A moveable closet for storing articles in an aircraft includes a fixed outer housing and a moveable inner housing capable of being displaced from a loading position for articles to be placed within a storage compartment to a stowed position, which allows for additional cabin space during taxiing and flight. The storage compartment defined by the inner housing may be further sub-divided by shelves for storing articles of various sizes and may also be fitted with bars in order to accommodate hanging items. The moveable closet is capable of being accessed from a lengthwise extending aisle and therefore may be located directly adjacent a fixed structure on an aircraft such as a lavatory, galley, fixed closet, or the like. Once the storage compartment defined by the inner housing is loaded with articles, it is displaced into the outer housing to provide additional cabin space for passenger leg room or seating.
Apparatus and methods for cabinet devices for lavatories are provided. In one embodiment, an amenities cabinet device includes a housing having an opening and a module that is slideably received within the housing. The module includes a plurality of amenity compartments. The housing includes a plurality of ports for accessing the plurality of amenity compartments included within the module. The plurality of amenity compartments are configured to store a soap dispenser, a lotion dispenser, a tissue dispenser, a paper towel dispenser, or other amenities.
Apparatus and methods for cabinet devices for lavatories are provided. In one embodiment, a method for resupplying a lavatory in an aircraft includes removing a first amenities module from an amenities cabinet in the lavatory; and inserting a second amenities module into the amenities cabinet, wherein the first and second amenities modules include a plurality of amenity compartments. In another embodiment, a method of providing a lavatory unit includes providing a cabinet assembly including a first wall having an opening disposed therethrough and a second wall having at least one access port; inserting a module into the cabinet assembly through the opening in the first wall, the module having at least one compartment disposed therein; and aligning the at least one compartment with the at least one access port.
One advantageous embodiment of the present invention is an integrated transport system (14) for moving an object (20) in an aircraft (10) between a main cabin (16) and an overhead cabin (18) via a shaft (24) in connection therebetween. This integrated transport system (14) includes a single-unit gantry-lift device (42) with an object carrier (32) for receiving the object (20). This object carrier (32) has one or more restraint members (34, 38) for securing the object (20) in the object carrier (32) and preventing the object (20) from inadvertently tipping or falling out of the object carrier (32). In this embodiment, the single-unit gantry-lift device (42) further includes a lift device (46) for moving the object carrier (32) generally along a longitudinal axis (22) of the shaft (24) and a gantry device (44) for moving the object carrier (32) generally along a first axis (26) of the overhead cabin (18) and/or a second axis (28), which is disposed generally perpendicular to the first axis (26).
One advantageous embodiment of the present invention is an integrated transport system (14) for moving an object (20) in an aircraft (10) between a main cabin (16) and an overhead cabin (18) via a shaft (24) in connection therebetween. This integrated transport system (14) includes a single-unit gantry-lift device (42) with an object carrier (32) for receiving the object (20). This object carrier (32) has one or more restraint members (34, 38) for securing the object (20) in the object carrier (32) and preventing the object (20) from inadvertently tipping or falling out of the object carrier (32). In this embodiment, the single-unit gantry-lift device (42) further includes a lift device (46) for moving the object carrier (32) generally along a longitudinal axis (22) of the shaft (24) and a gantry device (44) for moving the object carrier (32) generally along a first axis (26) of the overhead cabin (18) and/or a second axis (28), which is disposed generally perpendicular to the first axis (26).
An object transport and stowage system for an aircraft (10) includes a transport unit (32) for the transport of an object (20) within the aircraft (10). A first transfer drive system (62) is attached to the transport unit (32) and includes object engagement devices (92) that are engagable with the object (20). A motor (120) is mechanically coupled to and rotates one or more of the object engagement devices (92). A controller (66) is electrically coupled to the motor (120) and translates the object (20) relative to the transport unit (32). Another object transport and stowage system for an aircraft (10) includes a housing (150) for the stowage of an object (20) on the aircraft (10). A transfer drive system (64') is attached to the housing (150) and includes object engagement devices (168, 176), which are engagable with the object (20). A motor (162) is mechanically coupled to and rotates one or more of the object engagement devices (168, 176). A controller (68) is electrically coupled to the motor (162) and translates the object (20) relative to the housing (150).
