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Device for closing an openingDevice for closing an opening description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060037264, Device for closing an opening. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a device for closing a leadthrough in a constructional element, in particular, for closing a wall leadtrough, for conduits such as cables, pipes, channels, and the like, and including a frame member enclosing a leadthrough space, and a plurality of strip-shaped sealing elements arranged in the leadthrough space displaceably relative to each other. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] In order to be able to pass conduits through a constructional element such as a wall or ceiling of a building, leadthroughs are provided in the constructional elements. In order to prevent spread of fire in the building in case of a fire, the leadthroughs should be closed with suitable elements. In addition to the prevention of the spread of fire, also, the spread of produced, in case of a fire, flue gases should be prevented. [0005] Suitable elements for closing leadthroughs are, i.e., compressible plates of mineral wool which are cut in accordance with dimensions of leadthroughs and are squeezed into the leadthroughs. As sealing elements, soft, slightly deformable plates, which are directly screwed to constructional elements which surround the leadthroughs, are used. Alternatively, preliminary prepared modular blocks, which are piled up in leadthroughs for closing the same, can be used. In order to provide a free space in the closing elements for conduits, which are to be passed through the leadthroughs, the closing elements are adapted with suitable tools at the use site, and the produced slots and openings are closed, e.g., with a sealing mass or with sealing elements. [0006] A drawback of all of the conventional solutions consists in that with a temporary closing of the leadthroughs, during removal of conduits or a subsequent insertion of additional conduits, the inserted sealing elements need first to be removed, if necessary, using suitable tools, and then again need to be inserted in the leadthroughs. These additional works are time-consuming and in most cases costs-intensive. Often, the above-mentioned elements, after being removed, cannot be used again, and new elements need be used. The original elements must be separably disposed. [0007] German Patent DE 41 31 147 C2 discloses a device for closing a wall leadthrough for passing through conduits with a frame member enclosing a leadthrough space. On the frame member, there is suspended an apron of copper wire mesh having, at a lower end edge, a fringe falling between the pass-through conduits. The apron is pivotally supported on the frame member with a hinge. For removal of conduits from the leadthrough and insertion of conduits thereinto, no special tool is necessary. The drawback of the device consists in that with large differences in the conduit dimensions, e.g., in conduit diameters with bundlings of several conduits, the device cannot insure a flue gasproofness without additional measures. Moreover, a complete filling of the leadthrough with several conduits, together with a reliable flue gasproofness, is not possible. [0008] German Publication DE 103 26 775 A1 discloses a device for closing a wall leadthrough for conduits and having a frame member enclosing a leadthrough space in which there are arranged a plurality of pairs of strip-shaped sealing elements which are formed of an intermescent material, extend parallel to each other, and are displaceable relative to each other. A later insertion of conduits into the leadthrough requires no instruments. A drawback of the disclosed device consist in that with filling of the leadthrough with conduits having different diameters or with different bundles of several conduits, the flue gasproofness is not insured until the strip-shaped sealing elements expand. Moreover, the closing of the leadthrough takes place within the box-shaped frame member and, therefore, can only partly be ascertained from outside by the worker. [0009] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is a device for closing a leadthrough in a constructional element that would insure a flue gasproofness of the leadthrough to a most possible extent without any additional elements. [0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for closing a leadthrough that would provide for a later insertion of conduits without use of any tools, while simultaneously insuring a flue gasproofness. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] These and other objects of the present invention, which will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by providing a frame member at least one frame section of which has an opening through which the strip-shaped sealing elements are at least partially extendable out of the leadthrough space that is enclosed by the frame member. [0012] A plurality of strip-shaped sealing elements close the leadthrough space, which is enclosed by the frame member, in a fence-like manner. The strip-shaped sealing elements are tightly arranged next to each other, forming a substantially closed wall. Advantageously, all of the strip-shaped sealing elements are arranged parallel to each other. In addition, to a flue gasproofness, the inventive device also insures damping of an airborne noise. The strip-shaped sealing elements are formed, advantageously, of a close-cellular material, e.g., of a close-cellular foam material, are arranged tightly next to each other, and can be easily displaced relative to each other. [0013] As a result of such arrangement, the strip-shaped sealing elements can be easily conformed to the profile of the pass-through conduits. Through the opening in at least one frame section of the frame member, each separate strip-shaped sealing element can be withdrawn from the leadthrough space in accordance with the profile or contour of the conduits passing through a corresponding region. [0014] Advantageously, the at least one opening is formed as a through-slot, with the frame section provided with the through-slot, forming a top section of the frame member in the mounted condition of the device. The sections of the strip-shaped sealing elements, which project from the leadthrough space through the through-slot, can be pulled down for closing gaps and openings beneath the conduits and between the adjacent conduits. Thus, no additional fireproof materials, such as sealing masses or moduls, become necessary for a perfect closing of a leadthrough in a constructional element. The tight arrangement of the strip-shaped sealing elements next to each other insures a flue gasproofness and a cold flue gasproofness achievable with the inventive device. [0015] The width of separate strip-shaped sealing elements can be selected within a large range of widths. However, a plurality of strip-shaped sealing elements with a small width insure a better closing or sealing of the leadthrough. Instead of one uniform width, the strip-shaped sealing elements of the same device can have different width. E.g., in the side, edge regions of the leadthrough enclosed by the frame member, strip-shaped sealing elements can have a greater width than the strip-shaped sealing elements in the central region of the leadthrough space. [0016] Advantageously, there is provided on the frame member at least one locking device for securing the strip-shaped sealing elements which are positioned relative to each other. In order to remove conduits from the leadthrough or insert additional conduits into the leadthrough which is closed with the device in which the strip-shaped sealing elements are fixed, firstly, the locking device is released, an appropriate adaptation is made and, after aligning of the strip-shaped sealing elements anew, the locking device is tightened, fixing the strip-shaped sealing elements. The locking device acts on the strip-shaped sealing elements preferably sidewise, i.e., transverse to the longitudinal extent of the strip-shaped sealing elements. Upon tightening of the locking device, the gaps between the strip-shaped sealing elements are closed, which substantially improve the flue gasproofness of the formed sealing. When the strip-shaped sealing elements are made from a compressible material, a particularly tight closing of the leadthrough is achieved when the locking device is tightened. The locking device includes a pressure place, which is provided in the frame member, and screws which act on the pressure place, pressing it against the strip-shaped sealing element. According to an alternative embodiment of the locking device, it is formed as a clamping device having clamping cheeks that act on the strip-shaped sealing elements, aligning and fixing them. [0017] In order to form a fireproof sealing, an intumescent band or inlay can be provided on the frame member of the inventive device on a side of the frame member adjacent to the constructional element. The strip-shaped sealing elements are advantageously formed of a material that remains temperature stable over a certain period of time and can withstand fire for some time in case of fire, until the intumescent fireproof band expands, completely closing the leadthrough. E.g., fire-resistant or ablative materials can be used for forming the strip-shaped sealing elements. [0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the strip-shaped sealing elements themselves are formed of an actively fireproofing material. Thereby, the strip-shaped sealing elements take over not only the flue gasproofing function but also the fireproofing function. With this embodiment, the provision of an intumescent fireproof band or of an intumescent inlay on the frame member to insure fire-proofing can be dispensed with. [0019] Advantageously, a frame section of the frame member, which is located opposite the section with an opening, is removably secured on the frame member. This enables an easy insertion of further conduits into the device even when the device is secured to the constructional element. After removing the removable frame section, the strip-shaped sealing elements can be pulled out of the leadthrough space enclosed by the frame member, so that additional conduits can be passed through the leadthrough. The removable frame section of the frame member can, e.g., be attached to the frame member with screws or a holding device. According to one embodiment of the device, the removable section if pivotally secured on the frame member so that after the release of the holding device or means, the removable section is pivoted away, without being detached, which insure that it would not be lost. [0020] Advantageously, there are provided attachment elements for securing the frame member to the constructional component. The attachment elements can, e.g., be welded to the frame member. Advantageously, brackets, which are provided on the frame member, can have opening through which fastening elements, e.g., screws, expanding anchor, or dowel can extend for securing the frame member to the constructional component. [0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, a box-shaped section can be provided on the frame member which, e.g., enables arrangement of the frame member at a distance from an outer wall of a constructional element. Thus, e.g., later, an insulation layer can be placed at the edge of the leadthrough. In addition, a one-sided arrangement of the inventive device on a to-be-closed leadthrough, adequately insures the flue gasproofness. With the additional box-shaped section, the inventive device can be provided already during formation of a constructional element, e.g., during casting of a boarding. When the arrangement of an intumescent fireproof band or inlay is contemplated, it is advantageously provided in the box-shaped section. [0022] According to a further embodiment, of the invention, there is provided an arrangement with two devices for closing a leadthrough which are spaced from each other and are connected by a box-shaped section. The length of the box-shaped section, or the distance between the two devices advantageously corresponds to the thickness of the constructional element with a leadthrough, and the arrangement can be cast into the constructional element when the constructional element is formed. When the arrangement of an intumescent fireproof band or inlay is contemplated, it advantageously is provided in the box-shaped section. Continue reading about Device for closing an opening... Full patent description for Device for closing an opening Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Device for closing an opening patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Device for closing an opening or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Decorative wall member Next Patent Application: Concentric holdown connection Industry Class: Static structures (e.g., buildings) ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Device for closing an opening patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.15424 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Computers: Graphics , I/O , Processors , Dyn. Storage , Static Storage , Printers 174 |
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