Convertible lavatory system for aircraft interior cabin

Abstract

An aircraft (100, 204) includes an interior cabin (130, 202) and a lavatory system (200) located within the interior cabin (130, 202). The lavatory system (200) is convertible between a standard configuration and an extended configuration. A lavatory system (200) includes a first lavatory unit (210) and a second lavatory unit (212). One or more doors (218, 220) of one or both of the first lavatory unit (210) and the second lavatory unit (212) are movable between different positions to provide a standard configuration and an extended configuration.

Description

[0001] Citations of relevant applications

[0002] This application relates to and claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 711,802, filed October 25, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to lavatory systems for internal cabins of aircraft, and more specifically to lavatory systems configured to switch between different configurations. Background Technology

[0004] Commercial aircraft are used to transport passengers and / or cargo between various destinations. A typical commercial aircraft includes an interior cabin that includes passenger seating areas, one or more galleys, and one or more lavatories.

[0005] People with mobility impairments (such as those using wheelchairs on commercial aircraft) may find it difficult to access and use onboard lavatories. For example, typical lavatories on airplanes may be too small for wheelchairs to easily maneuver.

[0006] Known extended lavatories used on single-aisle aircraft typically do not meet market needs. For example, extended lavatories significantly impact cabin space, total seating capacity, cabin crew workspace, and / or galley capacity. Furthermore, such extended lavatories may not meet airline and regulatory requirements for people with disabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0007] There is a need for lavatory systems that are easily accessible and usable by persons with mobility impairments. In view of this need, certain examples of this disclosure provide aircraft comprising an interior compartment and a lavatory system located within the interior compartment. The lavatory system is convertible between a standard configuration and an extended configuration. The lavatory system includes a first lavatory unit and a second lavatory unit. One or more doors of one or both of the first and second lavatory units are movable between different locations to provide both a standard configuration and an extended configuration. In at least one embodiment, the lavatory system is located in the rear area of ​​the interior compartment.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the lavatory system further includes a passageway separating the first lavatory unit and the second lavatory unit. The passageway leads to a corridor within the interior compartment.

[0009] Each of the first and second washroom units includes a toilet.

[0010] In at least one embodiment, one or more doors include a first door for a first lavatory unit and a second door for a second lavatory unit. The first lavatory unit provides a first interior chamber, and the second lavatory unit provides a second interior chamber. The first door is movable between a first closed position that closes the first interior chamber in a standard configuration and a first open position that opens the first interior chamber in a standard configuration. The second door is movable between a second closed position that closes the second interior chamber in a standard configuration and a second open position that opens the second interior chamber in a standard configuration. In at least one embodiment, the first door is configured to open to the first interior chamber of the first lavatory unit, and the second door is configured to open to the second interior chamber of the second lavatory unit. In at least one embodiment, one or both of the first and second doors are configured to extend a passageway through the first and second lavatory units to provide an extended configuration.

[0011] In at least one embodiment, the lavatory system further includes an end region located between a first end sidewall of the first lavatory unit and a second end sidewall of the second lavatory unit. The end region may include one or more of the following: (a) a cabinet for holding a trash receiver, (b) emergency equipment, (c) a sink, and / or (d) a crew seat.

[0012] In at least one embodiment, the lavatory system further includes one or more cabinets and one or more crew seats fixed to one or both of the first lavatory unit and the second lavatory unit.

[0013] Some embodiments of this disclosure provide a method comprising: switching a lavatory system between a standard configuration and an extended configuration.

[0014] In at least one embodiment, the conversion includes: moving the first door of the first lavatory unit to a first closed position that closes the first inner chamber of the first lavatory unit when in a standard configuration; moving the first door of the first lavatory unit to a first open position that opens the first inner chamber when in a standard configuration; moving the second door of the second lavatory unit to a second closed position that closes the second inner chamber of the second lavatory unit when in a standard configuration; and moving the second door of the second lavatory unit to a second open position that opens the second inner chamber when in a standard configuration.

[0015] In at least one embodiment, the method further includes extending one or both of the first door and the second door through a passage between the first lavatory unit and the second lavatory unit to provide an extended configuration.

[0016] In at least one embodiment, the method further includes holding one or more of a garbage receiver, emergency equipment, or sink in an end region located between a first end sidewall of the first washroom unit and a second end sidewall of the second washroom unit. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A frontal perspective view of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 An interior perspective view of an aircraft interior compartment according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 3 A top view is shown of a lavatory system in standard configuration within the interior cabin of an aircraft, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 A top view of a lavatory system in a standard configuration with open doors to allow access to the first and second lavatory units is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 A top view of a washroom system in an extended configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 6 A front view of the end region of a passageway in a washroom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 7 A front view of the end region of a passageway in a washroom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 A front view of the end region of a passageway in a washroom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 9 An isometric view of the end region according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 10 An isometric view of the end region according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 11 An isometric interior view of a standard configuration washroom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 12 An isometric interior view of a washroom system having a door in an open position and a door in a partially open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0029] Figure 13 An isometric interior view of a washroom system having a door in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0030] Figure 14An isometric interior view of a washroom system in an extended configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 15 An isometric front view of a washroom system in an extended configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 16 An isometric front view of a washroom system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The foregoing summary and the following detailed description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, elements or steps stated in the singular and preceded by the words "a" or "an" should be understood to not necessarily exclude elements or steps in the plural form. Furthermore, the reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the described features. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, embodiments that "comprise" or "have" one or more elements having a particular condition may include additional elements that do not have that condition.

[0034] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a lavatory system for the interior compartment of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. The lavatory is configured to provide easy access for people with mobility impairments. In at least one embodiment, the lavatory is located in the rear area of ​​the interior compartment and provides increased space when converted from a standard dual-lavatory configuration to a transformed extended-space configuration, while minimizing or otherwise reducing the impact on compartment configuration and operation. When the lavatory system is deployed to the transformed extended configuration, the entrance area / space is utilized to form a single large lavatory that provides increased space to support users with disabilities, including those requiring independent or assisted transfer from onboard wheelchairs.

[0035] As described herein, vehicles such as aircraft include interior compartments and lavatory systems within those compartments. The lavatory systems can be switched between standard and extended configurations. In at least one embodiment, the lavatory system includes a first lavatory unit and a second lavatory unit. One or more doors of one or both of the first or second lavatory units are movable between different locations to provide both standard and extended configurations. In at least one embodiment, the lavatory system is located in the rear area of ​​the interior compartment.

[0036] Figure 1A front perspective view of an aircraft 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The aircraft 100 includes a propulsion system 112, which, for example, includes engines 114. Optionally, the propulsion system 112 may include more engines 114 than shown. The engines 114 are carried by wings 116 of the aircraft 100. In other examples, the engines 114 may be carried by a fuselage 118 and / or a tail 120. The tail 120 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 122 and a vertical stabilizer 124.

[0037] The fuselage 118 of the aircraft 100 defines an interior compartment 130, which includes a cockpit or flight cabin, one or more work areas (e.g., galley, carry-on baggage area, etc.), one or more passenger areas (e.g., first class, business class and second class areas), one or more lavatories, etc.

[0038] Figure 1 The aircraft 100 shown is merely exemplary. The size, shape, and configuration of the aircraft 100 may differ from those shown. Alternatively, embodiments of this disclosure can be used with a variety of other types of transportation, such as land-based transportation (e.g., buses, trains, cars, etc.), water-based transportation (e.g., cruise ships), space-based transportation, etc.

[0039] Figure 2 An interior perspective view of an aircraft interior compartment 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The interior compartment 130 includes an outer wall 132 and a ceiling 134. Windows 136 may be formed within the outer wall 132. A floor 138 supports multiple rows of seats 140. Figure 2 As shown, a row 142 may include three seats 140 on either side of the aisle 143. However, a row 142 may include more or fewer seats 140 than shown. Furthermore, the interior compartment 130 may include more aisles than shown.

[0040] As used herein, the term "outer side" refers to a position further away from the central longitudinal plane 150 of the interior compartment 130 compared to another component. The term "inner side" refers to a position closer to the central longitudinal plane 150 of the interior compartment 130 compared to another component.

[0041] Figure 3 A top view is shown of a lavatory system 200 in standard configuration within an interior compartment 202 of an aircraft 204 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least one embodiment, the lavatory system 200 is located, for example, in the rear region 206 of the interior compartment 202, behind a row of seats and the galley 208.

[0042] The lavatory system 200 includes a first lavatory unit 210 and a second lavatory unit 212 spaced apart by a passageway 214 leading to a corridor 216. In at least one embodiment, the interior compartment 202 includes a single passageway 216 leading to the passageway 214. As another embodiment, the interior compartment 202 includes a plurality of lavatory systems 200, each lavatory system 200 having a passageway 214 leading to a different passageway 216.

[0043] Each of the first washroom unit 210 and the second washroom unit 212 includes a toilet, a sink, etc. Each of the first washroom unit 210 and the second washroom unit 212 includes doors 218 and 220, respectively, that lead to passageway 214 when opened.

[0044] As shown in the figure, the lavatory system 200 is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal plane 219 of the passageway 216 (and / or interior compartment 202). The passageway 214 is longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal plane 219. A first lavatory unit 210 is disposed on a first side 221 of the longitudinal plane 219, while a second lavatory unit 212 is disposed on a second side 223 of the longitudinal plane 219 (opposite to the first side 221). The first lavatory unit 210 and the second lavatory unit 212 are located outside the longitudinal plane 219.

[0045] Figure 4 A top view of a standard configuration lavatory system 200 is shown, with doors 218 and 220 opened to allow access to a first lavatory unit 210 and a second lavatory unit 212. As shown, doors 218 and 220 can open in a first direction, for example, to lead to the first lavatory unit 210 and the second lavatory unit 212, respectively, thereby allowing access to individual lavatory units 210 and 212. Doors 218 and 220 may be folding doors with panels that fold around a central vertical axis.

[0046] Door 218 is pivotally connected to the front wall 234 at a pivot axis 236 near the passage 214. As shown, door 218 is configured to pivot inward about the pivot axis 236 along the direction of arc 238 into the first washroom unit 210.

[0047] Door 220 is pivotally connected to front wall 240 at pivot axis 242 (opposite to door 218) near passage 214. As shown, door 220 is configured to pivot inward about pivot axis 242 along arc 244 into second washroom unit 212.

[0048] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first washroom unit 210 provides a first inner chamber 290, and the second washroom unit 212 provides a second inner chamber 292. The door 218 is available in a first closed position that closes the first inner chamber 290 when in standard configuration. Figure 3 (as shown in the diagram) and the first opening position that opens the first interior chamber 290 when in standard configuration ( Figure 4 The door 220 can move between the two positions shown in the diagram. Similarly, the door 220 can be in a second closed position (where the second interior 292 is closed in the standard configuration) Figure 3 (as shown in the diagram) and the second opening position that opens the second interior chamber 292 when in standard configuration ( Figure 4 (as shown in the image) move between them.

[0049] Figure 5 A top view of a washroom system 200 in an extended configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. To convert the washroom system 200 to an extended configuration, one or both of the doors 218 of the first washroom unit 210 and 220 of the second washroom unit 212 are opened in a second direction (such as a direction away from the respective units 210 and 212) to close the opening 225 of the access passage 214, thereby providing extended washroom space. Specifically, door 218 pivots about a pivot axis 236 in the direction of arc 246 (opposite to the direction of arc 238), while door 220 pivots about a pivot axis 242 in the direction of arc 248 (opposite to the direction of arc 244). In at least one embodiment, doors 218 and 220 may be removably connected together within the opening 225 of the passage 214 to provide the extended configuration. Optionally, one of doors 218 or 220 may pivot to… Figure 5 The position shown extends across the entire opening 225 (while another door 218 or 220 remains as shown). Figure 4 (The location shown).

[0050] Reference Figures 3 to 5 The lavatory system 200 includes an end region 230 located between an end sidewall 231 of a first lavatory unit 210 and an end sidewall 233 of a second lavatory unit 212. In at least one embodiment, the end region 230 is configured to store trash, emergency equipment, a sink, etc., which are accessible when the lavatory system 200 is in a non-extended standard configuration.

[0051] Figure 6 A front view of an end region 230 of a passageway 214 of a washroom system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In at least one embodiment, the end region 230 includes a cabinet 260, which, for example, holds a trash receiver.

[0052] Figure 7A front view of an end region 230 of a passageway 214 of a lavatory system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In at least one embodiment, the end region 230 includes emergency equipment 262, such as an oxygen cylinder, a defibrillator, a first aid kit, etc. The end region 230 may also include a cabinet 260 for holding a trash receiver (e.g., Figure 6 (As shown).

[0053] Figure 8 A front view of the end region 230 of a passage 214 of a washroom system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In at least one embodiment, the end region 230 includes a sink 264 and a faucet. The end region 230 may include a cabinet 260 ( Figure 6 (as shown) and / or emergency equipment 262 ( Figure 7 One or both of (as shown in the image).

[0054] refer to Figures 6 to 8 End area 230 may optionally or additionally include storage area and / or crew seat (specifically, forward-facing crew seat so that the seated crew member can see the aisle and passenger seating area).

[0055] Figure 9 An isometric view of end region 230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, end region 230 may include an upper storage cabinet 270 and a lower retaining box 272. The upper storage cabinet 270 may be configured to hold various components such as emergency equipment. The lower retaining box 272 may be a trash receiver. As shown, the lower retaining box 272 may be configured to pivot inward in the direction of arrow 274. This movement may be used to compact trash held within the retaining box 272 and / or provide additional space within the passageway 214.

[0056] Figure 10 An isometric view of the end region 230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The lower retainer 272 can be configured to pivot outward in the direction of arrow 276 to allow opening of the lower retainer 272. This allows a person to dispose of trash, for example, into the lower retainer 272.

[0057] Figure 11 An isometric interior view of a washroom system 200 in standard configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The door 218 of the first washroom unit 210 and the door 220 of the second washroom unit 212 are closed in standard configuration, thereby providing closed interior chambers 290 and 292, respectively.

[0058] Figure 12An isometric interior view of a washroom system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, the washroom system having a door 220 in an open position and a door 218 in a partially open position. As shown, door 220 can be folded against the inner surface 241 of the front wall 240. Door 218 can be folded onto itself about a central vertical axis, thereby providing a smaller space for access to an inner room 290. Alternatively, door 218 can be folded against the inner surface 235 of the front wall 234, while door 220 can be in the partially open position.

[0059] Figure 13 An isometric interior view of a washroom system 200 having doors 218 and 220 in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown. When doors 218 and 220 are in the open position, interior rooms 290 and 292 are opened and accessible.

[0060] Figure 14 An isometric interior view of a washroom system 200 in an extended configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, door 220 folds against the inner surface 241 of front wall 240, and door 218 extends through opening 225 of passage 214, thereby closing the extended interior chamber 300.

[0061] Figure 15 An isometric front view of a washroom system 200 in an extended configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For clarity, the front walls 234 and 240 are shown as transparent. In the extended configuration, the washroom system 200 provides an extended interior 300, which allows for greater movement space to allow one person 302 to be assisted by another person 304.

[0062] Figure 16 An isometric front view of a lavatory system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As described above, the lavatory system 200 may be arranged within the rear end of an interior compartment 202. A passageway 214 may be connected to an exit path 310 leading to an exit door 312.

[0063] In at least one embodiment, the cabinet 320 and the crew seat 322 may be fixed to the outer surfaces of the front walls 234 and 240. Alternatively, the front walls 234 and 240 may not have the cabinet and crew seat fixed thereto.

[0064] refer to Figures 1 to 16 One or more curtains can be deployed to provide additional privacy, such as regarding crew work, lavatory users, and seating areas. For example, in addition to doors 218 and / or 220, the movable curtains can also be configured to cover the opening 225 of passageway 214.

[0065] The lavatory system 200 provides unprecedented accessibility for single-aisle aircraft in the aviation industry and meets the operational requirements for lavatory access with minimal cabin configuration and operational impact. Furthermore, the lavatory system 200 minimizes or otherwise reduces the impact on seating density within the interior cabin 202 (and therefore does not adversely affect airline revenue). Additionally, the lavatory system 200 minimizes or otherwise reduces the impact associated with galley trolley capacity or service levels, and can effectively increase such capacity and service. The lavatory system 200 also protects cabin crew workspace and privacy. The lavatory system 200 can be used on single-aisle aircraft or optionally on aircraft with multiple aisles.

[0066] Certain regulations (such as those issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation) require relatively large, accessible lavatories on single-aisle aircraft that support individual assisted transfers (such as regarding wheelchairs and toilets). The lavatory system 200 shown and described herein provides such a lavatory. The convertible lavatory system 200 shown and described herein complies with such regulations while minimizing impacts related to performance and cabin configuration.

[0067] Furthermore, this disclosure includes embodiments according to the following provisions:

[0068] Clause 1. An aircraft comprising: an interior compartment; and a lavatory system located within the interior compartment, wherein the lavatory system is convertible between a standard configuration and an extended configuration, wherein the lavatory system comprises: a first lavatory unit; and a second lavatory unit, wherein one or more doors of one or both of the first and second lavatory units are movable between different locations to provide the standard configuration and the extended configuration.

[0069] Clause 2. Aircraft pursuant to Clause 1, wherein the lavatory system is located in the rear area of ​​the interior cabin.

[0070] Clause 3. An aircraft pursuant to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the lavatory system includes a passageway separating a first lavatory unit from a second lavatory unit, wherein the passageway leads to an aisle within the interior cabin.

[0071] Clause 4. An aircraft pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein each of the first lavatory unit and the second lavatory includes a toilet.

[0072] Clause 5. An aircraft pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein one or more doors comprise: a first door of a first lavatory unit; and a second door of a second lavatory unit.

[0073] Clause 6. An aircraft pursuant to Clause 5, wherein a first lavatory unit provides a first interior, and wherein a second lavatory unit provides a second interior, wherein a first door is movable between a first closed position that closes the first interior in a standard configuration and a first open position that opens the first interior in a standard configuration, and wherein a second door is movable between a second closed position that closes the second interior in a standard configuration and a second open position that opens the second interior in a standard configuration.

[0074] Clause 7. An aircraft pursuant to Clause 6, wherein a first door is configured to, upon opening, lead to a first interior compartment of a first lavatory unit, and wherein a second door is configured to, upon opening, lead to a second interior compartment of a second lavatory unit.

[0075] Clause 8. An aircraft pursuant to Clause 7, wherein one or both of the first and second doors are configured to extend through the passageway between the first and second lavatory units to provide an extended configuration.

[0076] Clause 9. An aircraft pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 8, wherein the lavatory system further includes an end region located between a first end wall of the first lavatory unit and a second end wall of the second lavatory unit.

[0077] Clause 10. Aircraft pursuant to Clause 9, wherein the end area includes a cabinet that holds a garbage receiver.

[0078] Clause 11. Aircraft pursuant to Clause 9 or 10, wherein the end area includes emergency equipment.

[0079] Clause 12. An aircraft pursuant to any of Clauses 9 to 11, wherein the end area includes a water tank.

[0080] Clause 13. An aircraft pursuant to any of Clauses 9 to 12, wherein the end area includes a crew seat.

[0081] Clause 14. An aircraft pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the lavatory system further includes one or more cabinets and one or more crew seats fixed to one or both of the first lavatory unit and the second lavatory unit.

[0082] Clause 15. A method for an aircraft, the aircraft comprising: an interior compartment; and a lavatory system located within the interior compartment, wherein the lavatory system is switchable between a standard configuration and an extended configuration, wherein the lavatory system comprises: a first lavatory unit; and a second lavatory unit, wherein one or more doors of one or both of the first and second lavatory units are movable between different locations to provide a standard configuration and an extended configuration, the method comprising: switching the lavatory system between the standard configuration and the extended configuration.

[0083] Clause 16. The method according to Clause 15, wherein the conversion includes: moving the first door of the first lavatory unit to a first closed position that closes the first inner chamber of the first lavatory unit when in standard configuration; moving the first door of the first lavatory unit to a first open position that opens the first inner chamber when in standard configuration; moving the second door of the second lavatory unit to a second closed position that closes the second inner chamber of the second lavatory unit when in standard configuration; and moving the second door of the second lavatory unit to a second open position that opens the second inner chamber when in standard configuration.

[0084] Clause 17. The method according to Clause 16 also includes extending one or both of the first door and the second door through a passage between the first lavatory unit and the second lavatory unit to provide an extended configuration.

[0085] Clause 18. The method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 17 further includes holding one or more of the garbage receiver, emergency equipment and sink in the end area between the first end sidewall of the first lavatory unit and the second end sidewall of the second lavatory unit.

[0086] Clause 19. An aircraft comprising: an interior compartment; and a lavatory system located in the rear region of the interior compartment, wherein the lavatory system is switchable between a standard configuration and an extended configuration, wherein the lavatory system comprises: a first lavatory unit including a first door and a first toilet within a first interior, wherein the first door is configured to open to access a first interior of the first lavatory unit, wherein the first door is movable between a first closed position that closes the first interior in a standard configuration and a first open position that opens the first interior in a standard configuration; and a second lavatory unit including a second door and a second toilet within a second interior, wherein the second door is configured to open to access a second lavatory. The first lavatory unit has a second interior compartment, wherein a second door is movable between a second closed position that closes the second interior compartment in standard configuration and a second open position that opens the second interior compartment in standard configuration; a passageway that separates the first lavatory unit from the second lavatory unit, wherein the passageway leads to an aisle within the interior compartment; and an end region located between a first end sidewall of the first lavatory unit and a second end sidewall of the second lavatory unit, wherein the end region includes a cabinet that holds a garbage receiver, emergency equipment, and a sink, wherein one or both of the first door and the second door are configured to extend through the passageway located between the first lavatory unit and the second lavatory unit to provide an extended configuration.

[0087] Clause 20. An aircraft pursuant to Clause 19, wherein the lavatory system further includes one or more cabinets and one or more crew seats fixed to each of the first lavatory unit and the second lavatory unit.

[0088] While various spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. The orientation may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise changed such that upper is lower, or vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0089] As used herein, structures, constraints, or elements "configured to" perform a task or operation are specifically structurally formed, configured, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid ambiguity, objects that can only be modified to perform a task or operation are not "configured to" perform the task or operation as used herein.

[0090] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Furthermore, many modifications may be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of various embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define parameters of various embodiments of this disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive but rather exemplary. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. Therefore, the scope of the different embodiments of this disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their equivalents. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as equivalents to the corresponding terms “including” and “wherein”. Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. In addition, the limitations of the appended claims are not written in the form of means plus function, unless and until such claims are limited by the phrase “means for…” following a functional statement to avoid further structural limitations.

[0091] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of this disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of this disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other embodiments that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A lavatory system (200) configured for use in an interior compartment (130, 202) of an aircraft (100, 204), the lavatory system (200) comprising: First washroom unit (210); as well as Second washroom unit (212) The lavatory system (200) is switchable between a standard configuration and an extended configuration, and one or more doors (218, 220) of one or both of the first lavatory unit (210) and the second lavatory unit (212) are movable between different locations to provide the standard configuration and the extended configuration.

2. The washroom system (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The lavatory system (200) is configured to be located in the rear area (206) of the interior compartments (130, 202).

3. The washroom system (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The lavatory system (200) further includes a passage (214) separating the first lavatory unit (210) and the second lavatory unit (212), wherein the passage (214) is configured as a corridor (216) leading to the interior compartments (130, 202).

4. The washroom system (200) according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the first washroom unit (210) and the second washroom unit (212) includes a toilet.

5. The washroom system (200) according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more gates (218, 220) include: The first door of the first washroom unit (210); and The second door of the second washroom unit (212).

6. The washroom system (200) according to claim 5, wherein, The first washroom unit (210) provides a first interior room, and wherein the second washroom unit (212) provides a second interior room, wherein the first door is movable between a first closed position that closes the first interior room in the standard configuration and a first open position that opens the first interior room in the standard configuration, and wherein the second door is movable between a second closed position that closes the second interior room in the standard configuration and a second open position that opens the second interior room in the standard configuration.

7. The washroom system (200) according to claim 6, wherein, The first door is configured to open to the first inner room of the first washroom unit (210), and the second door is configured to open to the second inner room of the second washroom unit (212).

8. The washroom system (200) according to claim 7, wherein, One or both of the first door and the second door are configured to extend through a passage (214) located between the first washroom unit (210) and the second washroom unit (212) to provide the extended configuration.

9. The washroom system (200) according to claim 1 further includes an end region (230) located between the first end sidewall (231) of the first washroom unit (210) and the second end sidewall (233) of the second washroom unit (212).

10. The washroom system (200) according to claim 9, wherein, The end region (230) includes a cabinet (260) that holds a garbage receiver.

11. The washroom system (200) according to claim 9, wherein, The end region (230) includes emergency equipment (262).

12. The washroom system (200) according to claim 9, wherein, The end region (230) includes a water tank (264).

13. The washroom system (200) according to claim 9, wherein, The end area (230) includes a crew seat.

14. The lavatory system (200) according to claim 1 further includes one or more cabinets (260) and one or more crew seats fixed to one or both of the first lavatory unit (210) and the second lavatory unit (212).

15. A method for an aircraft (100, 204), said aircraft comprising: Internal compartments (130, 202); as well as A lavatory system (200) located within the internal compartments (130, 202), wherein the lavatory system (200) is convertible between a standard configuration and an extended configuration, wherein the lavatory system (200) includes: First washroom unit (210); and Second washroom unit (212) In this configuration, one or more doors (218, 220) of one or both of the first washroom unit (210) and the second washroom unit (212) are movable between different positions to provide the standard configuration and the extended configuration. The method includes: The washroom system (200) can be switched between the standard configuration and the extended configuration.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the conversion comprises: Move the first door of the first washroom unit (210) to a first closed position that closes the first interior of the first washroom unit (210) when in the standard configuration; Move the first door of the first washroom unit (210) to a first open position that opens the first interior room when in the standard configuration; Move the second door of the second washroom unit (212) to a second closed position, which closes the second interior of the second washroom unit (212) when in the standard configuration; and Move the second door of the second washroom unit (212) to a second open position that would open the second interior room when in the standard configuration.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising extending one or both of the first door and the second door through a passage (214) located between the first washroom unit (210) and the second washroom unit (212) to provide the extended configuration.

18. The method of claim 15 further includes holding one or more of the garbage receiver, emergency equipment (262) and sink (264) in an end region (230) between a first end sidewall (231) of the first washroom unit (210) and a second end sidewall (233) of the second washroom unit (212).

19. An aircraft (100, 204) comprises: Internal compartments (130, 202); as well as A lavatory system (200) is located in the rear region (206) of the internal compartments (130, 202), wherein the lavatory system (200) is convertible between a standard configuration and an extended configuration, and wherein the lavatory system (200) includes: A first washroom unit (210) includes a first door and a first toilet in a first interior, wherein the first door is configured to open to the first interior of the first washroom unit (210), wherein the first door is movable between a first closed position that closes the first interior in the standard configuration and a first open position that opens the first interior in the standard configuration; The second washroom unit (212) includes a second door and a second toilet in a second interior, wherein the second door is configured to open to the second interior of the second washroom unit (212), wherein the second door is movable between a second closed position that closes the second interior in the standard configuration and a second open position that opens the second interior in the standard configuration; A passageway (214) separates the first lavatory unit (210) and the second lavatory unit (212), wherein the passageway (214) leads to a corridor (216) within the internal compartments (130, 202); and An end region (230) is located between the first end sidewall (231) of the first washroom unit (210) and the second end sidewall (233) of the second washroom unit (212), wherein the end region (230) includes a cabinet (260) that holds a trash receiver, an emergency device (262) and a sink (264). One or both of the first door and the second door are configured to extend through the passage (214) located between the first washroom unit (210) and the second washroom unit (212) to provide the extended configuration.

20. The aircraft (100, 204) according to claim 19, wherein, The lavatory system (200) also includes one or more cabinets (260) and one or more crew seats fixed to each of the first lavatory unit (210) and the second lavatory unit (212).

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