US20130255893A1 - Fire and Smoke Protection System - Google Patents
Fire and Smoke Protection System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130255893A1 US20130255893A1 US13/738,431 US201313738431A US2013255893A1 US 20130255893 A1 US20130255893 A1 US 20130255893A1 US 201313738431 A US201313738431 A US 201313738431A US 2013255893 A1 US2013255893 A1 US 2013255893A1
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- elongate
- flexible protection
- protection member
- fire
- knitted fabric
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
- E04B1/92—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers
- E04B1/94—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers against fire
- E04B1/947—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers against fire by closing openings in walls or the like in the case of fire
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C2/00—Fire prevention or containment
- A62C2/06—Physical fire-barriers
- A62C2/10—Fire-proof curtains
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B15/00—Layered products comprising a layer of metal
- B32B15/14—Layered products comprising a layer of metal next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
- B32B5/024—Woven fabric
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/02—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by structural features of a fibrous or filamentary layer
- B32B5/026—Knitted fabric
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
- B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
- B32B5/24—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
- E04B1/92—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers
- E04B1/94—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers against fire
- E04B1/941—Building elements specially adapted therefor
- E04B1/942—Building elements specially adapted therefor slab-shaped
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
- E04B1/92—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers
- E04B1/94—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers against fire
- E04B1/946—Protection against smoke or toxic gases
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/62—Insulation or other protection; Elements or use of specified material therefor
- E04B1/92—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers
- E04B1/94—Protection against other undesired influences or dangers against fire
- E04B1/948—Fire-proof sealings or joints
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
- E06B9/40—Roller blinds
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
- E06B9/58—Guiding devices
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
- E06B9/58—Guiding devices
- E06B9/581—Means to prevent or induce disengagement of shutter from side rails
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
- B32B2262/10—Inorganic fibres
- B32B2262/101—Glass fibres
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2262/00—Composition or structural features of fibres which form a fibrous or filamentary layer or are present as additives
- B32B2262/10—Inorganic fibres
- B32B2262/103—Metal fibres
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
- B32B2307/30—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular thermal properties
- B32B2307/306—Resistant to heat
- B32B2307/3065—Flame resistant or retardant, fire resistant or retardant
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
- B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
- B32B2571/00—Protective equipment
Definitions
- the present invention relates, generally, to the field of systems, including apparatuses and methods, for limiting the spread of fire and smoke in a building structure.
- Fires within building structures often start in a single room or location and spread from room-to-room traveling through interior doorways and other openings. As fires progress through building structures burning various combustible materials, a substantial amount of smoke is generally produced with such smoke potentially including toxic gases that are generated when certain materials and chemical compounds are oxidized. While the fires can cause significant property damage and destroy or weaken building structures, the smoke and toxic gases can cause substantial physical injury or death to persons who inhale them. Thus, by limiting the spread of fires and smoke within building structures, damage to property and building structures may be minimized and physical injury to, and the potential death of, persons within building structures may be prevented.
- the Hose Stream Test is generally run on a device for limiting the spread of fire and smoke after it has been exposed to high temperatures over a long period of time during a separate fire test.
- a jet of water such as that produced by a fire hose is directed at the device, generally, from a direction that is normal to the device.
- the device To pass the Hose Stream Test, the device must withstand the forces exerted on the device by the water jet and not become mechanically unstable.
- a first type of devices has attempted to limit the spread of fire and smoke by sealing openings with flexible protection members including a plurality of slats.
- Examples of such devices include fire protection roller shutters, fire doors, and curtains made of metal components that slide over and relative to one another.
- these devices limit the spread of fire and smoke while being capable of withstanding mechanical loads particularly well, including after exposure to fire. As a consequence, many such devices have passed the Hose Stream Test. Unfortunately, these devices are typically heavy and require a large amount of space.
- a second type of devices has attempted to limit the spread of fire and smoke by sealing openings with a flexible protection member manufactured from a fire resistant material that can be wound around a reel or winding shaft.
- the fire resistant materials used in such devices typically include woven textile fabrics having warp and weft threads.
- these devices reduce the spread of fire and smoke, are relatively light in weight, and save space.
- these devices are generally less resistant to mechanical influences and loads than devices of the first type described above. Consequentially, many of these devices cannot pass the Hose Stream Test.
- the present invention comprises a fire and smoke protection system, including apparatuses and methods, for limiting the spread of fire and smoke through an opening.
- the fire and smoke protection system comprises multiple components that may be selectively included, constructed and configured to meet the requirements of particular applications and of the Hose Stream Test.
- the various components of the fire and smoke protection system include a flexible protection member that is configurable in a storage configuration for subsequent deployment into a protection configuration in the event of a fire.
- the flexible protection member may be configured in a variety of arrangements using a variety of materials, alone or in combination, and using a variety of construction methods.
- the flexible protection member may be manufactured using fire resistant woven and knitted fabric elements, metal foil elements, intumescent elements, and/or wire mesh elements in many different arrangements, including multi-layer structures, with each material, element and arrangement having certain advantages in limiting the spread of fire and smoke while resisting external forces and retaining mechanical strength and stability sufficient to pass the Hose Stream Test.
- a flexible protection member may comprise a multi-layer structure including a metal foil element sandwiched between two woven fabric elements with the multi-layer structure being surrounded in the lateral and longitudinal directions by a single layer, knitted fabric element.
- the multi-layer structure when deployed, provides resistance to the spread of fire and smoke, while the knitted fabric elements stretch to enable the flexible protection member to withstand forces acting on it during a fire, including those forces nearest the edges of the flexible protection member which may have the greatest magnitude.
- a flexible protection member may be similar to the above-described flexible protection member, but include a segment of the knitted fabric element above the multi-layer structure formed with a gathering or overlap of material held in position with seams having non-fire resistant thread. Upon exposure to fire, the seams are destroyed or come undone, thereby permitting the gathered and overlapping knitted fabric segment to become non-gathered, providing more knitted fabric material available to stretch upon the application of forces thereto, and producing more surface area normal to the forces and distributing the forces over the greater surface area.
- a flexible protection member may be constructed using seams between fabric and metal foil members that are formed with stitching patterns and/or stitching arrangements that are more flexible and stretchable than other types of stitching patterns and stitching arrangements.
- the flexible protection member includes seams with improved flexibility and stretchability that contribute to the overall ability of the flexible protection member to flex, deform, and stretch in response to forces being applied to the flexible protection member.
- a flexible protection member may be manufactured with a metal foil element imprinted or embossed with a pattern. Subsequently, when exposed to a force at particular location, the imprinted or embossed material in the vicinity of the force location deforms in order to resist the force and oppose tearing of the flexible protection member.
- a flexible protection member is formed from a plurality of segments such that adjacent segments are coupled together by a clamping member.
- Each segment is, generally, made from one or more materials and/or one or more layers of materials that are configured in a desired arrangement similar to the manner in which a flexible protection member having a single segment might be configured and constructed.
- each segment is identical to the other segments of the flexible protection device, but may include one or more different materials, layers or structures such that segments near the mid-section of the flexible protection member, for example, may have different mechanical and fire resistant properties than segments nearer the other sections of the flexible protection member.
- Each clamping member is selected from a plurality of different types of clamping members, some of which are described herein.
- the clamping members are of the same type and extend beyond the appropriate extent of the flexible protection member into the system's guides to improve deployment and retraction of the flexible protection member, but may comprise individually different types of clamps and may not all similarly extend into the system's guides.
- the clamping members add mechanical strength and stability to the flexible protection member, reduce sagging of the flexible protection member during exposure to fire or high temperatures, improve deployment and retraction of the flexible protection member by virtue of one or more of the clamping members extending into the system's guides, and aid the flexible protection member in passing the Hose Stream Test.
- the fire and smoke protection system is configurable and operable to substantially limit the spread of fire and smoke through an opening.
- the system has many advantages and benefits over other systems that may become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.
- FIG. 1 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a first example embodiment, for substantially sealing an opening in a building structure and limiting the spread of fire and smoke through the opening during a fire.
- FIG. 2A displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of the fire and smoke protection system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2B displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protection member of the fire and smoke protection system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2C displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of a flexible protection member of the fire and smoke protection system of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3A displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a second example embodiment.
- FIG. 3B displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a second example embodiment.
- FIG. 4A displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a third example embodiment.
- FIG. 4B displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a third example embodiment.
- FIG. 5A displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a fourth example embodiment.
- FIG. 5B displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a fourth example embodiment.
- FIG. 5C displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a fourth example embodiment.
- FIG. 6A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of a multi-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, before exposure to fire.
- FIG. 6B displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of a multi-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, after exposure to fire.
- FIG. 7A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of a multi-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a sixth example embodiment, before exposure to fire.
- FIG. 7B displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of a multi-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a sixth example embodiment, after exposure to fire.
- FIG. 8 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a seventh example embodiment, for substantially sealing an opening in a building structure and limiting the spread of fire and smoke through the opening during a fire.
- FIG. 9 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with an eighth example embodiment.
- FIG. 10 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a ninth example embodiment.
- FIG. 11 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with an tenth example embodiment.
- FIG. 12 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with an eleventh example embodiment.
- FIG. 13 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a twelfth example embodiment.
- FIG. 14 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a thirteenth example embodiment.
- FIG. 15 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexible protection element of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a fourteenth example embodiment, in an opening through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited.
- FIG. 16 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexible protection element of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a fifteenth example embodiment, in an opening through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited.
- FIG. 17 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with a sixteenth example embodiment.
- FIG. 18 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 17 taken along lines 18 - 18 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.
- FIG. 19 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with a seventeenth example embodiment.
- FIG. 20 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 19 taken along lines 20 - 20 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.
- FIG. 21 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with an eighteenth example embodiment.
- FIG. 22 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 21 taken along lines 22 - 22 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.
- FIG. 23 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with a nineteenth example embodiment.
- FIG. 24 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 23 taken along lines 24 - 24 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.
- FIG. 25 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members 232 in accordance with a twentieth example embodiment.
- FIG. 26 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 25 taken along lines 26 - 26 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments.
- FIG. 27 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with a twenty-first example embodiment.
- FIG. 28 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member of FIG. 27 taken along lines 28 - 28 and showing the elongate clamping member in a closed configuration.
- FIG. 29 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of the elongate clamping member of FIG. 28 in an open configuration.
- FIG. 30 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a twenty-second example embodiment, having a front surface imprinted or embossed with a pattern.
- FIG. 31 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a twenty-third example embodiment, in which the flexible protection member is formed from a multi-layer structure including a metal foil element and multiple wire mesh elements.
- FIG. 32 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a twenty-fourth example embodiment, in which the flexible protection member is formed from a multi-layer structure including multiple metal foil elements and multiple wire mesh elements.
- FIG. 33 displays a schematic, partial diagram of a device, in accordance with a twenty-fifth example embodiment, for manufacturing a multi-layer composite material for use in making a flexible protection member.
- FIG. 1 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system 100 , in accordance with a first example embodiment, for substantially sealing an opening 102 in a building structure and limiting the spread of fire and smoke through the opening 102 during a fire.
- the fire and smoke protection system 100 (also sometimes referred to herein as the “system 100 ”) is adapted for secure connection to a wall 104 relative to the opening 102 and is configurable in a first configuration (also sometimes referred to herein as a “storage configuration”) that permits ingress and egress through the opening 102 when no fire or smoke exists.
- the system 100 is also configurable in a second configuration (also sometimes referred to herein as a “fully-deployed configuration” or a “protection configuration”) in which the system 100 significantly limits or prevents the spread of fire and smoke through the opening 102 during a fire.
- the fire and smoke protection system 100 comprises a flexible protection member 106 and a winding shaft 108 (or reel 108 ) about and onto which the flexible protection member 106 is fully-wound (and, hence, fully-retracted) when the system 100 is configured in the storage configuration so as not to occlude the opening 102 .
- the flexible element 106 is fully-unwound from the winding shaft 108 when the system 100 is configured in the fully-deployed configuration so that the flexible protection member 106 fully occludes the opening 102 .
- the flexible protection member 106 is selectively configurable to occlude or not occlude the opening 102 .
- the flexible protection member 106 may have multiple layers and multiple types of materials that are configured and manufactured in different arrangements in the various example embodiments described herein, the flexible protection member 106 generally includes a sheet-like member that is relatively thin in thickness as compared the lateral and longitudinal dimensions thereof.
- the term “longitudinal” is used herein to refer to the direction in which the flexible protection member 106 is deployed or retracted, and frequently has its longest dimension.
- the term “lateral” is used herein to refer to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and in which the flexible protection member 106 often has its shortest dimension other than thickness.
- the fire and smoke protection system 100 may be additionally configured in a plurality of intermediate configurations as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the flexible protection member 106 is substantially unwound from the winding shaft 108 and extended to significantly, although not entirely, occlude the opening 102 .
- the flexible protection member 106 is partially unwound from the winding shaft 108 and occludes the opening 102 to a lesser or greater extent.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the fire and smoke protection system 100 is oriented to deploy and retract in the vertical direction according to the first example embodiment and other example embodiments described herein, the flexible protection member 106 may be oriented to deploy and retract in the horizontal direction (or, for that matter, in other directions) in other example embodiments. For this reason, the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are sparingly used herein.
- the system 100 also comprises a winding shaft motor 109 mounted within the winding shaft 108 that is operable to rotate the winding shaft 108 in order to retract and wind the flexible protection member 106 onto the winding shaft 108 or to extend and unwind the flexible protection member 106 from the winding shaft 108 .
- a first guide 110 A and an opposed second guide 110 B of the system 100 are secured to the wall 104 at respectively opposed locations relative to the opening 102 and define recesses therein for at least partially and respectively receiving opposed first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the guides 110 may comprise channel, angle, plate, and/or other similar members appropriately sized and mounted relative to the wall 104 and opening 102 for receiving the lateral edges 112 of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the guides 110 are generally manufactured from an appropriately selected material capable of withstanding the high temperatures produced by fires absent yielding, deflection, or deformation.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first longitudinal edge 114 A (see FIG. 2 ) and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B that extend between the element's first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- the first longitudinal edge 114 A is generally secured to the winding shaft 108 to facilitate winding and unwinding of the flexible protection member 106 to or from the winding shaft 108 .
- the fire and smoke protection system 100 further comprises a rail 116 that is mounted to a foot 118 of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the foot 118 is connected to and extends along the second longitudinal edge 114 B of the flexible protection member 106 and at least between the lateral edges 112 thereof.
- the rail 116 When the system 100 is configured in the storage configuration, the rail 116 resides in a position flush with a first longitudinal edge of the opening 102 to permit ingress and egress through the opening 102 . When the system 100 is configured in the protection configuration, the rail 116 resides in position in contact with and substantially parallel to an opposed, second longitudinal edge 120 of the opening 102 .
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a woven fabric element 122 manufactured from a woven fabric made from a non-flammable, fire resistant material having appropriate or desired fire resistance.
- the woven fabric has high structural stability and provides stability to the flexible protection member 106 .
- a fire resistant material, acceptable according to the example embodiments described herein, may be obtained from KTex of Herzogenrath, Germany.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a knitted fabric element 124 that laterally and longitudinally surrounds the woven fabric element 122 as the flexible protection member 106 is seen in FIG. 1 .
- the knitted fabric element 124 is manufactured from a non-flammable, fire resistant knitted fabric having at least one thread type comprising glass threads and at least one stainless steel wire (and/or a wire made from stainless steel).
- the knitted fabric has a course density in the range of one (1) to ten (10) courses per centimeter and/or a density in the range of one (1) to ten (10) weft threads or warp thread per centimeter.
- the woven fabric element 122 and knitted fabric element 124 are each light in weight and contribute to the flexible protection member 106 also being relatively light in weight. Since knitted fabric has a relatively low resistance to deformation (especially when compared to woven fabric), the knitted fabric element 124 yields in response to external forces being applied to the flexible protection member 106 .
- the flexible protection members 106 of the first and other example embodiments herein including knitted fabric element(s) 124 also have improved tolerance to external forces that may be applied to the flexible protection members 106 during a fire such as, for example, the force exerted by a jet or stream of water from a fire hose.
- a flexible protection member 106 when a flexible protection member 106 includes a woven fabric element 122 and a knitted fabric element 124 , the flexible protection member 106 may be manufactured using known manufacturing processes.
- known knitting machines may be used in the manufacture of the flexible protection member 106 including, for example and not limitation, circular or flat knitting machines.
- Acceptable knitting machines for the manufacture of the flexible protection member 106 according to the first and other example embodiments include known knitting machines made by the H. Stoll GmbH & Co. KG of Reutlingen, Germany and Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG of Tailfingen, Germany.
- fire resistant material refers to a material used to construct a component or object comprising a woven, non-woven or knitted fabric that is either non-flammable or has substantial resistance to burning.
- Fire resistant materials may include glass fibers, metal fibers, and/or wires.
- the woven and knitted fabrics of the example embodiments are selected to prevent a fire from spreading or delay the flow of smoke through an opening 102 for a desired, pre-determined amount of time such as, for example thirty (30), ninety (90) or one hundred and twenty (120) minutes and may, or may not, be selected in accordance with various fire codes issued by governmental agencies or standards bodies.
- the term “knitted fabric” is used herein to refer a flat, material object made from a plurality of threads or thread systems that are connected with themselves or each other by stitches. A single type of thread or different types of threads may be used in the object. And, the object may be warp-knitted (warp knit) or weft-knitted (weft knit) with the weft-knitted object being more favored due to its ease of manufacture. If the object is woven, the object may comprise a weft-knitted fabric having only one thread that is simultaneously stitched by multiple needles. However, the object may also comprise a fabric made from several threads that are intertwined with each other.
- FIGS. 2A , 2 B and 2 C respectively display schematic, front elevational, bottom plan, and partial back elevational views of the system's flexible protection member 106 in accordance with the first example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a woven fabric element 122 and a knitted fabric element 124 , and has a generally rectangular shape with an overall width, “A”, and an overall height, “B”.
- the woven fabric element 122 also has a generally rectangular shape with a width, “C”, (see FIG.
- the knitted fabric element 124 comprises four portions 126 A, 126 B, 126 C and 126 D, each having a substantially rectangular shape as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B and each having a dimension, “E”, that is less than the width and height of the woven fabric element 122 .
- Each knitted fabric element portion 126 A, 126 B, 126 C, 126 D is arranged relative to the woven fabric element 122 so that it overlaps part of the woven fabric element 122 as illustrated in FIG. 2B . It should be understood and appreciated that while each portion 126 A, 126 B, 126 C and 126 D of the knitted fabric element 124 has an equal dimension, E, according to the first example embodiment, each portion 126 A, 126 B, 126 C and 124 D of the knitted fabric element 124 may have a dimension, E, in other example embodiments that is the same as or different from one or more of the other portions 126 A, 126 B, 126 C and 126 D of the knitted fabric element 124 .
- Each portion 126 A, 126 B, 126 C and 126 D of the knitted fabric element 124 is generally secured to the woven fabric element 122 in a similar manner via a seam 128 formed therebetween in the respective regions where each portion 126 A, 126 B, 126 C and 126 D of the knitted fabric element 124 respectively overlaps the woven fabric element 122 .
- Seams 128 A and 128 B are illustrated in FIGS. 2B and 2C , and secure portions 126 A and 126 B of the knitted fabric element 124 to the woven fabric element 122 .
- Seams 128 C and 128 D similarly secure portions 126 C and 126 D of the knitted fabric element 124 to the woven fabric element 122 , but are not visible in FIGS. 2B and 2C and, hence, are not described herein.
- each seam 128 is formed at least in part by a first row of stitches 130 and a second row of stitches 132 using thread 134 to couple a respective portion 126 A, 126 B, 126 C and 126 D of the knitted fabric element 124 to the woven fabric element 122 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C ).
- the first row of stitches 130 of each seam 128 is substantially parallel to the second row of stitches 132 of the same seam 128 .
- Each row of stitches 130 , 132 includes a plurality of individual stitches 136 (illustrated as squares in FIG.
- first and second rows of stitches 130 , 132 are arranged in a stitching arrangement 144 in which the first row of stitches 130 is offset relative to the second row of stitches 132 such that groups of stitches 140 of the first row of stitches 130 reside substantially adjacent to gaps 142 in the second row of stitches 132 and groups of stitches 140 of the second row of stitches 132 reside substantially adjacent to gaps 142 in the first row of stitches 130 .
- each seam 128 is able to expand so that an unequal stretch between the knitted fabric element 124 and woven fabric element 122 does not lead to an excessively great strain on the fire resistant material in the area around the stitches 136 .
- the knitted fabric element 124 and the woven fabric element 122 may be held together not only by seams 128 , but also by an adhesive film arranged between the knitted fabric element 124 and the woven fabric element 122 .
- the thread 134 used to couple the knitted fabric element 124 to the woven fabric element 122 comprises, in accordance with the first example embodiment, a fire resistant thread 134 , thereby making each seam 128 more fire resistant and increasing the likelihood of the knitted fabric element 124 remaining coupled to the woven fabric element 122 when exposed to fire.
- the fire resistant thread 134 generally includes multiple metal threads or at least one metal wire including, for example and not limitation, a wire made from steel or, more preferably, from stainless steel. By using such wires, the thread 134 has high resistance to fire, but yet is sufficiently flexible to enable the flexible protection member 106 to be wound around and unwound from winding shaft 108 .
- the thread 134 may comprise cotton, glass, or aramid fibers, and/or a combination thereof.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively display bottom plan and partial back elevational schematic views of a flexible protection member 106 in accordance with a second example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the second example embodiment comprises a first woven fabric element 122 A coupled to a first knitted fabric element 124 A via seams 128 A formed in substantially the same manner as in the first example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 also comprises a second woven fabric element 122 B coupled to a second knitted fabric element 124 B via seams 128 B also formed in substantially the same manner as in the first example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises an intumescent material member 146 positioned between the first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B. Together, the first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B, the first and second knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B, and the intumescent material member 146 form a sandwich structure or arrangement.
- intumescent refers to a material having a heat consuming, or endothermic, physical reaction or an endothermal chemical reaction when exposed to heat.
- An intumescent material acceptable for use in the intumescent material member 146 in accordance with the second and other example embodiments herein, includes expandable graphite.
- the intumescent material member 146 comprises a base layer of the flexible protection member 106 and is manufactured from a fire resistant material into the loops of which an intumescent material is incorporated.
- the fire resistant material may be manufactured from woven or knitted fabric, but it is advantageous if the fire resistant material comprises a knitted fabric as the knitted fabric yields if the intumescent material expands.
- the flexible protection member 106 includes a fire resistant material that is coated with an intumescent material.
- the flexible protection member 106 may incorporate an intumescent material in a variety of other arrangements and manners, including those described in International Patent Application No. PCT/DE2008/000999 entitled “Fire-Resistant Closure” and filed on Jun. 19, 2008 (published as International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2008/154906 A1 on Dec. 24, 2008), the teachings of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference.
- FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively display bottom plan and partial back elevational schematic views of a flexible protection member 106 in accordance with a third example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the third example embodiment is substantially similar to the flexible protection member 106 of the second example embodiment described above.
- the first woven fabric element 122 A is coupled to a first knitted fabric element 124 A via seams 128 A and the second woven fabric element 122 B is coupled to a second knitted fabric element 124 B via seams 128 B, where seams 128 A, 128 B are formed in different manner than the seams 128 of the first and second example embodiments.
- each row of stitches 130 , 132 includes a plurality of individual stitches 136 (illustrated as squares in FIG. 4C ) arranged in a stitching pattern 138 in which the stitches 136 are not positioned together in groups of stitches 140 as in the first and second example embodiments. Instead, the stitches 136 of each row of stitches 130 , 132 are arranged in a stitching pattern 138 in which each stitch 136 is separated, or offset, from preceding and succeeding stitches 136 by a gap 142 and thread 134 extending across each gap 142 .
- first and second rows of stitches 130 , 132 are arranged in a stitching arrangement 144 in which the first row of stitches 130 is offset relative to the second row of stitches 132 such that stitches 136 of the first row of stitches 130 reside substantially adjacent to gaps 142 in the second row of stitches 132 and stitches 136 of the second row of stitches 132 reside substantially adjacent to gaps 142 in the first row of stitches 130 .
- the use of stitching pattern 138 and stitching arrangement 144 to form seams 128 is not damaging to the fire resistant material of the woven fabric element 122 and knitted fabric element 124 .
- stitching pattern 138 and stitching arrangement 144 also renders the seams 128 more flexible when stretched along their length than if other stitching patterns or stitching arrangements were used. Due to such increased flexibility, the seams 128 tend to minimize the force transmitted to the fire resistant fabrics when a force is exerted on the flexible protection member 106 .
- FIGS. 5A , 5 B and 5 C respectively display front elevational, bottom plan, and partial back elevational schematic views of the system's flexible protection member 106 in accordance with a fourth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the fourth example embodiment is substantially similar to the flexible protection member 106 of the first example embodiment described above with the exception that the woven fabric element 122 is coupled near its lateral edges to a first knitted fabric element 124 A and a second knitted fabric element 124 B via seams 128 .
- the seams 128 are formed in a different manner than the seams 128 of the first example embodiment. More specifically, each seam 128 is formed by a first row of stitches 130 including a plurality of individual stitches 136 (illustrated as squares in FIG.
- each seam 128 may also be formed by a second row of stitches 132 arranged in a stitching pattern (not shown in FIG. 5C ) comprising a zigzag pattern similar to the first row of stitches 130 or a stitching pattern similar to those stitching patterns of the first and third example embodiments.
- stitches 136 arranged in a zigzag pattern 138 produce a relatively flexible seam 128 . Because the knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B stretch easily, the presence of flexible seams 128 tends to prevent the woven fabric element 122 from becoming uncoupled and separated from the knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B.
- the flexible protection members 106 of the second, third and fourth example embodiments described above highlight the benefits obtained through the use of seams 128 having particular stitching patterns 138 and stitching arrangements 144 in minimizing the adverse effects of forces applied to the flexible protection members 106 .
- the flexible protection members 106 of the fifth and sixth example embodiments described below with respect to FIGS. 6A , 6 B, 7 A and 7 B highlight similar benefits obtained through the use of seams 128 formed between woven fabric elements 122 and knitted fabric elements 124 with fire resistant 134 and non-fire resistant thread 154 .
- FIG. 6A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam 128 of a multi-layer flexible protection member 106 having a single knitted fabric element 124 , in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, prior to exposure to fire.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a first woven fabric element 122 A, a second woven fabric element 122 B, and a knitted fabric element 124 that are substantially similar to those of the second and third embodiments.
- the first woven fabric element 122 A, second woven fabric element 122 B, and knitted fabric element 124 form a multi-layer structure.
- FIG. 6A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam 128 of a multi-layer flexible protection member 106 having a single knitted fabric element 124 , in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, prior to exposure to fire.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a first woven fabric element 122 A, a second woven fabric element 122 B, and a knitted fabric element 124 that are substantially similar
- a portion of the second woven fabric element 122 B is positioned immediately adjacent to and between a portion of the first woven fabric element 122 A and the knitted fabric element 124 .
- the first woven fabric element 122 A overlaps the second woven fabric element 122 B to form two or more layers in an overlap zone 148 . Outside of the overlap zone 148 , the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B form only a single layer.
- the seam 128 is formed between the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and the knitted fabric element 124 by a first row of stitches 130 between woven fabric element 122 A and the knitted fabric element 124 and by a second row of stitches 132 between woven fabric element 122 B and the knitted fabric element 124 .
- the first and second rows of stitches 130 , 132 are made using fire resistant thread 134 .
- the seam 128 is also formed between the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and the knitted fabric element 124 third and fourth rows of stitches 150 , 152 that extend between and through woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and the knitted fabric element 124 .
- the third and fourth rows of stitches 150 , 152 are made using non-fire resistant thread 154 .
- the third and fourth rows of stitches 150 , 152 are undone or destroyed, and the knitted fabric element 124 expands and stretches.
- the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B are connected to the knitted fabric element 124 only by the first and second rows of stitches 130 , 132 and the overlap zone 148 has substantially come undone with minimal overlap remaining and a sizable gap 156 being created between the first woven fabric element 122 A and the knitted fabric element 124 .
- the knitted fabric element 124 is permitted to stretch and absorb the forces acting on the flexible protection member 106 during a fire. As a consequence, any distortion is focused in the knitted fabric element 124 and not in the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B.
- the undoing of the third and fourth rows of stitches 150 , 152 and the elasticity of the knitted fabric element 124 aid the flexible protection member 106 in avoiding the adverse effects of an external force.
- FIG. 7A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam 128 of a multi-layer flexible protection member 106 , in accordance with a sixth example embodiment, prior to exposure to fire.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a first woven fabric element 122 A, a second woven fabric element 122 B, a first knitted fabric element 124 A, and a second knitted fabric element 124 B that are substantially similar to those of the second and third embodiments.
- the first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B, and first and second knitted fabric elements 124 B form a multi-layer structure. As seen in FIG.
- the first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B are positioned immediately adjacent one another such that a portion of the first woven fabric element 122 A overlaps a portion of the second woven fabric element 122 B to define an overlap zone 148 .
- the first knitted fabric element is located immediately adjacent a portion of the first woven fabric element 122 A and the second knitted fabric element is located immediately adjacent a portion of the second woven fabric element 122 A.
- the seam 128 is formed between the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and the knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B by a first row of stitches 130 extending between knitted fabric element 124 A, woven fabric element 122 A, and knitted fabric element 124 B and by a second row of stitches 132 extending between knitted fabric element 124 A, woven fabric element 122 B, and knitted fabric element 124 B.
- the first and second rows of stitches 130 , 132 are made using fire resistant thread 134 .
- the seam 128 is also formed between the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and the knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B by third and fourth rows of stitches 150 , 152 that extend between and through woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B.
- the third and fourth rows of stitches 150 , 152 are made using non-fire resistant thread 154 .
- the third and fourth rows of stitches 150 , 152 of seam 128 of the sixth example embodiment are undone or destroyed during exposure of the multi-layer structure and seam 128 to fire.
- the knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B expand and stretch, and the overlap zone 148 is substantially reduced in size.
- the first woven fabric element 122 A remains connected to knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B only by the first row of stitches 130
- the second woven fabric element 122 B remains connected to knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B only by the second row of stitches 132 .
- the overlap zone 148 has been significantly reduced in size due to the effects of fire, the overlap zone 148 remains covered on both sides by the knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B and the knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B have been permitted to absorb harmful forces acting on the flexible protection member 106 .
- FIG. 8 displays a fire and smoke protection system 100 , in accordance with a seventh example embodiment, for substantially sealing an opening 102 in a building structure and limiting the spread of fire and smoke through the opening 102 during a fire.
- the system 100 is substantially similar to the system 100 of the first embodiment, except that the flexible protection member 106 is configured differently.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A and an opposed second lateral edge 112 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first longitudinal edge 114 A and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B that extend between the element's first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- the first longitudinal edge 114 A is generally secured to the winding shaft 108 to facilitate winding and unwinding of the flexible protection member 106 to or from the winding shaft 108 .
- the second longitudinal edge 114 B is connected to a foot 118 of the flexible protection member 106 that contacts an edge of the opening 102 when the system 100 is configured in the fully-deployed configuration.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises multiple elongate woven fabric elements 122 and multiple elongate knitted fabric elements 124 that each extend between the longitudinal edges 114 A, 114 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- each of the multiple elongate woven fabric elements 122 and multiple elongate knitted fabric elements 124 extend only partially between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 such that the multiple elongate woven fabric elements 122 and multiple elongate knitted fabric elements 124 are arranged adjacent to one another in the form of fabric strips.
- the elongate woven fabric elements 122 and elongate knitted fabric elements 124 are configured alternately in the lateral direction between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a first elongate knitted fabric element 124 A is positioned at and aligned along the first lateral edge 112 A of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a first elongate woven fabric element 122 A extends adjacent to the first elongate knitted fabric element 124 A nearest lateral edge 112 B and is coupled to the first elongate knitted fabric element 124 A by a first seam 128 A.
- a second elongate knitted fabric element 124 B extends adjacent to the first elongate woven fabric element 122 A nearest lateral edge 112 B and is coupled to the first elongate woven fabric element 122 A by a second seam 128 B.
- a second elongate woven fabric element 122 B extends adjacent to the second elongate knitted fabric element 124 B nearest lateral edge 112 B and is coupled to the first elongate knitted fabric element 124 B by a third seam 128 C.
- a third elongate knitted fabric element 124 C extends adjacent to the second elongate woven fabric element 122 B positioned at and aligned with the second lateral edge 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 and is coupled to the second elongate woven fabric element 122 B by a fourth seam 128 D.
- Seams 128 A, 128 B, 128 C and 128 D are formed substantially similar to seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fire resistant thread. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128 A, 128 B, 128 C and 128 D may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated that the woven fabric elements 122 and knitted fabric elements 124 may be present in different numbers, different sizes and be arranged in different arrangements in other example embodiments.
- FIG. 9 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member 106 in accordance with an eighth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, and a general shape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the eighth example embodiment comprises a woven fabric layer 158 and a knitted fabric layer 160 .
- the woven fabric layer 158 includes a woven fabric element 122 that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the knitted fabric layer 160 includes a knitted fabric element 124 that also extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the woven fabric element 122 and knitted fabric element 124 extend entirely adjacent and substantially parallel to one another.
- the woven fabric element 122 and knitted fabric element 124 are coupled together by seams 128 A, 128 B that are formed substantially similar to the seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fire resistant thread 134 . It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128 A, 128 B may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments.
- the flexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.
- FIG. 10 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member 106 in accordance with a ninth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, and a general shape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the ninth example embodiment comprises a woven fabric layer 158 .
- the woven fabric layer 158 includes a woven fabric element 122 that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the flexible protection member 106 also comprises a knitted fabric element 124 that, unlike the woven fabric element 122 , does not extend entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the knitted fabric element 124 includes a first portion 126 A and an opposed second portion 126 B, each having a substantially rectangular shape when seen in top plan view.
- the first portion 126 A of the knitted fabric element 124 is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the first lateral edge 112 A of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second portion 126 B of the knitted fabric element 124 is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the second lateral edge 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- first and second portions 126 A, 126 B extends adjacent to the woven fabric element 122 and is generally secured to the woven fabric element 122 via seams 128 A, 128 B formed with the woven fabric element 122 .
- Seams 128 are formed substantially similar to seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fire resistant thread 134 . It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128 A, 128 B may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments.
- the flexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.
- FIG. 11 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member 106 in accordance with a tenth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, and a general shape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the tenth example embodiment comprises a knitted fabric layer 160 .
- the knitted fabric layer 160 includes a knitted fabric element 124 that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the flexible protection member 106 also comprises a woven fabric element 122 that, unlike the knitted fabric element 124 , does not extend entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the woven fabric element 122 includes a first portion 162 A and an opposed second portion 162 B, each having a substantially rectangular shape when seen in top plan view.
- the first portion 162 A of the woven fabric element 122 is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the first lateral edge 112 A of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second portion 162 B of the woven fabric element 122 is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the second lateral edge 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- Each of the first and second portions 162 A, 162 B of the woven fabric element 122 extends adjacent to the knitted fabric element 124 and is generally secured to the knitted fabric element 124 via seams 128 A, 128 B formed with the knitted fabric element 124 .
- Seams 128 are formed substantially similar to seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fire resistant thread 134 . It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128 A, 128 B may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments.
- the flexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.
- FIG. 12 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member 106 in accordance with an eleventh example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, and a general shape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the eleventh example embodiment comprises a first woven fabric layer 158 A and a second woven fabric layer 158 B.
- the first woven fabric layer 158 A includes a woven fabric element 122 A that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second woven fabric layer 158 B includes a woven fabric element 122 B that also extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the first woven fabric element 122 A and the second woven fabric element 122 B extend substantially parallel to one another.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a metal foil element 164 that extends between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the metal foil element 164 is positioned between the first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and is adjacent and substantially parallel thereto forming a multi-layer, sandwich structure.
- the term “metal foil” refers generally to a foil made from steel, titanium, or copper (since copper does not rust), but may include other metal materials or alloys in various example embodiments.
- the metal foil element 164 is manufactured from high grade, stainless steel such as, for example and not limitation, V4A steel (also known as 1.4404 steel) or a stainless steel having eighteen percent (18%) chrome and ten percent (10%) nickel that demonstrates low strain hardening, as the flexible protection member 106 may be rolled and unrolled many times to test operation of the fire and smoke protection system 100 .
- the metal foil element 164 may be manufactured from a steel whose yield strength increases with heating (such as, for example, a dual phase steel) in order to provide the flexible protection member 106 with increased strength during and after a fire.
- the metal foil has a thickness between twenty micrometers (20 ⁇ m) and two hundred micrometers (200 ⁇ m) when the metal foil is not used alone in a flexible protection member 106 .
- the metal foil typically has a thickness of more than one hundred micrometers (100 ⁇ m).
- the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and the metal foil element 164 are coupled together by seams (not shown) that are formed substantially similar to the seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fire resistant thread 134 . It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128 A, 128 B may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated that in other example embodiments, the flexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, intumescent elements, metal foil elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, metal foil, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.
- the metal foil element 164 of this example embodiment (and, for that matter, the other example embodiments described herein) is self-supporting, meaning that it is sufficiently strong and stable enough to carry its own weight absent support from other elements or components.
- the metal foil elements 164 being self-supporting, the flexible protection members 106 described herein having metal foil elements 164 as a single or central element of a multi-layer structure are possible, but would not be possible if the metal foil elements 164 comprised metal foil merely mounted on a fire resistant material.
- FIG. 13 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member 106 in accordance with a twelfth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, and a general shape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the twelfth example embodiment comprises a first woven fabric layer 158 A and a second woven fabric layer 158 B.
- the first woven fabric layer 158 A includes a woven fabric element 122 A that extends partially between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second woven fabric layer 158 B includes a woven fabric element 122 B that also extends partially between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the first woven fabric element 122 A and the second woven fabric element 122 B extend substantially parallel to one another.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a metal foil element 164 that extends partially between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 to the same extent as the woven fabric elements 122 .
- the metal foil element 164 is positioned between the first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and is adjacent and substantially parallel thereto forming a multi-layer, sandwich structure.
- the metal foil element 164 is manufactured from high grade steel such as, for example and not limitation, V4A steel (also known as 1.440 steel). It should be understood and appreciated that the metal foil element 164 may be manufactured from other types of steels or metals in other example embodiments.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises first and second knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B that are positioned partially adjacent to the first woven fabric element 122 A and second woven fabric element 122 B, respectively.
- the first knitted fabric element 124 A includes first and second portions 126 A 1 , 126 A 2 that each extend only partially between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the first portion 126 A 1 of the first knitted fabric element 124 A overlaps a first end of the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and metal foil element 164 and extends to the first lateral edge 112 A of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second portion 126 A 2 of the first knitted fabric element 124 A overlaps a second end of the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and metal foil element 164 and extends to the second lateral edge 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second knitted fabric element 124 B includes first and second portions 126 B 1 , 126 B 2 that each extend only partially between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the first portion 126 B 1 of the second knitted fabric element 124 B overlaps a first end of the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and metal foil element 164 and extends to the first lateral edge 112 A of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second portion 126 B 2 of the second knitted fabric element 124 B overlaps a second end of the woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and metal foil element 164 and extends to the second lateral edge 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the first and second knitted fabric elements 124 are connected to leads near lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- the woven fabric elements 122 , knitted fabric elements 124 , and metal foil element 164 are coupled together by a plurality of seams 128 . More specifically, the first portion 126 A 1 of the first knitted fabric element 124 A, woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B, metal foil element 164 , and the first portion 126 B 1 of the second knitted fabric element 124 B are coupled together by seam 128 A 1 . Similarly, the second portion 126 A 2 of the first knitted fabric element 124 A, woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B, metal foil element 164 , and the second portion 126 B 2 of the second knitted fabric element 124 B are coupled together by seam 128 A 2 .
- the first portion 126 A 1 of the first knitted fabric element 124 A and the first portion 126 B 1 of the second knitted fabric element 124 B are coupled together by seam 128 B 1 .
- the second portion 126 A 2 of the first knitted fabric element 124 A and the second portion 126 B 2 of the second knitted fabric element 124 B are coupled together by seam 128 B 2 .
- the seams 128 are formed in a manner that is substantially similar to the seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fire resistant thread 134 . It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128 may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments.
- the flexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, intumescent elements, metal foil elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, metal foil, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.
- the term “elasticity” refers to the relative elongation in the direction of an applied force divided by the applied force and normalized to the width of each relative element. Essentially, “elasticity” refers to the Hooke's field, i.e. the interval in which Hooke' s approximation applies. If a Hooke' s interval does not exist, the elasticity refers to the interval between zero (0) and one percent (1%) relative expansion. In this and other example embodiments herein, it is advantageous if the stretchable element 166 comprises a knitted fabric.
- FIG. 14 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member 106 in accordance with a thirteenth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, and a general shape substantially similar to the flexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 of the thirteenth example embodiment comprises a first knitted fabric layer 160 A and a second knitted fabric layer 160 B.
- the first knitted fabric layer 160 A includes a knitted fabric element 124 A that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second knitted fabric layer 160 B includes a knitted fabric element 124 B that also extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the first knitted fabric element 124 A and the second knitted fabric element 124 B extend substantially parallel to one another.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a metal foil element 164 that extends only partially between the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the metal foil element 164 is positioned between the first and second knitted fabric elements 124 A, 124 B and is adjacent and substantially parallel thereto forming a multi-layer, sandwich structure.
- the metal foil element 164 is manufactured from high grade steel such as, for example and not limitation, V4A steel (also known as 1.440 steel). It should be understood and appreciated that the metal foil element 164 may be manufactured from other types of steels or metals in other example embodiments.
- the knitted fabric elements 124 A, 122 B are coupled together by seams 128 A, 128 B formed with rows of stitches 130 A, 130 B using fire resistant thread 134 that are similar to the rows of stitches 130 used in seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128 A, 128 B may alternatively use more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments.
- the flexible protection member 106 may comprise additional knitted fabric elements and/or metal foil elements, woven fabric elements, intumescent elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, metal foil, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements.
- the knitted fabric elements 124 When an external force, “F”, is exerted on or acts upon the knitted fabric element 124 A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first knitted fabric element 124 A, the knitted fabric elements 124 tend to stretch as a stretchable element 166 in the regions where the metal foil element 164 does not extend and is not present. Because the elasticity of the stretchable element 166 is considerably larger than the elasticity of the metal foil element 164 , the distortion due to the force, F, is primarily in the stretchable element 166 when the force, F, is acting.
- FIG. 15 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexible protection element 108 of a fire and smoke protection system 100 , in accordance with a fourteenth example embodiment, in an opening 102 through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited.
- the opening 102 is, for ease and purposes of illustration, defined by a frame 200 .
- Other elements of the fire and smoke protection system 100 have been omitted from the view for clarity.
- the frame 200 as seen in FIG.
- 15 and for reference, includes a pair of opposed side panels 202 A, 202 B that extend longitudinally in the vertical direction, a top panel 204 that extends between the side panels 202 A, 202 B laterally in the horizontal direction, and an optional bottom panel 206 that also extends between the side panels 202 A, 202 B laterally in the horizontal direction.
- the fire and smoke protection system 100 comprises a flexible protection member 106 that is gathered within and/or relative to the opening 102 .
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A and an opposed second lateral edge 112 B that extend in a generally longitudinal direction, and has a first longitudinal edge 114 A and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B that extend in a generally lateral direction between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- the first longitudinal edge 114 A of the flexible protection member 106 extends adjacent the frame's top panel 204 such that the flexible protection member 106 extends substantially entirely between the side panels 202 A, 202 B of the frame 200 with lateral edges 112 A, 112 B being substantially adjacent and parallel to respective inside surfaces of the frame's side panels 202 A, 202 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 generally comprises a substantially non-stretchable portion 208 and a stretchable portion 210 .
- the non-stretchable portion 208 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular thereto indicated by arrow 212 and extends only partially between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B and longitudinal edges 114 A, 114 B.
- the non-stretchable portion 208 is surrounded on three sides by the stretchable portion 210 of the flexible protection member 106 such that a first section 214 A of the stretchable portion 210 is present between the non-stretchable portion 208 and first longitudinal edge 114 A and such that second and third sections 214 B, 214 C of the stretchable portion 210 are present, respectively, between the non-stretchable portion 208 and the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- the non-stretchable portion 208 has a multi-layer structure and includes first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B with a metal foil element 164 positioned therebetween.
- the first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and metal foil element 164 are coupled together via seams formed using fire resistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the stretchable portion 210 of the flexible protection member 106 generally comprises a knitted fabric element 124 which stretches and is coupled to the non-stretchable portion 208 also by seams formed using fire resistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the first section 214 A of the stretchable portion 210 of the flexible protection member 106 forms a gathered portion 216 (also sometimes referred to herein as a “folded portion 216 ” or “overlapping portion 216 ”) relatively near the inside surface of the frame's top panel 204 and the member's first longitudinal edge 114 A.
- the first section 214 A of the stretchable portion 210 is folded along fold lines 218 A, 218 B extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B and overlapped to define a first part 220 A of the gathered portion 216 extending from the member's first longitudinal edge 114 A to the first fold line 218 A in a direction generally toward the member's second longitudinal edge 114 B, a second part 220 B of the gathered portion 216 extending between the first fold line 218 A and the second fold line 218 B in a direction generally toward the member's first longitudinal edge 114 A, and a third part 220 C of the gathered portion 216 extending in a direction generally toward the member's second longitudinal edge 114 B.
- the second part 220 B of the gathered portion 216 is oriented substantially adjacent to and overlaps a portion of the first part 220 A of the gathered portion 216 .
- a portion of the third part 220 C of the gathered portion 216 is oriented substantially adjacent to and overlaps the second part 220 B of the gathered portion 216 .
- the first, second and third parts 220 A, 220 B, 220 C form a “Z-shaped” folding pattern when viewed from one of the lateral edges 112 of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a seam 128 is formed using rows of stitches 150 , 152 to releasably couple the parts 220 together.
- the rows of stitches 150 , 152 are made with non-fire resistant thread 154 .
- the stretchable portion 210 stretches and coupled with the fire causes the rows of stitches 150 , 152 to become undone or destroyed, thereby permitting the gathered portion 216 to come undone and allowing the force of gravity to act on parts 220 B, 220 C to un-gather the flexible protection member 106 .
- the stretchable portion 210 and, hence, the flexible protection member 108 have increased surface area with which to receive, distribute, and absorb a force exerted on the flexible protection member 108 .
- the first, second and third parts 220 A, 220 B, 220 C of the first section 214 A of the stretchable portion 210 may stretch and yield, since they are formed of a stretchable material, in response to a force exerted on the flexible protection member 108 .
- the second and third sections 214 B, 214 C of the stretchable portion 210 present, respectively, between the non-stretchable portion 208 and the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B may also stretch and yield, since they are formed of a stretchable material, in response to force applied to the flexible protection member 108 .
- the flexible protection member 108 is reconfigurable into a configuration that is more able to stretch and bulge in a direction normal to the surface of the flexible protection member 108 and, hence, better resist forces applied to the flexible protection member 108 , including, but not limited to, forces corresponding to a stream of water from a fire hose.
- the stretchable portion 210 and the flexible protection member 106 may be sized to be much larger and have substantially greater surface area in the un-gathered configuration. Further, the ability of the flexible protection member 106 to resist force is not solely dependent upon the stretchability and elastic properties of the materials employed therein.
- FIG. 16 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexible protection element of a fire and smoke protection system 100 , in accordance with a fifteenth example embodiment, in an opening through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited.
- the flexible protection member 106 is substantially similar to the flexible protection member 106 of the fourteenth example embodiment, is displayed using a similar frame 200 and opening 102 , and comprises a flexible protection member 106 having a non-stretchable portion 208 and a coupled non-stretchable portion 210 .
- the non-stretchable portion 208 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular thereto indicated by arrow 212 and extends only partially between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B and longitudinal edges 114 A, 114 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the non-stretchable portion 208 is surrounded on three sides by the stretchable portion 210 of the flexible protection member 106 such that a first section 214 A of the stretchable portion 210 is present between the non-stretchable portion 208 and first longitudinal edge 114 A and such that second and third sections 214 B, 214 C of the stretchable portion 210 are present, respectively, between the non-stretchable portion 208 and the first and second lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the non-stretchable portion 208 has a multi-layer structure and includes first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B with a metal foil element 164 positioned therebetween. The first and second woven fabric elements 122 A, 122 B and metal foil element 164 are coupled together via seams formed using fire resistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the stretchable portion 210 of the flexible protection member 106 generally comprises a knitted fabric element 124 and is coupled to the non-stretchable portion 208 also by seams formed using fire resistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein.
- the first section 214 A of the stretchable portion 210 is not formed into a gathered portion. Therefore, during exposure to fire, there is no gathered portion to come undone to enhance the surface area or the stretching and deflection capabilities of the flexible protection member 106 .
- stretching and deflection of the flexible protection member 106 responsive to an applied force is substantially due to stretching and bulging of the knitted fabric element 124 comprising the stretchable portion 210 thereof.
- the flexible protection members 106 generally each comprise a sheet-like member that extends substantially between the lateral and longitudinal edges of an opening through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited.
- elongate clamping members 232 couple adjacent pairs of elongate segments 230 of the flexible protection member 106 together.
- each elongate clamping member 232 extend primarily in and parallel to the longitudinal edges 114 of a flexible protection member 106 , and may advantageously extend beyond the lateral edges 112 thereof such that the elongate clamping members 232 extend into the recesses of the guides 110 .
- each elongate clamping member 232 is typically located at a distance of less than two (2) meters relative to each immediately preceding and succeeding elongate clamping members 232 . More accurately, each elongate clamping member 232 is located at a distance of between thirty (30) to one hundred (100) centimeters relative to each immediately preceding and succeeding elongate clamping members 232 , with a preferred distance measuring fifty (50) centimeters.
- the elongate clamping members 232 permit a flexible protection member 106 to be wound onto a winding shaft 108 for configuration of a fire and smoke protection system 100 in a storage configuration or to be unwound from a winding shaft 108 for reconfiguration of a fire and smoke protection system 100 in a protection configuration as the elongate clamping members 232 also typically extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the winding shaft 108 . Also, the elongate clamping members 232 are relatively stable against downward deflection and, hence, aid the flexible protection member 106 in maintaining its shape and in opposing sagging.
- the elongate clamping members 232 are generally easy to install, which is important since flexible protection members 106 using elongate clamping members 232 are assembled at job sites. In the paragraphs that follow, a number of different elongate clamping members 232 are described in further detail with respect to FIGS. 17-29 .
- FIG. 17 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 in accordance with a sixteenth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, a first longitudinal edge 114 A, and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongate segment 230 extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- Each elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clamping member 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230 and extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- FIG. 18 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 17 taken along lines 18 - 18 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- elongate segment 230 A is folded along fold line 234 A to define first and second portions 236 A, 236 B of elongate segment 230 A in a substantially “U-shape” configuration.
- elongate segment 230 B is folded along fold line 234 B to define first and second portions 238 A, 238 B in a substantially “U-shape” configuration.
- Elongate segment 230 A and elongate segment 230 B are arranged such that the first portion 236 A of elongate segment 230 A resides between the first portion 238 A of elongate segment 230 B and the second portion 238 B of elongate segment 230 B. Similarly, the first portion of 238 A of elongate segment 230 B resides between the first portion 236 A of elongate segment 230 A and the second portion 236 B of elongate segment 230 A. Frictional forces between portions 236 A, 236 B of elongate segment 230 A and portions 238 A, 238 B of elongate segment 230 B aid in holding the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B together and resisting forces that tend to cause separation. To enhance the frictional forces, a strip made of non-flammable material and having rough surfaces may be positioned between portions 236 A, 236 B of elongate segment 230 A and portions 238 A, 238 B of elongate segment 230 B.
- the elongate clamping member 232 comprises a first elongate clamping rod 240 A and an opposed second elongate clamping rod 240 B.
- the first elongate clamping rod 240 A resides adjacent the second portion 236 B of elongate segment 230 A and defines a plurality of bores 242 A that are laterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality of discrete locations between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second elongate clamping rod 240 B resides adjacent the second portion 238 B of elongate segment 230 B and defines a plurality of bores 242 B that are laterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality of discrete locations between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B axially-aligned with bores 242 A of the first elongate clamping rod 240 A.
- Elongate segments 230 A, 230 B similarly define a plurality of bores 244 extending through portions 236 A, 238 A and parts of portions 236 B, 238 B at a respective plurality of discrete locations between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B and that are, respectively, cooperative and coaxially-aligned with respective bores 242 A, 242 B.
- the elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a plurality of pre-tensioning members 246 such that a respective pre-tensioning member 246 is present within coaxially-aligned bores 242 A, 242 B, 244 .
- the pre-tensioning members 246 apply a pre-tensioning force, “F”, to the first and second elongate clamping rods 240 pre-tensioning the elongate clamping rods 240 relative to one another and causing the elongate clamping rods 240 A, 240 B to securely hold portions 236 A, 238 A and parts of portions 236 B, 238 B of adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B together.
- Pre-tensioning members 246 acceptable in accordance with this example embodiment include, for example and not limitation, fasteners, rivets, tie rods, screws, and tension springs.
- the pre-tensioning force, F is selected to hold adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B together when a load force, “G”, corresponding to twice the weight of the components of the flexible protection member 106 present below the elongate clamping member 232 is applied.
- clamping of adjacent elongate members 230 A, 230 B together constitutes an improvement over coupling of the elongate members 230 A, 230 B with seams.
- adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B are punctured in connection with use of the elongate clamping members 232 and, hence, the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B are weakened, the mechanical weakening of the flexible protection member 106 due to seaming is substantially greater.
- FIG. 19 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 in accordance with a seventeenth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, a first longitudinal edge 114 A, and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongate segment 230 extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- Each elongate segment 230 is formed from and includes a first knitted fabric element 124 A, a metal foil element 164 , and a second knitted fabric element 124 B arranged in a multi-layer sandwich structure.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clamping member 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230 and extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B. It should be understood and appreciated that each elongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures for flexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein.
- FIG. 20 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 19 taken along lines 20 - 20 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- elongate segment 230 A is folded along fold line 234 A to define first and second portions 236 A, 236 B of elongate segment 230 A in a substantially “U-shape” configuration.
- elongate segment 230 B is folded along fold line 234 B to define first and second portions 238 A, 238 B in a substantially “U-shape” configuration.
- Elongate segment 230 A and elongate segment 230 B are arranged such that the first portion 236 A of elongate segment 230 A resides between the first portion 238 A of elongate segment 230 B and the second portion 238 B of elongate segment 230 B. Similarly, the first portion of 238 A of elongate segment 230 B resides between the first portion 236 A of elongate segment 230 A and the second portion 236 B of elongate segment 230 A. Frictional forces between portions 236 A, 236 B of elongate segment 230 A and portions 238 A, 238 B of elongate segment 230 B aid in holding the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B together and resisting forces that tend to cause separation.
- the elongate clamping member 232 comprises a first elongate clamping rod 240 A and an opposed second elongate clamping rod 240 B.
- the first elongate clamping rod 240 A resides adjacent the second portion 236 B of elongate segment 230 A and defines a plurality of bores 242 A that are laterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality of discrete locations between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the second elongate clamping rod 240 B resides adjacent the second portion 238 B of elongate segment 230 B and defines a plurality of bores 242 B that are laterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality of discrete locations between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B axially-aligned with bores 242 A of the first elongate clamping rod 240 A.
- Elongate segments 230 A, 230 B similarly define a plurality of bores 244 extending through portions 236 A, 238 A and parts of portions 236 B, 238 B at a respective plurality of discrete locations between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B and that are, respectively, cooperative and coaxially-aligned with respective bores 242 A, 242 B.
- the elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a plurality of pre-tensioning members 246 such that a respective pre-tensioning member 246 is present within coaxially-aligned bores 242 A, 242 B, 244 .
- the pre-tensioning members 246 apply a pre-tensioning force, “F”, to the first and second elongate clamping rods 240 pre-tensioning the elongate clamping rods 240 relative to one another and causing the elongate clamping rods 240 A, 240 B to securely hold portions 236 A, 238 A and parts of portions 236 B, 238 B of adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B together.
- Pre-tensioning members 246 acceptable in accordance with this example embodiment include, for example and not limitation, fasteners, rivets, tie rods, screws, and tension springs.
- FIG. 21 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 in accordance with a eighteenth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, a first longitudinal edge 114 A, and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongate segment 230 extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- Each elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clamping member 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230 and extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- FIG. 22 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 21 taken along lines 22 - 22 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- elongate clamping member 232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250 A and an opposed second elongate piping/welt member 250 B that each extend between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a portion of elongate segment 230 A wraps around the first elongate piping/welt member 250 A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252 A and first elongate loop 253 A extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a portion of elongate segment 230 B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250 B to form a second elongate piping/welt 252 B and second elongate loop 253 B extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a first elongate clamping rod 240 A and an opposed second elongate clamping rod 240 B.
- the first and second elongate clamping rods 240 A, 240 B define respective elongate recesses 254 A, 254 B for receiving respective portions 256 A, 256 B of an elongate retaining member 258 therein.
- the elongate retaining member 258 locks the first elongate clamping rod 240 A to the second elongate clamping rod 240 B.
- first and second elongate clamping rods 240 A, 240 B When locked together, the first and second elongate clamping rods 240 A, 240 B define elongate piping/welt cavities 259 A, 259 B extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 in which the first and second elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B respectively reside, thereby coupling elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- each elongate segment 230 has been described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, each elongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that the elongate clamping member of FIGS. 21 and 22 may be employed with elongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistant materials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fire resistant materials.
- the elongate segments 230 are formed of metal foil elements 164 , the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B may be wrapped respectively around the first and second elongate piping/welt members 250 A, 250 B and welded respectively to themselves to form very stable elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B. Further, if such elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B are formed, a clasp may be employed in lieu of elongate clamping member 232 resulting in a particularly secure connection between the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- FIG. 23 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 in accordance with a nineteenth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, a first longitudinal edge 114 A, and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongate segment 230 extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- Each elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clamping member 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230 and extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- FIG. 24 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 23 taken along lines 24 - 24 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- elongate clamping member 232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250 A and an opposed second elongate piping/welt member 250 B that each extend between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a portion of elongate segment 230 A wraps around the first elongate piping/welt member 250 A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252 A and first elongate loop 253 A extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a portion of elongate segment 230 B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250 B to form a second elongate piping/welt 252 B and second elongate loop 253 B extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a first elongate clamping rod 240 A and an opposed second elongate clamping rod 240 B.
- the first and second elongate clamping rods 240 A, 240 B define respective coaxially-aligned bores 260 A, 260 B for receiving fasteners 262 A, 262 B therein.
- the fasteners 262 A, 262 B lock the first elongate clamping rod 240 A to the second elongate clamping rod 240 B.
- first and second elongate clamping rods 240 A, 240 B When locked together, the first and second elongate clamping rods 240 A, 240 B define elongate piping/welt cavities 259 A, 259 B extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 in which the first and second elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B respectively reside, thereby coupling elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- each elongate segment 230 has been described with reference to FIGS. 23 and 24 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, each elongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that the elongate clamping member of FIGS. 23 and 24 may be employed with elongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistant materials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fire resistant materials.
- the elongate segments 230 are formed of metal foil elements 164 , the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B may be wrapped respectively around the first and second elongate piping/welt members 250 A, 250 B and welded respectively to themselves to form very stable elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B.
- FIG. 25 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 in accordance with a twentieth example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, a first longitudinal edge 114 A, and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongate segment 230 extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- Each elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clamping member 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230 and extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- FIG. 26 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 25 taken along lines 26 - 26 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- elongate clamping member 232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250 A and an opposed second elongate piping/welt member 250 B that each extend between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a portion of elongate segment 230 A wraps around the first elongate piping/welt member 250 A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252 A extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a portion of elongate segment 230 B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250 B to form a second elongate piping/welt 252 B extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the elongate clamping member 232 further comprises an elongate clamping clip 264 extending slightly beyond the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the elongate clamping clip 264 has an elongate central portion 266 and an elongate first leg 268 A that extends away from the elongate central portion 266 and then loops back toward the elongate central portion 266 to define a first elongate channel 270 A.
- the elongate clamping clip 264 also has an elongate second leg 268 B that, similar to the elongate first leg 268 A but in the opposite direction, extends away from the elongate central portion 266 and then loops back toward the elongate central portion 266 to define a second elongate channel 270 B.
- the elongate central portion 266 , elongate first leg 268 A, and elongate second leg 268 B form a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a tilted letter “S”.
- the first and second elongate channels 270 A, 270 B respectively receive the first and second elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B.
- the elongate clamping clip 264 is manufactured, according to the example embodiment, from a fire resistant, spring steel material that permits the ends of the elongate first and second legs 268 A, 268 B to be respectively spread apart from the elongate central portion 266 for the insertion of the first and second elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B into the first and second elongate channels 270 A, 270 B.
- the elongate first and second legs 268 A, 268 B spring back toward the elongate central portion 266 securing the elongated piping/welts 252 and trapping respective portions of the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B therebetween.
- the elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B are positioned at respective locations offset forward and aft from the plane of the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- each elongate segment 230 has been described with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, each elongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that the elongate clamping member of FIGS. 25 and 26 may be employed with elongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistant materials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fire resistant materials.
- the elongate segments 230 are formed of metal foil elements 164 , the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B may be wrapped respectively around the first and second elongate piping/welt members 250 A, 250 B and welded respectively to themselves to form very stable elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B.
- FIG. 27 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member 106 having elongate clamping members 232 in accordance with a twenty-first example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 has a first lateral edge 112 A, an opposed second lateral edge 112 B, a first longitudinal edge 114 A, and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate segments 230 with each elongate segment 230 extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- Each elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein.
- the flexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clamping members 232 with each elongate clamping member 232 extending between and coupling adjacent elongate segments 230 and extending between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- FIG. 28 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member 232 of the flexible protection member 106 of FIG. 27 taken along lines 28 - 28 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- the elongate clamping member 232 is configurable in first, closed configuration (see FIG. 28 ) in which adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B are clamped and coupled together, and a second, open configuration (see FIG. 29 ) in which adjacent elongate segments 230 A, 230 B are not clamped or coupled together. As illustrated in FIG.
- elongate clamping member 232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250 A and an opposed second elongate piping/welt member 250 B that each extend between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- a portion of elongate segment 230 A wraps around the first elongate piping/welt member 250 A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252 A and elongate loop 253 A extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- elongate segment 230 B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250 B to form a second elongate piping/welt 252 B and elongate loop 253 B extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the elongate clamping member 232 also comprises a first elongate clamping rod 240 A and a second elongate clamping rod 240 B pivotally, or hingedly, attached to the first elongate clamping rod 240 A in a scissor or criss-cross arrangement via an elongate pivot pin 272 .
- the first elongate clamping rod 240 A has an elongate first part 274 A and an elongate second part 274 B.
- the second elongate clamping rod 240 B has an elongate first part 276 A and an elongate second part 276 B.
- the elongate clamping member 232 defines first and second elongate piping/welt cavities 259 A, 259 B extending between the lateral edges 112 A, 112 B of the flexible protection member 106 for respectively receiving first and second elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B. More specifically, the elongate first part 274 A of first elongate clamping rod 240 A and the elongate first part 276 A of second elongate clamping rod 240 B form the first elongate piping/welt cavity 259 A.
- first elongate clamping rod 240 A and the elongate second part 276 B of second elongate clamping rod 240 B form the second elongate piping/welt cavity 259 B.
- first elongate clamping rod 240 A and second elongate clamping rod 240 B are pivoted relative to one another about pivot pin 272 to configure the elongate clamping member 232 in the open configuration.
- the first and second elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B are then respectively inserted into and received by the first and second elongate piping/welt cavities 258 A, 258 B.
- the first elongate clamping rod 240 A and second elongate clamping rod 240 B are again pivoted relative to one another about pivot pin 272 , but to configure the elongate clamping member 232 in the closed configuration.
- the first and second elongate clamping rods 240 A, 240 B contact, or engage, elongate segments 230 A, 230 B and hold the first and second elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B within the first and second elongate piping/welt cavities 258 A, 258 B to securely couple elongate segments 230 A, 230 B.
- the elongated clamping member 232 of this example embodiment is particularly well-suited for use with elongate segments 230 including one or more metal foil element(s) 164 that comprise at least one layer of metal foil material. If the elongate segments 230 are formed of metal foil elements 164 , the elongate segments 230 A, 230 B may be wrapped respectively around the first and second elongate piping/welt members 250 A, 250 B and welded respectively to themselves to form very stable elongate piping/welts 252 A, 252 B.
- each elongate segment 230 has been described with reference to FIGS. 27 , 28 and 29 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, each elongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that the elongate clamping member of FIGS. 27 , 28 and 29 may be employed with elongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistant materials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fire resistant materials.
- the flexible protection members 106 have been manufactured with substantially smooth front and back surfaces. However, if the flexible protection members 106 are made with front and/or back surfaces having a pattern imprinted or embossed therein, the flexible protection members 106 deform and bulge in a malleable way locally in the areas of the imprinted or embossed pattern elements so that the imprint or embossed pattern elements yield, thereby increasing the resistance to forces applied normal to the surfaces. Therefore, in the example embodiments described below with reference to FIGS. 30 , 31 and 32 , the flexible protection members 106 are manufactured with front and/or back surfaces having a pattern or a texture.
- FIG. 30 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexible protection member 106 of a fire and smoke protection system 100 in accordance with a twenty-second example embodiment.
- the flexible protection member 106 as seen in FIG. 30 , has a first lateral edge 112 A and an opposed second lateral edge 112 B that each extend in a substantially longitudinal direction.
- the flexible protection member 106 also has a first longitudinal edge 114 A and an opposed second longitudinal edge 114 B that each extend in a substantially lateral direction between lateral edges 112 A, 112 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a sheet-like member that is minimal in thickness (as measured between front and back surfaces thereof) relative to the element's lateral and longitudinal dimensions.
- the flexible protection member 106 includes a metal foil element 164 and has a front surface 290 (or face 290 ) that is imprinted or embossed with a pattern 292 .
- the pattern 292 comprises a honeycomb structure having a plurality of cells 294 (or pattern elements 294 ). Each cell 294 has a depth that corresponds to the thickness of the metal foil element 164 and, hence, the flexible protection member 106 .
- an acceptable depth for each cell 294 is 0.2 millimeters for a metal foil element 164 having a thickness of 0.2 millimeters.
- the pattern 292 and cells 294 are sized and arranged to repeat the pattern 292 within a distance referred to as a mesh width.
- the mesh width comprises 10 millimeters, meaning that the pattern 292 and cells 294 repeat themselves every 10 millimeters.
- the flexible protection member 106 may, in other example embodiments, have other types of patterns 292 that are formed with linear, non-linear, specifically-shaped, and arbitrarily-shaped elements, alone or in combination, and be formed with different mesh widths.
- the flexible protection member 106 of another example embodiment may have patterns 292 including lines, arcs, ellipses, polygons, or other geometric and non-geometric elements.
- the flexible protection member 106 of other example embodiments may have patterns 292 made by methods other than imprinting or embossing such as, for example but not limitation, molding, stamping, surface printing, or surface etching. Additionally, it should be understood and appreciated that the flexible protection member 106 of other example embodiments may have patterns 292 formed by texturing of the element's front and/or back surfaces including, absent limitation, by the addition and/or removal of a material(s) to the front and/or back surfaces of the flexible protection member 106 , or by the addition and/or removal, partially or entirely, of a coating, film, or other material(s) applied to the front and/or back surfaces of the flexible protection member 106 .
- the flexible protection member 106 has been described with reference to FIG. 30 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, the flexible protection member 106 may also be formed in other example embodiments using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein.
- FIG. 31 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system 100 in accordance with a twenty-third example embodiment.
- the fire and smoke protection system 100 is substantially similar to the fire and smoke protection system 100 of the first example embodiment, but includes a flexible protection member 106 having a multi-layer structure in which a metal foil element 164 is interposed, or sandwiched, between a first layer 296 formed of a first wire mesh element 298 A and a second layer 300 formed of a second wire mesh element 298 B.
- the first layer 296 and metal foil element 164 near the corner of the flexible protection member 106 formed between longitudinal edge 114 A and lateral edge 112 B are peeled away to expose the multi-layer structure and for clarity.
- one or more of the metal foil element 164 , first wire mesh element 298 A, or second wire mesh element 298 B may be connected together such as by contact welding.
- the wire mesh elements 298 are manufactured from the same, or a similar, material as that of the metal foil element 164 including, but not limited to, an austenitic steel like, or similar to, the steels described above in the description of FIG. 12 .
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate strips 302 that extend in a lateral direction beyond lateral edges 112 A, 112 B and into respective first and second guides 110 A, 110 B to aid in guiding the flexible protection member 106 during reconfiguring of the system 100 between a storage configuration and protection configuration.
- the elongate strips 302 are secured to the flexible protection member 106 by clamping using elongate clamping members 232 (not shown) and methods similar to those described above with reference to FIGS. 18 and 20 .
- Each elongate strip 302 is positioned at a distance, “D”, relative to the immediately preceding and succeeding elongate strips 302 in the longitudinal direction.
- a distance, D acceptable in accordance with this example embodiment, includes fifty (50) centimeters.
- the elongate strips 302 may be welded, in other example embodiments, to the flexible protection member 106 in lieu of being clamped to the flexible protection member 106 using elongate clamping members 232 .
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises elongate strips 302 that are present in addition to elongate clamping members 232 .
- the first and second wire mesh elements 298 A, 298 B generally have a higher tear resistance than the metal foil element 164 .
- the metal foil element 164 will yield, bulge and possibly tear at the location.
- the notch stress at the base of the tear is small and the tear in the metal foil element 298 does not spread.
- the flexible protection member 106 has been described with reference to FIG. 31 as being formed with wire mesh elements 298 A, 298 B, the flexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed by substituting elements made from fire resistant materials, described or not described herein, for one or both of the wire mesh elements 298 A, 298 B. Also, it should be understood and appreciated that while the flexible protection member 106 has been described as comprising a particular multi-layer structure, the flexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the single and multi-layer structures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein.
- FIG. 32 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system 100 in accordance with a twenty-fourth example embodiment.
- the fire and smoke protection system 100 is substantially similar to the fire and smoke protection system 100 of the first and twenty-third example embodiments, but includes a flexible protection member 106 having a multi-layer structure including a first wire mesh element 298 A, a first metal foil element 164 A, a second wire mesh element 298 B, and a second metal foil element 164 B.
- the layers are shown peeled away near the corner of the flexible protection member 106 formed between longitudinal edge 114 A and lateral edge 112 B to expose the multi-layer structure and for clarity. As seen in FIG.
- the first metal foil element 164 A is positioned between the first wire mesh element 298 A and the second wire mesh element 298 B such that the second wire mesh element 298 B is positioned between the first metal foil element 164 A and the second metal foil element 164 B.
- the first and second metal foil elements 164 A, 164 B may be imprinted or embossed with a pattern 292 similar to the metal foil element 164 described above with respect to FIG. 30 such that the first and second wire mesh elements 298 A, 298 B are arranged and reside in the depressions defined by the pattern 292 in the first and second metal foil elements 164 A, 164 B.
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate strips 302 that extend in a lateral direction beyond lateral edges 112 A, 112 B and into respective first and second guides 110 A, 110 B to aid in guiding the flexible protection member 106 during reconfiguation of the system 100 between a storage configuration and protection configuration.
- the elongate strips 302 are secured to the flexible protection member 106 by clamping using elongate clamping members 232 (not shown) and methods similar to those described above with reference to FIGS. 18 and 20 .
- Each elongate strip 302 is positioned at a distance, “D”, relative to the immediately preceding and succeeding elongate strips 302 in the longitudinal direction.
- a distance, D acceptable in accordance with this example embodiment, includes fifty centimeters (50 cm).
- the elongate strips 302 may be welded, in other example embodiments, to the flexible protection member 106 in lieu of being clamped to the flexible protection member 106 using elongate clamping members 232 .
- the flexible protection member 106 comprises elongate strips 302 that are present in addition to elongate clamping members 232 .
- the layers of the multi-layer structure may be arranged in a different order in which the first and second metal foil elements 164 A, 164 B are disposed immediately adjacent one another back-to-back with the first wire mesh element 298 A adjacent the first metal foil element 164 A and the second wire mesh element 298 B adjacent the second metal foil element 164 B.
- the fire and smoke protection system 100 further comprises a second winding shaft 108 that enables the first wire mesh element 298 A and first metal foil element 164 A to be wound around the first winding shaft 108 A and the second wire mesh element 298 B and second metal foil element 164 B to be would around the second winding shaft 108 B when the system 100 is in a storage configuration.
- the first and second metal foil elements 164 A, 164 B do not slip or shift relative to one another during winding about the winding shafts 108 as might occur if the first and second metal foil elements 164 A, 164 B were wound on a single winding shaft 108 .
- the flexible protection member 106 has been described with reference to FIG. 32 as being formed with wire mesh elements 298 A, 298 B, the flexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed by substituting elements made from fire resistant materials, described or not described herein, for one or both of the wire mesh elements 298 A, 298 B. Also, it should be understood and appreciated that while the flexible protection member 106 has been described as comprising a particular multi-layer structure, the flexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the single and multi-layer structures) for flexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein.
- FIG. 33 displays a schematic, partial diagram of a device 310 for manufacturing a multi-layer material for use in making a flexible protection member 106 in accordance with a twenty-fifth example embodiment.
- the device 310 comprises a first drum 312 and a second drum 314 offset at a distance relative to the first drum 312 .
- a metal foil 316 is arranged around the first drum 312 .
- a woven fabric 318 made from a fire resistant material is arranged around the second drum 314 .
- the device 310 includes a coating unit 320 having a dispensing device 322 and a roller 324 for applying an adhesive coating.
- the device 310 includes a connecting unit 326 having a heated cylinder 328 and a plurality of rollers 330 for applying a fire resistant material to the metal foil.
- the metal foil 316 spools off of the first drum 312 and is directed toward the coating unit 320 . While traveling through the coating unit 320 , a paste-like adhesive is dispensed and applied to the metal foil by the dispensing device 322 and roller 324 . The adhesive-covered metal foil 316 exits the coating unit 320 and is directed into the connecting unit 326 . Concurrently, the woven fabric 318 is spooled off of the second drum 314 and into the connecting unit 326 .
- the coupled metal foil and fire resistant woven fabric 332 comprises a dimensionally-stable, textile structure or composite material from which a flexible protection member 106 may be made.
- the device 310 may be used in a second pass similar to the first pass described above, to apply a knitted fabric layer to the already produced composite material.
- the composite material 322 from the first pass is loaded onto the first drum 312 and a fire resistant knitted fabric is loaded onto the second drum 314 .
- the composite material 322 spools off of the first drum 312 and passes through the coating unit 320 where similar adhesive is applied and the adhesive coated composite material 322 is directed into the connecting unit 326 .
- the kitted fabric is spooled off of the second drum 314 and into the connecting unit 326 .
- the adhesive-coated composite material 322 and the knitted fabric come into contact and travel around the heated cylinder 328 .
- the adhesive is activated by the heated cylinder 328 and the knitted fabric becomes secured to the composite material 322 to form a new composite material including a woven fabric, metal foil, and knitted fabric that may be used to produce a flexible protection member 106 .
- the device 310 may be used to produce many different multi-layer materials that may be used in the manufacture of flexible protection members 106 by loading the device 310 with desired materials and making multiple passes through the device 310 in an appropriate sequence to form suitable composite materials having the desired materials for particular applications.
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Abstract
The present disclosure describes a fire and smoke protection system for limiting the spread of fire and smoke through an opening, including those in building structures. The system includes a flexible protection member configurable in a storage configuration for subsequent deployment into a protection configuration when fire occurs. The flexible protection member is configurable in single and/or multi-layer arrangements with one or more materials, alone or in combination, and using a variety of construction methods. Generally, the flexible protection member is manufacturable using fire resistant woven and knitted fabric elements, metal foil elements, intumescent elements, and/or wire mesh elements arranged to increase the resistance to forces encountered during a fire. The various elements may be seamed using different stitching patterns and gathered using non-fire resistant thread in order to increase flexibility and resistance to forces. The flexible protection member may also be formed in segments coupled together by clamping members.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of priority to and incorporates herein by this reference in its entirety, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/584,883, which is entitled “Smoke and Fire Protection Device” and filed on Jan. 10, 2012.
- The present invention relates, generally, to the field of systems, including apparatuses and methods, for limiting the spread of fire and smoke in a building structure.
- Fires within building structures often start in a single room or location and spread from room-to-room traveling through interior doorways and other openings. As fires progress through building structures burning various combustible materials, a substantial amount of smoke is generally produced with such smoke potentially including toxic gases that are generated when certain materials and chemical compounds are oxidized. While the fires can cause significant property damage and destroy or weaken building structures, the smoke and toxic gases can cause substantial physical injury or death to persons who inhale them. Thus, by limiting the spread of fires and smoke within building structures, damage to property and building structures may be minimized and physical injury to, and the potential death of, persons within building structures may be prevented.
- Many attempts have been made to develop devices that limit the spread of fire and smoke through doorways and other openings in building structures. Unfortunately, many of the devices have been found to become mechanically unstable after a fire. Therefore, a number of jurisdictions have begun requiring such devices to pass a test known as the “Hose Stream Test” in order to be approved for use in their jurisdiction. The Hose Stream Test is generally run on a device for limiting the spread of fire and smoke after it has been exposed to high temperatures over a long period of time during a separate fire test. In the Hose Stream Test, a jet of water such as that produced by a fire hose is directed at the device, generally, from a direction that is normal to the device. To pass the Hose Stream Test, the device must withstand the forces exerted on the device by the water jet and not become mechanically unstable.
- Typically, the devices that have been developed to limit the spread of fire and smoke fall into two categories. A first type of devices has attempted to limit the spread of fire and smoke by sealing openings with flexible protection members including a plurality of slats. Examples of such devices include fire protection roller shutters, fire doors, and curtains made of metal components that slide over and relative to one another. Advantageously, these devices limit the spread of fire and smoke while being capable of withstanding mechanical loads particularly well, including after exposure to fire. As a consequence, many such devices have passed the Hose Stream Test. Unfortunately, these devices are typically heavy and require a large amount of space.
- A second type of devices has attempted to limit the spread of fire and smoke by sealing openings with a flexible protection member manufactured from a fire resistant material that can be wound around a reel or winding shaft. The fire resistant materials used in such devices typically include woven textile fabrics having warp and weft threads. Beneficially, these devices reduce the spread of fire and smoke, are relatively light in weight, and save space. However, these devices are generally less resistant to mechanical influences and loads than devices of the first type described above. Consequentially, many of these devices cannot pass the Hose Stream Test.
- There is, therefore, a need in the industry for a fire and smoke protection system that limits the spread of fire and smoke through openings in building structures, is lightweight, requires minimal space, is capable of withstanding mechanical loads during and after exposure to fire, is capable of passing the Hose Stream Test, and that solves the difficulties, problems, and shortcomings of existing systems.
- Broadly described, the present invention comprises a fire and smoke protection system, including apparatuses and methods, for limiting the spread of fire and smoke through an opening. In a plurality of example embodiments described herein, the fire and smoke protection system comprises multiple components that may be selectively included, constructed and configured to meet the requirements of particular applications and of the Hose Stream Test. For example, the various components of the fire and smoke protection system include a flexible protection member that is configurable in a storage configuration for subsequent deployment into a protection configuration in the event of a fire. As described herein with respect to example embodiments, the flexible protection member may be configured in a variety of arrangements using a variety of materials, alone or in combination, and using a variety of construction methods. Generally and without limitation, the flexible protection member may be manufactured using fire resistant woven and knitted fabric elements, metal foil elements, intumescent elements, and/or wire mesh elements in many different arrangements, including multi-layer structures, with each material, element and arrangement having certain advantages in limiting the spread of fire and smoke while resisting external forces and retaining mechanical strength and stability sufficient to pass the Hose Stream Test.
- Thus, in an example embodiment, a flexible protection member may comprise a multi-layer structure including a metal foil element sandwiched between two woven fabric elements with the multi-layer structure being surrounded in the lateral and longitudinal directions by a single layer, knitted fabric element. Advantageously, when deployed, the multi-layer structure provides resistance to the spread of fire and smoke, while the knitted fabric elements stretch to enable the flexible protection member to withstand forces acting on it during a fire, including those forces nearest the edges of the flexible protection member which may have the greatest magnitude.
- In another example embodiment, a flexible protection member may be similar to the above-described flexible protection member, but include a segment of the knitted fabric element above the multi-layer structure formed with a gathering or overlap of material held in position with seams having non-fire resistant thread. Upon exposure to fire, the seams are destroyed or come undone, thereby permitting the gathered and overlapping knitted fabric segment to become non-gathered, providing more knitted fabric material available to stretch upon the application of forces thereto, and producing more surface area normal to the forces and distributing the forces over the greater surface area.
- In yet another example embodiment, a flexible protection member may be constructed using seams between fabric and metal foil members that are formed with stitching patterns and/or stitching arrangements that are more flexible and stretchable than other types of stitching patterns and stitching arrangements. Through the use of such flexible stitching patterns and/or stitching arrangements, the flexible protection member includes seams with improved flexibility and stretchability that contribute to the overall ability of the flexible protection member to flex, deform, and stretch in response to forces being applied to the flexible protection member.
- In still another example embodiment, a flexible protection member may be manufactured with a metal foil element imprinted or embossed with a pattern. Subsequently, when exposed to a force at particular location, the imprinted or embossed material in the vicinity of the force location deforms in order to resist the force and oppose tearing of the flexible protection member.
- In yet another example embodiment, a flexible protection member is formed from a plurality of segments such that adjacent segments are coupled together by a clamping member. Each segment is, generally, made from one or more materials and/or one or more layers of materials that are configured in a desired arrangement similar to the manner in which a flexible protection member having a single segment might be configured and constructed. Generally, each segment is identical to the other segments of the flexible protection device, but may include one or more different materials, layers or structures such that segments near the mid-section of the flexible protection member, for example, may have different mechanical and fire resistant properties than segments nearer the other sections of the flexible protection member. Each clamping member is selected from a plurality of different types of clamping members, some of which are described herein. Typically, the clamping members are of the same type and extend beyond the appropriate extent of the flexible protection member into the system's guides to improve deployment and retraction of the flexible protection member, but may comprise individually different types of clamps and may not all similarly extend into the system's guides. Advantageously, the clamping members add mechanical strength and stability to the flexible protection member, reduce sagging of the flexible protection member during exposure to fire or high temperatures, improve deployment and retraction of the flexible protection member by virtue of one or more of the clamping members extending into the system's guides, and aid the flexible protection member in passing the Hose Stream Test.
- As may be gleaned from the foregoing description and from the remaining description below, the fire and smoke protection system is configurable and operable to substantially limit the spread of fire and smoke through an opening. The system has many advantages and benefits over other systems that may become apparent upon reading and understanding the present specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings.
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FIG. 1 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a first example embodiment, for substantially sealing an opening in a building structure and limiting the spread of fire and smoke through the opening during a fire. -
FIG. 2A displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of the fire and smoke protection system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2B displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protection member of the fire and smoke protection system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2C displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of a flexible protection member of the fire and smoke protection system ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3A displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a second example embodiment. -
FIG. 3B displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a second example embodiment. -
FIG. 4A displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a third example embodiment. -
FIG. 4B displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a third example embodiment. -
FIG. 5A displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a fourth example embodiment. -
FIG. 5B displays a schematic, bottom plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a fourth example embodiment. -
FIG. 5C displays a schematic, partial back elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a fourth example embodiment. -
FIG. 6A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of a multi-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, before exposure to fire. -
FIG. 6B displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of a multi-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, after exposure to fire. -
FIG. 7A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of a multi-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a sixth example embodiment, before exposure to fire. -
FIG. 7B displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam of a multi-layer flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a sixth example embodiment, after exposure to fire. -
FIG. 8 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a seventh example embodiment, for substantially sealing an opening in a building structure and limiting the spread of fire and smoke through the opening during a fire. -
FIG. 9 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with an eighth example embodiment. -
FIG. 10 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a ninth example embodiment. -
FIG. 11 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with an tenth example embodiment. -
FIG. 12 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with an eleventh example embodiment. -
FIG. 13 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a twelfth example embodiment. -
FIG. 14 displays a schematic, top plan view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a thirteenth example embodiment. -
FIG. 15 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexible protection element of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a fourteenth example embodiment, in an opening through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited. -
FIG. 16 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexible protection element of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a fifteenth example embodiment, in an opening through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited. -
FIG. 17 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with a sixteenth example embodiment. -
FIG. 18 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member ofFIG. 17 taken along lines 18-18 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments. -
FIG. 19 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with a seventeenth example embodiment. -
FIG. 20 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member ofFIG. 19 taken along lines 20-20 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments. -
FIG. 21 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with an eighteenth example embodiment. -
FIG. 22 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member ofFIG. 21 taken along lines 22-22 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments. -
FIG. 23 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with a nineteenth example embodiment. -
FIG. 24 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member ofFIG. 23 taken along lines 24-24 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments. -
FIG. 25 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clampingmembers 232 in accordance with a twentieth example embodiment. -
FIG. 26 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member ofFIG. 25 taken along lines 26-26 and showing portions of the adjacent elongate segments. -
FIG. 27 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system having elongate clamping members in accordance with a twenty-first example embodiment. -
FIG. 28 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of an elongate clamping member of the flexible protection member ofFIG. 27 taken along lines 28-28 and showing the elongate clamping member in a closed configuration. -
FIG. 29 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of the elongate clamping member ofFIG. 28 in an open configuration. -
FIG. 30 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a flexible protection member of a fire and smoke protection system in accordance with a twenty-second example embodiment, having a front surface imprinted or embossed with a pattern. -
FIG. 31 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a twenty-third example embodiment, in which the flexible protection member is formed from a multi-layer structure including a metal foil element and multiple wire mesh elements. -
FIG. 32 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fire and smoke protection system, in accordance with a twenty-fourth example embodiment, in which the flexible protection member is formed from a multi-layer structure including multiple metal foil elements and multiple wire mesh elements. -
FIG. 33 displays a schematic, partial diagram of a device, in accordance with a twenty-fifth example embodiment, for manufacturing a multi-layer composite material for use in making a flexible protection member. - Referring now to the drawings in which like elements and steps have similar numbers throughout the several views,
FIG. 1 displays a schematic, front elevational view of a fire andsmoke protection system 100, in accordance with a first example embodiment, for substantially sealing anopening 102 in a building structure and limiting the spread of fire and smoke through theopening 102 during a fire. The fire and smoke protection system 100 (also sometimes referred to herein as the “system 100”) is adapted for secure connection to awall 104 relative to theopening 102 and is configurable in a first configuration (also sometimes referred to herein as a “storage configuration”) that permits ingress and egress through theopening 102 when no fire or smoke exists. Thesystem 100 is also configurable in a second configuration (also sometimes referred to herein as a “fully-deployed configuration” or a “protection configuration”) in which thesystem 100 significantly limits or prevents the spread of fire and smoke through theopening 102 during a fire. - The fire and
smoke protection system 100 comprises aflexible protection member 106 and a winding shaft 108 (or reel 108) about and onto which theflexible protection member 106 is fully-wound (and, hence, fully-retracted) when thesystem 100 is configured in the storage configuration so as not to occlude theopening 102. Conversely, theflexible element 106 is fully-unwound from the windingshaft 108 when thesystem 100 is configured in the fully-deployed configuration so that theflexible protection member 106 fully occludes theopening 102. Thus, theflexible protection member 106 is selectively configurable to occlude or not occlude theopening 102. While theflexible protection member 106 may have multiple layers and multiple types of materials that are configured and manufactured in different arrangements in the various example embodiments described herein, theflexible protection member 106 generally includes a sheet-like member that is relatively thin in thickness as compared the lateral and longitudinal dimensions thereof. For reference, the term “longitudinal” is used herein to refer to the direction in which theflexible protection member 106 is deployed or retracted, and frequently has its longest dimension. The term “lateral” is used herein to refer to the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and in which theflexible protection member 106 often has its shortest dimension other than thickness. - The fire and
smoke protection system 100 may be additionally configured in a plurality of intermediate configurations as illustrated inFIG. 1 . As seen in the intermediate configuration ofFIG. 1 , theflexible protection member 106 is substantially unwound from the windingshaft 108 and extended to significantly, although not entirely, occlude theopening 102. In other intermediate configurations, theflexible protection member 106 is partially unwound from the windingshaft 108 and occludes theopening 102 to a lesser or greater extent. It should be understood and appreciated that although theflexible protection member 106 of the fire andsmoke protection system 100 is oriented to deploy and retract in the vertical direction according to the first example embodiment and other example embodiments described herein, theflexible protection member 106 may be oriented to deploy and retract in the horizontal direction (or, for that matter, in other directions) in other example embodiments. For this reason, the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are sparingly used herein. - The
system 100 also comprises a windingshaft motor 109 mounted within the windingshaft 108 that is operable to rotate the windingshaft 108 in order to retract and wind theflexible protection member 106 onto the windingshaft 108 or to extend and unwind theflexible protection member 106 from the windingshaft 108. Afirst guide 110A and an opposedsecond guide 110B of thesystem 100 are secured to thewall 104 at respectively opposed locations relative to theopening 102 and define recesses therein for at least partially and respectively receiving opposed first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. During winding or unwinding of theflexible protection member 106 onto/from the windingshaft 108 as thesystem 100 is reconfigured between the storage configuration and fully-deployed configuration, the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106 ride and move respectively within and relative to the recesses of the first andsecond guides wall 104 andopening 102 for receiving the lateral edges 112 of theflexible protection member 106. The guides 110 are generally manufactured from an appropriately selected material capable of withstanding the high temperatures produced by fires absent yielding, deflection, or deformation. - Additionally, the
flexible protection member 106 has a firstlongitudinal edge 114A (seeFIG. 2 ) and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B that extend between the element's first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B. The firstlongitudinal edge 114A is generally secured to the windingshaft 108 to facilitate winding and unwinding of theflexible protection member 106 to or from the windingshaft 108. The fire andsmoke protection system 100 further comprises arail 116 that is mounted to afoot 118 of theflexible protection member 106. Thefoot 118 is connected to and extends along the secondlongitudinal edge 114B of theflexible protection member 106 and at least between the lateral edges 112 thereof. When thesystem 100 is configured in the storage configuration, therail 116 resides in a position flush with a first longitudinal edge of theopening 102 to permit ingress and egress through theopening 102. When thesystem 100 is configured in the protection configuration, therail 116 resides in position in contact with and substantially parallel to an opposed, secondlongitudinal edge 120 of theopening 102. - The
flexible protection member 106 comprises a wovenfabric element 122 manufactured from a woven fabric made from a non-flammable, fire resistant material having appropriate or desired fire resistance. The woven fabric has high structural stability and provides stability to theflexible protection member 106. A fire resistant material, acceptable according to the example embodiments described herein, may be obtained from KTex of Herzogenrath, Germany. Theflexible protection member 106 further comprises a knittedfabric element 124 that laterally and longitudinally surrounds the wovenfabric element 122 as theflexible protection member 106 is seen inFIG. 1 . In accordance with the first example embodiment and other example embodiments described herein, the knittedfabric element 124 is manufactured from a non-flammable, fire resistant knitted fabric having at least one thread type comprising glass threads and at least one stainless steel wire (and/or a wire made from stainless steel). The knitted fabric has a course density in the range of one (1) to ten (10) courses per centimeter and/or a density in the range of one (1) to ten (10) weft threads or warp thread per centimeter. - Generally, the woven
fabric element 122 and knittedfabric element 124 are each light in weight and contribute to theflexible protection member 106 also being relatively light in weight. Since knitted fabric has a relatively low resistance to deformation (especially when compared to woven fabric), the knittedfabric element 124 yields in response to external forces being applied to theflexible protection member 106. Thus, advantageously, theflexible protection members 106 of the first and other example embodiments herein including knitted fabric element(s) 124 also have improved tolerance to external forces that may be applied to theflexible protection members 106 during a fire such as, for example, the force exerted by a jet or stream of water from a fire hose. Additionally, when aflexible protection member 106 includes a wovenfabric element 122 and aknitted fabric element 124, theflexible protection member 106 may be manufactured using known manufacturing processes. For example, known knitting machines may be used in the manufacture of theflexible protection member 106 including, for example and not limitation, circular or flat knitting machines. Acceptable knitting machines for the manufacture of theflexible protection member 106 according to the first and other example embodiments include known knitting machines made by the H. Stoll GmbH & Co. KG of Reutlingen, Germany and Mayer & Cie. GmbH & Co. KG of Tailfingen, Germany. - As used herein, the term “fire resistant material” refers to a material used to construct a component or object comprising a woven, non-woven or knitted fabric that is either non-flammable or has substantial resistance to burning. Fire resistant materials may include glass fibers, metal fibers, and/or wires. Typically, the woven and knitted fabrics of the example embodiments are selected to prevent a fire from spreading or delay the flow of smoke through an
opening 102 for a desired, pre-determined amount of time such as, for example thirty (30), ninety (90) or one hundred and twenty (120) minutes and may, or may not, be selected in accordance with various fire codes issued by governmental agencies or standards bodies. - The term “knitted fabric” is used herein to refer a flat, material object made from a plurality of threads or thread systems that are connected with themselves or each other by stitches. A single type of thread or different types of threads may be used in the object. And, the object may be warp-knitted (warp knit) or weft-knitted (weft knit) with the weft-knitted object being more favored due to its ease of manufacture. If the object is woven, the object may comprise a weft-knitted fabric having only one thread that is simultaneously stitched by multiple needles. However, the object may also comprise a fabric made from several threads that are intertwined with each other.
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FIGS. 2A , 2B and 2C respectively display schematic, front elevational, bottom plan, and partial back elevational views of the system'sflexible protection member 106 in accordance with the first example embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 2A and as described above with reference toFIG. 1 , theflexible protection member 106 comprises a wovenfabric element 122 and aknitted fabric element 124, and has a generally rectangular shape with an overall width, “A”, and an overall height, “B”. The wovenfabric element 122 also has a generally rectangular shape with a width, “C”, (seeFIG. 2B ) and height, “D”, that are respectively smaller than the overall width, A, and overall height, B, of theflexible protection member 106 such that the knittedfabric element 124 appears to “frame” the wovenfabric element 122 when viewed inFIG. 2A . In actuality, the knittedfabric element 124 comprises fourportions FIGS. 2A and 2B and each having a dimension, “E”, that is less than the width and height of the wovenfabric element 122. Each knittedfabric element portion fabric element 122 so that it overlaps part of the wovenfabric element 122 as illustrated inFIG. 2B . It should be understood and appreciated that while eachportion fabric element 124 has an equal dimension, E, according to the first example embodiment, eachportion fabric element 124 may have a dimension, E, in other example embodiments that is the same as or different from one or more of theother portions fabric element 124. - Each
portion fabric element 124 is generally secured to the wovenfabric element 122 in a similar manner via a seam 128 formed therebetween in the respective regions where eachportion fabric element 124 respectively overlaps the wovenfabric element 122.Seams FIGS. 2B and 2C , andsecure portions fabric element 124 to the wovenfabric element 122.Seams secure portions fabric element 124 to the wovenfabric element 122, but are not visible inFIGS. 2B and 2C and, hence, are not described herein. - According to the first example embodiment, each seam 128 is formed at least in part by a first row of
stitches 130 and a second row ofstitches 132 usingthread 134 to couple arespective portion fabric element 124 to the woven fabric element 122 (seeFIGS. 2B and 2C ). The first row ofstitches 130 of each seam 128 is substantially parallel to the second row ofstitches 132 of the same seam 128. Each row ofstitches FIG. 2C ) arranged in astitching pattern 138 in which thestitches 136 are positioned relatively close together in groups ofstitches 140 separated or offset from preceding and succeeding groups ofstitches 140 bygaps 142 andthread 134 extending across thegaps 142. Additionally, the first and second rows ofstitches stitching arrangement 144 in which the first row ofstitches 130 is offset relative to the second row ofstitches 132 such that groups ofstitches 140 of the first row ofstitches 130 reside substantially adjacent togaps 142 in the second row ofstitches 132 and groups ofstitches 140 of the second row ofstitches 132 reside substantially adjacent togaps 142 in the first row ofstitches 130. By configuring the rows ofstitches stitching arrangement 144, each seam 128 is able to expand so that an unequal stretch between theknitted fabric element 124 and wovenfabric element 122 does not lead to an excessively great strain on the fire resistant material in the area around thestitches 136. In other example embodiments and to provide additional coupling strength, the knittedfabric element 124 and the wovenfabric element 122 may be held together not only by seams 128, but also by an adhesive film arranged between theknitted fabric element 124 and the wovenfabric element 122. - The
thread 134 used to couple theknitted fabric element 124 to the wovenfabric element 122 comprises, in accordance with the first example embodiment, a fireresistant thread 134, thereby making each seam 128 more fire resistant and increasing the likelihood of the knittedfabric element 124 remaining coupled to the wovenfabric element 122 when exposed to fire. The fireresistant thread 134 generally includes multiple metal threads or at least one metal wire including, for example and not limitation, a wire made from steel or, more preferably, from stainless steel. By using such wires, thethread 134 has high resistance to fire, but yet is sufficiently flexible to enable theflexible protection member 106 to be wound around and unwound from windingshaft 108. As an alternative, thethread 134 may comprise cotton, glass, or aramid fibers, and/or a combination thereof. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B respectively display bottom plan and partial back elevational schematic views of aflexible protection member 106 in accordance with a second example embodiment. Theflexible protection member 106 of the second example embodiment comprises a first wovenfabric element 122A coupled to a first knittedfabric element 124A viaseams 128A formed in substantially the same manner as in the first example embodiment. However, theflexible protection member 106 also comprises a second wovenfabric element 122B coupled to a second knittedfabric element 124B viaseams 128B also formed in substantially the same manner as in the first example embodiment. Additionally, theflexible protection member 106 comprises anintumescent material member 146 positioned between the first and second wovenfabric elements fabric elements fabric elements intumescent material member 146 form a sandwich structure or arrangement. - As used herein, the term “intumescent” refers to a material having a heat consuming, or endothermic, physical reaction or an endothermal chemical reaction when exposed to heat. An intumescent material, acceptable for use in the
intumescent material member 146 in accordance with the second and other example embodiments herein, includes expandable graphite. In other example embodiments, theintumescent material member 146 comprises a base layer of theflexible protection member 106 and is manufactured from a fire resistant material into the loops of which an intumescent material is incorporated. The fire resistant material may be manufactured from woven or knitted fabric, but it is advantageous if the fire resistant material comprises a knitted fabric as the knitted fabric yields if the intumescent material expands. Also, if the loops of the fire resistant material are made with both fire resistant threads and non-fire resistant threads, the loops made with non-fire resistant thread come undone upon exposure to fire, thereby causing the knitted fabric to have a larger surface area and giving the intumescent material more space to expand. Alternatively, in other example embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 includes a fire resistant material that is coated with an intumescent material. In still other embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 may incorporate an intumescent material in a variety of other arrangements and manners, including those described in International Patent Application No. PCT/DE2008/000999 entitled “Fire-Resistant Closure” and filed on Jun. 19, 2008 (published as International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2008/154906 A1 on Dec. 24, 2008), the teachings of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by this reference. -
FIGS. 4A and 4B respectively display bottom plan and partial back elevational schematic views of aflexible protection member 106 in accordance with a third example embodiment. Theflexible protection member 106 of the third example embodiment is substantially similar to theflexible protection member 106 of the second example embodiment described above. However, in theflexible protection member 106 of the third example embodiment, the first wovenfabric element 122A is coupled to a first knittedfabric element 124A viaseams 128A and the second wovenfabric element 122B is coupled to a second knittedfabric element 124B viaseams 128B, where seams 128A, 128B are formed in different manner than the seams 128 of the first and second example embodiments. More particularly, each row ofstitches FIG. 4C ) arranged in astitching pattern 138 in which thestitches 136 are not positioned together in groups ofstitches 140 as in the first and second example embodiments. Instead, thestitches 136 of each row ofstitches stitching pattern 138 in which eachstitch 136 is separated, or offset, from preceding and succeedingstitches 136 by agap 142 andthread 134 extending across eachgap 142. In addition, the first and second rows ofstitches stitching arrangement 144 in which the first row ofstitches 130 is offset relative to the second row ofstitches 132 such that stitches 136 of the first row ofstitches 130 reside substantially adjacent togaps 142 in the second row ofstitches 132 and stitches 136 of the second row ofstitches 132 reside substantially adjacent togaps 142 in the first row ofstitches 130. Advantageously, the use ofstitching pattern 138 andstitching arrangement 144 to form seams 128 is not damaging to the fire resistant material of the wovenfabric element 122 and knittedfabric element 124. Further, the use ofstitching pattern 138 andstitching arrangement 144 also renders the seams 128 more flexible when stretched along their length than if other stitching patterns or stitching arrangements were used. Due to such increased flexibility, the seams 128 tend to minimize the force transmitted to the fire resistant fabrics when a force is exerted on theflexible protection member 106. -
FIGS. 5A , 5B and 5C respectively display front elevational, bottom plan, and partial back elevational schematic views of the system'sflexible protection member 106 in accordance with a fourth example embodiment. Theflexible protection member 106 of the fourth example embodiment is substantially similar to theflexible protection member 106 of the first example embodiment described above with the exception that the wovenfabric element 122 is coupled near its lateral edges to a first knittedfabric element 124A and a second knittedfabric element 124B via seams 128. Also, the seams 128 are formed in a different manner than the seams 128 of the first example embodiment. More specifically, each seam 128 is formed by a first row ofstitches 130 including a plurality of individual stitches 136 (illustrated as squares inFIG. 5C ) arranged in astitching pattern 138 comprising a zigzag pattern in which eachstitch 136 is laterally and longitudinally separated, or offset, from preceding and succeedingstitches 136 by agap 142 andthread 134 extending across eachgap 142. Each seam 128 may also be formed by a second row ofstitches 132 arranged in a stitching pattern (not shown inFIG. 5C ) comprising a zigzag pattern similar to the first row ofstitches 130 or a stitching pattern similar to those stitching patterns of the first and third example embodiments. Advantageously, stitches 136 arranged in azigzag pattern 138 produce a relatively flexible seam 128. Because the knittedfabric elements fabric element 122 from becoming uncoupled and separated from the knittedfabric elements - The
flexible protection members 106 of the second, third and fourth example embodiments described above highlight the benefits obtained through the use of seams 128 havingparticular stitching patterns 138 andstitching arrangements 144 in minimizing the adverse effects of forces applied to theflexible protection members 106. Similarly, theflexible protection members 106 of the fifth and sixth example embodiments described below with respect toFIGS. 6A , 6B, 7A and 7B highlight similar benefits obtained through the use of seams 128 formed between wovenfabric elements 122 and knittedfabric elements 124 with fire resistant 134 and non-fire resistant thread 154. -
FIG. 6A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam 128 of a multi-layerflexible protection member 106 having a single knittedfabric element 124, in accordance with a fifth example embodiment, prior to exposure to fire. As seen inFIG. 6A , theflexible protection member 106 comprises a first wovenfabric element 122A, a second wovenfabric element 122B, and aknitted fabric element 124 that are substantially similar to those of the second and third embodiments. In the fifth example embodiment, the first wovenfabric element 122A, second wovenfabric element 122B, and knittedfabric element 124 form a multi-layer structure. As seen inFIG. 6A , a portion of the second wovenfabric element 122B is positioned immediately adjacent to and between a portion of the first wovenfabric element 122A and the knittedfabric element 124. The first wovenfabric element 122A overlaps the second wovenfabric element 122B to form two or more layers in anoverlap zone 148. Outside of theoverlap zone 148, the wovenfabric elements - The seam 128 is formed between the
woven fabric elements fabric element 124 by a first row ofstitches 130 between wovenfabric element 122A and the knittedfabric element 124 and by a second row ofstitches 132 between wovenfabric element 122B and the knittedfabric element 124. The first and second rows ofstitches resistant thread 134. The seam 128 is also formed between thewoven fabric elements fabric element 124 third and fourth rows ofstitches fabric elements fabric element 124. The third and fourth rows ofstitches - During exposure of the multi-layer structure and seam 128 to fire, the third and fourth rows of
stitches fabric element 124 expands and stretches. With the third and fourth rows ofstitches FIG. 6B after exposure to fire, the wovenfabric elements fabric element 124 only by the first and second rows ofstitches overlap zone 148 has substantially come undone with minimal overlap remaining and a sizable gap 156 being created between the first wovenfabric element 122A and the knittedfabric element 124. However, by virtue of the third and fourth rows ofstitches stitches fabric element 124 is permitted to stretch and absorb the forces acting on theflexible protection member 106 during a fire. As a consequence, any distortion is focused in the knittedfabric element 124 and not in the wovenfabric elements stitches fabric element 124 aid theflexible protection member 106 in avoiding the adverse effects of an external force. -
FIG. 7A displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of a seam 128 of a multi-layerflexible protection member 106, in accordance with a sixth example embodiment, prior to exposure to fire. Theflexible protection member 106 comprises a first wovenfabric element 122A, a second wovenfabric element 122B, a first knittedfabric element 124A, and a second knittedfabric element 124B that are substantially similar to those of the second and third embodiments. In the sixth example embodiment, the first and second wovenfabric elements fabric elements 124B form a multi-layer structure. As seen inFIG. 7A , the first and second wovenfabric elements fabric element 122A overlaps a portion of the second wovenfabric element 122B to define anoverlap zone 148. The first knitted fabric element is located immediately adjacent a portion of the first wovenfabric element 122A and the second knitted fabric element is located immediately adjacent a portion of the second wovenfabric element 122A. - The seam 128 is formed between the
woven fabric elements fabric elements stitches 130 extending betweenknitted fabric element 124A, wovenfabric element 122A, and knittedfabric element 124B and by a second row ofstitches 132 extending betweenknitted fabric element 124A, wovenfabric element 122B, and knittedfabric element 124B. The first and second rows ofstitches resistant thread 134. The seam 128 is also formed between thewoven fabric elements fabric elements stitches fabric elements fabric elements stitches - Similar to seam 128 of the fifth example embodiment, the third and fourth rows of
stitches FIG. 7B and with the third and fourth rows ofstitches fabric elements overlap zone 148 is substantially reduced in size. Also, the first wovenfabric element 122A remains connected to knittedfabric elements stitches 130, and the second wovenfabric element 122B remains connected to knittedfabric elements stitches 132. Advantageously, while theoverlap zone 148 has been significantly reduced in size due to the effects of fire, theoverlap zone 148 remains covered on both sides by the knittedfabric elements fabric elements flexible protection member 106. -
FIG. 8 displays a fire andsmoke protection system 100, in accordance with a seventh example embodiment, for substantially sealing anopening 102 in a building structure and limiting the spread of fire and smoke through theopening 102 during a fire. Thesystem 100 is substantially similar to thesystem 100 of the first embodiment, except that theflexible protection member 106 is configured differently. According to the seventh example embodiment and as seen in the intermediate configuration ofFIG. 8 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A and an opposed secondlateral edge 112B. Additionally, theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlongitudinal edge 114A and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B that extend between the element's first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B. The firstlongitudinal edge 114A is generally secured to the windingshaft 108 to facilitate winding and unwinding of theflexible protection member 106 to or from the windingshaft 108. The secondlongitudinal edge 114B is connected to afoot 118 of theflexible protection member 106 that contacts an edge of theopening 102 when thesystem 100 is configured in the fully-deployed configuration. - As seen in
FIG. 8 , theflexible protection member 106 comprises multiple elongate wovenfabric elements 122 and multiple elongate knittedfabric elements 124 that each extend between thelongitudinal edges flexible protection member 106. However, each of the multiple elongate wovenfabric elements 122 and multiple elongate knittedfabric elements 124 extend only partially between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106 such that the multiple elongate wovenfabric elements 122 and multiple elongate knittedfabric elements 124 are arranged adjacent to one another in the form of fabric strips. In such arrangement, the elongate wovenfabric elements 122 and elongate knittedfabric elements 124 are configured alternately in the lateral direction between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. Thus, a first elongate knittedfabric element 124A is positioned at and aligned along the firstlateral edge 112A of theflexible protection member 106. A first elongate wovenfabric element 122A extends adjacent to the first elongate knittedfabric element 124A nearestlateral edge 112B and is coupled to the first elongate knittedfabric element 124A by afirst seam 128A. A second elongate knittedfabric element 124B extends adjacent to the first elongate wovenfabric element 122A nearestlateral edge 112B and is coupled to the first elongate wovenfabric element 122A by asecond seam 128B. A second elongate wovenfabric element 122B extends adjacent to the second elongate knittedfabric element 124B nearestlateral edge 112B and is coupled to the first elongate knittedfabric element 124B by athird seam 128C. A third elongate knittedfabric element 124C extends adjacent to the second elongate wovenfabric element 122B positioned at and aligned with the secondlateral edge 112B of theflexible protection member 106 and is coupled to the second elongate wovenfabric element 122B by afourth seam 128D. -
Seams fabric elements 122 and knittedfabric elements 124 may be present in different numbers, different sizes and be arranged in different arrangements in other example embodiments. -
FIG. 9 displays a schematic, top plan view of aflexible protection member 106 in accordance with an eighth example embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 9 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, and a general shape substantially similar to theflexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein. Theflexible protection member 106 of the eighth example embodiment comprises a wovenfabric layer 158 and aknitted fabric layer 160. The wovenfabric layer 158 includes a wovenfabric element 122 that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Theknitted fabric layer 160 includes a knittedfabric element 124 that also extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Thus, the wovenfabric element 122 and knittedfabric element 124 extend entirely adjacent and substantially parallel to one another. The wovenfabric element 122 and knittedfabric element 124 are coupled together byseams resistant thread 134. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128A, 128B may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated that in other example embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements. -
FIG. 10 displays a schematic, top plan view of aflexible protection member 106 in accordance with a ninth example embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 10 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, and a general shape substantially similar to theflexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein. Theflexible protection member 106 of the ninth example embodiment comprises a wovenfabric layer 158. The wovenfabric layer 158 includes a wovenfabric element 122 that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Theflexible protection member 106 also comprises a knittedfabric element 124 that, unlike the wovenfabric element 122, does not extend entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Instead, the knittedfabric element 124 includes afirst portion 126A and an opposedsecond portion 126B, each having a substantially rectangular shape when seen in top plan view. Thefirst portion 126A of the knittedfabric element 124 is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the firstlateral edge 112A of theflexible protection member 106. Thesecond portion 126B of the knittedfabric element 124 is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the secondlateral edge 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Each of the first andsecond portions fabric element 122 and is generally secured to the wovenfabric element 122 viaseams fabric element 122. Seams 128 are formed substantially similar to seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fireresistant thread 134. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128A, 128B may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated that in other example embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements. -
FIG. 11 displays a schematic, top plan view of aflexible protection member 106 in accordance with a tenth example embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 11 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, and a general shape substantially similar to theflexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein. Theflexible protection member 106 of the tenth example embodiment comprises aknitted fabric layer 160. Theknitted fabric layer 160 includes a knittedfabric element 124 that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Theflexible protection member 106 also comprises a wovenfabric element 122 that, unlike the knittedfabric element 124, does not extend entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Instead, the wovenfabric element 122 includes afirst portion 162A and an opposedsecond portion 162B, each having a substantially rectangular shape when seen in top plan view. Thefirst portion 162A of the wovenfabric element 122 is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the firstlateral edge 112A of theflexible protection member 106. Thesecond portion 162B of the wovenfabric element 122 is positioned adjacent to and aligned with the secondlateral edge 112B of theflexible protection member 106. - Each of the first and
second portions fabric element 122 extends adjacent to the knittedfabric element 124 and is generally secured to the knittedfabric element 124 viaseams fabric element 124. Seams 128 are formed substantially similar to seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fireresistant thread 134. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128A, 128B may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated that in other example embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements. -
FIG. 12 displays a schematic, top plan view of aflexible protection member 106 in accordance with an eleventh example embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 12 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, and a general shape substantially similar to theflexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein. Theflexible protection member 106 of the eleventh example embodiment comprises a first wovenfabric layer 158A and a second wovenfabric layer 158B. The first wovenfabric layer 158A includes a wovenfabric element 122A that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The second wovenfabric layer 158B includes a wovenfabric element 122B that also extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Thus, the first wovenfabric element 122A and the second wovenfabric element 122B extend substantially parallel to one another. - The
flexible protection member 106 further comprises ametal foil element 164 that extends between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Themetal foil element 164 is positioned between the first and second wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 is manufactured from high grade, stainless steel such as, for example and not limitation, V4A steel (also known as 1.4404 steel) or a stainless steel having eighteen percent (18%) chrome and ten percent (10%) nickel that demonstrates low strain hardening, as theflexible protection member 106 may be rolled and unrolled many times to test operation of the fire andsmoke protection system 100. Alternatively, themetal foil element 164 may be manufactured from a steel whose yield strength increases with heating (such as, for example, a dual phase steel) in order to provide theflexible protection member 106 with increased strength during and after a fire. Generally, the metal foil has a thickness between twenty micrometers (20 μm) and two hundred micrometers (200 μm) when the metal foil is not used alone in aflexible protection member 106. When the metal foil is used alone, the metal foil typically has a thickness of more than one hundred micrometers (100 μm). - The woven
fabric elements metal foil element 164 are coupled together by seams (not shown) that are formed substantially similar to the seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fireresistant thread 134. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128A, 128B may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated that in other example embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, intumescent elements, metal foil elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, metal foil, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements. - It should be understood and appreciated that the
metal foil element 164 of this example embodiment (and, for that matter, the other example embodiments described herein) is self-supporting, meaning that it is sufficiently strong and stable enough to carry its own weight absent support from other elements or components. By virtue of themetal foil elements 164 being self-supporting, theflexible protection members 106 described herein havingmetal foil elements 164 as a single or central element of a multi-layer structure are possible, but would not be possible if themetal foil elements 164 comprised metal foil merely mounted on a fire resistant material. -
FIG. 13 displays a schematic, top plan view of aflexible protection member 106 in accordance with a twelfth example embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 13 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, and a general shape substantially similar to theflexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein. Theflexible protection member 106 of the twelfth example embodiment comprises a first wovenfabric layer 158A and a second wovenfabric layer 158B. The first wovenfabric layer 158A includes a wovenfabric element 122A that extends partially between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The second wovenfabric layer 158B includes a wovenfabric element 122B that also extends partially between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Thus, the first wovenfabric element 122A and the second wovenfabric element 122B extend substantially parallel to one another. - The
flexible protection member 106 further comprises ametal foil element 164 that extends partially between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106 to the same extent as thewoven fabric elements 122. Themetal foil element 164 is positioned between the first and second wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 is manufactured from high grade steel such as, for example and not limitation, V4A steel (also known as 1.440 steel). It should be understood and appreciated that themetal foil element 164 may be manufactured from other types of steels or metals in other example embodiments. - Additionally, the
flexible protection member 106 comprises first and second knittedfabric elements fabric element 122A and second wovenfabric element 122B, respectively. The first knittedfabric element 124A includes first and second portions 126A1, 126A2 that each extend only partially between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The first portion 126A1 of the first knittedfabric element 124A overlaps a first end of the wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 and extends to the firstlateral edge 112A of theflexible protection member 106. The second portion 126A2 of the first knittedfabric element 124A overlaps a second end of the wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 and extends to the secondlateral edge 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Similarly, the second knittedfabric element 124B includes first and second portions 126B1, 126B2 that each extend only partially between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The first portion 126B1 of the second knittedfabric element 124B overlaps a first end of the wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 and extends to the firstlateral edge 112A of theflexible protection member 106. The second portion 126B2 of the second knittedfabric element 124B overlaps a second end of the wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 and extends to the secondlateral edge 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The first and second knittedfabric elements 124 are connected to leads nearlateral edges - The woven
fabric elements 122, knittedfabric elements 124, andmetal foil element 164 are coupled together by a plurality of seams 128. More specifically, the first portion 126A1 of the first knittedfabric element 124A, wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164, and the first portion 126B1 of the second knittedfabric element 124B are coupled together by seam 128A1. Similarly, the second portion 126A2 of the first knittedfabric element 124A, wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164, and the second portion 126B2 of the second knittedfabric element 124B are coupled together by seam 128A2. The first portion 126A1 of the first knittedfabric element 124A and the first portion 126B1 of the second knittedfabric element 124B are coupled together by seam 128B1. Similarly, the second portion 126A2 of the first knittedfabric element 124A and the second portion 126B2 of the second knittedfabric element 124B are coupled together by seam 128B2. The seams 128 are formed in a manner that is substantially similar to the seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above using fireresistant thread 134. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128 may alternatively use one or more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated that in other example embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 may comprise additional woven fabric elements, knitted fabric elements, intumescent elements, metal foil elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, metal foil, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements. - In use, when an external force, “F”, is exerted on or acts upon the first woven
fabric element 122A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first wovenfabric element 122A, the wovenfabric elements 122 andmetal foil element 164 tend to sag. Concurrently, the knittedfabric elements 124 tend to stretch as astretchable element 166. Because the elasticity of thestretchable element 166 is at least five times larger than the elasticity of themetal foil element 164, the distortion due to the force, F, is primarily in thestretchable element 166 when the force, F, is acting. As used herein, the term “elasticity” refers to the relative elongation in the direction of an applied force divided by the applied force and normalized to the width of each relative element. Essentially, “elasticity” refers to the Hooke's field, i.e. the interval in which Hooke' s approximation applies. If a Hooke' s interval does not exist, the elasticity refers to the interval between zero (0) and one percent (1%) relative expansion. In this and other example embodiments herein, it is advantageous if thestretchable element 166 comprises a knitted fabric. -
FIG. 14 displays a schematic, top plan view of aflexible protection member 106 in accordance with a thirteenth example embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 14 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, and a general shape substantially similar to theflexible protection members 106 of the other example embodiments described herein. Theflexible protection member 106 of the thirteenth example embodiment comprises a first knittedfabric layer 160A and a second knittedfabric layer 160B. The first knittedfabric layer 160A includes a knittedfabric element 124A that extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. The second knittedfabric layer 160B includes a knittedfabric element 124B that also extends entirely between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Thus, the first knittedfabric element 124A and the second knittedfabric element 124B extend substantially parallel to one another. - The
flexible protection member 106 further comprises ametal foil element 164 that extends only partially between the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Themetal foil element 164 is positioned between the first and second knittedfabric elements metal foil element 164 is manufactured from high grade steel such as, for example and not limitation, V4A steel (also known as 1.440 steel). It should be understood and appreciated that themetal foil element 164 may be manufactured from other types of steels or metals in other example embodiments. - The knitted
fabric elements seams stitches resistant thread 134 that are similar to the rows ofstitches 130 used in seams 128 of the first example embodiment described above. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that seams 128A, 128B may alternatively use more rows of stitches, one or more stitching patterns, and one or more stitching arrangements as described or not described in the other example embodiments. It should also be understood and appreciated that in other example embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 may comprise additional knitted fabric elements and/or metal foil elements, woven fabric elements, intumescent elements, and/or layers of woven fabric, knitted fabric, intumescent, metal foil, or other materials in the same or different sizes, shapes and arrangements. - When an external force, “F”, is exerted on or acts upon the knitted
fabric element 124A in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first knittedfabric element 124A, the knittedfabric elements 124 tend to stretch as astretchable element 166 in the regions where themetal foil element 164 does not extend and is not present. Because the elasticity of thestretchable element 166 is considerably larger than the elasticity of themetal foil element 164, the distortion due to the force, F, is primarily in thestretchable element 166 when the force, F, is acting. -
FIG. 15 displays a schematic, front perspective view of aflexible protection element 108 of a fire andsmoke protection system 100, in accordance with a fourteenth example embodiment, in anopening 102 through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited. Theopening 102 is, for ease and purposes of illustration, defined by aframe 200. Other elements of the fire andsmoke protection system 100 have been omitted from the view for clarity. Theframe 200, as seen inFIG. 15 and for reference, includes a pair ofopposed side panels top panel 204 that extends between theside panels optional bottom panel 206 that also extends between theside panels - The fire and
smoke protection system 100 comprises aflexible protection member 106 that is gathered within and/or relative to theopening 102. Theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A and an opposed secondlateral edge 112B that extend in a generally longitudinal direction, and has a firstlongitudinal edge 114A and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B that extend in a generally lateral direction betweenlateral edges longitudinal edge 114A of theflexible protection member 106 extends adjacent the frame'stop panel 204 such that theflexible protection member 106 extends substantially entirely between theside panels frame 200 withlateral edges side panels - According to the fourteenth example embodiment, the
flexible protection member 106 generally comprises a substantiallynon-stretchable portion 208 and astretchable portion 210. Thenon-stretchable portion 208 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular thereto indicated byarrow 212 and extends only partially betweenlateral edges longitudinal edges non-stretchable portion 208 is surrounded on three sides by thestretchable portion 210 of theflexible protection member 106 such that a first section 214A of thestretchable portion 210 is present between thenon-stretchable portion 208 and firstlongitudinal edge 114A and such that second andthird sections 214B, 214C of thestretchable portion 210 are present, respectively, between thenon-stretchable portion 208 and the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B. Thenon-stretchable portion 208 has a multi-layer structure and includes first and second wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 positioned therebetween. The first and second wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 are coupled together via seams formed using fireresistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein. Thestretchable portion 210 of theflexible protection member 106 generally comprises a knittedfabric element 124 which stretches and is coupled to thenon-stretchable portion 208 also by seams formed using fireresistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein. - The first section 214A of the
stretchable portion 210 of theflexible protection member 106 forms a gathered portion 216 (also sometimes referred to herein as a “foldedportion 216” or “overlappingportion 216”) relatively near the inside surface of the frame'stop panel 204 and the member's firstlongitudinal edge 114A. To form the gatheredportion 216, the first section 214A of thestretchable portion 210 is folded alongfold lines lateral edges first part 220A of the gatheredportion 216 extending from the member's firstlongitudinal edge 114A to thefirst fold line 218A in a direction generally toward the member's secondlongitudinal edge 114B, asecond part 220B of the gatheredportion 216 extending between thefirst fold line 218A and thesecond fold line 218B in a direction generally toward the member's firstlongitudinal edge 114A, and athird part 220C of the gatheredportion 216 extending in a direction generally toward the member's secondlongitudinal edge 114B. Thus, in the gatheredportion 216, thesecond part 220B of the gatheredportion 216 is oriented substantially adjacent to and overlaps a portion of thefirst part 220A of the gatheredportion 216. Similarly, a portion of thethird part 220C of the gatheredportion 216 is oriented substantially adjacent to and overlaps thesecond part 220B of the gatheredportion 216. Collectively, the first, second andthird parts flexible protection member 106. - In order to maintain the first, second and
third parts portion 216 so arranged and in the storage configuration, a seam 128 is formed using rows ofstitches stitches flexible protection member 106 to fire, thestretchable portion 210 stretches and coupled with the fire causes the rows ofstitches portion 216 to come undone and allowing the force of gravity to act onparts flexible protection member 106. - Once un-gathered, the
stretchable portion 210 and, hence, theflexible protection member 108 have increased surface area with which to receive, distribute, and absorb a force exerted on theflexible protection member 108. Also, the first, second andthird parts stretchable portion 210 may stretch and yield, since they are formed of a stretchable material, in response to a force exerted on theflexible protection member 108. Additionally, the second andthird sections 214B, 214C of thestretchable portion 210 present, respectively, between thenon-stretchable portion 208 and the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B may also stretch and yield, since they are formed of a stretchable material, in response to force applied to theflexible protection member 108. Thus, at least by virtue of the un-gathering of the first section 214A of thestretchable portion 210 and the presence of the second andthird sections 214B, 214C of thestretchable portion 210, theflexible protection member 108 is reconfigurable into a configuration that is more able to stretch and bulge in a direction normal to the surface of theflexible protection member 108 and, hence, better resist forces applied to theflexible protection member 108, including, but not limited to, forces corresponding to a stream of water from a fire hose. - In addition, because the first section 214A of the
stretchable portion 210 is initially gathered, thestretchable portion 210 and theflexible protection member 106 may be sized to be much larger and have substantially greater surface area in the un-gathered configuration. Further, the ability of theflexible protection member 106 to resist force is not solely dependent upon the stretchability and elastic properties of the materials employed therein. -
FIG. 16 displays a schematic, front perspective view of a flexible protection element of a fire andsmoke protection system 100, in accordance with a fifteenth example embodiment, in an opening through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited. Theflexible protection member 106 is substantially similar to theflexible protection member 106 of the fourteenth example embodiment, is displayed using asimilar frame 200 andopening 102, and comprises aflexible protection member 106 having anon-stretchable portion 208 and a couplednon-stretchable portion 210. - Similar to fourteenth example embodiment, the
non-stretchable portion 208 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular thereto indicated byarrow 212 and extends only partially betweenlateral edges longitudinal edges flexible protection member 106. Thenon-stretchable portion 208 is surrounded on three sides by thestretchable portion 210 of theflexible protection member 106 such that a first section 214A of thestretchable portion 210 is present between thenon-stretchable portion 208 and firstlongitudinal edge 114A and such that second andthird sections 214B, 214C of thestretchable portion 210 are present, respectively, between thenon-stretchable portion 208 and the first and second lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Thenon-stretchable portion 208 has a multi-layer structure and includes first and second wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 positioned therebetween. The first and second wovenfabric elements metal foil element 164 are coupled together via seams formed using fireresistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein. - The
stretchable portion 210 of theflexible protection member 106 generally comprises a knittedfabric element 124 and is coupled to thenon-stretchable portion 208 also by seams formed using fireresistant thread 134 in a manner substantially similar to seams 128 of the other example embodiments described herein. However, in contrast to theflexible protection member 106 of the fourteenth example embodiment, the first section 214A of thestretchable portion 210 is not formed into a gathered portion. Therefore, during exposure to fire, there is no gathered portion to come undone to enhance the surface area or the stretching and deflection capabilities of theflexible protection member 106. Hence, stretching and deflection of theflexible protection member 106 responsive to an applied force is substantially due to stretching and bulging of the knittedfabric element 124 comprising thestretchable portion 210 thereof. - In the example embodiments described above, the
flexible protection members 106 generally each comprise a sheet-like member that extends substantially between the lateral and longitudinal edges of an opening through which the spread of fire and smoke is to be limited. However, in certain applications and sometimes due to manufacturing considerations, it is advantageous for someflexible protection members 106 to be configured as a plurality ofelongate segments 230 with eachelongate segment 230 having a substantially rectangular shape (when viewed in a direction perpendicular to a front or back surface thereof) and being relatively thin in thickness as compared the lateral and longitudinal dimensions thereof. When aflexible protection member 106 is so configured, elongate clampingmembers 232 couple adjacent pairs ofelongate segments 230 of theflexible protection member 106 together. Generally, the elongate clampingmembers 232 extend primarily in and parallel to the longitudinal edges 114 of aflexible protection member 106, and may advantageously extend beyond the lateral edges 112 thereof such that the elongate clampingmembers 232 extend into the recesses of the guides 110. Also, each elongate clampingmember 232 is typically located at a distance of less than two (2) meters relative to each immediately preceding and succeeding elongate clampingmembers 232. More accurately, each elongate clampingmember 232 is located at a distance of between thirty (30) to one hundred (100) centimeters relative to each immediately preceding and succeeding elongate clampingmembers 232, with a preferred distance measuring fifty (50) centimeters. - Beneficially, the elongate clamping
members 232 permit aflexible protection member 106 to be wound onto a windingshaft 108 for configuration of a fire andsmoke protection system 100 in a storage configuration or to be unwound from a windingshaft 108 for reconfiguration of a fire andsmoke protection system 100 in a protection configuration as the elongate clampingmembers 232 also typically extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the windingshaft 108. Also, the elongate clampingmembers 232 are relatively stable against downward deflection and, hence, aid theflexible protection member 106 in maintaining its shape and in opposing sagging. Additionally, the elongate clampingmembers 232 are generally easy to install, which is important sinceflexible protection members 106 usingelongate clamping members 232 are assembled at job sites. In the paragraphs that follow, a number of differentelongate clamping members 232 are described in further detail with respect toFIGS. 17-29 . -
FIG. 17 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clampingmembers 232 in accordance with a sixteenth example embodiment. As seen inFIG. 17 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, a firstlongitudinal edge 114A, and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B. Theflexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality ofelongate segments 230 with eachelongate segment 230 extending betweenlateral edges elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein. Theflexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clampingmembers 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacentelongate segments 230 and extending betweenlateral edges -
FIG. 18 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of anelongate clamping member 232 of theflexible protection member 106 ofFIG. 17 taken along lines 18-18 and showing portions of the adjacentelongate segments FIG. 18 ,elongate segment 230A is folded alongfold line 234A to define first andsecond portions elongate segment 230A in a substantially “U-shape” configuration. Similarly,elongate segment 230B is folded alongfold line 234B to define first andsecond portions Elongate segment 230A andelongate segment 230B are arranged such that thefirst portion 236A ofelongate segment 230A resides between thefirst portion 238A ofelongate segment 230B and thesecond portion 238B ofelongate segment 230B. Similarly, the first portion of 238A ofelongate segment 230B resides between thefirst portion 236A ofelongate segment 230A and thesecond portion 236B ofelongate segment 230A. Frictional forces betweenportions elongate segment 230A andportions elongate segment 230B aid in holding theelongate segments portions elongate segment 230A andportions elongate segment 230B. - The
elongate clamping member 232 comprises a firstelongate clamping rod 240A and an opposed second elongate clampingrod 240B. The firstelongate clamping rod 240A resides adjacent thesecond portion 236B ofelongate segment 230A and defines a plurality ofbores 242A that are laterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality of discrete locations between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. Similarly, the second elongate clampingrod 240B resides adjacent thesecond portion 238B ofelongate segment 230B and defines a plurality ofbores 242B that are laterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality of discrete locations betweenlateral edges bores 242A of the firstelongate clamping rod 240A.Elongate segments portions portions lateral edges respective bores elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a plurality ofpre-tensioning members 246 such that arespective pre-tensioning member 246 is present within coaxially-alignedbores pre-tensioning members 246 apply a pre-tensioning force, “F”, to the first and second elongate clamping rods 240 pre-tensioning the elongate clamping rods 240 relative to one another and causing theelongate clamping rods portions portions elongate segments Pre-tensioning members 246 acceptable in accordance with this example embodiment include, for example and not limitation, fasteners, rivets, tie rods, screws, and tension springs. Generally, the pre-tensioning force, F, is selected to hold adjacentelongate segments flexible protection member 106 present below the elongate clampingmember 232 is applied. - It should be understood and appreciated that clamping of adjacent
elongate members elongate members elongate segments members 232 and, hence, theelongate segments flexible protection member 106 due to seaming is substantially greater. -
FIG. 19 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clampingmembers 232 in accordance with a seventeenth example embodiment. As seen inFIG. 19 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, a firstlongitudinal edge 114A, and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B. Theflexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality ofelongate segments 230 with eachelongate segment 230 extending betweenlateral edges elongate segment 230 is formed from and includes a first knittedfabric element 124A, ametal foil element 164, and a second knittedfabric element 124B arranged in a multi-layer sandwich structure. Theflexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clampingmembers 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacentelongate segments 230 and extending betweenlateral edges elongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures forflexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. -
FIG. 20 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of anelongate clamping member 232 of theflexible protection member 106 ofFIG. 19 taken along lines 20-20 and showing portions of the adjacentelongate segments FIG. 20 ,elongate segment 230A is folded alongfold line 234A to define first andsecond portions elongate segment 230A in a substantially “U-shape” configuration. Similarly,elongate segment 230B is folded alongfold line 234B to define first andsecond portions Elongate segment 230A andelongate segment 230B are arranged such that thefirst portion 236A ofelongate segment 230A resides between thefirst portion 238A ofelongate segment 230B and thesecond portion 238B ofelongate segment 230B. Similarly, the first portion of 238A ofelongate segment 230B resides between thefirst portion 236A ofelongate segment 230A and thesecond portion 236B ofelongate segment 230A. Frictional forces betweenportions elongate segment 230A andportions elongate segment 230B aid in holding theelongate segments - The
elongate clamping member 232 comprises a firstelongate clamping rod 240A and an opposed second elongate clampingrod 240B. The firstelongate clamping rod 240A resides adjacent thesecond portion 236B ofelongate segment 230A and defines a plurality ofbores 242A that are laterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality of discrete locations between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. Similarly, the second elongate clampingrod 240B resides adjacent thesecond portion 238B ofelongate segment 230B and defines a plurality ofbores 242B that are laterally offset relative to one another at a respective plurality of discrete locations betweenlateral edges bores 242A of the firstelongate clamping rod 240A.Elongate segments portions portions lateral edges respective bores elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a plurality ofpre-tensioning members 246 such that arespective pre-tensioning member 246 is present within coaxially-alignedbores pre-tensioning members 246 apply a pre-tensioning force, “F”, to the first and second elongate clamping rods 240 pre-tensioning the elongate clamping rods 240 relative to one another and causing theelongate clamping rods portions portions elongate segments Pre-tensioning members 246 acceptable in accordance with this example embodiment include, for example and not limitation, fasteners, rivets, tie rods, screws, and tension springs. -
FIG. 21 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clampingmembers 232 in accordance with a eighteenth example embodiment. As seen inFIG. 21 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, a firstlongitudinal edge 114A, and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B. Theflexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality ofelongate segments 230 with eachelongate segment 230 extending betweenlateral edges elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein. Theflexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clampingmembers 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacentelongate segments 230 and extending betweenlateral edges -
FIG. 22 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of anelongate clamping member 232 of theflexible protection member 106 ofFIG. 21 taken along lines 22-22 and showing portions of the adjacentelongate segments FIG. 22 , elongate clampingmember 232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250A and an opposed second elongate piping/welt member 250B that each extend between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. A portion ofelongate segment 230A wraps around the first elongate piping/welt member 250A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252A and firstelongate loop 253A extending between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. Similarly, a portion ofelongate segment 230B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250B to form a second elongate piping/welt 252B and secondelongate loop 253B extending between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. - The
elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a firstelongate clamping rod 240A and an opposed second elongate clampingrod 240B. The first and second elongate clampingrods elongate recesses respective portions member 258 therein. The elongate retainingmember 258 locks the firstelongate clamping rod 240A to the second elongate clampingrod 240B. When locked together, the first and second elongate clampingrods welt cavities lateral edges flexible protection member 106 in which the first and second elongate piping/welts elongate segments - It should be understood and appreciated that while each
elongate segment 230 has been described with reference toFIGS. 21 and 22 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, eachelongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) forflexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that the elongate clamping member ofFIGS. 21 and 22 may be employed withelongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistant materials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fire resistant materials. Additionally, it should be understood and appreciated that if theelongate segments 230 are formed ofmetal foil elements 164, theelongate segments welt members welts welts member 232 resulting in a particularly secure connection between theelongate segments -
FIG. 23 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clampingmembers 232 in accordance with a nineteenth example embodiment. As seen inFIG. 23 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, a firstlongitudinal edge 114A, and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B. Theflexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality ofelongate segments 230 with eachelongate segment 230 extending betweenlateral edges elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein. Theflexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clampingmembers 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacentelongate segments 230 and extending betweenlateral edges -
FIG. 24 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of anelongate clamping member 232 of theflexible protection member 106 ofFIG. 23 taken along lines 24-24 and showing portions of the adjacentelongate segments FIG. 24 , elongate clampingmember 232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250A and an opposed second elongate piping/welt member 250B that each extend between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. A portion ofelongate segment 230A wraps around the first elongate piping/welt member 250A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252A and firstelongate loop 253A extending between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. Similarly, a portion ofelongate segment 230B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250B to form a second elongate piping/welt 252B and secondelongate loop 253B extending between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. - The
elongate clamping member 232 further comprises a firstelongate clamping rod 240A and an opposed second elongate clampingrod 240B. The first and second elongate clampingrods bores fasteners fasteners elongate clamping rod 240A to the second elongate clampingrod 240B. When locked together, the first and second elongate clampingrods welt cavities lateral edges flexible protection member 106 in which the first and second elongate piping/welts elongate segments - It should be understood and appreciated that while each
elongate segment 230 has been described with reference toFIGS. 23 and 24 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, eachelongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) forflexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that the elongate clamping member ofFIGS. 23 and 24 may be employed withelongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistant materials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fire resistant materials. Additionally, it should be understood and appreciated that if theelongate segments 230 are formed ofmetal foil elements 164, theelongate segments welt members welts -
FIG. 25 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clampingmembers 232 in accordance with a twentieth example embodiment. As seen inFIG. 25 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, a firstlongitudinal edge 114A, and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B. Theflexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality ofelongate segments 230 with eachelongate segment 230 extending betweenlateral edges elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein. Theflexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clampingmembers 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacentelongate segments 230 and extending betweenlateral edges -
FIG. 26 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of anelongate clamping member 232 of theflexible protection member 106 ofFIG. 25 taken along lines 26-26 and showing portions of the adjacentelongate segments FIG. 26 , elongate clampingmember 232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250A and an opposed second elongate piping/welt member 250B that each extend between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. A portion ofelongate segment 230A wraps around the first elongate piping/welt member 250A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252A extending between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. Similarly, a portion ofelongate segment 230B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250B to form a second elongate piping/welt 252B extending between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. - The
elongate clamping member 232 further comprises anelongate clamping clip 264 extending slightly beyond the lateral edges 112A, 112B of theflexible protection member 106. Theelongate clamping clip 264 has an elongatecentral portion 266 and an elongatefirst leg 268A that extends away from the elongatecentral portion 266 and then loops back toward the elongatecentral portion 266 to define a firstelongate channel 270A. Theelongate clamping clip 264 also has an elongatesecond leg 268B that, similar to the elongatefirst leg 268A but in the opposite direction, extends away from the elongatecentral portion 266 and then loops back toward the elongatecentral portion 266 to define a secondelongate channel 270B. Collectively, the elongatecentral portion 266, elongatefirst leg 268A, and elongatesecond leg 268B form a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a tilted letter “S”. The first and secondelongate channels welts - The
elongate clamping clip 264 is manufactured, according to the example embodiment, from a fire resistant, spring steel material that permits the ends of the elongate first andsecond legs central portion 266 for the insertion of the first and second elongate piping/welts elongate channels second legs central portion 266 securing the elongated piping/welts 252 and trapping respective portions of theelongate segments welts elongate segments - It should be understood and appreciated that while each
elongate segment 230 has been described with reference toFIGS. 25 and 26 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, eachelongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) forflexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that the elongate clamping member ofFIGS. 25 and 26 may be employed withelongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistant materials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fire resistant materials. Additionally, it should be understood and appreciated that if theelongate segments 230 are formed ofmetal foil elements 164, theelongate segments welt members welts -
FIG. 27 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 having elongate clampingmembers 232 in accordance with a twenty-first example embodiment. As seen inFIG. 27 , theflexible protection member 106 has a firstlateral edge 112A, an opposed secondlateral edge 112B, a firstlongitudinal edge 114A, and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B. Theflexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality ofelongate segments 230 with eachelongate segment 230 extending betweenlateral edges elongate segment 230 is formed from a single layer of fire resistant material including, for example, but not limitation, the knitted fabric, woven fabric, metal foil, and other fire resistant materials described, or not described, herein. Theflexible protection member 106 further comprises a plurality of elongate clampingmembers 232 with each elongate clampingmember 232 extending between and coupling adjacentelongate segments 230 and extending betweenlateral edges -
FIG. 28 displays a schematic, cross-sectional view of anelongate clamping member 232 of theflexible protection member 106 ofFIG. 27 taken along lines 28-28 and showing portions of the adjacentelongate segments elongate clamping member 232 is configurable in first, closed configuration (seeFIG. 28 ) in which adjacentelongate segments FIG. 29 ) in which adjacentelongate segments FIG. 28 , elongate clampingmember 232 comprises a first elongate piping/welt member 250A and an opposed second elongate piping/welt member 250B that each extend between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. A portion ofelongate segment 230A wraps around the first elongate piping/welt member 250A to form a first elongate piping/welt 252A andelongate loop 253A extending between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. Similarly, a portion ofelongate segment 230B wraps around the second elongate piping/welt member 250B to form a second elongate piping/welt 252B andelongate loop 253B extending between thelateral edges flexible protection member 106. - The
elongate clamping member 232 also comprises a firstelongate clamping rod 240A and a second elongate clampingrod 240B pivotally, or hingedly, attached to the firstelongate clamping rod 240A in a scissor or criss-cross arrangement via anelongate pivot pin 272. The firstelongate clamping rod 240A has an elongatefirst part 274A and an elongatesecond part 274B. Similarly, the second elongate clampingrod 240B has an elongatefirst part 276A and an elongatesecond part 276B. - Additionally, the elongate clamping
member 232 defines first and second elongate piping/welt cavities lateral edges flexible protection member 106 for respectively receiving first and second elongate piping/welts first part 274A of firstelongate clamping rod 240A and the elongatefirst part 276A of second elongate clampingrod 240B form the first elongate piping/welt cavity 259A. Similarly, the elongatesecond part 274B of firstelongate clamping rod 240A and the elongatesecond part 276B of second elongate clampingrod 240B form the second elongate piping/welt cavity 259B. - In use, the first
elongate clamping rod 240A and second elongate clampingrod 240B are pivoted relative to one another aboutpivot pin 272 to configure the elongate clampingmember 232 in the open configuration. The first and second elongate piping/welts elongate clamping rod 240A and second elongate clampingrod 240B are again pivoted relative to one another aboutpivot pin 272, but to configure the elongate clampingmember 232 in the closed configuration. Once configured and secured in the closed configuration, for example and not limitation, by a biasing member or locking mechanism, the first and second elongate clampingrods elongate segments welts elongate segments - The
elongated clamping member 232 of this example embodiment is particularly well-suited for use withelongate segments 230 including one or more metal foil element(s) 164 that comprise at least one layer of metal foil material. If theelongate segments 230 are formed ofmetal foil elements 164, theelongate segments welt members welts - It should be understood and appreciated that while each
elongate segment 230 has been described with reference toFIGS. 27 , 28 and 29 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, eachelongate segment 230 may also be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) forflexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. It should also be understood and appreciated that the elongate clamping member ofFIGS. 27 , 28 and 29 may be employed withelongate segments 230 employing single layers of fire resistant materials or employing multi-layer structures having one or more fire resistant materials. - In the previously described example embodiments of a fire and
smoke protection system 100 and/or various components thereof, theflexible protection members 106 have been manufactured with substantially smooth front and back surfaces. However, if theflexible protection members 106 are made with front and/or back surfaces having a pattern imprinted or embossed therein, theflexible protection members 106 deform and bulge in a malleable way locally in the areas of the imprinted or embossed pattern elements so that the imprint or embossed pattern elements yield, thereby increasing the resistance to forces applied normal to the surfaces. Therefore, in the example embodiments described below with reference toFIGS. 30 , 31 and 32, theflexible protection members 106 are manufactured with front and/or back surfaces having a pattern or a texture. -
FIG. 30 displays a schematic, front elevational view of aflexible protection member 106 of a fire andsmoke protection system 100 in accordance with a twenty-second example embodiment. Theflexible protection member 106, as seen inFIG. 30 , has a firstlateral edge 112A and an opposed secondlateral edge 112B that each extend in a substantially longitudinal direction. Theflexible protection member 106 also has a firstlongitudinal edge 114A and an opposed secondlongitudinal edge 114B that each extend in a substantially lateral direction betweenlateral edges flexible protection member 106 comprises a sheet-like member that is minimal in thickness (as measured between front and back surfaces thereof) relative to the element's lateral and longitudinal dimensions. - The
flexible protection member 106 includes ametal foil element 164 and has a front surface 290 (or face 290) that is imprinted or embossed with a pattern 292. As illustrated inFIG. 30 , the pattern 292 comprises a honeycomb structure having a plurality of cells 294 (or pattern elements 294). Each cell 294 has a depth that corresponds to the thickness of themetal foil element 164 and, hence, theflexible protection member 106. Thus, according to this example embodiment, an acceptable depth for each cell 294 is 0.2 millimeters for ametal foil element 164 having a thickness of 0.2 millimeters. Also, the pattern 292 and cells 294 are sized and arranged to repeat the pattern 292 within a distance referred to as a mesh width. In accordance with this example embodiment, the mesh width comprises 10 millimeters, meaning that the pattern 292 and cells 294 repeat themselves every 10 millimeters. - While this example embodiment has been described with reference to a
flexible protection member 106 having a honeycomb pattern 292, it should be understood and appreciated that theflexible protection member 106 may, in other example embodiments, have other types of patterns 292 that are formed with linear, non-linear, specifically-shaped, and arbitrarily-shaped elements, alone or in combination, and be formed with different mesh widths. For example and not limitation, theflexible protection member 106 of another example embodiment may have patterns 292 including lines, arcs, ellipses, polygons, or other geometric and non-geometric elements. It should also be understood and appreciated that theflexible protection member 106 of other example embodiments may have patterns 292 made by methods other than imprinting or embossing such as, for example but not limitation, molding, stamping, surface printing, or surface etching. Additionally, it should be understood and appreciated that theflexible protection member 106 of other example embodiments may have patterns 292 formed by texturing of the element's front and/or back surfaces including, absent limitation, by the addition and/or removal of a material(s) to the front and/or back surfaces of theflexible protection member 106, or by the addition and/or removal, partially or entirely, of a coating, film, or other material(s) applied to the front and/or back surfaces of theflexible protection member 106. In addition, it should be understood and appreciated that while theflexible protection member 106 has been described with reference toFIG. 30 as being formed by a single layer of fire resistant material, theflexible protection member 106 may also be formed in other example embodiments using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the multi-layer structures) forflexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. -
FIG. 31 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fire andsmoke protection system 100 in accordance with a twenty-third example embodiment. The fire andsmoke protection system 100 is substantially similar to the fire andsmoke protection system 100 of the first example embodiment, but includes aflexible protection member 106 having a multi-layer structure in which ametal foil element 164 is interposed, or sandwiched, between afirst layer 296 formed of a firstwire mesh element 298A and asecond layer 300 formed of a secondwire mesh element 298B. InFIG. 31 , thefirst layer 296 andmetal foil element 164 near the corner of theflexible protection member 106 formed betweenlongitudinal edge 114A andlateral edge 112B are peeled away to expose the multi-layer structure and for clarity. While not required, one or more of themetal foil element 164, firstwire mesh element 298A, or secondwire mesh element 298B may be connected together such as by contact welding. According to this and other example embodiments herein, the wire mesh elements 298 are manufactured from the same, or a similar, material as that of themetal foil element 164 including, but not limited to, an austenitic steel like, or similar to, the steels described above in the description ofFIG. 12 . - The
flexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate strips 302 that extend in a lateral direction beyondlateral edges second guides flexible protection member 106 during reconfiguring of thesystem 100 between a storage configuration and protection configuration. The elongate strips 302 are secured to theflexible protection member 106 by clamping using elongate clamping members 232 (not shown) and methods similar to those described above with reference toFIGS. 18 and 20 . Each elongate strip 302 is positioned at a distance, “D”, relative to the immediately preceding and succeeding elongate strips 302 in the longitudinal direction. A distance, D, acceptable in accordance with this example embodiment, includes fifty (50) centimeters. Alternatively, since the multi-layer structure of theflexible protection member 106 comprises ametal foil element 164 andwire mesh elements flexible protection member 106 in lieu of being clamped to theflexible protection member 106 usingelongate clamping members 232. In still other example embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 comprises elongate strips 302 that are present in addition to elongate clampingmembers 232. - Advantageously, the first and second
wire mesh elements metal foil element 164. Typically, if themetal foil element 164 is hit by a water jet at a particular location, themetal foil element 164 will yield, bulge and possibly tear at the location. However, when reinforced and supported with an adjacent wire mesh element 298 as in this and other example embodiments, the notch stress at the base of the tear is small and the tear in the metal foil element 298 does not spread. - It should be understood and appreciated that while the
flexible protection member 106 has been described with reference toFIG. 31 as being formed withwire mesh elements flexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed by substituting elements made from fire resistant materials, described or not described herein, for one or both of thewire mesh elements flexible protection member 106 has been described as comprising a particular multi-layer structure, theflexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the single and multi-layer structures) forflexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. -
FIG. 32 displays a schematic, partial, front elevational view of a fire andsmoke protection system 100 in accordance with a twenty-fourth example embodiment. The fire andsmoke protection system 100 is substantially similar to the fire andsmoke protection system 100 of the first and twenty-third example embodiments, but includes aflexible protection member 106 having a multi-layer structure including a firstwire mesh element 298A, a firstmetal foil element 164A, a secondwire mesh element 298B, and a secondmetal foil element 164B. InFIG. 32 , the layers are shown peeled away near the corner of theflexible protection member 106 formed betweenlongitudinal edge 114A andlateral edge 112B to expose the multi-layer structure and for clarity. As seen inFIG. 32 , the firstmetal foil element 164A is positioned between the firstwire mesh element 298A and the secondwire mesh element 298B such that the secondwire mesh element 298B is positioned between the firstmetal foil element 164A and the secondmetal foil element 164B. The first and secondmetal foil elements metal foil element 164 described above with respect toFIG. 30 such that the first and secondwire mesh elements metal foil elements - Similar to the
flexible protection member 106 ofFIG. 31 , theflexible protection member 106 comprises a plurality of elongate strips 302 that extend in a lateral direction beyondlateral edges second guides flexible protection member 106 during reconfiguation of thesystem 100 between a storage configuration and protection configuration. The elongate strips 302 are secured to theflexible protection member 106 by clamping using elongate clamping members 232 (not shown) and methods similar to those described above with reference toFIGS. 18 and 20 . Each elongate strip 302 is positioned at a distance, “D”, relative to the immediately preceding and succeeding elongate strips 302 in the longitudinal direction. A distance, D, acceptable in accordance with this example embodiment, includes fifty centimeters (50 cm). Alternatively, since the multi-layer structure of theflexible protection member 106 comprisesmetal foil elements wire mesh elements flexible protection member 106 in lieu of being clamped to theflexible protection member 106 usingelongate clamping members 232. In still other example embodiments, theflexible protection member 106 comprises elongate strips 302 that are present in addition to elongate clampingmembers 232. - In an alternative example embodiment, the layers of the multi-layer structure may be arranged in a different order in which the first and second
metal foil elements wire mesh element 298A adjacent the firstmetal foil element 164A and the secondwire mesh element 298B adjacent the secondmetal foil element 164B. Also, in another alternative example embodiment, the fire andsmoke protection system 100 further comprises a second windingshaft 108 that enables the firstwire mesh element 298A and firstmetal foil element 164A to be wound around the first winding shaft 108A and the secondwire mesh element 298B and secondmetal foil element 164B to be would around the second winding shaft 108B when thesystem 100 is in a storage configuration. By using two windingshafts 108, the first and secondmetal foil elements shafts 108 as might occur if the first and secondmetal foil elements shaft 108. - It should be understood and appreciated that while the
flexible protection member 106 has been described with reference toFIG. 32 as being formed withwire mesh elements flexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed by substituting elements made from fire resistant materials, described or not described herein, for one or both of thewire mesh elements flexible protection member 106 has been described as comprising a particular multi-layer structure, theflexible protection member 106 may alternatively be formed using any of the materials and according to any of the structures (including, without limitation, the single and multi-layer structures) forflexible protection members 106 described, or not described, herein. -
FIG. 33 displays a schematic, partial diagram of adevice 310 for manufacturing a multi-layer material for use in making aflexible protection member 106 in accordance with a twenty-fifth example embodiment. As seen inFIG. 33 , thedevice 310 comprises afirst drum 312 and asecond drum 314 offset at a distance relative to thefirst drum 312. Ametal foil 316 is arranged around thefirst drum 312. Awoven fabric 318 made from a fire resistant material is arranged around thesecond drum 314. Thedevice 310 includes acoating unit 320 having a dispensingdevice 322 and aroller 324 for applying an adhesive coating. Additionally, thedevice 310 includes a connectingunit 326 having aheated cylinder 328 and a plurality ofrollers 330 for applying a fire resistant material to the metal foil. - In operation, the
metal foil 316 spools off of thefirst drum 312 and is directed toward thecoating unit 320. While traveling through thecoating unit 320, a paste-like adhesive is dispensed and applied to the metal foil by thedispensing device 322 androller 324. The adhesive-coveredmetal foil 316 exits thecoating unit 320 and is directed into the connectingunit 326. Concurrently, thewoven fabric 318 is spooled off of thesecond drum 314 and into the connectingunit 326. Within the connectingunit 326, the adhesive-coatedmetal foil 316 andwoven fabric 318 travel in contact and side-by-side around theheated cylinder 328 which activates the adhesive, causing themetal foil 316 and fire resistant wovenfabric 318 to become securely connected together. The coupled metal foil and fire resistant wovenfabric 332 comprises a dimensionally-stable, textile structure or composite material from which aflexible protection member 106 may be made. - If, for a particular application, the
flexible protection member 106 requires the inclusion of a fire resistant knitted fabric element, the device 310 (or a similarly configured second device) may be used in a second pass similar to the first pass described above, to apply a knitted fabric layer to the already produced composite material. In such case, thecomposite material 322 from the first pass is loaded onto thefirst drum 312 and a fire resistant knitted fabric is loaded onto thesecond drum 314. Once loaded, thecomposite material 322 spools off of thefirst drum 312 and passes through thecoating unit 320 where similar adhesive is applied and the adhesive coatedcomposite material 322 is directed into the connectingunit 326. Concurrently, the kitted fabric is spooled off of thesecond drum 314 and into the connectingunit 326. Inside the connectingunit 326, the adhesive-coatedcomposite material 322 and the knitted fabric come into contact and travel around theheated cylinder 328. The adhesive is activated by theheated cylinder 328 and the knitted fabric becomes secured to thecomposite material 322 to form a new composite material including a woven fabric, metal foil, and knitted fabric that may be used to produce aflexible protection member 106. - It should be understood and appreciated that the
device 310 may be used to produce many different multi-layer materials that may be used in the manufacture offlexible protection members 106 by loading thedevice 310 with desired materials and making multiple passes through thedevice 310 in an appropriate sequence to form suitable composite materials having the desired materials for particular applications. - Whereas the present invention has been described in detail above with respect to example embodiments thereof, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications might be effected within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims (2)
1. A system as described and shown herein, including at least each and every embodiment.
2. A system as described and shown herein.
Priority Applications (4)
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US13/738,431 US20130255893A1 (en) | 2012-01-10 | 2013-01-10 | Fire and Smoke Protection System |
US13/804,451 US20140190709A1 (en) | 2013-01-10 | 2013-03-14 | Smoke or Fire Protection Device |
EP14150781.4A EP2754468A3 (en) | 2013-01-10 | 2014-01-10 | Fire and smoke protection system |
US14/867,713 US20160024785A1 (en) | 2012-01-10 | 2015-09-28 | Fire and smoke protection system |
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US201261584883P | 2012-01-10 | 2012-01-10 | |
US13/738,431 US20130255893A1 (en) | 2012-01-10 | 2013-01-10 | Fire and Smoke Protection System |
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US14/867,713 Abandoned US20160024785A1 (en) | 2012-01-10 | 2015-09-28 | Fire and smoke protection system |
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US14/867,713 Abandoned US20160024785A1 (en) | 2012-01-10 | 2015-09-28 | Fire and smoke protection system |
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- 2013-01-10 US US13/738,431 patent/US20130255893A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-01-10 CA CA2801443A patent/CA2801443A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-01-10 US US13/738,806 patent/US9127501B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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2015
- 2015-09-28 US US14/867,713 patent/US20160024785A1/en not_active Abandoned
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US9127501B1 (en) * | 2012-01-10 | 2015-09-08 | Stoebich Brandschutz Gmbh | Lead system for a fire and smoke protection device |
WO2015073228A3 (en) * | 2013-11-12 | 2015-11-12 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Solid composite intumescent structures for fire protection |
US10138421B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2018-11-27 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Hot melt intumescent materials for fire protection |
US10683457B2 (en) | 2013-11-12 | 2020-06-16 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Solid composite intumescent structures for fire protection |
EP2995352A1 (en) | 2014-09-11 | 2016-03-16 | Rf-Technologies nv | Corrugated fire-retardant shutter |
US11248416B2 (en) * | 2016-01-13 | 2022-02-15 | Cornellcookson, Llc | Roll-up doors and method for securing same |
US11898402B2 (en) * | 2016-01-13 | 2024-02-13 | Cornellcookson, Llc | Roll-up doors and method for securing same |
US20220220803A1 (en) * | 2016-01-13 | 2022-07-14 | Cornellcookson, Llc | Roll-Up Doors and Method for Securing Same |
US20170356239A1 (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2017-12-14 | Overhead Door Corporation | Low Friction High Speed Roll Door at High Wind Loads |
US11028639B2 (en) * | 2016-06-10 | 2021-06-08 | Overhead Door Corporation | Low friction high speed roll door at high wind loads |
US11103734B2 (en) * | 2016-06-28 | 2021-08-31 | Hilti Atiengesellschaft | Fire protection element having a carrier fabric |
US11072924B2 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2021-07-27 | Rockwool International A/S | System for providing a fire safe sealing in an aperture in a wall, a ceiling or a floor of a building, an element for a fire safe sealing system and a bulkhead for a fire safe sealing in the aperture |
NO20170434A1 (en) * | 2017-03-20 | 2018-09-21 | Scuti As | Air transfer and water draining firestop device |
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WO2018174720A1 (en) | 2017-03-20 | 2018-09-27 | Scuti As | Firestop device |
US11512523B2 (en) | 2017-03-27 | 2022-11-29 | Cornellcookson, Llc | Fire rated door |
US11885121B2 (en) * | 2019-01-30 | 2024-01-30 | Donald Ouimette | System and method for protecting structures |
WO2021194352A1 (en) * | 2020-03-24 | 2021-09-30 | Scuti As | Ventilating firestop |
US20210361988A1 (en) * | 2020-05-19 | 2021-11-25 | Mckeon Rolling Steel Door Co., Inc. | Multi layer fire curtain |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2801443A1 (en) | 2013-07-10 |
US20160024785A1 (en) | 2016-01-28 |
US9127501B1 (en) | 2015-09-08 |
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Legal Events
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