GB2299432A

GB2299432A - An alarm for fire fighting apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2299432A
Application number: GB9606557A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian John Wheddon; Robert Thomas Harris
Original assignee: IRN Ltd
Current assignee: IRN Ltd
Priority date: 1995-03-28
Filing date: 1996-03-28
Publication date: 1996-10-02
Also published as: GB9606557D0; GB9506305D0

Abstract

A mounting comprises mounting means such as a bracket 14 for carrying the apparatus 47 and a switch 30 operable by the presence of the apparatus 47 on the bracket 14 whereby removal of the apparatus 47 from the bracket 14 causes the switch 30 to operate an alarm 46. The mounting preferably supports a member 32 which is movable by the weight of the apparatus 47 into a first position in which there is no signal from the alarm 46 and a second position (fig 4) when the apparatus 47 is removed from the bracket 14 so as to operate the alarm 46. The apparatus 47 may be a fire extinguisher.

Description

A MOUNTING FOR FIRE FIGHTING APPARATUS The invention relates to a mounting arrangement for fire fighting apparatus, particularly but not exclusively for a fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers and the like are normally mounted on walls by means of simple bracket arrangements. Brackets are made to British Standards and only those brackets approved by the extinguisher manufacturer can be used to mount an extinguisher. Many institutions have a problem with the unauthorised removal of extinguishers for a variety of reasons such as theft, vandalism or even for use as a door stop by members of staff in the building. Unauthorised removal of extinguishers from their allotted position is dangerous as extinguishers may subsequently not be on hand in the event of a fire.

It is an object bf the invention to provide an improved mounting arrangement for fire fighting apparatus which reduces the aforementioned problem.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting arrangement for a fire extinguisher or the like, the arrangement comprising means for receiving a fire extinguisher mounting and a switch operable by the presence of the extinguisher on its mounting means or by the removal of the extinguisher from the mounting means, whereby removal of the extinguisher causes the switch to operate an alarm.

In that way the extinguisher or the like cannot be removed from the mounting arrangement without creating an alarm to alert of its removal.

Preferably, the switch and the means for receiving the mounting are parts of a single unit. The unit is preferably in the form of a housing which may be mountable on the surface such as a wall.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a fire fighting apparatus mounting arrangement comprising mounting means for mounting fire fighting apparatus, an alarm for providing an alarm signal and dn alarm switch actuable between a dormant position and an alarm position in which the alarm provides the alarm signal, the switch being actuable into the alarm position, in use, by removal of the fire fighting apparatus from the mounting means.

The mounting is preferably mountable on a surface such as a wall.

According to either aspect of the invention the alarm may be integral with the mounting to provide an audible and/or visible alarm signal at the location of the mounting.

In that way the sounding of the alarm at the mounting site may act as a deterrent to removal of the extinguisher.

Alternatively, or in addition, to that arrangement the alarm may send an alarm signal to a central control unit. The central control unit may provide an audible and/or visible alarm signal and in the most preferred embodiment the unit also indicates the location of the extinguisher or apparatus being removed.

In that way security personnel can be notified and can be dispatched to the site of the extinguisher or apparatus to prevent removal.

Preferably the alarm signal activates a fire alarm system of the building.

Upon discovery of a fire, an extinguisher to tackle the blaze can be removed from a mounting according to either aspect of the invention and the building fire alarm will be activated.

The switch is preferably resiliently biased into the alarm position and the presence of the fire extinguisher or fire fighting apparatus pushes the switch against the bias into the dormant position.

The switch may be biased by means of a spring.

The mounting means may be a hook or a bracket.

The means for receiving the mounting for the extinguisher or apparatus may comprise a mounting plate or block to which a mounting in the form of an approved extinguisher hook or bracket can be fastened. In one embodiment the means for receiving the mounting may comprise a block of wood in the housing, to which the hook or bracket can be fastened. In another embodiment where the mounting plate is provided, the mounting plate comprises a hinged plate on which the approved hook or bracket may be mounted The hinged mounting plate may actuate the switch. In such a case the hook or bracket may be fastened to the hinged mounting plate by means of, e.g. welding.

Such a construction allows various types of fire extinguisher and fire fighting apparatus to be mounted on the mounting, the mounting means being chosen according to the apparatus to be mounted.

In one embodiment the mounting means includes the switch. In that way the extinguisher is mounted on the mounting which moves the switch into an inoperative or dormant position.

The mounting arrangement or mounting may be powered from the mains. Alternatively, a battery may be used to power the mounting or mounting arrangement. The battery is preferably rechargeable. In a preferred embodiment the mounting or mounting arrangement is powered by the mains under normal circumstances but also comprises a battery to provide auxiliary power in the event of an interruption in the main power supply.

Fire extinguisher mountings in accordance with both aspects of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mounting arrangement in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is a similar view to figure 1 with a housing shown partially cut away, Figure 3 is a sectional view of the mounting arrangement of figures 1 and 2 taken on line III III in figure 1 and shown with a fire extinguisher in place on the mounting, Figure 4 is a similar view to figure 3 shown with the fire extinguisher in the process of being removed, Figure 5 is a perspective of another mounting arrangement in accordance with both aspects of the invention, Figure 6 is a similar view to figure 5 with part of the housing of the mounting arrangement shown cut away, Figure 7 is a perspective view of a further mounting arrangement in accordance with both aspects of the invention, Figure 8 is a cross section through a still further mounting arrangement in accordance with both aspects of the invention.

In figure 1 the mounting arrangement 10 has an elongate upright housing 12. A mounting bracket 14 is mounted on a front face 13 of the housing 12 at an upper part thereof. A switch assembly 16 is located in a lower part thereof. The switch assembly 16 is electrically connected to an electrical socket 20 (see Fig 2) in the side of the housing 12 which receives a supply of electrical power from a battery pack 18 which plugs into the socket 20.

The bracket 14 is an approved extinguisher mounting bracket which comprises an inverted L shaped member 22 fastened by means of screws 24 through a wall of the housing 12 and into a block of wood 26 located in an upper part of the housing 12. The bracket 14 further comprises an upwardly projecting finger 28 on which an extinguisher or the like can be mounted.

The switching assembly 16 comprises a switch 30 actuable by means of a switch actuator 32. The switch 30 is mounted within the housing 12 in a switch recess 34 formed in a flat plate of wood 36 located in a lower part of the housing 12.

The switch actuator 32 is pivotally mounted about a pivot 38 within the housing 12 below the bracket 14 so that it pivots about an upper part thereof.

An opening 40 is defined in the front face 13 of the housing 12 beneath the bracket 14. The actuator 32 has a convex portion 42 which protrudes through the opening 40 from within the housing 12. A plate-like actuator member 44 extends inwardly of the housing from a lower part of the convex portion 42. The actuator member 44 contact an operating arm 30a of the switch 30. The actuator 32 has side walls 43 which extend for substantially the full height of the actuator 42. A lip 45 projects below the bottom of the convex portion 42 and beneath a lower edge 40a of the opening 40.

An alarm sounder 46 is located. in a base 48 of the housing 12. The alarm 46 is electrically connected to the switch 30 and the power socket 20. Alternatively, the alarm 46 may be located in the battery pack 18 and may be operable by means of a contact between the switch 30 and the alarm 46.

The power socket 20 is arranged in a side wall of the housing 12. The socket 20 is electrically connected to the switch 30 and the alarm 46 to power the alarm 46.

The power socket 20 may receive a plug from a mains power supply or from the battery pack 18. The socket 20, switch 30 and alarm 46 form part of an electrical circuit.

Figures 3 and 4 show the arrangement of figures 1 and 2 in use. When a fire extinguisher 47 is mounted on the bracket 14 (as shown in figure 3), the finger extends through an aperture 48 in a mounting plate 50 on a head of the extinguisher to secure the extinguisher in place.

A body 52 of the extinguisher 47 presses against the convex portion 42 of the switch actuator 32 so that the weight of the extinguisher actuator member 44 pushes the operating arm 30a of switch 30 inwardly to bring the switch 30 into an inoperative condition. Inward movement of the actuator member 44 is limited by abutment of the lip 45 against the front face 13 of the housing 12.

When the extinguisher 47 is removed fran the mounting, as shown in Figure 4, the body 52 of the extinguisher 47 moves out of contact with the actuator 32. The actuator 32 pivots outwardly of the housing 12 under a return force. As the actuator 32 moves outwardly of the housing 12 the actuator member 44 moves away from the switch 30 allowing the switch operating arm 32 to move outwardly under a return force such as an internal spring in the switch. The switch 30 is thereby brought into an operative condition. In such a condition, the switch completes the circuit which causes power to be supplied to the alarm 46 which, in turn, sods an alarm signal.

Alternatively, or in addition to the alarm, the switch may allow provision of an alarm signal via an alarm cable (not shown) to a central control unit.

Preferably such a signal would enable a person monitoring the central control unit to ascertain the location of the extinguisher being removed.

Furthermore, the mounting arrangement 10 may be connected to a building fire alarm system, whereby removal of an extinguisher from such a mounting will cause the building fire alarm to be activated.

In the mounting arrangement 10 shown in figures 1 to 4 the switch actuator 32 pivots outwardly under gravity upon removal of the extinguisher 47. The actuator is shaped such that when left to hang on its pivot 38, t,he actuator member 44 does not push the operating lever 30a inwards to bring the switch 30 into its operative condition.

As apparent from the above description, the switch 30 may be resiliently biased, for instance, by means of a spring, into its operative position.

Another mounting arrangement in accordance with the invention is shown in figures 5 and 6. The mounting is similar to that shown in figures 1 to 4 and parts equivalent to parts in those figures carry the same reference numerals.

The mounting arrangement 10 is substantially similar to that of'figures 1 to 4 and operates in a similar manner.

The convex portion 42 of the switch actuator 32 is longer than the portion 42 of the figs 1 to 4 mounting and it does not protrude as far from the housing 12. That arrangement allows the extinguisher to lie more vertically against the mounting.

The switch actuator 32 comprises an actuator member 54 in the form of an elongate bar 56. The bar 56 abuts an operating lever 30a of a switch 30 within the housing 12. The actuator 32 is biased away from the switch 30, outwardly of the housing 12 by means of a suitable spring (not shown). The elongate bar is mounted so as to lie within an opening 40 in the front face 13 of the housing 12.

In use, a fire extinguisher 47 is mounted on the bracket 14 in the manner shown in Fig 3 and the body 52 of the extinguisher 47 presses against the actuator 32. In that way, the weight of the extinguisher pushes the bar 56 into contact with the switch operating lever 30a which, in turn, brings the switch 30 into its inoperative position.

When the extinguisher 47 is removed, the actuator 32 moves away from the switch 30 under the action of its spring. The switch 30 is then brought into its inoperative position by means of a return force such as an internal spring.

In figure 7 a further mounting arrangement in accordance with the invention is shown. The mounting arrangement is substantially similar to that shown in figs 5 and 6 and parts corresponding to parts in those figures carry the same reference numerals.

Some extinguishers require an elongate bracket for mounting instead of the hook-like bracket arrangement shown in figs 1 to 6. Figure 7 shows the mounting arrangement 10 having an elongate mounting plate 58 on the front face 13 of the housing 12 to which such a bracket can be attached.

The plate 58 is mounted to an upper part of the front face 13 by means of a hinge 60. The plate 58 extends downwardly of the hinge 60 so that it lies in contact with the convex portion 42 of the switch actuator 32.

The plate 58 is arranged to received an extinguisher mounting bracket (not shown) which can be suitably fastened to the plate 58.

When the extinguisher is in place on the bracket carried by the plate 58, the weight of the extinguisher pushes the plate 58 against the switch actuator 32 so as to bring the switch (not shown) into its inoperative condition. When the extinguisher is removed from the bracket, the actuator 32 moves outwardly, eg by means of a spring bias, so that the switch is brought into an operative condition to cause an alarm signal. The switch may be arranged in the manner of the switch 30 described above and is activated by an inwardly directed actuator member on the actuator 32.

In another embodiment (not shown) the mounting arrangement can be inverted. In such a case the bracket 14 can be mounted to the switch actuator 32 and the extinguisher hung on the actuator 32 which is pivotably mounted about a lower part thereof. The weight of the extinguisher 47 then pulls the switch into its inoperative condition. Removal of the extinguisher causes the switch to be pulled into an operative position, by means of a spring, to activate the alarm.

In Fig 8, parts corresponding to parts shown in Figs 1 to 4 carry the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail.

The housing 12 supports a switch actuator 32 on a pivot 38 as before.

The switch actuator 32 has side walls 43 which are relatively short compared to those of the switch actuator in Figs 1 to 4. In that way, the opening 40 in the front face 13 of the housing 12 can be made shorter from top to bottom. The lower end of the switch actuator 32 is formed with an inward projection 70 which abuts the front face 13 of the housing 12 when the extinguisher is carried by the mounting to limit inward movement of the switch actuator 32. The switch actuator 32 has a plate like actuator member 44 which contacts the operating lever 30a of a switch 30.

Instead of using an external battery pack 18, a battery 72 is contained in a compartment 73 in the housing 12 for convenience.

Hbwever, an external electrical source can be provided if desired.

Instead of providing a wooden block 26 as in Fig 1 for receiving fixing screws 24 for the bracket 14, the bracket 14 is secured by means of fixing bolts 74 which pass through a metal plate 76 arranged behind and in abutment with the front of the housing 12 as shown. The metal plate 76 is placed in position by an operative before the housing 12 fixed by screws 77 to a suitable surface such as a wall.

As in the previous embcdiments, the m w nting of an extinguisher 47 on the bracket 14 causes that weight of the extinguisher to push the switch actuator 32 inwards to bring the switch 30 into an inoperative position and removal of the extinguisher will cause the switch 30 to activate an alarm.

The housing 12 also contains a sounder 46 and an alarm circuit 78 and may be connected into a fire alarm systemSand/ar can be monitored fran a central control unit.

The mounting in Fig 8 has a service switch 80 which can be operated by means of pin 82 to disarm the alarm when the extinguisher is to be removed from the mounting for servicing. The mountings of Figs 1 7 may also be provided with such a service switch arrangement.

The housings 12 of the various mountings shown are provided with removable back plates 112.

Whilst the invention has been described in relation to mounting fire extinguishers, it will be appreciated that other fire-fighting apparatus may be mounted on a suitable mounting in accordance with the invention.

The mountings described reduce the risk of unauthorised removal of fire-fighting apparatus.

Claims

CLAIM5

1. A mounting for fire fighting apparatus such as a fire extinguisher comprising mounting means for carrying the apparatus and a switch operable by the presence of the apparatus on the mounting means whereby removal of the apparatus from its mounting means causes the switch to operate an alarm.

2. A mounting according to Claim 1 in which a the mounting supports a member which is movable by the weight of the apparatus into a first position in which there is no signal from the alarm and is movable from the first position to a second position when the apparatus is removed so as to operate the alarm.

3. A mounting according to Claim 2 in which the member is pivotally mounted for movement between the first and second positions.

4. A mounting according to Claim 2 or 3 in which the member has thereon means for limiting the amount of movement thereof under the weight of the apparatus.

5. A mounting according to Claim 2, 3 or 4 in which the member is mounted on a housing containing components of the mounting.

6. A mounting according to any preceding Claim in which the mounting means for the apparatus is an approved bracket or other suitable approved carrier.

7. A mounting according to any of Claims 2 to 6 in which the member is operated by means of a hinged plate or the like on which the apparatus, in use, is mounted.

8. A mounting according to Claim 6 or 7 when appendant to Claim 5 in which the mounting means is attached to the housing.

9. A mounting according to Claim 8 in which the mounting means is positioned on an outside surface of the housing and is attached to the housing by means of fasteners passing through part of the housing.

10. A mounting according to Claim 9 in which the fastener passes through a plate on the inside of the housing.

11. A mounting according to any preceding Claim in which the switch is associated with a fire alarm circuit at premises at which the mounting is, in use, installed whereby removal of the apparatus from the mounting will cause a fire alarm for the premises to be actuated.

12. A mounting for fire fighting apparatus such as a fire extinguisher comprising mounting means for carrying the apparatus and a switch arranged to cause operation of an alarm when the apparatus is removed from the mounting means, the switch being associated with a fire alarm circuit at premises at which the mounting is, in use, installed whereby removal of the apparatus from the mounting will cause a fire alarm for the premises to be actuated.

13. A mounting according to any preceding Claim in which the switch is associated with a central control unit to ascertain the location of the apparatus which is being removed.

14. A mounting according to any preceding Claim in which the alarm is activated by a battery contained in the said housing, where provided, or arranged externally of the housing.

15. A mounting for fire fighting apparatus constructed and arranged substantially as described herein with reference to Figs 1 to 4, Figs 5 and 6, Fig 7 or Fig 8 of the accompanying drawings.