In a preferred embodiment, a retrofit storage bin door hinge includes an extension member than increases the storage volume of the bin by at least 5 percent or 10 percent, thereby permitting the storage of larger carry-on bags. Required access to the ceiling panels during maintenance operations is preserved by the hinges pivotable attachment to a pivot mount attached to the ceiling of a storage bin. In this manner, the hinge assembly and door may be readily translated downwardly to provide full access to the ceiling panels during a maintenance operation.

In an illustrative embodiment, a crew information system is coupled to sensors in passenger seats, seatbelts, tray tables and overhead bins. If the vehicle seat sensor subsystem senses a passenger on a seat and senses the corresponding passenger seat belt is unbuckled, the vehicle seat sensor subsystem may alert the flight crew of a non-compliance condition. The crew information system may also, for example, facilitate preparation for take-off by signaling the crew when, for all seats in which passengers are detected, all tray tables are stowed and all seatbelts are buckled. The crew may be similarly informed of overhead bins which are not properly latched. Crew member notifications may advantageously report the specific nonconforming issue and seat or bin position.

A stowage bin assembly is configured to be positioned above at least a portion of one or more seats within a vehicle. The stowage bin assembly may include a pivot bin including a forward end panel, an aft end panel that is opposed to the forward end panel, a front panel extending between the forward and aft end panels, and a closeout bracket secured to the forward end panel, the aft end panel, and the front panel. A baggage retaining chamber is defined between the forward end panel, the aft end panel, and the front panel. The closeout bracket spans between the forward end panel and the aft end panel.

Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for allowing use of what has traditionally been a cargo area of a passenger aircraft to be used as a lower deck passenger cabin. Various modifications to the aircraft are described, as well as various features to be added in order to enhance the passenger experience. For example, there may be provided a lowered technical floor (32), stairs or other passageways (50) provided at both ends of the lower deck cabin, a window replacement technique, an alternative way of storing cabin luggage, or any combination thereof.

A method and apparatus are provided. A load relief tie rod comprises a body, a rod, and at least one pin extending from and perpendicular to the rod. The body has a cavity extending longitudinally through a cylindrical section of the body and two obround slots in the cylindrical section. The rod is configured to extend longitudinally within the cavity. The at least one pin extends through the two obround slots.

The present disclosure relates to an aircraft stowage unit configured to provide a footwell for an adjacent seating unit.

A method and apparatus for assisting movement of a bin into a closed position. An assistance system associated with the bin may be activated in response to a manipulation of a switch associated with the bin. The assistance system may comprise a biasing system and a switch. The biasing system may be configured to generate a force in a direction towards a closed position for the bin. A switch may be connected to the biasing system and configured to activate the biasing system when a selected amount of weight is present in the bin. The force in the direction towards the closed position for the bin may be generated in response to activating the assistance system.

A vehicle projection system that includes a projector positioned adjacent a first portion of a ceiling of the vehicle, the projector being configured to project a first image on the first portion of the ceiling. The image may be a moving image or may be various natural sky scenes such as a starry sky. The projector may be a pico-projector or a micro-projector. The vehicle may be an aircraft with the projector positioned on an overhead portion of the cabin. The projector may be positioned between two overhead bins. A second projector positioned on an overhead portion of the cabin may be configured to project a second image on a second portion of the ceiling. The projectors may be positioned on curtain headers within the aircraft. The system may include a control panel that controls the operation of the projectors in conjunction with an onboard sound system, if any.

A system includes one or more components within an internal cabin of a vehicle. An imaging device is configured to obtain an image of the one or more components. A state determination control unit includes a processor. The state determination control unit is in communication with the imaging device. The state determination control unit receives image data including the image from the imaging device. Further, the state determination control unit determines a state of the one or more components based on the image data.

A bin latch system. A bin latch mechanism that has been designed with weight, number of components, simplicity of operation and installation as main design drivers. The bin latch utilizes spring loaded rods that are ‘pulled’ to release the locking subassemblies. The rods lock two sets of interlocking housings in place. Due to the nature of the rod actuator, the design is binary in nature and needs both sets of interlocking housings to be secured before the interface handle can go to ‘full close’ position. Additionally, there is no rigging necessary at install. Once the assembly is in secured in place, it is ready to be operated.