Portable exhaust removal system

Abstract

A portable, easily mountable, temporary exhaust removal system adapted to re-direct exhaust emissions away from an internal combustion engine having an exhaust conduit that exhausts combustion gas from the engine.

Claims

1. A method for reducing the toxic exhaust gases to which firefighters, working outdoors and adjacent a running firetruck, having an internal combustion engine and a body, are exposed, said firetruck having an engine exhaust pipe with a first, outboard opening adjacent the lower peripheral edge of the truck, the method employing a closed conduit having a first, inboard end and a second, outboard end, comprising the steps of: (a) attaching the inboard end of a closed conduit to the first end of the exhaust pipe so as to capture the exhaust gases from the exhaust pipe into the conduit, (b) locating the second, outboard end of the conduit to a position above the top of the firetruck body so as to exhaust the exhaust gases to a point above the top of the firetruck, and (a) operating the firetruck, with its motor running and producing exhaust gas in the exhaust pipe, outdoors and in the presence of firefighters outside the firetruck, wherein the conduit is temporarily attached to the top of the firetruck body, at least while the motor is running and the firetruck is outdoors and fighting a fire, while the outboard end of the conduit is positioned above the top of the firetruck body in order to exhaust the exhaust gases above the top of the firetruck, at least while the motor is running and the firetruck is outdoors and fighting a fire, for reducing the toxic gases to which firefighters, working outdoors and adjacent a running firetruck, are exposed.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The character of the invention, however, may best be understood by reference to one of its structural forms, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a fire truck having an exhaust pipe which emits diesel fumes when the truck's engine is in operation. The portable exhaust removal system, the present invention, is shown in use, securely connected to the exhaust pipe of the fire truck.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a side view of the portable exhaust removal system and its main components, a chimney stack and a means of connecting the exhaust removal system to the fire truck's exhaust pipe.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a side view of the portable exhaust removal system in use, securely connected to the exhaust pipe of the fire truck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) Referring first to FIG. 1, in which the general principles of the present invention are shown. Figure one shows a typical fire truck (100) with a portable exhaust removal system (1) connected to the exhaust pipe (105). The exhaust emissions, propelled by the force of the fire truck's internal combustion engine, are re-directed upward, through the elongated chimney stack (10), the stack being of sufficient length to discharge the exhaust gases over and away from a firefighter. The exhaust emissions are released appreciably overhead rather than settling around firefighters who may be working near the fire truck's exhaust pipe.

(6) Referring next to FIG. 2, in which an embodiment of the portable exhaust removal system (1) is shown in closeup. This side view of the portable exhaust removal system (1) shows clearly the main components of the system. This includes an elongated chimney stack (10) consisting of a tube of such length as to make the upper opening of the portable exhaust removal system (1) appreciably above the head of a typical firefighter. Thereby, directing the exhaust emissions into the upper air and away from firefighters on the ground. Also shown is a connector means (5) that allows for ease of attachment and removal of the portable exhaust removal system (1) from the exhaust pipe of the fire truck. The connector means is any which provides secure connection to the fire truck's exhaust pipe and which creates enough of a seal around the exhaust pipe in order to prevent leaking of the exhaust emissions at that point. Such types of connectors are well known in the art.

(7) Referring finally to FIG. 3, in which is shown a side view of the portable exhaust removal system (1) in use, securely connected to the exhaust pipe (105) of the fire truck (100). The connector means (5) fits securely around the exhaust pipe (105) of the fire truck (100) and provides a tight seal so that no exhaust emissions leak out into the air from around the exhaust connector (5) interface with the exhaust pipe.

(8) The configuration shown in FIG. 3, is one embodiment of the present invention. The portable exhaust removal system as installed would protect firefighters from hazardous vehicle emissions and the toxic fumes generated by the internal combustion engine of the fire truck.

(9) One embodiment of the present invention uses the bottom elbow portion of a system similar to a PLYMOVENT analogous system. A length of flexible hose is coupled together to the exhaust pipe acting as a portable elongated chimney stack, while redirecting volatile air away from the immediate area and thereby improving the quality of air in the vicinity of the exhaust pipe of the fire truck. In a further embodiment, the connection to the vertical elongated chimney stack can be similar to the bottom elbow portion of the PLYMOVENT system. With a 4 inch piece of flexible pipe coupled together the pipe acts as a portable chimney stack to redirect volatile air and thereby improving the quality of the air when necessary.

(10) The present invention can easily be made shorter or longer depending on the particular needs of the users. Some embodiments may be considered bulky but would not need to be much heavier than many of the other tools that firefighters bring to a fire incident to provide efficient fire fighting service. Making the chimney stack too small in order for it to be made easier to handle might inhibit the ability for the exhaust fumes to be released out the chimney stack upper opening.

(11) Although, this device might not be used during every fire incident or training exercise, it would go a long way in preventing the unseen enemy of firefighters which is linked to cancer. Any device in a firefighters tool box that helps protect the firefighter from these toxic and possibly carcinogenic exhaust gases will help improve the firefighters health and safety.

(12) It is obvious that minor changes may be made in the form and construction of the invention without departing from the material spirit thereof. It is not desired to confine the invention to the exact form herein shown and described, but it is desired to include all such as properly come within the scope claimed.