U.S. patent application number 11/367893 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for means and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edge of individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to Specified Technologies Inc.. Invention is credited to James P. JR. Stahl, James P. SR. Stahl.
Application Number | 20070204540 11/367893 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38470250 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070204540 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stahl; James P. SR. ; et
al. |
September 6, 2007 |
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.
Inventors: |
Stahl; James P. SR.;
(Stockton, NJ) ; Stahl; James P. JR.; (Flemington,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SPERRY ZODA AND KANE;SUITE D
ONE HIGHGATE DRIVE
TRENTON
NJ
08618
US
|
Assignee: |
Specified Technologies Inc.
|
Family ID: |
38470250 |
Appl. No.: |
11/367893 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/274 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2/88 20130101; E04B
5/00 20130101; E04B 1/94 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/274 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/00 20060101
E04B001/00 |
Claims
1. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of a
floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof with
safing insulation, the exterior wall structure including a
plurality of wall members extending generally vertically
therewithin which are laterally spaced apart with spandrel panels
extending therebetween and spandrel insulation positioned
thereadjacent, said means for fireproof sealing including an
insulation support member attached with respect to and extending
between wall members at a position coplanar to an adjacent floor
construction, said insulation support member being positioned
spatially disposed from the spandrel panels of the exterior wall
structure, said insulation support member being positioned
spatially disposed from the peripheral edge of a floor to define
therebetween a safing insulation retaining zone to facilitate
holding and retaining of safing insulation therein by being
positioned in abutment therewith for fireproof sealing between the
insulation support member and the peripheral edge of the adjacent
floor.
2. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of a
floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof which
includes a plurality of wall members extending generally vertically
therewithin which are laterally spaced apart with spandrel panels
extending therebetween and spandrel insulation positioned
thereadjacent, said means for fireproof sealing comprising: A. a
safing insulation means positioned in abutment with the peripheral
edge of the adjacent floor for fireproof sealing around; and B. an
insulation support member attached with respect to and extending
between wall members at a position coplanar to an adjacent floor
construction, said insulation support member being positioned
spatially disposed from the spandrel panels of the exterior wall
structure, said insulation support member being positioned
spatially disposed from the peripheral edge of a floor to define
therebetween a safing insulation retaining zone to facilitate
holding and retaining of said safing insulation means therein by
being positioned in abutment therewith for fireproof sealing
between the insulation support member and the peripheral edge of
the adjacent floor.
3. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 2 wherein said insulation
support member further includes a safing abutment surface facing
toward the peripheral edge of the individual floor which is adapted
to abut safing insulation means positioned within said safing
insulation retaining zone.
4. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 2 wherein said insulation
support member is positioned spatially disposed from the spandrel
panels of the exterior wall structure to define therebetween a
spandrel insulation retaining zone to facilitate holding of the
spandrel insulation therebetween.
5. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 4 wherein said insulation
support member further includes a spandrel abutment surface facing
toward the spandrel panels which is adapted to abut spandrel
insulation positioned within said spandrel insulation retaining
zone.
6. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 2 wherein insulation
support member is secured directly with respect to the wall members
and extends therebetween.
7. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 2 wherein said insulation
support member extends approximately horizontally between the wall
members to be oriented generally coplanar with respect to the
adjacent floor construction to facilitate retaining of said safing
insulation thereagainst.
8. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 2 further comprising
mounting brackets secured to each of the wall members and wherein
said insulation support member is attached to each wall member by
being secured with respect to said mounting brackets secured
thereto.
9. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 2 further including
member mounting screws for facilitating attaching of said
insulation support members with respect to the wall member.
10. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 1 wherein said insulation
support member is adapted, prior to attaching thereof to the wall
members to be positioned at a location more distant from the
peripheral edge of the floor than the final mounting position
thereof, and wherein said insulation support member is responsive
to move toward the floor peripheral edge responsive to attaching
thereof with respect to the wall members to facilitate compressing
of said safing insulation means within said safing insulation
retaining means against the adjacent peripheral edge of the floor
to enhance firestopping.
11. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 2 wherein said insulation
support member is approximately T-shaped with a top section and a
body section extending outwardly from said top portion and being
oriented approximately normal thereof.
12. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 11 wherein said body
section comprises a first body member extending generally
perpendicularly outwardly from said top section and a second body
member also extending perpendicularly outwardly from said top
section and being spatially disposed from said first body
member.
13. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 11 wherein said top
section defines said safing abutment surface.
14. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 5 wherein said body
section defines said spandrel abutment surface.
15. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 11 wherein said top
section is oriented extending approximately vertically and wherein
said body section is oriented extending approximately horizontally
responsive to said insulation support member being attached with
respect to and extending between the wall members.
16. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 11 wherein said
insulation support member include a first L-shaped angle member and
a second L-shaped angle member in direct abutment with respect to
one another to provide the body section of the T-shape of said
insulation support member with the remaining portions of said first
L-shaped angle member and the second L-shaped angle member
extending oppositely away from one another to define said top
section, the body portion of the T-shape being positioned coplanar
with the floor construction to provide a means for stiffening and
compressing of the safing insulation extending therearound at floor
level.
17. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 1 further comprising a
sealing membrane for enhancing fireproof sealing between the
peripheral edge of the floor and the exterior wall structure, said
membrane being attached to the floor adjacent the peripheral edge
thereof and extending outwardly over the safing insulation and
being attached to the insulation support member for enhanced
sealing.
18. A means for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and an exterior wall structure
extending therearound as defined in claim 1 further comprising a
sealing membrane for enhancing fireproof sealing between the
peripheral edge of the floor and the exterior wall structure, said
membrane being attached to the floor adjacent the peripheral edge
thereof and extending outwardly over the safing insulation and over
the spandrel insulation being attached directly to the spandrel
insulation for enhanced sealing.
19. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure wherein the
exterior wall structure includes a plurality of wall members
extending generally vertically therewithin which are laterally
spaced apart with spandrel panels extending therebetween and
spandrel insulation positioned thereadjacent, said method for
fireproof sealing including: A. providing an insulation support
member having a safing abutment surface and a spandrel facing
portion defined thereon oriented facing outwardly therefrom in
approximately opposite directions; B. attaching the insulation
support member at a position extending between the wall members
with the safing abutment surface thereof facing toward the
peripheral edge of the floor to define therebetween a safing
insulation zone and with the spandrel facing portion facing
approximately oppositely toward the location of the spandrel
insulation and spandrel panels; C. positioning the safing
insulation into the safing retaining zone defined between the
peripheral edge of the floor and the safing abutment surface of the
insulation support member for fireproof sealing therearound.
20. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 19 wherein said providing an insulation support
member is performed with a spandrel facing portion which comprises
a spandrel abutment portion adapted to directly abut the spandrel
insulation position extending between adjacently positioned
vertically extending wall members and extending across a spandrel
panel to provide a fireproof seal between the peripheral edges of a
floor and the exterior wall structure positioned outwardly
therefrom formed by the safing insulation positioned along the
peripheral edge of the floor and by the insulation support member
and by the spandrel insulation.
21. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 19 further comprising compressing of the safing
insulation prior to positioning thereof into the safing retaining
zone to facilitate fireproofing sealing therewith.
22. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 19 wherein said attaching the insulation support
member includes securing the insulation support member to each of a
pair of adjacently positioned vertically extending wall members at
a position extending approximately horizontally therebetween and
coplanar with respect to the floor construction and the safing
insulation positioned therearound.
23. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 19 wherein said attaching the insulation support
member includes: A. providing a first mounting bracket and a second
mounting bracket; B. securing the first mounting bracket to a
vertically extending wall member at a position coplanar with the
adjacent floor construction; C. securing the second mounting
bracket to an adjacently positioned vertically extending wall
member at a position coplanar with the adjacent floor construction;
D. securing the insulation support member to said first mounting
bracket and said second mounting bracket at a position extending
approximately horizontally therebetween and coplanar with respect
to the adjacent floor construction and the safing insulation
positioned therearound.
24. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 19 wherein said attaching the insulation support
member is performed at a position between the spandrel insulation
and the safing insulation zone for maintaining the safing
insulation within the safing retaining zone while also providing
insulation protection for the insulation support member.
25. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 19 wherein said attaching the insulation support
member includes providing a screw means engageable with respect to
the insulation support member and with respect to the vertical wall
member to facilitate attaching therebetween.
26. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 24 wherein attaching of the insulation support
member comprises: A. initial placing of the insulation support
member at a position displaced outwardly from the desired mounting
location thereof in a direction away from the peripheral edge of
the floor; and B. engaging said screw means with respect to the
insulation support member and with respect to the vertically
extending wall member without completely tightening thereof to
maintain the insulation support member at a position displaced
outwardly from the desired mounting location thereof in a direction
toward the spandrel panel.
27. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 26 wherein said positioning of the safing
insulation includes positioning of a portion of the safing
insulation between the safing retain zone and the initially placed
position of the insulation support member.
28. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 27 further comprising final tightening of the
screw means to fixedly secure the insulation support member with
respect to the vertically extending wall members while moving the
insulation support member away from the spandrel panels and toward
the safing retaining zone to the desired final mounting location,
said insulation support member being adapted to simultaneously
compress the safing insulation into the safing retaining zone as
the insulation support member is moved inwardly toward the safing
retaining zone responsive to said final tightening of the screw
means.
29. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 19 wherein attaching of the insulation support
member comprises: A. initial placing of the insulation support
member at a position displaced outwardly from the desired mounting
location thereof in a direction away from the peripheral edge of
the floor; B. positioning of a the safing insulation between the
safing abutment surface of the insulation support member located in
the initially placed position thereof and the peripheral edge of
the floor; and C. finally securing of the insulation support member
in the desired mounting location attached to wall members while
moving thereof inwardly toward the peripheral edge of the floor
while simultaneously compressing the safing insulation into the
safing insulation retaining zone.
30. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 19 wherein said providing an insulation support
member includes providing of a T-shaped insulation support member
having a top section and a body section oriented approximately
perpendicularly with respect to one another and wherein said
attaching of the insulation support member is performed to orient
the top section to abut inwardly against the safing retaining and
to orient that body section outwardly in abutment with the spandrel
insulation positioned between the vertically extending wall members
and across the interior side of the spandrel panels.
31. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 19 wherein the top section extends vertically
facing inwardly to facilitate compressing of the safing insulation
into the safing retaining zone and wherein the body section extends
outwardly horizontally and presents a spandrel abutment edge to
retain the spandrel insulation in place extending over the interior
spandrel panel surface and effectively provide a fireproofing seal
along with the safing insulation and the spandrel insulation
between the peripheral edge of the floor and the exterior wall
structure.
32. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure thereof as
defined in claim 30 wherein said T-shaped insulation support member
is provided with a body section which includes two body members
spaced apart from one another and both extending approximately
perpendicularly away from the top section thereof.
33. A method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
a floor of a building and an exterior wall structure wherein the
exterior wall structure includes a plurality of wall members
extending generally vertically therewithin which are laterally
spaced apart with spandrel panels extending therebetween and
spandrel insulation positioned thereadjacent, said method for
fireproof sealing including: A. providing an insulation support
member having a safing abutment surface and a spandrel facing
portion defined thereon oriented facing outwardly therefrom in
approximately opposite directions; B. providing a screw means for
attaching the insulation support member at a position extending
between the wall members with the safing abutment surface thereof
facing toward the peripheral edge of the floor to define
therebetween a safing insulation zone and with the spandrel facing
portion facing approximately oppositely toward the location of the
spandrel insulation and spandrel panels; C. initial placing of the
insulation support member at a position displaced outwardly from
the desired mounting location thereof in a direction toward the
spandrel panel; and D. engaging said screw means with respect to
the insulation support member and with respect to adjacent
vertically extending wall members without completely tightening
thereof to maintain the insulation support member at a position
displaced outwardly from the final desired mounting location
thereof in a direction toward the spandrel panel. E. positioning a
portion of the safing insulation into the safing retaining zone
defined between the peripheral edge of the floor and the safing
abutment surface of the insulation support member for fireproof
sealing therearound and positioning of a portion of the safing
insulation between the safing retain zone and the initially placed
position of the insulation support member; and F. final tightening
of the screw means to fixedly secure the insulation support member
with respect to the vertically extending wall members while moving
the insulation support member away from the spandrel panels and
toward the safing retaining zone to the desired final mounting
location, said insulation support member being adapted to
simultaneously compress the safing insulation into the safing
retaining zone as the insulation support member is moved inwardly
toward the safing retaining zone responsive to said final
tightening of the screw means.
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 floors.
[0003] It is common to place stiffeners or T-shaped stiffening
metallic members around the safing line or plane of the floors in
order to firmly hold insulation between the floor and the outer
cladding. Normally, this insulation includes a safing insulation
which is positioned immediately around the outer periphery of the
floor, and is normally of a mineral wall material, and is
compressed prior to placement. This safing insulation is normally
in abutment with the spandrel insulation which extends vertically
in a conventional manner between vertically extending members such
as aluminum mullions, and positioned immediately inside of the
outer spandrel panels or outer cladding of the building. A
stiffening member is normally secured in position extending between
the vertically extending members across the surface of the spandrel
panel, such as to exert inwardly directed bias against the spandrel
insulation, or more particularly, against the safing insulation for
maintaining it in place and achieving an effective perimeter seal
of the slot between the floor and the outer construction of the
building. The present invention provides a unique construction
wherein an additional stiffening member is included positioned
immediately adjacent to the safing insulation while maintaining
compression thereof, or, where the outer stiffening member is
repositioned at a location inside of the spandrel insulation,
rather than outside of the spandrel insulation, such that it can
more effectively achieve the desired compression of the safing
insulation, while at the same time, allowing the spandrel
insulation and the safing insulation to provide fireproofing
protection for the reinforcing member itself. This member can take
various constructions or configurations as shown herein.
[0004] 2. Description Of The Prior Art
[0005] Many prior art devices have been utilized for perimeter
sealing of floors within buildings for prevention of the movement
of hot gases, smoke, fire, or heat from one floor to another such
as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,110,131 patented Nov. 12, 1963 to T. N.
Jeffress and assigned to Jeffress-Dyer, Inc. on a "Building
Construction"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,319,388 patented May 16, 1967 to
T. K. Olsen on "Wall Constructions"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,144
patented to P. A. Chauveau et al on Dec. 12, 1967 and assigned to
Constructions Metalliques Fillod S. A. on "External Sheathing Or
Curtain Wall"; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,950,906 patented Apr. 20, 1976
to S. Mollinger on a "Flexible Curtain Wall"; and U.S. Pat. No.
3,994,107 patented Nov. 30, 1976 to A. Aughuet and assigned to
Applications de la Chimie, de l'Electricite et des Metaux, en
abregen "SADACEM" on a "Curtain Wall Structure"; and U.S. Pat. No.
4,221,095 patented Sep. 9, 1980 to R. N. Weinar on "Wall
Constructed From Wallboard Held Together With Concealed Fasteners";
and U.S. Pat. No. 4,449,341 patented May 22, 1984 to P. C.
Taglianetti et al and assigned to PPG Industries, Inc. on a "Fire
Containment Arrangement For Curtain Wall Construction"; and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,531,332 patented Jul. 30, 1985 to E. Gartner and
assigned to Yoshida Kogyo K. K. on a "Rooftop Parapet For
Thermally-Insulated Curtain Wall"; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,793
patented Sep. 2, 1986 to W. R. Yost et al and assigned to Cadillac
Rubber & Plastics, Inc. on a "Structural Gasket Wall"; and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,610,115 patented Sep. 9, 1986 to A. E. Thompson, Jr. and
assigned to PPG Industries, Inc. on a "Multiple-Glazed Combination
Vision And Spandrel Architectural Panel And Curtainwall"; and U.S.
Pat. No. 4,974,380 patented Dec. 4, 1990 to K. G. Bemander et al on
"Framing For Structural Walls In Multistory Buildings"; and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,355,645 patented Oct. 18, 1994 to F. A. Farag on a
"Stopless Butt-Joint Multiple Curtainwall System"; and U.S. Pat.
No. 5,402,612 patented Apr. 4, 1995 to E. R. diGirolamo et al on a
"Structural System For Supporting A Building Utilizing Light Weight
Steel Framing For Walls And Hollow Core Concrete Slabs For Floors";
and U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,937 patented Apr. 2, 1996 to V. H. Wilson
and assigned to Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company on a
"Fire Protective Flexible Composite Insulating System"; and U.S.
Pat. No. 5,729,936 patented Mar. 24, 1998 to J. F. Maxwell on a
"Prefab Fiber Building Construction"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,873
patented Jun. 9, 1998 to J. Slater on a "Web, Beam And Frame System
For A Building Structure"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,332 patented to
H. V. Landin et al on Jun. 16, 1998 and assigned to Minnesota
Mining And Manufacturing Company on a "Fire Barrier Protected
Dynamic Joint"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,788 patented Jun. 22, 1999
to T. R. Herren on a "Fire Blocking And Seismic Resistant Wall
Structure"; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,950,385 patented Sep. 14, 1999 to
T. R. Herren on an "Interior Shaft Wall Construction"; and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,041,561 patented Mar. 28, 2000 to D. LeBlang and
assigned to Wayne LeBlang on a "Self-Contained Molded
Pre-Fabricated Building Panel And Method Of Making The Same"; and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,668 patented May 9, 2000 to T. R. Herren on a
"Seismic And Fire-Resistant Head-Of-Wall Structure"; and U.S. Pat.
No. 6,381m913 patented May 7, 2002 to R. R. Herren on a "Stud For
Construction of Seismic And Fire Resistant Shaft Walls"; and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,857,233 patented Feb. 22, 2005 to R. A. Farag on a "Fire
Resistant Rated Fenestration, Including Curtain Wall Systems, For
Multiple Story Buildings"; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,077 patented
Aug. 30, 2005 to H. Wulfert et al on an "Earthquake-Immune Curtain
Wall System".
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[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.
[0009] Compression of the safing insulation can also be uniquely
controlled by an improved method for installation of the insulation
support member with the use of member mounting screws. The
insulation support member is initially placed at an outwardly
extended position from the desired final location with screws
extending therethrough and engaged with respect to the vertically
extending wall members, or with respect to mounting brackets
secured to the vertically extending wall member. Thus, with this
positioning, the distance between the outer edge of the floor, and
the insulation support member, will be greater than the final
positioning thereof. This relationship occurs because the
tightening of the member mounting screws will draw the insulation
support member inwardly toward the peripheral edge of the floor
until it reaches its final desired mounting position, at which time
it is finally secured.
[0010] By placing the insulation support member at the initial
position after partial installation and prior to full installation,
would allow the placement of safing insulation between the position
of the insulation support member and the outer peripheral edge of
the flooring. Thus tightening of the member mount screws would
achieve a dual purpose of firstly urging the insulation member
inwardly toward the floor towards its final securement position,
while at the same time compressing of the safing insulation
surrounding the floor edge. This dual purpose is important since
compression of the safing insulation is often difficult to perform
in the field. Also, if the safing insulation is compressed prior to
placement between the edge of the floor and the initial positioning
of the insulation support member prior to tightening of the screws,
then the final installation of the insulation support member by
tightening of the member mounting screws, will allow compression of
the mineral wall to a degree greater than possible for an
individual technician in the field. Such a technician could
compress the mineral wall to the maximum extent possible, and place
it between the initial position of the support member and the outer
edge of the floor, and then its compression achieved by tightening
of the member mounting screws would achieve a compression level
greater than the maximum amount of compression achievable by the
particular installation technician.
[0011] The configuration of the insulation support member can be of
various constructions. However, it preferably includes a safing
abutment surface for abutting the safing retaining zone, and
holding the mineral wall in place. It also must preferably include
a spandrel abutment surface for abutting a spandrel insulation zone
on the exterior thereof. Such designs commonly can be T-shaped, and
are often formed by putting two angle iron members back to back to
form an overall T-structure, having a generally flat extending top
portion, and a body portion of double strength. Normally, the flat
portion of the upper portion of the T, or the top portion thereof,
will face inwardly toward the safing retaining zone in order to
define the safing abutment surface. With this construction,
preferably the lower double strength body section will face
outwardly toward the spandrel insulation, and provide the spandrel
abutment surface, or spandrel abutment edge thereof. Other
configurations are possible including a double strength body
portion which is spaced apart, and is in the general shape of a
"hat".
[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface, which provides structural protection and maximizes the
integrity of the wall system.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproofing sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface, which prevents the migration of flame, hot gases, smoke
and heat through to the floors thereabove.
[0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which provides significant protection in case of a
malfunction of other fire protection systems, such as sprinklers or
detection alarms.
[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which provides additional time for fire personnel to reach
the building for terminating the fire problem.
[0016] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which provides additional time to allow the occupants of a
building to escape after the start of a fire.
[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which protects the structural elements of a building, and
helps prevent failure of the exterior wall construction.
[0018] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which enhances fire protection even in those applications
where it is adjacent to a wall which is not fire rated.
[0019] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which provides a means for protecting the insulation
support members which further facilitates maintenance of the
integrity of the spandrel insulation and the safing insulation
about the floor periphery.
[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which can be conventionally formed by steel angles which
are doubled back to back.
[0021] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which can be used to maintain the desired compression of
the safing insulation.
[0022] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which can be utilized to provide additional compression to
the safing insulation during the installation process of the
insulation member itself.
[0023] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which prevents overheating of the safing stiffening
means.
[0024] It is an object of the present invention to provide a means
and method for fireproof sealing between the peripheral edges of
individual floors of a building and the exterior wall structure
thereof, wherein the perimeter zone of the floor is sealed with an
approved material that extends the rating of the exterior wall
surface which prevents outer deflection of the safing stiffening
means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] While the invention is particularly pointed out and
distinctly claimed in the concluding portions herein, a preferred
embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description which
may be best understood when read in connection with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of the means for
fireproof sealing of the present invention showing cross-section
extending between the edge of the floor and the spandrel
insulation;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an embodiment of a means for
fireproof sealing of the present invention showing use with
mounting brackets and with screws for tightening the insulation
support member from an initial position to a final position for
mounting thereof and for compressing of the safing insulation;
[0028] FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the cross-sectional shape of the
insulation support member;
[0029] FIG. 4 is another embodiment of a possible cross-sectional
shape of the insulation support member of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 5 is another alternative embodiment of the
cross-sectional shape of the insulation support member of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a prospective illustration showing an embodiment
of the insulation support member of the present invention
positioned between the peripheral edge of a floor and an exterior
wall; and
[0032] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 showing
the positioning of the stiff back angle of the prior art at a
location outside of the spandrel insulation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0033] The present invention provides an improved means and method
for providing a fireproofing seal within a building 10 about the
individual floors 12 thereof, and particularly, about the outer
peripheral edges 14 of these floors 12. A seal fireproofing seal
needs to be provided between the exterior wall structure 16 and the
peripheral edges 14 of the floor 12 in order to prevent the
movement of hot gases, fire, smoke and heat upwardly therethrough
in order to prevent fire from spreading upwardly within a building
by maintaining compartmentalization of the building and of the fire
located within a particular floor therein. The exterior wall
structure 16 of the conventional building includes vertically
extending wall members 17 which can comprise studs of wood or metal
often in commercial buildings formed of aluminum. These vertical
wall members 17 are spaced apart from one another, and spandrel
panels 18 are secured extending thereover normally used as a
portion of the exterior cladding of the building. Spandrel
insulation 20 is then normally positioned in vertically extending
sections running up and down along the inside surface of each
spandrel panel 18 between adjacent or positioned vertical wall
members 17 for achieving basic building insulation.
[0034] Additional insulation is now required near the positioning
of the spandrel insulation 20 surrounding each individual floor 10
by a floor 12 at the plane 26 of each floor construction. Safing
insulation 22 is positioned about the outermost peripheral edge 14
thereof. This safing insulation provides fireproof protection
between the floor edge 14 and the exterior wall structure 16, in
addition to the spandrel insulation 20, to prevent fire from moving
from one floor to the floor immediately thereabove by moving
through a slot or joint which would otherwise be defined outside of
the outer peripheral edge 14 of such floors 12. Most of such floors
12 according to this design are of concrete material and provide
sufficient fire sealing, but the peripheral edge is a weak point,
and for this reason, the positioning of the safing insulation 22
surrounding the floor edges 14 has become a requirement in multiple
floor buildings.
[0035] A conventional design for this is shown in FIG. 7as a prior
art design, wherein a standard stiffener 64 is shown positioned
outside of the spandrel insulation connected to an adjacently
positioned vertically extending wall members to provide a means for
firmly exerting lateral pressure inwardly on the safing insulation
22 for compressing thereof for enhancing its positioning and the
maintenance of positioning responsive to heating conditions and the
compression thereof to further achieve an active fireproofing
seal.
[0036] The present invention provides a unique improvement over
this design by adding an insulation support member 24 positioned
between the safing insulation 22 and the spandrel insulation 20.
This unique position of the insulation support member 24 can be an
addition to, but is preferably a replacement for the positioning of
the standard stiffener placement location 64 shown in FIG. 7. In
the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the standard
stiffener 64 is not utilized and is replaced by a positioning of an
insulation support member 24 as shown best in FIG. 1 wherein it is
sandwiched between the spandrel insulation 20 and the safing
insulation 22.
[0037] The insulation support member 24 is attached as shown in
FIG. 2 to adjacently positioned vertically extending wall member
17. This attachment can be directly to the wall member 17, or can
be through brackets 36 and 38. The first mounting bracket 36 is
mounted with respect to one vertically extending member 17, and the
second mounting bracket 38 is positioned with respect to a second
adjacent but spatially disposed vertically extending member 17. The
mounting brackets 36 and 38 provides a means for attachment of the
insulation support member 24 extending between vertically extending
member 17 further inwardly within the building construction which
affords distinct advantages over the standard placement shown in
FIG. 7. In practice, the same T-shaped insulation support member 46
can be utilized as is utilized in the current conventional
construction method shown in FIG. 7, however, it is reversed and
moved inside of the spandrel insulation 20, rather than being
positioned between the spandrel insulation 20 and the spandrel
panels 18. This unique placement affords several distinct
advantages described below.
[0038] Safing insulation is designed to be placed within a safing
insulation retaining zone 28 defined between a safing abutment
surface 32 defined on the insulation support member 24, and the
peripheral edge 14 of floor 12. In a similar manner, the insulation
support member 24 will preferably include a spandrel abutment
surface or edge or combination thereof 34 which defines a spandrel
insulation retaining zone 30 between it and the spandrel panel 18
immediately located outboard thereof within the exterior wall
structure 16.
[0039] Positioning of the insulation support member 24 can be
secured by member mounting screws 40. These screws are shown best
in FIG. 2, and can be used for attaching the insulation support
member 24 to the mounting brackets 36 and 38, or directly with
respect to the vertically extending wall members 17. Thus,
tightening of member mounting screws 40 will move the insulation
support member 24 from the initial position 42 downwardly as shown
in FIG. 2, or inwardly toward the floor 12, toward a final mounting
position 44. This movement can be utilized as described below to
enhance the compression of the safing insulation 22.
[0040] It should be appreciated that the construction of the
insulation support member 24 can be of any chosen design as long as
it is attached with respect to the vertically extending wall
members and provides a safing insulation abutment surface. However,
it would be convenient certainly to utilize the same basic
construction as currently being utilized for the stiffback angle of
the prior art as shown in FIG. 7 of the present invention. Thus, by
utilizing the same exact hardware and reversing the positioning
thereof and moving it inwardly to a position between the safing
insulation 22 and the spandrel insulation 20, the desired end is
achieved. It is also possible that the insulation support member 24
could maintain the same orientation or any other orientation when
positioned between the two insulations as long as it includes a
surface or edge which can be defined as the safing abutment surface
32. With any of these configurations it will exert an outermost
border which is immovable such that the safing insulation retaining
zone 28 will be fixedly defined thereby allowing insertion of the
safing insulation 22 therein to be fully retained even when exposed
to fire conditions and also when positioned in this zone in a
compressed state.
[0041] Examples of the possible configurations for the insulation
support member 24 are shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 of the present
invention. FIG. 3 shows a standard T-shaped insulation support
member 46 with a top or upper section 48 and a body or lower
section 50. FIG. 2 shows an alternative configuration which is also
generally T-shaped but is formed by positioning two separate
members having an L-shaped cross section positioned back to back
with the non-contacting members extending away from one another.
The overall configuration as shown in FIG. 4 is again a T-shaped
support member 46 however it includes a first body member 52 and a
second body member 54 which are in abutment with respect to one
another to provide increased stiffening along the body section 50
of the T-shaped insulation support member 46. This combination is
formed by back to back abutment of a first L-shaped angle member 55
and a second L-shaped angle member 56 in abutment with respect to
one another as shown in FIG. 4.
[0042] Another alternative configuration is that as shown in FIG. 5
which can be described in cross section as of the design of a "hat"
wherein the unit is formed as a single integral member and the
first body member 52 and the second body member 54 are spaced apart
from one another such that the lower portion of the T is of double
strength and provided by two separate members spaced apart from one
another. This is another conventional configuration also used in
the prior art which is directly usable in the unique and improved
method and construction of the present invention.
[0043] To enhance the overall fire sealing characteristics of the
present invention a sealing membrane may be included extending over
the safing insulation 22. Two different configurations for this
sealing membrane are shown in FIG. 1. A first sealing membrane
configuration 60 is shown attached to the upper surface of the
floor 12 extending outwardly generally horizontally over the safing
insulation 22 and secured to the inner surface of the spandrel
insulation 20. A second configuration for the membrane is shown as
the second sealing membrane 62 extending from the lower surface of
the floor 12 to which it is secured over the safing insulation 22
and inwardly between the safing insulation 22 and the spandrel
insulation 20 to be secured directly with respect to the insulation
support member 24. It should be appreciated that the use of such a
sealing membrane 60 and/or 62 can be positioned over the upper
surface of the safing insulation only or over the lower surface of
the safing insulation only or both. Also either configuration is
useful for the top and/or bottom where the outermost end of the
membrane could be connected to the spandrel insulation or the
insulation support member 24. It should be appreciated, of course,
that the most effective positioning of the sealing membrane is
extending from the lower edge of the floor 12 outwardly because
this is the area which is subjected to the greatest degrading
forces because of the nature of hot gases and flames and fire to
attempt to move upwardly due to the increased temperature
thereof.
[0044] The construction of the present invention has several
particular advantages. The first primary advantage is in the
providing of an insulation support member 24 which includes a
safing abutment surface 32 immediately adjacent to the safing
insulation retaining zone 28 which is adapted to receive safing
insulation 22 placed therein. Such safing insulation is normally
compressed and the maintaining of this compression over time and
during the extreme conditions of exposure to a fire is a very
important characteristic in maintaining the integrity of the
fireproof sealing mechanism of the present invention. The material
of the safing insulation 22 is often chosen to be mineral wool and
this is compressed to an extent of as great as 25% or greater prior
to insertion into the safing retainment zone by installation
personnel. The positioning of a firm safing abutment surface 32
provides a means for maintaining of the desired compression level
of the safing insulation 22 to the maximum extent possible. This is
achieved because the insulation support member 24 is attached to
the vertically extending wall member 17 at a position immediately
adjacent to where the safing insulation 22 is placed without any
intermediate non-hard material such as spandrel insulation
therebetween.
[0045] Another important advantage of the construction and method
of the present invention is in protection of the insulation support
member 24. It is important that this member not be compromised at
any time because that would severely weaken the fireproofing seal
formed about the peripheral edge 14 of the floors 12. As such, the
positioning of the insulation support member sandwiched between the
outer edge of the safing insulation and the inner edge of the
spandrel insulation provides protection from fire not available in
constructions conceived heretofore.
[0046] The compression of the material such as mineral wool of the
safing insulation 22 is an important consideration in evaluating
the effectiveness of the fireproofing about the peripheral edge 14
of a floor 12. Such safing insulation 22 is normally compressed by
installation personnel prior to placement. The present invention,
however, provides a means for achieving this compression or even
achieving compression greater than possible manually by the
installation personnel when utilizing the construction of the
insulation support member 24 of the present invention. This can be
shown best in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows the insulation support member 24
at an initial installation position 42 with the screw members ready
to extend therethrough and into engagement with the brackets 36 and
38 or the vertical wall members 17 for tightening thereof to move
the insulation support member 24 downwardly to the final position
44. Thus, when the insulation support member 24 is at the initial
position 42, it is more distant from the peripheral edge 14 of the
floor 12.
[0047] It is possible for an installation technician to position
the insulation support member 24 at the initial position 42 shown
in FIG. 2. Thereafter the technician can place the safing
insulation 22 in a compressed or non-compressed state into the area
between the peripheral floor edge 14 and the initial position 42 of
the insulation support member 24. Once the safing insulation 22 is
fully placed thereafter the member mounting screws 40 can be
tightened which causes the insulation support member 24 to move
downwardly as shown in FIG. 2 toward the final position 44 and
thereby effectively compressing the safing insulation 22 into the
safing insulation retaining zone 30. Thus compression of the safing
insulation 22 can be achieved without any manual compressing
thereof by the installation technician. Alternatively, however, the
installation technician could, for example, compress the safing
insulation 22 as much as possible manually and then insert it into
position between the peripheral edge 14 of the floor 12 and the
initial position 42 of the insulation support member 24 and
thereafter move insulation support member 24 from the initial
position 42 to the final position 44 thereby achieving a
compression level of the safing insulation 22 within the safing
insulation retaining zone 28 which would not be possible solely by
manual compression of the installation technician.
[0048] Therefore the present invention provides a unique means for
sealing around the peripheral edge of the floors of buildings and
inside of the exterior wall construction thereof which more
effectively protects the insulation support member and the
integrity of the safing insulation and the spandrel insulation
while at the same time being achievable by utilizing a construction
similar to the stiffback angle currently being commonly utilized as
shown in FIG. 7. Thus the same actual parts could be utilized but
with changes to the positioning and/or orientation thereof which
would achieve significantly enhanced results not anticipated or
appreciated prior to the invention set forth in this
herewithin.
[0049] One of the unique advantages of the floor to wall insulation
method and construction of the present invention is in the
usefulness in reconstructing buildings which are damaged by high
winds or exterior fires which could blow off or otherwise degrade
the external fascia or cladding of a building. In areas hard hit by
hurricanes and other exterior weather often the exterior panels or
constructions such as the spandrel panels, the windows or other
portions of the exterior wall structure are removed. Many times the
spandrel insulation also is removed. The present invention provides
a means for reconstructing the insulation by allowing the use of
the insulation support member of the present invention to be
positioned extending between adjacent vertically extending wall
members and the positioning of safing insulation in the area
between the safing facing surface of the insulation member and the
peripheral edge of the floor. In those situations where there is no
exterior spandrel panel or spandrel insulation as of yet installed
or re-installed on the side of a damaged building. Thus the
apparatus of the present invention allows the peripheral
fireproofing insulation construction to be initiated from the
inside out in those situations of building damage where the
spandrel panels and/or spandrel insulation have been removed by the
damaging winds or other cause and not yet replaced. Such
reconstruction from the inside out of this insulating system would
not be possible with the prior art construction shown in FIG.
7.
[0050] For the purposes of this application the term "co-planar to
the floor construction" or "co-planar to the floor" defines the
plane of the space extending horizontal or co-planar with the floor
surface and the construction supporting the floor therebelow. This
area is commonly referred to in the industry as along the "safing
line". Thus, the safing insulation and the safing retainment zone
is located along the safing line in an area co-planar with the
floor and with the support surface located below the floor.
[0051] While particular embodiments of this invention have been
shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent that
many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning
of the various elements of the combination. In consideration
thereof, it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this
invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
* * * * *