Layered fire-retardant panel

Abstract

Fire-retardant panels that include: two skins (e.g., sheet metal) and a layer of gypsum or calcium silicate fire-resistant material therebetween; two layers of insulation with fire-resistant material therebetween; a skin (e.g., sheet metal), a layer of gypsum or calcium silicate fire-resistant material, and insulation therebetween; or a combination thereof. Some embodiments include: two contiguous layers of the fire-resistant material, gypsum board, tongue and groove connections; or a frame that extends around the perimeter or has two portions that are attached to the skins or are separated by the fire-resistant material. In some embodiments, the fire-retardant panel is fabricated in a factory before being installed at a jobsite.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application is a non-provisional patent application of, and claims priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 558,236, FIRE-RETARDANT PANEL AND METHOD, filed on Sep. 13, 2017, and has the same inventors and assignee. The contents of this priority provisional patent application are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to fire-retardant panels and systems and methods for reducing fire danger, for example, in buildings. Particular embodiments relate to fire-rated panels and systems and fire walls and enclosures.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Sandwich panels are composite structural elements that include two (e.g., thin, for example, sheet metal) faces separated by a relatively thick internal layer or layers (e.g., of a material that is different than the faces, typically, less dense, less strong, or both). Sandwich panels can be easy and fast to install, which can provide time-s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a fire-retardant panel system and method to reduce fire danger in buildings. The panels are designed to slow the progression of a fire and can be used to create fire walls or enclosures. The panels are made of metal skins, frames, insulation, fire-resistant material, and can include holes or slots to reduce heat transfer. The invention simplifies the design and installation of fire-retardant systems, reduces cost, and improves energy efficiency. Overall, this invention provides an effective and affordable solution to reduce fire danger in buildings.

Problems solved by technology

Further, fire losses are a significant issue in terms of both frequency and total losses including loss of life.

Fire-retardant panels have been used to construct fire walls and enclosures to reduce fire danger, but traditionally, to reduce heat transfer from the flame-exposed side to the other side of a panel, there has been no internal supportive structure (e.g., frame or channels).

Hence, the structural strength of a traditional fire-retardant panel was not very high.

Gypsum board, however, has been labor intensive to install at a jobsite and has required specialized skills to install.

In addition, fire-retardant panels have had a limited ability to slow the progression of a fire.

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