Patent Description:
Aircraft cabin layouts are regularly reconfigured to address the use cases of different airlines. As an example, aircraft may be reconfigured to accommodate more seating within the cabin or to accommodate larger seats. Often the aircraft reconfiguration results in a loss of stowage space within the cabin of the aircraft. The loss of stowage results in a loss of catering capacity, carry-on luggage capacity, safety equipment storage, and so on.

<CIT> discloses transformable monuments. The transformable monuments may be positioned proximate to aircraft exit doors to utilize the doorway spaces as temporary workspaces for cabin crew or destination spaces for passengers once cruising altitude is achieved. A transformable monument includes transforming portions that extend or pivot into an aircraft cross-aisle upon actuation of an exterior latch by either hand. The transforming portions extend or pivot into horizontal surfaces for crew or passenger use while protecting the exit doors from unauthorized access by passengers inflight. Transforming portions of a single monument may extend partially or fully across the cross-aisle, or a system of two transformable monuments on either side of the exit door may collectively define the temporary space. The upper and middle sections of the monument may include additional storage or self-service compartments for providing refreshments or other amenities to passengers.

An articulating shelf system is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first hinge is configured to rotate the first shelf portion from a horizontal position and to a vertical position.

In various embodiments, the articulating shelf further includes a shelf support configured to support the first shelf portion and the second shelf portion. In various embodiments, the first shelf portion includes a recess configured to receive the shelf support. In various embodiments, the second shelf portion includes a recess configured to receive the shelf support. In various embodiments, the plunger is further configured to lock the rod in a position when extended. In various embodiments, the plunger is further configured to release the rod from the position when retracted.

Also provided is a stowage closet as defined by claim <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the plunger is configured to extend from within the end cap and into a receiver to lock the articulating shelf in the position. In various embodiments, the end cap includes a spring configured to allow the plunger to retract into the end cap and extend out of the end cap, the spring extending the plunger to lock the articulating shelf in place. In various embodiments, the case further includes a first receiver connected to the front panel and configured to receive the plunger to lock the articulating shelf in a lowered position.

In various embodiments, the case further includes a second receiver connected to the front panel and configured to receive the plunger to lock the articulating shelf in a raised position. In various embodiments, the case further includes a shelf support connected to the front panel and configured to support the articulating shelf when in a lowered position. In various embodiments, the first member includes a recess configured to receive the shelf support. In various embodiments, the second member includes a recess configured to receive the shelf support.

While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in accordance with various embodiments, a stowage closet <NUM> is illustrated. The stowage closet <NUM> has a front panel <NUM>, a top panel <NUM>, a back panel <NUM>, and doors <NUM> on either side of stowage closet <NUM>. The front panel <NUM>, the top panel <NUM>, and the back panel <NUM> forming a case. Stowage closet <NUM> may replace a conventional flat partition wall in an aircraft, such as a class divider, for example. In various embodiments, stowage closet <NUM> may be center mounted in a twin aisle airplane so that each door <NUM> is accessible from an aisle of the aircraft. In various embodiments, one of the doors <NUM> may instead be a fixed side panel such that stowage closet <NUM> is accessible from a single side or single aisle of an aircraft. Such embodiments may be suitable for smaller, narrow body aircraft. In various embodiments, stowage closet <NUM> may be placed at any FAA-mandated cross-aisle and/or near any entrance doorway.

Top panel <NUM>, front panel <NUM>, back panel <NUM>, and doors <NUM> are made, in various embodiments, using a honeycomb panel having a sufficient strength to thickness ratio for stowage closet <NUM>. The honeycomb panel may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) thick, more specifically, about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) thick, and more specifically about <NUM> inch (<NUM>) thick. Stowage closet <NUM> has a top width w1 and a bottom width w2. In various embodiments, bottom width w2 is smaller than top width w1 to provide leg space for passengers facing stowage closet <NUM>. Top width w1 may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to about <NUM> inches (<NUM>). In various embodiments, the top width w1 may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>). Bottom width w2 may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to about <NUM> inches (<NUM>). In various embodiments, bottom width w2 may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to about <NUM> inches (<NUM>). In various embodiments, bottom width w2 may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>). The widths w1 and w2 of stowage closet <NUM> may be adjusted to suit different aircraft layouts.

Front panel <NUM> may include one or more compartments <NUM>. In various embodiments, compartments <NUM> may store emergency equipment. Some examples of emergency equipment include fire extinguishers, first aid kits, automatic external defibrillator (AED), among others. Back panel <NUM> may include one or more entertainment units <NUM> and/or one or more magazine compartments <NUM>. Stowage closet <NUM> further includes an articulating shelf system <NUM> including an articulating shelf, or shelf, <NUM> and a rod <NUM>, support rails <NUM>, and a fixed shelf <NUM>. Articulating shelf system <NUM>, support rails <NUM>, and fixed shelf <NUM> provide various stowage configurations to suit different configurations of an aircraft or a particular flight. In various embodiments, fixed shelf <NUM> may be hinged and/or removable.

Referring to <FIG>, in accordance with various embodiments, various stowage configurations of stowage closet <NUM> are illustrated. The examples illustrated in <FIG> are not intended to be limiting but are intended to be exemplary configurations for discussion purposes. <FIG> illustrates stowage closet <NUM> storing containing exemplary carry-on luggage <NUM>, clothing <NUM>, catering standard units (SUs) <NUM>, and safety equipment <NUM>. Carry-on luggage <NUM> may be standard sized roller bags, duffle bags, boxes, among others. Clothing <NUM> may be hanging garment bags, jackets, coats, or any other item that may hang from a shelf rod such as rod <NUM>. SUs <NUM> may be boxes or containers that are standardized in size and used by aircraft personnel during a flight, such as catering. Each SU <NUM> may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) wide, about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) tall, and about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) long. Carry-on luggage <NUM>, clothing <NUM>, and SUs <NUM> may be accessible via doors <NUM> of stowage closet <NUM>. Safety equipment <NUM> may be accessible via compartments <NUM> of stowage closet <NUM>. In various embodiments, half size trolley carts may be stored in stowage closet <NUM>. Half size carts may be about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) wide, <NUM> inches (<NUM>) tall, and about <NUM> inches (<NUM>) long. Fixed shelf <NUM> may be raised or removed to store a half sized cart.

As depicted in <FIG>, stowage closet <NUM> is divided into a first side 100a and a second side 100b. Side 100a includes an articulating shelf system 120a, support rails 126a and a fixed shelf 128a. Side 100b includes an articulating shelf system 120b, support rails 126b, and a fixed shelf 128b. Articulating shelf system 120a is configured in a raised position such that rod <NUM> is able to support clothing <NUM>. Clothing <NUM> hangs below articulating shelf system 120a and between support rails 126a. Carry-on luggage <NUM> is stored below fixed shelf 128a. Articulating shelf system 120b is configured in a lowered position with carry-on luggage <NUM> stored thereon. SUs <NUM> are stored below articulating shelf system 120a with support rails 126b and fixed shelf 128b supporting various SUs <NUM>. Additional carry-on luggage <NUM> is stored below fixed shelf 128b. In this configuration, stowage closet <NUM> is depicted as storing five pieces of carry-on luggage <NUM>, six SUs <NUM>, and a number of items of clothing <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, stowage closet <NUM> is again divided into first side 100a and second side 100b. Side 100a includes an articulating shelf system 120a, support rails 126a and a fixed shelf 128a. Side 100b includes an articulating shelf system 120b, support rails 126b, and a fixed shelf 128b. Articulating shelf systems 120a and 120b are both configured in a raised position such that rod <NUM> is able to support clothing <NUM>. On side 100a, clothing <NUM> hangs below articulating shelf system 120a and between support rails 126a. On side 100b, clothing <NUM> hangs below articulating shelf system 120b and between support rails 126b. Carry-on luggage is stored below both fixed shelves 128a and 128b. In this configuration, stowage closet <NUM> is depicted as storing four pieces of carry-on luggage <NUM> and a number of items of clothing <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, stowage closet <NUM> is divided into first side 100a and second side 100b. Side 100a includes an articulating shelf system 20a, support rails 126a and a fixed shelf 128a. Side 100b includes an articulating shelf system 120b, support rails 126b, and a fixed shelf 128b. Articulating shelf systems 120a and 120b are both configured in a lowered position such that articulating shelf systems 120a and 120b are able to support one or more SUs <NUM>. On side 100a, a single SU <NUM> is stored on articulating shelf system 120a. Multiple SUs <NUM> are stored below articulating shelf system 120a on support rails 126a and fixed shelf 128a. Carry-on luggage <NUM> is stored below fixed shelf 128a. On side 100b, multiple SUs <NUM> are stored on articulating shelf system 120b. Multiple SUs <NUM> are stored below articulating shelf system 120b on support rails 126b and fixed shelf 128b. Carry-on luggage <NUM> is stored below fixed shelf 128b. In this configuration, stowage closet <NUM> is depicted as storing four pieces of carry-on luggage <NUM> and eleven SUs <NUM>.

As depicted in <FIG>, stowage closet <NUM> is again divided into first side 100a and second side 100b. Side 100a includes an articulating shelf system 120a, support rails 126a and a fixed shelf 128a. Side 100b includes an articulating shelf system 120b, support rails 126b, and a fixed shelf 128b. Articulating shelf systems 120a and 120b are both configured in a lowered position such that articulating shelf systems 120a and 120b are able to support one or more carry-on luggage <NUM>. On side 100a, a single piece of carry-on luggage <NUM> is stored on articulating shelf system 120a. Multiple pieces of carry-on luggage <NUM> are below articulating shelf system 120a, between support rails 126a, and on fixed shelf 128a. Multiple pieces of carry-on luggage <NUM> are stored below fixed shelf 128a. On side 100b, a single piece of carry-on luggage <NUM> is stored on articulating shelf system 120b. Multiple pieces of carry-on luggage <NUM> are below articulating shelf system 120b, between support rails 126b, and on fixed shelf 128b. Multiple pieces of carry-on luggage <NUM> are stored below fixed shelf 128b. In this configuration, stowage closet <NUM> is depicted storing ten pieces of carry-on luggage <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, in accordance with various embodiments, perspective views of the interior of stowage closet <NUM> and articulating shelf system <NUM> are illustrated. An exemplary stowage closet <NUM> having two sides 100a and 100b, where each side 100a, 100b is accessible by a door at an aisle of an aircraft and are depicted including articulating shelf systems 120a and 120b, support rails <NUM>, and fixed shelf <NUM>. Articulating shelf systems 120a, 120b each include shelf <NUM>, rod <NUM>, rod supports <NUM>, end caps <NUM>, and plungers <NUM>. Rod supports <NUM>, for example two as depicted, connect rod <NUM> to shelf <NUM> of articulating shelf system <NUM>. Rod supports <NUM> are sized to provide structural support while allowing hangers (e.g., clothing <NUM>) to be used with rod <NUM>.

Stowage closet side 100a illustrates articulating shelf system 120a being in a lowered, horizontal position (e.g., the x-axis), as also depicted in <FIG>. Stowage closet side 100b illustrates articulating shelf system 120b in a raised position, as also illustrated in <FIG>.

Each end of rod <NUM> further includes an end cap <NUM>. Each end cap <NUM> includes a flange <NUM> and plunger <NUM>. Plunger <NUM> is configured to extend from end cap <NUM>. Flange <NUM> may be used for manual retraction of end cap <NUM>. End cap <NUM>, including plunger <NUM>, may be biased in the extended position (e.g., the z-axis) by a mechanism located within end cap <NUM>. The mechanism may be a mechanical spring, an electro-mechanical solenoid, a rubber gromet, among others. Receivers <NUM> are positioned in the walls of stowage closet <NUM> (e.g., backside of front panel <NUM> and backside of back panel <NUM>) and are configured to receive plunger <NUM>. Receivers <NUM> may be a cup, an indent, a grommet, or other mechanism configured to received and secure plungers <NUM>. A first pair of receivers <NUM>, specifically lower receivers 144a, are positioned to receive plungers <NUM> when articulating shelf system <NUM> is in a lowered position and a second pair of receivers <NUM>, specifically upper receivers 144b, are positioned to receive plungers <NUM> when articulating shelf system <NUM> is in a raised position. This allows shelf <NUM> to transition from a locked lowered position, as illustrated in <FIG>, to a locked raised position, as illustrated in <FIG>.

Shelf <NUM> includes a first portion 122a and a second portion 122b that are connected by a hinge <NUM> and in contact with shelf support <NUM>. Shelf <NUM> may be made from wood, plastic, metal, and/or honeycomb material, among others. In various embodiments, a support recess <NUM> may be formed in first portion 122a and second portion 122b to make better use of the space with stowage closet <NUM>. Hinge <NUM> forms a joint between first portion 122a and second portion 122b allowing shelf <NUM> to articulate, or bend. A second hinge <NUM> connects the second portion 122b to a vertical support <NUM>, extending in the y-axis, allowing the second portion 122b to rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position.

When articulating shelf system <NUM> is in the lowered position, as illustrated in <FIG>, shelf <NUM> including first portion 122a and second portion 122b, is in contact with shelf support <NUM>. More specifically, support recesses <NUM> of shelf system <NUM> are in contact with shelf support <NUM>. Additionally, end caps <NUM>, including plungers <NUM>, are extended and locked into lower receivers 144a. The first portion 122a and second portion 122b are horizontal (e.g., the x direction) and in line with each other. Shelf <NUM> is perpendicular to vertical support <NUM>.

Raising articulating shelf system <NUM> includes depressing end caps <NUM> one either side of rod <NUM> to release plungers <NUM> from lower receivers 144a. Depressing end caps <NUM> may be done manually, by pressing a portion of a hand against flange <NUM> and pulling end caps <NUM>, including plungers <NUM>, toward each other. In various embodiments, rod <NUM> may include a button, or other mechanism, to depress end caps <NUM> and/or plungers <NUM>. In various embodiments, movement of rod <NUM> may cause end caps <NUM> and/or plungers <NUM> to depress, thereby releasing them from receivers <NUM>.

After depressing end caps <NUM>, including plungers <NUM>, rod <NUM>, as an example, is lifted upward vertically (e.g., along the y-axis) causing shelf <NUM> to rotate about hinge <NUM>. While rod <NUM> is used for description and illustrative purposed, other portions of shelf <NUM> may be lifted to achieve the same result. At the same time, or separately, rod <NUM> is pushed backward into the stowage closet <NUM> (e.g., along the x-axis), causing shelf <NUM> to articulate about hinge <NUM>. This articulation allows first portion 122a and second portion 122b to rotate with respect to each other about hinge <NUM>. End caps <NUM>, including plungers <NUM>, remain depressed through this motion as they are held in place by sidewalls of stowage closet <NUM>. In various embodiments, end caps <NUM> may remain depressed in response to a button being pressed.

Shelf <NUM>, specifically rod <NUM>, is maneuvered into position over upper receivers 144b. Once rod <NUM>, and more specifically end caps <NUM>, are located over upper receivers 144b, end cap <NUM> and plungers <NUM> extend and lock articulating shelf system <NUM> into the raised position. In various embodiments, end caps <NUM> may extend in response to a button being released.

When articulating shelf system <NUM> is in the raised position, second portion 122b is parallel with vertical support <NUM> in the y-axis. First portion 122a is rotated with respect to second portion 122b, forming an angle α between first portion 122a and second portion 122b when plungers <NUM> are locked into upper receivers 144b. In various embodiments, angle α may be about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°, and more specifically, angle α may be about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°. Angle α may be determined to allow sufficient room within stowage closet <NUM> for hangers (e.g., clothing <NUM>) to be used with rod <NUM> and allow doors <NUM> to be closed.

Moving articulating shelf system <NUM> from the raised position to the lowered position is accomplished by reversing the steps of raising articulating shelf system <NUM> described above. End caps <NUM> are depressed to release plungers <NUM> from upper receivers 144b in a similar manner to that described above. Rod <NUM>, for example, is pulled out of stowage closet <NUM> (e.g., along the x-axis) and downward (e.g., along the y-axis). This motion causes first portion 122a and second portion 122b to rotate about hinge <NUM> and become aligned with one another. This alignment may occur prior to achieving the horizontal position (e.g., along the x-axis). Second portion 122b rotates about hinge <NUM> as it lowers from the vertical position to the horizontal position. Plungers <NUM> then extend in lower receivers 144a when end caps <NUM> are located over lower receivers 144a.

Support rails <NUM> are affixed to interior walls of stowage closet <NUM> (e.g., backside of front panel <NUM> and back panel <NUM>). In various embodiments, support rails <NUM> are further affixed to vertical support <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, support rails <NUM> form a U-shape being affixed to vertical support <NUM> and interior surfaces of front panel <NUM> and back panel <NUM>. This configuration provides the strength to support some type of stowage (e.g., SUs <NUM>) while leaving an opening to store other types of stowage (e.g., clothing <NUM> and carry-on luggage <NUM>). This configuration improves the use of stowage closet <NUM> by supporting multiple different types of stowage. Furthermore, stowage closet <NUM> is quickly converted to support different types of stowage between different legs of a flight and between different aircraft configurations. In various embodiments, stowage closet <NUM> further includes a light <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, in accordance with various embodiments, an exemplary stowage closet <NUM> is illustrated. Stowage closet <NUM> may be placed at the front of an aircraft to provide more storage for carry-on luggage (e.g., carry-on luggage <NUM>). In various embodiments, stowage closet <NUM> may be placed at any FAA-mandated cross-aisle and/or near any entrance doorway. Stowage closet <NUM> includes a top panel <NUM>, a first side panel <NUM>, a second side panel <NUM>, a back panel <NUM>, and two bi-fold doors <NUM>. In various embodiments, bi-fold door <NUM> are configured to slide into stowage closet <NUM>. Stowage closet <NUM> further includes articulating shelf system <NUM> and fixed shelves <NUM>. Articulated shelf system <NUM> is depicted in both a raised position 120c and a lowered position 120d. In various embodiments, upper fixed shelf <NUM> may be replaced with articulating shelf system <NUM>. As depicted, stowage closet <NUM> is storing sixteen items of carry-on luggage and a number of items of clothing <NUM>. The depicted configuration of stowage closet <NUM> is exemplary and other configurations of stowage closet <NUM> are contemplated.

Stowage closet <NUM> and stowage closet <NUM> are discussed with respect to passenger aircraft. Other uses are contemplated. For example, stowage closet <NUM> and stowage closet <NUM> may be used in freight aircraft such as separating a courier compartment from the cargo bulkhead of a cargo aircraft. As another example, stowage closet <NUM> and/or stowage closet <NUM> may be used on a passenger train for improving luggage storage efficiency.

The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B, or C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. Different crosshatching is used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Claim 1:
An articulating shelf system (120a, 120b) configured to be in a lowered, horizontal position or in a raised position, comprising:
a first shelf portion (122a) having a first edge and an opposing second edge;
a second shelf portion (122b) having a first edge and an opposing second edge, the first shelf portion and the second shelf portion configured such that carry-on luggage (<NUM>) may be stored thereon when the articulating shelf system is in the lowered, horizontal position;
a first hinge (<NUM>) coupled to the first edge of the first shelf portion and the first edge of the second shelf portion;
a second hinge (<NUM>) coupled to the second edge of the second shelf portion (122b) and configured to connect the second shelf portion (122b) to a vertical support (<NUM>);
a rod (<NUM>) having a first end and an opposing second end, the rod (<NUM>) configured to support clothing when the articulating shelf system is in the raised position;
a rod support having a first end and a second end, the first end of the rod support coupled to the second edge of the first shelf portion and the second end of the rod support coupled to the rod at a point between the first end of the rod and the second end of the rod; and
an end cap (<NUM>) coupled to the first end of the rod, the end cap including a plunger (<NUM>), configured to extend and retract from the end cap, the plunger (<NUM>) configured to lock the articulating shelf system in position.