LIGHT BLOCKING CURTAINS AND RELATED METHODS

Light blocking curtains may be selectively transitioned between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. The light blocking curtain may include a curtain body and a curtain header, and may be folded along respective curtain body pleats and header pleats in the stowed configuration. The curtain header may extend vertically from the upper end region of the light blocking curtain towards the lower end region of the light blocking curtain, though the curtain header may be substantially vertically shorter than the curtain body. The curtain header also may include a plurality of light blocking panels that are coupled to or integrally formed with the curtain header. Each light blocking panel may be positioned with respect to two adjacent segments of the curtain header, adjacent a top edge of the light blocking curtain, such that the light blocking panels may prevent or reduce light leak along the top edge.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to curtains and more particularly to light blocking curtains designed to prevent light leak.

BACKGROUND

Commercial aircraft often use curtains for partitioning the cabin between sections of the aircraft, such as first class, business class, and/or economy class sections. Conventional curtains used for this purpose disadvantageously allow light to pass through from one section to another due to horizontal open spaces between the pleats of a curtain along the top of the curtain (often referred to as “light leak”). Some conventional curtains utilize custom-made closeout seals to close the gap between the curtain track and the cabin ceiling when the curtain is closed, but light leak still occurs at the top of the curtain between the pleats. Such light leak between the curtain pleats results in light shining from one side to the other side of the curtain, which may be undesirable to passengers or crew.

SUMMARY

Presently disclosed light blocking curtains are configured to block light leak from a top of the curtain by including foldable light blocking panels near the top of the curtain between the curtain pleats. One example of a light blocking curtain extends vertically from an upper end region to a lower end region and is configured to be transitioned between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. The light blocking curtain may include a curtain body and a curtain header. The curtain body may extend vertically between the upper end region and the lower end region and horizontally from a first lateral side to a second lateral side. The curtain body may be configured to be folded to transition the light blocking curtain to the stowed configuration, such that the curtain body extends horizontally to a lesser extent than when the light blocking curtain is in the deployed configuration. The curtain body may include a plurality of curtain body pleats and a plurality of curtain body segments with each curtain body pleat extending vertically from the upper end region to or towards the lower end region. Each respective curtain body segment may extend horizontally between a respective adjacent pair of curtain body pleats.

The curtain header may be positioned within the upper end region and extend vertically from the upper end region towards the lower end region, though the curtain header may be substantially vertically shorter than the curtain body. The curtain header extends horizontally from the first lateral side of the curtain body to the second lateral side of the curtain body. Similar to the curtain body, the curtain header may include a plurality of header pleats that extend vertically along the curtain header, and each respective header pleat may be substantially collinear with a respective curtain body pleat such that the curtain header is configured to fold with the curtain body when the light blocking curtain is transitioned to the stowed configuration. The curtain header also may include a plurality of header segments, with each header segment extending horizontally between a respective adjacent pair of header pleats. The curtain header also may include a plurality of light blocking panels, with each respective light blocking panel being positioned such that it spans three respective adjacent curtain body pleats and three respective adjacent header pleats. Each respective light blocking panel may be positioned with respect to two respective adjacent header segments adjacent a top edge of the light blocking curtain such that each respective light blocking panel is configured to prevent or reduce light leak along the top edge of the light blocking curtain between a respective pair of adjacent header segments. Aircraft including presently disclosed light blocking curtains are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Such aircraft may include a track, with the light blocking curtain being coupled to the track via a plurality of sliders. In this manner, the light blocking curtain may be configured to be transitioned between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration by sliding the sliders along the track to fold or unfold the light blocking curtain. Methods of preventing or reducing light leak also are within the scope of the present disclosure.

Such methods generally may include forming the light blocking curtain according to the present disclosure, and extending the light blocking curtain to the deployed configuration, thereby automatically unfolding the plurality of light blocking panels such that they are positioned and configured to reduce light leak along the top edge of the light blocking curtain.

DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1-4provide illustrative, non-exclusive examples of light blocking curtains10according to the present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at least substantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each ofFIGS.1-4, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein with reference to each ofFIGS.1-4. Similarly, all elements may not be labeled in each ofFIGS.1-4, but reference numerals associated therewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components, and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or more ofFIGS.1-4may be included in and/or utilized with any other Figures without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In general, elements that are likely to be included in a given (i.e., a particular) example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are shown in solid lines are not essential to all examples, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.1, light blocking curtain10extends vertically (e.g., along a length25of light blocking curtain10) from an upper end region12to a lower end region14. Light blocking curtains10are generally suspended from a track or railing, which may be secured to a cabin ceiling or other structure or mount. In typical configurations, light blocking curtain10will be secured to the track or railing via components within upper end region12, such that a curtain body16hangs down from the track or railing. Curtain body16may be any suitable length in the vertical direction. For example, curtain body16may be sized such that lower end region14of light blocking curtain10is positioned at or near a cabin floor in some examples. While examples herein are described in the context of light blocking curtains for use in an aircraft cabin, said light blocking curtains10may be used in other vehicles, buildings, structures, etc., such as in transit vehicles, shipping containers, shelters, trains, buses, automobile bodies, architectural curtain walls, partitions, expandable hospital shelters, and/or within interior spaces of a building. In some examples, light blocking curtain10may be secured at both upper end region12and lower end region14, and/or light blocking curtain10may be deployed in a non-vertical orientation in some examples. In other words, elements may be described herein as extending “vertically,” which is in reference to the orientation of light blocking curtains10in typical use, where gravity causes lower end region14to hang downward from upper end region12, which is used as a convention for describing the features of light blocking curtains10, without limiting use of light blocking curtains10to strictly vertical applications. Light blocking curtain10is configured to be selectively and reversibly transitioned between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, as will be described in further detail herein.

Curtain body16extends vertically between upper end region12and lower end region14. Curtain body16extends horizontally, or laterally, from a first lateral side18to a second lateral side20. Curtain body16is configured to be folded to transition light blocking curtain10to the stowed configuration, such that curtain body16extends horizontally, or laterally, to a lesser extent when light blocking curtain10is in the stowed configuration than when light blocking curtain10is in the deployed configuration. Specifically, curtain body16includes a plurality of curtain body pleats22and a plurality of curtain body segments24that may be configured to facilitate folding of light blocking curtain10to the stowed configuration.FIG.1schematically represents light blocking curtain10in the deployed configuration, having a deployed width23. In the stowed configuration, curtain body16is folded along curtain body pleats22such that the width is reduced, as compared to deployed width23. Each curtain body pleat22extends vertically (e.g., along length25of light blocking curtain10) from upper end region12to or towards lower end region14. In some examples, one or more of curtain body pleats22may extend along substantially the entire length25of light blocking curtain10. In other examples, one or more curtain body pleats22may extend along only a portion of length25of light blocking curtain10. Each respective curtain body segment24extends horizontally, or laterally, between a respective adjacent pair of curtain body pleats22. For example, curtain body segment24aextends laterally between curtain body pleat22aand curtain body pleat22b.

Light blocking curtain10also includes a curtain header26positioned within upper end region12. Curtain header26extends vertically (e.g., along length25of light blocking curtain10) from upper end region12towards lower end region14, but curtain header26generally does not extend all the way to lower end region14. In other words, curtain header26is generally substantially shorter in length than curtain body16, as illustrated inFIG.1. Dashed line48represents the vertical extent of an example of curtain header26inFIG.1(e.g., a bottom48of curtain header26), though in other examples of light blocking curtain10, bottom48of curtain header26may be closer to a top edge34of light blocking curtain10, or closer to lower end region14(in other words, curtain header26may have a length that is a smaller or greater proportion of length25than is shown inFIG.1in various examples of light blocking curtain10). Curtain header26generally extends laterally from first lateral side18to second lateral side20of curtain body16. In other words, curtain header26may have a width that is at least substantially equal to the width23of curtain body16, though in some examples, curtain header26may not extend laterally to the same extent as curtain body16. Curtain header26includes a plurality of header pleats28that extend vertically along curtain header26(e.g., from upper end region12towards lower end region14, or along length25of light blocking curtain10). Each respective header pleat28is at least substantially collinear with a respective curtain body pleat22. For example, header pleat28ais at least substantially collinear with curtain body pleat22a. Put another way, each respective header pleat28is typically aligned with a respective curtain body pleat22. In this manner, curtain header26is configured to fold with curtain body16when light blocking curtain10is transitioned to or towards the stowed configuration.

Curtain header26also includes a plurality of header segments30, with each header segment30extending laterally between a respective adjacent pair of header pleats28. For example, header segment30aextends laterally between header pleat28aand header pleat28b.

Curtain header26also includes a plurality of light blocking panels32, which may be coupled to curtain header26or integrally formed with curtain header26. Light blocking panels32are schematically represented in a flattened, triangular form above top edge34of light blocking curtain10inFIG.1, for simplicity, but it will be apparent from other illustrations herein that light blocking panels32are configured to be folded and stowed between adjacent header segments30and curtain body segments24when light blocking curtain10is in the stowed configuration, and further it will be apparent that light blocking panels32are configured to be arranged substantially orthogonally to curtain body16when light blocking curtain10is in the deployed configuration. Generally, each light blocking panel32is positioned such that each respective light blocking panel32spans three respective adjacent curtain body pleats22and three respective adjacent header pleats28, and such that each respective light blocking panel32is positioned with respect to two respective adjacent header segments30adjacent top edge34of light blocking curtain10such that each respective light blocking panel32is configured to prevent or reduce light leak along a portion of top edge34of light blocking curtain10between a respective pair of adjacent header segments30(e.g., each respective light blocking panel32is configured to prevent or reduce light leak along the span of the respective light blocking panel32). For example, light blocking panel32aspans the adjacent curtain body pleats22a,22b, and22c, the three adjacent header pleats28a,28b, and28c, and is configured to prevent or reduce light leak along top edge34between the pair of adjacent header segments30aand30b. A plurality of light blocking panels32together may be configured to prevent or reduce light leak along top edge34of light blocking curtain10.

Light blocking panels32, and/or curtain headers26that include integrally formed light blocking panels32, may be retrofit onto conventional curtains, in some examples. In other words, conventional curtains may be outfitted with disclosed curtain headers26or light blocking panels32without necessarily needing to modify other aspects of the curtain or the mounting system to which it attaches.

Light blocking curtain10is generally configured to be transitioned from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration by folding light blocking curtain10along each of the plurality of curtain body pleats22such that each adjacent pair of curtain body segments24are closed together or towards each other. Each respective light blocking panel32may be configured to be folded and stowed between a respective pair of adjacent curtain body segments24when light blocking curtain10is in the stowed configuration. For example, light blocking panel32amay be configured to be folded and stowed between curtain body segment24aand curtain body segment24bwhen light blocking curtain10is folded into the stowed configuration. Light blocking panels32generally are configured such that they are automatically unfolded and thereby configured to prevent or reduce light leak along top edge34when light blocking curtain10is transitioned from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.

FIG.2represents an example of light blocking curtain10mounted on a rail system64, shown pleated and in the deployed configuration. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, only a portion of the length of curtain body16is shown. As shown inFIG.2, each respective curtain body segment24may define a respective curtain segment plane. When light blocking curtain10is in the deployed configuration, at least a portion of each light blocking panel32is oriented in a panel plane that is at least substantially orthogonal to the curtain segment plane of the two respective curtain body segments24between which the respective light blocking panel32is positioned. For example, the visible portion of light blocking panel32ais in a panel plane that is at least substantially orthogonal to the curtain segment plane of curtain body segment24aand the curtain segment plane of curtain body segment24b. Put another way, at least a portion of each light blocking panel32may be at least substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis33of curtain body16.

As shown inFIG.2, light blocking curtain10is not typically extended to the point that it is flat, even in the deployed configuration. Instead, each respective curtain body segment24may be oriented at a non-parallel angle with respect to each adjacent respective curtain body segment24. For example, curtain body segment24ais non-parallel to both curtain body segment24band curtain body segment24c. Curtain body16is folded at curtain body pleats22to create such an arrangement. Generally, a respective pleat angle40may be defined for each curtain body pleat22. For example, pleat angle40ais shown for curtain body pleat22b. In some examples, each respective light blocking panel32may be configured to limit a respective pleat angle40of a respective curtain body pleat22to 90 degrees or less when light blocking curtain10is in the deployed configuration. For example, when light blocking panel32ais fully extended as shown, it may serve to at least substantially prevent further lateral extension of curtain body16, such that pleat angle40aof curtain body pleat22bdoes not increase substantially above 90 degrees. In some examples, each respective light blocking panel32is configured to maintain a respective pleat angle40of a respective curtain body pleat22such that each respective pleat angle40is at least substantially the same when light blocking curtain10is in the deployed configuration.

FIG.3illustrates a portion of an example of light blocking curtain10in the deployed configuration, viewed from the top (with no track or railing shown, for clarity). As will understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, only a portion of the width of light blocking curtain10is shown inFIG.3. In this view, pleat angle40is more easily visualized. Looking from the top, curtain body segments24of curtain body16extend into the page, while light blocking panels32are parallel to the page (i.e., orthogonal to each curtain body segment24).

FIG.4illustrates a portion of an example of light blocking curtain10in the stowed configuration, viewed from the front. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, only a portion of the length of curtain body16is shown inFIG.4, along with a portion of the width of rail system64on which light blocking curtain10is mounted.FIG.4illustrates how each respective light blocking panel32may be folded and stowed between adjacent curtain body segments24(and/or between adjacent header segments30) when light blocking curtain is in the stowed configuration.

Curtain body16, curtain header26, and light blocking panels32according to the present disclosure may be formed of a variety of suitable materials. In some examples, the same drapery fabric may be used to form curtain body16, curtain header26, and/or light blocking panels32. In some examples, one or more different materials may be used to form curtain body16, curtain header26, and/or light blocking panels32. Light blocking panels32of course may be formed of different materials than curtain body16, and in some cases may be formed of thin plastic or laminated fabric rather than fabric. Light blocking curtains10may be formed of one layer of material, two layers of material, or three or more layers of material (also referred to as “plies”), in various examples. In examples including more than two plies, one or more exterior plies may be formed of the same material (i.e., on the front and/or back sides of light blocking curtain10). Additionally or alternatively, the interior, or middle, ply in examples having more than two plies may be a dark-colored fabric or light baffling fabric configured to block light from passing through curtain body16. In some examples, the front and back sides of curtain body16may be formed of different fabrics, materials, and/or colors. In a specific example, when light blocking curtains10are used to divide an airplane cabin between two different classes, different fabrics or materials may be used on each side of curtain body16. In such examples that include light blocking panels32integrally formed with curtain header26, one side of the header material may be different than the other side of the header material (which may match the fabric or material of their corresponding side of the curtain body16), such that light blocking panels32may be formed of different fabrics or materials on either side of the same curtain body16.

Turning now toFIGS.5-18, illustrative non-exclusive examples of light blocking curtains10are illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustrations ofFIGS.1-4are used to designate corresponding parts inFIGS.5-18; however, the examples ofFIGS.5-18are non-exclusive and do not limit light blocking curtains10to the illustrated examples ofFIGS.5-18. That is, light blocking curtains10are not limited to the specific examples of the illustrated inFIGS.5-18and may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representations ofFIGS.1-4and/or the examples ofFIGS.5-18, as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect toFIGS.5-18; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized therewith.

FIGS.5-9illustrate examples of light blocking curtains10(or components thereof) in which the plurality of light blocking panels32are engaged with and/or coupled to curtain header26. With reference toFIG.5, each light blocking panel32may include an isosceles triangular portion42and two tab portions44. Each tab portion44may be configured to fold with respect to isosceles triangular portion42(e.g., along side fold lines47). Isosceles triangular portion42may be configured to be folded in half along a central fold line46, such that each light blocking panel32is configured to be folded and stowed between adjacent respective header segments30when the light blocking panel is incorporated into a light blocking curtain and the light blocking curtain is in the stowed configuration. When light blocking panel32is incorporated into a light blocking curtain, central fold line46of each respective light blocking panel32may be at least substantially aligned with a respective curtain body pleat22and/or with a respective header pleat28. For example,FIG.6illustrates a portion of an example of light blocking curtain10, viewed from the top. As shown inFIG.6, central fold line46of each respective light blocking panel32is aligned with a respective header pleat28(i.e., central fold line46ais aligned with header pleat28a, and central fold line46bis aligned with header pleat28b). As used herein, a respective central fold line46is said to be aligned with a respective header pleat28and/or curtain body pleat22when the central fold line46is substantially the same distance from a side edge of light blocking curtain10(e.g., from first lateral side18or second lateral side20) as is the respective header pleat28and/or curtain body pleat22.

With reference toFIGS.7-8, an example of light blocking curtain10is illustrated before light blocking panels32have been coupled to curtain header26. In some examples of light blocking curtain10, bottom48of curtain header26is folded up to engage with a folded-over portion50of curtain body16within upper end region12. Curtain header26may be coupled to curtain body16along an overlapping portion52where bottom48of curtain header26at least partially overlaps folded-over portion50of curtain body16(e.g., along a seam53). Curtain header26may be coupled to curtain body16via a plurality of vertical seams54, wherein each vertical seam54of the plurality of vertical seams54is positioned adjacent a respective curtain body pleat22and/or a respective header pleat28. As shown inFIG.7, in some examples, vertical seams54may be present on each side of a respective header pleat28. For example, vertical seam54bis positioned on one lateral side of header pleat28a, and vertical seam54cis positioned on the other lateral side of header pleat28a. Because curtain header26is secured to curtain body16along bottom48, and not along top edge34in these examples, light blocking curtain10may include a plurality of pockets56that open along top edge34of light blocking curtain10. Each respective pocket56generally may extend laterally between a respective adjacent pair of vertical seams54. For example, pocket56aextends laterally between vertical seam54aand vertical seam54bin this example. In some examples, a first side58of each pocket56may be formed by curtain header26, and a second side60of each pocket56may be formed by curtain body16.

As best seen inFIG.9, each respective tab portion44of each respective light blocking panel32may be at least partially inserted into a respective pocket56of curtain header26. In other words, each respective tab portion44of each respective light blocking panel32may be received in a respective pocket56. To insert tab portions44into pockets56, each tab portion44may be folded along a respective fold line47with respect to isosceles triangular portion42of a given light blocking panel32. Thus, when light blocking curtain10is in the deployed configuration and light blocking panels32are in place and coupled to curtain header26(e.g., as shown inFIG.9), the tab portions44of each light blocking panel32may be at least substantially perpendicular to isosceles triangular portion42. Tab portions44may be bonded, adhered, sewn, or otherwise coupled to curtain header26(e.g., to pockets56of curtain header26). In some examples, each respective tab portion44of each respective light blocking panel32is coupled to an inside wall66of curtain header26within a respective pocket56, thereby coupling the respective light blocking panel32to light blocking curtain10. Pockets56also may be configured to receive or house a slider (not shown) configured to engage with a rail system on which light blocking curtain10is configured to be mounted to slide open and closed between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.

FIGS.10-18illustrate examples of light blocking curtains10(or components thereof) in which light blocking panels32are integrally formed with curtain header26. In these examples, curtain header26may be coupled to curtain body16adjacent top edge34of light blocking curtain10. For example,FIG.10shows a front view of an example of light blocking curtain10in which a coupling65(e.g., a seam, bond, or other coupling) serves to secure curtain header26to curtain body16.FIG.11shows an example of coupling65from a side section view of curtain header26(though light blocking panels32are not shown inFIG.11, for clarity). Pockets56in this example are closed along top edge34and open along bottom48of curtain header26. Coupling65may include a plurality of spaced apart gaps, or breaks,68. Each respective gap68may be configured to receive a portion of a respective slider62therethrough. Sliders62may be configured to engage with a rail system64(seeFIG.2) on which light blocking curtain10is configured to be mounted to slide open and closed between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration. As best seen inFIG.10, a head portion69of each slider62may protrude beyond top edge34of light blocking curtain10, while a neck portion70of each slider62may extend through a respective gap68in coupling65, and an enlarged portion71of each slider62may be positioned within a respective pocket56. Enlarged portion71of each slider62may be configured to distribute weight and prevent slider62from being pulled all the way through gap68. Curtain header26may be coupled to curtain body16via a plurality vertical seams54, wherein each vertical seam54may be positioned adjacent a respective curtain body pleat22and/or header pleat28. Each respective pocket56may extend laterally between a respective adjacent pair of vertical seams54.

With reference toFIGS.12-14, curtain header26may be formed of two halves, such as a near half header72(FIG.13) and a far half header74(FIG.14). Near half header72and far half header74may be at least partially overlaid onto one another to form curtain header26. Near half header72and far half header74may be formed of the same or different materials. Pockets56may be formed between portions of near half header72and far half header74. Near half header72includes a near elongated portion76, which may be coupled to far half header74and curtain body16, and a plurality of near half panels78extending from near elongated portion76. Each near half panel78may include an outer angled edge80and an inner angled edge82, wherein outer angled edge80and inner angled edge82are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis84of near elongated portion76. Near half panels78may be arranged with respect to one another to form a plurality of pairs of adjacent near half panels78(two pairs of adjacent near half panels78are shown inFIG.13). In each respective pair of adjacent near half panels78, the respective inner angled edge82of each respective near half panel78of the respective pair of adjacent near half panels78are positioned next to each other. Near half panels78may be arranged with respect to one another such that each respective pair of adjacent near half panels78are configured to be coupled together along their respective inner angled edges82to form a first plurality of light blocking panels32on a near side96of light blocking curtain10(seeFIG.15). For example, near half panel78aand near half panel78bform a pair of adjacent near half panels78, and are configured to be coupled together (e.g., sewn or bonded together) along inner angled edge82aand inner angled edge82b. The respective inner angled edges82may be coupled together after near half header72is coupled to a curtain body, and the curtain body, near half header72, and far half header74are pleated together. Then, near half panels78may be configured to fold with respect to near elongated portion76(e.g., along a fold line83) such that near half panels78are configured to be substantially transverse to near elongated portion76when light blocking curtain10is in the deployed configuration. Once inner angled edges82are coupled together, this seam or joint or interface may be configured to serve as a central fold line (similar to central fold line46), along which the resulting light blocking panel32may be configured to fold in half to stow the light blocking panel32between adjacent header segments30when light blocking curtain10is folded to the stowed configuration. Light blocking panels32of near half header72may be unfolded to become substantially transverse to adjacent header segments30when light blocking curtain10is unfolded to the deployed configuration. Near half header72may be configured such that the plurality of near half panels78are positioned with respect to curtain body16such that a respective curtain body pleat22(represented by dash dot lines inFIG.13) is aligned between each respective adjacent near half panel78.

Similarly, as best seen inFIG.14, far half header74may include a far elongated portion86located between and coupled to near elongated portion76and curtain body16, and a plurality of far half panels88extending from far elongated portion86. Each far half panel88may include an outer angled edge90and an inner angled edge92, with outer angled edges90and inner angled edges92being non-parallel and non-perpendicular to longitudinal axis84of far elongated portion86. Far half panels88may be arranged with respect to one another to form a plurality of pairs of adjacent far half panels88, wherein in each respective pair of adjacent far half panels88, the respective inner angled edge92of each far half panel88are positioned next to each other. Far half panels88may be arranged with respect to one another such that each respective pair of adjacent far half panels88are configured to be coupled together along their respective inner angled edges92to form a second plurality of light blocking panels32on a far side98of light blocking curtain10(seeFIG.15). For example, far half panel88aand far half panel88bform a pair of adjacent far half panels88, and are configured to be coupled together along inner angled edge92aand inner angled edge92b. The respective inner angled edges92may be coupled together after far half header74is coupled to a curtain body, and the curtain body, near half header72, and far half header74are pleated together. Then, far half panels88may be configured to fold with respect to far elongated portion86(e.g., along fold line83) such that far half panels88are configured to be substantially transverse to far elongated portion86when light blocking curtain10is in the deployed configuration. Once inner angled edges92are coupled together, this seam or joint or interface may be configured to serve as a central fold line (similar to central fold line46), along which the resulting light blocking panel32may be configured to fold in half to stow the light blocking panel32between adjacent curtain body segments24when light blocking curtain10is folded to the stowed configuration. Light blocking panels32of far half header74may be unfolded to become substantially transverse to adjacent curtain body segments24when light blocking curtain10is unfolded to the deployed configuration. Far half header74may be configured such that the plurality of far half panels88are positioned with respect to curtain body16such that a respective curtain body pleat22(represented by dash dot lines inFIG.14) is aligned between each respective adjacent far half panel88.

While light blocking curtain10is shown flattened (e.g., before sewing together adjacent near half panels78and adjacent far half panels88), when in use, light blocking curtain10will be partially folded at header pleats28and curtain body pleats22, such that each curtain body segment24is non-parallel to each adjacent curtain body segment24, and such that each header segment30is non-parallel to each adjacent header segment30.

For example,FIG.15shows an example of light blocking curtain10in the deployed configuration, which is shown from above and coupled to a track or rail system64. As shown inFIG.15, curtain body16is folded at curtain body pleats22such that each adjacent curtain body segment24is non-parallel to each adjacent curtain body segment24. Thus, rather than being in a flat plane when in the deployed configuration, light blocking curtain10has a three-dimensional shape via pleat angles40formed by curtain body pleats22, as discussed above. In this arrangement, some curtain body pleats22open towards the near side96of light blocking curtain10, while some curtain body pleats open towards the far side98of light blocking curtain10. In examples of light blocking curtain10where light blocking panels32are integrally formed with curtain header26, light blocking panels32positioned on near side96of light blocking curtain10will be formed by near half header72, while light blocking panels32positioned on far side98of light blocking curtain10will be formed by far half header74. In other words, when respective adjacent near half panels78are folded with respect to near elongated portion76and sewn together, they extend perpendicularly from near elongated portion76towards near side96of light blocking curtain10, while when respective adjacent far half panels88are folded with respect to far elongated portion86and sewing together, they extend perpendicularly from far elongated portion86towards far side98of light blocking curtain10(e.g., in the opposite direction from near half panels78).

FIG.16illustrates this arrangement viewed from the top, with respective adjacent near half panels78having been sewn together along their respective inner angled edges82to form light blocking panels32on near side96of light blocking curtain10, and with respective adjacent far half panels88having been sewn together along their respective inner angled edges92to form light blocking panels32on far side98of light blocking curtain10. Sliders62are engaged with curtain header26and curtain rails64such that sliders62may be selectively slid along rails64(e.g., in the directions indicated by arrows100and102) to deploy or fold and stow light blocking curtain10, as desired.

FIG.17shows a sectional view illustrating this arrangement, with a respective light blocking panel32formed from an adjacent pair of near half panels78extending from near side96of light blocking curtain10, and a respective light blocking panel32formed from an adjacent pair of far half panels88extending from far side98of light blocking curtain10.FIG.17illustrates how near half header72forms a respective light blocking panel32that extends in the opposite direction from a respective light blocking panel32formed by far half header74. Outer angled edges80of near half panel78and outer angled edges90of far half panel88may be folded to form hems, as indicated at99.FIG.18is a section view taken at a different location inFIG.16, showing one example of placement of slider62with respect to curtain header26, near half header72, and far half header74.

FIG.19schematically provides a flowchart that represents illustrative, non-exclusive examples of methods according to the present disclosure. InFIG.19, some steps are illustrated in dashed boxes indicating that such steps may be optional or may correspond to an optional version of a method according to the present disclosure. That said, not all methods according to the present disclosure are required to include the steps illustrated in solid boxes. The methods and steps illustrated inFIG.19are not limiting and other methods and steps are within the scope of the present disclosure, including methods having greater than or fewer than the number of steps illustrated, as understood from the discussions herein.

Methods200of preventing or reducing light leak along a top edge (and/or other edge) of a curtain may include forming a light blocking curtain (e.g., light blocking curtain10) at202, and extending the light blocking curtain to the deployed configuration at204, thereby automatically unfolding a plurality of light blocking panels (e.g., light blocking panels32) such that they are positioned and configured to prevent or reduce light leak along an edge (e.g., the top edge) of the light blocking curtain. While examples are described herein in the primary context of preventing or reducing light leak along the top edge of a given curtain, presently disclosed light blocking panels and light blocking curtains additionally or alternatively may be used to prevent or reduce light leak along the bottom edge of the curtain by incorporating disclosed light blocking panels along the bottom edge of the curtain in addition to or instead of incorporating them along the top edge of the curtain. In some examples, forming the light blocking curtain at202includes retrofitting a conventional curtain to include one or more light blocking panels according to the present disclosure. For example, light blocking panels32such as those shown inFIG.5may be coupled to a conventional curtain to create a light blocking curtain according to the present disclosure. Or a curtain header formed of a far half header and a near half header as described herein may be added to a conventional curtain body to retrofit a conventional curtain.

The light blocking curtain may be folded and stowed (e.g., transitioned to the stowed configuration) at206, by folding the light blocking curtain along each of a plurality of curtain body pleats (e.g., curtain body pleats22) and/or header pleats (e.g., header pleats28) such that each respective light blocking panel of the plurality of light blocking panels is folded between a respective pair of adjacent header segments (e.g. header segments30) and/or curtain body segment (e.g., curtain body segments24). In examples of light blocking curtains that include a near half header and a far half header, the plurality of near light blocking panels of the near half header may be folded between a respective pair of adjacent header segments (e.g. header segments30) on a near side of the curtain body, while the plurality of far light blocking panels of the far half header may be folded between a respective pair of adjacent curtain body segment (e.g., curtain body segments24) on the far side of the curtain body.

In some examples, forming the light blocking curtain at202includes engaging a plurality of light blocking panels with the curtain header of the light blocking curtain, wherein the curtain header is positioned within the upper end region of the light blocking curtain. For example, forming the light blocking curtain at202may include sewing or bonding a plurality of individual respective light blocking panels to the curtain header or to a folded-over portion of the curtain body. In some specific examples, forming the light blocking curtain at202may include folding two or more tab portions (e.g., tab portions44) with respect to a triangular portion of the light blocking panel and at least partially inserting each respective tab portion into a respective pocket of the curtain header of the light blocking curtain to couple the light blocking panel to the curtain header. Said tab portions may be sewn, bonded, or otherwise coupled to the respective pocket and/or other portion of the curtain header in various examples.

In some examples, forming the light blocking curtain at202includes coupling each respective light blocking panel to the light blocking curtain such that a central fold line of the light blocking panel is at least substantially aligned with a respective curtain body pleat of the curtain body. In this manner, the triangular portion may be configured to be folded in half along the central fold line such that it can be folded between adjacent respective header segments on the near side of the light blocking curtain, or between adjacent respective curtain body segments on the far side of the light blocking curtain, when the light blocking curtain is folded into the stowed configuration.

In some examples, forming the light blocking curtain at202includes folding the bottom of the curtain header up to engage with a folded-over portion of the curtain body (e.g., folded over portion50) within the upper end region, and coupling the curtain header to the curtain body along the overlapping portion (e.g., overlapping portion52) where the bottom of the curtain header at least partially overlaps the folded-over portion of the curtain body. This method step can be performed to create a curtain header with pockets (e.g., pockets56) that are open along the top edge of the light blocking curtain. Additionally or alternatively, forming the light blocking curtain at202may include coupling the curtain header to the curtain body via a plurality of vertical seams (e.g., vertical seams54), wherein each vertical seam is positioned adjacent a respective curtain body pleat, thereby forming a plurality of pockets that open along the top edge of the light blocking curtain, with each respective pocket extending laterally between a respective adjacent pair of vertical seams. In other examples of methods200, the light blocking curtain may be formed at202such that pockets open along the bottom of the curtain header by coupling the curtain header to the curtain body via a plurality of vertical seams.

Some methods include coupling a respective slider to the light blocking curtain within one or more respective pockets and mounting the light blocking curtain to a rail system (e.g., rail system64) at208. To this end, forming the light blocking curtain at202may include coupling the curtain header to the curtain body such that the coupling between the curtain header and the curtain body includes a plurality of spaced apart gaps, or breaks, (e.g., gaps68), with each respective gap being configured to receive a portion of a respective slider therethrough. The sliders may be configured to engage with the rail system such that the light blocking curtain is configured to slide open and closed between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration by selectively translating the sliders with respect to the rail system to selectively expand or contract the light blocking curtain.

Forming the light blocking curtain at202may include pleating the curtain body and/or curtain header to form the plurality of curtain body pleats and/or header pleats. Some examples include sewing or bonding a plurality of light blocking panels to the curtain header such that a respective light blocking panel is positioned within each respective header pleat of the curtain header and respective curtain body pleat of the curtain body. In other examples, forming the light blocking curtain at202may include integrally forming the plurality of light blocking panels with the curtain header of the light blocking curtain and coupling the curtain header to the curtain body within the upper end region of the curtain body (e.g., along the top edge of the light blocking curtain). The light blocking curtain may be heatset as part of forming the light blocking curtain at202, to maintain the pleats formed in the curtain body and curtain header, and/or to make folds in the light blocking panels at least substantially permanent.

Forming the light blocking curtain at202may include forming the curtain header, such as in examples where the light blocking panels are integrally formed with the curtain header and then coupled to the curtain body. Forming the curtain header may include partially overlaying a near half header (e.g., near half header72) and a far half header (e.g., far half header74) onto one another. The far elongated portion of the far half header may be coupled to the curtain body to couple the formed curtain header to the curtain body, and the near elongated portion of the near half header may be coupled to the far elongated portion of the far half header to form the light blocking curtain at202. When the curtain header is coupled to the curtain body, the near half panels and the far half panels may be positioned such that a respective curtain body pleat is aligned between each respective pair of near half panels and each respective pair of far half panels. Adjacent pairs of near half panels may be coupled together along their inner angled edges to form light blocking panels on the near side of the light blocking curtain, and adjacent pairs of far half panels may be coupled together along their inner angled edges to form light blocking panels on the far side of the light blocking curtain, in forming the light blocking curtain at202.

Light blocking curtains according to the present disclosure may thus be formed according to methods200and used to prevent or reduce light leak in an aircraft cabin or other structure. The present disclosure also includes individual light blocking panels that may be added to conventional curtains to retrofit the conventional curtains to function as a light blocking curtain according to the present disclosure. The present disclosure also includes aircraft that include such disclosed light blocking curtains and light blocking panels. To use, the curtain is unfolded to the deployed configuration, which unfolds the light blocking panels such that they are substantially perpendicular to the curtain body (e.g., for vertical curtain bodies, the light blocking panels may be substantially horizontal when unfolded such that the light blocking curtain is in the deployed configuration). The light blocking panels thus are positioned and sized to close the triangular open spaces on top of the curtain pleats and prevent or reduce the amount of light from passing from one side of the curtain to the other via the triangular openings at the top edge formed by the curtain body pleats. The light blocking curtain may be selectively folded to transition it to the stowed configuration, in which the light blocking panels also fold and become substantially parallel to the curtain body (e.g., vertical) to stow between the folded curtain body segments and/or folded header segments that are folded together via the curtain body pleats and header pleats.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive subject matter according to the present disclosure are described in the following enumerated paragraphs:A1. A light blocking curtain (10) that extends vertically from an upper end region (12) to a lower end region (14), wherein the light blocking curtain (10) is configured to be transitioned between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, the light blocking curtain (10) comprising:a curtain body (16) that extends vertically between the upper end region (12) and the lower end region (14), wherein the curtain body (16) extends horizontally from a first lateral side (18) to a second lateral side (20), wherein the curtain body (16) is configured to be folded to transition the light blocking curtain (10) to the stowed configuration, such that the curtain body (16) extends horizontally to a lesser extent when the light blocking curtain (10) is in the stowed configuration than when the light blocking curtain (10) is in the deployed configuration, and wherein the curtain body (16) comprises a plurality of curtain body pleats (22) and a plurality of curtain body segments (24), wherein each curtain body pleat (22) of the plurality of curtain body pleats (22) extends vertically from the upper end region (12) to or towards the lower end region (14), and wherein each respective curtain body segment (24) extends horizontally between a respective adjacent pair of curtain body pleats (22); anda curtain header (26) positioned within the upper end region (12), wherein the curtain header (26) extends vertically from the upper end region (12) towards the lower end region (14), wherein the curtain header (26) is substantially vertically shorter than the curtain body (16), wherein the curtain header (26) extends horizontally from the first lateral side (18) of the curtain body (16) to the second lateral side (20) of the curtain body (16), wherein the curtain header (26) comprises a plurality of header pleats (28) that extend vertically along the curtain header (26), wherein each respective header pleat (28) is substantially collinear with a respective curtain body pleat (22) such that the curtain header (26) is configured to fold with the curtain body (16) when the light blocking curtain (10) is transitioned to the stowed configuration, wherein the curtain header (26) comprises a plurality of header segments (30), wherein each header segment (30) of the plurality of header segments (30) extends horizontally between a respective adjacent pair of header pleats (28), wherein the curtain header (26) comprises a plurality of light blocking panels (32), wherein each respective light blocking panel (32) of the plurality of light blocking panels (32) is positioned such that each respective light blocking panel (32) spans three respective adjacent curtain body pleats (22) and three respective adjacent header pleats (28), wherein each respective light blocking panel (32) of the plurality of light blocking panels (32) is positioned with respect to two respective adjacent header segments (30) adjacent a top edge (34) of the light blocking curtain (10) such that each respective light blocking panel (32) is configured to prevent or reduce light leak along at least a portion of the top edge (34) of the light blocking curtain (10) between a respective pair of adjacent header segments (30).A2. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A1, wherein each respective curtain body segment (24) defines a respective curtain segment plane, and wherein at least a portion of each light blocking panel (32) of the plurality of light blocking panels (32) is oriented in a panel plane that is at least substantially orthogonal to the curtain segment plane of the two respective curtain body segments (24) between which the respective light blocking panel (32) is positioned.A3. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A2, wherein the curtain body (16) is a conventional curtain body, and wherein the curtain header (26) is a conventional curtain header.A4. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein each respective light blocking panel (32) of the plurality of light blocking panels (32) is configured to limit a respective pleat angle (40) of a respective curtain body pleat (22) of the plurality of curtain body pleats (22) to 90 degrees or less when the light blocking curtain (10) is in the deployed configuration.A5. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein each respective light blocking panel (32) of the plurality of light blocking panels (32) is configured to maintain a/the respective pleat angle (40) of each respective curtain body pleat (22) of the plurality of curtain body pleats (22) such that each respective pleat angle (40) is at least substantially the same when the light blocking curtain (10) is in the deployed configuration.A6. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein the light blocking curtain (10) is configured to be transitioned from the deployed configuration to the stowed configuration by folding the light blocking curtain (10) along each of the plurality of curtain body pleats (22) such that each adjacent pair of curtain body segments (24) are closed together or towards each other.A7. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein each respective light blocking panel (32) of the plurality of light blocking panels (32) is configured to be folded and stowed between a respective pair of adjacent curtain body segments (24) of the plurality of curtain body segments (24) when the light blocking curtain (10) is in the stowed configuration.A8. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the plurality of light blocking panels (32) are configured such that they are automatically unfolded and configured to prevent or reduce light leak along the top edge (34) when the light blocking curtain (10) is transitioned from the stowed configuration to the deployed configuration.A9. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A8, wherein the plurality of light blocking panels (32) are engaged with and/or coupled to the curtain header (26) of the light blocking curtain (10).A10. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A9, wherein each light blocking panel (32) of the plurality of light blocking panels (32) comprises an isosceles triangular portion (42) and two tab portions (44), wherein each tab portion (44) is configured to fold with respect to the isosceles triangular portion (42).A11. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A10, wherein the isosceles triangular portion (42) is configured to be folded in half along a central fold line (46) such that each light blocking panel (32) is configured to be folded and stowed between adjacent respective header segments (30) when the light blocking curtain (10) is in the stowed configuration.A12. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A11, wherein the central fold line (46) of each respective light blocking panel (32) is at least substantially aligned with a respective curtain body pleat (22) of the plurality of curtain body pleats (22).A12.1. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A11 or A12, wherein the central fold line (46) of each respective light blocking panel (32) is at least substantially aligned with a respective header pleat (28) of the plurality of header pleats (28).A13. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A12.1, wherein a bottom (48) of the curtain header (26) is folded up to engage with a folded-over portion (50) of the curtain body (16) within the upper end region (12), and wherein the curtain header (26) is coupled to the curtain body (16) along an overlapping portion (52) where the bottom (48) of the curtain header (26) at least partially overlaps the folded-over portion (50) of the curtain body (16).A14. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A13, wherein the curtain header (26) is coupled to the curtain body (16) via a plurality of vertical seams (54), wherein each vertical seam (54) of the plurality of vertical seams (54) is positioned adjacent a respective curtain body pleat (22) and header pleat (28).A15. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A14, wherein the light blocking curtain (10) comprises a plurality of pockets (56) that open along the top edge (34) of the light blocking curtain (10), and wherein each respective pocket (56) of the plurality of pockets (56) extends between a respective adjacent pair of vertical seams (54).A16. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A15, wherein a first side (58) of each pocket (56) of the plurality of pockets (56) is formed by the curtain header (26), and wherein a second side (60) of each pocket (56) of the plurality of pockets (56) is formed by the curtain body (16).A17. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A15 or A16, wherein each pocket (56) is configured to receive or house a slider (62) configured to engage with a rail system (64) on which the light blocking curtain (10) is configured to be mounted to slide open and closed between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.A18. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A15-A17, wherein a respective tab portion (44) of a respective light blocking panel (32) is received in each respective pocket (56).A19. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A15-A18, wherein each respective tab portion (44) of each respective light blocking panel (32) is at least partially inserted into a respective pocket (56) of the plurality of pockets (56).A20. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A15-A19, wherein each respective tab portion (44) of each respective light blocking panel (32) is coupled to an inside wall (66) of the curtain header (26) within a respective pocket (56), thereby coupling the respective light blocking panel (32) to the light blocking curtain (10).A20.1. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A15-A19, wherein each respective tab portion (44) of each respective light blocking panel (32) is coupled to a/the first side (58) of a respective pocket (56) and/or to a/the second side (60) of a respective pocket (56), thereby coupling the respective light blocking panel (32) to the light blocking curtain (10).A21. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A8, wherein the plurality of light blocking panels (32) are integrally formed with the curtain header (26) of the light blocking curtain (10).A22. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A21, wherein the curtain header (26) is coupled to the curtain body (16) adjacent the top edge (34) of the light blocking curtain (10).A23. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A21-A22, wherein a coupling between the curtain header (26) and the curtain body (16) comprises a plurality of spaced apart gaps (68), wherein each respective gap (68) of the plurality of spaced apart gaps (68) is configured to receive a portion of a respective slider (62) therethrough, wherein each slider (62) is configured to engage with a rail system (64) on which the light blocking curtain (10) is configured to be mounted to slide open and closed between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.A24. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A21-A23, wherein the curtain header (26) is coupled to the curtain body (16) via a plurality vertical seams (54), wherein each vertical seam (54) of the plurality of vertical seams (54) is positioned adjacent a respective curtain body pleat (22).A25. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A24, wherein the light blocking curtain (10) comprises a plurality of pockets (56) that open along a bottom (48) of the curtain header (26), and wherein each respective pocket (56) of the plurality of pockets (56) extends between a respective adjacent pair of vertical seams (54).A26. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A21-A25, wherein the curtain header (26) comprises a near half header (72) and a far half header (74) at least partially overlaid onto one another.A27. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A25 or A26, wherein a first side (58) of each pocket (56) of a/the plurality of pockets (56) is formed by a/the near half header (72), and wherein a second side (60) of each pocket (56) of the plurality of pockets (56) is formed by a/the far half header (74).A28. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A26 or A27, wherein the near half header (72) comprises a near elongated portion (76) coupled to an elongated portion (86) of the far half header (74), and a plurality of near half panels (78) extending from the near elongated portion (76).A29. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A28, wherein each near half panel (78) of the plurality of near half panels (78) comprises an outer angled edge (80) and an inner angled edge (82), wherein the outer angled edge (80) and the inner angled edge (82) are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (84) of the near elongated portion (76).A30. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A28 or A29, wherein the plurality of near half panels (78) are arranged with respect to one another to form a plurality of pairs of adjacent near half panels (78), wherein in each respective pair of adjacent near half panels (78), the respective inner angled edge (82) of each respective near half panel (78) of the respective pair of adjacent near half panels (78) are positioned next to each other.A31. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A28-A30, wherein the plurality of near half panels (78) are arranged with respect to one another to form a/the plurality of pairs of adjacent near half panels (78), wherein respective two near half panels (78) of each respective pair of adjacent near half panels (78) are configured to be coupled together along their respective inner angled edges (82).A32. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A28-A31, wherein the near half panels (78) are configured to fold with respect to the near elongated portion (76) such that the near half panels (78) are configured to be substantially transverse to the near elongated portion (76) when the light blocking curtain (10) is in the deployed configuration.A33. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A28-A32, wherein the near half header (72) is configured such that the plurality of near half panels (78) are positioned with respect to the curtain body (16) such that a respective curtain body pleat (22) is aligned between each respective adjacent near half panel (78).A34. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A27-A33, wherein the far half header (74) comprises a/the far elongated portion (86) located between and coupled to the near elongated portion (76) and the curtain body (16), and a plurality of far half panels (88) extending from the far elongated portion (86).A35. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A34, wherein each far half panel (88) of the plurality of far half panels (88) comprises an outer angled edge (90) and an inner angled edge (92), wherein the outer angled edge (90) and the inner angled edge (92) are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to a/the longitudinal axis (84) of the far elongated portion (86).A36. The light blocking curtain (10) of paragraph A34 or A35, wherein the plurality of far half panels (88) are arranged with respect to one another to form a plurality of pairs of adjacent far half panels (88), wherein in each respective pair of adjacent far half panels (88), the respective inner angled edge (92) of each far half panel (88) of the respective pair of adjacent far half panels (88) are positioned next to each other.A37. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A34-A36, wherein the plurality of far half panels (88) are arranged with respect to one another to form a/the plurality of pairs of adjacent far half panels (88), wherein respective two far half panels (88) of each respective pair of adjacent far half panels (88) are configured to be coupled together along their respective inner angled edges (92).A38. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A34-A37, wherein the plurality of far half panels (88) is configured to fold with respect to the far elongated portion (86) such that the plurality of far half panels (88) is configured to be substantially transverse to the far elongated portion (86) when the light blocking curtain (10) is in the deployed configuration.A39. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A34-A38, wherein the far half header (74) is configured such that the plurality of far half panels (88) is positioned with respect to the curtain body (16) such that a respective curtain body pleat (22) is aligned between each respective adjacent far half panel (88).B1. An aircraft, comprising the light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A39.B2. The aircraft of paragraph B1, further comprising a railing or track, wherein the light blocking curtain (10) is coupled to the railing or track via a/the plurality of sliders (62) such that the light blocking curtain (10) is configured to be transitioned between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration by sliding the sliders (62) along the railing or track to fold or unfold the light blocking curtain (10).C1. A method (200) of preventing or reducing light leak, the method (200) comprising:

Forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A39; and

Extending (204) the light blocking curtain (10) to the deployed configuration, thereby automatically unfolding the plurality of light blocking panels (32) such that they are positioned and configured to prevent or reduce light leak along the top edge (34) of the light blocking curtain (10).C2. The method (200) of paragraph C1, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises retrofitting a conventional curtain to include one or more light blocking panels (32).C3. The method (200) of paragraph C1 or C2, further comprising folding (206) the light blocking curtain (10) along each of the plurality of curtain body pleats (22) such that each respective light blocking panel (32) of the plurality of light blocking panels (32) is folded between a respective pair of adjacent header segments (30) or between a respective pair of adjacent curtain body segments (24), thereby transitioning the light blocking curtain (10) to the stowed configuration.C4. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C3, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises engaging the plurality of light blocking panels (32) with the curtain header (26) of the light blocking curtain (10), wherein the curtain header (26) is positioned within the upper end region (12) of the light blocking curtain (10).C5. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C4, wherein each light blocking panel (32) of the plurality of light blocking panels (32) comprises an/the isosceles triangular portion (42) and two tab portions (44), and wherein the forming the light blocking curtain (10) comprises folding each tab portion (44) with respect to the isosceles triangular portion (42).C6. The method (200) of paragraph C5, wherein the isosceles triangular portion (42) is configured to be folded in half along a/the central fold line (46) such that each light blocking panel (32) is configured to be folded between adjacent respective header segments (30) or between adjacent respective curtain body segments (24) when the light blocking curtain (10) is in the stowed configuration, and wherein the forming the light blocking curtain (10) comprises coupling each respective light blocking panel (32) to the light blocking curtain (10) such that the central fold line (46) is at least substantially aligned with a respective curtain body pleat (22) of the plurality of curtain body pleats (22) of the curtain body (16).C7. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C6, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises:folding a/the bottom (48) of the curtain header (26) up to engage with a/the folded-over portion (50) of the curtain body (16) within the upper end region (12); andcoupling the curtain header (26) to the curtain body (16) along an/the overlapping portion (52) where the bottom (48) of the curtain header (26) at least partially overlaps the folded-over portion (50) of the curtain body (16).C8. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C7, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises coupling the curtain header (26) to the curtain body (16) via a/the plurality of vertical seams (54), wherein each vertical seam (54) of the plurality of vertical seams (54) is positioned adjacent a respective curtain body pleat (22), thereby forming a plurality of pockets (56) that open along the top edge (34) of the light blocking curtain (10), wherein each respective pocket (56) of the plurality of pockets (56) extends between a respective adjacent pair of vertical seams (54).C9. The method (200) of paragraph C8, further comprising:coupling (208) a respective slider (62) of a plurality of sliders (62) to the light blocking curtain (10) within one or more respective pockets (56) of the plurality of pockets (56), wherein each slider (62) is configured to engage with a/the rail system (64); andmounting the light blocking curtain (10) to the rail system (64) such that the light blocking curtain (10) is configured to slide open and closed between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.C10. The method (200) of paragraph C8 or C9, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises at least partially inserting a respective tab portion (44) of a respective light blocking panel (32) into a respective pocket (56) of the plurality of pockets (56), and coupling the respective tab portion (44) to the respective pocket (56).C11. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C10, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises pleating the curtain body (16) to form the plurality of curtain body pleats (22).C12. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C11, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises sewing or bonding a plurality of individual respective light blocking panels (32) to the curtain header (26) or folded-over portion (50) of the curtain body (16).C13. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C12, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises sewing or bonding a plurality of light blocking panels (32) to the curtain header (26) such that a respective light blocking panel (32) is positioned within each respective header pleat (28) of the curtain header (26) and respective curtain body pleat (22) of the curtain body (16).C14. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C4, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises:integrally forming the plurality of light blocking panels (32) with a/the curtain header (26) of the light blocking curtain (10); andcoupling the curtain header (26) to the curtain body (16) within the upper end region (12) of the curtain body (16).C15. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C14, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises coupling the curtain header (26) to the curtain body (16) adjacent the top edge (34) of the light blocking curtain (10).C16. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C15, wherein the forming the light blocking curtain (10) comprises coupling the curtain header (26) to the curtain body (16) such that a/the coupling between the curtain header (26) and the curtain body (16) comprises a/the plurality of spaced apart gaps (68), wherein each respective gap (68) of the plurality of spaced apart gaps (68) is configured to receive a portion of a respective slider (62) therethrough, wherein each slider (62) is configured to engage with a/the rail system (64) on which the light blocking curtain (10) is configured to be mounted to slide open and closed between the deployed configuration and the stowed configuration.C17. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C16, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises coupling the curtain header (26) to the curtain body (16) via a/the plurality of vertical seams (54), wherein each vertical seam (54) of the plurality of vertical seams (54) is positioned adjacent a respective curtain body pleat (22), thereby forming a/the plurality of pockets (56) that open along a/the bottom (48) of the curtain header (26), wherein each respective pocket (56) of the plurality of pockets (56) extends between a respective adjacent pair of vertical seams (54).C18. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C17, wherein the forming (202) the light blocking curtain (10) comprises forming the curtain header (26).C19. The method (200) of paragraph C18, wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises at least partially overlaying a/the near half header (72) and a/the far half header (74) onto one another.C20. The method (200) of paragraph C19, wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises coupling a/the near elongated portion (76) of the near half header (72) to the far elongated portion (86) of the far half header (74) and curtain body (16).C21. The method (200) of paragraph C19 or C20, wherein the near half header (72) comprises a/the plurality of near half panels (78) extending from a/the near elongated portion (76), wherein each near half panel (78) of the plurality of near half panels (78) comprises an/the outer angled edge (80) and an/the inner angled edge (82), wherein the outer angled edge (80) and the inner angled edge (82) are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to a/the longitudinal axis (84) of the near elongated portion (76).C22. The method (200) of paragraph C21, wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises arranging the plurality of near half panels (78) with respect to one another to form a/the plurality of pairs of adjacent near half panels (78), wherein in each respective pair of adjacent near half panels (78), a/the respective inner angled edges (82) of the adjacent near half panels (78) of the respective pair are positioned next to each other.C23. The method (200) of paragraph C21 or C22, wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises:arranging the plurality of near half panels (78) with respect to one another to form a/the plurality of pairs of adjacent near half panels (78); andcoupling the respective two near half panels (78) of each respective pair of adjacent near half panels (78) along their respective inner angled edges (82).C24. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C19-C23, wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises positioning the near half panels (78) with respect to the curtain body (16) such that a/the respective curtain body pleat (22) is aligned between each respective adjacent near half panel (78).C25. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C19-C24, wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises coupling a/the far elongated portion (86) of the far half header (74) to the near elongated portion (76) of the near half header (72) and the curtain body (16).C26. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C19-C25, wherein the far half header (74) comprises a/the plurality of far half panels (88) extending from a/the far elongated portion (86), wherein each far half panel (88) of the plurality of far half panels (88) comprises an/the outer angled edge (90) and an/the inner angled edge (92), wherein the outer angled edge (90) and the inner angled edge (92) are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to a/the longitudinal axis (84) of the far elongated portion (86).C27. The method (200) of paragraph C26, wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises arranging the plurality of far half panels (88) with respect to one another to form a/the plurality of pairs of adjacent far half panels (88), wherein in each respective pair of adjacent far half panels (88), a/the respective inner angled edges (92) of the adjacent far half panels (88) of the respective pair are positioned next to each other.C28. The method (200) of paragraph C26 or C27, wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises:arranging the plurality of far half panels (88) with respect to one another to form a/the plurality of pairs of adjacent far half panels (88); andcoupling the respective two far half panels (88) of each respective pair of adjacent far half panels (88) along their respective inner angled edges (92).C29. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C19-C28, wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises positioning the far half panels (88) with respect to the curtain body (16) such that a/the respective curtain body pleat (22) is aligned between each respective adjacent far half panel (88).C30. The method (200) of any of paragraphs C1-C29, comprising forming the curtain header (26), wherein the forming the curtain header (26) comprises coupling a/the near half header (72) and a/the far half header (74) to the curtain body (16) such that the near half header (72) and the far half header (74) form the curtain header (26).C31. The method (200) of paragraph C30, further comprising forming a/the plurality of curtain body pleats (22) in the curtain header (26) and the curtain body (16).C32. The method (200) of paragraph C31, further comprising:coupling a plurality of respective adjacent pairs of near half panels (78) together, thereby forming a plurality of near light blocking panels (32); andcoupling a plurality of respective adjacent pairs of far half panels (88) together, thereby forming a plurality of far light blocking panels (32).C33. The method (200) of paragraph C32, further comprising:folding the plurality of near light blocking panels (32) in half such that each respective near light blocking panel (32) is positioned within a respective header pleat (28) on a near side of the light blocking curtain (10);folding the plurality of far light blocking panels (32) in half such that each respective far light blocking panel (32) is positioned within a respective vertically curtain body pleat (22) on a far side of the light blocking curtain (10); andheat setting the curtain body (16), the near half header (72), and the far half header (74).D1. A light blocking panel (32) for prevent or reducing light leak around a curtain, wherein the light blocking panel (32) is configured to be positioned within an upper end region (12) of a curtain body (16) of the curtain, wherein the light blocking panel (32) is configured to be positioned to span between three respective adjacent curtain body pleats (22) or three respective adjacent header pleats (28) of the curtain, and wherein the light blocking panel (32) is configured to prevent or reduce light leak along at least a portion of the top edge (34) of the curtain.D2. The light blocking panel (32) of paragraph D1, wherein the light blocking panel (32) is configured to limit a pleat angle (40) of a curtain body pleat (22) of the curtain to 90 degrees or less when the curtain is in a deployed configuration.D3. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D1-D2, wherein the light blocking panel (32) is configured such that each respective light blocking panel (32) of a plurality of light blocking panels (32) maintains a respective pleat angle (40) of a respective curtain body pleat (22) and/or header pleat (28) of the curtain, such that the respective pleat angle (40) is at least substantially the same for each respective curtain body pleat (22) of a plurality of curtain body pleats (22) and/or each respective header pleat (28) of a plurality of header pleats (28) of the curtain when the curtain is in a/the deployed configuration.D3.1. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D1-D3, wherein a/the plurality of light blocking panels (32) are together configured to prevent or reduce light leak along the top edge (34) of the curtain.D4. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D1-D3.1, wherein the light blocking panel (32) is configured to be folded and stowed between a pair of adjacent curtain body segments (24) or a pair of adjacent header segments (30) of the curtain when the curtain is in a stowed configuration.D5. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D1-D4, wherein the light blocking panel (32) is configured such that it is automatically unfolded and configured to prevent light leak along a span of the light blocking panel (32) along the top edge (34) of the curtain when the curtain is transitioned from a/the stowed configuration to a/the deployed configuration.D6. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D1-D5, wherein the light blocking panel (32) is configured to engage with a curtain header (26) of the curtain, wherein the curtain header (26) is positioned within the upper end region (12) of the light blocking curtain (10).D7. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D1-D6, wherein the light blocking panel (32) comprises an isosceles triangular portion (42) and two tab portions (44), wherein each tab portion (44) is configured to fold with respect to the isosceles triangular portion (42).D8. The light blocking panel (32) of paragraph D7, wherein the isosceles triangular portion (42) is configured to be folded in half along a central fold line (46) such that the light blocking panel (32) is configured to be folded between adjacent respective curtain body pleats (22) or adjacent respective header pleats (28) of the curtain when the curtain is in a/the stowed configuration.D9. The light blocking panel (32) of paragraph D8, wherein the central fold line (46) of the light blocking panel (32) is at least substantially aligned with a respective curtain body pleat (22) of a/the plurality of curtain body pleats (22) when the light blocking panel (32) is coupled with respect to the curtain.D10. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D7-D9, wherein each respective tab portion (44) is configured to be at least partially inserted into and coupled to a respective pocket (56) formed in the curtain.D11. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D1-D5, wherein the light blocking panel (32) comprises a/the plurality of light blocking panels (32) integrally formed with a/the curtain header (26) of the curtain.D12. The light blocking panel (32) of paragraphs D11, wherein the curtain header (26) comprises a near half header (72) and a far half header (74) at least partially overlaid onto one another.D13. The light blocking panel (32) of paragraph D12, wherein the near half header (72) comprises a near elongated portion (76) configured to be coupled to the curtain, and a plurality of near half panels (78) extending from the near elongated portion (76).D14. The light blocking panel (32) of paragraph D13, wherein each near half panel (78) of the plurality of near half panels (78) comprises an outer angled edge (80) and an inner angled edge (82), wherein the outer angled edge (80) and the inner angled edge (82) are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (84) of the near elongated portion (76).D15. The light blocking panel (32) of paragraph D13 or D14, wherein the plurality of near half panels (78) are arranged with respect to one another to form a plurality of pairs of adjacent near half panels (78), wherein in each respective pair of adjacent near half panels (78), the respective inner angled edge (82) of each adjacent near half panel (78) of the respective pair are positioned next to each other.D16. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D13-D15, wherein the plurality of near half panels (78) are arranged with respect to one another to form a/the plurality of pairs of adjacent near half panels (78), wherein respective two near half panels (78) of each respective pair of adjacent near half panels (78) are configured to be coupled together along their respective inner angled edges (82) to form a first plurality of light blocking panels (32) on a/the near side of the curtain.D17. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D13-D16, wherein the plurality of near half panels (78) is configured to fold with respect to the near elongated portion (76) such that the plurality of near half panels (78) is configured to be substantially transverse to the near elongated portion (76) when the curtain is in a/the deployed configuration.D18. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D13-D17, wherein the near half header (72) is coupled with respect to the curtain such that a respective curtain body pleat (22) of the curtain is aligned between each respective adjacent near half panel (78).D19. The light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs D12-D18, wherein the far half header (74) comprises a far elongated portion (86) configured to be coupled to the curtain, and a plurality of far half panels (88) extending from the far elongated portion (86).D20. The light blocking panel (32) of paragraph D19, wherein each far half panel (88) of the plurality of far half panels (88) comprises an outer angled edge (90) and an inner angled edge (92), wherein the outer angled edge (90) and the inner angled edge (92) are non-parallel and non-perpendicular to a/the longitudinal axis (84) of the far elongated portion (86).D21. The light blocking panel (32) of paragraph D19 or D20, wherein the plurality of far half panels (88) are arranged with respect to one another to form a plurality of pairs of adjacent far half panels (88), wherein in each respective pair of adjacent far half panels (88), the respective inner angled edge (92) of each adjacent far half panel (88) of the respective pair are positioned next to each other.D22. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D19-D21, wherein the plurality of far half panels (88) are arranged with respect to one another to form a/the plurality of pairs of adjacent far half panels (88), wherein a respective two far half panels (88) of each respective pair of adjacent far half panels (88) are configured to be coupled together along their respective inner angled edges (92) to form a second plurality of light blocking panels (32) on a/the far side of the curtain.D23. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D19-D22, wherein the plurality of far half panels (88) is configured to fold with respect to the far elongated portion (86) such that the plurality of far half panels (88) is configured to be substantially transverse to the far elongated portion (86) when the curtain is in a/the deployed configuration.D24. The light blocking panel (32) of any of paragraphs D19-D23, wherein the far half header (74) is coupled with respect to the curtain such that a respective curtain body pleat (22) of the curtain is aligned between each respective adjacent far half panel (88).E1. A light blocking curtain (10) comprising one or more of the light blocking panels (32) of any of paragraphs D1-D24.F1. A method (200) of preventing or reducing light leak in an aircraft passenger cabin, the method (200) comprising retrofitting a conventional partition curtain with one or more of the light blocking panels (32) according to any of paragraphs D1-D24.G1. The use of the light blocking curtain (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A39 to prevent or reduce light leak within a passenger aircraft or other vehicle.G2. The use of one or more of the light blocking panels (32) of any of paragraphs D1-D24 to retrofit a curtain of a passenger aircraft or other vehicle to prevent or reduce light leak within the passenger aircraft or other vehicle.

As used herein, the terms “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of an apparatus, mean that the specific action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of dynamic processes and/or user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the apparatus. The terms “selective” and “selectively” thus may characterize an activity that is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the apparatus, or may characterize a process that occurs automatically, such as via the mechanisms disclosed herein.

As used herein, the phrase “at least substantially,” when modifying a degree or relationship, includes not only the recited “substantial” degree or relationship, but also the full extent of the recited degree or relationship. A substantial amount of a recited degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, a first direction that is at least substantially parallel to a second direction includes a first direction that is within an angular deviation of 22.5° relative to the second direction and also includes a first direction that is identical to the second direction.

As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,” and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, examples, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, example, and/or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, examples, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, example, and/or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, examples, and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, examples, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.