Patent Description:
Many vehicles such as passenger aircraft, buses, trains, ships, automobiles, and the like include seats for bearing passengers en route to a destination. Many seats are provided with privacy shells or screens that enable a passenger occupying the seat to have an enclosed feeling. For example, a privacy screen, wall, or sliding door (collectively referred to as a "privacy feature") may be provided that divides the passenger seat from the aisle area or other common area.

Vehicle passenger seats are also subject to safety requirements established by governments or other standard-setting organizations. While passenger comfort and privacy are important considerations in seat design, it is also necessary to provide a safe egress from the seat in the event of an emergency, particularly in the case of seats that are enclosed by a seat privacy shell or other privacy feature. For example, some federal regulations have typically required that no door may be installed between any passenger and any emergency exit space or aisle. Accordingly, any privacy feature that may be associated with the passenger seat must allow a safe and timely exit from the seat.

However, passenger comfort has dictated that certain classes of seats benefit from privacy. Accordingly, many airlines are seeking to provide seats with privacy doors or screens, and aircraft interior designers have been tasked with making such privacy doors or screens as safe as possible. Some privacy doors or screens are designed to slide with respect to a sidewall.

One particular design requirement has been to require any enclosed suite or mini suite (which term is generally used to refer to a passenger seating area or space that has a privacy feature positioned between the seat and the aisle or other common area) to have an enclosure that has a secondary opening feature (or secondary egress) in the event that the primary opening feature (primary egress) fails in a deployed or closed position. For example, if the primary egress means for the door gets stuck in a deployed position, a secondary egress means must be provided in order to prevent the seat from dangerously trapping the passenger. Any door that may be positioned between the passenger in the aisle is thus desirably designed such that if the primary means of egress is disabled, a secondary means of egress is provided. The general intent is to ensure that a passenger does not become trapped within the enclosed suite or mini suite, without a safe alternate egress route. Climbing over a passenger seat shell is generally not considered a safe secondary exit route. Accordingly, appropriate mechanical alterations to the primary opening feature of the privacy feature are desirable.

Document <CIT> describes a pocket door. The pocket door is capable of pivoting on hinges between a frame that holds the pocket door and allows it to slide in and out of a pocket to open and close a passageway. More specifically, the pocket door is hinged to the moving frame and also includes a two-part panel, where each panel is separated from an adjacent panel by a hinge that is capable of allowing the panels to move between flush engagement where the two panels lie in the same plane and a position where the panels are no longer lying in the same plane.

Embodiments of the invention described herein thus provide systems and methods for privacy features comprising both primary and secondary egress route access options.

The terms "invention," "the invention," "this invention" "the present invention," "disclosure," "the disclosure," and "the present disclosure," used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below.

According to embodiments not in accordance with the invention, there may be provided a passenger seat egress system, comprising a passenger seat area divided from an aisle or other common area by a privacy feature, wherein the privacy feature offers a primary egress from the passenger seat area and a secondary egress from the passenger seat area. The primary egress may be a sliding door configured to slide into and out of a wall pocket in order to open a close a passageway space. In one example not in accordance with the invention, the secondary egress may be one or more hinges on the sliding door, such that if sliding movement into and out of the wall pocket is blocked, the door is hingeable. The one or more hinges comprise one or more vertical hinges that hinge the door away from the passageway space.

In another example which is not in accordance with the invention, the sliding door may be a plurality of vertical panels, and wherein the one or more hinges comprise vertical hinges that allow the panels to accordion fold. In another example which is not in accordance with the invention, the sliding door may be more than one horizontal panel, and wherein the one or more hinges comprise one or more horizontal hinges that allow an upper panel to fold over a lower panel. In a further example which is not in accordance with the invention, the sliding door may be a plurality of panels, and wherein the secondary egress comprises a first panel that drops into a pocket of a second panel. It is possible for the secondary egress to be removing the sliding door from the housing frame.

In another example which is not in accordance with the invention, the primary egress may be first and second sliding doors configured to slide into and out of front and rear wall pockets in order to open a close a passageway space. The secondary egress may be at least one of the first and second sliding doors comprising a lowerable section. Alternatively, the secondary egress may be a removable panel. In a further example which is not in accordance with the invention, the primary egress comprises a first and second sliding doors configured to slide into and out of a central stow feature.

Another example which is not in accordance with the invention, provides the privacy feature as being one or more hinged panels, with a releaseable securement member configured to secure the hinged panels as a rigid door and wherein removal of the releaseable securement member allows the panels to hinge.

In accordance with the invention, a passenger seat egress system comprises the features of claim <NUM>.

The described embodiments provide improved emergency egress solutions for passenger seats. While the improved emergency egress solutions are described in connection with aircraft seats, they are by no means so limited. Rather, the embodiments disclosed may be used in passenger seats or other seats of any type or otherwise as desired.

Fully enclosed suites are traditionally installed only on low density first class aircraft cabins, but there is a current desire to certify suites or mini suites or other types of more private seating arrangements (i.e., those having one or more privacy features separating the aircraft seat from the aircraft aisle or other common area) for other aircraft areas. For example, it would be desirable to have a mini suite option for larger business class cabins, in which privacy remains a concern, but for which balancing of cost is also desirable. By providing a privacy feature with a secondary egress option in addition to the primary egress option envisioned, it is believed that certification will become increasingly possible, making such improved suites or mini suites a desirable and viable option for aircraft companies.

A number of various embodiments for emergency egress from a mini suite are described herein. As used herein, the term "mini suite" is intended to mean any type of passenger seating area or passenger space <NUM> that is bounded by a privacy feature positioned between the passenger seating area/space <NUM> and the aisle <NUM> or any other common area. A mini suite generally provides a passenger with more privacy than a typical unbounded passenger seat. As used herein, the term "privacy feature" is intended to mean any type of door, closure, screen, wall, partition, movable panel, swinging door, telescoping door, or any other feature that creates at least a partial of privacy for a seat occupant. Non-limiting examples of various privacy features are described and shown herein.

According to current regulations, in the taxi, takeoff and landing (TTL) configuration, the mini-suite must provide an unobstructed access to the main aisle having a width of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches) at a height lower than <NUM> (<NUM> inches) from the floor, and of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches) at a height of <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and more from the floor. A narrower width not less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches) at a height below <NUM> (<NUM> inches) from the floor may be approved when substantiated by tests found necessary by the Agency. It is understood that these regulations can and do change periodically. It is envisioned that the passenger seats described herein may have their sizes altered in order to fit within the requirements. Accordingly, specific door heights, depths, and other dimensions are not required and it should be understood that modifications are possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure.

In addition, the mini-suite must have an Emergency Passage Feature (EPF) to allow for evacuation of the mini-suite occupant in the event a door closes and becomes jammed during an emergency landing. The EPF must provide a free aperture for passage into the aisle consistent with current regulations requiring a clear access. Alternatively, the passage should comply with other regulations applicable to a Type IV emergency exit, which requires a <NUM> x <NUM> inch window be available.

If the EPF consists of frangible and/or removable elements, they should be easily broken/removed by the occupant of the mini-suite when a door becomes jammed. If the EPF consists of dual independent sliding doors opening in opposite directions, the remaining unobstructed access width with one door in the fully closed position must be consistent with SC13 or meet the requirements of CS <NUM> applicable to a Type IV emergency exit.

In general, mini suite installation should not encroach into any required main aisle, cross aisle or passage ways. Mini suite doors may not impede main aisle or cross aisle egress paths in the open, closed, or translating position. Accordingly, with these regulations being considered, the following mini suite privacy door or screen configurations have been developed.

As illustrated by <FIG>, one embodiment provides a sliding door <NUM> with a breakaway hinge <NUM>. The primary egress means for leaving the mini suite <NUM> is sliding the door <NUM> into a pocket <NUM> contained in side wall <NUM>. However, if the sliding door <NUM> were to become stuck or otherwise lodged in the closed position, the breakaway hinge <NUM> provides a secondary egress means. In one example, the breakaway hinge <NUM> can be an upper hinge portion and a lower hinge portion generally positioned along a far edge of the door <NUM>. If the door <NUM> were to fail in the fully open position, the upper and lower hinge portions can be used to hinge the far edge of the door <NUM> open. In another example, the breakaway hinge <NUM> may be a longitudinal hinge that extends the height of the door <NUM>. For example, the hinge may be a piano hinge or other elongated hinge. In this example, it is possible for a rear portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> to remain within the pocket <NUM> of the wall so that only the forward portion <NUM> of the door <NUM> hinges <NUM>.

In order to activate the secondary egress means, the passenger would release or activate a lever, trigger, latch, or other release mechanism that holds or otherwise maintains the door <NUM> in a straight plane. Release or activation of the a lever, trigger, latch, or other release mechanism an arm that maintains the door <NUM> in the straight plane (aligned with the pocket <NUM> of the wall <NUM>). Exemplary releasable securement members are described further below and are considered possible for use with any of the embodiments disclosed herein. Activation of the release mechanism releases the door <NUM> to swing either inward or outward from the passenger space <NUM>. The trigger or lever may be labeled "Emergency" or "Pull in case of emergency" or with any other appropriate label to indicate to the passenger that there is an alternate egress means. This flow is illustrated by <FIG>.

The sliding door <NUM> may also be provided with a spring loaded feature that is biased to force the door <NUM> back into alignment with the plane of the wall <NUM> (once opening pressure is released from the door). The spring loaded feature will generally be positioned at or near the breakaway hinge <NUM>. Once the passenger releases opening or closing pressure on the door (and otherwise leaves the passenger space <NUM>), the door <NUM> swings back to its closed position, aligned between walls <NUM>. This leaves the aisle <NUM> unblocked so that other passengers may exit.

<FIG> illustrates an alternate embodiment that uses a vertically hinged accordion door <NUM>. The design of the accordion door <NUM> can help avoid the problem of a door swinging or otherwise entering into the passenger aisle. In this example, the primary egress use of door <NUM> is to slide the door <NUM> in and out of a pocket <NUM> of a sidewall <NUM> (similar to the movements described above for door <NUM>). However, the secondary means of egress from the door is an accordion-like movement, similar to the opening and closing of a lavatory door. The door <NUM> is thus formed of at least two panels <NUM> that fold upon themselves when the door <NUM> is in an secondary open position (allowing ingress and egress to the passenger space <NUM>). The at least two panels <NUM> may be designed so that in typical use, they maintain a straight panel configuration that deploys foreward and aftward in use in order to provide privacy, as illustrated by <FIG>. If the door <NUM> were to get stuck in a deployed position as illustrated by <FIG>, the at least two panels <NUM> are configured to fold with respect to one another. In one example, the at least two panels <NUM> fold inwardly, away from the aisle <NUM>. Hinges <NUM> may extend vertically along the accordion door. It is generally envisioned that at least one hinge 46a will be positioned at the joint between side wall <NUM> and the door <NUM>. At least one additional hinge 46b will be positioned between the at least two panels <NUM>. Accordion door <NUM> may function similarly to a lavatory door. When the accordion door <NUM> is in a closed position, the panels <NUM> maintain the appearance of a single panel. When the accordion door is opened using the secondary means of egress, a lever, trigger, latch, or other release mechanism disables the feature that maintains the at least two panels <NUM> in the straight planar panel configuration, and releases the hinge 46b. Release of the hinge 46b allows the at least two panels <NUM> to accordion onto one another, as illustrated by <FIG>. It is also possible that the at least two panels will fold flat upon one another and the side hinge 46a may be used to rotate the stacked panels out of the aisle, as illustrated by <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a fold down panel embodiment. In this example, the door <NUM> is provided with a fold down panel <NUM>. The fold down panel <NUM> may be hingedly connected, latched, or otherwise secured to a lower panel <NUM>. In other words, the door <NUM> has two portions: a first lower portion <NUM> and a second foldable portion <NUM>. For primary egress, the two portions <NUM> and <NUM> are attached such that they form a planar panel <NUM>, as illustrated by the solid lines. The planar panel <NUM> may slide into a pocket <NUM> of the wall <NUM>, as described for other embodiments above. However, the secondary egress may be accomplished by releasing a lever, trigger, latch, or other release mechanism that maintains the two portions <NUM> and <NUM> as a planar panel <NUM>, so that the fold down panel <NUM> is allowed to release and fold down over the lower panel <NUM>. This is illustrated by the dotted lines in <FIG>. The fold over may occur inwardly (toward the passenger space <NUM>) or outwardly (toward the aisle). In either event, it is generally envisioned that the two panels <NUM>, <NUM> will then stack over one another so that the passenger may step over the lower panel <NUM> to escape the passenger space <NUM>. This type of exit is generally referred to as a Type IV egress. In other words, the passenger does not have an absolutely clear path to the aisle, but is required to step over only a short obstruction. For many requirements, as long as the obstruction is no less than <NUM> inches high, egress is still possible and considered safe. Accordingly, in one example, the lower panel <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM> inches high.

<FIG> illustrates a drop down panel embodiment. In this example, the door <NUM> is provided with a drop down panel <NUM>. The drop down panel <NUM> may be slidably cooperable with a lower panel <NUM>. As illustrated, lower panel <NUM> may have an internal pocket <NUM> into which the drop down panel <NUM> may be received. For primary egress, the drop down panel <NUM> is extended from the lower panel <NUM> and locked into position therewith, such that panels <NUM> and <NUM> form a planar panel <NUM>. The planar panel <NUM> may slide into a pocket <NUM> of the wall <NUM>, as described for other embodiments above. Because the lower panel may have a larger thickness that some other embodiment, it should be understood that the pocket of the wall may be enlarged appropriately. The secondary egress may be accomplished by releasing a lever, trigger, latch, or other release mechanism that maintains the two portions <NUM> and <NUM> as a planar panel <NUM>, so that the drop down panel <NUM> is allowed to release and drop down into the pocket <NUM> of the lower panel <NUM>. In this configuration, the lower panel <NUM> receives the upper drop down panel <NUM> so that the lower panel forms a lower wall. The passenger may step over the lower wall (the external shell of the lower panel <NUM>) to escape the passenger space <NUM>. This type of exit is generally referred to as a Type IV egress. In other words, the passenger does not have an absolutely clear path to the aisle, but is required to step over only a short obstruction. For many requirements, as long as the obstruction is no less than <NUM> inches high, egress is still possible and considered safe. Accordingly, in one example, the lower panel <NUM> may be about <NUM> to about <NUM> inches high.

In an alternate embodiment, the lower panel <NUM> may actually be formed as two separate panels with a space therebetween. In use, the two-part lower panel <NUM> and the drop down panel <NUM> are secured. When secondary egress is necessary, the drop down panel <NUM> is dropped into the space between the two separate lower panels.

<FIG> illustrate an alternate type of drop down panel system. In this example, a door <NUM> is formed by first and second panels <NUM> and <NUM>. As illustrated by side cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the first panel <NUM> may be an upper panel that is received by a first wall pocket opening <NUM>. The first wall pocket opening <NUM> is generally sized and configured to slidingly receive the first panel <NUM>. The second panel <NUM> may be a lower panel that is received by a second wall pocket opening <NUM>. The second wall pocket opening <NUM> is generally sized and configured to slidingly receive both the first panel <NUM> and the second panel <NUM> in a stacked, side-by-side configuration. In a deployed configuration, the first panel will be in a configuration and generally abut the second panel <NUM> in an end-to-end configuration. The two panels <NUM>, <NUM> can be deployed collectively, such that they may extend from the wall pocket openings <NUM>, <NUM> together and form a single panel. In this example, it is possible for there to be a pin or track or other securement feature that maintains the first panel <NUM> above the second panel <NUM>. Alternatively, the two panels can be deployed separately, such that the first panel <NUM> may be extended completely across the space, or may be extended only partially across the space, depending upon the amount of privacy desired by the passenger. In any event, the first and second panels generally aligned, but occupy two different planes, as illustrated by <FIG>. For the primary means of egress, the two panels <NUM>, <NUM> are pushed or slid into their respective wall pocket openings <NUM>, <NUM>.

For a secondary means of egress, the first panel <NUM> can drop down into the second wall pocket opening <NUM> or drop to be aligned in side-by-side configuration with panel <NUM>, as illustrated by <FIG>. In this configuration, the panels are aligned, such that a passenger could step over the stacked panels to exit.

<FIG> illustrates an alternate embodiment in which the upper half <NUM> of the seat shell <NUM> (on the aisle side) is mounted on one or more horizontal hinges <NUM>. This allows the upper half <NUM> to rotate down in order to offer emergency egress to a passenger in the seat in the event of a failed door <NUM> in the deployed position. This embodiment may be particularly useful in meeting Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for handicap access. As illustrated, the door <NUM> may be a double paneled door that slides in regular use. The seat shell <NUM> may normally be in its raised position (such that the upper half <NUM> is in a raised configuration alongside the passenger's side). If a secondary emergency egress is required, a lever, trigger, latch, or other release mechanism that maintains the upper half <NUM> in its raised configuration may be released in order to allow the upper half to rotate about the one or more horizontal hinges <NUM> two a lowered configuration, side-by-side with the remainder of the seat shell <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a combination door <NUM>. This combination door <NUM> provides both a sliding panel <NUM> and rotation about one or more hinges <NUM>. The combination door <NUM> actually forms a portion of the shell housing <NUM>. For primary egress, the passenger slides the panel <NUM> in and out of the pocket contained within the combination door. If the sliding panel <NUM> becomes lodged or stuck in the deployed position, the passenger may release one or more hinge stops in order to rotate the combination door <NUM> about one or more hinges <NUM>. The solution creates a large opening and allows full access to the aisle, which can be useful for handicap access. Additionally, it is possible for the combination door <NUM> to also be a spring-loaded, such that the door <NUM> closes automatically after passenger egress.

<FIG> illustrates an improvement to a double door system. In one embodiment, both of the doors <NUM>, <NUM> may be sliding doors (which are the primary means of egress). In another embodiment, only one of the doors <NUM>, <NUM> is a slidable door and the other of the doors <NUM>, <NUM> is designed to remain in a deployed/closed position. In theory, it is possible that both doors <NUM>, <NUM> could become jammed at the same time. Accordingly, at least one of the sliding doors <NUM> is shown as being provided with an additional vertically moveable section <NUM>. Vertically movable section may cooperate along tracks <NUM>. It is also possible for a vertically movable section <NUM> to be provided on both of the doors <NUM>, <NUM>. The vertically movable section <NUM> may be provided as a drop-down section, a hinged section, or any other mechanical feature that allows at least an upper portion of the door to be lowered. When both doors <NUM>, <NUM> are deployed, the passenger is provided with a privacy screen. However, if one of the doors <NUM>, <NUM> were to fail, the other of the doors <NUM>, <NUM> may be used for egress. Accordingly, in a specific example, if the vertically movable section <NUM> is provided on door <NUM>, and if door <NUM> is provided as a sliding door, if either of the doors <NUM> or <NUM> becomes stuck in its deployed/closed position, the other of the doors <NUM> or <NUM> may be used for egress. The two different kinematic movements react differently to the same abuse load, which should prevent both doors <NUM>, <NUM> from failing at the same time.

<FIG> illustrate a dual privacy door system <NUM>. In this example, the system has two sliding panels <NUM>, <NUM>, one of which slides forward (<NUM>) and one of which slides backward (<NUM>) with respect to the aircraft axis. One of the panels will generally be attached to the seat shell of the seat for which it provides privacy and the other of the panels may be attached to the seat shell of a forward or aft seat. These attachments may be external, such that the panels slide alongside the shell. In other examples, these attachments may be designed so that the panels are received by internal wall pockets. When deployed, the panels <NUM>, <NUM> meet to create a fully enclosed passenger space.

As illustrated, in order to manage space considerations when the panels are stowed (e.g., in the open, non-privacy position), it is possible to provide varying panel shapes. The shapes may be provided such that a tab-shaped area <NUM> provided on one panel is received by a receiving space <NUM> of another panel. The panels <NUM> and <NUM> may have differing heights and widths. The panels may also run along offset rails <NUM> and tracks <NUM>, more detail for which is described below.

It is also possible to provide a stow feature <NUM>, as illustrated by <FIG>. The stow feature <NUM> may function as an endbay to house the panels. In one example, the stow feature <NUM> may be formed with an internal pocket <NUM> that receives both sliding panels <NUM>, <NUM>. In the example shown, sliding panel <NUM> has a tab-shaped area <NUM> that is received by a receiving space <NUM> of sliding panel <NUM>. Both panels may safely nest within the stow feature <NUM> when not in privacy screen use. It is also possible to provide a sliding management system for use in cooperation with the stow feature <NUM> and the panels. In one example, one or more rails <NUM> on the panels <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate with one or more receiving tracks <NUM> of the stow feature <NUM>. It should be understood, however, that the track(s) may be provided on the panel(s) and the rail(s) may be provided stow feature. The sliding management system generally has these features being staggered so that the doors can be overlapped when stowed. This can help reduce the overall size of the stow feature/endbay. It is possible for the stow feature <NUM> itself to provide a pivoting function in order to allow a greater access to the passenger space. This may provide beneficial for cabin crew assisting a handicapped passenger.

As illustrated by <FIG>, it is possible for the sliding doors to overlap one another. In this embodiment, the doors may be slightly offset in the Y axis so that they define an overlapping area <NUM> when both doors are stowed. This can help save space and increase available privacy range.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment similar to the embodiments shown by <FIG>, <FIG>. In <FIG>, the privacy wall <NUM> is formed by a pair of upper panels <NUM> and a pair of lower panels <NUM>. The upper panels <NUM> and lower panels <NUM> can be secured in order to move collectively as a solid planar panel (albeit offset). In this configuration, it is possible for there to be a pin or track or other securement feature that maintains the upper panels <NUM> above the lower panels <NUM>. Alternatively, the panels <NUM>, <NUM> can be deployed separately, such that one or more of the upper panels <NUM> may be extended completely across the space, or may be extended only partially across the space, depending upon the amount of privacy desired by the passenger.

When in a deployed configuration, the upper panels <NUM> will generally abut the lower panels <NUM> in an end-to-end configuration. The panels <NUM>, <NUM> are generally aligned, but occupy two different planes, as illustrated by <FIG>. For the primary means of egress, the panels <NUM>, <NUM> are pushed or slid into respective wall pocket openings. When a secondary egress is needed, it is possible for the upper panels 142a and 142b to drop into an internal pocket of the lower panels <NUM>, as discussed in connection with <FIG>. It is also possible for the upper panels <NUM> to drop alongside the lower panels <NUM>. When dropped, the upper panels 142a and 142b may be received alongside the lower panels 144a and 144b in a stacked, side-by-side configuration.

<FIG> illustrates one example of a door <NUM> having a removable panel <NUM>. In a specific embodiment, the door <NUM> is a backward sliding hinged door with a removable panel <NUM>. The door <NUM> may have tracks that slide along one or more rails in order to provide a smooth and controlled movement. In one example, the removable panel <NUM> may be a frangible panel that can be removed via a certain force. The removable panel <NUM> may have an area of weakness that allows its removal.

In one example as illustrated by <FIG>, the removable panel <NUM> may be secured via a disengageable hinge axis <NUM>. The hinge axis <NUM> may be secured via a pull pin <NUM>. Once released, the pull pin <NUM> can allow release of the removable panel <NUM>. In another example, a further example is to use bi-stable hinges that create a solid panel that can have an area released. One example of such a hinge <NUM> is illustrated by <FIG>. Such a hinge <NUM> may interface between the door <NUM> and the removable panel <NUM>. The hinge <NUM> may have a spine <NUM> that supports one or more flat edges <NUM>. The spine <NUM> may be rounded in order to allow hinge rotation for the door to open or fold. In use, the flat edges <NUM> lie against one or more indentations in the door <NUM> and keep the removable panel <NUM> in place and rigid with respect to the door <NUM>. When the hinge <NUM> is raised as indicated by the arrow, the door is allowed to rotate and/or the removable panel <NUM> is allowed to release. An even further solution is to use a two-position hinge that allows rigidity or flexibility, depending on the position of the part.

Although the above and below described securement and release mechanisms or triggers may be used with the releasable or breakaway door embodiments disclosed, it should be understood that it is possible for these features to be used with any of the egress systems described and shown anywhere herein.

<FIG> illustrates a releasable securement member <NUM> that may be placed over any of the hinges described. The releasable securement member <NUM> that allows the door or panel to stay straight and rigid in use but can be released to allow the rigid connection to be released. In one example, the releasable securement member <NUM> may secure two independently movable doors or panels. In another example, the releasable securement member <NUM> may be used to secure a hinge point to prevent rotation until desired. In another example, the releasable securement member <NUM> may secure a breakaway or removable panel onto a door or other structure. <FIG> illustrates the releasable securement member <NUM> in position between two doors. The doors may be separately slidable doors, hinged doors, or any of the door embodiments described herein. When the doors are to be separated, the releasable securement member <NUM> may either be removed completely or may flip open or lift up in order to release the door(s) and/or panel(s) to allow movement.

These examples are illustrated by <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates an alternate embodiment of an elongated releasable securement member <NUM>. The elongated releasable securement member <NUM> may be an extended version of the releasable securement member <NUM>, such that it spans more than one hinge area <NUM> between a plurality of doors. <FIG> illustrates three independent flat panels secured into a single panel via an elongated rubber panel that allows rotation of the panels. The intermediate rubber connection are flexible and function like a hinge.

The releasable securement member <NUM> and the elongated releasable securement member <NUM> may have an internal channel <NUM> that can be received over an upper door or panel surface. The members <NUM>, <NUM> function as top caps to be positioned over the upper part of the door/panel. The top cap runs along a top edge of the door in order to give the door rigidity, but that can be removed. When the member <NUM> or <NUM> is removed, the doors revert back to their hinged or removable functionality. The releasable securement member <NUM> or <NUM> can be removed in case of emergency to rotate the door and create an emergency passage feature and/or to remove a panel that allows emergency egress.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment that provides a sliding hinged door <NUM>. The sliding hinged door <NUM> when may be used in connection with a seat shell having rotation capability. The primary means of egress is sliding of the door <NUM> into a wall pocket, as described in alternate embodiments above. The secondary means of egress is provided by folding the door back upon itself lavatory-style and/or rotation of a portion of the seat shell. As illustrated, the door <NUM> incorporates one or more vertical hinges <NUM> that can allow backward folding of the door <NUM>. It is generally envisioned that one or more of latches or securement member as described above and herein may be used in order to maintain the door as a solid panel. If the secondary means of egress is necessary, the latch or securement member is released to allow folding capability. Additionally or alternatively, if handicap access is necessary, the endbay or end wall <NUM> of the privacy shell may be rotatable in order to offer an even larger amount of access for passengers.

<FIG> illustrate an embodiment with dual sliding privacy doors <NUM>. The privacy doors <NUM> are secured to the same structure and slide in opposite directions. As illustrated by <FIG>, the external door 190a is sliding rearwardly and the internal door 190b (closer to the seat) is sliding forward. In this example, the endbay <NUM> (a portion forming or secured to an aisle-side of a passenger seat or shell <NUM>) is the portion supporting the doors <NUM>. The endbay <NUM> includes one or more door supporting features <NUM>. Each of the dual sliding doors <NUM> includes one or more endbay cooperating features <NUM>. In a specific example, the features <NUM> may be internal tracks or grooves, and the features <NUM> may be sliders, track portions, or rollers. As illustrated by the cross-sectional view of <FIG>, the one or more door supporting features <NUM> may define an S-shaped slider support <NUM>. Both doors <NUM> are secured to the S-shaped slider support <NUM>. The slider support <NUM> receives features <NUM> of the doors <NUM>. It is also possible to provide one or more covers <NUM> that extend down over the door supporting features <NUM>. This can help protect the features <NUM> from passenger tampering, as well as debris. The presence of covers <NUM> may also help maintain securement of the endbay cooperating features <NUM> within the support <NUM>.

The support <NUM> may be shaped such that its connection features <NUM> are overlapped in the Z and Y axes. This allows the endbay <NUM> to receive endbay cooperating features <NUM> of the first door 190a on a first side and endbay cooperating features <NUM> of the second door 190b on a second side. Without this feature, attaching full-size doors in a back-to-back configuration on the same panel could take up extraneous passenger living space. By using an S-shaped structure <NUM> on which rails from both doors are attached alternatively on the side, it is possible to reduce thickness while still offering an extended privacy range.

<FIG> illustrate an alternate embodiment with dual sliding doors that have a rotating feature. In this embodiment, a passenger seat area is provided with one forward sliding door <NUM> and privacy is completed via a rearward sliding door <NUM> from the seat immediately forward. (Accordingly, each passenger seat is provided with both a forward sliding door <NUM> for its own passenger and a rearward sliding door <NUM> for the passenger behind. ) Although the forward sliding door <NUM> is illustrated as being a half height (or shorter height) door, any size or height is possible and considered within the scope of this disclosure.

The primary means of egress from the passenger space is sliding the doors forward and rearward. Although it is unlikely that both doors we become stuck in the deployed position, a secondary means of egress is to provide one or both doors as having a rotating feature. In the example illustrated, the forward sliding door <NUM> is provided with a hinge area <NUM> that allows the door to hinge upon itself and/or hinge open. In one example, the door may hinge and swivel closed upon itself similar to the lavatory-style closure described above. In another example, the door may have a rigid hinge that is released for folding. Any of the hinged movement described herein and/or any of the latch, pin, or releasable securement members may be used to maintain the rigid position of the rotating door when rotation is not necessary. Any of the other hinging options described herein are possible and considered within the scope of this embodiment disclosure. In any event, hinged movement may be outward, inward, or both options may be provided.

Other embodiments provide a complete breakaway door. The door may be completely disengaged from the privacy shell, endbay, or other supporting feature. In some examples, the door is completely freed and stowed within the mini suite passenger space during emergency exit. In other examples, the door is designed to slide down and/or back into the supporting feature. <FIG> illustrates one embodiment in which the door is completely disengaged from the supporting structure. Engagement and disengagement may take place via a pin securement, cam securement, via links, spring loaded removable features, a self-latching feature, roller balls or sliders, releasable clamps, or any other feature that can allow a door to be removed from its housing.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment in which the door is disengaged from the supporting structure, and slid or pushed back into a wall pocket. As shown in <FIG>, a release mechanism <NUM> may be provided. When released, the door <NUM> is disengaged from its internal track system and allowed to drop or otherwise release via gravity.

<FIG> illustrate one embodiment of a track system <NUM> that may be used. The track system <NUM> includes a track base <NUM> supporting one or more protrusions <NUM> that are shaped and configured to cooperate with one or more receiving portions <NUM> on an upper portion of the door <NUM>. In the illustration shown, the protrusions are shaped as wide-headed pegs <NUM>. The receiving portions are shaped as elongated slots <NUM> with narrowed portions <NUM> therebetween. Running below the elongated slots <NUM> and the narrowed portions <NUM> is a channel <NUM>. In order to secure the door <NUM> to the protrusions <NUM>, the door <NUM> is aligned with the track base channel <NUM> and wide-headed pegs <NUM> are received into the channel <NUM>, as illustrated by <FIG>. The door <NUM> is allowed to slide along the track system <NUM> in regular use.

If, however, the door becomes jammed in its open/deployed position, a release system <NUM> may be activated to disengage the pegs <NUM> from the channel <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A passenger seat egress system comprising a passenger seat area (<NUM>) divided from an aisle (<NUM>) or other common area by a privacy feature,
• wherein the privacy feature offers a primary egress option from the passenger seat area (<NUM>) and a secondary egress option from the passenger seat area (<NUM>),
• wherein the primary egress option comprises a sliding door mounted on a track system (<NUM>) housed within a housing,
• and the secondary egress option comprises means for releasing the door from the track system and storing the door in the housing.