Means and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edge of individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure thereof

Abstract

A construction and a method for fireproof sealing between the outer edges of a floor and the exterior wall structure of a building which includes the placement of an insulation support member between the safing insulation positioned immediately around the floor edge, and the spandrel insulation extending between the vertical studs inside of the outer cladding. Safing insulation is normally compressed prior to placement, and this compression is maintained by positioning the insulation support member in abutment therewith. Also, by positioning the insulation support member between the safing insulation and the spandrel insulation, the support member itself is protected which enhances maintenance of the effective seal of the slot between the floor and the outer cladding. Also during installation, the insulation support member can be used to achieve a desired compression of the safing insulation by positioning it after initial positioning of the insulation member such that it is compressed during final installation of the insulation member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field Of The Invention [0002] The present invention deals with a field of devices for providing a means of sealing the perimeter joint or slot defined between a normally conventional concrete floor, and the exterior wall construction of a building. It is necessary to make a seal in this slot for the purposes of minimizing the flow of smoke, fire or heat from one floor upwardly to the floor immediately thereabove. Such seal, often defined as a smoke seal, is designed to seal the flow of any hot gases also. Each floor is deemed to be a separate zone, and it is desirable that all fire, smoke, heat and hot gases be contained or compartmentalized within each area to prevent spreading to an adjacent area to minimize spreading of the fire. In this manner, a maximum amount of time is given for individuals to exit the building after a fire starts, and also it maximizes the chance for fire personnel to treat the fire prior to spreading thereof to multiple...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006] The present invention provides a means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of a floor of a building and the external wall structure thereof. Such an exterior wall structure normally includes multiple vertically extending wall members which can include aluminum mullions which extend vertically therewithin, and are laterally spaced apart. Spandrel panels extend therebetween to provide an exterior cladding to the building, and spandrel insulation extends vertically in sections between the spandrel panels. The present invention provides a unique means for fireproof sealing by providing the positioning of safing insulation in abutment with the peripheral edge of an adjacent floor, and also an insulation support member attached with respect to, and extending between the wall members at a position coplanar to the floor structure or along the safing line. The insulation support member is designed to be positioned spatially disposed from the spandrel panels of the exterior wall. This insulation support member is also positioned spatially positioned from the peripheral edge of the floor to define therebetween a safing insulation retaining zone to facilitate holding and retaining of the safing insulation therein by being positioned in abutment therewith for fireproof sealing between the insulation support member and the peripheral edge of the adjacent wall. Preferably, the insulation support member includes a safing abutment surface facing inwardly toward the peripheral edge of the individual floor which is adapted to abut the safing insulation positioned immediately thereadjacent within the safing insulation retaining zone. The insulation support member is also preferably positioned spatially disposed from the spandrel panels of the exterior wall for the purpose of finding a spandrel insulation retaining zone thereadjacent to facilitate holding and retaining of that spandrel insulation therewithin positioned between the insulation support member and the spandrel panels laterally between adjacently positioned vertically extending wall members.

[0007] A portion of the insulation support member immediately adjacent to the spandrel insulation retaining zone is defined as the spandrel abutment surface. Preferably, the insulation support member is secured directly with respect to the wall members and extending therebetween, or alternatively, can be secured to mounting brackets which themselves are mounted with respect to the wall members to provide the means for attachment of the insulation support member to the vertically extending wall members. One means for attaching of the insulation support member to the mounting brackets can include member mounting screws. This positioning of the insulation support member immediately outside of the safing insulation and in abutment therewith, facilitates the compression of the safing insulation about the perimeter edge of the floor. Normally, such safing insulation comprises mineral oil which needs to be compressed prior to installation to increase the effectiveness of fireproof sealing therewith. The positioning of the insulation support member immediately adjacent to the safing insulation, provides a firm surface on one end of the safing insulation retaining zone, and the outer edge of the floor provides another firm edge such that when the safing insulation is compressed and placed between these two members, it is maintained in place. This is a distinct improvement in fireproofing characteristics made possible only by the positioning of the insulation support member immediately adjacent to the safing insulation and the safing insulation retaining zone within which it is placed.

[0008] Furthermore, the positioning of the insulation support member sandwiched between the safing insulation and the spandrel insulation, provides protection to the insulation support member not present in prior constructions. It should be appreciated that the insulation support member is a very important characteristic in the overall maintenance of structural integrity of the insulation structure between the wall and the exterior wall structure. If the insulation support member becomes overheated, it may tend to bend or warp which could severely compromise the positioning of the safing insulation, or it could also possibly compromise the positioning of the spandrel insulation. This would allow portions of the slot between the floor and the exterior cladding to become open and severely compromise the fireproofing characteristics surrounding the particular floor. Thus, it can be seen that it is very important that excessive heat not be brought in contact with the insulation support member, and the achieving of this desired end is maximized by sandwiching the insulation support member between the interior safing insulation and the exteriorly positioned spandrel insulation.

Problems solved by technology

If the insulation support member becomes overheated, it may tend to bend or warp which could severely compromise the positioning of the safing insulation, or it could also possibly compromise the positioning of the spandrel insulation.

This would allow portions of the slot between the floor and the exterior cladding to become open and severely compromise the fireproofing characteristics surrounding the particular floor.

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