Patent ID: 8047468

Claim:
An overhead stowage bin assembly for a vehicle comprising at least one shear fitting, the assembly comprising: a first shear fitting component disposed on a lateral wall of the overhead stowage bin, wherein the first shear fitting component defines a profile having a first region, a shoulder region, and a second region, wherein the first region is thicker than the second region, and wherein the shoulder region transitions between the first region and the second region; a second shear fitting component attached to a bin support panel of the vehicle, wherein the second shear fitting component defines a profile having a first receiving region, a shoulder receiving region, and a second receiving region, and wherein the first receiving region is wider than the second receiving region, and wherein the shoulder receiving region transitions between the first receiving region and the second receiving region; and the first component and the second component of the at least one shear fitting being disengaged when the overhead stowage bin is in the open position, and being engaged when the overhead stowage bin is in the closed position, such that in the closed position, the first region of the first shear fitting is closely engaged within the first receiving region of the second shear fitting, the shoulder region of the first shear fitting is closely engaged with the shoulder receiving region of the second shear fitting, and the second region of the first shear fitting is closely engaged within the second receiving region of the second shear fitting.