Patent Publication Number: US-2005116099-A1

Title: Apparatus and methods for increasing useable space within aircraft lavatories

Description:
FIELD  
      The present invention relates generally to mobile platforms, and more particularly (but not exclusively) to apparatus and methods for increasing useable space within aircraft lavatories.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Airlines are continually striving to meet passenger demand for improved lavatory comforts including demands for more room for changing clothes, changing diapers, and refreshing themselves within lavatories. It is this customer demand that is driving airlines to increase the size of lavatories while competing with other airlines to attract customers.  
      However, increasing lavatory footprints normally decreases available revenue generating space on the aircraft. For at least this reason, airlines are asking manufacturers to improve lavatory features and comforts without decreasing revenue generating space.  
     SUMMARY  
      The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for increasing useable space within a mobile platform compartment, such as an aircraft lavatory, which is adjacent a predetermined area of the mobile platform, such as an aircraft passenger doorway area. The apparatus generally includes a turntable module rotatably coupled to supporting structure within the mobile platform. The turntable module can be rotated to a first angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the compartment but outside the predetermined area. The turntable module can also be rotated to a second angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the predetermined area but outside the compartment. The turntable module supports at least one item, such as a lavatory sink, which is accessible from within the compartment when the turntable module is in the second angular position.  
      In another form, the invention provides methods for increasing useable space within a mobile platform compartment, such as an aircraft lavatory, adjacent a predetermined area of the mobile platform, such as an aircraft passenger doorway area. The method generally includes rotatably coupling a turntable module to supporting structure within the mobile platform such that the turntable module is rotatable to a first angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the compartment and outside the predetermined area and to a second angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the predetermined area and outside the compartment; and supporting at least one item with the turntable module such that the item is accessible from within the compartment when the turntable module is in the second angular position.  
      The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present inventions or may be combined in yet other embodiments. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a partial schematic plan view of an aircraft interior illustrating a doorway entry, a conventional lavatory (on the right), and a lavatory (on the left) including a turntable module shown in a “lavatory-in-use” configuration according to one embodiment of invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a schematic plan view of a lavatory including a turntable module shown in a “lavatory-in-use” configuration in which the sink is accessible from within the lavatory according to one embodiment of invention;  
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are respective inner and outer partial perspective views of the lavatory shown in  FIG. 2 ;  
       FIG. 4  is a schematic plan view of the lavatory shown in  FIG. 2  wherein the turntable module is shown in a “stowed” configuration with a partition covering the turntable module for taxi, takeoff, and landing phases of the aircraft;  
       FIG. 5  is an outer partial perspective view of the lavatory shown in  FIG. 4 ;  
       FIG. 6  is an outer partial perspective view of the lavatory shown in  FIG. 5  wherein the partition is opened to expose the turntable module from the doorway area;  
       FIG. 7  is an inner perspective view of the lavatory shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  wherein the turntable module is shown in a “lavatory-unavailable” configuration in which the sink is not accessible from within the lavatory;  
       FIG. 8  is an inner perspective view of the lavatory shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7  wherein the sink basin is in a stowed position and the turntable module is in an intermediate position between the “lavatory-in-use” configuration in  FIG. 3  and the “lavatory-unavailable” configuration in  FIG. 7 ;  
       FIG. 9  is a schematic plan view of a turntable module according to one embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 10  is an exploded perspective view of an upper pivotal mounting arrangement for a turntable module according to one embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 11  is an exploded cross-sectional view of a lower pivotal mounting arrangement for a turntable module according to one embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the lower pivot shown in  FIG. 11  accommodating plumbing lines according to one embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 13  is a schematic plan view of a lavatory including a turntable module and a conventional door according to one embodiment of invention;  
       FIG. 14  is a schematic plan view of a lavatory including a turntable module shown in an intermediate position in which an entryway is defined into the lavatory according to one embodiment of invention;  
       FIG. 15  is a schematic plan view of a lavatory including a turntable module shown pivoted to an open position in which an entryway is defined into the lavatory according to one embodiment of invention;  
       FIGS. 16A and 16B  are respective inner and outer perspective views of a lavatory including a turntable module shown in a “lavatory-in-use” configuration in which the sink is accessible from within the lavatory according to one embodiment of invention;  
       FIGS. 17A and 17B  are respective inner and outer perspective views of the lavatory shown in  FIG. 16  wherein the turntable module is shown in a “lavatory-unavailable” configuration in which the sink is not accessible from within the lavatory;  
       FIGS. 18A and 18B  are respective inner and outer perspective views of the lavatory shown in  FIG. 16  wherein the turntable module is shown rotated to an intermediate position between the “lavatory-in-use” configuration in  FIG. 16  and the “lavatory-unavailable” configuration in  FIG. 17 ;  
       FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional side view of a system for rotatably mounting a turntable module in an mobile platform according to one embodiment of the invention; and  
       FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane  20 - 20  in  FIG. 19 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS  
      The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.  
      According to one aspect, the invention provides an apparatus for increasing useable space within a mobile platform compartment (e.g., lavatory, galley, etc.) adjacent a predetermined area of the mobile platform. In one embodiment, the apparatus generally includes a turntable module rotatably coupled to supporting structure within the mobile platform. The turntable module can be rotated to a first angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the compartment but outside the predetermined area. The turntable module can also be rotated to a second angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the predetermined area but outside the compartment. The turntable module supports at least one item (e.g., sink, appliance, etc.) which is accessible from within the compartment when the turntable module is in the second angular position.  
      When used onboard an aircraft, the turntable module can be rotated into an aircraft&#39;s emergency doorway space during cruise to increase the useable space of an aircraft compartment, such as a lavatory. The Federal Aviation Administration requires emergency doorway spaces to be clear of obstruction during taxi, takeoff, and landing phases of the aircraft for the emergency exit and attendant assist purposes. However, while the aircraft is cruising, the emergency doorway spaces can be intruded as long as the intrusion is non-permanent, such as is the case for the turntable module. Further, the emergency doorway spaces are largely unused during cruise and are normally used only for entry and departure from the aircraft while on the ground. Typically, the emergency doorway spaces (i.e., aisle width) are parallel to the doorway and have dimensions dependent upon the type of doorway.  
       FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an aircraft lavatory  110  (on the left) embodying at least some aspects of the invention. As shown, the lavatory  110  includes a turntable module  112  which is shown in a “lavatory-in-use” configuration wherein the sink  114 , supported by the turntable module  112 , is accessible from within the lavatory  110 . As represented by the arrows  118 , the turntable module  110  is rotatable to other angular positions.  
       FIG. 1  also illustrates a conventional lavatory  120  (on the right) for comparison with the lavatory  110 . The shaded portion  122  represents additional footprint area or increased useable volume space that can be achieved by implementing the turntable module  112  in the lavatory  110  and without a loss of revenue generating space.  
      Both lavatories  110  and  120  include conventional doors  124  and  126 , respectively, for entry therein and are disposed adjacent a doorway entry area  128  of the aircraft. As used herein, the terms outboard, inboard, fore and aft have the meanings ordinarily attributed to these words in an aircraft.  
       FIGS. 2 through 8  illustrate an exemplary lavatory  210  embodying at least some aspects of the invention. The lavatory  210  includes a stationary subassembly  230  and a turntable module  212  rotatable relative to the subassembly  230 .  
      The fixed subassembly  230  includes four sidewalls  232 ,  234 ,  236 , and  238 . The subassembly  230  also includes a floor pan  240  and a ceiling (not shown). A toilet  242  is affixed to the floor pan  240 . The wall  234  can include an opening  243  for receiving an amenities console above the toilet  242 . The amenities console may contain toilet seat covers, facial tissues, air sick bags, sanitary napkins, among other things.  
      The stationary subassembly  230  is essentially a box-shaped structure configured to coincide with an interior contour of the aircraft in which the lavatory  210  will be installed. The dimensions of the lavatory  210  can vary and will depend, at least in part, on the particular aircraft in which the lavatory and turntable module will be employed.  
      The fixed subassembly  230  is attached to suitable aircraft structure (not shown) adjacent a doorway entry or aisle. It will be appreciated that the subassembly  230  and thus the lavatory  210  may be repositioned in a direction opposite to that shown.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the turntable module  212  includes a semi-circular rotational cylinder. The turntable module  212  supports a sink  214  and accommodates at least a portion of a plumbing system (described below and shown in  FIGS. 12, 19  and  20 ) in communication with the sink  214 . Each of these components are preferably located within the envelope of the turntable module  212 .  
      As shown in  FIGS. 3A, 6 , and  8 , the sink  214  includes a basin or bowl  246  hingedly coupled to the turntable module  212 . This allows the basin  246  to be pivoted to a deployed position  247  for normal use ( FIG. 3A ) and to a stowed “flipped up” position  249  ( FIGS. 6 and 8 ) for clearance and/or stowage. In other embodiments, the turntable module  212  can also accommodate mirrors, faucets for the sink, cabinets, water lines, drain lines, bleed lines, water heaters, waste containers, various miscellaneous plumbing fixtures, among other lavatory items.  
      The turntable module  212  is rotatably mounted to the fixed subassembly  230  proximate the wall  232  such that the turntable module  212  is rotatable about an generally central longitudinal axis through point  250 . This mounting arrangement allows the turntable module  212  to be rotated to the “lavatory-in-use” configuration ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) in which the sink  214  is accessible from within the lavatory  210 . The turntable module  212  can also be rotated to the “lavatory-unavailable” configuration ( FIG. 7 ) in which the sink  214  is not accessible from within the lavatory. As shown in  FIGS. 4 through 7 , the turntable module  212  is positionable entirely within the lavatory footprint such that the turntable module  212  is outside of and thus not obstructing the emergency doorway area of the aircraft.  
      To prevent inadvertent rotation of the turntable module  212 , for example, during a turbulent flight, a suitable locking mechanism (e.g., latches, etc.) can be provided. When in its locked position, the locking mechanism prevents rotation of the turntable module  212  from its present configuration, e.g., the “lavatory-in-use” or “lavatory-unavailable” configurations.  
      In an exemplary embodiment, cabinet magnets can be used to secure the turntable module in its present configuration, e.g., the “lavatory-in-use” or “lavatory-unavailable” configurations. The cabinet magnets can be installed on a bottom portion of the turntable striking face plates, which, in turn, can be located on an interior portion of a lavatory sidewall. Alternatively, the cabinet magnets can be replaced with electromagnets that have holding forces well in excess of hundreds of pounds. The electromagnets could be operated by a remote switch, preferably discretely located, for use by authorized personnel only.  
      Preferably, a partition or cover member is provided which can be used to close off the turntable module  212  during at least the taxi, takeoff, and landing phases of the aircraft. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition includes a sliding door  252  coupled to aircraft structure, although other partitions can be used including hinged doors and curtains.  
       FIGS. 4 and 5  show the sliding door  252  in a closed position in which the door  252  covers up the interior of the turntable module  212  thereby preventing access thereto.  FIG. 6  shows the sliding door  252  in an open position in which the interior of the turntable module  212  is exposed such that the sink  212  can be accessed from the doorway area. For example, the sink  214  can be used from within the doorway area as a large baby-changing area with curtains closing off the doorway area for privacy.  
      In the illustrated embodiment, the turntable module  212  is sized and positioned relative to the sidewall  232  such that an optional flight attendant seat  254  can be mounted to the sidewall  232  adjacent the turntable module  212 .  
       FIG. 9  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the turntable module  212  in which the module  212  can be implemented in lavatory having an exterior footprint dimension of forty-one inches by thirty-eight inches (i.e., 41″× 38 ″). In this exemplary embodiment, the turntable module  212  has a wall thickness of about one-half inch, a width  251  of about twenty inches and a height of about seventy inches. The turntable module  212  has a semi-circular radius  253  of about twenty inches, and a distance  255  of about one and one-half inches from the pivot point  250  to the edge  257  of the opening  259  into the turntable module  212 . Accordingly, the distance  261  is about eleven and one-half inches. The opening  259  is located about one inch from the interior, inboard edges  263  of the lavatory. The turntable module  212  is further located about five inches above the lavatory floor and about two inches below the lavatory ceiling.  
      All of these dimensions, however, are exemplary only, and the specific size and dimensions of the turntable module required will depend in large part on the specific type of aircraft or other mobile platform in which the turntable module is installed, as well as the specific configuration of the part being formed. Preferably, the dimensional size of the turntable module is optimized to provide the largest, functional turntable module within the existing parameters of the lavatory in which the turntable module is to be installed. Further, the items supported and accommodated by the turntable module and the compartment in which it will be employed will also vary depending on the requirements of the particular aircraft or other mobile platform.  
      In a preferred embodiment, a friction dampening device is used to dampen the speed of the revolutions of the turntable module. Alternatively, other suitable systems can also be employed to dampen the rotational speed of the turntable module, such as the systems used in commercial revolving doors which include a reservoir of oil to dampen the speed of the revolutions, along with ordinary shafts and pivots.  
       FIGS. 10 and 11 , respectively, illustrate exemplary upper and lower pivotal mounting arrangements  260  and  262  for the turntable module  212 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the upper pivot  260  includes a shaft  264  and a bushing  266  which control stability and firmness of the rotation. The shaft  264  protrudes from a top portion of the turntable module  212 . The bushing  266  is clamped by a standoff bracket  268 , which, in turn, is mounted above the turntable module  212  and covered from view with a shroud,  
      As shown in  FIG. 11 , the lower pivot  262  includes a low-friction, nylon spacer  270  sandwiched between an upper shaft  272  and a lower shaft  274 . An upper portion  275  of the lower shaft  274  is positioned within the passageways  277  and  279  defined through the spacer  270  and shaft  274 , respectively. The lower shaft  274  is mounted to a lavatory wall, while the upper shaft  272  supports the turntable module  212 . In this exemplary manner, the spacer  270  allows the turntable module  212  and upper shaft  272  to be rotated relative to the lavatory wall and lower shaft  274  coupled thereto. The inner diameters of the shafts  272  and  274  are preferably sized to provide spacing for running plumbing lines and/or electrical wires through the center pivot point of the turntable module  212 .  
      Existing outboard airplane lavatory designs typically run plumbing lines through the outboard lavatory panel adjacent to the sidewall of the airplane. Some airplane lavatories run plumbing lines through the ceiling and floor of the lavatory. Without requiring any significant changes, embodiments of the present invention can utilize the existing plumbing lines coming from the outboard panel. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 12 , plumbing lines can be routed above the lavatory floor leading to the bottom pivot  262 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the plumbing lines include a water line  276  and a drain  278 . Flex hoses  280  are preferably used to connect the turntable plumbing lines  276  and  278  to the respective lavatory plumbing lines  282  and  284 . By routing the flex hoses  280  through the spacer  270  and shafts  272  and  274  of the bottom pivot  262 , the turntable module  212  can freely rotate, preferably at least about one hundred eighty degrees, while maintaining its plumbing connection. Electrical wire bundles (not shown) can also be routed through the passageways defined by the spacer  270  and shafts  272  and  274 .  
      In a preferred embodiment, a friction dampening device is used to dampen the speed of the revolutions of the turntable module. Alternatively, other suitable systems can also be employed to dampen the rotational speed of the turntable module, such as the systems used in commercial revolving doors which include a reservoir of oil to dampen the speed of the revolutions, along with ordinary shafts and pivots.  
      In some embodiments, an actuation system (not shown) may also be provided to enable automatic rotation of the turntable module so long as the actuation system does not compromise the safety and reliability of the system. The actuator system can include a motor that drives a gear coupled to the turntable module.  
      Closeouts can also be employed for sealing light and water from penetrating into unwanted areas.  
     Operation  
      In operation, the lavatory  210  and turntable module  212  can be used as follows. When the aircraft is on the ground, taxiing, during takeoff, climbout and landing, the turntable module  212  is preferably in the stowed configuration shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . This allows passengers to be loaded on the aircraft or deplaned and operations to be conducted in a routine manner while the aircraft is on the ground. Because the turntable module  212  is within the lavatory footprint when in the stowed configuration, the turntable module  212  does not obstruct or intrude into the doorway area.  
      After takeoff and climbout, an attendant may then unlock the turntable module  212  and rotate the turntable module  212  into the area or space proximate the doorway, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . Once rotated into this “lavatory-in-use” configuration, the turntable module  212  can be relocked.  
      Access to the inside of the lavatory can be through a conventional door  124  ( FIG. 1 ),  324  ( FIG. 13 ),  624  ( FIGS. 16 through 18 ), etc. whereby the lavatory  110 ,  310 ,  510  is available for passenger and crew use. Alternatively, or additionally, access to the inside of the lavatory  410  can be through an entryway  480  which is opened when the turntable module  412  is rotated to an intermediate position, as shown in  FIG. 14 . In yet other embodiments, a side portion  582  of the turntable module  512  can be hingedly coupled to aircraft structure such that turntable module  512  can be pivoted to an open position which thus opens an entryway  580  into the lavatory  510 , as shown in  FIG. 15 .  
      The turntable module is preferably sized such that sufficient space remains in the area proximate the doorway for any needed egress even when the turntable module is in the “lavatory-in-use” configuration. In the event of an inflight emergency or during landing preparations, an attendant ordinarily would unlock the turntable module and rotate it back into the lavatory footprint, thereby eliminating the turntable module&#39;s protrusion into the FAA doorway clearance requirement. The turntable module can then be relocked and the sink  214  closed off by the sliding door  252  ( FIG. 5 ).  
      Before rotating the turntable module  212  back into the lavatory footprint, a visual inspection of the interior of the lavatory  210  should be performed to ensure that the lavatory is unoccupied and free of blockage items. The turntable module  212  would ordinarily remain stowed during final approach and landing. After the aircraft has parked at the airport gate, crews could rotate the turntable module  212  to service the lavatory  210  and turntable module  212 , as appropriate.  
       FIGS. 16 through 18  illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a lavatory  610  embodying at least some aspects of the invention. As shown, the lavatory  610  includes a stationary subassembly  630  and a turntable module  612 .  
      The fixed subassembly  630  includes four sidewalls  632 ,  634 ,  636 , and  638 . The subassembly  630  also includes a floor pan  640  and a ceiling  641 . A toilet  642  is affixed to the floor pan  640 . A door  624  is also provided for accessing the interior of the lavatory  610 .  
      The turntable module  612  is disposed adjacent the sidewalls  632  and  634  and forms a corner of the lavatory  610 . The turntable module  612  supports a sink basin  646  and a mirror  647 . In other embodiments, the turntable module  612  can accommodate a cabinet and/or other lavatory items and amenities.  
      In  FIGS. 16A and 16B , the turntable module  612  has been rotated to a “lavatory-in-use” configuration in which the sink basin  646  is accessible from within the lavatory  610 .  
       FIGS. 17A and 17B  illustrate the turntable module  612  after it has been rotated to a “lavatory-unavailable” configuration in which the sink basin  646  is not accessible from within the lavatory  610 . The sink basin  646 , however, may be accessible from within the doorway area adjacent the lavatory  610 .  
       FIGS. 18A and 18B  illustrate the turntable module  612  in an intermediate position between the “lavatory-in-use” configuration in  FIG. 16  and the “lavatory-unavailable” configuration in  FIG. 17 .  
       FIGS. 19 and 20  illustrate another exemplary mounting arrangement for a turntable module. As shown in  FIG. 19 , a lower bushing  760  is attached to the lavatory floor pan  740 , and an upper bushing  762  is attached to the turntable module  712 . A plurality of bearing balls  764  are situated between the lower and upper bushings  760  and  762 . The bearing balls  764  provide the turntable module  712  with a rotational degree of freedom relative to the lower bushing  760  and thus the fixed floor pan  740  as well. In this exemplary manner, the turntable module  712  can be rotatably mounted to the fixed subassembly  730 .  
      To allow drainage from the sink basin  746 , a flexible conduit or hose  770  (e.g., a flex hose, etc.) is in communication with the drain (not shown) of the sink basin  746 . The hose  770  has sufficient flexibility to accommodate rotation of the turntable module  712  between at least the “lavatory-in-use” position ( FIG. 3 ) and the “lavatory-unavailable” position ( FIG. 7 ).  
      With further reference to  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the hose  770  is in communication with a drain line  772 . The drain line  772 , in turn, is in communication with a gray water subsystem (not shown) of the aircraft.  
      The drain line  772  is positioned within an electrical ring connector  774 , which, in turn, is positioned within a bushing  776 . As shown in  FIG. 20 , the electrical ring connector  774  includes raceways  778  therethrough for electrical wiring.  
      In another form, the invention provides methods for increasing useable space within a mobile platform compartment (e.g., aircraft lavatory, etc.) adjacent a predetermined area (e.g., passenger doorway area) of the mobile platform. In one embodiment, the method generally includes rotatably coupling a turntable module to supporting structure within the mobile platform such that the turntable module is rotatable to a first angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the compartment and outside the predetermined area and to a second angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the predetermined area and outside the compartment; and supporting at least one item (e.g., sink, etc.) with the turntable module such that the item is accessible from within the compartment when the turntable module is in the second angular position.  
      In various embodiments, the mobile platform can be an aircraft and the predetermined area can be a passenger doorway area of the aircraft. In which case, the method can further include rotating the turntable module to the first angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the compartment and outside the passenger doorway area during taxi, takeoff, and landing phases of the aircraft; and rotating the turntable module to the second angular position in which the turntable module is substantially within the passenger doorway area and outside the compartment during cruise.  
      By converting emergency space required by the FAA during taxi, takeoff and landing into useable space during cruise, various embodiments of the invention increase useable space within aircraft lavatories without reducing revenue generating spaces. Further, the turntable module in various embodiments includes a curved architecture that allows it to be readily retrofit into existing aircraft and/or implemented into new aircraft designs. Various embodiments also rotatably mount the turntable module to aircraft supporting structure using a ball-bearing system, which is structurally reliable even when flexion occurs in the aircraft during flight.  
      The invention is applicable to a wide range of mobile platforms including commercial aircraft, private aircraft, buses, ships, trains, among other mobile platforms. Accordingly, the specific references to aircraft or mobile platform herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention to a specific type of aircraft or mobile platform.  
      Further, the invention can also include configurations suitable for use with other compartments on a mobile platform besides lavatories. For example, a turntable module could be implemented to increase the operating space of a galley by using the turntable module for stowage for food and/or to support food service items, such as microwaves, coffee machines, appliances, etc. The galley turntable module could, for example, be rotated into a doorway entry area when the galley is being occupied by attendants, therefore increasing space within the galley.  
      While various preferred embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will recognize modifications or variations which might be made without departing from the inventive concept. The examples illustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore, the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with only such limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.