Patent ID: 6161348
Filing Date: 2000-12-19
Classification: E04D

Abstract:
A drop-out fire vent for a building, comprising:a frame adapted to be installed in a generally horizontal orientation in association with a fire vent opening in a building;a cover for said opening, carried by the frame and comprising a material that will lose structural integrity when exposed to the effects of fire within the building, and drop out under gravity;a trap door coupled to the frame below the cover for movement between: (a) a normal position in which the door extends across said vent opening, the door being adapted to support the cover after it has lose structural integrity and prevent the cover falling through the vent opening into the building, while not significantly shielding the cover from the effects of heat within the building, and: (b) a release position in which the door allows the cover to fall into the building; and,fusible link means between the trap door and the frame for maintaining the trap door in its said normal position and calibrated so release the trap door at a defined temperature higher than a temperature at which the cover loses structural integrity and permit the cover to fall out.