GB2252728A

GB2252728A - An inflatable device to seal an opening

Info

Publication number: GB2252728A
Application number: GB9103105A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Roger Munday
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-02-14
Filing date: 1991-02-14
Publication date: 1992-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2011-02-14
Also published as: GB9103105D0; GB2252728B

Abstract

An inflatable device to seal an opening. Constructed from a number of tubes or bags 8 for the purpose of sealing a corridor or the like. These tubes or bags being stored uninflated and unobtrusively against the top of the corridor or the like. These tubes or bags being inflated from a supply of inert gas 3 via a manifold 5 and central devices 4, 9 and 6. <IMAGE>

Description

AN INFALTABLE DEVICE TO SEAL AN OPENING This invention relates to an inflatable device to seal an opening whether it is a corridor, passageway, tunnel or aperture.

The device that is formed by a number of inflatable bags or tubes is intended to to restrict the flow of air, smoke, fumes or gases in an opening whilst still allowing people to pass the device.

This invention is intended to provide a number of inflatable bags or tubes (the quantity and size would be determined by the size of the opening), which would be stored uniflated and when required would be inflated to press against each other or the sides of the opening, thus forming a restriction in the opening, but still permitting people to push between the bags or tubes, which would then close behind each person. Thus allowing the minimum movement of air, smoke, fumes or gases in either direction.

The invention is detailed in the accompanying drawings and shows the option using inflatable tubes. If bags were used in place of the tubes the dished caps would not be required, but all other details would remain the same.

FIGURE 1 Shows in perspective (viewed from above) with the opening (corridor, passageway, tunnel or aperture), shown ghosted, the device in its stored (uniflated) condition.

FIGURE 2 Shows in perspective (viewed from above) with the opening (corridor, passageway or tunnel) shown ghosted, the device in its inflated and thus operational condition.

FIGURE 3 Shows in perspective (viewed from below) a detail of the optional hinged covers that would be held closed by magnetic catches.

FIGURE 4 Shows the pneumatic schematic circuit for the device.

Referring to the drawings: the device is shown housed in an enclosure item 2 for aesthetic reasons and this has no bearing on the operation or function of the device.

Each inflatable tube item 8 is fixed by clamping, bonding or both, to form an airtight seal, with a dished cap, item 7. This would be manufactured from metal or a plastic type material. Each dished cap would be sealed against the side or next dished cap and against the top of the opening or enclosure.

Cylinder(s) of compressed inert gas item 3, need to be mounted near the device for the purpose of inflating the tubes.

Connected to the cylinder item 3, would be an on/off control valve, item 4.

This could be electrically, pneumatically, mechanically or manually operated, the valve could be operated automatically and/or remotely. A distribution manifold item 5, is connected to the on/off control valve and is in turn connected to the non return valves item 6, that are in turn connected to each dished cap item 7 on each inflatable tube (or direct to each inflatable bag).

An option on the system would be the addition of a pressure regulating valve item 9.

The width and height of the opening to be sealed would dictate the configuration and number of inflatable bags or tubes. Various optional configurations would be: a) One row of tubes in a straight line with the tubes pressing against the sides of the opening and the adjacent tube or the tube each side.

b) One row of tubes in a zig-zag line with the tubes pressing against the sides of the opening and the next tube or the tube on each side.

c) Two or more rows of tubes with the tubes pressing against the sides of the opening and the adjacent tube in the same or next row or the next tube in either direction.

The inflatable bags or tubes would be manufactured from a flexible impervious material that may be reinforced with fabric.

Alternatively inflatable bags or tubes would be manufactured from a material that is flexible and transparent or translucent with the option of a form of illumination inside each bag or tube.

Claims

1. This device is intended to provide a number of inflatable bags or tubes the quantity and size would be determined by the size of the opening), which would be stored uniflated and when required would be inflated to press against each other or the sides of the opening, thus forming a restriction in the opening, but still permitting people to push between the bags or tubes, which would then close behind each person. Thus allowing the minimum movement of air, smoke, fumes or gases in either direction.

2. A device comprising a number of inflatable tubes or bags manufactured from a flexible material that are stored deflated and arranged in a straight line and juxtaposed.

3. A device as claim 1, but the inflatable bags or tubes are arranged in a zig-zag formation but still juxtaposed.

4. A device as in claims 1 and 2, but with two or more rows of inflatable bags or tubes arranged in straight or zig-zag lines.

5. A device comprising a number of inflatable bags or tubes as claim 1,2 and 3, that are inflated from a supply of compressed inert gas.

6. A device comprising a number of inflatable bags or tubes as claim 1,2,3 and 4, wherein the compressed inert gas is controlled by an cn/off valve, operated electrically, pneumatically, mechanically or manually.

7. A device comprising a number of inflatable bags or tubes as claim 1,2,3,4 and 5, wherein the cn/cff control valve is operated automatically and/cr remotely.

8. A device comprising a number of inflatable bags or tubes as claim 1,2,3,4,5 and 6, wherein the pressure of the compressed inert gas is controlled by a pressure regulating valve.

9. A device comprising a number of inflatable bags or tubes as claim 1,2,3,4, 5,6,7, wherein each inflatable bag or tube is fitted with a non return valve.

10. A device comprising a number of inflatable bags or tubes as claim 1,2,3, 4,5,6,7 and 8, wherein a manifold is connected between the pressure regulating valve if fitted or the on/off control valve, and the non return valve on the inflatable bags or on the dished cap on each inflatable tube.

11. A device as claimed in any preceeding claim that is enclosed in a housing for aesthetic purposes.

12. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein a hinged lid or lids are used to close the opening, through which the inflated bags or tubes would protrude when inflated.

13. A device as claimed in any preceeding claim, wherein the inflatable cylinder is manufactured from a material that is atransparent or translucent and flexible and a form of illumination is mounted in the dished cap and could be lit when the device is inflated.