Fire blanket
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.
1 . 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 . The fire blanket of claim 1 , wherein the one or more folds of the gusset are accordion type folds.
3 . The fire blanket of claim 1 , further comprising a hood portion, the hood portion is connected to at least a portion of the thermal housing, wherein the one or more shape memory elements extend into the hood portion.
4 . The fire blanket of claim 1 , further comprising one or more hand covers connected to at least a portion of the thermal housing, the one or more hand covers overlaying one or more handles, wherein the one or more hand covers comprise fire-resistant material.
5 . The fire blanket of claim 4 , wherein two handles are oriented parallel to each other and at least a portion of the one or more hand covers overlays the first handle and the second handle.
6 . The fire blanket of claim 1 , further comprising a dragline, at least a portion of the dragline is retained within the thermal housing, wherein the dragline comprises heat-resistant rope configured to enable pulling of a user wearing the fire blanket.
7 . The fire blanket of claim 1 , further comprising a pocket attached to the second layer and configured to store personal items.
8 . The fire blanket of claim 1 , wherein a channel is formed between the thermal housing and the one or more shape memory elements, the channel comprising the air pockets formed when the one or more shape memory elements expand to the second orientation.
9 . The fire blanket of claim 1 further comprising a D-ring and clasp used to secure the blanket to the user when moving or if immobile when pulled by a dragline.
10 . A fire escape blanket comprising:
a thermal housing having an interior layer comprising fire-resistant material and an exterior layer comprising fire-resistant material;
a shape memory element disposed between the interior layer and exterior layer, the shape memory element having a first compact configuration at a first temperature and a second expanded configuration at a second higher temperature, wherein the shape memory element is configured to begin transitioning to the second configuration at a predetermined temperature threshold;
a gusset comprising one or more folds connecting the interior layer to the exterior layer and allowing expansion of the thermal housing when the shape memory element transitions to the second expanded configuration, wherein the one or more folds unfold to form air pockets between the interior layer and the exterior layer, the air pockets providing enhanced thermal resistance;
a hood portion connected to the thermal housing wherein the shape memory element extends into the hood portion;
at least one handle attached to the thermal housing; and
a drawstring for tightening the hood portion, the drawstring retained within a channel in the hood portion.
11 . The fire escape blanket of claim 10 , further comprising at least one hand cover overlaying the at least one handle, wherein the at least one hand cover comprises fire-resistant material.
12 . The fire escape blanket of claim 11 , further comprising a pocket attached to the interior layer, the pocket configured to store personal items.
13 . The fire escape blanket of claim 10 , wherein the one or more folds of the gusset are accordion type folds.
14 . The fire escape blanket of claim 12 , further comprising a dragline attached to the thermal housing, wherein the dragline comprises heat-resistant rope configured to enable pulling of a user wearing the fire escape blanket.
15 . The fire escape blanket of claim 10 , further comprising a D-ring and clasp for securing the blanket to a user.
16 . The fire escape blanket of claim 14 , further comprising an emergency seat portion, comprising a reinforced base section of the thermal housing configured to support a user in a seated position during rescue operations.