Modular communication fixture for installation on board of a passenger conveyance

• US 7,142,417 B1
• Filed: 02/23/2004
• Issued: 11/28/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Original Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Inventors: Schotte, Hermann, Doebertin, Oliver, Fischer, Regine
• Primary Examiner(s): Feild, Lynn
• Assistant Examiner(s): Edwards, Anthony Q.
• Application Number:
  US10/785,601
• Time in Patent Office: 1,009 Days
• Field of Search: 361680-683, 361724-727, 312/223.1, 312/223.2, 312/223.3, 312/351, 312/351.2, 52 27- 37
• US Class Current: 312/223.1
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/0015 Arrangements for entertainment or communications, e.g. radio, television
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/00155 Individual entertainment or communication system remote controls therefor, located in or connected to seat components, e.g. to seat back or arm rest
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 11/04 Galleys

Abstract

A modular communication fixture is constructed for installation in a passenger conveyance particularly a passenger aircraft cabin. The fixture includes first components for the use and/or benefit of passengers and second components for the use by on board personnel only. The fixture has a housing and a door with an opening. The first components are so arranged in the housing that the first components are available for use by passengers through the opening in the door when the door is closed. The second components are so arranged that personnel can use the respective components when the door is open. When the door is open the fixture provides a work station for a personnel member.

Claims

1. A modular communication fixture for installation on board of a passenger conveyance, comprising a housing, an information terminal and a communication terminal installed in said housing for use by passengers and personnel, said terminals comprising a control and monitoring section installed in said housing for use only by and accessible only to personnel, and a passenger service and personnel section installed in said housing for use and accessible by passengers and personnel, said fixture further comprising a door secured to said housing, and built-in components in said housing, said built-in components including at least one keyboard and an open space below said keyboard, and a work support plate installed in said door in a position for fitting into said open space below said keyboard when said door is closed.

2. The modular communication fixture of claim 1, wherein said housing is a frame structure (1) in which said information terminal and said communication terminal are installed, and wherein said door (3) is operatively secured to said frame structure (1), said door having an opening (14) functioning as a reach through opening in said door (3).

3. The modular communication fixture of claim 1, wherein said housing is constructed as a built-in fixture installed in a fixed position in said passenger conveyance, and wherein said door is a lockable hinged door (3) with a reach through opening (14).

4. The modular communication fixture of claim 1, further comprising in said housing built-in components including a display screen (8), a touchscreen (9), a keyboard (10) and a stool, guide means in said housing for shifting any one of said built-in components between a retracted position and a use-position, and position locks for arresting any one of said built-in components in said retracted position and in said use-position.

5. The modular communication fixture of claim 1, further comprising first built-in components positioned in said housing, a reach through opening in said door, wherein said first built-in components are positioned in said housing to be accessible for use when said door is open and also through said reach through opening in said door when said door is closed and second built-in components so positioned in said housing that access to said second built-in components is prevented when said door is closed and locked.

6. The modular communication fixture of claim 1, wherein said door comprises a reach through opening and wherein said modular communication fixture comprises convenience components installed in said door below said reach through opening (14).

7. The modular communication fixture of claim 6, wherein said convenience components comprise a cup holder or minibar facility, is installed below said reach through opening (14), and said modular communication fixture further comprises at least one lamp above said reach through opening (14).

8. The modular communication fixture of claim 1, wherein said information terminal and communication terminal comprise a computer provided in common for said control and monitoring section and for said passenger service section, said control and monitoring section comprising an audio/video control center and a cabin system control center, said housing further comprising electrical and data terminals for all components installed in said housing for connection to respective power supply lines and to at least one data bus.

9. The modular communication fixture of claim 1, installed in an entrance and exit area of said passenger conveyance, and wherein said door (3) comprises a reach through opening (14), said door being openable into said entrance and exit area.

10. The modular communication fixture of claim 1, wherein said door comprises a reach through opening (14) for permitting passenger access to said passenger service section and for preventing passenger access to said control and monitoring section.

11. The modular communication fixture of claim 1, installed in any one of an aircraft body, a passenger train and a passenger ship.