Contoured class divider

US10676194B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• B/E AEROSPACE, INC. · US

Inventors

• Robert Papke · Langley, US
• Shawn A. Claflin · Seattle, US
• Jefferey M. McKee · Duvall, US
• Trevor Skelly · Winston-Salem, US
• Mario Diliani · Snohomish, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 12, 2016
• Grant date: Jun 9, 2020
• Expiry date: May 8, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D11/0636
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

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.