Dual purpose lavatory barrier

Abstract

To provide a device that may inhibit a person from rushing towards a cockpit.SOLUTION: A dual purpose aircraft lavatory component that can be a dual purpose aircraft lavatory door is configured to deploy in a vehicle cabin from an initial position as an aircraft lavatory monument component into a deployed position where the aircraft lavatory monument component is converted into an aircraft cabin lockable barrier to prevent passengers from moving along an aisle in the vehicle cabin into a vehicle area disposed forward of the lockable barrier.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2B

Description

[Technical field]

[0001]

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

[0002]

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

[0003]

[0003] The cockpit door is closed and locked during flight. This allows the flight crew to concentrate on flying the aircraft and also prevents unwanted people from entering the cockpit. However, the cockpit door may be opened during flight for various reasons. One of these is when the flight crew uses a lavatory located in the cabin area of ​​the aircraft. Also, food and drinks prepared in the galley in the cabin area may be delivered to the flight crew in the cockpit.

[0004]

[0004] Opening the cockpit door may allow an undesirable person to enter the cockpit. When the cockpit door is opened, an undesirable person may suddenly surge to the front of the aircraft and force their way into the cockpit. It may be difficult for flight crew working in the cabin area to react to this movement and quickly close and lock the cockpit door.

[0005]

[0005] There is a need for a device that can restrain people from rushing towards the cockpit, that can prevent people from reaching the front of the aircraft or slow their movement, so that the cockpit door can be closed and locked before the intruder reaches the cockpit.

[0006]

[0006] Unless expressly stated otherwise, statements in this specification are not admitted to be prior art by virtue of being included merely in the technical field and / or background art. Summary of the Invention

[0007]

[0007] Several present aspects are directed to a deployable barrier in a vehicle cabin area, which may be, for example, a deck area of ​​an aircraft cabin. The barrier is formed by deploying a dual purpose lavatory component from a lavatory component configuration to a deployed lavatory component barrier configuration / position. The barrier is in a deployed lavatory component barrier position configured to prevent persons from passing from the cabin area, including from the cabin area and the deck area into a vehicle control deck area located forward of the deployed lavatory component barrier. The vehicle control deck area may be, for example, a cockpit in an aircraft.

[0008]

[0008] Present aspects are directed to an aircraft cabin barrier including an aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin lavatory monument includes an aircraft cabin lavatory component. The aircraft cabin lavatory component includes at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door and an aircraft lavatory wall. The aircraft cabin barrier further includes an aircraft cabin second monument. The aircraft cabin second monument is disposed on an opposite side of the aircraft cabin aisle at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin second monument includes a second monument component. The aircraft cabin second monument component includes at least one of an aircraft cabin second monument wall and a movable aircraft cabin second monument panel. The second monument component is configured to engage with the aircraft cabin lavatory component. The aircraft cabin lavatory component in engagement with the aircraft cabin second monument component forms the aircraft cabin barrier.

[0009]

[0009] In another aspect, an aircraft cabin barrier is configured to prevent the movement of persons, including undesirable persons, from the passenger cabin into the cockpit.

[0010] In another aspect, the aircraft cabin lavatory component is a movable aircraft lavatory door movably attached to an aircraft cabin lavatory monument, the movable aircraft lavatory door being movable between a first engagement position of the lavatory door in contact with the aircraft cabin lavatory monument and a second engagement position of the lavatory door in contact with a second aircraft cabin monument component.

[0011]

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

[0012]

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

[0013]

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

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

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

[0016]

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

[0017]

[0017] In a further aspect, the aircraft cabin barrier further includes a barrier locking mechanism exclusively accessible from a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door.

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

[0019]

[0019] In another aspect, the aircraft cabin second monument panel includes a plurality of movable aircraft cabin second monument panels.

[0020]

[0020] In a further aspect, the aircraft cabin barrier further includes a barrier locking mechanism exclusively accessible from a first side of the second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin.

[0021] Another aspect is directed to an aircraft including an aircraft cabin barrier including an aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin lavatory monument includes an aircraft cabin lavatory component. The aircraft cabin lavatory component includes at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door and an aircraft lavatory wall. The aircraft cabin barrier further includes an aircraft cabin second monument. The aircraft cabin second monument is disposed on an opposite side of the aircraft cabin aisle at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin second monument includes a second monument component. The aircraft cabin second monument component includes at least one of an aircraft cabin second monument wall and a movable aircraft cabin second monument panel. The second monument component is configured to engage with the aircraft cabin lavatory component. The aircraft cabin lavatory component in engagement with the aircraft cabin second monument component forms the aircraft cabin barrier. When the aircraft cabin lavatory component is a movable aircraft lavatory door, the movable aircraft lavatory door further includes a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, a second side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, and a through opening area extending through a door thickness of the movable aircraft lavatory door, the door thickness extending from the first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door to the second side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, and a movable opaque window panel movably attached to the first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, the movable opaque window panel configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door.

[0022]

[0022] A further aspect is directed to an aircraft including an aircraft cabin barrier including an aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin lavatory monument includes an aircraft cabin lavatory component. The aircraft lavatory component includes at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door and an aircraft lavatory wall. The aircraft cabin barrier further includes an aircraft cabin second monument. The aircraft cabin second monument is disposed on an opposite side of the aircraft cabin aisle at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin second monument includes a second monument component. The aircraft cabin second monument component includes at least one of an aircraft cabin second monument wall and a movable aircraft cabin second monument panel. The second monument component is configured to engage with the aircraft cabin lavatory component. The aircraft cabin lavatory component in engagement with the aircraft cabin second monument component forms the aircraft cabin barrier. The second monument panel of the moveable aircraft cabin further includes a first side of the moveable aircraft cabin second monument panel, a second side of the moveable aircraft cabin second monument panel, and a through opening area extending through a panel thickness of the moveable aircraft cabin second monument panel, the panel thickness extending from the first side of the moveable aircraft cabin second monument panel to the second side of the moveable aircraft cabin second monument panel, and a moveable opaque window panel movably attached to the first side of the moveable aircraft cabin second monument panel, the moveable aircraft cabin second monument panel being configured to selectively allow visual access through the moveable aircraft cabin second monument panel.

[0023]

[0023] A further aspect is directed to an aircraft cabin lavatory monument, the monument including a dual purpose aircraft lavatory door movably mounted to an aircraft cabin lavatory frame, the dual purpose aircraft lavatory door including a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, a second side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, and a through opening area extending through a door thickness of the dual purpose aircraft lavatory door. The door thickness extends from the first side of the dual purpose aircraft lavatory door to the second side of the movable aircraft lavatory door. The dual purpose aircraft lavatory door further includes a movable opaque window panel movably mounted to the first side of the dual purpose aircraft lavatory door. The movable opaque window panel is configured to selectively allow visual access through the dual purpose aircraft lavatory door. In a closed position in a first lavatory door mode, the dual purpose aircraft lavatory door is configured to completely enclose a footprint of the aircraft cabin lavatory monument. In a closed position in a second lavatory door mode, the dual purpose aircraft lavatory door is configured to engage a second monument in the aircraft cabin to form an aircraft cabin barrier, the aircraft cabin barrier being configured to control passenger movement along a aisle within the aircraft cabin area.

[0024]

[0024] A further aspect is directed to a method of controlling passenger movement along an aisle in an aircraft cabin area. The method includes moving a barrier to a closed movement with the cockpit on a first side of the barrier and a passenger section of the cabin area on a second side of the barrier before opening a cockpit door. The barrier further includes an aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin lavatory monument includes an aircraft cabin lavatory component, which may be a lavatory door or a lavatory wall. The aircraft cabin lavatory component includes at least one of a movable aircraft lavatory door and an aircraft lavatory wall. The barrier further includes an aircraft cabin second monument. The aircraft cabin second monument is disposed on an opposite side of the aircraft cabin aisle at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin second monument includes a second monument component. The aircraft cabin second monument component includes at least one of an aircraft cabin second monument wall and a movable aircraft cabin second monument panel. The second monument component is configured to engage with the aircraft cabin lavatory component. The aircraft cabin lavatory component in engagement with the aircraft cabin second monument component forms an aircraft cabin barrier. The method further includes locking the barrier in a closed position, opening the cockpit door after locking the barrier to provide the flight crew with access to a forward section of the cabin area, the forward section of the cabin area being disposed on a first side of the barrier, providing the flight crew with access to the forward section of the cabin area, and reclosing the cockpit door after providing the flight crew with access to the forward section of the cabin area.

[0025]

[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]

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

[0027]

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

[0028]

[0028] The above-described features, functions, and advantages can be realized alone in various aspects or can be combined in further multiple aspects, details of which can be confirmed by referring to the following description and the attached drawings.

[0029]

[0029] Having described the present disclosure in general terms, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1A]

[0030] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a vehicle taking the form of an aircraft according to several aspects of the present invention. [Figure 1B]

[0031] 1B is a top-down cross-sectional partial view of a forward section of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B, according to multiple present embodiments. [Figure 2A]

[0032] 1B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B, according to multiple present embodiments. [Figure 2B]

[0033] FIG. 2B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in at least the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 2A with a deployed second barrier shown incorporating a dual-purpose lavatory door in accordance with multiple present embodiments. [Figure 2C]

[0034] FIG. 2C is a view looking aft from within a deck area closed off by a deployed second barrier incorporating the dual purpose lavatory door barrier shown in FIG. 2B according to some present embodiments. [Figure 3A]

[0035] 1B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B, according to multiple present embodiments. [Figure 3B]

[0036] FIG. 3B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 3A with a deployed second barrier shown incorporating a dual-purpose lavatory door in accordance with several present embodiments. [Figure 3C]

[0037] FIG. 3C is a view looking aft from within a deck area closed off by a deployed second barrier incorporating the dual purpose lavatory door barrier shown in FIG. 3B according to some present embodiments. [Figure 4A]

[0038] 1B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B, according to multiple present embodiments. [Figure 4B]

[0039] FIG. 4B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 4A with a deployed second barrier shown incorporating a dual-purpose lavatory door in accordance with multiple present embodiments. [Figure 4C]

[0040] FIG. 4C is a view looking aft from within a deck area closed off by a deployed second barrier incorporating the dual purpose lavatory door barrier shown in FIG. 4B according to some present embodiments. [Figure 5A]

[0041] 1B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B, according to multiple present embodiments. [Figure 5B]

[0042] FIG. 5B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 5A with a deployed second barrier shown incorporating a dual-purpose lavatory door in accordance with multiple present embodiments. [Figure 5C]

[0043] FIG. 5C is a view looking aft from within a deck area closed off by a deployed second barrier incorporating the dual purpose lavatory door barrier shown in FIG. 5B according to some present embodiments. [Figure 6A]

[0044] 1B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B, according to multiple present embodiments. [Figure 6B]

[0045] FIG. 6B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 6A with a deployed second barrier shown incorporating a dual-purpose lavatory door in accordance with multiple present embodiments. [Figure 6C]

[0046] FIG. 6C is a view looking aft from within a deck area closed off by a deployed second barrier incorporating the dual purpose lavatory door barrier shown in FIG. 6B according to some present embodiments. [Figure 7A]

[0047] 1B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 1A taken along line 1B-1B, according to multiple present embodiments. [Figure 7B]

[0048] FIG. 7B is a top-down, cross-sectional partial view of an aircraft cabin of the type found in the exemplary aircraft shown in FIG. 7A with a deployed second barrier shown incorporating a dual-purpose lavatory door in accordance with multiple present embodiments. [Figure 7C]

[0049] FIG. 7C is a view looking aft from within a deck area closed off by a deployed second barrier incorporating the dual purpose lavatory door barrier shown in FIG. 7B according to some present embodiments. [Figure 8]

[0050] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aircraft and an aircraft cabin in accordance with several present aspects. [Figure 9]

[0051] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aircraft and an aircraft cabin in accordance with several present aspects. [Figure 10]

[0052] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an aircraft and an aircraft cabin in accordance with several present aspects. [Figure 11]

[0053] 1 is a flow chart outlining a method according to several present aspects. [Figure 12]

[0054] 1 is a flow chart outlining a method according to several present aspects. [Figure 13]

[0055] 1 is a flow chart outlining a method according to several present aspects. [Figure 14]

[0056] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a monitoring system according to several present aspects. [Figure 15]

[0057] FIG. 1 is a schematic box diagram of a monitoring system according to several present embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031]

[0058] According to present aspects, an aircraft cabin barrier for controlling and restricting the passage of persons from a passenger cabin section or from within a deck area to a cockpit is disclosed. The barrier is formed through the deployment of a dual purpose lavatory monument component that is deployed from an initial position configured as a lavatory monument component to a deployed position as the barrier extends away from the lavatory monument and into and across an aisle disposed within the deck. In present embodiments, the dual purpose lavatory monument component is a lavatory monument door configured to be converted from a first use as an aircraft lavatory monument door to a dual function or dual purpose aircraft lavatory door barrier. In further embodiments, the aircraft lavatory monument component is a lavatory monument wall or other lavatory monument component configured to engage and / or receive a second monument component of the aircraft cabin to complete the barrier formation across the aircraft aisle.

[0032]

[0059] A number of present aspects provide significant advantages with respect to the formation and use of a dual purpose lavatory door barrier as an additional or second barrier to restrict access to locations forward of a deployed lavatory door barrier, including, for example, the cockpit. Such advantages include, but are not limited to, the use of existing aircraft cabin structure for the structural formation of the second barrier, whereby little or no additional weight is added to the aircraft to include the second barrier. Additionally, the retrofit process configured to include / add the barriers of the present disclosure to aircraft cabins and aircraft is significantly simplified, as minimal hardware is required to convert a lavatory door into a dual purpose lavatory door barrier without adding significant weight or cost.

[0033]

[0060] According to some present embodiments, Figures 1A and 1B show a vehicle in the form of an aircraft 100 including a fuselage 101. Figure 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of the aircraft 100 taken along line 1B-1B. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, a cockpit 110 and a cockpit door 110a are located in the front or forward section of the fuselage 101, and a cabin area 103 is located aft (which may be equivalently referred to as "rear" herein). The cabin area 103 is equipped to accommodate passengers. The size of the cockpit 110 and the cabin area 103 may vary depending on the aircraft 100. One or more doors 104 allow passengers to enter and exit the aircraft 100.

[0034]

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

[0035]

[0062] The cabin area 103 is disposed along the fuselage 101 behind the cockpit 110. The cabin area 103 includes a passenger section 121 having passenger seats 105 arranged in rows along one or more aisles 106. In some examples, including commercial airlines, for example, the passenger seats 105 extend throughout the entire cabin area 103. In other examples, including where the aircraft 100 is used to transport cargo, a limited number of passenger seats 105 are disposed within the cabin area 103.

[0036]

[0063] The cabin area 103 also includes a deck 120 disposed between the cockpit 110 and the passenger section 121. In some embodiments, the deck 120 includes crew seats 111a used by flight crew, such as cabin crew. The crew seats 111a may be folded up out of the way when not in use. The deck 120 includes one or more monuments 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d attached to structural members of the aircraft 100 within the fuselage 101. Monuments are functional units used during flight. Examples include, but are not limited to, galleys (112a, 112b), lavatories (112c), and storage units (112d), which may be, for example, closets. In some embodiments, the monuments 112 are shaped and sized to extend from the floor 107 to the ceiling 108 (shown in Figures 2C, 3C, 4C, 5C, 6C, 7C) of the cabin area 103. In some embodiments, the monuments extend between a wall 114 of the fuselage 101 to the aisle 106. Figure 1B further shows the deck 120, including a pair of galley monuments 112a, 112b, a lavatory monument 112c, and a storage monument 112d, which may be, for example, a closet.

[0037]

[0064] The cockpit door 110a separates the cockpit 110 from the cabin area 103, and in particular, separates the cockpit 110 from the deck 120. The cockpit door 110a prevents unintended persons from entering the cockpit 110 from the cabin area 103. FIG. 1B further illustrates an embodiment having an opening 113 formed between a pair of monuments 112b, 112d. The opening 113 may be aligned with the aisle 106 to facilitate passenger movement during boarding and disembarking. The cabin area 103 further includes an opening 113 for passengers and flight crew to pass through when moving between the deck 120 and the passenger section 121. The opening 113 may be formed between various components, such as the monuments 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, the walls 114 of the fuselage 101, and the passenger seats 105.

[0038]

[0065] 2A and 2B show top-down views of a vehicle cabin that may take the form of an aircraft cabin of the type shown in FIG. 1B. As shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, the galley monument 112a is further designated as an aircraft cabin second monument 24, which further includes an aircraft cabin monument engagement point 24a that may be configured to receive or otherwise engage (e.g., in a locking configuration) an aircraft cabin lavatory component of an aircraft cabin lavatory monument. As shown in FIG. 2A, the lavatory monument door 116 is in a closed configuration within the lavatory monument footprint. That is, in FIG. 2A, the lavatory monument door 116 is closed to form an enclosed lavatory monument 112c.

[0039]

[0066] According to some present aspects, the lavatory monument door or other lavatory monument component may be configured to be reoriented in the lavatory door open state to repurpose as an aircraft cabin barrier, which may be formed at least in part by the lavatory monument door or lavatory monument component, which may be an attachment point for the lavatory door or a portion of the lavatory monument wall immediately adjacent to the lavatory door.

[0040]

[0067] According to some present aspects, as the lavatory monument door is configured from a closed position within the lavatory monument footprint to an open position, the lavatory monument door pivots outwardly and away from the lavatory monument (e.g., about a hinge, which may be a separate hinge, an integral hinge, etc.) to a deployed lavatory component position (equivalently referred to herein as a lavatory monument component aircraft cabin barrier configuration) because the lavatory monument component is configured to contact and engage with a second monument component of the aircraft cabin of a second monument of the aircraft cabin to form an aircraft cabin barrier, which may be a second barrier. The second monument component may be, for example, a second monument wall, or a second component panel extending from the second monument.

[0041]

[0068] As shown in the figures, the second monument of the aircraft is located at a selected distance from the lavatory monument on the opposite side of the aisle. When the lavatory monument component engages with the second monument of the aircraft cabin (e.g., is releasably secured and / or locked into a fixed position with the second monument), the aircraft cabin is established to block the passage of persons along the aircraft aisle, e.g., from the aft section of the passenger cabin and / or deck area to a position forward of the established barrier including the deck and cockpit sections.

[0042]

[0069] When the washroom monument component is a washroom monument door, the door may be a single door panel. Further, according to present embodiments, as shown in the figures, the door may be one or more door panels that may be joined via a hinge about which the door panels articulate and deploy in a selected manner to form the washroom monument component barrier configuration. In further embodiments, the hinge may be a separate hardware feature. In other embodiments, the hinge may be integrally hinged between and incorporated into the door panels, whereby adjacent door panels in communication with the hinge or hinge area are configured to flex in a selected direction, allowing the adjacent door panels to move and / or flex relative to one another.

[0043]

[0070] In one embodiment shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the aircraft cabin lavatory monument 112c is located on the opposite side of the aisle 106 from the aircraft cabin second monument 24, which is the galley monument 112a. Figure 2A shows the aircraft cabin lavatory monument door 116 in a closed configuration within the lavatory monument footprint. At times during flight, there may be conditions that require the establishment of a barrier (e.g., a second barrier) that may control and limit the movement of persons from areas within the deck 120 to locations forward of the deck 120, including the cockpit 110.

[0044]

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2B, when conditions require establishing such a barrier, the lavatory monument component 22, which takes the form of a lavatory monument door 22, is moved out of a closed position and pivots outward through an open position. The lavatory monument component 22 (shown in FIG. 2B as 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 "rear" side of the door, when the door is moved to the barrier configuration). The lavatory door 22 further includes a lavatory door first vertical edge 22c, which may be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" having an attached or integral hinge), and a lavatory door second vertical edge 22d. The second vertical edge 22d of the lavatory door further includes a mating component configured to releasably engage with the second monument engagement point, for example, in the locked configuration.

[0045]

[0072] 2A shows passengers 12 positioned within the deck 120 area and flight attendant 10 positioned forward of the cockpit door 110a of the cockpit 110. FIGURE 2B shows that after the lavatory door 22 has been repurposed, reoriented, or otherwise moved to a position that fully secures the barrier 20 at a location outside the lavatory monument footprint, the flight attendant 10 has moved from a position forward of the cockpit door 110a into the lavatory monument 112c, preventing the passengers 12 from passing through the barrier 20 and proceeding forward along the aisle 106.

[0046]

[0073] That is, once formation of the barrier 20, including the lavatory door 22 in the barrier configuration as shown in Figure 2B, is complete, the barrier controls and restricts movement of persons / passengers in front of the established barrier. When desired (e.g., when the barrier 20 is no longer needed), the lavatory door can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the second monument engagement point and return to function as a lavatory door and return to its position within the lavatory monument footprint.

[0047]

[0074] FIG. 2C shows a view "behind" from within the established barrier 20 when the lavatory monument door 22 is secured in an engaged position with the second monument wall 24b of the second monument 24 at the second monument engagement point 24a (engaging with the lavatory door's second vertical edge 22d with an engagement lock mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second monument engagement point 24a). The lavatory monument door 22 further includes a lavatory monument door / barrier through opening 22e. This opening 22e extends from the lavatory door monument's first side 22a (the "inside" of the door) to the lavatory monument door's second side 22b (the "outside" of the door, not shown in FIG. 2C). The opening 22e may be provided with a transparent window. A sliding panel frame 22g houses and otherwise maintains the sliding panel 22f. The sliding panel 22f can be operated from inside the washroom monument and can be operated between open and closed positions from inside the barrier 20. In the open position, the washroom monument door / barrier through opening allows visual access from within the barrier to a position behind the barrier, as well as allowing visual access from outside the barrier (e.g., a position behind the barrier) to a position in front of the barrier.

[0048]

[0075] A number of present embodiments contemplate the conversion of a dual-purpose lavatory monument door from a lavatory door to a barrier without limitations that may arise depending on the dimensions of a second monument (e.g., a galley) located on the opposite side of the aisle from the aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin second monument further includes one or more second monument panels that may move through a range of motion (e.g., pivot laterally, etc.) from a stowed position adjacent to the second monument wall (and substantially within the second monument footprint) toward a deployed position away from the second monument to facilitate engagement of the second monument with the lavatory monument door (e.g., to facilitate engagement of the lavatory monument door with the second monument via the second monument panel in the deployed position, etc.). Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6A, 6B, 6C show the use of one or more second monument panels that engage with a dual purpose washroom monument door to establish barriers 30, 40, 50, and 60, which may be second barriers.

[0049]

[0076] 3A and 3B show another embodiment of the present invention in which the lavatory monument door is transformed to align with the second monument to form the barrier 30, thereby forming the second barrier. 3A and 3B show the addition of the presence of a second monument panel 34b in movably communication with the second monument 34. The second monument panel 34b includes an attachment / engagement point for attachment of the deployed lavatory monument door (at the second vertical edge of the lavatory monument door) to form the barrier 30. As shown in FIG. 3A, the aircraft cabin lavatory monument 112c is located on the opposite side of the aisle 106 from the aircraft cabin second monument 34, which is the galley monument 112a, which has a different footprint than the aircraft cabin second galley monument 24. FIG. 3A shows the aircraft cabin lavatory monument door 32 in a closed configuration within the lavatory monument footprint of the lavatory monument 112c.

[0050]

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3B, when conditions onboard the aircraft require the establishment of a barrier, which may be a second barrier, a lavatory monument component in the form of a lavatory monument door 32 is moved out of a closed position and pivots outward through an open position. The lavatory monument component 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 the 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 further includes a lavatory door first vertical edge 32c, which may be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" having an attached or integral hinge), and a lavatory door second vertical edge 32d. The second vertical edge 32d of the lavatory door further includes a mating component configured to releasably engage with a second monument engagement point 34a disposed within the second monument panel 34c, for example, in a locked configuration. Figure 3B further illustrates the second monument panel 34c in movably communication with the second monument wall 34b about the second monument wall hinge 34d. The second monument panel is moved from a stowed position (shown in Figure 3A) to a second monument panel deployed configuration, which is a position pivoted laterally away from the second monument wall 34b, and moved to a deployed second monument panel position substantially perpendicular to the deployed lavatory monument door, to engage with the second vertical edge 32d of the lavatory monument door and form an engagement angle between the second monument panel, which is an engagement at an angle "θ" of about 90 degrees, as shown in Figure 3B.

[0051]

[0078] Figure 3A shows the flight crew 10 and passenger 12 as shown and described in Figures 2A and 2B. Upon completion of formation of the barrier 30 including the lavatory monument door 32 in the barrier configuration as shown in Figure 3B, the established barrier 30 controls and restricts the movement of people / passengers forward of the established barrier 30. The passenger 12 cannot pass through the barrier 30 and proceed forward along the aisle 106.

[0052]

[0079] When desired (e.g., when the barrier 30 is no longer needed), the washroom door can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the second monument engagement point and return to function as a washroom door and return to its position within the washroom monument footprint.

[0053]

[0080] FIG. 3C shows a view "behind" from within the established barrier 30 when the lavatory monument door 32 is secured in an engaged position with the second monument wall 34c of the second monument 34 at the second monument engagement point 34a (engaging with the lavatory door's second vertical edge 32d with an engagement lock mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second monument engagement point 34a). The lavatory monument door 32 further includes a lavatory monument door / barrier through opening 32e. This opening 32e extends from the lavatory door monument's first side 32a (the "inside" of the door) to the lavatory monument door's second side 32b (the "outside" of the door, not shown in FIG. 3C). The opening 32e may be provided with a transparent window. A sliding panel frame 32g houses and otherwise maintains the sliding panel 32f. The sliding panel 32f can be operated from inside the washroom monument and can be operated between open and closed positions from inside the barrier 30. In the open position, the washroom monument door / barrier through opening allows visual access to a position rearward of the barrier 30 from within the barrier 30, as well as allowing visual access to a position forward of the barrier from outside the barrier (e.g., a position rearward of the barrier).

[0054]

[0081] While Figure 3B illustrates the establishment of a barrier 30 formed by engagement of the washroom monument door 32 with the second monument panel at an engagement angle of approximately 90 degrees, several present embodiments contemplate additional engagement configurations in which the engagement angle between the monuments is not 90 degrees. Such barrier configurations in which the engagement angle between the monuments is not 90 degrees, but rather the engagement angle formed is, for example, an acute angle "θ", create additional space within and in front of the established barrier (e.g., the "footprint" established within the blocked area of ​​the deck is larger when the barrier feature extends further "back" into the deck differently than, for example, the barriers 20, 30 shown in Figures 2B, 3B, respectively).

[0055]

[0082] One such configuration of a barrier having a larger "footprint" according to the present embodiment is shown in Figures 4A-B. The establishment of the barrier 40 is created by the repositioning and configuration of a dual purpose washroom monument door 42 that engages with a second monument panel 44 to form the barrier 40. As shown in Figures 4A-B, a barrier formation and configuration is presented according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the engagement angle formed by the dual purpose washroom monument door 42 engaging with the second monument panel 44 may be an acute angle "θ", for example, to create additional space within and in front of the established barrier.

[0056]

[0083] As shown in Figure 4A, the aircraft cabin lavatory monument 112c is located on the opposite side of the aisle 106 from the aircraft's second monument 44, which is the galley monument 112a. Figure 4A shows the aircraft cabin lavatory monument doors 42 in a closed configuration within the lavatory monument footprint of the lavatory monument 112c.

[0057]

[0084] As shown in FIG. 4B, when conditions onboard the aircraft require the establishment of a barrier, which may be a second barrier, a lavatory monument component in the form of a lavatory monument door 42 is moved out of a closed position and pivots outwardly toward an open position. The lavatory monument component 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 further includes a lavatory door first vertical edge 42c, which may be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" having an attached or integral hinge), and a lavatory door second vertical edge 42d. The second vertical edge 42d of the lavatory door further includes a mating component configured to releasably engage with the second monument engagement point 44a, for example, in the locked configuration.

[0058]

[0085] FIG 4B further illustrates a second monument panel 44c in movably communication with the second monument wall 44b about a second monument wall hinge 44d. The second monument panel is moved from a stowed position (shown in FIG 4A) to a second monument panel deployed configuration in which the second monument panel is laterally pivoted away from the second monument wall 44b and moved to a deployed second monument panel position substantially perpendicular to the deployed washroom monument door to engage with the second vertical edge 42d of the washroom monument door forming an engagement angle between the second monument panel and the second monument panel that is an engagement at an acute angle "θ" of less than about 90 degrees as shown in FIG 4B. In one embodiment, the acute angle "θ" shown in FIG 4B can range from about 30 to about 80 degrees.

[0059]

[0086] FIG. 4A shows the flight crew 10 and passenger 12 as shown and described in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B. In FIG. 4B, it is further recognized that when forward of the completed barrier 40, the flight crew 10 can enter from the cockpit 110 through the cockpit door 110a and into the lavatory monument 112c, which is easier since the barrier 40 can have a larger footprint (and more space "inside" or forward of the barrier) than the barriers 20, 30. The passenger 12 cannot pass through the barrier 40 and proceed forward along the aisle 106.

[0060]

[0087] That is, once formation of the barrier 40, including the lavatory monument door 42 in the barrier configuration, as shown in Figure 4B, is complete, the established barrier 40 controls and restricts movement of persons / passengers (e.g., along the aisle 106) from the passenger compartment forward of the established barrier 40. When desired (e.g., when the barrier 40 is no longer needed), the lavatory door 42 can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the second monument engagement point 44a and returned to function as a lavatory door within the lavatory monument 112c and returned to a position within the footprint of the lavatory monument 112c.

[0061]

[0088] 4C shows a view from the "back" from within the established barrier 40 when the lavatory monument door 42 is secured in an engaged position with a second monument panel 44c of the second monument 44 at the second monument engagement point 44a (engaging with the lavatory door's second vertical edge 42d with an engagement lock mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second monument engagement point 44a). The second monument panel 44c further includes a first side 44e of the second monument panel (e.g., the "inside" when the panel is deployed) and a second side 44f of the second monument panel (e.g., the "outside" when the panel is deployed). The lavatory monument door 42 further includes a lavatory monument door / barrier through opening 42e of a type and function similar to through openings 22e, 32e, respectively, as shown and described herein with respect to FIGS. 2C, 3C. That is, the through opening 42e may extend from a first side 42a of the washroom door monument (the "inside" of the door) to a second side 42b of the washroom monument door (the "outside" of the door, not shown in FIG. 4C). The through opening 42e may be provided with a transparent window. A sliding panel frame 42g houses and otherwise maintains a sliding panel 42f. The sliding panel 42f may be operated from inside the washroom monument and may be operated between an open position and a closed position from inside the barrier 40. In the open position, the washroom monument door / barrier through opening allows visual access to a position rearward of the barrier 40 from within the barrier 40, as well as to a position forward of the barrier 40 from outside the barrier 40 (e.g., a position rearward of the barrier 40).

[0062]

[0089] In another embodiment (not shown in FIG. 4C ), the second monument panel of the barrier 40 may have a through opening similar to 42e that penetrates the thickness of the second monument panel in addition to or instead of the through opening in the washroom monument door 42.

[0063]

[0090] Figures 5A, 5B (showing the establishment of barrier 50) are similar to Figures 4A, 4B (showing the formation of barrier 40). The difference shown in Figures 5A, 5B is the deployment of a second monument multi-section panel 54b (shown as a second monument bi-fold panel) extending / unfolding from a second monument 54, one of which engages with the washroom door monument 52 to form barrier 50, which may be a second barrier.

[0064]

[0091] According to this embodiment, Figures 5A-5B show another example of the formation and configuration of a barrier (this time, barrier 50) with a larger "footprint." The establishment of the barrier 50 is created by the repositioning and configuration of a dual-purpose washroom monument door 52 that engages with a second monument panel 54 to form the barrier 50. As shown in Figures 5A-5B, a barrier formation and configuration is presented according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the engagement angle formed by the dual-purpose washroom monument door 52 engaging with the second monument bi-fold panel 54c may be an acute angle "θ," for example, to create additional space within and in front of the established barrier.

[0065]

[0092] As shown in Figure 5A, the aircraft cabin lavatory monument 112c is located on the opposite side of the aisle 106 from the aircraft's second monument 54, which is the galley monument 112a. Figure 5A shows the aircraft cabin lavatory monument doors 52 in a closed configuration within the lavatory monument footprint of the lavatory monument 112c.

[0066]

[0093] As shown in FIG. 5B, when conditions within the aircraft require the establishment of a barrier, which may be a second barrier, a lavatory monument component in the form of a lavatory monument door 52 is moved out of a closed position and pivots outwardly toward an open position. The lavatory monument 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 further includes a lavatory door first vertical edge 52c, which may be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" having an attached or integral hinge), and a lavatory door second vertical edge 52d. The second vertical edge 52d of the lavatory door further includes a mating component configured to releasably engage with the second monument engagement point 54a (of the second monument bi-fold panel 54b), for example, in the locked configuration.

[0067]

[0094] FIG 5B further illustrates a second monument panel 54c in movably communication with the second monument wall 54b about a second monument wall hinge 54d. The second monument panel is moved from a stowed position (shown in FIG 5A) to a second monument panel deployed configuration in which the second monument panel is laterally pivoted away from the second monument wall 54b and moved to a deployed second monument panel position substantially perpendicular to the deployed washroom monument door to engage with the second vertical edge 52d of the washroom monument door forming an engagement angle between the second monument panel and the second monument panel that is an engagement at an acute angle "θ" of less than about 90 degrees as shown in FIG 5B. In one embodiment, the acute angle "θ" shown in FIG 5B can range from about 30 to about 80 degrees.

[0068]

[0095] FIG. 5A shows the flight crew 10 and passenger 12 as shown and described in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B. In FIG. 5B, it is further recognized that when forward of the completed barrier 50, the flight crew 10 can enter from the cockpit 110 through the cockpit door 110a and into the lavatory monument 112c, which is easier since the barrier 50 can have a larger footprint (and more space "inside" or in front of the barrier) than the barriers 20, 30. The passenger 12 cannot pass through the barrier 50 and proceed forward along the aisle 106.

[0069]

[0096] That is, as shown in Figure 5B, once formation of the barrier 50, including the lavatory monument door 52 in the barrier configuration, is complete, the established barrier 50 controls and restricts movement of persons / passengers (e.g., along the aisle 106) from the passenger compartment forward of the established barrier 50. When desired (e.g., when the barrier 50 is no longer needed), the lavatory door 52 can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the second monument engagement point 54a and returned to function as a lavatory door within the lavatory monument 112c and returned to a position within the footprint of the lavatory monument 112c.

[0070]

[0097] 5C shows a view "behind" from within the established barrier 50 when the washroom monument door 52 is secured in an engaged position with a second monument panel 54c of a second monument 54 at a second monument engagement point 54a (engaging with a second vertical edge 52d of the washroom door that includes an engagement locking mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second monument engagement point 54a). The second monument bi-fold panel 54c further includes a first side 54e of the second monument bi-fold panel (e.g., the "inside" when the panel is unfolded) and a second side 54f of the second monument bi-fold panel (e.g., the "outside" when the panel is unfolded). The lavatory monument door 52 further includes a lavatory monument door / barrier through-opening 52e of a type and function similar to the through-openings 22e, 32e, 42e, respectively, as shown and described herein with respect to Figures 2C, 3C, 4C. That is, the through-opening 52e may extend from a first side 52a of the lavatory door monument (the "inside" of the door) to a second side 52b of the lavatory monument door (the "outside" of the door, not shown in Figure 5C). The through-opening 54e may be provided with a transparent window. A sliding panel frame 52g houses and otherwise maintains the sliding panel 52f. The sliding panel 52f may be operated from inside the lavatory monument and between open and closed positions from inside the barrier 50. In the open position, the washroom monument door / barrier through opening allows visual access from within the barrier 50 to a position behind the barrier 50, as well as allowing visual access from outside the barrier 50 (e.g., a position behind the barrier 50) to a position in front of the barrier 50.

[0071]

[0098] In another embodiment (not shown in FIG. 5C ), the second monument panel of the barrier 50 may have a through opening similar to 52e that penetrates the thickness of one or more of the second monument bi-fold panels 54c in addition to or instead of the through opening in the washroom monument door 52.

[0072]

[0099] Figures 6A and 6B (showing the establishment of barrier 60) are similar to Figures 5A and 5B (showing the formation of barrier 50). The difference shown in Figures 6A and 6B is the deployment of multi-section washroom monument bi-fold doors 62 to form barrier 60, which may be a second barrier.

[0073]

[0100] According to this embodiment, Figures 6A-6B show another example of the formation and configuration of a barrier (this time, barrier 60) with a larger "footprint." The establishment of the barrier 60 is created by the repositioning and configuration of a dual purpose washroom monument bi-fold door 62 that engages with a second monument panel 64 to form the barrier 60. As shown in Figures 6A-6B, a barrier formation and configuration is presented according to one embodiment. In this embodiment, the engagement angle formed by the dual purpose washroom monument door 62 engaging with the second monument bi-fold panel 64c may be an acute angle "θ", for example, to create additional space within and in front of the established barrier.

[0074]

[0101] As shown in Figure 6A, the aircraft cabin lavatory monument 112c is located on the opposite side of the aisle 106 from the aircraft's second monument 64, which is the galley monument 112a. Figure 6A shows the aircraft cabin lavatory monument bi-fold doors 62 in a closed configuration within the lavatory monument footprint of the lavatory monument 112c.

[0075]

[0102] As shown in FIG. 6B, when conditions within the aircraft require the establishment of a barrier, which may be a second barrier, a lavatory monument component in the form of a lavatory monument bi-fold door 62 is moved out of a closed position and pivots outwardly toward an open position. The lavatory monument bi-fold door 62 includes a lavatory door first side 62a (the "inside" of the door, also referred to as the front side of the bi-fold door relative to the aircraft when the door is in the barrier configuration), and a lavatory door second side 62b (the "outside" of the bi-fold door, also referred to as the "rear" side of the bi-fold door when the door is moved to the barrier configuration). The lavatory door 62 further includes a lavatory bi-fold door first vertical edge 62c, which may be a "hinged" edge (e.g., a door "edge" having an attached or integral hinge), and a lavatory bi-fold door second vertical edge 62d. The second vertical edge 62d of the lavatory bi-fold door further includes a mating component configured to releasably engage with the second monument engagement point 64a (of the second monument bi-fold panel 64c), for example, in the locked configuration.

[0076]

[0103] FIG 6B further illustrates a second monument bi-fold panel 64c in movably communication with the second monument wall 64b about a second monument wall hinge 64d. The second monument panel is moved from a stowed position (shown in FIG 6A) to a second monument panel deployed configuration in which the second monument panel is laterally pivoted away from the second monument wall 64b and moved to an deployed second monument panel position substantially perpendicular to the deployed washroom monument bi-fold door to engage with a second vertical edge 62d of the washroom monument bi-fold door forming an engagement angle between the second monument panel and the second monument panel that is an engagement at an acute angle "θ" of less than about 90 degrees as shown in FIG 6B. In one embodiment, the acute angle "θ" shown in FIG 6B can range from about 30 to about 80 degrees.

[0077]

[0104] FIG. 6A shows the flight crew 10 and passenger 12 as shown and described in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B. In FIG. 6B, it is further recognized that when forward of the completed barrier 60, the flight crew 10 can enter from the cockpit 110 through the cockpit door 110a and into the lavatory monument 112c, which is easier since the barrier 60 can have a larger footprint (and more space "inside" or forward of the barrier) than the barriers 20, 30. The passenger 12 cannot pass through the barrier 60 and proceed forward along the aisle 106.

[0078]

[0105] That is, as shown in Figure 6B, once formation of the barrier 60, including the lavatory monument door 62 in the barrier configuration, is complete, the established barrier 60 controls and restricts movement of persons / passengers (e.g., along the aisle 106) from the passenger compartment forward of the established barrier 60. When desired (e.g., when the barrier 60 is no longer needed), the lavatory door 62 can be disengaged (e.g., unlocked) from the second monument engagement point 64a and returned to function as a lavatory door within the lavatory monument 112c and returned to a position within the footprint of the lavatory monument 112c.

[0079]

[0106] 6C shows a view from the "back" from within the established barrier 60 when the lavatory monument bi-fold door 62 is secured in an engaged position with the second monument bi-fold panel 64c of the second monument 64 at the second monument engagement point 64a (engaging with the lavatory door's second vertical edge 62d with an engagement lock mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second monument engagement point 64a). The lavatory monument door 62 further includes a lavatory monument door / barrier through opening 62e of a type and function similar to through openings 22e, 32e, respectively, as shown and described herein with respect to FIGS. 2C, 3C. That is, the through opening 62e may extend from the lavatory monument bi-fold door's first side 62a (the "inside" of the door) to the lavatory monument bi-fold door's second side 62b (the "outside" of the door, not shown in FIG. 6C). The through opening 62e may be provided with a transparent window. A sliding panel frame 62g houses and otherwise maintains the sliding panel 62f. The sliding panel 62f may be operated from inside the washroom monument and may be operated between open and closed positions from inside the barrier 60. In the open position, the washroom monument bi-fold door / barrier through opening allows visual access to a position rearward of the barrier 60 from within the barrier 60, as well as allowing visual access to a position forward of the barrier 60 from outside the barrier 60 (e.g., a position rearward of the barrier 60).

[0080]

[0107] In another embodiment (not shown in FIG. 6C ), one or more of the second monument bi-fold panels of the barrier 60 may have a through opening similar to 62e that penetrates the thickness of one or more of the second monument bi-fold panels 64c in addition to or in place of the through opening in the washroom monument bi-fold door 62.

[0081]

[0108] While several present embodiments are illustrated in which a majority of the lavatory monument door is deployed as a dual-purpose lavatory monument door, converted or otherwise repurposed into a barrier component, according to a further embodiment, the lavatory monument component that can engage with the second monument component can be an engagement feature of the lavatory monument door. In this embodiment, the lavatory monument door itself is maintained in place as a lavatory door within the lavatory monument footprint. Meanwhile, the (one or more) second monument panels can be configured from a stowed position into a deployed barrier configuration. At least one of the deployed second monument panels is configured to engage with the lavatory monument component (including engaging in a locked configuration) to form a barrier, which can be a second barrier.

[0082]

[0109] That is, Figures 7A and 7B show this embodiment with the second monument panel(s) deployed from a stowed configuration (e.g., against the second monument wall and substantially within the second monument footprint). The deployed second monument panel(s) comprise the majority of the physical barrier, and the washroom monument component does not include a deployed door, but instead includes a washroom monument engagement point. The washroom monument engagement point may be located within the washroom monument door and / or within a washroom monument wall section adjacent to the washroom monument door.

[0083]

[0110] 7A, 7B showing the establishment of a barrier 70 are directed to this embodiment, in which the barrier is established in the deck 120 of the aircraft cabin in the aircraft 100 to control or otherwise prevent forward movement of passengers along the aisle into the vehicle area (e.g., the deck area) forward of the lockable barrier.

[0084]

[0111] 7A-7B illustrate establishing a barrier from existing aircraft cabin components using a barrier, which may be a second barrier formed via deployment of a multi-section second monument bi-fold panel 74b from a stowed position (within the second monument footprint and adjacent to a second monument wall 74c of the second monument 74). The deployed second monument bi-fold panel 74b is configured to engage with a lavatory monument component engagement point (which may take the form of a lavatory monument door engagement point, a lavatory monument wall engagement point, a lavatory monument frame engagement point, etc.) to form a barrier 70, which may be a second barrier.

[0085]

[0112] According to the present embodiment, Figures 7A-7B show another example of the formation and configuration of a barrier, in this case, barrier 70. The establishment of the barrier 70 is produced by a dual purpose washroom monument component 73, in this case in the form of washroom monument engagement point 73b, engaging with a second monument bi-fold panel 74b to form the barrier 70. As shown in Figures 7A-7B, a barrier formation and configuration, according to one embodiment, is presented, in which the second monument bi-fold panel 74b engages with the washroom monument component engagement point 73b. The second monument bi-fold panel 74b is configured to form, for example, an acute angle "θ" in the unfolded configuration.

[0086]

[0113] As shown in Figure 7A, the aircraft cabin lavatory monument 112c is located on the opposite side of the aisle 106 from the aircraft's second monument 74, which is the galley monument 112a. Figure 7A shows the aircraft cabin lavatory monument door 72 in a closed configuration.

[0087]

[0114] As shown in FIG. 7B , when conditions onboard the aircraft require the establishment of a potential second barrier, the second monument bi-fold panel 74b is moved from a stowed configuration adjacent the second monument wall 74c to a deployed configuration extending away from the second monument wall 74c, across the aisle 106, and engages with the lavatory monument component engagement point 73b of the lavatory monument component 73 to form the barrier 70.

[0088]

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

[0089]

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

[0090]

[0117] 7B further illustrates a second monument bi-fold panel 74b in movably communication with a second monument wall 74c about a second monument wall hinge 75a. The second monument bi-fold panel is moved from a stowed position (shown in FIG. 7A) to a second monument panel deployed configuration in which the second monument bi-fold panel is laterally pivoted away from the second monument wall 74c, and the second monument bi-fold panel is configured to engage with a washroom monument component engagement point 73b to form an engagement angle at the "fold" of the second monument bi-fold panel at an acute angle "θ" of less than about 90 degrees. In one embodiment, the acute angle "θ" shown in FIG. 7B can range from about 30 to about 80 degrees.

[0091]

[0118] FIG. 7A shows the flight crew 10 and passenger 12 as shown and described in several of the present figures. In FIG. 7B, it is further recognized that when forward of the completed barrier 70, the flight crew 10 can enter from the cockpit 110 through the cockpit door 110a and into the lavatory monument 112c, which is easier since the barrier 70 can have a larger footprint (and more space "inside" or forward of the barrier) than the barriers 20, 30 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2B, 3B). The passenger 12 cannot pass through the barrier 70 and proceed forward along the aisle 106.

[0092]

[0119] That is, as shown in FIGURE 7B, upon completion of formation of the barrier 70 including the lavatory monument 112c (taking the form of the lavatory monument component 73) engaging with the second monument bi-fold panel 74b at the lavatory monument component engagement point 73b, the established barrier 70 controls and restricts unwanted person / passenger movement (e.g., along the aisle 106) from the cabin to a position forward of the established barrier 70. When desired (e.g., such as when the barrier 70 is no longer desired), the second monument bi-fold panel 74b disengages (e.g., unlocks) from the lavatory monument component 73 at the lavatory monument component engagement point 73b and returns to a position within the footprint of the second monument 74 adjacent an exterior wall of the second monument 74.

[0093]

[0120] 7C shows a view "behind" from within the established barrier 70 when the lavatory monument door 72 is secured in an engaged position with a second monument bi-fold panel 74b of a second monument 74 at a second monument engagement point 74a (engaging with a second vertical edge 73b of the lavatory door with an engagement lock mechanism configured to mate and / or lock with the second monument engagement point 74a). The second monument bi-fold panel 74b further includes a second monument bi-fold panel through-opening 74f of a type and function similar to through-openings 22e, 32e, respectively, as shown and described herein with respect to FIGS. 2C, 3C. That is, the through opening 74f may extend from a first side 74d of the second monument bi-fold panel (the "inside" of the door) to a second side 74e of the second monument bi-fold panel (the "outside" of the second monument bi-fold panel, not shown in FIG. 7C). The through opening 74f may be provided with a transparent window. Additionally, the through opening 74f allows or otherwise facilitates visual access / inspection of the area forward of the deployed barrier 70 from a position rearward of the deployed barrier 70, and vice versa.

[0094]

[0121] 8, 9, 10 are block diagrams further illustrating some of the present embodiments. FIG. 8 shows a block diagram 150 further illustrating some of the present embodiments. In that case, a vehicle 100, which may be in the form of an aircraft, comprises an interior area 102 in the fuselage including an operating center 110, which may be, for example, a cockpit when the vehicle is in the form of an aircraft. The vehicle further comprises a main cabin area 103, which further comprises an aircraft cabin monument forming a barrier, which may be a second barrier, when configured in an assembly. The barrier is formed in the aircraft cabin lockable barrier to prevent passengers from moving along the passage in the vehicle cabin into the vehicle area forward of the lockable barrier. In the deck 120, a lavatory monument 112c is arranged and positioned on the opposite side of the aircraft passage from the second monument 24. The second monument 24 may be a galley monument. The galley monument also includes a second monument engagement point 24a. The second monument engagement point 24a is configured to mate or otherwise securely engage with a lavatory monument component of the lavatory monument 112c to form a barrier across the passageway. The lavatory monument component may be at least one of a lavatory monument door 22 and a lavatory monument wall. The lavatory monument further includes a lavatory component engagement point 22d. The lavatory component engagement point 22d may include a latch for engagement of the lavatory monument component to the second monument. The established barrier may further include a monitoring circuit 152 in communication with the lavatory monument, further in communication with the second monument 24, which may be, for example, a galley monument, and further in communication with the controller. The circuit confirms the current position and establishment of a barrier of the type disclosed herein. An indicator 154 communicates with the monitoring circuit 152 to indicate successful establishment of the barrier. At least one indicator 154 is located within the cockpit 110 and / or at least one indicator is located within the deck 120 for viewing by the crew as confirmation of successful establishment / deployment of the barrier by the crew.

[0095]

[0122] 9 is a block diagram 150a illustrating many of the components of block diagram 150 (in FIG. 8), further including a second monument 34, which may be a galley monument, for example, including one or more second monument panels 34c. The one or more second monument panels 34c may be bi-fold or multi-fold panels that may be configured to be attached to the second monument wall and extend away from the second monument wall to a deployed position that is configured to engage with a lavatory monument door in the deployed position to form a barrier of the type disclosed herein.

[0096]

[0123] FIG. 10 is a block diagram 150b showing many of the components of block diagrams 150 and 150a (in FIGS. 8 and 9, respectively), further including a second monument 74, which may be a galley monument, for example, including one or more second monument panels 74b. The one or more second monument panels 74b may be bi-fold or multi-fold panels that may be attached to a second monument wall 74c and configured to extend away from the second monument wall 74c to a deployed position that is configured to engage with a lavatory monument component 72, which may be a section of a lavatory monument door and / or lavatory monument wall in a closed position to form a barrier of the type disclosed herein.

[0097]

[0124] Figures 11, 12 and 13 are flow charts outlining methods according to several present embodiments. The methods outlined in Figures 11, 12 and 13 employ the apparatus and systems disclosed herein to establish an aircraft cabin barrier, which may be at least a second barrier of the type shown in Figures 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, 6B and 7B.

[0098]

[0125] FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a method 200 of controlling passenger movement along an aisle in an aircraft cabin area. The method includes moving 202 a barrier to a closed position before opening a cockpit door, where 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 includes an aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The aircraft cabin lavatory monument includes an aircraft cabin lavatory component. The aircraft cabin lavatory component can be, for example, a lavatory door or a wall. This component has a dual purpose of being reused and converted into an aircraft cabin barrier as well. The barrier further includes a second aircraft cabin monument. The second aircraft cabin monument is located on the opposite side of the aircraft cabin aisle at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory monument. The second aircraft cabin monument includes a second monument component. The aircraft cabin second monument component includes at least one of an aircraft cabin second monument wall and a movable aircraft cabin second monument panel. The second monument component is configured to engage with the aircraft cabin lavatory component. The aircraft cabin lavatory component in engagement with the aircraft cabin second monument component forms an aircraft cabin barrier. The method further includes locking the barrier in a closed position 204, opening the cockpit door after locking the barrier to provide the flight crew with access to a forward section of the cabin area 206, the forward section of the cabin area being disposed on a first side of the barrier, and reclosing the cockpit door after providing the flight crew with access to the forward section of the cabin area 208. The method 200 optionally further includes moving the barrier from the deployed established barrier position to an open position 210, and returning the barrier components to their original barrier component positions as part of the existing aircraft cabin monument.

[0099]

[0126] In another aspect, FIG. 12 illustrates a method 300 that includes features of method 200. Method 300 further includes monitoring 302 the position of the barrier with a barrier component that includes elements of a monitoring circuit. The monitoring circuit may, for example, send a signal to a controller. The controller may receive a signal indicating that the monument components have been assembled into a barrier configuration as a barrier. The barrier component may further monitor that the barrier has been locked. Method 300 further includes activating 304 an indicator. The indicator may receive a signal from the controller and / or from the monitoring circuit to provide visual confirmation that the barrier has been successfully established and, if desired, detected as locked in the barrier position.

[0100]

[0127] The method 200, 300 may further include allowing visual access through at least one of the washroom monument door and the second monument panel through opening after the barrier door is locked 204 in the closed position to establish the barrier, for example, by moving 209 an opaque panel covering a through opening adjacent one of the washroom monument door and the second monument panel through opening from a closed position to an open position.

[0101]

[0128] FIG. 13 is a flow chart outlining a method for a flight crew to employ the barrier of the present disclosure configured as a second barrier, for example, to prevent unwanted personnel from entering an aircraft cabin section toward a space located forward of the established barrier, including the cockpit. As shown in FIG. 13, the method 400 includes an initial scenario in which the flight crew needs to leave the cockpit 402 and alerts the flight attendant 404 that the flight crew needs to leave the cockpit. After verifying 406 that the lavatory is clear, the flight attendant begins the process of deploying the lavatory from its primary use as a lavatory door 408, 410 to its dual purpose use as part of the barrier. The method 400 further includes continuing the deployment of the lavatory door and engaging 412 the lavatory door with a second monument at a second monument engagement point, depending on the cabin configuration. The second monument engagement point may be a surface of an exterior wall of the second monument or may be a second monument panel. Method 400 further includes locking 414 the barrier in place by engaging a lock. Once the barrier is established, according to some present aspects, method 400 further includes notifying 416 the flight crew that the barrier is established and thereafter leaving the cockpit 418. Upon returning to the cockpit 420, method 400 includes disengaging the barrier and returning 422 the lavatory door to the lavatory monument and, if present, returning the second monument panel to a stowed configuration adjacent to the second monument.

[0102]

[0129] According to some present aspects, the established barrier may act as a second barrier to inhibit persons in the passenger section of the aircraft 100 from moving into the deck 120 and into the cockpit 110. In some embodiments, the barrier functions to slow the movement of persons into the deck 120. This barrier creates a time delay for an undesirable passenger to move into the area forward of the deployed established barrier, as the undesirable person would need to break the barrier or otherwise move it to an open position. This time delay results in the flight crew moving into the cockpit 110 and securing the cockpit door 110a, which may be more solid than the barrier and prevent the person from reaching the cockpit 110.

[0103]

[0130] As described herein, the aircraft 100 may be equipped with a barrier monitoring system 500, as shown in Figures 14 and 15. The monitoring system 500 receives signals from a sensor 512 at the cockpit door 110a and a sensor 510 at the barrier. The monitoring system 500 provides the flight crew in the cockpit 110 with the status of the cockpit door 110a and the barrier. This prevents the cockpit door 110a from being opened when the barrier is in an open position. The sensor 510 detects the position of the barrier and the sensor 512 detects the position of the cockpit door 110a. The control unit 501 receives signals from the sensors 510, 512 and monitors the positions. An indicator 509, such as a light or sound alarm, is located in the cockpit 110. Before opening the cockpit door 110a, the flight crew checks the status of the barrier 20. If the barrier 20 is in a closed position, the cockpit door 110a can be opened. This allows flight crew access to the deck 120 of the cabin area 103, such as to use the lavatories. When the barrier 20 is in the open position, the cockpit door 110a remains closed, thereby preventing anyone who may be present on the deck 120 from gaining access to the cockpit 110.

[0104]

[0131] In some embodiments, a control unit 501 controls a lock 540 on the cockpit door 110a. The control unit 501 keeps the lock 540 engaged when the barrier 20 is in an open position. The control unit 501 disengages the lock 540 when the barrier 20 is closed, allowing the lock 540 to be opened.

[0105]

[0132] The control unit 501 monitors the status and operation of the cockpit door 110a. As shown in FIG. 15, the control unit 501 includes a processing circuit 502 and a memory circuit 503. The processing circuit 502 controls the overall operation of the monitoring according to program instructions stored in the memory circuit 503. The processing circuit 502 may include one or more circuits, microcontrollers, microprocessors, hardware, or combinations thereof. The memory circuit 503 includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions, such as a computer program product, that configures the processing circuit 502 to implement one or more of the techniques described herein. The memory circuit 503 may include various memory devices, such as, for example, read-only memory and flash memory.

[0106]

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

[0107]

[0134] The user interface 504 provides for the flight crew to monitor conditions. The user interface 504 may include one or more input devices 506, such as, but not limited to, a keypad, a touchpad, a rollerball, and a joystick. The user interface 504 may also include one or more displays 505 for displaying information. The displays 505 may be located within one or more of the cockpit 110 and the deck 120.

[0108]

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

[0109]

[0136] In one embodiment, the lock 540 includes a metal strip extending along one of the exterior surfaces (e.g., sides). The lock 540 also includes an electromagnetic locking device that engages with the metal strip to secure the barrier 20 in the closed position. The flight crew may unlock the lock 540 from the front side, allowing the barrier 20 to move to the open position. In the event of a power failure, the lock 540 is configured to disengage, causing the barrier 20 to move to the open position. While the barrier 20 is shown in Figures 14 and 15, the monitoring system 500 and control unit 501 shown in Figures 14 and 15 may be used to monitor the status of the barrier position of any of the barriers 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 described herein.

[0110]

[0137] While the lavatory monument door and second monument panel (when present) are illustrated as single or bi-fold panels, present embodiments contemplate any practical number of panels, including a multi-segment panel that may include three, four, five, six, or more panels, etc. Design considerations are the weight of the additional segments employed in the multi-section panel and the robustness of the deployed multi-segment panel to provide a useful barrier. This useful barrier is a second barrier to prevent passengers from moving into the vehicle area forward of the deployed barrier, which may be a lockable, retractable barrier along the aisle within the vehicle cabin.

[0111]

[0138] The term "substantially" as used herein means that a particular characteristic, parameter, or value need not be exactly achieved, but rather deviations or variations (including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limits, and other factors known to those skilled in the art) may occur to the extent that they do not eliminate the effect intended to be brought about by the feature.

[0112]

[0139] Although a vehicle in the form of an aircraft is shown in the present drawings, the present aspects may be incorporated to provide an improved barrier incorporating deployable aircraft cabin lavatory monument components in passenger vehicles, including aircraft, rotorcraft, watercraft, ground vehicles, hovercraft, and combinations thereof.

[0113]

[0140] The present aspects can, of course, be practiced in other ways than as specifically described herein without departing from the essential characteristics of the disclosure. The present aspects are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and non-restrictive, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. An aircraft cabin barrier (20)(30)(40)(50)(60)(70), comprising: an aircraft cabin lavatory monument (112c) comprising an aircraft cabin lavatory component (22)(32)(42)(52)(62)(73), said 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); and an aircraft cabin second monument (112a), (112b), (24), (34), (44), (54), (64), (74) positioned on an opposite side of the aircraft cabin aisle (106) at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory monument, the aircraft cabin second monument comprising a second monument component (24a), (34a), (44a), (54a), (64a), (74a), the second monument component comprising at least one of an aircraft cabin second monument wall (24b), (34b), (44b), (54b), (64b), (74c) and a movable aircraft cabin second monument panel (34c), (44c), (54c), (64c), (74b), configured to engage with the aircraft cabin lavatory component; The aircraft cabin lavatory component in engagement with a second monument component of the aircraft cabin forms the aircraft cabin barrier.

2. 2. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 1, wherein the aircraft cabin barrier is configured to prevent movement of persons from a passenger cabin into a cockpit (110a).

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

4. 2. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 1, wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory component is the movable aircraft lavatory door and the second monument component is an aircraft cabin galley wall.

5. 2. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 1, wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory component is the movable aircraft lavatory door and the aircraft cabin second monument component is a movable aircraft cabin galley panel.

6. 2. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 1, wherein the aircraft cabin lavatory component is the aircraft lavatory wall (73a) and the second monument component is a movable aircraft cabin galley panel.

7. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 1 , wherein the second monument component engages the aircraft cabin lavatory component in a locked configuration.

8. the movable aircraft lavatory door comprising: 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 movable aircraft lavatory door, the door thickness extending from a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door to a second side of the movable aircraft lavatory door; and 2. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 1, further comprising a movable opaque window panel (22f)(32f)(42f)(52f)(62f) movably attached to a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, the movable opaque window panel configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door.

9. 2. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 1, wherein the movable aircraft lavatory door comprises a plurality of foldable door panels (54a, 64a, 74b).

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

11. The second monument panel (74b) of the movable aircraft cabin comprises: a first side (74d) of a second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin; a second side (74e) of the second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin; a through-opening area (74f) extending through a panel thickness of the second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin, the panel thickness extending from a first side of the second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin to a second side of the second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin; 2. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 1, further comprising a movable opaque window panel movably attached to a first side of the movable aircraft cabin second monument panel, the movable opaque window panel configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft cabin second monument panel.

12. The aircraft cabin barrier of claim 1 , wherein the aircraft cabin second monument panel comprises a plurality of movable aircraft cabin second monument panels.

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

14. An aircraft (100) comprising an aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 8.

15. An aircraft (100) comprising an aircraft cabin barrier according to claim 11.

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

17. 1. A method for controlling passenger movement along an aisle in an aircraft cabin area, comprising: and moving the barrier to a closed position (202) with the cockpit on a first side of the barrier and a passenger section of the cabin area on a second side of the barrier prior to opening the cockpit door, the barrier comprising a lock, the barrier further comprising: an aircraft cabin lavatory monument 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 monument arranged on an opposite side of the aircraft cabin aisle at a selected distance from the aircraft cabin lavatory monument, the aircraft cabin second monument comprising a second monument component, the aircraft cabin second monument component comprising at least one of an aircraft cabin second monument wall and a movable aircraft cabin second monument panel, the aircraft cabin second monument being configured to engage with the aircraft cabin lavatory component; the aircraft cabin lavatory component in engagement with a second monument component of the aircraft cabin forming the barrier; The method further comprises: locking the barrier in a closed position (204); opening the cockpit door after locking the barrier and providing the flight crew with access to a forward section of the cabin area (206), the forward section of the cabin area being located on the first side of the barrier; and and reclosing (208) the cockpit door after providing the flight crew with access to the forward section of the cabin area.

18. monitoring (302) the position of the barrier; and 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising activating (304) an indicator in the cockpit when the barrier is in the closed position.

19. the movable aircraft lavatory door comprising: a first side of a movable aircraft lavatory door; a second side of a movable aircraft lavatory door; a movable aircraft lavatory door through-opening area extending through a door thickness of the movable aircraft lavatory door, the door thickness extending from a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door to a second side of the movable aircraft lavatory door; and 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising a movable opaque window panel movably attached to a first side of the movable aircraft lavatory door, the movable opaque window panel configured to selectively allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door.

20. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising: moving (209) the movable opaque window panel to allow visual access through the movable aircraft lavatory door through opening area after locking the barrier.

21. The second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin includes: a first side of a second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin; a second side of a second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin; a second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin through-opening area extending through a panel thickness of the second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin, the panel thickness extending from a first side of the second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin to a second side of the second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin; 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising a movable opaque window panel movably attached to a first side of the second monument panel of the movable aircraft cabin, the movable opaque window panel configured to selectively allow visual access through a second monument panel through opening area of ​​the movable aircraft cabin.

22. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: after locking the barrier, moving (209) the movable opaque window panel to allow visual access through a second monument panel through opening area of ​​the movable aircraft cabin.

Images