A smoke or fire barrier (1), comprising a head box (2) which contains a roller (9). Extending from the head box are a pair of side guides (3) which guide a metallic foil curtain (5) from the roller, where it is stored, to the ground when deployed. At the bottom of the curtain (5), where it meets the ground when deployed is a bottom bar (4). The metallic foil curtain (5) is made up of individual foil panels (6). The curtain is made from a panel of stainless steel with dimples (8) across it. The dimples allow improved characteristics when rolling and being stored as it holds its shape better. The dimples also provide improved heat transfer characteristics.

A smoke or fire barrier (1), comprising a head box (2) which contains a roller (9). Extending from the head box are a pair of side guides (3) which guide a metallic foil curtain (5) from the roller, where it is stored, to the ground when deployed. At the bottom of the curtain (5), where it meets the ground when deployed is a bottom bar (4). The metallic foil curtain (5) is made up of individual foil panels (6). The curtain is made from a panel of stainless steel with dimples (8) across it. The dimples allow improved characteristics when rolling and being stored as it holds its shape better. The dimples also provide improved heat transfer characteristics.

A multi-curtain assembly includes: first and second curtain segments, each having a leading edge and side edge; an edge fastener having first and second fastener portions proximate the side edge of the first and second curtain segments, respectively, the first fastener portion of the first curtain segment being connectable to the second fastener portion of the second curtain segment to produce a seam as the curtain segments are moved to their closed positions; a motor driving one or more of the barrel assemblies; a synchronizing mechanism synchronizing the barrel assemblies. An overlap fastener, arranged proximate edges of the curtain segments in an overlap region, has aligning portions that align as the side edges are brought into alignment by the edge fastener, to mask at least one side of the fastener seam as the fastener portions are connected to each other.

A multi-curtain assembly includes: first and second curtain segments, each having a leading edge and side edge; an edge fastener having first and second fastener portions proximate the side edge of the first and second curtain segments, respectively, the first fastener portion of the first curtain segment being connectable to the second fastener portion of the second curtain segment to produce a seam as the curtain segments are moved to their closed positions; a motor driving one or more of the barrel assemblies; a synchronizing mechanism synchronizing the barrel assemblies. An overlap fastener, arranged proximate edges of the curtain segments in an overlap region, has aligning portions that align as the side edges are brought into alignment by the edge fastener, to mask at least one side of the fastener seam as the fastener portions are connected to each other.

A fire or smoke curtain comprising ng a plurality of panels (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, 4.sub.3) of fire curtain material. The panels are arranged to overlap at their edges (7) when the curtain is deployed. Each over-lapping edge has a metallic reinforcing strip (12) that are incorporated with the panels having the said edge along the latter.

A fire or smoke curtain comprising ng a plurality of panels (4.sub.1, 4.sub.2, 4.sub.3) of fire curtain material. The panels are arranged to overlap at their edges (7) when the curtain is deployed. Each over-lapping edge has a metallic reinforcing strip (12) that are incorporated with the panels having the said edge along the latter.

An assembly for covering an opening in a structure. The assembly has a roller to be mounted to a portion of the structure defining a portion of the structure opening and a member disposed on the roller assembly. The member is operable between a retracted position where it is wound onto the roller assembly and an extended position where it is unwound from the roller assembly. The member includes first and second portions with mutually opposing edges in a closed position. A fastener releasably attaches the first and second panel portions to each other. The first and second panel portions are separable in response to an egress force to form an egress through the member.

An assembly for covering an opening in a structure. The assembly has a roller to be mounted to a portion of the structure defining a portion of the structure opening and a member disposed on the roller assembly. The member is operable between a retracted position where it is wound onto the roller assembly and an extended position where it is unwound from the roller assembly. The member includes first and second portions with mutually opposing edges in a closed position. A fastener releasably attaches the first and second panel portions to each other. The first and second panel portions are separable in response to an egress force to form an egress through the member.

A fire resistant barrier comprising two corrugated retaining layers, a layer of aerogel, and a layer of intumescent, wherein the layer of aerogel and the layer of intumescent are between the two corrugated retaining layers.

A fire resistant barrier comprising two corrugated retaining layers, a layer of aerogel, and a layer of intumescent, wherein the layer of aerogel and the layer of intumescent are between the two corrugated retaining layers.