GB2610823A

GB2610823A - Smoke barrier apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2610823A
Application number: GB2113183.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mackie Andrew
Original assignee: DOOR MAINTENANCE GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: DOOR MAINTENANCE GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-15
Filing date: 2021-09-15
Publication date: 2023-03-22
Also published as: GB202113183D0; WO2023041903A1

Abstract

A smoke barrier apparatus 1 is provided. The apparatus comprises: a first curtain 100 movable between a retracted position and a deployed position through which the passage of smoke is inhibited. The first curtain is provided with first sealing members 108a,b for forming a seal with a seal-forming surface 109a,b, and a second sealing member 105 for forming a seal with a surface of another curtain. The apparatus includes a second curtain 200 movable between a retracted position and a deployed position and which is similarly provided with first and second sealing members for forming a seal with a seal-forming surface and a curtain. In use, first and second curtains can be attached to each other and to respective seal-forming surfaces. In a further embodiment, a third curtain 300 may be attached between the first and second curtains.

Description

SMOKE BARRIER APPARATUS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

100011 The present disclosure relates to smoke barriers, such as smoke curtains.

[0002] The present invention concerns smoke barriers. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a smoke barrier apparatus. The invention also concerns a curtain for use in such a smoke barrier apparatus and a kit for converting a smoke curtain into a smoke barrier apparatus.

[0003] Smoke barrier apparatuses are known to those skilled in the art. They typically comprise a curtain typically comprising a sheet of flame-resistant material that may be moved between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position the smoke curtain provides an aperture (such as a doorway or entrance way) with a barrier to inhibit passage of smoke therethrough. The edges of the curtain are typically received in channel guides that are provided with brushes that form seals against the adjacent curtain. 100041 The applicant has surprisingly discovered that it is possible to construct a functioning smoke barrier apparatus without brushes.

[0005] The present invention seeks to provide an improved smoke barrier apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

100061 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus comprising: a first curtain movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which passage of smoke therepast is inhibited; the first curtain being provided with a first sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a seal-forming surface of the smoke barrier apparatus, and a second sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of another curtain; and -2 -a second curtain movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which passage of smoke therepast is inhibited; the second curtain being provided with a first sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a seal-forming surface of the smoke barrier apparatus, and a second sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of another curtain.

[0007] The applicant has discovered that it is possible to construct relatively large smoke barrier apparatus by providing curtains with sealing members that may form seals with other curtains.

[0008] The second sealing member of the second curtain may be arranged for forming a seal with a surface of the first curtain. Similarly, the second sealing member of the first curtain may be arranged for forming a seal with a surface of the second curtain.

[0009] The second sealing member of the first curtain may overlap with another curtain. The second sealing member of the first curtain may overlap with a sealing member of another curtain. The second sealing member of the first curtain may be for forming a seal with a sealing member of another curtain.

100101 The second sealing member of the second curtain may overlap with another curtain. The second sealing member of the second curtain may overlap with a sealing member of another curtain. The second sealing member of the second curtain may be for forming a seal with a sealing member of another curtain. For example, the second sealing member of the first curtain may overlap with the second sealing member of the second curtain for forming a seal between the second members of the first and second curtains. The other curtain(s) may be deployable between retracted and deployed positions, as are the first and second curtains.

100111 Alternatively, the smoke barrier apparatus may be provided with a third curtain, the third curtain being provided with a first sealing member for forming a seal inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of a first other curtain and a second sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of a -3 -second other curtain. The first other curtain may be, for example, the first curtain of the smoke barrier apparatus, and the second other curtain may be, for example, the second curtain of the smoke barrier apparatus. The third curtain may be deployable between deployed and retracted positions.

[0012] The second sealing member of the first curtain may overlap with a sealing member of the third curtain, and the second sealing member of the second curtain overlaps with a sealing member of the third curtain.

100131 The smoke barrier apparatus may be provided with a plurality of additional curtains (that is, in addition to the first and second curtains), each of the additional curtains being provided with a first sealing member for forming a seal inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of a first other curtain and a second sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of a second other curtain. The plurality of additional curtains may be deployable between retracted and deployed positions. In this way, a "chain" of curtains may be formed, with sealing contact between adjacent curtains to inhibit the passage of smoke therepast. For example, if the smoke barrier apparatus comprised four curtains, the second sealing member of the first curtain would be for forming a seal with the first sealing member of the third curtain. The second sealing member of the third curtain would be for forming a seal with the first sealing member of the fourth curtain. The second sealing member of the fourth curtain would be for forming a seal with the second sealing member of the second curtain. Sealing members of adjacent curtains may overlap for forming a seal between the sealing members.

[0014] For the avoidance of doubt, each of the sealing members mentioned above may form a seal with the respective seal forming surface or a surface of another curtain when the curtain is in the deployed position. One or more, optionally more than one and optionally each of the sealing members may be biased into sealing contact with the seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain. For example, the shape and size of a sealing member, having regard to the distance between the curtain and the seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain, may be such that it is biased into the seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain. In such an arrangement, the sealing member forms -4 -a seal with the seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain under normal conditions (i.e. in the absence of a fire). One or more, optionally more than one and optionally each sealing member may be movable into sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain. For example, one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each sealing member may be movable from a non-sealing position into a sealing position in which the sealing member is in sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain. Alternatively, one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each sealing member may be movable from a first sealing position in which the sealing member is in sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface or other curtain into a second sealing position in which the sealing member is in enhanced sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain. Optionally, one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each sealing member may be movable, for example, by increased air pressure, such as may occur in the event of a fire.

[0015] One or more, optionally more than one and optionally each sealing member may be deformable, optionally resiliently deformable.

100161 The first sealing members of the first and second curtains may optionally project away from a side of the curtain towards the seal-forming surface.

[0017] One or more, optionally more than one and optionally each of the sealing members may be or comprise sheet material, such as sheet fabric material. This is particularly the case if the sealing member comprises a flap.

[0018] One or more, optionally more than one and optionally each of the sealing members may comprise a flap. The flap is optionally elongate and may extend along the length of the curtain in order to form a seal between the curtain and the respective seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain along the length of the curtain. If the flap forms a seal with another curtain, then the flap may form a seal along the length of the other curtain.

[0019] One or more, optionally more than one and optionally each of the sealing members may be sewn to the curtain or may be attached to the curtain by a means for attaching the sealing member to the curtain. -5 -

[0020] One or more, optionally more than one and optionally each sealing member may be associated with an edge portion of the curtain. The sealing member may be attached to an edge portion of the curtain. The sealing member may project from an edge portion of the curtain. The sealing member may project from the respective edge portion at an angle to the surface of the respective edge portion of no more than 90 degrees, and optionally at an angle to the surface of the edge portion of from about 30 to about 60 degrees.

[0021] The seal-forming surface of the first and second curtains may be provided by a means for receiving a portion of the curtain. The means for receiving a portion of the curtain may comprise a means for receiving an edge portion of the curtain. Such a means for receiving an edge portion of the curtain may guide the curtain as it is being deployed and/or retracted. The means for receiving a portion of the curtain may be provided with a channel for the receipt of the curtain. The means for receiving an edge portion of the curtain may be provided with a channel for receipt of an edge portion of the curtain. Such a channel may be elongate and may be parallel to the curtain when the curtain is deployed. Such a means for receiving a portion of the channel may be a channel guide. [0022] The means for receiving a portion of the curtain may provide more than one seal-forming surface. For example, the means for receiving a portion of the curtain may provide two seal-forming surfaces. The two seal forming surfaces may optionally face one another.

[0023] Each of the first and second curtains may be provided with more than one sealing member for forming a seal with a seal-forming surface of the smoke barrier apparatus, as is discussed below. For the avoidance of doubt, at least one, optionally more than one and optionally each of the sealing members discussed below may have the features discussed above in relation to "the sealing member".

100241 If the curtain is provided with more than one sealing member for forming a seal with a seal-forming surface of the smoke barrier apparatus, then the first sealing member may project away from a first side of the curtain towards a first seal-forming surface and a further sealing member may project away from a second side of the surface towards a second seal-forming surface, the second side of the curtain being opposite the first side of the curtain. The first sealing member and the further sealing member may be attached to, -6 -andlor project away from, a first edge portion of the curtain at or proximate to the first edge of the curtain.

[0025] For example, the first curtain may be provided with the first sealing member which projects away from a first side of the first curtain towards a first seal-forming surface, a further sealing member which projects away from a second side of the first curtain towards a second seal-forming surface and the second sealing member which projects away from the first or second side of the first curtain towards another curtain. 100261 Similarly, the second curtain may be provided with the first sealing member which projects away from a first side of the second curtain towards a first seal-forming surface, a further sealing member which projects away from a second side of the second curtain towards a second seal-forming surface and the second sealing member which projects away from the first or second side of the second curtain towards another curtain. [0027] Each curtain may optionally be provided with a means for moving the respective curtain from the deployed position to the retracted position. The means for moving the curtain from the deployed position to the retracted position may comprise a roller to which the curtain is attached and a motor for rotating the roller. The motor may be at least partially located within the roller.

[0028] The means for moving the curtain from the deployed position to the retracted position may also be configured for moving the curtain from the retracted position to the deployed position. This is often known as "drive-down" to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, one or more, optionally more than one, and optionally each curtain may be movable from the retracted position to the deployed position by the release of a brake and the application of gravity, particularly if the curtain is provided with a weight. Such weights are typically used to help the curtain to hang properly and may be used to deploy the curtain from the retracted position to the deployed position.

100291 Optionally, one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each means for moving the curtain from the deployed position to the retracted position may be located in a container, for example, a head box.

100301 Optionally, one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each curtain may be fire-retardant.

[0031] The apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention may also inhibit the passage therepast of fire/heat when the curtain is deployed, and may therefore be a fire and smoke barrier apparatus.

[0032] As mentioned above, the first and second curtain are each provided with a first sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a seal-forming surface of the smoke barrier apparatus. While not preferable, it may be possible to replace the first sealing member with a conventional sealing arrangement. In this connection, the apparatus may comprise a means for forming a smoke-inhibiting seal with the first curtain, and/or a means for forming a smoke-inhibiting seal with the second curtain. The means for forming a smoke-inhibiting seal may, for example, comprise an elongate member, such as an elongate brush. The elongate member (such as a brush) may be located in a channel for the receipt of a curtain. The elongate member (such as a brush) may be attached to a portion of the channel.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a curtain for use in the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the curtain being provided with a sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a seal-forming surface of a smoke or another curtain (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus and a sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with another curtain. The curtain may have the features described above in relation to the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for converting a smoke (and optionally fire) curtain into a smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention, the kit comprising a sealing member as described above in relation to the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention and a means for attaching the sealing member to the curtain.

[0035] The kit of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise more than one sealing member, and may comprise more than one means for attaching the sealing member to the curtain. The sealing member(s) may have the features described above in -8 -relation to the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0036] It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the kit of the third aspect of the present invention may incotporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: [0038] Figure I shows a schematic plan view of a first example of a fire and smoke barrier apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention; [0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of part of the fire and smoke barrier apparatus of Figure 1, showing how sealing members are arranged in relation to channels with which the sealing members form seals; 100401 Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of the apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2, showing the overlap between adjacent curtains; and 100411 Figure 4 shows a schematic plan view of a second example of a fire and smoke barrier apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an example of a fire and smoke barrier apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The fire and smoke barrier apparatus is denoted generally by reference numeral 1, and comprises a first fire-resistant curtain 100, a second fire-resistant curtain 200, a third fire-resistant curtain 300 and a fourth fire-resistant curtain 400, each of the fire-resistant curtains comprising a sheet of fire-resistant material, such material being well-known to those skilled in the art. The fire and smoke barrier apparatus 1 is attached to a wall W adjacent an aperture A, in -9 -this case defining a large entrance space in a shopping mall. Each curtain 100, 200, 300, 400 is attached to a respective roller 101, 201, 301, 401 that is rotated by a respective motor 102, 202, 302, 402 located inside the roller. Each roller and motor are located inside a respective head box (not shown). Each motor 102, 202, 302, 402 is used to move the respective roller 101, 201, 301, 401 to move the respective curtain 100, 200, 300, 400 from a deployed position in which the curtain 100, 200, 300, 400 forms a fire and smoke resistant barrier across the aperture A to a retracted position. A curtain weight 10 is provided at the bottom of the curtains 100, 200, 300, 400 to facilitate correct hanging and deployment of the curtains 100, 200, 300, 400. When the curtains are to be deployed (for example, on detection of a fire, smoke and/or increased ambient temperature, or by a user at the end of a working day), a brake (not shown) is released and the curtain weight 10 causes the curtains 100, 200, 300, 400 to move from the retracted to the deployed position. When in the deployed position, the flat-bottomed curtain weight 10 abuts the floor (not shown).

[0043] Curtain edge portion 106 of first curtain 100 is located in channel guide 107, which guides the first curtain 100 as it is deployed and/or retracted. In a known, conventional arrangement, channel guide 107 would be provided with a smoke seal that forms a seal with the curtain to inhibit passage of smoke from one side of the curtain to the other when the curtain is deployed. A smoke seal is typically in the form of an elongate brush (often known as a brush strip) that forms a seal with the curtain.

[0044] There is no need for channel guide 107 to be provided with a conventional smoke seal, although in certain embodiments this may be desirable. Curtain edge portion 106 is provided with a pair of elongate sealing flaps 108a, 108b. Each elongate sealing flap 108a, 108b is made of a fabric material and is configured to form a seal with a corresponding channel guide surface 109a, 109b when the first curtain 100 is deployed. The flaps 108a, 108b are attached to the respective edge portion 106 of the first curtain 100 by sewing, although those skilled in that art will realise that other means for attachment are possible. Sealing flap 108a projects away from first side 102a of first curtain 100 and sealing flap 108b projects away from second side 102b of curtain 100.

-10 - [0045] Flaps 108a, 10813 are configured so that increased air pressure that results from a fire urges the respective flap 108a, 108b into an enhanced sealing engagement with the respective channel guide surface 109a, 109b. This enhanced sealing engagement provides enhanced protection against the passage of smoke.

[0046] A similar arrangement is provided between the edge 206 of second curtain 200 and channel guide 207.

[0047] Each curtain 100, 200, 300, 400 is provided with sealing members that overlap with sealing members of adjacent curtains, as will now be described mainly with reference to Figures 1 and 3. First curtain 100 comprising second sealing member 105 in the form of an elongate flap of fabric that extends along the length of first curtain 100. The flap is approximately 700mm wide. Second sealing member 105 overlaps with first sealing member 304 of third curtain 300. First sealing member 304 of third curtain 300 is in the form of a flap that extends the length of third curtain 300. Once again, the flap is approximately 700mm wide. Second sealing member 305 of third curtain 300 overlaps with first sealing member 404 of fourth curtain 400. Second sealing member 305 of third curtain 300 is in the form of a flap that extends the length of third curtain 300. Once again, the flap is approximately 700mm wide. First sealing member 404 of fourth curtain 400 is in the form of a flap that extends the length of fourth curtain 400. Once again, the flap is approximately 700mm wide. Second sealing member 405 of fourth curtain 400 overlaps with second sealing member 205 of second curtain 200. Second sealing member 405 of fourth curtain 400 is in the form of a flap that extends the length of fourth curtain 400. Once again, the flap is approximately 700mm wide. Second sealing member 205 of second curtain 200 is in the form of a flap that extends the length of second curtain 200. Once again, the flap is approximately 700mm wide.

[0048] Overlapping flaps are configured so that increased air pressure that results from a fire urges the flaps into an enhanced sealing engagement with one another. This enhanced sealing engagement provides enhanced protection against the passage of smoke.

[0049] The arrangement described above in relation to Figs. 1 to 3 facilitates the production of large smoke and optionally fire resistant barriers that can be used for large apertures, such as entrances to malls and the like.

[0050] Figure 4 shows a further example of an embodiment of a smoke and fire barrier apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus is denoted generally by reference numeral 500 and comprises a first fire-resistant curtain 100 and a second fire-resistant curtain 200, each of the fire-resistant curtains comprising a sheet of fire-resistant material, such material being well-known to those skilled in the art. The fire and smoke barrier apparatus 500 is attached to a wall W adjacent an aperture A, in this case defining an entrance space in a car park. Each curtain 100, 200 is attached to a respective roller 101, 201 that is rotated by a respective motor 102, 202 located inside the roller. Each roller and motor are located inside a respective head box (not shown). Each motor 102, 202 is used to move the respective roller 101, 201 to move the respective curtain 100, 200, 300 from a deployed position in which the curtain 100, 200 forms a fire and smoke resistant barrier across the aperture A to a retracted position. A curtain weight 10 is provided at the bottom of the curtains 100, 200 to facilitate correct hanging and deployment of the curtains 100, 200. When the curtains are to be deployed (for example, on detection of a fire, smoke and/or increased ambient temperature, or by a user at the end of a working day), a brake (not shown) is released and the curtain weight 10 causes the curtains 100, 200 to move from the retracted to the deployed position. When in the deployed position, the flat-bottomed curtain weight 10 abuts the floor (not shown).

[0051] Each curtain 100, 200 is provided with sealing members that overlap with sealing members of the adjacent curtain. First curtain 100 comprises second sealing member (now shown)in the form of an elongate flap of fabric that extends along the length of first curtain 100. The flap is approximately 700mm wide. Second sealing member of first curtain 100 overlaps with second sealing member (not shown) of second curtain 200. Second sealing member of second curtain 200 is in the form of a flap that extends along the length of second curtain 200, and is approximately 700mm wide. While the arrangement of the overlapping second sealing members of the first and second curtains is not shown in Fig. 4, it is essentially the same as that shown in Fig. 3.

[0052] Overlapping flaps are configured so that increased air pressure that results from a fire urges the flaps into an enhanced sealing engagement with one another. This enhanced sealing engagement provides enhanced protection against the passage of smoke.

-12 - [0053] The example above demonstrates the use of flaps to form seals that inhibit passage therepast of smoke. Those skilled in the art will realise that such a seal is not a fluid-tight seal. Generally speaking, the seal is sufficient to conform to a respective regulation that governs such matters. For example, in the UK, BS EN 12101 defines the technical characteristics for a smoke barrier that is not fire resistant. If a barrier is to act as both a fire and smoke barrier then the barrier should conform with BS EN 8524-1 (relating to fire resistance) and BS EN 1634-3 (relating to smoke resistance for fire curtains).

[0054] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0055] The examples of Figures 1 to 4 describe a curtain in which the sealing members are not in sealing engagement with the respective channel guide surface under normal operating circumstances i.e. in the absence of a positive air pressure to urge the sealing member into sealing engagement with the respective channel guide surface. The sealing members are urged into contact with the respective guide channel surface or with each other when there is a sufficient positive air pressure, such as occurs in the event of a fire. [0056] The examples of Figures 1 to 4 describes a curtain that is deployed from, and retrieved onto, a drum. Those skilled in the art will realise that other arrangements may be used. For example, the curtain may be deployed from, and retrieved into, a folded arrangement.

[0057] The examples of Figure 1 to 4 describe the use of two sealing flaps on each edge portion of the curtain. Those skilled in the art will realise that an edge portion of the curtain need only be provided with one sealing flap.

100581 Those skilled in the art will realise that it would be possible to use a conventional sealing strip to seal with the outer edges of the first and second curtains.

[0059] The example describes the use of a flap to form a seal that inhibits passage therepast of smoke. Those skilled in the an will realise that different sealing members may be used. For example, a deformable strip may be used between the curtain and the -13 -sealing surface, the deformable strip being in a deformed (and therefore sealing) state when the respective curtain edge portion is located in the respective channel guide. The flap may be advantageous because the engagement force between the flap and the channel guide surface is relatively low, thereby providing little resistance to movement of the curtain.

[0060] The example described above is a fire and smoke barrier apparatus. Those skilled in the art will realise that the barrier may be a smoke barrier. A smoke barrier would typically conform to regulations pertaining to the passage of smoke therepast, but would not necessarily conform to regulations pertaining to the inhibition of heat or fire therepast. A fire barrier would typically conform to such regulations.

100611 Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

-14 -CLAIMS1. A smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus comprising: a first curtain movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which passage of smoke therepast is inhibited; the first curtain being provided with a first sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a seal-forming surface of the smoke barrier apparatus, and a second sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of another curtain; and a second curtain movable between a retracted position and a deployed position in which passage of smoke therepast is inhibited; the second curtain being provided with a first sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a seal-forming surface of the smoke barrier apparatus, and a second sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of another curtain.
2 The apparatus according to claim I, wherein the second sealing member of the second curtain is arranged for forming a seal with a surface of the first curtain, optionally wherein the second sealing member of the first curtain is arranged for forming a seal with a surface of the second curtain.
3 The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the second sealing member of the second curtain overlaps with the second sealing member of the first curtain.
4 The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second sealing member of the first curtain overlaps with a sealing member of a third curtain, and the second sealing member of the second curtain overlaps with a sealing member of a third curtain.
The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the smoke barrier apparatus is provided with a plurality of additional curtains (in addition to the first and second -15 -curtains), each of the additional curtains being provided with a first sealing member for forming a seal inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of a first other curtain and a second sealing member for forming a seal for inhibiting passage of smoke therepast with a surface of a second other curtain.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein sealing members of adjacent curtains overlap with one another.
7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each sealing member is movable into sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain.
8 The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each sealing member is movable from a non-sealing position into a sealing position in which the sealing member is in sealing engagement with the seal-forming surface or a surface of another curtain.
9 The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the first sealing members of the first and second curtains project away from a side of the curtain towards the seal-forming surface.
10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each of the sealing members is, or comprises, sheet material, such as sheet fabric material.
11 The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each of the sealing members comprises a flap.
I 2. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each of the sealing members is sewn to the curtain or is attached to the curtain by a means for attaching the sealing member to the curtain.
13 The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more, optionally more than one and optionally each sealing member is associated with an edge portion of the curtain, the sealing member optionally being attached to an edge portion of the curtain.
-16 - 14. A first or second curtain for use in the smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus of any preceding claim.
15. A third curtain for use in the apparatus of claim 4, or any of claims 5 to 13 when dependent on claim 4.
16. A kit for converting a smoke (and optionally fire) curtain into a smoke (and optionally fire) barrier apparatus in accordance any preceding claim, the kit comprising a sealing member as described above in relation to the apparatus of claims I to 13, and a means for attaching the sealing member to the curtain.