Smoke barrier apparatus

Abstract

A smoke barrier apparatus (1) is provided. The smoke barrier apparatus comprises: a curtain (2) movable between a retracted position and a deployed position through which the passage of smoke is inhibited. The curtain is further provided with a sealing member (8a, 8b) for forming a seal with a seal-forming surface (9a, 9b) for inhibiting passage of smoke. A curtain provided with one or more such sealing members for use in such a smoke barrier apparatus is provided, as is a kit for making such a smoke barrier apparatus.

Description

03 05 24 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to smoke barriers, such as smoke curtains.

[0002] The present invention concerns smoke barriers. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a smoke barrier apparatus. The invention also concerns a curtain for use in such a smoke barrier apparatus and a kit.

[0003] Smoke barrier apparatuses are known to those skilled in the art. They typically comprise a curtain typically comprising a sheet of flame-resistant material that may be moved between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position the smoke curtain provides an aperture (such as a doorway or entrance way) with a barrier to inhibit passage of smoke therethrough. The edges of the curtain are typically received in channel guides that are provided with brushes that form seals against the adjacent curtain.

[0004] The applicant has surprisingly discovered that it is possible to construct a functioning smoke barrier apparatus without brushes.

[0005] The present invention seeks to mitigate the above-mentioned problems. Alternatively or additionally, the present invention seeks to provide an improved smoke barrier apparatus. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoke barrier apparatus comprising: a curtain movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which passage of smoke therepast is inhibited; the curtain being provided with a sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a seal-forming surface of the smoke barrier apparatus; 03 05 24 wherein the sealing member is movable by increased air pressure from a non-sealing position into a sealing position in which the sealing member is in sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface; wherein the sealing member comprises a flap of sheet fabric material.

[0007] For the avoidance of doubt, the sealing member may form a seal with the seal forming surface when the curtain is in the deployed position. The sealing member is movable into sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface. For example, the sealing member may be movable from a non-sealing position into a sealing position in which the sealing member is in sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface. The sealing member is movable, for example, by increased air pressure, such as may occur in the event of a fire.

[0008] The sealing member may be deformable, optionally resiliently deformable.

[0009] The sealing member may optionally project away from a side of the curtain towards the seal-forming surface.

[0010] The flap is optionally elongate and may extend along the length of the curtain in order to form a seal between the curtain and the respective seal-forming surface along the length of the curtain.

[0011] The sealing member may be sewn to the curtain or may be attached to the curtain by a means for attaching the sealing member to the curtain. 21 09 23

[0012] The sealing member may be associated with an edge portion of the curtain. The sealing member may be attached to an edge portion of the curtain. The sealing member may project from an edge portion of the curtain. The sealing member may project from the respective edge portion at an angle to the surface of the respective edge portion of no more than 90 degrees, and optionally at an angle to the surface of the edge portion of from about 30 to about 60 degrees.

[0013] The seal-forming surface may be provided by a means for receiving a portion of the curtain. The means for receiving a portion of the curtain may comprise a means for receiving an edge portion of the curtain. Such a means for receiving an edge portion of the curtain may guide the curtain as it is being deployed and / or retracted. The means for receiving a portion of the curtain may be provided with a channel for the receipt of the curtain. The means for receiving an edge portion of the curtain may be provided with a channel for receipt of an edge portion of the curtain. Such a channel may be elongate and may be parallel to the curtain when the curtain is deployed. Such a means for receiving a portion of the channel may be a channel guide. The smoke barrier apparatus may comprise more than one means for receiving a portion of the curtain. For example, the smoke barrier apparatus may comprise two means for receiving an edge of the curtain, one such means being configured to receive a first edge of the curtain and the other such means being configured to receive a second edge of the curtain. For the avoidance of doubt, the curtain may extend between the first and second edges.

[0014] The means for receiving a portion of the curtain may provide more than one sealforming surface. For example, the means for receiving a portion of the curtain may provide two seal-forming surfaces. The two seal forming surfaces may optionally face one another.

[0015] The curtain may be provided with more than one sealing member, as is discussed below. For the avoidance of doubt, at least one, optionally more than one and optionally each of the sealing members discussed below may have the features discussed above in relation to “the sealing member”.

[0016] If the curtain is provided with more than one sealing member, then a first sealing member may project away from a first side of the curtain towards a first seal-forming 21 09 23 surface and a second sealing member may project away from a second side of the surface towards a second seal-forming surface, the second side of the curtain being opposite the first side of the curtain. The first sealing member and the second sealing member may be attached to, and / or project away from, a first edge portion of the curtain at or proximate to the first edge of the curtain.

[0017] If the curtain is provided with more than one sealing member, then a first sealing member may project away from a first side of the curtain towards a first seal-forming surface and a second sealing member may project away from the first side of the surface towards a second seal-forming surface. In this case, for example, the first sealing member may be associated with a first edge of the curtain and the second sealing member may be associated with a second edge of the curtain, the curtain extending between the first and second edges. The first sealing member may be attached to, and / or project away from, a first edge portion of the curtain at or proximate to the first edge of the curtain and the second sealing member may be attached to, and / or project away from, a second edge portion of the curtain at or proximate to the second edge of the curtain.

[0018] The curtain may be provided with a first sealing member which projects away from a first side of the curtain towards a first seal-forming surface, a second sealing member which projects away from a second side of the curtain towards a second sealforming surface, a third sealing member which projects away from the first side of the curtain towards a third seal-forming surface and a fourth sealing member which projects away from the second side of the curtain towards a fourth seal-forming surface, the second side of the curtain being opposite the first side of the curtain. The first and third sealing members may be associated with a first edge of the curtain. The second and fourth sealing members may be associated with a second edge of the curtain. The first and sealing members may be attached to, and / or project away from, a first edge portion of the curtain at or proximate to the first edge of the curtain and the third and fourth sealing members may be attached to, and / or project away from, a second edge portion of the curtain at or proximate to the second edge of the curtain.

[0019] The smoke barrier apparatus may comprise a means for moving the curtain from the deployed position to the retracted position. The means for moving the curtain from 21 09 23 the deployed position to the retracted position may comprise a roller to which the curtain is attached and a motor for rotating the roller. The motor may be at least partially located within the roller.

[0020] The means for moving the curtain from the deployed position to the retracted position may also be configured for moving the curtain from the retracted position to the deployed position. This is often known as “drive-down” to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, the curtain may be movable from the retracted position to the deployed position by the release of a brake and the application of gravity, particularly if the curtain is provided with a weight. Such weights are typically used to help the curtain to hang properly and may be used to deploy the curtain from the retracted position to the deployed position.

[0021] The means for moving the curtain from the deployed position to the retracted position may be located in a container, for example, a head box.

[0022] The apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention may also inhibit the passage therepast of fire / heat when the curtain is deployed, and may therefore be a fire and smoke barrier apparatus.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a curtain for use in the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the curtain being provided with a sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a seal-forming surface of a smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus. The curtain may be provided with more than one sealing member. At least one and more than one of the sealing members may have the features described above in relation to the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention. The curtain may have the features described above in relation to the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for converting a smoke (and optionally fire) curtain into a smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the kit comprising a sealing member as described above in relation to the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier 21 09 23 apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention and a means for attaching the sealing member to the curtain.

[0025] The kit of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise more than one sealing member, and may comprise more than one means for attaching the sealing member to the curtain. The sealing member(s) may have the features described above in relation to the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0026] It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the kit of the third aspect of the present invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention and vice versa. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a first example of a fire and smoke barrier apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a plan view of part of the fire and smoke barrier apparatus of Figure 1; and

[0030] Figure 3 shows a side-on view of part of the fire and smoke barrier apparatus of Figures 1 and 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an example of a fire and smoke barrier apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The fire and smoke barrier apparatus is denoted generally by reference numeral 1, and comprises a fire-resistant curtain 2 comprising a sheet of fire-resistant material such as is well-known to those skilled in the art. The fire and smoke barrier apparatus 1 is attached to a wall W 21 09 23 adjacent an aperture A, in this case defining a serving hatch. The curtain 2 is attached to a roller 3 that is rotated by a motor 4 located inside roller 3. The roller 3 and motor 4 are located inside a head box 5. The motor 4 is used to move the roller 3 to move the curtain from a deployed position in which the curtain 2 forms a fire and smoke resistant barrier across the aperture A to a retracted position. A curtain weight 10 is provided at the bottom of the curtain to facilitate correct hanging and deployment of the curtain 2. When the curtain is to be deployed (for example, on detection of a fire, smoke and / or increased ambient temperature, or by a user at the end of a working day), a brake (not shown) is released and the curtain weight 10 causes the curtain 2 to move from the retracted to the deployed position. When in the deployed position, the flat-bottomed curtain weight 10 abuts ledge 13.

[0032] Curtain edge portions 6a, 6b are located in channel guides 7a, 7b, which guide the curtain as it is deployed and / or retracted. In a known, conventional arrangement, each of channel guides 7a, 7b would be provided with a smoke seal that forms a seal with the curtain to inhibit passage of smoke from one side of the curtain to the other when the curtain is deployed. A smoke seal is typically in the form of an elongate brush (often known as a brush strip) that forms a seal with the curtain.

[0033] In the arrangement of the present invention, there is no need for each of the channel guides 7a, 7b to be provided with a smoke seal. Each curtain edge portion 6a, 6b is provided with a pair of elongate sealing flaps 8a, 8b. Each elongate sealing flap 8a, 8b is made of a fabric material and is configured to form a seal with a corresponding channel guide surface 9a, 9b when the curtain 2 is deployed. The flaps 8a, 8b are attached to the respective edge portion 6a, 6b of the curtain 2 by sewing, although those skilled in that art will realise that other means for attachment are possible. Sealing flap 8a projects away from first side 2a of curtain 2 and sealing flap 8b projects away from second side 2b of curtain 2.

[0034] Flaps 8a, 8b are configured so that increased air pressure that results from a fire urges the respective flap 8a, 8b into an enhanced sealing engagement with the respective channel guide surface 9a, 9b. This enhanced sealing engagement provides enhanced protection against the passage of smoke. 21 09 23

[0035] The example above demonstrates the use of flaps to form seals that inhibit passage therepast of smoke. Those skilled in the art will realise that such a seal is not a fluid-tight seal. Generally speaking, the seal is sufficient to conform to a respective regulation that governs such matters. For example, in the UK, BS EN 12101 defines the technical characteristics for a smoke barrier that is not fire resistant. If a barrier is to act as both a fire and smoke barrier then the barrier should conform with BS EN 8524-1 (relating to fire resistance) and BS EN 1634-3 (relating to smoke resistance for fire curtains).

[0036] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0037] The example of Figures 1, 2 and 3 describes a curtain in which the sealing members are in sealing engagement with the respective channel guide surface under normal operating circumstances i.e. in the absence of a positive air pressure to urge the sealing member into sealing engagement with the respective channel guide surface. Alternatively, the sealing member may, under normal operating circumstances, not be in sealing contact with the respective channel guide surface, but may be urged into contact with the respective guide channel surface when there is a sufficient positive air pressure, such as occurs in the event of a fire.

[0038] The example of Figures 1, 2 and 3 describes a curtain that is deployed from, and retrieved onto, a drum. Those skilled in the art will realise that other arrangements may be used. For example, the curtain may be deployed from, and retrieved into, a folded arrangement.

[0039] The example of Figures 1, 2 and 3 describe the use of two sealing flaps on each edge portion of the curtain. Those skilled in the art will realise that an edge portion of the curtain need only be provided with one sealing flap.

[0040] The example describes the use of a flap to form a seal that inhibits passage therepast of smoke. Those skilled in the art will realise that different sealing members may be used. For example, a deformable strip may be used between the curtain and the 21 09 23 sealing surface, the deformable strip being in a deformed (and therefore sealing) state when the respective curtain edge portion is located in the respective channel guide. The flap may be advantageous because the engagement force between the flap and the channel guide surface is relatively low, thereby providing little resistance to movement of the curtain.

[0041] The example described above is a fire and smoke barrier apparatus. Those skilled in the art will realise that the barrier may be a smoke barrier. A smoke barrier would typically conform to regulations pertaining to the passage of smoke therepast, but would not necessarily conform to regulations pertaining to the inhibition of heat or fire therepast. A fire barrier would typically conform to such regulations.

[0042] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A smoke barrier apparatus comprising:a curtain movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which passage of smoke therepast is inhibited;the curtain being provided with a sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a seal-forming surface of the smoke barrier apparatus;wherein the sealing member is movable by increased air pressure from a non-sealing position into a sealing position in which the sealing member is in sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface, or the sealing member is movable from a first sealing position in which the sealing member is in sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface into a second sealing position in which the sealing member is in enhanced sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface;wherein the sealing member comprises a flap of sheet fabric material.

2. A smoke barrier apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing member projects away from a side of the curtain towards the seal-forming surface.

3. A smoke barrier apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing member is sewn to the curtain or is attached to the curtain by a means for attaching the sealing member to the curtain.

4. A smoke barrier apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the sealing member is associated with an edge portion of the curtain.

5. A smoke barrier apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the seal-forming surface is provided by a means for receiving an edge portion of the curtain, the means for receiving an edge portion of the curtain being provided with a channel for the receipt of the edge portion of the curtain.03 05 246. A smoke barrier apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the means for receiving an edge portion of the curtain provides two seal-forming surfaces that face one another.

7. A smoke barrier apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the curtain is provided with more than one sealing member.

8. A smoke barrier apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a first sealing member projects away from a first side of the curtain towards a first seal-forming surface and a second sealing member projects away from a second side of the surface towards a second seal-forming surface, the second side of the curtain being opposite the first side of the curtain.

9. A smoke barrier apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a first sealing member projects away from a first side of the curtain towards a first seal-forming surface and a second sealing member projects away from the first side of the surface towards a second seal-forming surface.

10. A smoke barrier apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first sealing member is associated with a first edge of the curtain and the second sealing member is associated with a second edge of the curtain, the curtain extending between the first and second edges.

11. A smoke barrier apparatus according to claim 7, wherein a first sealing member projects away from a first side of the curtain towards a first seal-forming surface, a second sealing member projects away from a second side of the curtain towards a second seal-forming surface, a third sealing member projects away from the first side of the curtain towards a third seal-forming surface and a fourth sealing member projects away from the second side of the curtain towards a fourth sealforming surface, the second side of the curtain being opposite the first side of the curtain, the first and third sealing members being associated with a first edge of the curtain and the second and fourth sealing members being associated with a second edge of the curtain.

12. A smoke barrier apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a means for moving the curtain from the deployed position to the retracted position, themeans for moving the curtain from the deployed position to the retracted position optionally be configured for moving the curtain from the retracted position to the deployed position.

13. A smoke and fire barrier apparatus according to any preceding claim, the smoke and fire barrier apparatus being capable of inhibiting the passage of fire / heat therepast.05 24

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