiling panel between the biasing member and a base of the retaining assembly when the hinge is in the retaining position.

In at least one embodiment, the method includes pivotally coupling the hinge to a wall of the retaining assembly, and securing the wall to a rail connected to a strongback of an overhead stowage bin assembly.

In at least one embodiment, the method also includes extending a plunger into a channel of a pivot restraint spur of the hinge when the hinge is in the retaining position. The extending restrains pivotal motion of the hinge. The method also includes retracting the plunger from the channel of the pivot restraint spur to allow the hinge to move into the release position.

In at least one embodiment, the moving the hinge into the retaining position includes biasing, by a coil spring of the biasing member, the portion of the extension beam onto the top surface of the ceiling panel when the hinge is in the retaining position. As another example, the moving the hinge into the retaining position includes biasing a spring steel strap of the biasing member onto the top surface of the ceiling panel when the hinge is in the retaining position.

Further, the disclosure comprises embodiments according to the following clauses:

Clause 1. A retaining assembly comprising:

a hinge comprising a biasing member, wherein the hinge is moveable between a retaining position, in which the biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force into a top surface of a ceiling panel within an internal cabin of a vehicle to prevent the ceiling panel from upward motion, and a release position, in which the hinge is configured to be pivoted away from the ceiling panel and the biasing member is configured to be separated from the ceiling panel.

Clause 2 The retaining assembly of Clause 1, further comprising:

a base, wherein a portion of the ceiling panel is configured to be sandwiched between the biasing member and the base when the hinge is in the retaining position; and

a wall connected to the base, wherein the hinge is pivotally coupled to the wall, and wherein the wall is configured to secure the retaining assembly to a rail connected to a strongback of an overhead stowage bin assembly.

Clause 3. The retaining assembly of either of Clauses 1 or 2, wherein the wall comprises one or more fastener through-holes that retain fasteners that are configured to secure the retaining assembly to the rail.

Clause 4. The retaining assembly of any of Clauses 1-3, wherein the hinge is pivotally coupled to the wall through an axle.

Clause 5. The retaining assembly of any of Clauses 1-4, further comprising a plunger that is configured to selectively extend into and retract from a channel of a pivot restraint spur of the hinge, wherein upward pivotal motion of the hinge is restrained when the plunger extends into the channel.

Clause 6. The retaining assembly of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the plunger comprises a shaft having a distal end that is configured to be pushed into the channel and pulled out of the channel.

Clause 7. The retaining assembly of any of Clauses 1-6, wherein the biasing member is coupled to a pivot coupler of the hinge, and wherein the biasing member comprises:

an extension beam extending below the pivot coupler, wherein the extension beam is pivotally coupled to the pivot coupler through an axle; and

a coil spring extending between the pivot coupler and the extension beam, wherein the coil spring is configured to bias at least a portion of the extension beam onto the top surface of the ceiling panel when the hinge is in the retaining position.

Clause 8. The retaining assembly of any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the portion comprises an expanded panel engagement member that is configured to abut against the top surface of the ceiling panel when the hinge is in the retaining position.

Clause 9. The retaining assembly of any of Clauses 1-8, wherein the biasing member comprises a spring steel strap.

Clause 10. The retaining assembly of any of Claims1-9, wherein the spring steel strap comprises:

a securing segment secured to the hinge;

an extension segment connected to the securing segment, wherein the extension segment outwardly and downwardly extends from the hinge; and

an engagement member connected to the extension segment, wherein the engagement member is configured to engage the top surface of the ceiling panel.

Clause 11. An aircraft comprising:

an internal cabin;

a stowage bin assembly within the internal cabin;

a monument within the internal cabin;

a ceiling panel extending between the stowage bin assembly and the monument; and

a retaining assembly according to any of claims1-10.

Clause 11. A method comprising:

providing a retaining assembly comprising a hinge that includes a biasing member;

moving the hinge into a retaining position, wherein said moving the hinge into the retaining position causes the biasing member to exert a biasing force into a top surface of a ceiling panel within an internal cabin of a vehicle to prevent the ceiling panel from upward motion; and

moving the hinge into a release position, wherein said moving the hinge into the release position pivots the hinge away from the ceiling panel and separates the biasing member from the ceiling panel.

Clause 12. The method of Clause 11, further comprising sandwiching a portion of the ceiling panel between the biasing member and a base of the retaining assembly when the hinge is in the retaining position.

Clause 13. The method either Clause 11 or 12, further comprising:

pivotally coupling the hinge to a wall of the retaining assembly; and

securing the wall to a rail connected to a strongback of an overhead stowage bin assembly.

Clause 14. The method of any of Clauses 11-13, further comprising

extending a plunger into a channel of a pivot restraint spur of the hinge when the hinge is in the retaining position, wherein said extending restrains pivotal motion of the hinge; and

retracting the plunger from the channel of the pivot restraint spur to allow the hinge to move into the release position.

Clause 15. The method of any of Claims11-14, wherein said moving the hinge into the retaining position comprises biasing, by a coil spring of the biasing member, the portion of the extension beam onto the top surface of the ceiling panel when the hinge is in the retaining position.

Clause 16. The method of any of Clauses 11-15, wherein said moving the hinge into the retaining position comprises biasing a spring steel strap of the biasing member onto the top surface of the ceiling panel when the hinge is in the retaining position.

As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that facilitate quick, easy, and efficient removal of a ceiling panel within an internal cabin of an aircraft. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that allow for effective removal of a ceiling panel (such as a B-transition ceiling panel) that is coupled to a monument within an internal cabin of an aircraft.