Dual purpose lavatory barrier

Abstract

A dual-purpose aircraft lavatory component may be a dual-purpose aircraft lavatory door configured to deploy in a vehicle cabin from an initial position as an aircraft lavatory facility component to a deployed position, an aircraft lavatory facility component is converted into an aircraft cabin lockable barrier to prevent passengers from moving into a vehicle area in front of the lockable barrier along an aisle in a vehicle cabin.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of barriers, and more particularly, to barrier doors configured for use within an aircraft. Background Art

[0002] An aircraft has a cockpit that includes flight instruments, an instrument panel, and various controls that enable the flight crew to operate the aircraft. The cockpit is located at the front of the aircraft and is typically a separate compartment away from the cabin area where passengers are located during flight. A cockpit door further separates the cockpit from the cabin area.

[0003] The cockpit door is closed and locked during flight. This allows the flight crew to concentrate on operating the aircraft and also prevents unwanted personnel from entering the cockpit. However, the cockpit door may be opened during flight for various reasons. One situation is that the flight crew uses the lavatory located in the cabin area of ​​the aircraft. Another situation is that food and / or drinks prepared in the galley in the cabin area are delivered to the flight crew in the cockpit.

[0004] The opening of the cockpit door may provide an undesirable person with an opportunity to enter the cockpit. Once the cockpit door is open, the undesirable person may suddenly rush to the front of the aircraft and force entry into the cockpit. It is difficult for flight personnel working in the cabin area to react quickly enough to such movement to close and lock the cockpit door.

[0005] What is needed is a device for preventing a person from rushing toward the cockpit. This device will prevent the person from reaching the front of the aircraft, or will slow their movement so that the cockpit door can be closed and locked before the person reaches the cockpit.

[0006] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, no statement herein should be admitted to be prior art merely by virtue of its inclusion in the Technical Field and / or Background sections. Summary of the invention

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention relate to a deployable barrier located in a vehicle cabin area (which may be, for example, an aircraft cabin foyer area), wherein the barrier is formed by deploying a dual-purpose lavatory component from a lavatory component configuration to a deployed lavatory component barrier configuration / position, wherein the barrier in the deployed lavatory component barrier position is configured to prevent personnel from entering from the cabin area (including from the cabin area and the foyer area) into a vehicle control compartment area located in front of the deployed lavatory component barrier, wherein the vehicle control compartment area is, for example, a cockpit in an aircraft.

[0008] An aspect of the invention relates to an aircraft cabin barrier, the aircraft cabin barrier comprising an aircraft cabin lavatory facility, wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory facility comprises an aircraft cabin lavatory component, wherein the aircraft lavatory component comprises at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door and an aircraft lavatory wall. The aircraft cabin barrier further comprises an aircraft cabin second facility, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility is located at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory facility and opposite an aircraft cabin aisle relative to the aircraft cabin lavatory facility, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility comprises a second facility component, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility component comprises at least one of an aircraft cabin second facility wall and a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, wherein the second facility component is configured to engage the aircraft cabin lavatory component, and wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory component and the aircraft cabin second facility component form the aircraft cabin barrier in an engaged state.

[0009] In another aspect, an aircraft cabin barrier is configured to prevent personnel, including unwanted personnel, from moving from a passenger cabin into a cockpit.

[0010] In a further aspect, the aircraft cabin lavatory component is a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door movably attached to an aircraft cabin lavatory facility, wherein the movable aircraft cabin lavatory door is movable between a lavatory door first engagement position contacting the aircraft cabin lavatory facility and a lavatory door second engagement position contacting a second aircraft cabin facility component.

[0011] In a further aspect, the aircraft cabin lavatory component is a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door and the aircraft cabin second facility component is an aircraft cabin galley wall.

[0012] In a further aspect, the aircraft cabin lavatory component is a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door and the aircraft cabin second facility component is a movable aircraft cabin galley panel.

[0013] In a further aspect, the aircraft cabin lavatory component is an aircraft cabin lavatory wall and the aircraft cabin second facility component is a movable aircraft cabin galley panel.

[0014] In a further aspect, the second facility component engages the aircraft cabin lavatory component via a locking mechanism in a locked configuration.

[0015] In another aspect, the movable aircraft lavatory door further includes: a movable aircraft lavatory door first side; a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door second side; a through opening area extending through a door thickness of the movable aircraft lavatory door, wherein the door thickness extends from the movable aircraft lavatory door first side to the movable aircraft lavatory door second side; and a movable opaque window panel movably attached at the movable aircraft lavatory door first side, wherein the movable opaque window panel is configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door.

[0016] In another aspect, a portable aircraft lavatory includes a plurality of folding door panels.

[0017] In another aspect, the aircraft cabin barrier further includes a barrier locking mechanism accessible only from a first side of the portable aircraft lavatory.

[0018] In another aspect, the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel further comprises: a first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel; a second side of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel; a through opening area extending through a panel thickness of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel, wherein the panel thickness extends from the first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel to the second side of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel; and a movable opaque window panel movably attached to the first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel, the movable opaque window panel being configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel.

[0019] In a further aspect, the aircraft cabin second facility panel comprises a plurality of movable aircraft cabin second facility panels.

[0020] In another aspect, the aircraft cabin barrier further comprises a barrier locking mechanism accessible only from a first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel.

[0021] Another aspect relates to an aircraft comprising an aircraft cabin barrier, the aircraft cabin barrier comprising an aircraft cabin lavatory facility, wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory facility comprises an aircraft cabin lavatory component, wherein the aircraft lavatory component comprises at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door and an aircraft lavatory wall. The aircraft cabin barrier further comprises an aircraft cabin second facility, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility is located at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory facility and opposite an aircraft cabin aisle relative to the aircraft cabin lavatory facility, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility comprises a second facility component, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility component comprises at least one of an aircraft cabin second facility wall and a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, wherein the second facility component is configured to engage the aircraft cabin lavatory component, and wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory component and the aircraft cabin second facility component form the aircraft cabin barrier in an engaged state. When the aircraft cabin lavatory component is a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door, the movable aircraft lavatory door further comprises: a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door first side; a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door second side; a through opening area extending through a door thickness of the movable aircraft lavatory door, wherein the door thickness extends from the movable aircraft lavatory door first side to the movable aircraft lavatory door second side; and a movable opaque window panel movably attached at the movable aircraft lavatory door first side, wherein the movable opaque window panel is configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door.

[0022] A further aspect relates to an aircraft comprising an aircraft cabin barrier, the aircraft cabin barrier comprising an aircraft cabin lavatory facility, wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory facility comprises an aircraft cabin lavatory component, wherein the aircraft lavatory component comprises at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door and an aircraft lavatory wall. The aircraft cabin barrier further comprises an aircraft cabin second facility, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility is located at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory facility and opposite an aircraft cabin aisle relative to the aircraft cabin lavatory facility, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility comprises a second facility component, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility component comprises at least one of an aircraft cabin second facility wall and a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, wherein the second facility component is configured to engage the aircraft cabin lavatory component, and wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory component and the aircraft cabin second facility component form the aircraft cabin barrier in an engaged state. The aircraft cabin second facilities panel also includes: a first side of a movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel; a second side of a movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel; a through opening area extending through a panel thickness of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel, wherein the panel thickness extends from the first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel to the second side of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel; and a movable opaque window panel movably attached to the first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel, wherein the movable opaque window panel is configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft cabin second facilities panel.

[0023] Yet another aspect relates to an aircraft cabin lavatory facility, wherein the facility comprises a dual-purpose aircraft cabin lavatory door movably attached to an aircraft cabin lavatory frame, wherein the dual-purpose aircraft cabin lavatory door comprises: a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door first side; a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door second side; and a through opening area extending through a door thickness of the dual-purpose aircraft lavatory door, wherein the door thickness extends from the dual-purpose aircraft lavatory door first side to the movable aircraft lavatory door second side. The dual-purpose aircraft cabin lavatory door further comprises a movable opaque window panel movably attached at a first side of the dual-purpose aircraft lavatory door, wherein the movable opaque window panel is configured to selectively allow visual access through the dual-purpose aircraft lavatory door, and wherein, in a closed position in a first lavatory door mode, the dual-purpose aircraft lavatory door is configured to completely enclose an aircraft cabin lavatory facility footprint area, and wherein, in a closed position in a second lavatory door mode, the dual-purpose aircraft lavatory door is configured to engage an aircraft cabin second facility to form an aircraft cabin barrier, wherein the aircraft cabin barrier is configured to control movement of passengers along an aisle within the aircraft cabin area.

[0024] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a method of controlling the movement of passengers along an aisle in an aircraft cabin area, wherein the method comprises: prior to opening a cockpit door, moving a barrier to a closed position, wherein the cockpit is on a first side of the barrier and a passenger section of the cabin area is on a second side of the barrier. The barrier further comprises an aircraft cabin lavatory facility, the aircraft cabin lavatory facility comprising an aircraft cabin lavatory component, which may be a lavatory door or a lavatory wall, wherein the aircraft lavatory component comprises at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door and an aircraft lavatory wall. The barrier further comprises an aircraft cabin second facility, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility is positioned at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory facility and opposite the aircraft cabin aisle relative to the aircraft cabin lavatory facility, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility comprises a second facility component, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility component comprises at least one of an aircraft cabin second facility wall and a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, wherein the second facility component is configured to engage the aircraft cabin lavatory component, and wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory component forms a barrier with the aircraft cabin second facility component in the engaged state. The method further comprises: locking the barrier in the closed position; after locking the barrier, opening a cockpit door and providing flight personnel with access to a front section of the cabin area, wherein the front section of the cabin area is located at a first side of the barrier; and after providing flight personnel with access to the front section of the cabin area, reclosing the cockpit door.

[0025] In another aspect, the method further includes: monitoring the position of the barrier; and activating an indicator in the cockpit when the barrier is in the closed position.

[0026] In another aspect, in a further method, the aircraft cabin lavatory facility component is a movable aircraft lavatory door, the movable aircraft lavatory door further comprising: a movable aircraft lavatory door first side; a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door second side; a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door through-opening area extending through a door thickness of the movable aircraft lavatory door, wherein the door thickness extends from the movable aircraft lavatory door first side to the movable aircraft lavatory door second side; and a movable opaque window panel movably attached at the movable aircraft lavatory door first side, wherein the movable opaque window panel is configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door. The method further comprises: after locking the barrier, moving the movable opaque window panel to allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door through-opening area.

[0027] In another aspect, in a further method, the aircraft cabin second facility is a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel comprising: a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel first side; a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel second side; a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel through-opening area, extending through a panel thickness of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, wherein the panel thickness extends from the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel first side to the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel second side; and a movable opaque window panel, movably attached at the movable aircraft cabin second facility first side, wherein the movable opaque window panel is configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel through-opening area. The method also includes: after locking the barrier, moving the movable opaque window panel to allow visual access through the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel through-opening area.

[0028] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined in yet other aspects further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Having thus generally described variations of the disclosure, the disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which:

[0030] Figure 1A is a diagram of a vehicle in the form of an aircraft according to aspects of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 1B is taken along line 1B-1B according to aspects of the present invention and Figure 1A A partial top cross-sectional view of a forward section of an aircraft cabin of the type established within the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG.

[0032] Figure 2A is taken along line 1B-1B according to aspects of the present invention. Figure 1A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG.

[0033] Figure 2B According to various aspects of the present invention, at least Figure 2A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within an exemplary aircraft shown in , wherein the deployed auxiliary barrier is shown to include a dual-purpose lavatory door;

[0034] Figure 2C is a rear view from within a hallway area according to aspects of the present invention, wherein the hallway area is composed of Figure 2B The auxiliary barrier closure shown in FIG. 1 includes a deployed dual-purpose lavatory door barrier;

[0035] Figure 3A is taken along line 1B-1B according to aspects of the present invention. Figure 1A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG.

[0036] Figure 3B According to various aspects of the present invention Figure 3A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within an exemplary aircraft shown in , wherein the deployed auxiliary barrier is shown to include a dual-purpose lavatory door;

[0037] Figure 3C is a rear view from within a hallway area according to aspects of the present invention, wherein the hallway area is composed of Figure 3B The auxiliary barrier closure shown in FIG. 1 includes a deployed dual-purpose lavatory door barrier;

[0038] Figure 4A is taken along line 1B-1B according to aspects of the present invention. Figure 1A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG.

[0039] Figure 4B According to various aspects of the present invention Figure 4A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within an exemplary aircraft shown in , wherein the deployed auxiliary barrier is shown to include a dual-purpose lavatory door;

[0040] Figure 4C is a rear view from within a hallway area according to aspects of the present invention, wherein the hallway area is composed of Figure 4B The auxiliary barrier closure shown in FIG. 1 includes a deployed dual-purpose lavatory door barrier;

[0041] Figure 5A is taken along line 1B-1B according to aspects of the present invention. Figure 1A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG.

[0042] Figure 5B According to various aspects of the present invention Figure 5A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within an exemplary aircraft shown in , wherein the deployed auxiliary barrier is shown to include a dual-purpose lavatory door;

[0043] Figure 5C is a rear view from within a hallway area according to aspects of the present invention, wherein the hallway area is composed of Figure 5B The auxiliary barrier closure shown in FIG. 1 includes a deployed dual-purpose lavatory door barrier;

[0044] Fig. 6A is taken along line 1B-1B according to aspects of the present invention. Figure 1A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG.

[0045] Figure 6B According to various aspects of the present invention Fig. 6A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within an exemplary aircraft shown in , wherein the deployed auxiliary barrier is shown to include a dual-purpose lavatory door;

[0046] Figure 6C is a rear view from within a hallway area according to aspects of the present invention, wherein the hallway area is composed of Figure 6B The auxiliary barrier closure shown in FIG. 1 includes a deployed dual-purpose lavatory door barrier;

[0047] Fig. 7A is taken along line 1B-1B according to aspects of the present invention. Figure 1A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG.

[0048] Figure 7B According to various aspects of the present invention Fig. 6A A partial top cross-sectional view of an aircraft cabin of the type established within an exemplary aircraft shown in , wherein the deployed auxiliary barrier is shown to include a dual-purpose lavatory component;

[0049] Figure 7C is a rear view from within a hallway area according to aspects of the present invention, wherein the hallway area is composed of Figure 7B The deployed auxiliary barrier closure including the dual-purpose lavatory component barrier shown in;

[0050] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an aircraft and an aircraft cabin according to aspects of the present invention;

[0051] Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing an aircraft and an aircraft cabin according to aspects of the present invention;

[0052] Fig.10 is a block diagram showing an aircraft and an aircraft cabin according to aspects of the present invention;

[0053] Fig.11 is a flow chart outlining a method according to aspects of the present invention;

[0054] Fig.12 is a flow chart outlining a method according to aspects of the present invention;

[0055] Fig.13is a flow chart outlining a method according to aspects of the present invention;

[0056] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system according to aspects of the present invention; and

[0057] Fig.15 is a schematic block diagram of a monitoring system according to aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] According to various aspects of the present invention, an aircraft cabin barrier is disclosed to control and restrict the passage of personnel from a passenger cabin section or from a lobby area to a cockpit. The barrier is formed by the deployment of a dual-purpose lavatory facility component, which is deployed from an initial position configured as a lavatory facility component to a deployed position as a barrier extending away from the lavatory facility into the lobby and across an aisle located in the lobby. In various examples of the present invention, the dual-purpose lavatory facility component is a lavatory facility door that is configured to be converted from a primary use as an aircraft lavatory facility door to a dual-function or dual-purpose aircraft lavatory door barrier. In other examples, the aircraft lavatory facility component is a lavatory facility wall or other lavatory facility component that is configured to engage and / or receive an aircraft cabin second facility component to complete the formation of a barrier across the aircraft aisle.

[0059] Aspects of the present invention provide significant advantages with respect to forming and using the dual-purpose lavatory door barrier as an additional or supplemental barrier that limits access to locations forward of the deployed lavatory door barrier, including, for example, the cockpit. Such advantages include, but are not limited to, using existing aircraft cabin structure for structural formation of the supplemental barrier, such that little additional weight need not be added to the aircraft to include the supplemental barrier. Furthermore, because minimal hardware is required to convert the lavatory door into a dual-purpose lavatory door barrier, the retrofit process configured to include / add the disclosed barrier to aircraft cabins and aircraft is significantly simplified without significant increase in weight or cost.

[0060] According to various aspects of the present invention, Figure 1A and Figure 1B A vehicle is shown in the form of an aircraft 100 comprising a fuselage 101 . Figure 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of aircraft 100 taken along line 1B-1B. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in FIG. 1 , the cockpit 110 and cockpit door 110a are located at the front or front section of the fuselage 101, and the cabin area 103 is located at the rear (also referred to as the "tail" in this article). The cabin area 103 is equipped to accommodate passengers. The size of the cockpit 110 and the cabin area 103 can vary depending on the aircraft 100. One or more doors 104 are provided to allow passengers to enter and exit the aircraft 100.

[0061] Cockpit 110 includes one or more crew seats 111 for flight personnel, including a pilot, co-pilot, and navigator. Various controls and instrument panels (not shown) are positioned for use by the pilot and co-pilot to control aircraft 100.

[0062] The cabin area 103 is located along the fuselage 101 aft of the cockpit 110. The cabin area 103 includes a passenger section 121 in which passenger seats 105 are arranged in rows along one or more aisles 106. In some examples, including, for example, commercial airlines, the passenger seats 105 extend through the entire cabin area 103. In other examples where the aircraft 100 is used for cargo transportation, there are a limited number of passenger seats 105 in the cabin area 103.

[0063] The cabin area 103 also includes a vestibule 120 located between the cockpit 110 and the passenger section 121. In some examples, the vestibule 120 includes crew seats 111a used by flight personnel (such as flight attendants). The crew seats 111a can be folded up when not in use so that they are out of the way. The vestibule 120 includes one or more facilities 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d mounted to structural members within the fuselage 101 of the aircraft 100. The facilities are functional units used during flight, examples of which include but are not limited to galleys 112a, 112b, lavatories 112c, and storage units 112d (which may be, for example, closets, etc.). In some examples, the facilities 112 are shaped and sized to extend from the floor 107 of the cabin area 103 to the ceiling 108 (such as a ceiling). Figure 2C , Figure 3C , Figure 4C , Figure 5C , Figure 6C , Figure 7C In some examples, the facility extends between a wall 114 of fuselage 101 and aisle 106 . Figure 1B Also shown is a hallway 120 which includes a pair of kitchen facilities 112a, 112b, washroom facilities 112c and storage facilities 112d (which may be, for example, a closet).

[0064] The cockpit door 110a separates the cockpit 110 from the cabin area 103, and specifically separates the cockpit 110 from the lobby 120. The cockpit door 110a prevents undesired personnel from entering the cockpit 110 from the cabin area 103. Figure 1BAn example of an opening 113 formed between a pair of facilities 112b, 112d is also shown. The opening 113 can be aligned with the aisle 106 to facilitate the movement of passengers during boarding and departure. The cabin area 103 also includes an opening 113 for passengers and flight personnel to pass through when moving between the lobby 120 and the passenger section 121. The opening 113 can be formed between multiple components (such as facilities 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, a wall 114 of the fuselage 101, and a passenger seat 105).

[0065] Figure 2A and Figure 2B It shows that it can be Figure 1B A top view of a vehicle cabin in the form of an aircraft cabin of the type shown in FIG. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in , the galley facility 112a is also designated as an aircraft cabin second facility 24, which also includes an aircraft cabin facility engagement point 24a, which may be configured to receive or otherwise engage (e.g., in a locked configuration, etc.) an aircraft cabin lavatory component of an aircraft cabin lavatory facility. Figure 2A As shown in FIG, the lavatory facility door 116 is in a closed configuration within the lavatory facility footprint. Figure 2A , the lavatory facility door 116 is closed to form an enclosed lavatory facility 112c.

[0066] According to aspects of the present invention, a lavatory facility door or other lavatory facility component can be reoriented in the lavatory door open state and configured for another use as an aircraft cabin barrier. The aircraft cabin barrier of the present invention is at least partially formed by a lavatory facility door or a lavatory facility component, which can be an attachment point on the lavatory door or a portion of the lavatory facility wall immediately adjacent to the lavatory door.

[0067] According to aspects of the invention, when the lavatory facility door is configured to reach an open position from a closed position within the lavatory facility footprint, the lavatory facility door pivots outwardly and when the lavatory facility component is configured to contact and engage with an aircraft cabin second facility component of an aircraft cabin second facility to form an aircraft cabin barrier that may be an auxiliary barrier, the lavatory facility door (e.g., about a hinge, which may be a separate hinge or an integral hinge, etc.) moves away from the lavatory facility into an extended lavatory component position (also referred to herein as a lavatory facility component aircraft cabin barrier configuration). For example, the second facility component may be a second facility wall or a second component panel extending from the second facility.

[0068] The aircraft second facility as shown in the attached drawings is positioned at a selected distance from the lavatory facility and opposite the aisle. When the lavatory facility component engages the aircraft cabin second facility (e.g. and is releasably secured and / or locked into a fixed position with the second facility), the aircraft cabin is established to block the passage of personnel along the aircraft aisle from, for example, the aft section of the passenger cabin and / or lobby area toward a location in front of the established barrier (including some sections of the lobby and the cockpit).

[0069] When the lavatory facility component is a lavatory facility door, the door can be a single door panel. In addition, according to aspects of the present invention and as shown in the accompanying drawings, the door can be one or more door panels, which can be connected via a hinge, and the door panels can be hinged in a selected manner around the hinge to unfold to form a lavatory facility component barrier configuration. In other examples, the hinge can be a separate hardware part. In other examples, the hinge can be an integral hinge area located between and incorporated into the door panels, so that adjacent door panels connected to the hinge or hinge area can be configured to bend in a selected orientation, thereby allowing adjacent door panels to move and / or bend relative to each other.

[0070] In one example, if Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 , the aircraft cabin lavatory facility 112 c is located opposite the aisle 106 relative to the aircraft cabin second facility 24 , which is the galley facility 112 a . Figure 2A An aircraft cabin lavatory facility door 116 is shown in a closed configuration within the lavatory facility footprint. Sometimes, during flight, circumstances may require the establishment of a barrier (e.g., a secondary barrier) that can control and restrict the movement of personnel from areas within the lobby 120 to locations forward of the lobby 120 (including the cockpit 110).

[0071] When circumstances require the establishment of such a barrier (e.g. Figure 2B ), a lavatory facility component 22 in the form of a lavatory facility door 22 is moved out of the closed position and pivoted outwardly to the open position. Figure 2B The lavatory door 22 (shown as a lavatory door 22) includes a lavatory door first side 22a (the "inside" of the door, also referred to as the front side of the door relative to the aircraft when the door is in the barrier configuration) and a lavatory door second side 22b (the "outside" of the door, also referred to as the "trailing side" of the door when the door is moved to the barrier configuration). The lavatory door 22 also includes a lavatory door first vertical edge 22c and a lavatory door second vertical edge 22d, the lavatory door first vertical edge can be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" with an attached or integral hinge). The lavatory door second vertical edge 22d also includes a mating component that is configured to releasably engage the second facility engagement point, for example in a locked configuration.

[0072] Figure 2A It is shown that the passengers 12 are located in the area of ​​the hallway 120 and the flight crew 10 are located in front of the cockpit door 110 a of the cockpit 110 . Figure 2B The flight crew 10 is shown moving from a position forward of the cockpit door 110 a into the lavatory facility 112 c after the lavatory door 22 has been repurposed and reoriented and otherwise configured to be in a position outside of the lavatory facility footprint and in a position in which the barrier 20 is fully secured and passengers 12 are unable to travel forward along the aisle 106 past the barrier 20 .

[0073] In other words, if Figure 2B As shown in , after the formation of the barrier 20 (which includes the lavatory door 22 in the barrier configuration) is completed, the barrier controls and restricts the movement of people / passengers to the front of the established barrier. When needed (e.g., when the barrier 20 is no longer needed, etc.), the lavatory door can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the second facility engagement point and the function of the lavatory door is restored and returned to the position within the lavatory facility footprint.

[0074] Figure 2C A "rear" view from within the barrier 20 is shown, the barrier being established when the lavatory facility door 22 is secured in position to engage with the second facility wall 24b of the second facility 24 at a second facility engagement point 24a (the second facility engagement point being engaged with the lavatory door second vertical edge 22d, the lavatory door second vertical edge including a mating locking mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second facility engagement point 24a). The lavatory facility door 22 also includes a lavatory facility door / barrier through-opening 22e extending from the lavatory door facility first side 22a (the "inside" of the door) to the lavatory facility door second side 22b (the "outside" of the door). Figure 2C The lavatory facility door / barrier through-opening may be occupied by a transparent window (not shown). The sliding panel frame 22g accommodates and otherwise retains a sliding panel 22f that is manipulable from within the lavatory facility and from within the barrier 20 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the lavatory facility door / barrier through-opening allows visual access to locations aft of the barrier from within the barrier, and allows visual access to locations forward of the barrier from outside the barrier (e.g., locations aft of the barrier).

[0075] Aspects of the present invention also contemplate that the dual-purpose lavatory facility door is converted from a lavatory door to a barrier without being subject to limitations that may arise from the size of a second facility (e.g., a galley) located across the aisle from the aircraft cabin second facility, and that the second facility may also include one or more second facility panels that are movable (e.g., laterally pivoted) through a range of motion from a stowed position adjacent to a second facility wall (and generally within the second facility footprint) toward a deployed position away from the second facility to facilitate engagement of the second facility with the lavatory facility door (e.g., to facilitate engagement of the lavatory facility door with the second facility via the second facility panel in the deployed position, etc.). Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figure 3C , Figure 4A , Figure 4B , Figure 4C , Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C The use of one or more secondary facility panels in conjunction with the dual-purpose lavatory facility door to create barriers 30, 40, 50 and 60, which may be secondary barriers, is shown.

[0076] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Another example of the invention is shown in which a secondary barrier is formed by transitioning a washroom fixture door to a position engaging a second fixture to form a barrier 30, wherein: Figure 3A and Figure 3B The presence of a second facility panel 34b is shown added and movably connected to the second facility 34, and wherein the second facility panel 34b includes an attachment / joint point for attaching the unfolded lavatory facility door (at the lavatory facility door second vertical edge) to form the barrier 30. Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 1 , the aircraft cabin lavatory facility 112 c is located opposite the aisle 106 relative to the aircraft cabin second facility 34 , which is a galley facility 112 a having a different footprint than the aircraft cabin second galley facility 24 . Figure 3A The aircraft cabin lavatory facility door 32 is shown in a closed configuration within the lavatory facility footprint of the lavatory facility 112c.

[0077] When the situation on board the aircraft requires the establishment of a barrier that can serve as a secondary barrier, such as Figure 3BAs shown in the figure, a lavatory facility component in the form of a lavatory facility door 32 moves out of a closed position and pivots outwardly to an open position. The lavatory facility door 32 includes a lavatory door first side 32a (the "inside" of the door, also referred to as the front side of the door relative to the aircraft when the door is in a barrier configuration) and a lavatory door second side 32b (the "outside" of the door, also referred to as the "rear side" of the door when the door is moved to the barrier configuration). The lavatory door 32 also includes a lavatory door first vertical edge 32c and a lavatory door second vertical edge 32d, the lavatory door first vertical edge can be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" with an attached or integral hinge). The lavatory door second vertical edge 32d also includes a mating component that is configured to releasably engage with a second facility engagement point 34a located within a second facility panel 34c, for example in a locked configuration. Figure 3B Also shown is a second facility panel 34c movably connected to the second facility wall 34b about a second facility wall hinge 34d, wherein the second facility panel 34c is movable from a stowed position (eg, Figure 3A ) is moved to a second facility panel deployed configuration (which is a position pivoted laterally away from second facility wall 34b) and to an deployed second facility panel position that is substantially perpendicular to the deployed lavatory facility door and engages lavatory facility door second vertical edge 32d to form an engagement angle between the lavatory facility door and the second facility panel, as shown in FIG. Figure 3B As shown in FIG. , the engagement angle is an engagement at an angle of about 90 degrees, represented by "θ". Figure 3B as shown in .

[0078] Figure 3A Shown in Figure 2A and Figure 2B The flight crew 10 and passengers 12 are shown and described. Figure 3B As shown in , after the formation of the barrier 30 (which includes the lavatory facility door 32 in the barrier configuration) is completed, the established barrier 30 controls and restricts the movement of people / passengers to the front of the established barrier 30, and the passenger 12 cannot move forward along the aisle 106 through the barrier 30.

[0079] When desired (eg, when the barrier 30 is no longer needed, etc.), the lavatory door may be disengaged (eg, unlocked) from the second facility engagement point and the lavatory door restored to use and returned to a position within the lavatory facility footprint.

[0080] Figure 3CA "rear" view from within the barrier 30 is shown, the barrier being established when the lavatory facility door 32 is secured in position to engage with the second facility panel 34c of the second facility 34 at the second facility engagement point 34a (and the second facility engagement point engages with the lavatory door second vertical edge 32d, the lavatory door second vertical edge including a mating locking mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second facility engagement point 34a). The lavatory facility door 32 also includes a lavatory facility door / barrier through-opening 32e extending from the lavatory door facility first side 32a (the "inside" of the door) to the lavatory facility door second side 32b (the "outside" of the door). Figure 3C The lavatory facility door / barrier through-opening may be occupied by a transparent window (not shown). The sliding panel frame 32g accommodates and otherwise retains a sliding panel 32f that is manipulable from within the lavatory facility and from within the barrier 30 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the lavatory facility door / barrier through-opening allows visual access to a position aft of the barrier 30 from within the barrier 30, and allows visual access to a position forward of the barrier from outside the barrier (e.g., from a position aft of the barrier).

[0081] although Figure 3B The establishment of a barrier 30 formed by the engagement of the washroom facility door 32 with the second facility panel at an engagement angle of approximately 90 degrees is shown, but aspects of the present invention also contemplate other engagement configurations where the engagement angle between the facilities is not 90 degrees. Such a barrier configuration where the engagement angle between the facilities is not 90 degrees and the formed engagement angle is, for example, an acute angle "θ" can create additional space within and in front of the established barrier (e.g., creating a larger "footprint" in the blocked area of ​​the foyer because the features of the barrier are connected to, for example, the respective Figure 2B , Figure 3B 30 extending further "aftwards" into the foyer than shown in FIG. 1 ).

[0082] According to various aspects of the present invention, Figure 4A and Figure 4B One such configuration of a barrier having a larger "footprint" is shown in , wherein the barrier 40 is established by repositioning and configuring a dual-purpose lavatory facility door 42 that engages with a second facility panel 44 to form the barrier 40. Figure 4A , Figure 4B As shown in , according to one aspect, a barrier formation and configuration is provided, wherein the joint angle formed by the dual-purpose washroom facility door 42 and the second facility panel 44 is, for example, an acute angle "θ", and additional space can be formed within and in front of the established barrier.

[0083] like Figure 4AAs shown in FIG. 1 , the aircraft cabin lavatory facility 112 c is located opposite the aisle 106 relative to the aircraft cabin second facility 44 , which is the galley facility 112 a . Figure 4A The aircraft cabin lavatory facility door 42 is shown in a closed configuration within the lavatory facility footprint of the lavatory facility 112c.

[0084] When the situation on board the aircraft requires the establishment of a barrier that can serve as a secondary barrier, such as Figure 4B As shown in the figure, a lavatory facility component in the form of a lavatory facility door 42 moves out of the closed position and pivots outwardly toward the open position. The lavatory facility door 42 includes a lavatory door first side 42a (the "inside" of the door, also referred to as the front side of the door relative to the aircraft when the door is in the barrier configuration) and a lavatory door second side 42b (the "outside" of the door, also referred to as the "rear side" of the door when the door is moved to the barrier configuration). The lavatory door 42 also includes a lavatory door first vertical edge 42c and a lavatory door second vertical edge 42d, the lavatory door first vertical edge can be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" with an attached or integral hinge). The lavatory door second vertical edge 42d also includes a mating component configured to releasably engage with the second facility joint 44a, for example in a locked configuration.

[0085] Figure 4B Also shown is a second facility panel 44c movably connected to the second facility wall 44b about a second facility wall hinge 44d, wherein the second facility panel is movable from a stowed position ( Figure 4A 44 b) to a second facility panel deployed configuration (which is a position pivoted laterally away from second facility wall 44 b) and to a deployed second facility panel position that is substantially perpendicular to the deployed lavatory facility door and engages lavatory facility door second vertical edge 42 d to form an engagement angle between the lavatory facility door and the second facility panel, as shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown in , the engagement angle is an acute angle of less than about 90 degrees, represented by "θ". In one example, Figure 4B The acute angle "θ" shown in FIG. 5 may range from about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees.

[0086] Figure 4A Shown in Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B The flight crew 10 and passengers 12 shown and described in the drawings should also recognize that Figure 4B, when on the front side of the completed barrier 40, the flight crew 10 can more easily move from the cockpit 110 through the cockpit door 110a into the lavatory facilities 112c because the barrier 40 can have a larger footprint than the barriers 20, 30 (and have more room “inside” or in front of the barrier), and the passengers 12 cannot advance forward along the aisle 106 past the barrier 40.

[0087] In other words, if Figure 4B , after formation of the barrier 40 (which includes the lavatory facility door 42 in the barrier configuration) is complete, the established barrier 40 controls and restricts movement of personnel / passengers (e.g., along the aisle 106) from the passenger compartment to a position in front of the established barrier 40. When needed (e.g., when the barrier 40 is no longer needed, etc.), the lavatory door 42 can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the second facility engagement point 44a and resume use of the lavatory door in the lavatory facility 112c and return to a position within the footprint of the lavatory facility 112c.

[0088] Figure 4C A "tail" view from within the barrier 40 is shown, the barrier being established when the lavatory facility door 42 is secured in position to engage with a second facility panel 44c of a second facility 44 at a second facility engagement point 44a and the second facility engagement point engages with a lavatory door second vertical edge 42d, which may include a mating locking mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second facility engagement point 44a. The second facility panel 44c also includes a second facility panel first side 44e (e.g., an "inside" when the panel is deployed) and a second facility panel second side 44f (e.g., an "outside" when the panel is deployed). The lavatory facility door 42 also includes a lavatory facility door / barrier through-opening 42e having the same features as described herein, respectively. Figure 2C , Figure 3C The through openings 22e and 32e shown and described are of similar type and function. That is, the through opening 42e can extend from the first side 42a of the lavatory door facility (the "inside" of the door) to the second side 42b of the lavatory door facility (the "outside" of the door). Figure 4C 40 ). The through opening 42e may be occupied by a transparent window. The sliding panel frame 42g accommodates and otherwise retains a sliding panel 42f that is manipulable from within the lavatory facility and from within the barrier 40 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the lavatory facility door / barrier through opening allows visual access to a position aft of the barrier 40 from within the barrier 40 and allows visual access to a position forward of the barrier 40 from outside the barrier 40 (e.g., from a position aft of the barrier 40).

[0089] In another example ( Figure 4C4 (not shown), in addition to or in lieu of a through opening in lavatory facility door 42, a second facility panel of barrier 40 may have a through opening similar to 42e extending through the thickness of the second facility panel.

[0090] Figure 5A , Figure 5B (showing the establishment of barrier 50) similar to Figure 4A , Figure 4B (showing the formation of barrier 40), wherein Figure 5A , Figure 5B The difference shown in FIG. 1 is the deployment of a second facility multi-section panel 54b (shown as a second facility bi-fold panel) extending / deployed from the second facility 54, one of which is engaged with the lavatory door facility 52 to form a barrier 50 which may be a secondary barrier.

[0091] According to various aspects of the present invention, Figure 5A , Figure 5B Another example of the formation and configuration of a barrier (here barrier 50) having a larger "footprint" is shown, wherein barrier 50 is established by repositioning and configuring a dual-purpose washroom facility door 52 that engages with a second facility panel 54 to form barrier 50. Figure 5A , Figure 5B As shown in , according to one aspect, a barrier formation and configuration is proposed, wherein the joint angle formed by the dual-purpose washroom facility door 52 and the second facility bi-fold panel 54c is, for example, an acute angle "θ", and additional space can be formed within and in front of the established barrier.

[0092] like Figure 5A As shown in FIG. 1 , the aircraft cabin lavatory facility 112 c is located opposite the aisle 106 relative to the aircraft cabin second facility 54 , which is the galley facility 112 a . Figure 5A The aircraft cabin lavatory facility door 52 is shown in a closed configuration within the lavatory facility footprint of the lavatory facility 112c.

[0093] When the situation on board the aircraft requires the establishment of a barrier that can serve as a secondary barrier, such as Figure 5BAs shown in the figure, a lavatory facility component in the form of a lavatory facility door 52 moves out of the closed position and pivots outwardly toward the open position. The lavatory facility door 52 includes a lavatory door first side 52a (the "inside" of the door, also referred to as the front side of the door relative to the aircraft when the door is in the barrier configuration) and a lavatory door second side 52b (the "outside" of the door, also referred to as the "rear side" of the door when the door is moved to the barrier configuration). The lavatory door 52 also includes a lavatory door first vertical edge 52c and a lavatory door second vertical edge 52d, the lavatory door first vertical edge can be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" with an attached or integral hinge). The lavatory door second vertical edge 52d also includes a mating component that is configured to releasably engage with the second facility joint point 54a (of the second facility bi-fold panel 54b), for example in a locked configuration.

[0094] Figure 5B Also shown is a second facility bi-fold panel 54c movably connected to the second facility wall 54b about a second facility wall hinge 54d, wherein the second facility panel is movable from a stowed position (eg, Figure 5A ) is moved to a second facility panel deployed configuration (which is a position pivoted laterally away from second facility wall 54b) and to an deployed second facility panel position that is substantially perpendicular to the deployed lavatory facility door and engages lavatory facility door second vertical edge 52d to form an engagement angle between the lavatory facility door and the second facility panel, as shown in FIG. Figure 5B As shown in , the engagement angle is an acute angle of less than about 90 degrees, represented by "θ". In one example, Figure 5B The acute angle "θ" shown in FIG. 5 may range from about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees.

[0095] Figure 5A It shows that Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B The flight crew 10 and passengers 12 shown and described in the drawings should also recognize that Figure 5B , when on the front side of the completed barrier 50, the flight crew 10 can more easily move from the cockpit 110 through the cockpit door 110a into the lavatory facilities 112c because the barrier 50 can have a larger footprint than the barriers 20, 30 (and have more room “inside” or in front of the barrier), and the passengers 12 cannot advance forward along the aisle 106 past the barrier 50.

[0096] That is to say, Figure 5B, after formation of the barrier 50 (which includes the lavatory facility door 52 in the barrier configuration) is complete, the established barrier 50 controls and restricts movement of personnel / passengers (e.g., along the aisle 106) from the passenger compartment to a position in front of the established barrier 50. When needed (e.g., when the barrier 50 is no longer needed, etc.), the lavatory door 52 can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the second facility engagement point 54a and resume use of the lavatory door in the lavatory facility 112c and return to a position within the footprint of the lavatory facility 112c.

[0097] Figure 5C A "tail" view from within the barrier 50 is shown, the barrier being established in a position where a lavatory facility door 52 is secured to a second facility bi-fold panel 54c that engages with a second facility 54 at a second facility joint 54a and the second facility joint point engages with a lavatory door second vertical edge 52d, which may include a mating locking mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second facility joint 54a. The second facility bi-fold panel 54c also includes a second facility bi-fold panel first side 54e (e.g., an "inside" when the panel is unfolded) and a second facility bi-fold panel second side 54f (e.g., an "outside" when the panel is unfolded). The lavatory facility door 52 also includes a lavatory facility door / barrier through-opening 52e having the same characteristics as described herein, respectively. Figure 2C , Figure 3C , Figure 4C The through openings 22e, 32e, 42e shown and described are of similar type and function. That is, the through opening 52e can extend from the first side 52a of the lavatory door facility (the "inside" of the door) to the second side 52b of the lavatory door facility (the "outside" of the door). Figure 5C 50 ). The through opening 54e may be occupied by a transparent window. The sliding panel frame 52g accommodates and otherwise retains a sliding panel 52f that is manipulable from within the lavatory facility and from within the barrier 50 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the lavatory facility door / barrier through opening allows visual access to a position aft of the barrier 50 from within the barrier 50 and allows visual access to a position forward of the barrier 50 from outside the barrier 50 (e.g., from a position aft of the barrier 50).

[0098] In another example ( Figure 5C ), in addition to or in lieu of a through opening in lavatory facility door 52, the second facility panel of barrier 50 may have a through opening similar to 52e extending through the thickness of one or more second facility bi-fold panels 54c.

[0099] Fig. 6A , Figure 6B (showing the establishment of barrier 60) similar to Figure 5A, Figure 5B (showing the formation of barrier 50), wherein, Fig. 6A , Figure 6B The difference shown in FIG. 6 is that the multi-section lavatory facility bi-fold door 62 is unfolded to form a barrier 60 which may be a secondary barrier.

[0100] According to various aspects of the present invention, Fig. 6A , Figure 6B Another example of the formation and configuration of a barrier (here barrier 60) having a larger "footprint" is shown, wherein barrier 60 is established by repositioning and configuring a dual-use washroom facility bi-fold door 62 that engages with a second facility 64 to form barrier 60. Fig. 6A , Figure 6B As shown in , according to one aspect, a barrier formation and configuration is proposed, wherein the joint angle formed by the dual-purpose washroom facility door 62 and the second facility bi-fold panel 64c is, for example, an acute angle "θ", and additional space can be formed within and in front of the established barrier.

[0101] like Fig. 6A As shown in FIG. 1 , the aircraft cabin lavatory facility 112 c is located opposite the aisle 106 relative to the aircraft cabin second facility 64 , which is the galley facility 112 a . Fig. 6A The aircraft cabin lavatory facility bi-fold door 62 is shown in a closed configuration within the lavatory facility footprint of the lavatory facility 112c.

[0102] When the situation on board the aircraft requires the establishment of a barrier that can serve as a secondary barrier, such as Figure 6B As shown in FIG, a lavatory facility component in the form of a lavatory facility bifold door 62 moves out of a closed position and pivots outwardly toward an open position. The lavatory facility bifold door 62 includes a lavatory door first side 62a (the "inside" of the door, also referred to as the front side of the bifold door relative to the aircraft when the door is in a barrier configuration) and a lavatory facility bifold door second side 62b (the "outside" of the bifold door, also referred to as the "rear side" of the bifold door when the door is moved to the barrier configuration). The lavatory door 62 also includes a lavatory bifold door first vertical edge 62c and a lavatory bifold door second vertical edge 62d, the lavatory bifold door first vertical edge may be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" having an attached or integral hinge). The lavatory bifold door second vertical edge 62d also includes a mating component configured to releasably engage with the second facility engagement point 64a (of the second facility bifold panel 64c), for example, in a locked configuration.

[0103] Figure 6BAlso shown is a second facility bi-fold panel 64c movably connected to the second facility wall 64b about a second facility wall hinge 64d, wherein the second facility panel is movable from a stowed position (eg, Fig. 6A 64 b) to a second facility panel deployed configuration (which is a position pivoted laterally away from the second facility wall 64 b) and to an deployed second facility panel position that is substantially perpendicular to the deployed lavatory facility bifold door and engages the lavatory facility bifold door second vertical edge 62 d to form an engagement angle between the lavatory facility bifold door and the second facility panel, as shown in FIG. Figure 6B As shown in , the engagement angle is an acute angle of less than about 90 degrees, represented by "θ". In one example, Figure 6B The acute angle "θ" shown in FIG. 5 may range from about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees.

[0104] Fig. 6A It shows that Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A , Figure 3B The flight crew 10 and passengers 12 are shown and described, wherein it should also be appreciated that in Figure 6B , when on the front side of the completed barrier 60, the flight crew 10 can more easily move from the cockpit 110 through the cockpit door 110a into the lavatory facilities 112c because the barrier 60 can have a larger footprint than the barriers 20, 30 (and have more room “inside” or in front of the barrier), and the passengers 12 cannot advance forward along the aisle 106 past the barrier 60.

[0105] That is to say, Figure 6B , after formation of the barrier 60 (which includes the lavatory facility bi-fold door 62 in the barrier configuration) is complete, the established barrier 60 controls and restricts movement of personnel / passengers (e.g., along the aisle 106) from the passenger compartment to a position in front of the established barrier 60. When desired (e.g., when the barrier 60 is no longer needed, etc.), the lavatory bi-fold door 62 can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the second facility engagement point 64a and resume use of the lavatory door in the lavatory facility 112c and return to a position within the footprint of the lavatory facility 112c.

[0106] Figure 6CA "tail" view from within the barrier 60 is shown, the barrier being established when the lavatory facility bi-fold door 62 is secured in position to engage with the second facility bi-fold panel 64c of the second facility 64 at the second facility engagement point 64a and the second facility engagement point engages with the lavatory door second vertical edge 62d, which may include a mating locking mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second facility engagement point 64a. The lavatory facility door 62 also includes a lavatory facility bi-fold door / barrier through opening 62e having the same features as described herein with respect to the second facility bi-fold panel 64c and the second facility engagement point engages with the lavatory door second vertical edge 62d. Figure 2C , Figure 3C The through openings 22e and 32e shown and described are of similar type and function. That is, the through opening 62e can extend from the first side 62a of the lavatory facility bifold door (the "inside" of the door) to the second side 62b of the lavatory facility bifold door (the "outside" of the door). Figure 6C 60 ). The through opening 62e may be occupied by a transparent window. The sliding panel frame 62g houses and otherwise retains a sliding panel 62f that is manipulable from within the lavatory facility and that is manipulable from within the barrier 60 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the lavatory facility bi-fold door / barrier through opening allows observational access (e.g., visual access) to a position aft of the barrier 60 from within the barrier 60 and allows observational access to a position forward of the barrier 60 from outside the barrier 60 (e.g., from a position aft of the barrier 60).

[0107] In another example ( Figure 6C ), in addition to or in lieu of a through opening in lavatory facility bifold door 62, one or more second facility bifold panels of barrier 60 may have a through opening similar to 62e extending through the thickness of one or more second facility bifold panels 64c.

[0108] While aspects of the invention illustrate a majority of the lavatory facility door being deployed into a dual-purpose lavatory facility door (which is converted or otherwise repurposed as a barrier component), according to another aspect, the lavatory facility component that can engage with the second facility component can be an engagement feature of the lavatory facility door. In this aspect, the lavatory facility door itself can remain in place as a lavatory door within the lavatory facility footprint, while one or more second facility panels can be configured to enter a deployed barrier configuration from a stowed position, wherein at least one of the deployed second facility panels is configured to engage with the lavatory facility component for engagement (including engagement in a locked configuration) to form a barrier that can be a secondary barrier.

[0109] In other words, Fig. 7A and 7BAn aspect of the present invention is shown wherein one or more second facility panels are deployed from a stowed configuration (e.g., stowed against a second facility wall and positioned generally within a second facility footprint), and wherein the deployed one or more second facility panels primarily comprise a physical barrier, and wherein the lavatory facility component does not include a deployed door, but instead includes a lavatory facility junction point that may be located at and within the lavatory facility door and / or a lavatory facility wall section adjacent to the lavatory facility door.

[0110] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B The establishment of a barrier 70 according to one aspect of the present invention is shown, wherein the barrier is established within a foyer 120 of an aircraft cabin in an aircraft 100 to control forward movement and otherwise prevent passengers from moving along an aisle in the aircraft cabin into a vehicle area (e.g., a foyer area) in front of a lockable barrier.

[0111] Fig. 7A , Figure 7B Utilizing existing aircraft cabin components to establish a barrier is shown, wherein the barrier, which may be an auxiliary barrier, is formed by unfolding a multi-section second facility bi-fold panel 74b from a stowed position (located within a second facility footprint and adjacent to a second facility wall 74c of a second facility 74), wherein the unfolded second facility bi-fold panel 74b is configured to engage with a lavatory facility component joint (which may be in the form of a lavatory facility door joint, a lavatory facility wall joint, a lavatory facility frame joint, etc.) to form a barrier 70, which may be an auxiliary barrier.

[0112] According to one aspect of the present invention, Fig. 7A , Figure 7B Another example of the formation and configuration of a barrier (here, barrier 70) is shown, wherein barrier 70 is established by joining a dual-purpose lavatory fixture component 73 (here in the form of lavatory fixture joint 73b) with a second fixture bi-fold panel 74b to form barrier 70. Fig. 7A , Figure 7B As shown in , according to one aspect, a barrier formation and configuration is provided wherein a second facility bi-fold panel 74b is engaged with a washroom facility component engagement point 73b, wherein the second facility bi-fold panel 74b is configured to form, for example, an acute angle "θ" in the unfolded configuration.

[0113] like Fig. 7A As shown in FIG. 1 , the aircraft cabin lavatory facility 112 c is located opposite the aisle 106 relative to the aircraft cabin second facility 74 , which is the galley facility 112 a . Fig. 7A An aircraft cabin lavatory facility door 72 is shown in a closed configuration.

[0114] When the situation on board the aircraft requires the establishment of a barrier that can serve as a secondary barrier, such as Figure 7B As shown in FIG. 1 , the second facility bi-fold panel 74b moves from a stowed configuration adjacent to the second facility wall 74c to an expanded configuration extending away from the second facility wall 74c and across the aisle 106 and engages with the lavatory facility component engagement point 73b of the lavatory facility component 73 to form the barrier 70.

[0115] The second facility bi-fold panel 74b includes a second facility bi-fold panel first side 74d (the "inside" of the second facility bi-fold panel when in the unfolded position; also referred to as the front side of the second facility bi-fold panel relative to the aircraft when the second facility bi-fold panel is in the barrier configuration), and a second facility bi-fold panel second side 74e (the "outside" of the second facility bi-fold panel; also referred to as the rear side of the second facility bi-fold panel relative to the aircraft when the second facility bi-fold panel is in the barrier configuration).

[0116] The lavatory facility 112c includes a lavatory facility door 72 of a lavatory facility component 73. The lavatory facility component 73 also includes a lavatory wall 73a of the lavatory facility 112c and a lavatory component engagement point 73b, which may be located at the lavatory facility door 72 or at a location on an outer surface of the lavatory facility 112c proximate to the lavatory facility door 72 (e.g., the lavatory facility wall 73a located proximate to the lavatory facility door 72). The lavatory facility component engagement point 73b also includes a mating component configured to releasably engage with the second facility engagement point 74a (of the second facility bi-fold panel 74b), e.g., in a locked configuration.

[0117] Figure 7B Also shown is a second facility bi-fold panel 74b movably connected to the second facility wall 74c about a second facility wall hinge 75a, wherein the second facility bi-fold panel is movable from a stowed position (eg, Fig. 7A ) is moved to a second facility bifold panel expanded configuration (which is a position laterally pivoted away from second facility wall 74c), wherein the second facility bifold panel is configured to engage with lavatory facility component engagement point 73b to form an acute engagement angle, denoted by "θ", at the "fold" of the second facility bifold panel that is less than about 90 degrees. In one example, Figure 7B The acute angle "θ" shown in FIG. 5 may range from about 30 degrees to about 80 degrees.

[0118] Fig. 7A The flight crew 10 and passengers 12 are shown as shown and described in the drawings of the present invention, wherein it should also be appreciated that in Figure 7BIn the embodiment, when on the front side of the completed barrier 70, the flight crew 10 can more easily move from the cockpit 110 through the cockpit door 110a to the lavatory facilities 112c because the barrier 70 can have a greater width than the barriers 20, 30 (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 2B , Figure 3B ) has a larger footprint (and has more room “inside” or in front of the barrier), and passengers 12 cannot advance forward along the aisle 106 through the barrier 70.

[0119] That is to say, Figure 7B As shown in , upon completion of formation of the barrier 70 (which includes the lavatory facility 112c (in the form of a lavatory facility component 73) engaged with the second facility bi-fold panel 74b at the lavatory facility component engagement point 73b), the established barrier 70 controls and restricts movement of undesirable personnel / passengers (e.g., along the aisle 106) from the passenger compartment to a position in front of the established barrier 70. When needed (e.g., when the barrier 70 is no longer needed, etc.), the second facility bi-fold panel 74b can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the lavatory facility component 73 at the lavatory facility component engagement point 73b and returned to a position within the footprint of the second facility 74 and adjacent to the outer wall of the second facility 74.

[0120] Figure 7C A "tail" view from within the barrier 70 is shown, the barrier being established when the lavatory facility 72 is secured to a position where the second facility bi-fold panel 74b engages with the second facility 74 at the second facility engagement point 74a and the second facility engagement point engages with the lavatory door engagement point 73b, which may include a mating locking mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second facility engagement point 74a. The second facility bi-fold panel 74b also includes a second facility bi-fold panel through opening 74f having the same configuration as described herein with respect to the second facility bi-fold panel 74b, respectively. Figure 2C , Figure 3C The through openings 22e, 32e shown and described are of similar type and function. That is, the through opening 74f can extend from the second facility bi-fold panel first side 74d (the "inside" of the door) to the second facility bi-fold panel second side 74e (the "outside" of the second facility bi-fold panel). Figure 7C ). The through opening 74f may be occupied by a transparent window. In addition, the through opening 74f allows and otherwise facilitates visual access / inspection of the area in front of the deployed barrier 70 from a position aft of the deployed barrier 70, and vice versa.

[0121] Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10 is a block diagram further illustrating aspects of the present invention. Figure 8Aspects of the invention are further illustrated in a block diagram 150 of , wherein a vehicle 100, which may be in the form of an aircraft, includes an interior area 102 within a fuselage having an operations center 110, which may be, for example, a cockpit when the vehicle is in the form of an aircraft. The vehicle also includes a main cabin area 103, which also includes aircraft cabin facilities that form a barrier that may be a secondary barrier when configured as an assembly, wherein the barrier that forms a lockable barrier for the aircraft cabin prevents passengers from moving along an aisle in the aircraft cabin to the vehicle area in front of the lockable barrier. Within the foyer 120, a lavatory facility 112c is located and positioned opposite the aircraft aisle relative to a second facility 24, which may be a galley facility, which may also include a second facility junction 24a, which is configured to cooperate with or otherwise fixedly engage with a lavatory facility component of the lavatory facility 112c to form a barrier across the aisle. The lavatory facility component may be at least one of a lavatory facility door 22 and a lavatory facility wall, and the lavatory facility further includes a lavatory component engagement point 22d, which may include a latch for engaging the lavatory facility component with a second facility. The established barrier may also include a monitoring circuit 152 that communicates with the lavatory facility, and also communicates with the second facility 24, which may be, for example, a galley facility, and also communicates with the controller, by which the current position and establishment of a barrier of the type disclosed herein is confirmed. An indicator 154 communicates with the monitoring circuit 152 to indicate successful establishment of the barrier, wherein at least one indicator 154 is located in the cockpit 110 and / or at least one indicator is located in the lobby 120 for the crew to view and confirm the successful establishment / deployment of the barrier by the crew.

[0122] Fig. 9 The block diagram 150a shows the block diagram 150 (in Figure 8 The invention also includes a plurality of components (in) and further includes a second facility 34 which may be, for example, a kitchen facility, the second facility including one or more second facility panels 34c which may be bi-fold panels or multi-fold panels, the one or more second facility panels being attached to a second facility wall and may be configured to extend away from the second facility wall to an expanded position and configured to engage with a washroom facility door in the expanded position to form a barrier of the type disclosed herein.

[0123] Fig.10 The block diagram 150b shows the block diagrams 150 and 150a (respectively in Figure 8 , Fig. 9The invention also includes a plurality of components (in the embodiment of the present invention) and further includes a second facility 74, which may be, for example, a kitchen facility, and the second facility includes one or more second facility panels 74b, which may be bi-fold panels or multi-fold panels, which are attached to a second facility wall 74c and may be configured to extend away from the second facility wall to an expanded position and configured to engage with a lavatory facility component 72 (which may be a section of a lavatory facility door in a closed position) and / or a lavatory facility wall to form a barrier of the type disclosed herein.

[0124] Fig.11 , Fig.12 and Fig.13 is a flow chart outlining a method according to aspects of the present invention, wherein: Fig.11 , Fig.12 , Fig.13 The method outlined in the present invention uses the apparatus and system disclosed herein to establish an aircraft cabin barrier, which can be at least Figure 2B , Figure 3B , Figure 4B , Figure 5B , Figure 6B and Figure 7B Auxiliary barriers of the type shown.

[0125] Fig.112 is a flow chart showing a method 200 for controlling the movement of passengers along an aisle in an aircraft cabin area, the method comprising: before opening a cockpit door, moving a barrier to a closed position (step 202), wherein the cockpit is located on a first side of the barrier and a passenger section of the cabin area is located on a second side of the barrier. The barrier also includes an aircraft cabin lavatory facility, the aircraft cabin lavatory facility including an aircraft cabin lavatory component which may be, for example, a lavatory door or wall, the aircraft cabin lavatory component being repurposed or also including a dual purpose conversion to an aircraft cabin barrier. The barrier also includes an aircraft cabin second facility, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility is located at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory facility and opposite the aircraft cabin aisle, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility includes a second facility component, wherein the aircraft cabin second facility component includes at least one of an aircraft cabin second facility wall and a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, wherein the second facility component is configured to engage the aircraft cabin lavatory component, and wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory component forms a barrier with the aircraft cabin second facility component in an engaged state. The method further includes: locking the barrier in the closed position (step 204), and after locking the barrier, opening the cockpit door (step 206) and providing the flight crew with access to the front section of the cabin area, wherein the front section of the cabin area is located at the first side of the barrier, and after providing the flight crew with access to the front section of the cabin area, reclosing the cockpit door (step 208). The method 200 optionally also includes: moving the barrier from the deployed position and the established barrier position to the open position (step 210), and returning the barrier components to their original barrier component positions as some parts of the existing aircraft cabin facilities.

[0126] On the other hand, Fig.12 A method 300 is shown, which includes features of method 200 and further includes: monitoring the position of the barrier using a barrier component including elements of a monitoring circuit (step 302), the monitoring circuit can send a signal to, for example, a controller, the controller can receive the signal indicating that the facility component has been assembled into a barrier configuration as a barrier, and the monitoring circuit can also monitor whether the barrier has been locked. The method 300 also includes: activating an indicator (step 304), the indicator can receive a signal from the controller and / or from the monitoring circuit to provide a visual detection confirmation that the barrier has been successfully established and, if desired, confirm that the barrier is locked into the barrier position.

[0127] Methods 200, 300 may also include: after locking the barrier door into a closed position to establish a barrier (step 204), allowing visual access through at least one of the lavatory facility door through-opening and the second facility panel through-opening, such as by moving an opaque panel from a closed position covering the through-opening to an open position adjacent to at least one of the lavatory facility door through-opening and the second facility panel through-opening (step 209).

[0128] Fig.13 1 is a flow chart outlining a method for flight personnel to use the disclosed barrier configured as a secondary barrier to prevent unwanted personnel from entering a space (including, for example, a cockpit) from an aircraft cabin section in front of an established barrier. Fig.13 As shown in , method 400 includes: an initial scenario where the flight crew needs to leave the cockpit (step 402), and the flight crew calls the attendant to remind the flight attendant that they need to leave the cockpit (step 404). After checking to confirm that the lavatory is not occupied (step 406), the flight attendant begins the following process: unfolding the lavatory from its primary use as a lavatory door to a dual use of the lavatory door as part of the barrier (steps 408, 410). Method 400 also includes: continuing to unfold the lavatory facility door and engaging the lavatory door with the second facility at a second facility engagement point according to the cabin configuration (step 412), the second facility engagement point can be the surface of the outer wall of the second facility or can be a second facility panel. Method 400 also includes: locking the barrier in place by engaging the lock (step 414). After the barrier is established, according to aspects of the present invention, method 400 also includes: notifying the flight crew that the barrier has been established (step 416), and then the flight crew leaves the cockpit (step 418). After returning to the cockpit (step 420), the method 400 includes disengaging the barrier and returning the lavatory door to the lavatory facility (step 422) and, if present, returning the second facility panel to a stowed configuration proximate the second facility.

[0129] According to aspects of the present invention, the established barrier can act as a secondary barrier to inhibit the movement of personnel in the passenger section of the aircraft 100 into the lobby 120 and into the cockpit 110. In some examples, the barrier acts to slow the movement of personnel into the lobby 120. The barrier delays the time for undesirable passengers to enter the area in front of the deployed and established barrier because it requires undesirable personnel to break the barrier or otherwise move the barrier to the open position. This time delay enables flight personnel to move into the cockpit 110 and secure the cockpit door 110a. The cockpit door 110a is safer than a barrier and can prevent personnel from reaching the cockpit 110.

[0130] As described herein, aircraft 100 may be equipped with Fig.14 and Fig.15 . The barrier monitoring system 500 shown in FIG. The monitoring system 500 receives signals from the sensor 512 at the cockpit door 110a and the sensor 510 at the barrier. The monitoring system 500 provides the flight personnel in the cockpit 110 with the status of the cockpit door 110a and the barrier. When the barrier is in the open position, this prevents the cockpit door 110a from opening. The sensor 510 senses the position of the barrier and the sensor 512 senses the position of the cockpit door 110a. The control unit 501 receives signals from the sensors 510, 512 and monitors the positioning. An indicator 509 such as a light or an audible alarm is located in the cockpit 110. Before opening the cockpit door 110a, the flight personnel checks the status of the barrier 20. If the barrier 20 is in the closed position, the cockpit door 110a can be opened. This allows the flight personnel to approach the lobby 120 of the cabin area 103, such as to use the lavatory. If the barrier 20 is in the open position, the cockpit door 110a remains closed. This prevents persons who may be located in the lobby 120 from accessing the cockpit 110 .

[0131] In some examples, the control unit 501 controls the lock 540 on the cockpit door 110a. When the barrier 20 is in the open position, the control unit 501 keeps the lock 540 engaged. When the barrier 20 is closed, the control unit 501 disengages the lock 540 and allows it to open.

[0132] The control unit 501 monitors the status and operation of the cockpit door 110a. Fig.15 As shown in , the control unit 501 includes a processing circuit system 502 and a memory circuit system 503. The processing circuit system 502 controls the overall operation of the monitoring according to the program instructions stored in the memory circuit system 503. The processing circuit system 502 may include one or more circuits, microcontrollers, microprocessors, hardware, or a combination thereof. The memory circuit system 503 includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions (such as a computer program product), and the program instructions configure the processing circuit system 502 to implement one or more of the technologies discussed herein. The memory circuit system 503 may include a variety of memory devices, such as read-only memory and flash memory.

[0133] The control unit 501 includes a communication circuit system 508 that provides communication functionality with the sensors 512, 510. The communication circuit system 508 can provide one-way communication from the sensors 512, 510 or two-way communication to and from the sensors 512, 510. The control unit 501 can also communicate with other systems on the aircraft 100, such as a flight control system that controls the operation of the aircraft during flight.

[0134] The user interface 504 enables the flight crew to monitor the status. The user interface 504 may include one or more input devices 506, such as, but not limited to, a keyboard, a touch pad, a roller ball, and a joystick. The user interface 504 may also include one or more displays 505 for displaying information. The display 505 may be located in one or more of the cockpit 110 and the lobby 120.

[0135] Indicator 509 provides a visual and / or audible indication of the status of one or both of cockpit door 110 and barrier 20. Indicator 509 may be a separate device or may be incorporated within user interface 504, such as a display icon on display 505.

[0136] In one example, the lock 540 includes a metal sheet extending along an outer side (e.g., a lateral side). The lock 540 also includes an electromagnetic locking device that engages with the metal sheet to secure the position when the barrier 20 is in the closed position. The flight crew can unlock the lock 540 from the front side and move the barrier 20 to the open position. In the event of a power outage, the lock 540 is configured to disengage to allow the barrier 20 to move to the open position. Although in the event of a power outage, the lock 540 is configured to disengage to allow the barrier 20 to move to the open position. Fig.14 , Fig.15 In the figure, it is represented as barrier 20, but in Fig.14 , Fig.15 The monitoring system 500 and control unit 501 shown in FIG. 5 may also be used to monitor the status of the barrier position of any of the barriers 20 , 30 , 40 , 50 , 60 , 70 described herein.

[0137] Although the lavatory facility door and second facility panel (when present) are shown as single panels or bi-fold panels, aspects of the invention contemplate any practical number of panels, including multi-section panels that may have three, four, five, six, etc. panels or more, wherein design considerations are the weight of the additional sections used in the multi-section panels and the sturdiness of the unfolded multi-section panels in order to provide a useful barrier that may be a secondary barrier to prevent passengers from moving along the aisle in the vehicle cabin into the area of ​​the vehicle in front of the unfolded barrier (which may be a lockable and retractable barrier).

[0138] As used herein, the term "substantially" refers to a particular characteristic, parameter or value that need not be achieved precisely. Rather, deviations or variations including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement precision limitations and other factors known to those skilled in the art may exist in an amount that does not impede the effect that the characteristic is intended to provide.

[0139] Although the drawings of the present invention show a vehicle in the form of an aircraft, various aspects of the present invention may be combined to provide an improved barrier that incorporates deployable aircraft cabin lavatory facility components in passenger vehicles including aircraft, rotorcraft, marine vehicles, land vehicles, hovercraft, and combinations thereof.

[0140] Of course, without departing from the essential features of the present disclosure, the various aspects of the present invention may be implemented in other ways than those specifically described herein. The present invention is to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes falling within the meaning and equivalent range of the appended claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. An aircraft cabin barrier (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70), comprising: An aircraft cabin lavatory facility (112c), the aircraft cabin lavatory facility comprising an aircraft cabin lavatory component (22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 73), the aircraft cabin lavatory component comprising at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door (22, 32, 42, 52, 62) and an aircraft lavatory wall (73a); an aircraft cabin second facility (112a, 112b, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74) located at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory facility and opposite an aircraft cabin aisle (106) relative to the aircraft cabin lavatory facility, the aircraft cabin second facility comprising a second facility component (24a, 34a, 44a, 54a, 64a, 74a), the second facility component comprising at least one of an aircraft cabin second facility wall (24b, 34b, 44b, 54b, 64b, 74c) and a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel (34c, 44c, 54c, 64c, 74b), the second facility component being configured to engage the aircraft cabin lavatory component; Therein, the aircraft cabin lavatory component and the second facility component form the aircraft cabin barrier in a joined state.

2. The aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 1, wherein: The aircraft cabin barrier is configured to prevent persons from moving from a passenger cabin into a cockpit (110a).

3. The aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 1, wherein: The aircraft cabin lavatory component is a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door (22, 32, 42, 52, 62) movably attached to the aircraft cabin lavatory facility, the movable aircraft cabin lavatory door being movable between a lavatory door first engagement position contacting the aircraft cabin lavatory facility and a lavatory door second engagement position contacting the second facility component (24a, 34a, 44a, 54a, 64a, 74a).

4. The aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 1, wherein: The aircraft cabin lavatory component is a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door and the second facility component is an aircraft cabin galley wall (24b, 34b, 44b, 54b, 64b, 74c); or The aircraft cabin lavatory component is a movable aircraft cabin lavatory door and the second facility component is a movable aircraft cabin galley panel (34c, 44c, 54c, 64c, 74b); or The aircraft cabin lavatory component is an aircraft cabin lavatory wall (73a) and the second facility component is a movable aircraft cabin galley panel.

5. The aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 1, wherein: The second facility component engages the aircraft cabin lavatory component in a locked configuration.

6. The aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 1, wherein: The movable aircraft lavatory door further comprises: a first side of a movable aircraft lavatory door (22a, 32a, 42a, 52a, 62a, 72a); a second side of a movable aircraft lavatory door (22b, 32b, 42b, 52b, 62b, 72b); a through opening area (22e, 32e, 42e, 52e) extending through a door thickness of the portable aircraft lavatory door, the door thickness extending from a first side of the portable aircraft lavatory door to a second side of the portable aircraft lavatory door; and A movable opaque window panel (22f, 32f, 42f, 52f, 62f) is movably attached at a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, the movable opaque window panel being configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door.

7. The aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 1, wherein: The movable aircraft lavatory door includes a plurality of folding door panels (54a, 64a, 74b).

8. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 6, further comprising a barrier locking mechanism (22d, 32d, 42d, 52d, 62d, 74a) accessible only from a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door.

9. The aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 1, wherein: The movable aircraft cabin second facility panel (74b) further comprises: A first side (74d) of a second facility panel of a movable aircraft cabin; A second side (74e) of a second facility panel of a movable aircraft cabin; a through opening area (74f) extending through a panel thickness of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, the panel thickness extending from a first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel to a second side of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel; and A movable opaque window panel is movably attached at a first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, the movable opaque window panel being configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel.

10. The aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 1, wherein: The movable aircraft cabin second facility panel comprises a plurality of movable aircraft cabin second facility panels.

11. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 9, further comprising a barrier locking mechanism accessible only from a first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel.

12. An aircraft (100) comprising an aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 8 or 11.

13. An aircraft cabin lavatory facility (112c), comprising: A dual purpose aircraft cabin lavatory door (22, 32, 42, 52, 62) movably attached to an aircraft cabin lavatory frame, the dual purpose aircraft cabin lavatory door comprising: a movable aircraft lavatory door first side (22a, 32a, 42a, 52a, 62a); a second side of a movable aircraft lavatory door (22b, 32b, 42b, 52b, 62b, 72b); a through opening area (22e, 32e, 42e, 52e) extending through a door thickness of the dual-purpose aircraft cabin lavatory door, the door thickness extending from the movable aircraft lavatory door first side to the movable aircraft lavatory door second side; a movable opaque window panel (22f, 32f, 42f, 52f, 62f) movably attached at a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, the movable opaque window panel being configured to selectively allow visual access through the dual-purpose aircraft cabin lavatory door, wherein, in the closed position in the first lavatory door mode, the dual-purpose aircraft cabin lavatory door is configured to completely enclose an aircraft cabin lavatory facility footprint; and Wherein, in the closed position in the second lavatory door mode, the dual purpose aircraft cabin lavatory door is configured to engage an aircraft cabin second facility to form an aircraft cabin barrier configured to control movement of passengers along an aisle within an aircraft cabin area.

14. A method (200) of controlling the movement of passengers along an aisle within an aircraft cabin area, the method comprising: prior to opening the cockpit door, moving (202) a barrier to a closed position, wherein the cockpit is located on a first side of the barrier and a passenger section of the aircraft cabin area is located on a second side of the barrier, the barrier comprising a lock, the barrier further comprising; an aircraft cabin lavatory facility, the aircraft cabin lavatory facility comprising an aircraft cabin lavatory component, the aircraft cabin lavatory component comprising at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door and an aircraft lavatory wall; an aircraft cabin second facility located at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory facility and opposite an aircraft cabin aisle relative to the aircraft cabin lavatory facility, the aircraft cabin second facility comprising a second facility component, the second facility component comprising at least one of an aircraft cabin second facility wall and a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, the second facility component being configured to engage the aircraft cabin lavatory component; wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory component and the second facility component form the barrier in a joined state, locking (204) the barrier in the closed position; After locking the barrier, opening (206) the cockpit door and providing flight personnel with access to a front section of the cabin area, the front section of the cabin area being located at the first side of the barrier; and After providing the flight crew with access to the front section of the cabin area, the cockpit door is reclosed (208).

15. The method (300) of claim 14, further comprising: monitoring (302) the position of the barrier; as well as When the barrier is in the closed position, an indicator in the cockpit is activated (304).

16. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The movable aircraft lavatory door further comprises: Removable aircraft lavatory door first side; Removable aircraft lavatory door second side; a portable aircraft lavatory door through opening area extending through a door thickness of the portable aircraft lavatory door, the door thickness extending from the portable aircraft lavatory door first side to the portable aircraft lavatory door second side; and A movable opaque window panel is movably attached at a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, the movable opaque window panel being configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door.

17. The method (300) of claim 16, further comprising: After locking the barrier, the movable opaque window panel is moved (209) to allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door through-opening area.

18. The method according to claim 14, wherein: The movable aircraft cabin second facility panel also includes: a first side of a second facility panel of a movable aircraft cabin; a second side of a second facility panel of a movable aircraft cabin; a movable aircraft cabin second facility panel through-opening area extending through a panel thickness of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, the panel thickness extending from a first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel to a second side of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel; and A movable opaque window panel is movably attached at a first side of the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel, the movable opaque window panel being configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel through-opening area.

19. The method (300) of claim 18, further comprising: After locking the barrier, the movable opaque window panel is moved (209) to allow visual access through the movable aircraft cabin second facility panel through-opening area.

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