Multi-Functional Fire Attack System
20170291050 · 2017-10-12
Inventors
Cpc classification
F16L5/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
A62C31/24
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A62C3/14
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
A62C31/22
HUMAN NECESSITIES
F16L5/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
The present invention concerns a portable building fire suppression system which allows fire-fighters to position the device within a building early on in the firefighting process. The device may use automated controls to begin fire suppression. Further, a number of electronics including lighting, smoke detection, alarms, camera, motion sensor, and the like may be included on the portion of the device inserted into the building. These electronic systems may provide vital information early in the firefighting process to inform fire fighters about conditions within the building.
Claims
1. A multi-functional fire attack device comprising: a hose; a nozzle assembly having a nozzle, the nozzle in fluid communication with the hose; and a hook attached to the nozzle assembly, the hook extending downwardly from the nozzle and configured to hold the nozzle in place when the nozzle assembly is passed through an opening in a building.
2. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises a second spray nozzle oriented to spray in a rearward direction.
3. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 further comprising a fire extinguisher in communication with the nozzle assembly.
4. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 wherein the nozzle comprises a low pressure portion and a high pressure portion, a spring valve controlling flow through one of the low pressure portion and the high pressure portion based on a pressure within the hose applied to the spring valve.
5. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 further comprising a spacer connected to the hose, the spacer being in fluid communication with the hose and having a weeping hose portion such that, when water passes through the hose, a portion of the water seeps through the spacer weeping hose portion.
6. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 further comprising a camera positioned on the nozzle assembly, the camera oriented in a forward direction.
7. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 wherein a front edge of the hook comprises a window-breaking protrusion.
8. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 wherein the nozzle assembly is configured to spray a mist substantially upward and forward from the nozzle.
9. The multi-functional fire attack system of claim 1 further comprising a smoke detector positioned on the nozzle assembly, the smoke detector configured to perform at least one of activating at least one electronic component positioned on the nozzle assembly and opening a flow through the nozzle.
10. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 further comprising a motion sensor.
11. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 wherein the hose comprises a rigid pipe portion.
12. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 further comprising a battery on the nozzle assembly, the battery in communication with at least one electronic device of the nozzle assembly.
13. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 further comprising a fire extinguisher in communication with the nozzle assembly and wherein the nozzle is capable of spraying a fire extinguisher component and a water from the hose in series.
14. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 further comprising a handle on a rear portion of the nozzle assembly.
15. The multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 further comprising a computerized display in wireless communication with an electronic device of the nozzle assembly.
16. A building comprising the multi-functional fire attack device of claim 1 attached to at least one of a window frame, a door, and a ridge, the hook engaged with the at least one of the window frame, door, and ridge and the nozzle oriented to spray into the building.
17. A building hose pass-through device comprising: a connector attached to a bottom of a door, the connector positioned over a majority of a lengthwise edge of the door; a quantity of flexible and non-flammable material connected to the connector by a fastener, the quantity of material descending downward from the connector; and a hose passing under the door and in contact with the quantity of material, the quantity of material limiting air flow beneath the door.
18. The building hose pass-through device of claim 17 wherein the quantity of material is a non-flammable fabric.
19. The building hose pass-through device of claim 17 wherein the a door latched in position.
20. A building comprising a multi-functional fire attack system, the multi-functional fire attack system comprising a multi-functional fire attack device and a building hose pass through device, the multi-functional fire attack device comprising: a hose; a nozzle assembly having a nozzle, the nozzle in fluid communication with the hose; a hook attached to the nozzle assembly, the hook extending downwardly from the nozzle and configured to hold the nozzle in place when the nozzle assembly is passed through an opening in a building; the multi-functional fire attack device attached to at least one of a window frame, a door, and a ridge, the hook engaged with the at least one of the window frame, door, and ridge and the nozzle oriented to spray into the building; the building hose pass through device comprising: a connector attached to a bottom of a door, the connector positioned over a majority of a lengthwise edge of the door; a quantity of flexible and non-flammable material connected to the connector by a fastener, the quantity of material descending downward from the connector; and a second hose passing under the door and in contact with the quantity of material, the quantity of material limiting air flow beneath the door.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029]
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS FOR FIGS. 1, 2, AND 4
[0037] 10 Automatic Bi-Directional 4-Function nozzle [0038] 11 Infrared Camera [0039] 12 Tempered Glass/Multi-Pane Glass Breakers [0040] 13 Motion Sensor [0041] 14 Interior strobe Light/visual fire room locator [0042] 15 Stability Hooks [0043] 16 Screen and Shutter Ripper [0044] 18 Stability Hook Spurs [0045] 20 Battery Compartment with on, off, and automatic selection for alarm, strobe, camera, and motion sensor [0046] 22 Emergency Bailout Handle and rope anchor [0047] 24 Rigid Pipe [0048] 25 Alarm Speaker [0049] 26 Exterior Strobe Light [0050] 28 Weeping Structure Offsets [0051] 30 Necessary space between structure and pipe [0052] 32 Reflective Decals, and heat sensitive decals [0053] 34 Smooth Coupling Joint [0054] 36 Extinguisher Connection [0055] 38 Weeping Fire Hose [0056] 40 Coupling [0057] 42 Standard Fire Hose [0058] 44 Extinguisher [0059] 45 Twin Extinguisher Pack with Stepstool [0060] 46 Extinguisher Hose Extension [0061] 47 Wireless Monitor attached to fire helmet in viewing position [0062] 48 Wireless Monitor side view of helmet [0063] 49 Self-Sealing Hose Pass-Through Device
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS FOR FIG. 3
[0064] 50 Automatic Low-Pressure Tip [0065] 51 Automatic High-Pressure Tip [0066] 52 Nozzle Housing and discharge area [0067] 53 Low-Pressure to High-Pressure Compression Spring [0068] 54 Reverse Flow Ports [0069] 56 Threaded rod portion of low-pressure tip [0070] 58 Washers [0071] 60 Automatic Gallon Compression Spring [0072] 62 Nut [0073] 64 Internal Tip Mount [0074] 66 Female Threaded Coupling [0075] 68 Water Break-up Teeth
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS FOR FIGS. 5 AND 6
[0076] 69 Metal door connector [0077] 71 Non-combustible material to act as a door sweep and allow hoses to pass through [0078] 74 Connector between non-combustible material and door connector.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS FOR FIGS. 7 AND 8
[0079] 72 Nozzle having upwardly angled fins [0080] 73 Upwardly angled fin
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0081]
[0082] Turning to nozzle operation and
[0083] This unmanned automatic nozzle 10 combines the benefits of bi-directional spray and is self-flushing. It seamlessly flows four major types of extinguishing agents as later noted herein, and has variable gallons per minute capabilities. The components of the nozzle 10 depicted can be custom made out of many materials including but not limited to: aluminum, brass, stainless steel, steel, plastic, PVC, cast iron, ceramic, alloys, titanium, rubber, wood, injected plastics, gold, silver, glass, bronze, copper, tin, cement, asbestos or other durable materials. The components can be cast, injected, threaded, screwed or welded together.
[0084]
[0085] The heat sensitive decals 32 turn black or are melted when exposed to temperatures above 300 degrees. Exposures above this temperature would indicate high heat and the need for factory inspection and re-certification. Fire room temperatures typically do not reach over 300 degree at the bottom of windows until the room reaches flashover. This invention has self-preserving features: [0086] a. The Reverse Flow Ports 54 soaks the invention and runs down the outside Rigid Pipe 24. [0087] b. The nozzle 10 spray pattern blocks direct flame impingement and radiant heat. [0088] c. Weeping structure offsets 28 reduce heat and fire damage by spacing the rigid pipe 24 away from the burning building 70 outer surface. [0089] d. Weeping fire hose 38 helps prevent fire line burn through. [0090] e. The water filled device would transfer heat to the water.
While one firefighter is deploying the Multi-Function Fire Attack Device, another could be installing the Self-Sealing Hose Pass-Through Devices 49. The inventive pass-through device 49 is positioned in a hole or opening in the door, such as through a window, window opening, hole in a door or wall, and the like. The pass through device 49 includes an outer portion which connects to the portion of the building being passed through, and includes a plurality of flexible fingers, or members facing inward from the outer portion. These fingers or members allow passage of a hose, but limit spacing around the hose, thus liming air flow into the building but allowing firefighters to bring the hose for interior firefighting. Once the Multi-Function Fire Attack Device is in place, one of the two fire extinguishers 44 can be deployed through the extension hose 46 and travel all the way to the Bi-Direction 4-Function Nozzle 10. As the relatively low-pressure extinguisher discharge enters the nozzle, most of the extinguisher agent flows through the larger low-pressure opening 50-51 and diffuses into a flooding type spray into the structure. A small amount of the extinguisher flows through the Reverse Flow Ports 54 to form a cone shaped seal of the broken glass area to inhibit oxygen rich air infiltration into the structure.
Some of the benefits from deploying the ABC dry chemical (the most universal type extinguisher) from this device would be the following: [0091] A rapid two punch fire attack when used in conjunction with water. [0092] The Multi-Function Fire Attack System is the only interior attack a 3 man Engine Company can make and still be in compliance with OSHA regulation (29 CFR 1910.134). This regulation states you must have a minimum of 4 firefighters (2 in 2 out) on scene to conduct interior fire attack. Using this Multi-Function Fire Attack System, no members of the crew enter the IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health) environment during the initial device deployment. [0093] Begin substantial fire suppression even before the pump operator is ready to deliver water or foam. [0094] Significantly less damage to property versus traditional water attack lines. [0095] Does not upset the thermal layers as much as water. [0096] Unlike water, which mainly attempts to cool the combustion fuels below their ignition point and absorb heat through steam conversion, dry chemical agents disrupt the chemical reaction between fuel, heat and oxygen. [0097] The agent releases carbon dioxide when it reaches 150 degrees F., which displaces the oxygen in the area of combustion. [0098] Dry chemical agents also create a crust on combustibles inhibiting pyrolysis. [0099] Dry chemical is preferred for electrical fires or kitchen grease fires. [0100] Dry chemical would be the preferred agent at the incipient phase of a fire, before ceiling temperatures reach 212 degrees (which would begin the steam conversion effect of water discharged from this invention). [0101] Small bursts of agent could help hold a small fire. [0102] A full discharge of the extinguisher could darken down the room and allow the firefighter to join the crew that is waiting to enter. [0103] If at any point during the fire attack, water was lost, dry chemical extinguishers could be rounded up and be deployed through the extinguisher port to continue fire attack until water supply can be regained.
[0104] The device also has many other functions. If the window is blocked by a screen or shudder, the screen ripper 16 can be used to remove them before striking the glass with the glass breakers 12. Once the invention has been secured to the structure, smoke will automatically activate the onboard electronics. For low smoke conditions or for exterior use, an activation button is located near the battery box 20. The lights and fire alarm serve many functions as previously outlined in the above section BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION. This device has multiple emergency egress functions. The charging of the hose also inflates the two weeping structure offsets 28. These offsets serve to both help secure the hooks 15 to the structure and help keep the rigid pipe 24 away from the exterior, which would be important in the event of using this invention as an emergency safety slide. The gap created 30 by the offsets would allow firefighters to more easily grasp the pipe with their hands, knees, and feet. The firefighter could do a head first bailout of the room, putting one of the firefighter's arms into the Emergency Bailout Handle opening 22 and hooking the handle with their elbow. Bringing their first up toward their shoulder would create a surprisingly strong hold to the invention. While the firefighter clears the window headfirst, their body would flip and twist out and collide against the structure and ridged pipe section 32. The bailout handle is flexible and sprung to remain upright as in
[0105] A wireless infrared camera 11 may give real time information to command and crew members using the monitors or smart phones. The monitor can be hand held or mounted to the fire helmet for flip down viewing in front of one eye 47, which may be movable out of eye view, such as in the side position 48. Some camera models include wireless audio and visual connections to fire scene cell phones, laptops or tablets.
[0106] When the above-mentioned components are combined with the Self-Sealing Hose Pass-Through Device 49, interior firefighters enjoy more protection from adverse fire behavior. Traditional fire attack creates an uncontrolled flow of oxygen rich air into the structure by forcing the door wide open during the hose line advance. After the initial advance, the door can still only be partially closed and must be re-opened for more line advance. Now crews can enter the structure, close the door, and advance the lines with the door remaining closed, which makes the fire environment dramatically safer. The Self-Sealing Hose Pass-Through Device can also be used with the Multi-Function Fire Attack Device to help mechanically seal the glass intrusions. A firefighter can place a Self-Sealing Hose Pass-Through Device on the front of the glass breakers to help mechanically seal the broken glass area prior to slamming it against the window. First responders, who may be well in advance of a fire truck and reliable water, would probably best use this option. The adhesive side of 49 has an open cell foam layer to help promote glass seal before breakage. The Self-Sealing Hose Pass-Through Device can be custom made out of a variety of materials or combinations of materials including but not limited to: plastic, canvas, paper, abs plastic, PVC, CPVC, cotton, wool, blended fabrics, wood, metal, rubber, leather, vinyl, etc. The seal will be available in single sided or double-sided configurations. The preferred penetration would be through the hinge side of a door near the floor. Other locations on the door will work but be less effective or useful. The pass through-devices can even be installed on any exterior portion of a structure including walls, doors, windows, foundations, roofs, soffits, eaves, or floors.
[0107] The Pass-Through device can be secured with clips, hooks, adhesive, nails, tacks, screws, or any combination including friction fit, tapered fit, or twisted fit. The preferred embodiment will be dish shaped with a slotted center to allow the nozzle and hose to pass-through and a rubber cuff protecting the hose from sharp edges. A large variety of models will be available. Some will be as simple as plastic plates with slotted centers and adhesive backs to stick on the door or structure penetration area. Others will have bristles, or simple flaps of material over the penetration area. The pass-through device 49 will have a gliding surface to protect the hoses against cuts or abrasions. The objective is to provide a seal to the structure opening, which allows a nozzle, and hose line to be pulled through, and that blocks some of the air from either entering or exhausting. The Multi-Function Fire Attack Device is an assembly of components as outlined in
[0108]
[0109]
[0110] In summary, the present invention includes a number of innovative features providing enhanced and safer firefighting solutions. Examples of features of the present invention include, but are not limited to: [0111] The creation of a lightweight, rapidly deployable, Multi-Function Fire Attack System, which is integrated, expandable, and full of safety features. [0112] The fastest most versatile interior fire attack device in the business. [0113] A multi-tool with screen and or shutter ripper which may be attached to the operation end of the multi-function fire attack device. [0114] A tempered safety glass or multi-pane glass breaker. [0115] An automatic remote real time infrared camera with sound. [0116] An automatic victim alert motion sensor. [0117] An automatic interior fire locator strobe. [0118] An automatic audio fire locator. [0119] An automatic light and audio orientator. [0120] Extended reach deployment capabilities. [0121] Manned or unmanned deployment capabilities. [0122] Removable hooks to use invention through the wall, roof, floor, soffit, etc. [0123] A self-preserving close proximity tool. [0124] A sacrificial design with relatively inexpensive components. [0125] A self-rescue rope anchor. [0126] A low profile snag resistant design for bailout. [0127] A hand or arm grab for bail out and slide. [0128] A smooth coupling design for smooth rescue slide. [0129] An Automatic Bi-Directional four Function Nozzle, which deploys each extinguisher type alone or in numerous combinations. [0130] 1. Water [0131] 2. Foam [0132] 3. Dry chemical [0133] 4. Gas (CO2, aerosol etc.) [0134] An unmanned device, controlled by radio communications to the pump operator. [0135] Smoke activated audible alarm, locator, orientator, motion sensor, wireless infrared camera, wireless monitors, and evacuation alarm. [0136] A Self-Preserving Weeping Hose Section. [0137] A safe haven space under the ceiling spray. [0138] Rollover protection from ceiling aimed spray. [0139] Flashover protection from ceiling aimed spray. [0140] A rapid through the glass fire attack with outside air infiltration protection. [0141] Invention interfaces with smart phones, tables, and monitors. [0142] Invention connects to many standard fire extinguishers and converts them into flooding agents. [0143] Direct foam capabilities. [0144] Electrical Hazards warning decals. [0145] Multiple invention deployments can be made with Self-Sealing Hose Pass-Through Devices in areas not directly threatened with fire so water doesn't have to be flowing to seal against outside air. [0146] A stand up grab handle for anchor or direct bailout. [0147] First responder transportable and deployable independent of fire truck or hose. [0148] Open circle fog design for reduced hydraulic ventilation effect. [0149] Invention supports truck mounted dry chemical or gas discharge. [0150] Invention can be deployed by firefighters, first responders, police, or trained civilians to begin fire attack well before the fire department arrives. [0151] Expandable or removable platform. Example: After a confirmed evacuation, the invention can be shut down and the expensive electronics can be quickly removed so the invention can be redeployed to aid in extinguishment. [0152] Can be built to use 1″, 1½″, 2″, 2½″, 3″, 4″, 5″, 6″ or any custom sizes between ¼″ and 10′ if needed. [0153] Rigid pipe section can be replaced or swapped for flexible fire hose section. [0154] Many materials can be used to make the rigid pipe section including but not limited to: steel, aluminum, ceramic, glass, pvc, cpvc, poly pipe, copper, brass, alloys, titanium, cement, and asbestos. [0155] Pipe section can be further protected with a close proximity sleeve made with various types of fire resistant materials like Nomex or aluminum heat shield. [0156] Invention is ready to accept large truck mounted extinguisher deployment. [0157] Invention can be deployed without a connection to a fire hose as a rapidly deployed reaching fire extinguisher delivery system, which can later be connected to a fire hose. [0158] Creation of Self-Sealing Hose Pass-Through for doors, wall, floors, ceilings, soffits, roofs, and glass doors or windows. [0159] This fire attack system represents a comprehensive ventilation limited fire attack when used with 49. [0160] The Self-Sealing Hose Pass-Through Device 49 can be stacked in an overlapping fashion to allow for multiple hand lines with large bails and nozzle handles. The device comes with an all weather open cell foam adhesive strip and tear away slots to make them stackable. [0161] Radio controlled solid fire stream option for seat of the fire applications. [0162] Expandable with threaded pipe sections to reach higher floors. [0163] Command has access to real time fire area behavior; audio, video, temperature, as well as victim alert monitoring and downed firefighter monitoring. [0164] Multiple devices can be monitored simultaneously. [0165] On scene firefighters using a smart phone, have access to some of the above information. [0166] A training adaptor will measure the intensity of a strike. This foam adaptor will drive out an indicator measuring the impact. This aid will help firefighters get the feel of using this tool with just enough force to make a good break. [0167] Interchangeable nozzle heads for full fog, straight stream, deluge, right spray, left spray, up spray, down spray, and combination. [0168] Special hook for through the wall, floor, roof or soffit applications. [0169] Infrared thermometer capabilities. [0170] Relatively low cost replaceable components designed to be sacrificial if necessary. [0171] Fire trucks can be built to deliver dry chemical extinguishers directly through the pre-connected hose lines. These agents can be plumbed ahead of the pump impeller. A deluge of dry chemical will break the chemical reaction and water can be used judiciously through the Automatic Bi-Directional 4-Function Nozzle. [0172] The combination of all the above components creates a comprehensive and safer fire attack system.