TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to service shut off devices and more particularly to fire barrier pass- through devices. BACKGROUND

[0002] Fire barrier pass-through devices are placed around service lines such as cables where they pass through a building partition such as a wall or soffit so that in the event of a fire intumescent material associated with the pass-through device expands and closes off any gap in the partition to prevent the fire passing from one part of a building to another. [0003] Known fire barrier pass-through devices, such as cable trays, are often constructed from metal and in the event of a fire, the metal will conduct the heat of the fire throughout the device, which poses a fire hazard for any combustible materials that contact the device either within the building partition or on the opposite side of the building partition from the fire.

[0004] There is a need to provide a fire barrier pass-through device that improves upon, or at least provides a viable alternative to known fire barrier pass-through devices.

SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fire barrier pass-through device for extending between a first side and a second opposing side of a building partition comprising at least a two-part thermally conductive casing comprising a first part and a second part separated by a thermal gap that inhibits conduction of thermal energy between the first part and the second part.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fire barrier pass- through device assembly for extending between a first side and a second opposing side of a building partition comprising a fire barrier pass-through device according to the first aspect of the invention. According to this second aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a fire barrier pass- through device assembly for extending between a first side and a second opposing side of a building partition comprising at least a two-part thermally conductive casing comprising a first part and a second part separated by a thermal gap that inhibits conduction of thermal energy between the first part and the second part, and an intumescent material positioned within the device. [0007] In certain embodiments of the first and second aspects, the at least two part casing may be adapted to be mounted in the partition so that a portion of the first part is adjacent a first side of the partition and a portion of the second part is adjacent a second side of the partition.

[0008] In certain embodiments of the first and second aspects, in use in the building partition, the thermal gap may be positioned between the first side and the second side of the building partition. In this arrangement, heat generated on one side of the partition is less likely to be transferred to the other side of the partition.

[0009] In certain embodiments of the first and second aspects, the at least two-part casing may be adapted to provide a path for at least one cable through the device from the first side of the partition to the second side of the partition.

[0010] In certain embodiments of the first aspect, the at least two-part casing may be adapted to accommodate an intumescent material in the device.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fire barrier pass-through device for a building partition comprising at least a two-part thermally conductive casing comprising a first part and a second part and having a longitudinal direction, the first part and the second part offset in the longitudinal direction and separated by a thermal gap that inhibits conduction of thermal energy between the first part and the second part, wherein the at least two-part casing is adapted to be mounted in a partition so that a portion of the first part is adjacent a first side of the partition and a portion of the second part is adjacent a second side of the partition, wherein the at least two-part casing is adapted to provide a path for at least one cable through the device in the longitudinal direction and from the first side of the partition to the second side of the partition, and wherein the at least two-part casing is adapted to accommodate an intumescent material in the device.

[0012] In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the thermal gap may be provided by a body comprising at least one of a gas, a gel or a solid having a lower thermal conductivity than a material of the thermally conductive casing. In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the thermal gap may be provided by a body comprising at least one of a gel or a solid having a lower thermal conductivity than a material of the thermally conductive casing. The gel may have a lower thermal conductivity than a material of the thermally conductive casing. In some embodiments, the solid may comprise intumescent material. In certain embodiments the thermal conductivity of the material providing the body is lower than the thermal conductivity of the a material of the thermally conductive casing. The material of the thermally conductive casing may have a thermal conductivity of more than or equal to 40 W/mK. Preferably the thermal conductivity is more than or equal to 100 W/mK, such as more than or equal to 200 W/mK. The material of the body has a thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material of the casing. Preferably the material of the body may have a thermal conductivity less than 58 W/mK, even less than 40 W/mK, such as less than 15 W/mK.

[0013] In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the body may comprise at least one of air, a natural polymer or fibre or a synthetic polymer or fibre. In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the body may comprise at least one a natural polymer or fibre or a synthetic polymer or fibre.

[0014] In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the body may bridge the first part and the second part.

[0015] In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the body of the thermal gap may comprise an intumescent material.

[0016] In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, at least the first part and the second part may be aligned end-to-end in the longitudinal direction. In alternative embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the first part may be sleeved within the second part.

[0017] In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the first part and the second part each may comprise a shell having at least one aperture at each end to provide the path for the cable through the device. In certain embodiments, the first part and the second part may be open at each end to provide the path for the cable through the device.

[0018] In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the at least two-part casing comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion may be adapted to engage with the lower portion to form the at least two-part casing. The upper portion provides a first member of the first and a first member of the second part of the two-part casing. The lower portion provides a second member of the first and a second member of the second part of the two-part casing. In certain embodiments, the lower portion may comprise two elongate substantially U-shaped members positioned end-to-end and separated by the thermal gap. In certain embodiments, the upper portion may comprise two elongate substantially U-shaped members positioned end-to-end and separated by the thermal gap. These two U-shaped parts of the casing may be adapted to engage with each other to form the at least two-part casing at the outer ridge of the U-shapes. In certain embodiments, the upper portion may be substantially identical to the lower portion. In other embodiments, the upper portion may differ from the lower portion. The legs of the U shape of the upper portion may be longer or shorter than the legs of the U shape of the bottom portion. In certain embodiments, the legs on the upper and/or lower portion may vary in length along the longitudinal direction of the U-shape. In certain embodiments, the lower portion may comprise two elongate substantially L-shaped members positioned end-to-end and separated by the thermal gap. In certain embodiments, the upper portion may comprise two elongate substantially L- shaped members positioned end-to-end and separated by the thermal gap. These two L-shaped parts of the casing may be adapted to engage to form the at least two-part casing at the outer ridge of the L-shapes. In certain embodiments, the lower portion may comprise two elongate substantially U-shaped members positioned end-to-end and separated by the thermal gap, while the upper portion may comprise two members being flat lids positioned end-to-end and separated by the thermal gap. These two flat lid of the upper part of the casing may be adapted to engage with the edges of the two U shaped members, to form the at least two-part casing. In certain embodiments, the upper portion may comprise two elongate substantially U-shaped members positioned end-to-end and separated by the thermal gap, while the lower portion may comprise two members being flat lids positioned end-to-end and separated by the thermal gap. These two flat lid of the lower part of the casing may be adapted to engage with the edges of the two U shaped members, to form the at least two-part casing.

[0019] In certain embodiments of the first, second and third aspects, the device further may comprise a support within the device for the or each cable. [0020] In certain embodiments, there is provided the fire barrier pass-through device or assembly of the first, second or third aspects, mounted in a building partition. In certain embodiments, the partition may be a wall, ceiling, floor, roof or column.

[0021] In certain embodiments of the first or third aspect, the fire barrier pass-through device may comprise an intumescent material positioned within the device. [0022] In certain embodiments of the first, second or third aspect, the fire barrier pass-through device or assembly may be mounted in a building partition.

[0023] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a building partition comprising the fire barrier pass-through device or assembly according to one of the first, second or third aspect of the present invention. [0024] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the use of a fire barrier pass-through device or assembly according to one of the aspects of the invention for mounting in a building partition. In certain embodiments, the partition may be a wall, ceiling, floor, roof or column.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0026] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention when cast into or mounted in a partition; [0028] Figure 3 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention with the thermal gap provided by an intume scent;

[0029] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention with the thermal gap provided by a gap;

[0030] Figure 5 is an end view of an embodiment of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0031] Figure 6 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0032] Figure 7 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention with a first part of the casing sleeved within a second part of the casing; [0033] Figure 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the first part or the second part of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0034] Figure 9 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the first part or the second part of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0035] Figure 10 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0036] Figure 11 is an end view of an embodiment of an angled component of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0037] Figure 12 is an end view of an embodiment of a linear component of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention; [0038] Figure 13 is an end view of an embodiment of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention having multiple components; [0039] Figure 14 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the thermal gap of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0040] Figure 15 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the thermal gap of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention; and [0041] Figure 16 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the thermal gap of a fire barrier pass-through device according to embodiments of the invention;

[0042] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

[0043] When reference is made to the thermal conductivity, this thermal conductivity is measured at 25°C.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0044] As described above and as shown in Figures 1-7, in a first aspect the present invention provides a fire barrier pass-through device 10 for extending between a first side 62 and a second opposing side 64 of a building partition 60. As used herein, the term "partition" or "building partition" includes a wall, floor, ceiling, soffit, column, beam or other portion of a building that can be assembled from components or made from a settable material. In the first aspect, the device 10 comprises at least a two-part thermally conductive casing 12 comprising a first part 20 and a second part 30 separated by a thermal gap 40 that inhibits conduction of thermal energy between the first part 20 and the second part 30. In the event of a fire or exposure to extreme heat, thermal energy will be conducted through, eg, the first part 20 of the device 10 that is exposed to the fire or heat but conduction through to, eg, the second part 30 of the device 10 will be inhibited by the thermal gap 40, to thereby reduce the likelihood of ignition of flammable materials adjacent or contacting the second part 30 of the device 10.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the device 10 comprises a longitudinal direction 110 and the first part 20 and the second part 30 are offset in the longitudinal direction 110. In certain embodiments, the at least two part casing 12 is adapted to be mounted in the partition 60 so that a portion 22 of the first part 20 is adjacent the first side 62 of the partition 60 and a portion 32 of the second part 30 is adjacent the second side 64 of the partition 60. In certain embodiments, the at least two-part casing 12 is adapted to provide a path for at least one cable 50 or other service through the device 10 from the first side 62 of the partition 60 to the second side 64 of the partition 60. [0046] The device 10 will be described according to the orientation shown in Figure 2, that is, with the longitudinal direction aligned substantially horizontally. The at least two part thermally conductive casing 12 may be of any suitable length to substantially span a width of a building partition 60 (ie between the first side 62 and the second side 64 of the building partition 60). In certain embodiments, the portion 22 of the first part 20 may be recessed within, flush with or extend beyond the first side 62 of the partition 60. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the portion 32 of the first part 20 may be recessed within, flush with or extend beyond the second side 64 of the partition 60. In certain embodiments, the length of the casing 12 is the overall dimension in the longitudinal direction 110. The length of the at least two-part casing 12 may be at least 25 millimetre (mm), or in the range of 40mm to 1000mm, such as the range of 75mm to 500mm, eg, in the range of 75mm to 400mm, or in particular embodiments about 300mm. The external transverse dimensions of each part of the at least two part casing 12, being the external height and external width, may the same or different, depending upon the embodiment and application, to provide, eg, a square or rectangular profile. Accordingly, either one or both of the external height and the external width of each part of the thermally conductive casing 12 will typically be at least 10mm, in the range of 10mm to 1000mm or in the range of 10mm to 750mm, such as the range of 20mm to 500mm, eg, 50mm and 300mm, or in particular embodiments, in the range of 60mm and 300mm. In certain embodiments, the external height is in the range of 75mm to 150mm in height. In certain embodiments, the external width is in the range of 60mm to 75mm. If necessary, multiple devices 10 can be stacked together to form a fire barrier pass-through device with a desired height and/or width. The internal dimensions of the at least two part casing 12 are constrained by the external dimensions, the thickness of a material of the at least two part casing 12 and any lining, if present. The thickness of the material of the at least two part casing 12 may readily be determined by the skilled person according to the intended application of the device 10, for example, a device 10 cast into a partition 60 of concrete may require a thicker material than when mounted in a lightweight prefabricated panel. In practice, the material of the at least two part casing 12 can be any thickness provided the casing inhibits heat transfer. The thickness of the material will typically be at least 0.1mm, in the range of 0.2mm to 10mm or in the range of 0.3mm to 8mm, such as the range of 0.5mm to 5mm, eg, 0.6mm and 3.5mm, or in particular embodiments, in the range of 0.5mm and 3mm. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the material is about 2mm.

[0047] As described briefly above, the structure of the at least two part casing 12 provides a first part 20 and a second part 30 separated by a thermal gap 40 that inhibits conduction of thermal energy between the first part 20 and the second part 30. In certain embodiments, eg, as shown in Figure 2, when in use in the building partition 60, the thermal gap 40 is positioned between the first side 62 and the second side 64 of the building partition 60. The structure of the casing 12 varies the configuration of the thermal gap 40. In certain embodiments, eg, as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4, the first part 20 and the second part 30 are aligned end-to-end in the longitudinal direction 110. In these embodiments, the thermal gap 40 extends between a portion 24 (eg an end) of the first part 20 adjacent a portion 34 (eg an end) of the second part 30. As shown in Figure 7, in alternative embodiments, the first part 20 is sleeved within the second part 30. In these embodiments, the thermal gap 40 extends between adjacent surfaces of the sleeved parts of the casing 12, for example, externally directed surfaces 28 of the first part 20 and internally directed surfaces 36 of the second part 30, when the first part 20 is sleeved within the second part 30. [0048] Each part of the at least two-part casing 12 will typically comprise a shell having a hollow section, where the section is rectangular, square, circular or other regular or irregular polygon. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, each part of the at least two-part casing 12 comprises a shell having a quadrilateral floor 141, a quadrilateral wall 142 & 143 extending from each of two opposing edges of the floor, and a quadrilateral roof 144 extending between the two quadrilateral walls 142 & 143, to thereby provide a square or rectangular hollow section. As would be appreciated by the skilled person, any one or more of the floor 141, walls 142 & 143 and roof 144 may be any other regular or irregular polygonal shape, for example, trapezoidal in order to provide a tapering casing.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, in certain embodiments, the first part 20 and the second part 30 are each produced from one piece of material. In these embodiments, the or each part of the casing 12 may be extruded as a hollow section or formed from a sheet of material into the hollow section by, for example, crimping, bending or welding sheet metal, using fasteners such as screws, bolts & nuts or rivets. In alternative embodiments, either one or both parts of the at least two-part casing 12 are formed from more than one piece of material. As shown in Figures 3-6, 8-9, in certain embodiments, the at least two-part casing 12 comprises an upper portion 44 and a lower portion 46, where the upper and lower portions are adapted to engage with each other to form the casing 12. One member of the upper portion 44 provides an upper member of the first part 20. The other member of the upper portion 44 provides an upper member of the second part 40. One member of the lower portion 46 provides an upper member of the first part 20. The other member of the lower portion 46 provides an upper member of the second part 40. In the illustrated embodiments, each upper and lower portion comprises a linear locking tongue 96 and a linear locking groove 80 that engage with each other. In alternative embodiments, the upper and lower portions engage via crimping, bending or welding, using fasteners such as screws, bolts & nuts or rivets, or other forms of cognate interlocking portions. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, each of the first part 20 and the second part 30 may comprise an upper portion and a lower portion. As shown in Figure 6, in certain embodiments, the lower portion comprises two elongate substantially U-shaped members positioned end- to-end and separated by the thermal gap 40. Also, as shown in Figure 6, in certain embodiments, the upper portion comprises two elongate substantially U-shaped members positioned end-to-end and separated by the thermal gap 40. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 8-9, the upper portion is substantially identical to the lower portion. The first part 20 and the second part 30 of the casing 12 are typically produced as separate components. In these embodiments, the two parts of the casing 12 may be used separately or assembled prior to or for use. In alternative embodiments, the two parts of the casing 12 may be produced as a unit that is bridged by the thermal gap 40.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3-6 & 8-13, one or more parts of the at least two-part casing 12 may be formed from two or more component parts. In these embodiments, the two or more component parts (ie pieces of material), may be attached or separably attached by, for example, crimping, bending or welding, using fasteners such as screws, bolts & nuts or rivets, or using cognate interlocking portions on each of the two or more component parts. In these embodiments, each component of the casing 12 may be modular and adapted to be assembled prior to or for use. For example, each of the floor 141, walls 142 & 143 and roof 144 may be produced separately and be adapted to be assembled prior to or for use. In certain embodiments, each of the floor 141, walls 142 & 142 and roof 144 may comprise identical components adapted to be assembled prior to or for use. As shown in Figures 10-13, either one or both of the first part 20 and the second part 30 may be assembled from component parts. Figure 11 provides an example of an angled component 70, which provides a substantially flat face 72 with an angled locking tongue 76 (providing a 30°-150° angle) at a first edge 74 and a linear locking groove 80 at or near an opposing edge 78. Figure 12 provides an example of a linear component 90, which provides a substantially flat face 92 with a linear locking tongue 96 at a first edge 94 and a linear locking groove 80 at or near an opposing edge 98. Figure 10 provides an example of an exploded view and Figure 13 provides an example of an end view of the device 10 where the casing 12 in view is assembled from four of the angled components 70. As would be appreciated by the skilled person, any number and combination of angled components 70 and linear components 90 could be used to assemble either one or both of the first part 20 and the second part 30 having a different length floor 141, walls 142 & 142 and/or roof 144.

[0051] The device 10 may be constructed from any suitable thermally conductive material, e.g. having a thermal conductivity of more than or equal to 40 W/mK. Preferably the thermal conductivity is more than or equal to 100 W/mK, such as more than or equal to 200 W/mK. Suitable materials include metals and thermally conductive polymers. Examples of metals include steel, iron, aluminium, alloys and the like. Examples of suitable methods of production include casting, such as sand casting or die casting, extruding, or fabricating sheet metal or from components. Examples of thermally conductive polymers include either one or both of thermoplastic and thermo-hardening (thermoset) polymers with one or more thermally conductive fillers. Thermoplastic materials may be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyamide (PA or nylon) such as PA6, PA6.6 and/or PA 10, polyacrylic polymers,

polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), acrylate styrene acrylonitrile (ASA), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyesters (PBT, PET), polysulphone (PES, PSU), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polymethylsilsesquinoxane (PMSQ), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), liquid crystal polymers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or blends or copolymers thereof. In particular embodiments, the thermoplastic material is at least one of ABS, PE, PP, PA, PMMA, PMSQ, PC, PBT, PET or PVC used as a co-polymer or homo-polymer. Thermo-hardening polymers may be epoxy resin, melamine formaldehyde, polyester resin, urea formaldehyde, Bakelite, faturan, phenol formaldehyde resin, polyhexahydrotriazine, polyimide, polyisocyanurate, silicone, vinyl ester, vulcanised rubber, duroplast or blends or copolymers thereof. In particular embodiments, the thermo-hardening polymer is at least one of polyurethane, duroplast or polyester resins. Thermally conductive fillers may be non-metallic and metallic and may include metals such as aluminium, copper, gold, nickel or silver, nitrides such as zirconium nitride, boron nitride, aluminium nitride or silicon nitride, oxides such as aluminium oxide, magnesium oxide, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, alumina fibers, carbon fibers or nanotubes, graphene sheets, diamond, silicone carbide, fumed silica, or spherical silica, nano-clay, other thermally conductive ceramics or other thermally conductive fillers. Examples of suitable methods of production include rotational moulding, injection moulding, blow moulding and compression moulding, which may be used as appropriate according to the polymer.

[0052] The thermal gap 40 is provided by a body comprising at least one of a gas, a gel or a solid, having a lower thermal conductivity than a material of the thermally conductive casing 12. For example, the body may comprise at least one of air, a natural polymer or fibre, a synthetic polymer or fibre or an intumescent material. The material of the thermal gap has a thermal conductivity less than the thermal conductivity of the thermally conductive material of the casing. Preferably the material of the thermal gap has a thermal conductivity less than 58 W/mK, even less than 40 W/mK, such as less than 15 W/mK. Examples of suitable polymers include either one or both of thermoplastic and thermo-hardening (thermoset) polymers. Thermoplastic materials may be polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), cross- linked polyethylene (PEX), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyamide (PA or nylon) such as PA6, PA6.6 and/or PA10, polyacrylic polymers, polyvinylchloride, polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), acetal (POM), polycarbonate (PC), acrylate styrene acrylonitrile (ASA), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), polyurethane (PUR), polyesters (PBT, PET), polysulphone (PES, PSU),

polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polymethylsilsesquinoxane (PMSQ), polyphenylene sulphide (PPS), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), liquid crystal polymers, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or blends or copolymers thereof. In particular embodiments, the thermoplastic material is at least one of ABS, PE, PP, PA, PMMA, PMSQ, PC, PBT, PET or PVC used as a co-polymer or homo-polymer. Thermo-hardening polymers may be epoxy resin, melamine formaldehyde, polyester resin, urea formaldehyde, Bakelite, faturan, phenol formaldehyde resin, polyhexahydrotriazine, polyimide, polyisocyanurate, silicone, vinyl ester, vulcanised rubber, duroplast or blends or copolymers thereof. In particular embodiments, the thermo-hardening polymer is at least one of polyurethane, duroplast or polyester resins, the material of the thermal gap may also be intumescent material such graphite based intumescent material, e.g. Intumex L, Intumex L/HP, Intumex LW, Intumex LX and alike. [0053] The size and configuration of the thermal gap 40 is dependent on the configuration of the at least two-part casing. In certain embodiments where the parts of the casing 12 are provided separately, for example, as shown in Figure 3, the thermal gap 40 may be provided by a gas. In this case, when in use and mounted in a partition 60, the first part 20 and the second part 30 of the thermally conductive casing 12 will be separated by a gap, so the thermal gap 40 is provided by a body of ambient air. In alternative embodiments where the parts of the casing 12 are provided separately, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 6, the thermal gap 40 may be provided by a body of material that bridges the first part 20 and the second part 30 of the casing 12. In certain embodiments, the body of material holds the first part 20 and the second part 30 in a spaced relationship. In certain embodiments, the body of material provides a substantially rigid connection between the first part 20 and the second part 30 to hold the first part 20 and the second part 30 in a substantially rectilinear relationship. Such a body of material may be adapted to be permanently or removably attached (ie detachably attached) to either one or both of the first part 20 and the second part 30, for example, by crimping, bending or welding (eg plastic welding), integrally forming, over moulding or using fasteners such as screws, bolts & nuts or rivets, or using cognate interlocking portions, as appropriate.

[0054] The body of material of the thermal gap 40 may take any suitable form to perform the above described functions. For example, as shown in Figure 14, the body of material of the thermal gap 40 may take a similar form to the casing 12, eg, a hollow section. In other embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 15 and 16, the body of material of the thermal gap 40 may take any other suitable form, such as a body that substantially fills the hollow section provided by the casing 12. In certain embodiments, for example, as shown in Figure 15, the body of material may comprise two or more pieces of material. In these embodiments the body of material may be resilient, so that a cable 50 or the like can be forced between pieces of material. As shown in Figure 16, the body of material may also comprise one or more apertures, through which one or more cables 50 or the like may pass.

[0055] The thermal gap 40 may be of any suitable length or thickness to inhibit conduction of thermal energy between the first part 20 and the second part 30. The skilled person may readily adapt the length and thickness of the thermal gap 40 according to the application, configuration of the casing 12 and the body of material of the thermal gap 40. The length of the thermal gap 40 is the distance in line with the longitudinal direction 110 of the device 10. In certain embodiments, the length of the thermal gap 40 may be at least 1 mm, or in the range of 1mm to 1000mm, such as the range of 2mm to 400mm, eg, in the range of 3mm to 300mm, or in particular embodiments, in the range of 5mm to 200mm. In certain embodiments, the length of the thermal gap 40 is 2mm. The width of the thermal gap 40 is the distance transverse to the longitudinal direction 110 of the device 10. In certain embodiments, the width of the thermal gap 40 may be at least 1 mm, or in the range of 1mm to 1000mm, such as the range of 2mm to 400mm, eg, in the range of 3mm to 300mm, or in particular embodiments, in the range of 5mm to 200mm.

[0056] As described above, in alternative embodiments where the first part 20 is sleeved within the second part 30, the thermal gap 40 extends between adjacent surfaces of the sleeved parts of the casing 12. In these embodiments, the length of the thermal gap 40 will typically be the length of the overlap between the sleeved first part 20 and second part 30. In certain embodiments, the length of the thermal gap 40 extends for almost the full length of the first and second parts, where the first part 20 is almost entirely sleeved within the second part 30. In certain embodiments, the length of the thermal gap 40 is at least 1 mm, or in the range of 1mm to 1000mm, such as the range of 2mm to 300mm, eg, in the range of 3mm to 200mm, or in particular embodiments, in the range of 5mm to 100mm. In these embodiments, the width of the thermal gap 40 will typically be provided by the difference between the external dimensions of the first part 20 and the internal dimensions of the second part 30. In certain embodiments, the width of the thermal gap 40 may be at least 1 mm, or in the range of 1mm to 500mm, such as the range of 2mm to 200mm, eg, in the range of 3mm to 100mm, or in particular embodiments, in the range of 5mm to 50mm.

[0057] As described above, in certain embodiments, the at least two-part casing 12 is adapted to provide a path for at least one cable 50 through the device 10 from the first side of the partition 60 to the second side of the partition 60. This path provided through the device 10 may be in the longitudinal direction

110. As would be appreciated by the skilled person, the precise structure and configuration of the casing 12 may vary depending upon the application, for example, to provide a path for at least one cable 50 through the device 10 and from the first side of the partition 60 to the second side of the partition 60, where the path is a straight line, or where the path is offset either one or both of vertically and horizontally between the first side of the partition 60 to the second side of the partition 60. In certain embodiments, each part of the at least two-part casing 12 comprises a shell having at least one aperture at each end to provide the path for the cable 50 through the device 10. In certain embodiments, each part of the at least two-part casing 12 is open at each end to provide the path for the cable 50 through the device 10. In certain embodiments, the device 10 further comprises a support within the device 10 for the or each cable 50, for example, one or more of ridges, channels or apertures. The support may extend over at least a portion of the length of the device 10 or over the length of the device 10, to provide support for the or each cable 50 at one or more positions.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the at least two-part casing is adapted to accommodate an intumescent material in the device, for example, on at least a portion of an internally directed surface one or more of the floor, walls or roof of either one or both of the first part 20 and the second part 30, or at least partially lining the path shared by the or each cable 50, or substantially filling the hollow section provided by the casing.

[0059] According to a second aspect, there is provided the device 10 of the first aspect with an intumescent material 56 positioned within the device 10. The intumescent material 56 may take any suitable form to inhibit fire or heat passing through the device 10 in the event of a fire or heat. In certain embodiments, the intumescent material 56 lines at least a portion of an internally directed surface of each part of the at least two-part casing 12, for example, one or more of the floor, walls or roof of either one or both of the first part 20 and the second part 30. In certain embodiments, the intumescent material 56 at least partially lines the path shared by the or each cable 50. In certain embodiments, the intumescent substantially fills the hollow section provided by the casing 12.

[0060] Myriad types of intumescent material 56 may be suitable for use in the device 10. Examples of suitable intumescent material 56 include, but are not limited to, polymer-bonded active substances such as swelling graphite or ammonium polyphosphate. In certain embodiments, the intumescent material 56 comprises either one or both of a non-flammable material and a flammable material. [0061] The amount of intumescent material 56 required to form an effective insulating barrier in a fire event may readily be determined by the skilled person. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the intumescent material 56 is at least 0.5mm, or in the range of 0.5mm to 1000mm or 0.5mm to 100mm, such as the range of 0.5mm to 50mm, eg, in the range of 0.8mm to 40mm, or in particular embodiments, 1.2mm to 22mm, eg, 1.4mm, 1.8mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 20mm or 21mm. In certain embodiments, the length of the intumescent material 56 is at least 2mm, or in the range of 2mm to 300mm, such as the range of 3mm to 200mm, eg, in the range of 4mm to 150mm, or in particular embodiments, in the range of 5mm to 130mm, eg 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 30mm, 40mm, 50mm, 60mm, 70mm, 80mm, 90mm, 100mm, 110mm, or 120mm. [0062] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a fire barrier pass-through device 10 for positioning or casting into a building partition 60, the device 10 comprising at least a two-part thermally conductive casing 12 comprising a first part 20 and a second part 30 and having a longitudinal direction 110, the first part 20 and the second part 30 offset in the longitudinal direction 110 and separated by a thermal gap 40 that inhibits conduction of thermal energy between the first part 20 and the second part 30. The at least two-part casing 12 is adapted to be mounted in a partition 60 so that a portion of the first part 20 is adjacent a first side of the partition 60 and a portion of the second part 30 is adjacent a second side of the partition 60. The at least two-part casing 12 is adapted to provide a path for at least one cable 50 through the device 10 in the longitudinal direction 110 and from the first side of the partition 60 to the second side of the partition 60, and the at least two-part casing 12 is also adapted to accommodate an intumescent material 56 in the device 10. In certain embodiments, the device 10 of the third aspect may include any one or more of the features of the device 10 of the first aspect or the second aspect, eg, an intumescent material 56 positioned within the device 10.

[0063] As would be appreciated by the skilled person, in use, the device 10 is mounted in or cast into a building partition. The device 10 may be placed into a pre-existing cavity (eg formed or cut into the partition) or may be mounted to formwork prior to the partition being formed. Accordingly, in certain embodiments there is provided the fire barrier pass-through device 10 of the invention mounted in a building partition 60. In certain embodiments, the fire barrier pass-through device 10 is cast into a building partition 60. In certain embodiments, the partition 60 is a wall, ceiling, floor, roof or column, or as described anywhere in this disclosure.

[0064] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a building partition 60 comprising the fire barrier pass- through device 10 of the invention. The building partition 60 may be as described anywhere in this disclosure.

[0065] As described briefly above, the device 10 may be mounted in a partition 60 or cast into a partition 60 of settable material, such as concrete. In the event of a fire or exposure to extreme heat, thermal energy will be conducted through, eg, the first part 20 of the device 10 that is exposed to the fire or heat but conduction through to, eg, the second part 30 of the device 10 will be inhibited by the thermal gap 40, to thereby reduce the likelihood of ignition of flammable materials adjacent or contacting the second part 30 of the device 10. Also, an intumescent material 56 within the device 10, when present, will expand to fill any available space within the device 10. Thereby the path through the device 10 and the partition 60 is closed off effectively for heat and smoke.

[0066] The fire barrier pass-through device 10 of the present invention provides numerous advantages over known fire barrier pass-through devices. Some previous fire barrier pass-through devices have a metallic body, which effectively conducts thermal energy throughout the device in the event of a fire or heat. Accordingly, despite the fire barrier pass-through device providing an effective flame and smoke barrier, the metallic body of the fire barrier pass-through device becomes hot and may ignite or damage heat sensitive materials in contact with or in close proximity to the metallic body, even when those materials are on the opposite side of a partition from the fire or heat source. The fire barrier pass-through device 10 of the present invention provides a thermal gap 40 to inhibit the conduction of heat from the first part to the second part of the device 10 (or the second part to the first part) and therefore from the first side to the second side of the partition (or the second side to the first side). Thereby, heat sensitive materials will be exposed to a reduced level of heat when in contact with or in close proximity to device 10 on the opposite side of a partition from the fire or heat source. [0067] Another advantage conveyed by fire barrier pass-through device 10 of the present invention is that it may be constructed from components to provide devices having different dimensions. Accordingly, when on a building site, the installer may select the appropriate components according to the application, for example, according to the number of cables that must pass through the partition. [0068] It will be appreciated by the skilled person that any of any features of the invention may be combined in order to produce a preferred product or use of the invention, eg, by combining features from one or more of the aspects of the invention.

[0069] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted in its use to the particular application described. Neither is the present invention restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

[0070] Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "comprise" and "include" and variations such as "comprising" and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0071] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement of any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.