Temporary brattice for mines

Abstract

A brattice for temporary or emergency use in underground mining provides a quickly and easily installable partition to close off drifts or tunnels as desired to control ventilation through the mine in an emergency, or for routine temporary use in the mine. The brattice comprises a brattice curtain formed of a thin, lightweight, fire resistant material, such as a synthetic fabric, with a peripheral spring frame installed therearound. The spring frame provides an expanding force urging the brattice curtain to a fully extended configuration, but the frame may be twisted and folded one or more times to twist and fold the attached brattice curtain for compact storage within a storage container or other convenient storage. Generally central and/or peripheral selectively openable closures may be provided in the curtains, for the passage of ventilation ducts, personnel, and other articles as required. Mating attachment of plural brattices may be provided, to span larger openings than the span of a single brattice. The curtain may also include a light, flexible extension beyond the spring frame, which may be tucked into irregular gaps for better sealing. The present brattice may be twisted and folded for compact storage, alone or with one or more additional brattices. A storage container or bag may be provided, if desired. The brattice is very light weight, and plural brattices may be stored at convenient locations throughout the mine or quickly carried into the mine, where they may be erected quickly for temporary or emergency ventilation control as required.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.