Fire retardant panel apparatus and method of making and using same

Abstract

A flame retardant panel apparatus, and method, utilize a flame retardant panel, having an exterior and an interior face thereof, with the panel including a panel structure having a primary core encapsulated within a panel frame of reinforced phenolic material, and a layer of flame retardant material attached to the panel structure and extending outwardly therefrom to at least partially define an exterior face of the flame retardant panel. The flame retardant panel is suitable for use in mass transit conveyances, such as subway cars, high speed cars, rail cars, buses, rapid response vehicles, marine vessels, and elevators.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 703,048, filed Jul. 27, 2005, the disclosure and teachings of which are incorporated herein, by reference, in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to fire retardant panels, and more particularly to fire retardant panels suitable for use in mass transit conveyances, such as subway cars, high speed cars, rail cars, buses, rapid response vehicles, marine vessels, or elevator cars.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Public conveyances, such as rail cars, buses, elevators, and the like, are typically subject to government regulations requiring that a passenger compartment of the conveyance be at least partially constructed from fire retardant panels, which provide protection for occupants of the compartment in the event that a fire should occur outside or within the passenger compartment.[0004]For example, in the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention provides an improved flame retardant panel for use in mass transit conveyances, such as rail cars and buses. The panel includes a flame retardant panel with a primary core encapsulated within a reinforced phenolic material frame. The panel has a layer of flame retardant material attached to the frame, which extends outwardly to at least partially define the exterior face of the panel. The flame retardant panel is significantly lighter and simpler than previous options, while still providing enhanced flame retardant capabilities and resistance to sound transmission. The panel also has improved thermal insulation properties and is more resistant to water damage than previous options. The flame retardant panel can provide increased safety and comfort for passengers in mass transit."

Problems solved by technology

This construction results in floor panels that are heavier than is desirable.

Also, past experience has shown that, during operation of the mass transit vehicle, the plywood core sometimes is exposed to water, which causes the stainless steel or aluminum sheets to delaminate and the plywood panel to rot.

In some instances, large amounts of standing water would be trapped within the cavity between the underpan and the floor panels.

As noted above, this standing water sometimes damage the floor panels, and could amount to significant dead weight which had to be carried by the mass transit vehicle.

Images