Patent Description:
An arrangement is provided as defined in claim <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the actuatable door may be in the stowed door position when the cartridge is in the stowed cartridge position.

In some embodiments, the actuatable door may be in the at least one intermediate position when the cartridge is in the deployed cartridge position and the flexible privacy divider is in the stowed divider position.

In some embodiments, the actuatable door may be in the deployed door position when the flexible privacy divider is in the deployed divider position.

In some embodiments, the flexible privacy divider may be fabricated from a continuous piece of material.

In some embodiments, the flexible privacy divider may be fabricated from a plurality of segmented or slatted pieces of overlaid material.

In some embodiments, the flexible privacy divider may be fabricated from a honeycomb material or origami-folded material.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the passenger suite may be defined by a bridge installed within the aircraft cabin.

In some embodiments, the actuatable door may include an actuation assembly with a hinge. The hinge may be coupled to at least one of the suite wall or the bridge. The cartridge may be configured to rotate between the stowed cartridge position and the deployed cartridge position via the at least one intermediate cartridge position about an axis through the hinge.

In some embodiments, the actuatable door may include an actuation assembly with a hinge. The hinge may be coupled to at least one of the suite wall or the bridge. The cartridge may be configured to rotate and translate between the stowed cartridge position and the deployed cartridge position via the at least one intermediate cartridge position about an axis through the hinge.

In some embodiments, the cartridge may be stowed within a space proximate to the bridge when in the stowed cartridge position.

In some embodiments, the passenger suite may include a channel proximate to at least one of the suite wall or the bridge. The cartridge may be configured to translate between the stowed cartridge position and the deployed cartridge position via the at least one intermediate cartridge position along the channel.

In some embodiments, the passenger suite may include an aircraft seat. The cartridge may be stowed within a space proximate to an aircraft seat when in the stowed cartridge position.

In some embodiments, the actuatable door may include an actuation assembly with a hinge. The hinge may be coupled to the suite wall. The cartridge may be configured to rotate between the stowed cartridge position and the deployed cartridge position via the at least one intermediate cartridge position about an axis through the hinge.

An aircraft passenger suite is also provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description are examples and explanatory only and the scope of the invention is as defined by the claims.

The appearances of the phrase "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, and embodiments may include one or more of the features expressly described or inherently present herein, or any combination of or sub-combination of two or more such features, along with any other features which may not necessarily be expressly described or inherently present in the instant disclosure.

1A-7F in general illustrate an actuatable door for an aircraft passenger suite, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

Aircraft cabin designs may include passenger suites. A particular passenger suite may include a door to separate the passenger suite from other areas in the aircraft cabin (e.g., an aisle, an adjacent passenger suite, or the like). The separation of the passenger suite from other areas in the aircraft cabin may provide privacy to an occupant within the passenger suite when the door is closed. When the door is open, an opening within the passenger suite may be configured to allow for access to the passenger suite from an open area within the aircraft cabin (or egress from the passenger suite into the open area within the aircraft cabin. When the door is closed, the opening may temporarily prevent egress from the passenger suite into the open area within the aircraft cabin (e.g., preventing egress only to the extent such prevention does not inconvenience an occupant or generate an unsafe environment in the event of an emergency).

Select doors may deploy sideways. For example, the sideways-deploying doors may be rigid and subject to issues inherent with the accompanying weight of the rigid material. By way of another example, the sideways-deploying doors may be flexible and subject to issues inherent in the flexible material due to lateral compression.

Aircraft cabin designs need to be certified in accordance with aviation guidelines and standards, while being designed so as not to lose the intended functionality of the structures and/or monuments in the aircraft cabin. For example, the structures and/or monuments in the aircraft cabin may need to be configured in accordance with aviation guidelines and/or standards put forth by, but not limited to, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) or any other flight certification agency or organization; the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Aeronautical Radio, Incorporated (ARINC), or any other standards setting organization or company; the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) or any other guidelines agency or organization; or the like.

As such, it would be desirable to provide an actuatable door for an aircraft passenger suite. The door should be fabricated from a flexible material so as to reduce issues with weight. The door should able to deploy in an upward/downward configuration so as to reduce issues with lateral compression. The door should fit within an existing product design with the minimal possible amount of disruption to the existing design, so as to streamline the certification process with respect to aviation guidelines and standards.

<FIG> illustrates an aircraft cabin <NUM> and one or more passenger suites <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

Where there are multiple passenger suites <NUM>, the multiple passenger suites <NUM> may be separated by a bridge <NUM>. The bridge <NUM> may define at least a portion of each of the multiple passenger suites <NUM>. It is noted herein adjacent passenger suites <NUM> may be considered as on particular sides of the bridge <NUM>. Where there are multiple passenger suites <NUM>, the multiple passenger suites <NUM> may be arranged in an inboard/outboard configuration and/or a forward/rearward configuration. It is noted herein, however, the multiple passenger suites <NUM> may be arranged in any configuration within the aircraft cabin <NUM>.

The passenger suite <NUM> may include a suite wall <NUM> with one or more suite wall elements <NUM>. For example, at least some of the one or more suite wall elements <NUM> may be a component of a particular suite wall <NUM> corresponding to a particular passenger suite <NUM>. By way of another example, at least some of the one or more suite wall elements <NUM> (e.g., to the entirety of a suite wall <NUM> structure) may be shared between adjacent passenger suites <NUM>.

The bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> may be implemented as a divider or structure separating adjacent passenger suites <NUM> and/or separating a passenger suite <NUM> from an area within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. For example, where the bridge <NUM> is implemented as a separator, the bridge <NUM> may be configured to allow for the multiple passenger suites <NUM> to be installed within the aircraft cabin <NUM> in a more compact arrangement. In this regard, the amount of floor area of the aircraft cabin <NUM> necessary for the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> may be reduced.

It is noted herein portions of the suite wall <NUM> have been cut away or removed for purposes of clarity within <FIG>.

The one or more passenger suites <NUM> may include one or more aircraft seats <NUM> (e.g., business class or first-class passenger seats). It is noted herein the terms "aircraft seats" and "passenger seats" may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure.

The one or more aircraft seats <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, seat pans, seat cushions, legs, support members, actuatable armrests, seatbelts, or the like. The one or more aircraft seats <NUM> may be attachable to embedded seat tracks located in a floor of the aircraft cabin <NUM> via conventional track fasteners and/or be couplable to the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., where the suite wall <NUM> may be attachable to embedded seat tracks located in the floor of the aircraft cabin <NUM> via conventional track fasteners).

An aircraft seat <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis (e.g., swivelable). The aircraft seat <NUM> may be fully positionable between the outer limits of motion as defined by the moveable components of the aircraft seat <NUM> and/or one or more auxiliary monuments <NUM> of the passenger suite <NUM>. It is noted herein an upright or raised position may be considered a taxi, takeoff, or landing (TTL) position during select stages of flight (though the upright or raised position is not limited to use during the select stages of flight as the TTL position, but also may be used at any point during the flight), for purposes of the present disclosure. In addition, it is noted herein that any position that does not meet the above-defined requirements of the TTL position may be considered a non-TTL position, for purposes of the present disclosure. Further, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may be actuatable (e.g., translatable and/or rotatable) from the TTL position to a non-TTL position, and/or vice versa. Further, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may be capable of a fully upright or raised position, and that the TTL position may have a more reclined seat back cushion and a more angled upward seat pan cushion as compared to the fully upright or raised position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

In general, the aircraft seat <NUM> may be translatable (e.g., trackable or slidable). The aircraft seat <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis cross-wise through the aircraft seat <NUM> into a position including, but not limited to, an upright or raised position, one or more lounge or reclined positions, and a lie-flat or bed position. For example, the aircraft seat <NUM> may transition directly between the upright or raised position and the lie-flat or bed position. By way of another example, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may transition through one or more lounge or reclined positions between the upright or raised position and the lie-flat or bed position. By way of another example, the aircraft seat <NUM> may transition into one or more lounge reclined positions in a motion separate from the transition between the upright or raised position and the lie-flat or bed position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

The aircraft seat <NUM> may be configured to avoid contact with the one or more auxiliary monuments <NUM> when transitioning between positions (e.g., between the upright or raised position and the lie-flat or bed position). It is noted herein that at least some components (e.g., at least a portion of the bridge <NUM>, the suite wall <NUM> with suite wall elements <NUM>, the one or more auxiliary monuments <NUM>, or the like) may conform to a portion of an aircraft seat <NUM>. In this regard, the amount of floor area of the aircraft cabin <NUM> necessary for the one or more aircraft seats <NUM> may be reduced.

The one or more auxiliary monuments <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a structure <NUM> with a horizontal (or substantially horizontal) surface such as a tray or table, a side stand, or the like. The structure <NUM> may include a top surface, a bottom surface, and/or one or more side surfaces. For example, a structure <NUM> may include a single continuous side surface where all corners are rounded. By way of another example, the structure <NUM> may include up to an N number of side surfaces where the auxiliary monument includes up to an N number of corners. The structure <NUM> may be actuatable (e.g., may extend a select distance from a stored position to an extended position proximate to a passenger, similar to an aircraft tray table). It is noted herein, however, that the structure <NUM> may be fixed in position.

The one or more auxiliary monuments <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, a structure <NUM> with a vertical (or substantially vertical) surface such as an actuatable privacy panel of the bridge <NUM>. The structure <NUM> may be untrimmed or may be covered with trim (e.g., interior or exterior décor panels) matching other trim within the passenger suite <NUM> (and/or the aircraft cabin <NUM>).

The structure <NUM> may have an in-flight entertainment (IFE) device <NUM> attached to its vertical (or substantially vertical) surface. For example, where the structure <NUM> is actuatable, the IFE device <NUM> may be actuatable. It is noted herein the structure <NUM> may itself be an IFE device <NUM>. In addition, it is noted herein the IFE device <NUM> may be coupled to other monuments (e.g., in an actuatable position or a fixed position) within the aircraft cabin <NUM>. A discussion of bridges, actuatable privacy panels, and IFE devices within passenger suites may be found in <CIT>, which is incorporated herein in the entirety.

The passenger suite <NUM> may include an ottoman <NUM> within a footwell <NUM>. The ottoman <NUM> may be usable by a passenger in the aircraft seat <NUM> when the corresponding aircraft seat <NUM> is in the upright or raised position, the one or more reclined or lounge positions, and/or the lie-flat or bed position. For example, the ottoman <NUM> may form a portion of a bed surface when the corresponding aircraft seat <NUM> is in the lie-flat or bed position. The ottoman <NUM> may be usable by a passenger in an aircraft seat <NUM> positioned proximate to the passenger suite <NUM> when the corresponding aircraft seat <NUM> is in a reclined or lounge position.

The ottoman <NUM> may be configured to translate and/or rotate about an axis through a sidewall of the ottoman <NUM> to direct a top surface to a passenger occupying the aircraft seat <NUM>. For example, where the ottoman <NUM> may be configured to both translate and rotate, the ottoman <NUM> may be configured to independently rotate and/or translate. By way of another example, where the ottoman <NUM> may be configured to both translate and rotate, a rotation may prevent further translation until the ottoman <NUM> is returned to a select position and/or a translation may prevent further rotation until the ottoman <NUM> is returned to a select position.

One or more dimensions of the footwell <NUM> may be changed by transitioning the aircraft seat <NUM> between the upright or raised position, the one or more lounge or reclined positions, and the lie-flat or bed position. It is noted herein that a portion of the ottoman <NUM> may be actuatable (e.g., along a set of tracks or linear rails) to a position outside of the footwell <NUM>.

It is noted herein, however, the aircraft seat <NUM> and/or the ottoman <NUM> may be limited to an upright or raised position and/or one or more lounge or reclined positions. In addition, it is noted herein the aircraft seat <NUM> may be the sole component forming a bed when the aircraft seat <NUM> is in a lie-flat or bed position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

The passenger suite <NUM> may include one or more storage compartments <NUM>. The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be positioned proximate to or integrated within the bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> of the passenger suite <NUM>. The one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be coupled to and/or at least be partially inset in the one or more auxiliary monuments <NUM> (e.g., the structure <NUM>, the structure <NUM>, or the like), the ottoman <NUM>, or the like.

At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may be configured to receive and hold (e.g., contain, secure, or the like) one or more passenger amenities including, but not limited to, paper-printed materials (e.g., magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, or the like), select personal electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, phablets, laptops, music devices, digital video disc (DVD) players, handheld gaming consoles or devices, or the like), food products, drink products, or the like.

At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections for one or more passenger amenities such as, but not limited to, one or more charging ports, one or more charging cables, or the like.

At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more electronic connections in communication with one or more components of the passenger suite <NUM> such as, but not limited to, one or more display device connection ports, one or more display device connection cables, one or more audio output jacks (e.g., headphone jacks), one or more audio input jacks, or the like. At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include one or more safety devices (e.g., air masks, personal floatation devices, or the like).

At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include a storage compartment (e.g., a wardrobe) configured to receive long and/or large items (e.g., passenger amenities needing to be hung, carry-on luggage, or the like) that require an increased space and/or that a passenger may prefer to store in a substantially vertical or upright orientation.

A cavity may be defined within the one or more storage compartments <NUM>. One or more shelves may be installed within the cavity. At least some of the one or more storage compartments <NUM> may include a corresponding door. For example, a door may be fully-opaque or solid. By way of another example, a door may be at least partially fabricated from a transparent material (e.g., glass, plastic, or the like) or include a patterned or unpatterned set of cut-outs configured or designed to meet aviation guidelines and/or standards.

The passenger suite <NUM> may include one or more accessories. For example, the one or more lights and/or the one or more vents may be coupled to and/or partially inset in the one or more suite wall elements <NUM> of the suite wall <NUM>, the bridge <NUM>, or other locations within the passenger suite <NUM>. By way of another example, the one or more accessories may include one or more electronics or electronic devices. For instance, the one or more accessories may include, but are not limited to, the one or more IFE devices <NUM>, one or more speakers configured to provide media content separate from the media content shown on the one or more IFE devices <NUM> and/or accompanying the media content shown on the one or more IFE devices <NUM>, one or more lights or lighted panels, one or more ventilation devices, one or more aircraft seat <NUM> actuation devices (e.g., assemblies, controls, actuators, and/or the like), one or more air flow or temperature control devices, one or more visual and/or auditory output control devices, or the like.

The suite wall <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> within the one or more suite wall elements <NUM> into the passenger suite <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may allow for access to the passenger suite <NUM> from an aircraft aisle <NUM> within the aircraft cabin <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate the aircraft cabin <NUM> including the passenger suite <NUM>, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

The aircraft passenger compartment suite <NUM> may include an actuatable door <NUM> for the opening <NUM>. It is noted herein "actuatable door" and variants including, but not limited to, actuatable screen", "door", and "screen" may be considered equivalent, for purposes of the disclosure.

The actuatable door <NUM> includes a cartridge <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> is actuatable between a stowed cartridge position, a deployed cartridge position, and one or more intermediate cartridge positions. The actuatable door <NUM> includes a flexible privacy divider <NUM>. The flexible privacy divider <NUM> may be actuatable between a stowed divider position, a deployed divider position, and one or more intermediate divider positions.

It is noted herein that including a flexible privacy divider <NUM> in the actuatable door <NUM> may reduce or minimize the footprint of the actuatable door <NUM> within the passenger suite <NUM> when in a stowed position, thus reducing or minimizing the amount of disruption to an existing design of the passenger suite <NUM> (e.g., which may allow for retrofitting existing passenger suites <NUM>) and potentially streamlining the certification process (e.g., of the actuatable door <NUM> and/or passenger suites <NUM> including the actuatable door <NUM>) with respect to aviation guidelines and standards.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the actuatable door <NUM> is illustrated in a deployed door position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In <FIG> and <FIG>, the cartridge <NUM> is in the deployed cartridge position and the flexible privacy divider <NUM> is in the deployed divider position. It is noted herein, however, the actuatable door <NUM> may also configured for a stowed door position, where the cartridge <NUM> is in the stowed cartridge position and the flexible privacy divider <NUM> is in the stowed divider position. For example, the actuatable door <NUM> may be in the stowed door position during the TTL phases of flight. In addition, it is noted herein the actuatable door <NUM> may also be configured for one or more intermediate door positions. For example, in one intermediate door position the cartridge <NUM> is in the deployed cartridge position and the flexible privacy divider <NUM> is in the stowed divider position. By way of another example, the actuatable door <NUM> may be in a particular intermediate door position during transition between the stowed door position and the deployed door position.

The actuatable door <NUM> may separate the passenger suite <NUM> from other areas in the aircraft cabin <NUM> and may provide privacy to an occupant within the passenger suite <NUM> when the actuatable door <NUM> is in the deployed door position. When the actuatable door <NUM> is in the stowed door position (e.g., is open), the opening <NUM> within the passenger suite <NUM> may be configured to allow for access to the passenger suite <NUM> from an open area (e.g., the aircraft aisle <NUM>, or other open area) within the aircraft cabin <NUM> (or egress from the passenger suite <NUM> into the open area within the aircraft cabin <NUM>). When the door is in the stowed door position, the opening <NUM> may temporarily prevent egress from the passenger suite <NUM> into the open area within the aircraft cabin <NUM> (e.g., preventing egress only to the extent such prevention does not inconvenience an occupant or generate an unsafe environment in the event of an emergency).

Referring now to <FIG>, an example embodiment of a set of cartridge positions are illustrated, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

The actuatable door <NUM> may include an actuation assembly <NUM>. For example, the actuation assembly <NUM> may include an arm <NUM> coupled to the cartridge <NUM> and a hinge <NUM>, where the hinge <NUM> is coupled to the bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., one or more suite wall elements <NUM>). It is noted herein, however, the hinge <NUM> may be directly coupled to the cartridge <NUM>, such that the arm <NUM> is not required. The cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., one or more suite wall elements <NUM>) via the actuation assembly <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be stowed in a space <NUM> within the passenger suite <NUM> that is intuitive and easily accessible. For example, the space <NUM> may be proximate to a top edge of the passenger suite <NUM> (e.g., of the bridge <NUM>), and proximate to the opening <NUM>. By way of another example, the space <NUM> may be proximate to a top edge of the suite wall <NUM>, and proximate to the opening <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be actuatable via the actuation assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis (e.g., a vertical or substantially vertical axis, or other axis) via the hinge <NUM> between the stowed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) and the deployed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) through one or more intermediate cartridge positions (e.g., one being illustrated in <FIG>). For instance, the hinge <NUM> may include a smooth-bore pin. By way of another example, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable and translatable about an axis (e.g., a vertical or substantially vertical axis, or other axis) via the hinge <NUM> between the stowed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) and the deployed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) through one or more intermediate cartridge positions (e.g., one being illustrated in <FIG>). For instance, the hinge <NUM> may include a threaded pin or screw. It is noted herein the stowed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered a stowed door position. In addition, it is noted herein the deployed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered an intermediate door position.

The cartridge <NUM> may be held in the stowed cartridge position within the space <NUM> via an interlocking assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> is hold in the deployed cartridge position across the opening <NUM> via an interlocking assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to a component installed within an area <NUM> or proximate to the area <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. The interlocking assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, latch assemblies, magnetic assemblies, or the like. It is noted herein the interlocking assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be standalone, or may share components (e.g., shared latch components, magnetic components, or the like). The cartridge <NUM> may be received by a notch or sit on a landing within the area <NUM> proximate to the opening <NUM> when in the deployed cartridge position.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the actuatable door <NUM> being stowed in the space <NUM>, the stowed door position may be anywhere within the passenger suite <NUM> that would still allow for a deployed position within the opening <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be set within a channel <NUM> proximate to the bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., one or more suite wall elements <NUM>) that is intuitive and easily accessible. For example, the space <NUM> may be proximate to a top edge of the passenger suite <NUM> (e.g., of the bridge <NUM>) and proximate to the opening <NUM>. For instance, the channel <NUM> may pass through the bridge <NUM> and/or one or more structures <NUM> into an adjacent passenger suite <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may be visible when in the stowed cartridge position in the adjacent passenger suite or may be covered. In addition, the channel <NUM> may be set within the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., one or more suite wall elements <NUM>), such that the cartridge <NUM> passes through a cavity within the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., one or more suite wall elements <NUM>).

The cartridge <NUM> may be actuatable along the channel <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be translated through the channel <NUM> between the stowed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) and the deployed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) through one or more intermediate cartridge positions (e.g., one being illustrated in <FIG>). It is noted herein the stowed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered a stowed door position. In addition, it is noted herein the deployed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered an intermediate door position.

The cartridge <NUM> may be held in the stowed cartridge position within the channel <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may be held in the deployed cartridge position across the opening <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to a component installed within the area <NUM> or proximate to the area <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may be received by a notch or sit on a landing within the area <NUM> proximate to the opening <NUM> when in the deployed cartridge position.

The actuatable door <NUM> may include an actuation assembly <NUM>. For example, the actuation assembly <NUM> may include a hinge <NUM> coupled to the cartridge <NUM> and to the bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., one or more suite wall elements <NUM>). The cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., one or more suite wall elements <NUM>) via the actuation assembly <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be stowed in a space <NUM> within the passenger suite <NUM> that is intuitive and easily accessible. For example, the space <NUM> may be proximate to a top edge of the passenger suite <NUM> (e.g., of the bridge <NUM>) and proximate to the opening <NUM>. By way of another example, the space <NUM> may be proximate to a top edge of the suite wall <NUM>, and proximate to the opening <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be actuatable via the actuation assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis (e.g., a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis, or other axis) through the hinge <NUM> between the stowed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) and the deployed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) through one or more intermediate cartridge positions (e.g., one being illustrated in <FIG>). For instance, the hinge <NUM> may include a smooth-bore pin. By way of another example, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable and translatable about an axis (e.g., a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis, or other axis) via the hinge <NUM> between the stowed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) and the deployed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) through one or more intermediate cartridge positions (e.g., one being illustrated in <FIG>). For instance, the hinge <NUM> may include a threaded pin or screw. It is noted herein the stowed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered a stowed door position. In addition, it is noted herein the deployed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered an intermediate door position.

The cartridge <NUM> may be held in the stowed cartridge position within the space <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the bridge <NUM> and/or the suite wall <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may be held in the deployed cartridge position across the opening <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to a component installed within the area <NUM> or proximate to the area <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. The interlocking assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, latch assemblies, magnetic assemblies, or the like. It is noted herein the interlocking assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be standalone, or may share components (e.g., shared latch components, magnetic components, or the like). The cartridge <NUM> may be received by a notch or sit on a landing within the area <NUM> proximate to the opening <NUM> when in the deployed cartridge position.

The actuatable door <NUM> may include an actuation assembly <NUM>. For example, the actuation assembly <NUM> may include a hinge <NUM> coupled to the cartridge <NUM> and to the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., one or more suite wall elements <NUM>). The cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the suite wall <NUM> (e.g., one or more suite wall elements <NUM>) via the actuation assembly <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be stowed in a space <NUM> within the passenger suite <NUM> that is intuitive and easily accessible. For example, the space <NUM> may be proximate to a top edge of the suite wall <NUM>, and proximate to the opening <NUM>.

The cartridge <NUM> may be actuatable via the actuation assembly <NUM>.

For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable about an axis (e.g., a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis, or other axis) through the hinge <NUM> between the stowed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) and the deployed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) through one or more intermediate cartridge positions (e.g., being illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>). For instance, the hinge <NUM> may include a smooth-bore pin. In addition, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable about the axis through the hinge <NUM> counterclockwise through the intermediate position as illustrated in <FIG>. Further, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable about the axis through the hinge <NUM> clockwise through the intermediate position as illustrated in <FIG>. It is noted herein the stowed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered a stowed door position. In addition, it is noted herein the deployed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered an intermediate door position.

By way of another example, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable and translatable about an axis (e.g., a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis, or other axis) through the hinge <NUM> between the stowed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) and the deployed cartridge position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>) through one or more intermediate cartridge positions (e.g., being illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>). For instance, the hinge <NUM> may include a threaded pin or screw. In addition, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable and translatable about the axis through the hinge <NUM> counterclockwise through the intermediate position as illustrated in <FIG>. Further, the cartridge <NUM> may be rotatable and translatable about the axis through the hinge <NUM> clockwise through the intermediate position as illustrated in <FIG>. It is noted herein the stowed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered a stowed door position. In addition, it is noted herein the deployed cartridge position as illustrated in <FIG> may be considered an intermediate door position.

The cartridge <NUM> may be held in the stowed cartridge position within the space <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to the suite wall <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. The cartridge <NUM> may be held in the deployed cartridge position across the opening <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. For example, the cartridge <NUM> may be coupled to a component installed within the area <NUM> or proximate to the area <NUM> via the interlocking assembly <NUM>. The interlocking assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may include, but are not limited to, latch assemblies, magnetic assemblies, or the like. It is noted herein the interlocking assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be standalone, or may share components (e.g., shared latch components, magnetic components, or the like). The cartridge <NUM> may be received by a notch or sit on a landing within the area <NUM> proximate to the opening <NUM> when in the deployed cartridge position.

It is noted herein the actuatable door <NUM> may not need to be stowed and rotated about the axis <NUM> degrees (or approximately <NUM> degrees), as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, but may instead be rotated a different angle. For example, the actuatable door <NUM> may be vertical (or substantially vertical) and aligned with a vertical (or substantially vertical) edge of the opening <NUM>, such the intermediate cartridge position illustrated in <FIG> is the stowed cartridge position and the cartridge <NUM> rotates only <NUM> degrees (or approximately <NUM> degrees) between the stowed cartridge position and the deployed cartridge position. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

The actuatable door <NUM> includes a mechanism <NUM> housed within the cartridge <NUM>. The flexible privacy divider <NUM> may be configured to deploy from and stow in the cartridge <NUM> via a mechanism <NUM>, actuating between the stowed divider position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) and the deployed divider position (e.g., as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>) through one or more intermediate divider positions (e.g., one being illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, or <FIG>). For example, the mechanism <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, a roller mechanism or other mechanism configured to actuate the flexible privacy divider <NUM> in a rotational motion, a drawstring mechanism or other mechanism configured to actuate the flexible privacy divider <NUM> in a translational motion, or the like. It is noted herein the deployed divider position as illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> may be considered a deployed door position.

It is noted herein the mechanism <NUM> may be configured for a controlled return through an infinite number of intermediate divider positions between the stowed divider position and the deployed divider position, such that the flexible privacy divider <NUM> may be set in any of an infinite number of positions. In addition, it is noted herein the mechanism <NUM> may be configured for a defined number of intermediate divider positions for the flexible privacy divider <NUM>. Further, it is noted herein the mechanism <NUM> may be configured for a snap-release and return of the flexible privacy divider <NUM> between the deployed divider position and the stowed divider position, such that there are no intermediate divider positions.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexible privacy divider <NUM> may be fabricated from one or more continuous pieces of material <NUM>. For example, the one or more continuous pieces of material <NUM> may be a solid piece of material or a mesh material. The one or more continuous pieces of material <NUM> may be flat (or substantially flat). The one or more continuous pieces of material <NUM> may be accordion-folded. The one or more continuous pieces of material <NUM> may be actuatable, deploying from and/or stowing with the cartridge <NUM> via the mechanism <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexible privacy divider <NUM> may be fabricated from segmented or slatted pieces of overlaid material <NUM>. For example, the segmented or slatted pieces of overlaid material <NUM> may form blinds. By way of another example, the segmented or slatted pieces of overlaid material <NUM> may form tambour slats. The segmented or slatted pieces of overlaid material <NUM> may be actuatable, deploying from and/or stowing with the cartridge <NUM> via the mechanism <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the flexible privacy divider <NUM> may be fabricated from a honeycomb material or origami-folded material <NUM>. The honeycomb material or origami-folded material <NUM> may be actuatable, deploying from and/or stowing with the cartridge <NUM>, via the mechanism <NUM>.

The actuatable door <NUM> may include any number of layers, with the layers including a multiple of or a combination of the above flexible privacy dividers <NUM>. For example, the actuatable door <NUM> may include a first layer for complete privacy (e.g., a solid and opaque flexible privacy divider <NUM>, a segmented or slatted flexible privacy divider <NUM>, or the like) and a second layer for partial privacy (e.g., a solid and sheer or translucent flexible privacy divider <NUM>, a mesh flexible privacy divider <NUM>, or the like). Depending on the build, the honeycomb material or origami-folded material <NUM> may be solid and opaque, solid and sheer or translucent, or fabricated from a mesh. It is noted herein the cartridge <NUM> may house multiple mechanisms <NUM> corresponding to the multiple flexible privacy dividers <NUM>. In addition, it is noted herein the actuatable door <NUM> may include multiple cartridges <NUM>, each cartridge <NUM> including a flexible privacy divider <NUM>.

It is noted herein the flexible privacy divider <NUM> may include one or more markings. For example, the one or more markings may be visible when the flexible privacy divider <NUM> is in the deployed divider position. For instance, the one or more markings may be trim (e.g., interior or exterior décor panels) matching other trim on an exterior surface of the passenger suite <NUM> (and/or in the aircraft cabin <NUM>), may be graphics requesting privacy or not to be disturbed, or the like.

It is noted herein the actuatable door <NUM> may be configured for quick removal from the passenger suite <NUM> for stowage within the aircraft cabin <NUM> and/or repairs. For example, the interlocking assemblies <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured with quick-release components.

It is noted herein the cartridge <NUM> and/or the flexible privacy divider <NUM> may be manually actuated. In addition, it is noted herein the cartridge <NUM> and/or the flexible privacy divider <NUM> may be electrically-actuated via a motor (e.g., a servo motor, or the like) coupled to a controller. For example, the controller may include one or more processors and memory, where the memory is configured to store a set of program instructions, where the set of program instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to perform one or more actions with respect to actuations of the actuatable door <NUM>. A user input device and/or a display may be installed within the passenger suite <NUM> or coupled to an exterior surface of the passenger suite <NUM>, and the controller is configured to receive commands (e.g., to deploy the actuatable door <NUM>, stow the actuatable door <NUM>, deploy the cartridge <NUM>, stow the cartridge <NUM>, deploy the flexible privacy divider <NUM>, and/or stow the flexible privacy divider <NUM>) from the user input device and/or the display.

It is noted herein "vertical" may be understood as being defined with respect to a z-axis as illustrated in the Figures. In addition, it is noted herein "horizontal" may be understood as being defined with respect to an x-axis or a y-axis as illustrated in the Figures.

Although embodiments of the disclosure illustrate the actuatable door <NUM> being installed and actuatable within the boundaries of the passenger suite <NUM>, it is noted herein the actuatable door <NUM> may be coupled to an exterior surface of the passenger suite <NUM> and actuatable between the door stowed position and the door deployed position outside of the passenger suite <NUM> (e.g., in the aircraft aisle <NUM>). Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the scope of the disclosure but merely an illustration.

In this regard, the passenger suite <NUM> includes an actuatable door <NUM>. The actuatable door <NUM> is fabricated from a flexible material so as to reduce issues with weight. The actuatable door <NUM> is able to deploy in an upward/downward configuration so as to reduce issues with lateral compression. The actuatable door <NUM> is configured to fit within an existing product design with the minimal possible amount of disruption to the existing design, so as to streamline the certification process with respect to aviation guidelines and standards.

Although embodiments of the disclosure are directed to an aviation environment such as an aircraft cabin <NUM>, it is noted herein the actuatable door <NUM> is not limited to the aviation environment and/or the aircraft components within the aviation environment. For example, the actuatable door <NUM> may be configured for any type of vehicle known in the art. For example, the vehicle may be any air, space, land, or water-based personal equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or water-based commercial equipment or vehicle; any air, space, land, or water-based military equipment or vehicle known in the art. By way of another example, the actuatable door <NUM> may be configured for commercial or industrial use in either a home or a business. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as a limitation on the present disclosure but merely an illustration.

Claim 1:
An arrangement comprising an actuatable door for an aircraft passenger suite installed within an aircraft cabin, said door comprising:
a flexible privacy divider (<NUM>), the flexible privacy divider being configured to actuate between a stowed divider position and a deployed divider position;
a cartridge (<NUM>), the cartridge being configured to actuate between a stowed cartridge position and a deployed cartridge position via at least one intermediate cartridge position; and
a mechanism (<NUM>) housed within the cartridge, the mechanism being configured to actuate the flexible privacy divider between the stowed divider position and the deployed divider position, the flexible privacy divider being at least partially stowed within the cartridge when in the stowed divider position,
the actuatable door being configured to couple to a suite wall (<NUM>) of the aircraft passenger suite, the suite wall including an opening (<NUM>) configured to allow for access to the passenger suite from an open area within the aircraft cabin;
the arrangement comprising an interlocking assembly (<NUM>);
the cartridge being held in the deployed cartridge position across the opening via said interlocking assembly (<NUM>) when the flexible privacy divider is in the deployed divider position across the opening,
the actuatable door being configured to actuate between a stowed door position and a deployed door position via at least one intermediate door position, the actuatable door being configured to separate the passenger suite from the open area within the aircraft cabin when in the deployed door position and provide privacy to the aircraft passenger suite.