EP3658242B1 - E-extinguishing lance for firefighting in electrically charged objects - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an extinguishing lance designed to extinguish burning objects, the extinguishing lance having a holding section with a grip part for an operator, a feed designed for the supply of extinguishing agent with a coupling device designed to connect a pressure hose for liquid extinguishing agent, and a device attached to the holding section and the Coupling device has a tubular extinguishing section which is designed in such a way that extinguishing agent can be introduced under pressure into a burning object from its free end, the handle part of the holding section also being designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 100V, the tubular extinguishing section at its free end is designed to taper geometrically to a point, and wherein the tubular extinguishing section has at its free end a narrowed clear flow cross section for the extinguishing agent passed through under pressure, which is designed in such a way that extinguishing agent can be passed through under pressure.

Such an extinguishing lance is from the U.S. 2002/019307 A1 known.

Similar extinguishing lances are also described in the Murer Feuerschutz GmbH company catalog from 05/2016, in particular the "NLS fog extinguishing system" shown there.

Background of the Invention

For reasons of environmental and climate protection as well as sustainability, there are currently intensive international efforts to increasingly use electrical energy instead of fossil fuels to use. In recent years, for example, photovoltaic systems have increasingly been installed on building roofs. In addition, individual mobility is to be increasingly made possible in the future by electric drive systems, for example electric vehicles.

So far, however, little attention has been paid to the fact that such an increased use of electrical energy also entails considerable potential risks.

In view of numerous fire events occurring worldwide due to non-functioning or only poorly functioning accumulators, for example in smartphones or notebooks, these potential dangers are already being indicated to an increasing extent.

A particularly high risk is seen in fires in the vicinity of electric vehicles, for example in hybrid or fully electric vehicles (see, for example, " E-mobile brand in the USA"; https://www.welt.de/motor/news/article120704501/E-Mobil-Brand-in-den-USA.html (accessed on November 9th, 2016 )).

A particular problem with a fire in such an electric vehicle is that when extinguishing it, there is not only considerable danger from the fire and the fire itself and possible self-igniting elements such as lithium-ion batteries, but there are also additional dangers from spreading high voltages or high currents due to the High-performance electrics or accumulators installed in the vehicle must be checked. It is therefore important to prevent this effectively.

In the US-A 4,802,535 describes a fire extinguishing lance in which hardened steel pipe is used as the material for the tubular delete section is suggested. However, no electrical insulation of any kind is provided for the known extinguishing lance.

The US 2003/0159837 A1 shows a "multi-purpose water hammer" with a pointed nozzle intended to penetrate an object to be extinguished when used. The erasing head is placed on the tubular erasing section at an angle of 90°. For a hammer-like use of this device in an electric vehicle, you would have to work very close to the battery to be extinguished when hammering into the outer shell of the vehicle in order to achieve an effective effect at all. Incidentally, no electrical insulation of the extinguishing lance is provided or indicated here either. In the years 2002 and 2003 people probably didn't think of vehicles with electric drives as they do today.

The U.S. 2015/075820A1 discloses a portable and extendable extinguishing agent delivery system for use in piercing materials to attack hidden fire sources. The system features a tube with a nozzle for transporting and dispensing extinguishing agent, handles for holding the tube and a hammer cap as a base for using a sledgehammer.

In the CN 2 661 239 Y describes a spray gun for forced penetration into an object to be extinguished and the introduction of extinguishing water. The spray gun includes a tube with a pointed nozzle for transporting and dispensing extinguishing agent.

In the initially cited U.S. 2002/019307 A1 Insulation against electrical voltage when in contact with wires in a building wall is indicated, but no insulation against high voltage, such as that found in the batteries of e-vehicles. In addition, the extinguishing agent is fed in via the end of the known extinguishing lance, so that it should not be possible to drive the lance into the outer shell of a vehicle with a striking tool.

Other disadvantages of the prior art

So far, firefighters have only been prepared to a limited extent for dealing with such sources of danger. In the article mentioned above, for example, it is reported that the firefighters fighting a fire in an electric vehicle kept or had to keep a clear spatial distance from the electric vehicle, which of course considerably limits the effectiveness of firefighting or reduces the positive effect of the firefighting measures that are known per se. if not impossible.

In order to deal with such extended dangers, an extinguishing lance is required in particular, which is not only designed for actual extinguishing, but can withstand thermal as well as mechanical and, in particular, electrical hazards.

So far, however, it has not yet been possible to provide an extinguishing lance of the type defined above against thermal and/or mechanical dangers and additionally with another function that also ensures that the -comparatively strict- legal standards for electrician's tools are complied with. So there is currently always the risk that when extinguishing live electrical objects - especially when the extinguishing lance is wet, which is typical for the application, electrical voltages or currents in impermissibly high levels Reach the operator, which may be seriously injured during firefighting operations.

object of the invention

In contrast, the object of the present invention is to provide an extinguishing lance with the simplest possible technical means, inexpensively and with which, when extinguishing burning electrical equipment with high electrical voltage, in particular vehicles with electric drive, both minimum requirements for protection against thermal hazards and to protect against mechanical overloads and to protect against electrical hazards. In addition, greater durability and resistance to acids should be ensured for the free end of the tubular extinguishing section, which tapers to a point.

Brief description of the invention

• indem das Griffteil des Halteabschnitts elektrisch isolierend auch für elektrische Spannungen U ≥ 500V ausgeführt ist, wobei das Griffteil des Halteabschnitts einen spannungsisolierenden Überzug aufweist, der elektrisch isolierend auch für elektrische Spannungen U ≥ 1000V, ausgeführt ist und eine Schichtdicke d ≥ 2mm aufweist;
• indem der rohrförmige Löschabschnitt aus einem Material gefertigt ist, welches eine so hohe Zugfestigkeit R_m aufweist, dass es einer mechanischen Spannung σ ≥ 500 N/mm² widersteht, und welches eine Schmelztemperatur t_S ≥ 650°C aufweist;
• indem der Halteabschnitt unter dem spannungsisolierenden Überzug des Griffteils aus VA-Stahl, der rohrförmige Löschabschnitt aus Edelstahl und ebenso das spitz zulaufende freie Ende des rohrförmigen Löschabschnitts aus Edelstahl hergestellt sind;
• und indem das spitz zulaufende freie Ende des rohrförmigen Löschabschnitts aus austenitischem 18/10 Cr-Ni-Stahl hergestellt und zusätzlich gehärtet ist.

According to the invention, this task - which is not entirely uncomplicated in practice - is achieved in a way that is as surprisingly simple as it is effective with an extinguishing lance of the type defined at the outset, which is designed in such a way that it can be inserted into the battery of a burning electric vehicle in an emergency without to endanger the operator

• in that the handle part of the holding section is also designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 500V, the handle part of the holding section having a voltage-insulating coating which is also designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 1000V and has a layer thickness d ≥ 2mm;
• by making the tubular quenching section from a material having such a high tensile strength _Rm that it is a mechanical stress σ ≥ 500 N/mm ² and which has a melting temperature t _S ≥ 650°C;
• in that the holding section under the stress-isolating coating of the handle part is made of VA steel, the tubular extinguishing section is made of stainless steel and the pointed free end of the tubular extinguishing section is also made of stainless steel;
• and in that the tapered free end of the tubular extinguishing section is made of austenitic 18/10 Cr-Ni steel and is additionally hardened.

With the present invention, an E-extinguishing lance is provided which completely solves the inventive problem formulated above. In particular, the extinguishing lance according to the invention is the first of its kind that is specifically suitable for extinguishing lithium-ion batteries installed in electric vehicles. This means that the first effective extinguishing device in the world is now available to fire brigades for such applications.

Since the handle part of the holding section has a voltage-insulating coating with a layer thickness d ≥ 2 mm, also for electrical voltages U ≥ 1000V, the handle part itself can already ensure adequate protection of the operator against electrical voltages.

In an emergency, the lance can be inserted into the battery of a burning electric vehicle, for example. Due to the tip in the foremost area, material in the way, such as a battery wall, can easily be punctured. Such a high-strength but pointed nozzle avoids or at least minimizes wear while facilitating penetration into the surface of the object to be extinguished.

The flow-constricted nozzle(s) at the tip of the lance also ensure that sufficient extinguishing success can be achieved quickly and efficiently and in particular with a relatively small amount of extinguishing water.

There is currently no alternative way of directly and safely deleting an e-vehicle battery. In numerous tests, the factory fire brigades of well-known automobile manufacturers hardly ever found fires in e-vehicles without the e-extinguishing lance according to the invention, and if they did, then only with the use of an extremely large amount of water and foam, but always without effective safety for the firefighter acting against electric fires tensions, can get under control.

Incidentally, the situation is very similar when extinguishing transformers or electrical generators that have caught fire, for example in photovoltaic systems.

Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

It is advantageous if the voltage-isolating coating of the handle part already satisfies at least the minimum requirements of European standards 60903 and/or 659 for insulating protective gloves for working under electrical voltage. It is also advantageous if the stress-isolating coating of the handle part is made of heat-insulating, flame-resistant material - for example using aramid and/or para-aramid - and also satisfies the minimum requirements of European Standard 407 for protective gloves against thermal risks.

Embodiments are preferred in which the stress-isolating coating of the handle part is made of polyvinyl chloride is constructed. This ensures a longer service life for the coating. Signs of aging are minimized.

Particular advantages result from developments in which the holding section is constructed from austenitic, acid-resistant 18/10 Cr-Ni steel under the stress-isolating coating of the handle part. This is more resistant and particularly resistant to battery acid.

In a further class of advantageous embodiments of the E-extinguishing lance according to the invention, the handle part of the holding section has at least one loop handle with hand protection. This enables safe operability and good localization of the battery. Furthermore, the loop handle serves as protection against unwanted deformation of the lance when hitting the object to be extinguished.

The embodiments of this class can be further improved by further developments in which the handle part of the holding section has two loop handles for operating the electric extinguishing lance with both hands. This ensures safe operability and localization in the object to be infiltrated.

Further advantageous embodiments are characterized in that an actuating valve for admitting or stopping an inflow of extinguishing agent into the tubular extinguishing section is provided on the extinguishing agent supply and a trigger device for manual activation of the actuating valve is provided on the holding section, preferably on the handle part.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the tubular extinguishing section is made of austenitic, acid-resistant 18/10 Cr-Ni steel. This contributes to increased mechanical and chemical resistance and thus to a longer service life of the tip.

Also preferred are embodiments of the E-extinguishing lance according to the invention in which the free end of the tubular extinguishing section is designed to taper conically. This enables a particularly straight and light impact into the object.

A class of embodiments in which the tapering free end of the tubular quenching section is designed to be exchangeable is particularly preferred. As a result, the lance can also be used for other types of extinguishing agent. Furthermore, the tip can be quickly and easily exchanged for another when it wears out.

Advantageous developments of this class of embodiments are distinguished by the fact that various interchangeable tips, preferably with different geometries, diameters and in particular different materials, can be delivered and can be kept in stock for a wide variety of purposes. As a result, the e-extinguishing lance according to the invention can be quickly made ready for use again when it is worn out. The tip can also be quickly exchanged directly in the event of an application on site.

Further developments are also preferred in which the replaceable tip(s) is (are) provided with a screw thread or perhaps also a bayonet lock, with two holding points for wrenches preferably being present for easy disassembly. As a result, the lance can be quickly made ready for use again when it is worn out, and the tip can also be quickly replaced when needed.

In a further class of particularly advantageous embodiments of the E-extinguishing lance according to the invention, at least one nozzle for the discharge of pressurized liquid extinguishing agent is integrated into the free end of the tubular extinguishing section, which tapers to a point, with the nozzle preferably being shaped in such a way that extinguishing agent can be optimally injected into squirts and/or spreads onto the surface of the burning object. In this way, only comparatively small amounts of extinguishing agent are required.

In practice, further developments of this class of embodiments have proven themselves, in which the nozzle has an inside diameter of between 30mm and 40mm, preferably about 33.7mm, a length of between 25mm and 50mm, preferably about 30mm, and a width of between 15mm and 25mm, preferably 21 ,3mm. These special dimensions also have advantages in terms of production technology.

Finally, other advantageous developments of this class of embodiments are distinguished by the fact that three nozzles are provided, distributed evenly around the longitudinal axis of the tubular extinguishing section. In this way, a targeted and even penetration of the extinguishing agent into the object to be extinguished can be ensured in the event of an emergency.

In practice, embodiments of the extinguishing lance according to the invention have proven themselves in which the holding section at the operator-side end has a large-area, geometrically designed for a straight hit by an operator, centrally attached impact plate in an extension to the tubular extinguishing section, the operator-side end surface of which has a larger outer diameter than the handle part of the Holding section, wherein the large-area impact plate for producing a surface body contact with an operator is designed, in particular the large-scale impact plate is made of solid material and is preferably designed to be interchangeable.

The large-area impact plate on the operator-side end of the holding section is used to create a planar body contact with an operator. A centrally attached impact plate of this type ensures, in particular, that the lance is struck as straight as possible in order to prevent the lance from bending. In addition, a spacer section to the tubular quenching section can also be provided adjoining the impact plate.

Embodiments are also advantageous which are characterized in that the extinguishing lance, in particular the impact plate, is of divisible construction. The extinguishing lance according to the invention can thus be used particularly flexibly, for example when a vehicle catches fire in your own garage or in a multi-storey car park. In this context, cases of self-ignition of lithium-ion batteries, which led to fires in buildings and considerable damage, have gone through the press.

Particularly favorable are embodiments of the invention in which the extinguishing lance is designed to be extendable with respect to its longitudinal axis, with the impact plate of the holding section being arranged at the operator-side end at a variable distance from the tubular extinguishing section, which is preferably designed to be extendable. This also means greater flexibility in use reached. This configuration makes the extinguishing lance particularly suitable for use in trucks and other large vehicles.

Further features and advantages of the invention result from the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention with reference to the FIGURE of the drawing, which shows details essential to the invention, and from the claims. The individual features can each be implemented individually or together in any combination in variants of the invention. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather have an exemplary character for the description of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention and drawings

Fig. 1a

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen E-Löschlanze;

Fig. 1b

die Ausführungsform von Fig. 1a in einer teilweise transparenten Ansicht von oben in Richtung der Achse des rohrförmigen Löschabschnitts;

Fig. 2a

eine weitere Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen E-Löschlanze;

Fig. 2b

die Ausführungsform von Fig. 2a in einer vertikalen Schnittansicht von der Seite;

Fig. 3a

eine Seitenansicht eines Schlagdorns zum Aufbringen auf die Schlagplatte;

Fig. 3b

die Ausführungsform von Fig. 3a um 90° um die Längsachse gedreht;

Fig. 4a

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Ausführungsform der austauschbaren Spitze;

Fig. 4b

die Ausführungsform von Fig. 4a um 90° um die Längsachse gedreht;

Fig. 4c

die Ausführungsform der Spitze von Fig. 4a im Vertikalschnitt; und

Fig. 4d

die Düsenverteilung der Spitze von Fig. 4a im vergrößerten Detail mit Blickrichtung parallel zur Längsachse.

The invention is shown in the figures of the drawing—which are essentially rather schematic—and is explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. Show it:

Fig. 1a

a schematic side view of a first embodiment of the E-extinguishing lance according to the invention;

Fig. 1b

the embodiment of Fig. 1a in a partially transparent plan view in the direction of the axis of the tubular quenching section;

Figure 2a

another embodiment of the E-extinguishing lance according to the invention;

Figure 2b

the embodiment of Figure 2a in a vertical sectional side view;

Figure 3a

a side view of an impact mandrel for application to the impact plate;

Figure 3b

the embodiment of Figure 3a rotated 90° around the longitudinal axis;

Figure 4a

a schematic side view of an embodiment of the replaceable tip;

Figure 4b

the embodiment of Figure 4a rotated 90° around the longitudinal axis;

Figure 4c

the embodiment of the top of Figure 4a in vertical section; and

Figure 4d

the nozzle distribution of the tip of Figure 4a in enlarged detail with viewing direction parallel to the longitudinal axis.

In the Figures 1a and 1b The drawing shows an embodiment of the electrically insulating e-extinguishing lance 10 according to the invention for extinguishing burning objects under electrical voltage. Like the extinguishing lances known from the prior art, the electric extinguishing lance 10 according to the invention also has a holding section with a grip part 11 for an operator, an extinguishing agent feed with a coupling device 12 for connecting a pressure hose for liquid extinguishing agent, and one attached to the holding section and, if necessary the coupling device 12 subsequent tubular extinguishing section 13 , from the free end of which extinguishing agent can be applied under pressure into a burning object.

Compared to known extinguishing lances, the e-extinguishing lance 10 according to the invention is characterized in that the handle part 11 of the holding section is designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 500V; that the tubular extinguishing section 13 is made of a material which has such a high tensile strength R _m that it withstands a mechanical stress σ ≥ 500 N/mm ² and which has a melting temperature t s >650°C; that the tubular quenching section 13 is designed to taper geometrically at its free end; and that a holding section at the end on the operator side has a large-area striking plate 14 in extension to the tubular quenching section 13 .

In particular, the handle part 11 of the holding section can have a stress-isolating coating, preferably made of polyvinyl chloride, with a layer thickness d≧2 mm, which can also be designed for electrical voltages U≧200V, in particular U≧500V, preferably U≧1000V.

The holding section under the stress-isolating coating of the handle part 11 is generally made of metal, preferably of VA steel, in particular of austenitic, acid-resistant 18/10 Cr-Ni steel. The tubular quenching section 13 is also made of metal, preferably stainless steel, in particular austenitic, acid-resistant 18/10 Cr-Ni steel, as is the pointed free end of the tubular quenching section 13, which is preferably additionally hardened.

At the in the Figures 1a and 1b In the illustrated embodiment, the handle part 11 of the holding section has two loop handles 11', 11'' for operating the E-extinguishing lance 10 with both hands.

The tapering free end of the tubular extinguishing section 13 is preferably designed as a conically tapering, preferably exchangeable tip 15 , with different exchangeable tips 15, preferably with different geometries, diameters and in particular made of different materials, being available for different purposes. These exchangeable tips 15 can be provided with a screw thread (not specifically shown in the drawing) or a bayonet catch, with two holding points for wrenches preferably being present for easy assembly and disassembly.

As a rule, at least one, preferably three, nozzles distributed uniformly around the longitudinal axis of the tubular extinguishing section 13 for the discharge of pressurized liquid extinguishing agent are integrated into the free end of the tubular extinguishing section 13, which tapers to a point, with the nozzles preferably being shaped in such a way that it optimally injects the extinguishing agent into the burning object and/or distributes it on its surface. These nozzles are also not specifically shown in the drawing.

The electric extinguishing lance 10 according to the invention can have an actuating valve (not shown) on the extinguishing agent feed for letting in or stopping an inflow of extinguishing agent into the tubular extinguishing section 13 and on the holding section, preferably on the handle part 11, a trigger device for manually actuating this actuating valve.

The Figures 2a and 2b show in enlarged detail the area around the holding section with handle part 11, extinguishing agent supply with the coupling device 12 for connecting a pressure hose for liquid extinguishing agent, as well as the tubular extinguishing section 13 adjoining the holding section and the coupling device 12.

The Figures 3a and 3b show in enlarged detail a percussion mandrel 16 which can be attached to the percussion plate 14 by the user. It can be attached, for example, by screwing or plugging it on, for example by means of a bayonet catch.

The Figures 4a to 4d finally show in enlarged detail a replaceable tip 15 with nozzles 17, which are distributed around the longitudinal axis.

Claims (14)

1. Lance-shaped extinguishing lance (10) which is configured to extinguish burning objects, the extinguishing lance (10) comprising a holding portion having a handle part (11) for an operator, a feed which is designed for supplying extinguishing agent and has a coupling device (12) that is designed to connect a pressure hose for liquid extinguishing agent, and a tubular extinguishing portion (13) which is connected to the holding portion and the coupling device (12) and is designed such that extinguishing agent can be introduced from the free end thereof into a burning object under pressure, the handle part (11) of the holding portion being designed to be electrically insulating also for electrical voltages U ≥ 100 V, the tubular extinguishing portion (13) being designed to geometrically taper at its free end, and the tubular extinguishing portion (13) having a narrowed clear flow cross section at its free end, which cross section is designed such that extinguishing agent can be guided through under pressure,
   characterized in

   that the extinguishing lance (10) is designed such that during operation it can be introduced into the battery of a burning electric vehicle, without endangering the operator,

   by the handle part (11) of the holding portion being designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 500 V, the handle part (11) of the holding portion having a voltage-insulating coating which is also designed to be electrically insulating for electrical voltages U ≥ 1000 V and having a layer thickness d ≥ 2 mm;

   by the tubular extinguishing portion (13) being made of a material which has such a high tensile strength R_m that it withstands a mechanical stress σ ≥ 500 N/mm², and which has a melting temperature t_s ≥ 650°C;

   by the holding portion being made of VA steel under the voltage-insulating coating of the handle part (11) and the tubular extinguishing portion (13) being made of stainless steel,

   and by the tapered free end of the tubular extinguishing portion (13) being made of austenitic 18/10 Cr-Ni steel and being additionally hardened.
2. Extinguishing lance according to claim 1, characterized in that the voltage-insulating coating of the handle part (11) is made up of polyvinyl chloride.
3. Extinguishing lance according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the holding portion under the voltage-insulating coating of the handle part (11) is made up of austenitic, acid-resistant 18/10 Cr-Ni steel.
4. Extinguishing lance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle part (11) of the holding portion has at least one bow-type handle (11', 11") with a hand guard.
5. Extinguishing lance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuating valve for letting in or stopping an extinguishing agent inflow into the tubular extinguishing portion (13) is provided on the extinguishing agent feed, and a trigger device for manual actuation of the actuating valve is provided on the holding portion, preferably on the handle part (11).
6. Extinguishing lance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular extinguishing portion (13) is made of austenitic, acid-resistant 18/10 Cr-Ni steel.
7. Extinguishing lance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the free end of the tubular extinguishing portion (13) is configured to taper conically.
8. Extinguishing lance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tapering free end of the tubular extinguishing portion (13) is designed to be exchangeable, in particular different exchangeable tips (15) being present, preferably having different geometries, diameters and in particular different materials.
9. Extinguishing lance according to claim 8, characterized in that the exchangeable tip(s) (15) is (are) provided with a screw thread or a bayonet lock, and in that preferably two holding points for wrenches for easy disassembly are present.
10. Extinguishing lance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one nozzle (17) for the discharge of liquid extinguishing agent under pressure is integrated into the tapering free end of the tubular extinguishing portion (13), the nozzle (17) preferably being shaped in such a way that it optimally injects extinguishing agent into the burning object and/or distributes it on the surface of said object.
11. Extinguishing lance according to claim 10, characterized in that the nozzle (17) has a clear diameter between 30 mm and 40 mm, preferably approximately 33.7 mm, a length between 25 mm and 50 mm, preferably approximately 30 mm, and a width between 15 mm and 25 mm, preferably 21.3 mm, and in that preferably three nozzles (17) arranged uniformly distributed around the longitudinal axis of the tubular extinguishing portion (13) are provided.
12. Extinguishing lance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding portion at the operator-side end has a large-area striking plate (14) which is designed geometrically to receive straight blows from an operator and is attached centrally in the extension with respect to the tubular extinguishing portion (13), the operator-side end face of which plate has a larger outer diameter than the handle part (11) of the holding portion, the large-area striking plate (14) being designed to produce a planar body contact with an operator, in particular the large-area striking plate (14) being made of solid material and preferably being designed to be exchangeable.
13. Extinguishing lance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extinguishing lance (10), in particular the striking plate (14), is designed to be divisible.
14. Extinguishing lance according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extinguishing lance (10) is designed to be extendable with respect to its longitudinal axis, in particular the striking plate (14) of the holding portion at the operator-side end being arranged at a variable distance from the tubular extinguishing portion (13), which distance is preferably designed to be extendable.

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