Contoured class divider

US10843799B2 · 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: Sep 29, 2017
• Grant date: Nov 24, 2020
• Expiry date: May 2, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D11/0606
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A contoured class divider for dividing an aircraft cabin includes a panel positioned between an aft seat and a forward seat, the panel having a 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 multiple panel portions that are coupled together and articulate relative to one another. The contoured class divider may include an articulation system to articulate the panel portions with respect to one another 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.