Fire extinguishing support beams for storage racks

Abstract

An apparatus suppressing the spread of and extinguishing fires in the confined areas of storage racks. Select support beams of the storage rack include a pressurized fire extinguishing mixture. Spray nozzles are secured to each support beam, each nozzle having a temperature activated release that allows distribution of the fire extinguishing mixture stored with the support beam upon the presence of high heat. Each support beam is self contained, wherein a conventional support beam can be exchanged for a fire extinguishing support beam without modification of the remainder of the storage rack system. In a preferred embodiment, the fire extinguishing material is a hydrated polymer forming superior fire suppression and extinguishing properties with the ability to cling to the objects to which it has been applied.

Claims

1. A fire suppression apparatus tor storage racks comprising: a support beam formed from a substantially hollow housing having an top wall, a bottom wall, opposing side walls, and two ends to form a chamber capable of withstanding pressure; a till port releasably secured in one said wall providing access to said chamber; a fire extinguishing mixture stored within said chamber; an air valve secured to said support beam, said air valve fluidly coupled to said chamber for receipt of compressed gas for pressurizing said fire extinguishing mixture; at least one spray nozzle fluidly coupled to said chamber, each said spray nozzle activated by heat for release of said fire extinguishing mixture from said chamber.

2. The fire suppression apparatus for storage racks according to claim 1 wherein said support beam includes a visual indicator of chamber pressure.

3. The fire suppression apparatus for storage racks according to claim 2 wherein said visual indicator is a pressure gauge.

4. The fire suppression apparatus for storage racks according to claim 1 wherein said spray nozzle is adjustable.

5. The fire suppression apparatus for storage racks according to claim 1 including a spray nozzle fluidly coupled to said support beam chamber by a flexible hose.

6. The fire suppression apparatus for storage racks according to claim 5 wherein said spray nozzle includes a magnet for releasably securing said spray nozzle to a support beam.

7. The fire suppression apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said fire extinguishing mixture is a hydrated super absorbent polymer.

8. The fire suppression apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said hydrated super absorbent polymer is FireIce admixed at a ratio of about 5-8 pounds of dry super absorbent polymer to about 100 gallons of water.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of cantilevered storage racks including the fire extinguishing system of the instant invention;

[0027] FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG. 1;

[0028] FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2;

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of horizontally disposed storage racks including the fire extinguishing system of the instant invention;

[0030] FIG. 5 is a front view of FIG. 4;

[0031] FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred, albeit not limiting, embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

[0033] The present invention relates to a unique technique or method of extinguishing fires and suppressing the spread of fires in the confines of a storage rack installation. This invention addresses the problem of how the confines of an individual storage rack inhibit a conventional ceiling mounted sprinkler system from effectively reaching a fire that starts in a covered tier. Most modern code regulations require stores to include a ceiling mounted sprinkler system to confront a fire; however, only the top tier of the storage rack would receive the full benefit of the sprinkler system. The upper tier is the only level directly exposed to the ceiling mounted sprinkling system, as the lower tiers are shielded from the ceiling sprinklers by the upper tier and by storage stacks placed on either side of the individual rack.

[0034] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 3, set forth is a first embodiment of the invention depicting a storage rack 10 having a first vertical upright 12, a second vertical upright 14 and a third vertical upright 16. The first vertical upright 12 has an adjustable cantilever support beam 18 characterized by a first end 20 which is releasably secured to the first upright 12, and a second end 22 spaced apart from the first end 20 with an internal chamber formed by a top wall 24, a bottom wail 26, left side wall 28 and right side wall 30. The walls and end form a hollow chamber therein, which is accessible by a fill port 32 that allows insertion of a fire extinguishing mixture within the chamber. The fill port 32 is preferably a threadable plug capable of sealing the chamber. The chamber is pressurized through air valve 34 to compress the fire extinguishing material to a predetermined level as measured by pressure gauge 36.

[0035] A spray nozzle 40 is secured to the bottom wall 26 of the support beam 18 and fluidly communicated with the chamber. The spray nozzle 40 includes a temperature sensitive element that allows release of the pressurized fire extinguishing material in an adjustable spray pattern, such as the fan spray depicted by numeral 42. The nozzles employed are constructed and arranged to vent at a predetermined temperature from 158 F. to 350 F. The vent is based upon a fusible element that releases at a predetermined temperature. The vent can be based upon the NFPA #13 regarding fire sprinkler design guidelines. The spray nozzle 40 can be adjusted to produce a fan or conical shaped spray to address the type of materials stored on the tier of the storage rack. Similarly, the second upright 14 is shown with a second support beam 50 having a fill port 52 for insertion of fire extinguishing material within an internal chamber formed within the support beam, similar to the first support beam 18. Air valve 54 allows for pressurization of the fire extinguishing mixture to an expulsion pressure as depicted by pressure gauge 56. In this configuration, spray nozzle 58 depicts a conical spray 60 as opposed to the fan spray 42. Unique to this invention is the ability to place the self contained support beams as needed, wherein some tiers may not need fire suppression requirements. In this manner, a company can be selective in placement of the tire extinguishing support beams. Further to this illustration, upright 16 depicts the third support beam 70, again with a self-contained fire extinguishing medium inserted into the support beam 70 by accessing fill port 72, pressurizing the fire extinguishing media with air valve 74 to a desired pressure, as indicated by pressure gauge 76. In this embodiment, the spray nozzle 78 provides a fan spray 80, which operates as a blanket to prevent a fire from departing or entering the tiered storage area.

[0036] The spray nozzles may be positioned remotely. By illustration, the first support beam 18 may include a hose 82 which would include a remote nozzle 83 that allows disbursement of the fire extinguishing material in another location. Similarly, the second support beam 50 includes a hose 84, and the third support beam 70 includes a hose 86, all for use in providing a remote nozzle that can be pointed to a particular location. The placement of the nozzles beneath the support beam structure allows for the most through disbursement of material from the support beam, albeit by pressure and gravity. A remote nozzle may include a magnet 85, wherein the nozzle could be attached to one of the uprights 12, 14 or 16, or on the side walls or bottom wall of the support beams. These would allow the installer to determine if there is an optimum area that should be addressed due to possible flammable subject matter that is preferably addressed directly, so as to aid in expediency of extinguishing a hot spot or fire.

[0037] It should be noted that three tiers are depicted, consisting of a lower tier 90, a middle tier 92, and an upper tier 94. In larger retail stores, it is not uncommon to find five or more tiers, heavily laden with product, all of which is hidden from main line sprinkler systems. As depicted in the first embodiment, the lower and middle tiers are hidden from a ceiling mounted sprinkler system if anything is placed upon the upper tier 94. The lower tier 90 shows a surface platform 96 that allows for placement of goods, or may consist of numerous layers of plywood, such as that found in a conventional hardware store. The lower tier 96 receives the benefit of support beams, which further provides a support for the middle tier 92. Again, the surface of the middle tier 98, depicted by a single platform, which might be used to support other goods, but for purposes of illustration help define the separate tiers. The lower tier includes support beams that de-replicate the middle tier for ease of illustration, while the middle tier, wherein support beam 18 provides a fan spray 42 through spray nozzle 40. Second support beam 50 has spray nozzle 58, providing a conical shaped spray 62. Third support beam 70 has a fan shaped spray 80 as provided through nozzle 78.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 6, set forth is an alternative embodiment wherein the support beams provide horizontal support for a storage rack. In this embodiment, the horizontal storage rack system 100 has a lower tier 102, a middle tier 104 and an upper tier 106 with both front stands 113, 114 and rear upright stands 146, 148. As previously mentioned, larger stores may have five or more tiers, and the illustrated three tier system is for illustration purposes only. In this embodiment, a support beam 110 spans between upright stands 113 and 114. Support beam 110 includes an internal chamber that is pressurized upon placement of fire extinguishing material in fill port 112 using an air valve 116 for receipt of compressed gas. The compressed gas may be air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The chamber is pressurized and monitored by a pressure gauge 118. Spray nozzles 120 and 122 are placed on a lower wall 121 of the front support beam 110 and have a directional spray 115 & 117 onto the surface of an adjoining surface. In this embodiment, a first hose 123 may be used to direct the fire extinguishing material from the chamber for placement through a remote nozzle 125. In this illustration, the hose 122 may be placed on side support 124 for coupling to a spray nozzle 125 to provide a spray pattern 126 capable of protecting the side of the storage rack. Similarly, side support 128 is illustrated having a hose 130 coupled to the internal chamber within support beam 110 on one end, and a spray nozzle 132 for attachment to the side support 128 along the opposite end. The spray nozzle 132 is depicted as producing a spray pattern 134 essentially providing a side curtain blanket. The back support 106 may also include a nozzle, not shown, to provide spray pattern 154 which can be used to prevent fire from entering or exiting the storage rack.

[0039] A second tier 104 can be formed with support beams 160, 162, 164 and 166, with a base 168 interconnecting the support beams. In this illustration, support beam 160 operates as the fire extinguishing support beam positioned between upright supports 113 and 114. It should be noted that the support beams are adjustable along any height of the upright supports. Further, the support beams can be intermixed with support beams that do not include a fire extinguishing system. This allows a store manger to be judicious about placement of the support beams with fire extinguishers for use where storage of products is more likely to cause fuel for a fire. For instance, storage of appliances would be considered no or minimal risk of fire. Storage of Tiki oil and firewood fire starters would be considered high risk. Although not shown, there are many ways of securing the support beam to the upright stands. The ends of the support beams are typically hooked shaped members that are insertable into receptacles formed in the upright support stands.

[0040] In this embodiment, a support beam 160 spans between upright stands 113 and 114. The support beam 160 is the same as support beam 110 which includes an internal chamber that is pressurized upon placement of fire extinguishing material in fill port 163 using an air valve 165 for receipt of compressed gas. The chamber is pressurized to a level and monitored by a pressure gauge 168. Spray nozzles 170 and 172 are placed on a lower wall 179 of the front support beam 160 and have a directional spray 175 and 177 onto the surface of an adjoining surface. A hose 182 may be used to direct the fire extinguishing material from the chamber for directional placement through a remote nozzle, similar to support beam 110.

[0041] The lower tier 102 is depicted with support beam 190, which is constructed the same as support beams 110 and 160, The support beam 190 will include an internal chamber that is pressurized upon placement of fire extinguishing material in fill port 192 using an air valve 194 for receipt of compressed gas. The chamber is pressurized and monitored by a pressure gauge 196. Support beam 190 may be placed on the lower tier 102 for purposes of protecting the floor, or for use of the remote hose 202 to provide fire extinguisher material to a remote position in accordance with the above description.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, this apparatus utilizes a super absorbent polymer in water in an amount sufficient to extinguish a fire. Examples of these polymers are cross-linked modified polyacrylamides/potassium acrylate or polyacrylamides/sodium acrylate. Other suitable polymers include, albeit are not limited to, carboxy-methylcellulose, alginic acid, cross-linked starches, and cross-linked polyaminoacids. A solid form of the super absorbent polymer is added to water to form an aqueous admixture. The viscosity of the admixture will enable the admixture to remain within a confined area. The properties of the admixture, in particular its viscosity, also enable the admixture to be applied to and remain on vertical, horizontal, and curved surfaces of objects which are on fire or are capable of catching on fire. Adherence of the admixture of super absorbent polymer and water to the surface of an object maintains moisture content at a level which suppresses the spread of the fire by preventing combustion of the object from hot embers and/or flames. In a preferred embodiment, the admixture is sold under the trademark FireIce and is applied at about 5-8 pounds of FireIce dry super absorbent polymer added to about 100 gallons of water. Conventional fire extinguisher material may also be placed in the support beams, but it is submitted that the most effective material is the hydrated FireIce super absorbent polymer.

[0043] Storage racks found in retail stores may be adjacent electrical sockets, light fixtures or most any type of electrical device used within a retail store. The hydrated polymer admixture stated herein may come in contact with such electrical components without concern of electrical transfer, as the admixture is non-conductive. In this manner, installation of the apparatus for spraying does not have to be sheltered from electrical equipment. Thus, a substantial financial savings is gained by the present invention because electrical conduits/components which are not on fire are not damaged by admixture.

[0044] Storage rack fires present a different and unique problem pertaining to how these fires should be extinguished and suppressed. Water is normally used to fight fires because it can quickly cool down the burning material, there is usually a large supply of it ready for use, and it is relatively inexpensive. However, water has to be placed at the source of the fire. Further, pure water and electricity are harmful, if not deadly, to individuals when brought into contact with each other. Normally, when water hits an active electrical circuit or electrical component, it shorts out the circuit or component, which usually results in destruction of the circuit or component. Further, when individuals are in close proximity to the water contacting the electricity, there is a strong likelihood that the water will act as a conductor and transfer the electricity to the individual. Since water spreads rapidly in all directions on surfaces, electricity which comes in contact with the water will be conducted to wherever the water flows.

[0045] Another advantage of the unique method of extinguishing fires is that the hydrated polymer admixture retains ash and other by-products produced by a fire. By entrapping and retaining the ash and other particulates of the fire in a contained mass, the cleanup is facilitated, thus making the cleanup easier and quicker than the cleanup when only water is used to fight a fire. The super absorbent polymer and fire residue can be readily cleaned up by vacuuming or other similar techniques.

[0046] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the levels of those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and any drawings/figures included herein.

[0047] One skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectives and obtain the ends and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The embodiments, methods, procedures and techniques described herein are presently representative of the preferred embodiments, are intended to be exemplary, and are not intended as limitations on the scope. Changes therein and other uses will occur to those skilled in the art which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and are defined by the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in the art are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.