Hexcel Corporation

Kurt L Treichler

Jack E Hart

Siulun Tam

Ralph M Burrows

Scott G Jackson

Articulating overhead luggage bin assemblies including a luggage bin that it is adapted for mounting to a support structure in a mass transit vehicle, such as an aircraft. The bins have an upper shroud portion, and a lower bucket portion, with cooperating means for interconnecting these two bin portions so that the bucket portion is guided downward and forward relative to the shroud, when the bin is opened. The cooperating means are 'rigid' so that each end of the bucket moves in concert with the other, without need for a torque tube or other motion control device linking the bucket ends. The assembly also includes a downlock mechanism for holding the bin in a fully opened position. To close the bin, the downlock mechanism is disengaged by application of backward force to the bucket portion. In a preferred embodiment, the cooperating interconnecting means between the bucket and shroud portions of the bin are 'drawer-type guides' that are linear, and consist of nested sheet metal lengths with interposed ball bearings that allow the lengths to move smoothly relative to each other.

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Bellingham, WA, United States of America

Kurt L Treichler