Barrier system and method for cargo hold of aircraft

Abstract

A vehicle includes: an interior cabin (130, 202) having a main deck cargo compartment (400); and a barrier system (200) located within the interior compartment (130, 202). The barrier system (200) includes one or more flexible curtains (204) movable between an open position and a closed position. The barrier system (200) is configured to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold (400) relative to one or more other areas of the interior cabin (130, 202), and / or to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold (400) into a plurality of separate areas.

Description

[0001] Citations of Related Applications

[0002] This application is a non-provisional conversion of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 517,406 filed on August 3, 2023, and claims priority, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a barrier system and method for a cargo compartment of an aircraft. Background Art

[0004] Vehicles, such as commercial aircraft, are used to transport passengers and / or cargo between multiple locations. Aircraft typically include an interior cabin with seats for passengers. As another example, a cargo aircraft includes a main deck cargo compartment. That is, a cargo aircraft may include an interior cabin dedicated to transporting cargo rather than passengers.

[0005] Barriers can be used to separate the main deck cargo hold from one or more areas, such as the passenger seating area. Known barriers are either permanent structures or require a relatively long duration to remove and install. Barriers are generally configured to prevent smoke from passing therethrough. Therefore, typical barriers have a wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor sealing interface. Summary of the invention

[0006] A need exists for a barrier for an interior compartment of an aircraft that can be quickly and efficiently moved between a closed position and an open position.

[0007] In view of this need, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle (such as an aircraft) comprising an interior cabin having a main deck cargo hold and a barrier system within the interior cabin. The barrier system comprises one or more flexible drapes that can move between an open position and a closed position.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the flexible curtain is configured to selectively move between an open position and a closed position to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold relative to one or more other areas of the interior cabin. As another embodiment, the flexible curtain is configured to selectively move between an open position and a closed position to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold into a plurality of separate areas.

[0009] In at least one embodiment, the one or more flexible curtains include two or more flexible curtains. As another embodiment, the barrier system further includes an openable interface configured to selectively couple and separate the two or more flexible curtains.

[0010] The one or more flexible curtains may include one or more cords configured to secure the one or more curtains in an open position.

[0011] One or more of the flexible curtains may include a weighted roller bar at the bottom end.

[0012] The one or more flexible curtains may include one or more coupling interfaces at the bottom end. The one or more coupling interfaces are configured to be removably coupled to one or more corresponding interfaces on the floor of the interior cabin.

[0013] The one or more flexible curtains may include a recessed opening configured to fit over the cargo handling track system when the one or more flexible curtains are in a closed position.

[0014] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising moving one or more flexible curtains between an open position and a closed position. In at least one embodiment, the movement comprises selectively opening and closing the main deck cargo hold relative to one or more other areas of the interior cabin. In at least one embodiment, the movement comprises selectively opening and closing the main deck cargo hold into a plurality of separate areas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 A front perspective view of an aircraft is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 A front perspective view of a barrier system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown with a flexible curtain in a closed position within an interior cabin.

[0017] Figure 3 A front perspective view of the barrier system is shown with the flexible curtain in an open position within an interior cabin.

[0018] Figure 4 A front perspective view of a barrier system is shown with the curtain moved toward an open position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 5 A front perspective view of the barrier system is shown with the curtain in an open position.

[0020] Figure 6 A front perspective view of the barrier system is shown with the curtain secured in an open position.

[0021] Figure 7 A front perspective view of the barrier system is shown with the curtain securely secured in an open position.

[0022] Figure 8 A front perspective view of the barrier system is shown with the curtain moving toward an open position.

[0023] Fig. 9 A front perspective view of the barrier system is shown with the curtain between a fully open position and a fully closed position.

[0024] Fig.10 A front perspective view of a barrier system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown with the curtain in a closed position.

[0025] Fig.11 Shown through Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the curtain of line 11-11.

[0026] Fig.12 Shows Fig.10 Close-up view of the barrier system within section 12 of .

[0027] Fig.13 A top view of a main deck cargo hold of an aircraft is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] When read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above overview and the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood. As used herein, elements or steps stated in singular form and preceded by the word "one" or "a kind of" should be understood to not necessarily exclude multiple elements or steps. In addition, reference to "an embodiment" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also combine the features. In addition, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, an embodiment that "includes" or "has" an element or multiple elements with a specific condition may include additional elements that do not have the condition.

[0029] As described herein, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle including an interior cabin having a main deck cargo hold, and a barrier system located within the interior cabin. The barrier system is configured to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold relative to one or more other areas of the interior cabin, and / or to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold into a plurality of separate areas.

[0030] In at least one embodiment, the barrier system includes one or more flexible curtains configured to selectively move between a deployed position and a stowed position. The one or more flexible curtains may include two or more flexible curtains. The openable interface may be configured to selectively connect and separate the two or more flexible curtains.

[0031] The one or more curtains may include one or more cords configured to secure the one or more curtains in a stowed position.The one or more curtains may include a weighted roller bar at a bottom end.

[0032] Figure 1A front perspective view of an aircraft 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aircraft 100 includes a propulsion system 112, for example, including a plurality of engines 114. Optionally, the propulsion system 112 may include more engines 114 than shown. The engines 114 are carried by wings 116 of the aircraft 100. In other embodiments, the engines 114 may be carried by a fuselage 118 and / or an empennage 120. The empennage 120 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 122 and a vertical stabilizer 124.

[0033] The fuselage 118 of the aircraft 100 defines an interior cabin 130. The interior cabin 130 includes a cargo hold. For example, the cargo hold may be a main deck cargo hold. The interior cabin 130 may also include a passenger seating area. A barrier system is used to separate the cargo hold from the passenger seating area. Alternatively, the interior cabin may not include a passenger seating area, and the barrier system may be used to separate different areas of the cargo hold. As another embodiment, the cargo hold may be outside the interior cabin (such as under the floor), and the barrier system may be used to separate different areas of the cargo hold.

[0034] Alternatively, instead of aircraft, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with a variety of other vehicles such as automobiles, buses, locomotive and railroad cars, watercraft, etc.

[0035] Figure 2 A front perspective view of a barrier system 200 is shown with a flexible curtain 204 in a closed position within an interior compartment 202 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 One half of the barrier system 200 is shown. It should be understood that the barrier system 200 can span the entire width of the interior compartment 202.

[0036] As used herein, the term "outboard" refers to a location farther from the central longitudinal plane 203 of the interior compartment 202 than another component. The term "inboard" refers to a location closer to the central longitudinal plane 203 of the interior compartment 202 than another component.

[0037] The barrier system 200 includes one or more flexible curtains 204. The curtains 204 can be formed of, for example, flexible plastic. In at least one embodiment, the curtains 204 can include a flame retardant material. In at least one embodiment, the curtains 204 can include an intumescent material. The curtains 204 can be opaque. In at least one other embodiment, the curtains 204 can be translucent. As another embodiment, the curtains 204 can include both opaque portions and translucent portions.

[0038] The curtain 204 is configured to move between an extended position (the extended position coincides with the closed position) and a stowed position (the stowed position coincides with the open position). The curtain 204 includes an upper end 206, which is fixed to a fixed structure in the internal compartment 202. For example, the upper end 206 is fixed to the side wall and / or the top plate by a coupling member (such as a fastener, a bracket, a track, etc.). The curtain 204 may include a plurality of ropes 210, which may be used to keep the curtain 204 in a rolled-up open position. An openable interface 212 may couple adjacent curtains 204 together. For example, the interface 212 may include a zipper. Each section may include a zipper member, which together provide an openable interface 212. The interface 212 is configured to selectively couple and separate the curtains 204a and 204b to each other. When the barrier system 200 is in a closed position, the outer portion 214 of the curtain 204 may provide a space for passing along the side wall.

[0039] As shown, the curtain 204 may include a first curtain 204a (e.g., an outer curtain) and a second curtain 204b (e.g., an inner curtain). The size and shape of the first curtain 204a may be designed to conform to the inner surface of the outer sidewall 205 and the inner surface of the outer top plate portion 207. The size and shape of the second curtain 204b may be designed to conform to the inner edge 209 of the first curtain 204a and the inner top plate portion 211. The first curtain 204a and the second curtain 204b extend over half of the axial cross-section of the interior chamber 202 between the outer sidewall 205 and the central longitudinal plane 203. Therefore, four curtains 204 may extend over the entire axial cross-section of the interior chamber 202. In at least one other embodiment, a single curtain 204 may extend over half of the axial cross-section of the interior chamber 202 (so that two curtains 204 extend over the entire axial cross-section of the interior chamber 202). In at least one other embodiment, a single curtain 204 may extend over the entire axial cross-section of the interior chamber 202. As another example, three curtains 204 may extend across the entire axial cross-section of the inner chamber 202 .

[0040] In the closed position, the curtain 204 is unfolded to provide a substantially flat barrier sheet. In the closed position, the curtain 204 extends from and between the floor 213 and the ceiling 215. The curtain 204 in the closed position may not completely contact the floor 213 or the ceiling 215 in the closed position. Alternatively, the curtain 204 in the closed position may directly contact both the floor 213 and the ceiling 215.

[0041] In at least one embodiment, a weighted roller bar 216 is disposed at a bottom end 217 of one or more curtains 204. The roller bar 216 is configured to enable one or more curtains 204 to be rolled upward into an open position.

[0042] In addition, one or more coupling interfaces 218 can be arranged at the bottom end 217 of one or more curtains 204. These coupling interfaces 218 are configured to be removably coupled to corresponding interfaces on the floor. For example, the coupling interface 218 can be or include a hook and loop fastener. As another embodiment, the coupling interface 218 can include a latch, a snap, etc. Optionally, one or more curtains 204 may not include a coupling interface at the bottom end.

[0043] Figure 3 A front perspective view of the barrier system 200 is shown with the flexible curtain 204 in an open position within the interior compartment 202. A coupling 230 (e.g., a hook, loop, etc.) can be used to securely suspend one or more curtains 204 in the open position. The cord can be secured by a lanyard. The lanyard and clasp can be used to secure the barrier system 200 in the open position.

[0044] Figure 4 A front perspective view of a barrier system 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the curtain 204a is moved toward an open position. To move the curtain 204a to the open position, a person 270 first separates the interface 212 between the curtain 204a and the curtain 204b. For example, the interface 212 can be a zipper. Thus, the person 270 pulls the curtain 204a away from the curtain 204b. After the curtain 204a is separated from the curtain 204b, the person 270 manually pulls the curtain 204a toward the outer sidewall 205.

[0045] Figure 5 A front perspective view of the barrier system 200 is shown, wherein the curtain is fixed in an open position. After the curtain 204a is pulled to or near the outer sidewall 205, a fixing member 280 (such as one or more lanyards) can be used to suspend the curtain 204a in the open position. Other embodiments of the fixing member 280 include buttons, hooks, hook and loop fasteners, etc.

[0046] Figure 6 A front perspective view of the barrier system 200 is shown with the curtain 204a secured in an open position. A person 270 can use a tool 282, such as a rod, bar, or the like having an engaging portion (e.g., a hook), to attach a rope 290 to hook the curtain 204a onto the sloped portion of the top plate.

[0047] Figure 7 A front perspective view of the barrier system 200 is shown, wherein the curtain 204a is securely fixed in the open position. The cord 290 can then be pulled to tighten the curtain 204a against the top plate. One end 292 of the cord 290 can then be tied to a tether 291 on the side wall 205 to hold the curtain 204a in the open position.

[0048] Figure 8A front perspective view of the barrier system 200 is shown with the curtain 204b being moved toward an open position. Fig. 9 2 shows a front perspective view of the barrier system 200 with the curtain 204b between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in , a person pulls a rope 296 connected to the curtain 204b to move the curtain 204b upward toward the top plate. When the curtain 204b moves upward, the curtain 204b can roll around the roller 216.

[0049] Fig.10 A front perspective view of barrier system 200 is shown with curtains 204a and 204b in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 Shown through Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the curtain 204b along line 11-11. Fig.10 and Fig.11 , Fig.11 The curtain 204b in FIG. 2 is shown in a rolled-up, open position. The curtain 204b rolls around the roller bar 216. The curtain 204b can be secured to the beam 300 extending downward from the upper frame 302 by a fixing bracket 304. The fixing bracket 304 is recessed above the top plate 308 by a tail portion 310. In this way, the fixing bracket 304 suspends the curtain 204b in a closed position within a channel 312 (the channel is formed in the top plate 308).

[0050] Fig.12 Shows Fig.10 1 and 2. As shown, each curtain 204a and 204b can include a recessed opening 320 that fits on a cargo handling rail system 322 that extends above the floor 330 of the cargo hold. In this way, the cargo handling rail system 322 does not support the curtains 204a and 204b in the closed position.

[0051] As shown, the rope 296 is coupled to the roller bar 216. Thus, when the rope 296 is pulled, the roller bar 216 rolls upward, and the curtain 204b rolls around the roller bar 216.

[0052] Fig.13 A top view of a main deck cargo hold 400 of an aircraft according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. A barrier system 200 is disposed within the main deck cargo hold 400. Fewer or more barrier systems 200 than shown may be used.

[0053] See also Figures 1 to 13, cargo hold airflow closure and aircraft depressurization are known methods of extinguishing cargo fires within the main deck of transport class cargo-only aircraft. Implementing a cargo fire extinguishing system in the main deck cargo hold similar to existing gaseous fire extinguishing systems available in lower cargo holds improves the ability to protect against main deck cargo fires. However, the use of a gaseous fire extinguishing system in a main deck cargo hold may be impractical because of the large amount of extinguishing agent required due to the large volume of the hold and the air exchange rate.

[0054] Thus, the barrier system 200 is used to divide the volume of the main deck cargo hold 400 into separate smaller areas 402a, 402b, 402c and 402d, thereby greatly reducing the amount of fire extinguishing agent required and allowing the use of gaseous fire extinguishing agents to configure the target main deck cargo fire extinguishing system. In order to install the main deck cargo gas fire extinguishing system, the barrier system 200 divides the main deck cargo hold 400 into a series of smaller areas 402a to 402d. As shown and described, the barrier system 200 can be selectively quickly stowed and deployed so as not to affect cargo loading / unloading operations and assembled between multiple cargo pallet positions.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, one or more curtains 204 of the barrier system 200 can be formed of a fabric material that meets the requirements of 14CFR Part 25, Appendix F Part III. The passage between the cargo hold sidewall and the outer cargo loading boundary allows personnel to pass through the barrier system 200 in the deployed position and the closed position. Semi-permanent installation along the roof and sidewalls can reduce leakage through the barrier system 200. Zippers or similar interfaces can be used where the horizontal roof segment meets the inclined roof segment. The lanyard and buckle (or similar member) interface on the sidewall can be used to secure the outer barrier segment to the sidewall (when the outer barrier segment is in the open position). Ropes and hooks (or similar members) can be used to make the outer barrier segment conform to the molded contour inside the cargo hold. The rope and hook (or similar member) system can also be used to lift / lower the rolling center section of the barrier. The cable buckle (or similar member) can be used to secure the rope to the sidewall.

[0056] The electromechanical interface between the barrier system 200 and another area can be used to indicate that the barrier system 200 is fully deployed to the closed position (e.g., a connector attached to a zipper is inserted into a port on the floor). When deployed to the closed position, the barrier system 200 can be loosely covered with a curtain over the floor / cargo handling system, and / or removably secured to the floor through a coupling interface. The barrier system 200 is configured to be quickly deployed to the closed position, and stowed to the open position. The barrier system 200 helps achieve the ultimate goal of protecting the main deck cargo hold with a gas cargo fire extinguishing system similar to the gas cargo fire extinguishing system currently used in the lower cargo hold.

[0057] Alternatively, the barrier system 200 may be or otherwise include one or more curtains that separate at a docking point (via a zipper or the like) and can be pulled to either side of the compartment. In this embodiment, a roll-up configuration may not be required.

[0058] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses:

[0059] Article 1. A means of transport comprising:

[0060] Internal compartments with main deck cargo holds; and

[0061] A barrier system is positioned within the interior cabin, wherein the barrier system includes one or more flexible curtains movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0062] Clause 2. A vehicle according to clause 1, wherein the one or more flexible curtains are configured to selectively move between an open position and a closed position to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold relative to one or more other areas of the interior cabin.

[0063] Clause 3. A vehicle according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the one or more flexible curtains are configured to be selectively movable between an open position and a closed position to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold into a plurality of separate areas.

[0064] Clause 4. The vehicle according to any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

[0065] Clause 5. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-4, wherein the one or more flexible curtains include two or more flexible curtains.

[0066] Clause 6. The vehicle of Clause 5, wherein the barrier system further comprises an openable interface configured to selectively couple and separate the two or more flexible curtains.

[0067] Clause 7. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-6, wherein the one or more flexible curtains include one or more cords configured to secure the one or more curtains in an open position.

[0068] Clause 8. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the one or more flexible curtains include a weighted roller bar at a bottom end.

[0069] Clause 9. A vehicle according to any one of clauses 1-8, wherein the one or more flexible curtains include one or more connection interfaces at a bottom end, wherein the one or more connection interfaces are configured to be removably connected to one or more corresponding interfaces on the floor of the interior cabin.

[0070] Clause 10. The vehicle of any of Clauses 1-9, wherein the one or more flexible curtains include a recessed opening configured to fit over the cargo handling track system when the one or more flexible curtains are in the closed position.

[0071] Clause 11. A method for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising:

[0072] Internal compartments, with main deck cargo holds; and

[0073] a barrier system located within the interior cabin, wherein the barrier system includes one or more flexible curtains movable between an open position and a closed position,

[0074] Among them, the method includes:

[0075] The one or more flexible shades are moved between an open position and a closed position.

[0076] Clause 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the moving comprises selectively opening and closing the main deck cargo hold relative to one or more other areas of the interior compartment.

[0077] Clause 13. The method of clause 11 or 12, wherein the movement comprises selectively opening and closing the main deck cargo hold relative to a plurality of separate areas.

[0078] Clause 14. The method of any of Clauses 11-13, wherein the one or more flexible curtains include two or more flexible curtains, the method further comprising: engaging the openable interface to selectively couple and uncouple the two or more flexible curtains.

[0079] Clause 15. The method of any of Clauses 11-14, further comprising: engaging one or more cords configured to secure the one or more flexible curtains in an open position.

[0080] Clause 16. The method of any of Clauses 11-15, further comprising: rolling the one or more flexible curtains around a weighted roller to move the one or more flexible curtains to a closed position.

[0081] Clause 17. The method of any of Clauses 11-16, further comprising removably coupling one or more coupling interfaces of the one or more flexible curtains to one or more corresponding interfaces on the floor of the interior compartment.

[0082] Clause 18. The method of any of Clauses 11-17, further comprising mounting the recessed opening of the one or more flexible curtains on a cargo handling track system when the one or more flexible curtains are in the closed position.

[0083] Clause 19. A barrier system configured for use in an interior compartment of a vehicle, wherein the interior compartment has a main deck cargo hold, the barrier system comprising:

[0084] One or more flexible curtains movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0085] Clause 20. The barrier system of Clause 19, wherein the one or more flexible curtains include two or more flexible curtains, wherein the barrier system further comprises:

[0086] an openable interface configured for selectively coupling and uncoupling two or more flexible curtains;

[0087] one or more cords configured to secure one or more of the two or more flexible curtains in an open position;

[0088] a weighted roller bar at the bottom end of one or more of the two or more flexible curtains; and

[0089] One or more coupling interfaces at a bottom end of one or more of the two or more flexible curtains, wherein the one or more coupling interfaces are configured to removably couple to one or more corresponding interfaces on a floor of the interior cabin.

[0090] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a barrier system for an interior cabin of an aircraft that is capable of being quickly and efficiently moved between a closed position and an open position.

[0091] Although a number of spatial and directional terms (such as top, bottom, lower, middle, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front, etc.) may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it should be understood that these terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. The orientation may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed so that upper is lower, vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0092] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element "configured to" perform a task or operation is specifically structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For clarity and avoidance of doubt, an object that can merely be modified to perform a task or operation is not "configured to" perform a task or operation as used herein.

[0093] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. For example, the above embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, many modifications can be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. Although the size and type of the material described herein are intended to limit the parameters of multiple embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments are by no means restrictive, but exemplary embodiments. After reading the above description, many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of multiple embodiments of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the attached claims and the full range of equivalents given by these claims. In the attached claims and the detailed description of this article, the terms "including" and "wherein" are used as the plain English equivalents of the corresponding terms "including" and "wherein". In addition, the terms "first", "second" and "third" etc. are used only as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the following claim limitations are not written in a means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for..." followed by a functional description without additional structure.

[0094] This written description uses examples to disclose multiple embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice multiple embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the multiple embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other embodiments that occur to a person skilled in the art. These other embodiments are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A means of transport, comprising: an internal cabin (130, 202) having a main deck cargo hold (400); as well as A barrier system (200) is located within the interior compartment (130, 202), wherein the barrier system (200) includes one or more flexible curtains (204) movable between an open position and a closed position.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more flexible curtains (204) are configured to selectively move between the open position and the closed position to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold (400) relative to one or more other areas of the interior compartment (130, 202).

3. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more flexible curtains (204) are configured to selectively move between the open position and the closed position to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold (400) into a plurality of separate areas.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The vehicle is an airplane (100).

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more flexible curtains (204) include two or more flexible curtains (204).

6. The vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The barrier system (200) also includes an openable interface (212) configured to selectively couple and separate the two or more flexible curtains (204).

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more flexible curtains (204) include one or more cords (210, 290) configured to secure the one or more flexible curtains in the open position.

8. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more flexible curtains (204) include a weighted roller bar (216) at a bottom end.

9. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more flexible curtains (204) include one or more connection interfaces (218) at a bottom end, wherein the one or more connection interfaces (218) are configured to be removably connected to one or more corresponding interfaces on the floor (213) of the internal cabin (130, 202).

10. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more flexible curtains (204) include a recessed opening configured to fit over a cargo handling rail system (322) when the one or more flexible curtains (204) are in the closed position.

11. A method for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising: an internal cabin (130, 202) having a main deck cargo hold (400); as well as a barrier system (200) located within the interior compartment (130, 202), wherein the barrier system (200) includes one or more flexible curtains (204) movable between an open position and a closed position, Wherein, the method comprises: The one or more flexible curtains (204) are moved between the open position and the closed position.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The movement includes selectively opening and closing the main deck cargo hold (400) relative to one or more other areas of the interior compartment (130, 202).

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The movement includes selectively opening and closing the main deck cargo hold (400) into a plurality of separate areas.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The one or more flexible curtains (204) include two or more flexible curtains (204), and the method further includes engaging an openable interface (212) to selectively couple and uncouple the two or more flexible curtains (204).

15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: One or more cords (210, 290) are engaged, the one or more cords configured to secure the one or more flexible curtains (204) in the open position.

16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: The one or more flexible curtains (204) are rolled about a weighted roller bar (216) to move the one or more flexible curtains (204) to the closed position.

17. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: One or more coupling interfaces (218) of the one or more flexible curtains (204) are removably coupled to one or more corresponding interfaces on the floor (213) of the interior cabin (130, 202).

18. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: The recessed opening of the one or more flexible curtains (204) is mounted on a cargo handling track system (322) when the one or more flexible curtains are in the closed position.

19. A barrier system (200) configured for use in an interior cabin (130, 202) of a vehicle, wherein: The internal cabin (130, 202) has a main deck cargo hold, and the barrier system (200) includes: One or more flexible curtains (204) movable between an open position and a closed position.

20. The barrier system of claim 19, wherein: The one or more flexible curtains (204) include two or more flexible curtains (204), wherein the barrier system (200) further includes: an openable interface (212) configured to selectively couple and separate the two or more flexible curtains (204); one or more cords (210, 290) configured to secure one or more of the two or more flexible curtains (204) in the open position; a weighted roller bar (216) at the bottom end of one or more of the two or more flexible curtains (204); and One or more connection interfaces (218) at the bottom end of one or more flexible curtains among the two or more flexible curtains (204), wherein the one or more connection interfaces (218) are configured to be removably connected to one or more corresponding interfaces on the floor (213) of the internal cabin (130, 202).

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