Aircraft lavatory with pivoting trash bin compartment

Abstract

An aircraft lavatory includes a countertop with a trash opening such that trash content is received through the trash opening. The aircraft lavatory additionally includes a trash flap for selectively covering the trash opening, and a trash compartment below the countertop and for receiving a container in which trash content received through the trash opening is placed. The trash compartment includes at least a front wall and a bottom wall, and the bottom wall includes a pivot location more proximate to a back edge of the bottom wall than to the front wall. The trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop about the pivot location between a stowed position and a deployed position such that, in the deployed position, the front wall of the trash compartment is angled away from the countertop.

Description

AIRCRAFT LAVATORY WITH PIVOTING TRASH BIN COMPARTMENTCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 651,560, filed on May 24, 2024, and entitled PIVOTING TRASH BIN COMPARTMENT, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The field of the invention relates to lavatories for passenger vehicles, and, more particularly, to trash bin compartments for lavatories.BACKGROUND

[0003] Passenger vehicles, such as aircraft, buses, trains, ships, automobiles, and the like, often include one or more lavatories. A conventional lavatory may include a toilet and a sink as well as other components or features. For example, a typical aircraft lavatory includes a place to discard trash, conventionally referring to a static trash receptacle or trash bin that has a trash bag placed over it to collect trash content. Conventional trash bins in lavatories need to be emptied after each flight, and a new trash bag needs to be placed in the trash bin so that new trash content can be collected. The process of emptying conventional lavatory trash bins can be difficult because aircraft lavatories have limited working space to maneuver both people and / or large objects, such as a trash bin.SUMMARY

[0004] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention” and “the present invention” used in this patent are intended to refer broadly to all of the subject matter of this patent and the patent claims below. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the patent claims below.Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summan' is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all drawings and each claim.

[0005] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an aircraft lavatory includes a countertop with a trash opening configured to receive trash content through the trash opening. The aircraft lavatory additionally includes a trash flap to selectively cover the trash opening and a trash compartment below the countertop and to receive a container in which trash content received through the trash opening is placed. In certain embodiments, the trash compartment includes at least a front wall and a bottom wall, and the bottom wall comprises a pivot location more proximate to a back edge of the bottom wall than to the front wall. In some embodiments, the trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop about the pivot location between a stowed position and a deployed position, and. in the deployed position, the front wall of the trash compartment is angled away from the countertop.

[0006] In some embodiments, the countertop further includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the outer surface faces a living space of the aircraft lavatory. In various embodiments, the aircraft lavatory additionally includes a trash compartment release latch on the inner surface of the countertop and adjacent to the trash opening and such that the trash compartment release latch is accessible through the trash compartment opening. In some embodiments, the trash compartment release latch is adjustable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration with the trash compartment, and, in the disengaged configuration, the trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop between the stowed position and the deployed position. Optionally, in the engaged configuration, the trash compartment release latch is only accessible through the trash opening.

[0007] In various embodiments, the trash compartment release latch includes a latch body, a button on the latch body, and a latch striker. The latch striker may be operably coupled to the button such that engagement of the button moves the latch striker from a deployed position, in which the latch striker is engaged with the trash compartment, to a stowed position, in whichthe latch striker is disengaged from the trash compartment. Optionally, the trash compartment release latch includes a biasing member within the latch body for applying a force biasing the latch striker into the deployed position. Optionally, in the deployed position, the latch striker extends outwards from the latch body, and wherein, in the stowed position, the latch striker is at least partially retracted into the latch body. In certain embodiments, the front wall of the trash compartment includes an outer surface and an inner surface, and the inner surface includes a latch catch which may be selectively engaged by the latch striker.

[0008] According to some embodiments, the pivot location is at the back edge of the bottom wall.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the aircraft lavatory includes a pivot controller below the bottom wall of the trash compartment for controlling the pivoting of the trash compartment between the stowed position and the deployed position. Optionally, the pivot controller includes a spring dampener. In various embodiments, the pivot controller may be pivotably connected to the trash compartment at the pivot location.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the trash compartment includes a pivot extension, and the aircraft lavatory additionally includes a pivot guide for receiving the pivot extension such that the pivot extension is movable within the pivot guide based on pivoting of the trash compartment. Optionally, the pivot guide defines a maximum range of movement of the trash compartment from the stowed position to the deployed position. In some non-limiting examples, the pivot guide may include at least one elongated slot, and, optionally, the elongated slot is angled relative to a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the pivot guide may be below the trash compartment.

[0011] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, an aircraft lavatory7includes a countertop with an outer surface, an inner surface, and a trash opening configured to receive trash content through the trash opening. The outer surface faces a living space of the aircraft lavatory. The aircraft lavatory additionally includes a trash compartment release latch on the inner surface of the countertop and adjacent to the trash opening and such that the trash compartment release latch is accessible through the trash compartment opening. The aircraft lavatory may also include a trash compartment below the countertop for receiving a container in which trash content received through the trash opening is placed. In some embodiments, the trash compartment release latch is adjustable between an engaged configuration and adisengaged configuration with the trash compartment. In the disengaged configuration, the trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop between a stowed position and a deployed position. Optionally, in the engaged configuration, the trash compartment release latch is only accessible through the trash opening.

[0012] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a trash compartment assembly for an aircraft lavatory includes a trash compartment with a front wall, a bottom wall, and a pivot location. The trash compartment assembly additionally includes a pivot controller below the bottom wall of the trash compartment and pivotably connected to the trash compartment at the pivot location. In various embodiments, the pivot controller controls pivoting of the trash compartment between a stowed position and a deployed position.

[0013] Various implementations described in the present disclosure can include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft with a lavatory having a trash compartment assembly according to embodiments, and with a trash compartment of the trash compartment assembly in a stowed position.

[0016] FIG. 2 is another view of the lavatory of FIG. 1 and with the trash compartment in a deployed position.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of the lavatory of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the lavatory- of FIG. 1 with a trash compartment release latch of the trash compartment assembly and with the trash compartment release latch in an engaged configuration.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of the lavatory of FIG. 1 with a trash compartment release latch of the trash compartment assembly and with the trash compartment release latch in a disengaged configuration.

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of the lavatory of FIG. 1 with a pivot controller of the trash compartment assembly and with the trash compartment in the stowed position.

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a portion of the lavatory of FIG. 1 with the pivot controller of the trash compartment assembly and with the trash compartment in the deployed position.

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a portion of the lavatory of FIG. 1 with the trash compartment in the deployed position.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The described embodiments of the invention provide trash compartment assemblies for lavatories for passenger vehicles. While the trash compartment assemblies are discussed for use with aircraft, they are by no means so limited. Rather, embodiments of the trash compartment assemblies may be used in passenger vehicles of any type or otherwise as desired.

[0024] Described herein are trash compartment assemblies for lavatories, and the trash compartment assemblies generally include a trash compartment, a trash compartment release latch, and / or a pivot controller. Compared to traditional aircraft lavatory trash compartments, which are static, the trash compartment assemblies described herein are movable relative to other components of the aircraft lavatory (e.g., such as but not limited to a countertop). In certain embodiments, the trash compartment assemblies described herein are pivotable about a pivot location or axis, thereby providing improved access to a trash container (e.g., trash bin, bag, etc.) in the trash compartment and facilitating the removal of trash bags and placing new trash bags in the trash compartment. The pivotable trash compartment may further provide improved access while accommodating the limited living space of the aircraft lavatory-. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0025] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate an aircraft 10 with a lavatory 12 according to various embodiments. While a single lavatory 12 is illustrated, in other embodiments, the aircraft 10 may include any number of lavatories 12 as desired. Moreover, while the lavatory 12 is illustrated on the aircraft 10, in other embodiments, the lavatory 12 may be provided on other vehicles as desired, such as but not limited to buses, trains, ships, automobiles, and the like.

[0026] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lavatory 12 generally includes a living space 14 which a user may occupy and / or maneuver about in while using the lavatory 12. The lavatory 12 additionally includes a countertop 16 and a trash compartment assembly 18, which will be described in greater detail below. In addition to the countertop 16 and trash compartment assembly 18, the lavatory 12 optionally includes additional components (and combinations thereol) as desired. As non-limiting examples, the lavatory 12 optionally includes one or more of a mirror 11, a paper dispenser 13, a wash basin 15, a light source (e.g., optionally for highlighting a location of water dispensing and / or soap dispensing), a toilet 17, combinations thereof, and / or other components as desired. As such, the particular components illustrated with the lavatory 12 should not be considered limiting on the disclosure.

[0027] The countertop 16 generally includes an outer surface 20, which faces and / or is exposed to the living space 14, and an inner surface 22 (see FIG. 4). which is hidden from and / or faces away from the living space 14. In certain embodiments, the countertop 16 defines at least a trash opening 24, which may allow for the receipt of trash content through the trash opening 24 and into the trash compartment assembly 18 as discussed in detail below. Optionally, a trash flap 26 may selectively cover the trash opening 24, thereby controlling access through the trash opening 24. In certain embodiments, the trash flap 26 may be movable relative to the countertop 16, such as but not limited to via pivoting. As a non-limiting example, the trash flap 26 may be pivotably attached (directly or indirectly) to the countertop 16 such that the trash flap 26 is pivotable outwards (e.g., further into the living space 14) or is pivotable inwards. In the embodiment illustrated, the trash flap 26 is pivotable relative to the countertop 16 such that the trash flap 26 pivots inwards. However, in other embodiments, the trash flap 26 may be movable in other directions and / or via other mechanisms as desired, and the trash flap 26 illustrated should not be considered limiting.

[0028] In addition to the trash opening 24, the countertop 16 optionally may include one or more additional features as desired. As a non-limiting example, the countertop 16 may includethe wash basin 15. However, the countertop 16 may have various shapes, sizes, configurations, and / or features as desired, and those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 should not be considered limiting.

[0029] The trash compartment assembly 18 generally includes a trash compartment 28, a trash compartment release latch 30, and a pivot controller 32.

[0030] The trash compartment 28 generally includes at least a front wall 34 and a bottom wall 36. Optionally, the trash compartment 28 may include one or more side walls 38, although it need not in other embodiments. As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 8, the trash compartment 28 may receive and / or support a container 40 for receiving and collecting trash content which is inserted through the trash opening 24. Various containers 40 may be utilized as desired, such as but not limited to trash bins 42, trash bags, combinations thereof, and / or other suitable devices as desired. Optionally, the trash compartment 28 may receive and / or support both a trash bag and a trash bin 42. with the trash bag being removable and / or installable as desired (e.g., to empty a full trash bag after a flight and to install a new trash bag).

[0031] In certain embodiments, the front wall 34 generally includes an outer surface 44 and an inner surface 46. The outer surface 44 of the front wall 34 may face the living space 14 of the lavatory 12. In certain embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the front wall 34 may include a latch catch 48 on the inner surface 46 for selectively engaging the trash compartment release latch 30 as discussed in detail below. Optionally, the latch catch 48 may be provided at or proximate to atop end 50 of the front wall 34; however, in other embodiments, the latch catch 48 may be provided at other locations as desired. The latch catch 48 may have various shapes, profiles, sizes, etc., suitable for selectively engaging the trash compartment release latch 30, and the particular latch catch 48 illustrated should not be considered limiting.

[0032] In various embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the bottom wall 36 of the trash compartment 28 includes a pivot axis or location 52. In certain embodiments, the pivot location 52 may be provided more proximate to a back edge 54 of the bottom wall 36 than to the front wall 34. Optionally, the pivot location 52 may be provided at or proximate to the back edge 54, and in one non-limiting example the pivot location 52 may be provided at the back edge 54.

[0033] The trash compartment 28 is pivotable (e.g., may rotate) about the pivot location 52 between a stowed position (see. e.g., FIG. 1) and a deployed position (see, e.g.. FIG. 2), andvice versa. In various embodiments, and as best illustrated in FIG. 2, in the deployed position, the front wall 34 is angled away from the countertop 16 and / or the top end 50 of the front wall 34 is spaced apart from the countertop 16. In the stowed position of the trash compartment 28, the container 40 may be concealed from view, and trash content inserted through the trash opening 24 and / or the trash flap 26 may be received within the container 40. In the deployed position of the trash compartment 28, the container 40 may be accessed by the user (e.g., to replace the container 40, trash bags, etc.). As illustrated in FIG. 2, the pivotable trash compartment 28 may facilitate access to the container 40 while also minimizing the amount of living space 14 needed to access the container 40.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 3-5, the trash compartment release latch 30 may selectively prevent or allow pivoting of the trash compartment 28 by selectively engaging (FIG. 4) or disengaging (FIG. 5) the trash compartment 28.

[0035] As best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the trash compartment release latch 30 generally includes a latch body 56, a latch button 58, and a latch striker 60. In certain embodiments, the trash compartment release latch 30 is provided on the inner surface 22 of the countertop 16 (e.g., inside and / or underneath the countertop 16) and proximate to the trash opening 24. With such positioning, the trash compartment release latch 30 may be hidden from view of a person within the living space 14. In certain embodiments, the trash compartment release latch 30 is accessible through the trash opening 24. In some embodiments, when the trash compartment 28 is in the stowed position, the trash compartment release latch 30 may only be accessible through the trash opening 24.

[0036] The latch body 56 may have various shapes, sizes, and profiles as desired, and the particular latch body 56 should not be considered limiting. In certain embodiments, the latch button 58 is supported on the latch body 56 and may be selectively engaged by a user. In one non-limiting example, the latch button 58 may be selectively pressed when engaged by the user, although in other embodiments, the latch button 58 may be configured to receive engagement by the user via other mechanisms and / or movements as desired.

[0037] The latch striker 60 is movable between a deployed position (FIG. 4) and a stowed position (FIG. 5). In certain embodiments, the latch striker 60 is operably coupled to the latch button 58 such that engagement of the latch button 58 moves the latch striker 60 from the deployed position to the stowed position. Optionally, the trash compartment release latch 30includes a biasing member, such as but not limited to a spring or other similar component, within the latch body 56 and applying a force to the latch striker 60 such that the latch striker 60 is biased to the deployed position. In other words, in certain embodiments, a resting or natural position (e.g., absent engagement by the user) may be the deployed position.

[0038] In the deployed position, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the latch striker 60 may extend outwards from the latch body 56. In certain embodiments, when the trash compartment 28 is in the stowed position, the latch striker 60 in the deployed position may engage the latch catch 48 of the trash compartment 28. Such engagement may limit or restrict pivoting of the trash compartment 28.

[0039] In the stowed position, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the latch striker 60 may be moved out of engagement with the latch catch 48 and / or may otherwise provide clearance such that the trash compartment 28 may be moved from the stowed position to the deployed position. Optionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 5. in the stowed position, the latch striker 60 may be at least partially retracted into the latch body 56.

[0040] In use, when the trash compartment 28 is in the stowed position, the user may access the trash compartment release latch 30 through the trash opening 24 and engage the latch button 58 (e.g., by pressing or otherwise engaging). Once the latch button 58 is engaged, the latch striker 60 may move from the deployed position to the stowed position (e.g., optionally at least partially retracted into the latch body 56) such that the latch striker 60 loses contact with the latch catch 48, and the trash compartment 28 may freely move. In certain embodiments, once the latch button 58 is disengaged (e.g., released), the latch striker 60 may return to the deployed position due to the force of the biasing member.

[0041] Conversely, when the trash compartment 28 is in the deployed position, a force can be applied to the front w all 34 of the trash compartment 28 (as a non-limiting example, by pushing against it with a user's hand), which may cause the trash compartment 28 to rotate back toward the stowed position. In these embodiments, the latch catch 48 of the trash compartment 28 may contact the latch striker 60, thereby causing the latch striker 60 to move from the deployed position to the stowed position. Once the latch catch 48 moves past the latch striker 60 (e.g., such that the trash compartment 28 is fully in its stowed position), the latch striker 60 may return to its deployed position and engage the latch catch 48, thereby constraining the trash compartment 28 from movement. In this regard, in some embodiments, the latch catch 48and / or the latch striker 60 may include a shape, profde, surface features, combinations thereof, etc., such that movement of latch catch 48 in the direction from the deployed position to the stowed position causes the latch striker 60 to retract while movement of the latch catch 48 in the direction from the stowed position to the deployed position does not (e.g., the latch button 58 needs to be activated). As a non-limiting example, and as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the latch catch 48 may include a surface 62 on one side of the latch catch 48 that is arcuate, curved, and / or extends at an angle relative to the inner surface 46. Other features may be utilized as desired, and the features of the latch catch 48 should not be considered limiting.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the pivot controller 32 is included, the pivot controller 32 may control movement of the trash compartment 28 from the stowed position to the deployed position, and vice versa. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the pivot controller 32 may be pivotably connected to the trash compartment 28 at the pivot location 52. In certain embodiments, the pivot controller 32 may be provided below the trash compartment 28.

[0043] The pivot controller 32 may be various devices suitable for controlling the movement of the trash compartment 28. As one non-limiting examples, the pivot controller 32 may be a spring dampener (or other similar and / or suitable devices) that is adjustable between a retracted position (FIG. 6) and an extended position (FIG. 7). The pivot controller 32 may apply a force on the bottom wall 36 of the trash compartment 28 (e.g., by moving from the retracted position to the extended position), which may cause the trash compartment 28 to rotate about the pivot location 52. In certain embodiments, the pivot controller 32 optionally may ensure that the rotation of the trash compartment 28 occurs in a slow and / or controlled manner. Optionally, the pivot controller 32 may apply a force against the bottom wall 36 of the trash compartment 28 such that the trash compartment 28 automatically begins to pivot upon disengagement by the trash compartment release latch 30. However, in other embodiments, the pivot controller 32 need not cause automatic movement of the trash compartment 28.

[0044] In other embodiments, the pivot controller 32 may be omitted, and the trash compartment 28 may be freely pivotable between the stowed and deployed positions upon disengagement by the trash compartment release latch 30.

[0045] Optionally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 6-8, the trash compartment assembly 18 includes a pivot guide 64, which may stabilize rotation of the trash compartment 28 and / or mayact to stop rotation of the trash compartment 28 (e.g., defining a maximum range of motion of the trash compartment 28). Referring to FIGS. 6-8, in some embodiments, the pivot guide 64 includes one or more slots 66 that receive one or more pivot extensions 68 extending from the bottom wall 36 of the trash compartment 28. In these embodiments, the slots 66 may be elongated and the pivot extension 68 is movable within the slot. Engagement of the pivot extension 68 with opposing ends of the slots 66 may define the stowed position and the deployed position of the trash compartment 28. Optionally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the elongated slots 66 may be angled relative to a vertical axis to promote and / or stabilize rotation of the trash compartment. In one non-limiting example and as illustrated, the slots 66 may be angled rearward (e.g.. in a direction away from the front wall 34), although in other embodiments they may be angled as desired. In other embodiments, the slots 66 need not be angled.

[0046] With the trash compartment assembly 18 described herein, containers 40 may be easily accessed for removing trash bags and / or containers and placing new7trash bags and / or containers in the lavatory 12. In addition, compared to the traditional static trash compartments, the pivotable trash compartments 28 may efficiently utilize the limited living space 14 within the lavatory 12 while also allowing access to the containers 40. Various other benefits and advantages may be realized with the systems and methods provided herein, and the aforementioned advantages should not be considered limiting.

[0047] A collection of exemplar}7embodiments are provided below, including at least some explicitly enumerated as “Examples” providing additional description of a variety of exemplary embodiments in accordance with the concepts described herein. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive, and the disclosure is not limited to these examples but rather encompasses all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims and their equivalents.

[0048] Example 1. An aircraft lavatory comprising: a countertop comprising a trash opening configured to receive trash content through the trash opening; a trash flap configured to selectively cover the trash opening; and a trash compartment below the countertop and configured to receive a container in which trash content received through the trash opening is placed, wherein the trash compartment comprises at least a front wall and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a pivot location more proximate to a back edge of thebotom wall than to the front wall, wherein the trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop about the pivot location between a stowed position and a deployed position, and wherein, in the deployed position, the front wall of the trash compartment is angled away from the countertop.

[0049] Example 2. The aircraft lavatory' of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the countertop further comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface faces a living space of the aircraft lavatory, and wherein the aircraft lavatory further comprises: a trash compartment release latch on the inner surface of the countertop and adjacent to the trash opening, wherein the trash compartment release latch is accessible through the trash compartment opening, and wherein the trash compartment release latch is adjustable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration with the trash compartment, wherein, in the disengaged configuration, the trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop between the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0050] Example 3. The aircraft lavatory of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein, in the engaged configuration, the trash compartment release latch is only accessible through the trash opening.

[0051] Example 4. The aircraft lavatory' of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the trash compartment release latch comprises: a latch body; a buton on the latch body; and a latch striker, wherein the latch striker is operably coupled to the buton such that engagement of the buton moves the latch striker from a deployed position, in which the latch striker is engaged with the trash compartment, to a stowed position, in which the latch striker is disengaged from the trash compartment.

[0052] Example 5. The aircraft lavatory' of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, further comprising a biasing member within the latch body, wherein the biasing member applies a force biasing the latch striker into the deployed position.

[0053] Example 6. The aircraft lavatory of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein, in the deployed position, the latch striker extends outwards from the latch body, and wherein, in the stowed position, the latch striker is at least partially retracted into the latch body.

[0054] Example 7. The aircraft lavatory of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the front wall of the trash compartment comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface comprises a latch catch, and wherein the latch striker is configured to engage the latch catch.

[0055] Example 8. The aircraft lavatory' of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the pivot location is at the back edge of the bottom wall.

[0056] Example 9. The aircraft lavatory of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, further comprising a pivot controller below the bottom wall of the trash compartment, wherein the pivot controller is configured to control pivoting of the trash compartment between the stowed position and the deployed position.

[0057] Example 10. The aircraft lavatory of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the pivot controller comprises a spring dampener.

[0058] Example 11. The aircraft lavatory of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the pivot controller is pivotably connected to the trash compartment at the pivot location.

[0059] Example 12. The aircraft lavatory' of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the bottom wall of the trash compartment further comprises a pivot extension, and wherein the aircraft lavatory' further comprises: a pivot guide configured to receive the pivot extension such that the pivot extension is movable yvithin the pivot guide based on pivoting of the trash compartment, wherein the pivot guide defines a maximum range of movement of the trash compartment from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0060] Example 13. The aircraft lavatory' of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the pivot guide comprises at least one elongated slot, and wherein the elongated slot is angled relative to a vertical axis.

[0061] Example 14. The aircraft lavatory of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the pivot guide is below the trash compartment.

[0062] Example 15. An aircraft lavatory comprising: a countertop comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, and a trash opening configured to receive trash content through the trash opening, wherein the outer surface faces a living space of the aircraft lavatory; a trash compartment release latch on the inner surface of the countertop and adjacent to the trashopening, wherein the trash compartment release latch is accessible through the trash compartment opening; and a trash compartment below the countertop and configured to receive a container in which trash content received through the trash opening is placed, wherein the trash compartment release latch is adjustable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration with the trash compartment, wherein, in the disengaged configuration, the trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop between a stowed position and a deployed position, and wherein, in the engaged configuration, the trash compartment release latch is only accessible through the trash opening.

[0063] Example 16. The aircraft lavatory of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the trash compartment release latch comprises: a latch body; a button on the latch body; and a latch striker, wherein the latch striker is operably coupled to the button such that engagement of the button moves the latch striker from a deployed position, in which the latch striker is engaged with the trash compartment, to a stowed position, in which the latch striker is disengaged from the trash compartment.

[0064] Example 17. The aircraft lavatory of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein, in the deployed position, the latch striker extends outwards from the latch body, wherein, in the stowed position, the latch striker is at least partially retracted into the latch body, wherein the front wall of the trash compartment comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface comprises a latch catch, and wherein the latch striker is configured to engage the latch catch.

[0065] Example 18. A trash compartment assembly for an aircraft lavatory, the trash compartment assembly comprising: a trash compartment comprising a front wall and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a pivot location: and a pivot controller below the bottom wall of the trash compartment and pivotably connected to the trash compartment at the pivot location, wherein the pivot controller is configured to control pivoting of the trash compartment about the pivot location between a stowed position and a deployed position.

[0066] Example 19. The trash compartment assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the pivot controller comprises a spring dampener.

[0067] Example 20. The trash compartment assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the pivot controller is configured to apply aforce to the bottom wall of the trash compartment causing the trash compartment to rotate about the pivot location.

[0068] Example 21. The trash compartment assembly of any preceding or subsequent examples or combination of examples, wherein the bottom wall of the trash compartment further comprises a pivot extension, and wherein the aircraft lavatory further comprises : a pivot guide below the trash compartment and configured to receive the pivot extension such that the pivot extension is movable within the pivot guide based on pivoting of the trash compartment, wherein the pivot guide defines a maximum range of movement of the trash compartment from the stowed position to the deployed position.

[0069] The subject matter of embodiments of the present invention is described here with specificity to meet statutory' requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order or arrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described.

[0070] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and various embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims below.

[0071] As used herein, the meaning of "‘a,” ”an.’’ and “the’?includes singular and plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0072] The subject matter of embodiments of the present disclosure is described here with specificity to meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future technologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying any particular order orarrangement among or between various steps or elements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement of elements is explicitly described. Directional references such as '‘up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “front,” and “back,” among others, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the components and directions are referencing.

[0073] The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e.. meaning “including, but not limited to.”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, or gradients thereof, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0074] As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, the nearness of completion will be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained.

[0075] The above-described aspects are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specific terms areemployed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMSThat which is claimed is:

1. An aircraft lavatory comprising: a countertop comprising a trash opening configured to receive trash content through the trash opening; a trash flap configured to selectively cover the trash opening; and a trash compartment below the countertop and configured to receive a container in which trash content received through the trash opening is placed, wherein the trash compartment comprises at least a front wall and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a pivot location more proximate to a back edge of the bottom wall than to the front wall, wherein the trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop about the pivot location between a stowed position and a deployed position, and wherein, in the deployed position, the front wall of the trash compartment is angled away from the countertop.

2. The aircraft lavatory' of claim 1, wherein the countertop further comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the outer surface faces a living space of the aircraft lavatory’, and wherein the aircraft lavatory further comprises: a trash compartment release latch on the inner surface of the countertop and adjacent to the trash opening, wherein the trash compartment release latch is accessible through the trash compartment opening, and wherein the trash compartment release latch is adjustable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration with the trash compartment, wherein, in the disengaged configuration, the trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop between the stowed position and the deployed position.

3. The aircraft lavatory' of claim 2, wherein, in the engaged configuration, the trash compartment release latch is only accessible through the trash opening.

4. The aircraft lavatory of claim 2, wherein the trash compartment release latch comprises: a latch body; a button on the latch body; anda latch striker, wherein the latch striker is operably coupled to the button such that engagement of the button moves the latch striker from a deployed position, in which the latch striker is engaged with the trash compartment, to a stowed position, in which the latch striker is disengaged from the trash compartment.

5. The aircraft lavatory of claim 4, further comprising a biasing member within the latch body, wherein the biasing member applies a force biasing the latch striker into the deployed position.

6. The aircraft lavatory' of claim 4, wherein, in the deployed position, the latch striker extends outwards from the latch body, and wherein, in the stowed position, the latch striker is at least partially retracted into the latch body.

7. The aircraft lavatory of claim 4, wherein the front wall of the trash compartment comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface comprises a latch catch, and wherein the latch striker is configured to engage the latch catch.

8. The aircraft lavatory of claim 1, wherein the pivot location is at the back edge of the bottom wall.

9. The aircraft lavatory' of claim 1, further comprising a pivot controller below the bottom wall of the trash compartment, wherein the pivot controller is configured to control pivoting of the trash compartment between the stowed position and the deployed position.

10. The aircraft lavatory' of claim 9, wherein the pivot controller comprises a spring dampener.

11. The aircraft lavatory of claim 9, wherein the pivot controller is pivotably connected to the trash compartment at the pivot location.

12. The aircraft lavatory of claim 1, wherein the bottom wall of the trash compartment further comprises a pivot extension, and wherein the aircraft lavatory further comprises: a pivot guide below the trash compartment and configured to receive the pivot extension such that the pivot extension is movable within the pivot guide based on pivoting of the trash compartment, wherein the pivot guide defines a maximum range of movement of the trash compartment from the stowed position to the deployed position.

13. The aircraft lavatory' of claim 12, wherein the pivot guide comprises at least one elongated slot, and wherein the elongated slot is angled relative to a vertical axis.

14. An aircraft lavatory' comprising: a countertop comprising an outer surface, an inner surface, and a trash opening configured to receive trash content through the trash opening, wherein the outer surface faces a living space of the aircraft lavatory; a trash compartment release latch on the inner surface of the countertop and adjacent to the trash opening, wherein the trash compartment release latch is accessible through the trash compartment opening; and a trash compartment below the countertop and configured to receive a container in which trash content received through the trash opening is placed. wherein the trash compartment release latch is adjustable between an engaged configuration and a disengaged configuration with the trash compartment, wherein, in the disengaged configuration, the trash compartment is pivotable relative to the countertop between a stowed position and a deployed position, and wherein, in the engaged configuration, the trash compartment release latch is only accessible through the trash opening.

15. The aircraft lavatory' of claim 14, wherein the trash compartment release latch comprises: a latch body; a button on the latch body; and a latch striker, wherein the latch striker is operably coupled to the button such that engagement of the button moves the latch striker from a deployed position, in which the latchstriker is engaged with the trash compartment, to a stowed position, in which the latch striker is disengaged from the trash compartment.

16. The aircraft lavatory of claim 15, wherein, in the deployed position, the latch striker extends outwards from the latch body, wherein, in the stowed position, the latch striker is at least partially retracted into the latch body, wherein the front wall of the trash compartment comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface comprises a latch catch, and wherein the latch striker is configured to engage the latch catch.

17. A trash compartment assembly for an aircraft lavatory, the trash compartment assembly comprising: a trash compartment comprising a front wall and a bottom wall, wherein the bottom wall comprises a pivot location; and a pivot controller below the bottom wall of the trash compartment and pivotably connected to the trash compartment at the pivot location, wherein the pivot controller is configured to control pivoting of the trash compartment about the pivot location between a stowed position and a deployed position.

18. The trash compartment assembly of claim 17, wherein the pivot controller comprises a spring dampener.

19. The trash compartment assembly of claim 17, wherein the pivot controller is configured to apply a force to the bottom wall of the trash compartment causing the trash compartment to rotate about the pivot location.

20. The trash compartment assembly of claim 17, wherein the bottom wall of the trash compartment further comprises a pivot extension, and wherein the aircraft lavatory further comprises: a pivot guide below the trash compartment and configured to receive the pivot extension such that the pivot extension is movable within the pivot guide based on pivoting of the trashcompartment, wherein the pivot guide defines a maximum range of movement of the trash compartment from the stowed position to the deployed position.

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