Patent Description:
Unless explicitly identified as such, no statement herein is admitted as prior art merely by its inclusion in the Technological Field and/or Background section.

<CIT> states, in accordance with its abstract, that it relates to an emergency exit hatch for exiting a cabin module for an aircraft in an emergency and entering the cabin module. Said emergency exit hatch comprises a first mechanism for visually inspecting a zone below the emergency exit hatch by at least partly opening the emergency exit hatch by means of the first mechanism, and a second mechanism for entirely opening the emergency exit hatch. The first mechanism is not the same as the second mechanism.

<CIT> states, in accordance with its abstract, that a system and method for exiting a crew rest area located in an overhead area in an aircraft. An opening in the crew rest area is located in an overhead area in the aircraft. An egress apparatus is configured to move between a closed state and an open state. The egress apparatus is configured to direct a person moving on the egress apparatus from the opening to a passenger cabin in the aircraft when the egress apparatus is in the open state.

<CIT> states, in accordance with its abstract, that a fastening system comprises a structure holding element which can be fastened to a structural component. The fastening system further comprises a component holding element which can be fastened to a component that is to be fastened and which is movable relative to the structure holding element between a first operating position and a second operating position. A first lever element of the fastening system is connected to the structure holding element so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis and is connected to the component holding element so as to be rotatable about a second rotation axis. Lastly, the fastening system comprises a connection element, which is connected to the component holding element so as to be rotatable about a third rotation axis and which is connected to the structure holding element so as to be displaceable in translation relative to the structure holding element, in such a way that the second rotation axis, when the component holding element is transferred from its first operating position into its second operating position, is displaced in a plane extending perpendicularly to the second rotation axis.

<CIT> states, in accordance with its abstract, that there are provided passenger seats having improved comfort emergency egress solutions for mini suites or other types of passenger seats that have a privacy screen, wall, or sliding door that divides the passenger seat from the aisle area or other common area. Specific embodiments find particular use on-board passenger transportation vehicles, such as aircraft, where comfort and privacy must be balanced with safety and federal regulations.

Present aspects are directed to the placement of crew egress pathway exits at the terminus of a crew egress pathways for aircraft crew and personnel, and aircraft crew egress pathways terminating at a crew egress exit and crew egress exit assembly that is configured to support the weight of a crew member with the crew egress pathway exit and crew egress pathway exit assembly opening from a closed stowed position (equivalently referred to herein as a "stowed state") to an open deployed position (equivalently referred to herein as a "deployed state"), with the crew egress pathway exit assembly opening into an aircraft cabin such as, for example, an aircraft passenger cabin.

According to independent claim <NUM>, a crew egress pathway exit is disclosed with the crew egress pathway exit including a crew egress pathway exit assembly, said crew egress pathway exit assembly including an exit hatch support structure at a crew egress pathway exit, with the crew egress pathway exit in communication with a crew egress pathway. The crew egress pathway further includes a movable exit hatch, said movable exit hatch in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure, and at least one support strap in communication with the exit hatch support structure. The at least one support strap is further in communication with the movable exit hatch, with the support strap including a support strap first end and a support strap second end, said support strap first end fixedly attached to the exit hatch support structure, said support strap second end fixed attached to the movable exit hatch, said at least one support strap comprising a plurality of support strap first sections, at least two of the plurality of the support strap first sections adjoining an adjacent support strap second section, said support strap second section interposed between two of the plurality of support strap first sections. The movable exit hatch is in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the movable exit hatch configured to move through a range of motion from a stowed position with the movable exit hatch in a closed position with the movable exit hatch in substantial contact with the exit hatch support structure to a deployed position with the movable exit hatch in an open position with the movable exit hatch at least partially disengaged from the exit hatch support structure. During moving the movable exit hatch from the deployed position to the stowed position the at least one support strap is configured to fold to form at least one folded support strap, with the at least one folded support strap configured to occupy a predetermined folded support strap footprint. Further, during moving the movable exit hatch from the deployed position to the stowed position the at least one support strap is further configured to fold at predetermined positions along the length of the at least one support strap to form the at least one folded support strap, with the support strap second section comprising a second bending stiffness and the plurality of support strap first sections each comprise a first bending stiffness, with the first bending stiffness differing from the second bending stiffness.

In another aspect, the at least one support strap is configured to fold and form at least one folded support strap, with the at least one folded support strap configured to remain within or otherwise occupy the predetermined folded support strap footprint, with the at least one folded support strap further configured to facilitate intimate contact of a movable exit hatch with the exit hatch support structure in the closed position.

In another aspect, the second bending stiffness is less than the first bending stiffness.

In a further aspect, the plurality of support strap first sections are made from nylon.

In a further aspect, the plurality of support strap first sections are made from a material comprising at least one of: nylon, cloth, plastic, metal, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the support strap second section is made from nylon.

In another aspect, the support strap second section is made from a material comprising at least one of: nylon, cloth, plastic, metal, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect, the crew egress pathway exit comprises a crew egress pathway exit hatch assembly.

In another aspect, the exit hatch support structure is positioned proximate to an overhead storage bin assembly in an aircraft passenger cabin.

In another aspect, the crew egress pathway exit assembly comprises the exit hatch support structure.

In another aspect, the at least one support strap in the unfolded deployed position comprises a tensile strength sufficient to support a weight up to <NUM> lbs.

In another aspect, the support strap second section defines a flexible joint in the at least one support strap, said flexible joint operable about an axis of rotation.

In another aspect, the at least one support strap comprises a plurality of flexible joints along a length of the at least one support strap, said plurality of flexible joints configured (e.g., induced) to each rotate about an opposite axis of rotation relative to each prior and subsequent flexible joint.

A further present aspect discloses an aircraft, with the aircraft including an aircraft cabin, and with the aircraft cabin including a crew egress pathway exit, with the crew egress pathway exit in communication with a crew egress pathway. The crew egress pathway exit includes an exit hatch support structure, and a movable exit hatch, with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the movable exit hatch support structure, and at least one support strap in communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the at least one support strap further in communication with the movable exit hatch. The support strap includes a support strap first end and a support strap second end, with the support strap first end fixedly attached to the exit hatch support structure, with the support strap second end fixed attached to the movable exit hatch, with the at least one support strap comprising a plurality of support strap first sections, at least two of the plurality of the support strap first sections adjoining an adjacent support strap second section, and with the support strap second section interposed between two of the plurality of support strap first sections. The movable exit hatch is in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the movable exit hatch configured to move through a range of motion from a stowed position, with the movable exit hatch in a closed position and with the movable exit hatch in substantial contact with the exit hatch support structure in the closed position, to a deployed position with the movable exit hatch in an open position with the movable exit hatch at least partially disengaged from the exit hatch support structure in the open position. During moving the movable exit hatch from the deployed position to the stowed position the at least one support strap is configured to fold to form a folded support strap, with the folded support strap configured to occupy a predetermined folded support strap footprint. During moving the movable exit hatch from the deployed position to the stowed position the at least one support strap is further configured to fold at predetermined positions along the length of the at least one support strap, with the support strap second section comprising a second bending stiffness and the plurality of support strap first sections each comprising a first bending stiffness, with the first bending stiffness differing from the second bending stiffness.

In a further aspect, the plurality of support strap first sections are made from a material comprising at least one of: cloth, plastic; metal, and combinations thereof, and the support strap second section is made from a material comprising at least one of: cloth, plastic; metal, and combinations thereof.

In another aspect, an adjoining support strap first section and an adjoining support strap second section together define a plurality of flexible joints along a length of the at least one support strap, said plurality of flexible joints operable about an axis of rotation, said plurality of flexible joints induced to each rotate about an opposite axis of rotation relative to each prior and subsequent flexible joint.

In another aspect, the movable exit hatch is configured to open into an aircraft passenger cabin when the movable exit hatch is in the open position.

In a further aspect, the at least one support strap in the unfolded deployed position comprises a tensile strength sufficient to support a weight up to <NUM> (<NUM> lbs).

In another present aspect, methods are disclosed, with the methods including providing a crew egress pathway in an aircraft, said crew egress pathway comprising a crew egress pathway exit, with the crew egress pathway exit comprising an exit hatch support structure, with the crew egress pathway exit further comprising a movable exit hatch, and with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure. The method further includes providing at least one support strap in communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the at least one support strap further in communication with the movable exit hatch, with the support strap including a support strap first end and a support strap second end, with the support strap first end fixedly attached to the exit hatch support structure, with the support strap second end fixed attached to the movable exit hatch, with the at least one support strap comprising a plurality of support strap first sections. According to the method, at least two of the plurality of the support strap first sections adjoin an adjacent support strap second section, with the support strap second section interposed between two of the plurality of support strap first sections. The method further includes moving the movable exit hatch from a stowed position to a deployed position, with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the movable exit hatch configured to move through a range of motion from a stowed position with the movable exit hatch in a closed position and in substantial contact with the exit hatch support structure to a deployed position with the movable exit hatch in an open position with the movable exit hatch partially disengaged from the exit hatch support structure. The method further includes expanding the at least one support strap from a folded state in the stowed position to an unfolded state in the deployed position, applying a force to the movable exit hatch in the deployed position, with the force configured to move the movable exit hatch from the deployed position to the stowed position, directing the at least one support strap from the unfolded deployed state to the folded stowed state, folding the at least one support strap at predetermined positions along the length of the at least one support strap to form a folded support strap, with the support strap second section including a second bending stiffness, and the plurality of support strap first sections each including a first bending stiffness.

In another aspect, the crew egress pathway originates at a crew rest area, with the crew egress pathway terminating at the crew egress pathway assembly positioned within an aircraft passenger cabin.

In a further aspect, a method further includes defining a flexible joint at the support strap second section in the at least one support strap, said flexible joint operable about an axis of rotation.

In another aspect, a method further includes providing a plurality of flexible joints along a length of the at least one support strap, and inducing sequential flexible joints to each rotate about an opposite axis of rotation, with the opposite axis of rotation observed relative to each prior and subsequent flexible joint.

The present application discloses methods, apparatuses, and systems directed to the controlled, induced, and repeatable operation of crew egress hatches and the controlled, induced, and repeatable operation of support straps positioned within a defined area and defined footprint provided within a movable exit hatch in communication with an exit hatch support structure at a crew egress pathway exit terminus, with the crew egress hatch comprising a movable exit hatch that can be moved between a stowed (e.g., closed) configuration and a deployed (e.g., open) configuration relative to an exit hatch support structure that can be a fixed exit hatch support structure.

According to present aspects, an aircraft can comprise a crew egress pathway that is established between, bounded by, or that is otherwise in communication with a crew rest area (e.g., an overhead flight crew rest area, etc.), and further in communication with a crew egress pathway exit at a terminus of the crew egress pathway (e.g., a crew egress pathway exit assembly). Present aspects are directed to a crew egress pathway exit assembly positioned to deploy within a passenger compartment generally and, more particularly, a crew egress pathway exit that can be positioned within a first class or business class compartment. That is, according to present aspects, the presently disclosed crew egress pathway exit assembly is configured to open near, proximate to, or immediately adjoin an overhead compartment, such as, for example, an overhead storage compartment, located within the passenger compartment.

According to present aspects, the presently disclosed crew egress pathway exit assembly is configured to allow egress through the crew member pathway exit at the exit hatch support structure such that the egressing crew member descends from the crew egress support structure to a location within the passenger cabin that is uninhabited by a seated or reclining passenger area (e.g., a mini-suite, seat, bed, partitioned cabin, etc.). Such location within the passenger cabin onto and into which an egressing crew member descends can be, for example, an aircraft aisle, or other location that is not intended to be inhabited by a seated or reclining passenger.

As shown in <FIG>, an aircraft <NUM> is shown to represent any form of an aircraft designed to transport passengers or cargo, with such depicted aircraft not limited to a jet aircraft but intended to represent and further include propeller-powered aircraft, rotorcraft, spacecraft, etc., without limitation.

<FIG> shows an aircraft interior section <NUM> of aircraft <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> (shown in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, fuselage <NUM> is in communication with an interior wall <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, aircraft interior section <NUM> of aircraft <NUM> comprises an aircraft passenger cabin <NUM> (referred to equivalently herein as an "aircraft cabin") with said aircraft passenger cabin <NUM> bounded by an aircraft cabin floor <NUM> and an aircraft cabin ceiling <NUM> (referred to equivalently herein as a "cabin ceiling"). <FIG> further shows passenger seats <NUM> arranged or otherwise grouped together to form occupied cabin regions <NUM>. Aircraft interior section <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, further includes crew rest areas <NUM> configured to occupy regions in an aircraft located above aircraft cabin ceiling <NUM>. <FIG> further shows exit hatch support structure <NUM> fixedly suspended in a location that can be generally overhead of passenger seating, but that is configured such that, when the exit hatch support structure opens to a deployed position as shown in <FIG> (e.g., by disengaging a movable exit hatch, etc., shown in detail in subsequent FIGs. herein), the opening aligns vertically with an unoccupied cabin region <NUM> that is intentionally unoccupied by passengers (e.g., the exit hatch support structure is aligned vertically over an aisle <NUM>, etc.).

The crew rest areas <NUM> can be oriented in any configuration in the regions above an aircraft cabin ceiling <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the crew rest areas <NUM> are in communication with and allow passage of a crew member from the crew rest areas <NUM> along a crew egress pathway <NUM> (denoted in <FIG> as a series of arrows). As shown in <FIG>, crew egress pathway <NUM> extends from the crew rest areas to the crew egress pathway exit assembly <NUM> that includes exit hatch support structure <NUM> and the movable exit hatch <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the crew egress pathway assembly is in a stowed position (referred to equivalently as a stowed "state"), with the movable exit hatch <NUM> in a closed position immediately proximate to exit hatch support structure <NUM>.

<FIG> shows aircraft interior section <NUM> of aircraft <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. <FIG> shows crew egress pathway <NUM> extending from the crew rest areas to the crew egress pathway exit assembly <NUM> that includes exit hatch support structure <NUM> and the movable exit hatch <NUM>, with the difference between <FIG> and <FIG> being the position or "state" of the movable exit hatch <NUM> of the crew egress pathway exit assembly <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the crew egress pathway exit assembly is in a deployed position (referred to equivalently as a deployed "state"), with the movable exit hatch <NUM> in an "open" position relative to the exit hatch support structure <NUM>.

shows an exposed front view of an aircraft passenger cabin <NUM> that can be of the type found within aircraft <NUM> (shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, an occupied cabin region <NUM> in the form of a passenger mini-suite <NUM> can be bounded, at least in part, by partition <NUM>. The occupied cabin region <NUM> can be at least partially separated from an unoccupied cabin region <NUM>, and unoccupied cabin region <NUM> can coincide with or otherwise adjoin, for example, aisle <NUM>. Crew egress pathway <NUM> is shown as terminating in the crew egress pathway exit assembly <NUM> that comprises the exit hatch support structure <NUM>, with movable exit hatch <NUM> shown in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the movable exit hatch <NUM> is in communication with, and allows egress from the crew egress pathway <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, overhead storage bin <NUM> can be located proximate to or near the crew egress pathway exit assembly <NUM> and the movable exit hatch <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrate the exit hatch support structure <NUM> and the movable exit hatch <NUM> relative to the occupied cabin region <NUM> and the unoccupied cabin region, with the movable exit hatch shown in the open, or deployed position (equivalently referred to as the "deployed state" and/or the "deployed configuration"). <FIG> is a side view of the cabin interior that can be of the type as shown in <FIG>, with <FIG> showing the exit hatch support structure <NUM> in communication with the movable exit hatch <NUM>, and with the movable exit hatch <NUM> shown in an open, or deployed configuration. <FIG> more clearly illustrates that the movable exit hatch in the deployed position would deposit an exiting crew member (e.g. a crew member exiting a crew egress pathway through the crew egress pathway exit) outside of an occupied cabin region <NUM> and beyond the partition <NUM> that outlines a perimeter of the passenger mini-suite <NUM> that bounds an occupied cabin region <NUM>. <FIG> further illustrates support strap <NUM> having support strap first end <NUM> fixedly attached to exit hatch support structure <NUM> and support strap second end <NUM> fixedly attached to movable exit hatch <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective front view of the cabin interior as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> with <FIG> showing the exit hatch support structure <NUM> in communication with the movable exit hatch <NUM>, and with the movable exit hatch <NUM> shown in an open, or deployed configuration. <FIG> further illustrates support strap <NUM> having support strap first end <NUM> fixedly attached to exit hatch support structure and support strap second end <NUM> fixedly attached to movable exit hatch <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the movable exit hatch is in an open, or deployed position that allows access to and from the crew egress pathway <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, access from and out of the crew egress pathway <NUM> to the movable exit hatch <NUM> is facilitated, as the movable exit hatch <NUM> is in an open, or deployed position. As further shown in <FIG>, overhead storage bin <NUM> can be located proximate to or near the crew egress pathway exit assembly <NUM> and the movable exit hatch <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective front view of the cabin interior as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, with <FIG> showing the exit hatch support structure <NUM> in communication with the movable exit hatch <NUM>, and with the movable exit hatch <NUM> shown in an open, or deployed configuration. <FIG> further illustrates support strap <NUM> having support strap first end <NUM> fixedly attached to exit hatch support structure and support strap second end <NUM> fixedly attached to movable exit hatch <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the movable exit hatch is in an open, or deployed position that shows the open access to and from the crew egress pathway <NUM>.

According to further present aspects, <FIG> show a progression through various stages of a crew member egress from a crew egress pathway through a presently disclosed crew egress pathway exit that includes a movable exit hatch comprising the presently disclosed support straps. The crew member egress progression illustrates how, through the use of the presently disclosed apparatuses, systems, and methods, a crew member can be successfully, safely, (and while conforming to regulatory procedures) is able to exit the crew egress pathway at the crew egress pathway exit assembly that is located within a passenger compartment, while also descending safely from the crew egress pathway exit assembly into an area within the passenger cabin that is not designed to be inhabited by a seated or reclining passenger.

According to present aspects, <FIG> is a partially exposed front elevated view showing a first stage of crew member egress <NUM> within the progression of crew member egress shown in the progression illustrated in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, in a first stage of crew member egress <NUM>, view crew member <NUM> is positioned at the crew egress pathway exit assembly located at a terminus of the crew egress pathway <NUM>, with crew member <NUM> shown maneuvering through exit hatch support structure <NUM> and descending along the movable exit hatch <NUM> that is in an open and deployed position. According to present aspects, <FIG> is a partially exposed back elevated view showing the first stage of crew member egress 50a.

According to present aspects, <FIG> is a partially exposed front elevated view showing a second stage of crew member egress <NUM> within the progression of crew member egress shown in the progression illustrated in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, in the second stage of crew member egress <NUM>, crew member <NUM> continues to descend along movable exit hatch <NUM> that is open and deployed. Crew member <NUM> is now further descended from the crew egress pathway exit assembly at a terminus of the crew egress pathway <NUM>, with crew member <NUM> about to contact an area of unoccupied cabin region <NUM> that can be, for example an aisle. <FIG> is a slightly enlarged partially exposed front view showing the second stage of crew member egress 55a within the progression of crew member egress shown in the progression illustrated in <FIG>.

According to present aspects, <FIG> is an enlarged partially exposed front view showing a third stage of crew member egress <NUM> within the progression crew member egress shown in the progression illustrated in <FIG>, where crew member <NUM> has nearly fully emerged from the crew egress pathway exit assembly, and is further about to contact an area of unoccupied cabin region <NUM> that can be, for example an aisle. According to present aspects, <FIG> is a side view (of view shown in <FIG>) showing the third stage of crew member egress 60a within the progression of crew member egress shown in the progression illustrated in <FIG>. The illustrated side view 60a shown in <FIG> clearly depicts crew member <NUM> evacuating the crew egress pathway assembly via the movable exit hatch <NUM> of the crew egress pathway exit such that crew member <NUM> will not descend into the area of a seated or reclining passenger. Instead, as shown in <FIG> crew member <NUM> leaves the crew egress pathway and descends into the passenger cabin via the crew egress pathway exit and contacts an aisle, or other region designated as an unoccupied cabin region <NUM> that is located outside of or beyond partitions <NUM> that can form the outer perimeter of a passenger occupied cabin region <NUM> that can be, for example, a passenger mini-suite <NUM>, etc. of the type shown at least in <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a side view with the crew egress maneuver now completed, with the crew member <NUM> completely descended from and no longer in contact with the movable exit hatch <NUM>, with the crew member having safely and successfully negotiated an egress from the crew egress pathway and crew egress pathway exit assembly and into the passenger cabin, while also emerging into an unoccupied cabin region <NUM> that can be, for example, an aisle, leaving the occupied cabin region <NUM> undisturbed throughout the egress maneuver.

<FIG> is a front view of a passenger <NUM> occupying the threshold region or entry of an occupied cabin region <NUM> that can be, for example, a passenger mini-suite <NUM>. According to present aspects, <FIG> further shows a front view of the movable exit hatch <NUM> still in a deployed configuration with support straps <NUM> visible and with support straps also in the fully extended, unfolded, and deployed configuration, with the still deployed movable exit hatch <NUM> not impeding the passenger from entering or exiting the designated occupied cabin region <NUM>.

According to present aspects, a crew egress pathway exit assembly comprises a movable exit hatch that, in turn, further comprises deployable support straps that unfold when the movable exit hatch is opened (e.g., when the movable exit hatch at least partially disengages from the exit hatch support structure). As the movable exit hatch and the support straps commensurately deploy, the support straps unfold from a folded state with the folded support straps housed in a substantially stacked orientation within a folded support strap footprint or folded support strap storage area with each support strap folded back and forth upon itself along its length, such that the support straps at rest in a stowed state are maintained in an untangled state within the movable exit hatch in a preselected area that corresponds to the folded support strap footprint within the movable exit hatch, with the preselected area having a folded support strap footprint width that is substantially equivalent to the width of the (unfolded) support strap (e.g., the width of the support strap when the support strap is in an unfolded or deployed configuration).

When the movable exit hatch is returned to a stowed state from the deployed state, the foldable support straps bend at preselected bendable "joints" or bendable "joint areas" that are positioned along the length of the support straps, with a plurality of spaced joints configured to bend in alternating sequence that is repeatable and predetermined to cause the support strap to fold upon itself along its length as the movable exit hatch is closed (e.g., as the movable exit hatch is moved from a deployed configuration or deployed position to a stowed configuration or stowed position).

<FIG> shows an enlarged view of the crew egress pathway exit assembly <NUM> in the deployed (e.g., open) configuration, according to present aspects. As shown in <FIG>, crew egress pathway exit assembly <NUM> comprises exit hatch support structure <NUM> in communication with movable exit hatch <NUM>. <FIG> further shows support straps <NUM> in a fully deployed (e.g., unfolded) state with each of the two support straps <NUM> shown comprising a support strap first end <NUM> engaged with, attached to, or otherwise in communication with the exit hatch support structure <NUM>, and support strap second end <NUM> engaged with, attached to, or otherwise in communication with the movable exit hatch <NUM>. Support straps <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, further comprise support strap first sections <NUM> with support strap second sections <NUM> interposed between the support strap first sections <NUM>.

According to present aspects, the support straps <NUM> can be made from any useful material where bending stiffness characteristics can be imparted to the support strap first section <NUM> and the support strap second sections <NUM>. The support strap first sections <NUM> and the support strap second sections <NUM> can be made from at least one of nylon, cloth, plastic, metal, and combinations thereof. As shown in <FIG>, the support strap first sections <NUM> and support strap second sections <NUM> are made from a nylon material that can be a reinforced nylon material.

<FIG> further shows support strap first section <NUM> comprising at least two layers of material that have been stitched and/or adhered together as evidenced by the stitching <NUM> that can appear in any useful pattern (and that can be referred to equivalently as "stitching pattern"). The support strap first sections <NUM> are constructed to have a bending stiffness that exceeds the bending stiffness of the support strap second sections <NUM>. The support strap second sections can be made from a single layer of material that can be the same or different from the material used to fabricate the support strap first sections <NUM> so long as the support strap second sections <NUM> have a bending stiffness that is less than the bending stiffness of the support strap first sections <NUM>. As shown at least in <FIG>, the support strap <NUM> can comprise a first layer of nylon that can extend for the desired length of the support strap, with the support strap first sections <NUM> comprising an additional "patch" or "patch layer" that is stitched to the first nylon layer to form the support strap first section <NUM>. The addition of the "patch layers" render support strap first sections <NUM> with a two layer thickness of a selected material (e.g., a material that can be nylon). The one-layer support strap second sections <NUM> that interrupt the continuity of the two-layer support strap first sections <NUM>, or that are otherwise interposed between adjacent two-layer support strap first sections are configured to have a bending stiffness that is less than the bending stiffness of the two-layer support strap first sections <NUM>. While the support strap first sections are shown in the FIGs. as comprising two or three layers, and the support strap second section are shown in the FIGs. as comprising a single layer, present aspects contemplate the use of any desired number of material layers for the support strap first and second sections, so long as the resulting bending stiffness of the support strap second sections is less than the bending stiffness of the support strap first sections.

According to present aspects, a force can be applied to the support strap <NUM> during deployment of the support strap <NUM> (e.g., the force applied to the support strap <NUM> during opening of the movable exit hatch <NUM> causing the unfolding of the support strap <NUM>), and force can be applied to the support strap <NUM> during stowage of the support strap (e.g., the force applied to the support strap <NUM> during closing of the movable exit hatch <NUM> causing the folding or re-folding of the support strap <NUM>). As a force is applied to the support strap <NUM> during deployment (e.g., the force applied to the support strap that can be the result of the weight of the movable exit hatch descending from the exit hatch support structure), the support strap second sections <NUM> will act as joints (e.g., pivot areas), that will bend in a predetermined configuration to cause the length of the support strap to unfold from a folded state as the support strap (and the movable exit hatch <NUM>) is deployed.

As a force is applied to the support strap <NUM> during stowage (e.g., the force applied to the support strap that can be the result of a force applied to stow or close the movable exit hatch, for example, to re-engage the movable exit hatch <NUM> with the exit hatch support structure <NUM>), the support strap second sections <NUM> will act as joints (e.g., pivot areas), that will bend in a predetermined configuration to cause the length of the support strap <NUM> to fold upon itself into support strap folded segments as the support straps are converted from the support strap deployed and unfolded state to a support strap stowed and folded state.

<FIG> further shows a folded support strap footprint <NUM>, with the folded support strap footprint <NUM> representing the area occupied by the support strap in the folded configuration. As shown at least in <FIG>, the folded support strap footprint <NUM> length and width equals the desired two-dimensional area (e.g., the length and width of the folded support strap within the movable exit hatch <NUM> with the width) of the support strap <NUM> in a "stacked orientation" in the stowed state and folded configuration, with the support strap repeatedly folded upon itself), with the support strap footprint width being approximately equal to the width of the support strap <NUM> in the unfolded or deployed state. In the folded or stowed configuration, the support strap in the stacked configuration can comprise a plurality of folded lengthwise support strap segments that are stacked in a substantially coincident lengthwise profile maintained within a support strap footprint having a desired footprint length, and with the width of the stacked (e.g., the folded or stowed support strap) maintained within the footprint width of the folded support strap footprint <NUM>.

<FIG> show enlarged views of the support strap <NUM> of the type shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged perspective view showing support strap second end <NUM> engaged with and attached to the movable exit hatch <NUM>. Support strap <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, further comprises support strap first sections <NUM> with support strap second sections <NUM> interposed between the support strap first sections <NUM>, and <FIG> further shows the folded support strap footprint <NUM> as a dotted line that comprises and represents the area that can be referred to as the folded support strap footprint <NUM> that can be any desired area configured to not interfere with stowage and deployment of the movable exit hatch <NUM> and attendant mechanisms configured to secure and stow the movable exit hatch <NUM> (e.g., latches, securing mechanisms configured to interlock and release on demand, etc.). <FIG> further shows stitching <NUM> occurring at the support strap first sections <NUM> that can appear in any useful pattern. As is apparent in <FIG>, the thickness of the support strap first sections <NUM> is greater than the thickness of the support strap second sections <NUM>, with the support strap first sections <NUM> having a bending stiffness that is greater than the bending stiffness of the support strap second sections <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged perspective view of the support strap <NUM> of the type shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, with the support strap <NUM> shown in a state or configuration that is between the fully deployed (e.g., unfolded) and the fully stowed (e.g., folded) state. As shown in <FIG>, support strap <NUM> further comprises support strap first sections <NUM> with support strap second sections <NUM> interposed between the support strap first sections <NUM>, and <FIG> further shows the folded support strap footprint <NUM> as a dotted line that comprises and represents the area that can be referred to as the folded support strap footprint. According to present aspects, the folded support strap footprints <NUM> can each occupy a substantially equivalent area, if desired, when multiple support straps are present, the multiple folded support strap footprints can vary in length from one another. <FIG> again shows stitching <NUM> occurring at the support strap first sections <NUM> that can appear in any useful pattern, as desired. As is more apparent in <FIG>, the thickness of the support strap first sections <NUM> is greater than the thickness of the support strap second sections <NUM>, with the bending stiffness of the support strap first sections <NUM> being greater than the bending stiffness of the support strap second sections.

Support strap <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, bending at the joints or pivot areas that result from the support strap bending at the support strap second sections <NUM> as the support strap second sections <NUM> are configured to possess bending stiffness values that are less than the bending stiffness values of the support strap first section <NUM>. Consequently, and according to present aspects, the predetermined location of the support strap second sections along the length of support strap <NUM> induce the support strap <NUM> to bend at predetermined locations and in predetermined alternating directions about a pivoting axis region within each sequential support strap second section (e.g., with sequential support strap second sections bending "inwardly" then "outwardly", or "forward" and "backward" in alternating fashion). The induced alternating bending direction pattern results in the orderly "stacking" of predetermined lengths of the support strap <NUM> upon themselves, with the stacking of predetermined lengths arranged within the folded support strap footprint width and footprint length of the folded support strap footprint <NUM>.

<FIG> shows representative views of the positioning of the support strap <NUM> (of the type shown in previous FIGs. ) during the progression of sequential stages of a stowing operation of the movable exit hatch and stowing operation of the support strap within the movable exit hatch with the support strap <NUM> moving from an unfolded and deployed configuration into a folded and stowed configuration. According to present aspects, the movement of the movable exit hatch <NUM> from a deployed to a stowed position and/or from a stowed position to a deployed position can be accomplished manually or automatically.

<FIG> shows a partial exposed view of a movable exit hatch in a first stowage stage 140a, according to present aspects moving from a deployed (e.g., a fully extended or fully open position) to a stowed position by progressively closing the movable exit hatch. In first stowage stage 140a, a support strap first section <NUM> adjoins support strap second sections <NUM> and <NUM>. In the first stowage stage 140a, support strap second section <NUM> is shown bending in a first direction as a closing force is imparted on the movable exit hatch.

<FIG> shows a second stowage stage 140b where the stowing operation continues to progress, and the support strap continues to be stowed within the movable exit hatch and the support strap is induced to fold along its length at the bending points or joints coincident with the location of the support strap second sections <NUM> and <NUM>. In the second stowage stage 140b, support strap second section <NUM> is shown nearly fully bent in a first direction as a closing force is imparted on the movable exit hatch, with support strap second section <NUM> shown bending in a second bending direction that is opposite to the first bending direction as a closing force is imparted on the movable exit hatch. <FIG> shows a length of support strap being folded onto itself such that folded lengths of support strap contact one another along their folded lengths.

As shown in <FIG>, in the third stowage stage 140c, the support strap continues to fold upon itself along its length at the bending areas or joints made possible by the support strap second sections <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that each have a bending stiffness that is less than the bending stiffness of the support strap first sections <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> support strap second sections <NUM> and <NUM> bend in opposite directions sequentially (with respect to one another), such that support strap second section <NUM> bends in the first bending direction, and support strap second section <NUM> bends in the second bending direction, with support strap second section <NUM> beginning to bend in the first bending direction that is similar to the bending direction of support strap second section <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the fourth stowage stage 140d with the support strap continuing to be folded upon itself in desired length with another support strap second section <NUM> in view, and with support strap second section <NUM> beginning to bend in alternating fashion with respect to support strap second section <NUM>; in the same direction as support strap second section <NUM>.

The stowage stage progression shown in <FIG> continues and is shown in the progressive and sequential representative views shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, a fifth stowage stage 140e shows support strap second section <NUM> bending further to induce and bring the support strap first sections <NUM> into contact with one another (e.g., overlap and/or fold upon one another along their lengths). As shown in <FIG>, as the movable exit hatch <NUM> is brought closer to the exit hatch support structure <NUM>, the support strap continues to be folded into sections folded onto itself until the final sections of straps are folded. <FIG> further shows a support strap first section terminal segment 46a, that is the support strap first section located closest to the exit hatch support structure <NUM>. <FIG> further shows a support strap second section <NUM> adjoining the support strap first section terminal segment 46a.

<FIG> show a sixth stowage stage 140f and seventh stowage stage <NUM>, respectively, with both <FIG> showing support strap second section <NUM> bending still further to induce and bring the support strap first sections <NUM> into contact with one another (e.g., overlap one another along their lengths). Through the stowage operation and progression depicted in the series of FIGs shown as <FIG> the movable exit hatch <NUM> is brought closer to the exit hatch support structure <NUM>, and the support strap continues to be folded into sections folded onto itself until the final sections of straps are folded. <FIG> further shows support strap second section <NUM> bending in the same direction as support strap second section <NUM>, and in the alternate direction compared with the bending direction shown and shared by support strap second sections <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an eighth stowage stage <NUM> where the support strap has been nearly completely compacted and folded onto itself in the multiple segments along its total unfolded length to form the folded support strap <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partially exposed side view of the movable exit hatch <NUM> in a closed and stowed configuration and secured in place and in intimate contact with the exit hatch support structure <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, folded support strap <NUM> is shown in its stowed and folded configuration with the total length of the support strap folded into strap segments in a repeatable and predetermined orientation that is configured to not interfere with any latching mechanism involved with securing the movable exit hatch to the exit hatch support structure. Present aspects further contemplate the stowing and folding of the support straps being induced, by, for example, the alternating folding of support strap segments, to occupy a predetermined folded support strap footprint within a stowed crew egress pathway exit assembly and according to present methods.

As mentioned herein, the support straps, according to present aspects, can comprise myriad materials and combinations of materials including, without limitation, one of more types of nylon, one of more types of natural fiber cloth or synthetic fiber cloth, one or more types of plastic, one or more types of metals, etc. so long as the support strap is afforded adjoining segments with varying bending stiffnesses so that the support strap can bend into segments and compress in length such that the overall total length of the unfolded support strap is folded into a stack having stacked segment lengths that are less than the overall length of the unfolded support strap. In addition, present aspects contemplate that the unfolded support strap (e.g., the support strap in the deployed/unfolded state) is rated to support weight of at least <NUM> lbs, i.e. <NUM>. In accordance with present aspects, materials of any type and in any combination of types, can be used to fabricate the presently disclosed support straps, with the proviso that the support straps possess a load rating of at least <NUM> lbs. In addition, the support straps according to present aspects comprise a tensile strength able to support a load weight of at least <NUM> lbs. While present aspects contemplate the incorporation of additional mechanisms in the crew egress pathway exit assembly (e.g. cables, hydraulic pistons, pneumatic pistons, etc.) in place to contribute to withstanding and even exceeding regulatory rated weight requirements (e.g., to support the weight of exiting crew members, etc.), present aspects contemplate that the incorporated support straps as provided can, entirely by themselves, reliably bear a regulatorily mandated weight support requirement that can be up to at least <NUM> lbs.

In certain present aspects, depending on the material selection for the support strap first sections and the support strap second sections, the thickness of the support strap along its length may have a substantially constant thickness (e.g., when support strap first sections are made from materials differing from support strap second sections, etc.). However, even if the thickness of the support strap first sections is substantially similar to or identical to the support strap second sections, present aspects contemplate that the bending stiffness of the support strap second sections will be less than the bending stiffness of the support strap first sections. In other present aspects, for example, where a nylon material is selected for the support strap first and second sections, with respect to the support strap first sections, a plurality of nylon material layers can be joined together (e.g., as a "patch" of additional nylon material that can be stitched, glued, otherwise adhered, etc. to form the support strap first section) to provide support strap first sections that have a greater bending stiffness and/or a greater bending stiffness value than do the support strap second sections. In such instances, and where the same material type is used to make the support strap first and second sections, the thickness of the support strap first sections can be greater than the thickness of the support strap second sections. Without being bound to any particular theory, in these aspects, the thicker support strap first sections can be configured to have a greater bending stiffnesses than the comparatively thinner support strap second sections.

<FIG> show an illustrative support strap of the type shown in previous FIGs. herein where a material such as nylon (e.g., including a reinforced nylon, etc.) is used in the fabrication of the support straps <NUM> (e.g., nylon used both in the fabrication of support strap first sections and in the fabrication of the support strap second sections). <FIG> is an overhead plan view of an exemplary support strap <NUM> comprising support strap first sections <NUM> and support strap second sections <NUM>, according to present aspects. Support strap first sections <NUM> have a bending stiffness and bending stiffness value that exceeds the bending stiffness and bending stiffness values of the support strap second sections <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a stitching <NUM> is used at the support strap first sections to affix an additional material layer to make the support strap first section <NUM> that possess the heightened bending stiffness as compared to the support strap second sections <NUM> (e.g., shown in <FIG> as having a single material layer, etc.) that can be induced to bend and serve as joints or bendable areas along the length of the support strap <NUM>. As further shown in <FIG>, the length of the support strap first sections <NUM> is labeled as "l<NUM>", with the length of the support strap second sections labeled as "l<NUM>". Present aspects contemplate l<NUM> being the same as or different from l<NUM>, as desired. Further present aspects contemplate the length l<NUM> being greater than l<NUM> to facilitate a proper compacting of the support strap into the folded or stowed support strap configuration. In addition, as stated herein, according to present aspects, and without being bound to any particular theory, the support straps are rated to withstand a load of at least <NUM> lbs. , and achieving the load demands that are required can necessitate including support strap first sections that are significantly greater in length as compared to the length of the support strap second sections. As shown in <FIG>, further "specialty" segments such as the support strap first section terminal segment 46a can be included in the support strap and can have a segment length denoted as "l<NUM>" that can differ from the value of length l<NUM>. Further, as shown in <FIG>, support strap second sections may have the same or differing lengths. For example, as shown in <FIG>, support strap second sections can have varying lengths l<NUM> and/or l<NUM>, etc..

<FIG> is a side view that can be cross-sectional side view of the support strap shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, dotted lines in the support strap first sections <NUM> indicate the presence of a plurality of material layers (e.g., as shown, three layers). While three (<NUM>) layers are shown as present in the support strap first sections <NUM>, according to present aspects, any number or one or more layers can be used with the understanding that the bending stiffness value of the support strap first sections exceeds the bending stiffness value of the support strap second sections. When the same or similar material is used to fabricate both the support strap first and second section, according to present aspects, the support strap first sections can have a plurality of layers joined together to create a thickness shown in <FIG> as "d1" (e.g., a support strap first section diameter, d1) that is greater than the support strap second section "d2" (e.g., a support strap second section diameter, d2).

As shown in <FIG>, further "specialty" segments such as the support strap first section terminal segment can be included in the support strap and can have a segment diameter or thickness denoted as "d4", "d5" that can differ from the value of diameter or thickness d1. Further, as shown in <FIG>, support strap second sections may have the same or differing thicknesses, and can have a segment diameter or thickness denoted as "d3" that can differ from the value of support strap second section diameter or thickness d2, for example. As shown in <FIG>, the support strap ends can comprise a length of material that can be, for example, secured to form a loop once the material is stitched or adhered together. Such a loop located at a support strap first end and at a support strap second end can accom m odate or otherwise house, for example, a pin or other fixture that can be inserted into the manufactured "loop", with the fixture then configured to engage a fitting that is in communication with the exit hatch support structure at a support strap first end, and with the movable exit hatch at a support structure second end, for example. While such "loops are not explicitly shown in <FIG>, according to present aspects the ends of the support strap shown are understood to be configured into the support strap first and second ends to engage securely and reliably with fitting of the types shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> described herein.

<FIG> shows an alternate aspect for the present support straps that differs from the aspects shown in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, and in contrast to the support straps shown in <FIG>, the support strap first sections <NUM> of support strap 40a shown in <FIG> comprise three layers of material stitched together as compared to the two layers of material shown stitched together in <FIG>. In aircraft, overall weight remains a concern, as overall aircraft weight can impact fuel consumption, aircraft range, etc. Accordingly, the support strap 40a shown in <FIG> illustrates that a support strap first section can comprises more than two layers, and can incorporate any desired number of layers (e.g., including for example, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or more layers of the same or differing materials, etc.), limited only by the practicality of expense and material density, etc..

The support straps disclosed herein, according to present aspects have a support strap first end fixedly attached or otherwise in communication with the exit hatch support structure, or attached or otherwise in communication with hardware, fixtures, etc. that is attached to the exit hatch support structure. The present support straps further comprise a support strap second end fixedly attached or otherwise in communication with the movable exit hatch or attached or otherwise in communication with hardware, fixtures, etc. that is attached to the movable exit hatch. For example, the attachment point to which the support strap is engaged can be any mechanical device suitable for the purpose of retaining the support strap securely and, together with the support strap the attachment point can be rated to bear (e.g., withstand without failure) a load of at least <NUM> lbs. The attachment point can comprise, for example and without limitation, a bracket assembly that is itself fastened to the movable exit hatch and/or the exit hatch support structure. Alternatively, the attachment point can be an integral fitting molded into the movable exit hatch and/or the exit hatch support structure.

<FIG> is a partial view of the exit hatch support structure <NUM> showing the support strap first end engaging a non-limiting fixture <NUM> (where fixture <NUM> can be, for example, a bracket, bracket assembly, etc.) fixedly attached to the exit hatch support structure <NUM>, with the fixture <NUM> configured to secure the support strap <NUM> at the support strap first end <NUM> to the exit hatch support structure <NUM>. For exemplary purposes, fixture <NUM> further comprises fasteners <NUM> to secure fixture <NUM> to the exit hatch support structure <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, fixture <NUM> further comprises a pin <NUM> that can be, for example, a pin that can freely rotate. According to present aspects, when the support strap first end is configured to form a secured loop, pin <NUM> can be inserted into the loop formed at the support strap first end, for example. <FIG> further illustrates aspects of the support strap shown in previous FIGs. herein, including the support strap first section <NUM>, support strap second section <NUM> and the stitching <NUM> that can be present in the support strap first section when a plurality of material layers are joined to form the support strap first section, and with the support strap first section having a bending stiffness and/or bending stiffness value that exceeds the bending stiffness and/or bending stiffness value of the support strap second section.

<FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate further present aspects, including placement of a rigid or semi-rigid spacer proximate to the support strap first end. As shown in <FIG> a spacer <NUM> can be secured to the exit hatch support structure, for example, and positioned proximate to the support strap first end <NUM>. According to present aspects, and as shown in <FIG>, spacer <NUM> provides additional reinforcement and directional assistance for the positioning of the final length of a support strap <NUM> during stowage of the movable exit hatch and commensurate stowage and desired final folding of the support strap <NUM>. By positioning spacer <NUM> adjacent an inner surface of support strap first end <NUM>, for example, as an amount of the force for closing or stowing the movable exit hatch translates along the support strap, placement of spacer <NUM> as shown in <FIG> counters any errant inward motion of the terminal support strap second section 48a that could result in an undesired directional bend and that could further result in stacking the final support strap segment stacking "crookedly" (e.g., in an irregularly stacked orientation other than the orderly stacking of the support strap where support stack segments fold over upon each other substantially coincidentally lengthwise, etc.). Such undesired folding of the terminal sections of the support strap could have the undesired result of a support stack folding beyond a desired folded support strap footprint. Irregular stacking of the support strap, including stacking of the support strap folded segments that extends outside of a folded support strap footprint could interfere with the stowing and deploying operation, otherwise frustrate a reliable and repeatable stowing and deploying operation including, for example interfering with securely latching and/or reliably unlatching certain mechanisms, etc..

As further shown in <FIG>, as the stowing operation continues and the movable exit hatch <NUM> closes upwardly and toward the exit hatch support structure <NUM>, the support strap first end terminal segment <NUM> is restricted from moving inwardly via contact with the spacer <NUM>. The spacer can be made from any rigid or semi-rigid material that will not damage the support strap. Such exemplary materials suitable for the spacer <NUM> can include, without limitation, plastics, rubbers, foamed solids, open cell foamed materials, etc. As shown in <FIG> during the final phases of a stowing operation, as the support strap first end terminal segment <NUM> (that is shown adjacent the spacer <NUM>) is fortified or otherwise reinforced to restrict or eliminate significant inward movement, the terminal support strap second section 48a bends in the desired and predetermined direction (e.g., bending opposite and alternately with respect to the immediately previous support strap second section, and insuring the successful completion of the support strap folding protocol into the desired folded and stacked support strap orientation and folded support strap footprint, etc.).

If desired, spacer <NUM> can be moved proximate to the inner surface of the support strap first end terminal segment <NUM> only when the necessary reinforcement is required at a certain and predetermined point in the stowage protocol. <FIG> illustrates a present aspect where, once the spacer <NUM> has insured that the terminal support strap second section 48a will bend in the desired direction, spacer <NUM> can be manually or automatically retracted away or otherwise moved from a position directly adjacent the support strap first end terminal segment <NUM> to a position remote from support strap first end terminal segment <NUM>. Such movement of the spacer may be necessitated to insure that the exit hatch support structure <NUM> and the movable exit hatch <NUM> achieve the intimate contact required to latch together or otherwise securely engage together for the successful completion of a hatch stowing protocol.

<FIG> is a flow chart outlining methods according to present aspects. As shown in <FIG>, a method <NUM> comprises providing <NUM> a crew egress pathway in an aircraft, with the crew egress pathway including a crew egress pathway exit, and with the crew egress pathway exit comprising an exit hatch support structure. The crew egress pathway exit further comprises a movable exit hatch, with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the movable exit hatch support structure. The method further includes providing <NUM> at least one support strap in communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the at least one support strap further in communication with the movable exit hatch, with the support strap including a support strap first end and a support strap second end, and with the support strap first end fixedly attached to the exit hatch support structure. The support strap second end can be fixedly attached to the movable exit hatch, with at least one support strap comprising a plurality of support strap first sections, at least two of the plurality of the support strap first sections adjoining an adjacent support strap second section, and with the support strap second section interposed between two of the plurality of support strap first sections. The method further includes moving <NUM> the movable exit hatch from a stowed position to a deployed position, with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the movable exit hatch configured to move through a range of motion from a stowed position with the movable exit hatch in a closed position and in substantial contact with the exit hatch support structure to a deployed position with the movable exit hatch in an open position with the movable exit hatch partially disengaged from the exit hatch support structure. The method further includes expanding <NUM> the at least one support strap from a folded stowed state in the stowed position to an unfolded deployed state in the deployed position.

In a further aspect, a method <NUM> further can comprise applying a force <NUM> to the movable exit hatch in the deployed position, with the force configured to move the movable exit hatch from the deployed state to the stowed position, directing <NUM> the at least one support strap from the unfolded deployed state to the folded stowed state, and folding <NUM> the at least one support strap at predetermined positions along the length of the at least one support strap, with the support strap second section including a second bending stiffness, and the plurality of support strap first sections each including a first bending stiffness. According to present aspects, method <NUM> can comprise either deploying a movable exit hatch (e.g., moving <NUM> the movable exit hatch from a stowed position to a deployed position, with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the movable exit hatch configured to move through a range of motion from a stowed position with the movable exit hatch in a closed position and in substantial contact with the exit hatch support structure to a deployed position with the movable exit hatch in an open position with the movable exit hatch partially disengaged from the exit hatch support structure; stowing a deployed movable exit hatch; and/or both deploying and then stowing (e.g., "re-stowing" from a deployed state) the movable exit hatch.

In another aspect, the crew egress pathway originates at a crew rest area, with the crew egress pathway exit terminating within an aircraft passenger cabin.

<FIG> is a flowchart outlining another method according to present aspects. As shown in <FIG> the method <NUM> includes providing <NUM> a crew egress pathway in an aircraft, with the crew egress pathway including a crew egress pathway exit, and with the crew egress pathway exit comprising an exit hatch support structure. The crew egress pathway exit further comprises a movable exit hatch, with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the movable exit hatch support structure. The method further includes providing <NUM> at least one support strap in communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the at least one support strap further in communication with the movable exit hatch, with the support strap including a support strap first end and a support strap second end, and with the support strap first end fixedly attached to the exit hatch support structure. The support strap second end can be fixedly attached to the movable exit hatch, with at least one support strap comprising a plurality of support strap first sections, at least two of the plurality of the support strap first sections adjoining an adjacent support strap second section, and with the support strap second section interposed between two of the plurality of support strap first sections. The method further includes moving <NUM> the movable exit hatch from a stowed position to a deployed position, with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the movable exit hatch configured to move through a range of motion from a stowed position with the movable exit hatch in a closed position and in substantial contact with the exit hatch support structure to a deployed position with the movable exit hatch in an open position with the movable exit hatch partially disengaged from the exit hatch support structure. The method further includes expanding <NUM> the at least one support strap from a folded stowed state in the stowed position to an unfolded deployed state in the deployed position, applying a force <NUM> to the movable exit hatch in the deployed position, with the force configured to move the movable exit hatch from the deployed state to the stowed position, directing <NUM> the at least one support strap from the unfolded deployed state to the folded stowed state, and folding <NUM> the at least one support strap at predetermined positions along the length of the at least one support strap, with the support strap second section including a second bending stiffness, and the plurality of support strap first sections each including a first bending stiffness. The method <NUM> further included defining <NUM> a flexible joint at the support strap second section in the at least one support strap, said flexible joint operable about an axis of rotation.

<FIG> is a flowchart outlining a further method according to present aspects. As shown in <FIG>, a method <NUM> includes providing <NUM> a crew egress pathway in an aircraft, with the crew egress pathway including a crew egress pathway exit, and with the crew egress pathway exit comprising an exit hatch support structure. The crew egress pathway exit further comprises a movable exit hatch, with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the movable exit hatch support structure. The method further includes providing <NUM> at least one support strap in communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the at least one support strap further in communication with the movable exit hatch, with the support strap including a support strap first end and a support strap second end, and with the support strap first end fixedly attached to the exit hatch support structure. The support strap second end can be fixedly attached to the movable exit hatch, with at least one support strap comprising a plurality of support strap first sections, at least two of the plurality of the support strap first sections adjoining an adjacent support strap second section, and with the support strap second section interposed between two of the plurality of support strap first sections. The method further includes moving <NUM> the movable exit hatch from a stowed position to a deployed position, with the movable exit hatch in movable communication with the exit hatch support structure, with the movable exit hatch configured to move through a range of motion from a stowed position with the movable exit hatch in a closed position and in substantial contact with the exit hatch support structure to a deployed position with the movable exit hatch in an open position with the movable exit hatch partially disengaged from the exit hatch support structure. The method further includes expanding <NUM> the at least one support strap from a folded stowed state in the stowed position to an unfolded deployed state in the deployed position, applying a force <NUM> to the movable exit hatch in the deployed position, with the force configured to move the movable exit hatch from the deployed state to the stowed position, directing <NUM> the at least one support strap from the unfolded deployed state to the folded stowed state, and folding <NUM> the at least one support strap at predetermined positions along the length of the at least one support strap, with the support strap second section including a second bending stiffness, and the plurality of support strap first sections each including a first bending stiffness. The method <NUM> further included defining <NUM> a flexible joint at the support strap second section in the at least one support strap, said flexible joint operable about an axis of rotation, providing <NUM> a plurality of flexible joints along a length of the at least one support strap, and inducing <NUM> sequential flexible joints to each rotate about an opposite axis of rotation, with the opposite axis of rotation observed relative to each prior and subsequent flexible joint. The parts referred to in the descriptions of methods outlined in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> can be the parts described in more detail in the FIGs. presented herein, with the descriptions of such parts also presented herein.

Claim 1:
A crew egress pathway exit comprising:
a crew egress pathway exit assembly (<NUM>), the crew egress pathway exit assembly (<NUM>)
com prising:
an exit hatch support structure (<NUM>), said exit hatch support structure
positioned at the crew egress pathway exit assembly (<NUM>), the crew egress
pathway exit assembly (<NUM>) in communication with a crew egress
pathway (<NUM>);
a moveable exit hatch (<NUM>), said moveable exit hatch in moveable
communication with the exit hatch support structure,
at least one support strap (<NUM>) in communication with the exit hatch support
structure, said at least one support strap further in communication with the moveable exit hatch, said support strap comprising:
a support strap first end (<NUM>) and a support strap second end (<NUM>), said support strap first end fixedly attached to the exit hatch support structure, said support strap second end fixed attached to the movable exit hatch, said at least one support strap comprising a plurality of support strap first sections (<NUM>), at least two of the plurality of the support strap first sections adjoining an adjacent support strap second section (<NUM>), said support strap second section interposed between two of the plurality of support strap first sections;
wherein said movable exit hatch is in moveable communication with the exit hatch
support structure, said movable exit hatch configured to move through a range of motion from a stowed position with the moveable exit hatch in a closed position with the moveable exit hatch in substantial contact with the exit hatch support structure to a deployed position with the moveable exit hatch in an open position with the moveable exit hatch at least partially disengaged from the exit hatch support structure in the deployed position;
wherein during moving the moveable exit hatch from the deployed position to
the stowed state the at least one support strap is configured to fold within a predetermined folded support strap footprint (<NUM>);
wherein during moving the moveable exit hatch from the deployed position to
the stowed position the at least one support strap is further configured to fold at predetermined positions along the length of the at least one support strap; and
wherein the support strap second section comprises a second bending stiffness
and the plurality of support strap first sections each comprise a first
bending stiffness, with the first bending stiffness differing from the second bending stiffness.