GB2411201A

GB2411201A - Fire resistant glazing

Info

Publication number: GB2411201A
Application number: GB0403536A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Eccleshall
Original assignee: Komfort Office Environments PLC
Current assignee: Komfort Office Environments PLC
Priority date: 2004-02-18
Filing date: 2004-02-18
Publication date: 2005-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2024-02-18
Also published as: GB0409686D0; GB2411201B; GB0403536D0

Abstract

A fire resistant window assembly comprises a frame 1 having a fire resistant pane 3 mounted therein and two additional panes 4a, 4b mounted on opposing surfaces of the frame 1 and parallel to the fire resistant pane 3. The additional panes 4a, 4b entirely cover the frame surfaces to which they are mounted. The additional panes 4a, 4b may be bonded to the frame 1 or may be bonded to fastening devices 5a, 5b which fasten them to the frame 1. The frame 1 may include means for securing the assembly in a support panel. This means may be a protrusion 9 or channel in the frame configured to mate with a channel or protrusion on the support panel. The fire resistant panel 3 may be mounted in a channel 2 in the frame 1. A blind 8 may be provided between the panes.

Description

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FIRE RESISTANT GLAZING

This invention relates to fire resistant windows, in particular to fire resistant window assemblies suitable for installation internally of a building and, for example, in a clean room environment.

There are two generic types of fire resistant glass; fire-resistant, heat transmitting glass which is configured to contain flames and inflammable gas for a short period of time, but does not prevent the transmission of heat to the other side of the glazing, and fire-resistant, insulating glass which is configured to contain flames and inflammable gas for a longer period of time and prevents not only the transmission of flames and smoke but also of heat to the other side of glazing.

Conventional fire resistant glazing systems used in homes and public buildings typically comprise a single pane of fire resistant glass mounted centrally in a framework which has greater thickness than the glass pane. The glass pane is retained in the frame with beading which may be of timber metal, or fire resistant materials. Other materials such as intumescents may be incorporated with the beading. An example of such a prior art arrangement is illustrated in Figure 5.

Such arrangements are impractical in certain industrial premises where high levels of cleanliness need to be maintained (for example "clean rooms"). The presence of ledges on the frames extending either side of the glass pane is inappropriate for such premises as there is a tendency for contaminants to accumulate on the ledges.

In clean rooms and office partitions, it is known to provide double glazed window assemblies comprising a pane of fire resistant glass and a pane of sacrificial glass. The latter has lesser resistance to fire and heat than the fire resistant pane and, in the event of fire will fail before there is any perceivable damage to the fire resistant pane. The two panes are held Ale:: '.e:.e c. e' ee.e in a frame using shallow metal beads or clips so as to provide as flush a finish as possible. an example of such a prior art arrangement is illustrated in Figure 6.

Inevitably, these double glazed assemblies are not as flush as would be desirable for a clean room environment. Contaminants are still able to collect along the narrow ledges of the framework or clips used to secure the panes in position. More disadvantageously, these assemblies are single directional in operation, the fire resistant pane needing to be clearly identified so that the appropriate orientation of the assembly can be determined to clearly define the risk and non-risk faces during installation.

The present invention aims to provide a fire resistant window assembly suitable for use in clean rooms and which alleviates problems

associated with the prior art.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a fire resistant window assembly comprising; a frame, a fire resistant pane mounted in the frame between two additional panes, the additional panes being mounted on opposing surfaces of the frame and in parallel with the fire resistant pane, wherein the opposing surfaces onto which the two additional panes are mounted are configured such that, when mounted, the additional panes cover substantially entirely the opposing surfaces of the frame whereby, in use, to enclose the frame and fire resistant pane when the window assembly is installed in a support panel.

Window assemblies in accordance with the invention provide a balanced construction of fire resistant glazing in accordance with the relevant standards in a totally flush glazed installation of frameless appearance.

; ë c ë For the purposes of this application, the term "pane" is to be understood to include any substantially transparent and rigid material, for example but not strictly limited to; all types of glass, reinforced glass and transparent plastics materials, or composites thereof.

The term "fire resistant" is to be understood to mean that the glazed element is capable of performing to the requirements of the relevant British and other standards in terms of "integrity" and where applicable "insulation".

The additional panes desirably have a length and breadth which are slightly greater than the surface of the frame onto which they are to be mounted, providing a margin around the perimeter of the pane, one side of which can be used as a bonding surface for bonding with a fastening device or compound material which enables the pane to be secured to the frame. The fastening device may, for example, be a length of rubber material with similar physical properties which is shaped to latch into a notch or groove in an edge of the frame extending perpendicularly from the surface onto which an additional pane is to be mounted. Such rubber or similar material may provide the dual function of acting as a seal for the window assembly.

Whilst bonding is preferable, the additional panes may be fixed to the frame by other (for example mechanical) means which do not significantly impair the smoothness of the surface of the additional pane which faces outwardly of the frame.

The edge of the frame which extends between the two opposing surfaces onto which the two additional planes are mounted desirably includes means for securing the assembly into position in a support panel (for example, a dividing wall or ceiling panel). The means for securing may include a protrusion extending from, or channel extending into the edge. The protrusion or channel is desirably configured to fit with a ^ c" . i.''l mating channel or protrusion associated with the support panel into which the window assembly is to be mounted. The protrusion or channel may, optionally, extend the full perimeter of the edge, but this is not necessary.

For example, the protrusion or channel may be present on only two sides of a square or rectangular frame. Alternatively, the edge may have small protrusions and channels (or other indents) dispersed intermittently about its perimeter.

Where a protrusion is provided as a means for securing the assembly into position, the protrusion may be provided in the form of a retractable protrusion. In such an arrangement, the protrusion is configured to be retractable so as to be flush with the main body of the frame to allow insertion of the frame into a space within a support panel, which space is of comparable size and shape to the main body of the frame. Once the frame is in position in the support panel, the retractable protrusions can be extended into a corresponding space provided within the support panel, thereby to secure the assembly in position. In such an embodiment, the protrusions may, optionally, be resiliently retractable. It will be appreciated such protrusions could be self locating once the assembly has been positioned in the support panel.

The frame may be comprised of any rigid material. For example, the frame comprises a metal, or a high density polymer, optionally extruded sections thereof. Alternatively, the frame may comprise wood which has been sculpted and or joined to accommodate the panes.

Optionally, there may be incorporated into the window assembly, between the fire resistant pane and one or both of the additional panes, a blind or other drawable shade. Optionally, the shade may be made from a blast and/or shatterproof material so as to provide an additional safety feature to an environment. Desirably, means for drawing or repositioning the blind or other shade are provided externally of the assembly.

Preferably, the means for drawing or repositioning the blind or other I' . e v. t' shade can be operated from either transparent surface of the window assembly.

Such a means for drawing may, for example, include electrical or magnetic means.

The fire resistant pane is conveniently located in a channel extending around the internal perimeter of the frame. Any conventional means may be used to secure the fire resistant pane in position. The fire resistant pane preferably comprises a fire resistant glass, the fire resistant glass may be heat conducting or heat insulating. The additional panes may comprise the same transparent material or may comprise different materials. Optionally, any or all of the panes may be tinted to avoid transmission of glare from bright light sources.

Optionally, the window assembly is vacuum sealed to avoid the occurrence of condensation within the assembly.

Thus it can be seen, the invention provides a compact, sealed window assembly which can be quickly and easily located in a support panel of a building assembly.

For the purposes of exemplification, some embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the following Figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates vertical section of one embodiment of a window assembly in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 1 located in a support panel.

Figure 3 illustrates the embodiment of Figure 2 in plan view.

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. . . Figure 4 illustrates a first example of a prior art arrangement as discussed above.

Figure 5 illustrates a second example of a prior art arrangement as discussed above.

As can be seen from Figure 1, a first embodiment of the invention comprises a frame 1, having an external perimeter edge la and an internal perimeter edge lb. Disposed centrally of the internal perimeter edge lb is a channel 2 into which is seated a pane of fire resistant glass 3.

Mounted on opposing surfaces of the frame 1, perpendicular to the edges la, lb, are sheets of a toughened, or laminated sacrificial glass 4a, 4b.

Each sheet is bonded at its outer margin to a seal 5a, 5b. The seals 5a, 5b are shaped to fit behind notches 6a, 6b on opposing sides of the frame 1.

As such, the seals serve both to mount the panes 4a, 4b onto the frame and to seal the space 7a, 7b containing the fire resistant pane 3.

Within the space 7b bounded by the fire resistant pane 3 and a sacrificial pane 4b is a blind 8. The blind is an optional feature and not applicable to all embodiments of the invention.

Disposed centrally of the external perimeter edge la is a protrusion 9 which is configured to fit in a channel in a support panel as shown in more detail in Figure 2.

As can be seen from Figure 2, a window assembly of the same configuration as that of Figure la is located in a support panel 10. The support panel includes a channel 11a extending around a space 11 which is sized to receive the window assembly. The protrusion 9 of the window assembly is received in the channel 11a. Figure 3 shows the arrangement of Figure 2 in plan view.

:: e. :. ::.e As can be seen from Figure 4, a prior art assembly comprises a pane of fire resistant glass 51 secured in a frame 54 by timber beading 53 on one side and metal beading 52 on the opposing side.

In Figure 5, part a) shows a cross section through a prior art assembly and part b) shows a front corner elevation of such an assembly.

It can be seen that the glass panes 61a, 61b of the assemblies are held in place by clips 62, or by a shallow bead with a reduced ledge 63. In both cases it will be appreciated that contaminants can accumulate on the edges of the clips/ledge.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description of embodiments is provided purely by way of example and is not intended to be restrictive of the true scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

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1. A fire resistant window assembly comprising; a fire resistant window assembly comprising; a frame, a fire resistant pane mounted in the frame between two additional panes, the additional panes being mounted on opposing surfaces of the frame and in parallel with the fire resistant pane, wherein the opposing surfaces onto which the two additional panes are mounted are configured such that, when mounted, the additional panes cover substantially entirely the opposing surfaces of the frame whereby, in use, to enclose the frame and fire resistant pane when the window assembly is installed in a support panel.

2. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the panes comprise one or more substantially transparent and rigid materials, selected from; glass, reinforced glass, plastics materials, or composites thereof.

3. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein fire resistant properties of the fire resistant pane meet the fire safety standards of a government or industry standard.

4. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the additional panes have a perimeter measurement which is slightly greater than the perimeter measurement of the frame onto which they are to be mounted, providing a margin around the perimeter of the pane, one side of which can be used as a bonding surface for bonding a fastening device which enables the pane to be secured to the frame.

5. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the fastening device is a length of beaded adhesive or material with :. eec: ce. :. ec.e eea.e similar physical properties which is shaped to latch into a notch or groove provided in an edge of the frame which edge extends perpendicularly from the surface onto which an additional pane is to be mounted.

6. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the additional panes are bonded to the frame or to a fastening device which fastens them to the frame.

7. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the additional panes are secured to the frame by mechanical means which do not significantly impair the smoothness of the surface of the additional pane which faces outwardly of the frame.

8. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the edge of the frame which extends between the two opposing surfaces onto which the two additional panes are mounted includes means for securing the assembly into position in a support panel.

9. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 8 wherein the means for securing include a protrusion extending from, or channel extending into the edge.

10. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein the protrusion or channel is configured to fit with a mating channel or protrusion associated with the support panel into which the window assembly is to be mounted.

11. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the protrusion or channel extends the full perimeter of the edge.

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12. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the edge has a plurality of small protrusions and channels or other indents, dispersed intermittently about its perimeter.

13. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12 wherein, the protrusion is provided in the form of a retractable protrusion, the protrusion being configured to be retractable so as to be flush with the main body of the frame to allow insertion of the frame into a space within a support panel, which space is of comparable size and shape to the main body of the frame.

14. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the protrusion is resiliently retractable.

15. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the frame is comprised of a rigid material selected from a metal, or a high density polymer.

16. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 15 wherein the frame comprises extruded sections of the rigid material.

17. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14 wherein the frame comprises wood which has been sculpted and/or joined to accommodate the panes.

18. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any preceding claim further incorporating between the fire resistant pane and one or both of the additional panes, a blind or other drawable shade.

19. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the blind or other drawable shade comprises a blast and/or shatterproof material.

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20. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 18 or 19 further incorporating means for drawing or repositioning the blind or other shade, which means can be operated externally of the assembly.

21. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 18, 19 or 20 wherein means for drawing or repositioning the blind or other shade can be operated from either transparent surface of the window assembly.

22. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein the means for drawing or repositioning are electrically operated.

23. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in claim 20 or 21 wherein the means for drawing or repositioning are magnetically operated.

24. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the fire resistant pane is located in a channel extending around the internal perimeter of the frame partitioned centrally or offset.

25. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the fire resistant pane comprises a heat conducting fire resistant glass.

26. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 24 wherein the fire resistant pane comprises a fire resistant glass which is heat insulating.

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27. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein any or all of the panes are tinted to avoid transmission of glare from bright light sources.

28. A fire resistant window assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the window assembly is vacuum sealed.

29. A fire resistant window assembly substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures to 3.