Robert J Lenaburg

US Patent:

20080191097, Aug 14, 2008

Filed:

Feb 13, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/674376

Inventors:

Steven P. McDonald - Marysville WA, US
Robert J. Lenaburg - Des Moines WA, US

Assignee:

THE BOEING COMPANY - Chicago IL

International Classification:

B64D 25/14

US Classification:

2441372, 244905

Abstract:

Systems and methods for multi-exit evacuation for aircraft are disclosed. In one embodiment, an inflatable evacuation slide for emergency evacuation includes two coupled inflatable portions. The first inflatable portion, which includes a first inclined sliding surface, is configured to provide downward egress from an over-wing exit. Similarly, the second inflatable portion, which includes a second inclined surface, is likewise configured to provide downward egress from a non over-wing exit. In particular embodiments, the inflatable portions are configured to be deployed from a storage location proximate the over-wing and non over-wing exits. In other embodiments, at least one of the first and second inflatable portions includes a lateral area for horizontal movement. In alternative embodiments, the inflatable evacuation slide further includes a divider rail disposed between the first inflatable portion and the second inflatable portion.