US 12,708,809 B2Granted

Fire blanket

AssigneeUniversity of Maryland, College Park

InventorsCharles Spencer, Amr Baz

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Abstract

Disclosed herein is a fire blanket that may include a thermal housing. A fire blanket may include one or more shape memory elements having a first orientation at a first temperature, the one or more shape memory elements are retained within a compartment of the thermal housing, the one or more shape memory elements are configured to expand to a second orientation when exposed to a second temperature being greater in value than the first temperature. The fire escape blanket includes a thermal housing with fire-resistant exterior and interior layers. Shape memory elements are retained between the layers and expand when exposed to elevated temperatures, creating insulating air pockets. A gusset connects the layers and allows expansion as the shape memory elements transform. The blanket includes a hood portion, handles, and hand covers for user protection and maneuverability. Passively activated expansion provides tunable insulation, improving survival chances when escaping fires.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A fire blanket having an expandable textile with heat activated elements, comprising:

a thermal housing comprising a first layer of fire-resistant material and a second layer of fire-resistant material;
a gusset comprising one or more folds connecting the first layer of the thermal housing to the second layer of the thermal housing, wherein the gusset is configured to unfold and allow expansion of the thermal housing;
one or more shape memory elements comprising a shape memory wire further comprising nickel-titanium alloy, or other shape memory metals in combination with iron or other metals forming a wire, having a first orientation at a first temperature, the one or more shape memory elements are retained within a compartment of the thermal housing between the first layer and the second layer, the one or more shape memory elements are configured to a second orientation when exposed to a second temperature being greater in value than the first temperature, wherein the expansion of the one or more shape memory elements causes the gusset to unfold and form air pockets between the first layer and the second layer, the air pockets providing enhanced thermal resistance and protection from excessive heat and flame;
and
further comprising a hood portion, the hood portion is connected to at least a portion of the thermal housing.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.