Abstract: A device and method are provided for installing fire-proof material quickly and easily. The fire-proof material, once installed, inhibits the spread of igniting material across an annular space surrounding an object. A device according to the invention includes a blanket made of a fire-resistant material. In a preferred embodiment, this material is silica fabric. A plurality of ribs are attached at spaced-apart locations along the length of the blanket, each rib extending substantially the width of the blanket. Each rib, in a first condition, permits one side of the blanket to be brought into contact with the object, and in a second condition, holds the blanket in place around the object. The ribs are preferably snap strips that have two stable orientations: an extended stable orientation, which corresponds to the first condition, and a curled stable orientation, which corresponds to the second condition.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 31, 1996
Date of Patent:
May 19, 1998
Assignee:
Polytrap Co. Inc.
Inventors:
William J. Richards, Sherman T. Whipple