Patent Publication Number: US-2023150672-A1

Title: Panel Assembly for a Vehicle

Description:
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to the field of panel assemblies and, more specifically, to a panel assembly 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 monument walls 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 for an interior of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a monument wall configured to mount to the interior of the vehicle. A panel is configured to mount to an overhead support structure adjacent to the monument wall. The panel comprises a front side configured to face into the interior of the vehicle, an opposing back side, and a perimeter edge that extends between the front and back sides. One or more latch assemblies are configured to connect the panel to the overhead support structure adjacent to the monument wall. The latch assemblies comprise: a latch mounted to the back side of the panel with the latch comprising a pair of jaws that are movable between a locked position and an unlocked position; a track comprising one or more rails; a follower comprising an arm and a head with the head sized to engage with the track; and a pull mechanism mounted to the back side of the panel and comprising an elongated shape with a first end connected to the latch and a second end positioned at the perimeter edge of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the latch is positioned in proximity to an outboard edge of the panel and the second end of the pull mechanism is positioned in proximity to an inboard edge of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the latch is positioned on the back side of the panel between the follower and an outboard edge of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the panel further comprises a speaker mounted in a central section within a perimeter edge and is exposed on the front side. 
     One aspect is directed to an assembly for an interior of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a monument wall configured to be mounted within the interior of the vehicle. A panel is configured to be mounted to an overhead support structure above the monument wall with the panel comprising a front side configured to face into the interior of the vehicle, an opposing back side, a first edge and a second edge with each of the first and second edges extending between the front and back sides. One or more latch assemblies are configured to connect the panel to the overhead support structure  121 . Each of the latch assemblies comprises: a latch mounted to the back side of the panel; a translating assembly comprising a track and a follower with the follower configured to engage with the track; a pull mechanism mounted to the back side of the panel between the latch and the first edge and configured to move the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position. Each of the one or more latch assemblies is configured to unlock the latch and for the follower to translate along the track to slide the panel within an access space formed between the monument wall and the overhead support structure. 
     In another aspect, the latch is mounted to the panel in closer proximity to the second edge than the translating assembly. 
     In another aspect, the track is configured to connect to one of the panel and the overhead support structure and the follower is configured to connect to the other of the panel and the overhead support structure with the follower sized to remain engaged with the track to maintain the panel connected to the overhead support structure after the latch is released from the overhead support structure. 
     In another aspect, the track comprises first and second rails that are spaced apart to form a slot and with follower comprising a head sized to fit into the slot with the slot further comprising a closed end and an open end. 
     In another aspect, a recessed catch detent is positioned in one of the first and second rails and positioned in proximity to an open end of the track with the catch detent sized to engage with the head of the follower. 
     In another aspect, the panel comprises an opening and one of a speaker and an emergency air unit mounted at the opening. 
     In another aspect, an access space is formed between the monument wall and the panel with the access space comprising a height that is less than half a height of the panel. 
     One aspect is directed to a method of removing a panel from an overhead support structure that is positioned above a monument wall within an interior of a vehicle. The method comprises: actuating a pull mechanism that extends along a back side of the panel; disengaging a latch on the panel that is connected to the overhead support structure and vertically moving an edge of the panel downward away from the overhead support structure and towards the monument wall; maintaining the panel attached to the overhead support structure and sliding a follower along a track and sliding the panel relative to the overhead support structure within an access area formed between the overhead support structure and the monument wall; and sliding the follower out of the track and thereby removing the panel from the overhead support structure. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises while the latch is disengaged and the panel is attached to the overhead support structure through the follower within the track, spacing the panel away from a front of the overhead support structure and accessing a closeout area formed within the overhead support structure. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises maintaining the orientation of the panel relative to the overhead support structure while sliding the panel within the access area. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises vertically moving the edge of the panel vertically downward away from the overhead support structure while a first section of the panel that is spaced away from the edge remains attached to the overhead support structure. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises disengaging the latch and pivoting the panel about the follower. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises maintaining the panel attached at two points to the overhead support structure while sliding the panel within the access area. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises after disengaging the latch and while the panel remains attached to the overhead support structure through the follower and track, accessing a personal services unit component that is mounted on a back side of the panel. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises maintaining the panel spaced away from the monument wall and sliding the follower along and out of the track. 
     In another aspect, actuating the pull mechanism comprises pulling a handle of the pull mechanism away from the edge of the panel and disengaging the latch. 
     In another aspect, the method further comprises engaging the panel to the overhead support structure with at least two of the latches. 
     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 pair of panel assemblies mounted to an overhead support structure. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a schematic diagram of an access space formed between a monument wall and a panel. 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of a panel and an overhead support structure. 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the panel and overhead support structure of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a latch mounted to a panel. 
         FIG.  7    is a side perspective view of a pull mechanism and a translating assembly. 
         FIG.  8    is a side perspective view of a latch positioned on a panel and connected to a pull mechanism. 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  are side views of a panel being removed from an overhead support structure. 
         FIGS.  10    is a side perspective view of a technician access a PSU component in an access space. 
         FIG.  11    is a flowchart diagram of a method of removing a panel from an overhead support structure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The panel assembly  10  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    is a partial cross-sectional, schematic view of an upper section of the fuselage  101 .  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 include various 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 and clothing (e.g., jackets, briefcase), equipment closet, lavatory, galley, attendant work area, and serving bar. 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 monument walls  105  from moving within the interior space  102 . 
     The interior space  102  has an enlarged overhead area  110  that extends between the seats  103  and the ceiling  108 . The overhead area  110  is particularly extended over the outboard seats  103  that are positioned towards the walls  107 . Overhead bins that are mounted at the intersection of the walls  107  and ceiling  108  have been removed thus expanding the overhead area  110 . The expansion provides a large amount of additional space for passengers in the outboard seats  103  and may allow them to stand in an upright position. 
     A closeout area  120  extends into the overhead area  110  from the walls  107  and/or ceiling  108 . The closeout area  120  is sized for functional components of the aircraft  100 , including but not limited to various electrical components and wiring, ventilation system components, and personal service unit elements such as speakers, and emergency air components. An overhead support structure  121  supports the functional components. The closeout area  120  is divided into sections that are accessed through panels  20 . The panels  20  are part of a panel assembly  10  that is configured to provide access to the closeout area  120 . The panel assemblies  10  are configured to secure to the overhead support structure  121  to prevent a passenger from accessing the closeout area  120 . The panel assemblies  10  are further configured to be removed from the overhead support structure  121  to provide access to the closeout area  120 , such as for a technician working on the aircraft  100 . 
     The panel assemblies  10  can be positioned at various locations within the interior space  102 .  FIG.  2    includes an example with a first pair of panel assemblies  10  mounted over closeout areas  120  at the outboard edges of the aircraft  100 . A second pair of panel assemblies  10  is mounted over closeout areas  120  in a central section of the aircraft  100 . The panel assemblies  10  can open in different directions dependent upon their positioning within the interior space  102  and their positioning relative to one or more of the monument walls  105 . 
     In addition to functionally extending in front of the functional components, the panels  20  provide aesthetic features to the interior space  102 . As illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the panels  20  are configured to match the overall appearance of the other features of the interior space. 
     The panel assemblies  10  extend over one or more monument walls  105  as illustrated in  FIG.  2   . The monument walls  105  can be in close proximity to the panels  20  with an access space  111  formed between the top of the monument walls  105  and the panels  20 . The panel assemblies  10  are configured to be connected and disconnected from the overhead support structure  121  while in the limited access space  111 . 
       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  that is measured between the inboard and outboard edges  24 ,  25 . In another example, the access space  111  has a height Ha that 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. 
       FIGS.  4  and  5    illustrate a panel  20  and an overhead support structure  121 . The panel  20  includes one or more latch assemblies  90  that removably connect the panel  20  to the overhead support structure  121 . Each latch assembly  90  includes a latch  30 , a translating assembly  40 , and a pull mechanism  50 . The one or more latch assemblies  90  function to connect the panel  20  to the overhead support structure  121 . The one or more latch assemblies  90  also provide for translating the panel  20  along the overhead support structure  121 . The movement to connect and disconnect the panel  20  from the overhead support structure  121  is limited to within the access space  111  that is available between the overhead support structure  121  and monument wall  105 . 
     The example of  FIGS.  4  and  5    includes a pair of latch assemblies  90  that secure the panel  20  to the overhead support structure  121 . The latch assemblies  90  are spaced apart along opposing sides of the panel  20 . Other examples include a single latch assembly  90 , and three or more latch assemblies  90 . 
     The panel  20  has a plate-like shape with a front side  21  that faces outward into the interior space  102  of the aircraft  100  when mounted to the overhead support structure  121 . The panel  20  also includes an opposing back side  22  that faces into the closeout area  120 . A perimeter edge  23  extends around the panel  20  and spans between the front and back sides  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 overhead support structure  121  and an opposing outboard edge  25 . When the panel  20  is mounted to the overhead support structure  121 , the front side  21  is visible from within the interior space  102  of the aircraft  100  and the back side  22  is not visible. 
     One or more passenger support unit (PSU) components  70  can be attached to the panel  20 . Examples of components include but are not limited to speakers, lights (e.g., no smoking light, reading light), and components of an emergency oxygen system.  FIG.  3    illustrates panels  20  that include multiple components  70  mounted in the panel  20 . A first PSU component  70  is mounted towards a center of the panel  20  and is equipped for larger equipment, such as emergency oxygen canister and mask or a speaker for the public announcement (PA) system. Smaller PSU components  70 , such as emergency lights are mounted towards the perimeter of the panel  20 .  FIG.  4    illustrates an example with two PSU components  70  mounted in the panel  20 . In this example, the PSU components  70  are positioned in openings  26  within the panel  20 . This provides for a portion of the PSU component  70  to be accessible to the passenger and/or positioned to be utilized as needed. 
     The latch  30  is mounted to the back side  22  of the panel  20 . This position hides the latch  30  from view when the panel  20  is connected to the overhead support structure  121 . As illustrated in  FIG.  6   , 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 overhead 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 . 
     The pull mechanism  50  is positioned on the back side  22  of the panel  20  and is configured to move the latch  30  from the locked position to the unlocked position. The pull mechanism  50  includes an elongated shape that extends between the perimeter edge  23  of the panel  20  and the latch  30 . The pull mechanism  50  includes an elongated member  51 , such as but not limited to a wire, cable, string, and chain that includes a first end  52  connected to the latch  30  and a second end  53  at the perimeter edge  23 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the second end  53  includes a handle  54  positioned at the inboard edge  24  of the panel  20 . This positioning hides the handle  54  from view within the interior space  102  (see  FIG.  3   ), but still provides access to a technician to actuate the pull mechanism  50  and release the latch  30 . 
     The translating assembly  40  is configured to maintain the panel  20  connected to the overhead support structure  121  and also provide for translating the panel  20  relative to the overhead support structure  121 . The translating assembly  40  is configured to provide for the movement of the panel  20  to be within the small access space  111 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the translating assembly  40  includes a track  41  and a follower  42 . These components are separated with on mounted on the panel  20  and the other mounted on the overhead support structure  121 .  FIG.  7    includes the track  41  mounted to the overhead support structure  121  and the follower  42  mounted to the panel  20 , although other examples include the opposite attachment arrangement. 
     The track  41  includes one or more rails  43  that provide for mounting the follower  42 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the track  41  includes a pair of rails  43  that are spaced apart and form an intermediate slot  45  sized to receive the follower  42 . In another example (not illustrated), the track  41  includes a single rail  43  that supports the follower  42 . The track  41  includes an open end  46  that faces outward away from the overhead support structure  121  to receive the follower  42 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the track  41  is mounted to the overhead support structure  121  by mechanical fasteners that secure to an edge of the overhead support structure  121 . 
     The follower  42  includes an outwardly extending arm  47  with a head  48  mounted at the distal end. The head  48  is sized to engage with and move along the track  41 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the arm  47  extends outward from the back side  22  of the panel  20 . The head  48  is positioned at the end of the arm  47  and is orientated inward to engage with the track  41 . The head  48  includes a narrow neck that extends through the slot  45  and an enlarged tip that is wider than the slot  45 . The relative shapes and sizes of the head  48  and slot  45  provide for the head  48  to be inserted into the track  41  at the open end  46  and to slide along the track  41  without detaching. 
     In the example of  FIG.  7   , the track  41  includes a detent  49  in one of the rails  43 . The detent  49  catches the head  48  when the head  48  is moving towards the open end  46  and prior to moving outward from the open end  46  and releasing the panel  20  from the overhead support structure  121 . The detent  49  can prevent an inadvertent removal of the panel  20  and provide for a user to maintain the connection with the overhead support structure  121 . 
       FIGS.  9 A- 9 D  illustrate an example of the removal of the panel  20  from the overhead support structure  121 . As illustrated in  FIG.  9 A , the panel  20  is connected to the overhead support structure  121 . The jaws  31  of the latch  30  are engaged with the strike member  122  on the overhead support structure  121 . The translating assembly  40  is positioned with the follower  42  within the track  41  and positioned towards a closed end  44  away from the open end  46 . The panel  20  is orientated substantially against the overhead support structure  121  with the inboard edge  24  being inward and vertically above the outboard edge  25 . In this example, the monument wall  105  is positioned vertically below the panel  20  with the small access space  111  in which to manipulate the panel  20  during removal. 
     The pull mechanism  50  extends along the back side  22  of the panel  20 . The handle  54  is positioned in proximity to the inboard edge  24 . This position provides accessibility to a user, but also shields the handle  54  from view within the interior space  102 . This prevents and/or limits tampering by a passenger and also does not deter from the aesthetic appearance of the interior space  102 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  9 B , a force applied in the direction of arrow A to the pull mechanism  50  causes the latch  30  to move to the unlocked position. This in turn releases the latch  30  from the strike member  122  and thus from the overhead support structure  121 . This disengagement of the latch  30  also moves the outboard edge  25  of the panel away from the overhead support structure  121  as shown by arrow B. Once the latch  30  is disconnected, the panel  20  can pivot about the head  48  of the follower  42  that is positioned in the track  41 . Further, the head  48  may move along the track  41  a limited distance away from the closed end  44 . The panel assembly  10  remains attached to the overhead support structure  121  through the translating assembly  40  and remains within the access space  111  and away from the monument wall  105 . 
       FIG.  9 C  illustrates a further progression with the follower  42  having moved along the track  41  towards the open end  46 . In one example, the head  48  is positioned in the detent  49  on the track  41  to prevent the inadvertent disconnect of the panel assembly  10  from the overhead support structure  121 . The panel  20  moves within the access space  111  and remains spaced away from the monument wall  105 . Further, a user is able to pivot the panel  20  about the head  48 . This pivoting and translational movement of the panel  20  can provide the user with access to the closeout area  120  that is formed within the overhead support structure  121 . 
       FIG.  9 D  illustrates the panel assembly  10  fully disconnected from the overhead support structure  121 . The head  48  of the follower  42  has moved through the open end  46  and out of the track  41 . The panel assembly  10  can be manipulated by the user within the area above the monument wall  105  and removed from the area to allow the user to access the closeout area  120 . 
     In one example, a single latch assembly  90  provides for connecting and disconnecting the panel assembly  10  from the overhead support structure  121 . In another example, a second latch assembly  90  is mounted on the opposing side of the panel  20  and overhead support structure  121 . The first and second latch assemblies  90  are spaced apart across the panel  20  to provide for stability and facilitate movement of the panel assembly  10  relative to the overhead support structure  121 . 
     In one example, one or more lanyards can extend between and connect the panel  20  to the overhead support structure  121 . The lanyards include a first end connected to the panel  20  and a second end connected to the overhead support structure  121 . The lanyards prevent the panel  20  from falling once the panel  20  is disconnected from the overhead support structure  121 . 
     Connecting the panel  20  to the overhead support structure  121  basically includes reversing this process. Initially, the panel  20  is moved into the access space  111 . The head  48  is aligned with the open end  46  of the track  41 . Once aligned, the head  48  is moved into the track  41  and into engagement with the one or more rails  43 . Once in the track  41 , the panel is connected to and supported by the overhead support structure  121 . The panel  20  is further translating along the overhead support structure  121  with the head  48  moving along the track  41 . The movement of the head  48  into the track  41  aligns the latch  30  with the strike member  122 . Once aligned, the latch  30  is brought into engagement with and locked onto the strike member  122  to fully connect the panel  20  to the overhead support structure  121 . 
       FIG.  10    illustrates an example of a technician working in the closeout area  120  that is formed behind the panel  20 . The panel  20  is disconnected at the latch  30  and remains connected to the overhead support structure  121  through the translating assembly  40 . This provides for the panel  20  to be supported allowing the technician to work with both hands in the closeout area  120 . The technician can also pivot the panel about the head  48  of the translating assembly  40 . In one example, a pair of latches  30  and a pair of translating assemblies  40  are included with the panel  20 . Other examples can include different numbers of both latches  30  and translating assemblies. 
     In one example, a bracket  71  is positioned in the closeout area  120 . The bracket  71  includes one or more sockets  72  configured to engage with one or more leads  73  that extend from the panel  20 . In one example, the leads  73  are electrical wires that provide power to the PSU component  70  mounted to the panel  20 . The leads  73  can include plugs at the distal ends that are configured to engage with the sockets  72 . Further, the plugs and sockets  72  can be configured for a technician to connect and disconnect as needed without visibly observing the work. In another example, the leads  73  are audio connections to a speaker  70  mounted to the panel  20 . During work, the technician can reach behind the panel  20  and access the bracket  71  and one or more sockets  72  and leads  73  during work on the PSU component  70 . 
     The one or more brackets  71  are positioned on the overhead support structure  121  to be accessible while the panel  20  remains attached to the overhead support structure  121 . In one example as illustrated in  FIG.  10   , the bracket  71  faces laterally and is accessible to the technician. In another example, the one or more brackets  71  are mounted on the back side  22  of the panel  20  and the one or more leads  73  extend from the overhead support structure  121 . 
       FIG.  11    illustrates a method of removing a panel  20  from an overhead support structure  121  within an interior  102  of a vehicle  100 . The method includes actuating a pull mechanism  50  that extends along a back side  22  of the panel  20  (block  300 ). The actuation disengages a latch  30  on the panel  20  that is connected to the overhead support structure  121  and provides for vertically moving an outboard edge  25  of the panel  20  downward away from the overhead support structure  121  (block  302 ). The method includes maintaining the panel  20  attached to the overhead support structure  121  and sliding a follower  42  along a track  41  and sliding the panel  20  relative to the overhead support structure  121  (block  304 ). The method further includes sliding the follower  42  out of the track  41  and thereby removing the panel  20  from the overhead support structure  121  (block  306 ). 
     In one example, maintenance work is performed on the components in the closeout area  120  which the panel  20  is partially connected to the overhead support structure  121  through the translating assembly  40  as illustrated in  FIG.  9 C . In this position, the panel  20  is positioned outward away from the front of the overhead support structure  121 . This allows for a technician to reach around the panel and access the closeout area  120 . Further, the technician can pivot the panel  20  about the head  48  to further facilitate access into the closeout area  120 . This provides for the panel  20  to be supported by the overhead support structure  121  thus facilitating the access by the technician. In one example, the head  48  of the follower  42  is positioned in the detent  49  to further hold the position of the panel  20  and prevent inadvertent removal from the overhead support structure  121 . 
     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 described above, the assembly  10  includes a monument wall  105 . In other examples, the assembly  10  does not include the monument wall  105  and includes the panel  20  and one or more latch assemblies  90  that connect the panel  20  to the overhead support structure  121 . 
     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.