Aircraft and dual-configuration aircraft lavatory

Abstract

The present invention relates to aircraft and dual-configuration aircraft lavatories. In particular, in one embodiment, a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory includes a plurality of walls that enclose and define a lavatory interior space, wherein one of the walls extends coextensively with a portion of the cabin. Inside the lavatory interior space are a toilet, a washbasin, and a waste container that is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the waste container is attached to a wall of the lavatory between the washbasin and the door wall. In the second position, the waste container occupies a second predetermined space volume in the aircraft cabin, the second predetermined space volume being separated from a first predetermined space volume occupied by the waste container when in the first position. Moving the waste container from the first position to the second position exposes additional space within the lavatory, the additional space being sufficient to accommodate two adults simultaneously within the lavatory interior space.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 608,746, filed on December 21, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to an aircraft and a dual - configuration aircraft lavatory. Background art

[0004] Over time, air travel has become increasingly common, and as a result, passengers carried by aircraft have a wide range of needs, including those related to limited mobility. For passengers with special needs, including those who are injured, disabled, or elderly and thus have limited mobility, it may be difficult to move around on an aircraft. In addition, it is invariably difficult to access the lavatory. In fact, for many of these passengers, assistance from others is necessary to enter and properly use the lavatory. Some passengers may need to use an aisle wheelchair and thus require a lavatory with fixtures of a certain size and specific arrangement so that the lavatory can be used with an aisle wheelchair.

[0005] However, in many aircraft, especially in smaller aircraft with a single - aisle configuration, the lavatory is small and cannot accommodate more than one adult or a person using an aisle wheelchair at a time. Even when a person using an aisle wheelchair can enter the lavatory, access to the sink may be restricted because the sink is located close to the wall of the lavatory interior facing the aisle, making it difficult to reach. Also, entering the lavatory does not necessarily mean that they can sit on or rise from the provided toilet.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a lavatory on board a vehicle (such as an aircraft) designed for long - distance travel that can accommodate a wide variety of people who require assistance or use an aisle wheelchair to enter and use the lavatory, or that allows a second person to provide assistance while the lavatory door is closed. Summary of the invention

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention relate to structures and associated methods for selectively increasing the passenger - available space within an aircraft lavatory and otherwise improving its usability and accessibility.

[0008] The additional usable space in the lavatory is achieved by any one or combination of several innovations described herein. One such innovation is including a removable waste container in the lavatory. With this feature, the lavatory has a dual configuration: a first configuration where the waste container is in a fixed position within the lavatory; and a second configuration where the waste container is removed from its fixed position. To create space within the lavatory, the second position of the waste container is away from the space within the lavatory that can be occupied by the lavatory user or other assisting personnel.

[0009] In some embodiments, the second position of the waste container is entirely outside the lavatory. In other embodiments, the waste container can be loaded under the floor in the lavatory within the aircraft's stowage volume. In still other embodiments, the second position can be in or on the ceiling within the lavatory, where the waste container is fixed, with a structure allowing the lavatory occupant to move it to this position. The waste container can also be pushed into a compartment in the wall behind the waste container outside the floor space of the lavatory. The size and shape of the waste container can also be set such that it can be loaded under the sink or within a console provided in the lavatory. The waste container is preferably fixable within the lavatory sufficiently to meet regulations and provide a safe environment for passengers and crew, and can also be loaded into specially designed spaces inside and / or outside the lavatory or some other existing spaces. At the same time, the waste container should be removable to create more floor space available to passengers and / or three-dimensional space within the lavatory. In some embodiments, the size and shape of the waste container are set to be loadable in an existing cabin area dedicated to some other purpose, such as in the galley in the space normally occupied by a food preparation and storage cart. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the waste container are set such that it is lower, narrower, and / or shallower than at least a portion of another service console within the lavatory (e.g., the portion including the sink or storage section). Specifically, providing a shallower profile provides additional floor space available to passengers. In yet another embodiment, the waste container is narrow enough such that when fixed in the position within the lavatory where it can be used as a waste container, it is narrower than a portion of the console housing the sink.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to place and releasably secure the waste container. It is necessary to provide securing means or arrangements either on the waste container, on or within the lavatory, or both positions, or both to allow easy securing or detachment of the waste container, and the securing means or arrangements must be positioned such that the waste container is in a suitable position to improve access and use in an aisle wheelchair and / or by an attendant within the cabin. An aisle wheelchair compatible with a commercial aircraft is typically 457 mm (18 inches) wide. Accordingly, the aisle wheelchair referred to herein is a specialized wheelchair that is smaller than a typical wheelchair used by a disabled person outside an aircraft. The aisle wheelchair referred to herein is also known as a transfer chair and a mobility chair.

[0011] In a preferred arrangement, the waste container is secured to the rear or forward wall of the lavatory, the wall extending between the outer wall and the door wall and separating the sink from the inner door wall of the lavatory. By securing in this position, even when the waste container is secured to the rear or forward wall, the waste container (in some embodiments, shallower, i.e., narrower, than the sink or the console containing the sink) provides additional space for passenger movement. Removing the waste container provides additional space for positioning a user in an aisle wheelchair into or out of the chair, or it can be occupied by a second person in the lavatory. The location of the additional space makes it easier to provide assistance compared to the space created at another location in the lavatory.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention relates to the features of the washbasin in the lavatory. In some embodiments, the washbasin includes a sink that is positioned at an angle relative to the wall extending between the outer wall and the door wall and is arranged to be far enough from the door wall of the lavatory to create additional passenger available space for an attendant or a passenger in a wheelchair or transfer chair, at least after removing the waste container from the lavatory. In some embodiments, the position and angled placement of the sink allow a lavatory user entering the lavatory while sitting in an aisle wheelchair to reach the sink while sitting in the wheelchair and while sitting on the toilet due to the angle of the sink and its position away from the door wall. In another embodiment, the position and placement of the sink allow an aisle wheelchair to be placed in the lavatory such that the sitting user faces a direction parallel to the door or the innermost wall of the lavatory. The sink alone or in combination with a shallower waste container provides sufficient space for a wheelchair or transfer chair. And, especially when the waste container is removed, the position of the sink or other console within the lavatory provides additional floor space for an attendant to stand within the lavatory to assist the user.

[0013] In an embodiment, the improved lavatory occupies the same amount of space within the cabin of a transporter such as an aircraft as an existing lavatory.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention recognizes the need to specifically define the available space within the interior of a lavatory to improve its functionality and increase its usefulness for its intended purpose. The specifically defined useful space is achieved by providing more freedom of movement within the lavatory and by enabling a second person to be within the lavatory. This aspect also recognizes that the specifically defined available space can be created by temporarily displacing, resizing, or completely removing traditional fixtures or components within the lavatory, such as waste containers.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of improving the interior space within a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory. In one embodiment of the method, a waste container that is releasably attached to a wall and / or vanity within the lavatory is detached from its first position. The waste container is then moved to a second position, thereby exposing a volume of unobstructed space within the lavatory between the vanity and the inner door wall that was previously occupied by the waste container in its first position. Moving the waste container to the second position creates sufficient space within the lavatory for two adults to fit within it simultaneously. The second position can be a food storage location within the aircraft's galley, which can be beneath the floor of the lavatory, or it can be another location as described above. Due to the location of the additional space within the lavatory in the second configuration, a second adult can reach the additional space and provide assistance to the lavatory user from that position without significant difficulty. In some embodiments, the sink is angled to provide even better unobstructed passage between the second person providing assistance and the first person in need of assistance.

[0016] In one aspect of the present invention related to an aircraft having a lavatory, an embodiment of the aircraft includes a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory for single use or use by a person in need of assistance. The aircraft includes an aircraft fuselage and a lavatory structure. The aircraft fuselage includes an aircraft cabin having a longitudinal length between a front portion of the cabin and a rear portion of the cabin. The aircraft cabin also has a lateral width between a first interior sidewall and a second interior sidewall that are opposite each other, the first interior sidewall and the second interior sidewall extending upwardly and curving laterally towards each other to a cabin ceiling of the aircraft cabin. The aircraft cabin also includes a floor surface. The lavatory structure is located within the aircraft cabin and positioned in an area between the floor surface and a portion of the first interior sidewall. The lavatory structure includes a plurality of walls that surround and define a lavatory interior space. One of the plurality of walls extends coextensively with a portion of the first interior sidewall. A toilet, a washbasin, and a waste container are included within the lavatory interior space. The waste container is movable between a first position and a second position. The waste container is in the first position when releasably attached to the washbasin, one or more of the plurality of walls, or both. The waste container is in the second position when the waste container occupies a second predetermined space volume within the aircraft cabin, the second predetermined space volume being separated from a first predetermined space volume occupied by the waste container when in the first position. The waste container is movable such that when the waste container is moved from the first position to the second position, additional space within the lavatory structure is exposed, the additional space being structured such that two adults can be simultaneously within the lavatory interior space.

[0017] In some arrangements, the additional space created when the waste container is in the second position can be located between the washbasin and an inner wall of the plurality of walls that is opposite the first interior sidewall, and when two adults are within the lavatory structure, one of the two adults can occupy the additional space. In some examples of these arrangements, the additional space can cover at least 0.12 square meters of the lavatory floor area.

[0018] In some arrangements, the aircraft cabin can include a single aisle along the longitudinal length, and the lavatory structure can be positioned between the aisle and the first interior sidewall. In other arrangements, the waste container can be sized to correspond to a half galley cart. In additional arrangements, the waste container can be in the second position when attached to a fixed interface in the cabin galley.

[0019] In some arrangements, the waste container can be slidably removed from a first position. In some examples of these arrangements, the waste container can be in a second position when the waste container is outside the lavatory structure and the wheel locks of the waste container are engaged. In other examples, when the waste container is in the first position, the lavatory interior space can have a first unobstructed volume, and when the waste container is in the second position, the lavatory interior space has a second unobstructed volume that is greater than the first unobstructed volume. In additional examples, the second unobstructed volume can be at least 4% greater than the first unobstructed volume.

[0020] In some arrangements, the lavatory structure of an aircraft further includes a loading space below the lavatory interior space. In some examples of these arrangements, the loading space can have a volume sufficient to receive the waste container therein. In other examples, the waste container can be in the second position when the waste container is positioned in the loading space. In additional examples, the lavatory structure can further include a floor area that includes a door that provides access to the loading space when opened. The door can be positioned and openable such that the waste container can slide between the first position and the second position.

[0021] In some arrangements, the waste container can be in the second position when positioned to be completely above a first predetermined space volume. In some examples of these arrangements, the waste container can be attached to at least one of a plurality of walls in the second position. In other arrangements, the vanity can include a sink positioned within the lavatory interior space. The sink can be positioned such that it can be reached by an adult's hand when the adult is seated on the toilet and when the adult is sitting in an aisle wheelchair on the floor area adjacent to the toilet within the lavatory structure. In some examples of these arrangements, the sink can have a longitudinal dimension oriented at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees relative to a rear wall of the plurality of walls that faces the rear of the cabin, and the vanity is positioned against the rear wall.

[0022] In some arrangements, the sink can extend further from a rear wall of the plurality of walls that faces the rear of the cabin than the waste container.

[0023] In another embodiment, the aircraft includes a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory for single use or use by assisted persons. In particular, the aircraft includes an aircraft fuselage and a lavatory structure. The aircraft fuselage includes an aircraft cabin having a longitudinal length between a front portion and a rear portion of the cabin, and the aircraft cabin has a lateral width between opposite first and second inner sidewalls that extend upwardly and curve laterally towards each other to a cabin ceiling of the aircraft cabin. The aircraft cabin further includes a floor surface. The lavatory structure is located within the aircraft cabin and positioned in an area between the floor surface and the first inner sidewall. The lavatory structure includes a plurality of walls including a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall, an outer wall, and an inner wall, the plurality of walls surrounding and defining a lavatory interior space. The outer wall extends coextensively with a portion of the first inner sidewall, and the inner wall is parallel to an aisle adjacent to the lavatory structure. The lavatory structure further includes a toilet positioned within the lavatory interior space and positioned adjacent to the first lateral wall, the outer wall, and a washbasin within the lavatory interior space. The washbasin is positioned adjacent to the second lateral wall and the outer wall, and the washbasin includes a sink having a major dimension that is not parallel to the length of the second lateral wall such that the sink is accessible to an adult sitting on the toilet and an adult in an aisle wheelchair positioned in the space adjacent to the toilet. In a first position, a waste container is releasably attached to the washbasin and the second lateral wall. In a second position, the waste container is positioned outside of the lavatory structure. The waste container is movable such that when the waste container is moved from the first position to the second position, an additional space is created within the lavatory structure between the washbasin and the inner wall, the additional space being sufficient to allow two adults to be within the lavatory interior space simultaneously. The additional space created is between 0.1 cubic meters and 0.2 cubic meters.

[0024] In some arrangements, the major dimension of the sink can be oriented at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees relative to the second lateral wall. In some examples of these arrangements, the sink includes a portion that is a first distance from the outer wall, and the toilet includes a portion that is the first distance from the outer wall.

[0025] In some arrangements, the waste container can be adapted to support a load of up to 12 kilograms placed therein. In other arrangements, the size of the lavatory structure can be sized to fit between the aisle and the first inner sidewall when configuring the aircraft such that the aisle is the only aisle along the length of the cabin. In other arrangements, when the waste container is in the second position, the space within the lavatory structure can be sufficient to allow an adult sitting in an aisle wheelchair and another adult in a standing position to be within the lavatory interior space simultaneously.

[0026] In another embodiment, a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory for single or assisted use includes a plurality of walls, a washbasin, a toilet, a floor area, and a waste container. The plurality of walls includes a first wall that coextends with a portion of the sidewall of the aircraft cabin. The plurality of walls enclose a first sub-region, a second sub-region, a third sub-region, and a fourth sub-region, and these sub-regions combine to define a cross-sectional area enclosed by the plurality of walls. The washbasin is located within the lavatory and corresponds to the first sub-region. The toilet is also located within the lavatory and corresponds to the second sub-region. The floor area is located directly below an unobstructed space sufficient for substantially full occupancy by an adult, and the floor area corresponds to the third sub-region. The waste container is movable between a first position and a second position. The waste container is in the first position when it is located within the lavatory and is releasably attached to the washbasin, one or more of the plurality of walls, or both. In the first position, the waste container corresponds to the fourth sub-region. The waste container is in the second position when there are no obstructions in either the third sub-region or the fourth sub-region such that two adults can substantially occupy the combined space above the third sub-region and the fourth sub-region.

[0027] In some arrangements, the fourth sub-region can be at least 0.12 square meters. In other arrangements, the combined area of the third sub-region and the fourth sub-region is at least 16% larger than the third sub-region.

[0028] In another embodiment, the aircraft includes a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory for single use or use by assisted persons. In particular, the aircraft includes an aircraft fuselage that contains an aircraft cabin having a longitudinal length between a front portion and a rear portion of the cabin, and the aircraft cabin has a lateral width between opposite first and second interior sidewalls that extend upwardly and curve laterally towards each other to a cabin ceiling of the aircraft cabin. The aircraft also includes a floor space and a lavatory structure within the aircraft cabin. The lavatory structure is positioned in an area between a floor surface and the first interior sidewall. The lavatory structure includes a plurality of walls including a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall, an outer wall, and an inner wall that enclose and define a lavatory interior space. The outer wall coextends with a portion of the first interior sidewall, and the inner wall is parallel to an aisle adjacent to the lavatory structure. The lavatory structure also includes a toilet that is within the lavatory interior space and is positioned adjacent to the first lateral wall and the outer wall and a washstand within the lavatory interior space, wherein the washstand is positioned adjacent to the second lateral wall and the outer wall. The washstand may include a sink having a long dimension oriented at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees relative to the second lateral wall such that the sink is accessible to an adult on the toilet and an adult in an aisle wheelchair in a space adjacent to the toilet. The sink may include a portion that is a first distance from the outer wall, while the toilet also includes a portion that is the first distance from the outer wall. A waste container may be adapted to support a load of up to 12 kilograms placed therein. Additionally, in a first position the waste container may be releasably attached to the washstand and the second lateral wall. Alternatively, in a second position the waste container may be positioned outside of the lavatory structure. The waste container may be movable such that when the waste container is moved from the first position to the second position, an additional space is created within the lavatory structure between the washstand and the inner wall that is sufficient to allow two adults to be within the lavatory interior space simultaneously. The additional space created may be between 0.1 cubic meters and 0.2 cubic meters. The size of the lavatory structure may be sized to fit between an aisle and the first interior sidewall when the aircraft includes only a single aisle along the length of the cabin.

[0029] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of assembling a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory. In one embodiment, the method involves the steps of: providing a plurality of wall panels; providing a floor panel; securing the plurality of wall panels to each other and to the floor panel so as to enclose and define a lavatory interior space; attaching a toilet and a washbasin within the lavatory interior space to at least one of the plurality of wall panels and the floor panel; and attaching a waste container within the lavatory interior space to at least one of the plurality of wall panels and the floor panel at a location separated from the toilet and the washbasin. In this method, the waste container may be removably attached so that it can be removed as a whole. The space occupied by the waste container may also be sufficient to be substantially occupied by an adult after the waste container is removed as a whole from its attachment location.

[0030] In some arrangements, attaching the washbasin involves orienting the washbasin such that the axis along the long dimension of the sink is transverse to the wall abutting the washbasin, so that the washbasin is angled relative to the wall. In other arrangements, attaching the waste container involves positioning the waste container between the washbasin and the wall opposite the wall abutting both the toilet and the washbasin.

[0031] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of modifying the interior space within a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory. In one embodiment, the method includes: detaching a waste container in a first position that is releasably attached to at least one of a wall of the lavatory or a washbasin within the lavatory; and moving the waste container to a second position, thereby exposing a volume of unobstructed space within the lavatory that was previously occupied by the waste container in the first position. When the waste container is moved to the second position, the lavatory may have sufficient space for two adults to be within it simultaneously.

[0032] In some arrangements, the volume of unobstructed space exposed by the movement of the waste container may be sufficient for an adult to stand on the floor surface directly below. In another arrangement, the moving step may include taking the waste container out of the lavatory and placing the waste container in the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are schematic and not to scale. Like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0034] Figure 1 A top view of an aircraft lavatory is shown, where the waste container is in a first position.

[0035] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 the aircraft lavatory, where the waste container is removed from the first position.

[0036] Figure 3Shows Figure 1 an aircraft lavatory from which the waste container has been removed.

[0037] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 an aircraft lavatory having a user and an assistant therein.

[0038] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 an aircraft lavatory having an aisle wheelchair user therein. Detailed Description

[0039] Although these embodiments are described herein in the context of an aircraft, it is contemplated that the lavatories of the present invention may also be used in other transportation vehicles other than aircraft, including, for example, passenger vehicles, boats, ferries, trains, and recreational vehicles. Other transportation vehicles may also benefit from the lavatory structures and methods described herein, where such transportation vehicles have limited space for a lavatory and additionally require a lavatory.

[0040] Most, if not all, commercial aircraft include a cabin in which one or more lavatories are disposed. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a dual-configuration lavatory within a cabin of an aircraft. The cabin of the aircraft is defined by inner sidewalls that extend around the perimeter of the cabin such that the inner sidewalls on one side of the cabin are arcuate toward another inner sidewall on the opposite side and meet at a high point of the cabin. A floor having a floor surface within the cabin separates the passenger portion of the cabin from the load portion and extends across the lateral width between opposite sides of the inner sidewalls. Positioned within the aircraft, the lavatories of the embodiments described herein are typically positioned in the passenger portion between an aisle and an inner sidewall of the cabin such that one wall of the lavatory is curved in a manner corresponding to the inner sidewall. Within these general parameters, the lavatory may be positioned at any location along the length of the cabin from the front end of the cabin to the rear end of the cabin. The embodiments described herein have particular advantages when applied to lavatories in single-aisle aircraft because lavatory space limitations are more severe than in dual-aisle aircraft.

[0041] In one embodiment, the aircraft lavatory 100 is as Figure 1The depicted structure. The lavatory 100 is surrounded by multiple wall panels (also referred to as walls), and these multiple walls define the interior space of the lavatory. These multiple walls include a rear wall 103, an inner wall 104, a door 105 which forms part of the inner wall 104 when the door 105 is closed, a forward wall 106, and an outer wall 107. The term side wall is also used in this specification to refer to the rear wall or the forward wall. The outer wall 107 extends in common with a part of the inner side wall of the cabin. The door 105 is a lavatory door whose width can accommodate an aisle wheelchair. As depicted, the door 105 can open via a hinge in the wall 104 towards the aisle 10 adjacent to the lavatory. Of course, other door configurations in the prior art can also be envisaged.

[0042] The interior space of the lavatory is defined by the multiple walls and floor panels mentioned above, and a floor area 102 of this interior space of the lavatory is partially exposed, as Figure 1 shown. In the case where the lavatory is a modular structure, the floor area is part of a panel separated from the cabin floor, although the embodiments herein are not limited to such a configuration. Although not visible in Figure 1-3 the upper boundary of the interior space of the lavatory is the outer wall 107 that bends inward (not shown) and moves away from the floor area 102, or a bulkhead attached below or integral with the outer wall 107. The lavatory includes various fixtures that provide functionality to the lavatory and also improve ease of use. These fixtures include a waste container 110, a washstand 120, and a toilet 130.

[0043] Figure 1 the toilet 130 is shown within the lavatory 100. The dimensions of the toilet 130 comply with applicable aviation regulations, including its length, width, and height measured from the surface of the floor area 102. As depicted, the toilet 130 is positioned at the corner between the outer wall 107 and the forward wall 106 of the lavatory.

[0044] The washstand 120 includes a tabletop 121 and a sink 122. Like the toilet 130, the dimensions of the washstand 120 comply with applicable aviation regulations, including its height, length, and width. By complying with the regulations, the height of the washstand allows those sitting in aisle wheelchairs to use it. The washstand 120 is positioned at the corner between the outer wall 107 and the rear wall 106 of the lavatory. The sink 122 is positioned at the inner end of the tabletop 121, slightly farther from the outer wall 107 than the inner end of the toilet 130, but still spaced apart from the inner wall 104 by the waste container 110. The sink 122 is also spaced from the rear wall 103 by a distance approximately corresponding to the width of the tabletop 121, which is measured parallel to the length of the aircraft. In one example, as Figure 1As depicted, the inner end 122A of the sink is 254 mm from the rear wall 103. This position of the sink relative to the walls of the interior space of the lavatory allows the waste container 110 to be placed in direct adjacency to the inner wall 104, the advantages of which will become apparent in the following description. The sink 122 includes a length dimension having an axis passing therethrough, the axis being transverse to the plane passing through the rear wall 106. In Figure 1 the depicted embodiment, the axis passing through the length dimension is approximately 45 degrees relative to the plane passing through the rear wall 106 (not shown to scale). In variants, this angle can be between 10 degrees and 80 degrees, preferably between 25 degrees and 65 degrees, and more preferably between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. The combination of the position of the sink 122 relative to the inner wall 104 and the rear wall 103 and its angular measurement relative to the rear wall 103 provides additional space 102A ( Figure 1 ) within the floor area 102, enabling the lavatory user to maneuver while allowing the user to reach the sink from a position within the floor area 102 or on the toilet 130. In one example, as Figure 1 depicted, the additional space 102A is the volume above an area measured as approximately half of 50 mm by 100 mm. In some variants, the washbasin can include internal components that are designed and intended for small lavatories that are not wheelchair-accessible in the aisle. These internal washbasin components include, for example, water heaters and filters, and by including them, the size of the washbasin can be reduced while maintaining its functionality. In this way, the washbasin can occupy a smaller volume than a typical washbasin using standard-sized components. Alternatively, these smaller components can be used to free up space within the washbasin for the placement of the waste container, which is further described below. Exemplary small lavatory components include, for example, those used in the Smart Lavatory described in WO2013 / 124008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0045] Although the toilet 130 and the washbasin 120 are depicted as separate structures, in some variants they can also form an integral structure.

[0046] In some embodiments, the waste container 110 is sized to correspond to a half kitchen cart. In some instances, it can be constructed by refurbishing an existing half kitchen cart. In other instances, it can be constructed from parts of a half kitchen cart. The waste container 110 can include an openable door thereon, providing access to the interior volume of the waste container 110. In one embodiment, the bottom of the waste container 110 has a plurality of wheels (not shown), although it is contemplated that the waste container can be without wheels. The waste container 110 can also include locking mechanisms 111, 112 that are designed to interface with at least one of a sink locking feature, a floor locking feature, a sidewall locking feature, and a rear wall locking feature, as Figure 1 shown. The locking mechanisms are standard and known to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, off-the-shelf locking device components are used for the locking mechanisms.

[0047] As Figure 1 shown, the attachment location of the waste container 110 between the sink 120 and the inner wall 104 provides a number of advantages. For example, the width of the waste container 110 (i.e., the dimension parallel to the length of the compartment) is less than the width of the tabletop 121, and due to the location of the waste container adjacent to the inner wall 104, there is additional space 102B in the floor area 102 for a bathroom user in an aisle wheelchair to fit on the floor area 102 and rotate the aisle wheelchair or otherwise turn the aisle wheelchair. The additional space 102B is located in front of the waste container 110. Further, the location of the sink 122 at a distance from the inner wall 104 and its angled orientation provide additional space 102A to maximize the improved accessibility already obtained by including the waste container 110 that is narrower relative to the sink 120. In the Figure 1 embodiment depicted, the width of the waste container 110 is 152 mm, while the width of the tabletop 121 is just under 254 mm, and the additional space 102A as described above is the volume above the corresponding floor area that is half of 100 mm x 50 mm, while the additional space 102B is the volume above the corresponding floor area that is measured as 100 mm x 254 mm. Figure 5 An example of how the additional space provides space for an aisle wheelchair user is shown, where the user 156 faces the waste container 110 and the sink 122. More details of the specific dimensions of the waste container 110 are provided below.

[0048] Although in some embodiments the waste container 110 is described as corresponding to a half galley cart, specific configurations of the waste container structure can be modified in certain aspects and considered beneficial in applicable environments. For example, the waste container can be assembled from common components. The common components are not limited to those used in aircraft and can include, for example, plastics or other materials not used for galley carts. Further, in some cases, the size of the waste container can be controlled by applicable air travel regulations. For example, if a first aircraft is intended for long-haul flights and has fewer passengers per lavatory than a second aircraft, the capacity of the waste container(s) in the first aircraft can be customized to be higher than that of the waste container in the second aircraft. In one example, the size and structure of the waste container are set to accommodate up to 12 kg of waste. In other examples, the waste container can accommodate up to 10 kg, 15 kg, or 20 kg of waste. When the capacity is larger, the volume occupied by the waste container can correspond to the entire galley cart. With these variations, the waste container can have different widths and / or different heights. In cases where the user occupying the floor area needs additional space in the lavatory, the width of the waste container can be narrower. Since the waste container is located near the inner wall, this creates additional space that the occupant can use to move around in the lavatory when necessary. The height of the waste container can also be changed to alter the available space above the waste container. For example, this will provide additional space for lavatory users at shoulder level.

[0049] Locking mechanisms 111, 112 allow the waste container 110 to be releasably attached to the lavatory 100. Through this mechanism, the waste container can be repeatedly detached from and reattached to the lavatory. As Figure 1 can be seen, when the waste container 110 is attached to the lavatory 100, it abuts against the rear wall 103 and the inner wall 104 at the corner between the rear wall and the inner wall. This represents a first configuration of the lavatory. When the waste container 110 is fixed in the lavatory as described above and as Figure 1 shown, the waste container is in a first position.

[0050] When the waste container 110 is detached from the washbasin 120 and the rear wall 103 and repositioned outside the lavatory, this represents a second configuration of the lavatory. Thus, the lavatory is dual-configured. When the lavatory is in the second configuration, the waste container is fixed in a second position, such as in a food storage area in the aircraft galley or in a safe location in or near the lavatory. More details about the second position of the waste container are provided in the following description of the method. In the second configuration, the unobstructed volume within the lavatory interior space is greater than in the first configuration when the waste container 110 is in the first position. Located Figure 3This additional unobstructed volume directly above the additional floor area 101 in the [description] provides space for a second adult to enter the lavatory at the same time as the first adult (i.e., simultaneously). The resulting space allows the second adult to stand on the additional unobstructed space volume above the additional floor area 101 and thus substantially occupy this additional unobstructed space volume. An adult can occupy this space without reaching inside the enclosure.

[0051] In one example of quantifying the differences between the first and second configurations outlined above, the unobstructed volume of an aircraft lavatory with dimensions of 914 mm x 762 mm x 2032 mm (30” x 36” x 80”, where 36” is measured between the outer sidewall of the cabin and the door wall) is approximately 1.069 m³ when the waste container 110 is in the first position 3 and approximately 1.115 m³ when the waste container 110 is in the second position 3 , an increase of over 4.3%. In this example, the waste container is 305 mm x 152 mm x 1032 mm, giving it a volume of approximately 0.046 m³ 3 . The unobstructed volume of the lavatory is slightly less than the volume based on the dimensions of the lavatory itself to account for the space occupied by the toilet and washbasin. The size of the waste container can also vary. Thus, in other examples where the lavatory has the same dimensions, the size of the waste container can be 406 mm x 302 mm x 1032 mm, i.e., the size of some half - kitchen carts. In these examples, the unobstructed volume in the lavatory with the waste container removed increases by 12.7%. In other examples, the size of the waste container can be even larger. Since the above examples are merely illustrative, the specific dimensions of each fixture and the specific dimensions of the lavatory itself can vary.

[0052] In other examples, the size of the lavatory can be 762 mm x 762 mm x 2032 mm (30” x 30” x 80”), providing an unobstructed volume of approximately 0.880 m³ when considering the toilet and washbasin 3 . With this lavatory, the unobstructed volume increases by 5.5% when the waste container with dimensions of 305 mm x 152 mm x 1032 mm is removed. When the waste container is 406 mm x 302 mm x 1032 mm, the unobstructed volume increases by 16.7%. Since in additional embodiments the sizes of the lavatory, toilet, washbasin, and waste container can all vary, the unobstructed volume between the first and second configurations in the lavatory can increase by 3%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, amounts between these amounts, or even larger amounts.

[0053] Another way to create space in the lavatory can be described as the first predetermined volume of the internal space for an adult to enter becomes available when the lavatory is converted from a first configuration to a second configuration. This first predetermined volume is the space occupied by the waste container in the first position and is represented as approximately 0.046 m located at the inner rear corner towards the lavatory 3 of space, as Figure 3 shown in ( Figure 3 the waste container in the form of a half kitchen cart in , sized 305 mm x 152 mm x 1030 mm). Thus, once the waste container is displaced from the first position, approximately 0.046 m 3 of space becomes available for an adult, such as the lavatory assistant 154 shown in Figure 4 , to step into that volume so that the assistant and the lavatory user 152 can occupy the lavatory simultaneously. When the assistant stands in the newly created space, it can also be described as the assistant substantially occupying this space. Of course, in the case where the waste container has different sizes, the displacement volume will vary accordingly. Other non-limiting examples of the volume of the waste container include 0.10 m 3 , 0.13 m 3 and 0.20 m 3 . The fixed volume of the space intended to store the waste container in the second position is the second predetermined volume. For example, the second predetermined volume can be a food storage area in the kitchen.

[0054] Another way to describe the dual configuration of the lavatory 100 is to consider the lavatory as having four sub-regions, which are combined to define the total cross-sectional area of the internal space of the lavatory. Thus, in the first configuration, the washbasin 120 corresponds to the first sub-region, the toilet 130 corresponds to the second sub-region, the floor area 102 corresponds to the third sub-region, and the waste container 110 corresponds to the fourth sub-region, as Figure 1 shown in. In the second configuration, the first to third sub-regions remain unchanged, and the fourth sub-region corresponds to the additional floor area 101, as Figure 3 shown in. In both configurations, the internal unobstructed volume corresponding to the first to third sub-regions remains the same, while the volume in the fourth sub-region increases by the amount occupied by the waste container when in the first configuration. These four sub-regions can be used to characterize the space available to passengers within the lavatory. Thus, when the waste container is removed from the fourth sub-region to convert the lavatory to the second configuration, the additional floor area 101 is revealed. In the depicted embodiment, removing the waste container exposes 0.046 m 2The floor area (305 mm x 152 mm) where the lavatory assistant can stand to assist the lavatory user. Again, in the case where the waste container has different sizes, the available area will change accordingly. In the second configuration, there are no obstacles above the third and fourth sub - regions that prevent two adults from occupying these regions simultaneously. In a variant of this example, where the lavatory is measured as 914 mm from the door (e.g., door 105) to the inner wall of the compartment and 762 mm wide, the third sub - region is approximately 0.287 m 2 (The third sub - region is measured based on the total floor area within the floor area 102 including regions 102A and 102B, based on an area of 508 mm x 500 mm plus an area of 100 mm x 330 mm), and the fourth sub - region is 0.046 m 2 . Thus, in this example, the ground space that can be occupied by passengers is increased by 16%. The areas of the third and fourth sub - regions can vary in a variety of ways, such as those where the lavatory and / or waste container have other dimensions as described above.

[0055] More details on how to move the waste container from the first position to the second position and fix it there are provided in the following description of the method.

[0056] When the lavatory is in the second configuration, the additional unobstructed volume occupied by an adult is achieved not only by removing the waste container from the first position, but also by positioning the exposed space within the lavatory to optimize access and use. Specifically, the additional floor area 101 is between the sink 122 and the inner wall 104. Since the additional floor area 101 is adjacent to the inner wall 104 and close to the door 105, an assistant entering the lavatory 100 with the user can easily move to and occupy the space above the additional floor area 101. In addition, the position and angle of the sink 122 within the lavatory are such that an adult standing on the additional ground space 101 does not face an obstacle when reaching the toilet 130 or otherwise moving towards the toilet, because the spaces 102A, 102B are unobstructed. In other words, there is nothing between the additional ground space 101 and the toilet 130 that prevents the assistant from helping the lavatory user.

[0057] The dual - configuration aircraft lavatory can vary in a variety of ways. For example, the waste container can be fixed to any one or a combination of the adjacent walls and washbasins at one point, two points, three points, etc. In other examples, these fixtures are flipped so that the toilet abuts the rear wall of the lavatory instead of the front wall, and the washbasin and waste container abut the front wall.

[0058] In yet another example, the lavatory itself includes a structure for securing the waste container in a second position. In one of these examples, the floor of the lavatory includes a door with a latch that provides access to a stowage space beneath the lavatory. The stowage space is configured to fully contain the waste container in a secure manner beneath the floor surface by closing the latch. In this example, the stowage space represents the second position of the waste container and thus represents the second configuration of the lavatory. To ensure that such a stowage arrangement is a practical option, the available stowage space and its location beneath the floor of the lavatory location in the designated aircraft should be evaluated prior to implementation, as some smaller aircraft and / or lavatory locations may not have available stowage space directly beneath for placing the waste container therein.

[0059] In another example, the walls within the lavatory include tracks or other guiding structures sized such that wheels on the sides of the waste container slide thereon and provide a second configuration where the waste container is located on the ceiling of the lavatory in a second position. To hold the waste container in the second position on the ceiling, a locking mechanism is included on the ceiling. In a variant of this example, the ceiling includes an additional stowage space for the waste container, which may be surrounded by a bulkhead. In another example, the sink, along with internal components such as filters and water heaters, is sized and positioned such that the waste container can be located within the sink when additional space is sought within the lavatory. This configuration may be more feasible with a smaller waste container sized to fit within any available space beneath the sink. In yet another example, the fixtures or consoles of the lavatory include recesses sized to receive the waste container when detached from a first position within the lavatory. In yet another example, the outer wall of the lavatory is equipped with an interface for securing the waste container in a second position.

[0060] In any of the above embodiments, selected lavatory features may be included in combination rather than including all features. In one example, the lavatory includes a sink that extends in length from the inner sidewall of the compartment to a position spaced from the inner wall of the lavatory. Between the sink and the inner wall is a waste container that is shallower in width than the sink. This configuration is advantageous to lavatory users as it provides additional space in front of the waste container due to the width difference between the sink and the waste container without having to detach the waste container. The resulting space also improves the ability of aisle wheelchair users to maneuver within the lavatory.

[0061] In another example, the lavatory includes a washstand and a waste container, as described in the previous example, and further includes a sink positioned at an end of the washstand angled with respect to the lateral wall of the lavatory. Since the washstand is spaced from the inner wall, the sink is separated from the inner wall by the waste container. This configuration is advantageous for lavatory users, another reason being that access to the sink is improved due to the recess of the waste container relative to the washstand and the position and angle of the sink from the inner wall. This also further improves access and use by aisle wheelchair users within the lavatory.

[0062] In an example incorporating the features of any one of the above examples, the waste container is removably attached to the lateral wall and / or the washstand. In this example, the lavatory has two configurations, where an additional volume that can be occupied by an adult is created by removing the waste container from its position between the interior and the washstand. When the waste container is removed, the exposed space allows a second adult and the first adult to occupy the space simultaneously. In the angled arrangement of the sink in the washstand, the unobstructed space between the second adult and the toilet improves the ability of the second adult to assist the first person.

[0063] In yet another example where the lavatory includes a washstand separated from the inner wall of the lavatory by a removable waste container, the waste container can be any width relative to the width of the washstand, and the washstand can have the desired characteristics other than its length measured parallel to the rear wall. Nevertheless, this simple configuration still provides the advantage of additional space in the space adjacent to the inner wall and the lateral wall of the lavatory when the waste container is moved to a second position.

[0064] In other examples, the lavatory can include a waste container that is shorter in height than the countertop of the washstand. Here, as in other examples, the waste container separates the inner wall of the lavatory from the washstand. The advantage of this configuration is that even when the waste container is attached to the wall and / or the washstand in the first position, additional unobstructed space is available above the top surface of the waste container, allowing additional activities for the occupant(s) of the lavatory. This shorter waste container can be used in combination with any of the aforementioned washstands, including washstands that only require a length that does not reach the inner wall, washstands that are wider than the width of the waste container, or washstands that include a sink angled with respect to the lateral wall behind the washstand.

[0065] In any of the above examples where the lavatory includes a removable waste container, the waste container can be moved to a second position in the food cart storage area in the galley of the aircraft, into the aisle of the aircraft and locked in place, into the stowage area below the lavatory, into the space above the ceiling of the lavatory, into the space within the washstand, or into a recess in the console within the lavatory.

[0066] In any of the above embodiments, the lavatory can include tracks in one or more walls for use by a person in a wheelchair or other person in need of assistance. In some variations, these tracks can be installed in walls customized for this purpose.

[0067] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a kit of components for a modular dual-configuration aircraft lavatory. In one embodiment, the kit includes a toilet, a washbasin, a waste container with a locking mechanism, multiple wall panels, and one or more floor panels. The kit can vary in a number of ways. For example, the kit can include any number of components as part of a single kit. In some variations, the kit can include more than one type of toilet, washbasin, or waste container. For example, a single kit can include one washbasin with a sink at a 45-degree angle relative to the length of the washbasin structure, and another washbasin with a sink at a 25-degree angle.

[0068] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of assembling a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory. In one embodiment, the assembly begins with multiple wall panels, including walls 103, 104, 106, 107, which are positioned relative to each other to create an enclosure therebetween. Before, during, or after positioning the multiple wall panels, the multiple wall panels are secured to the floor panels. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown and described above, wall 104 includes a door 105 located therein. Once the panels are combined and secured in the manner partially shown in Figure 1 , the lavatory is an enclosed structure, and its walls and floor define the interior space of the lavatory.

[0069] Then the toilet 130, washbasin 120, and waste container 110 are transported into the interior space of the lavatory through door 105, where they are secured to their respective positions as shown in Figure 1 . The attachment points for each of the toilet 130 and washbasin 120 can be determined by applicable aviation standards and regulations and by other means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For the waste container 110, locking mechanisms 111, 112 are used to releasably secure the waste container to interfaces in the rear wall 107 and washbasin 120, respectively. Alternatively, each of the toilet 130, washbasin 120, and waste container 110 can be secured to the floor panel before the walls 103, 104, 106, 107 and the floor panel are secured to each other to create an enclosure. Once these steps are completed, the lavatory is ready to be transported to a compartment of the aircraft, where it will be secured in place at a designated location.

[0070] In a variant of the assembly method, the fixing positions for the fixtures, the number of fixing positions for the fixtures, and the details of the fixtures (such as the goniometry of the sink) can vary in a plurality of ways expected for the lavatory structure as described above.

[0071] The lavatory 100 as described herein has a footprint (i.e., cross-sectional area) measured parallel to the floor and overall dimensions corresponding to those of existing aircraft lavatories (such as lavatories on single-aisle aircraft). In this regard, another aspect of the present invention is to renovate an existing lavatory to include the features of the dual-configuration lavatory embodiments herein. For example, the toilet, washbasin, and waste container can all be removed from a lavatory having a traditional configuration and replaced with a toilet 130, washbasin 120, and waste container 110 as described herein. By doing so, the advantages of a dual-configuration lavatory are achieved without having to assemble an entirely new lavatory.

[0072] In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory. In one embodiment, the lavatory 100 is converted to a second configuration such that two adults, a lavatory user 152 and a lavatory assistant 154, can enter and occupy the lavatory 100 simultaneously. To configure and use the lavatory 100 in this manner, the assistant first enters the lavatory 100 and removes the waste container 100 from its fixation in the first position (e.g., by unlocking the locking mechanisms 111, 112). Then, the waste container 110 is rolled out of the lavatory using the wheels, as Figure 2 depicted by the arrow identified by reference numeral 115 in the figures. To load the waste container 110 into the second position, the waste container 110 is further rolled into the galley in the cabin. In the galley, the waste container 100 is locked in place within a storage area having an interface designed for a food cart or other similar cart (not shown). The waste container 110 is in the second position when locked in the galley storage area, and this defines the second configuration of the dual-configuration lavatory. Alternatively, once the waste container 110 is located in the aisle of the cabin, an internal locking mechanism can be activated to lock the wheels in place. For example, such a mechanism can be a foot pedal. When the waste container is locked in place in the aisle of the aircraft, the position in which it is locked becomes the second position, and the lavatory presents as shown in Figure 3 the figures. In a variant, the waste container 110 does not include wheels and is lifted from the first position to one of the second positions as described above.

[0073] Once the waste container is secured in place in the second position, the lavatory attendant 154 and the lavatory user 152 can enter the lavatory. Depending on the needs of the user, the entry between the two people can be in any suitable order. In one example, the attendant goes in first and helps the user enter. In another example, the user enters and waits on the open floor area 102 while the attendant enters and stands on the additional floor area 101, where the attendant can help the user sit on the toilet 130 or provide other assistance as needed. If necessary, the attendant 154 can stand up while located on the additional floor area 101. At any point in time when the user 152 and the attendant 154 are inside the lavatory, either one of them can close the lavatory door 105. In the case where the lavatory user can enter the lavatory without using a wheelchair (e.g., Figure 4 the user 152 shown), or in the case where the lavatory user is sitting in an aisle wheelchair, the above process can be carried out. Thus, even in the case where the lavatory user is sitting in an aisle wheelchair, there is sufficient space for the attendant to enter the lavatory while the user is sitting in the wheelchair.

[0074] Once the user 152 is positioned on the toilet 130, the attendant 154 provides assistance on the additional floor area 101, which is created by removing the waste container 110 and transporting it to the second position, as Figure 4 shown. The assistance can include helping the user undress, helping the user sit on the toilet, and also helping the user clean the body. When the washbasin 120 is sized and includes the angled and positioned sink 122 as shown, the attendant 154 can reach the toilet 130 directly from the additional floor area 101 without obstruction. As Figure 4 visible, the user 152 and the attendant 154 are both within reach of the sink 122 while located inside the lavatory 100. Due to the angle of the sink 122 relative to the rear wall 103, it is possible for the user 152 to reach the sink 122 and otherwise improve the lavatory configuration with a sink parallel to the wall behind it.

[0075] When the user 152 is ready to leave the lavatory 100, the same process is repeated in reverse. The attendant 154 helps the user 152 get up and then leave the lavatory 100 and enter the adjacent aisle of the aircraft, and then the attendant 154 continues to retrieve the waste container 110 from its storage in the second position so that it can be fixed again in the first position inside the lavatory.

[0076] The method can also be performed using other waste container fixation configurations as described above. For example, the assistant 154 can remove the waste container from the first position and open a door (not shown) in the floor of the lavatory so that the waste container can be transported and subsequently disposed in the door at the second position. Subsequently, the door is closed. In other instances, the assistant 154 can detach the waste container from its fixed position in the lavatory and move it to a fixed point in the space under the washbasin. In this way, additional space is created in the lavatory. With this variant of the method, as with the other variants described herein, by moving the waste container from the first position to the second position, the lavatory is placed in the second configuration, creating additional space in the interior space of the lavatory. Other steps involving the use of the lavatory are the same as those described above.

[0077] In another variant of the method, the wall that abuts the waste container when the waste container is in the first position includes a track or another structural guide to allow the waste container to slide towards the ceiling of the interior space of the lavatory, creating space for the assistant 154 to stand on an additional floor area under the waste container. In the ceiling area, the track includes locking features so that the waste container 110 can be fixed in place while both the user 152 and the assistant 154 are in the lavatory. Other steps involving the use of the lavatory are the same as those described above.

[0078] In another embodiment, the dual-configuration aircraft lavatory provides improved functionality and an improved experience for a single passenger (i.e., the user 156 sitting in an aisle wheelchair who needs to use the lavatory). Such a user 156 enters the lavatory 100 through the door 105 while sitting in the aisle wheelchair 160. The aisle wheelchair should be understood to be sized such that its width can fit within the aircraft aisle and through the lavatory door. In one example demonstrating a suitable size, the door is 508 mm (20 inches) wide and the aisle wheelchair as described above is 457 mm (18 inches) wide. Once inside the lavatory 100, the user 156 then rotates the wheelchair 160 to face the rear wall 103, as Figure 5 shown. From this position, an adult user of the lavatory (such as the user 156) can comfortably reach the sink 122. The additional space created by having a waste container with a relatively narrow structure relative to the washbasin and by the angulation of the sink and its position separated from the inner wall 104 can partially achieve the above purpose. These features create space above the floor areas 102A, 102B within the floor area 102, as Figure 1 identified. Further, when the user 156 is positioned on the toilet 130, the sink 122 remains within reach of the user 156. Thus, the lavatory 100 provides an improved lavatory experience for wheelchair users. Although Figure 5Depicts an adult in a lavatory, but the sink is designed to provide access for a wide range of body sizes of passengers and is not limited to adults of a specific size.

[0079] In some embodiments, this unique combination of elements and their arrangement can provide a lavatory with greater functionality and user convenience and still occupy the same amount of space in the cabin as a conventional lavatory. Thus, it can be modularly retrofitted into existing spaces. However, the present invention will still provide improved functionality and flexibility in larger or extended lavatories. And, while the lavatories described and shown herein have been primarily described in connection with lavatories in single-aisle aircraft where one of these walls is adjacent to the outer wall of the aircraft, these lavatories are equally useful in multi-aisle configurations when placed between aisles and / or away from the outer wall of the aircraft. Moreover, the present invention can also be used in other vehicles, such as ships, buses, trains, etc.

[0080] Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to the illustrative embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and other arrangements can be envisioned.

Claims

1. An aircraft, the aircraft comprising a dual - configuration aircraft lavatory for single - user or assisted - user use, the aircraft comprising: An aircraft fuselage, the aircraft fuselage containing an aircraft cabin having a longitudinal length between a front portion of the cabin and a rear portion of the cabin, and the aircraft cabin having a lateral width between opposite first and second inner sidewalls, the first and second inner sidewalls extending upwardly and curving laterally towards each other to a cabin ceiling of the aircraft cabin; A floor surface in the aircraft cabin; And A lavatory structure in the aircraft cabin, the lavatory structure positioned in an area between the floor surface and the first inner sidewall and comprising: A plurality of walls surrounding and defining a lavatory interior space, wherein one of the plurality of walls co - extends with a portion of the first inner sidewall; A toilet within the lavatory interior space; A washbasin within the lavatory interior space; and A waste container movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the waste container is in the first position when the waste container is releasably attached to the washbasin, one or more of the plurality of walls, or both; and wherein the waste container is in the second position when the waste container occupies a second predetermined space volume in the aircraft cabin and the waste container is detached from the washbasin, one or more of the plurality of walls, or both, the second predetermined space volume being separated from a first predetermined space volume occupied by the waste container when in the first position, wherein moving the waste container from the first position to the second position exposes additional space within the lavatory structure, the additional space being structured such that two adults can be within the lavatory interior space simultaneously.

2. The aircraft according to claim 1, wherein, The additional space created when the waste container is in the second position is located between the washbasin and an inner wall of the plurality of walls opposite the first inner sidewall, and when two adults are in the lavatory structure, one of the two adults occupies the additional space.

3. The aircraft according to claim 2, wherein, The additional space covers at least 0.12 square meters of the lavatory floor area.

4. The aircraft according to claim 1, wherein, The waste container is in the second position when attached to a fixed interface in the cabin galley.

5. The aircraft according to claim 1, wherein, The waste container is slidably removable from the first position.

6. The aircraft according to claim 5, wherein, When the waste container is in the first position, the lavatory interior space has a first unobstructed volume, and when the waste container is in the second position, the lavatory interior space has a second unobstructed volume greater than the first unobstructed volume, the second unobstructed volume being at least 4% greater than the first unobstructed volume.

7. The aircraft according to claim 1, further comprising a loading space below the internal space of the lavatory, the loading space having a volume sufficient to receive the waste container therein, And the waste container is in the second position when the waste container is positioned in the stowage space.

8. The aircraft according to claim 7, wherein, The lavatory structure further includes a floor area that includes a door which, when opened, provides access to the loading space, and the door is positioned and operable such that the waste container can slide between the first position and the second position.

9. The aircraft according to claim 1, wherein, The waste container is in the second position when positioned to be completely above the first predetermined space volume.

10. The aircraft according to claim 2, wherein, The washbasin includes a sink that is positioned within the lavatory interior space such that the sink can be reached by an adult's hand when the adult is positioned on the toilet and when the adult is sitting in an aisle wheelchair on the floor area adjacent to the toilet within the lavatory structure.

11. The aircraft according to claim 10, wherein, The sink has a longitudinal dimension that is oriented at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees relative to a rear wall of the plurality of walls that faces the rear of the compartment, and the washbasin is positioned against the rear wall.

12. An aircraft that includes a dual-configuration aircraft lavatory for single use or use by a assisted person, the aircraft comprising: An aircraft airframe that includes an aircraft compartment having a longitudinal length between a front portion and a rear portion of the compartment, and the aircraft compartment having a lateral width between opposing first and second inner sidewalls that extend upwardly and curve laterally towards each other to a ceiling of the aircraft compartment; A floor surface within the aircraft compartment; And A lavatory structure within the aircraft compartment that is positioned in an area between the floor surface and the first inner sidewall and includes: A plurality of walls that include a first lateral wall, a second lateral wall, an outer wall, and an inner wall, the plurality of walls surrounding and defining a lavatory interior space, wherein the outer wall extends in common with a portion of the first inner sidewall, and the inner wall is parallel to an aisle adjacent to the lavatory structure; A toilet that is within the lavatory interior space and positioned adjacent to the first lateral wall and the outer wall; and A washbasin that is within the lavatory interior space and positioned adjacent to the second lateral wall and the outer wall, wherein the washbasin includes a sink that has a longitudinal dimension that is not parallel to the length of the second lateral wall such that the sink can be accessed by an adult positioned on the toilet and an adult sitting in an aisle wheelchair in a space adjacent to the toilet; A waste container that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the waste container is releasably attached to the washbasin and the second lateral wall, and wherein in the second position the waste container is positioned outside of the lavatory structure and detached from the washbasin and the second lateral wall; Wherein, moving the waste container from the first position to the second position creates additional space within the lavatory structure, between the washbasin and the inner wall, the additional space being sufficient for two adults to be within the interior space of the lavatory simultaneously, and wherein, the additional space created is between 0.1 cubic meters and 0.2 cubic meters.

13. The aircraft according to claim 12, wherein, The longitudinal dimension of the sink is oriented at an angle between 40 degrees and 50 degrees relative to the second lateral wall.

14. The aircraft according to claim 13, wherein, The sink includes a portion that is a first distance from the outer wall, and the toilet includes a portion that is the first distance from the outer wall.

15. The aircraft according to claim 12, wherein, The waste container is adapted to support a load of up to 12 kilograms placed therein.

16. The aircraft according to claim 12, wherein, The size of the lavatory structure is configured to be assembled between the aisle and the first inner sidewall when configuring the aircraft such that the aisle is the only aisle along the length of the cabin.

17. The aircraft according to claim 12, wherein, When the waste container is in the second position, the space within the lavatory structure is sufficient for an adult sitting in a wheelchair in the aisle and another adult in a standing position to be within the interior space of the lavatory simultaneously.

18. A dual-configuration aircraft lavatory for single or assisted use, comprising: A plurality of walls, the plurality of walls including a first wall that coextends with a portion of the sidewall of the aircraft cabin, the plurality of walls enclosing a first sub-region, a second sub-region, a third sub-region, and a fourth sub-region, these sub-regions combining to define a cross-sectional area enclosed by the plurality of walls, A washbasin, the washbasin being within the lavatory and corresponding to the first sub-region; A toilet, the toilet being within the lavatory and corresponding to the second sub-region; A floor area, the floor area being located directly below an unobstructed space sufficient to be substantially occupied by an adult, the floor area corresponding to the third sub-region; And A waste container, the waste container being movable between a first position and a second position, wherein, the waste container is in the first position when releasably attached to the washbasin, one or more of the plurality of walls, or both, the waste container being within the lavatory and corresponding to the fourth sub-region when in the first position, and wherein, the waste container is in the second position when there are no obstructions in both the third sub-region and the fourth sub-region and the waste container is detached from the washbasin, one or more of the plurality of walls, or both, such that two adults can substantially occupy the combined space above the third sub-region and the fourth sub-region.

19. The dual-configuration aircraft lavatory according to claim 18, wherein, The fourth sub-region is at least 0.12 square meters.

20. The dual-configuration aircraft lavatory according to claim 18, wherein, The combined area of the third sub-region and the fourth sub-region is at least 16% larger than the third sub-region alone.

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