Bathroom enclosure reconfigurable to accommodate stretcher

Abstract

A lavatory enclosure (14) for an aircraft, which is reconfigurable to accommodate a stretcher, includes a first wall (46), a second wall (54), a third wall (58), and a fourth wall (60). The lavatory enclosure has a doorway (66) in the third wall and a door (68) in the doorway, the door having a first side, a second side, an upper end, and a lower end. The door is operable between an open position and a closed position. A reconfigurable wall element (80) having a first edge (82) and a second edge (84) is disposed in the second wall. The reconfigurable wall element has a hinge (86) along the first edge, thereby allowing the reconfigurable wall element to pivot between a closed position and an open position; in the closed position, the reconfigurable element is flush with the second wall, and in the open position, the second edge of the reconfigurable wall element is pivoted so that the second edge is inside the lavatory enclosure.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application relies on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 573,476, filed on October 17, 2017, entitled “LAVATORY ENCLOSURE RECONFIGURABLE TO ACCOMMODATE A STRETCHER,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a lavatory enclosure, such as may be found on an aircraft, which is reconfigurable to accommodate a stretcher (or similar equipment) to facilitate the movement of the stretcher into and out of the aircraft. Background Art

[0004] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the interior of an aircraft typically includes a plurality of compartments, including but not limited to a lavatory enclosure.

[0005] As will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art, in aircraft, particularly commercial aircraft, compartments are configured to maximize the use of available space.

[0006] During a medical emergency, it may be necessary for emergency medical technicians to remove a passenger on a stretcher from the aircraft cabin or to a nearby medical facility.

[0007] Due to space constraints on an aircraft, it is possible that the stretcher may not be able to be moved around one or more corners associated with a compartment of the aircraft, in particular a corner associated with a lavatory enclosure.

[0008] In order to facilitate the exit of a passenger on a stretcher from an aircraft cabin, aircraft designers wish to find a desirable solution that does not impose adverse requirements on the interior configuration of the aircraft.

[0009] Although some solutions have been proposed in the prior art, there is still a need for improved solutions. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention solves one or more deficiencies associated with the prior art.

[0011] In particular, the present invention provides a lavatory enclosure for an aircraft, the lavatory enclosure being reconfigurable to accommodate a stretcher. The lavatory enclosure comprises: a first wall; a second wall, the second wall being arranged at a width from the first wall; a third wall, the third wall extending between the first wall and the second wall; and a fourth wall, the fourth wall being arranged at a depth away from the third wall and extending between the first wall and the second wall. The lavatory enclosure further comprises a doorway defined in the third wall, extending along at least a portion of the width; and a door having a first side, a second side, an upper end, and a lower end, the door being arranged in the doorway. The door is operable between an open position and a closed position. A reconfigurable wall element having a first edge and a second edge is arranged in the second wall. The reconfigurable wall element comprises a hinge arranged along the first edge, the hinge allowing the reconfigurable wall element to pivot between a closed position in which the reconfigurable element is flush with the second wall and an open position in which the second edge of the reconfigurable wall element is pivoted so that the second edge is inside the washroom enclosure.

[0012] In one conceivable embodiment, the first wall is a partition positioned behind a row of seats.

[0013] It is conceivable that the second wall is a partition positioned adjacent to the channel.

[0014] The passage may extend to a door of the aircraft.

[0015] It is conceivable that the third wall extends along an aisle extending along the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.

[0016] It is conceivable that the fourth wall is part of the fuselage.

[0017] The third wall may define a common group panel adjacent to the doorway, the common group panel being disposed between the doorway and the first wall, the common group panel being adjacent to a common group.

[0018] It is conceivable that the utility group is inside the washroom enclosure.

[0019] The utility group panel of the third wall may provide access to components of the utility group.

[0020] It is also conceivable that the doorway is arranged on the third wall such that the second side of the door defines a junction between the second wall and the third wall.

[0021] In particular, the second edge of the reconfigurable wall element may abut the second side of the door when the reconfigurable wall element is in the closed position.

[0022] The lavatory enclosure may be configured such that when the reconfigurable wall element is in the closed position, the second edge of the reconfigurable wall element abuts the second side of the door.

[0023] When the reconfigurable wall element is in the open position, the reconfigurable wall element establishes an opening in the second wall that allows a stretcher to extend therein.

[0024] The opening in the second wall and the doorway allow a stretcher to extend therethrough when the reconfigurable wall element is in an open position and the door is moved adjacent the first wall.

[0025] The common set may include at least one of plumbing and electrical conduit.

[0026] It is envisaged that the door is a bi-fold door.

[0027] The third wall may include a cross member panel above the door with a track attached to the cross member.

[0028] When the cross panel comprises a track, the door may comprise a pivot arranged at the upper end of the first side. It is conceivable that the pivot slides in the track, thereby allowing the door to be opened.

[0029] Furthermore, it is contemplated that the door comprises a first releasable pivot and a second releasable pivot, the first releasable pivot being arranged at an upper end of the second side and the second releasable pivot being arranged at a lower end of the second side. The first releasable pivot and the second releasable pivot allow the door to be rotated thereabout to be opened and closed. When the reconfigurable wall element is moved to the open position, the first releasable pivot and the second releasable pivot can be disengaged from the associated bracket to allow the door to be moved adjacent to the first wall.

[0030] The present invention also provides an aircraft having the lavatory enclosure as described above.

[0031] The invention also provides an aircraft having a plurality of lavatories constructed as set forth herein.

[0032] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following paragraphs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a diagrammatic top view of a conceivable configuration of a washroom enclosure according to the present invention which may be reconfigured to facilitate the passage of a stretcher therethrough;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A graphic overhead view of the lavatory cladding is shown, providing additional detail;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 an enlarged pictorial top view of the lavatory enclosure shown;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 a perspective representation of the illustrated lavatory enclosure showing the door in a closed position and the reconfigurable wall elements;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 a perspective representation of the illustrated lavatory enclosure showing the reconfigurable wall element in an open position and the door in a position adjacent to the first wall; and

[0039] Figure 6 is Figures 1 to 5 A graphical representation of a portion of a door within a wall of a bathroom is shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention will now be described in conjunction with one or more embodiments thereof. Discussion of the embodiments is not intended to limit the present invention. On the contrary, any discussion of a particular embodiment is intended to illustrate the breadth and scope of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, variations and equivalents of the embodiments described herein may be adopted without departing from the scope of the present invention. These variations and equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the scope of this patent application.

[0041] Aspects of the present invention are described in conjunction with one or more configurations for use in aircraft interiors. In particular, the present invention is contemplated for use in aircraft having a single central aisle. However, the present invention may be used in any other type of aircraft. Further, the present invention may be used in other vehicles where space is at a premium. For example, the present invention may be used in trains, boats, ships, recreational vehicles, and the like.

[0042] Figure 1 1 is a top view of one conceivable layout of a portion of an aircraft's interior 10. In particular, the portion of the interior 10 shown is adjacent a door 12 that provides entry and exit to the aircraft.

[0043] The interior 10 includes a first lavatory enclosure 14 disposed adjacent to the door 12. The interior 10 also includes a second lavatory enclosure 16 disposed opposite the first lavatory enclosure 14 on an opposite side of the fuselage 18. While this is one possible configuration for the interior 10 of an aircraft, the lavatory enclosures 14, 16 may be used in any other configuration for the interior 10 of an aircraft, as required or desired.

[0044] In an emergency, emergency medical personnel EMTs may need to board the aircraft and transport the passenger from the interior 10. However, the layout of the interior 10 of the aircraft may not allow the passenger 20 lying prone on the stretcher 22 to be transported from the interior 10 of the aircraft. Specifically, one or more partitions and / or other obstacles may hinder the stretcher 22 from passing around the partitions and / or obstacles so that the stretcher 22 can be taken out of the aircraft through the door 12.

[0045] To address this potential problem, the present invention provides a configuration for the lavatory enclosure 14 that facilitates the transportation of a prone passenger 20 on a stretcher 22 by allowing the lavatory enclosure 14 to be reconfigured to accommodate the stretcher 22 therethrough.

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, lavatory enclosure 14 is positioned within aircraft door 12. Lavatory enclosure 14 is adjacent to a passage 24 that extends across the width of aircraft interior 10 from port side 26 to starboard side 28. Lavatory enclosure 14 also extends along aisle 30 that extends parallel to a longitudinal axis 32 of the aircraft that extends from a nose 34 to aft 36.

[0047] As shown, the lavatory enclosure 14 is positioned behind a row of seats 38, specifically behind a pair of seats 40 that are part of the row of seats 38. The lavatory enclosure 16 is arranged on the other side of the aisle 30, also behind a row of seats 38, specifically behind a group of three seats 42 in the row of seats 38.

[0048] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the configurations shown for aircraft interiors are intended to be exemplary only. The number of seats positioned near the lavatory enclosures 14, 16 is irrelevant to the present invention. Any number of seats may be provided on an aircraft in any suitable configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0049] It is contemplated that the aircraft interior 10 may include a galley 44 or some other equipment across the aisle 24, opposite the lavatory enclosure 14. The galley 44 may extend partially across the width of the interior 10 or completely across the width. The presence of the galley 44 (or other obstruction) is not particularly relevant unless the galley 44 or other obstruction restricts the movement of the stretcher 22 through the interior 10.

[0050] It should be noted that the interior 10 can be oriented so that the orientation of the head 34 and the tail 36 are reversed. If so, it is contemplated that the seats 40, 42 can be reoriented to face the interior 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Opposite direction of what is shown.

[0051] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It is obvious that the stretcher 22 is shown in different positions within the interior 10 of the aircraft. Figure 2 In FIG. 1 , a passenger 20 is shown on a stretcher 22. For additional reference, three emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are shown carrying the stretcher 22 and the passenger 20 lying prone on the stretcher 22. The stretcher 22 extends into the door 12, which is opened at Figure 2 Displayed in graphical format.

[0052] Now combine Figure 3 The specific construction of the lavatory enclosure 14 is described. It should be noted that this construction is not intended to limit the present invention. On the contrary, the following discussion is intended to emphasize the breadth and scope of the present invention.

[0053] The lavatory enclosure 14 includes a first wall 46 disposed adjacent the back of the seat 40 on its outer side. The first wall 46 abuts against a utility group 48 within the lavatory enclosure 14 on its inner side. It is contemplated that the first wall 46 is a bulkhead wall, the construction of which will be familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0054] It is contemplated that the common group 48 encompasses one or more features that the crew cannot reconfigure during normal operation of the aircraft. Although not limiting the present invention, the common group 48 may include, for example, a sink 50, a toilet 52, a countertop, electrical wiring, mechanical plumbing, a fire extinguisher cabinet, a waste bin enclosure, a paper towel dispenser, and an oxygen mask enclosure, etc. In particular, the elements that may be included in the common group 48 are typically part of the immovable structure of the aircraft.

[0055] The lavatory enclosure 14 also includes a second wall 54 disposed away from the first wall 46 to define a width 56 of the lavatory enclosure 14. A third wall 58 extends between the first wall 46 and the second wall 54. The third wall 58 is positioned adjacent the aisle 30 to provide a boundary between the aisle 30 and the interior of the lavatory enclosure 14. In the drawings, the third wall 58 is depicted as being perpendicular to the first wall 46 and the second wall 54.

[0056] A fourth wall 60 also extends between the first wall 46 and the second wall 54. The third wall 58 and the fourth wall 60 define a depth 62 of the lavatory enclosure 14. At least to the extent that the footprint of the lavatory enclosure 14 is depicted as a rectangle, it is contemplated that the fourth wall 60 is parallel to the third wall 58. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is contemplated that the fourth wall 40 is curved to follow the structure of the fuselage 18 of the aircraft.

[0057] Similar to the first wall 46, it is contemplated that the second wall 54 and the third wall 58 are bulkhead walls. However, it is contemplated that the fourth wall 60 is disposed adjacent to and / or is a part of the fuselage 18. Since the fourth wall 60 abuts against and / or is a part of the fuselage 18, the lavatory enclosure 14 may be provided with a window 64 as shown.

[0058] As depicted in the drawings, it is contemplated that the lavatory enclosure 14 occupies a rectangular footprint having a width 56 and a depth 62. However, the present invention should not be limited to only this configuration. It is contemplated that the lavatory enclosure 14 may have a trapezoidal shape, a triangular shape, a parallelogram shape, a polygonal shape, or some other alternative shape, as required and / or desired.

[0059] The toilet 52 is arranged in the lavatory enclosure adjacent to the fourth wall 60. As shown, it is contemplated that the toilet extends perpendicularly to the fourth wall 60. However, the toilet 52 may be arranged at an angle to the fourth wall 60 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0060] It is contemplated that the trough 50 is disposed adjacent the first wall 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the trough 50 extends parallel to the first wall 46. However, it should be noted that the trough 50 may be angled relative to the first wall 46 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0061] It is contemplated that the sink 50 is included as part of the common group 48. Further, the toilet 52 may also be considered part of the common group 48. As noted, the common group 48 encompasses those elements that are not movable in the lavatory enclosure 14. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the sink 50 and toilet 52 may not be movable in the lavatory enclosure 14.

[0062] Continue to refer Figure 3 , the third wall 58 defines a doorway 66 therein. The doorway 66 extends along at least a portion of the width 56 of the lavatory enclosure 14. In other words, it is not contemplated that the doorway 66 occupies the entire width 56 of the lavatory enclosure 14. Specifically, for the illustrated embodiment, the doorway 66 occupies a width that is less than the width 56 of the lavatory enclosure 14.

[0063] A door 68 is disposed in the doorway 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 68 is a bi-fold door having a first door panel 70 and a second door panel 72. Alternative configurations of the door 68 are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention. For example, the door 68 may have an accordion-style configuration (or some other configuration) without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0064] It is contemplated that the door 68 defines a first side 74 and a second side 76 and has an upper end 96 and a lower end 100. The first door panel 70 is connected to the second door panel 72 via a hinge 78.

[0065] The door 68 can be oriented in a closed position to provide privacy to an occupant of the lavatory enclosure 14. The door 68 can also be oriented in an open position to allow entry and exit to the lavatory enclosure 14. Figure 4 and 6 , door 68 is shown in a closed position. Figure 1 , 2 , 3 and 5, the door 68 is shown in a position to provide an opening 118 to accommodate the stretcher 22. Therefore, the door 68 is positioned so that at least the first panel 70 is adjacent to the first wall 46. This is also referred to as the "open" state of the door 68. However, it should be understood that when the door 68 is pushed adjacent to the first wall 46, the door 68 has been opened for the purpose of reconfiguring the lavatory enclosure 14 to accommodate the stretcher 22.

[0066] The lavatory enclosure 14 further includes a reconfigurable wall element 80 disposed in the second wall 54. Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the door 68 cooperates with the reconfigurable wall element 80 to provide passage of the stretcher 22 through the opening 118 created in the lavatory enclosure 14 when both the door 68 and the reconfigurable wall element 80 are moved to the open position during a medical emergency.

[0067] When the lavatory enclosure 14 is configured for use by a passenger, and therefore, is not configured to accommodate a stretcher 118 during a medical emergency, the door opens toward the second wall 54. When opened during non-emergency use, the door is disposed adjacent to the second wall 54. Thus, in its normal non-emergency use, the door 68 is disposed adjacent to the second wall 54. Figure 1 , 2 , 3 and 5 are opened in the opposite direction. Figure 6 The discussion of provides additional details regarding the operation and construction of door 68.

[0068] The reconfigurable wall element 80 has a first edge 82 and a second edge 84. A hinge 86 is disposed on the first edge 82 of the reconfigurable wall element 80. The hinge 86 allows the reconfigurable wall element 80 to pivot between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the reconfigurable wall element 80 is flush with the second wall 54. In the open position, the reconfigurable wall element 80 pivots so that the second edge 84 is inside the lavatory enclosure 14.

[0069] As described above, the doorway 66 extends along only a portion of the third wall 58. Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the third wall 58 configured in this manner has two parts. A utility group panel 88 extends from the first wall 46 toward the door 68. The utility group panel 88 covers the end of the utility group 48 positioned within the lavatory enclosure 14. It is contemplated that the utility group panel 88 can be configured to provide access to the components of the utility group 48 as required or desired.

[0070] The third wall 58 also includes a cross panel 90 that extends above the doorway 66 and above the upper end 96 of the door 68. Although the cross panel 90 is provided for the illustrated embodiment, the present invention does not require the cross panel 90. It is contemplated that, for example, in a configuration where there is sufficient space in the lavatory enclosure 14 for the door 68 to open and close, the cross panel 90 may not be required.

[0071] As illustrated, the doorway 66 is located in the third wall 58 such that when the door 68 is closed, the second end 76 of the door 68 defines a junction 92 between the second wall 54 and the third wall 58. With this configuration, when the door 68 is closed, the second end 76 of the door 68 abuts the second edge 84 of the reconfigurable wall element 80.

[0072] As illustrated, when the reconfigurable wall element 80 is in the open position, the second edge 84 is disposed within the interior of the lavatory enclosure 14. Also, if the door 68 is also in the open position for emergency medical treatment, the stretcher 22 with the passenger 20 can extend into and through the opening 118 formed in the lavatory enclosure 14.

[0073] Figure 6 68 is a graphical elevation view of the door 68 as it might appear inside the lavatory enclosure 14. Figure 6 In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the door 68 includes a pivot 94 disposed on an upper end 96 of the first side 74. It is contemplated that the pivot 94 engages a track 102 disposed in or on the cross panel 90. Figure 6The track 102 is graphically illustrated in FIG. As should be appreciated, the pivot 94 establishes a pivot axis 106 about which the first door panel 70 rotates. It is contemplated that when the door 68 is open during normal bathroom use, a portion of the pivot 94, such as a pin, slides in the track 112 as the door 68 folds against the second wall 54.

[0074] In one conceivable variation, another track may be provided in the aircraft floor 116, and another pivot may be provided at the bottom of the door 68 to supplement the pivot 94. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, this is not a typical arrangement for an aircraft lavatory.

[0075] Continue to refer Figure 6 , the door 68 includes a first releasable pivot 108 at the upper end 96, and a second releasable pivot 110 at the lower end 100. These releasable pivots 108, 110 are disposed adjacent to the second side 76 of the door 68. The releasable pivots 108, 110 engage brackets 112, 114 in / on the cross panel 90 and the floor 116. The releasable pivots 108, 110 establish the second axis 104 about which the second door panel 72 rotates.

[0076] It should be understood from the drawings that when the door 68 is operated in a non-emergency situation, the door 68 opens about the axis 104 to be disposed adjacent to the second wall 54. In a non-emergency situation, the releasable wall element 80 remains closed so that the second wall 54 creates an uninterrupted barrier for privacy.

[0077] However, when operating the door 68 in an emergency, the releasable pivots 108, 110 present an obstacle to moving the door 68 away from the reconfigurable wall element 80. For this reason, it is contemplated that the releasable pivots 108, 110 can be manually disengaged from the brackets 112, 114.

[0078] In an emergency, after the releasable pivots 108, 110 are disengaged from the brackets 112, 114, the door 68 can be folded to a position adjacent the first wall 46 of the lavatory enclosure 14. When the door 68 is opened in this position, and the releasable wall element 80 is also in the open position, the stretcher 22 can be passed through the opening 118 created by the open reconfigurable wall element 80 and the open door 68.

[0079] It is contemplated that the releasable pivots 108, 110 may be spring-actuated. Thus, it is contemplated that when the door 68 is returned to the non-emergency operating mode, the releasable pivots 108, 110 will easily reengage with the brackets 112, 114. For example, the brackets 112, 114 may include a ramp (not shown) that engages the pins 105, 107 on the releasable pivots 108, 110 so that the pins 105, 107 may be easily pushed back into the brackets 112, 114.

[0080] As should be apparent from the foregoing, there are several advantages to the lavatory enclosure 14. These advantages are not intended to limit the invention, but rather to highlight desirable aspects of the invention.

[0081] First, by positioning the reconfigurable wall element 80 in the second wall 54, the reconfigurable wall element 80 is positioned on the side of the lavatory enclosure 14 opposite the location of the common group 48. With this configuration, the reconfigurable wall element 80 is positioned away from any non-movable elements included in the common group 48. As a result, the reconfigurable wall element 80 is positioned within the wall, which benefits from the absence of non-movable components. Therefore, the size of the reconfigurable wall element 80 can be made as large as required or desired without adversely affecting the design and construction of the lavatory enclosure 14.

[0082] Second, by positioning the door 68 so that the second side 76 is adjacent to the second edge 84 of the reconfigurable wall element 80, the lavatory enclosure 14 can be configured so that only two elements need to be moved in order to create an opening 118 for receiving the stretcher 22. Specifically, with this configuration, all that is required is to open the door 68 and move the reconfigurable wall element 80 to the open position. After the door 68 and the reconfigurable wall element are opened, the opening 118 can be used to receive the stretcher 22.

[0083] Third, by providing releasable pivots 108, 110 on the door 68, the door 68 can be quickly disengaged from the associated brackets 112, 114. Thus, the opening 118 can be quickly provided for use during an emergency.

[0084] In the foregoing discussion, attention has been focused on the lavatory enclosure 14. However, the same construction principles may be applied to the lavatory enclosure 16. If so, it is contemplated that the reconfigurable wall element 80 will be provided on the second wall 120 of the second lavatory enclosure 16.

[0085] As noted above, the embodiments described herein are intended to be exemplary of the broad scope of the invention. Variations and equivalents of the described embodiments are intended to be covered by the invention, as described herein.

Claims

1. A lavatory enclosure, the lavatory enclosure being reconfigurable between a non-emergency configuration and an emergency configuration, the lavatory enclosure comprising: First wall; a second wall, the second wall being arranged to be spaced apart from the first wall by a certain width; a third wall extending between the first wall and the second wall; a fourth wall, the fourth wall being arranged at a certain depth away from the third wall and extending between the first wall and the second wall; a doorway defined in the third wall extending along at least a portion of the width; a door having a first side, a second side, an upper end, and a lower end, the door being arranged in the doorway, wherein: When the door is closed, the first side of the door is adjacent to the first wall, When the door is closed, the second side of the door is adjacent to the second wall, In the non-emergency configuration, the door pivots about a first axis disposed on a second side of the door adjacent the second wall; and In the emergency configuration, the door pivots about a second axis disposed on a first side of the door; a reconfigurable wall element having a first edge and a second edge, the reconfigurable wall element being arranged in the second wall; and a hinge disposed along a first edge of the reconfigurable wall element, wherein in the non-emergency configuration, the reconfigurable element is flush with the second wall, and in the emergency configuration, the second edge of the reconfigurable wall element is pivoted so that the second edge is within the interior of the lavatory enclosure; wherein, in the non-emergency configuration, a second edge of the reconfigurable wall element abuts a second side of the door; wherein, in the emergency configuration, the reconfigurable wall element establishes an opening in the second wall; and Wherein, in the emergency configuration, the opening in the second wall accommodates a stretcher.

2. The toilet enclosure according to claim 1, wherein: The door is a bi-fold door.

3. The lavatory enclosure of claim 1, wherein: The third wall includes a cross member panel above the door with a track attached to the cross member.

4. The toilet enclosure according to claim 3, wherein: The door further comprises: a pivot arranged at an upper end of the first side, wherein the pivot slides in the track, thereby allowing the door to be opened, and Wherein the pivot establishes the second axis in the emergency configuration.

5. The lavatory enclosure of claim 1, wherein: The door further comprises: a first releasable pivot disposed at an upper end of the second side; and a second releasable pivot arranged at a lower end of the second side, wherein the first releasable pivot and the second releasable pivot allow the door to be rotated open and closed about the first axis in the non-emergency configuration, and wherein the first and second releasable pivots are disengaged from associated brackets when the reconfigurable wall element is moved to the open position in the emergency configuration to allow the door to move adjacent the first wall.

6. An aircraft, comprising: body; as well as The lavatory enclosure of claim 1, wherein the lavatory enclosure is disposed within the fuselage.

7. The aircraft according to claim 6, wherein: The first wall is a partition positioned behind a row of seats.

8. The aircraft of claim 6, wherein: The second wall is a partition positioned adjacent to the channel.

9. The aircraft of claim 8, wherein: The passage extends to a door of the aircraft.

10. The aircraft of claim 6, wherein: The third wall extends along an aisle extending along a longitudinal axis of the aircraft.

11. The aircraft of claim 6, wherein: The fourth wall extends along the fuselage.

12. The aircraft of claim 6, wherein: The third wall defines a common group panel adjacent to the doorway, the common group panel being disposed between the doorway and the first wall, the common group panel being adjacent to a common group.

13. The aircraft of claim 12, wherein: The utility group is located inside the washroom enclosure.

14. The aircraft of claim 12, wherein: The utility group panel of the third wall provides access to components of the utility group.

15. The aircraft of claim 12, wherein: The utility group includes at least one of plumbing and electrical conduit.

16. An aircraft, comprising: body; as well as A plurality of lavatory enclosures as claimed in claim 1, said lavatory enclosures being disposed within said fuselage.

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