Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FLAME BLOCKING VENTING TRAP AND PROTECTION GARMENT THEREOF
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[01] This invention generally relates to a flame blocking venting trap
adapted
to be installed on, or be incorporated in, a safety garment. The present
invention
more specifically relates to a flame blocking venting trap adapted to allow
air venting
while preventing flames to get through the protection garment and footwear and
reach the skin of a wearer thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
[02] Protection garments have been used for many purposes against many
environmental factors like oil, gas, grease dirt, solvent, chemicals, water
and
biohazard, among others. Workers performing tasks associated with significant
fire hazards can also use them. For instance, they can be used in the gas and
oil
industries where the likelihood of fire blast, or flash fire, is present.
[03] Protection garments can come in a variety of configurations. Shirts
and
pants can be used individually or collectively to protect a worker in
accordance with
the specifics of the tasks to accomplish. The protection garment can also be a
one-
piece article of clothing commonly called a coverall. A coverall is usually a
loose
fitting garment comprising a trouser-like portion and top portion, with or
without
sleeves, that is usually worn over casual clothing.
[04] The material used in a protection garment is often rugged or
intrinsically
prevents air to pass therethrough because of its technical and protective
properties.
Venting in a protection garment has therefore a significant importance to
prevent
overheating of the wearer. Flexibility and comfort can also be challenging
given the
nature and the stiffness of the material.
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[05] It is therefore desirable to provide a flame blocking ventilation trap
on a
protection garment that allows ventilation therethrough while preventing
flames to
get through the ventilation trap.
[06] It is desirable to provide an improved protection garment over the
existing
art that allows ventilation while preventing flames to get therethrough.
[07] It is desirable to provide an improved ventilation trap over the
existing art
that can be easily assembled to the fabric of a safety garment and allows
ventilation
while preventing flames to get therethrough.
[08] It is desirable to provide an improved ventilation trap over the
existing art
that has a reduced thickness and is easily assembled to the fabric without
causing
significant local rigidity to the safety garment.
[09] It is desirable to provide an improved ventilation trap over the
existing art
that uses, in part, the same fabric as the material used in the safety garment
and
allows ventilation while preventing flames to get therethrough.
[10] It is also desirable to provide an improved protection garment over
the
existing art that improves flexibility of the garment while allowing air
circulation and
prevents flames to pass through the garment and contact the skin of the
wearer.
[11] Other deficiencies will become apparent to one skilled in the art to
which
the invention pertains in view of the following summary and detailed
description with
its appended figures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[12] One aspect of the present invention is to alleviate one or more of the
shortcomings of the background art by addressing one or more of the existing
needs
in the art.
[13] The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order
to
provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary
is not
an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify
key/critical
elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole
purpose
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is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude
to the
more detailed description that is presented later.
[14] The invention is generally described as a flame blocking ventilation
trap
and a garment including the flame blocking ventilation trap therein. For
facilitating
the reading of the application, flame blocking ventilation trap is going to be
referred
to below as "FBVT".
[15] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT that allows ventilation while preventing flames to get therethrough.
[16] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT in a safety garment that allows ventilation of the garment while
preventing
flames to get therethrough.
[17] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT that can be easily assembled to the fabric of a safety garment and
allows
ventilation while preventing flames to get therethrough.
[18] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT that has a reduced thickness and is easily assembled to the garment
without
causing significant local increased rigidity of the safety garment.
[19] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT that uses, in part, the same fabric as the material used for the safety
garment and allows ventilation while preventing flames to get therethrough.
[20] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT adapted to be restricted, or closed, when an external pressure is
applied
thereon and to open when the external pressure is removed.
[21] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT having a "Z" shape adapted to route a flame blast from circulating
through
an opening in the FBVT.
[22] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT having a double-fold "Z" shaped layout including a distal layer of
material, a
central layer of air permeable material (e.g. mesh) and a proximal layer of
material
adapted to route a flame blast from circulating through an opening in the
FBVT.
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[23] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT configured to allow air ventilation of the garment while blocking
flames to get
through the garment.
[24] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT configured to close an opening thereof when a flow of air reaches the
FBVT
from the exterior to prevent air to get through the garment through the FBVT.
[25] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a garment comprising a FBVT therein.
[26] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT including a mesh portion extending with a pair of non-mesh portions
extending on respective sides of the mesh portion.
[27] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT including a mesh portion extending with a non-mesh portions extending
on a
side of the mesh portion.
[28] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT including a mesh portion extending with a non-mesh portions extending
on a
side of the mesh portion. Each non-mesh portion interconnecting a fabric
portion via
a fold.
[29] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT including a first layer of fabric superposed over a layer of mesh
portion, that
is disposed over a second layer of fabric.
[30] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT including, sequentially, a first layer of fabric, mesh portion, and a
second
layer of fabric.
[31] Aspects of our work, in accordance with at least one embodiment,
provide
a FBVT including a mesh portion comprising a central mesh extended by at least
one non-mesh portion.
[32] Aspects of our work provide kit comprising a plurality of FBVTs
adapted to
be secured or sewed to a garment.
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[33] Aspects of our work provide a FBVT that complies with safety
requirement
NFPA 2112 and ASTM international requirement F1505.
[34] Aspects of our work provide a flame blocking venting trap (FBVT)
adapted
to vent a garment, the FBVT comprising a proximal layer; a central venting
layer
superposed to the proximal layer; and a distal layer superposed to the central
venting layer.
[35] Aspects of our work provide a garment comprising a flame blocking
venting trap (FBVT) adapted to vent the garment, the flame blocking coverall
comprising a proximal layer; a central venting layer superposed to the
proximal
layer; and a distal layer superposed to the central venting layer.
[36] Aspects of our work provide a flame blocking venting trap (FBVT)
adapted
to vent a garment and allow air to move out of a protective garment when the
protective garment is heated.
[37] Aspects of our work provide a flame blocking venting trap (FBVT)
adapted
to vent a garment and allow air to circulate inside the garment and move out
of a
protective garment when the protective garment is heated.
[38] Aspects of our work provide a flame blocking venting trap (FBVT)
adapted
to vent a footwear.
[39] Each of the embodiments of the present invention has at least one of
the
above-mentioned objects and/or aspects, but does not necessarily have all of
them.
It should be understood that some aspects of the present invention that have
resulted from attempting to attain the above-mentioned objects may not satisfy
these
objects and/or may satisfy other objects not specifically recited herein.
[40] Additional and/or alternative features, aspects, and advantages of
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following
description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[41] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an FBVT in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention;
[42] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an FBVT in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention with air passing therethrough from the exterior of
the
garment;
[43] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an FBVT in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention with air passing therethrough from the interior of
the
garment;
[44] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an FBVT in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention with flame pattern thereof;
[45] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of an FBVT in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention with flame pattern thereof;
[46] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of an FBVT in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention with flame pattern thereof;
[47] Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of an FBVT in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention with air flow pattern thereof;
[48] Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of an FBVT in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention with air flow pattern thereof;
[49] Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary mesh portion in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[50] Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a front view of a coverall
protection
garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[51] Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a rear view of a coverall
protection
garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[52] Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a right-rear view of a
protection
garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[53] Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a right-rear view of a
protection
garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
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[54] Figure 14 is a schematic illustration of a right-rear view of a
protection
garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[55] Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of a right-rear view of a
protection
garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[56] Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of a partial section view of a
rear
portion of a protection garment in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[57] Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of a rear portion of a
protection
garment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention with an airflow
pattern
thereof.
[58] Figure 18 is an illustration of a commercial embodiment of the present
invention;
[59] Figure 19 is an illustrative flow chat of an exemplary process
occurring
when a safety garment is heated;
[60] Figure 20 is an illustrative flow chat of an exemplary process
occurring
when a safety garment is heated;
[61] Figure 21 is an illustrative flow chat of an exemplary process
occurring
when a safety garment is heated;
[62] Figure 22 is an illustration of a FBVT in accordance with at least one
embodiment;
[63] Figure 23 is an illustration of a FBVT compressed by flames in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[64] Figure 24 is an illustration of a FBVT compressed by flames in
accordance with at least one embodiment;
[65] Figure 25 is an illustration of a FBVT applied to a footwear in
accordance
with at least one embodiment;
[66] Figure 26 is an illustration of a FBVT applied to a footwear in
accordance
with at least one embodiment; and
Figure 27 is an illustration of a FBVT applied to a footwear in accordance
with at
least one embodiment.
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DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION
[67] Our work is now described with reference to the figures. In the
following
description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set
forth in
order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention by way of
embodiment(s). It may be evident, however, that the present invention may be
practiced without these specific details.
[68] A schematic FBVT 10 is illustrated in Figure 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention. The FBVT 10 comprises a distal fabric layer 14, a
central venting layer 18 and a proximal fabric layer 22. The distal fabric
layer 14 is
interconnected with the central venting layer 18 with an intervening external
curve, or
fold 26, and the central venting layer 18 is interconnecting the proximal
fabric layer
22 with an intervening internal curve, or fold 30. The central venting layer
18 further
includes a mesh portion 34 and extension fabric portions 38. The central
venting
layer 18 can be made of a single part including a portion adapted to allow an
air
passage thereof and can alternatively be made of an assembly of different
types of
fabrics and mesh. Figure 1 illustrates an assembled central venting layer 18
where
different materials 34, 38 are secured with stitches 42 or any other means
adapted
to secure materials together with sufficient strength (e.g. Velcro TM, glue,
...).
[69] A typical flow of air through the FBVT 10 is illustrated in Figure 2.
The flow
of air is channeled from the environment between the central venting layer 18
and
the proximal fabric layer 22 to pass through the mesh portion 22 and continue
between the central venting layer 18 and the distal fabric layer 14 to reach
the
interior side of the FBVT 10 to vent the wearer of the safety garment. Figure
3
illustrates the opposite body heat transfer from the interior side of the FBVT
10 to the
environment under normal circumstances. One can also appreciate that the FBVT
has sort of a "Z" shape (or "S" shape) with well-defined folds 26, 30 thereof
to
produce a path of fabric adapted to channel air thereof. A flow of air from
the inside
of the garment tends to open the FBVT. The FBVT, in the present embodiment,
includes additional seams 46 next to the edges 50 of the FBVT 10 to form
folds.
Well-defined folds 36, 30 could alternatively be made by pressing or gluing,
thermo-
forming the material in the desired shape. Other means to form the material
can
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become apparent to a skilled reader and remain within the scope of the present
invention.
[70] The FBVT 10 acts differently when a flame blast reaches the FBVT 10
from the environment. Figure 4 illustrates that the FBVT 10 protects from
flames
hitting the FVBT 10 from the environment by compressing the layers 14, 18, 22
of
the FBVT 10 that, in turn, is going to close the FBVT 10 as illustrated in
Figure 5 and
thus prevent the flames to get through the FBVT 10 with the fire pressure. A
flow of
air from the outside of the garment 66 thus tends to close the FBVT. The FBVT
10
can also reacts differently if the flame blast comes parallel with the layer
22. The
extension fabric portion 38 next to the internal edge 50 prevents the flame to
be
directed through the mesh portion 34 and redirects the flame in the opposite
direction 54. The configuration of the FBVT 10 also prevents any direct
contact with
the skin of a wearer as illustrated in Figure 6. One can appreciate from
Figure 6 that
a flame would pass through the mesh portion 34 to hit the distal fabric layer
14 or be
confined in the internal fold 50 thus providing an additional safety
protection should a
flame reaches the mesh portion 34.
[71] Figure 7 depicts embodiment of lengths ratios of mesh portion 34 in
respect with extension fabric portions 38.1, 38.2. In an embodiment, the
length A of
the mesh portion 34 can vary between 10 mm and 100 mm, the length B of the
extension fabric portion 38.1 can vary between 0 mm and 50 mm and finally the
length C of extension fabric portions 38.2 can vary between 0 mm and 50 mm.
Preferably, the length A of the mesh portion 34 can vary between 25 mm and 75
mm, the length B of the extension fabric portion 38.1 can vary between 0 mm
and 30
mm and finally the length C of extension fabric portions 38.2 can vary between
10
mm and 40 mm. More preferably, the length A of the mesh portion 34 can vary
between 40 mm and 60 mm, the length B of the extension fabric portion 38.1 can
vary between 10 mm and 25 mm and finally the length C of extension fabric
portions
38.2 can preferably vary between 20 mm and 35 mm. Other lengths can also be
used depending of the design of the garment and the specific venting
requirement.
The lengths ratios can change depending of the size and design of the FBVT 10
and
can be about (0@1)B for (2@5)A for (0@3)C, preferably about (0@1)B for (3@5)A
for (1@3)C, and more preferably about (1)B for (4)A for (2)C (16:4A:2C).
Figure 9
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depicts an embodiment with more precise lengths to illustrate one of the
preferred
embodiments.
[72] Turning now to Figure 9 illustrating an exemplary mesh portion 34 in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The mesh portion 34 is
provided
with a series of holes or openings 58 adapted to let air pass therethrough.
The
remaining portion of the mesh portion 34 is fabric material 62 adapted to
provide
mechanical strength to the mesh portion 34.
[73] A protection garment 66 is schematically illustrated in Figure 10 in
a front view. The protection garment 66 includes an upper portion 70 and a
lower
portion 74 that can be used independently or collectively. An assembled upper
portion 70 and lower portion 74 can be called a one-piece coverall. The
illustrated
protection garment 66 includes pockets 78 and a zipper 82, or a securing
means, to
secure the protection garment on a wearer. Figure 11 is a back view of the
protection garment 66 of Figure 10. One can appreciate from Figure 11 possible
venting zones 86 on the protection garment 66 where a FBVT 10 can be located.
FBVT 10 can be disposed vertically and horizontally on the protection garment
66.
The FBVT 10 can be located in the region of an articulation to help open the
FBVT
with the movements of a wearer. One can appreciate that restrictors 90 are
located between the distal layer 14 and the proximal layer 22 to secure the
three
layers 14, 18, 22 together and set a maximum opening of the FBVT 10 thus
preventing excessive opening of the FBVT 10. The number, the location and the
size
of the restrictors 90 can vary while remaining within the scope of the
invention.
[74] A FBVT 10 is located on the upper portion 70 of the protection garment
66
in a closed position, as seen in Figure 12, and in an open position as seen in
Figure
13. A FBVT 10 is located on the lower portion 74 of the protection garment 66,
behind the knee and is depicted in a closed position in Figure 14 and in an
open
position in Figure 15. A long FBVT 10 is illustrated and its opening is
controlled by its
associated restrictor 90. Two or more shorter FBVT 10 could alternatively be
used
instead of a long FBVT 10 without departing from the scope of the invention.
Figure
16 illustrates a sectional view of a FBVT 10 on the upper portion 70 of the
safety
garment 66 to appreciate its configuration in more details. Figure 17 depicts
a
cooling flow of air between two FBVT 10 in accordance with another embodiment
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the invention using collectively a plurality of FBVT 10 to vent a protection
garment
66. And finally, Figure 18 provides another view of a convecting coverall 70
equipped with a plurality of FBVT 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[75] Moving now to Figure 19 illustrating an exemplary flow chart in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A volume of air is present in
a
protection garment 66. This volume of air is surrounding a wearer of the
protection
garment 66. The volume of air in the protection garment 66 increases in volume
104
when heated by flames 100 contacting the protection garment 66 in a flash fire
situation. The increasing volume of air inside the protection garment 66 is
moving
108 inside the protection garment 66 and seeks to escape to the exterior of
the
protection garment 66, 112 through the FBVT 10 of the protection garment 66.
The
movement of the heated air trapped in the FBVT 10 is providing a moving layer
of air
in the protection garment 66 between the fabric of the protection garment 66
and the
body of the wearer of the protection garment 66. Locations where the fabric of
the
protection garment 66 is in contact with the body of the wearer can be
distanced by
the moving air inside the protection garment 66 and further protect the
wearer. The
air moves along to find its way to the FBVT 10 and exits the protection
garment 66.
The air exiting the protection garment 66 can influence the flames outside the
protection garment 66 by providing an additional protective layer of air
outside the
protection garment 66.
[76] An analogous phenomenon is depicted in Figure 20 illustrating another
exemplary flow chart in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. A
volume
of air inside the protection garment 66 is surrounding the wearer of the
protection
garment 66. The volume of air in the protection garment 66 increases in
pressure
120 when heated by flames 116 contacting the protection garment 66 in a flash
fire
situation. The increasing pressure of air inside the protection garment 66 is
moving
124 inside the protection garment 66 and seeks to escape to the exterior of
the
protection garment 66, 128 through the FBVT 10 of the protection garment 66.
The
movement of the increased air pressure trapped in the FBVT 10 is providing a
moving layer of air in the protection garment 66 between the fabric of the
protection
garment 66 and the body of the wearer of the protection garment 66. Locations
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where the fabric of the protection garment 66 is in contact with the body of
the
wearer can be distanced by the moving air inside the protection garment 66 and
further protect the wearer. The air moves along to find its way to the FBVT 10
and
exits the protection garment 66. The air exiting the protection garment 66 can
influence the flames outside the protection garment 66 by providing an
additional
protective layer of air outside the protection garment 66.
[77] Another analogous phenomenon is depicted in Figure 21 illustrating
another exemplary flow chart in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention. A
volume of air inside the protection garment 66 is surrounding the wearer of
the
protection garment 66. The volume of air in the protection garment 66 is
compressed
132 when heated by flames contacting the protection garment 66 in a flash fire
situation. The increasing pressure of air inside the protection garment 66 is
moving
the air 136 inside the protection garment 66 and seeks to escape to the
exterior of
the protection garment 66, 140 through the FBVT 10 of the protection garment
66.
The movement of the compressed air trapped in the FBVT 10 is providing a
moving
layer of air in the protection garment 66 between the fabric of the protection
garment
66 and the body of the wearer of the protection garment 66. Locations where
the
fabric of the protection garment 66 is in contact with the body of the wearer
can be
distanced by the moving air inside the protection garment 66 and further
protect the
wearer. The air moves along to find its way to the FBVT 10 and exits the
protection
garment 66. The air exiting the protection garment 66 and flowing along the
protection garment exterior 144 can influence the flames outside the
protection
garment 66 by providing an additional protective layer of air outside the
protection
garment 66.
[78] Figure 22 depicts free flow of air through the FBVT 10. The FVBT 10
can
react by compressing the distal fabric layer 14 toward the proximal fabric
layer 22
under a flash fire as illustrated in Figure 23. The compressed FBVT 10 propels
the
air trapped thererein inside the protection garment 66 hence increasing the
layer of
air inside the protection garment 66. The increased volume of air inside the
protection garment 66 is providing added protection to the wearer of the
protection
garment 66.
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[79] Another behavior of the FBVT 10 in accordance with another embodiment
is illustrated in Figure 24. The flames are applying pressure on the FBVT 10
and the
air trapped in the protection garment 66 is circulating between the protection
garment 66 and the wearer. The moving air in the protection garment 66 is
helping
preventing direct contact between the protection garment 66 and the wearer.
[80] The FBVT 10 of the present invention can be embodied in a protection
footwear 150 as it can be appreciated in Figure 25. The FBVT 10 on the
protection
footwear 150 is illustratively disposed on a distal side 154 of the protection
footwear
150. The FBVT 10 could be positioned elsewhere on the protection footwear 150
in
locations where the structure and the functions of the protection footwear 150
are
not going to be jeopardized. In the present situation, a single FBVT 10 is
disposed
on the distal side of the protection footwear 10. Alternatively, a
corresponding FBVT
could be provided on the proximal side 158 of the protection forward 150.
Figure
26 illustrates another possible embodiment including a plurality of FBVT 10 on
the
distal side of the protection footwear 10. Another possible unillustrated
embodiment
could include a plurality of FBVT 10 on the proximal side of the protection
footwear
10.
[81] A magnified portion of the protection footwear 150 is depicted in
Figure
27. One can appreciate the FBVT 10 comprises a distal fabric layer 14, a
central
venting layer 18 and a proximal fabric layer 22. The distal fabric layer 14 is
interconnected with the central venting layer 18 with an intervening external
fold 26,
and the central venting layer 18 is interconnecting the proximal fabric layer
22 with
an intervening internal fold 30. The central venting layer 18 further includes
a mesh
portion 34 and extension fabric portions 38. The central venting layer 18 can
be
made of a single part including a portion adapted to allow an air passage
thereof and
can alternatively be made of an assembly of different types of fabrics and
mesh. A
forming member 162 can optionally be added in the FBVT 10 to bias an opening
in
the FBVT 10 when the FBVT 10 is constructed with thick materials as generally
used
in protection footwears 66. The forming member 162 can be an added part. The
forming member 162 can alternatively be a fabric treatment adapted to shape
the
fabric used in the FBVT 10. The forming member 162 is designed in such a way
that
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the opening through the FBVT 10 can be actuated to block flash fires as
explained
above.
[82] The
description and the drawings that are presented above are meant to
be illustrative of the present invention. They are not meant to be limiting of
the
scope of the present invention. Modifications to the embodiments described may
be
made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is
defined by
the following claims:
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