Emergency partitioning device for a passage, such as a corridor or a door, and method of implementing

Abstract

The invention provides an emergency partitioning device for a passageway. It comprises a rigid frame with a front face having a groove for attaching the edge of a flexible closing element (B1). The device includes a housing (230) comprising a first fixed part (230A) and a second part (230B) mounted pivotally at the front such that, in the open position, it pivots and releases the closing element (B1), which can then unroll by gravity.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an emergency partitioning device for a passage, such as a corridor or a door, and to a method of implementation.

[0002] The partitioning device concerned by the invention is of the type comprising a frame, generally made up of a plurality of longitudinal elements, preferably profiled, on which is fixed a flexible sealing element of the tarpaulin type.

[0003] In the present invention, the term "frame" refers to a rigid structure capable of holding the flexible shutter element. However, it is not essential that the structure be closed at all times. For example, the frame may comprise two vertical uprights and an upper crossbar in the inactive position, and be closed and also include a lower threshold bar in the active position.

[0004] Document WO2015140301 describes a partitioning device used to close off an opening, such as a door or corridor, for example during construction work.

[0005] This device essentially comprises four telescopic profiles arranged, in use, to the right, left, top and bottom of the opening in order to form a closed frame for holding a sealing tarpaulin.

[0006] Each profile includes at least one groove arranged such that, in the position of use, the frame thus formed has at least one first peripheral front groove for attaching a tarpaulin. Advantageously, the profiles include a second groove arranged so that the frame formed has a second peripheral lateral groove directed towards the interior of the space delimited by the frame.

[0007] The tarpaulin is secured to the frame by clamping it with a seal pressed into the front perimeter groove. This tarpaulin advantageously includes a zippered opening designed to create a temporary access point for workers.

[0008] The profiles are rigidly connected, by clamping, at the four corners by rigid L-shaped corner pieces, and then a flat spring is optionally fixed in the lateral peripheral groove. Due to the rigid connection between a vertical profile (right or left), a rigid L-shaped connecting piece, and a horizontal profile (top or bottom), each spring exerts a thrust on each vertical and horizontal member so that they bear against the sides and ceiling of the opening.

[0009] Such a device is used in the context of work, for example renovation of a room in a building, which are known to be a source of dust, sometimes very volatile, which can invade and / or spread into other rooms of the building directly connected to the room under work.

[0010] The dust in question can sometimes exhibit polluting or toxic properties, and are therefore dangerous, due to their particle size and / or their physico-chemical nature.

[0011] For example, in the case of asbestos removal work in a building, there is a generation of dust or fine asbestos residues which must under no circumstances be released into the environment outside the premises under work.

[0012] While the device described in document WO2015140301 ensures a perfect seal between rooms by blocking access doors, it requires installation by a professional that can take several tens of minutes. Furthermore, this installation is intended to last only for the duration of the work, so the passageway is partitioned off for the entire time before its complete removal.

[0013] However, there are applications for which it would be desirable to provide a fixed but removable (i.e., not sealed or integrated into the masonry or the door structure but can be removed / uninstalled without damaging the masonry) closure device for a passage such as a corridor or door and which can be unfolded / folded between two positions: an inactivated position in which the system is retracted and the passage is free, and an activated position in which the frame is closed and obstructed by a tarpaulin (advantageously equipped with a watertight sliding opening).

[0014] In particular, hospitals must be able to urgently partition off certain passages to allow for the isolation of entire departments in the event of a health crisis, for example within the framework of nuclear, radiological, and biological (NRB) threat prevention plans.

[0015] However, adapting the layout of hospitals to these plans can be very expensive, very time-consuming, and require work that would temporarily close access to the area concerned while the work is being carried out.

[0016] For example, this work could consist of adding fire doors, but this requires modification of the masonry and therefore heavy and costly work.

[0017] Furthermore, some countries have regulations that may even prohibit such modifications. For example, corridors must meet dimensional standards that make it impossible to structurally alter them to incorporate additional doors.

[0018] The present invention aims to provide a fixed but removable solution, i.e. without modifying the masonry, for changing or repair, capable of blocking a wide and high passage, which can be activated in an emergency, i.e. in a few minutes and by non-specialized personnel not equipped with specific equipment such as a screwdriver or a stepladder.

[0019] Another objective of the invention is to provide an emergency sealing system that can ensure continuous sealing of the tarpaulin fixing during activation.

[0020] Another objective of the invention is to provide an emergency closure system whose cover is protected in the inactivated position so as not to be damaged or receive dust.

[0021] Another objective of the invention is to provide an emergency shut-off system that can easily switch from the inactivated position to the activated position and vice versa, to allow staff training in simulation exercises, or to allow inspection, without having to change the system.

[0022] Finally, another objective is to provide an emergency partitioning device that can be activated without requiring additional equipment, such as a ladder or stepladder.

[0023] To this end, the invention relates to an emergency partitioning device for a passage of the type delimited by a floor, a ceiling and two walls, comprising, with reference to the position of use, a rigid frame formed of vertical and transverse longitudinal elements, each longitudinal element comprising a front face provided with at least one longitudinal groove for fixing an edge of a flexible sealing element, such as a tarpaulin, by means of a joint for forcefully fixing said edge in the longitudinal groove, characterized in that: The frame comprises uprights intended to be fixed to the walls so that a lower end of the uprights is arranged at a predetermined distance from the floor, and a top rail; the device further comprises a box extending from wall to wall in the operating position, and comprising two side panels extending opposite each other against an opposite wall, a transverse front panel extending between the walls and connecting the side panels, a back panel opposite the front panel, a cover fixed against the ceiling, and a base on which rests the shutter element rolled up around itself around the threshold bar in the inactive position; the box having a first fixed part intended to be fixed to each wall and against the ceiling and comprising the two side panels, the back panel and the cover, and a second part mounted pivotally at the front on the first part.The second pivoting part, comprising at least a portion of the base, such that in the open position, the base pivots and releases the shutter element, which can then unroll by gravity; the box delimits a passage of a determined height between the base of the box and the floor; the shutter element comprises a first transverse edge intended to be fixed to the upper crossbar and a second transverse edge intended to be fixed to a longitudinal element constituting a movable threshold bar capable of being fixed, by at least one reversible stop and fixing device, between the floor and the jambs of the frame to reversibly close the passage; a first and a second lateral edge of the shutter element being each fixed to a jamb of the frame when the device is in the activated position.

[0024] According to specific embodiments: the passage may have a height between the base of the box and the floor of between 2 meters and 2.2 meters, preferably between 2.05 meters and 2.15 meters, advantageously 2.1 meters; the frame may comprise: two longitudinal wall elements intended to be fixed each to a wall to form uprights, a transverse longitudinal element intended to be fixed in the box to form a top rail connecting the two uprights, a second transverse longitudinal element forming the movable threshold bar, and fixed to the second transverse edge of the closing element; the box may also be shaped to house fixing joints of the closing element on the uprights of the frame, in the activated position;The longitudinal wall elements of the uprights and the transverse longitudinal element of the top rail may be fixed by brackets or by connecting pieces comprising a front face having a curved longitudinal groove suitable for connecting a groove of a wall longitudinal element of an upright with a groove of a transverse longitudinal element of the top rail; the reversible stop and fixing device may include a stop plate arranged at the lower end of each upright, against a back face opposite the front face and extending below the lower end of the upright which is arranged at the determined distance from the floor; the reversible stop and fixing device may further include a fixing device for the threshold bar below the lower end of each upright; the reversible stop and fixing device may further include a spring blade intended to be fixed between an upright and the threshold bar;The fastening element may be selected from a latch, a lug, or a pin intended to enter an opening in the threshold bar or vice versa, and a male / female part intended to cooperate with a complementary female / male part carried by the jambs and / or the threshold bar; in the inactive position in which the sealing element is rolled up on itself, an upper transverse edge of the sealing element may be fixed in a groove of the upper rail by a fixing gasket, and only an upper portion of each lateral edge of the sealing element is fixed in a groove of a jamb of the frame by a portion of a fixing gasket, said portion of the fixing gasket being held against each jamb by force in the groove and by a retaining element preventing the gasket from being forcibly removed from the groove; and / or the retaining element of the gasket may include a clip, a screw, or a pin.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for implementing the preceding device to urgently block a passage, the method comprising the following steps: A) pivoting the pivoting part of the box to open the box and release said second sealing element; B) passing the ends of the threshold bar under the lower ends of the uprights until they are against the reversible stop and fixing member; C) activating the reversible stop and fixing member to fix the threshold bar under the uprights; D) inserting the lateral edges of the sealing element into the longitudinal grooves of the uprights; and E) forcing a fixing gasket in so as to wedge the lateral edges into the longitudinal grooves of the uprights in a watertight manner.

[0026] Other features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description below, made with reference to the attached drawings, which represent, respectively: [ Fig. 1 ], a schematic perspective view of an example of an implementation of an emergency partitioning device according to the invention, in the inactivated position, in which the box comprises a tarpaulin rolled around a threshold bar, protected from dust and held suspended at a determined distance from the ground by means of the box; [ Fig. 2 ], a schematic perspective view of the example implementation of the figure 1 , in the activated position, in which the tarpaulin is stretched and securely fixed to the uprights of the device, the box being closed; [ Fig. 3 ], a partial schematic front view of an example of the upper crossbar being attached to the uprights of the device figure 1 ; Fig. 4 ], a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view along line IV-IV of an emergency partitioning device according to the invention in the inactivated position, before activation; [ Fig. 5 ], a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the emergency partitioning device of the figure 4 Activation in progress; [ Fig. 6 ], a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the emergency partitioning device of the figure 5 in the activated position; Fig. 7 ], a schematic front perspective view of the housing equipping the emergency partitioning device according to the invention; [ Fig. 8 ], a schematic front perspective view of a first embodiment of a box according to the invention, during activation, in which the pivoting base extends to the back panel and includes notches for the passage of the uprights; [ Fig. 9 ], a schematic plan view from below of the casing of the figure 8 in the closed position; Fig. 10 ], a schematic front perspective view of the caisson of the figure 8 in the activated position before the casing is closed; Fig. 11 ], a schematic front perspective view of the caisson of the figure 10 after closing the box; Fig. 12 ], a schematic perspective view of an example of fixing the threshold bar under the uprights of the device according to the invention, in the activated position. Fig. 13 ], a schematic front perspective view of a second embodiment of a box according to the invention, during activation, in which the base comprises a pivoting part and a fixed part, integral with the back panel, the fixed part of the base comprising notches for the passage of the uprights; [ Fig. 14 ], a schematic plan view from below of the casing of the figure 13 in the closed position; and [ Fig. 15 ], a schematic perspective view of an emergency partitioning device for a wide passage, the device including props suitable for being housed in the caisson.

[0027] On the figures 1 , 2 , 8 , 10 And 13 , the box is illustrated in transparency (totally or partially) in order to show the structures it houses (uprights 102, upper crossbar 103, flexible sealing element B1, fixing joint J, retaining magnets 237).

[0028] There figure 1 illustrates an emergency partitioning device according to the invention, installed in a passage delimited by a floor S, a ceiling P and two walls M. In the remainder of the description, the passage described is a corridor.

[0029] The device according to the invention is subsequently described with reference to this operating position by referring to the walls, ceiling, and floor, but, of course, neither these passageway structures nor the passageway itself are part of the invention. These references to the passageway structures therefore serve only to describe the device according to the invention with reference to its operating position, whether it is in the inactivated position, that is, in the standard position not requiring any partitioning of the passageway, or in the activated position in which the device partitions the passageway.

[0030] According to the invention, the device 100 comprises a rigid frame 101 formed of vertical longitudinal and transverse elements 101a.

[0031] Each longitudinal element 101a comprising a front face 101c having at least one longitudinal groove 101b for fixing an edge of a flexible sealing element B1, such as a tarpaulin, by means of a force fixing joint J of said edge in the longitudinal groove 101b.

[0032] Preferably, the longitudinal elements are made of metal profiles cut to the dimensions of the corridor.

[0033] Since the device according to the invention is intended to be permanently installed (even though it can be removed without altering the masonry), the profiles can be cut to the height of the walls and the width of the corridor during installation. Alternatively, the longitudinal elements can each consist of at least two telescopic profiles that allow for this cutting.

[0034] According to one aspect of the invention, the frame 101, once installed in the corridor, comprises uprights 102 fixed to the walls M so that a lower end 102a of the uprights 102 is arranged at a determined distance d1 from the floor.

[0035] The frame of the device according to the invention further comprises an upper crossbar 103 fixed inside a box 230.

[0036] The emergency partitioning device according to the invention comprises, in fact, a wall-to-wall extending box 230 comprising two lateral sides 231 extending face to face, each against an opposite wall M, a transverse front face 232 extending between the walls M and connecting the lateral sides 231, a rear partition 233 (see figure 4 opposite the transverse front face 232, a cover 234 fixed against the ceiling, and a base 235 on which rests the sealing element B1 wound around itself around a threshold bar 105 (see explanation below), in the inactivated position.

[0037] By "fixed to the ceiling," we mean that the enclosure can be fixed to the ceiling, for example, using screws through the lid, but it can also be fixed to the walls, for example, using screws through the side panels, as long as the lid is against the ceiling or as close to it as possible. In the latter case, a perimeter seal can be installed between the lid and the ceiling to prevent dust accumulation. Alternatively, the lid can be angled at more than 90° with the front face and the back panel to allow dust to slide off and prevent it from accumulating.

[0038] According to the invention, the box 230 comprises a first fixed part 230A intended to be fixed to each wall and to the intermediate cross member 104, and a second part 230B mounted pivotally at the front on the first fixed part 230A. By "at the front" it is understood that the pivot 236 between the fixed part 230A and the pivoting part 230B is located, viewed in longitudinal section along line XX, on the side of the front face 101c of the longitudinal elements, that is to say on the side of the longitudinal groove 101b.

[0039] The first fixed part 230A of the casing 230 includes the two side panels 231, the back panel 233 and the lid 234. The second pivoting part 230B includes at least a part of the transverse front face 232 and at least a part of the base 235.

[0040] THE figures 8 And 9illustrate an embodiment in which the pivoting base extends to the back panel and includes notches for the passage of the uprights, while the figures 13 et 14 illustrate an embodiment in which the base comprises a pivoting part and a fixed part, attached to the back wall, the fixed part of the base including notches for the passage of the uprights.

[0041] Thus, in the open position, the base 235 (or part of the base) pivots simultaneously with the transverse front face 232 (in whole or in part depending on whether the pivot 236 is located at the junction of the cover 234 and the transverse front face 232, or whether it is located, as illustrated in the figures, within the transverse front face 232). The tilted base 235 releases the sealing element B1, which can then unroll by gravity.

[0042] The box 230 delimits a lower passage 120 between the base 235 of the box and the floor S. In the inactivated position, this lower passage 120 is free.

[0043] Advantageously, the box is shaped to present a height taken between its lid and its base such that the passage 120 has a determined height h1 (taken between the base 235 of the box and the floor S) sufficient for a standard-sized adult to rotate the pivoting part of the box by raising their arms, without having to use a stepladder.

[0044] Typically, the determined height h1 is between 2 meters and 2.2 meters, preferably between 2.05 meters and 2.15 meters, advantageously 2.1 meters. Specifically, the determined height h1 is chosen to be similar to that of standard doors, for example 2.04 meters in France.

[0045] According to another aspect of the invention, the closing element B1 comprises a first transverse edge B1a intended to be fixed to the upper cross member 103 and a second transverse edge B1b intended to be fixed to a longitudinal element 101a constituting a movable threshold bar 105 capable of being fixed, by at least one reversible stop and fixing member 140, between the floor S and the uprights 102 of the frame 101 to reversibly close the passage, a first and a second lateral edge B1c (see figure 8 ) of the shutter element B1 being each fixed to a post 102 of the frame 101 when the device is in the activated position (see figure 2 ).

[0046] Thus, the arrangement of the shutter element B1 depends on the activated or inactivated position.

[0047] In the activated position, illustrated in figure 2 The sealing element B1 is fixed to the frame peripherally and securely. In other words, a first and a second lateral edge B1c of the sealing element B1 are each fixed to a jamb of the frame when the device is in the activated position.

[0048] Thus, the dormant 101 of the device 100 according to the invention comprises: two longitudinal wall elements 101a intended to be fixed each to a wall to form the uprights 102, a first longitudinal transverse element 101a intended to be fixed inside the box (either under the cover or against the back partition 233, directly to the box or through it, for example fixed to the ceiling) to form the upper cross member 103 connecting the two uprights 102, a second longitudinal transverse element 101a forming the movable threshold bar 105, and fixed to the lower transverse edge B1b of the shutter element B1.

[0049] Advantageously, the B1 closure element includes a sliding opening O arranged to create a temporary opening allowing passage for workers

[0050] An example of a fixing between the upper cross member 103 and a post 102 is shown enlarged in figure 3 , where one end of the cross member 103 is fixed to the upright 102 by a bracket 106.

[0051] Alternatively, in an embodiment not shown, the wall longitudinal elements of the uprights and the transverse longitudinal element of the top rail can be fixed by joining pieces comprising a front face having a curved longitudinal groove suitable for connecting a groove of a wall longitudinal element 101a of an upright 102 with a groove 101b of a transverse longitudinal element 101a of the top rail 103.

[0052] In combination, besides the brackets 106 (or connecting pieces), the device may include, but is not required to include, leaf springs 107 gripping above and below the intermediate cross member 104 and on the upright 102. These leaves increase the rigidity of the assembly.

[0053] These leaf springs are not mandatory, as rigidity is achieved through the casing which is preferably made of stainless steel in the hospital setting.

[0054] With the box fixed wall to wall and against the ceiling, and the support structure of the partition device according to the invention installed, the installer fixes the upper edge B1a of the sealing element B1 at the level of the upper cross member 103. To do this, he inserts the edges of the sealing element B1 into the grooves of the longitudinal elements of the upper cross member 103 and forces a seal J into the groove 104a.

[0055] Preferably, before inserting the J seal, it is possible to provide clips such as those described in document EP2921611 under the terms "retaining means 34".

[0056] Once the upper edge B1a of the sealing element B1 is fixed to the upper crossbar 103, it is stretched towards the ground and, if necessary, cut to size. Then, the lower edge of the sealing element B1 is inserted into the groove of the threshold bar 105 and secured by forcing a seal J into the groove.

[0057] The installer also fixes the upper part of the side edges B1c of the sealing element in the groove of the uprights 102.

[0058] The installer can then wrap the sealing element B1 around the threshold bar 105 upwards towards the casing.

[0059] The remaining unfixed seals are rolled up and stored in the box with the sealing element rolled up around itself around the threshold bar 105.

[0060] THE figures 4 , 5 And 6 illustrate three stages of the activation of the emergency partitioning device according to the invention.

[0061] In figure 4 The device is in the inactivated position. The shutter element B1 is wrapped around the threshold bar 105 and enclosed in the housing 230. It is thus supported and protected against the upper crossbar 103, i.e. suspended from the upper crossbar and held close by, just below, resting on the base 235.

[0062] The underpass is therefore clear and nothing prevents the passage of people or objects.

[0063] At the start of activation, illustrated in the figure 5 , the pivoting part 230B is raised (direction of arrow F1) and the roller of the sealing element falls by gravity towards the ground.

[0064] This step is very quick, because given the height h1 of the 230 mm housing, the user does not need a stepladder to open it. Furthermore, thanks to the weight of the threshold bar, the shutter element unrolls automatically.

[0065] The threshold bar 105 then needs to be slid between the floor S and the uprights 102 of the frame, that is, under the lower ends of the uprights 102, as illustrated in figure 6 , to tighten the sealing element B1.

[0066] The user then activates at least one reversible stop and fixing device, which will be described later, and fixes the rest of the lateral edges of the sealing element B1 against the uprights 102 by means of a seal forced into the groove of the uprights 102.

[0067] The lower passage, located under the intermediate crossbeam, is then hermetically sealed by the sealing element B1, resulting in the partitioning of the corridor.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the joint fixing the upper edge of the sealing element B1 on the upper cross member 103 is continuous and extends laterally by a sufficient joint length to fix the lateral edges of the sealing element against each upright 102 in the activated position.

[0069] Thus, in the inactivated position, these lengths of seals on either side of the sealing element B1 are supported in the 230 box.

[0070] In this case, an upper transverse edge of the sealing element B1 is fixed in a groove of the upper rail 103 by a fixing joint J, and only an upper portion of each lateral edge of the sealing element B1 is fixed in a groove of one of the jambs of the frame by a portion of fixing joint.

[0071] In the housing, the sealing element B1 is pre-installed on the intermediate cross member 104 contained within the housing and on the portion of the vertical uprights 102 housed within the housing. This means that the lateral edges and the upper transverse edge of the sealing element B1 are inserted into the groove of the front faces and locked in position by means of the portion J1 of the seal J, which is pressed into the grooves.

[0072] The remaining part J2 of the joint of the joint J which is not yet fixed is housed with the sealing element B1 wrapped around itself around the threshold bar 105 in the box 230.

[0073] When the latter is opened, the remaining part J2 of the seal J is also released, and all that remains for the user is to continue to fix the lateral edges of the sealing element B1 on the front faces of the uprights 102 by forcing the seal into the grooves.

[0074] According to the invention, the device further comprises a retaining element preventing the portion of the fixing seal J1 held in each upright from being forcibly removed from the groove, for example, when the sealing element B1 is rolled up to place it in the inactive position. The retaining element for the seal comprises, for example, a clip, a screw or pin, a spring-loaded pin, etc.

[0075] This allows a lateral fixing point to be maintained for the sealing element B1 against the uprights 102, which facilitates the finalization of the fixing to reach the activated position.

[0076] There figure 7 illustrates a front perspective view of the 230 box equipping the emergency partitioning device according to the invention, in the closed (or inactivated) position.

[0077] There figure 8 illustrates the casing of the figure 7 , in the process of being activated, and in which the base 235 of the pivoting part 230B extends to the dorsal partition 233 and includes notches 237 for the passage of the uprights 102.

[0078] There figure 9 illustrates the casing of the figure 8 Viewed from below when the housing is in the closed position. It can be seen that the housing does not impede the sealing of the shutter element B1. It can also be seen that, in the closed position, dust cannot enter the housing. To this end, the housing 230 can include a set of seals that make it airtight in the closed position, thus protecting the shutter element B1, which is wrapped around the threshold bar 105, from dust.

[0079] There figure 10 illustrates a schematic front perspective view of the caisson of the figure 8 in the activated position before closing the box. As before, the threshold bar 105 is fixed under the uprights in order to arrange and tension the shutter element B1.

[0080] Once the shutter element is removed from the housing 230, the latter is folded down in the direction of arrow F2 to be closed, as illustrated in figure 11 .

[0081] In order to be kept closed (in inactive or activated position), the box advantageously includes magnets 237 to hold the pivoting part 230B against the fixed part 230A.

[0082] There figure 12 illustrates an example of the realization of a reversible stop and fixing device intended to hold the threshold bar in the activated position, i.e. under the uprights and in contact with the ground.

[0083] The term "reversible stop and fixing device" means a fixing device that acts both as a position stop for the threshold bar in the partition position (anti-misalignment and retention in relative position with the uprights) and as a means of reversibly fixing this threshold bar in the partition position.

[0084] In this embodiment example, each upright is provided with a reversible stop and fixing device 140 which includes a stop plate 141 arranged at the lower end of the upright, against a back face 101d opposite the front face 101c carrying the groove 101b.

[0085] The stop plate 141 protrudes below the lower end of the post which supports it, and which is arranged at the determined distance d1 from the ground.

[0086] Thanks to this stop plate 141, the user can push the threshold bar fully under the uprights without having to worry about its positioning. This stop also prevents the threshold bar from moving in its direction while in the activated position (for example, in the event of a gust of wind against the shutter element B1).

[0087] The reversible stop and fixing member 140 further includes a fixing member 142 for the threshold bar 105 under the lower end of each upright.

[0088] In the example illustrated in figure 12 The fastening element is a latch 142, but other structures can be chosen, such as a lug or pin designed to fit into an opening in the threshold bar or vice versa. More generally, the fastening element comprises a male / female part designed to cooperate with a complementary female / male part carried by the jambs and / or the threshold bar.

[0089] In one possible embodiment, the reversible stop and fixing member 140 may further include a spring-blade 143 intended to be fixed between a post 102 and the threshold bar 105.

[0090] These leaf springs 143 are particularly useful in this location, i.e. on each side of the threshold bar 105, because they provide an additional vertical force which constrains the threshold bar against the floor and reinforces the sealing of the partition.

[0091] There figure 13 illustrates a second embodiment of a box according to the invention, in the process of being activated, and in which the base 235 comprises a pivoting part 235a and a fixed part 235b, integral with the back partition 233. In this case, the fixed part 235b of the base 235 includes the notches 237a for the passage of the uprights 102.

[0092] There figure 14 illustrates the box according to this second embodiment seen from below and in the closed position.

[0093] There figure 15 illustrates the case of a passage to be equipped with a large width in two walls M (one of which is symbolized in dotted line for clarity).

[0094] In this case, it may happen that the force exerted by the sealing element on the threshold bar lifts it (for example in the case of a draft).

[0095] One of the advantages provided by the rigid box according to the invention is that it can be shaped to house supports suitable for being housed in the box during the inactivation position, and which can be used during activation.

[0096] Indeed, the box, due to its rigidity and mechanical resistance, allows for the accommodation of 300 support props, particularly when the emergency partitioning device according to the invention is fitted to a wide passage.

[0097] Thus, once the threshold bar 105 is installed under the lower ends of the uprights 102, the user passes, through the sliding opening O, to the back side of the device (i.e. the other side of the sealing element B1, on the opposite side of the front faces of the longitudinal uprights 102), then installs the props 300 in support between the box 230 (for example against the base 235) and the threshold bar 105, which makes it possible to press the latter against the ground and prevents it from bending upwards, carried by the sealing element B1 for example in the event of an air current.

[0098] Thus, in general, the partitioning device according to the invention functionally comprises a frame formed by the longitudinal elements 101a.

[0099] The frame is not closed in the inactive position (the threshold bar is housed in the casing), and closed in the activated position, when the threshold bar is fixed under the uprights 102.

[0100] The partitioning device according to the invention is economical, easy to install and above all easy and quick to activate when necessary.

[0101] It is demountable if necessary, and particularly, although not exclusively, suited to the hospital sector in order to partition off a part of the hospital very quickly.

[0102] The flexible sealing element can easily be covered with useful visual information in case of partitioning: warning, alternative evacuation plan, etc.

[0103] A device according to the invention is therefore particularly useful in this field, because its activation is rapid and allows staff to devote themselves to other urgent tasks.

[0104] Furthermore, its ease of implementation allows anyone to activate it, without special skills, without tools, and without putting themselves in a risky position (for example, balancing on a stepladder).

[0105] It can be adapted to any passage, thanks to the height of the casing which allows the activatable part to be lowered to the height of an average person with outstretched arms.

[0106] In addition, it is easy to maintain, as the box has no horizontal parts that could accumulate dust.

[0107] Emergency compartmentation includes the following steps: A) pivoting of the pivoting part 230B of the box to open the box 230 and release said second sealing element; B) passing of the ends of the threshold bar under the lower ends of the uprights until they are against the reversible stop and fixing member; C) activation of the reversible stop and fixing member to fix the threshold bar under the uprights; D) insertion of the lateral edges of the sealing element B1 into the longitudinal grooves of the uprights; and E) force insertion of a fixing seal so as to wedge the lateral edges into the longitudinal grooves of the uprights in a watertight manner.

[0108] The emergency partitioning device according to the invention unfolds rapidly, without electricity or any mechanism. It is easy to install and requires no electrical installation work.

[0109] The height of the box can be adapted to the height of the passage to be fitted to ensure that the opening of the box can be carried out simply by extending the arms upwards, without the need for a stepladder.

Claims

1. Emergency partitioning device for a passage of a type delimited by a floor (S), a ceiling (P) and two walls (M), between an inactivated position in which the passage is free, and an activated position in which the passage is obstructed, the device comprising, with reference to the position of use, a rigid frame (101) formed of vertical and transverse longitudinal elements (101a), each longitudinal element comprising a front face provided with: - at least one longitudinal groove (101b) for fixing an edge of a flexible sealing element (B1), such as a tarpaulin, and - a force-fixing joint (J) for said edge in the longitudinal groove (101b), characterized in that- the frame (101) comprises two longitudinal wall elements (101a) intended to be fixed to each wall to form uprights (102) such that a lower end (102a) of the uprights (102) is arranged at a predetermined distance (d1) from the floor (S), and a transverse longitudinal element (101a) intended to be fixed to the ceiling (P) to form an upper rail (103), - the device further comprises a box (230) extending from wall to wall in the position of use, and comprising two side panels (231) extending opposite each other against an opposing wall (M), a transverse front face (232) extending between the walls (M) and connecting the side panels (231), a back panel (233) opposite the front face (232), a cover (234) fixed to the ceiling, and a base (235) on which rests the shutter element (B1), wound around itself around the threshold bar (105), in the inactivated position,the box having a first fixed part (230A) fixed to each wall and against the ceiling and comprising the two side sides (231), the back partition (233) and the cover (234), and a second part (230B) mounted pivoting frontally on the first part, the second pivoting part (230B) comprising at least a part of the base (235), such that in the open position, the base (235) pivots and releases the sealing element (B1) which can unroll by gravity, - the box delimits a passage (120) of determined height (h1) between the base (235) of the box and the ground (S); - the sealing element (B1) comprises a first transverse edge (B1a) fixed to the upper cross member (103) and a second transverse edge (B1b) fixed to a longitudinal element (101a) constituting a movable threshold bar (105) around which the second flexible sealing element is wound in the inactivated position, the movable threshold bar (105) being fixed, in the activated position,by at least one reversible stop and fixing device (140), between the floor (S) and the uprights (102) of the frame (101) to reversibly close the passage, a first and a second lateral edge of the closing element (B1) being fixed each to an upright (102) of the frame (101) when the device is in the activated position.

2. Partitioning device according to claim 1, in which the passage has a height (h1) taken between the base (235) of the box and the ground (S) of between 2 meters and 2.2 meters, preferably between 2.05 meters and 2.15 meters, advantageously 2.1 meters.

3. Partitioning device according to the preceding claim, in which the box (230) is also shaped to house fixing joints (J) of the sealing element (B1) on the uprights (102) of the frame (101), in the activated position.

4. Partitioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the wall longitudinal elements (101a) of the uprights and the transverse longitudinal element (101a) of the top rail are fixed by brackets (106) or by connecting pieces (108) comprising a front face having a curved longitudinal groove suitable for connecting a groove (101b) of a wall longitudinal element (101a) of an upright (102) with a groove (101b) of a transverse longitudinal element (101a) of the top rail (103).

5. Partitioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reversible stop and fixing member (140) comprises a stop plate (141) arranged at the lower end (102a) of each upright (102), against a face opposite to the front face (101c) and extending below the lower end (102a) of the upright (102) which is arranged at the determined distance from the floor (S).

6. Partitioning device according to the preceding claim, wherein the reversible stop and fixing member (140) further comprises a fixing member (142) of the threshold bar (105) under the lower end (102a) of each post (102).

7. Partitioning device according to the preceding claim, in which the reversible stop and fixing member (140) further comprises a spring-blade (143) intended to be fixed between a post (102) and the threshold bar (105).

8. Partitioning device according to the preceding claim, wherein the fastening member (142) is selected from a latch, a lug or a pin intended to enter into an opening in the threshold bar (105) or vice versa, and a male / female part intended to cooperate with a complementary female / male part carried by the uprights (102) and / or the threshold bar (105).

9. Partitioning device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein, in the inactive position in which the shutter element (B1) is rolled up on itself, the upper transverse edge (B1a) of the shutter element (B1) is fixed in a groove of the upper rail (103) by the fixing joint (J), and only an upper portion of each lateral edge of the shutter element (B1) is fixed in a groove (101b) of one of the uprights (102) of the frame (101) by a portion of the fixing joint (J), said portion of the fixing joint (J) being held against each upright (102) by force in the groove (101b) and by a retaining member preventing the joint (J) from being forcibly removed from the groove (101b).

10. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the retaining member of the seal (J) comprises a clamp, a screw or a pin.

11. Method for emergency partitioning of a passage delimited by a floor (S), a ceiling (P) and walls (M), with an emergency partitioning device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps: A) pivoting the pivoting part of the box to open the box and release said second closing element; B) passing the ends of the threshold bar (105) under the lower ends of the uprights (102) until they are abutted against the reversible stop and fixing member (140); C) activating the reversible stop and fixing member (140) to fix the threshold bar (105) under the uprights (102); D) inserting the lateral edges of the closing element (B1) into the longitudinal grooves (101b) of the uprights (102); and E) forced insertion of a fixing joint (J) so as to wedge the lateral edges into the longitudinal grooves (101b) of the uprights (102) in a watertight manner.

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