Abstract: A panel assembly for an overhead support structure of a vehicle. The panel assembly includes a panel movable relative to the overhead support structure between a stowed position and an open position. One or more actuators release the panel from the stowed position. The actuators include first and second bodies arranged together and configured to move relative to each other and with the first body movable relative to the overhead support structure between first and second positions. The first position orients the second body at a first angular position relative to the overhead support structure that engages a catch on the second body with a latch pin. The second position orients the second body at a different second angular position relative to the overhead support structure to release the catch from the latch pin and thereby release the panel from the stowed position.

Abstract: An assembly to connect a panel to a support member. The assembly may include a saddle fitting configured to connect to the support member and including first and second plates. A back fitting may be positioned between the second plate of the saddle fitting and a second face of the panel. An index fitting includes a flange that may be positioned between the first plate of the saddle fitting and a first face of the panel, and a boss that extends outward from the flange and through the opening in the panel. The index fitting is wider than the panel and sized to fit within the gap of the saddle fitting with a first end of the index fitting contacting against the first plate and a second end of the index fitting contacting against the second plate. One or more fasteners may connect the saddle fitting to the index fitting.

Abstract: A retaining assembly and method for use within an internal cabin of an aircraft, in which the retaining assembly includes a hinge including a biasing member. The hinge is moveable between a retaining position, in which the biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force into a top surface of a ceiling panel within an internal cabin of a vehicle to prevent the ceiling panel from upward motion, and a release position, in which the hinge is configured to be pivoted away from the ceiling panel and the biasing member is configured to be separated from the ceiling panel.

Abstract: An assembly to connect a panel to a support member. The assembly may include a saddle fitting configured to connect to the support member and including first and second plates. A back fitting may be positioned between the second plate of the saddle fitting and a second face of the panel. An index fitting includes a flange that may be positioned between the first plate of the saddle fitting and a first face of the panel, and a boss that extends outward from the flange and through the opening in the panel. The index fitting is wider than the panel and sized to fit within the gap of the saddle fitting with a first end of the index fitting contacting against the first plate and a second end of the index fitting contacting against the second plate. One or more fasteners may connect the saddle fitting to the index fitting.

Abstract: A retaining assembly and method for use within an internal cabin of an aircraft, in which the retaining assembly includes a hinge including a biasing member. The hinge is moveable between a retaining position, in which the biasing member is configured to exert a biasing force into a top surface of a ceiling panel within an internal cabin of a vehicle to prevent the ceiling panel from upward motion, and a release position, in which the hinge is configured to be pivoted away from the ceiling panel and the biasing member is configured to be separated from the ceiling panel.