Barrier door for an aircraft

Abstract

A barrier door for controlling the movement of a person through a port within a cabin area of an aircraft. The barrier door includes a body including an upper side, a lower side, and a lateral side. A lock is connected to the body and includes an elongate member and a pin. The pin is movable between a disengaged position in which the distal end of the pin is retracted and an engaged position in which the distal end of the pin extends outwardly beyond the elongate member. A release mechanism is threadingly connected to the elongate member and is rotatable relative to the elongate member to adjust the position of the elongate member and the pin relative to the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of barriers, and more particularly to barrier doors configured for use within an aircraft. Background Art

[0002] An aircraft has a cockpit that includes flight instruments, an instrument panel, and various controls that enable the crew to operate the aircraft. The cockpit is located near the front of the aircraft and is typically a separate compartment that is away from the cabin area where passengers sit during flight. A cockpit door further separates the cockpit from the cabin area.

[0003] The cockpit door is closed and locked during flight. This allows the crew to concentrate on operating the aircraft and prevents unwanted personnel from entering the cockpit. However, the cockpit door may be opened during flight for various reasons. One situation is when the crew uses the lavatory located in the cabin area of ​​the aircraft. Other situations are when food and / or drinks prepared in the galley in the cabin area are delivered to the crew in the cockpit and when the crew leaves the cockpit during rest periods.

[0004] Opening the cockpit door may provide an undesirable person with access to the cockpit. Once the cockpit door is opened, the undesirable person may suddenly rush to the front of the aircraft and gain access to the cockpit. It may be difficult for the crew working in the cabin area to react to this movement quickly enough to close and lock the cockpit door.

[0005] A device is needed to prevent people in the cabin area from rushing to the cockpit. The device will prevent people from reaching the front of the aircraft or will slow their movement to close and lock the cockpit door before the people reach the cockpit. Summary of the invention

[0006] One aspect relates to a barrier door for controlling the movement of personnel through an opening in a cabin area of ​​an aircraft. The barrier door includes: a body including an upper side, a lower side, and a lateral side; and a lock connected to the body and including: a columnar member having an elongated shape and including an inner end, an outer end, and a hollow interior space; a pin located within the interior space of the columnar member and movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in which the distal end of the pin is retracted into the interior space of the columnar member and in which the distal end of the pin extends outwardly beyond the outer end of the columnar member; a biasing member biasing the pin toward the engaged position; and a release mechanism threadedly connected to the inner end of the columnar member, the release mechanism being rotatable relative to the columnar member to adjust the position of the columnar member and the pin relative to the body.

[0007] In another aspect, the outer end of the column is aligned with the upper side of the body so that the pin extends outwardly beyond the body in the engaged position.

[0008] In another aspect, a handle extends outward from the pin and an opening in the cylindrical member communicates with the interior space, wherein the opening includes a first section and a second section, and when the pin is in the disengaged position, the handle is located in the first section of the opening, and when the pin is in the engaged position, the handle is located in the second section of the opening.

[0009] In another aspect, the body includes a first side and a second side, and the handle extends outwardly beyond the first side of the body and the handle is positioned away from the second side of the body.

[0010] In another aspect, an opening is provided in the body, and the release mechanism includes a sleeve located in the opening of the body, and the sleeve is accessible from both the first side of the body and the second side of the body.

[0011] In another aspect, the release mechanism includes a sleeve extending around an inner end of the cylindrical member, wherein the sleeve includes internal threads and the cylindrical member includes external threads.

[0012] In another aspect, the receptacle is configured to be mounted adjacent the body, the receptacle including a biased plug sized to contact against a distal end of the pin when the pin is in the engaged position.

[0013] In another aspect, the body includes a plurality of vertical slats hingedly connected together, and the barrier door moves between an open position and a closed position, wherein the vertical slats are in a folded configuration when the barrier door is in the open position and the vertical slats are in an expanded configuration when the barrier door is in the closed position.

[0014] In another aspect, the pin is fixedly positioned relative to the cylinder during rotation of the release mechanism.

[0015] One aspect relates to a barrier door for controlling the movement of personnel through an access opening within a cabin area of ​​an aircraft. The barrier door includes: a body including an outer perimeter; a sleeve connected to the body; a first elongated member connected to the sleeve and extending outwardly from the sleeve in a first direction; a second elongated member connected to the sleeve and extending outwardly from the sleeve in a second direction; a first pin connected to the first elongated member; and a second pin connected to the second elongated member. The first pin and the second pin are movable between a retracted position, the retracted position being inwardly within the outer perimeter of the body, and an extended position being outwardly beyond the outer perimeter of the body. The sleeve is rotatable relative to the first elongated member and the second elongated member so that both the first pin and the second pin in the extended position move inwardly within the outer perimeter of the body.

[0016] In another aspect, each of the first elongated member and the second elongated member is a cylindrical piece having a hollow interior space, and the first pin is located within the first elongated member and the second pin is located within the second elongated member.

[0017] In another aspect, the sleeve is positioned along a central portion of the body and the first elongated member extends outwardly toward an upper side of the body, the first pin extending outwardly beyond the upper side of the body in the extended position.

[0018] In another aspect, the second elongated member extends outwardly toward the underside of the body, and the second pin extends outwardly beyond the underside of the body in the extended position.

[0019] In another aspect, the first pin is fixedly positioned relative to the first elongated member during rotation of the sleeve, and the second pin is fixedly positioned relative to the second elongated member during rotation of the sleeve.

[0020] In another aspect, the sleeve, the first elongated member, and the second elongated member are aligned together and extend along a lateral side of the body.

[0021] In another aspect, the sleeve is threadably coupled to each of the first elongated member and the second elongated member.

[0022] In another aspect, each of the first and second pins includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, and includes a handle extending outward from the body between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the handle extends outward from the corresponding first and second slender members in the retracted position.

[0023] Another aspect relates to a method of controlling passenger movement through an opening within a cabin area of ​​an aircraft. The method includes positioning a barrier door in a closed position extending across the opening; locking the barrier door when the barrier door is in the closed position by moving a first pin and a second pin, both connected to the barrier door, to an engaged position, wherein the first pin extends outwardly beyond an upper side of a body of the barrier door and engages the first pin with a ceiling of the aircraft, and wherein the second pin extends outwardly beyond a lower side of the body and engages the second pin with a floor of the aircraft; rotating a sleeve connected to the body and retracting and disengaging the first pin from the ceiling, and simultaneously retracting and disengaging the second pin from the floor, while the first and second pins are in the engaged position; and positioning the barrier door in an open position providing access through the opening when the first and second pins are disengaged.

[0024] In another aspect, the method further comprises the steps of: moving the first pin within the first columnar member and extending the distal end of the first pin outwardly beyond the upper side of the body and engaging with the ceiling; moving the second pin within the second columnar member and extending the distal end of the second pin outwardly beyond the lower side of the body and engaging with the floor.

[0025] In another aspect, the method further includes maintaining a relative position of the first pin to the first cylindrical member and a relative position of the second pin to the second cylindrical member while rotating the sleeve and retracting the first pin and the second pin.

[0026] The features, functions, and advantages that have been discussed may be achieved independently in various aspects or may be combined with other aspects, further details of which may be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional image of the aircraft.

[0028] Figure 2 Includes cockpit and cabin areas Figure 1 A top-down view of the interior of the aircraft.

[0029] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cockpit door in the closed position.

[0030] Figure 4 is a front view of the barrier door in the closed position.

[0031] Figure 5 is in the open position Figure 4 Front view of the barrier door in.

[0032] Figure 6 is a front view of the barrier door.

[0033] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lock.

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a lock.

[0035] Fig.9A is a perspective view of a portion of the lock in a disengaged position.

[0036] Fig. 9B is in the engaged position Fig.9A A perspective view of a portion of a lock.

[0037] Fig.10 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the release mechanism of the lock.

[0038] Fig.11A It is a three-dimensional diagram of the receiving seat.

[0039] Fig. 11B yes Fig.11A Schematic cross-sectional view of the receiving seat in.

[0040] Fig.12 is a flow chart of a method of controlling the movement of passengers through an opening in a cabin area of ​​an aircraft.

[0041] Fig.13 is a flow chart of a method of controlling the movement of passengers through an opening in a cabin area of ​​an aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An aircraft 100 is shown that includes a fuselage 101. A cockpit 110 is located at the front of the fuselage 101 and a cabin area 103 is located at the rear. The cabin area 103 is configured to accommodate passengers. The dimensions of the cockpit 110 and the cabin area 103 may vary depending on the aircraft 100. One or more external doors 104 enable passengers and crew to enter and exit the fuselage 101.

[0043] Cockpit 110 includes one or more seats 111 for crew members, including but not limited to a pilot, co-pilot, and other authorized personnel. Various controls and instrument panels (not shown) are positioned for use by the pilot and co-pilot to control aircraft 100.

[0044] The cabin area 103 is located along the fuselage 101 to the rear of the cockpit 110. The cabin area 103 includes a passenger section 121 having seats 105 arranged in rows along one or more aisles 106. In some examples, such as commercial airlines, a plurality of seats 105 extend throughout the cabin area 103. In other examples, where the aircraft 100 is used for cargo transportation, a limited number of seats 105 are located in the cabin area 103.

[0045] The cabin area 103 also includes a vestibule 120 positioned between the cockpit 110 and the passenger section 121. The vestibule 120 includes one or more monuments 112 mounted to structural members of the aircraft 100 within the fuselage 101. The monuments 112 are functional units, examples of which include, but are not limited to, galleys, lavatories, and storage units. In some examples, the monuments 112 are shaped and sized to extend from the floor 107 to the ceiling 108 of the cabin area 103. In some examples, the monuments 112 extend between a wall 114 of the fuselage 101 and the aisle 106. Figure 2 The front hall 120 includes a pair of three-dimensional kitchen spaces 112a and 112b, a three-dimensional washroom space 112c and a three-dimensional storage space 112d.

[0046] The cockpit door 90 separates the cockpit 110 from the cabin area 103, and in some examples specifically separates the cockpit 110 from the vestibule 120. The cockpit door 90 prevents unintended personnel from entering the cockpit 110 from the cabin area 103. Figure 3 As shown, the cockpit door 90 includes a lock 91 configured to secure the cockpit door 90 in a closed position. The lock 91 may include various configurations for unlocking, such as a magnetic card reader and an input button. The viewing hole 92 enables the crew in the cockpit 110 to observe the cabin area 103 without opening the cockpit door 90. In some examples, the cockpit door 90 is mounted in a frame 109, which is mounted to one or more of the three-dimensional space 112, the floor 107, and the ceiling 108.

[0047] like Figure 2 As shown, the cabin area 103 also includes a passage 113 close to the cockpit 110. In this example, the passage 113 is formed between two three-dimensional spaces (the kitchen three-dimensional space 112b and the lavatory three-dimensional space 112c). Other examples include a passage 113 formed between the three-dimensional spaces 112b and 112d and a passage 113 formed between the three-dimensional spaces 112a and 112c. Other examples include passages 113 formed between various components (such as the three-dimensional space 112, the wall 114 of the fuselage 101, and the seat 105).

[0048] The barrier door 20 is located at the passage 113 and includes a front side 21 facing the front of the aircraft 100 and an opposite rear side 22. The barrier door 20 can be moved between an open position and a closed position (eg, Figure 2 12a). In the open position, the barrier door 20 is retracted or otherwise configured to allow people to pass through the passage 113, such as for passengers to use the lavatory 112c or for crew members to move between the cockpit 110 and the passenger section 121. In the closed position, the barrier door 20 extends across the passage 113 and is locked within the passage 113. In the closed position, the barrier door 20 is used to delay or otherwise slow the movement of people moving from the passenger section 121 toward the cockpit 110. This time causes the cockpit door 90 to close and lock.

[0049] Figure 4The barrier door 20 is schematically shown in a closed position. The barrier door 20 includes a body 30 that is sized to extend across the passage 113. A lock 40 including one or more elongated members 41 is secured to the body 30 and is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position. In the engaged position, the one or more elongated members 41 extend outwardly and engage with a structure of the aircraft 100 to hold the barrier door 20 in the closed position. The structure of the aircraft 100 may include, but is not limited to, one or more of the floor 107, the ceiling 108, the cubic space 112, the seats 105, the frame 109, and the outer wall 114. The lock 40 also includes a release mechanism 50 for moving the one or more elongated members 41 to the disengaged position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 5 In the disengaged position shown, the one or more elongated members 41 are retracted from the structure of the aircraft 100 to allow the barrier door 20 to move between the open position and the closed position.

[0050] The body 30 can include a variety of shapes and sizes. In one example, the body 30 in the closed position is rectangular and includes an upper side 31, a lower side 32, and lateral sides 33, 34, and the body is sized to extend across the passage 113. In some examples, the body 30 is sized to completely fill the passage 113. In other examples, the body 30 is smaller than the passage 113, wherein there are one or more gaps between the edge of the passage 113 and the body 30. In the open position, the barrier door 20 is positioned to allow personnel to move through the passage 113. In the example of Figure 5 In some examples shown in , the body 30 can be folded or otherwise retracted to fill a limited portion of the passage 113 and allow personnel to pass through. In another example, the body 30 is connected to the structure of the aircraft, such as along one of the plurality of lateral sides, and pivots away from the passage 113 on a hinge.

[0051] The body 30 can have a variety of different configurations. In some examples, the body 30 is constructed as a single unitary piece, such as a large solid panel. In another example, the body 30 is composed of a plurality of different sections mounted together. These different sections can be fixedly positioned relative to each other or can be movable relative to each other. Figure 6 An embodiment is shown in which the body 30 is formed of a plurality of vertical slats 35 that are hingedly connected together. The lateral sides of the slats 35 are connected together to provide pivotal movement. The connections between the slats 35 may include rods extending along the height, or the lateral sides of the slats 35 may include fingers that join together and provide relative movement.

[0052] In such Figure 6In some examples shown, the mounting member 36 is configured to mount the body 30 in the through-opening 113. The mounting member 36 is positioned on the lateral side 33 and includes pins 37, 38 that extend outwardly beyond the upper side 31 and the lower side 32 to engage with the ceiling 108 and the floor 107, respectively. In some examples, the mounting member 36 allows the body 30 to be pivotally mounted in the through-opening 113.

[0053] The lock 40 secures the door 20 in the closed position. The lock 40 is attached to the body 30 and can be located at different locations. Figure 6 In one example shown, the lock 40 is positioned along the lateral side 34 and is configured to extend outwardly from one or both of the upper side 31 and the lower side 32 in the engaged position. In other examples, the lock 40 is oriented horizontally across the body 30 and is configured to extend outwardly from one or both of the lateral sides 33, 34 in the engaged position.

[0054] Figure 7 FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a lock 40 including an elongated member 41. A pin 43 is connected to the elongated member 41. Figure 7 In some examples shown, the elongated member 41 is a cylindrical member having a hollow interior space that accommodates the pin 43. In other examples, the elongated member 41 is a rod and the pin 43 is attached to the outside of the rod. The pin includes an elongated shape having a distal end 49. The pin 43 is biased outwardly by a biasing member 44. The pin 43 includes a handle 48 that extends outwardly through an opening 42 in the elongated member 41. In the disengaged position, the handle 48 is located in the first section 46 of the opening 42. The handle 48 abuts against the edge of the first section 46 to position the distal end 49 of the pin 43 in the retracted position. In some examples, the retracted position includes the distal end 49 within the end 45 of the elongated member 41. In other examples, the distal end 49 extends outwardly beyond the body 30. In examples such as Figure 7 In the engaged position shown, the pin 43 is rotated relative to the elongated member 41 to position the handle 48 in the second section 47 of the opening 42. The second section 47 extends closer to the end 45 of the elongated member 41. The force of the biasing member 44 pushes the pin 43 outward until the handle 48 contacts the upper edge of the second section 47. This positioning causes the pin 43 to extend outward beyond the end 45 of the elongated member 41 and engage with the structure of the aircraft.

[0055] The lock 40 also includes a release mechanism 50. The release mechanism 50 includes a sleeve 51 that is threaded onto the elongated member 41. The sleeve 51 is attached to the body 30 and is threaded onto the elongated member 41. The sleeve 51 can rotate but does not move along the axial length of the elongated member 41. Therefore, rotation of the sleeve 51 in a first direction causes the elongated member 41 (and the attached pin 43) to move in the first direction (e.g., retract inwardly relative to the body 30). Rotation in a second direction causes the elongated member 41 to move in a second direction (e.g., extend outwardly relative to the body 30). The sleeve 51 can rotate in a direction that moves the lock 40 between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

[0056] Figure 8 A lock 40 is shown configured to engage two opposing portions of an aircraft structure, such as a floor 107 and a ceiling 108. The lock 40 includes a pair of elongated members 41a, 41b threadedly connected to a sleeve 51. Pins 43a, 43b are positioned within the interior spaces of the elongated members 41a, 41b. The pins 43a, 43b include an elongated body having outer ends 49a, 49b. The pins 43a, 43b are biased outwardly along the elongated members 41a, 41b by biasing members 44a, 44b.

[0057] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The lock 40 is shown in the disengaged position ( Fig.9A ) and the joint position ( Fig. 9B ) to fix the barrier door 20. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B The movement of the first pin 43a is shown, it being understood that the second pin 43b operates in a similar manner.

[0058] Pin 43a includes a handle 48a extending outwardly from a main section positioned in the hollow interior space of elongated member 41a. Elongated member 41a also includes an opening 42a in communication with the interior space. The opening includes a first section 46a and a second section 47a. During use, pin 43a is rotated relative to elongated member 41a with handle 48a positioned in first section 46a of opening 42a. Biasing member 44a (in Fig.9A and Fig. 9B 46a. The lock 40 is positioned on the body 30 so that the elongated member 41a is not engaged with the aircraft structure and thus the barrier door 20 can be moved between the open position and the closed position.

[0059] exist Fig. 9BIn the engaged position, a person (such as a crew member) grasps the handle 48a and rotates the pin 43a to move the handle 48a into the second section 47a of the opening 42a. The outer side of the second section 47a is closer to the end 45a of the elongated member 41a. The force applied by the biasing member causes the pin 43a to move axially outward from the elongated member 41a. The extent of the axial movement is controlled by the contact of the handle 48a against the outer edge of the second section 47a. The pin 43a extends outward beyond the elongated member 41a and beyond the body 30, which causes the pin 43a to engage with the aircraft structure and lock the barrier door 20 in the closed position.

[0060] To move the lock 40 back to the unlocked position, the person grasps the handle 48a and applies a force downward away from the end 45a of the elongated member 41a. This force overcomes the force of the biasing member and moves the pin 43a along the second section 47a of the opening 42a. When the handle 48a is aligned with the first section 46a, the person applies a lateral force to move the handle 48a into the first section 46a. The person then releases the handle 48a when the force of the biasing member causes the handle 48a to contact the outer edge of the first section 46a to maintain this position.

[0061] In some examples, one or more handles 48 may be accessible from only one side of the barrier door 20. Figure 2 In the example of the embodiment, the handle 48 is located on the front side 21 of the barrier door 20 so that the crew in the vestibule 120 and / or the cockpit 110 can access it. Since the handle 48 cannot be accessed from the rear side 22, this positioning also prevents people from the passenger section 121 from entering.

[0062] The release mechanism 50 allows the pins 43a, 43b (and the elongated members 41a, 41b) to move inwardly to the disengaged position without using the handle 48. Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, the release mechanism 50 includes a sleeve 51 threadedly connected to the elongated members 41a, 41b. Rotation of the sleeve 51 relative to the elongated members 41a, 41b causes the elongated members 41a, 41b to retract inwardly into the sleeve 51. This movement causes the pins 43a, 43b to also retract inwardly toward the body 30 and / or retract into the body 30 and disengage from the aircraft structure. The sleeve 51 includes a knob 52 with a raised edge that facilitates the user to grasp and apply force.

[0063] In some examples, the threads on the outer end of the sleeve 51 are opposite to each other. This allows the sleeve 51 to rotate in one direction to cause the two elongated members 41a, 41b to retract. Similarly, rotation in the other direction causes the two elongated members 41a, 41b to extend.

[0064] In some examples, sleeve 51 is accessible from front side 21 and rear side 22 of barrier door 20. Fig.10 As shown, the body 30 includes an opening 39 that is sized for the knob 52. This positioning allows the knob 52 to be used from both sides of the barrier door 20. This allows, for example, crew members in the vestibule 120 and / or cockpit 110 to unlock the barrier door 20 if one or both pins 43a, 43b are stuck in the extended position. This also allows passengers in the passenger section 121 to unlock the barrier door 20 in an emergency situation where they need to pass through the passage 113. In other examples, the sleeve 51 of the release mechanism 50 is only accessible from one side of the barrier door 20.

[0065] In some examples, the barrier door 20 is used to slow the movement of personnel through the access opening 113. The sleeve 51 is threaded so that it takes an extended time (e.g., 10 to 20 seconds) to rotate the sleeve 51 and disengage one or more pins 43. This time allows the crew to close and lock the cockpit door 90 and prevent personnel from entering the cockpit 110.

[0066] In some examples, one or more pins 43 contact against the aircraft structure in the engaged position. This may include extending into corresponding holes in the aircraft structure, such as in the floor 107 and ceiling 108. In other examples, one or more pins 43 only contact against the structure without extending into the holes. In other examples, the aircraft structure is equipped with a receptacle 60 to receive the pins 43. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B As shown in FIG. 4 , the receiving seat 60 includes a body 61 and a flange 62. When the receiving seat is mounted to the aircraft structure, the body 61 is recessed into the aircraft structure and the flange 62 extends along the surface. An opening 63 extends through the flange 62 and into the body 61 to receive the pin 43. A plug 64 is installed in the opening 63 and is biased outwardly by a biasing member 65. In the engaged position, the pin 43 extends into the opening 63 and contacts the plug 64. The force of the pin 43 causes the plug 64 to move against the biasing member 65 and further move into the body 61.

[0067] Fig.12A method of controlling the movement of passengers through an opening 113 within a cabin area 103 of an aircraft 100 is shown. The barrier door 20 is positioned in a closed position extending across the opening 113 (block 190). In some examples, this step occurs before the cockpit door 90 is opened. When in the closed position, the barrier door 20 is locked by moving a first pin 43a and a second pin 43b, both connected to the barrier door 20, to an engaged position (block 192). In some examples, the step of locking the barrier door 20 includes a person (e.g., a crew member) grasping a first handle 48a and rotating the first handle from a first section 46a of an opening 42a to a second section 47a, and extending the first pin 43a outwardly beyond the upper side 31 of the body 30 of the barrier door 20 and engaging the first pin 43a with the ceiling 108. The person also grasps and rotates the second handle 48b and rotates the second pin in a similar manner so that the second pin 43b extends outwardly beyond the lower side 32 of the body 30 and engages with the floor 107 of the aircraft. In some examples, locking the barrier door 20 includes positioning only a single pin 43 to engage with the aircraft structure. The barrier door 20 remains in the closed position so that the cockpit door 90 can be opened. After closing the cockpit door 90, the barrier door 20 is unlocked and moved to the open position (block 194). In some examples, unlocking the barrier door 20 includes the crew member grasping the handle 48 on each pin 43 and sliding the pin 43 inward to disengage the pin 43 from the aircraft structure.

[0068] Fig.13 A method of controlling the movement of passengers through an opening 113 within a cabin area 103 of an aircraft 100 is shown. In some instances, the method occurs when one or more pins 43 are blocked or jammed and the barrier door 20 cannot be moved in a straight forward manner (such as Fig.12110). The method may also occur when a person in the passenger section 121 needs to enter the other side of the barrier door 20 (e.g., to enter the lobby 120 or the cockpit 110). This may occur in a medical emergency or when an unauthorized person is in front of the barrier door 20. In the method, the barrier door 20 is positioned in a closed position extending across the passage 113 (box 200). When in the closed position, the barrier door 20 is locked by moving a first pin 43a and a second pin 43b, both connected to the barrier door 20, to an engaged position (box 202). In some examples, the engaged position includes: the first pin 43a extends outwardly beyond the upper side 31 of the body 30 of the barrier door 20 and the first pin 43a is engaged with the ceiling 108 of the aircraft; and the second pin 43b extends outwardly beyond the lower side 32 of the body 30 and the second pin 43b is engaged with the floor 107 of the aircraft. In some examples, the step of locking the barrier door 20 includes: engaging only a single pin 43. When the barrier door 20 is locked by the pins 43a, 43b being in the engaged position, the sleeve 51 connected to the body 30 is rotated, which retracts the first pin 43a and disengages the first pin 43a from the ceiling 108, and simultaneously retracts the second pin 43b and disengages the second pin 43b from the floor 107 (block 204). When the first pin 43a and the second pin 43b are disengaged, the barrier door 20 is located in the open position to open the through opening 113 (block 206).

[0069] In some examples, the biasing member 44, 65 is a spring. In other examples, the biasing member is a foam block or other flexible material that applies an outward force.

[0070] Without departing from the essential features of the present invention, the present invention may be implemented in other ways than those specifically described herein. The various embodiments of the present invention are considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes falling within the meaning and equivalent scope of the appended claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A barrier door for controlling the movement of personnel through an opening in a cabin area of ​​an aircraft, the barrier door comprising: A body (30) comprising an upper side portion (31), a lower side portion (32), and a plurality of lateral side portions (33, 34); as well as A lock (40) is connected to the body (30), and the lock (40) comprises: A cylindrical member (41) having an elongated shape and comprising an inner end and an outer end, the cylindrical member (41) further comprising a hollow inner space; a pin (43) located in the interior space of the cylindrical member and movable between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in which the distal end of the pin is retracted into the interior space and in which the distal end of the pin extends outwardly beyond the outer end of the cylindrical member (41); a biasing member (44) biasing the pin (43) toward the engaged position; and A release mechanism (50) is threadedly connected to the inner end of the columnar member (41), and the release mechanism (50) can rotate relative to the columnar member (41) to adjust the position of the columnar member (41) and the pin (43) relative to the body (30).

2. The barrier door according to claim 1, wherein: The outer end of the cylindrical member (41) is aligned with the upper side (31) of the body (30) so that the pin (43) extends outwardly beyond the body (30) in the engaged position.

3. The barrier door according to claim 1, further comprising: a handle (48) extending outwardly from the pin (43); as well as an opening (42) located in the columnar member (41), the opening communicating with the internal space, the opening (42) comprising a first section (46) and a second section (47); and wherein, when the pin (43) is in the disengaged position, the handle (48) is located in the first section (46) of the opening (42), and when the pin (43) is in the engaged position, the handle (48) is located in the second section (47) of the opening (42).

4. The barrier door according to claim 3, wherein: The body (30) includes a first side (21) and a second side (22), wherein the handle (48) extends outwardly beyond the first side (21) of the body (30) and the handle is positioned away from the second side (22) of the body (30).

5. The barrier door according to claim 4, further comprising an opening (39) located in the body (30); The release mechanism (50) comprises a sleeve (51); and in, The sleeve (51) is located in an opening (39) in the body (30), and the sleeve (51) is accessible from both the first side (21) of the body (30) and the second side (22) of the body (30).

6. The barrier door according to claim 1, wherein: The release mechanism (50) comprises a sleeve (51) extending around the inner end of the cylindrical member (41), the sleeve (51) comprising an internal thread and the cylindrical member (41) comprising an external thread.

7. The barrier door according to claim 1 further comprises a receiving seat (60) configured to be mounted adjacent to the body (30), the receiving seat (60) comprising a biased plug, the size of the plug being designed to contact against the distal end of the pin (43) when the pin (43) is in the engaged position.

8. The barrier door according to claim 1, wherein: The body (30) includes a plurality of vertical slats (35) hingedly connected together, the barrier door moves between an open position and a closed position, the vertical slats (35) being in a folded configuration when the barrier door is in the open position and in an unfolded configuration when the barrier door is in the closed position.

9. The barrier door according to claim 1, wherein: The pin (43) is fixedly positioned relative to the cylindrical member (41) during rotation of the release mechanism (50).

10. A barrier door for controlling the movement of personnel through an opening in a cabin area of ​​an aircraft, the barrier door comprising: A body (30), including an outer periphery; A sleeve (51) connected to the body (30); a first elongated member (41a) connected to the sleeve (51) and extending outwardly from the sleeve in a first direction; a second elongated member (41b) connected to the sleeve (51) and extending outwardly from the sleeve in a second direction; a first pin (43a) connected to the first elongated member (41a); as well as a second pin (43b) connected to the second elongated member (41b); wherein the first pin (43a) and the second pin (43b) are movable between a retracted position and an extended position, the retracted position being located inwardly within the outer periphery of the body (30), and the extended position being located outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the body (30); and The sleeve (51) is rotatable relative to the first elongated member (41a) and the second elongated member (41b) so that both the first pin (43a) and the second pin (43b) in the extended position move inwardly into the outer periphery of the body (30).

11. The barrier door according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the first elongated member (41a) and the second elongated member (41b) is a cylindrical member having a hollow inner space, and the first pin (43a) is located in the first elongated member (41a) and the second pin (43b) is located in the second elongated member (41b).

12. The barrier door according to claim 10, wherein: The sleeve (51) is positioned along a central section of the body (30) and the first elongated member (41a) extends outwardly toward an upper side (31) of the body (30), wherein the first pin (43a) extends outwardly beyond the upper side (31) of the body (30) in the extended position.

13. The barrier door according to claim 12, wherein: The second elongated member (41b) extends outwardly toward a lower side (32) of the body (30), wherein the second pin (43b) extends outwardly beyond the lower side (32) of the body (30) in the extended position.

14. The barrier door according to claim 10, wherein: The first pin (43a) is fixedly positioned relative to the first elongated member (41a) during rotation of the sleeve (51), and the second pin (43b) is fixedly positioned relative to the second elongated member (41b) during rotation of the sleeve (51).

15. The barrier door according to claim 10, wherein: The sleeve (51), the first elongated member (41a) and the second elongated member (41b) are aligned together and extend along a lateral side (34) of the body (30).

16. The barrier door according to claim 10, wherein: The sleeve (51) is connected to each of the first elongated member (41a) and the second elongated member (41b) by means of threads.

17. The barrier door according to claim 10, wherein: Each of the first pin (43a) and the second pin (43b) includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, and includes a handle (48) extending outwardly from the body between the distal end of the body and the proximal end of the body, wherein the handle (48) extends outwardly from the respective first slender member (41a) and the second slender member (41b) in the retracted position.

18. A method of controlling the movement of passengers through an opening within a cabin area of ​​an aircraft, the method comprising: positioning the barrier door (20) in a closed position extending across the passage (113); locking the barrier door (20) by moving a first pin (43a) and a second pin (43b) both connected to the barrier door (20) to an engaged position when the barrier door is in the closed position, wherein the first pin (43a) extends outwardly beyond an upper side (31) of a body (30) of the barrier door (20) and engages the first pin (43a) with a ceiling (108) of the aircraft, and wherein the second pin (43b) extends outwardly beyond a lower side (32) of the body (30) and engages the second pin (43b) with a floor (107) of the aircraft; When the first pin (43a) and the second pin (43b) are in an engaged position, rotating a sleeve (51) connected to the body (30) and retracting the first pin (43a) and disengaging the first pin (43a) from the ceiling (108), and simultaneously retracting the second pin (43b) and disengaging the second pin (43b) from the floor (107); and When the first pin (43a) and the second pin (43b) are disengaged, the barrier door (20) is positioned in an open position providing access through the through opening (113).

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: The first pin (43a) is moved in the first columnar member (41a) and the distal end of the first pin (43a) is extended outward beyond the upper side (31) of the body (30) and engaged with the ceiling (108); and the second pin (43b) is moved in the second columnar member (41b) and the distal end of the second pin (43b) is extended outward beyond the lower side (32) of the body (30) and engaged with the floor (107).

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising maintaining a relative position of the first pin (43a) to the first column (41a) and a relative position of the second pin (43b) to the second column (41b) when the sleeve (51) is rotated and the first pin (43a) and the second pin (43b) are retracted.

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