Abstract: A lead system for a fire/smoke protection device that enables deployment/retraction of the device's flexible protection member relative to a building wall opening and improves the member's resistance to forces. The system comprises lead guides for guiding the flexible protection member between storage and protection configurations, for permitting stretching when a force is applied, and for transferring forces to the building. The guides are configured with the flexible protection member to slidably receive member loops extending about lead members. The guides and lead members are also configured to allow lead member movement and permit elastic deformation or destruction of connections between certain internal guide components, when a force is exerted on the flexible protection member. Additionally, the system comprises one or more members configured with a flexible protection member having a bar to enable bar movement during stretching of the flexible protection member responsive to a force.

Abstract: A smoke or fire protection device securely seals an opening for limiting the spread of fire and smoke through the opening of a building. A sealing lip and flexible ballast arranged at the foot of the opening of the building such that a flexible protection element is situated on the ground when the device is deployed to the protection arrangement. A locking device to lock a rod in an activated position when the device is deployed to said protection arrangement. The flexible protection element configured in a variety of arrangements using various materials and numerous construction methods. A lead guide for the device improves the resistance of the flexible protection member to forces exerted thereon. As such, the device may have certain advantages in limiting the spread of fire and smoke while resisting external forces and retaining mechanical strength and stability sufficient to pass the Hose Stream Test.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a fire and smoke protection system for limiting the spread of fire and smoke through an opening, including those in building structures. The system includes a flexible protection member configurable in a storage configuration for subsequent deployment into a protection configuration when fire occurs. The flexible protection member is configurable in single and/or multi-layer arrangements with one or more materials, alone or in combination, and using a variety of construction methods. Generally, the flexible protection member is manufacturable using fire resistant woven and knitted fabric elements, metal foil elements, intumescent elements, and/or wire mesh elements arranged to increase the resistance to forces encountered during a fire. The various elements may be seamed using different stitching patterns and gathered using non-fire resistant thread in order to increase flexibility and resistance to forces.