Abstract:
A fire extinguisher unit that can be grasped and operated with a single hand. The unit includes a single-hand fire extinguisher and a holder for releasably supporting the fire extinguisher on a vertical surface. The fire extinguisher has a cylindrical canister housing, a flexible internal pouch containing fire suppressant, means for externally pressurizing the pouch, a valve for regulating the flow of fire suppressant from said pouch, and a spray head connected to the valve for actuating the valve between open and closed positions and for directing the flow of fire suppressant from said pouch. The holder has an elongate base, means for mounting the elongate base to a vertical surface, and a clamp fixed to each end of said elongate base.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a single-hand fire extinguisher unit that can be releasably mounted to a vertical surface. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Rechargeable fire extinguishers have become very common, and often legally required, in most households across the United States. However, rechargeable household fire extinguishers have several shortcomings that prevent or dissuade many individuals from using them effectively. 
   Rechargeable household fire extinguishers are large and heavy. For example, even the smallest units may weigh more than 5 pounds and are over 16 inches tall. This weight and size makes operation cumbersome, and limits the location in which the fire extinguisher can be mounted. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a fire extinguisher that is lightweight and compact. 
   The discharge nozzle on known household fire extinguishers typically requires two steps to operate. First, a safety pin must be removed. Then, a lever actuator must be squeezed. The construction of said discharge nozzle is complicated and intimidating to many individuals. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a fire extinguisher having a discharge nozzle that is very simple to operate and is un-intimidating in appearance. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a fire extinguisher that is lightweight and compact, and has a discharge nozzle that is very simple to operate and is un-intimidating in appearance. The fire extinguisher can be operated completely with a single hand. The invention also provides a collapsible holder for releasably supporting the fire extinguisher on a vertical surface. 
   The fire extinguisher has a cylindrical canister housing, which has a diameter DC, a closed bottom end, and an open neck having a diameter less than DC at the top end. A flexible internal pouch contains the fire suppressant. The flexible pouch is pressurized for expelling the fire suppressant. A valve is connected to the pouch, and is operable between open and closed positions for regulating the flow of fire suppressant from the pouch. A spray head is connected to the valve. The spray head actuates the valve between the closed and open positions and directs the flow of fire suppressant from the pouch. The canister can be grasped with one hand, and the spray head can be depressed with the index finger of the same hand grasping the canister. 
   In a preferred embodiment, a transparent cap is releasably connected to the neck of the canister. A layer of film envelopes the cap and at least a portion of the canister. The cap can not be removed from the canister without permanently damaging the film layer. 
   The holder has an elongate base with upper and lower ends. A clamp is fixed to each end of the elongate base. The clamps include a base and a pair of arcuate arms fixed to and extending outwardly transverse to the base. The arcuate arms and base define a socket formed in between the arms. The socket has a diameter less than DC, an open top, and a peripheral slit having a width that is smaller than the diameter of the socket. 
   The upper and lower clamps are identical in construction except a flange is fixed to at least one of the arms of the lower clamp. The flange extends radially inwardly and defines at least a partial bottom of the socket of the lower clamp. 
   The arms of at least the first clamp can be resiliently flexed to temporarily widen the width of the slit greater than DC. The fire extinguisher can be parked in the holder by passing the fire extinguisher through the temporarily widened slit of the upper clamp, and then inserting the bottom of the fire extinguisher into the socket of the bottom clamp. The clamps contact the peripheral surface of the canister and support the bottom end of the canister. Alternatively the arms of the bottom clamp may also be resiliently flexed to temporarily widen the width of the slit greater than DC. 
   Keyholes are provided in the elongate base for mounting the base to a vertical surface. Alternatively, the base may be mounted by releasable fasteners such as magnets, Velcro-type tabs, suction cups, and adhesive strips. 
   Preferably, the clamps are fixed to the elongate base by releasable connectors. The releasably connectors may comprise a tongue integrally formed at each end of the elongate base and a groove integrally-formed in each clamp. The tongue and groove have shapes that compliment one another. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a fire extinguisher unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing the fire extinguisher parked in the holder; 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the fire extinguisher unit of  FIG. 1 , showing the method of parking the fire extinguisher in the holder; 
       FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional view of the fire extinguisher of  FIG. 1  showing the canister and flexible bag; 
       FIG. 4  is an exploded, isometric view of the holder shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a side plan view of the base portion of the holder shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the top mounting clamp of the holder shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a bottom plan view of the bottom mounting clamp of the holder shown in  FIG. 1 ; and, 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged section of the tongue and groove connection of the holder shown in  FIG. 4 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   For the purpose of illustration, there is shown in the accompanying drawings several embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown therein and described below. 
   A fire extinguisher unit in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in  FIG. 1  and is designated generally by reference numeral  10 . The unit  10  generally comprises a fire extinguisher  12  and a holder  14 , which can be mounted to a variety of vertical surfaces such as a wall or cabinet. The holder  14  releasably supports the fire extinguisher  12  in a readily accessible location in the event of a fire. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , the fire extinguisher generally comprises an external metal canister  16 , which has a generally-cylindrical shape similar to the shape of a can of hair spray. The metal canister  16  houses a known nonrechargeable, pressurized spray system, such a disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,577, incorporated herein by reference, which includes a flexible bag  18 , a valve  20 , and a spray head  22 . The flexible bag  18  shaped like a pouch having a single, reduced-diameter opening or neck. The bag  18  contains a predetermined quantity of fire suppressant. The bag  18  is externally pressurized by compressed air, which is introduced in between the interior walls of the canister and the outer surface of the bag  18 . The valve  20  is connected to the neck of the bag  18 . The spray head  22  is connected to the valve  20 . The spray head  22  actuates the valve  20  between open and closed positions. The spray head  22  is normally biased upwardly, thereby closing the valve  20 . When the spray head  22  is depressed downwardly, it opens the valve  20  and causes fire suppressant to be expelled from the canister  16 . The spray head  22  also directs the flow of fire suppressant in the desired direction. As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,577, the valve  20  is constructed so that the force generated by an individual&#39;s index finger is sufficient to depress the spray head  22  and open the valve  20 . 
   The canister  16  is preferably made from  18  bar aluminum. The diameter and length of the canister  16  are selected so that the fire extinguisher is lightweight and contains enough fire suppressant to extinguish a small fire. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the fire extinguisher weighs less than about 1.5 pounds, is less than about 3 inches in diameter, and is less than about 12 inches long. 
   The dimensions of the canister  16  and other components of the fire extinguisher  12  are arranged so that the fire extinguisher  12  can be picked-up and operated with a single hand, i.e., it has a “single-hand” construction. For example, the spray nozzle  22  is constructed so that it can be depressed by an individual&#39;s index finger while grasping the canister  16  in a manner similar to spraying a can of paint or hair spray. 
   A cap  24  snaps on the neck of the canister  16 , thereby covering and protecting the spray head  22  from accidental discharge. Similar to known aerosol can caps, the cap  24  is easily removable by grasping the canister  16  with one hand and applying a small upward force on the cap  24  with the other hand. The cap  24  may also be removed by holding the canister  16  with one hand and striking the end of the cap  24  against a rigid surface, such as a table or countertop. Thus, in an emergency situation, the cap  24  can be removed without using the other hand. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the cap  24  is transparent so that the user can readily see the spray head  22  before the cap  24  is removed. To the user unfamiliar with the fire extinguisher&#39;s novel construction, early and immediate visual observation of the spray head  22  reduces the time necessary to decipher the method of operating the fire extinguisher. Further, immediate visual observation of the spray head  22  may also encourage those people with an aversion to or apprehension of fire extinguishers to use the fire extinguisher  12  during the early stages of a fire. Additionally, unobstructed visual observation of the spray head  22  serves to constantly re-educate individuals regarding the simplistic method of operating the novel fire extinguisher  12  of the present invention. 
   Preferably, a shrink-wrap material  26  envelopes the cap and at least a portion of the canister  16 . The shrink-wrap material  26  ensures that the cap  24  is not accidentally removed during shipping. Since the cap can not be removed without damaging the shrink-wrap material  26 , the purchaser can ascertain whether the fire extinguisher  12  has been discharged or otherwise tampered with by visually observing the integrity of the shrink-wrap material  26 . The shrink-wrap material may comprise known films such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the holder  14  generally comprises a holder base  30  and two mounting clamps  32 , 34 . The base  30  and clamps  32 , 34  include connection means for quickly and easily connecting one clamp  32 , 34  to each end of the base  30 . In a preferred embodiment, the base  30  and clamps  32 , 34  are formed as separate, interconnecting components so that the holder  14  can be shipped and/or sold in a more compact, disassembled configuration. 
   As best seen in  FIG. 4 , the holder base  30  has a generally-rectangular central portion  36 . A flange  38  is preferably integrally formed on each lengthwise-extending edge of the central portion  36 . The flanges  38  extend perpendicular to the plane of the central portion  36 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , the flanges  38  not only strengthen the base  30 , but also cradle the canister  16  when the fire extinguisher  12  is parked in the holder  14 . 
   A lengthwise-extending tongue  42 , 44  is preferably integrally formed on each end of the central portion  36 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , each tongue  42 , 44  has a tapered edge  43 , which compliments the shape of the grooves  60 , 80  in the clamps  32 , 34 . As best seen in  FIG. 5 , a protuberance  46  is formed on one side proximate the end of each tongue  42 , 44 . As described below, each tongue  42 , 44  slidably engages a groove in one of the mounting clamps  32 , 34 . 
   In one embodiment, a plurality of notched keyholes  48  extends through the central portion  36  of the holder base  30 . The keyholes  48  receive the head of a mounting fastener (not shown) such as a nail, toggle bolt, drywall screw, etc. Alternative or additional fasteners may be provided on the back side of the holder  14  such as magnets, Velcro-type fasteners, adhesive strips, and suction cups. 
   Referring to FIG.  6 ., the upper clamp  32  has a base portion  54  and a pair of arcuate arms  56  fixed to opposed ends of the base portion  54 . Each arm  56  has a base end  56   a  fixed to the base  54 , and a free end  56   b . The free ends  56   b  are spaced apart a distance W 1 . In a preferred embodiment, the arms  56  are integrally formed with the base portion  54 . The arcuate arms  56  and base portion  54  define a first socket  58 . The first socket  58  has a diameter D 1 , which is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter DC of the canister  16  of the fire extinguisher  12  with which the holder is intended to be used. The socket  58  has an open top, an open bottom, and peripheral slit defined by the free ends  56   b  of the arms  56 . The width W 1  of the slit is smaller than D 1 . 
   An irregularly-shaped groove  60  is formed in the base portion  50  intermediate the fixed ends  56   a  of the arms  56 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the groove  60  has opposed, angled undercuts  62 , which receive the tapered edge  43  of the tongue  42 . The groove  60  also has a notch  64 , which receives the protuberance  46  and releasably locks the tongue  42  in the groove  60 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , the bottom clamp  34  is preferably nearly identical in construction as the top clamp  32 . The bottom clamp  34  has a base portion  74  and a pair of arcuate arms  76  fixed to opposed ends of the base portion  74 . Each arm  76  has a base end  76   a  fixed to the base portion  74 , and a free end  76   b . The free ends  76   b  are spaced apart a distance W 2 . In a preferred embodiment, the arms  76  are integrally formed with the base portion  74 . The arcuate arms  76  and base portion  74  define a second socket  78 . The second socket  78  has a diameter D 2 , which is preferably slightly smaller than the diameter DC of the canister  16  of the fire extinguisher  12  with which the holder  14  is intended to be used. The socket  78  has an open top and peripheral slit defined by the free ends  76   b  of the arms  76 . The width W 2  of the slit is smaller than D 2 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 7 , an irregularly-shaped groove  80  is formed in the base portion  70  intermediate the fixed ends  76   a  of the arms  76 . The groove  80  has opposed, angled undercuts  82 , which receive the tapered edge  43  of the tongue  42 . The groove  80  also has a notch  84 , which receives the protuberance  46  and releasably locks the tongue  42  in the groove  80 . 
   Unlike the top clamp  32 , the bottom clamp  34  has a flange  86  extending radially-inwardly from the lower edge of at least one of the arcuate arms  76 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , the flange  86  is fixed to both arms  76 . The flange  86  forms at least a partial socket bottom on which the bottom of the fire extinguisher canister  16  rests. 
   The thickness of the arms  56  of at least the top clamp is selected to that the arms  56  resiliently flex outwardly, thereby enlarging the width W 1  of the slit so that the canister  16  can pass through the slit. The arms  76  of the bottom clamp  34  may also be constructed to resiliently flex outwardly to enlarge the width W 2  of the slit. However, in a preferred embodiment, the canister  16  is parked by pushing it through the slit in the top clamp  32  and then lowering the canister  16  into the second socket  78  of the bottom clamp  34  as shown by the directional arrows in  FIG. 2 . The fire extinguisher  12  can be easily and quickly removed by simply horizontally pulling the canister through the slits of the clamps. 
   The advantages of a single-hand fire extinguisher are manifest. For example, the extinguisher is small and lightweight enough to be operated by individuals having limited physical strength such as children and the elderly. Additionally, the user can manipulate some other device, such as a telephone, with the individual&#39;s free hand. 
   The construction of the holder is particularly useful for mounting on the wall surface in between a kitchen countertop and the bottom of a cabinet. Cabinets are typically mounted between 16 and 20 inches above the surface of a countertop. Even in this narrow area, the unit  10  described above can be mounted since the fire extinguisher can be parked in the holder  14  without top loading the holder  14 . In other words, significant head clearance above the holder  14  is not required to park the fire extinguisher  12  in the holder  14 . 
   While the principles of the invention have been described above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation on the scope of the invention.