Patent Publication Number: US-11391040-B2

Title: Self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly

Description:
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Appln. No. 62/618,723, filed on Jan. 18, 2018, and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/249,108, filed on Jan. 16, 2019, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention generally relates to apparatus for providing sealing of a construction opening and, more particularly, to a sealing membrane sleeve assembly configured to form a seal about penetrating members passing through the construction opening. In some embodiments, the sealing membrane sleeve assembly is configured for fire-rated applications. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is commonplace in the construction and renovation of commercial and residential buildings for the need to pass cables, conduits and the like through construction barriers such as walls, floors and ceilings. However, the presence of an opening through such barriers provides a potential passage for smoke and noise. 
     Often the openings will include a sleeve extending therethough to guide passage of cables or the like. The sleeves are typically short lengths of metal conduit, pipe, or EMT that project through a barrier. The NEC (NFPA 70) defines a sleeve to be a short length of raceway used to support and protect cables. While the sleeves support and protect the cables, the opening therethrough still may allow for passage of smoke and noise. 
     While there have been attempts to seal the ends of the sleeve, many such attempts often have difficulty maintaining a proper seal as cable moves, adds, and changes are made to the structured cabling. Accordingly, there is a need for a sleeve sealing assembly that adjusts to and maintains a proper seal even as the number and size of cables passing therethrough changes. 
     Additionally, many building codes mandate the use of fire-resistant materials in construction, especially if portions of the building are open to the public or shared commons. For public spaces and commercial applications, fire-rated products which, in addition to preventing passage of smoke and noise, also help prevent the passage of fire and heat are generally required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a sealing membrane assembly including a flange having a body with a through passage. A first sealing membrane defines a first flexible panel with a first axial sealed opening extending therethrough. The first axial sealed opening extends at an acute angle. A second sealing membrane defines a second flexible panel with a second axial sealed opening extending therethrough. The second axial sealed opening extends at an obtuse angle. The first and second sealing membranes are secured relative to the flange such that the first and second axial sealed openings crisscross one another and the first and second sealing membranes seal the through passage except through the first and second sealed openings. 
     In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly including a sleeve member having a tubular body extending between first and second ends. A first sealing membrane assembly is secured to the first end of the tubular body and a second sealing membrane assembly is secured to the second end of the tubular body. The first and second sealing membranes each include a flange having a body with a through passage. A first sealing membrane defines a first flexible panel with a first axial sealed opening extending therethrough. The first axial sealed opening extends at an acute angle. A second sealing membrane defines a second flexible panel with a second axial sealed opening extending therethrough. The second axial sealed opening extends at an obtuse angle. The first and second sealing membranes are secured relative to the flange such that the first and second axial sealed openings crisscross one another and the first and second sealing membranes seal the through passage except through the first and second sealed openings. 
     In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly including a sleeve member having a tubular body extending between first and second ends. At least one shield assembly extends about at least a portion of the circumference of the sleeve member from the first end to the second end. The at least one shield assembly made from a generally rigid, fire resistant material. A first sealing membrane assembly is secured to the first end of the tubular body and a second sealing membrane assembly is secured to the second end of the tubular body. The first and second sealing membranes each include a flange having a body with a through passage. A first sealing membrane defines a first flexible panel with a first axial sealed opening extending therethrough. The first axial sealed opening extends at an acute angle. A second sealing membrane defines a second flexible panel with a second axial sealed opening extending therethrough. The second axial sealed opening extends at an obtuse angle. The first and second sealing membranes are secured relative to the flange such that the first and second axial sealed openings crisscross one another and the first and second sealing membranes seal the through passage except through the first and second sealed openings. 
     In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly including a sleeve member having a tubular body extending between first and second ends. At least one intumescent pad is positioned within the tubular body. A first sealing membrane assembly is secured to the first end of the tubular body and a second sealing membrane assembly is secured to the second end of the tubular body. The first and second sealing membranes each include a flange having a body with a through passage. A first sealing membrane defines a first flexible panel with a first axial sealed opening extending therethrough. The first axial sealed opening extends at an acute angle. A second sealing membrane defines a second flexible panel with a second axial sealed opening extending therethrough. The second axial sealed opening extends at an obtuse angle. The first and second sealing membranes are secured relative to the flange such that the first and second axial sealed openings crisscross one another and the first and second sealing membranes seal the through passage except through the first and second sealed openings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a side elevation view of the self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly of  FIG. 1  in a contracted configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly of  FIG. 1  in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded perspective view of an outer portion of an exemplary sleeve member and an exemplary sealing membrane assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of an inner portion of the exemplary sleeve member and an exemplary sealing membrane assembly. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary flange. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view along the line  8 - 8  in  FIG. 7 , with a portion thereof shown in an expanded view. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary sealing membrane. 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view along the line  10 - 10  in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view along the line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional perspective view of a self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly positioned within an opening in a wall structure. 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional elevation view of a self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly positioned within an opening in a wall structure. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary ganged self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevation view of the ganged self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly of  FIG. 14  in an expanded configuration. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of an inner portion of the ganged self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view along the line  17 - 17  in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a front perspective view of an exemplary self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an illustrative inner shield assembly. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an illustrative outer shield assembly. 
         FIG. 22  is a side elevation view of the self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 23  is a top plan view of the self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly of  FIG. 18 . 
         FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view along the line  24 - 24  in  FIG. 18 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The following describes preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood, based on this disclosure, that the invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments described herein. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-13 , a self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly  10  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly  10  generally includes a sleeve member  20  positioned between a pair of sealing membrane assemblies  30 . As will be described in more detail hereinafter, the sleeve member  20  of the illustrated embodiment has a telescoping configuration with an outer portion  22  and an inner portion  32 . However, the invention is not limited to such and the sleeve member  20  may have various configurations, for example, a continuous tubular body, and various shapes, for example, oval, circular, square or the like. While the illustrated embodiment is described as a sleeve assembly including the sealing membrane assemblies  30  and the sleeve member  20 , the sealing membrane assemblies  30  may be configured to engage and secure to the ends of pre-existing sleeve members. Additionally, while the illustrated embodiment is described in terms of providing smoke and acoustical protection, it is recognized that the assembly will also provide protection against passage of fire and superheated gases. Additionally, the assembly could also integrate intumescent materials, for example, positioned in the sleeve or supported by the flanges, to provide a fire-rated version of the assembly. An embodiment incorporating such features is described with respect to  FIGS. 18-24 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-6 , an exemplary sleeve member  20  will be described. In this embodiment, the sleeve member  20  has a telescoping configuration with an outer portion  22  and an inner portion  32 . The telescoping configuration of the sleeve member  20  allows the sleeve member  20  to expand to any length between the contracted configuration illustrated in  FIG. 2  and the expanded configuration illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Such a configuration allows the assembly  10  to be utilized with walls or other structures of different widths or thicknesses. 
     The telescoping sleeve member  20  will be described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . The outer portion  22  of the sleeve member  20  includes opposed side walls  21  extending between top and bottom walls  23  with a passage  27  therethrough. While the illustrated embodiment includes linear side walls  21  and arcuate top and bottom walls  23  to define an oval shape, the invention is not limited to such and the outer portion  22  may have any desired shape. Similarly, the inner portion  32  of the sleeve member  20  includes opposed side walls  31  extending between top and bottom walls  33  with a passage  37  therethrough. The inner portion  32  has a configuration which compliments the outer portion  22  such that the inner portion  32  slides within the passage  27  of the outer portion  22  such that the length of the sleeve member  20  is telescopically adjustable. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls  21  have internal ribs  26  and the top and bottom walls  33  have external ribs  36 . The ribs  26 ,  36  provide a friction fit between the outer and inner portions  22 ,  32  to maintain the sleeve member  20  in an assembled configuration. The linearly outer end of each portion  22 ,  32  defines a respective support face  25 ,  35  configured to support a respective flange  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, each support face  25 ,  35  has a plurality of connector openings  28 ,  38  and a plurality of tab openings  29 ,  39 , the functions of which will be described in more detail below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5-11 , an exemplary sealing membrane assembly  30  will be described. The sealing membrane assembly  30  generally includes a mounting flange  40  and a pair of sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b . While a pair of sealing membranes is illustrated, more or fewer than two sealing membranes may be utilized. As illustrated, a foam gasket  50  may be supported by the flange  40  to seal between the structure opening and the assembly (see  FIGS. 12 and 13 ). 
     Each flange  40  includes a body  42  extending about a through passage  43 . In the illustrated embodiment, the body  42  includes score lines  49  which define breakoff tabs  44  which may facilitate ganging of multiple assemblies  10  as will be describe hereinafter. The body  42  defines a projecting portion  45  about the through passage  43 , with the projecting portion  45  configured to house one or both of the sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b . With reference to  FIGS. 12 and 13 , in the illustrated embodiment one of the sealing membranes  60   a  is positioned within the projection  45  while the other sealing membrane  60   b  is surrounded by the foam gasket  50 . 
     Each flange  40  includes a plurality of connector pins  46  and alignment tabs  48  extending linearly inward. Each of the connector pins  46  is configured to be engaged by a respective push-on nut  47  or the like. The connector pins  46  are configured to extend through openings  61  in each sealing membrane  60   a ,  60   b  and through a respective connector opening  28 ,  38 . The portion of the pin  46  extending into the respective sleeve portion is engaged by a respective push-on nut  47  which engages the inside surface of the respective support face  25 ,  35  and thereby mounts the flange  40  to the respective sleeve portion  22 ,  32  (see  FIG. 12 ). While connector pins and push-on nuts are illustrated herein, the invention is not limited to such and other mounting mechanisms, for example, screws, clips or the like may be utilized. 
     The alignment tabs  48  preferably have a wide configuration and extend through slots  63  in each of the sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b  and into a respective tab opening  29 ,  39 . The alignment tabs  48  thereby maintain the alignment of the sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b  and prevent twisting or the like thereof when cables are passed therethrough. The flanges  40  are preferably made out of a thermoplastic material with properties that provide excellent impact properties and flame retardancy, however, the invention is not limited to such and the flanges may be made from other materials. 
     Each of the foam gaskets  50  includes a body  52  with a through passage  53 . The through passage  53  may be slightly larger than the through opening  43  of the flange  43  such that the tabs  48  extend through the through passage  53  and support the gasket  50  relative to the flange  40  during assembly. The gasket body  52  has a configuration which complements the configuration of the flange  40 . The sides  54  of the gasket body  52  may be trimmed to match the flange  40  if one or both of the tabs  44  are snapped off. The gasket  50  is preferably made from a flame retardant material, for example, a closed cell flame retardant Neoprene, which is designed to seal between the flange  40  and the wall opening restricting the passage of smoke and sound. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 9-11 , an illustrative sealing membrane  60   a ,  60   b  will be described. The sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b  are manufactured from a flexible material, preferably having a very low compression set and high elongation. An exemplary material is a Silicone based thermoset material. The sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b  preferably each have the same configuration but are installed opposite one another, e.g. back to back, such that the sealed openings  66  extend at opposite angles and crisscross one another. Since the sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b  are installed back to back, the sealed opening  66  of one of the membranes  60   a  extends at an acute angle while the sealed opening  66  of the other membrane  60   b  extends at an obtuse angle, thereby having the crisscross configuration. 
     Each sealing membrane  60   a ,  60   b  includes an outer rim  62  of increased thickness for mounting of the sealing membrane  60   a ,  60   b . The openings  61 ,  63  are defined within the rim  62 . A flexible panel  64  extends within the rim  62  with the axial, angled sealed opening  66  defined therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, each sealed opening  66  extends at an approximately 45° relative to a plane extending sideways across the flange  40 . The invention is not limited to such and the sealed openings  66  may extend at a different angle larger or smaller acute angle. In the illustrated embodiment, each sealed opening  66  has an oval shape defined by a reinforced band  67 , e.g. increased thickness, extending about sealing flaps  68  therein. The flexible reinforced band  67  provides mechanical support to keep the cable bundles passing therethrough centered. The oval shape creates a self-adjusting rubber band effect that is self-adjusting to varying sizes of cables and bundles. When the membranes  60   a ,  60   b  are installed in the proper manner they create bi axial contact around the bundle keeping the bundle centered and preventing a continuous path for air and sound to leak through. The axial orientation deflects and dissipates the smoke and sound, reducing transmission through the opening. To prevent improper installation, the sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b  may include a feature, e.g. a keying feature, molded therein. 
     Having generally described the components of an illustrative self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly  10 , an exemplary installation will be described with respect to  FIGS. 5, 6, 12 and 13 . Each sealing membrane assembly  30  is secured to a respective sleeve member portion  22 ,  32  by passing the connector pins  46  and tabs  48  through the gasket through passage  53 , through the openings  61 ,  63  of a first sealing membrane  60   a  in a first orientation, through the openings  61 ,  63  of the second sealing membrane  60   b  in a second, opposite orientation and then through the respective openings  28 ,  38 ,  29 ,  39 , after which the connector pins  46  are engaged by the push-on nuts  47 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , once the push-on nuts  47  engage within the connector pins  46 , the flange  40  is secured to the respective sleeve member portion  22 ,  32  with the rims  62  of the sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b  secured therebetween. The sleeve portions  22 ,  32  are extended through an opening in the building structure  80  (e.g. wall) from opposite sides thereof such that the inner portion  32  is received in the outer portion  22 . The sleeve member portions  22 ,  32  are moved toward one another until the flanges  40  press the gaskets  50  against the building structure  80 , providing a seal between the building structure  80  and the assembly  10 . Screws or the like (not shown) may optionally be utilized to further secure the flanges  40  to the building structure  80 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14-17 , a ganged self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly  10 ′ will be described. In the illustrated embodiment, each flange  40 ′ defines a plurality of projecting portions  45   a - e  extending about a respective through passage  43   a - e . While the present embodiment shows five such projecting portions  45   a - e  and through passages  43   a - 3 , the flange  40 ′ may be configured with more or fewer projecting portions and through passages. The flange  40 ′ is configured to support sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b  and a respective sleeve portion  22   a - 22   e / 32   a - 32   e  in alignment with each through passage  43   a - e . As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the flange  40 ′ defines a set of connector pins  46  and alignment tabs  48  within each projecting portion  45   a - e  to support the sealing membranes  60   a ,  60   b  and a respective sleeve portion  22   a - 22   e / 32   a - 32   e  in alignment with each through passage  43   a - e . The flange  40 ′ may include breakoff portion  44 ′ to provide flexible configurations. 
     To provide sealing about all of the through passages  43   a - e , an internal rim  41  extends inward from the flange body  42  about each of the through passages  43   a - e  and the sleeve portions  22   a - 22   e / 32   a - 32   e  connected thereto (see  FIG. 14 ). The sealing gasket  50 ′ has a gasket body  52  which complements the configuration of the outer portion of the body  42 ′ of the flange  40 ′. The gasket through passage  53 ′ complements the configuration of the internal rim  41  such that the gasket  50 ′ seals about the rim  41 . In other aspects, the ganged self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly  10 ′ is assembled and operates in a manner similar to the embodiment described above. 
     While the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 14-17  includes a unitary flange to define a ganged assembly, it is also possible to form a ganged assembly utilizing multiple self-sealing membrane sleeve assemblies  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  positioned next to one another. Each of the self-sealing membrane sleeve assemblies would be assembled as described above. To facilitate a tight ganging of the assemblies, a left most flange  40  would have its right breakoff tab  44  removed, each of the middle flanges  40  (however many are desired from zero to many) have both breakoff tabs  44  removed, and the right most flange  40  would have its left breakoff tab  44  removed. As explained above, the sides of the gaskets  50  may be trimmed to complement the flanges  40  when the breakoff tabs are removed. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 18-24 , another embodiment of the self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly  10 ″ will be described. The sleeve assembly  10 ″ is configured for use in applications requiring a fire-rated apparatus. The sleeve assembly  10 ″ is substantially the same as in the first embodiment of the sleeve assembly  10  described above and only the differences will be described. The sleeve assembly  10 ″ again includes a sleeve member  20 ″ positioned between a pair of sealing membrane assemblies  30 . The sealing membrane assemblies  30  are the same as in the previous embodiments. In the present embodiment, the sleeve member  20 ″ further includes a pair of shield assemblies  100 ,  110  along with intumescent pads  103 ,  113  and  120 . As in the previous embodiment, the sleeve member  20 ″ of the illustrated embodiment has a telescoping configuration with the outer portion  22  slidable along the inner portion  32 . In the present embodiment, the shield assemblies  100 ,  110  extend along the side walls  21  of the outer portion  22  in a telescoping manner. While sleeve member  20 ″ is described with a telescoping configuration, it is understood that such is not required and the sleeve member  20 ″ may have non-telescoping configurations. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 19-21 , the shield assemblies  100 ,  110  will be described in greater detail. The shield assemblies  100 ,  110  are manufactured from a fire resistant material, for example, a metal material, such that the shield assemblies  100 ,  110  provide structural stability to the sleeve assembly  20 ″ even when exposed to fire or other high temperatures. 
     The shield assembly  100  includes a pair of opposed shield members  102   a ,  102   b , each configured to be secured to the outer portion  22  along a respective side wall  21 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shield members  102   a ,  102   b  are mirror images of one another, however, they may have different configurations. Each of the shield members  102   a ,  102   b  includes an extending portion  104  and a mounting portion  106 . The extending portions  104  each have a concave arcuate configuration such that a space is defined between the inside surface  101  of each extending portion  104  and a central portion of the respective side wall  21 . An intumescent pad  103  extends along the inside surface  101  of each extending portion  104  such that upon assembly the intumescent pads  103  extend between the extending portions  104  and the side walls  21 . 
     Each mounting portion  106  generally extends at a right angle relative to the respective extending portion  104  and is configured to extend along and be mounted to the support face  25  of the outer portion  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, connecting tabs  105  extend between the extending portion  104  and the mounting portion  106 , however, other connection mechanisms may be utilized or the components may be manufactured as a unitary structure. In the illustrated embodiment, each mounting portion  106  includes a pair of ears  108  each defining a through hole  107  configured to align with the connector pins  46 . Additionally, each mounting portion  106  includes a slot  109  configured to align with a respective alignment tab  48 . As such, the sleeve members  102   a ,  102   b  are simply positioned relative to the outer portion  22  with the through holes  107  aligned with the openings  28  and the slots  109  aligned with the slots  29 . Upon mounting of the outer portion  22  relative to the flange  40  of the respective sealing membrane assembly  30  as described above, the connector pins  46  and alignment tabs  48  pass through the through holes  107  and slots  109  such that the shield members  102   a ,  102   b  are securely mounted and the extending portions  104  extend along the side walls  21 . 
     The shield assembly  110  includes a pair of opposed shield members  112   a ,  112   b , each configured to be secured to the inner portion  32  along a respective side wall  31 . In the illustrated embodiment, the shield members  112   a ,  112   b  are mirror images of one another, however, they may have different configurations. Each of the shield members  112   a ,  112   b  includes an extending portion  114  and a mounting portion  116 . The extending portions  114  each have a concave arcuate configuration which complements the configuration of the respective extending portions  104  of the shield members  102   a ,  102   b . In this way, each extending portion  114  extends along the outer surface of a respective extending portion  104  of the shield members  102   a ,  102   b  in a telescoping manner (see  FIGS. 22 and 23 ). With this configuration, the shield members  102   a ,  102   b ,  112   a ,  112   b  form a continuous rigid, fire-rated structure extending along both sides of the outer and inner portions  22 ,  32 . 
     Each mounting portion  116  generally extends at a right angle relative to the respective extending portion  114  and is configured to extend along and be mounted to the support face  35  of the inner portion  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, connecting tabs  115  extend between the extending portion  114  and the mounting portion  116 , however, other connection mechanisms may be utilized or the components may be manufactured as a unitary structure. In the illustrated embodiment, each mounting portion  116  includes a pair of ears  118  each defining a through hole  117  configured to align with the connector pins  46 . Additionally, each mounting portion  116  includes a slot  119  configured to align with a respective alignment tab  48 . As such, the sleeve members  112   a ,  112   b  are simply positioned relative to the inner portion  32  with the through holes  117  aligned with the openings  38  and the slots  109  aligned with the slots  39 . Upon mounting of the inner portion  32  relative to the flange  40  of the respective sealing membrane assembly  30  as described above, the connector pins  46  and alignment tabs  48  pass through the through holes  117  and slots  119  such that the shield members  112   a ,  112   b  are securely mounted and the extending portions  114  extend along the side walls  31 . It is noted that the mounting portions  116  have a larger width than the mounting portions  106  such that the extending portions  114  are positioned outward of the extending portions  104  (see  FIG. 23 ). 
     To ensure that sufficient intumescent material is provided to expand and fill the area between the shield assemblies  100 ,  110  during fire or high heat, additional intumescent pads  120  may be positioned within the inner portion  32  of the sleeve assembly  20 ″.  FIGS. 19 and 24  illustrate intumescent pads  120  positioned along the inner surfaces of walls  33  of the inner portion  32 . The pads  120  may be held by friction fit, adhesive or other means of securement along the walls  33 . Since the intumescent pads  120  are positioned within the inner portion  32 , the pads  120  do not interfere with the telescoping capability of the sleeve assembly  20 ″. With the intumescent pads  120  aligned with the inner portion  32  and the intumescent pads  103  aligned with the outer portion  22 , sufficient intumescent expansion and sealing may be achieved to fill in and seal the space defined by the shield assemblies  100 ,  110  even if the outer and inner portions  22 ,  32  melt. In other aspects, the self-sealing membrane sleeve assembly  10 ″ is assembled and operates in a manner similar to the embodiments described above. 
     These and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing specification. Accordingly, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changes or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It should therefore be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.