Casing strip for a firestop sleeve

Abstract

A metal casing strip (1) for forming a casing of a firestop sleeve, said casing strip (1) being made of sheet metal and defining a longitudinal axis (X) and a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X). The sheet is bendable over a bending axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the casing strip (1) to form the casing into an annular or tubular shape. The casing strip comprises successive segments (2) with a weakening line (3) between successive segments (2). The weakening lines (3) extend parallel to the transverse axis (Y) of the casing strip (1). The metal casing strip (1) in use is severed at one of the weakening lines (3) to separate a casing strip portion of a desired length from the remainder of the casing strip (1).

Description

[0001] Title: Casing strip for a firestop sleeve

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a metal casing strip for forming a casing of a firestop sleeve. The invention also relates to a fire stop sleeve adapted to be arranged in a passage through a partition such as a wall or ceiling, wherein the fire stop sleeve is to be arranged around a pipe or another duct extending through the passage. The invention also relates to a building partition penetrated by a pipe or another duct, wherein a fire stop sleeve is arranged around the pipe or duct in the passage. The invention also relates to a method for forming a metal casing of a firestop sleeve.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Fire protection systems are commonly applied by installers around the world. Generally speaking, three types of fire protection systems are available to seal off plastic pipes that penetrate partitions, such as walls, floors and ceilings, in critical locations in a building in case of fire.

[0006] A first type of such fire protection system consists of fire-resistant tapes (intumescent wraps). These tapes are wrapped around a pipe and placed into the wall. They are also used for penetrations of flexible (=Metal Stud) walls. The products are fixed in place by using gypsum plaster or a fire sealant. Fire-resistant tapes are suitable for all thicknesses of walls. They can be used in solid walls and insulated flexible walls, but are not suitable for non-insulated hollow walls.

[0007] A second type of fire protection system for pipes is formed by fire sleeves as shown for example in US D641.859. These products are commonly placed around a pipe and placed into the wall. The products can be fixed in place by using gypsum plaster or a fire sealant. The fire sleeve comprises a metal casing and strips of intumescent material arranged on an inner side of the casing, which faces the pipe. The advantage of a fire sleeve is that an installer does not need a large amount of space on a wall around a pipe (ideal when the penetration is close to a corner) to anchor the product to the wall. A disadvantage is that the sleeve needs to be available in various sizes for various partition wall thicknesses, and for every pipe diameter and type. From EP 1 849 222 an assembly of fire sleeves is known, wherein the fire sleeves are arranged one after the other and are coupled by coupling means. In this way the length of the fire sleeve assembly can be roughly adapted to the thickness of the partition.

[0008] A third type of fire protection system is formed by fire collars. An example of a fire collar is shown in EP 2 372 207 B1. A fire collar is placed around a pipe and placed ‘on the wall’ instead of ‘in the wall’. It comprises a metal casing and an intumescent layer on an inner side of the casing, that faces the pipe. The intumescent layer may be formed of an intumescent tape that is wrapped around the pipe, after which the casing is arranged around the wrap as is illustrated in Fig. 9 of EP 2 372 207. The fire collar is fixed in place by anchoring the casing to the penetrated surface, e.g. a wall as is illustrated in Fig. 10 of EP 2 372 207. The main advantage of a fire collar is that its size is independent of the wall thickness and that these collars are easier to retrofit.

[0009] All of the above mentioned types of fire protection products make use of a compound of graphite and aluminium flakes known as an intumescent material to seal off gaps and / or close pipes. Intumescent materials expand when exposed to heat, thereby exerting pressure on e.g., melting pipes, thus collapsing and closing the pipe, and sealing the hole in the partition penetrated by the pipe. The pipe’s type, diameter and wall thickness dictate the quantity of intumescent material that needs to be used.

[0010] The invention has for an object to provide a casing for a fire sleeve which is adaptable to the thickness of the partition.

[0011] This object is achieved by a casing strip for a fire sleeve according to the claimed invention.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A metal casing strip for forming a casing of a firestop sleeve, said casing strip being made of sheet metal and defining a longitudinal axis (X) and a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X). The sheet is bendable over a bending axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the casing strip to form the casing into an annular or tubular shape. The casing strip comprises successive segments with a weakening line between successive segments. The weakening lines extend parallel to the transverse axis (Y) of the casing strip, wherein the metal casing strip in use is severed at one of the weakening lines to separate a casing strip portion of a desired length from the remainder of the casing strip. A casing strip portion is severed from the casing strip according to the invention. The length of the casing strip portion, determined by the number of segments comprised in the severed casing strip portion, is selected to correspond substantially with the length of the passage through a partition such as a wall. Thus the length of the casing strip portion can be made in accordance with the thickness of the wall. The casing strip portion is bent around a bending axis into a tubular or annular shape, possibly in a round tubular or annular shape. In this annular or tubular shape it can be arranged in the penetration passage in the partition to constitute a sturdy sleeve casing delimiting the outer contour of the passage. An intumescent layer, preferably made of an intumescent tape, is arranged around the pipe or duct extending through the passage.

[0014] In an embodiment the casing strip is provided on a roll, wherein the roll has a central axis (rotational axis) which extends parallel to the transverse axis (Y) of the metal casing strip.

[0015] In an embodiment each one of said segments of the metal casing strip has two opposite transverse ends, wherein on one of said transverse ends a coupling member is formed, and wherein seen from the other transverse end at least one cut-out is formed - or a series of spaced apart slot shaped cut-outs is formed- adapted to cooperate with the coupling member (e.g. to receive a bendable tongue) of the other end of the segment to maintain the metal casing strip in the round tubular or annular shape. The at least one cut-out - or series of spaced apart slot shaped cut-outs - may e.g. cooperate with the coupling member by forming a snap connection, or a similar alternative connection, therewith.

[0016] In a further embodiment the coupling member is formed as a bendable tongue that extends in the transverse direction from the corresponding end of the segment, and the at least one cutout comprises one slot or a plurality of parallel and spaced apart slots, through which the bendable tongue is insertable. Then the at least one cut-out - or series of spaced apart slot shaped cut-outs - cooperates with the coupling member by receiving the bendable tongue. In case of the plurality of slots the diameter of the sleeve in the round tubular or annular shape is dependent on the slot that is selected from the plurality of slots.

[0017] In an embodiment the weakening line between successive segments comprises a series of aligned perforations in the metal sheet. The perforations may be for example slot-like perforations which are aligned in their own longitudinal direction and are parallel to the transverse direction (Y) of the casing strip. In another embodiment the weakening line between successive segments comprises one or more grooves in the metal sheet. The groove(s) extend(s) with its / their own longitudinal direction in the transverse direction (Y) of the casing strip.

[0018] The invention also relates to a firestop sleeve for arrangement in a passage in a wall around a pipe or other duct, wherein the firestop sleeve comprises a casing strip portion severed from a casing strip as described in the foregoing and bent to a round annular or tubular shape, and furthermore comprising a layer of intumescent material located within the bent casing strip portion.

[0019] The invention also relates to a building partition, such as a wall, penetrated by a pipe or another duct, said building partition having a penetration passage for the pipe or another duct, wherein a casing comprising a casing strip portion severed from a casing strip as described in the above and bent to an annular or tubular shape, is arranged in the penetration passage so as to cover an outer contour thereof, and wherein a layer of intumescent material is arranged around the pipe or duct within the passage on an inner side of the casing.

[0020] In a possible embodiment of the building partition only intumescent material is provided between the casing and an outer surface of the pipe.

[0021] In another possible embodiment of the building partition intumescent material is provided around the pipe and a different material, preferably a fire resistant material, is provided between the intumescent material and the casing.

[0022] During installation a radial gap exists between the pipe and the casing strip portion. This gap may be entirely filled by the intumescent material. It is however also possible to fill the gap partially with intumescent material which is arranged on and around the pipe, and fill the radially outer portion of the gap with another material, which is cheaper than intumescent material, for example mineral wool. In this way a cost saving solution is provided.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for forming a metal casing of a firestop sleeve, the method comprising:

[0024] - providing a casing strip made of sheet metal, which casing strip defines a longitudinal axis (X) and a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), and wherein the casing strip comprises successive segments, and having, between successive segments, a weakening line extending parallel to the transverse axis (Y) of the casing strip; - sever the strip at one of the weakening lines to separate a casing strip portion of a desired length from the remainder of the casing strip;

[0025] - bend the severed casing strip portion into an annular or tubular shape about a bending axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), such that transversal end regions of the strip overlap; and

[0026] - connect the overlapping transversal end regions.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for forming a metal casing of a firestop sleeve, the method comprising: i) providing a casing strip according to the above described embodiment wherein the coupling member is formed as a bendable tongue that extends in the transverse direction from the corresponding end of the segment, and wherein the at least one cut-out comprises one slot or a plurality of parallel and spaced apart slots, through which the bendable tongue is insertable; ii) sever the strip at one of the weakening lines to separate a first casing strip portion of a desired length from the remainder of the casing strip; iii) sever the strip at one of the weakening lines to separate a further casing strip portion of the same length as the first casing strip portion from the remainder of the casing strip; iv) repeat step iii) in case more further casing strip portions are necessary; v) interconnect the first and further casing strip portion(s) by inserting the tongues of one of the casing strip portions in the slots of another one of the further casing strip portions, such that an assembly of a series of casing strip portions is formed and interconnected so as to form a closed tubular or annular shape.

[0028] The invention will be further elucidated in the following detailed description with reference to the drawings.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Fig. 1 shows in an isometric view an embodiment of a metal casing strip according to the invention;

[0031] Fig. 2 shows in an isometric view the casing strip of Fig. 1 on a roll;

[0032] Fig. 3 shows in an isometric view a casing strip portion severed from the casing strip of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 illustrates how the casing strip portion of Fig. 3 is bent to a round tubular shape;

[0033] Fig. 5 shows how overlapping end transverse end regions of the bent casing strip portion of Fig. 4 are interconnected;

[0034] Fig. 6 illustrates the casing bent from the casing strip portion of Fig. 3 is arranged in a passage in a wall;

[0035] Fig. 7 shows the casing of Fig. 6 with a pipe wrapped with intumescent extending through the passage;

[0036] Fig. 8 shows in an isometric view another, longer casing strip portion severed from the casing strip of Fig. 1 and bent to a round tubular shape; and

[0037] Fig. 9 illustrates in an isometric view how two casing strip portions of Fig. 3 are combined to form one bigger casing.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a casing strip 1 for forming a casing of a firestop sleeve. The casing strip 1 is made of sheet metal. In the plane of the strip 1 the strip defines a longitudinal axis X and a transverse axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, as shown in the figure.

[0040] The casing strip 1 comprises successive segments 2 with a weakening line 3 between successive segments 2. The weakening lines 3 extend parallel to the transverse axis Y of the casing strip 1. In the embodiment shown in the figures the weakening line 3 comprises a series of aligned perforations 4, in particular slot-like perforations. The slot-like perforations 4 extend with their own longitudinal axis in the transverse direction (Y) of the strip 1.

[0041] Also a different form of weakening line is possible within the scope of the invention. In one envisaged embodiment the weakening line may comprise a groove in the strip material. The groove may have a depth which may for example be half of the thickness of the strip material. The groove may be a V-shaped groove. Also multiple grooves and / or grooves provided on either plane side of the sheet metal are possible. In use the casing strip 1 can be severed at one of the weakening lines 3 to separate a casing strip portion 5 of a desired length from the remainder of the casing strip 1, as is shown for example in Fig. 3. In Fig. 3 a casing strip portion 5 constituted by three segments 2 is shown.

[0042] As is shown in Fig. 2 the casing strip 1 is provided on a roll 6. The roll 6 has a central axis 7 which extends parallel to the transverse axis Y of the casing strip 1. The roll comprises the rolled up casing strip 1 and when a strip portion 5 has to be severed from the casing strip 1, a part of the casing strip 1 can be unrolled of the roll whereby the roll 6 rotates about the central axis 7.

[0043] The sheet metal is bendable over a bending axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis X of the casing strip 1 to form the casing into a round annular or tubular shape as is shown in Fig. 4 for the casing strip portion 5. The bending axis is illustrated in Fig. 4 and indicated with reference numeral 8.

[0044] Each one of the segments 2 of the metal casing strip 1 has two opposite transverse ends 2A and 2B, respectively (see Fig. 1). On one transverse end 2A a bendable tongue 9 is formed that extends in the transverse direction from the corresponding end 2A of the segment 2.

[0045] Seen from the other transverse end 2B a series of parallel and spaced apart slots 10 is provided as cut-outs in the sheet metal. In the specific embodiment shown there are four slots 10 in a series, but this could be another number in another embodiment. The bendable tongue 9 is insertable through one of the slots 10 of the series and is then folded backwards, as is shown in Fig. 5. The bendable tongue 9 maintains, as a coupling member, the metal casing strip portion 5 in the round tubular or annular shape. The diameter of the sleeve in the round tubular or annular shape is dependent on the slot 10 that is selected from the plurality of slots 10. In Fig. 5 the bendable tongues 9 are inserted through the first slot 10 of the series; by selecting another slot 10 the diameter of the sleeve can be decreased.

[0046] In a method for forming a metal casing of a firestop sleeve, a casing strip 1 made of sheet metal is provided. The casing strip 1 is severed at one of the weakening lines 3 to separate a casing strip portion 5 of a desired length “a” (see Fig. 3) or “a2” (see Fig. 8) from the remainder of the casing strip 1. The severed casing strip portion 5 is bent into a round annular or tubular shape about a bending axis 8 (see Fig. 4) which is parallel to the longitudinal axis X, such that transversal end regions 16 and 17 of the strip overlap. The overlapping transversal end regions 16 and 17 are connected by inserting the bendable tongues 9 through slots 10 and fold them backwards (see Fig. 5). In Fig. 6 is shown how the casing 5’ bent from the casing strip portion 5 of Fig. 3 is arranged in a penetration passage 15 in a wall 11. In this example the wall 11 is a hollow wall which comprises two spaced apart wall panels 12. The number of segments 2 is chosen such that the length “a” corresponds substantially with the thickness of the wall 11.

[0047] A pipe 13, possibly being a plastic pipe, wrapped with intumescent tape 14 may be arranged through the sleeve 5’ which is arranged in the passage 15, as is illustrated in Fig. 7. In case of fire, the heat will cause the intumescent material to swell. The casing 5’ limits the swelling in radial outwards direction, whereby the force of the swelling intumescent material will be directed inwardly. The inwardly directed force can compress a plastic pipe and thus closes off the passage 15 through the wall 11 . Furthermore the swelling intumescent material can fill gaps which may exist in the passage 15 between the casing 5’ and the pipe 13.

[0048] In Fig. 7 is shown that there is a radial space between the intumescent material 14 and the casing 5’. During installation the radial space between the casing 5’ and the pipe 13 may be entirely filled by the intumescent material 14 by adding additional layers of intumescent material 14. It is however also possible to fill the remaining space towards the casing 5’ with a different material. The pipe’s type, diameter and wall thickness dictate the quantity of intumescent material that needs to be used. As long as there is provided a sufficiently thick intumescent layer for compressing the specific pipe 13 in case of a fire, the remaining filling material within the casing 5’ does not need to be intumescent material and can thus be a different fire resistant material, which is preferably cheaper than intumescent material. An example of such a material is mineral wool, which can, if used in relatively small amounts, be sufficient to seal the wall penetration together with the intumescent material. In this way a cost saving fire safety solution is provided for oversized passages through walls.

[0049] In a bigger passage, for example for a pipe with a bigger diameter, it is possible to couple two strip portions 5 together as is shown in Fig. 9. A first casing strip portion 5 of a desired length is severed from the remainder of the casing strip 1. A second casing strip portion 5 of the same length as the first casing strip portion 5 is severed from the remainder of the casing strip 1. This can be repeated if more casing strip portions 5 are necessary. In the example of Fig. 9 only two casing strip portions 5 are used. The first and second casing strip portions 5 are coupled by inserting the tongues 9 of the first casing strip portion 5 in the slots 10 of the second casing strip portion 5. Thus a series of casing strip portions 5 is formed and interconnected, which can be bent to form a closed tubular or annular shape as is illustrated in Fig. 9.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Metal casing strip for forming a casing of a firestop sleeve, said casing strip being made of sheet metal and defining a longitudinal axis (X) and a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), wherein the sheet is bendable over a bending axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis (X) of the casing strip to form the casing into an annular or tubular shape, and wherein the casing strip comprises successive segments with a weakening line between successive segments, characterized in that the weakening lines extend parallel to the transverse axis (Y) of the casing strip, wherein the metal casing strip in use is severed at one of the weakening lines to separate a casing strip portion of a desired length from the remainder of the casing strip.

2. Metal casing strip according to claim 1 , wherein the casing strip is provided on a roll, wherein the roll has a central axis, i.e. a rotational axis, which extends parallel to the transverse axis (Y) of the metal casing strip.

3. Metal casing strip according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each one of said segments of the metal casing strip has two opposite transverse ends, wherein on one of said transverse ends a coupling member is formed, and wherein seen from the other transverse end at least one cutout is formed - or a series of spaced apart slot shaped cut-outs is formed - adapted to cooperate with the coupling member of the other end of the segment to maintain the metal casing strip in the round tubular or annular shape.

4. Metal casing strip according to claim 3, wherein the coupling member is formed as a bendable tongue that extends in the transverse direction from the corresponding end of the segment, and wherein the at least one cut-out comprises one slot or a plurality of parallel and spaced apart slots, through which the bendable tongue is insertable, and wherein in case of the plurality of slots the diameter of the sleeve in the round tubular or annular shape is dependent on the slot that is selected from the plurality of slots.

5. Metal casing strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakening line comprises a series of aligned perforations, preferably slot-like perforations, in the metal sheet.

6. Metal casing strip according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the weakening line comprises one or more grooves in the metal sheet.

7. Firestop sleeve for arrangement in a passage in a wall around a pipe or other duct, wherein the firestop sleeve comprises a casing strip portion severed from a casing strip according to the preceding claims and bent to an annular or tubular shape, and furthermore comprising a layer of intumescent material located within the bent casing strip portion.

8. Building partition penetrated by a pipe or another duct, said building partition having a penetration passage for the pipe or another duct, wherein a casing comprising a casing strip portion severed from a casing strip according to any one of the claims 1-6 and bent to an annular or tubular shape, is arranged in the penetration passage so as to cover an outer contour thereof, and wherein a layer of intumescent material is arranged around the pipe or duct within the passage on an inner side of the casing.

9. Building partition according to claim 8, wherein between the casing and an outer surface of the pipe only intumescent material is provided.

10. Building partition according to claim 8, wherein between the casing and an outer surface of the pipe intumescent material is provided around the pipe and a different material, preferably a fire resistant material, is provided between the intumescent material and the casing.

11. Method for forming a metal casing of a firestop sleeve, the method comprising:- providing a casing strip made of sheet metal, which casing strip defines a longitudinal axis (X) and a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X), and wherein the casing strip comprises successive segments, and having, between successive segments, a weakening line extending parallel to the transverse axis (Y) of the casing strip;- sever the strip at one of the weakening lines to separate a casing strip portion of a desired length from the remainder of the casing strip;- bend the severed casing strip portion into an annular or tubular shape about a bending axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis (X), such that transversal end regions of the strip overlap,- connect the overlapping transversal end regions.

12. Method for forming a metal casing of a firestop sleeve, the method comprising: i) providing a casing strip according to claim 4; ii) sever the strip at one of the weakening lines to separate a first casing strip portion of a desired length from the remainder of the casing strip;iii) sever the strip at one of the weakening lines to separate a further casing strip portion of the same length as the first casing strip portion from the remainder of the casing strip; iv) repeat step iii) in case more further casing strip portions are necessary; v) interconnect the first and further casing strip portion(s) by inserting the tongues of one of the casing strip portions in the slots of another one of the further casing strip portions, such that an assembly of a series of casing strip portions is formed and interconnected so as to form a closed tubular or annular shape.

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