DEVICE FOR DELIVERING GASES CONTAINED THEREIN FOR EXTINGUISHING FIRE IN AN ENCLOSED SPACE

Device for delivering gases for extinguishing fire in an enclosed space. The device comes in a spherical shape, the top and bottom of which respectively have an entry hatch. Each entry hatch is held in place by four keyed cam locks. The device includes spiral bevel gears, a stationary ring and four pinions. Each pinion is responsible for containing/releasing the gases stored therein. Each pinion connects to a cylinder that connects to a cone having slits that allow the gasses to travel in different directions. The device is pitched from outside into the enclosed space or burning room. The device allows first responders with either a timed extension to rescue trapped individuals/things or potentially extinguish a burning room. The device withstands structure fires without becoming damaged. The gases contained inside the device are safe to use in areas populated by humans and are both effective and safe for inhalation.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter generally relates to a device for extinguishing fire. More specifically, the present subject matter relates to a device for storing and delivering gases for extinguishing fire in an enclosed space, the device configured for withstanding external forces without damage when pitched through an entry point into the enclosed space for extinguishing the fire thereby allowing first responders to enter the enclosed space and save people and things.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Fire extinguishers can be classified into a manually operated fire extinguishers or automatic fire extinguishers. Manually operated fire extinguishers come in portable form and allow humans to operate in the event of a fire. The automatic fire extinguishers include one or more sensors that detect fire/explosion and deploy. Both manually operated and automatic fire extinguishers may use gaseous, dry powder suppression agents or any other substance to extinguish the fire.

Several fire extinguishers capable of discharging fire-extinguishing agents to fire sites have been disclosed in the past. One such example is disclosed in a U.S. granted Pat. No. 9,162,096 entitled “Automatic fire extinguisher capable of discharging fire-extinguishing agent to fire site” (the “'096 Patent”). The '096 Patent discloses an automatic fire extinguisher which is capable of automatically discharging a fire-extinguishing agent to a fire site without using power upon the occurrence of a fire to thus efficiently extinguish the fire, and which is also capable of sounding an alarm at an early stage upon the occurrence of a fire, to thus enable people to take swift action. The automatic fire extinguisher serves as a sprinkler, and can be reused after operation.

Another example is disclosed in a Korean granted patent No. 100716473 entitled “Automatic Fire Extinguisher” (the “'473 Patent”). The '473 Patent discloses an automatic fire extinguisher that can be mounted on the kitchen ceiling of an apartment or a general house to extinguish a fire by automatically ejecting a fire extinguishing fluid in the event of a fire.

Although the above discussed fire extinguishers are useful in discharging fire-extinguishing agents to fire sites, their functionality becomes limited when people are trapped in an enclosed space. For example, in the event of fire in enclosed space that is not easily accessible, rescuing people or things trapped inside becomes priority. When first responders arrive at the site, their options are to rush inside and hopefully find the person/things before the flames become unbearable, or douse the flames with water to gain entry. In such situations, it becomes difficult for them to rely on known fire extinguishers.

Therefore, there is a need for a device that can be pitched through a door, window or an improvised opening into the enclosed space, the device that is capable of delivering gases for extinguishing fire in the enclosed space and provide the first responders with either a timed extension to rescue the trapped people or things or potentially extinguish a burning room.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a device for delivering contained gases from one location to within an enclosed space for extinguishing fire and avoids the drawback of known fire extinguishers.

It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a device that allows first responders with either a timed extension to rescue trapped individuals/things or potentially extinguish a burning room.

It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a device that delivers gases into enclosed spaces and retains its shape before and after being pitched into the enclosed spaces.

It is another object of the present subject matter to provide a device that delivers gases in different directions to maximize the area of effect for dousing the fire, thereby allowing the first responders to enter the enclosed space and save people or things.

In order to overcome the limitations here stated, the present subject matter provides a device for delivering gases for extinguishing fire into enclosed spaces. Preferably, the device comes in a spherical shape. The top and bottom of the device respectively have an entry hatch made of steel. Each hatch is held in place by four keyed cam locks. The device includes spiral bevel gears, a stationary ring and four pinions.

The device winds with the help of a compression spring. The device further encompasses a planetary gear system that helps to activate the device to release the gases contained within. The gases include a clean agent and pressurized nitrogen that are safe to use in areas populated by humans. The planetary gear system is held in place until the device is pitched into the enclosed space. A user or first responder pitches the device into an enclosed space or burning room from outside. The compression spring releases its tension caused by the winding. This results in rotation of the spiral bevel gears, pinions contained within the spiral bevel gears and a sun gear in the planetary gear system. Here, each pinion is responsible for containing and releasing the gases stored therein. Each pinion connects to a cylinder that in turn connects to a cone having three slits. The three slits at each cone allow the gases to travel in different directions.

In one advantageous feature of the present subject matter, the device allows first responders with either a timed extension to rescue trapped individuals/things or potentially extinguish a burning room. The device withstands structure fires without becoming damaged. The gases contained inside the device are safe to use in areas populated by humans and are both effective and safe for inhalation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments in which the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced. The term “exemplary” used throughout this description means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration,” and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the presently disclosed device. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the presently disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in functional or conceptual diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the presently disclosed device.

In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not be considered limiting. Rather, the subject matter preferably encompasses other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, the applicant does not intend for any term in the specification to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present subject matter encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

Although the present subject matter describes a device, it is to be further understood that numerous changes may arise in the details of the embodiments of the device. It is contemplated that all such changes and additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of this subject matter.

It should be understood that the present subject matter describes a device for delivering gases for extinguishing fire in an enclosed space prior to first responders entering the enclosed space. The device comes in a spherical shape. The top and bottom of the device respectively have an entry hatch. Each hatch is held in place by four keyed cam locks. The device includes spiral bevel gears, a stationary ring and four pinions. Each pinion is responsible for containing and releasing the gases stored therein. Each pinion connects to a cylinder that connects to a cone having slits. The slits allow the gases to travel in different directions. The device is pitched from outside into the enclosed space or burning room. The device allows first responders with either a timed extension to rescue trapped individuals/things or potentially extinguish the burning room. The device withstands structure fires without damage. The gases contained inside the device are safe to use in areas populated by humans and are both effective and safe for inhalation.

Various features and embodiments of a device for delivering gases for extinguishing fire in an enclosed space are explained in conjunction with the description ofFIGS. 1 to 6.

In one embodiment, the present subject matter discloses a device for delivering gases for extinguishing fire in an enclosed space.FIG. 1shows exemplary environment10of device12located in enclosed space or structure14such as a room/building. Here, device12is launched or pitched into enclosed space14through a window or door or an improvised opening16from outside for extinguishing fire by delivering gases112such as clean agent and pressurised nitrogen. In accordance with the present subject matter, device12is launched into enclosed space14for extinguishing fire/flames such that fire fighters or first responders can safely enter enclosed space14and save people or things stuck in enclosed space14.

FIG. 2shows a front view of device12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. In one preferred embodiment, device12comes in a spherical shape. However, device12can come in any other shape that helps to retain the shape of device12before or after being pitched into enclosed space14. Device12includes first portion20and second portion22. First portion20indicates a top portion and second portion22indicates a bottom portion.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3Cshow exploded views of device12, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. Further,FIG. 4shows connection of internal components in device12. First portion20includes first entry hatch24. First entry hatch24indicates a shell and comes in a semi-circular shape with hollow portion26at the top. First entry hatch14provides a material made of metal such as steel, wood, hard plastic or any other suitable material. First entry hatch14provides a material capable of withstanding pressure and impact without any deformation. In one implementation, first entry hatch14provides a material having a melting point of 2750 degrees such that first entry hatch14retains its shape without fragmenting and possibly damaging the person/property inside.

First entry hatch24encompasses first keyed cam locks underneath28. In one example, first entry hatch24encompasses four first key cam locks28. First portion20includes first plate member30. First plate member30provides a material made of rubber or any other suitable material capable of providing cushion effect. First plate member30sustains most of the impact when device12lands on its centre or sides i.e., north/south poles. A person skilled in the art understands that first entry hatch24surrounds first plate member30and protects first plate member30. In one example, first plate member30presents rod receiving groove32. Rod receiving groove32receives rod58(FIGS. 5A through 5C). First plate member30presents four circled parts34having first flaps36. First flaps36provide material made of metal or rubber or any other suitable material. First flaps36extend from circled parts34, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. First flaps36mount underneath first key cam locks28and allow to secure first plate member30to first entry hatch24(FIG. 4). Alternatively, first flaps36mount to first key cam locks28using a strong adhesive such that first plate member30mounts firmly to first entry hatch24.

First portion20further includes planetary gear system37. Planetary gear system37mounts beneath first plate member30(FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4). Planetary gear system37includes sun gear38and satellite or planet gear40. As in the solar system, planetary gear system37has sun gear38(bigger gear) that connects to satellite gear40. Satellite gear40revolves around sun gear38within satellite ring42. Satellite ring42connects beneath first plate member30using known mechanisms such as adhesive, for example.

First portion20encompasses first elongated rod44that connects and extends from sun gear38. One end of first elongated rod44connects to sun gear38and the other end connects to circular plate46. Circular plate46connects to cylindrical tube48that connects to gear50. Gear50is surrounded by a related compression spring52. Compression spring52rests in stationary ring54. In other words, stationary ring54includes a step-like structure that receives and holds compression spring52encompassing gear50. In one implementation, stationary ring54includes elbow member56that extends from stationary ring54. Elbow member56extends from stationary ring54and connects outside satellite ring42(FIG. 4).

In accordance with present embodiment, stationary ring54includes a second gear (not shown) that attaches to spiral bevel gears60. The second gear remains stationary while gear50compresses compression spring52by pushing against a small metal plate (not shown) inside cylindrical tube48attached to stationary ring54beneath it. The second gear remains stationary while gear50compresses compression spring52due to a ring (not shown) being sandwiched and separating gear50and stationary ring54. Inside gear50and the ring, there is a clear path51for rod58attached to spiral bevel gear60.

Stationary ring54attaches to spiral bevel gear60beneath it. Spiral bevel gear60connects to rod58that stands vertical and is visible from gear50. Rod58draws through path51in gear50, and rod receiving groove32and is accessible from the outer side (FIG. 5A). Before compression spring52compresses, rod58is at the resting position. Whenever compression spring52is being compressed, rod58travels in path51in gear50. When the spring inside cylindrical tube48is being wound, nearing its fullest potential, rod58comes close to the end of its path. Towards the end of path51, gear50presents a small torsion spring (not shown). The torsion spring traps rod58located on spiral bevel gear60. When rod58passes through the torsion spring, the torsion spring locks in place and traps rod58while simultaneously signalling a user of device12that compression spring52is wound completely. At this point, the user can pitch device12inside enclosed space14.

Spiral bevel gear60includes top bevel gear62and bottom bevel gear64. Bottom bevel gear64receives plate66connecting second elongated rod100via ball bearing spinner102. Top bevel gear62and bottom bevel gear64receive pinions70. In one example, device12provides four pinions70, each placed at 90 degrees away from each other in a horizontal plane. Pinions70are held together by belt68. In one implementation, belt68includes four rings (not shown) secured by thick metal wires. The four rings are connected, and surround the centre of spiral bevel gear60(FIG. 4). Here, belt68stabilizes pinions68during an impact by holding them together.

Each pinion68includes pinion rod72extending from it. As each pinion70is placed at 90 degrees away from each other, respective pinion rod72also extends at 90 degrees away from each other. Each pinion rod72connects to first cylinder74. In one example, pinion rod72includes threads that insert into first cylinder74. Further, each first cylinder74includes four small ring rods75. Each small ring rod75faces 90 degrees away from each other on a vertical plane and includes rings attached at their respective end. Each first cylinder74acts as a “bridge”, completely enveloping cone cylinder76and part of pinion rod's72. When device12is not wound, each first cylinder74mounts over cone cylinder76prevents gases112from releasing through airways78of cone cylinder76.

As specified above, each first cylinder74connects to cone cylinder76. In one example, each cone cylinder76presents two elongated airways78at its side. Cone cylinder76attaches to cone80. Cone80has a hollow structure inside and allows gas to flow through it. In one implementation, each cone80includes four medium length cone rods82placed at 90 degrees from another, facing towards first cylinder74. Cone rods82connect to ring rods75on first cylinder74(FIG. 4) and provide stability.

Each cone80connects to cap-like structure84. Cap-like structure84provides a material made of metal, wood, hard plastic or any other known materials. Cap-like structure84comes in a variety of shapes such as square, rectangular, circular, semi-circular or any other shape. As each cone80faces at 90 degrees away from each other horizontally, each cap-like structure84too faces at 90 degrees away from each other horizontally. Cap-like structure84encompasses three slits86. Two of three slits86position at a 45 degree angle or 1:30 on a clock on a vertical plane. Third slit86positions directing straight outward. In one implementation, next or adjacent cap-like structure84i.e., cap-like structure84on a horizontal 90 degree plane includes first two slits86facing a downward 45 degree angle or a 4:30 on a clock on a vertical plane. As presented above, the third slit86directs gases112straight outward. The remaining two cap-like structures84mirror the other on a horizontal 180 degree plane (FIG. 6).

Second portion24includes second entry hatch88. Second entry hatch88comes in a semi-circular shape with hollow portion90at the bottom. Second entry hatch88provides a material made of metal such as steel, wood, hard plastic or any other suitable material. Second entry hatch88provides a material capable of withstanding pressure and impact without any deformation. In one implementation, second entry hatch88provides a material having a melting point of 2750 degrees such that second entry hatch88retains its shape without fragmenting and possibly damaging the person/property inside.

Second entry hatch88encompasses second keyed cam locks92. In one example, second entry hatch88encompasses four second keyed cam locks underneath92. Second portion22includes second plate member94. Second plate member94provides a material made of rubber or any other suitable material capable of providing cushion effect. Second plate member94sustains most of the impact when device12lands on its centre or sides i.e., north/south poles. A person skilled in the art understands that second entry hatch88surrounds second plate member94and protects second plate member94. Second plate member94presents four circled parts96having second flaps98. Second flaps98provide material made of metal or rubber or any other suitable material. Second flaps98extend from circled parts34, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. Second flaps98mount underneath second key cam locks92and allow to secure second plate member94to second entry hatch88. Alternatively, second flaps98mount to second keyed cam locks underneath92using a strong adhesive such that second plate member94mounts firmly to second entry hatch88.

Second plate member94connects to second elongated rod100via cup-like structure99. Second elongated rod100connects to ball bearing spinner102. Outer ring of ball bearing spinner102holds spiral bevel gears60via plate66. Here, ball bearing spinner102allows second elongated rod100to rotate or turn with respect to spiral bevel gears60.

In the current embodiment, first entry hatch24has size greater than second entry hatch88. Second entry hatch88is smaller as compression spring52surrounding stationary ring54adds extra size and cannot be removed without a wider opening. At the outer side, device12includes cylindrical ring104that connects first entry hatch24and second hatch88and also receives cap-like structures84.FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5Dshow a perspective view, a front view, a top view and a bottom view, respectively of device12. As can be seen, cylindrical ring104surrounds first entry hatch24and second hatch88at the centre. Cylindrical ring104provides a material made of metal capable of withstanding impact and ensures the internal components are intact. Further, first entry hatch24includes first metal plate106at the top. First metal plate106mounts over first plate member30facing first entry hatch24and cushions impact on first plate member30. Similarly, second hatch88includes second metal plate108at the bottom. Second metal plate108mounts over second plate member94facing second entry hatch88and cushions impact on second plate member94. In one implementation, first entry hatch24encompasses refill port110for filling gases112inside device12. In one example, gases112include a clean agent and pressurised nitrogen. Clean agent indicates an electrically non-conductive, volatile, or gaseous fire extinguishing agent (NFPA) that is safe to use in areas populated by humans. It is preferable to use clean agent/inert gas(as)112that is both effective and safe for inhalation as device12is useful to protect people or things stuck in enclosed space14. However, a person skilled in the art understands that other gases that are suitable to extinguish fire and safe for humans may also be used.

As specified above, device12delivers gases112into enclosed space14when pitched through window or door or an improvised opening16for extinguishing fire. At first, a user of device12fills gases112in device12via refill port110. At rest and during the winding process, pinions70extend fully and offer no give or slack against an opposing force. Here, device12winds similar to a boat trailer jack for raising or lowering the trailer. Gear50, stationary ring54and the second gear hold together by two top hat pieces. Gear50directly connects rod58with a large top hat. The crown of the hat screws to the exterior of rod58. The brim of the large hat screws onto the centre of gear50with four screws. The smaller but taller top hat inserts inside the interior of the hollow rod, beneath the larger top hat. The smaller hat holds in place stationary ring54and the second gear. Although both top hats secure to rod58and hold together gear50, stationary ring54and the second gear, only gear50experiences motion. The reason being both stationary ring54and the second gear centres are smooth and hollow and do not offer any resistance to the rotating motion during the winding process. The smaller top hat keeps stationary ring54and the second gear in position.

The user winds rod58similar to raising or lowering the trailer. Here, rod58travels in clear path51and compresses compression spring52. When the spring inside cylinder tube48is being wound, nearing its fullest potential, rod58moves closer to the end of its path51. When rod58passes through the torsion spring, the torsion spring locks in place, trapping rod58while simultaneously signalling the user compression spring52is completely wound. From this point, the user is ready to pitch device12inside enclosed space14.

In order to maximize the potential of compressed spring52, the user holds satellite gear40in its final position. Any slack of compressed spring52hampers its ability to allow gases112to release and potentially render device12ineffective. It is preferable to hold satellite gear40in its final resting place until pitching device12into enclosed space14. Once the user deploys device12into enclosed space14, compressed spring12releases its tension caused by the user. Here, both spiral bevel gears60rotate pinions68and sun gear38via first connecting rod44. As pinions68rotate, pinion rods70also rotate. Here, pinion rods70rotate inside first cylinder74. As pinions68rotate, pinion rods70reverse in direction. As specified above, first cylinder74includes four small ring rods75that connect to cone rods82at cone80. Because first cylinder's74ring rods75secure to cone rods82, first cylinder74itself reverses towards the centre of device12. While first cylinder74reverses in direction, first cylinder74exposes cone cylinder's76elongated airways78, allowing more gas to be freed as it reverses further. A person skilled in the art understands that without winding device12, first cylinder74would prevent gases112from releasing through cone cylinders78.

As specified above, cones80connect to cap-like structures84having slits86. Slits86at adjacent cones80allow to direct or release gases112in different directions. As specified above, two of three slits86position at a 45 degree angle or 1:30 on a clock on a vertical plane and the third slit86positions directing straight outward. This structure allows the gases112to travel in different directions. The speed at which spiral bevel gears60rotate can be configured in order to maximize the area of effect (AOE) for delivering gases112to extinguish fire inside enclosed space14.FIG. 6shows an operational perspective view of device12delivering gases112, in accordance with one embodiment of the present subject matter. When pitched into enclosed space14that is burning, gases112containing clean agent and pressurized nitrogen. Gases112are safe for human inhalation and disrupt the fire triangle by absorbing the heat instead of suffocating it similar to CO2. During or shortly after gases112have been exposed to enclosed space14, firefighters or first responders can make entry and rescue persons or things.

As specified above, device12comes in a spherical shape and made of steel having a melting point of 2750 degrees. The spherical shape allows device12to keep its shape before and after being pitched into enclosed space14. Thus, there is no concern for device12fragmenting and possibly damaging the person/property inside enclosed space14.

Device12can be refilled and used multiple times. Device12can be coated with suitable paint to prolong its life. Device12comes in a variety of sizes allowing the first responders to pitch into different enclosed spaces14.

Based on the above, it is evident that the device delivers contained gases from one location to within an enclosed space. The device provides first responders with either a timed extension to rescue trapped individuals/things or potentially extinguish a burning room. The device, due to its size and shape, is pitched through a door, window or an improvised opening. The device withstands structure fires without becoming damaged. The device delivers gases for extinguishing the fire, the gases that are safe to use in areas populated by humans.

A person skilled in the art appreciates that the device may come in a variety of sizes depending on the need and comfort of the first responders. Further, different materials in addition to or instead of materials described herein may also be used and such implementations may be construed to be within the scope of the present subject matter. Further, many changes in the design and placement of components may take place without deviating from the scope of the presently disclosed device.

In the above description, numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of some embodiments, specific components, devices, methods, in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present subject matter. It will be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art that these specific details need not be employed, and should not be construed to limit the scope of the subject matter.

In the development of any actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints. Such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but may nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill. Hence as various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the subject matter, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

The foregoing description of embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the subject matter. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the novel principles and subject matter disclosed herein may be applied to other embodiments without the use of the innovative faculty. It is contemplated that additional embodiments are within the spirit and true scope of the disclosed subject matter.