Cast-In-Place Device for Creating a Partition Passageway with Firestop and Water-Tight Seal

Abstract

A device for creating a water-tight and fire-stopped passageway through a formed structural partition. The device has a sleeve defining an internal passageway and an intumescent material within at least a portion of the sleeve. A gasket is located within the sleeve for preventing the passage of water through the gap between the utility element and the sleeve. The gasket has a flexible inner ring, an outer peripheral member, and a flexible connection membrane which supports the inner ring in a neutral orientation and in a neutral plane. The inner ring is moveable in a first axial direction beyond the neutral plane upon application of a force in the first axial direction, and is moveable in a second axial direction beyond the neutral plane upon application of a force in the second axial direction. The device includes extension sleeves for extending the length of the sleeve.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices for creating passageways in a molded, structural partition such as a floor, wall or ceiling. More particularly, the invention relates to a modular cast-in-place sleeve assembly for creating a partition passageway with a firestop and a water-tight seal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A molded partition in a building or other structure refers to a partition, such as a ceiling or wall, formed from a flowable material, such as concrete or structural foam, that sets or cures to create a more rigid structure. In many cases, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other construction elements must traverse the molded partition from one floor or room to another. Cast-in-place sleeves are known in the prior art and are used for creating passageways through molded partitions through which utility elements such pipes, conduit, cable and the like may run from one room or floor of a building to another. Cast-in-place sleeves are installed in the partition form before the flowable material is poured, and remain embedded in the partition after the flowable material has cured.

Because such sleeves provide a passageway through which smoke and fire may spread from one floor or room to another, prior art sleeves include fire-stopping means for fire protection. Such fire-stopping means are effective even after utility elements have been installed through the sleeve. However, such fire-stopping means are not always good for preventing water leakage through the sleeve, especially when the sleeve is installed vertically in a floor or ceiling. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a fire-stopped sleeve for passing utility elements through construction partitions having an improved water-tight seal surrounding the utility element in the sleeve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to cast-in-place devices for creating passageways in a molded, structural partition constructed by pouring a flowable and curable material in a form. The devices include a gasket and an intumescent wrap strip for creating a partition passageway with a firestop and a water-tight seal.

In one preferred embodiment, the device generally comprises a sleeve, an intumescent material located within at least a portion of the sleeve, and a seal assembly within the sleeve. The sleeve defines an internal passageway and longitudinal axis. The seal assembly prevents the passage of water through the gap between the utility element and the sleeve.

In one preferred embodiment the seal assembly comprises a gasket having a flexible inner ring, an outer peripheral member, and a flexible connection membrane connecting the inner ring to the peripheral member. The inner ring defines an opening extending about the longitudinal axis of the sleeve and through which a utility element is inserted. The inner ring has a neutral position extending in a neutral plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The outer peripheral member is constructed and arranged to connect to the wall of the tubular sleeve. In a preferred embodiment, the outer peripheral member is overmolded on to a portion of the tube.

The connection membrane supports the inner ring in a neutral orientation generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in a neutral plane defined by the outer peripheral member. In one preferred embodiment, the connection membrane has an oscillating-wave configuration wherein a portion of the flexible membrane extends beyond the neutral plane in a first, axial direction and a portion of the flexible membrane extends beyond the neutral plane in a second, axial opposite direction. The construction of the connection membrane enables the inner ring to move in a first axial direction beyond the neutral plane upon application of a force in the first axial direction, and to move in a second axial direction beyond the neutral plane upon application of a force in the second axial direction.

In one preferred embodiment, the inner ring has a toroid shape with a maximum minor dimension and a major diameter. The thickness of the connection membrane is less than the maximum minor dimension of the inner ring. More preferably, the inner ring has a torus shape with a minor diameter and a major diameter, and the thickness of the connection membrane is less than the minor diameter of the inner ring.

The intumescent material preferably comprises a wrap strip of intumescent material lining at least a portion of the inner surface of the tube. The device includes means for restricting axial expansion of the wrap strip within the tube when subjected to fire or elevated temperature. In one preferred embodiment, the restricting means comprises the seal assembly at one axial end and a retaining plate at the other axial end of the wrap strip.

In one preferred embodiment, the device includes a base that connects to the tubular sleeve. The base generally comprises a base plate and a cylindrical base wall fixed at a proximal end to the base plate. The base wall has an annular end surface at a distal end. The base wall is configured to telescope within and connect to the tubular sleeve.

Preferably, the sleeve generally comprises a tube and an enlarged-diameter collar integrally formed with the tube and intersecting at a radial shoulder. The collar has an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the base wall so that the collar can slide over and connect with the base wall. In this configuration, the outer peripheral member of the gasket is overmolded on the distal end surface of the base wall and compressed thereon by the shoulder when base and sleeve connect.

In one preferred embodiment, the device is provided in a standard length that will accommodate a wide range of applications. However, depending on its intended use, the device may be too long or too short. If the device is too long, the sleeve may be cut to a desired length with the assistance of the height markings on the sleeve. If the device is too short for a particular application, the device may be lengthened by connecting one or more telescoping, extension sleeves.

In preferred embodiments, the extension sleeve telescopes with the base sleeve along an overlap portion and includes means for releasably locking the extension sleeve on the base sleeve at a plurality of locations along the overlap portion. In preferred embodiments, the locking means generally comprises a track extending along a length of the base sleeve, a channel extending along the length of the extension sleeve, and a connection assembly on the channel. The track has a plurality of connection slots arranged along its length. The channel has a configuration that compliments the shape of the track so that the track slides within the channel. The connection assembly is configured to releasably engage one of the plurality of connection slots and lock the axial position of the extension sleeve on the base sleeve.

In one preferred embodiment, the connection assembly generally comprises a support block mounted along the channel, a retaining clip pivotally mounted on the support block, and a clip lock to retain the mounting clip within one of the connection slots. The clip lock comprises a locking slit that aligns with different connection slots as the extension sleeve telescopes with the base sleeve. The locking slit is constructed and arranged so that the mounting clip releasably seats within the slit. The retaining clip is pivotally mounted on the support block and can rotate between a closed position seated within the locking slit and an open position disengaged from the locking slit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially-exploded, isometric view of a device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross section taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the base assembly of the device of FIG. 1 with a sealing gasket installed;

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along lines 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, bottom isometric view of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the base of the device shown in FIG. 1 without a sealing gasket installed;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the base of the device shown in FIG. 1 without a sealing gasket installed;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the device of FIG. 1 with a pair of extension tubes connected as an assembly;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the means for locking one extension sleeve to another;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the mounting block of extension sleeve of FIG. 10;

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary side elevation of the mounting block of the extension sleeve of FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a cross section taken along lines 15-15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a cross section of the device installed in a molded partition; and,

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a cross section of the device installed in a molded partition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1-17, and the corresponding non-limiting examples, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. Reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described therein is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in a preferred embodiment” or “in an embodiment” appearing in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.

As used herein, the term “molded partition” refers to a partition formed from a flowable material such as concrete or structural foam, that sets or cures to create a more rigid structure. The term “utility element” refers to plumbing, electrical and communications pipe, conduit, wire and/or cable, or the like. As applied to a structural element or portion of a structural element, the point of reference for the terms “distal” and “proximal” is the base plate of the base assembly. The terms (and grammatical variants thereof) vertical, horizontal, radial and axial refer to the orientation of the device shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 10-11. The term “toroid” is used consistently with its mathematical definition as a surface or solid formed by rotating a closed curve, especially a circle, around a line that lies in the same plane but does not intersect it. The term “torus” is also used consistently with its mathematical definition as a surface or solid formed by rotating a circle around a line that lies in the same plane but does not intersect it.

A device in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-9 and is designated generally by reference numeral 10. The device 10 generally comprises a base 20, a main sleeve 70, an intumescent wrap strip 50, and a water-tight seal 60. As described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 10-15, one or more extension sleeves 100 may be releasably secured to the main sleeve 70 to increase the height of the device 10 when used with partitions that are deeper or wider than the height of the device 10. The base 20 and the main sleeve 70 connect in fluid communication and define a central passageway 11 through which utility elements may pass through a partition from one compartment of the structure to another. The water-tight seal 60 prevents smoke and water from traversing the central passageway 11 at ambient conditions. The intumescent wrap strip 50 prevents smoke and fire propagation through the device 10 during a fire. A cap 90 is optionally, but preferably, provided to prevent accidental spillage of flowable material into the main sleeve 70 during formation of the partition, designated by reference letter “P”.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 5-9, and with reference to the preferred orientation of the device 10 shown in FIGS. 1-4, the base 20 includes a generally-planar base plate 22 having a top side 22a, a bottom side 22b, and a large central aperture extending therethrough. A base wall 30 is fixed to and extends from the top side 22a of the base plate 22. In preferred embodiments, the base wall 30 has cylindrical configuration, is integrally formed at its proximal end 30a with the base plate 22, and has an annular end surface or rim 33 at its distal end 30b, which is configured to support and maintain the position of the water-tight seal assembly 60 within the device 10. The rim includes a lip 36 and a plurality or radially-spaced pockets 37, which help secure the seal assembly 60 on the rim 33 as described below.

The base wall 30 defines an internal, cylindrical passageway, which is axially-aligned with the central aperture in the base plate 22. In other preferred embodiments, the base wall 30 may have other shapes and comprise a separate component than the base plate 22.

The base plate 22 has a plurality of mounting holes 23, which are constructed to receive screws, bolts or the like to secure the base 20 relative to a support structure, such as within a partition form (not shown) prior to pouring the flowable material. The base plate 22 also includes a plurality of tab slots 25 configured to receive connecting tabs 46 from the retaining plate 40, described below. Preferably the mounting holes 23 and the tab slots 25 are symmetrically located proximate the corners of the base plate 22. As best seen in FIG. 6, the bottom side 22b of the base plate 22 has a recess 21 configured to receive the retaining plate 40. In preferred embodiments, the retaining plate 40 sits flush or slightly countersunk in the recess 21.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, in one preferred embodiment the water-tight seal 60 comprises a gasket 67 that sits on the annular rim 33 of the base wall 30 and under the shoulder 80 of the sleeve 70 described below. The gasket 67 is manufactured from an elastomeric material such as Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) or Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM). The gasket 67 generally includes an outer peripheral member 62, a flexible inner ring 64, and a bridging member 66 extending therebetween.

The gasket 67 is mounted on the base 20 by securing the peripheral member 62 to the rim 33. The gasket 67 is preferably overmolded onto the rim 33 with gasket material forming under and over the lip 36 on the rim 33 and within the pockets 37. While overmolding is the preferred method, other methods of securing the gasket 67 on the base wall 30 may be utilized.

The flexible inner ring 64 defines an opening 65 extending about the longitudinal axis of the gasket 67 through which a utility element is installed. The bridging member 66 supports the flexible inner ring 64 in a neutral orientation extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device 10 and in a neutral position substantially coplanar with a neutral plane defined by the peripheral member and the annular rim 33 as best seen in FIG. 6. In one preferred embodiment, the inner ring 64 has a torus shape, and the bridging member 66 has a thickness less than the minor diameter of the torus-shaped flexible inner ring 64. In other embodiments, inner ring has other toroid shapes with a maximum minor dimension defined by the particular cross-section of the toroid, and the bridging member 66 has a thickness less than the maximum minor dimension of the toroid-shaped flexible inner ring 64.

In one preferred embodiment, the cross-section of the bridging member 66 has an oscillating-wave configuration defined by a downwardly-curved portion 61 and an upwardly-curved portion 63. In the gasket's relaxed condition, i.e., in the neutral position, the downwardly-curved portion 61 extends axially beyond the neutral plane with the apex axially-spaced farther toward the base plate 22 than the outer surface of the inner ring 64. In a preferred embodiment, the upwardly-curved portion 63 has a symmetrical but oppositely-oriented configuration wherein the upwardly-curved portion 63 extends axially beyond the neutral plane with the apex axially-spaced farther away from the base plate 22 than the outer surface of the inner ring 64.

In its relaxed condition, the bridging portion 66 supports the inner ring 64 in the neutral orientation and in the neutral plane when no force is applied. Upon application of an axial force in either the upward or downward direction, the inner ring 64 is moveable in that direction out of the neutral plane, but is capable of remaining in the neutral orientation. This configuration provides significant leeway when installing a utility element through the opening 65 in the ring 64, while simultaneously maintaining a good seal. This configuration also enables the gasket 67 to accept and seal with various sizes of utility elements within a specified range for the device 10.

In other embodiments, one portion 61, 63 of the bridging member 66 may have a different configuration than the other portion 61, 63 so that the gasket 67 exerts different properties on the utility member when it traverses the gasket 67 in one direction compared to the other direction. This embodiment could be useful to inhibit the unintended removal of the utility element, or to support the weight of the utility element when the device 10 is installed in a floor or ceiling partition P.

The gasket construction wherein the diameter of the inner ring 64 is greater than the thickness of the wavy bridging member 66 provides multiple benefits compared to prior art gaskets. First, it increases the radial force directed toward the center of the utility element passing through the inner ring 64, thereby enhancing the contact pressure. Second, due to its unique, wavy bridging member 66, it facilitates utility element insertion from both sides of the device 10. Finally, with more material at the contact point between potential sharp edges of the utility element and the gasket, it improves resistance to cutting and lowers the risk of damaging the utility element during insertion.

The water-tight seal 60 provides several functions. The primary function is to prevent water leakage through the device once a utility element is installed through the gasket 67. The water-tight seal 60 also inhibits the flow of smoke through the device 10 in the initial stages of a fire. Finally, as described below, the water-tight seal 60 controls expansion of the intumescent wrap strip 50 during a fire.

In this preferred embodiment, the wrap strip 50 is positioned within base wall 30 and is formed into an endless band that covers the entire inner surface of the base wall 30. The wrap strip 50 is thin and flexible enough so that it can be curved to the same curvature and lay flat against the inner surface of the base wall 30. In one preferred embodiment, the wrap strip 50 has a thickness of approximately 4-5 mm per layer, with one layer used in 2-inch nominal devices, and two layers used in 3-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch nominal devices. The width of the strip will also vary depending on the size of the base.

At the distal end of the base wall 30, the wrap strip 50 abuts the outer peripheral member 62 of the gasket 67. At the proximal end 30a of the base wall 30, the wrap strip 50 abuts the retaining plate 40. The gasket 67 and the retaining plate 40 secure the wrap strip 50 within the base wall 30 both before and after the device 10 is exposed to a fire.

The intumescent wrap strip 50 is made from a firestop material that expands significantly when exposed to heat or flames, for example, at a temperature above 325 F. The intumescent wrap strip 50 seals around any utility element passing through the device 10 to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Expansion of the intumescent wrap strip 50 creates a barrier that fills any gaps or voids that may exist between the utility element and the device 10, thereby helping to maintain the fire resistance of the device 10.

The retaining plate 40 has a generally planar surface and a shape that is configured to nest within the recess 21 and sit flush with the bottom side 22b of the base plate 22. The retaining plate 40 has a large, central aperture 44 having a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the base wall 30 and smaller than the inner diameter of the wrap strip 50 as installed in the base wall 30 so that an overlap portion 45 extends radially inwardly into the central passageway 11. The overlap portion 45 abuts the lower end of the wrap strip 50 and secures it in the base wall 30. This construction eliminates the need for field installation of the intumescent wrap strip 50.

A plurality of connecting tabs 46 extend from the top side of the retaining plate 40, and are aligned and configured to pass through the tab slots 25 of the base plate 22. Each connecting tab 46 has a retaining flange 47, which is biased outwardly such that after passing through the slot 25, the flange 47 extends outwardly into engagement with the top side 22a of the base plate 22 to retain the retaining plate 40 within the base plate recess 21.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of snap projections 32 extend from the outer surface 31 of the base wall 30. The snap projections 32 are configured to be received in snap openings 79 in the collar 77 of the sleeve 70 to secure the sleeve 70 to the base 20, as described below. In this preferred embodiment, the snap projections 32 have a tapered configuration such that the sleeve 70 slides over the snap projections 32 in a first direction but is prevented from movement in an opposite direction. Other configurations and other connecting means may be utilized.

Referring to FIG. 5, a pair of connectors 24, 26 are formed on opposite sides of the base plate 22. One of the connectors 24 has a male configuration while the other connector 26 has a complimentary female configuration such that multiple sleeve assemblies 10 may be interconnected in a side-by-side configuration. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, the male connector 24 has a t-shaped tab configuration, while the female connector 26 has a complimenting t-shaped socket configuration with a hollow interior 28 configured to receive the t-shape male connector 24.

The sleeve 70 generally comprises a tube 72 and an integrally-formed collar 77. The collar 77 comprises a cylindrical, axially-extending skirt 76 and an annular, radially-extending shoulder 80. The collar 77 extends from a first, proximal end 70a to an intermediate point defined by the shoulder 80, and the tube 72 extends from the intermediate point a second, distal end 73. Height markings 74 or the like may be printed or otherwise provided along the outside surface of the tube 72. A common passage extends through the tube 72 and the collar 77.

The collar 77 is sized and configured to envelop and connect to the base wall 30. Preferably, the inner diameter of the collar 77 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the base wall 30 and has an axial length slightly longer than the axial length of the base wall 30. The skirt 80 has diametrically-opposed notches 78, which align with and pass over the snap projections 32. In this preferred embodiment, the notches 78 also straddle the connectors 24, 26. The skirt 80 also has snap openings 79 that extend through the portion of the skirt 76 slightly above the notches 78. To connect the sleeve 70 to the base 20, the collar 77 is slid over the base wall 30 until the snap projections 32 align with and are received in the snap openings 79. As seen in FIG. 3, when the sleeve 70 is connected, the inner surface of the shoulder 80 compresses the outer peripheral member 62 of the gasket assembly 60 to create a secure, watertight seal. For increased seal integrity, a bead of caulk or other adhesive may be applied between the shoulder 80 and the outer peripheral member 62. While a snap connection is described, other mechanisms for connecting the tubular sleeve 70 to the base 20 may also be utilized.

In one preferred embodiment, the sleeve 70 includes opposed, linear tracks 84 including a row of connection slots 85 along a substantial portion thereof. Each connection slot 85 is defined between a pair of radially-protruding teeth 86. While a pair of tracks 84 is shown in FIGS. 1-9, more or fewer tracks may be provided. Additionally, while each track 84 extends substantially along the length of the tube 72, the tracks 84 may extend only partially along the tube 72. The tracks 84 enable connection of extension tubes 100 as described hereinafter. Additionally, the tracks 84 may include areas 87 without connecting slots, for example, adjacent the distal, free end 70b of the main sleeve 70. This construction ensures that the extension sleeve 100 telescopes with a minimal amount of the main sleeve 70 prior to connection to ensure a secure connection between these components.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the device 10 preferably include a cap 90, which is constructed to temporarily close the distal, open end 70b of the sleeve 70 or tubular extension if one is used. The cap 90 has a planar top surface 92 and an axially-extending wall 94. A hook 95 or other grasping means is connected to the top surface 92 for locating the cap if it is covered with a skim coat of flowable material. The cap 90 is configured to fit within the tube 72 (or within the extension sleeve 100 if such is utilized). A rib structure 96 may be formed within the depending wall 94 to provide additional strength to the cap 90. The cap 90 is used to prevent spillage of flowable material into the device 10 during formation of the partition P, and is configured to withstand any potential mechanical impacts.

The overall axial length of the device 10 may vary depending on its intended use. As described above, if the device 10 is too long, i.e., longer than the depth/thickness of the partition P, it may be cut to a desired length with the assistance of the height markings 74 on the sleeve 70. In one preferred embodiment, the overall axial length of the device 10 is about 8 inches, which will accommodate a wide range of applications. If, however, the device 10 is too short for a particular application, the device 10 may be lengthened by connecting one or more telescoping, extension sleeves 100 as shown in FIGS. 10-15.

Each extension sleeve 100 generally comprises an extension tube 102 and an integrally-formed extension collar 104. The extension collar 104 comprises a cylindrical, axially-extending skirt 109 and an annular, radially-extending shoulder 103. The extension tube 102 extends from a first, proximal end 100a of the extension sleeve 100 to an intermediate point defined by the shoulder 103, and the collar 104 extends from the intermediate point a second, distal end 100b of the extension sleeve 100. A common passage 105 extends through the tube 102 and the collar 104.

The extension tube 102 has a diameter and configuration similar to the main tube 72 of the sleeve 70, including opposed linear tracks 108 of connecting slots 107. Each connecting slot 107 is defined between adjacent teeth 109. Preferably, the tracks 108 include a short length 111 that does not have connecting slots 107. This construction ensures that a second extension sleeve 100 telescopes with a minimal amount of the first extension sleeve 100 prior to connection to ensure a secure connection between these components. The number and axial location of the tracks 108 is preferably equal to the number of tracks 84 on the main tube portion 72.

The extension tube 102 has an inner diameter approximately equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the main tube 72 so that the extension tube can telescope over the main tube 72. In cases where the inner diameter of the extension tube 102 is larger, a spacer strip may be positioned between the extension tube 102 and the main tube 72 or upper portion 104 of another extension tube 102. The spacer takes up any mechanical clearance which could result in misalignment and also eliminates mechanical play between the components.

The extension tube 102 includes opposed radially-protruding channels 106, which extend along a length of the extension tube 102. The channels 106 are preferably integrally formed with the wall of the extension tube 102 and are open to the through passage 105. Each channel 106 is configured to receive a radially-aligned track 84 of the main tube 72 (or a track 108 of another extension tube 100). The channels 106 guide the connection assembly 110 described below into close engagement with the connection slots 85 on the linear track 84 of the main sleeve 70.

A connection assembly 110 is provided adjacent the lower end of each channel 106. The connection assembly generally comprises a support block 112, a retaining clip 120 pivotally mounted on the support block 112, and means for locking the retaining clip 120 within one of the connection slots 107 on the linear racks 108. Referring to FIGS. 10-12, the retaining clips are U-shaped and have free ends 121, 123 and a central engaging portion 122. As best seen in FIG. 13, the support block 112 is preferably integrally formed with the wall of the extension tube 102 and the channel 106. The support block 112 has blind mounting holes 113 on opposed sides of the distal portion of the support block 112, which are configured to receive and retain the free ends 121, 123 of the retaining clip 120 so that the retaining clip 120 is pivotally mounted on the support block 112.

In one preferred embodiment, the locking means comprises a locking slit 114 that traverses the proximal portion of the support block 112. The locking slit 114 extends parallel to the engaging portion 122 of the clip when the locking clip 120 is pivotally mounted on the support block 112. As best seen in FIG. 14, the cross-section of the locking slit 114 has a teardrop shape defined by a narrowing mouth 115 and a tubular retention pocket 116. The locking slit 112 extends lengthwise along the entire length of the support block 112, and depthwise entirely through the thickness of the support block 112 to the interior of the channel 106. The width of the mouth 115 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the engaging portion 122 of the retaining clip 120 while the diameter of the retaining pocket 116 is equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the engaging portion 122 of the retaining clip 120. The locking slit 114 is axially positioned so that the retaining clip 120 can rotate, enter the locking slit 114 through the mouth 115, and be captured within the retaining pocket 116.

To connect the extension sleeve 100 to the main sleeve 10, the retaining clip 120 is pivoted to a first, open position wherein the retaining clip 120 is free of the locking slit 114. The extension sleeve 100 is slid over the main sleeve 70 (or an upper portion 104 of another extension sleeve 100) until it is at a desired height with the locking slit 114 aligned with a respective connection slot 85. The retaining clip 120 is then pivoted to a second, closed position by urging the engaging portion 122 of the retaining clip 120 through the mouth 115 so that it sits in the retention pocket 116 and the aligned connection slot 85. The reduced with of the mouth 115 prevents the retaining clip 120 from inadvertently rotating out of this second position. However, if the extension sleeve 100 must be adjusted, the retaining clip 120 can be moved to the first, open position by pulling the retaining clip 120 through the mouth 115 and rotating it to the open position. The extension sleeve 100 can then be freely adjusted and re-locked in the new position. This connection assembly provides a clear, external connection such that a user can verify that the extension tube 100 is reliably secured at a desired height.

The construction of the extension sleeve 100 enables additional extension sleeves 100 to be connected and locked together in the telescoping relationship shown in FIGS. 10-11. Each successive extension sleeve 100 is connected to the previous extension sleeve in the same manner in which the first extension sleeve 100 is connected to the main sleeve 70.

In use, the device 10 is located in a mold or form having the desired shape and dimensions of the partition P. For example, the device 10 may be fastened to the form using screws passing through the mounting holes 23 in the base plate 22. Next, the device is cut to the same height as the thickness of the partition P. Alternatively, an extension sleeve 100 is installed and the length of the device extended to the thickness of the partition. After the cap is installed on the outermost portion of the sleeve, flowable material is added to the form. Once the flowable material is cured, the mold or form is removed but the device 10 remains cast in place as seen in FIGS. 16 and 17. Utility elements can then be installed through the device by removing the cap and inserting the utility elements through the device.

These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

Although the invention has been illustrated by reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited thereto as various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention scope. The various embodiments are intended to be protected broadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The terms and expressions have been used as terms of description and not limitation. There is no limitation to use the terms or expressions to exclude any equivalents of features shown and described or portions thereof.

Claims

1. A device for creating a water-tight and fire-stopped passageway for utility elements to pass through a structural partition such as a floor, wall or ceiling constructed by pouring a flowable and curable material in a form, comprising: a. a sleeve defining an internal passageway and longitudinal axis;b. an intumescent material within at least a portion of said sleeve; and,c. a seal assembly for preventing the passage of water through the gap between the utility element and said tubular sleeve, said seal assembly including a gasket having: i. a flexible inner ring defining an opening extending about the longitudinal axis through which a utility element is inserted, said flexible inner ring having a neutral position extending in a neutral plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;ii. an outer peripheral member constructed and arranged to connect to the wall of said tubular sleeve; and,iii. a flexible connection membrane connecting said inner ring to said peripheral member and supporting said inner ring in a neutral orientation generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in a neutral plane defined by said outer peripheral member; said membrane having an oscillating-wave configuration wherein a portion of the flexible membrane extends beyond the neutral plane in a first, axial direction and a portion of the flexible membrane extends beyond the neutral plane in a second, axial opposite direction;

2. The device recited in claim 1, wherein said inner ring has a toroid shape with a maximum minor dimension and a major diameter.

3. The device recited in claim 2, the thickness of said connection membrane is less than the maximum minor dimension of said inner ring.

4. The device recited in claim 1, wherein said inner ring has a torus shape with a minor diameter and a major diameter, and the thickness of said connection membrane is less than the minor diameter of said inner ring.

5. The device recited in claim 1, wherein said intumescent material comprises a wrap strip of intumescent material lining at least a portion of the inner surface of said tube.

6. The device recited in claim 5, including means for restricting axial expansion of said wrap strip within said tube.

7. The device recited in claim 6, wherein said restricting means comprises said seal assembly at one axial end and a retaining plate at the other axial end of said wrap strip.

8. The device recited in claim 1, wherein said outer peripheral member is overmolded on to a portion of said tube.

9. The device recited in claim 1, wherein said tubular sleeve is extendable along its axial length.

10. The device recited in claim 9, wherein said sleeve comprises a plurality of telescoping sleeves that adjustably connect to one another at different lengths.

11. The device recited in claim 1, including a base that connects to said tubular sleeve, said base having a base plate and a cylindrical base wall fixed at a proximal end to said base plate and having an annular end surface at a distal end, wherein said base wall telescopes within said tubular sleeve.

12. The device recited in claim 11, wherein said sleeve comprises a tube, and an enlarged-diameter collar integrally formed with said tube and intersecting at a radial shoulder, said collar telescoping over said base wall.

13. The device recited in claim 12, wherein said outer peripheral member is overmolded on the distal end surface of said base wall and compressed thereon by the shoulder of said sleeve collar.

14. An extendable device for creating a water-tight and fire-stopped passageway for utility elements to pass through a structural partition such as a floor, wall or ceiling constructed by pouring a flowable and curable material in a form, comprising: a. a base sleeve defining an internal passageway and longitudinal axis;b. an intumescent material within at least a portion of said sleeve;c. a seal assembly for preventing the passage of water through the gap between the utility element and said tubular sleeve; andd. means for extending the length of said device including: i. an extension sleeve that telescopes with said with said base sleeve along an overlap portion; and,ii. means for releasably locking said extension sleeve at a plurality of locations along the overlap portion.

15. The device recited in claim 14, wherein said locking means includes: a. a track extending along a length of said base sleeve, said track having a plurality of connection slots arranged along its length; and,b. a channel extending along the length of said extension sleeve, said channel having a configuration that compliments the shape of said track so that the track slides within said channel; and,c. a connection assembly on said channel that is configured to releasably engage one of said plurality of connection slots and lock the axial position of the extension sleeve on the base sleeve.

16. The device recited in claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the track along the overlap portion does not have any connection slots.

17. The device recited in claim 15, wherein said connection assembly comprises a support block mounted along said channel, a retaining clip pivotally mounted on the support block, and a clip lock to retain the mounting clip within one of the connection slots.

18. The device recited in claim 17, wherein said clip lock comprises a locking slit that aligns with different connection slots as the extension sleeve telescopes with said base sleeve, and is constructed and arranged so that the mounting clip releasably seats within said slit.

19. The device recited in claim 18, wherein said retaining clip is pivotally mounted on said support block and can rotate between a closed position seated within said locking slit and an open position disengaged from said locking slit.

20. An adjustable device for creating a water-tight passageway for utility elements to pass through a structural partition such as a floor, wall or ceiling constructed by pouring a flowable and curable material in a form, comprising: a. a base sleeve defining an internal passageway and longitudinal axis, and including at least one axially-extending track of radially-outwardly projecting ridges defining a connecting slot between each ridge;b. a seal assembly for preventing the passage of water through the gap between the utility element and said tubular sleeve; andc. an extension sleeve that telescopes with said base sleeve and having at least one axially-extending, radially-outwardly protruding channel configured to receive the track of ridges; andd. a retaining clip secured to an external surface of said extension sleeve proximate the first radially outward channel, the retaining clip pivotal between a first position wherein the retaining clip is free of the through opening and a second position wherein a portion of the retaining clip passes through the through opening and engages within the aligned connecting slot.