WO2004078262A1 - Distribution head protection device - Google Patents

Distribution head protection device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004078262A1
WO2004078262A1 PCT/GB2004/000980 GB2004000980W WO2004078262A1 WO 2004078262 A1 WO2004078262 A1 WO 2004078262A1 GB 2004000980 W GB2004000980 W GB 2004000980W WO 2004078262 A1 WO2004078262 A1 WO 2004078262A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
protective device
distribution head
fire
fire safety
head
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2004/000980
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dean Reeve
Original Assignee
Dean Reeve
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Dean Reeve filed Critical Dean Reeve
Publication of WO2004078262A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004078262A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
    • A62C35/58—Pipe-line systems
    • A62C35/68—Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C37/00—Control of fire-fighting equipment
    • A62C37/08—Control of fire-fighting equipment comprising an outlet device containing a sensor, or itself being the sensor, i.e. self-contained sprinklers
    • A62C37/09—Control of fire-fighting equipment comprising an outlet device containing a sensor, or itself being the sensor, i.e. self-contained sprinklers telescopic or adjustable

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a device for the protection of fire extinguishant distribution heads, such as those used in fire safety devices, and for the protection of an aperture required by such heads .
  • a concealed or pendant style fire safety device comprising an extinguishant distribution head such as a sprinkler/mist head
  • a hole needs to be provided to allow the distribution head to be installed. This hole is then concealed with a cover or escutcheon plate that is fixed to the fire safety device and left virtually flush to the surface.
  • Such fire safety devices operates as follows .
  • the heat from a fire melts a low melt solder attaching the cover plate.
  • the cover plate falls away exposing a heat sensitive element of the fire safety device to the fire.
  • the heat sensitive element is activated and the distribution head is caused to distribute water, mist, or other fire extinguishing substance.
  • the distribution head does not activate or ceases activation before a fire is extinguished, fire and smoke can easily penetrate the hole and enter the void, spreading unchecked to other areas in the building, aiding the spread of fire.
  • the open gap around the safety device allows fibres and dust of all types to be drawn into inhabited spaces which causes marks on decorative materials, upholstery and can aggravate and cause medical conditions. Many old building materials have dangerous additives that can degrade to breathable sizes and can cause medical problems.
  • the gaps also provide access for spiders and insects.
  • the hole also degrades the acoustic properties of the surface.
  • a protective device arranged to fit around a distribution head of a fire safety device fitted through an aperture formed in a surface, the protective device being arranged to protect the head and to seal the aperture .
  • the protective device will not allow dust build up from above the fire safety device, stops potential damage to the distribution head from falling debris or contractors and helps to keep a living space/working space free from dust, insects and spiders.
  • the device may be arranged to fit around a portion of a supply pipe connected to the distribution head and/or the device may be clamped between a portion of a supply pipe connected to the distribution head and the surface .
  • the protective device is fire retardant and/or heat resistant.
  • the protective device will protect the fire safety device distribution head from damage from above it by providing a protective insulation layer against heat or from a fire in an adjacent area that could activate the head unnecessarily to discharge in an unaffected area and put a strain on water or other extinguishant resource.
  • the protective device has acoustic insulating properties. Therefore, the device retains the acoustic properties of the surface penetrated by fire safety device.
  • the protective device has an air flow orifice arranged to allow the ingress and egress of air to the head.
  • the device is removable and refitable.
  • the device may be fitted to existing installations .
  • a fire safety device comprising a distribution head attachable to a fire retardant supply pipe wherein the distribution head is fitted through an aperture formed in a surface together with a protective device as described above.
  • the fire safety device may also include a cover plate attached to the distribution head by a low melt solder.
  • Figure la illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of the invention
  • Figure lb illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure la fitted around a distribution head
  • Figure 2a illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 2b illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2a fitted around a distribution head
  • Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a protective device according to the invention.
  • a protective device 1 is manufactured from a Fire Rated Class 0 acoustic material.
  • the device is arranged to fit around a distribution head assembly 2 which forms part of a fire safety device 10.
  • the protective device may have a rubberised material on the underside.
  • the distribution head assembly 2 is connected to a supply pipe 3, and in the embodiment shown the protective device fits around a portion 3a of the supply pipe 3.
  • a second portion 3b of the supply pipe 3 serves to secure the protective device 1, by clamping the device 1 between the portion 3b and a surface 4 through which the fire safety device 10 is mounted. If an existing pipe configuration is not suitable for holding the protective device 1 in position then a clamp (not shown) may be provided.
  • the fire safety device 10 also comprises a cover plate 5 which is fitted to cover the distribution head assembly 2, and leaves a narrow gap 6 between the cover plate 5 and the surface .
  • the protective device 1 is arranged to seal or protect any gaps between the surface 4 and the distribution head assembly 2 in order to inhibit ingress of fire, smoke, dust particles, soot, insulation fibres, insects, spiders or small debris for example. Such ingress would be encouraged by any through draught caused, for example when a door in a room is opened, if the gaps between the surface 4 and the distribution head assembly 2 are not sealed. In this case the gaps are sealed by the device forming a barrier over the surface due to a snug fir with the pie 3 and against the surface .
  • the protective device 1 is fire retardant and/or heat resistant in order to protect the distribution head assembly 2 from heat, or a fire adjacent the fire safety device, within a loft/wall space.
  • the protective device 1 protects the distribution head assembly 2 from accidental damage, for example by work in the loft/wall space, or by falling debris.
  • the protective device 1 has acoustic shielding properties in order to enhance acoustic shielding which will have been compromised by the creation of the aperture in which the fire safety device is mounted.
  • the protective device 1 is provided with a diagonal cut 7 which allows the protective device to be fitted to an existing fire softy device 10. After the protective device is fitted around the fire safety device 10 and a portion of supply pipe 3a, the cut may be taped together or sealed with bonding sealant.
  • the device 1 is arranged to fit snugly around a pipe or distribution head assembly in order to form a barrier to protect the device 10.
  • FIGS 2a and 2b show another embodiment of the invention, in which an airflow orifice 7 s provided.
  • an orifice may be necessary in order to meet a required response time index (RTI) which is a measure of how quickly a firs safety device operates in response to a fire.
  • RTI response time index
  • the inside of the tubular orifice 7 is coated with intumscent material, and the orifice exit/entrance is cover by a fine steel mesh to prevent ingress of contaminants.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a three dimensional view of a protective device 1, in accordance with the present invention.
  • a hollow portion 9 is arranged to fit around a fire safety device 10.
  • the device has been shown having a cube like shape. However, it will be understood that other shapes will provided the required functionality equally well.
  • the protective device is easily installed to new installations and may be retrofit to existing installations. It is lightweight, easily transported and handled, non-toxic and easily removed and refitted for maintenance. Furthermore, the protective device needs no special tools or fixings required for installation and can be made into any shape to suit the situation.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Building Environments (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a device for the protection of fire retardant distribution heads, such as those used in fire safety devices, and for the protection of an aperture required by such heads. The invention provides a protective device arranged to fit around a distribution head of a fire safety device fitted through an aperture formed in a surface, the protective device arranged to protect the head and to seal the aperture.

Description

DISTRIBUTION HEAD PROTECTION DEVICE
This invention relates to a device for the protection of fire extinguishant distribution heads, such as those used in fire safety devices, and for the protection of an aperture required by such heads .
When a concealed or pendant style fire safety device comprising an extinguishant distribution head such as a sprinkler/mist head is installed in a surface, usually a ceiling or a wall, a hole needs to be provided to allow the distribution head to be installed. This hole is then concealed with a cover or escutcheon plate that is fixed to the fire safety device and left virtually flush to the surface.
An air gap is left between the cover plate and the surface . This gap must not be plugged by mastic or other material as it would interfere with the operation of the fire sprinkler head.
Such fire safety devices operates as follows . The heat from a fire melts a low melt solder attaching the cover plate. The cover plate falls away exposing a heat sensitive element of the fire safety device to the fire. The heat sensitive element is activated and the distribution head is caused to distribute water, mist, or other fire extinguishing substance.
However, there are a number of problem with a conventional safety device. Once a hole has been cut into a surface the protection afforded by the surface has been compromised in a number of ways .
If the distribution head does not activate or ceases activation before a fire is extinguished, fire and smoke can easily penetrate the hole and enter the void, spreading unchecked to other areas in the building, aiding the spread of fire.
The open gap around the safety device allows fibres and dust of all types to be drawn into inhabited spaces which causes marks on decorative materials, upholstery and can aggravate and cause medical conditions. Many old building materials have dangerous additives that can degrade to breathable sizes and can cause medical problems. The gaps also provide access for spiders and insects. The hole also degrades the acoustic properties of the surface.
Many converted buildings have existing ceilings left in place in poor condition and false ceilings built below them at varying levels. These ceilings continue to degrade and some larger debris can fall into the void and have the potential to activate the fire safety device if the heads are not protected.
According to the invention there is provided a protective device arranged to fit around a distribution head of a fire safety device fitted through an aperture formed in a surface, the protective device being arranged to protect the head and to seal the aperture .
The protective device will not allow dust build up from above the fire safety device, stops potential damage to the distribution head from falling debris or contractors and helps to keep a living space/working space free from dust, insects and spiders.
The device may be arranged to fit around a portion of a supply pipe connected to the distribution head and/or the device may be clamped between a portion of a supply pipe connected to the distribution head and the surface .
Preferably, the protective device is fire retardant and/or heat resistant. The protective device will protect the fire safety device distribution head from damage from above it by providing a protective insulation layer against heat or from a fire in an adjacent area that could activate the head unnecessarily to discharge in an unaffected area and put a strain on water or other extinguishant resource.
Preferably, the protective device has acoustic insulating properties. Therefore, the device retains the acoustic properties of the surface penetrated by fire safety device.
In one embodiment the protective device has an air flow orifice arranged to allow the ingress and egress of air to the head.
It is an advantage if the device is removable and refitable. In particular the device may be fitted to existing installations .
According to another aspect of the invention there is also provided a fire safety device comprising a distribution head attachable to a fire retardant supply pipe wherein the distribution head is fitted through an aperture formed in a surface together with a protective device as described above.
The fire safety device may also include a cover plate attached to the distribution head by a low melt solder.
Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure la illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of the invention;
Figure lb illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure la fitted around a distribution head; Figure 2a illustrates a plan view of a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2b illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2a fitted around a distribution head; and Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a protective device according to the invention.
Referring now to Figure la and Figure lb, a protective device 1 is manufactured from a Fire Rated Class 0 acoustic material. The device is arranged to fit around a distribution head assembly 2 which forms part of a fire safety device 10. The protective device may have a rubberised material on the underside. The distribution head assembly 2 is connected to a supply pipe 3, and in the embodiment shown the protective device fits around a portion 3a of the supply pipe 3. A second portion 3b of the supply pipe 3 serves to secure the protective device 1, by clamping the device 1 between the portion 3b and a surface 4 through which the fire safety device 10 is mounted. If an existing pipe configuration is not suitable for holding the protective device 1 in position then a clamp (not shown) may be provided.
The fire safety device 10 also comprises a cover plate 5 which is fitted to cover the distribution head assembly 2, and leaves a narrow gap 6 between the cover plate 5 and the surface .
The gap 6 must not be filled otherwise the fire protection device 10 may not operate correctly. The gap 6 can lead to problems due to ingress of undesirable substances, as outlined above. Therefore, the protective device 1, is arranged to seal or protect any gaps between the surface 4 and the distribution head assembly 2 in order to inhibit ingress of fire, smoke, dust particles, soot, insulation fibres, insects, spiders or small debris for example. Such ingress would be encouraged by any through draught caused, for example when a door in a room is opened, if the gaps between the surface 4 and the distribution head assembly 2 are not sealed. In this case the gaps are sealed by the device forming a barrier over the surface due to a snug fir with the pie 3 and against the surface .
The protective device 1 is fire retardant and/or heat resistant in order to protect the distribution head assembly 2 from heat, or a fire adjacent the fire safety device, within a loft/wall space.
Furthermore the protective device 1 protects the distribution head assembly 2 from accidental damage, for example by work in the loft/wall space, or by falling debris.
The protective device 1 has acoustic shielding properties in order to enhance acoustic shielding which will have been compromised by the creation of the aperture in which the fire safety device is mounted.
The protective device 1 is provided with a diagonal cut 7 which allows the protective device to be fitted to an existing fire softy device 10. After the protective device is fitted around the fire safety device 10 and a portion of supply pipe 3a, the cut may be taped together or sealed with bonding sealant. The device 1 is arranged to fit snugly around a pipe or distribution head assembly in order to form a barrier to protect the device 10.
Figures 2a and 2b show another embodiment of the invention, in which an airflow orifice 7 s provided. Such an orifice may be necessary in order to meet a required response time index (RTI) which is a measure of how quickly a firs safety device operates in response to a fire. The inside of the tubular orifice 7 is coated with intumscent material, and the orifice exit/entrance is cover by a fine steel mesh to prevent ingress of contaminants.
Figure 3 illustrates a three dimensional view of a protective device 1, in accordance with the present invention. A hollow portion 9 is arranged to fit around a fire safety device 10. The device has been shown having a cube like shape. However, it will be understood that other shapes will provided the required functionality equally well. The protective device is easily installed to new installations and may be retrofit to existing installations. It is lightweight, easily transported and handled, non-toxic and easily removed and refitted for maintenance. Furthermore, the protective device needs no special tools or fixings required for installation and can be made into any shape to suit the situation.
It will be understood that the embodiments are described above by way of example only, and that modifications may be made without falling outside the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims .

Claims

1. A protective device arranged to fit around a distribution head of a fire safety device fitted through an aperture formed in a surface, the protective device arranged to protect the head and to seal the aperture .
2. A protective device according to claim 1 in which the device is arranged to fit around a portion of a supply pipe connected to the distribution head.
3. A protective device according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the device is arranged to be clamped between a portion of a supply pipe connected to the distribution head and said surface.
4. A protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the protective device is fire retardant.
5. A protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the protective device is heat resistant.
6. A protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the protective device has acoustic insulating properties .
7. A protective device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the protective device has an air flow orifice arranged to allow the ingress and egress of air to the head.
8. A protective device according to any one of the preceding claims which is removable and refitable.
9. A fire safety device comprising a distribution head attachable to a fire retardant supply pipe wherein the distribution head is fitted through an aperture formed in a surface a protective device according to any one of the preceding claims.
10. A fire safety device according to claim 8, further comprising a cover plate attached to the distribution head by a low melt solder.
11. A protective device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings .
PCT/GB2004/000980 2003-03-07 2004-03-08 Distribution head protection device WO2004078262A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0305212.3 2003-03-07
GB0305212A GB0305212D0 (en) 2003-03-07 2003-03-07 Fire sprinkler/mist head penetration protection device

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004078262A1 true WO2004078262A1 (en) 2004-09-16

Family

ID=9954291

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2004/000980 WO2004078262A1 (en) 2003-03-07 2004-03-08 Distribution head protection device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB0305212D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2004078262A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7213319B2 (en) * 2004-11-29 2007-05-08 Tyco Fire Products Lp Method of installing a dry sprinkler installation

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4066129A (en) * 1976-09-17 1978-01-03 Central Sprinkler Corporation Sprinkler head assembly
EP0104597A2 (en) * 1982-09-23 1984-04-04 Grünzweig + Hartmann und Glasfaser AG Insulating body, particularly a shaped body, based on mineral fibres and a binder, and pot-shaped element, composite material and insulating shell manufactured therefrom
US4706759A (en) * 1986-07-11 1987-11-17 Grasseschi John J Sprinkler assembly
GB2220459A (en) * 1988-06-14 1990-01-10 British Petroleum Co Plc Insulating material
WO1999029500A1 (en) * 1997-12-11 1999-06-17 Horton Bill D Fire retardant thermal and acoustic insulation material
GB2345125A (en) * 1998-12-23 2000-06-28 Tenmat Ltd Intumescent downlighter cover and method of manufacturing same

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2155328B (en) * 1984-03-13 1987-07-08 Grinnell Fire Protection Fire protection sprinkler head
JPH09108378A (en) * 1995-10-19 1997-04-28 Senju Sprinkler Kk Mounting mechanism for flush type sprinkler head and sealing plate
JP3667425B2 (en) * 1996-03-28 2005-07-06 ホーチキ株式会社 Sprinkler head mounting structure
JP2903382B2 (en) * 1996-05-08 1999-06-07 ベニックス株式会社 Connection structure of ceiling frame and pipe
JP3925585B2 (en) * 1998-06-29 2007-06-06 能美防災株式会社 Sprinkler head cover
JP3805130B2 (en) * 1999-03-29 2006-08-02 能美防災株式会社 Sprinkler head
FI108216B (en) * 1999-10-08 2001-12-14 Marioff Corp Oy Installation to extinguish fire, spray head

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4066129A (en) * 1976-09-17 1978-01-03 Central Sprinkler Corporation Sprinkler head assembly
EP0104597A2 (en) * 1982-09-23 1984-04-04 Grünzweig + Hartmann und Glasfaser AG Insulating body, particularly a shaped body, based on mineral fibres and a binder, and pot-shaped element, composite material and insulating shell manufactured therefrom
US4706759A (en) * 1986-07-11 1987-11-17 Grasseschi John J Sprinkler assembly
GB2220459A (en) * 1988-06-14 1990-01-10 British Petroleum Co Plc Insulating material
WO1999029500A1 (en) * 1997-12-11 1999-06-17 Horton Bill D Fire retardant thermal and acoustic insulation material
GB2345125A (en) * 1998-12-23 2000-06-28 Tenmat Ltd Intumescent downlighter cover and method of manufacturing same

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0405135D0 (en) 2004-04-07
GB2399013A (en) 2004-09-08
GB0305212D0 (en) 2003-04-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7413024B1 (en) Self-closing vent assembly
US8793946B2 (en) Means for firestopping a curtain wall construction
KR200469369Y1 (en) A fixing device of a pipe for fire prevention
WO2004091727A2 (en) Exterior fire suppression system with concealed sprinklers
JP2008500871A (en) Fire prevention device
KR102231652B1 (en) Fire-fighting firewall system operation system of apartment houses in case of fire
WO2004078262A1 (en) Distribution head protection device
KR100873201B1 (en) A door having ventilating window
JPH07259282A (en) Fascia board with ventilating hole
JP2002153570A (en) Fireproof device of building and rain gutter against fire
GB2361868A (en) Ventilator grill
CN103704047B (en) The manufacture method of window anti-theft alarm flower trough
KR200411905Y1 (en) Preventable device of spreading of flames during fire in apartment
JPH0732641Y2 (en) Fire protection balcony
KR100859583B1 (en) Device for preventing flame to be flowed into an upper story of apartment
WO2005056964A3 (en) Elevator landing door system having fire protection device
KR20100052169A (en) The balcony balustrade with fireprevention system
JP2003082783A (en) Ventilation device
JPS6032317Y2 (en) Always-closed fire door with escape hatch
JP2002143333A (en) Drencher equipment
JP2534935Y2 (en) Water absorption device of heat shield for building
KR200418284Y1 (en) Perspective fireproof shutter
JPH0430870B2 (en)
KR100746810B1 (en) Intercept system
JP2001204846A (en) Water preventing plate for sprinkler head

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase