Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02738488 2011-05-02
TITLE: BREAK AWAY FIREWALL CONNECTION SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR
CONSTRUCTION
FIELD
[0001]
This invention relates to a break away connector for connecting structural
components,
such as a floor or ceiling to a firewall. This invention also relates to a
method of
constructing a firewall connection system.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] In residential, commercial and industrial structures, it is
desirable to have
separate dwelling spaces defined by structural members that are designed to
slow or
prevent the spread of fire between adjacent spaces. These structural members
may be
firewalls. The use of firewalls in structures, such as buildings, is known in
the art. Firewalls
are typically designed and/or treated to resist combustion and prevent rapid
heat transfer.
Most commonly, firewalls are substantially vertical partitions that define
interior spaces
such as individual rooms within the same structure, or interior spaces of
separate, adjacent
structures.
[0003] In some multi-level buildings, structural members are
supported by at least
one firewall. Commonly, substantially horizontal structural components such as
floors or
ceilings are tied into at least one substantially vertical firewall. In the
event that a heat-
inducing event occurs within an interior space that is at least partially
defined by a firewall,
it is desirable for certain structural members to be releasable from the
firewall. If a structural
member catches fire, it is beneficial for the structural member to be
releasable from the
firewall to separate the heat source from the firewall. This release can allow
the firewall to
remain in tact for a longer duration. As a result, firefighters may be
provided with sufficient
time to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent spaces. In some cases,
occupants in an
adjacent room/structure may be provided with sufficient time to escape before
the firewall is
compromised and the fire spreads to the adjacent space.
[0004] Structural connectors comprising a fusible member are
generally known in the
art. See for example US 3,119,475; US 3,294,428; US 3,708,932 and US
7,520,095. As
described in these patents, when at least one fusible member is weakened by
heat, at least
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one structural member is permitted to move relative to another. These patents
disclose the
use of fusible members to accommodate the thermal expansion of at least one
heated
structural member, to reduce such undesirable consequences as thermal
buckling.
[0005] US 3,708,932 discloses the use of a fusible break away clip
to releasably
couple structural members. This patent discloses fusible break away clips that
are made of
a material that will burn or melt when subjected to fire. As disclosed, the
clips are used to
couple a structural member to a fire barrier member. When there is a fire on
one side of the
fire barrier member, the break-away clips may melt and disengage the
structural member
from the remainder of the wall structure.
SUMMARY
[0006] The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to
the more
detailed discussion to follow. The summary is not intended to limit or define
the claims.
[0007] According to one broad aspect of this disclosure, a break
away connector
system comprises a support member and a fusible member. The support member is
connectable to a firewall for securing a floor or ceiling to the firewall. The
support member
is connectable to the floor or ceiling by at least one securing member. Any
means known in
the art to secure a support member to a floor or ceiling may be used. The
fusible member
has a lower melting point than the support member. The support member and the
fusible
member are configured such that, when the fusible member is weakened by heat,
the floor
or ceiling is slidably releasable from the support member.
[0008] The support member preferably has a horizontally extending
support surface
that is connected to the floor or ceiling. Accordingly, when the fusible
member is at room
temperature, the break away connector system provides the required support.
However,
when the fusible member weakens due to heat, then the floor or ceiling my
slide relative to
the support member and thereby become separated from the firewall.
[0009] An advantage of this configuration is that when the floor or
ceiling catches
fire, the fusible member is weakened and the floor or ceiling is slidably
releasable from the
support member. This release may space a floor or ceiling that is on fire from
the firewall by
a sufficient amount to allow the firewall to remain in tact for a longer
duration of time. In
some cases, this extra time may allow occupants of an adjacent space to escape
before
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the fire spreads to that space. In some instances, the floor or ceiling may
completely
disengage from the support member thereby allowing the floor or ceiling to
fall.
[0010] Another advantage of this design is that the support member
may provide
support for a structural member under normal conditions. Accordingly, the
loading bearing
capacity of the break away connector system is not limited by the load bearing
capabilities
of the fusible member itself.
[0011] Optionally, the fusible member may also have a channel
through which the
securing member extends. Accordingly, another advantage associated with
embodiments
of the present invention is that the fusible member may not necessarily have
to burn all the
way though in order to release a structural member, such as a floor or
ceiling, from a
firewall. As a result, the release may occur shortly after the break away
connector system is
subjected to heat. This may allow the structural components to separate from
one another
sooner, thereby increasing the duration of time for which a firewall remains
in tact.
[0012] The support member may have a disengagement end and at least
one
channel that has an open end at the disengagement end.
[0013] The fusible member may have at least one opening therethrough
that is
alignable with the channel of the support member. Preferably, at least one
securing
member is extendable through both the support member and the fusible member to
secure
the support member to the floor or ceiling.
[0014] In some cases, the opening of the fusible member may be an open
ended
channel that is alignable with the at least one channel of the support member.
[0015] The fusible member may be lockingly securable to the support
member. In
some embodiments, the support member and the fusible member may have mating
engagement members. Preferably, the engagement member of the support member
comprises a protrusion and the engagement member of the fusible member
comprises a
groove. In some cases, the fusible member comprises an opening that is an open
ended
channel and the groove extends at an angle to the opening of the fusible
member.
[0016] The support member may be configured for slidable release of
the floor or
ceiling from the support member with the at least one securing member attached
to the
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=
floor or ceiling when the fusible member is weakened by heat. In some cases,
the support
member may be fixedly secured to the firewall when the floor or ceiling is
slidably
disengagable from the support member.
[0017]
The support member may be made of metal or plastic, preferably metal.
The
fusible member may be made of plastic or metal, preferably plastic.
[0018]
In some cases, the support member may be an angle having a first
section
fixedly securable to a face of the firewall and having a second section
substantially
orthogonal to the first section. Preferably, the second section has at least
one channel.
[0019]
According to another broad aspect of this disclosure, a method is
provided for
constructing a firewall connection system. The method comprises
(a) providing a support member and a fusible member whereby at least one
securing
member is slidably removable from the support member when the fusible member
is
weakened by heat;
(b) securing a first section of a support member to a first structural member;
and,
(c) securing a second section of the support member to a second structural
member
by passing the at least one securing member through the second section of the
support member and the fusible member and into the second structural member.
[0020]
[0021]
The support member may have at least one open ended channel. In this
embodiment, securing the second section of the support member to a second
structural
member may comprise passing the at least one securing member through the at
least one
open ended channel.
[0022]
The fusible member may have at least one opening. In this embodiment,
securing the second section of the support member to a second structural
member may
comprise passing the at least one securing member through the at least one
opening.
[0023]
In some embodiments, the fusible member may be positioned in an
abutting
relationship with the support member.
[0024]
In some embodiments, the support member and the fusible member may be
interengaged.
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DRAWINGS
[0025] Reference is made in the description of various embodiments
to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] Figure 1 is a side view of an examplary break away connector
system in
accordance with an embodiment of the invention, showing the break away
connector
system in an assembled state;
[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the support member of the
break away
connector system of Figure 1;
[0028] Figure 3 is a front view of the support member of Figure 2;
[0029] Figure 4 is a side view of the support member of Figure 2;
[0030] Figure 5 is a plan view of the support member of Figure 2;
[0031] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the fusible member of the
break away
connector system of Figure 1;
[0032] Figure 7 is a front view of the fusible member of Figure 6;
[0033] Figure 8 is a side view of the fusible member of Figure 6;
[0034] Figure 9 is a plan view of the fusible member of Figure 6;
[0035] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the break away connector
system of Figure
1;
[0036] Figure 11 is a side view of the of break away connector
system of Figure 1
when the fusible member is weakened by heat;
[0037] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the support member of
Figure 2 showing a
securing member extending through the support member and sliding through
different
positions relative to a channel of the support member;
[0038] Figure 13 is a side view of a floor having been released from
the break away
connector system of Figure 1 after the fusible member has been weakened by
heat;
[0039] Figure 14 is a side view of two of the break away connector
systems
illustrated in Figure 1, as individually coupled to a firewall;
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[0040] Figure 15 is a side view of a break away connector system in
accordance with
an alternate embodiment of the invention, shown in an assembled state;
[0041] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the support member of the
break away
connector system of Figure 15;
[0042] Figure 17 is a front view of the support member of Figure 16;
[0043] Figure 18 is a cut-away side view of the break away connector
system of
Figure 16, taken along line A-A in Figure 17.
[0044] Figure 19 is a plan view of the support member of Figure 16;
and,
[0045] Figure 20 is an exploded view of the break away connector
system of Figure
16.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0046] Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to
provide an
example of each claimed invention. No invention described below limits any
claimed
invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that
are not
described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or
processes
having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below, or
to features
common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible
that an
apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed
inventions.
[0047] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary break away connector system
10 for a
firewall. As illustrated, break away connector system 10 comprises support
member 12 and
fusible member 14. Support member 12 is connectable to a floor or ceiling 16
by at least
one securing member 18. Support member 12 is also connectable to firewall 20
for
securing floor or ceiling 16 to firewall 20. Support member 12 may be
connectable to
firewall 20 by an attachment member 22. Fusible member 14 of the break away
connector
system has a lower melting point than support member 12. Support member 12 is
configured for slidable release of the floor or ceiling 16 from the support
member when
fusible member 14 is weakened by heat.
[0048] Firewalls, such as firewall 20, are known in the art.
Firewalls limit the spread
of fire or heat from one space to another. Firewalls may be made from
materials such as
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,
concrete, reinforced concrete, or masonry blocks and may comprise multiple
layers. As
illustrated in Figure 1, firewall 20 comprises masonry blocking 24 having a
gypsum board
layer 26 disposed thereon. Most commonly, firewall 20 is a substantially
vertical wall.
Firewall 20 defines an interior space 28. Interior space 28 may be an interior
portion of a
residential, industrial or commercial structure, such as a building. Firewall
20 may define
individual rooms within the same structure, or may provide a partition between
adjacent
structures.
[0049] As illustrated in Figure 1, a floor or ceiling 16 is
connectable to the firewall 20
by break away connector system 10. Most commonly, floor or ceiling 16
comprises a
substantially horizontal beam or joist that is connectable to a substantially
vertical firewall
(such as firewall 20 illustrated in Figure 1). The floor or ceiling 16 may
take several forms.
As non-limiting examples, the floor or ceiling 16 that is connectable to
firewall 20 may
comprise an I-beam, C-channel, U-channel, solid rectangular joist, or the
like. The floor or
ceiling 16 that is connectable to firewall 20 may be made of materials such as
wood, steel,
concrete, reinforced concrete, composite material or the like, or any
combination thereof.
[0050] Figure 1 illustrates floor or ceiling 16 coupled to
firewall 20 by break away
connector system 10 in an assembled state. The break away connector system 10,
floor or
ceiling 16 and firewall 20 are in the assembled state under normal conditions.
Figure 1
illustrates the assembled state in the absence of a heat-inducing event, such
as a fire or
explosion, within interior space 28.
[0051] The support member 12 exemplified in Figures 1 and 2 is an
angle having a
first section 30 and a second section 32. As exemplified, second section 32
may be
substantially orthogonal to first section 30. As exemplified, first section 30
may be
substantially vertical, and second section 32 may be substantially horizontal
when installed
onto a substantially vertical firewall, such as firewall 20 (Figure 1).
[0052] In some cases, support member 12 is fixedly secured to
firewall 20. When
support member 12 is an angle, first section 30 may be fixedly securable to
face 34 of
firewall 20. Figure 1 shows support member 12 fixedly coupled to face 34 of
firewall 20.
[0053] As exemplified in Figure 1, first section 30 is fixedly
secured to face 34 of
firewall 20 by attachment member 22. Attachment member 22 may pass through
first
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section 30 of support member 12 and into the firewall 20, to attach the
support member
thereto. As illustrated, attachment member 22 may pass through support member
12,
through gypsum board layer 26 and into masonry block 24. Preferably,
attachment member
22 fixedly couples support member 12 to firewall 20. In some cases, attachment
member
22 can be placed into uncured concrete that, once cured, will form at least
part of firewall
20. Once firewall 20 cures, attachment member 22 is securably embedded into
firewall 20.
Preferably, as exemplified in Figure 1, attachment member 22 is a bolt
embedable into
firewall 20. Alternatively, attachment member 22 may be drilled, screwed, or
hammered
into firewall 20 after the firewall has cured. Any means known in the building
arts may be
used. For example, attachment member 22 may comprise a screw, a high strength
industrial adhesive, or the like.
[0054] As shown in Figure 2, first section 30 of support member 12
may define at
least one aperture 36 for receiving attachment member 22 therethrough, to
couple support
member 12 to firewall 20 (Figure 1). In some embodiments, first section 30
defines a
plurality of apertures 36 (Figure 2), each is of which is capable of receiving
attachment
member 22 (Figure 1) therethrough.
[0055] Figures 3, 4, and 5 provide a front view, side view, and plan
view,
respectively, of the example support member 12 illustrated in Figure 2.
[0056] The support member 12 exemplified in Figure 2 has a
disengagement end 38.
Disengagement end 38 is located at the end of second section 32 that is
distally located
from first section 30. Support member 12 may have at least one channel 40.
Each channel
40 has an open end 42 at disengagement end 38. Support member 12 may contain
one
channel 40 or a plurality of channels 40. Each channel 40 may be of elongate
shape;
however, it will be appreciated that channel 40 may have various geometries
that provide
an open end 42. As non-limiting examples, channel 40 may be rectangular, semi-
circular,
semi-elliptical, or have a box-shaped configuration with three equal wall-
portions and a
fourth open or partially open end. When multiple channels 40 have an elongate
shape, they
may extend substantially parallel to one another to facilitate the slidable
release of securing
member 18 (Figure 1) from each channel 40. Each channel may be located in
second
section 32, as illustrated in Figure 2.
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[0057] As shown in Figure 2, each channel 40 may have a closed end 44
that
opposes open end 42 and extends entirely through the thickness dimension 46 of
second
section 32, as illustrated in Figure 2.
[0058] In some embodiments, support member 12 comprises a support
member
engagement member 48 for mating with fusible member 14. As illustrated in
Figure 2,
support member engagement member 48 may comprise a protrusion. In some cases,
support member engagement member 48 comprises a protrusion which preferably
extends
downwardly from the bottom surface 50 of support member 12. Support member
engagement member 48 may comprise a protrusion that extends at an angle to
channel 40
of support member 12. Preferably, the elongate axis of the protrusion 48
extends
substantially orthogonal to the elongate axis of each channel 40, as
illustrated in Figure 2.
[0059] In some embodiments, support member 12 is made of metal. As a
non-
limiting example, support member 12 may be made of steel. Support member 12
may also
comprise at least one high melting-point alloy material such as tungsten or
nickel.Any
material known in the building arts may be used.
[0060] Figure 6 illustrates an example fusible member 14. As
illustrated, fusible
member 14 has at least one opening 52 therethrough and may have a plurality of
openings
52. Preferably, at east one opening is provided for each channel 40 of support
member 12.
[0061] Preferably, a least one opening 52 (Figure 6) is alignable
with a channel 40 of
support member 12 (Figure 2) so that securing member 18 may pass through both
support
member 12 and fusible member 14. Preferably, each opening 52 is alignable with
a
channel 40 of support member 12. When an opening 52 of fusible member 14
(Figure 6) is
aligned with a channel 40 of support member 12 (Figure 2), a passageway 57 is
defined
through the fusible member 14 and support member 12. As exemplified in Figure
1,
securing member 18 extends through passageway 57 defined by the support member
12
and fusible member 14. At least one securing member 18 is extendable through
opening 52
(Figure 6) of fusible member 14 and channel 40 (Figure 2) of support member
12. One or
more securing members 18 are extendable through each opening 52 (Figure 6) and
channel 40 (Figure 2). Preferably, each securing member 18 extends
transversely through
second section 32 of support member 12.
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[0062] Referring to Figure 6, in some cases, an opening 52 is an
open ended
channel having an open end 54 and an opposing closed end 56. In some cases,
opening
52, as an open ended channel, is alignable with channel 40 of support member
12 (Figure
2). The dimensions of an opening 52 may be substantially similar to a channel
40 of
support member 12 (Figure 2). In such cases, when the support member 12 is
brought into
an abutting relationship with fusible member 14 (as shown in Figure 1, for
example), each
channel 40 of support member 12 (Figure 2) that has dimensions corresponding
to an
alignable opening 52 of fusible member 14 (Figure 6) together form a single
channel. In
some cases, opening 52 comprises an enclosed aperture that does not have any
open
ends (not shown).
[0063] Fusible member 14 is made of a material that has a lower
melting point than
support member 12. Fusible member 14 is made of a material that is weakened by
heat. In
some embodiments, fusible member 14 is made of a plastic material. In some
cases,
fusible member 14 may be made of aluminum. Fusible member 14 may also comprise
low-
melting point alloy materials containing, for example, bismuth, tin, cadmium,
zinc or indium.
[0064] As non-limiting examples, the fusible member 14 may be made
of material
that weakens by melting, shriveling, cracking, shattering, contracting,
softening, buckling,
burning, disintegrating or any combination thereof when subjected to
sufficient heat.
Preferably, fusible member 14 will weaken when it is subjected to heat above
its melting
point. Preferably, fusible member 14 has a melting point below the temperature
generated
by a typical fire within an interior space, such as interior space 28
illustrated in Figure 1.
[0065] In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figure 6, fusible
member 14
comprises a fusible member engagement member 58 for mating with support member
12.
Fusible member engagement member 58 may comprise a groove. The groove may be
located in a top surface 60 of fusible member 14. When opening 52 of fusible
member 14 is
an open ended channel, fusible member engagement member 58 may comprise a
groove
that extends at an angle to the open ended channel. Preferably, the elongate
axis of the
groove extends substantially orthogonal to the elongate axis of the opening
52, as
illustrated in Figure 6.
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[0066] Figures 7, 8 and 9 provide a front view, side view and plan
view, respectively,
of the fusible member 14 illustrated in Figure 6.
[0067] Figure 10 illustrates support member 12 and fusible member 14
in an
unassembled configuration. When support member 12 and fusible member 14 are
moved
towards one another, fusible member 14 may be lockingly securable to support
member
12. Support member 12 and fusible member 14 may have mating engagement members
48 and 58 for non-slidably positioning fusible member 14 to support member 12.
Accordingly, as exemplified in Figure 1, in the assembled state, the
engagement members
48 and 58 may interengage one another to reduce relative movement between
support
member 12 and fusible member 14.
[0068] Figures 1 and 10 illustrate support member engagement member
48 as a
protrusion and fusible member engagement member 58 as a groove. In an
alternative
embodiment, support member engagement member 48 comprises a groove for
engaging
fusible member engagement member 58, which is a protrusion. In some cases, a
plurality
of corresponding engagement members 48 and 58 may be provided. For example,
other
engagement members may be used such as a plurality of pins. Alternately, an
adhesive or
welding may be used.
[0069] As illustrated in Figure 1, securing member 18 is extendable
through both
support member 12 and fusible member 14 to secure support member 12 to floor
or ceiling
16. Figure 1 illustrates the floor or ceiling 16 coupled to firewall 20 by
breakaway connector
10 in the absence of a heat-producing event, such as a fire or explosion. As
illustrated,
securing member 18 extends through a channel 40 of support member 12 (Figure
2) that is
aligned with an opening 52 of abutting fusible member 14 (Figure 6). Securing
member 18
also extends through at least a portion of floor or ceiling 16. For example,
securing member
18 may extend through a flange or central beam portion of floor or ceiling 16
in the event
that the floor or ceiling is an I-beam. Preferably, floor or ceiling 16 has an
alignable opening
(not shown) for receiving securing member 18 therethrough. Any means to attach
attachment member 18 to the floor or ceiling may be used.
[0070] As exemplified in Figure 1, securing member 18 is operable to
compress floor
or ceiling 16, support member 12 and fusible member 14 inwardly towards one
another. In
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the embodiment shown in Figure 1, securing member 18 comprises a bolt 62
having two
nuts 68. As exemplified, bolt 62 has a first end portion 64 and an opposing
second end
portion 66. Each end portion may have a nut 68 mounted thereon. Preferably,
one nut 68 is
fixedly attached to one of first end portion 64 and second end portion 66,
while the other
nut 68 is adjustably mounted to the other end portion of bolt 62. The
adjustably mounted
nut 68 may have internal threads that mate with external threads on the
corresponding end
portion of bolt 62. Alternatively, both nuts 68 may be adjustably mounted to
corresponding
end portions 64 and 66 of bolt 62.
[0071] Each nut 68 engages an outer surface of at least one of the
floor or ceiling 16,
and one of support member 12 and fusible member 14. Additional layers of
material may
be added to the floor or ceiling 16, support member 12 and fusible member 14
combination.
If additional layers are present, each nut may engage the outermost surface of
each
outermost layer. In the example provided in Figure 1, securing member 18
extends
through, in series from top to bottom, floor or ceiling 16, support member 12
and fusible
member 14. In this example, one nut 68 engages an upper surface 70 of an upper
flange of
the floor or ceiling 16, which may be an I-beam, for example. Alternatively,
nut 68 could
engage upper surface 72 of the lower flange of the illustrated I-beam that
comprises floor or
ceiling 16. In the illustrated example, the other nut 68 engages the lower
surface 74 of
fusible member 14. When at least one of the two nuts 68 are tightened, the two
nuts 68
operate to compress the floor or ceiling 16, support member 18 and fusible
member 14
together. Preferably, these three elements are compressed into abutting
relationship with
one another. In some cases, the three elements are compressed into an abutting
relationship with one another such that the mating surfaces for the elements
are in
substantially flush relationship with one another. The compressive force
created by
securing member 18 secures floor or ceiling 16 and fusible member 14 to
support member
12. Preferably, floor or ceiling 16 and fusible member 14 are secured to
second section 32
of support member 12. Support member 12 is connectable to firewall 20.
Preferably, first
section 30 of support member 12 is connectable to firewall 20. Therefore,
floor or ceiling 16
is securable to firewall 20 by support member 12. In the absence of heat, the
combination
of support member 12 and fusible member 14 couples floor or ceiling 16 to
firewall 20.
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[0072] It will be appreciated that Figure 1 provides an example
embodiment in which
the following elements are coupled together in the following order, from top
to bottom: floor
or ceiling 16, support member 12 and fusible member 14. Preferably, support
member 12
and fusible member 14 are in abutting relationship with one another. In this
case, support
member engagement member 48 and fusible engagement member 58 are engagable
with
one another. However, it will be appreciated that the arrangement of elements
from top to
bottom, for floor or ceiling 16, support member 12 and fusible member 14 may
occur in any
available permutation of sequential orders. As a non-limiting example, support
member 12
and fusible member 14 may be separated from one another by floor or ceiling
16. In this
embodiment, the compressive force generated by securing member 18 would be
relied
upon to secure support member 12 and fusible member 14 together in the absence
of the
securing functionality of engagement members 48 and 58.
[0073] In some cases, at least one of floor or ceiling 16, support
member 12 and
fusible member 14 may be offset from the horizontal such that the members are
not
necessarily coupled together in a linear, top-to-bottom relationship.
[0074] It will also be appreciated that additional layers of
material may be inserted
between at least one of the floor or ceiling 16, support member 12 and fusible
member 14.
As a non-limiting example, break away connector system 10 may comprise
multiple fusible
members.
[0075] It is beneficial for floor or ceiling 16 to be releasable from
firewall 20 in the
event of a fire or a heat-inducing explosion. If, for example, floor or
ceiling 16 catches fire, it
is beneficial for floor or ceiling 16 to release from firewall 20. Once the
floor or ceiling 16 is
disengaged from the firewall 20, the floor or ceiling 16 is able to fall away
from firewall 20.
The motion of disengaged floor or ceiling 16 may have a downward component due
to the
gravitational forces acting on floor or ceiling 16.
[0076] In some cases, as floor or ceiling 16 is heated by fire, it
will deflect
downwardly. When a floor or ceiling 16 is uniformly heated by fire, this
downward deflection
will typically be most prevalent at the mid-span of a joist or beam of floor
or ceiling 16. Any
sagging of floor or ceiling 16 will exert a force on break away connector
system 10 and
firewall 20 inward and downward towards interior space 28. In this case, when
floor or
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ceiling 16 is released and separated from firewall 20, it may fall inward and
downward into
interior space 28, away from firewall 20. This will serve to move the floor or
ceiling 16,
which is on fire, away from firewall 20. When a heat source (e.g., floor or
ceiling 16, which
is on fire) is free to fall away from firewall 20, the total heat experienced
by the firewall will
be reduced. Therefore, the releasable engagement between firewall 20 and floor
or ceiling
16 may serve to space ignited structural elements from firewall 20. This
spaced relationship
increases the duration during which the firewall can remain in tact. As a
result, firefighters
may be provided with sufficient time to contain the fire to interior space 28.
In some cases,
occupants in an adjacent room/structure may be provided with sufficient time
to escape
before the firewall is compromised and the fire spreads to the adjacent space.
[0077] Figure 11 exemplifies break away connector system 10 after it
has been
subjected to a heat-producing event, such as a fire or explosion. Support
member 12 is
configured for slidable release of the floor or ceiling 16 from support member
12 when
fusible member 14 is weakened by heat. Since the fusible member 14 has a lower
melting
point than support member 12, fusible member 14 is weakened while support
member 12
remains in tact. As non-limiting examples, fusible member 14 material may
melt, shrivel,
crack, shatter, contract, soften, buckle, burn or disintegrate when subjected
to heat.
[0078] Figure 11 exemplifies an example fusible member 14 that has
melted and
shriveled under the influence of fire. Such a deformation may occur when
fusible member
14 is made of plastic, for example. In the illustrated example, when the
fusible member 14
weakens, the location of nut 68 on second end portion 66 of bolt 62 remains
stationary.
This creates at least one gap 76 between at least two of the floor or ceiling
16, support
member 12 and fusible member 14. Figure 1 illustrates gaps 76 located in the
span
between support member 12 and second portion 66 of bolt 62. In the illustrated
embodiment, due to the presence of gaps 76, bolt 62 no longer supplies the
compressive
force necessary to retain securing member 18 to support member 12. As a
result, securing
member 18 may slide into interior space 28, in a generally inward direction
indicated by
arrow 78, as illustrated in Figure 11.
[0079] In some embodiments, the weakening of fusible member 14 will
cause
support member engagement member 48 to disengage from fusible member
engagement
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CA 02738488 2011-05-02
=
,
member 58, as shown in Figure 11, for example. As an example, fusible member
engagement member 58 may melt away from its mating contact with support member
engagement 48 when fusible member 14 is subjected to heat. In the absence of
this mating
engagement, the outward force supplied by the mating engagement (which may be
directed horizontally outward away from interior space 28) is removed. When
floor or ceiling
16 disengages from support member 12 it is free to fall away from the
remainder of break
away connector system 10.
[0080] The release of floor or ceiling 16 from support member 12
may be caused by
the disengagement of engagement members 48 and 58, the removal of the
compressive
force supplied by securing member 18, or a combination thereof or sufficient
weakening of
the fusible member to permit relative movement of the floor or ceiling and the
support
member.
[0081] As shown in Figure 12, when fusible member 14 is weakened
by heat, the
securing member 18 is free to slide through channel 40 of support member 12.
Figure 12
illustrates the same securing member 18 at three different moments in time.
Once fusible
member 14 is weakened by heat (not shown in Figure 12, but illustrated in
Figure 11),
securing member 18 is free to slide though channel 40. Securing member 18 is
free to slide
away from closed end 44 toward open end 42 of channel 40, as indicated by the
three
example positions of securing member 18, 18' and 18" that are progressively
further away
from closed end 44. When securing member 18 passes through open end 42
(exemplified
by securing member 18"), securing member 18 is slidably disengaged from
support
member 12.
[0082] Each securing member 18 that extends through support member
12 and
fusible member 14 (Figure 6) have a securing member width dimension 80 that is
oriented
parallel to width 82 of each corresponding channel 40 of support member 12. As
illustrated
in Figure 12, when securing member 18 is a bolt 62, securing member width
dimension 80
is the diameter of bolt 62 that passes through channel 40 of support member
12. Securing
member width dimension 80 is preferably less than width 82 of each
corresponding channel
40.
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CA 02738488 2011-05-02
=
[0083] As exemplified in Figure 13, when securing member 18 is
slidably released
from support member 12, floor or ceiling 16 is slidably released from support
member 12.
When break away connector system 10 is subject to heat greater than the
melting point of
fusible member 14, but less than the melting point of support member 12,
securing member
18 and floor or ceiling 16 is slidably releasable from support member 12. This
occurs
because fusible member 14 is weakened while support member 12 remains in tact.
(See
for example Figure 13).
[0084] In some cases, as illustrated in Figure 13, fusible member 14
is free to fall in
a generally downward direction under gravitational forces after securing
member 18 has
been slidably released from support member 12. In this case, fusible member 14
is free to
fall away from support member 12, which may remain affixed to firewall 20.
[0085] In some cases, the support member 12 is fixedly secured to
firewall 20 when
floor or ceiling 16 is slidably disengagable from support member 12, as shown
in Figure 13.
When securing member 18 and floor or ceiling 16 disengage from firewall 20 due
to the
weakening of fusible member 14, support member 12 may remain fixedly secured
to face
34 of firewall 20. Attachment member 22 may provide this fixedly secured
relationship.
[0086] Although securing member 18 disengages from support member 12,
the
securing member may remain attached to the floor or ceiling 16, as shown in
Figure 13. In
this case, both the floor or ceiling 16 and securing member 18 slidably
release from support
member 12. Floor or ceiling 16 and securing member 18 may disengage from
support
member 12 as a unit.
[0087] If fusible member opening 52 has an open end 54 (Figure 6),
securing
member 18 (Figure 1) may also slidably releasable from fusible member 14
(Figure 1).
Securing member 18 may release from the remainder of fusible member 14 that is
left in
tact after being subjected to heat by sliding through open end 54 of opening
52.
[0088] If the fusible member opening 52 does not have an open end,
then the
securing member may break through the portion of fusible member 14 that
impedes the
slidable release of securing member 18. In some cases, if the fusible member
52 does not
have an open end, the securing member may remain within opening 52 of weakened
fusible member 14 when securing member 18 is slidably released from the
support
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CA 02738488 2011-05-02
member 12. In this case, the weakening of fusible member 14 slidably
disengages both the
weakened fusible member 14 and securing member 18, as a coupled unit, from
support
member 12. As a non-limiting example, this type of release may occur when
fusible
member 14 shrivels and contracts when subjected to heat above its melting
point. When
this type of release occurs, both fusible member 14 and securing member 18 are
disengaged from support member 12 and may fall away from support member 12
coupled
to one another.
[0089] It will be appreciated that securing member 18 may comprise
structural
elements other than a nut and bolt arrangement. For example, securing member
18 may
comprise a screw. Such a screw may have external threads configured to mate
with
engagable threading located on floor or ceiling 16, for example (not shown).
Alternatively,
securing member 18 may comprise an external clamp for engaging at least two of
the
outermost surfaces of the abutting floor or ceiling 16, support member 12 and
fusible
member 14 combination to compress these elements together (not shown).
[0090] Figure 14 illustrates a plurality of break away connectors 10 in
the assembled
state, secured to firewall 20.
[0091] Referring to Figure 15, there is illustrated an alternative
embodiment of the
break away connector system 10 illustrated in Figure 1. The break away
connector system
100 shown in Figure 15 is similar to the example embodiment shown in Figure 1,
but
includes a modified support member 112 having modified first section 130 and
second
section 132. First section 130 may have one or more apertures 136 therethough.
Break
away connector system 100 may also comprise a modified attachment member 122
and
securing member 118. For convenience, description of elements or components
that are
common to the two embodiments of break away connector system 10 and 100 will
not be
repeated; however, some differences may be highlighted or contrasted. Further
description
of like or analogous elements illustrated in Figures 15-20 is provided above
with reference
to Figures 1-14.
[0092] As exemplified in Figure 16, support member 112 may comprise
a structural
member defining a U-shaped structural channel. In some cases, first section
130 is
substantially parallel to second section 132 of support member 112.
Preferably, first section
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CA 02738488 2011-05-02
130 and second section 132 are integrally connected to one another (integrally
formed) to
form a U-shaped channel. A portion of the floor or ceiling 16 may be received
within the U-
shaped channel. In some cases, a portion of the floor or ceiling 16 is
receivable between a
pair opposing sidewalls 184 of U-shaped support member 112. Preferably, pair
of opposing
walls 184 extends along both first section 130 and second section 132 of
support member
112. In some cases, opposing sidewalls 184 are substantially vertical and may
function to
stabilize a portion of floor or ceiling 16 within support member 112.
[0093] In the example illustrated in Figure 16, first section 130 of
support member
112 has at least one aperture therethrough for receiving a corresponding
attachment
member 122 for securing support member 112 to firewall 20 (see Figure 15).
[0094] In the example illustrated in Figure 15, securing member 118
is a bolt 162. As
illustrated, nut 68 at first end portion 164 of the bolt engages a lower
flange upper surface
72 of floor or ceiling 16, as opposed to upper flange upper surface 70 of
floor or ceiling 16,
as illustrated in the Figure 1. As a result, securing member 118 illustrated
in Figure 15 may
be shorter than securing member 18 illustrated in Figure 1. In the Figure 15
example, lower
flange upper surface 72 may be the upper surface of a lower flange of an I-
beam of floor of
ceiling 16, for example. In the illustrated example, second end portion 166 of
bolt 162
engages the lower surface 74 of fusible member 14. As illustrated, securing
member 118
may compress floor or ceiling 16, support member 112 and fusible member 14
together to
retain floor or ceiling 16 to support member 112 in the assembled state.
[0095] Figures 17, 18 and 19 provide a front view, side view, and
plan view,
respectively, of the support member 112 illustrated in Figure 16. Figure 18
provides a
sectional view taken along line A-A of support member 112 illustrated in
Figure 17. Figure
18 illustrates attachment member 122, securing member 118 and fusible member
14
coupled to support member 112.
[0096] As exemplified in Figure 15, support member 112 is embedded
into firewall
20, as opposed to being securable to the face 34 of firewall 20 (as
illustrated in Figure 1).
First section 130 of support member 112 is embedded into firewall 20 and
second section
132 extends from first section 130. As illustrated, when support member 112 is
coupled to
firewall 20, second section 132 remains exposed. Optional attachment member
122 may
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CA 02738488 2011-05-02
be a bolt 162, screwor the like located within firewall 20. Preferably, first
section 130 of
support member 112 is placed within the area to be occupied by firewall 20
prior to firewall
20 being formed. For example, if firewall 20 comprises poured concrete, first
section 130
may be placed in the area to be occupied by firewall 20 prior to the concrete
being poured.
Alternately, it may be placed on top of a concrete block before the next
concrete block is
placed thereon. Accordingly, attachment member 122 may secure first section
130 to a pre-
existing portion of firewall 20 (i.e. a concrete block or a previously poured
portion). Once
the concrete is poured, first section 130 may be securely cured into firewall
20.
[0097] Preferably, second section 132 that is exposed from firewall
120 has channel
40 disposed therein (see Figure 16). At least one securing member 118 (Figure
15) is
extendable through each channel 40 of support member 12 (Figure 16), for
coupling the
floor or ceiling 16 to support member 112 (as shown in Figure 15).
[0098] Since first section 130 of support member 112 may be
embeddable into
firewall 20, support member 112 may be fixedly secured to firewall 20 when the
floor or
ceiling 16 is disengagable from the support member.
[0099] Although support member 112 is illustrated as a U-shaped
channel in Figure
16, support member 112 may also comprise, for example, a plate, beam, or C-
shaped
channel that is embeddable into firewall 20 (Figure 15).
[00100] Figure 20 illustrates support member 112 and fusible member
14 in an
unassembled configuration. It should be appreciated that when the two
components are
moved towards one another into the assembled state, as illustrated in Figure
15, the
engagement members 48 and 58 interengage one another to reduce relative
movement
between support member 112 and fusible member 14.
[00101] A further embodiment of the invention relates to a method of
constructing a
firewall connection system which may utilize break away connector system 10
and/or 100.
For brevity, the description of previously discussed figures is not repeated
[00102] Referring to Figures 1 and 15, first section (30, 130) of
support member (12,
112) is secured to a first structural member. The first structural member may
be a firewall
20. First section 30 may be fixedly attached to a face 34 of firewall 20, as
shown in Figure
1. Alternatively, first section 130 is embeddable into firewall 20, as shown
in Figure 15.
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CA 02738488 2013-11-13
,
,
[00103] Section portion (32, 132) of support member (12, 112) is
secured to a second
structural member. The second structural member may be floor or ceiling 16.
Second
portion (32, 132) may be secured to the second structural member by passing at
least one
securing member (18, 118) through second portion (32, 132) of support member
(12, 112)
and fusible member 14 and into the second structural member.
[00104] It will be appreciated that support member (12, 112) may be
secured to the
first structural member prior to second section (32, 132) being secured to the
second
structural member, or visa versa. Preferably, first section (30, 130) is
secured to the first
structural member before second section (32, 132) is secured to the second
structural
member. This particular order is advantageous in some cases. For example, when
the first
section (30, 130) is installed first, exposed second section (32, 132)
provides a surface
upon which to support the floor or ceiling 16 against gravitational forces
while second
section (32, 132) is secured to the floor or ceiling.
[00105] As exemplified in Figures 2 and 16, support member (12,
112) has at least
one open ended channel. Each channel 40 has an open end 42. Second section
(32, 132)
may be secured to the second structural member (such as floor or ceiling 16
shown in
Figures 1 and 15) by passing at least one securing member (18, 118) (shown in
Figures 1
and 15) through at least one open ended channel 40 of support member (12, 112)
and
through at least one opening 52 of fusible member 14.
[00106] In some cases, the method comprises positioning the fusible member
14 in
an abutting relationship with support member 12 or 112, as shown in Figures 1
and 15,
respectively. In some cases, abutting surfaces of support member (12, 112) and
fusible
member 14 are brought into substantially flush relationship with one another.
[00107] In some cases, the method comprises interengaging the
support member (12,
112) and the fusible member 14, shown in Figures 1 and 15. As discussed above,
support
member engagement member 48 and fusible member engagement member 58 are
operable to interengage, and in some cases lockingly secure, support member
(12, 112)
and fusible member 14 to one another.
[00108] Referring to Figures 1 and 15, in some cases, securing
first section (30, 130)
of support member (12, 112) to the first structural member 20 comprises
fixedly securing
- 20 -
CA 02738488 2011-05-02
,
first section (30, 130) so that support member (12, 112) is fixedly secured to
the first
structural member 20 when the second structural member 16 is disengagable from
support
member (12, 112).
[00109] In some cases, securing member (18, 118) is secured to the
second member
16 after securing member (18, 118) is passed into the second structural
member.
Preferably, securing member (18, 118) is secured to the second structural
member such
that securing member (18, 118) remains attached to the second structural
member when
the fusible member 14 is weakened by heat.
[00110] What has been described above has been intended illustrative
and non-
limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other
variances and
modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure
as defined in
the claims appended hereto.
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