US5423150A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automated exterior fire protection system for building structures
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1993-11-09
•
Granted: 1995-06-13
•
Expires: 2013-11-09
Abstract
Abstract An automated exterior fire protection system deploys a fire resistant blanket that is preferably stored under the roof of the structure. Threatening fires are detected by a sensor to provide a signal that initiates automatic deployment of the blanket. Air bleed portions may be provided in the blanket to allow air trapped between the blanket and the structure to quickly dissipate. Moreover, elastic straps may be provided in the blanket to secure the blanket in place.
Inventors
- 👤 David J. Hitchcock
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:19
CPC Classifications
A; A62; A62C; A62C3/00; A62C3/02; A62C3/0214; A62C3/0257; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S52/00; Y10S52/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
An automated fire protection system for a building structure, the system comprising: a fire resistant blanket dimensioned for receipt over a building structure; a deployment assembly for deploying the blanket over the building structure, the deployment assembly including plural projectiles connected to the blanket adapted to deploy the blanket over the building structure; and a control unit that actuates the deployment assembly.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
62 words
An automated fire protection system for a building structure, the system comprising: a fire resistant blanket dimensioned for receipt over a building structure; a deployment assembly for deploying the blanket over the building structure, the deployment assembly including plural projectiles connected to the blanket adapted to deploy the blanket over the building structure; and a control unit that actuates the deployment assembly.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system as defined in claim 1 further comprising a support structure adapted to be received in the building structure for storing the blanket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system as defined in claim 2 further comprising a cover overlying the blanket that is moved in response to detection of an approaching fire.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system as defined in claim 3 further comprising at least one motor associated with the cover for movement thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system as defined in claim 2 further comprising an alarm connected to the control unit for providing indication of potential deployment of the blanket.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The system as defined in claim 1 further comprising a battery for supplying power to the control unit.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the deployment assembly further includes a fluid source operatively associated with the projectiles for propelling the projectiles over the building structure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the blanket includes at least one air bleed portion that allows air between the blanket and building structure to pass outwardly during deployment of the blanket.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the blanket includes at least one opening that may be selectively opened to allow ingress and egress through the blanket to the building structure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the control unit includes an infrared sensor for detecting an approaching fire.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system as defined in claim 1 wherein the control unit includes a smoke detector for detecting an approaching fire.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system as defined in claim 1 wherein plural projectiles are connected to the blanket for deploying the blanket over the building structure in response to a signal from the control unit.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
An automated fire protection system for a building structure, the system comprising: a fire resistant blanket dimensioned for receipt over a building structure; a deployment assembly including a fluid source for deploying the blanket over the building structure; and a control unit that actuates the deployment assembly.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
An automated fire protection system for a building structure, the system comprising: a fire resistant blanket dimensioned for receipt over a building structure; a deployment assembly including a fluid source for deploying the blanket over the building structure; and a control unit that actuates the deployment assembly.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system as defined in claim 13 wherein the deployment assembly includes plural projectiles connected to the blanket over the building structure.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system as defined in claim 13 wherein the blanket includes at least one air bleed portion that allows air between the blanket and building structure to pass outwardly during deployment of the blanket.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system as defined in claim 13 wherein the deployment assembly includes plural projectiles connected to the blanket for deploying the blanket over the building structure in response to a signal from the control unit.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system as defined in claim 13 wherein the control unit includes a detector for sensing an approaching fire.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
69 words
An automated fire protection system for a building structure, the system comprising: a fire resistant blanket dimensioned for receipt over a building structure; a deployment assembly for deploying the blanket over the building structure, the deployment assembly including plural projectiles connected to the blanket for deploying the blanket over the building structure; and a control unit for detecting an approaching fire and actuating the deployment assembly in response thereto.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
69 words
An automated fire protection system for a building structure, the system comprising: a fire resistant blanket dimensioned for receipt over a building structure; a deployment assembly for deploying the blanket over the building structure, the deployment assembly including plural projectiles connected to the blanket for deploying the blanket over the building structure; and a control unit for detecting an approaching fire and actuating the deployment assembly in response thereto.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
69 words
An automated fire protection system for a building structure, the system comprising: a fire resistant blanket dimensioned for receipt over a building structure, the blanket including at least one air bleed portion that allows air between the blanket and building structure to pass outwardly during deployment of the blanket; a deployment assembly for deploying the blanket over the building structure; and a control unit that actuates the deployment assembly.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
69 words
An automated fire protection system for a building structure, the system comprising: a fire resistant blanket dimensioned for receipt over a building structure, the blanket including at least one air bleed portion that allows air between the blanket and building structure to pass outwardly during deployment of the blanket; a deployment assembly for deploying the blanket over the building structure; and a control unit that actuates the deployment assembly.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system as defined in claim 19 wherein the control unit includes a detector for sensing an approaching fire.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-06-12 | 1998-12-12 | 1999-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-06-12 | 2002-12-12 | 2003-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-06-12 | 2006-12-12 | 2007-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |