GB2440106A

GB2440106A - Installation of a fire extinguisher or the like in a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2440106A
Application number: GB0613936A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard John Stafford; Peter Richardson; Daniel Haynes
Original assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Current assignee: Ford Global Technologies LLC
Priority date: 2006-07-14
Filing date: 2006-07-14
Publication date: 2008-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-07-14
Also published as: GB2440106B; GB0613936D0

Abstract

A fire extinguisher 15 is carried on its own mounting bracket 16 which is itself mounted in the loadspace of motor vehicle (fig 1) which includes a floor panel 12 positioned immediately behind rear seats (not shown). The mounting bracket 16 is fastened to a mounting clip 17 of a substantially U-shaped section which includes a raised plinth portion 23 and two clip portions 24 each comprising a pair of legs 25, 26 and a base 27, one leg, i.e. the upper leg 25 of each pair, being above the floor panel 12 while the other leg, i.e. the lower leg 26, is below the floor panel 12. Each clip portion 24 includes a base 28 which is intermediate the legs 25, 26 and lies vertically along a peripheral edge 31 of the floor panel 12 adjacent a rear wheel arch 32. The floor panel 12 is supported by a floor pan 38 which forms part of the vehicle body and which has stiffening ribs 39. In use, the mounting clip 17 together with the fire extinguisher 15 and mounting bracket 16 is pushed onto the side of the floor panel 12 before the floor panel is placed into the vehicle.

Description

Installation of a Fire Extinguisher or the Like in a Motor Vehicle The

invention relates to the installation of a fire extinguisher or the like in a motor vehicle.

It is frequently desirable to mount a fire extinguisher in a motor vehicle driving or passenger compartment so that it can be quickly available to extinguish a small fire which might otherwise develop into a destructive blaze.

In a small vehicle, it may be difficult to accommodate an extinguisher of a sufficient capacity immediately adjacent to the driver, so there is a requirement for mounting such an extinguisher in a luggage carrying area. While it may be feasible to provide a mounting which is fastened securely to the vehicle floor or bodysicle, this can be inconvenient if, for example, there is a separate floor panel which is removable for access to a spare wheel or one which has different upper and lower surfaces and which can be removed & reversed to present a different surface. Hence there is a requirement for a mounting for a fire extinguisher or the like in the luggage carrying area of a vehicle where the mounting is secure in use but is readily removable.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting arrangement for a fire extinguisher or the like in the load carrying area of a vehicle where the vehide has a floor panel at the base of the load carrying area with at least one edge adjacent a vehicle body member or component, the mounting comprising a clip having a substantially U-shaped section having an upper leg, a lower leg and a base, the upper leg having attachment means for the fire extinguisher or the like and in use lying above the floor panel with the lower leg lying below the floor panel and the base positioned adjacent the edge of the floor panel, the arrangement being such that the clip can be placed over the edge of the floor panel and the floor panel fitted in the vehicle so that the clip is prevented from being displaced by the body member or component.

The motor vehicle according to said first aspect of the invention also lends itself to a novel method of mounting a fire extinguisher or the like in the load carrying area of a vehicle. Thus, the invention also provides, according to a second aspect thereof, a method of mounting a fire extinguisher or the like in the load carrying area of a vehicle where the vehicle has a floor panel at the base of the load carrying area with at least one edge adjacent a body member or component, the method comprising the steps of supplying a clip having a substantially U-shaped section having an upper leg, a lower leg and a base, the upper leg having attachment means by which the fire extinguisher or the like is attached to the clip, placing the clip over the edge of the floor panel with the upper leg lying above the floor panel and with the lower leg lying below the floor panel and the base positioned adjacent the edge of the floor panel and fitting the floor panel in the vehicle so that the clip is prevented from being displaced by the body member or component.

Preferably the clip includes a plinth portion from which the upper leg extends and which in use is raised above the floor panel, in which case the attachment means for the fire extinguisher or the like may comprise holes in the plinth portion.

Preferably, the lower leg has a leading portion which is spaced from the upper leg by a distance which is smaller than the thickness of the floor panel, which allows the clip to grip the floor panel. The leading portion may have a downtumed leading edge to allow easy assembly of the clip onto the floor panel. In use, the leading portion is preferably positioned away from ribs in a floor pan arranged below the floor panel, which ribs support the floor panel to avoid the clip having to bear any loads on the floor panel. The upper leg may also have an upturned leading edge to allow easy assembly onto the floor panel.

The clip may be prevented from being displaced from the floor panel by abutment of the base with the body member or component. Alternatively, a step may be formed in the lower leg and the clip prevented from being displaced from the floor panel by abutment of the step with the body member or component.

The clip may be positioned at the side of the floor panel so that the fire extinguisher or the like is close to another vehicle body member or component, e.g. a rear seat back or bulkhead, so that any tendency for the extinguisher to move forwards is prevented.

The invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:-Fig.1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle rear loadspace showing a mounting arrangement for a fire extinguisher according to the invention; Fig.2 is a cross-section on the line Il-Il in Fig.1; Fig.3 is a perspective view of part of the fire extinguisher and mounting arrangement showninFig.1; Fig.4 is a perspective view of a clip forming part of the fire extinguisher and mounting arrangement shown in Fig.1; and Fig.5 is a perspective view of an alternative clip to that shown in Fig.4 Refemng to Figs.1 to 4, a motor vehicle such as a hatchback, estate car or a sports utility vehicle has a rear load carrying area or loadspace 11 which includes a floor panel 12 which is retained by channel brackets 13 and releasable fastenings (not shown) and is positioned immediately behind the rear seats 14. A fire extinguisher 15, e.g. a 2 kg Kidde (TM) type KSP2GM as manufactured by Kidde Safety Europe Limited, Mathisen Way, Colnbrook, Slough, Berkshire SL3 OHB, is carried on its own mounting bracket 16 which is itself mounted in the loadspace 11 on a mounting clip 17. The extinguisher 15 is retained on its mounting bracket 16 by two securing straps 18 having quick-release buckles 19 while the mounting bracket 16 is fastened to the mounting clip 17 by rivets 21 or other suitable fasteners.

The mounting clip 17 has a substantially U-shaped section, e.g. of spring steel, and includes a raised plinth portion 23 and two clip portions 24 each comprising a pair of legs 25, 26 and a base 27, one leg, i.e. the upper leg 25 of each pair, being above the floor panel 12 while the other leg, i.e. the lower leg 26, is below the floor panel 12. The plinth portion 23 has elongated holes 27 which act as attachment means for the fire extinguisher with its mounting bracket 16. Each clip portion 24 also includes a base 28 which is intermediate the legs 25, 26 and which in use lies vertically along a peripheral edge 31 of the floor panel 12 adjacent a rear wheel arch 32. Each lower leg 26 has a curved leading portion 33 which is spaced from the upper leg by a distance which is smaller than the thickness of the floor panel 12. This allows for some clearance between the floor panel 12 and the lower leg 26 except where gripped by the leading portion 33 to make sure that the clip can exert a consistent resilient load on the floor panel when the clip 17 is pushed onto the floor panel while presenting a downtumed leading edge 34 to allow easy assembly without the possibility of the clip digging into the floor panel.

The plinth portion 23 has an upturned leading portion 35 with a corresponding leading edge 36 which again allows for easy assembly without the possibility of the clip digging into the floor panel. By being raised above the upper surface of the floor panel there is clearance for the rivets 21 or other fasteners.. The floor panel 12 is supported by a floor pan 38 which forms part of the vehicle body and which has stiffening ribs 39. Although the curved leading portion 33 of the lower leg 26 extends below the lower surface of the floor panel 12, the weight of the floor panel 12 is taken by the ribs 39 so there is usually a gap between this lower surface and the main surface of the floor pan.

In use, the mounting clip 17 together with the fire extinguisher 15 and mounting bracket 16 is pushed onto the side of the floor panel 12 before the floor panel is placed into the vehicle. Alternatively the fire extinguisher 15 can be left off its mounting bracket 16 while the mounting clip 17 and mounting bracket 16 are pushed onto the side of the floor panel 12 and the fire extinguisher 15 fitted afterwards. The mounting clip 17 is positioned so that the base of fire extinguisher 15 is close to the back of the adjacent rear seat 14 so that any tendency for the extinguisher 15 to move forwards is prevented by the seat back.

This is especially advantageous when considering the possibility of a frontal impact on the vehicle since a 2 kg fire extinguisher will typically weigh 3.7 kg. Such a large and heavy object cannot be easily carried in the front of the vehicle close to the driver or front passenger and remain accessible without presenting itself as a potential hazard in the event of a collision.

The alternative mounting clip 117 shown in Fig.5 is generally similar to the clip 17 and similar features have the same reference numeral but with the addition of 100. Instead of there being two clip portions 24 there is a single clip 124 with the lower leg 126 extending further away from the base 128. A step 138 is formed in the lower leg 126 and this can be arranged to abut a rib 29 or a step in the floor pan 38 to provide an alternative location to the wheel arch 32. This is advantageous where the wheel arch has a trim covering which might otherwise be marred or which may not be able to withstand loads which might occur in the event of a side impact on the vehicle.

The mounting clip 17, 117 may advantageously be used with equipment other than the fire extinguisher 15. e.g. other emergency equipment or a tool box. Because of the ease of assembly onto the floor panel 12, the clip is suitable for fitment as an accessory after the normal assembly of the vehicle as well as for fitment on the production line.

Although the fire extinguisher 15 is securely mounted in the loadspace 11, the floor panel 12 is easily removable for access to a spare wheel compartment or other underfloor stowage area. Moreover, the floor panel 12 does not need to be specially adapted, e.g. cut away to clear any mounting brackets. This is useful if the floor panel 12 has different upper & lower surfaces and is reversible, e.g. to present a carpeted surface on one side and a waterproof rubber surface on the other.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A mounting arrangement for a fire extinguisher or the like in the load carrying area of a vehicle where the vehicle has a floor panel at the base of the load carrying area with at least one edge adjacent a vehicle body member or component, the mounting comprising a clip having a substantially U-shaped section having an upper leg, a lower leg and a base, the upper leg having attachment means for the fire extinguisher or the like and in use lying above the floor panel with the lower leg lying below the floor panel and the base positioned adjacent the edge of the floor panel, the arrangement being such that the clip can be placed over the edge of the floor panel and the floor panel fitted in the vehicle so that the clip is prevented from being displaced by the body member or component.

2. A mounting arrangement as claimed in claim I wherein the clip includes a plinth portion from which the upper leg extends and which in use is raised above the floor panel.

3. A mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein the attachment means for the fire extinguisher or the like comprises holes in the plinth portion.

4. A mounting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the lower leg has a leading portion which is spaced from the upper leg by a distance which is smaller than the thickness of the floor panel.

5. A mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 4 wherein the leading portion has a downturned leading edge to allow easy assembly of the clip onto the floor panel.

6. A mounting arrangement as claimed in claim 5 wherein the leading portion is in use positioned away from ribs in a floor pan arranged below the floor panel, which ribs support the floor panel.

7. A mounting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the upper leg has an upturned leading edge to allow easy assembly onto the floor panel.

8. A mounting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip is prevented from being displaced from the floor panel by abutment of the base with the body member or component.

9. A mounting arrangement as claimed in any of claims I to 7 wherein a step is formed in the lower leg and the clip is prevented from being displaced from the floor panel by abutment of the step with the body member or component.

10. A mounting arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the clip is positioned at the side of the floor panel so that the fire extinguisher or the like is close to another vehicle body member or component so that any tendency for the extinguisher to move forwards is prevented.

11. A method of mounting a fire extinguisher or the like in the load carrying area of a vehicle where the vehicle has a floor panel at the base of the load carrying area with at least one edge adjacent a body member or component, the method comprising the steps of supplying a clip having a substantially U-shaped section having an upper leg, a lower leg and a base, the upper leg having attachment means by which the fire extinguisher or the like is attached to the clip, placing the clip over the edge of the floor panel with the upper leg lying above the floor panel and with the lower leg lying below the floor panel and the base positioned adjacent the edge of the floor panel and fitting the floor panel in the vehicle so that the clip is prevented from being displaced by the body member or component.

12. A method as claimed in claim 11 wherein the clip includes a plinth portion from which the upper leg extends and which is raised above the floor panel.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein the attachment means for the fire extinguisher or the like comprises holes in the plinth portion.

14. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 wherein the lower leg has a leading portion which is spaced from the upper leg by a distance which is smaller than the thickness of the floor panel.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 wherein the leading portion has a downturned leading edge to allow easy assembly onto the floor panel.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the leading portion is positioned away from ribs in a floor pan positioned below the floor panel, which ribs support the floor panel.

17. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 16 wherein the upper leg has an upturned leading edge to allow easy assembly onto the floor panel.

18. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 17 wherein the clip is prevented from being displaced from the floor panel by abutment of the base with the body member or component.

19. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 17 wherein a step is formed in the lower leg and the clip is prevented from being displaced from the floor panel by abutment of the step with the body member or component.

20. A method as claimed in any of claims 11 to 19 wherein the clip is positioned at the side of the floor panel so that the fire extinguisher or the like is close to another vehicle body member or component so that any tendency for the extinguisher to move forwards is prevented.

21. A mounting arrangement for a fire extinguisher or the like in the load carrying area of a vehicle where the vehicle has a floor panel at the base of the load carrying area with at least one edge adjacent a vehicle body member or component, the mounting arrangement comprising a clip substantially as described herein with reference to Figs.1 to 4 or with further reference to Fig.5 of the accompanying drawings.

22. A method of mounting a fire extinguisher or the like in the load carrying area of a vehicle substantially as described herein with reference to Figs.1 to 4 or with further reference to Fig.5 of the accompanying drawings.