GB2201472A

GB2201472A - Apparatus for sealing an aperture

Info

Publication number: GB2201472A
Application number: GB08703438A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Anthony Simmonds
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-02-13
Filing date: 1987-02-13
Publication date: 1988-09-01
Also published as: GB8703438D0

Abstract

An apparatus for sealing an aperture comprises a frame 1. Four inflatable members 14, 15, 16 and 17 extend across the frame 1. When a fire is detected compressed gas is released from a cylinder 18 and inflates the inflatable members 14, 15, 16 and 17 thereby sealing the aperture. The inflatable members 14, 15, 16 and 17 can be evacuated via non-return valve 23. The pressure in the inflatable members 14, 15, 16 and 17 is detected by a pressure sensor 24 which transmits a signal indicative of the state of the inflatable members 14, 15, 16 and 17. <IMAGE>

Description

Apparatus for Sealing an Aperture This invention relates to an apparatus for sealing an aperture.

With the increase in popularity of gaseous fire extinguishing systems, one of the greatest problems experienced is containment of the extinguishant within areas that are not normally air tight.

There are many mechanical devices for temporarily sealing apertures. However, these are not satisfactory for sealing apertures having cables, pipes and similar objects passing therethrough.

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for closing an aperture, which apparatus comprises a frame and at least one member which is mounted on said frame and is inflatable to substantially close said aperture.

Preferably, said apparatus includes inflation means to inflate said member.

Advantageously, said apparatus includes deflation means through which said member can be evacuated.

Preferably, said deflation means comprises, a non-return valve.

Advantageously, said apparatus includes a pressure guage arranged to sense the pressure in said member.

Preferably, said frame comprises a hollow side member which is provided with a spigot, wherein said member is mounted on said spigot, and wherein inflation of said member can be achieved by introducing compressed gas into said bollow side member.

Advantageously, said frame also includes a second hollow side member which is also provided with a spigot and said member extends between and is secured to said spigots.

Preferably, said frame includes a strut disposed to at least one side of said member.

Advantageously, said frame includes a strut disposed to either side of said member.

In preferrred embodiments of the invention, the apparatus includes a plurality of members which are infltable to jointly substantially close said aperture.

Preferably, said members form, in the inflated state, substantially parallel tubes.

For a better understanding of the present invention reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an end view of a frame ready for the installation of inflatable tubes; Figure 2 is a section taken along line Il-Il of figure 1; Figure 3 is a view taken along line Ill-Ill of Figure 1: Figure 4 is an end view of the frame with the inflatable tubes fitted; Figure 5 is a section taken along line V-V of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a view taken along line VI-VI of Figure 4; Figure 7 is an end view of the frame with the tubes inflated and with typical objects passing therethrough; Figure 8 is a section taken along line Vill-Vill of Figure 7; Figure 9 is an end view of an alternate frame ready for the installation of inflatable tubes; and Figure 10 is a section taken along line X-X of Figure 9.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3 of the drawings there is shown a frame which is generally identified by reference numeral 1. The frame 1 comprises two side members 2 and 3, an upper member 4 and a lower member 5.

Four spigots 6,7,8 and 9 are mounted on the side member 2 opposite four similar spigots 10,11,12 and 13 on the side member 3.

Referring now to Figures 5 to 8, inflatable tubes 14,15,16 and 17 are fitted betwen the spigots 6,10; 7,11; 8,12 and 9,13 respectively. A cylinder 18 of compressed gas is mounted on the side member 2 as shown.

In use, when a fire is detected, the compressed gas in cylinder 18 is released by, for example an electrical, mechanical, pneumatic or mechanical control system. The gas flows through the side member 2 and enters the inflatable tubes 14,15,16 and 17 which inflate to obstruct the cross-section of the frame 1. As shown in Figure 7, the inflated tubes surround objects which pass through the frame 1, i.e.

pipes 19,20 and a cable tray 21 carrying a selection of cables 22.

The inflatable tubes 14,15,16 and 17 may be deflated by applying a vacuum line to a non-return valve 23 fitted in the side member 3.

The side member 2 is provided with a pressure sensor 24 which senses the pressure in side member 2. If the pressure returns to atmospheric a leak is indicated whilst a positive pressure indicates that the inflatable tubes 14,15,16 and 17 are at least partially inflated.

The frame 1 is provided with optional structs 26,27 which strengthen the frame 1 and retain the inflatable members 14,15,16 and 17.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the frame 1 may be provided with horizontal struts 28,29; 30,31; 32,33; and 34,35 arranged as shown. These serve to protect the inflatable tubes and will, if necessary, support a cable if placed thereon by a person unfamiliar with the present apparatus.

The frame may be arranged with the inflatable tubes extending in any direction as required.

It will be appreciated that where it is required to seal, for example a rectangular hole in a wall, it would be possible to secure the side members 2 and 3 to the opposites of the rectangular hole, the rectangular hole thus forming a rectangular frame.

The frame itself need not be rectangular-since a suitable inflatable member will, when inflated, conform to substantially any practical curved shape.

Whilst the apparatus is described as responding to fire it could also be triggered in response to other events.

Claims

Claims:

1. An apparatus for closing an aperture, which apparatus comprises a frame and at least one member which is mounted on said frame and is inflatable to substantially close said aperture.

2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, including inflation means to inflate said member.

3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, including deflation means through which said member can be evacuated.

4. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said deflation means comprises a non-return valve.

5. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1,2,3 or 4, including a pressure guage arranged to sense the pressure in said member.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 5, wherein said frame comprises a hollow side member which is provided with a spigot, wherein said member is mounted on said spigot, and wherein inflation of said member can be achieved by introducing compressed gas into said hollow side member.

7. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 6, wherein said frame includes a second hollow side member which is also provided with a spigot and said member extends between and is secured to said spigots.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any preceeding Claim, wherein said frame includes a strut disposed to at least one side of said member.

9. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said frame includes a strut disposed to either side of said member.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceeding Claim, including a plurality of members which are inflatable to jointly substantially close said aperture.

11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said members form, in the inflated state, substantially parallel tubes.

12. An apparatus for closing an aperture, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and bs shown in, Figures 1 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.

13. An apparatus for closing an aperture, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, Figures 9 and 10 of the accompanying drawings.