AU2015100017A4

AU2015100017A4 - Method and unit to protect houses from external fires.

Info

Publication number: AU2015100017A4
Application number: AU2015100017A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Paul Neale
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-01-07
Filing date: 2015-01-07
Publication date: 2015-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-07

Abstract

A method of protecting houses and property from external fires, the method comprising the steps of delivery and placement of a transportable, unmanned, remote controlled and/or autonomous fire suppression unit, usually before the approach of fire. An example of the unit used by this method is shown in Fig 1. In the form of a retrofitted shipping container. (The closest wall not shown so as to allow the internals to be seen.) Water is stored in a tank/tanks 1 and is pumped 2 to a fire nozzle/monitor 3 that sprays the water over the property. Cameras and sensors 4 monitor the fire's approach and send information via the control panel 6 and radio transmitter 5 to a base station. The pumps are started autonomously or by remote control in response to the fire. Fig 2. Shows a raiseable/telescopic pipe version allowing a larger coverage area of the water/fire retardant. inIIon A, 1!? i Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT METHOD AND UNIT TO PROTECT HOUSES AND PROPERTY FROM EXTERNAL FIRES The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 METHOD AND UNIT TO PROTECT HOUSES AND PROPERTY FROM EXTERNAL FIRES [0001] In the past, when fires originating externally to buildings/property (for example bushfires / wildfires etc) have threatened houses and property, occupants have either had to evacuate the area and hope fire brigades/personnel are able to prevent their properties from burning or, if permitted by authorities, stay and fight fires at high personal risk. In most cases, apart from pre-installed fire suppression systems, there has been no possible role by interested parties in active protection of the property without endangering lives. The method described aims to give this option. [0002] In contrast to permanently installed sprinkler systems, with the described transportable invention, no equipment is required to be permanently installed on the property. Permanent installations may detract from the property's appearance and function. All maintenance of the system can be carried out offsite. Costs to the customer would also be lower as the system could be hired (or similar) instead of purchased outright. [0003] The fire-suppression method in accordance with this invention incorporates: * Initial assessment, preparation and possible monitoring of the property to be protected. * Monitoring of high fire danger areas and transporting/installing fire suppression/ fire alert equipment in response. * A fire alert system. * A control station operated either by the property owner or system operator. * Delivery and placement of a transportable, remote controlled fire suppression unit when required. [0004] An initial assessment of the property would help determine the number and location of fire suppression units required in the event of a fire. Areas close to the buildings may require clearing of obstacles to allow placement of units. At this stage monitoring cameras and/or equipment could also possibly be installed.

2 [0005] Weather conditions including rainfall, temperature and wind conditions could be monitored year-round on a national basis to determine where best to locate equipment in response to high fire danger areas. Fire suppression units could be delivered to properties in anticipation of fire due to adverse conditions. [0006] Actual fire suppression is first initiated by fire alerts, possibly received from either the occupants of the property, from emergency/alert/news services or from camera images available to the control station. These cameras could have fire/smoke alert functions inbuilt. Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAV's ) could also supply images. [0007] The threat to property is then assessed by the control station. If it is determined that the property is at risk, a fire suppression unit is delivered. The fire suppression unit comprises one or more water tanks, one or more pumps, cameras and/or electronic heat/fire sensors and radio transmitting/receiving devices. Remote controlled fire-fighting monitors (nozzles) spray water from the tanks/pumps over a property, protecting it from destruction by fire. The fire suppression unit is incorporated into a housing or trailer, allowing it to be easily transported and placed next to houses / property. [0008] The pumps (fuel or electric) convey high pressure water to the fire monitors, possibly attached to upwardly telescopic or raiseable pipes so as to allow the fire retardant to be sprayed down from height. Some cameras and/or fire sensing equipment could also be attached to these pipes to gain a higher "view" of the area to be protected. Note: For the purposes of this specification the use of the word "water" can be understood to mean water and / or other fire retarding substance.

Claims

1. A method of protecting houses and property from external fires, the method comprising the steps of delivery, placement and remote or autonomous activation of one or more transportable, unmanned, fire suppression units that sprays water or fire retardants over said houses and property.

2. A transportable, remote controlled and/or autonomous fire suppression unit incorporating one or more pumps that spray water and/or fire retardants, fitted with cameras, instruments and radio or other long range communication devices to enable the remote or autonomous control of said pumps and fire suppression equipment at times necessary to prevent destruction of buildings and/or property whilst minimising the use of water/fire retardant.

3. The fire suppression unit in claim 2 housed in a shipping container, skid or pallet platform incorporating one or more water/fire retardant tanks.

4. The fire suppression unit in claim 2 incorporating one or more water/fire retardant tanks, built into a truck trailer, able to be un-coupled from the truck prime-mover/tractor.

5. The fire suppression unit in claim 2 utilizing telescopic or raiseable pipes/hoses that elevate the water/fire retardant spray outlet/s.