U.S. patent application number 12/460259 was filed with the patent office on 2009-12-10 for fire resistance rating system.
This patent application is currently assigned to NO-BURN INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.. Invention is credited to William Kish, Kenneth Rusk.
Application Number | 20090301001 12/460259 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46303791 |
Filed Date | 2009-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090301001 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kish; William ; et
al. |
December 10, 2009 |
Fire resistance rating system
Abstract
Fire resistance can be rated for building structure by providing
or having made available, and applying or noting application or
presence of fire control agent(s) to or with component part(s) of
the structure; providing a fire resistance rating format of a
comparative structure; and comparing for a fire resistance
classification rating (FRCR). Certification can be effected by
providing a security code specific for one-time use in relation to
a building structure by a user; entering an FRCR of a building
structure rated for fire resistance at a first location and the
security code to a communication medium; transmitting by the medium
the entered rating and the security code from the first location to
a second location; and checking the security code of the user to
insure it is authorized and specific to that user; if so, recording
the rating supplied by the user; if not, notifying an appropriate
monitor.
Inventors: |
Kish; William; (Wadsworth,
OH) ; Rusk; Kenneth; (Toledo, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTOPHER JOHN RUDY
209 HURON AVENUE, SUITE 8
PORT HURON
MI
48060
US
|
Assignee: |
NO-BURN INVESTMENTS, L.L.C.
Wadsworth
OH
|
Family ID: |
46303791 |
Appl. No.: |
12/460259 |
Filed: |
July 15, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11044624 |
Jan 27, 2005 |
7587875 |
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12460259 |
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10957775 |
Oct 4, 2004 |
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11044624 |
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60646245 |
Jan 24, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/105 ;
52/515 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/94 20130101; C09K
21/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/105 ;
52/515 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/62 20060101
E04B001/62; E04B 1/00 20060101 E04B001/00 |
Claims
1-19. (canceled)
20. A purportedly rated fire resistant building structure
comprising a building structure that includes at least one of the
following: wooden components that make up an attic structure above
a living space; wooden components in a crawl space or basement,
which would include floor joists; further wooden framing or wooden
components in a steel frame structure; and interior finished walls;
wherein the building structure further includes a sticker affixed
to a poignant spot on the building structure, which displays a
security code; is easily damaged if attempts are made to remove or
alter it; and purports to indicate that the building structure as a
whole has been certified as a rated fire resistant building
structure.
21. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 20, wherein the purportedly rated building structure has a
faulty or invalid fire resistance classification rating.
22. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 20, wherein the building structure has been treated with at
least one of a fire control agent selected from the group
consisting of a Form #1 agent and a Form #2 agent, wherein: the
Form #1 agent is a fire control agent applied as a liquid of
moderate viscosity and strength, not in a form of a latex primer or
finish paint, which can be brushed and/or sprayed on; and the Form
#2 agent is a fire control agent applied in the form of a latex
primer or finish paint, which is an intumescent fire reactant; and
the purportedly rated building structure has a valid fire
resistance classification rating selected from one member of the
group consisting of the following: a first assigned fire resistance
classification rating, which signifies that it has been determined
that the building structure has, in addition to any wooden
components that make up an attic structure above a living space and
any wooden components in any crawl space or basement, which would
include floor joists, further wooden framing or wooden components
in a steel frame structure; that any such wooden components that
make up an attic structure above a living space, any such wooden
components in any crawl space or basement, and the further wooden
framing and wooden components in any steel frame structure are
treated over all accessible areas with at least one coat of the
Form #1 agent after the dry-in stage of construction, and with at
least two coats of the Form #1 agent after the dry-in stage of
construction in areas which create voids with completion of
construction; and that the building structure has the interior
finished walls not in a high hazard area, and that these are primed
or painted with at least one coat of the Form #2 agent, and that
the building structure with the interior finished walls in any high
hazard area has these primed or painted with at least two coats of
the Form #2 agent; a second assigned fire resistance classification
rating, which signifies that it has been determined that the
building structure has, in addition to any wooden components that
make up an attic structure above a living space and any wooden
components in any crawl space or basement, which would include
floor joists, further wooden framing or wooden components in a
steel frame structure; that any such wooden components that make up
an attic structure above a living space, any such wooden components
in any crawl space or basement, and the further wooden framing and
wooden components in any steel frame structure are treated over all
accessible areas with at least one coat of the Form #1 agent after
the dry-in stage of construction, and with at least two coats of
the Form #1 agent after the dry-in stage of construction in areas
which create voids with completion of construction; and that the
building structure has interior finished walls, but that the
interior walls are not primed nor painted with the Form #2 agent; a
third assigned fire resistance classification rating, which
signifies that it has been determined only that the building
structure has wooden components which make up an attic structure
above a living space and that all accessible wooden components
which make up the attic structure above a living space are treated
with at least one coat of the Form #1 agent after the dry-in stage
of construction, and that any wooden components in any crawl space
or basement, which would include floor joists, are also treated
with the Form #1 agent after the dry-in stage of construction in
all accessible areas; that the building structure has the interior
finished walls not in a high hazard area, and that these are primed
or painted with at least one coat of the Form #2 agent; and that
the building structure with the interior finished walls in any high
hazard area has these primed or painted with at least two coats of
the Form #2 agent; a fourth assigned fire resistance classification
rating, which signifies that it has been determined only that the
building structure has the interior finished walls not in a high
hazard area, and that these are primed or painted with at least one
coat of the Form #2 agent; and that the building structure with the
interior finished walls in any high hazard area has these primed or
painted with at least two coats of the Form #2 agent; and a fifth
assigned fire resistance classification rating, which signifies
that it has been determined only that the building structure has
wooden components which make up an attic structure above a living
space and that all accessible wooden components which make up the
attic structure above a living space are treated with at least one
coat of the Form #1 agent after the dry-in stage of construction,
and that any wooden components in any crawl space or basement,
which would include floor joists, are also treated with the Form #1
agent after the dry-in stage of construction over all accessible
areas.
23. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 22, wherein the fire control agent(s) effectively include(s)
an ammonium phosphate.
24. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 23, wherein the Form #1 agent embraces ingredients, in
general, as follows: TABLE-US-00006 Ammonium orthophosphate about
from 50% to 70% by weight (40% aqueous solution) Polysaccharide
resin about from 20% to 30% by weight (45% aqueous solution) Cane
sugar about from 5% to 10% by weight Urea about from 5% to 10% by
weight Alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium 0% or about from 0.5% to 5%
chloride (80% aqueous solution) by weight;
and the Form #2 agent embraces ingredients, in general, as follows:
TABLE-US-00007 Ammonium phosphate solid about from 15% to 20% by
weight Thermoplastic latex resin about from 10% to 30% by weight
Powder melamine about from 7% to 13% by weight Pentaerythritol
about from 7% to 13% by weight Titanium dioxide about from 5% to
10% by weight Soda lime borosilicate glass about from 1% to 5% by
weight Texanol about from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight Hydroxyethyl
cellulose about from 0.1% to 1.0% by weight Defoamer/wetting
agent(s) about from 0.1% to 1.0% by weight.
25. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 22, wherein the building structure is furnished, and further
has been treated with at least one of a fire control agent selected
from the group consisting of a Form #3 agent and a Form #4 agent,
wherein: the Form #3 agent is a fire control agent, not in the form
of a latex primer or finish paint, which is applied as a spray-on
liquid of light viscosity and strength; the Form #4 agent is a fire
control agent, not in the form of a latex primer or finish paint,
which is applied as a liquid of viscosity and strength intermediate
between the Form #1 agent and the Form #3 agent; a first suffix
designation is added to the first, second, third, fourth or fifth
fire resistive classification rating, which signifies that it has
been determined that any draperies, rugs, carpets, mattresses and
textile portions of other textile-containing furnishings have been
treated with the Form #3 agent; and a second suffix designation to
be added to the first, second, third, fourth or fifth fire
resistive classification rating, which signifies that it has been
determined that any draperies, rugs, carpets, mattresses and
textile portions of other textile-containing furnishings have been
treated with the Form #3 agent, and that any wooden components of
furnishings including desks, chairs, bookcases, shelving, picture
frames, wooden baskets, and knickknacks have been treated with the
Form #4 agent.
26. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 25, wherein the fire control agent(s) effectively include(s)
an ammonium phosphate.
27. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 26, wherein the Form #1 agent embraces ingredients, in
general, as follows: TABLE-US-00008 Ammonium orthophosphate about
from 50% to 70% by weight (40% aqueous solution) Polysaccharide
resin about from 20% to 30% by weight (45% aqueous solution) Cane
sugar about from 5% to 10% by weight Urea about from 5% to 10% by
weight Alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium 0% or about from 0.5% to 5%
chloride (80% aqueous solution) by weight;
and the Form #2 agent embraces ingredients, in general, as follows:
TABLE-US-00009 Ammonium phosphate solid about from 15% to 20% by
weight Thermoplastic latex resin about from 10% to 30% by weight
Powder melamine about from 7% to 13% by weight Pentaerythritol
about from 7% to 13% by weight Titanium dioxide about from 5% to
10% by weight Soda lime borosilicate glass about from 1% to 5% by
weight Texanol about from 0.5% to 1.5% by weight Hydroxyethyl
cellulose about from 0.1% to 1.0% by weight Defoamer/wetting
agent(s) about from 0.1% to 1.0% by weight.
28. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 26, wherein the Form #3 agent embraces ingredients, in
general, as follows: TABLE-US-00010 Water about from 70% to 90% by
weight Polyphosphoric acid (115%) about from 5% to 15% by weight
Ammonium hydroxide about from 5% to 15% by weight (29% aqueous
solution) Coco amidopropyl betaine about from 0.05% to 0.2% by
weight (30% aqueous solution) Preservative about from 0.01% to 0.1%
by weight;
and the Form #4 agent embraces ingredients, in general, as follows:
TABLE-US-00011 Water about from 55% to 65% by weight Ammonium
orthophosphate about from 35% to 45% by weight Glucopon-425 about
from 0.2% to 1% by weight Fragrance about from 0.01% to 0.1% by
weight Preservative about from 0.01% to 0.1% by weight.
29. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 27, wherein the Form #3 agent embraces ingredients, in
general, as follows: TABLE-US-00012 Water about from 70% to 90% by
weight Polyphosphoric acid (115%) about from 5% to 15% by weight
Ammonium hydroxide about from 5% to 15% by weight (29% aqueous
solution) Coco amidopropyl betaine about from 0.05% to 0.2% by
weight (30% aqueous solution) Preservative about from 0.01% to 0.1%
by weight;
and the Form #4 agent embraces ingredients, in general, as follows:
TABLE-US-00013 Water about from 55% to 65% by weight Ammonium
orthophosphate about from 35% to 45% by weight Glucopon-425 about
from 0.2% to 1% by weight Fragrance about from 0.01% to 0.1% by
weight Preservative about from 0.01% to 0.1% by weight.
30. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 20, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
31. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 21, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
32. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 31, wherein the hologram sticker is damaged.
33. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 22, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
34. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 23, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
35. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 24, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
36. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 25, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
37. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 26, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
38. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 27, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
39. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 28, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
40. The purportedly rated fire resistant building structure of
claim 29, wherein the sticker is a hologram sticker.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE CLAIMS
[0001] This claims benefits under 35 USC 120 and 121 as a
divisional of U.S. regular utility patent application Ser. No.
11/044,624 filed on Jan. 27, 2005 A.D. This also claims benefits
under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application No.
60/646,245 filed on Jan. 24, 2005 A.D., and benefits under 35 USC
120 as a continuation-in-part of U.S. regular utility patent
application Ser. No. 10/957,775, now abandoned.
[0002] Those specifications are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0003] I. Field
[0004] This concerns a method for rating the fire resistance of a
building structure, further certification of the rating, and the
rated structure. Involved is application to the structure or its
component(s) of fire control agent(s).
[0005] II. Art
[0006] The fire protection industry has seen many changes over the
recent centuries. From the bucket brigades of long ago to modern
fire departments, from sprinkler systems to stringent fire codes,
the fire protection industry is constantly evolving.
[0007] Fire retardants have been around for many, many decades.
Their use has spanned just about every major industry. The
commercial market has driven fire retardant technology over the
last half century or so, but more and more attention is being
placed on use of fire retardants in the residential setting. Each
year more and more people die from fires in the home, often from
employment of modern, petroleum-based materials for the
construction and furnishing of the home. While old standard type
fire retardants could be used freely in the commercial sector, the
residential sector presents a much different problem.
[0008] Because commercial and residential structures are commonly
constructed, furnished, and occupied differently, the old standard
type fire retardants used in the commercial setting were not good
for the home. The contents of such fire retardants were toxic, and
decomposed wood; hence, they were not safe for adults, children, or
pets. If a fire started, the very chemicals that kept the fire from
spreading also yielded gases that were just as dangerous, if not
more so, than the smoke the fire was producing.
[0009] About the mid-1990s, newer fire retardants were developed
that effectively inhibited the start, growth, and spread of fire.
In general, among other things, these newer fire retardants were
non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and environmentally friendly. Through
further development, these newer fire retardants were also improved
to form a protective barrier when they came in contact with heat or
flame, and, in addition, when heated or exposed to flame, they did
not produce harmful or toxic gases. Instead, they helped to
suppress the production of other toxic fumes and smoke. Among the
most effective of these improved fire retardants are those
available from NO-BURN, Inc., Wadsworth, Ohio.
[0010] Such improved fire retardants can be employed in
residences.
[0011] Fire, in general, is very complex. Certain things about it,
however, are known. Fire behavior is the science of fire and the
factors that affect its ignition, growth and spread. Combustion
(burning) is the self-sustaining process of rapid oxidation of a
fuel being reduced by an oxidizing agent along with the evolution
of heat and light. Oxidation is the complex chemical reaction of
materials, commonly organic in nature, with oxygen or other
oxidizing agents, which forms more stable compounds. Rusting is an
example of very slow oxidation, and an explosion is an example of
very fast oxidation. Between the two extremes, a free-burning stage
of fire is what is most commonly encountered. Fire is generally
classified as rapid oxidation, and it burns in two modes: flaming
and surface combustion. The flaming mode of combustion can be
represented by a fire tetrahedron, with each of the four sides
separately representing oxygen, heat, fuel, and an uninhibited
chemical chain reaction. The surface or smoldering mode of
combustion is represented by a fire triangle, with sides
representing oxygen, heat, and fuel. Understanding the fire
tetrahedron is important. To stop a flaming fire, one or more sides
(components) of the fire tetrahedron must be removed. Many
currently available products work to remove the fuel source and to
prevent the chemical chain reaction from occurring, forming a
protective layer. While protected objects typically are damaged by
heat through pyrolysis, they will not sustain the combustion
process. Such products are considered to be proactive fire
protection measures.
[0012] When a fire, however, starts and burns, it continually
undergoes changes in size, growth, speed and temperature. These
changes are known as fire phases, of which three are commonly
recognized: the incipient phase; the free-burning phase; and the
smoldering phase. In the incipient phase, at which many daytime
fires in buildings are found, the room air has plenty of oxygen,
and the fire is producing water vapor, carbon dioxide, and small
amounts of sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and other gases. While
the temperature of the flame itself may be above a thousand degrees
F, the overall temperature in the room may have only risen a few
degrees. Most all fires in residences start through the incipient
phase. If a fire starts at night when people are asleep or an
incipient phase fire goes unchecked for just a few minutes, the
fire rapidly grows to the free-burning phase. During this phase,
oxygen-rich air is drawn into the flame, and heat is carried to the
uppermost parts of the room with the rise of fire gases. As the
hotter air spreads out across the ceiling, any combustible
materials in the upper level of the room such as pictures,
curtains, valances and blinds ignite. These can fall to the floor,
further spreading the fire. The air temperature in the room in the
upper regions of the room can be exceedingly high in this part of
the free-burning phase, often exceeding thirteen hundred degrees F.
As fire of this phase continues to consume combustible materials
lower and lower in the room, the fire can erupt in a flashover.
Flashover is where all the combustible materials in a room ignite
simultaneously from the intense radiating heat from the upper walls
of the room. This explosion of flames pushes the fire well into
other portions of the structure. For example, the fire may be now
found inside the walls of the structure, and may find its way up
into the attic, across which it can spread, and spread into the
volumes between other walls, say, along wooden two-by-four studs,
and so forth. If no fresh air is available, the oxygen content
decreases until it falls below a level that would support flaming
combustion, and the fire then enters the smoldering phase. During
this phase, no flame is visible. The fuel and heat, however, are
still at levels at which, if oxygen is reintroduced, the fire will
re-ignite, sometimes forcefully in what is known as a
backdraft.
[0013] Not all fires are the same. The classification of a fire is
based on what is actually burning. Class A fires are those fires in
which ordinary combustible materials such as wood, cloth, paper,
rubber and plastics are burning. Many house fires are caused when
ordinary combustible materials catch fire. Removing any component
of the combustion tetrahedron or triangle will stop a Class A fire.
Class B fires are those fires in which flammable liquids are
burning. Examples would be greases, gasoline and other fuels or
other flammable liquids. Class C fires are those fires in which
energized electrical equipment is involved. If possible, the
electrical source should be safely disconnected, and the fire
treated as a Class A or Class B fire. Class D fires are those in
which a combustible metal such as magnesium, sodium or titanium is
on fire. Typically, special agents must be used to extinguish Class
D fires.
[0014] It would be desirable to improve upon the known art. A
notable desire would be to improve the art in a comprehensive
manner. It would be most desirable to improve the art that concerns
fire protection about building structures, especially
residences.
FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In general, the present invention provides, in one aspect, a
method for rating fire resistance of a building structure
comprising carrying out the following steps: [0016] providing or
having made available a building structure; [0017] providing or
having made available at least one fire control agent; [0018]
applying or noting application or presence of the at least one fire
control agent to or with at least one component part of the
building structure; [0019] providing a rating format for fire
resistance of a comparative building structure; and [0020]
comparing the applying, application or presence of or with the at
least one component part of the building structure to the rating
format to provide a fire resistance classification rating. Further,
certification, in general, can be effected as follows: [0021]
providing a user a security code specific for one-time use in
relation to a building structure by that user; [0022] entering a
fire resistance classification rating of a building structure rated
for fire resistance at a first location and the security code to a
medium for communication; [0023] transmitting by the medium for
communication the entered rating and the security code from the
first location to a second location; and [0024] checking the
security code of the user to insure that it is authorized and
specific to that user, and, if it is so authorized and specific to
that user, recording the rating supplied by the user, but, if it is
not authorized and specific to that user, notifying an appropriate
monitor as to the same. Further aspects, in general, can include
application of fire control agent(s) to component(s) of the
building structure to provide a structure for rating, and thence
the rated structure.
[0025] The invention is useful in fire protection.
[0026] Significantly, by the invention, problems in the art are
ameliorated if not overcome, and the art is improved in kind. In
particular, a comprehensive system is provided that quantifies or
certifies fire resistance of a building structure. Moreover, the
invention can be employed as a guide or incentive for providing
suitable fire protection to a building structure. Residential
building structures, to include, for example, single or multiple
family dwellings, say, stick-built, modular, or mobile homes,
duplexes, or apartments, which contain combustible material,
especially combustible solid building materials or furnishings,
especially conventional homes, are advantageously addressed.
[0027] Numerous further advantages attend the invention.
[0028] The drawings form part of the specification hereof. With
respect to the drawings, the following is briefly noted:
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a home for rating its fire resistance.
[0030] FIG. 1A is a flow chart of a method for rating a
structure.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows certification forms for the rating.
[0032] The invention can be further understood by detail set forth
below, which may be read in view of the drawings. Such is to be
taken in an illustrative and not necessarily limiting sense.
[0033] The method for rating fire resistance of a building
structure comprises carrying out a number of steps. Preferably, a
Fire Resistive Class Rating (FRCR), which is certified, is
provided.
[0034] The FRCR comes from a system that has been developed, among
other things, to give professionals such as fire marshals and
insurance companies the ability to understand to what extent a
structure has been treated. This may be for inspection purposes for
a commercial business or for a discount on property insurance
through an insurance company. Thus, a company can provide fire
control agent(s) to one or more dealers. Each dealer carefully
follows specific directions for each structure treated, and reports
to the company and the building owner or appropriate person(s) the
fire retardant treatment(s) that he rendered or observed and
preferably certified. The company can verify the certification and
record the information for further reference.
[0035] Although the invention may be applicable to Class A-D fires,
it generally is more applicable to Class A-C fires. Class A and C
fires, especially Class A fires, are typically more pertinent.
[0036] In the method of the invention for rating fire resistance, a
first step is providing or having made available a building
structure 1. The structure may be commercial or residential, and
may embrace a single unit or multiple units. The building may be
ready for construction by being in its component parts, for
example, bricks, cement or glass blocks, wooden, wood composite
and/or petroleum-based floor joists, ceiling joists, rafters,
trusses, subfloors, carpeting or top flooring, outdoor sheathing,
interior trim, and so forth; wooden or metal studs; paper-coated
gypsum wallboard; petroleum-based, wooden, or metal exterior siding
and trim; and so forth. The parts are made into the structure.
Alternatively, the building may be existing, i.e., it has been
constructed previously. The structure can be furnished with
furnishings 2 such as draperies, beds, desks, tables, chairs,
sofas, framed pictures, appliances, and so forth and the like. A
home is a preferred structure. See, e.g., FIG. 1.
[0037] A second step is providing or having made available at least
one fire control agent 3. The fire control agent can include a fire
retardant substance. The fire retardant substance may be
intrinsically fire retardant and be part of the structure, for
instance, as represented by generally refractory or nonflammable
materials as, for example, those made of concrete, sand, natural
rock, gypsum, asbestos, ferrous metals, and so forth and the like
such as beneficially found in mortar, bricks, cement or glass
blocks, field stone, fire-resistant gypsum wall board or plaster,
steel studs, and so forth and the like. The fire retardant
substance can be a fire retardant composition that is applied to an
otherwise flammable material to render it fire resistant.
Beneficially, the fire retardant composition embraces a substance
that is an improved fire retardant. For example, among improved
fire retardants, an improved fire retardant from NO-BURN, Inc.,
which removes the fuel source for a fire and prevents the chemical
chain reaction of a fire from occurring by forming a protective
layer, can be employed. Typically, such an improved fire retardant
is a liquid when it is applied, say, by brushing or spraying, and
afterwards it dries, leaving its protective residue on the surface
of a treated material or in some cases in the body of a treated
material such as with porous or absorbent materials, say, open
grained wood or textile products. The fire retardant composition is
advantageously an alkaline salt type composition, say, one which
includes an ammonium phosphate to include as mono/diammonium
phosphate(s), for example, ammonium orthophosphate. For instance,
the fire retardant composition may include the following
ingredients, listed by weight, and which listing may be taken as
approximate:
TABLE-US-00001 Mono/diammonium phosphate .sup. 20~70% Diluent,
e.g., solvent, say, water .sup. 25~50% Urea 2.5~15.0% Glucose
4.0~12.0% Polysaccharide resin 2.0~40.0% Nonionic
alkylpolyglycoside surfactant, 0.2~1.2% e.g., Glucopon-425 (Henkel
Corp.) Defoaming agent, e.g., potassium 0.01~0.1%. salicylate
solution
Accordingly, the fire retardant composition can embrace a mixture
of an ammonium phosphate salt, which may be substantially neutral,
in combination with an active hydrogen-containing nitrogenous
organic compound, which generally acts as a spumific, and a
hydroxy-containing carbonific. Among benefits of such a composition
are that, rather than worrying about putting out a fire, it
prevents one from burning. If a fire would start, such a
composition, especially as from NO-BURN, Inc., automatically reacts
to the fire by combining with the combustible gases and tars,
converting them to carbon char, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. Its
characteristics also help improve the environment about a structure
on fire by eliminating the production of up to some 90% of the
smoke and toxic gases produced by a regular fire, which is
important because the majority of fire deaths are caused by
inhalation of toxic smoke and fumes long before the fire ever gets
close to the victims. Additional ingredient(s) may be present. For
example, a mold inhibitor may also be present with a fire retardant
composition. For instance, the mold inhibitor may be a quaternary
ammonium halide, to include a quaternary alkyl ammonium halide,
especially such a halide having at least one short chain and at
least one medium chain alkyl group, for example, two of each. The
short chain alkyl group may be inclusive of a methyl, ethyl,
propyl, and so forth group. The medium chain alkyl group may be
inclusive of, separately at each occurrence, a six- to
twenty-carbon group, and so forth. An aromatic group may be
present, for instance, in a quaternary aromatic organic ammonium
halide mold inhibitor. The halide is advantageously a chloride.
Thus, the mold inhibitor may be didecyldimethylammonium chloride.
When the mold inhibitor of a quaternary ammonium salt, say,
didecyldimethylammonium chloride, is employed, for instance, about
from 0.1 to 10% by weight, to include about from 0.5 to 5% by
weight, in a formulation such as listed above, the nonionic
alkylpolyglycoside surfactant and the defoaming agent are commonly
not employed in the formulation. See, specifications of U.S. patent
application Ser. Nos. 10/132,958 and 60/526,456, both incorporated
herein by reference. The fire control agent may embrace an
intumescent fire reactant. Note, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,989,706;
5,925,457; 5,645,926; 5,603,990; 5,064,710; 4,365,025; 4,345,002;
4,339,357; 4,265,791; 4,241,145; 4,226,907; 4,221,837; 4,210,452;
4,205,022; 4,201,677; 4,201,593; 4,137,849; 4,028,333; 3,955,987
and 3,934,066. The intumescent fire reactant may be associated with
latex. Compare, the latter two patents. The chemical composition of
such a reactant changes drastically when introduced to heat, which
typically results in foaming up to create an intact, fire-resistive
"char-barrier," which protects the surface that has been treated.
Among such fire control agents, benefit is gained by using them in
the following forms: [0038] Form #1: A brush or spray-on liquid of
moderate viscosity and strength. Examples of this are NO-BURN (Reg.
U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off.) Wood Gard liquid and NO-BURN Wood Gard
MIH liquid with mold inhibitor, both proprietary aqueous
compositions available from NO-BURN, Inc. Formulations of such a
product can vary but can include, in general, such ingredients as
follows:
TABLE-US-00002 [0038] Ammonium orthophosphate 50~70% by weight (40%
aqueous solution) Lorama LPR76 polysaccaride 20~30% by weight resin
(45% aqueous solution) Granulated cane sugar 5~10% by weight Urea
5~7% by weight Alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium 0 or 0.5~5% by wt.
chloride (80% aqueous solution)
[0039] The inhibition of mold can be provided by the addition or
increase in use of the mold inhibitor, for example, the
alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, or another such as
didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, in general, species of a
quaternary organic ammonium halide, which also may function, in
general, as a surfactant/defoamer. Such a mold inhibitor can be
present at about 3% by weight. An increase in concentration of the
quaternary ammonium halide mold inhibitor can provide for a
corresponding reduction in the amount of the ammonium
orthophosphate. With wood being the primary resource of most of the
homes built in the U.S.A. and Canada, applying a Form #1 fire
retardant, say, Wood Gard liquid, during manufacturing or building
of a home can protect internal wood components of a structure. Not
only can this prevent further fire spread on and in the structure
itself, but also it can reduce damage to the structure and lessen
the likelihood of structural collapse, a brutal reality that kills
more civilians and firefighters every year. By treating all the
wood components, including wall studs, flooring, rafters, trusses,
joists, exterior sheathing, roofing and decking, the entire
"skeleton" of a structure such as a new home can be better
protected from fire. In existing homes, such a fire retardant as
Wood Gard liquid can still be employed in a multitude of areas.
Special attention must be given the attic area, especially when
treating an existing home. If a fire starts in a wall and remains
unchecked, that fire can quickly enter the attic and "run" the
length of the home in a few minutes. Also, most home fires started
from lightning occur in the attic. Exposed floor joists of homes or
other structures that have basements and crawl spaces should be
treated. Since Wood Gard liquid is water soluble, its employment
should be restricted from where moisture levels are high. New homes
should not be treated with such a water soluble product until the
house is "dried-in" from the weather. [0040] Form #2: A brush or
spray-on liquid in a form of a latex primer or finish paint, which
is an intumescent fire reactant. An example is NO-BURN Plus latex
primer/paint, a proprietary product commercially available from
NO-BURN, Inc., which may be beneficially formulated with mold
inhibitor. Although such a product looks like and is applied like
regular paint, as an intumescent fire reactant, its chemical
composition changes drastically when introduced to heat. Thus, when
heat is applied, Form #2 products "foam" up to form an intact,
fire-resistive "char-barrier" to protect the surface treated by it.
Formulations of such a product can vary but can include, in
general, such ingredients as follows:
TABLE-US-00003 [0040] Ammonium phosphate solid 15~20% by weight
Thermoplastic latex resin, 10~30% by weight e.g., polyvinyl
acetate, e.g., StanChem 5238 vinyl acetate copolymer emulsion
Powder melamine 7~13% by weight Pentaerythritol 7~13% by weight
Titanium dioxide 5~10% by weight Soda lime borosilicate glass 1~5%
by weight Texanol 0.5~1.5% by weight Hydroxyethyl cellulose
0.1~1.0% by weight Defoamer/wetting agent(s) 0.1~1.0% by
weight.
[0041] Additional ingredient(s) may be present. For example, a
coloring/tinting agent and/or mold inhibitor may also be present.
For instance, the mold inhibitor may be of the quaternary ammonium
halide type, as noted above, for instance, at about from 0.1 to
10%, to include about from 0.5 to 5%, by weight. For example, the
mold inhibitor can be the alkyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, or
another such as didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, in general,
species of quaternary organic ammonium halide, which can be
present, say, at about 3% by weight. A piece of 1/8-inch cardboard,
for example, painted with two coats of the NO-BURN Plus and exposed
to a blowtorch will remain intact. The intense flame will not
penetrate the cardboard. Thus, importantly such a reactant can help
to "compartmentalize" a fire and keep it in check until appropriate
fire suppression measures can be taken. It has sundry applications.
It, too, however, is not recommended for exterior uses as exposure
to moisture and UV light can break down its protective qualities
and so should be used with caution in such applications. [0042]
Form #3: A spray-on liquid of light viscosity and strength. An
example of this is NO-BURN Fabric Fire Gard liquid, an aqueous
proprietary product commercially available from NO-BURN, Inc.
Formulations of such a product can vary but can include, in
general, such ingredients as follows:
TABLE-US-00004 [0042] Water 70~90% by weight Polyphosphoric acid
(115%) 5~15% by weight Ammonium hydroxide 5~15% by weight (29%
aqueous solution) Coco amidopropyl betaine 0.05~0.2% by weight (30%
aqueous solution) Preservative 0.01~0.1% by weight.
[0043] Nothing causes a more hazardous environment or more fire
damage than interior furnishings. Because most interior furnishings
in the U.S.A. and Canada are now made from synthetic materials,
interior fires are burning hotter, faster, and more furiously,
within seconds of ignition, which in many cases makes escape nearly
impossible. Such synthetic materials give off tremendous amounts of
toxic smoke that can incapacitate a person within seconds. As well,
interior furnishings make it possible for a fire to "leap" from one
end of a home to another within the first few minutes of a fire.
Modern sofas, easy chairs, decorations, curtains, carpets and
mattresses become extremely volatile, explosive fuels in a fire.
This contributes to the most dangerous phase in a fire,
"flashover." Treatment with a Form #3 product, again for example,
NO-BURN Fabric Gard liquid spray, which is in general colorless and
odorless, on home furnishings can prevent them from contributing to
a fire, dramatically reducing the speed of flame spread and levels
of toxic, choking smoke that would otherwise be generated. For
example, an untreated cloth curtain will quickly catch fire with
the application of a flame to it, whereas the same type of cloth
curtain, which has been treated by spraying with the NO-BURN Fabric
Gard simply chars and turns black when the flame is applied to it,
and does not catch fire. [0044] Form #4: A brush or spray on liquid
with a viscosity and strength intermediate between Forms #1 &
#3. An example of this is NO-BURN Original liquid, an aqueous
proprietary composition commercially available from NO-BURN, Inc.
Formulations of such a product can vary but can include, in
general, such ingredients as follows:
TABLE-US-00005 [0044] Water 55~65% by weight Ammonium
orthophosphate 35~45% by weight Glucopon-425 0.2~1% by weight
Fragrance 0.01~0.1% by weight Preservative 0.01~0.1% by weight.
[0045] Form #4 products may be thought of as auxiliary products. A
Form #4 product, again, for example, NO-BURN Original liquid, can
have many specialty applications. It can be applied, for example,
to wooden furniture or wooden parts such as legs and arms of
certain partially upholstered furniture, and sanded prior to
finishing. The Form #4 product is also excellent for use in crafts.
In the fire control agent, including in various Form #1-4 agents,
especially in those that are colorless such as the noted Form #1,
#3 and #4 agents of NO-BURN, Inc., a dye may be employed to mark
where the agent has been applied. For example, NO-BURN Dye
Concentrate provides for a light pink color in the final agent.
[0046] A third step is applying or noting application or presence
of the at least one fire control agent to or with at least one
component part of the building structure. Application of an applied
fire control agent such as with the Form #1-#4 agents is typically
to any suitable level, or as otherwise indicated herein or known or
practiced in the art. Application to otherwise flammable materials
rendered flame retardant through application of the applied fire
control agent can be off or on site. For example, such rendering
may be carried out at a factory, say, by treating individual
components of the structure such as wooden two-by-four studs or
four-by-eight sheathing with the fire control agent, or away from
or at the job site itself by individual craftsmen. Beneficially,
however, the building structure that has been erected, or select
component(s) of it, can have the fire control agent(s) applied on
the construction site. In certain cases where fire retardant
building materials have been employed or components have been made
fire retardant, it is noted that an applied fire control agent has
been applied previously, or an intrinsic fire control agent is
present.
[0047] A fourth step is providing a rating format for fire
resistance of a comparative building structure. For example, with
respect to the FRCR, each FRCR denotes how much and/or what
component part(s) of a structure has or have been treated, from the
entire structure to a part of it. For instance, a home under
construction can be completely treated with fire control agent, or
otherwise be made to include fire retardant substances, but an
existing home, as a general rule, can only be partially treated.
These two cases fall under separate FRCRs. A description of
exemplary FRCRs for unfurnished or furnished buildings follows:
[0048] FRCR-1: This rating is given to any structure in which all
of the wooden framing, say, of a home, or all of the wooden
components in a steel frame structure, say, of a commercial
building, are treated with a Form #1 agent, for example, NO-BURN
Wood Gard liquid or NO-BURN Wood Gard MIH liquid with mold
inhibitor, after the dry-in stage of construction. Coverage of the
wooded components constitutes one coat over all accessible areas of
the structure, and two coats in areas that create voids upon
completion of the construction, for example, ventilation chases,
gas fireplace encasements, stairwells, and where multiple rooflines
meet. Interior walls are primed with at least one coat of a Form #2
agent, for example, NO-BURN Plus paint, with or without mold
inhibitor. High hazard areas such as garages, laundry rooms,
electrical rooms, and mechanical rooms are primed or painted with
at least two coats of Form #2 agent. The highest fire-resistive
rating for an unfurnished building is FRCR-1. This rating is
typically given to new construction or totally remodeled
structures.
[0049] FRCR-2: This rating is given any structure in which all of
the wooden framing, or all the wooden components in a steel frame
structure such as often in commercial construction, are treated
with a Form #1 agent after the dry-in stage of construction.
Coverage of the wooded components constitutes one coat over all
accessible areas of the structure, and two coats in areas that
create voids upon completion of the construction, for example,
ventilation chases, gas fireplace encasements, stairwells, and
where multiple rooflines meet. Interior walls are not primed nor
painted with a Form #2 agent. This rating is also typically given
to new construction or totally remodeled structures.
[0050] FRCR-3: This rating is given to any structure in which all
of the wooden framing and other wooden components that make up the
attic structure above the living space are treated with a Form #1
agent, for example, NO-BURN Wood Gard liquid. Where applicable,
crawl spaces and basements are also treated, for example, with
NO-BURN Wood Gard MIH liquid with mold inhibitor. Coverage of the
wooded components constitutes one coat over all accessible areas of
the attic structure. Interior walls are primed with at least one
coat of a Form #2 agent, for example, NO-BURN Plus paint. High
hazard areas such as garages, laundry rooms, electrical rooms, and
mechanical rooms are primed or painted with two coats of Form #2
agent. This rating is typically given to existing structures.
[0051] FRCR-4: This rating is given for any structure in which all
of the interior finished walls are primed or painted with at least
one coat of a Form #2 agent. High hazard areas such as garages,
laundry rooms, electrical rooms, and mechanical rooms are primed or
painted with two coats of Form #2 agent. No part of the wooden
components of the structure is treated with a Form #1 agent. This
rating is typically given to existing structures.
[0052] FRCR-5: This rating is given to any structure in which all
of the wooden components that make up the attic structure above the
living space are treated with a Form #1 agent. Where applicable,
crawl spaces and basements are also treated. Coverage of the wooded
components constitutes one coat over all accessible areas of the
attic structure. The interior walls are not primed nor painted with
a Form #2 agent. This is the lowest rating for an unfurnished
building. This rating is typically given to existing
structures.
[0053] The FRCR-1 rating level of fire resistance is recommended
over FRCR-2 for new construction, and FRCR-3 is recommended over
FRCR-4 and FRCR-5 for existing structures. Budgetary and other
constraints, however, may dictate treatment of a structure at the
lesser rating levels.
[0054] For furnished buildings, a PLUS (+) or PLUS-PLUS (++)
designation may be added. The PLUS designation is given to a
furnished structure in which its draperies, rugs, carpets,
mattresses, and the textile portions of other textile containing
furnishings are treated with a Form #3 agent, for example, NO-BURN
Fabric Gard liquid. One spray coat typically constitutes adequate
coverage for the PLUS designation. Thus, for example, an
unfurnished structure with a FRCR-1 rating may have its textile
furnishings treated as above, and receive the PLUS designation
FRCR-1+. The PLUS-PLUS designation is given to a furnished
structure that qualifies for the PLUS designation and, in addition,
has the wooden components of furnishings such as desks, chairs,
bookcases, shelving, picture frames, wooden baskets, knickknacks,
and so forth treated with a Form #4 agent, for example, NO-BURN
Original liquid. One coat of the Form #4 agent constitutes adequate
coverage. Thus, for example, a furnished structure with an FRCR-3+
rating may have further treatment as noted immediately above with
the Form #4 agent and receive the PLUS-PLUS designation
FRCR-3++.
[0055] Accordingly, a multi-level rating system can be provided.
More coats of the Form #1, #2, #3 and/or #4 agent(s) may be applied
than required for a given rating level if desired.
[0056] A fifth step is comparing the applying, application or
presence of or with the at least one component part of the building
structure to the rating format to provide a fire resistance
classification rating. Thus, for example, when a building structure
complies with the requirements of the FRCR-1 rating, it is thus
rated; when a building structure complies with the requirements of
the FRCR-2 rating, it is so rated; and so on.
[0057] Certification of a rating can be effected. The certification
can be and preferably is included as a security provision for the
rating method, and can be carried out by steps further to the
rating method, which embrace steps such as those that follow:
[0058] A first certification step is providing a user a security
code specific for one-time use in relation to a building structure
by that user. The user, who is desirably a dealer authorized by the
company, is responsible for maintaining the bulk of the security
afforded by certification. As an example, provision of the security
code can be effected through provision of registration and
acknowledgement of certification forms from a company to its
dealers, for example, with the dealers purchasing the forms, which
are encoded specifically for those dealers. In one embodiment, the
forms embrace one set of two forms, one form for registration of
the FRCR and other data, the other form for ribbon acknowledgement
of certification of the FRCR, with both forms prepared in identical
duplicate versions for execution, say, made of paper with a carbon
or carbonless copy of a top original. Thus, in this embodiment,
there are two different paper forms, each made out in identical
duplicate. Each form is marked with the same security code, for
example, a number unique for these two sets of forms. A sticker,
for example, a hologram sticker that includes the notation,
"certified," and includes the same number unique to the forms, can
be provided as part of the set with the two forms. The company
records which sets of such forms, say, plus stickers, are provided
to each dealer, again, each set bearing a number unique to that
set. See, FIG. 2.
[0059] A second certification step can include entering the fire
resistance classification rating of a building structure rated for
fire resistance at a first location and the security code to a
medium for communication. The fire resistance class rating can be,
for example, one of the foregoing FRCR level ratings, which can be
obtained as noted previously. The first location can be the site of
the building structure or another site, for example, an office or
the user. Such a rating can be already present on the forms with
the security code. As such, the forms would constitute the medium
for communication. Media for communication can also include speech;
notes for speaking; instructions to messengers;
communication-transmittal technology such as tape, wire, or digital
recorders, telegraphs, telephones, televisions, radios, computer
keyboards and/or terminals, and so forth; other written form for
communication including letters; and so forth and the like. Entry
may be made at the building structure site, for example, by posting
the rating and security code, say, in the form of the hologram
sticker, on the building at a poignant spot, such as on an
electrical panel, or inside or outside of the door of an electrical
box. This may be an entry in addition or in lieu of any entry on
the forms, for example. In certain cases, say, with such
rudimentary matters as speech, such as may be conducted about the
first site itself, this second and following third certification
steps can be construed to merge as one.
[0060] A third certification step can include transmitting by the
medium for communication the entered rating and the security code
from the first location to a second location. Of course, if a user,
say, were to communicate on the first location to a company
representative about the building site, for example, by ordinary
speech or by the passing a note or forms, the second and third
certification steps could be construed as merging as one or may be
construed as having the user on the first site with the company
representative on a second location inches away from the first.
Falsification for the rating by a user not a dealer would, of
course, subject him to prosecution, and falsification by a user who
is a dealer would subject him to loss of his dealership in addition
to any prosecution. In general, the transmitting is done through
the same medium for communication engaged by the user in the second
certification step. The transmitting can be, for example, from the
dealer to the company and/or from the dealer to the owner of the
building structure or to another entity. Preferably, the
transmitting is from the dealer to the company, and from the dealer
to the owner of the building structure under consideration,
including by transmitting a copy of the registration form to the
company and leaving an original acknowledgement of certification
form that includes the hologram sticker with the building owner.
The hologram sticker is such that if attempts are made to remove or
alter it it is easily damaged, it being understood that a damaged
hologram sticker is considered presumptive evidence of a faulty or
invalid FRCR rating certification. Also, it is desirable that the
building owner review and sign a form, for example, the duplicate
registration form, preferably the original of which is retained by
the dealer and a copy of which is transmitted to the company.
[0061] A fourth certification step can include checking, say, at
the second location or at any other location, the security code of
the user to insure that it is authorized and specific to that user.
If it is so authorized and specific to that user, recording the
rating supplied by the user, but, if it is not authorized and
specific to that user, notifying an appropriate monitor as to the
same. The monitor can be a person or a device, for example, a
computer, which can, say, generate an alarm or a notice of any
deficiency that may be received by a person. For example, the
monitor may be a person or device associated with a local fire
department, a local police department or city, county or township
agency, with an insurance agency or company, and so forth. The user
and/or building owner, too, for example, may be notified for
positive and/or negative results upon the checking.
[0062] Optionally, the dealer or other user may be requested to
account for all security-coded materials provided him. This can be
done periodically, say, quarterly or annually, and can include
accounting for every form and/or sticker whether used in rating or
not. This may help prevent abuse of the system, say, in a
fraudulent scheme or in lethargic reporting, in which posting
on-site of a putative FRCR is carried out, but not reported.
[0063] The steps for the rating and for the certification need not
necessarily be conducted in the series that are indicated above.
Desirably, however, they at least generally follow such formats.
Compare, FIG. 1A.
[0064] With further reference to the drawings, again, the building
structure 1 can have furnishings 2. The fire control agent 3 can be
applied by brush 3B and/or spray 3S. The structure 1 can have
poignant spot 4 such as an electrical panel or electrical box
having a door. Certification forms can embrace the FRCR
registration form 10 and ribbon acknowledgment of FRCR
certification form 11 having site 11' for placing a first of a pair
of matching hologram stickers 12, with a second of the pair of
matching hologram stickers 12 placed on the poignant spot 4 such as
on the electrical panel or inside or outside the door of the
electrical box. The forms 10, 11 and the first and second hologram
stickers 12 all include the same security code 13. The registration
form 10 also can be provided in duplicate and have a dealer
information space to list authorized dealer with contact, address,
city, state, ZIP code, and phone number; client information space
to list name, contact, address, city, state, ZIP code, and phone
number; structure information space to list address, city, state,
ZIP code, county, tax I.D. number, and description; FRCR space to
indicate the fire resistive class rating that the structure 1 is
certified to have; product(s) used space to indicate, for example,
use of Wood Gard (WG), Wood Gard MIH Plus (WG+), NO-BURN Plus (NB+)
and/or NO-BURN Original product(s) from No-Burn, Incorporated;
comments space; and certification space, which can recite: "The
above listed structure has been treated with No-Burn by the
authorized No-Burn dealer listed. The Client/Owner listed above
understands that No-Burn is not a fireproofing agent and is not
capable of preventing any type of fire from occurring. No. Burn is
a fire retardant/reactant, that when applied correctly, can slow
the forward spread of fire throughout the structure. No-Burn is not
intended to protect this structure from fires of a criminal or
suspicious nature in which an accelerant is used. The client
further understands that the FRCR of this structure does not
include any type of interior/exterior home furnishing(s). The
client fully understands the recommendation from No-Burn and its
authorized dealer that all interior home furnishings be treated
with No-Burn Fabric Gard. The client understands that any
alterations or additions to this structure must also be treated
with No-Burn in the same manner in order to maintain this
structure's FRCR. PRODUCT, SERVICE and APPLICATION WARRANTY ARE AS
FOLLOWS: No-Burn, Inc. (parent company) warrants that the No-Burn
formula will be manufactured to the same specifications and
quality, and will perform equally to the test performed by the
independent laboratories when properly applied by an authorized
No-Burn dealer. No-Burn, Inc. warrants the product only to the cost
of product. The authorized No-Burn dealer warrants that the
product, in its original form from the manufacturer, will be mixed,
stirred and/or applied as directed in the guidelines from No-Burn,
Inc. to every reasonably accessible area that is specified to
protect. All implied warranties from No-Burn, Inc. or its
authorized dealer are excluded. The use of any sub-contractors,
such as painters, utilized for the application of any No-Burn
product, certify that the product was applied as directed in the
guidelines from No-Burn, Inc. This structure has been inspected and
meets the above listed fire resistive class rating." In the
certification space of the form 10 is space for placing the
security code 13, under which can be recited, "The Hologram
Alphanumeric Code Number and the FRCR Certificate Number must
match." The form 10 can be provided in duplicate copies, say, white
and yellow, with its certification space indicating that the white
copy is for the dealer with the yellow copy sent to "No-Burn, Inc.,
1392 High Street, Suite 211, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281." Finally in the
certification space of the form 10 can be listed the phone number,
"1-800-989-8577," and the form number, "NBI-FRCR 7500." The ribbon
acknowledgment of FRCR certification form 11 also can state,
"No-Burn, Inc., 1392 High Street, Suite 211, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281
1-800-989-8577," and it can recite: "The structure listed below has
been treated with No-Burn by the authorized No-Burn dealer listed.
The Client/Owner of this property understands that No-Burn is not a
fireproofing agent and is not capable of preventing any type of
fire from occurring. No-Burn is a fire retardant/reactant, when
applied correctly, can slow the forward spread of fire throughout
the structure. No-Burn is not intended to protect this structure
from fires of a criminal or suspicious nature in which an
accelerant is used. The client further understands that the FRCR of
this structure does not include any type of interior/exterior home
furnishing(s). The client fully understands the recommendation from
No-Burn, Inc. and its authorized dealer that all interior home
furnishings be treated with No-Burn Fabric Gard for maximum
protection from fire. The client understands that any alterations
or additions to this structure must also be treated with No-Burn in
the same manner in order to maintain this structure's FRCR.
PRODUCT, SERVICE and APPLICATION WARRANTY ARE AS FOLLOWS: No-Burn,
Inc. (parent company) warrants that the No-Burn formula will be
manufactured to the same specifications and quality, and will
perform equally to the test performed by the independent
laboratories when properly applied by an authorized No-Burn dealer.
No-Burn, Inc. warrants the product only to the cost of product. The
authorized No-Burn dealer warrants that the product, in its
original form from the manufacturer, will be mixed, stirred and/or
applied as directed in the guidelines from No-Burn, Inc. to every
reasonably accessible area that is specified to protect. All
implied warranties from No-Burn, Inc. or its authorized dealer are
excluded. The use of any sub-contractors, such as painters,
utilized for the application of any No-Burn product, certify that
the product was applied as directed in the guidelines from No-Burn,
Inc. This structure has been inspected and meets the fire resistive
class rating listed below." The site 11' can instruct: "Place FRCR
Hologram Sticker here. This certificate is not valid without the
FRCR Hologram sticker affixed." Finally, the form 11 can recite its
form number, "NBI-FRCR 7400." The hologram stickers 12 also can
indicate, "NO-BURN." Compare, FIGS. 1-2.
[0065] The present invention is thus provided. Various features,
parts, steps, subcombinations and/or combinations can be carried
out with or without reference to other features, parts, steps,
subcombinations and/or combinations in the practice of the
invention, and numerous adaptations and modifications can be
effected within its spirit, the literal claim scope of which is
particularly pointed out as follows:
* * * * *