Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an asymmetric luggage stowage bin arrangement, with a pair of buckets attached to a single bin housing. The buckets being unequal in length, to optimize the storage capacity of the bin housing relative to the most common luggage dimensions on the market. In one form, the asymmetric luggage stowage bin arrangement is used as a retrofit to replace shelf-style luggage stowage compartments common to older style aircraft.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     This disclosure relates to the field of commercial aircraft luggage bins having a moving bucket for holding the luggage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Disclosed herein is a luggage storage system for commercial aircraft. The system in one form comprising: a bin housing, a first luggage bucket, and a second luggage bucket. The bin housing in turn comprising: an aircraft frame attachment device, a first bin end-wall on one longitudinal of the bin housing, a second end-wall on the longitudinally opposite end of the bin housing from the first bin end-wall, a end-wall pivot on facing sides of the first and the second end-wall, a bin divider substantially parallel to each end-wall, wherein the distance between the first bin end-wall and the bin divider is substantially less than the distance between the second bin end-wall and the bin divider, and a divider pivot on both longitudinal sides of the bin divider. 
     The first luggage bucket in one form extending from the first bin end-wall to the bin divider the second luggage bucket attached to corresponding end-wall pivot and corresponding divider pivot. 
     The second luggage bucket extending from the second bin end-wall to the bin divider, the second luggage bucket attached to corresponding end-wall pivot and corresponding divider pivot. 
     The luggage storage system described above may be arranged wherein: the width of the first luggage bucket is between 35% to 45% of the width of the bin housing; and the second luggage bucket is between 55% to 65% of the width of the bin housing. 
     The luggage storage system as described above may be arranged wherein the width of the first luggage bucket is substantially 41% of the width of the bin housing; and the second luggage bucket is substantially 69% of the width of the bin housing. 
     The luggage storage system as described above may be arranged wherein: the first luggage bucket comprises a first luggage bucket face which longitudinally overlies the first bin end-wall and a portion of the bin divider less than half the longitudinal thickness of the bin divider; and the second luggage bucket comprises a first luggage bucket face which longitudinally overlies the first bin end-wall and a portion of the bin divider less than half the longitudinal thickness of the bin divider. 
     The luggage storage system described herein may be utilized as an aircraft luggage bin retrofit of an existing bin housing produced by the process comprising the steps of: removing the existing bin housing from the aircraft; and installing a retrofit bin housing with a plurality of asymmetric buckets. In one form the retrofit bin housing has substantially the same longitudinal dimension as the existing bin housing. The retrofit bin housing in one form comprises: an aircraft frame attachment device, a first bin end-wall on one longitudinal of the retrofit bin housing, a second end-wall on the longitudinally opposite end of the retrofit bin housing from the first bin end-wall, an end-wall pivot on facing sides of the first and the second end-wall, a bin divider substantially parallel to each end-wall, wherein the distance between the first bin end-wall and the bin divider is substantially less than the distance between the second bin end-wall and the bin divider, and a divider pivot on both longitudinal sides of the bin divider. 
     The retrofit process in one form further comprising the step of providing a first luggage bucket extending from the first bin end-wall to the bin divider the second luggage bucket attached to corresponding end-wall pivot and corresponding divider pivot. 
     The retrofit process in one form further comprising the steps of: providing a second luggage bucket extending from the second bin end-wall to the bin divider, the second luggage bucket attached to corresponding end-wall pivot and corresponding divider pivot; and installing the retrofit bin housing in place of the existing bin housing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric front view of an aircraft bin housing and a plurality of buckets according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an aircraft interior with a plurality of the bin housings of  FIG. 1   
         FIG. 3  is an isometric front view of an aircraft bin housing and a plurality of buckets according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is an aircraft bin housing and a plurality of buckets according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cutaway/hidden line side view of a prior art aircraft luggage bin. 
         FIG. 6  is a cutaway/hidden line side view of an aircraft bin housing and a plurality of buckets according to one embodiment of the invention where the luggage is stowed on it&#39;s back. 
         FIG. 7  is a cutaway/hidden line side view of an aircraft bin housing and a plurality of buckets according to one embodiment of the invention where the luggage is stowed on it&#39;s side. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As new types of aircraft are introduced, and current aircraft models have their Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) interiors upgraded, existing aircraft with aging interiors often fall short of satisfying passenger expectations by comparison. Passengers who fly often prefer interiors with pivot buckets, such as those found on newer airliners, but these bucket systems are usually expensive to retrofit into older aircraft with stock OEM shelf bins. To solve this retrofit problem, an asymmetric PBI (Pivot Bin Interior) is disclosed herein with a unique configuration that fits in standard modules (such as for example 80″ modules) without significant modification to the aircraft. This arrangement results in the asymmetric PBI being a cost effective retrofit option. In one form, the asymmetric PBI&#39;s may be configured with a deep pivot bucket design. Passengers can stow for example up to seven standard carry-on roller bags transversely on their sides, in two buckets, per 80″ module. This improved storage arrangement is beneficial to airlines who want to significantly increase baggage capacity in the cabin, and especially so for airlines who want to offer an improved overhead stowage system across their fleet. In one form, asymmetric PBI&#39;s may be complemented by an interior upgrade system that may for example include electronic bucket latching and bucket assist systems, half-oval lowered ceilings, modern styled Passenger Service Units (PSUs), sculpted sidewalls with wider looking reveals, and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) mood lighting system that provides a continuous wash of light along the cabin. 
     With a stationary shelf system, such as that shown in  FIG. 5 , the luggage is not repositioned once in place in the storage compartment. To gain access to the luggage compartment, the face  70  is opened about a pivot  72 . Thus the weight of the luggage and other stowed elements is not significant to operation of the stowage bin. Very wide modules may be, and have traditionally been utilized. In a drop or pivot bucket style module such as that shown in  FIG. 6 , the weight of the luggage and other stowed components is often consequential and wide buckets are often unwieldy to operate. Using the chart below, if five 40# luggage items were present in a single bucket, the total weight of the luggage alone could total up to 200#, which would be difficult for a normal person to lift and close. 
     One retrofit option is to divide a module into two equally sized bins. For example, an 80″ shelf module may be replaced with two buckets having a width of about 40″ each. While this results in a longitudinally symmetric arrangement, which is aesthetically pleasing, relatively inexpensive to produce and maintain, there are detriments to a symmetric arrangement. 
     One detriment to such an arrangement is that symmetric width options may not be an efficient use of the space. As luggage is generally produced to fit all airline requirements, most carry-on luggage is produced to fit within a 22″×14″×9″ space. As shelf style modules often do not allow for luggage to be inserted with the narrowest side down, the luggage  68   f  must be placed on it&#39;s “back” as shown in  FIG. 5 . Using the general dimensions of 22″×14″×9″, the 14″ by 22″ surface (back) would rest upon the shelf. Looking to the luggage item  68   b  of  FIG. 1 , the dimensions correspond respectively to a length  102 , width  100 , and height  104 . Thus only two luggage items  68   g  as shown in  FIG. 6  could be stowed in each narrow bucket, taking up about 28″ of space, leaving about 12″ of space unutilized per bucket. The result being four luggage items stowed per module. If the module however was adjusted to a 47″/33″ arrangement, two luggage items could be stowed in the narrow (33″) bucket, and three luggage items can be stowed in the wide (47″) bucket. 
     Another advantage of a bucket retrofit can be achieved when the bucket is configured to allow luggage to be placed with the 9″×22″ surface (side) placed upon the luggage supporting surface. Generally, this will require that the bucket have an effective height clearance  98  in excess of the width  100  of the luggage item. This arrangement can be achieved as shown in  FIG. 5 . Using the previous example, in a 33″ bucket, three luggage items may be placed in the bucket on their sides, taking up 27″ in the longitudinal direction when 9″ luggage is used. In a 47″ bucket, five luggage items can be stowed on their sides as shown by the luggage  68   g  of  FIG. 7 , taking up 45″ in the longitudinal direction when 9″ luggage is used. This combination allows eight luggage items to be stowed in an 80″ asymmetric PBI module, where the shelf arrangement or a symmetric PBI of the same longitudinal space only allowed five items of luggage to be stowed in an 80″ module. 
     Several Features which may be utilized with the disclosed asymmetric PBI installation include:
         Bin capacity for roller bags will increase. In one embodiment by up to 86 bags per aircraft. (based on a target customer&#39;s Layout of Passenger Accommodations (LOPA))   New lowered ceilings, pivot bins, PSUs, sidewalls, and LED lighting will give the cabin a contemporary appearance   The spacious interior provides easier access to seats   Bin loading/unloading is improved due to no internal hinges   Electronic bin systems improve safety and reduce work   LED fixtures offer efficiency and mood lighting effects   New PSUs offer a better control layout for passengers       

     Before beginning a detailed description of specific components, an axes system  10  is disclosed in  FIG. 1 . The axes system includes a vertical axis  12 , a transverse axis  14 , and a longitudinal axis  16 . When the module  20  is installed into an aircraft  22 , the longitudinal axis  16  is generally aligned with the long axis of the aircraft body while the aircraft is in a normal, parked position. The vertical axis  12  is vertical relative to Earth, and the transverse axis is orthogonal to both. The axes are intended to aid in describing the arrangement of components relative to each other, and are not intended to limit the claims to a specific orientation. 
     A numbering system will be utilized where each component has a numeric identifier, and various embodiments of that component include a alphabetic identifier. For example, the bin end-walls are identified with the numeral  26 , and the first end-wall  26   a  includes the alphabetic identifier “a”. 
       FIG. 1  shows one embodiment of a module  20  of an asymmetric PBI. The module  20  generally comprised of an asymmetric bin housing  24  having a plurality of bin end-walls  26   a  and  26   b . A bin divider  28  is also shown longitudinally between the end-walls  26 . The module  20  has a longitudinal length  30  and the distance between the inner surface of the first end-wall  26   a  and the facing surface  32  of the bin divider  28  defines a narrow bucket width  34 . Similarly, the distance between the inner surface of the second end-wall  26   b  and the facing surface  36  of the bin divider  28  defines a wide bucket width  38 . In equivalent embodiments, the bin divider may be positioned on either the right side or the left side of the longitudinal median of the bin housing  24 . 
     The asymmetric PBI bin housing  24  in one form further comprises an aircraft frame attachment components  40  for attachment to the aircraft frame. In addition the bin housing includes a PSU attachment location  42  for connection to the PSU panels  44  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In addition, the bin housing  24  may comprise a ceiling panel attachment location  46  for connection to an aircraft ceiling panel  48 . To improve esthetics and safety, the connection to the frame should be structurally secure, and may allow for adjustability to properly align the bin housing  24  to the PSU panels  44  as well as the ceiling panel  48 . 
     A narrow bucket  50  is installed in a first region bounded by the first bin end-wall  26   a  and the bin divider  28 . The narrow bucket  50  comprises a bucket face panel  52 , a first bucket end-wall  54  adjacent to and pivot-ably connected to the first bin end-wall  26   a , and a second bucket end-wall  56  adjacent to and pivot-ably connected to the bin divider  28 . While a pivot location  58  is shown symbolically in  FIG. 1 , more detailed views are shown and described below. 
     A wide bucket  60  is installed in a second region bounded by the second bin end-wall  26   b  and the bin divider  28 . The wide bucket  60  comprises a bucket face panel  62 , a first bucket end-wall  64  adjacent to and pivot-ably connected to the second bin end-wall  26   b , and a second bucket end-wall  66  adjacent to and pivot-ably connected to the bin divider  28 . 
     As can be clearly seen in  FIG. 1 , luggage  68  is held in the buckets  50 / 60  as the buckets are in a lowered or open position. Due to the position of the pivot  58  near the back of the buckets relative to the face panels  52 / 62 , the luggage is lowered as the buckets are opened. This enhances ability of the passengers of the aircraft to place, access, and remove their luggage relative to shelf-type bins such as that shown in  FIG. 5  where the face  70  of the luggage storage compartment  76  pivots at a pivot point  72  near the vertical top edge of the face  70 . In a shelf-type storage compartment  76 , the luggage  68   f  rests upon a static shelf  74 . Thus the shelf  74  must generally be horizontal so that the luggage  68   f  does not shift to result in loose luggage  68   e  which may not be secured during flight within the compartment  76 . Often such shelf-type storage bins result in wasted space  78  above and behind the luggage  68   f , as well as wasted space  80  between the compartment  76  and the aircraft frame  82  or inner skin thereof. 
     Looking to  FIG. 2 , it can be seen how each module  20  may fit adjacent a similar module to produce a clean and pleasing arrangement to the interior  84  of the aircraft. While the asymmetric PBI does not produce the evenly spaced arrangement of prior art symmetric storage compartments, the increased luggage capacity makes the asymmetric PBI very beneficial in many applications. As previously described, each module  20  comprises a narrow bucket  50  and a wide bucket  60  installed in one bin housing  24 . By arranging modules of similar configuration longitudinally adjacent each other wide-narrow (w-n) w-n w-n or possibly w-n n-w w-n etc. an overall longitudinally pleasing pattern can easily be achieved, even though each module is not in and of itself longitudinally symmetric. In addition, it will often be desired to have the transversely facing modules be mirror images of each other to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the overall interior. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2  are latch release handles  90  which can be operated by a passenger or crew to open each individual bucket. The latch release handles  90  in one form are connected to latch mechanisms  96  which selectively prohibit opening of the buckets.  FIG. 6  will be used to describe a bin in general, with the components of a narrow bucket  50  used by way of example, at the first end-wall  26   a . One of ordinary skill in the art can extend this description to the attachment between the narrow bucket  50  and the bin divider  28 , or to the attachment of the narrow bucket  60  to the bin housing  24 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , each latch mechanism  90  comprises a first portion  92  secured to the bucket  50 , and a second portion  94  secured to the bin end-wall  26   a . In one embodiment, when the bucket  50  is closed, the latch mechanism  96  will automatically engage, securing the first portion  92  to the second portion  94 , temporarily securing the bucket in the closed position until the latch mechanism  96  is released. In one embodiment, the bucket will open when the latch release handle  90  is actuated. In another embodiment the latch mechanism may be selectively locked by a locking mechanism upon closing or by the crew and must be unlocked before being manipulated by a passenger. In yet another embodiment opening and/or closing of the bins is completely controlled by the crew from a remote position such as the galley, or cockpit. 
     In one form, the latch  96  is configured to be remotely controlled. In one example, the crew may have a locking system whereby all latches  96  in an aircraft, or section of an aircraft, may be locked so that actuation of the latch release handle  90  will have no effect upon the latch  96 . This system may be desired in case during take-off, landing, turbulence, emergency, or just for general safety. In another example, the crew may have access to a system for releasing all latches in the aircraft, or in a section of the aircraft, whereupon the buckets will open (pivot). This feature may be used for example when the cabin is empty of passengers, and it is desired to have all buckets open to facilitate passenger loading. 
     Looking to  FIG. 6 , in addition to the pivot  58  and latch  96 , the bucket  50  may be connected to the bin housing  24  by way of a bin assist system which may incorporate elastic members such as springs, hydraulic members, and/or other mechanical/electronic devices to aid in opening/closing the bucket  50 . This component is similar to components disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,314 incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIG. 2  shows an aircraft interior  84  prior to installation of the seating and other interior components. The sidewalls  86  are installed below the modules  20  and PSU panels  44 . These sidewalls  86  surround the windows  88  and provide an aesthetically pleasing barrier between the interior of the aircraft and the frame and/or inner skin. 
     80″-33/47 Example 
     One specific example is disclosed, for an 80″ asymmetric PBI module. For every 80″ module, two pivot buckets are configured in a 33″ by 47″ longitudinally adjacent arrangement. This example may allow passengers to stow standard carry-on roller bags transversely on their sides with three bags in the narrow bucket, and up to five bags in the wide bucket. The pivot buckets may also feature an electronic opening/latching option, which allows the crew to open all overhead bins simultaneously in preparation for boarding, as well as lock them in the closed position during TTOL (Taxi, Take Off, and Landing), all at the touch of a button. In addition, a bin assist system may be incorporated to help passengers close heavy bins with minimal effort. 
     Often, when a cabin interior is upgraded, airlines may desire new furniture, seats, and In-flight Entertainment (IFE) to improve the cabin aesthetics. Airlines may also require assistance with getting a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). 
     One embodiment of a Baseline Kit to be used in installing of the disclosed asymmetric PBI includes:
         Half-oval lowered ceilings with light fixtures   Overhead stowage bin valances   80″ support modules   Pivot bins and actuation hardware   End fillers and end caps as needed   Passenger service units       

     The Baseline Kit to be used in installing of the disclosed asymmetric PBI may also include:
         Electronic bin latching system   Electronic bin assist system   New drop down 9″ monitors for the PSUs   Sidewall panels with new window reveals   Overwing exit door linings   LED fixtures and mood lighting controls       

     The installation of the disclosed asymmetric PBI may allow for salvage and/or re-use of existing:
         Ceiling panels (reworked) and air outlet nozzles   Ceiling and sidewall wash light systems   Bin supports (where possible)   PSU monitors, hinges, and latches   OEM sidewalls and air outlet rails   Overwing exit door linings   Dado panels       

     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Current Baggage Restrictions for Major Airlines 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Maximum Linear 
                   
               
               
                 Airline 
                 Maximum size 
                 Length 
                 Weight 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Air France 
                 22″ × 14″ × 9″ 
                   
                 26.4 lbs     
               
               
                 Air Tran 
                   
                 55″ [length + 
               
               
                   
                   
                 width + height] 
               
               
                 Alaska Air/Horizon 
                 24″ × 17″ × 10″ 
               
               
                 American Airlines 
                   
                 45″ [length + 
                 40 lbs 
               
               
                   
                   
                 width + height] 
               
               
                 America West 
                   
                 51″ [length + 
               
               
                   
                   
                 width + height] 
               
               
                 British Airways 
                 22″ × 16″ × 8″ 
                   
                 26 lbs 
               
               
                 Continental Airlines 
                   
                 51″ [length + 
                 40 lbs 
               
               
                   
                   
                 width + height] 
               
               
                 Delta Airlines 
                 22″ × 14″ × 9″ 
                 45″ [length + 
                 40 lbs 
               
               
                   
                   
                 width + height] 
               
               
                 JetBlue 
                 varies by plane 
               
               
                 Northwest 
                 22″ × 14″ × 9″ 
               
               
                 Southwest Airlines 
                 24″ × 16″ × 10″ 
                   
                 40 lbs 
               
               
                 United Airlines 
                 22″ × 14″ × 9″ 
                   
                 40 lbs 
               
               
                 US Airways 
                 24″ × 16″ × 10″ 
                   
                 40 lbs 
               
               
                 Virgin Atlantic 
                 22″ × 14″ × 9″ 
                   
                 35 lbs 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The term locking mechanism used herein defines an apparatus which interoperates with a latching mechanism to selectively allow operation of the latch through a separate step from the step of manipulating the latching mechanism. Thus, when the lock is engaged, a first manipulation is required to actuate the lock, and a second manipulation is required to actuate the latch. 
     While the present invention is illustrated by description of several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. In particular, an 80″ module is used as an example, but modules of other longitudinal dimensions may also be utilized as required. In addition, a 33″/47″ bucket arrangement (41%/59%) is used as an example, although other asymmetric bucket arrangements are within the scope of the disclosure and claims. Additional advantages and modifications within the scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of applicants&#39; general concept.