FIRE, THERMAL, AND/OR SOUND RESISTANT CONFINED SPACE CONSTRUCTION

Abstract

A structure having a confined space. The structure includes: (a) a first building unit, (b) a second building unit, (c) a confined space located between the building units, and (d) a structure connecting the fire resistance rated, confined space to the first unit and the second unit. The confined space includes: (i) an interior support structure, (ii) an outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure, (iii) a substantially organic material between the outer membranes, and (iv) at least one secondary support member attached to the interior support structure for preventing bowing of the outer membranes. The confined space provides fire, sound, or thermal resistance and combinations thereof.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a structure having a confined space and, more particularly, to a confined space located in a web truss assembly, the confined space being filled with an organic containing material having a minimum installed density for preventing gaps. The confined space provides fire, sound, or thermal resistance, or combinations thereof.

(2) Description of the Prior Art

Multi-family residential constructions typically include separation walls and floors constructed of wood members and having an insulating material between the units. These wood members may include dual two-by-four framing with a drywall surface on both sides of the framing. In many cases, this type of construction requires that the drywall be attached to an interior surface in a gap in the framing after the framing is placed upright to serve as a wall. After the framing is placed upright, material may be positioned in the framing, and later an additional drywall membrane is fastened to the outside of the framing to complete an interior wall. This process is expensive, labor-intensive and time consuming.

One purpose of such a construction of a confined space is to provide a fire resistance separation between adjacent spaces to meet federal, state and local regulations concerning the fire resistance of such a construction. Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization, has been testing products for public safety for more than a century. Because UL has an undisputed reputation as the leader in U.S. product safety and certification, it is advantageous to obtain classification of a building product by UL. One UL test, ANSI/UL 263 (ASTM E119 and NFPA 251), involves rating such separation walls and floors for fire resistance. U-370 sets forth the construction of separation walls and floors including only an outer membrane sufficiently fire resistant to gain UL classification for two-hour fire resistance. U-370 separation walls and floors are less costly to construct than a conventional separation wall.

A similar problem exists in the confined space between the walls or floors of a building. Those structures may be filled with insulation, such as cellulose, which is fire retardant. The insulation in floors is added for thermal or acoustic insulation reasons. However, once an outer membrane is attached to the studs or truss, the insulation therein may cause bowing of the outer membrane.

Thus, there is a need for a structure having a confined space. The structure includes a first building unit and second building unit. A confined space is located between the building units. The confined space is filled with an organic containing material having a minimum installed density for preventing gaps, and support members for preventing bowing of drywall once insulation is installed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a structure having a confined space. The confined space may be fire resistance rated, and may be filled with a substantially organic material barrier of a minimum installed density of about ½ pound per cubic foot. The structure may include: (a) a first building unit, (b) a second building unit, (c) a confined space located between the building units, and (d) a structure connecting the confined space to the first unit and the second unit. The confined space may include: (i) an interior support structure, (ii) an outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure, (iii) a substantially organic material between the outer membranes, and (iv) at least one secondary support member attached to the interior support structure for preventing bowing of the outer membranes.

In the preferred embodiment, the first building unit may be an occupiable space. The occupiable space may be a residential space such as a town home. The residential space may also be a first floor of a building.

Also in the preferred embodiment, the second building unit may be an occupiable space. The occupiable space may be residential such as a stacked condominium, town home or a second floor. The structure may include a “wall” attached to the “left” edge of the confined space and a wall attached to the “right” edge of the confined space.

In one embodiment, the interior support structure may include a plurality of structural interior support members. The structural interior support members may include a plurality of “transverse” (Are the quotations marks on transverse necessary, please delete if not) members. The plurality of “transverse” members may be spaced apart. Further, the plurality of “transverse” members may be spaced apart no more than about 16 inches. In one embodiment, the plurality of “transverse” members may further include cross bracing at about the mid span of the plurality of “transverse” members.

Preferably, at least one of the outer membranes may be fire resistant wallboard such as a gypsum wallboard (GWB) Type X or Type C as defined in ASTM C11. The gypsum wallboard preferably conforms to ASTM Test C-36-96.

In the preferred embodiment, the substantially organic material may be selected from the group consisting of fibrous material, granular material, pellet material, aggregated material, agglomerated material, closed cell foam, open cell foam, fire retardants, binders and mixtures thereof. The substantially organic material may be a natural material. The natural material may be cellulosic. Further, the substantially organic material may be an acoustically non-conductive material.

In an embodiment, the substantially organic containing material may also include an inorganic material. The inorganic material is selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, rock wool, pearlite, mineral wool, asbestos, cementitious materials, fire retardants, binders and mixtures thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the secondary support member may be a resilient channel, pallet strapping, or a furring strip.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a structure having a confined space. The structure may include: (a) a first building unit, (b) a second building unit, and (c) a confined space located between the building units, the confined space being filled with an organic containing material having a minimum installed density for preventing gaps having only outer membranes. The confined space may provide fire, sound, or thermal resistance and combinations thereof. The confined space may provide improved fire, sound, or thermal resistance over existing structures, such as those which include sprinkler systems for fire control.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an organic containing material confined space for a structure. The confined space may include: (a) an interior support structure, (b) an outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure, (c) a substantially organic material between the outer membranes, and (d) at least one secondary support member attached to the interior support structure for preventing bowing of the outer membranes. The confined space may provide fire, sound, or thermal resistance and combinations thereof.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a structure having a confined space. The structure may include: (a) a first building unit, (b) a second building unit, (c) a confined space located between the building units, and (d) a structure connecting the fire resistance rated, confined space to the first unit and the second unit. The confined space may include: (i) an interior support structure, (ii) an outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure, (iii) a substantially organic material between the outer membranes, and (iv) at least one secondary support member attached to the interior support structure for preventing bowing of the outer membranes. The confined space may provide fire, sound, or thermal resistance and combinations thereof.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after a reading of the following description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a structure having a confined space constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a confined space constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a confined space constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a confined space constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views. Also in the following description, it is to be understood that such terms as “forward,” “rearward,” “left,” “right,” “upwardly,” “downwardly,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Referring now to the drawings in general and FIG. 1 in particular, it will be understood that the illustrations are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

As best seen in FIG. 1, a structure having a confined space, generally designated 10, is shown constructed according to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the confined space is fire resistance rated. The confined space may also provide “improved” thermal resistance and acoustic transmission resistance.

The structure having a confined space includes a first building unit 13 and a second building unit 15. Additional building units 12 may also be part of the structure. The first building unit 12 and the second building unit 15 may be occupiable spaces, which may be residentially occupiable spaces such as town homes, stacked condominiums, or a first floor and a second floor of a building. A town home is generally defined by the 2000 International Residential Code as a single-family dwelling unit constructed as a group of three or more attached units in which each unit extends from foundation to roof with open space on at least two sides. A confined space 18, constructed according to the present invention, may be located between each building unit 12, 13, 15. In a preferred embodiment, the confined space 18 is fire resistance rated. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the confined space 18 shown in FIG. 1 with a structure 20 connecting the first building unit 13 and the second building unit 15. The structure 20 connecting the first building unit 13 to the second building unit 15 includes a wall assembly 28 attached to the right edge of the confined space 18 and a wall assembly 30 attached to the left edge of the fire resistance rated, confined space.

The structure may include wiring, plumbing, HVAC, venting, sprinkler systems, and other systems.

As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the confined space 18 includes an interior support structure 22 and a substantially organic material 26 between the outer membranes 24. The interior support structure 22 includes a plurality of structural interior support members 32. The independent interior support members 32 include a plurality of substantially horizontal members 34. The plurality of substantially horizontal members 34 are spaced apart. The plurality of substantially horizontal members 34 are spaced apart no more than about 16 inches. The plurality of substantially horizontal members 34 further include cross bracing 36 at about the mid span of the plurality of substantially horizontal members 34.

The fire resistance rated, confined space may also include secondary support members 38. Preferably, the secondary support member 38 is a flexible member such as a resilient channel. The secondary support member 38 may also be a pallet strapping. In one embodiment, the secondary support member 38 is a furing strip. The secondary support member 38 helps prevent bowing of the outer membrane 24. The secondary support members may also be used to hold a tertiary support member. The tertiary support member may be a conventional netting to assist in holding the organic material in place until the drywall is installed (not shown).

The substantially organic material 26 is selected from the group consisting of fibrous material, granular material, pellet material, aggregated material, agglomerated material, closed cell foam, open cell foam, fire retardants, binders and mixtures thereof. The substantially organic material 26 is a natural material. Preferably, the natural material is cellulosic. In one embodiment, the substantially organic material 26 is an acoustically transmission resistive material.

The substantially organic material 26 may further include inorganic material. The inorganic material may be selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, rock wool, pearlite, mineral wool, asbestos, cementitious materials, fire retardants, binders and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the organic containing material may be an organic containing material having a verified minimum installed density of greater than about ½ pound per cubic foot. When the confined space is fire resistance rated, the minimum installed density of the organic containing material must be verified. The verified density helps prevent air gaps and thus helps prevent the spread of fire.

As seen in FIG. 4, at least one of the outer membranes 24 is fire resistant wallboard. The fire resistant wallboard is a gypsum wallboard (GWB) Type X or Type C as defined in ASTM C11. The gypsum wallboard conforms to ASTM Test C-36-96. Also, the confined space 18 may include at least one outer membrane 24 on each side of the interior support structure 22.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. By way of example, the structure may include plumbing, HVAC, electrical or other building systems. Multiple membranes may be incorporated to allow increased fire resistive, thermal or acoustic resistive properties. The structure may include drywall or other materials along the sides of the structure periphery to allow increased fire resistive, thermal or acoustic resistive properties. The transverse or horizontal members may be web truss assemblies, wood studs (either pre-fabricated or made on site), composite I-joists or other similar weight bearing members.

It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A structure having a confined space, the structure comprising:

(a) a first building unit;

(b) a second building unit; and

(c) a confined space located between the building units, the confined space being filled with an organic containing material having a minimum installed density for preventing gaps,

whereby the confined space provides fire, sound, or thermal resistance and combinations thereof.

2. The structure according to claim 1, further including a structure connecting the confined space to the first unit and the second unit.

3. An organic containing material confined space for a structure, the confined space comprising:

(a) an interior support structure;

(b) at least one outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure;

(c) a substantially organic material between the outer membranes; and

(d) at least one secondary support member attached to the interior support structure for preventing bowing of the outer membranes,

whereby the confined space provides fire, sound, or thermal resistance and combinations thereof.

4. The confined space according to claim 3, wherein the interior support structure includes a plurality of structurally independent interior support members.

5. The confined space according to claim 4, wherein the structurally independent interior support members include a plurality of substantially horizontal members and.

6. The confined space according to claim 5, wherein the substantially horizontal members are spaced apart.

7. The confined space according to claim 6, wherein the substantially horizontal members are spaced apart no more than about 16 inches.

8. The confined space according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the outer membranes is fire resistant wallboard.

9. The confined space according to claim 8, wherein the fire resistant wallboard is a gypsum wallboard (GWB) Type X or Type C as defined in ASTM C11(Committee C11 on Gypsum and Related Building Materials and Systems).

10. The confined space according to claim 9, wherein the gypsum wallboard conforms to ASTM Test C-36-96.

11. The confined space according to claim 3, wherein the substantially organic material is selected from the group consisting of fibrous material, granular material, pellet material, aggregated material, agglomerated material, closed cell foam, open cell foam, fire retardants, binders and mixtures thereof.

12. The organic containing material according to claim 3, wherein the organic containing material further includes an inorganic material.

13. The confined space according to claim 12, wherein the inorganic material is selected from the group consisting of fiberglass, rock wool, pearlite, mineral wool, asbestos, cementitious materials, fire retardants, binders and mixtures thereof.

14. The confined space according to claim 3, wherein the substantially organic material is a natural material.

15. The confined space according to claim 14, wherein the natural material is cellulosic.

16. The confined space according to claim 3, wherein the substantially organic material is an acoustically transmission resistive material.

17. The confined space according to claim 3, wherein the secondary support member includes a resilient channel.

18. The confined space according to claim 3, wherein the secondary support member includes a flexible material.

19. The confined space according to claim 18, wherein the flexible material is pallet strapping.

20. The confined space according to claim 3, wherein the secondary support member includes a faring strip.

21. The confined space according to claim 3, wherein there is a tertiary support for holding the organic material in place until the gypsum wallboard is added.

22. A structure having a confined space, the structure comprising:

(a) a first building unit;

(b) a second building unit;

(c) a confined space located between the building units, the confined space including: (i) an interior support structure; (ii) an outer membrane on each side of the interior support structure; (iii) a substantially organic material between the outer membranes; and (iv) at least one secondary support member attached to the interior support structure for preventing bowing of the outer membranes; and

(d) a structure connecting the confined space to the first unit and the second unit,

whereby the confined space provides fire, sound, or thermal resistance and combinations thereof.

23. The structure according to claim 22, wherein the structure includes a wall assembly attached to the left edge of the confined space and a wall assembly attached to the right edge of the fire resistance rated, confined space.

24. The structure according to claim 22, wherein the building units are an occupiable space.

25. The structure according to claim 24, wherein the occupiable space is residential.