Barrier system and method for cargo compartment of aircraft

Abstract

To provide a barrier for an internal cabin of an aircraft that can be quickly and efficiently moved between a closed position and an open position.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes: an internal cabin 202 having a main deck cargo compartment; and a barrier system 200 within the internal cabin 202. The barrier system 200 includes one or more flexible drapes 204 moveable between an open position and a closed position. The barrier system 200 is configured to selectively open and close the main deck cargo compartment from one or more other areas of the internal cabin 202, and / or selectively open and close the main deck cargo compartment into separate areas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a non-provisional patent conversion that claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 517,406, filed on August 3, 2023, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002]

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to barrier systems and methods for aircraft cargo holds. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Vehicles such as commercial airplanes are used to transport passengers and / or cargo between various locations. A typical airplane includes an interior cabin with seats for passengers. As another example, a cargo plane may include a main deck compartment. That is, a cargo plane may include an interior cabin dedicated to transporting cargo instead of passengers.

[0004]

[0004] Barriers may be used to separate a main deck cargo hold from one or more areas, such as passenger seating areas. Known barriers are either permanent structures or require a relatively long time to remove and install. The barriers are typically configured to prevent the passage of smoke. Thus, typical barriers provide sealed interfaces from wall to wall and ceiling to floor. Summary of the Invention

[0005]

[0005] There is a need for a barrier for the interior cabin of an aircraft that can be quickly and efficiently moved between closed and open positions.

[0006] With that need in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle (such as an aircraft) that includes an interior cabin having a main deck cargo hold and a barrier system within the interior cabin, the barrier system including one or more flexible drapes movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0007] In at least one embodiment, the flexible drape is configured to be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold from one or more other areas of the interior cabin. In another embodiment, the flexible drape is configured to be selectively moved between an open position and a closed position to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold to separate areas.

[0008] In at least one embodiment, the one or more flexible drapes include two or more flexible drapes. In a further embodiment, the barrier system also includes a reclosable interface configured to selectively couple and decouple the two or more flexible drapes.

[0009]

[0009] The one or more flexible drapes may include one or more ropes configured to secure the one or more drapes in an open position.

[0010]

[0010] One or more of the flexible drapes may include a weighted roller bar at a lower end.

[0011]

[0011] The one or more flexible drapes may include one or more coupling interfaces at a lower end, the one or more coupling interfaces configured to releasably couple to one or more interconnecting portions on the floor of the interior cabin.

[0012]

[0012] The one or more flexible drapes may include a recessed opening configured to fit over the cargo handling track system when the one or more flexible drapes are in a closed position.

[0013] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method that includes moving a flexible drape between an open position and a closed position. In at least one embodiment, the moving includes selectively opening and closing a main deck cargo hold relative to one or more other areas of the interior cabin. In at least one embodiment, the moving includes selectively opening and closing a main deck cargo hold relative to a separate area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1]

[0014] An oblique front view of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. [Diagram 2]

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a barrier system with a flexible drape in a closed position within an interior cabin according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a barrier system with a flexible drape in an open position within an interior cabin. [Figure 4]

[0017] 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a barrier system with a drape moved toward an open position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5]

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a barrier system with a drape in an open position. [Figure 6]

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a barrier system with the drape secured in an open position. [Figure 7]

[0020] A front perspective view is shown with the drape secured in the open position. [Figure 8]

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the barrier system with the drape moved toward an open position. [Figure 9]

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a barrier system with the drape between a fully open and a fully closed position. [Figure 10]

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a barrier system with a drape in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11]

[0024] 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the drape through line 11-11 of FIG. [Figure 12]

[0025] 12 shows a close-up view of the barrier system within section 12 of FIG. 10. [Figure 13]

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a main deck cargo bay of an aircraft according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015]

[0027] The above summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. As used herein, it should be understood that a singular element or step following "a" or "an" does not necessarily exclude a plurality of such elements or steps. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments, such additional embodiments also including the described features. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, an embodiment "comprising" or "having" one or more elements having a particular condition may include additional elements without such condition.

[0016]

[0028] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a vehicle that includes an interior cabin having a main deck cargo hold and a barrier system within the interior cabin that is configured to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold from one or more other areas of the interior cabin and / or to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold to separate areas.

[0017]

[0029] In at least one embodiment, the barrier system includes one or more flexible drapes configured to be selectively moved between a deployed position and a stowed position. The one or more flexible drapes may include two or more flexible drapes. A reclosable interface may be configured to selectively couple and uncouple the two or more flexible drapes.

[0018]

[0030] The one or more drapes may include one or more ropes configured to secure the one or more drapes in a stowed position. The one or more drapes may include a weighted roller bar at a lower end.

[0019]

[0031] 1 illustrates a perspective front view of an aircraft 100 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The aircraft 100 includes a propulsion system 112 including, for example, engines 114. Optionally, the propulsion system 112 may include more engines 114 than are shown. The engines 114 are supported by wings 116 of the aircraft 100. In other embodiments, the engines 114 may be supported by a fuselage 118 and / or a tail section 120. The tail section 120 may also support a horizontal stabilizer 122 and a vertical stabilizer 124.

[0020]

[0032] 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. Optionally, the interior cabin may not include a passenger seating area, and a barrier system may be used to separate different areas of the cargo hold. As another example, the cargo hold may be outside the interior cabin (such as below the floor), and a barrier system may be used to separate different areas of the cargo hold.

[0021]

[0033] Alternatively, instead of aircraft, embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with a variety of other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and trains, ships, and the like.

[0022]

[0034] 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a barrier system 200 having a flexible drape 204 in a closed position within an interior cabin 202, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG 2 illustrates one half of the barrier system 200. It should be understood that the barrier system 200 can span the entire width of the interior cabin 202.

[0023]

[0035] As used herein, the term "outboard" means a location further away from the central longitudinal plane 203 of the interior cabin 202 compared to another component. The term "inboard" means a location closer to the central longitudinal plane 203 of the interior cabin 202 compared to another component.

[0024]

[0036] The barrier system 200 includes one or more flexible drapes 204. The drapes 204 may be formed of, for example, a flexible plastic. In at least one embodiment, the drapes 204 may include a flame-retardant material. In at least one embodiment, the drapes 204 may include an intumescent material. The drapes 204 may be opaque. In at least one other embodiment, the drapes 204 may be translucent. As another example, the drapes 204 may include both opaque and translucent portions.

[0025]

[0037] The drape 204 is configured to be moved between a deployed position corresponding to a closed position and a stowed position corresponding to an open position. The drape 204 includes an upper end 206 that is secured to a fixed structure within the interior cabin 202. For example, the upper end 206 is secured to a sidewall and / or ceiling via a coupling such as a fastener, bracket, rail, or the like. The drape 204 may include a rope 210 that may be used to hold the drape 204 in a rolled-up, open position. A reclosable interface 212 may couple adjacent drapes 204 together. For example, the interface 212 may include a zipper. Each section may include a zipper member. Together, they provide the reclosable interface 212. The interface 212 is configured to selectively couple and decouple the drapes 204a and 204b to each other. The outboard section 214 of the drape 204 may provide space for passage along the sidewall while the barrier system 200 is in the closed position.

[0026]

[0038] As shown, the drapes 204 may include a first drape 204a (e.g., an outboard drape) and a second drape 204b (e.g., an inboard drape). The first drape 204a may be sized and shaped to fit the inner surface of the outboard sidewall 205 and the outboard ceiling portion 207. The second drape 204b may be sized and shaped to fit the inboard edge 209 of the first drape 204a and the inboard ceiling portion 211. The first drape 204a and the second drape 204b extend across half of the axial cross section of the interior cabin 202 between the outboard sidewall 205 and the central longitudinal plane 203. Thus, the four drapes 204 may extend across the entire axial cross section of the interior cabin 202. In at least one other embodiment, a single drape 204 may extend across half of the axial cross-section of the interior cabin 202 (whereby two drapes 204 extend across the entire axial cross-section of the interior cabin 202). In at least one other embodiment, a single drape 204 may extend across the entire axial cross-section of the interior cabin 202. As another example, three drapes 204 may extend across the entire axial cross-section of the interior cabin 202.

[0027]

[0039] In the closed position, the drape 204 is deployed to provide a substantially flat barrier sheet. In the closed position, the drape 204 extends from and between the floor 213 and the ceiling 215. The drape 204 in the closed position may not be in full contact with the floor 213 or the ceiling 215 in the closed position. Optionally, the drape 204 in the closed position may be in direct contact with both the floor 213 and the ceiling 215.

[0028]

[0040] In at least one embodiment, a weighted roller bar 216 is disposed at a lower end 217 of the drape(s) 204. The roller bar 216 is configured to allow the drape(s) 204 to be rolled upwardly to an open position.

[0029]

[0041] Additionally, one or more coupling portions 218 may be disposed at a bottom end 217 of the drape(s) 204. The coupling portion 218 is configured to releasably couple to an interconnection portion on a floor. For example, the coupling portion 218 may be or include a hook-and-loop fastener. As another example, the coupling portion 218 may include a latch, snap, or the like. Optionally, the drape(s) 204 may not include a coupling portion at the bottom end.

[0030]

[0042] 3 shows a front perspective view of the barrier system 200 with the flexible drape 204 in an open position within the interior cabin 202. A coupler 230, such as a hook or ring, may be used to securely suspend the drape(s) 204 in the open position. A rope may be secured by a cleat(s). A lanyard or snap may be used to secure the barrier system 200 in the open position.

[0031]

[0043] 4 illustrates a front perspective view of barrier system 200 with drape 204a moved toward an open position, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. To move drape 204a to the open position, individual 270 first disengages interface 212 between drape 204a and drape 204b. For example, interface 212 can be a zipper. Thus, individual 270 uncouples drape 204a from drape 204b. After drape 204a is uncoupled from drape 204b, individual 270 manually pulls drape 204a toward outboard sidewall 205.

[0032]

[0044] 5 shows a front perspective view of the barrier system 200 with the drape secured in an open position. One or more securing members 280, such as lanyards, may be used to suspend the drape 204a in the open position after the drape 204a is pulled over or adjacent to the outboard sidewall 205. Other examples of securing members 280 include buttons, hooks, hook-and-loop fasteners, and the like.

[0033]

[0045] 6 shows a front perspective view of the barrier system 200 with the drape 204a secured in an open position. An individual 270 may use an implement 282, such as a rod or stick with an engagement portion (such as a hook), to attach a rope 290 to hang the drape 204a from a sloped section of the ceiling.

[0034]

[0046] 7 shows a front perspective view of the barrier system 200 with the drape 204a secured in the open position. The rope 290 can then be pulled to seal the drape 204a against the ceiling. The end 292 of the rope 290 can then be tied to a cleat 291 on the side wall 205 to maintain the drape 204a in the open position.

[0035]

[0047] FIG 8 shows a front perspective view of the barrier system 200 with the drape 204b being moved towards an open position. FIG 9 shows a front perspective view of the barrier system 200 with the drape 204b between a fully open position and a fully closed position. As shown in FIGs 8 and 9, an individual pulls on a rope 296 coupled to the drape 204b to move the drape 204b upward towards the ceiling. As the drape 204b moves upward, the drape 204b may wrap around the roller bar 216.

[0036]

[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates a front perspective view of the barrier system 200 with drapes 204a and 204b in a closed position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the drape 204b through line 11-11 of FIG. 10. With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the drape 204b in FIG. 11 is shown in a rolled-up, open position. The drape 204b is rolled around the roller bar 216. The drape 204b may be secured to a beam 300 extending downwardly from an upper frame 302 by a fixed bracket 304. The fixed bracket 304 is retracted above the ceiling 308 by a closeout 310. In this manner, the fixed bracket 304 suspends the drape 204b in a closed position within a channel 312 formed in the ceiling 308.

[0037]

[0049] Figure 12 shows a close-up view of the barrier system 200 in section 12 of Figure 10. As shown, each drape 204a and 204b may include a recessed opening 320 that fits over a cargo handling track system 322 that extends above the cargo hold floor 330. In this manner, the cargo handling track system 322 does not support the drapes 204a and 204b in the closed position.

[0038]

[0050] 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 drape 204b wraps around the roller bar 216.

[0039]

[0051] 13 illustrates a top view of a main deck cargo hold 400 of an aircraft in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. Barrier systems 200 are positioned within the main deck cargo hold 400. Fewer or more barrier systems 200 may be used than shown.

[0040]

[0052] 1-13, cargo hold airflow shutdown and aircraft depressurization are known methods of suppressing cargo fires in the main deck of a transport category cargo aircraft. Implementation of a cargo fire suppression system in the main deck cargo hold similar to existing gas fire suppression systems available in the lower cargo holds would improve protection against main deck cargo fires. However, use of a gas fire suppression system in the main deck cargo hold may not be practical due to the large volumes of extinguishing agent that may be required as a result of the large volume and air exchange rate of the cargo hold.

[0041]

[0053] Thus, the barrier system 200 is used to partition the space of the main deck cargo hold 400 into separate smaller areas 402a, 402b, 402c, and 402d, thereby significantly lowering the amount of fire extinguishing agent required and enabling the installation of a main deck cargo fire extinguishing system that is subject to the use of gas agents. The barrier system 200 partitions the main deck cargo hold 400 into a series of smaller areas 402a-d for purposes of installing a gas main deck cargo fire extinguishing system. As shown and described, the barrier system 200 can be quickly and selectively stowed and deployed to fit between cargo pallet locations so as not to affect cargo loading and unloading operations.

[0042]

[0054] In at least one embodiment, the drape(s) 204 of the barrier system 200 may be formed of a fabric material meeting the requirements of 14CFR Part 25, Appendix F, Part III. A passageway between the cargo hold sidewalls and the outboard cargo loading boundary allows personnel to pass through the barrier system 200 in the deployed closed position. Semi-permanent installations along the ceiling and sidewalls may reduce leakage through the barrier system 200. Zippers or similar interfaces may be used where the horizontal ceiling segments meet the sloped ceiling segments. Lanyards or snap (or similar) interfaces on the sidewalls may be used to secure the outboard barrier sections to the sidewalls (when the outboard barrier sections are in the open position). Ropes or hooks (or similar) may be used to conform the outboard barrier sections to the inside mold lines of the cargo hold. A rope or hook (or similar) system may also be used to raise and lower the rolling center section of the barrier. Cleats (or similar) may be used to secure the ropes to the sidewalls.

[0043]

[0055] An electro-mechanical interface between the barrier system 200 and another area (e.g., a zipper-mounted connector that plugs into a port in the floor) may be used to indicate when the barrier system 200 is fully deployed to the closed position. When deployed in the closed position, the barrier system 200 may hang loosely over the floor / cargo handling system and / or be releasably secured to the floor by a coupling. The barrier system 200 is configured for rapid deployment to the closed position and stowage to the open position. The barrier system 200 helps achieve the ultimate goal of protecting the main deck cargo holds with a gas cargo fire suppression system similar to that currently used in the lower cargo holds.

[0044]

[0056] Optionally, the barrier system 200 may be or otherwise include one or more drapes that are divided at a butt-line zero (via a zipper or the like) and pulled to either side of the cargo hold. In this embodiment, no roll-up configuration would be required.

[0045]

[0057] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses.

[0046]

[0058] Article 1. An interior cabin with a main deck cargo hold; and The vehicle further comprising: a barrier system within the interior cabin, the barrier system comprising one or more flexible drapes movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0047]

[0059] Article 2. A vehicle as described in clause 1, wherein the flexible drape is configured to be selectively moved between the open position and the closed position to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold from one or more other areas of the interior cabin.

[0048]

[0060] Article 3. 3. The vehicle of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flexible drape is configured to be selectively moved between the open and closed positions to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold into separate areas.

[0049]

[0061] Article 4. 4. A vehicle as described in any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle is an aircraft.

[0050]

[0062] Article 5. 5. The vehicle of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the one or more flexible drapes include two or more flexible drapes.

[0051]

[0063] Article 6. 6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the barrier system further comprises a reclosable interface configured to selectively couple and uncouple the two or more flexible drapes.

[0052]

[0064] Article 7. 7. The vehicle of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the one or more flexible drapes include one or more ropes configured to secure the one or more flexible drapes in the open position.

[0053]

[0065] Article 8. 8. A vehicle as described in any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the one or more flexible drapes are provided with a weighted roller bar at a lower end.

[0054]

[0066] Article 9. A vehicle described in any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the one or more flexible drapes have one or more connecting portions at a lower end, the one or more connecting portions being configured to be removably connected to one or more interconnecting portions on the floor of the interior cabin.

[0055]

[0067] Article 10. 10. A vehicle as described in any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the one or more flexible drapes include a recessed opening configured to fit over a cargo handling track system when the one or more flexible drapes are in the closed position.

[0056]

[0068] Article 11. An interior cabin with a main deck cargo hold; and 1. A method for a vehicle comprising a barrier system within the interior cabin, the barrier system comprising one or more flexible drapes movable between an open position and a closed position, the method comprising: The method includes moving the flexible drape between the open and closed positions.

[0057]

[0069] Article 12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the moving includes selectively opening and closing the main deck cargo hold relative to one or more other areas of the interior cabin.

[0058]

[0070] Article 13. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the moving includes selectively opening and closing the main deck hold to separate areas.

[0059]

[0071] Article 14. 14. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 13, wherein the one or more flexible drapes include two or more flexible drapes, the method further comprising engaging an openable and closable interface to selectively couple and uncouple the two or more flexible drapes.

[0060]

[0072] Article 15. 15. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 14, further comprising engaging one or more ropes configured to secure the one or more flexible drapes in the open position.

[0061]

[0073] Article 16. 16. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 15, further comprising unfolding the one or more flexible drapes around a weighted roller bar to move the one or more flexible drapes to the closed position.

[0062]

[0074] Article 17. 17. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 16, further comprising releasably connecting one or more connecting portions of the one or more flexible drapes to one or more interconnecting portions on a floor of the interior cabin.

[0063]

[0075] Article 18. 18. The method of any one of clauses 11 to 17, further comprising conforming a recessed opening in the one or more flexible drapes over a cargo handling track system when the one or more flexible drapes are in the closed position.

[0064]

[0076] Article 19. 1. A barrier system configured for an interior cabin of a vehicle, the interior cabin having a main deck cargo hold, the barrier system comprising: A barrier system comprising one or more flexible drapes movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0065]

[0077] Article 20. The one or more flexible drapes include two or more flexible drapes, and the barrier system comprises: a reclosable interface configured to selectively couple and decouple the two or more flexible drapes; one or more ropes configured to secure one or more of the two or more flexible drapes in the open position; a weighted roller bar at a lower end of one or more of the two or more flexible drapes; and 20. The barrier system of claim 19, further comprising one or more coupling portions at a lower end of one or more of the two or more flexible drapes, the coupling portions configured to be releasably coupled to one or more interconnecting portions on a floor of the interior cabin.

[0066]

[0078] As described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a barrier system for the interior cabin of an aircraft that can be quickly and efficiently moved between closed and open positions.

[0067]

[0079] For purposes of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, various spatial and directional terms may be used, such as top, bottom, lower, center, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., but it should be understood that such terms are used only with reference to the orientations shown in the drawings, which may be flipped, rotated, or otherwise changed so that top becomes bottom, bottom becomes top, horizontal becomes vertical, and so on.

[0068]

[0080] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform an task or operation is structurally shaped, configured, or adapted to specifically accommodate the task or operation. For clarity and to avoid doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform an task or operation is not, as used herein, "configured / set up to" perform an task or operation.

[0069]

[0081] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not limiting. For example, the above-described embodiments (and / or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to the teachings of the various embodiments of the present disclosure to adapt to a particular situation or material without departing from the scope of such embodiments. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, these embodiments are in no way limiting, but are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the words "including" and "in which" are used as the plain English equivalents of the words "comprising" and "wherein," respectively. Moreover, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function form, and are not intended to be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless such claim limitations expressly use the phrase "means for" followed by a statement of function lacking further structure.

[0070]

[0082] The present specification uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also enables one of ordinary skill in the art to practice various embodiments of the present disclosure, including making and using any device or system, and performing any integrated method. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be 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 have only minor differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. an interior cabin (130, 202) having a main deck cargo hold (400); and A vehicle comprising a barrier system (200) within said interior cabin (130, 202), the barrier system (200) comprising one or more flexible drapes (204) movable between an open position and a closed position.

2. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the flexible drape (204) is configured to be selectively moved between the open and closed positions to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold (400) from one or more other areas of the interior cabin (130, 202).

3. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the flexible drape (204) is configured to be selectively moved between the open and closed positions to selectively open and close the main deck cargo hold (400) to separate areas.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle is an aircraft (100).

5. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the one or more flexible drapes (204) comprise two or more flexible drapes (204).

6. 6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein the barrier system (200) further comprises a reclosable interface (212) configured to selectively couple and decouple the two or more flexible drapes (204).

7. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the one or more flexible drapes (204) comprise one or more ropes (210, 290) configured to secure the one or more flexible drapes in the open position.

8. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the one or more flexible drapes (204) include a weighted roller bar (216) at a lower end.

9. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the one or more flexible drapes (204) have one or more connecting portions (218) at a lower end, the one or more connecting portions (218) being configured to be releasably connected to one or more interconnecting portions on a floor (213) of the interior cabin (130, 202).

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

11. an interior cabin (130, 202) having a main deck cargo hold (400); and 1. A method for a vehicle comprising a barrier system (200) within said interior cabin (130, 202), the barrier system (200) comprising one or more flexible drapes (204) movable between an open position and a closed position, the method comprising: moving the flexible drape (204) between the open and closed positions.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the moving comprises selectively opening and closing the main deck cargo hold (400) relative to one or more other areas of the interior cabin (130, 202).

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said moving comprises selectively opening and closing said main deck cargo hold (400) to separate areas.

14. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more flexible drapes (204) include two or more flexible drapes (204), the method further comprising engaging an openable interface (212) to selectively couple and uncouple the two or more flexible drapes (204).

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising engaging one or more ropes (210, 290) configured to secure the one or more flexible drapes (204) in the open position.

16. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising unfolding the one or more flexible drapes (204) around a weighted roller bar (216) to move the one or more flexible drapes (204) to the closed position.

17. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising releasably coupling one or more coupling portions (218) of the one or more flexible drapes (204) to one or more interconnecting portions on a floor (213) of the interior cabin (130, 202).

18. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising conforming a recessed opening of the one or more flexible drapes (204) over a cargo handling track system (322) when the one or more flexible drapes are in the closed position.

19. 1. A barrier system (200) configured for an interior cabin (130, 202) of a vehicle, the interior cabin (130, 202) having a main deck cargo hold, the barrier system (200) comprising: A barrier system comprising one or more flexible drapes (204) movable between an open position and a closed position.

20. The one or more flexible drapes (204) include two or more flexible drapes (204), and the barrier system (200) comprises: a reclosable interface (212) configured to selectively couple and decouple the two or more flexible drapes (204); one or more ropes (210, 290) configured to secure one or more of the two or more flexible drapes (204) in the open position; a weighted roller bar (216) at the bottom end of one or more of the two or more flexible drapes (204); and 20. The barrier system of claim 19, further comprising one or more coupling portions (218) at a lower end of one or more of the two or more flexible drapes (204), the coupling portions (218) configured to be releasably coupled to one or more interconnecting portions on a floor (213) of the interior cabin (130, 202).

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