Patent Publication Number: US-2023150673-A1

Title: Panel Attachment in a Vehicle Configured for Low Profile Removal and Reattachment

Description:
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of panels and, more specifically, to a panel configured to have a limited movement range to connect and disconnect with a support structure. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Vehicles such as aircraft include panels that are connected to support structures at walls and ceilings within an interior space. The panels function to cover various components, such as but not limited to electrical components, electrical wiring, HVAC equipment, personal service unit equipment (e.g., emergency air system, lighting fixtures), and computer software equipment. In addition, the panels can also provide for an aesthetically pleasing appearance such that when positioned in the cabin area of the vehicle or other location where passengers are located. 
     The components that are covered by the panels may require periodic service. For example, various work is performed on the electrical components during maintenance work on the vehicle. This requires the panels to be disconnected from the support structure to allow for a technician to access the components. The panels should be mounted in a manner in which the technician can disconnect the panels in a straight-forward manner. Likewise, when the work on the components is completed, the panels should be configured to be re-connected to the support structure and repositioned to extend over the components. 
     As issue with some vehicles is the panels are located at wall monuments that are mounted within the interior space of the vehicle. For example, a wall that separates adjacent passenger compartments may extend up to the ceiling in the interior space and be positioned in close proximity to a panel that is mounted to the ceiling. Thus, the panels should be configured to be connected to the support structure in a manner in which they can be disconnected within the small space and allow access to the components. Similarly, the panels should be configured to be moved in the small space and re-connected to the support structure when the work on the components is completed. 
     SUMMARY 
     One aspect is directed to an assembly configured to be mounted within an interior of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a monument wall configured to be mounted in the interior of the vehicle. A panel is configured to attach to a support structure above the monument wall with the panel comprising a first edge and a second edge. A latch is mounted to the panel between the first edge and the second edge. A pull member is attached to the panel and comprises an elongated member attached to the latch and a handle positioned on the elongated member and positioned in proximity to the first edge of the panel. A translating hinge is configured to be mounted to the second edge of the panel to provide for translating and pivoting movement of the panel within an access area between the monument wall and the support structure to connect and disconnect the panel from the support structure. 
     In another aspect, the panel comprises an inward face and an outward face with each of the latch, the pull member, and the translating hinge positioned on the inward face. 
     In another aspect, the pull member is movable relative to the latch to move the latch from an engaged position that is secured to the support structure and a released position that is released from the support structure. 
     In another aspect, the handle of the pull member is positioned within an envelope defined by a perimeter edge of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the translating hinge comprises: a mating bracket configured to mount to the support structure with the mating bracket comprising a slot; and a hinge bracket comprising a base configured to mount to the inward face of the panel and a neck that is spaced away from the base and configured to fit into the slot to provide for the translating and pivoting movement of the panel relative to the support structure. 
     In another aspect, the translating hinge is configured to pivot within a range of between about 0°-10°. 
     In another aspect, the access space comprises a height measured between the monument wall and the support structure and the panel comprises a height measured between an inboard edge and an outboard edge with the height of the access space smaller than the height of the panel. 
     One aspect is directed to an assembly configured to be mounted within an interior of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a monument wall configured to be mounted in the interior of the vehicle. A panel comprising an inward face is configured to face into the interior of the vehicle and an opposing outward face is configured to face into the support structure. The panel further comprises a perimeter edge that extends between the inward and outward faces. A latch is mounted to the inward face and spaced inward from the perimeter edge. A pull member is positioned on the inward face and comprises an elongated shape with a first end attached to the latch and a second end positioned at the perimeter edge of the panel. A translating hinge comprises: a mating bracket configured to mount to the support structure of the vehicle with the mating bracket comprising an opening; and a hinge bracket comprising a base configured to mount to the inward face of the panel and a neck that is spaced away from the base and configured to fit into the opening to provide for translational and pivoting movement of the panel within an access space formed between the monument wall and the support structure. 
     In another aspect, the neck comprises an exposed distal end and with the neck comprising a width that is less than a width of the slot to provide for the neck to fit into the slot and with the distal end positioned within the mating bracket. 
     In another aspect, the translating hinge is configured to pivot within a range of between about 0°-10° to maintain the outer face facing towards the monument wall during movement of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the mating bracket is a first mating bracket and the hinge bracket is a first hinge bracket and further comprising a second mating bracket and a second hinge bracket wherein the first mating bracket and the first hinge bracket are positioned at a first lateral side of the panel and the second mating bracket and the second hinge bracket are positioned at a second lateral side of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the second end of the pull member is positioned along an inboard edge of the panel and the hinge bracket is positioned along an opposing outboard edge of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the access space comprises a height measured between the monument wall and the support structure that is less than one-half a height of the panel measured between inboard and outboard edges. 
     One aspect is directed to a method of removing a panel from a support structure within an interior of a vehicle. The method comprises: applying a force to a handle of a pull member that is positioned on an inward face of the panel while the panel is connected by a latch and a translating hinge of the support structure; disengaging the latch from the support structure in response to applying the force to the handle and while the panel remains connected to the support structure at the translating hinge; pivoting the panel about the translating hinge and moving a first edge of the panel downward away from the support structure and towards a monument wall that is positioned in the interior of the vehicle; and after pivoting the panel, translating the panel along the monument wall in a direction towards the interior of the vehicle and away from the support structure. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises pivoting the panel about the translating hinge that is positioned at a second edge of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises translating the panel into the interior of the vehicle and disengaging a hinge bracket that is mounted to the panel from a mating bracket that is mounted to the support structure. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises pivoting the panel about the translating hinge while a hinge bracket that is mounted to the panel is inserted within a mating bracket that is mounted to the support structure. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises pivoting the panel about the second edge within a range of between 0°-10° Wand maintaining the panel spaced away from the monument wall. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises while the latch is disengaged from the support structure and the panel remains attached with the translating hinge to the support structure, moving the panel away from the support structure and accessing an overhead storage space formed within an interior of the support structure. 
     In another aspect, applying the force to the handle of the pull member comprises pulling the handle in a direction away from the translating hinge. 
     The features, functions and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined in yet other aspects, further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an aircraft. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic section view of a portion of the interior of the aircraft cut along line II-II of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a panel positioned above a monument wall within an interior space of a vehicle. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a schematic diagram of an access space formed between a monument wall and a panel. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a panel in a partially disconnected orientation with a panel connected to an support structure through a translating hinge. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the panel of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a pull member attached to a latch and mounted to an inward face of a panel. 
         FIG.  7    is an exploded perspective view of a translating hinge positioned at a panel and an support structure. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a mating bracket. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a mating bracket. 
         FIG.  10    is a side view of a panel fully connected to an support structure. 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of the panel of  FIG.  10    in a partially connected orientation. 
         FIG.  12    is a side view of the panel of  FIG.  11    in a fully disconnected orientation. 
         FIG.  13    is a flowchart diagram of a method of removing a panel from an support structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     An assembly  10  that includes a panel  20  and the attachment components for mounting a panel  20  at a wall monument  105  can be used with a variety of different vehicles  100 . One type of vehicle  100  is an aircraft  100  as illustrated in  FIG.  1   . The aircraft  100  includes a fuselage  101  configured to accommodate passengers and/or cargo.  FIG.  2    illustrates a simplified version of a portion of the fuselage  101  that includes an interior space  102  configured to accommodate the passengers. The interior space  102  includes seats  103 , aisles  104 , and various other components for the passengers. 
     Monument walls  105  are fixedly mounted in the interior space  102 . The monument walls  105  can be used in a variety of different structures, including but not limited to walls that separate different sections of the aircraft  100  or define a passenger space, storage closet for passenger cargo (e.g., jackets, briefcase, suitcase), equipment closet, lavatory, galley, attendant work station, and serving area. The monument walls  105  are attached to the structure of the aircraft  100 , such as to one or more of the floor  106 , walls  107 , and ceiling  108 . The attachment prevents the wall monuments  105  from moving within the interior space  102 . 
     One or more panels  20  are positioned adjacent to the monument wall  105  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . This can include the panel  20  positioned at various positions relative to the monument wall  105 , including but not limited to vertically above the monument wall  105 , and lateral to the monument wall  105 . The panel  20  is positioned in front of a storage space  120  sized to house one or more functional components of the aircraft  100 , including but not limited to various electrical components and wiring, air moving equipment and vents, personal service unit equipment, and computer components. The panel  20  is mounted to a support structure  121  to secure the panel  20  in position in front of these one or more components to prevent a passenger from access and also provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The panels  20  are further configured to be removed from the support structure  121  to provide access to the storage space  120 , such as for a technician working on the aircraft  100 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the panel  20  is positioned in close proximity to the monument wall  105 . A relatively small access space  111  is formed between the monument wall  105  and panel  20 . The panel  20  is configured to be disconnected from the support structure  121  to provide access to the components in the storage space  120 . The panel  20  is further configured to be re-connected and secured to the support structure  121  once the work is completed by the technician. 
     The panel assemblies  10  can be positioned at various locations in the interior space  102 . As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , panel assemblies  10  can be positioned along one or both outboard sides of the interior space  102 . Panel assemblies  10  can also be positioned along a central section of the interior space  102 . The panels  20  of the various assemblies  10  can pivot in different directions dependent upon their position within the interior space  102  and their location relative to one or more of the monument walls  105 . 
       FIG.  3 A  schematically illustrates the access space  111  having a height Ha formed between the monument wall  105  and the panel  20 . The access space  111  is small relative to the panel  20 . This reduced size complicates removal and reattachment of the panel  20  to and from the support structure  121 . In one example, the access space height Ha is less than one-half (½) the height Hp of the panel  20 . In another example, the access space height Ha is less than one-fourth (¼) the height Hp of the panel  20 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  3 A , the access space  111  has a uniform height and length. Other examples include the access space  111  having varying dimensions across the height and/or width. In one example, the height Ha of the access space is about 2 inches. 
     The panel  20  is configured to be attached and detached to and from the support structure  121  within the relatively small access space  111 . The panel  20  is configured to pivot and translate relative to the support structure  121  to provide for connection and disconnection. In one example, the panel  20  moves within the access space  111  without contacting against the monument wall  105 . 
     The assembly  10  includes a panel  20 , a latch  30 , a pull member  40 , and a translating hinge  50  that are positioned at a monument wall  105 . When the panel  20  is fully connected to the support structure  121  as illustrated in  FIG.  3   , both the latch  30  and the translating hinge  50  are engaged to the support structure  121 . In a partially connected orientation, the latch  30  is disengaged while the translating hinge  50  remains engaged with the support structure  121 . This partially connected orientation provides for the panel  20  to pivot about the translating hinge  50  within the access space  111 . This orientation also provides for the panel  20  to translate along the support structure  121  within the access space  111 . In a fully disconnected orientation, both the latch  30  and the translating hinge  50  are disconnected from the support structure  121 . The fully disconnected orientation provides for the panel  20  to be removed from the support structure  121  and the access space  111 . 
       FIGS.  4  and  5    illustrate the panel  20  in a partially connected orientation. The latches  30  on the panel  20  are disconnected from the support structure  121 . The panel  20  remains connected to the support structure  121  through the translating hinges  50 . This provides for the panel  20  to pivot about the translating hinges  50  relative to the support structure  121 . The translating hinges  50  provide for the panel  20  to remain connected to the support structure  121 . 
     The assembly  10  in  FIGS.  4  and  5    include a pair of latches  30  and a pair of translating hinges  50  attached to the panel  20 . The latches  30  and translating hinges  50  are spaced apart across the inward face  21  of the panel  20 . Other examples can include different numbers of latches  30  and translating hinges  50 , including specific examples with a single latch  30  and a single translating hinge  50 , and examples with three or more latches  30  and translating hinges  50 . Further, the number of latches  30  and translating hinges  50  attached to the panel  20  can be the same or different. 
     The panel  20  has a plate-like shape with an inward face  21  and an outward face  22 . The panel  20  includes a thickness measured between the inward and outward faces  21 ,  22 . In one example, the thickness is about 0.375 inches. The outward face  22  faces outward into the interior space  102  of the aircraft  100  when mounted to the support structure  121 . A perimeter edge  23  extends around the panel  20  and spans between the inward and outward faces  21 ,  22 . The perimeter edge  23  includes an inboard edge  24  that is positioned towards a center of the vehicle  100  when mounted to the support structure  121  and an opposing outboard edge  25 . When the panel  20  is fully mounted to the support structure  121 , the outward face  22  is visible from within the interior space  102  of the aircraft  100  and the inward face  21  is not visible. 
     The panel  20  can include a variety of shapes and sizes. In one example, the panel  20  is substantially flat. Other examples as illustrated in  FIGS.  4  and  5    include the panel  20  having an angular shape with one or more planar sections that abut at corners. The panel  20  can be used for various purposes within the vehicle  100 . Examples include but are not limited to ceiling panels, lateral wall panels, and overhead bin panels. 
     The latch  30  is mounted to the inward face  21  of the panel  20 . This position hides the latch  30  from view when the panel  20  is connected to the support structure  121 . As illustrated in  FIG.  4   , the latch  30  includes a pair of jaws  31  that are spaced apart to form an opening  32 . The jaws  31  are adjustable relative to each other between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the jaws  31  are connected to a strike member  122  on the support structure  121 . 
     In one example, one or both jaws  31  are pivotally mounted to the panel  20 . The jaws  31  are biased by a biasing member towards the locked position. In one example, an over-center pawl maintains the locked position. A force applied to one or both jaws  31  moves the jaws  31  from the locked position to the unlocked position. In one example, the force simply overcomes the biasing force. In another example, the force causes the pawl to rotate thus moving one or both jaws  31  to the unlocked position. 
     The jaws  31  are further configured to return to the locked position when the panel assembly  10  is reconnected to the support structure  121 . In one example, the shape of the surface of one or both jaws  31  contacts against and locks onto the strike member  122  when the jaws  31  are brought back into contact with the strike member  122 . 
     A pull member  40  is positioned on the inward face  21  of the panel  20  and is configured to move the latch  30  from the locked position to the unlocked position. The pull member  40  includes elongated shape that extends between the perimeter edge  23  of the panel  20  and the latch  30 . As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the pull member  40  includes an elongated member  41 , such as but not limited to a wire, cable, string, and chain that includes a first end  42  connected to the latch  30  and a second end  43  at the perimeter edge  23 . In one example, the second end  43  includes a handle  44  positioned at the inboard edge  24  of the panel  20 . This positioning hides the handle  44  from view within the interior space  102 , but still provides access to a technician to actuate the pull member  40  and release the latch  30 . 
     In another example, the jaws  31  are mounted to the support structure  121  and the strike members  122  are mounted to the panel  20 . In this example, the jaws  31  engage with the strike members  122  in a similar manner when the panel  20  is in the locked position. 
     The translating hinge  50  provides for rotational and translational movement of the panel  20  relative to the support structure  121 . As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the translating hinge  50  includes a mating bracket  51  and a hinge bracket  61 . In the example of  FIG.  7   , the mating bracket  51  is mounted to the support structure  121  and the hinge bracket  61  is mounted to the panel  20 . In other examples, this arrangement is reversed with the hinge bracket  61  mounted to the support structure  121  and the mating bracket  51  mounted to the panel  20 . 
     The mating bracket  51  includes a body with an opening  52 . The mating bracket  51  can have various different structures including but not limited to being constructed from a piece of sheet metal and a machined block. In one example, as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the mating bracket  51  includes a first section  53  and a second section  54 . The first and second sections  53 ,  54  are spaced apart by a space  55 . The first section  53  is configured to receive fasteners to mount the mating bracket  51 . The second section  54  includes an opening  52  that is in communication with the space  55  and sized to receive the hinge bracket  61 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the opening  52  includes an elongated shape that forms a slot. The opening  52  is configured for a low-friction interface with the hinge bracket  61  and can include a contact surface that can be coated or otherwise connected to the second section  54 . The low friction interface can be formed from various materials, including but not limited to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyoxymethylene (POM). 
     In one example, an extension  56  extends outward from the second section  54 . The extension  56  includes a receptacle  57  sized to receive the hinge bracket  61 . The extension  56  can include a low-friction interface. 
     The hinge bracket  61  is configured to engage with the mating bracket  51 . The hinge bracket  61  includes an elongated shape with a base  62  configured to connect to one of the panel  20  and support structure  121 . In one example, the base  62  includes one or more openings to receive fasteners. A neck  63  extends outward from the base  62  and terminates at a distal end  64 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the neck  63  includes a first section  65  that extends away from the base  62 , and a second section  66  that extends outward from the first section  65 . In one example, the base  62  and the second section  66  include centerlines that are substantially parallel. In another example, the hinge bracket  61  includes a block attached to the panel  20  and an engagement member attached to a top of the block and extending outward to engage with the opening  52  in the mating bracket  51 . 
     The second section  66  of the neck  63  is sized to insert into the opening  52  of the mating bracket  51 . This includes a width and height of the second section  66  being smaller than a width and height of the opening  52 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the second section  66  has a ramped shape with the height increasing away from the distal end  64 . The increasing height controls and extent the second section  66  can be inserted into the opening  52 . When the second section  66  is inserted into the opening  52 , one or both of the upper and lower sides of the second section  66  contact against the edges of the opening  52 . When the mating bracket  51  includes an extension  56  as illustrated in  FIG.  6   , the first section  65  of the neck  63  seats in the neck  57  to position and support the hinge bracket  61 . 
     In one example, the hinge bracket  61  fits into the receptacle  57  formed between the extensions  56 . In a  9 G event, this positioning provides for the hinge bracket  61  to bear into the mating bracket  51  to provide forward/aft support and for the extensions  56  to provide a structural load path. 
     In one example, the translating hinge  50  is configured to require the panel  20  to be pivoted away from the support structure  121  prior to disengaging the mating bracket  51  from the hinge bracket  61 . This aligns the neck  63  of the hinge bracket  61  within the opening  52  of the mating bracket  51  and allows for the neck  63  to slide out of the opening  52 . In one example with the panel  20  in the open position, the upper and lower edges of the neck  63  are parallel with the elongated edges of the opening  52 . When the panel  20  is fully connected to the support structure  121  in the closed position, the neck  63  is oriented at an angle within the opening  52 . This angular positioning prevents the panel  20  from sliding along the support structure  121  and for the mating bracket  51  to disengage from the hinge bracket  61 . In one example when the panel  20  is in the closed position and connected to the support structure  121 , the neck  63  of the hinge bracket  61  is pinched in the opening  52  of the mating bracket  51  as the neck  63  is positioned transverse to the opening  52 . The neck  63  is trapped between an inner corner of the lower edge of the opening  52  and an outer corner of the upper edge of the opening  52 . This pinched position assists to tighten down on the hinge side to keep it firmly in place and prevents and/or reduces rattle. 
       FIGS.  10 - 12    illustrate an example of the panel  20  being disconnected from the support structure  121  while positioned above a monument wall  105 .  FIG.  10    illustrates the panel  20  fully connected to the support structure  121 . This includes each of the one or more latches  30  connected to a corresponding strike member  122 . This also includes the one or more translating hinges  50  engaged with the mating and hinge brackets  51 ,  61  mated together. This includes the neck  63  extending through the opening  52  in the mating bracket  51 . In one example, the angle of the panel  20  relative to the support structure  121  causes the neck  63  of the hinge bracket  61  to apply a force against the side of the opening  52 . This load prevents and/or reduces rattle that could be caused by relative movement between the mating and hinge brackets  51 ,  61 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  10    with the panel  20  fully connected to the support structure  121 , the panel  20  provides an aesthetically attractive appearance that matches the other features of the interior space  102 . As further shown in  FIG.  3   , the pull member  40  attached to the inward face  21  of the panel  20  is not visible and thus does not detract from the aesthetic nature. 
     To remove the panel  20  from the support structure  121 , the one or more latches  30  are disconnected as illustrated in  FIG.  11   . In the partially connected orientation as illustrated in  FIG.  11   , the latch  30  is disconnected from the strike member  122 . This configuration provides for the panel  20  to pivot about the translating hinge  50  with the inboard edge  24  moving downward in the direction of arrow A into the access space  111 . In one example, the panel  20  pivots in a range of substantially 0°-8°. The panel  20  remains connected to the support structure  121  during the pivoting movement through the translating hinge  50 . 
     In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  11   , one or more lanyards  123  control an extent of pivoting movement of the panel  20 . The one or more lanyards  123  are connected to the support structure  121  and the panel  20  and include a length to provide for a predetermined amount of pivoting movement. The one or more lanyards  123  can also maintain the panel  20  connected to the support structure  121  when the translating hinge  50  is disconnected. The lanyards  123  can prevent the panel  20  from hitting the monument wall  105  underneath the panel  20 . The lanyards  123  also protect wiring of electrical components that are attached to the panel  20 . The wires of the components include a longer pig tail connection that is longer than the lanyard  123 . When the lanyard  123  is extended, the lanyard  123  carries the weight/force of the panel  20  without putting stress/strain on the wiring and connectors etc. 
       FIG.  12    illustrates the panel  20  fully disconnected from the support structure  121 . The panel  20  has been translated in the direction of arrow B in the access space  111  and away from the overhead storage structure  121 . This movement causes the mating bracket  51  to disconnect from the hinge bracket  61 , and specifically for the neck  63  of the hinge bracket  61  to move out of the opening  52  in the mating bracket  51 . This releases the panel  20  from the translating hinge  50  and provides for a user to remove the panel  20  from the access space  111 . In one example, the lanyard  123  is removed from one or both of the panel  20  and support structure  121  to allow for the panel  20  to be fully removed from the access space  111 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  10 - 12   , the panel  20  remains in the access space  111  during the removal from the support structure  121 . The panel  20  remains away from and out of contact with the monument wall  105 . In one example, the translating hinge  50  is configured for the panel  20  to pivot about the translating hinge  50  in a range of 0°-10°. In one specific example, the panel  20  pivots a maximum amount of about 8° between the connected and disconnected orientations. 
     The connection of the panel  20  to the support structure  121  includes basically the reverse steps. The panel  20  is moved into the access space  111 . The second section  66  of the neck  63  is inserted into the opening  52  in the mating bracket  51 . The neck  63  is moved into the opening  52  an amount until the height of the neck  63  increases to a point that prevents further insertion. In another example, the neck  63  is inserted an amount to align the latch  30  with the strike member  122 . The panel  20  is then pivoted about the translating hinge  50  with the inboard edge  24  moving away from the monument wall  105  and towards the support structure  121 . The latch  30  then engages with and connects to the strike member  122  to the fully connected orientation. 
       FIG.  13    illustrates a flowchart of a method of removing a panel  20  from a support structure  121  within an interior of a vehicle  100 . The method includes applying a force to a handle  44  of a pull member  40  that is positioned on an inward face  21  of the panel  20  (block  300 ). This force is applied while the panel  20  is connected by a latch  30  and a translating hinge  50  to the support structure  121 . The force applied to the pull member  40  disengages the latch  30  from the support structure  121  while the panel  20  remains connected to the support structure  121  at the translating hinge  50  (block  302 ). The method includes pivoting the panel  20  about the translating hinge  50  and moving an inboard edge  24  of the panel  20  downward away from the support structure  121  and towards a monument wall  105  that is positioned in the interior of the vehicle  100  (block  304 ). After pivoting the panel  20 , the panel  20  is translated along the monument wall  105  in a direction towards the interior of the vehicle  100  and away from the support structure  121  (block  306 ). 
     An advantage of the assembly  10  is that no tools are required to connect and disconnect the panel  20  from the support structure  121 . The one or more pull members  40  are configured to engage and disengage the one or more latches  30 . The one or more translating hinges  50  are configured to pivot and translate through the user moving the panel  20  relative to the support structure  121  but without the need for tools. 
     The assembly  10  can be used on a variety of vehicles  100 . Vehicles  100  include but are not limited to manned aircraft, unmanned aircraft, manned spacecraft, unmanned spacecraft, manned rotorcraft, unmanned rotorcraft, satellites, rockets, missiles, manned terrestrial vehicles, unmanned terrestrial vehicles, manned surface water borne vehicles, unmanned surface water borne vehicles, manned sub-surface water borne vehicles, unmanned sub-surface water borne vehicles, and combinations thereof. 
     In one example as disclosed above, the assembly  10  includes the panel  20 , monument wall  105 , and one or more latches  30 , pull members  40 , and translating hinges  50 . In another example, the assembly  10  includes the panel  20  and one or more latches  30 , pull members  40 , and translating hinges  50 . In this example, the monument wall  105  is not a part of the assembly  10 . 
     In one example, the pull member  40  is positioned on the panel  20  to be pulled in a direction away from the translating hinge  50  to release the latch  30 . In other examples, the pull member  40  is positioned at different locations on the panel  40  and the pull member  40  is pulled in various directions relative to the translating hinge  50  to release the latch  30 . 
     In one example disclosed above, the latch  30  includes a pair of jaw members  31 . Various other types of latches  30  can also be used to secure the panel  20 , including but not limited to quarter turn style latches and cred card style latches. 
     By the term “substantially” with reference to amounts or measurement values, it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly. Rather, deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations, and other factors known to those skilled in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect that the characteristic was intended to provide. 
     The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.