GB2561203A

GB2561203A - Framed opening for a building

Info

Publication number: GB2561203A
Application number: GB1705463.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alfred Ward Derek
Original assignee: Intumescent Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Intumescent Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2017-04-05
Filing date: 2017-04-05
Publication date: 2018-10-10
Also published as: GB201705463D0

Abstract

A fireproof pet door comprises first and second inter-engaging sections (10, 12, figures 1 & 2) which, in use, define the sides of an open-ended passageway for animals entering and leaving a building. A sheet of rolled or folded fire proofed material 28 is positioned above the passageway and is released automatically in the event of a fire to close the passageway. The fire proofed material may comprise a polyurethane coated cloth or a silicone cloth. The material may be released by means of a thermal link wire 30.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Framed opening for a building

Abstract Title: A pet door with releasable fireproof closure (57) A fireproof pet door comprises first and second inter-engaging sections (10, 12, figures 1 & 2) which, in use, define the sides of an open-ended passageway for animals entering and leaving a building. A sheet of rolled or folded fire proofed material 28 is positioned above the passageway and is released automatically in the event of a fire to close the passageway. The fire proofed material may comprise a polyurethane coated cloth or a silicone cloth. The material may be released by means of a thermal link wire 30.

Fig. 4

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

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Fig. 1

Fig. 2

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Fig. 4

FRAMED OPENING FOR A BUILDING

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a framed opening for a building through which animals including inter alia bats, birds, dogs and cats (hereinafter referred to as animals for ease of understanding) can enter and leave the building and which are closed automatically in the event of a fire occurring within said building.

Background to the invention

Framed openings such as dog flaps for providing relatively free access for pets to and from a building are well known. These generally include a door or wall mounted open-sided frame including a hinged flap which is simply moved aside as a pet enters or leaves the building. Whereas known flaps provide ready access for pets to and from a building, they do present a significant problem in the event of a fire occurring within the building.

For mammals such as bats, access to a roof space is generally through a roof opening created or caused by, for example, the intentional or unintentional removal of roof tiles. Whereas such openings provide ready access to a roof space, they also present a significant problem in the event of a fire occurring within the building in question.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a framed opening for location within a wall, door or roof (referred to below as a wall for ease of understanding) of a building which significantly reduces the spread of flames and smoke in the event of a fire occurring within said building.

Summary of the Invention

In one aspect the invention provides a framed opening for location within a wall, door or roof of a building through which an animal can enter or leave said building, said frame comprising first and second inter-engaging sections which, in use, define the sides of an open-ended passageway for animals entering and leaving the building, a sheet of rolled or folded fire proofed material positioned above said passageway, and means for releasing said fire proofed sheet to close the passageway in the event of a fire occurring within said building.

The fire proofed material may comprise a roll or folded sheet of polyurethane (PU) coated or silicone cloth.

The means for releasing the sheet of fire proofed material may comprise a thermal link wire.

Each frame section may include a flange which, in use, engages one side surface of a wall in which the framed opening is located.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figures 1 and 2 are isometric views of front and rear interengaging sections of a framed opening in accordance with the invention through which animals can enter and leave a building;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of one side of a framed opening in accordance with the invention; and

Figure 4 is an isometric view of a framed opening in accordance with the invention when installed with one frame section removed.

Detailed Description of the Invention

As will be seen from Figures 1 to 3, the illustrated framed opening comprises first and second inter-engaging sections 10, 12 each of which includes an outwardly extending flange 14, 16 which, in use of the frame, engages and is secured to one side surface of the wall in which the frame is to be located.

The sections 10, 12 are preferably produced from a powder coated metal such as Zintec (RTM).

Each section 10, 12 includes respective side walls 18, 20 which upstand from the flanges and together define an internal wall of the frame when in use. When installed, the upstanding walls 18 locate within the walls 20; typically the spacing between the walls when installed is between 2mm and 5mm, preferably 2.5mm, and the height of each side wall 18, 20 is typically between 30mm and 50mm, preferably 35mm.

The flanges 14, 16 extend inwardly of the walls 18, 20 to define ledges 22, 24.

When the sections 10, 12 are assembled the upper edges of the sections 18, 20 engage the respective ledge 22, 24.

As will be seen from Figure 4, the illustrated framed opening includes at one end a pivotal flap 26 which is simply pushed aside by an animal entering the building.

Supported above and adjoining one open end of the passageway is a rolled curtain 28 of a fire proofed cloth material such as 440 gram PU coated cloth or the Applicant's silicone cloth FB70 or FB32 which exfoliates in the presence of fire to seal off the open end of the frame. The curtain 28 is supported on a fixed metallic plug and is retained in place by a length of thermal link wire or chord 30 which breaks when the temperature within the framed opening reaches 70 to 80 degrees centigrade to completely seal off the passageway defined by the framed opening.

Means other than a thermal link wire or chord may be employed to retain the curtain in place.

In an alternative embodiment, the pivotal flap 26 is not present. Thus, a framed opening for invertebrates such as bats would not include such a flap. In this embodiment the interior of the framed opening would be increased to allow a bat to fly through the opening without damage to its wings, the curtain 28 being deflected in the event that a bat was passing through the opening when the curtain was released.

The effect of the curtain 28 when deployed is to isolate the building from air which would otherwise flow into the building through the framed opening.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is merely exemplary of framed openings in accordance with the invention and that modifications can readily be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A framed opening for location within a wall, door or roof of a building through which an animal can enter or leave said building, said frame comprising first and second inter-engaging sections which, in use, define the sides of an open-ended passageway for animals entering and leaving the building, a sheet of rolled or folded fire proofed material positioned above said passageway, and means for releasing said fire proofed sheet to close the passageway in the event of a fire occurring within said building.

2. A framed opening as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fire proofed material comprises a roll or folded sheet of PU coated cloth.

3. A framed opening as claimed in claim 1 wherein the fire proofed material comprises silicone cloth.

4. A framed opening as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the means for releasing the sheet of fire proofed material is a thermal link wire.

5. A framed opening as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each frame section includes a flange which, in use, engages one side surface of a wall in which the framed opening is located.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1705463.6 Examiner: Mr David McWhirter