Patent Application
20210148163
The present invention generally relates to a closure for an opening and, more particularly, to a closure system.
Conventional closure systems prevent unwanted persons or objects from traversing through an opening. Such closures are usually movable between an extended state where the closure occludes the opening and a retracted state where the closure occludes the opening by a lesser amount. The closures may be designed to withstand external forces such as a wind load or prying. Thus, a need exists for a closure system that can withstand greater forces and remain operable.
In one embodiment, a closure system comprises a guide assembly having a channel defined by a first guide wall and a second guide wall. The closure system may include a retention bar extending into the channel from the first guide wall and a plurality of slats. Each slat of the plurality of slats may be configured to interlock with another of the plurality of slats. Each slat may have a retention groove with at least one sidewall configured and dimensioned to engage the retention bar to retain the slat within the channel. The retention groove may include two sidewalls, with each sidewall configured and dimensioned to engage the retention bar to retain the slat within the channel. The closure system may further comprise a plurality of beads, each bead of the plurality of beads comprising an interlocking of adjacent slats. Each bead may have an outermost face and each slat having a major slat width from an innermost face of the slat to the outermost face of the bead. Each sidewall may be substantially perpendicular to the outermost face of the slat, the at least one sidewall extending into the slat from the innermost face of the slat a distance that may be one-third of the major slat width. All of the plurality of slats may interlock at one or more of the plurality of beads. The guide assembly may comprise a first guide component that may include the first guide wall and a first web, and a second guide component that may include the second guide wall and a second web. The first web and the second web may be coupled to form the channel. The retention bar may have a bar width measured along a longitudinal axis of the slat and the retention grove may have a groove width measured along the longitudinal axis of the slat and wherein a ratio of groove width to bar width may be about 2.5:1. The retention groove may have a groove width measured along the longitudinal axis of the slat and the retention groove may be positioned at a distance from a terminal end of the slat of at least about 0.8 times the groove width. Each of the plurality of slats may be joined together in a rectangular interlocking grip. Each of the plurality of slats may comprise a major rectangular hook and a minor rectangular hook that are each configured and dimensions such that, in use, the minor rectangular hook of a first slat may be disposed within the major rectangular hook of an adjoining slat. At least one of the plurality of slats may have a moment of inertia in a first direction of at least 0.1 inches4.
Each of the plurality of slats may have a slat body disposed between the major rectangular hook and the minor rectangular hook. The slat body may be disposed lower than a lowest portion of the major rectangular hook. The major rectangular hook may comprise a major first segment disposed substantially perpendicular to the slat body. The minor rectangular hook may comprise a minor first segment substantially perpendicular to the slat body. The minor first segment of the first slat may bear against the major first segment of the adjoining slat when the closure system is in a closed position. When the closure system is in a closed position each pair of adjoining slats may comprise an upper slat that bears upon a lower slat.
In a further embodiment a damper may be coupled to at least one major rectangular hook or minor rectangular hook. The major rectangular hook may include a major first segment having a longitudinal axis that may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slat body. The major rectangular hook may include a major second segment adjacent the major first segment, the major second segment may have a longitudinal axis that may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slat body. A major third segment may be adjacent the major second segment, the major third segment having a longitudinal axis that may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the major first segment. A major fourth segment may be adjacent the major third segment, the major fourth segment having a longitudinal axis that may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the major second segment.
The minor rectangular hook may include a minor first segment having a longitudinal axis that may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the slat body. A minor second segment may be adjacent the minor first segment, the minor second segment having a longitudinal axis that may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the slat body. A minor third segment may be adjacent the minor second segment, the minor third segment having a longitudinal axis that may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the minor first segment. When the closure system is in the closed position the minor rectangular hook of the first slat may nest in the major rectangular hook of the adjoining slat such that the major first segment may be adjacent the minor first segment, the major second segment may be adjacent the minor second segment and the major third segment may be adjacent the minor third segment. The retention groove may extend into a portion of at least one of the major rectangular hook and the minor rectangular hook of each of the plurality of slats. The retention groove on each of the plurality of slats may be disposed within the slat body. The major rectangular hook may comprise a major width defined by an outermost face of an outward vertical segment and an innermost face of a terminal vertical segment and, when the plurality of slats are within the channel, the retention bar may extend across at least 25% of the major width. Each of the plurality of slats may be moveable relative to the retention bar in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of retention bar such that the retention bar extends across at least 25% of the major width and no more than 55% of the major width. Each of the plurality of slats may have a slat width X extending from a back face of the slat body to a front face of the major rectangular hook, the first guide wall and the second guide wall may be separated by a distance Y, and X may be approximately 1.04 to 1.3 times greater than Y.
The closure system may include a bottom slat that may be configured to resist prying. At least a portion of the bottom slat may be tensioned when exposed to upward prying. The bottom slat may bear the weight of a majority of the plurality of slats. The closure system may include a means for applying a compression force at a top of the closure system that translates to the bottom slat. The closure system may be configured to permanently deform a maximum of three inches in a direction substantially normal to an inner most surface when a fifteen pound two by four at a speed of 100 miles per hour impacts the closure system. The closure system may be configured to withstand perforation when the two by four impacts the closure system at a speed of 100 miles per hour as performed in accordance with ICC 500-2014. The closure system may be configured to have a maximum perforation of 5 inches by 1/16 inches when the two by four impacts the closure system at a speed of 80 feet per second as performed in accordance with ASTM E1996-14. The closure system may be configured to withstand positive or negative pressure of 300 pounds per square foot on one side of the closure system. The closure system may be configured to withstand positive or negative pressure of 90 pounds per square foot on one side of the closure system.
The bottom bar may include a channel member nested within a minor rectangular hook. The closure system may be configured to comply with at least one of FEMA P-361, Third edition. The minor hook may be configured to deform prior to deformation of a body of the slat. The plurality of slats may be configured to deform internally before deforming externally. Deformation of one of the plurality of slats may be localized. The plurality of slats may be configured to reduce curtain deformation from a concentrated load.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the closure system, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For example, although not expressly stated herein, features of one or more various disclosed embodiments may be incorporated into other of the disclosed embodiments.
In the drawings:
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in
In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is configured to obscure an opening (e.g., a doorway, a window, or opening in a wall). In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is configured to selectively obstruct or allow passage through the opening. In some embodiments, the closure system 30 comprises a guide assembly 32 adjacent (e.g., fixed to) one or more edges of the opening, as explained in greater detail below. In some embodiments, the closure system 30 includes a curtain 34 movably coupled to the guide assembly 32 such that the curtain 34 selectively moves relative to the guide assembly 32 between a closed position wherein the opening is obscured as shown, for example, in
Referring to
In some embodiments, the curtain 34 includes a plurality of beads 38 (
The strength of the curtain may be determined by calculating the moment of inertia in the X and Y directions. The moment of inertia in the X direction may indicate the curtain's resistance to bending when a force is applied as if a wind load or horizontal force was applied to push the curtain into the opening. In one embodiment, a slat 36 (e.g., a 4 inch high slat of 12-gauge metal) that includes a bead 38 has a moment of inertia in the X direction of about 0.285 inches4. In one embodiment a plate (e.g., a 4 inch tall plate of 12-gauge metal) has a moment of inertia in the X direction of about 0.000381 inches4. In one embodiment, a moment of inertia in the X direction of a slat 36 that includes a bead 38 is up to about 75,000% greater than the moment of inertia in the X direction of a plate. In some embodiments, the calculations for the moment of inertia for the slat 36 that includes a bead 38 and the moment of inertia for the plate are performed assuming that the slat 36 and the plate have the same height, length, and are of the same gauge metal. The moment of inertia in the Y direction may indicate the curtain's resistance to bending when a force is applied as if someone were prying on the curtain up. In one embodiment, a slat 36 (e.g., a 4 inch high slat of 12-gauge metal) that includes a bead 38 has a moment of inertia in the X direction of about 4.005 inches4. In one embodiment a plate (e.g., a 4 inch high plate of 12-gauge metal) has a moment of inertia in the X direction of about 0.557 inches4. In one embodiment, a moment of inertia in the Y direction of a slat 36 that includes a bead 38 is up to about 725% greater than the moment of inertia in the Y direction of a plate. In some embodiments, the moment of inertia in the X and Y directions may be indicative of the moment of inertia of one interlocked slat of the curtain.
In some embodiments, the slats 36 interlock with one or more adjacent slats 36 at one or more of the plurality of beads 38 (e.g., one slat may interlock at a bead with each of two adjacent slats). In some embodiments, the portion of a slat 36 that contributes to a bead is about 50% to about 70%, about 55% to about 75%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, or about 75% of the mass of the slat 36. In some embodiments, each bead 38 includes an outermost face 40 and an innermost face 42 (
In some embodiments, adjacent slats 36 are coupled to each other at an interlocking grip (e.g., bead 38). In some embodiments, the interlocking grip is a rectangular interlocking grip. In other embodiments, the interlocking grip is circular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, or octagonal. In some embodiments, the interlocking grip includes nested elements of adjacent slats that rotatably couple the slats to each other. In some embodiments, the interlocking grip prevents the slats 36 from twisting or rotating relative to an adjacent slat within the guide when a force (e.g., an upward force) is applied to the slats 36.
In some embodiments, each pair of adjoining slats 36 comprises an upper slat that bears upon a lower slat when the curtain 34 is in the closed position. In one embodiment, adjoining slats 36 are configured to resist pivoting in the guides. As illustrated in
Referring to
In some embodiments, the major hook 44 includes a major first segment 50 as shown in
In some embodiments, the major hook 44 includes a major second segment 56. In some embodiments, the major second segment 56 is adjacent (e.g., directly coupled to) the major first segment 50. In some embodiments, the major second segment 56 includes a longitudinal axis 58 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 54 of the body 48. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 58 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 52 of the major first segment 50. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 58 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 52 of the major first segment 50.
In some embodiments, the major hook 44 includes a major third segment 60. In some embodiments, the major third segment 60 is adjacent (e.g., directly coupled to) the major second segment 56. In some embodiments, the major third segment 60 includes a longitudinal axis 62 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 52 of the major first segment 50. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 62 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 58 of the major second segment 58. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 62 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 58 of the major second segment 58.
In some embodiments, the major hook 44 includes a major terminal segment or a major fourth segment 64. In some embodiments, the major fourth segment 64 is adjacent (e.g., directly coupled to) the major third segment 60. In some embodiments, the major fourth segment 64 includes a longitudinal axis 66 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 58 of the major second segment 56. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 66 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 62 of the major third segment 60. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 66 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 62 of the major third segment 60.
In some embodiments, the major fourth segment 64 as measured along longitudinal axis 66 is shorter than the major second segment 56 as measured along longitudinal axis 58 such that an opening 68 is disposed between a free end of the major fourth segment 64 and the major first segment 50. In some embodiments, the length of the opening 68 may be selected to control the relative rotation between adjacent slats 36. For example, a longer opening 68 may allow a greater range of rotation while a shorter opening 68 may limit the range of rotation. In some embodiments, a ratio of the length of the major second segment 56 to the length of the major fourth segment 64 is about 1.5:1, about 2:1, about 3:1, about 4:1, or about 5:1. In some embodiments, the major third segment 60 includes a different length (i.e., longer or shorter) than the major first segment 50 such that the longitudinal axis 66 of the major fourth segment 64 is offset from the longitudinal axis 54 of the body 48.
In some embodiments, the minor hook 46 includes a minor first segment 70 as shown in
In some embodiments, the minor hook 46 includes a minor second segment 74. In some embodiments, the minor second segment 74 is adjacent (e.g., coupled to) the minor first segment 70. In some embodiments, the minor second segment 74 includes a longitudinal axis 76 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 54 of the body 48. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 76 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 72 of the minor first segment 70. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 76 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 72 of the minor first segment 70.
In some embodiments, the minor hook 46 includes a terminal segment or a minor third segment 78. In some embodiments, the minor third segment 78 is adjacent (e.g., coupled to) the minor second segment 74. In some embodiments, the minor third segment 78 includes a longitudinal axis 80 that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 72 of the minor first segment 70. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 80 is transverse to the longitudinal axis 76 of the minor second segment 74. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 80 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 76 of the minor second segment 74.
In some embodiments, the minor hook 46 of a first slat 36 nests in the major hook 44 of an adjoining slat 36 such that the major first segment 50 is adjacent the minor first segment 70, the major second segment 56 is adjacent the minor second segment 74, and the major third segment 60 is adjacent the minor third segment 78 when the curtain 34 is in the closed position. In one embodiment, adjacent segments of major and minor hooks are not in engagement with each other but are configured to engage each other when the curtain moves. One benefit of such a geometry is that an amount of movement of adjacent slats relative to each other can be accommodated. In some embodiments, the curtain 34 is designed to deform internally (e.g., the minor hook within the major hook of an adjacent slat) before deforming externally. In some embodiments, the major hooks or minor hooks are designed and dimensioned to deform such that the major and minor hooks absorb energy (e.g., from an impact or an externally applied force) by deforming prior to deformation of a majority of the curtain. In some embodiments, the minor hook deforms by moving toward or away from the slat body. In some embodiments, one nested pair of the major and minor hooks deform before another nested pair of the major and minor hooks deforms such that deformation of the slats is localized. In some embodiments, the minor hook may have more clearance within the major hook than existing interlocking slat designs such that the minor hook can deform within the major hook before deformation is observable on the surface of the curtain. In some embodiments, a minor hook within a larger major hook allows absorption of energy (e.g., from an impact or an external force) without an impact on the curtain (e.g., the appearance or structural integrity of the curtain). In some embodiments, the impact may be from a 2×4 piece of lumber with a velocity of 100 miles per hour and the curtain may deform less than 3 inches. In some embodiments, the external force is a concentrated load applied to one or more slats and the slats are designed and dimensioned to deform internally to reduce overall curtain deformation. In one embodiment, the area of hook material (e.g., major and minor hook material) within a bead relative to the area of the bead as defined by the outer surface wall of the major hook and the outer face of body 48 (illustrated in
In one embodiment, the portion of the total length of slat that contributes to bead 48 is about 40% to about 80%, about 50% to about 70%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, or about 80% of the total slat length 98. In one embodiment, the portion of total length of slat that contributes to bead 48 is the portion of the slat that comprises the major hook and the minor hook and/or the portion that that does not make up the slat body 48. One benefit to a larger portion of slat length being taken up by the bead is increased strength and resistance to deformation.
In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 72 of the minor first segment 70 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 52 of the major first segment 50 when the closure is closed. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 78 of the minor second segment 74 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 58 of the major second segment 56 when the closure is closed. In some embodiments, the longitudinal axis 80 of the minor third segment 78 is parallel to the longitudinal axis 62 of the major third segment 60 when the closure is closed.
Referring to
In some embodiments, length 82 may be greater than length 86. In some embodiments, length 82 may be greater than length 84. In some embodiments, length 86 may be less than length 86. In some embodiments, length 88 may be less than length 88. In some embodiments, length 90 may be less than length 82. In some embodiments, length 86 may be less than length 90. In some embodiments, length 92 may be less than length 90. In some embodiments, length 94 may be less than length 92. In some embodiments, length 96 may be less than length 98. In some embodiments, length 96 may be greater than length 92 and length 84 combined. In some embodiments, length 84 may be greater than length 86 and length 88 combined. In some embodiments, length 90 may be greater than length 92 and length 94 combined.
Referring to
In some embodiments the bottom slat 100 is tensioned when it is exposed to upward prying. In some embodiments, a localized area of the bottom slat 100 is tensioned when it is exposed to upward prying because of the weight of the slats 36 bearing on adjacent portions of the bottom slat 100. In some embodiments, minor hook 102 includes minor first segment 70′, minor second segment 74′, and minor third segment 78′ but the segments of minor hook 102 include different dimensions (e.g., length) than the segments of minor hook 46.
In some embodiments, the minor first segment 70 ‘of minor hook 102 has a length 106 of about 1 inch to about 2 inches, or about 1.5 inches. In some embodiments, the length of the minor first segment 70’ of minor hook 102 is about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or about 99%, of the length 82 of the major first segment 50. In some embodiments, the length of the minor first segment 70′ of minor hook 102 is about 100%, about 110%, about 120%, or about 130% of the length 90 of the minor first segment 70 of minor hook 46.
In some embodiments, the minor second segment 74′ of minor hook 102 has a length 108 of about 0.75 inches to about 1.25 inches, or about 1.1 inches. In some embodiments, the length 108 of minor second segment 74′ of minor hook 102 is about 50% to about 90%, about 60% to about 80%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, or about 90% of the length 84 of major second segment 56. In some embodiments, the length 108 of the minor second segment 74′ of minor hook 102 is about 80% to about 120%, about 90% to about 110%, about 80%, about 90%, about 100%, about 110%, or about 120% of the length 92 of the minor second segment 74 of minor hook 46.
In some embodiments, the minor third segment 78′ of minor hook 102 has a length 110 of about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, or about 0.8 inches. In some embodiments, the length 110 of minor third segment 78′ of minor hook 102 is about 55% to about 95%, about 65% to about 85%, about 55%, about 65%, about 75%, about 85%, or about 95% of the length 86 of major third segment 60. In some embodiments, the length 110 of minor third segment 78′ of minor hook 102 is about 110% to about 170%, about 120% to about 160%, about 130% to about 150%, about 110%, about 120%, about 130%, about 140%, about 150%, about 160%, or about 170% of the length 94 of minor third segment 78 of minor hook 46.
In some embodiments, the channel member 104 (
In some embodiments, a length 122 of the first segment 114 and third segment 118 are within about 80% to about 120%, about 90% to about 110%, about 80%, about 90%, about 100%, about 110%, or about 120% of each other. In some embodiments, the length 122 of first segment 114 is about 55% to about 95%, about 65% to about 85%, about 55%, about 65%, about 75%, about 85%, or about 95% of the length 106 of minor first segment 70 of minor hook 102 of bottom slat 100. In some embodiments, the length 122 of first segment 114 is about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches, or about 1.1 inches.
In some embodiments, the second segment 116 has a length 120 that is about 55% to about 95%, about 65% to about 85%, about 55%, about 65%, about 75%, about 85%, or about 95% of the length 108 of minor second segment 74 of minor hook 102. In some embodiments, the second segment 116 has a length 120 that is about 0.5 inches to about 1.0 inches, or about 0.8 inches.
In some embodiments, the closure includes one or more dampers 1100 to reduce the sliding friction and/or wear between adjacent slats (e.g., friction when there is contact during relative articulation between the slats). One embodiment of a damper 1100 is shown in
Another embodiment of a damper 1200 is shown in
Referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments, the retention groove 146 includes a groove width as measured between the first groove sidewall 152 and the second groove sidewall 154 (e.g., along a longitudinal axis of the slat). In some embodiments, the slat 36 includes a terminal end 156 and the retention groove 146 is positioned at a distance from the terminal end 156 of at least about 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, or 3 times the groove width. In some embodiments, the distance from the retention groove 146 to the terminal end 156 of the slat 36 is selected to complement the strength of the retention bar. In some embodiments, the retention groove 146 extends from the face 67 of at least one of the major hook 44 and the minor hook 46 toward the face 158 of the body 48 to a depth that is less than the length 94 of the minor third segment 70.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the major hook 44 includes a major width defined by an outermost face 67 of a vertical segment and an innermost face 69 of a major fourth segment 64 (
Referring to
In some embodiments, the guide assembly 160 includes a substrate engagement member 166 configured to engage a substrate (e.g., a wall, an edge of the opening, or a support column). In some embodiments, the substrate engagement member 166 is coupled to the second guide component 164. In some embodiments, the substrate engagement member 166 is a plate (e.g., a steel plate) and is coupled to the substrate with anchors 168 (e.g., nut and bolt, rivet, or a weld).
In some embodiments, the first guide component 162 includes the first guide wall 126 and the first web 136. In some embodiments, the second guide wall 128 is coupled to the first guide component 162 and the substrate engaging member 166. In some embodiments, a partition 170 includes the second guide wall 128. In some embodiments, the partition 170 includes the second guide wall 128 and a second wall 172. In some embodiments, the second wall 172 is transverse to the second guide wall 128. In some embodiments, the second wall 172 is perpendicular to the second guide wall 128. In some embodiments, the partition 170 includes a third wall 174. In some embodiments, the third wall 174 is parallel to the second guide wall 128. In some embodiments, the third wall 174 is perpendicular to the second wall 170. In some embodiments, the second wall 172 is coplanar with an end of one or more of the substrate engaging member 166 and the first guide wall 126. In some embodiments, guide assembly 32 is coupled to a first edge of an opening and guide assembly 160 is coupled to a second edge of the opening.
Some existing coiling doors include a locking device to secure the bottom bar to a guide or wall. In some embodiments, the closure system 30 includes a means for applying a compression force at a top or midpoint of the closure system 30 (e.g., at the top slat 36 or one of the slats between the top slat and the bottom slat) that translates to the bottom slat 100. For example, in embodiments where adjoining slats are loadbearing slats (such as, for example, embodiments described above), downward pressure applied to an upper slat translates from slat to adjacent slat thereby urging the curtain downward and urging each slat into compression against an adjacent slat. In some embodiments, the design of the major hook 44 and minor hook 46 allow the slats 36 to sit on an adjacent slat 36 thereby applying a cumulative compression load to the bottom slat 100.
Existing closure systems may include a rounded bead such that the slats tend to rotate inside the channel when the bottom slat is lifted even when the mounting shaft is not rotated. In some embodiments, the ratio of the guide channel width to the slat width is selected to prevent folding (e.g., accordion style folding) of the slats relative to each other to maintain the full height of the curtain 34 in the closed position even when an upward prying force is applied to the bottom slat 100. Such a configuration enhances resistance to prying the closure (and the bottom bar) upward. In some embodiments, there is compression means for applying compression (e.g., downward force against a curtain) force to a first slat for propagation of the force to the bottom bar. In one embodiment, the compression means is a motor coupled to a coiling shaft that applies a compression force by rotating the coiling shaft such that a force propagates through the slats to the bottom bar. In other embodiments, the compression means is a biasing element (e.g., a spring).
In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is configured to permanently deform a maximum of five inches, four inches, three inches, two inches, or one inch in a direction substantially normal to an inner most surface of the curtain 34 when a fifteen pound two by four at a speed of about 100 miles per hour impacts the closure system 30. In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is configured to withstand perforation when the two by four impacts the closure system 30 at a speed of 100 miles per hour as performed in accordance with ICC 500-2014. In some embodiments, the closure system is configured to have a maximum perforation of 5 inches by 1/16 inches when the two by four impacts the closure system 30 at a speed of 80 feet per second as performed in accordance with ASTM E1996-14. In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is configured to withstand positive or negative pressure of 300 pounds per square foot on one side of the closure system in accordance with ICC 500-2014. In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is operable after being exposed to positive or negative pressure of 300 pounds per square foot on one side of the closure system in accordance with ICC 500-2014. In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is configured to withstand positive or negative pressure of 90 pounds per square foot on one side of the closure system 30. In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is configured to withstand positive or negative pressure of about 5 pounds per square foot on one side of the closure system 30. In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is configured to comply with at least one of FEMA P-361, Third edition; ICC 500-2014, ASTM E330-14, ASTM E1886-13, ASTM E1996-17, TAS 201-94, TAS 202-94, TAS 203-94, ANSI/DASMA 108-2012, and ANSI/DASMA 115-2005.
In some embodiments, the closure system 30 is fire rated (e.g., when a first side of the closure is exposed to an elevated temperature, a second side of the closure remains within a selected temperature deviation range for a selected time period). In some embodiments, when a first side of the curtain is exposed to fire for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours, a second side of the door that is not exposed to the fire shall not exceed 1,000° F., 1,300° F., 1,462° F., 1,550° F., 1,638° F., 1,700° F., 1,792° F., 1,850° F., 1,925° F., 2,0000° F., respectively, in accordance with the time-temperature curve of underwriter's laboratories standard UL 10B. In some embodiments, the closure system mitigates or prevents the passage of smoke, heat, fire, or toxic gases for a selected time period (e.g., 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4 hours).
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. The words “right”, “left”, “lower” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”.
It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.
Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims. Any claims directed to the methods of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2018/026064 | 4/4/2018 | WO | 00 |
