VARIABLE OPENING OVERHEAD STOWAGE BINS AND RELATED METHODS

摘要

An improved overhead storage system for use in an aircraft may include a variable opening overhead storage bin that is configured to automatically open to an initial open position when a latch mechanism is released and to open further to a second open position when a force is applied to the bin. Such improved overhead storage systems and variable opening overhead storage bins may improve article retention of articles or loads stored within the storage bins during flight. For example, when in the initial open position, the variable opening overhead storage bin may be angled to decrease chances of stowed articles falling out of the bin. When the variable opening overhead storage bin is further opened to the second open position, such as by pressing down on the bin, the passenger's hands may be in a better position to control articles stowed within the bin.

主权项

1. An overhead storage system for use in an aircraft, the overhead storage system comprising:
an overhead support structure coupled to an interior of an aircraft fuselage; and an overhead storage bin having a first panel and a cavity configured to receive a load, the overhead storage bin being movably coupled to the overhead support structure such that the overhead storage bin is selectively moveable from a closed position, in which a first edge of the first panel is positioned adjacent the overhead support structure, thereby closing the cavity off from the interior of the aircraft fuselage, to an initial open position in which the first edge of the first panel is spaced apart from the overhead support structure by a first distance and the cavity is open to the interior of the aircraft fuselage via an opening, and wherein the overhead storage bin is further selectively moveable from the initial open position to a second open position, wherein, in the second open position, the first edge of the first panel is spaced apart from the overhead support structure by a second distance, the second distance being greater than the first distance, and wherein the overhead storage bin is configured such that application of a force to the overhead storage bin is required to move the overhead storage bin from the initial open position to the second open position.