Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin arrangement between at least one forward passenger seat and at least one aft passenger seat, includes a panel positioned adjacent to and rearwardly of the at least one forward seat. The panel has a contoured shape for receiving the back of the forward passenger seat in at least one of a reclined position and an upright position. The panel extends substantially from an underside of an overhead bin to a cabin floor. In embodiments, at least a portion of the panel is configured to deform or break during a crash event due to one or more of a head impact by a passenger in the aft passenger seat with the panel and/or inertial forces of the crash event acting on the panel.

Abstract: An integrated hand cleaning system includes a hand cleaning housing including dispensing spout and a sensor. An actuator is operatively connected to the housing. A cleaning substance reservoir is in fluid communication with the dispensing spout. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and to the actuator. The controller is configured to activate the actuator based on detection of a user's hand by the sensor. A method for controlling a hand cleaning system includes receiving, with a controller, a sensor signal from a sensor in a hand cleaning housing. The method includes activating an actuator of a hand cleaning system with the controller based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: An integrated hand cleaning system includes a hand cleaning housing including dispensing spout and a sensor. An actuator is operatively connected to the housing. A cleaning substance reservoir is in fluid communication with the dispensing spout. A controller is operatively connected to the sensor and to the actuator. The controller is configured to activate the actuator based on detection of a user's hand by the sensor. A method for controlling a hand cleaning system includes receiving, with a controller, a sensor signal from a sensor in a hand cleaning housing. The method includes activating an actuator of a hand cleaning system with the controller based on the sensor signal.

Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.

Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having a convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include multiple panel portions that are coupled together and articulate relative to one another. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate the panel portions with respect to one another from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a modular lavatory system for replacing a conventional lavatory monument in an aircraft cabin includes a base lavatory module including a fore sidewall, an aft sidewall, and an aisle wall that form a housing enclosing a toilet unit. A first sidewall of the fore sidewall and the aft sidewall may include a widening region positioned above a passenger seat headrest height. The modular lavatory system may include at least two interchangeable modules configured for mounting against the other sidewall of the base lavatory module. A footprint of the base lavatory module may be smaller than the conventional lavatory monument footprint, such that an extra cabin space is created proximate the other sidewall of the base lavatory module after replacement of the conventional lavatory monument with the modular lavatory system. The at least two interchangeable modules may each be dimensioned for installation within the extra space.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an aircraft monument is adapted for being mounted against an aft-facing bulkhead of the aircraft. The monument may have an aisle-accessible compartment that includes comestible item dispensers and lower footwell regions to accommodate the passengers seated immediately aft of the monument. The monument may also include an aft-facing wall that is readily removal during a maintenance operation so as to facilitate servicing of a heater or chiller unit disposed inside the monument.

Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin according to a predetermined class arrangement and including a divider panel having a contour closely matching a contour of a forward-positioned seatback, and adapted for being positioned in closely spaced-apart relation to the seatback for providing additional space aft of the divider panel. At least one leg is provided for supporting the panel on an aircraft cabin deck. A viewing window is formed in the panel for providing the ability of a flight attendant to observe areas of the cabin.

Abstract: A modular aircraft closet including a structural frame having a top, a bottom, an inboard sidewall, an outboard sidewall, an open forward face and an open aft face. A forward panel attaches to the structural frame to cover the open forward face and an aft panel attaches to the structural frame to cover the open aft face. The forward and aft panels can be equipped with an exterior panel feature to customize, brand, reconfigure or retrofit the closet.

Abstract: A method of installing an aircraft overhead stowage system includes installing a plurality of bin support rail fittings onto a plurality of bin support rails disposed above a ceiling of a cross-aisle galley complex; positioning a stowage compartment housing supported by a stowage support structure above the ceiling of the galley complex, the stowage compartment housing including a first stowage compartment and a second stowage compartment each movably engaged with and disposed inside the stowage compartment housing; aligning the stowage compartment housing and the stowage support structure with the bin support rails; and fastening the stowage support structure to the bin support rails using the bin support rail fittings such that the stowage compartment housing is structurally supported above the ceiling of the galley complex.

Abstract: A method of installing an aircraft overhead stowage system includes installing a plurality of bin support rail fittings onto a plurality of bin support rails disposed above a ceiling of a cross-aisle galley complex; positioning a stowage compartment housing supported by a stowage support structure above the ceiling of the galley complex, the stowage compartment housing including a first stowage compartment and a second stowage compartment each movably engaged with and disposed inside the stowage compartment housing; aligning the stowage compartment housing and the stowage support structure with the bin support rails; and fastening the stowage support structure to the bin support rails using the bin support rail fittings such that the stowage compartment housing is structurally supported above the ceiling of the galley complex.

Abstract: An implementation of a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft overhead stowage system for a cross-aisle galley complex. The aircraft overhead stowage system includes a stowage compartment housing disposed above a ceiling of the galley complex that is supported above the ceiling by a stowage support structure. A first stowage compartment and a second stowage compartment are each movably engaged with and disposed inside the stowage compartment housing, and each stowage compartment is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the stowage compartment housing using a vacuum system. A vacuum generator that creates a vacuum force is mounted on the stowage compartment housing, and a plurality of vacuum bellows connected to each stowage compartment are in fluid communication with the vacuum generator. The vacuum system causes the stowage compartments to move between the stowed position and the deployed position. Vacuum-driven and manually-driven latching assemblies and removable extensions for each stowage compartment are also provided.

Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having a convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include multiple panel portions that are coupled together and articulate relative to one another. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate the panel portions with respect to one another from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.

Abstract: An optimized, multi-configuration cabin and lavatory arrangement for a single aisle aircraft that adds either another row of seating or increases cabin space without sacrificing performance or function of the existing components. The invention includes a space efficient lavatory that may incorporate various design configurations to meet the needs of airlines seeking to generate additional revenue. The configuration of the present invention uses a reduction in the lavatory floor plan with the option for a modular flex wall area to provide a customizable combination that gains extra cabin space for carriers that can be utilized for additional revenue streams.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an aircraft monument is adapted for being mounted against an aft-facing bulkhead of the aircraft. The monument may have an aisle-accessible compartment that includes comestible item dispensers and lower footwell regions to accommodate the passengers seated immediately aft of the monument. The monument may also include an aft-facing wall that is readily removal during a maintenance operation so as to facilitate servicing of a heater or chiller unit disposed inside the monument.

Abstract: A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin according to a predetermined class arrangement and including a divider panel having a contour closely matching a contour of a forward-positioned seatback, and adapted for being positioned in closely spaced-apart relation to the seatback for providing additional space aft of the divider panel. At least one leg is provided for supporting the panel on an aircraft cabin deck. A viewing window is formed in the panel for providing the ability of a flight attendant to observe areas of the cabin.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having an aft-facing convex contour closely matching an aft-facing contour of a seatback of the forward seat and configured to enhance space utilization. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate at least a portion of the panel from a first position (normal operation) to a second position (emergency landing). The contoured class divider may provide up to an additional 12 inches of space which can be used to reduce seat pitch (and thereby enhance passenger comfort) or increase the number of rows of seats on a given aircraft.

Abstract: An aircraft interior surface for partitioning, dividing, or establishing privacy within a cabin space includes a transparent material that provides for transmission of light within the aircraft cabin. A graphical design may be applied to the transparent material, the graphical design including indicia arranged in predetermined patterns based on a location or function of the transparent material. A light source located proximate to the transparent material may wash light across a surface of the transparent material such that the graphical design exhibits predetermined properties when illuminated by the light source. The transparent material may be selectively dimmable to increase opacity.