AU713645B2

AU713645B2 - Adjustable fire rated floor penetration

Info

Publication number: AU713645B2
Application number: AU28450/97A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Douglas Leslie Matthews; Denis John Muller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-07-08
Filing date: 1997-07-04
Publication date: 1999-12-09
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-04
Also published as: AU2845097A

Description

I I P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

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ORIGINAL

COMPLETE

SPECIFICATION

STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: "ADJUSTABLE FIRE RATED FLOOR PENETRATION" The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: "ADJUSTABLE FIRE RATED FLOOR PENETRATION" FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to fire rated penetration members used to form access ports for service conduits in partitions of building structures.

Fire collars are generally required in conjunction with plastics service pipes where they pass through wall or floor penetrations in order to prevent the spread of fire. The invention is particularly concerned with the provision of an adjustable connection facility for a fire rated partition penetration wherein fittings, such as floor drains, may be conveniently connected to a plastics 10 service conduit passing through the partition.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Fire collar assemblies for use with floor penetrations are Sgenerally well known in the building industry, especially in relation to multi- ~storey buildings. The purpose of the fire collars is to close and seal floor penetrations with plastics pipes passing through, to prevent a fire on one .o side of a partition spreading to the other side. An intumescent material is located around the plastics service pipe, such that, when heated by fire, the intumescent material expands and substantially seals the pipe as it softens, thereby containing the fire.

In an existing arrangement used in relation to floor drains, a length of plastics pipe for servicing the drain is typically installed in the fire collar fitting prior to pouring of a concrete floor slab. When the concrete has hardened, the service pipe is merely cut off at a desired height and a floor drain fitting is attached thereto before pouring a concrete topping layer to r 3 form a surface sloping inwardly to the floor drain fitting. If an error is made in judging the cut off height of the service pipe, this can lead to serious inconvenience either to the plumber or a floor tiler and in some cases, the need to extend a shortened pipe can seriously compromise the integrity of the pipe work.

Further problems may arise when a service pipe used in this manner sustains damage during construction of a floor or wall. The unprotected service pipes are particularly prone to damage when steel reinforcing for the floor or wall is being placed. If the damage is not detected oo.• :i 10 prior to pouring the wall or floor slab, the ensuing leak may require the service pipe to be forcibly removed from the partition. Such removal subsequent to construction, which may require the installation to be dug out t o of the partition and then replaced, leads to expense and delays.

Where uPVC service pipes are specified, a plastic grate or to..

grate fitting may be glued onto the pipe. However, where a metal grate is required a copper sleeve must be inserted into the uPVC pipe and a metal fitting soldered to the copper sleeve. It will be appreciated that these arrangements are potentially troublesome and time consuming for plumbing contractors. The presence of multiple joints in the pipe-work also contributes to the possibility of leaks.

United States Patent No. 4953235 in the name of Cornwall describes a trap fitting assembly adapted as a floor drain outlet, having a flammable coupling embedded in a concrete floor. In contradistinction to fire collar assemblies, relies on water retained in a non-flammable J-pipe connected below the assembly to prevent the spread of smoke and fire penetrating through the floor from below.

In order to provide some flexibility for prior art fire collar arrangements, it is also known to use a bulky metallic (typically cast iron) drain fitting to terminate service conduits. The drain fitting includes an internally screw threaded member adapted to accept a corresponding threaded grate. The fitting may be joined to the end of a service conduit by a screw tensioned coupling or a push-in joint arrangement. The grate, once ~engaged with the threaded member, may be rotated to the desired height 10 thereby providing some adjustability in relation to a proposed floor level.

However, such metallic fittings add to the cost of the pipe-work, are difficult to install and are inconvenient due to the number of separate components required. Furthermore, when used in certain applications, the oo. ~depth of the slab may be insufficient to allow use of an adjustable drain fitting with a fire collar without resulting in unacceptable local weakening of the partition.

The specifications of Australian Patent No. 602697 (AU-B- 73988/87) in the name of Robinson and US Patent No. 4669759 in the name of Harbeke each describe the provision of couplings for service pipes in relation to fire collar fittings. However the fire collar fittings described in these patents do not provide for any adjustment in the couplings. US Patent No. 4453354, also in the name of Harbeke, describes a pipe support and coupling device which comprises first and second tubular portions, wherein the first tubular portion may be embedded in a masonry floor. In one embodiment, the first tubular portion includes at its lower end a recess for slidably receiving the second tubular portion. The described arrangement provides an adjustment facility when fitting pipework from below the floor.

When used in the instant specification the term "partition" is employed in its broadest sense and is to be understood to mean any vertical, inclined or horizontal structural member including, in particular, cast concrete wall or floor slabs.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a fire collar 10 penetration member which ameliorates or overcomes at least some of the problems associated with the prior art.

It is a secondary object of the present invention to provide a fire .collar penetration member which is particularly adapted to provide an ~adjustable coupling arrangement for conduits servicing drains or vents in wall or floor structures.

S..f Further objects will be evident from the following description.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, the invention resides in a fire collar penetration member comprising: a cylindrical body including an enlarged collar portion at a first end thereof containing intumescent material and an elongate riser portion extending to a second end; a mounting block comprising a solid block of material; and 6 adjustable coupling means, adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body, adapted for adjustable connection of a floor drain fitting to permit adjustment of the fitting relative to a datum; wherein, in use, the mounting block forms a cavity in an under surface of a partition in which the fire collar penetration member is cast, to permit connection within said cavity of a fitting to a service conduit extending through said fire collar penetration member.

Preferably the first end of said cylindrical body includes, on the operiphery of the expanded collar portion, a radially extending flange adapted 10 to rest, in use, on said mounting block.

:Suitably the radially extending flange of the cylindrical body is adapted to permit the insertion of fasteners through said mounting block into slab formwork upon which the mounting block rests in use.

~The enlarged collar portion of the cylindrical body may also include a axially extending flange upon which the elongate riser portion is .mounted.

Preferably the mounting block is constructed of a lightweight foamed plastics material.

Optionally the adjustable coupling means may be integral with the elongate riser portion or in the form of an adapter sleeve housed in said elongate riser portion.

Most preferably the adjustable coupling means is screwthreaded for connection with a cooperating floor drain fitting.

The adjustable coupling means may alternatively include a

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7 releasable pin member in the elongate riser portion of the cylindrical body for cooperating with a series of recesses on a lower cylindrical portion of a floor drain fitting.

If required the adjustable coupling means may include an inwardly facing projection in the elongate riser portion of the cylindrical body for cooperating with a helical slot on a lower cylindrical portion of a floor drain fitting.

Preferably the adjustable coupling means comprises a snaptype stepped arrangement including a resilient ratchet-like profile in the 10 elongate riser portion of the cylindrical body for cooperation with a pawl-like :projection on the lower cylindrical portion of a floor drain fitting.

Optionally a puddle flange is disposed on the tubular body proximate said second end.

Suitably the enlarged collar portion is constructed of metallic or other fire resistant material.

~The elongate riser portion of the cylindrical body may be constructed of metallic or plastics material.

BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS To assist in understanding the invention preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the following figures in which: FIG 1A is a cross-sectional view of a prior art fire collar installation; FIG 1 B is a cross-sectional view of the prior art fire collar installation of FIG 1A subsequent to installation of pipe work; 8 FIG 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of another prior art fire collar installation; FIG 3 is an cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the fire collar penetration member of the present invention; FIG 4 is a further cross-sectional view showing the embodiment of the fire collar penetration member of FIG 3 in situ; FIG 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of the invention showing an adjustable coupling; a FIG 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment showing 10 a second adjustable coupling; FIG 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment showing a third adjustable coupling; FIG 8 is an expended detail view of the third adjustable coupling; and FIG 9 is an expended detail view of an alternative adjustment means for the third coupling.

~DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts.

Referring to FIG 1A, in the illustrated installation, a prior art fire collar fitting 1 includes an enlarged collar portion 2 which houses intumescent fire stop material 3, and an axially extending flange 4 which receives a length of service pipe 5 therein. The lower end of the fire collar fitting includes a radially extending flange 6 which facilitates mounting on a form 7. The flange 6 includes slots 8 for receiving fixing means 9 such as screws, nails or the like.

The length of the service pipe 5 is chosen such that it extends above the finished floor level 10 of a concrete slab 11 comprising a partially completed partition. A temporary cap 5a is provided over the upper end of the service pipe to prevent wet concrete or other debris from entering therein. There is potential for damage to the service pipe 5 during construction of steel reinforcement mesh (not shown) for the partition.

FIG 1B shows the prior art fire collar fitting subsequent to completing the partition, which fitting is installed in relation to a floor drain o* 12. A concrete topping layer 13 has been added to provide a fall in the floor 10 necessary for complete drainage, and the slab 11 is finished with a layer of tiles 14. A further service pipe 15 incorporating a trap is connected to the lower end of the service pipe 5 which is cast in the concrete slab for a partition. The upper end of the service pipe has been cut to suit the level of the floor and a grate 16 secured, using glue or the like, to the upper end of the service pipe. It will be appreciated that there is little scope for adjustability in the installation, especially once the service pipe 5 has been cut.

FIG 2 shows another prior art installation of a fire collar fitting 1 with pipe work and fittings for an adjustable floor drain. The uPVC service pipe 5 is connected to the floor drain fitting by a joint 17 provided in the cast iron body 18. The fitting also includes a membrane clamp 19 which is secured to the cast iron body by screws 20. The membrane clamp 19 includes a screw-threaded aperture which receives a correspondingly threaded riser grate 21. Thus the riser grate 21 may be adjusted to suit the i.li~^l-~lli.l^ili ^.IDlriL iilrilillll---l-1 11*11~ level of the topping layer 13 and the floor covering 22 such as tiles etc.

In another prior art installation (not shown) a copper sleeve is inserted axially into the upper end of the service pipe 5. A metal receptacle configured to suit the riser grate 22, but including an integral puddle flange rather than a membrane clamp, is then soldered directly to the copper sleeve. The grate can then be adjusted in a similar fashion to that described in relation to FIG 2.

FIG 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the adjustable fire collar penetration member of the present invention. The fire collar 10 penetration member 25 is shown located on a form 26 provided for casting a concrete slab 11. The penetration member includes a generally cylindrical body having an enlarged collar portion 27 adjacent a lower end and an ~upstanding elongate riser portion 28. The enlarged collar portion is constructed of a metallic material and houses a sleeve of intumescent material 29. In the embodiment, the enlarged collar portion includes an ~upstanding flange 30 for mounting the elongate riser portion 28 which is constructed of a plastics material.

The fire collar penetration member 25 further includes a radially extending flange 31 extending from the periphery of the enlarged collar portion 27 proximate its lower end. The flange is arranged to rest on a mounting block 32 comprising a solid piece of foamed plastics material. The purpose of the mounting block 32 is to provide a cavity in the under surface of the partition directly below the cylindrical body of the penetration member Fixing means, such as nails 33, are inserted through apertures in the 11 radial flange 31, through the mounting block 32 and into the form 26 to retain the penetration member in a desired position during the concrete pour.

It will be appreciated that the invention does not require the insertion of a length of service pipe prior to pouring the concrete slab forming a partition. Consequently, in circumstances where the elongate riser portion sustains minor damage, the integrity of the pipe-work is not compromised, as a service pipe is inserted into the penetration member subsequent to the pour. The fire collar penetration may be manufactured with a variety of sizes to suit particular partition depths, by varying the depth of the mounting 10 block 32 and/or the length of the elongate riser 28.

Note that the adjustable coupling is omitted from the drawing in FIG 3 for reasons of clarity and because the coupling is installed on pipework passed through the fire collar penetration member in the embodiment.

In other embodiments, the adjustable coupling is integral with the elongate riser, as envisaged by the arrangement illustrated in FIG 7 for example.

FIG 4 shows a further cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the invention installed with pipe-work for a floor drain 34.

Subsequent to casting the concrete slab 11, a suitable length of service pipe may be inserted through the fire collar penetration member 25. The lower end of the service pipe, which extends beyond the enlarged collar portion into the cavity 35 formed by mounting block 32 (now removed), is connected to a further pipe fitting 15 incorporating a trap. Advantageously, the connection in the cavity allows the pipe fitting 15 to be disposed in close proximity to the underside of the slab 11. Such an arrangement facilitates 12 provision of a fall in the pipe run from the floor drain 34 in the limited confines of the ceiling void or the like.

The plastics riser portion 28 includes an optional puddle flange 36 at its upper end. The plastics riser 28 also houses an adjustable coupling means in the form of socket member 37 for effecting connection of the service pipe 5' to the floor drain fitting in the form of a plastics grate 38. The socket member 37 includes, at its upper end, a screw-thread and is arranged to cooperate with the plastics grate 38 which has a cooperating screw-thread on a lower cylindrical portion 39. It should be noted that the relative dispositions of the screw-threads are unimportant and may be reversed for example. A threaded locking ring (not shown) may additionally be provided to lock the cooperating screw-threads in a desired position relative to one WO: another.

~The adjustable coupling means allows the level of the floor drain 34 to be adjusted in relation to a datum, for example the projected finished layer of tiles 41. The surface material may alternatively comprise vinyl or other such floor finishes. The socket member 37 includes, at its lower end, a sleeve joint 40 for terminating the service pipe 5' which extends through the fire collar penetration member 25. The service pipe is bonded to the sleeve joint 40 with bonding means such as glue. It will be appreciated that other connections suitable for plastics pipe work, such as a push-in arrangement may be substituted for the socket member illustrated in the embodiment. Furthermore, the grate 38 and/or puddle flange 36 may alternatively be constructed of a metallic material, as required, and employ suitable connection means.

FIG 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable coupling for the fire collar penetration member 25. The upper end 42 of the penetration member includes a resiliently mounted pin 43 which is received in one of a plurality of recesses 44 provided at intervals along the lower cylindrical portion 45 of the cooperating grate member 46.

When the pin 43 is released, the grate member is able to slide to another position relative to the end of the penetration member 42. In an alternative 1 embodiment (not shown) the projection may comprise a grub screw which 10 may be received in one of a number of threaded apertures in the grate member or other such vent fitting.

FIG 6 shows a second adjustable coupling means comprising SSo° a helical slot and pin arrangement. The upper end 42 of the penetration member 25 includes an inwardly protruding pin 43 which frictionally engages in a helical slot 47 provided in the lower cylindrical portion 49 of the grate member 48. In another embodiment, the helical slot may be open-ended and cooperate with a projection fixedly mounted in said upper end 42. It will be appreciated that these arrangements may alternatively involve a helical slot on the inner surface of the riser and a pin disposed on the fitting, if required for clearance in respect to a service pipe to pass through.

FIG 7 shows a third adjustable coupling means comprising a snap-type stepped arrangement wherein at least one of the elongate riser and fitting 52 are comprised of a resilient material. The internal surface of the riser includes a ratchet-like profile 51 and the lower end of the fitting 52 1^ __111~ C11--i.-t i~Xi.li-iil.- L )i-i~ill^Y-_i ii-.UI -~IIYI~ 14 includes a cooperating tapered annular pawl-like protuberance 53, as shown in the expanded detail in FIG 8. Other similar resilient stepped arrangements will be known to those with skill in the relevant art, as for example the sawtooth like profile 54 and protuberance 55 shown in the alternative expanded detail in FIG 9, and are included within the scope of the disclosure.

In summary, the adjustable fire collar penetration member of the invention provides a convenient fitting for coupling service conduits, such as drain pipes or duct work, to further fittings, such as vent or drain *o 1 members, in a conveniently adjustable fashion. The complexity and number .:io 10 of conduit interconnections is reduced in comparison with prior art .o arrangements. Furthermore the integrity of the pipe-work constructed using the invention is maintained, because the plastics service pipes are not pressed into a secondary role of risers for concrete pours.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features.

Claims

1. A fire collar penetration member comprising: a cylindrical body including an enlarged collar portion at a first end thereof containing intumescent material and an elongate riser portion extending to a second end; a mounting block comprising a solid block of material; and adjustable coupling means, adjacent the second end of the cylindrical body, adapted for adjustable connection of a floor drain fitting to *00. permit adjustment of the fitting relative to a datum; 10 wherein, in use, the mounting block forms a cavity in an under surface of a partition in which the fire collar penetration member is cast, to permit connection within said cavity of a fitting to a service conduit extending 9**e ~through said fire collar penetration member.

2. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first end of said cylindrical body includes, on the periphery of the expanded collar portion, a radially extending flange adapted to rest, in use, on said mounting block.

3. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in claim 2 wherein the radially extending flange of the cylindrical body is adapted to permit the insertion of fasteners through said mounting block into slab formwork upon which the mounting block rests in use.

4. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 3 wherein the enlarged collar portion of the cylindrical body also includes an axially extending flange upon which the elongate riser portion is 16 mounted.

The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 4 wherein the mounting block is constructed of a lightweight foamed plastics material.

6. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 5 wherein the adjustable coupling means is integral with the elongate riser portion.

7 The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of oo claims 1 to 5 wherein the adjustable coupling means is in the form of an 0 adapter sleeve housed in said elongate riser portion. to

8. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of ie claims I to 7 wherein the adjustable coupling means is screw-threaded for connection with a cooperating floor drain fitting.

9. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of 15 claims 1 to 7 wherein the adjustable coupling means includes a releasable pin member in the elongate riser portion of the cylindrical body for cooperating with a series of recesses on a lower cylindrical portion of a floor drain fitting.

The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of claims I to 7 wherein the adjustable coupling means includes an inwardly facing projection in the elongate riser portion of the cylindrical body for cooperating with a helical slot on a lower cylindrical portion of a floor drain fitting.

11. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of I_ 1 17 claims 1 to 7 wherein the adjustable coupling means comprises a snap-type stepped arrangement including a resilient ratchet-like profile in the elongate riser portion of the cylindrical body for cooperation with a pawl-like projection on the lower cylindrical portion of a floor drain fitting.

12. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 11 wherein a puddle flange is disposed on the tubular body proximate said second end.

13. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 12 wherein the enlarged collar portion is constructed of metallic 0 or other fire resistant material. 4

14. The fire collar penetration member as claimed in any one or more of claims 1 to 13 wherein the elongate riser portion of the cylindrical body is °ooo constructed of either a metallic or a plastics material. A fire collar penetration member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to one or more of FIGS 3 to 9 of the accompanying drawings. DATED this Fourth day of July 1997 DOUGLAS LESLIE MATTHEWS DENIS JOHN MULLER By their Patent Attorneys FISHER ADAMS KELLY