Contour class divider

US11787544B2 · 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: Jul 19, 2021
• Grant date: Oct 17, 2023
• Expiry date: Sep 16, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64D11/0627
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An implementation of 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.