Fire extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is shown and described. The fire extinguisher may include a housing, a vessel positioned within the housing, the vessel retaining a fire suppression agent therein, and a discharge port positioned in the housing and operatively coupled with the vessel, where the fire suppression agent is capable of being expelled from the discharge port. The fire extinguisher may include an electrical connector positioned on the housing, the electrical connector capable of operatively securing to an electrical outlet, where the electrical connector is rotatable relative to the housing.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a fire extinguisher, and more particularly to a functionally diverse and generally decorative fire extinguisher that may be operatively coupled to an electrical source and positioned on or in proximity to furnishings, appliances and the like.

BACKGROUND

Generally portable fire extinguishers are designed for fire suppression over specific areas. For example, each floor in a residence or commercial building will typically have one or two fire extinguishers. Portable fire extinguishers are relatively large devices and are not decorative in appearance. As a result, they are typically placed out of sight under counters, in storage cabinets and in garages and cellars. These locations are not always easily accessible when one needs the fire extinguisher. Furthermore, since the user does not have easy access to the fire extinguisher and thus does not see the fire extinguisher regularly, the user typically does not know whether the fire extinguisher is charged and ready for effective operation.

In addition, since the fire extinguisher is typically in storage for some time before it is needed, remembering the location of the fire extinguisher can be problematic. Consequently, the process of searching out, locating and retrieving a fire extinguisher may require additional time. In many cases the time that it takes to approach a fire, after the fire extinguisher has been located, may be undesirable under the circumstances allowing time for the fire to propagate.

Often, a decision is made not to attempt to return to the scene of the fire, considering the distance between the stored fire extinguisher and the location of the fire. In such cases the risk involved in obtaining the fire extinguisher is perceived to outweigh its potential benefit. Often, too, a fire may block access to the storage location of the fire extinguisher. In this situation the fire extinguisher is of little or no help.

Therefore, there is a need for a fire extinguisher that overcomes many of the shortcomings identified above. For example, there is a need for a compact and decorative fire extinguisher that may be operatively coupled to an electrical source, or operatively positioned on or in proximity to furnishings, appliances and the like or both. Further, there is a need for a fire extinguisher that may provide additional functionality and utility so that it is storable in an operative condition in a readily accessible location.

SUMMARY

A fire extinguisher is shown and described. The fire extinguisher may include a housing, a vessel positioned within the housing, the vessel retaining a fire suppression agent therein, and a discharge port positioned in the housing and operatively coupled with the vessel, where the fire suppression agent is capable of being expelled from the discharge port. The fire extinguisher may include an electrical connector positioned on the housing, the electrical connector capable of operatively securing to an electrical outlet, where the electrical connector is rotatable relative to the housing.

A fire extinguisher may include a housing, a vessel positioned within the housing, the vessel including a fire suppression agent, a discharge port positioned in the housing and operatively coupled with the vessel, where the fire suppression agent is capable of being expelled from the discharge, and an electrical connector positioned in the housing, the electrical connector capable of operatively securing to an electrical outlet. The fire extinguisher may also include an indicator positioned in the housing, the indicator identifying expiration of the fire suppression agent.

A fire extinguisher may include a housing, a vessel positioned within the housing, the vessel including a fire suppression agent, a discharge port positioned in the housing and operatively coupled with the vessel, where the fire suppression agent is capable of being expelled from the discharge port, and an electrical connector positioned in the housing, the electrical connector capable of operatively securing to an electrical outlet. The fire extinguisher may also include a light source positioned in the housing and operably secured to the electrical connector.

A fire extinguisher may include a housing, a vessel positioned within the housing, the vessel holding a fire suppression agent, a discharge port positioned in the housing and operatively coupled with the vessel, and an actuator positioned on the housing and operably coupled with the vessel, where actuation of the actuator initiates discharge of the fire suppression agent from the vessel through the discharge port. The fire extinguisher may also include an electrical connector positioned in the housing, the electrical connector capable of operatively securing to an electrical outlet.

A fire extinguisher may include a housing, a vessel positioned within the housing, the vessel retaining a fire suppression agent, and a discharge port positioned on the housing and operatively coupled with the vessel, where the fire suppression agent is capable of being expelled from the discharge port. The fire extinguisher may also include an electrical connector having a body, the body operatively and selectively coupled with the housing, where the electrical connector is capable of operatively securing to a power source.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The general arrangement of embodiments of a fire extinguisher10is shown inFIGS. 1 through 8. The fire extinguisher10may include a housing12of any appropriate shape and size, such as a compact size. The housing12may be made of an aesthetically pleasing shape such that fire extinguisher10is considered a decorative piece. By way of a non-limiting example, the housing12may be of such an appropriately decorative appearance that the fire extinguisher10is used as part of a décor of a room. This may incentivize or otherwise allow a user to place and store the fire extinguisher10in view of the user. This may result in the fire extinguisher10being readily accessible to the user when needed as opposed to being placed in a storage device out of sight. The housing12may be made of any appropriate material—the present teachings are not limited to a specific material. By way of a non-limiting example, the housing may be made of plastics, composites, stainless steel, aluminum, tungsten, wood veneer, other metals, rubber, or any combination of such.

The housing12may be of any appropriate color and include decorative finish. As previously noted, the color and finish of the housing12may lend itself to being decorative and aesthetically pleasing such that the fire extinguisher10may be part of the décor of the room in which it is placed—many different combinations of color and finish may be available, for example, matte, glossy, etc.

Further, the fire extinguisher10may include a wrap or covering (not shown) capable of circumscribing the housing12. The wrap or cover may provide additional options for color and finish allowing a user to change the appearance of the fire extinguisher10, such as when the décor of a room in which it is stored changes. The wrap or cover may have any appropriate color and finish—the present teachings are not limited to any specific color or finish. By way of a non-limiting example, the wrap or cover may be faux wood, faux metal (stainless steel, aluminum or the like), any color, and may have a variety of finishes such as matte, glossy, etc. The wrap or cover may be attached to the housing12in any appropriate manner, e.g., it may be a static cling, it may be adhered, or any other suitable method may be employed. The wrap or cover may be removably attached to the housing12or it may be permanently fixed such as through the use of adhesives. Additional wraps or covers may be attached or layered over an existing wrap or cover already attached to the housing12. It should be understood, that the wrap or cover may optionally be included with the fire extinguisher10or may optionally not be included with the fire extinguisher10.

The fire extinguisher10may include a vessel14disposed within and generally held in the housing12such that the vessel14may not be generally visible from the exterior of the fire extinguisher10. The vessel14may be configured to generally contain and store any applicable fire suppression agent16. Further, the vessel14may be made from any appropriate material, for example, it may be made from a material that will not negatively interact with the fire suppression agent16. The vessel14may be made of generally the same material as the housing12, or may be made of a different material. Accordingly, the vessel14may be integrally formed as a monolithic unit with the housing12or may be attached and positioned within the housing12.

The fire extinguisher may further include a discharge port18positioned within the housing12at any appropriate position thereon. The discharge port18may allow for expulsion of the fire suppression agent16from the vessel14out of the fire extinguisher10. The discharge port18may be operably coupled to the vessel14by any appropriate actuator20.

The fire suppression agent16may be any suitable material that suppresses or extinguishes fire. Accordingly, any combination of expellant and suppressant agents now known or later invented may be utilized within the scope of the present teachings. The fire suppression agent16may further include any suitable combination of solid and liquid aerosols. By way of a non-limiting example, the fire suppression agent16may include, but are not limited to, a pressurized aerosol foam or spray. Alternatively, pyrotechnic-based chemicals for fire suppression generators may be utilized without departing from the present teachings.

The discharge port18may provide an exit path for the fire suppression agent16when the fire extinguisher10is in use, i.e., when the actuator20is activated by a user or otherwise automatically activated. The discharge port18may be sized and shaped to provide any desired discharge rate for the fire suppression agent16. In addition, the discharge port18may include directive or shaping elements to direct the discharge, i.e., the fire suppressant agent16in any desired direction or spray pattern. The directive or shaping elements may be fixed, adjustable by the user, or automatically adjusted based upon several relevant factors related to the operating conditions of the fire extinguisher10. A portion of the discharge port18may extend outward of the housing12while the remaining portion is positioned within the housing12. Further, the discharge port18may be positioned entirely within the housing12. The discharge port18may be operably positioned generally between the vessel14and the actuator20.

The actuator20may be a manual device sized and shaped for activation by a user to generally cause the fire suppression agent16to flow from the discharge port18. The actuator20may be positioned in any appropriate location on the housing12. The actuator20may be positioned such that it may be readily engageable by the user during operation of the fire extinguisher10. By way of a non-limiting example, the actuator20may be located on a top portion of the housing12such that a user may hold the fire extinguisher10and the actuator20may be positioned such that the user can readily operate such—although it may be in any appropriate position on the housing12. The actuator20may have a low profile with respect to the housing12. For example, the actuator20may be generally flush with the housing12, slightly depressed below the housing12, or may extend slightly above the housing12. The actuator20having a low profile may contribute to the fire extinguisher10being decorative.

In embodiments in which the actuator20may be manually operable, the actuator20may be biased toward an “off” position, requiring a user to continuously activate the actuator20in order to maintain the discharge of the fire suppression agent16from the discharge port18. Any appropriate device or devices may be used to bias the actuator20toward the “off” position, including, by way of a non-limiting example, biasing member, spring (coil, leaf, compression, torsion or any kind of spring), live hinge, or the like—the present teachings are not limited to a particular configuration.

Further, the actuator20may be configured to latch into an “on” position once manually activated, obviating the need for a user to continuously actuate the actuator20. The user may then aim the discharge port18at a fire, or the user may toss or throw the fire extinguisher10into a fire to aid in suppression of the fire. Any appropriate latching mechanism may be used without departing from the present teachings.

Still further, the latching-type manual actuator20may include a timing element (not shown) whereby a predetermined amount of time may pass after the actuator20actuates before discharge of the fire suppression agent16from the discharge port18is initiated. The timing element may allow a user to actuate the actuator20and move away from, toss or throw the fire extinguisher10without significant exposure to the fire suppression agent16. Any appropriate timing mechanism may be used without departing from the present teachings.

The fire extinguisher10may also include a latching-type manual actuator20capable of being biased between an “off” and “on” position by the user. In the “off” position, the user may continuously activate the actuator20in order to maintain the discharge of fire suppression agent16from the discharge port18. In the “on” position, the user may aim the discharge port18at a fire, or the user may toss or throw the fire extinguisher10into a fire to aid in suppression of the fire. It should be understood that any appropriate actuator20may be used without departing from the present teachings.

Additionally, the actuator20may be configured to detect the presence of a fire by any suitable means, such as thermal detection, infrared fire detection, or both. Such actuator20may automatically cause the fire suppression agent16to flow from the discharge port18. In alternative embodiments the actuator20may be both manual and automatic.

The fire extinguisher10may further include a remote puncturable high-pressure gas cartridge21that may be positioned within the housing12and operably coupled with the discharge port18and the actuator20. In this fire extinguisher10, the gas cartridge21may be punctured before expulsion of the fire suppression agent16from the fire extinguisher10. The gas cartridge21may be metered into the vessel14on demand throughout the discharge process to act as a propellant for the fire suppression agent16. The gas cartridge21may be any appropriate shape and size and may include any appropriate gas—the present teachings are not limited to such. By way of a non-limiting example, the gas cartridge21may be a carbon dioxide gas cartridge that includes carbon dioxide gas under pressure.

The gas cartridge21may be metered through use of a metering device23. The metering device23may be a pressure regulator—or any other suitable device—that may maintain a predefined, substantially lower pressure in the vessel14. In these embodiments, the fire suppression agent16may be in the form of a powder such that it may be combined with the gas from the gas cartridge21acting as the propellant and expelled from the discharge port18during operation.

The gas cartridge21may be punctured, such as through activating the actuator20. Upon activation, the gas contained in the gas cartridge21may be expelled into the vessel14in a metered manner as described above. In these embodiments, the actuator20may be configured such that when the user depresses the actuator20, a portion of the actuator20punctures the gas cartridge21. This initial depression of the actuator20, however, will not expel the fire suppression agent16from the fire extinguisher10. In order to expel the fire suppression agent16, the user may depress or otherwise activate the actuator20a second time—such as described above. It is not until this second depression or activation occurs will the fire suppression agent16be expelled from the fire extinguisher10. This results in the actuator20being a two-part mechanism. To expel the fire suppression agent16from the fire extinguisher10, the user may depress the actuator20once puncturing the gas cartridge21and then may actuate (such as through pushing or pulling) the actuator20a second time.

The initial depression of the actuator20not expelling the fire suppression agent16may act as a safety mechanism for the fire extinguisher10. This feature may prevent a user from inadvertently depressing the actuator20and expelling the fire suppression agent16. This is particularly useful if a child were to pick up the fire extinguisher10and depress the actuator20. In such circumstances, the fire suppressant agent16would not be expelled from the fire extinguisher10.

Further, the fire extinguisher10may include an orifice (not shown) that may be associated with a valve (not shown) positioned in the housing12that may open only when the actuator20is activated, e.g., initially depressed. This may result in generally preventing the vessel14from being fully pressurized when not in use and the gas/propellant may be metered in a controlled manner while being used in the fire extinguisher10. This may allow housing the high-pressure gas outside of the larger powder—fire suppression agent16—chamber/vessel14. This may substantially lower mechanical demands of the vessel14since an initial high pressure charge is not needed in order to ensure proper pressure is maintained at the end of the discharge of the fire extinguisher10. Additionally, since the high pressure may be held elsewhere than the vessel14until the fire extinguisher10is used, the long-term fatigue and stress the vessel14/powder chamber is typically exposed to over the fire extinguisher10shelf-life may be generally avoided. This may allow the fire extinguisher10to be lighter than prior art fire extinguishers.

The fire extinguisher10may include an electrical connector22. The electrical connector22may be positioned on the housing12of the fire extinguisher10in any appropriate location. The electrical connector22may be configured of any suitable size and shape such that it is operatively coupled with any appropriate electrical source. The present teachings of the electrical connector22are not limited to that shown and described herein—any appropriate electrical connector may be used without departing from the present teachings. The electrical connector22may be integrally formed with the housing12. The electrical connector22may be welded, adhered or otherwise attached to housing12in any suitable manner. Alternatively, the electrical connector22may be formed with the housing12as a monolithic unit.

One or more connecting elements24may be capable of operatively coupling the fire extinguisher10, or more specifically, the electrical connector22, to any suitable power source. This may include standard AC power outlets, such as those found in homes and offices. The electrical connector22may include any suitable standard or proprietary/unique connecting elements24capable of coupling to an electrical power source, which may be AC or DC current. The electrical connector22may be fixedly secured to the housing12, or alternatively the electrical connector22may be positionable relative to the housing12. By way of a non-limiting example, the electrical connector22may be rotatable relative to the housing12to facilitate placement of the fire extinguisher12on an electrical outlet and orient such to a desired position, for example, a generally vertical or horizontal orientation.

In those embodiments in which the electrical connector22may be positionable, such as that shown inFIG. 4, the electrical connector22may rotate relative to the housing12by any appropriate amount. By way of a non-limiting example, the electrical connector22may be capable of rotating at least 360 degrees relative to the housing12. Further, the electrical connector22may be rotatable in a clockwise direction, a counter-clockwise direction or both. Still further, the electrical connector22may be continuously rotatable in any appropriate direction. This may result in the electrical connector22rotating in any of a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction or both generally without limitation to a number of rotations. The electrical connector22may also be limited in the amount it is capable of rotating, such as 180 degrees or the like. Such rotatable electrical connector22may allow the fire extinguisher10to attach to an electrical source such that the housing12may remain in a predetermined position relative to the horizon, for example, generally vertical or horizontal to the horizon, regardless of the location or orientation of the electrical source. This may, therefore, allow the fire extinguisher10to attach to a standard electrical outlet in a house, office, business, or other location such that the housing12may be positioned in a vertical or horizontal orientation relative to the ground. This may make the fire extinguisher10easier to grasp, especially during an emergency situation. This may also generally allow the fire extinguisher10to blend in with the décor of the room in which it is stored.

Further, the electrical connector22may be used solely as a mechanical connector to detachably mount the fire extinguisher10to a mating electrical connector, such as a standard electrical outlet as described above. Alternatively, the electrical connector22may be coupled to electrical power from an external source, such as the aforementioned electrical outlet, the electrical power at the electrical connector in turn being electrically coupled to a power supply26disposed within housing12. The power supply26may be any suitable type of power supply, converting the electrical power to one or more AC or DC voltage levels and current ratings. The power supply26may also include one or more electrical storage devices, such as at least one or more batteries, and may further include a charging circuit (not shown) to charge any such batteries using electrical power from the aforementioned external power source. The fire extinguisher10may, therefore, have power to perform certain functions even if the fire extinguisher10is disconnected from the electrical source, as described in more detail below.

The external electrical power provided to the electrical connector22(or electrical power provided by power supply26) may optionally be used to power one or more visually perceivable displays28, such as an indicator, to facilitate identification of the fire extinguisher10in the event that other illumination is not available. This may enable a user to locate the fire extinguisher10. Further, the electrical power may automatically actuate the actuator20as detailed above, without the need for manual intervention of a user, when the fire extinguisher10is in the presence of a detected fire. The display28may also operate as a night light, and may optionally include sensors29(described in more detail below), such as light sensors, to turn off or on the displays28, including the night light, when a predetermined level of ambient light is detected or an absence of light is detected.

The display28may be positioned within the housing12at any appropriate location. The fire extinguisher10may include one display28or a plurality of displays28and the displays28may be of any appropriate type; the present teachings are not limited to a specific number of or type of displays28. The displays28may include an LED display, a night light or a light source that may act as a flash light, or a combination of the foregoing. As discussed above, the fire extinguisher10may include the night light28positioned within the housing12. The night light28may include light sensors29that may turn off the night light when a predetermined level of ambient light is detected. The fire extinguisher10also may include a smoke detector36that initiates operation of the light28when a predetermined amount of smoke is detected. The light28may act and emit as much light as a typical flash light. The light28, smoke detector36, and light sensor(s)29may all be operatively coupled with the power supply26, the electrical connector22, or both. The light28, smoke detector36, and light sensor(s)29may be positioned on the housing12in any appropriate position. The present teachings are not limited to a specific configuration. Still further, the fire extinguisher10may include any appropriate combination of the lights28(both or either of a night light or a flash light), smoke detector36, and light sensor(s)29.

The fire extinguisher10may include both the night light and the flashlight. In such embodiments, the fire extinguisher10may include an actuator41positioned on the housing12and operatively coupled with the electrical connector22, the power source26, or both. The actuator41may be actuated to switch between the night light28and the flash light28. Still further, as noted above the fire extinguisher10may include the sensor29or sensors that detect the absence of ambient light and initiate or continue operation of the night light28. Further, the fire extinguisher10may include the smoke/fire detector36such that the detection of fire or smoke many initiate operation of the flashlight28regardless of which operation the actuator is set to by the user.

The fire extinguisher10may include an electrical power sensor47such that if the electrical connector22is plugged into an electrical source and the electrical source is not providing electrical power to the fire extinguisher10, the electrical power sensor47may identify this lack of power and initiate the flashlight28to operate and emit light. This may provide a further security feature of the fire extinguisher10such that it may emit light during a power outage. This may also allow the user to locate the fire extinguisher10during the power outage.

Further still, the fire extinguisher10may include a smoke/fire detection and alerting device53. The device53may detect the presence of smoke or fire and activate an aural alert, visual alert, or both. In some embodiments, the fire extinguisher10may include a sensor (not shown) that may be capable of detecting gases such as carbon monoxide and may be capable of activating an alarm. The alerting device53may emit a high-powered high-decibel locator noise such that the user may locate the fire extinguisher10or rescue workers may locate the user.

In other embodiments the fire extinguisher10may include one or more status indicators60. The status indicators60may indicate to a user the condition of the fire extinguisher10, such as charging status of the battery of power supply26, a need for replacement of batteries, whether or not the pressure or other condition of fire suppression agent16is acceptable (e.g., is there a leak in the fire extinguisher10, for example, the vessel14), whether the fire suppression agent16may have exceeded its intended shelf life, the fire suppression agent16being depleted such as through usage or leaks, the unavailability of any propellant that may be used to expel the fire suppression agent16under pressure, whether the lights are functional, and any combination of such. The status indicator60may include a light source, such as an LED, that emits a green light when the fire extinguisher10is in an operative condition and emits a red light when the fire extinguisher is in an inoperative condition. This may result in the user being able to easily identify the operating condition of the fire extinguisher10, i.e., green is ready to go and red is replace or repair.

The status indicator60may be powered by the aforementioned external power source or power supply26to monitor the amount of fire expellant and suppressant remaining in the fire extinguisher10and provide a visual alert, aural alert, or both if the remaining amount falls below a predetermined level. Similarly, the status indicator60may be powered by the aforementioned external power source or power supply26may provide a visual alert, aural alert or both if the fire extinguisher10should be replaced. Criteria for triggering such a replacement indication may include, without limitation, vessel14pressure level, amount of fire suppressant agent16remaining in the vessel14, and an expiration date of fire extinguisher10as determined by an internal clock or other timekeeping device.

In operation, in the event of a fire a user may simply locate a nearby fire extinguisher10and activate the actuator20. The user may initially depress the actuator20, which prepares the fire extinguisher10for operation as described above. If the actuator20is a manual, biased mechanism the user may then continually activate the actuator20while aiming the discharge port18at the fire. If the actuator20is a manual latching mechanism (with or without a time delay element) the user may activate the actuator20and then may aim discharge port18at the fire or toss or throw the fire extinguisher10into the fire. If the actuator20is automatic, in the event of a fire being detected, the actuator20may automatically be activated to cause the fire suppression agent16to flow from the discharge port18.

The present fire extinguisher10may be relatively small, compact and decorative and capable of being plugged into existing electrical outlets or be battery powered and may simply placed upon furniture or appliances to provide for easy access and close proximity to a fire. This may result in more effective fire suppression as compared to currently-available fire extinguishers. The fire extinguisher10being capable of installing on electrical outlets or simply being placed upon furniture throughout a residence or commercial building may provide easy access and closer proximity between the fire extinguisher10and the location where a fire originates.

This proximity between the fire extinguisher10and a fire may create a more effective approach to fire suppression—residences and commercial buildings may have the fire extinguishers10in every room or even multiple fire extinguishers10in one room, for instance. Also, since the fire extinguisher10may be relatively small, non-intrusive decorative elements it may not detract from the overall appearance or decor of a residence or commercial building.

In various embodiments of the fire extinguisher10, it may be configured (or reconfigurable) to function as a manually or automatically activated device. Furthermore, the fire extinguisher10may be configured (or reconfigurable) as a fixed or a throwable, self-activated fire extinguisher. It should be noted that the present fire extinguisher10may be used as a fire extinguisher for any or all of Class A, B, C and D fires as well as for Low, Moderate and High fire hazards.

Additional embodiments of a fire extinguisher according the present teachings are described below. In the descriptions, all of the details and components may not be fully described or shown. Rather, the features or components are described and, in some instances, differences with the above-described embodiments may be pointed out. Moreover, it should be appreciated that these additional embodiments may include elements or components utilized in the above-described embodiments although not shown or described. Thus, the descriptions of these additional embodiments are merely exemplary and not all-inclusive nor exclusive. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the features, components, elements and functionalities of the various embodiments may be combined or altered to achieve a desired fire extinguisher without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings.

Additional embodiments of a fire extinguisher100are shown inFIGS. 9-13. The fire extinguisher100may include a housing112. The housing112may be any suitable size and shape. The housing112may include visually pleasing aesthetic features that may include, without limitation, various sizes, shapes, decorative elements and colors so that the fire extinguisher100may be used as a decorative element. The housing112may be made from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic and composites.

The fire extinguisher100may include a fire suppression agent116, such as that described above or any other appropriate combination of expellant and suppressant agents now known or later invented may be utilized. The fire suppression agent116may further include any suitable combination of solid and liquid aerosols, such as by way of non-limiting examples, pressurized aerosol foam or spray or pyrotechnic-based chemicals.

The fire extinguisher100may include a discharge port118that may provide an exit path for the fire suppression agent116when fire extinguisher is in use, i.e., when an actuator120(described below) has been activated by a user. The discharge port118may be sized and shaped to provide any desired discharge rate for the fire suppression agent116. In addition, the discharge port18may include directive or shaping elements to direct the discharge in any desired direction or spray pattern. The directive or shaping elements may be fixed, or may be adjustable by the user.

The actuator120may be a manual device sized and shaped for actuation by a user to cause the fire suppression agent116to flow from discharge port118. The actuator120may be configured to detect the presence of a fire by any suitable means, such as thermal and infrared fire detection, and may automatically cause the fire suppression agent116to flow from discharge port118. The actuator120may be a two-phase actuator120. The actuator120may be initially activated (depressed) and then activated a second time before the fire suppressant agent116is expelled.

In generally manual embodiments, the actuator120may be biased in an “off” position, requiring a user to continuously actuate the actuator120in order to maintain the discharge of the fire suppression agent116from the discharge port118. Alternatively, the actuator120may be configured to latch into an “on” position once manually activated, obviating the need for a user to continuously actuate the trigger mechanism. The user may then aim discharge port118at a fire, or the user may toss or throw fire extinguisher110into a fire to aid in suppression of the fire.

The actuator120may be a latching-type manual actuator120, which may include a timing element whereby a predetermined amount of time passes after the actuator120activates before discharge of the fire suppression agent116from discharge port118. The timing element may allow a user to activate the actuator120and move away from, toss or throw fire extinguisher110without significant exposure to the fire suppression agent116.

The fire extinguisher100may further include an electrical connector122. The electrical connector122may be configured of a suitable size, shape and with one or more connecting elements124to couple fire extinguisher100to any suitable power source, such as standard AC mains power. The electrical connector122may include any suitable connecting elements124to couple to an electrical power source, which may be AC or DC current. In some configurations electrical connector is fixed, while in other configurations the electrical connector is rotatable to facilitate placement on an electrical outlet and orientation to a desired position.

The electrical connector122may be used solely as a mechanical connector to detachably mount the fire extinguisher100to a mating electrical connector, such as a standard electrical outlet. Alternatively, the electrical connector122may be coupled to electrical power from an external source, such as the aforementioned electrical outlet, the electrical power at the electrical connector122in turn being electrically coupled to a power supply126disposed within housing112. The power supply126may be any suitable type of power supply, converting the electrical power to one or more AC or DC voltage levels and current ratings. The power supply126may also include one or more batteries, and may further include a charging circuit to charge the battery using electrical power from the aforementioned external source.

The fire extinguisher may include one or more visually perceivable displays128, such as an indicator or a light, to facilitate identification of the fire extinguisher100in the event that other illumination is not available. This may help enable a user to locate the fire extinguisher100when needed. The electrical power may also be utilized to automatically activate actuator120as detailed above, without the need for manual intervention of a user, when the fire extinguisher100is in the presence of a detected fire. The displays128may also be configured for operation as night nights, and may optionally include light sensors to turn off the displays when a predetermined level of ambient light is detected.

The fire extinguisher100may also include one or more status indicators130. The status indicators130may indicate to a user the condition of fire extinguisher100, such as charging status of a battery of power supply126, a need for replacement of batteries, and whether or not the pressure or other condition of fire suppression agent116is acceptable. The status indicators130may include red and green lights. The green light may emit light when the fire extinguisher100is in an operative condition and the red light may emit light when the fire extinguisher100is in an inoperative condition.

The status indicator130may be powered by the aforementioned external power source or power supply126to monitor the amount of fire expellant and suppressant remaining in fire extinguisher100and may provide a visual alert, aural alert, or both if the remaining amount falls below a predetermined level.

Similarly, the status indicator130may be powered by the external power source or power supply126and may provide a visual alter, aural alert, or both if the fire extinguisher100should be replaced. Criteria for triggering such a replacement indication include, without limitation, vessel114pressure level, amount of fire expellant and suppressant remaining in the vessel114, and an expiration date of fire extinguisher100as determined by an internal clock or other timekeeping device (not shown).

Further embodiments of a fire extinguisher200are shown inFIGS. 14-15. The fire extinguisher200may include a housing212and a selectively detachable cap214. The fire extinguisher200may further include an appropriate quantity of a fire suppression agent216. The fire extinguisher200may include a discharge port218that may be selectively coupled to the fire suppression agent216by an actuator220. The fire extinguisher200may include an electrical connector222.

The housing212of the fire extinguisher200may be of any suitable size and shape. The housing212may include visually pleasing aesthetic features which may include, without limitation, various shapes, decorative elements and colors. The housing212may be made from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic and composites.

The cap214may be any suitable size and shape for the housing212of the fire extinguisher200. The cap214may be selectively detachable from housing212, as shown inFIG. 15. In other embodiments, the cap214may be hingedly connected with the housing212, such as through any suitable device, including, without limitation to, a “living hinge.” In still other embodiments, the cap214may be retained to housing212, being selectively movable from a closure position adjacent the housing212to an open position spaced-apart from the housing212. The cap214may include visually pleasing esthetic features such as, without limitation, various shapes, decorative elements and colors. The cap214may be made from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic and composites. The cap214may generally match the housing212, such as being of generally the same material and color, or may be generally different from the housing212, such as being of a different color or material.

The discharge port218may be positioned within the housing and may provide an exit path for the fire suppression agent216when fire extinguisher200is in use. The discharge port218may be sized and shaped to achieve any desired discharge rate for fire suppression agent216. In addition, the discharge port218may include directive or shaping elements to direct the discharge in any desired spray or discharge pattern. Still further, the discharge port218may be of a shape and size such that it may blend with the housing212, which may result in an aesthetically pleasing finish.

The actuator220may be located in any appropriate position in the housing212. The actuator220may be a manual device sized and shaped for actuation by a user to cause fire suppression agent216to flow from discharge port218. In some embodiments the actuator220may be configured to detect the presence of a fire by any suitable means, such as thermal and infrared fire detection, and may automatically cause the fire suppression agent216to flow from discharge port218. In still other embodiments the actuator220may both manual and automatic.

If manual, the actuator220may be biased in an “off” position, requiring a user to continuously actuate the actuator220in order to maintain discharge of the fire suppression agent216from the discharge port218. In other embodiments, the actuator220may be configured to latch into an “on” position once manually actuated, obviating the need for a user to continuously actuate the actuator220. The user may then aim discharge port218at a fire, or the user may toss or throw fire extinguisher200into a fire to aid in suppression of the fire.

Further, a latching-type manual actuator220may include a timing element whereby a predetermined amount of time passes after the actuator220is actuated before discharge of fire suppression agent216from discharge port218begins. The timing element may allow a user to actuate the actuator220and then to move away from, toss, or throw the fire extinguisher200without significant exposure to the fire suppression agent216.

The electrical connector222may be configured of a suitable size and shape, and may include connecting elements224that may be capable of coupling to any suitable power source, such as standard AC mains power. The electrical connector224may have any standard or proprietary connecting elements224to couple to an electrical power source, which may be AC or DC.

Electrical power provided to the electrical connector224may optionally be used to power one or more visually perceivable displays226(such as an indicator or light) on the fire extinguisher200. This may facilitate identification of the fire extinguisher200, if other illumination is not available at a particular location to enable a user to locate the fire extinguisher200. The electrical power may also be utilized to automatically actuate actuator220as detailed above without the need for manual intervention in the presence of fire.

In operation, in the event of a fire a user simply locates a nearby fire extinguisher200; the user may detach the cap214, and may activate the actuator220—such as through a two-phase operation described above. If the actuator220is a manual biased mechanism, the user may continuously actuate the actuator220while aiming discharge port218at the fire. If actuator220is a manual latching mechanism (with or without a time delay element), the user may actuate the actuator220and then may aim the discharge port218at the fire or toss or throw the fire extinguisher200into the fire. If the actuator220is automatic, in the event of a detected fire the actuator220may automatically cause fire suppression agent216to flow from discharge port218, the flowing fire suppression agent216may urge cap214away from container212.

The fire extinguisher200may include a smoke/fire detection and alerting device. In this embodiment, this device will detect the presence of smoke or fire, and activate an aural alter, visual alert or both to occupants.

Still further embodiments of a fire extinguisher300are shown inFIG. 16. The fire extinguisher300may include any appropriate components discussed above. By way of a non-limiting example, the fire extinguisher300may include a housing312and a detachable tab314. The fire extinguisher300may further include an appropriate quantity of a fire suppression agent (not shown). The fire extinguisher300may include a discharge port (not shown) selectively coupled to the fire suppression agent by an actuator (not shown). The detachable tab314may generally cover the actuator and discharge port, which may further add to the decorative finish of the fire extinguisher300.

The housing312may be of any suitable size and shape. The housing312may include visually pleasing aesthetic features which may include, without limitation, various shapes, decorative elements and colors. The housing312may be made from any suitable materials including, but not limited to, metal, plastic and composites.

The detachable tab314may be any suitable size and shape for the housing312of the fire extinguisher300. The detachable tab314may be selectively detachable from housing312. By way of a non-limiting example, the detachable tab314may include perforated side portions317and a gripping portion319. In such configuration, a user may pull on the gripping portion319and the perforated side portions317may detach from the housing312such that either the detachable tab314is removed or otherwise repositioned. The detachable tab314may include visually pleasing esthetic features such as, without limitation, various shapes, decorative elements and colors. The detachable tab314may be made from any suitable materials, including, but not limited to, metal, plastic and composites. The detachable tab314may generally match the housing312, such as being of generally the same material and color, or may be generally different from the housing312, such as being of a different color or material.

The fire extinguisher300may further include an electrical connector322. The electrical connector322may be configured of a suitable size and shape. The electrical connector322may include a housing engaging member323capable of selectively engaging and retaining the housing312. The housing engaging member323may be of any appropriate shape and size. By way of a non-limiting example, the housing engaging member323may have an annular body325into which the housing312may be inserted and may be generally retained in a storage position therein. The housing engaging member323may include connecting elements324capable of coupling to any suitable power source327, such as standard AC main power.

In operating the fire extinguisher300, the electrical connector322may be operably secured with the power source327to provide suitable power to the fire extinguisher300during a storage state. Specifically, the connecting elements324of the housing engaging member323may be inserted and electrically connected with the power source327. The annular body325may extend from the power source327. The housing312may then be selectively inserted into the housing engaging member323, such as by being inserted into the annular body325. The housing312may be electrically engaged with the housing engaging member323such that electrical power flows from the power source327through the electrical connector324and into appropriate electrical system in the housing312. By way of a non-limiting example, the housing312may include a housing electrical connection member (not shown) that is selectively and electrically engageable with the housing engaging member323. The fire extinguisher300may then be powered by the power source327.

The connecting elements324may be selectively positionable. By way of a non-limiting example, the connecting elements324may be rotatable relative to the annular body325. This may allow the housing312to be stored in either of a generally vertical or horizontal position. In these embodiments, the housing312may be inserted into the annular body325and the connecting elements324may be rotated relative to the annular body325such that the housing312may be positioned in any appropriate location. In the alternative, the annular body325may be positionable, for example, rotatable relative to the connecting elements324.

When using the fire extinguisher300, the housing312may be removed from the housing engaging member323such as by lifting it through the annular body325. The user may then grasp the gripping portion319and pull it in an appropriate direction. As the detachable tab314includes perforations317, pulling the detachable tab314may remove it from or reposition it on the housing312. This may then expose the actuator and discharge port to the user. The user may then activate the actuator, such as described above, and the fire suppression agent may be expelled through the discharge port.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof.