APPARATUS FOR CLOSING OFF AN UNDERGROUND PASSAGE

摘要

The invention relates to apparatus (1) for closing off a space or an area, in the embodiment a passage comprising a device (3) adapted for mounting in the passage (2) and to be deployed against a boundary wall (4) of the passage whilst providing through access for users of the passage (2). In the embodiment the passage (2) is a tunnel of generally circular section. The device (3) is in the form of a gas-impermeable bag or flexible container of fire-resistant material that is housed in a protective housing (5) as by folding. The housing (5) is mounted on the wall (4) of the tunnel (2) at the roof or an upper or overhead (as viewed) (Fig. 1) part and also houses, in addition to the bag (4), a source of pressurised fluid such as a gas which can be air, nitrogen or other suitable gas, and an inflation mechanism (6) for connecting the bag with the source. The bag (3) comprises a toroidal structure with the central circular area (7) in the embodiment holding a flap or cover arrangement (8) whereby the device (3) is adapted to allow passage of personnel (users of the passage) from one side of the deployed device (3) to the other, along the passage (2).