PSU pod assembly and method for using same

1. A method performed in the cabin of an aircraft that includes a plurality of rows of passenger seats positioned therein, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning within the cabin of the aircraft an enclosure that includes a door, bucket or tray that is openable to receive luggage in an enclosure interior wherein the enclosure includes a personal service unit channel associated therewith, wherein the personal service unit channel includes first and second rails that extend generally parallel to a longitudinally extending axis of the aircraft, and wherein the personal service unit channel contains system components therein,

positioning a first personal service unit pod within the cabin of the aircraft above at least a first passenger seat within a first row and below the personal service unit channel, wherein the first personal service unit pod includes a housing that has cabin lighting associated therewith, wherein the first housing is positioned below and affixed to a first panel that at least partially encloses and defines the personal service unit channel, and wherein the first panel includes at least first and second connectors that are connected to the first and second rails, respectively, and

positioning a second personal service unit pod within the cabin of the aircraft above at least a second passenger seat within a second row and below the personal service unit channel, wherein the second personal service unit pod includes a housing that has cabin lighting associated therewith, wherein the second housing is positioned below and affixed to a second panel that at least partially encloses and defines the personal service unit channel, and wherein the second panel includes at least first and second connectors that are connected to the first and second rails, respectively.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of switching on the cabin lighting from a first location that is remote from the first and second passenger seats.

3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first and second housings each include reading lights associated therewith, and wherein the method includes the step of switching on at least one of the reading lights associated with the first housing from a second location adjacent the first passenger seat.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the cabin is separated into a passenger area and a crew area, and wherein the first location is in the crew area.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the systems components include at least one oxygen mask.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of positioning a third personal service unit pod within the cabin of the aircraft above at least a third passenger seat within a third row and below the personal service unit channel, wherein the third personal service unit pod includes a housing that has cabin lighting associated therewith, and wherein the third housing is positioned below and affixed to a third panel that at least partially encloses and defines the personal service unit channel.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein a first distance is defined between the first seat and the second seat, wherein a second distance is defined between the first personal service unit pod and the second personal service unit pod, and wherein the first distance and the second distance are approximately the same.

8. An overhead stowage bin assembly configured to receive luggage and be positioned in the interior of an aircraft, the overhead stowage bin assembly comprising:

an enclosure that includes a door, bucket or tray that is openable to receive luggage in an enclosure interior, wherein the enclosure includes an integral personal service unit channel formed therewith, and wherein the enclosure includes first and second rails that, when the overhead stowage bin assembly is positioned in an aircraft, extend generally parallel to a longitudinally extending axis of the aircraft,

at least one panel that includes at least first and second connectors that are connected to the first and second rails respectively, and wherein the at least one panel is positioned below and partially defines the personal service unit channel, and

a personal service unit pod positioned below and affixed to the panel, wherein the personal service unit pod includes

a housing that includes a top, a bottom and first, second, third and fourth sides that cooperate to define a pod interior,

at least first and second reading lights positioned within the pod interior and configured to shine light below the housing, and

cabin lights positioned on or in the housing and configured to shine light above the housing.

9. The overhead stowage bin assembly of claim 8 wherein the housing of the personal service unit pod includes at least one vent opening defined therein.

10. The overhead stowage bin assembly of claim 9 wherein the vent opening is in air flow communication with a duct positioned in the personal service unit channel.

11. The overhead stowage bin assembly of claim 8 wherein the at least two reading lights are not positioned within the personal service unit channel.

12. The overhead stowage bin assembly of claim 8 wherein the panel defines a first height, wherein the personal service unit pod is positioned below the first height and the personal service unit channel is positioned above the first height.

13. The overhead stowage bin assembly of claim 8 wherein the enclosure includes an environmental control system channel integral therewith, and wherein the environmental control system channel is separate from the personal service unit channel.

14. The overhead stowage bin assembly of claim 8 wherein the panel includes at least one opening extending therethrough, and wherein wires extend from the first and second reading lights, through the opening and into the personal service unit channel.