GB2573319A

GB2573319A - A modular fire extinguisher stand

Info

Publication number: GB2573319A
Application number: GB1807278.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Kelsey Daniel; Charles Kelsey Benjamin; Colin Kelsey James
Original assignee: Firstmark Consultancy Ltd
Current assignee: Firstmark Consultancy Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-03
Filing date: 2018-05-03
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2038-05-03
Also published as: GB2573319B; GB201807278D0

Abstract

A modular fire extinguisher stand 1 for a fire extinguisher comprises a base 2, a backing member 3, connection means 4 arranged to connect the base and the backing member, and attachment means (5, figure 12) arranged to facilitate attachment of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 to another modular fire extinguisher stand 1. In preferred embodiment, the backing member and/or the base may be attached to the same of another stand by means of a clip. Preferably, each individual stand will accommodate only one fire extinguisher. A method of assembling and disassembling the modular stands is also disclosed.

Description

This invention relates to fire extinguisher stands. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to fire extinguisher stands that are easier to store and transport as well as being adaptable to suit the environment in which they are placed.

Background

Ever since fire extinguisher stands have become a necessity in today’s working, recreational and residential environments, widespread and concerted efforts have been made to improve such stands’ associated storage and transportation problems so as to allow more fire extinguisher stands to be stored and transported at any one time. Currently, fire extinguisher stands are provided in single, double or triple form, meaning that they can hold one, two or three fire extinguishers, respectively. These stands can be manufactured in flat pack arrangements (i.e. provided as separate, generally planar parts that are attachable together). Providing flat pack fire extinguisher stands has helped with the associated storage and transportation problems.

Installers of fire extinguisher stands generally leave a storage depot in the morning of an installation shift with a small vehicle stocked with fire extinguisher stands, fire extinguishers, service tools, re-charging bottles and safety signage. The installers may have up to 20 installations to carry out in one day and often do not know how many fire extinguisher stands are required for each job and generally size up a job when they arrive on site. After sizing up a job, there is often not enough stock, in the form of single, double or triple fire extinguisher stands (i.e. in the correct configuration for the job) in their vehicle in order to carry out the installation. This results in the installer having to re-visit the installation site at a later date once they have replenished their vehicle with the correct stock.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular fire extinguisher stand for a fire extinguisher, the modular fire extinguisher stand comprising;

a base;

a backing member;

connection means arranged to connect the base and the backing member; and attachment means arranged to facilitate attachment of the modular fire extinguisher stand to another modular fire extinguisher stand.

Advantageously, the modular fire extinguisher stand can be easily stored and transported between different locations as well as providing a stronger point of connection between the base and backing member of a modular fire extinguisher stand. An installer of such modular fire extinguisher stands can attach more than one modular fire extinguisher stand together and thereby satisfy any unexpected demand after sizing up a new installation job.

Optionally, the connection means is a one-way connection means such that once connected, the base and the backing member cannot easily be disconnected. Advantageously, this prevents a user from easily separating the modular fire extinguisher stand and reduces the risk of placing a stand in an incorrect location.

Optionally, the connection means is arranged to connect the base and the backing member such that they are arranged perpendicular to each other.

Optionally, the connection means comprises a projection and recess arrangement between the base and the backing member. The recess may be a slot.

Optionally, the base of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the base of the other modular fire extinguisher stand.

Optionally, the backing member of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the backing member of the other modular fire extinguisher stand.

The attachment means may be arranged to attach the modular fire extinguisher stand to the other modular fire extinguisher stand at multiple locations.

Optionally, the base of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the base of the other modular fire extinguisher stand and the backing member of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the backing member of the other modular fire extinguisher stand. Advantageously, a multiple point of attachment is provided along different axes which provides sturdy attachment.

Optionally, the attachment means is arranged to facilitate attachment such that a flush fit is provided between a side wall of the modular fire extinguisher stand and an adjacent side wall of the other modular fire extinguisher stand.

Advantageously, the flush fit avoids the scenario in which a user or passer-by, of multiple modular fire extinguisher stands, accidentally knocks or forces apart the side walls of the one or more adjacent modular fire extinguisher stands. Advantageously, providing a flush fit, prevents a user from misinterpreting a multiple modular fire extinguisher stand as being separate stands, which further reduces the risk of the user relocating separate stands to incorrect locations within a building.

The flush fit may be achieved by providing square edges on the side wall of the modular fire extinguisher stand.

The attachment means may comprise a connector, such as a clip, and a connector receiving portion.

The attachment means may comprise a connector receiving portion, wherein the connector is arranged to be securely received in the connector receiving portion of the stand and also securely received in a connector receiving portion of the other modular fire extinguisher stand.

Optionally, the connector is located on one of the stand and the other stand, and the connector receiving portion is located on the other of the stand and the other stand; or vice versa.

The backing member may comprise a front face.

Optionally, the attachment means is provided on an underside of the base of the modular fire extinguisher stand and/or on a rear of the backing member.

Advantageously, the attachment means being provided on an underside of the base and/or a rear of the backing member reduces the risk of an end user from accidentally disconnecting modular fire extinguisher stands that are connected to each other. Further to this, the modular fire extinguisher stands that are connected to each other advantageously look tidier when the attachment means is provided on an underside of the base and/or at a rear of the backing member (i.e. the attachment means is out of sight of the end user).

Optionally, the base includes an open channel that extends from one end of the base to an opposite end of the base in a direction parallel to the front face of the backing member, and optionally the open channel of the base aligns with a corresponding open channel of an adjacent base when the other modular fire extinguisher stand is attached to the modular fire extinguisher stand. Advantageously, the open channel facilitates a protrusion provided in the base of a fire extinguisher which includes a recess for receiving the end of a fire extinguisher’s hose. The open channel is provided on both sides of a well for housing the fire extinguisher such that the protrusion of the fire extinguisher’s base can be housed to the left or the right hand side of the stand.

The base may comprise a front surface.

Optionally, the front surface comprises a curved, protruding portion arranged, in use, to efficiently accommodate a fire extinguisher and the front surface of the base aligns with a corresponding front surface of the other base when the other modular fire extinguisher stand is attached to the modular fire extinguisher stand. Advantageously, material is saved by not being used to fill in space adjacent the protruding portion.

Optionally, the front face of the backing member comprises a recess for receiving a part of the fire extinguisher.

The front face of the backing member may comprise a label receiving portion for receiving one or more portrait and/or landscape safety and/or instruction labels, and optionally the label receiving portion comprises a flat surface that surrounds the recess.

Each modular fire extinguisher stand may be arranged to hold only one fire extinguisher.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multiple fire extinguisher stand comprising more than one modular fire extinguisher stand adjacently attached to each other via the attachment means.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of making a multiple fire extinguisher stand arranged to receive one or more fire extinguishers, comprising attaching a modular fire extinguisher stand to one or more additional modular fire extinguisher stands via the attachment means.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of disassembling a multiple fire extinguisher stand arranged to receive one or more fire extinguishers, comprising detaching one or more modular fire extinguisher stands from the multiple fire extinguisher stand by removing each connector from its associated connector receiving portion.

Advantageously, the way in which the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 can be attached to adjacent modular fire extinguisher stands 1 to form a multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 and, in turn, disassembled, makes it easy for an installer of fire extinguisher stands to always install the correct type of stand (i.e. single, double or triple) depending on how many fire extinguishers need to be held at an installation site. Advantageously, this reduces the likelihood of a customer (the eventual user of the fire extinguisher stand) being frustrated that an installer has not been able to carry out an installation on first arrival, i.e. the installer is less likely to have to make more than one visit to an installation site.

Detailed Description of the Invention and Preferred Embodiments

Preferred and non-limiting embodiments of the various aspects of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, but strictly by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular fire extinguisher stand of the type to which the present invention relates;

Figure 2 is a front view of the modular fire extinguisher stand shown in figure 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the backing member shown in figure 1;

Figure 4 is a front view of the backing member shown in figure 3;

Figure 5 is a side view of the backing member shown in figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the base shown in figure 1;

Figure 7 is a top-down view of the base shown in figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a multiple fire extinguisher stand of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a rear, perspective, and under-side view of the multiple fire extinguisher stand shown in figure 8;

Figure 10 is a front view of a connector of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the connector shown in figure 10;

Figure 12 is a rear, perspective, and under-side view of the multiple fire extinguisher stand shown in figures 8 and 9 connected using connectors as shown in figures 10 and 11;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a double multiple fire extinguisher stand; and

Figure 14 is a rear, perspective, and under-side view of the double multiple fire extinguisher stand shown in figure 13 connected using connectors as shown in figures 10 and 11.

Referring to figure 1, this shows, in perspective form, a modular fire extinguisher stand 1 that is used to hold fire extinguishers of varying sizes in various working, recreational and residential environments. As shown in figure 2, the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is symmetrical about axis B-B. The modular fire extinguisher stand includes a base 2 and a backing member 3. The base 2 is arranged to receive a fire extinguisher in a well 26. The well 26 is configured to hold fire extinguishers of different sizes (i.e. fire extinguishers of different diameters). Advantageously, two different sized wells are provided. A well 261 with a smaller diameter is provided for holding fire extinguishers of a small diameter. A well 262 with a larger diameter of approximately 200mm is provided for holding fire extinguishers of a large diameter. The base 2 provides a surface for a fire extinguisher to stand on top of. The backing member 3 is arranged, in some embodiments, to extend to the height of a fire extinguisher that is received by the base 2 and may desirably be located adjacent a wall or similar, if the stand is placed adjacent a wall in use. The backing member 3 may separate the fire extinguisher from an adjacent wall-like structure, for example, in order to protect the fire extinguisher from a wall that is damp or too hot/cold in temperature. The backing member 3 supports the fire extinguisher in its upright position. In other embodiments, the backing member 3 may extend to below the height of the fire extinguisher in order to provide easier access to the top of the fire extinguisher.

The base 2 is configured to be positioned on a generally horizontal surface such as a floor and the backing member 3 is provided in a position such that it lies in a plane that is substantially parallel to a vertical surface such as a wall. Therefore the base 2 and the backing member 3 are provided substantially perpendicular to each other. Providing a backing member 3 that is perpendicular to a base 3 allows for a strong connection between the base 2 and the backing member 3, thus making is difficult for a user to accidentally break the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 about its perpendicular connection.

In this embodiment, as shown in figures 3 to 7, a connection means 4 is provided between the base 2 and the backing member 3. The connection means 4 is arranged to connect the base 2 and the backing member 3 in their substantially perpendicular orientation relative to each other. An advantage to providing a separate base 2 and backing member 3 and providing a connection means 4 in order to connect the base 2 and the backing member 3 together is that a stronger point of connection is provided than when the base 2 and backing member 3 is formed as one part (for example, if they are blow moulded as one whole part). The connection means 4 that provides the perpendicular connection between the base 2 and the backing member 3 provides a stronger perpendicular connection than a fire extinguisher stand that is made from one part which often provides for a weak connection between the base and the backing member. Another advantage to providing a connection means 4 between the base 2 and the backing member 3 is that it is easier to store and transport a modular fire extinguisher stand 1, which has not yet been assembled, in the form of a flat pack stand.

In this embodiment, the connection means 4 comprises a projection 41 and recess 42 arrangement between the base 2 and the backing member 3. The projection 41 forms part of, and extends from, an under-side of the backing member 3. As shown in figures 3 to 5, the projection 41 is formed as substantially the same shape as the under-side of the backing member 3 and is formed such that its outer perimeter is smaller than the outer perimeter of the under-side of the backing member 3. I.e. the projection 41 is contained within the surface area of the under-side of the backing member 3. The other component of the connecting means arrangement 4, is a recess 42 that is provided, in the form of a slot, on the base 2. As shown in figures 6 and 7, the recess 42 extends into and is provided at a rear side of the base 2 and is formed as substantially the same shape as the projection 41 of the backing member 3. The outer perimeter of the recess 42 is slightly larger than the outer perimeter of the projection 41 such that the projection 41 fits into the recess 42. The projection 41 extends from the under-side of the backing member 3 substantially the same distance as the recess 42 extends into the rear side of the base 2 such that a flush fit is provided between the base 2 and the backing member 3 when the projection 41 is inserted into the recess 42. The projection 41 and recess 42 arrangement advantageously provide a connection means 4 that is easy to manufacture and easy to assemble. By providing a recess 42 that has a perimeter that is only slightly larger than the perimeter of the projection 41, a friction fit is provided between the projection 41 and recess 42 which advantageously makes it more difficult to accidentally pull apart the base 2 from the backing member 3.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the projection 41 could form part of, and extend upwardly from, an upper surface of the base 2 so as to be inserted into a recess that extends into, and is provided on, an under-side of the backing member 3. An advantage to providing the projection 41 on an upper surface of the base 2 is that an installer may find it easier to align the projection 41 and the recess 42 if they can see the projection 41 from above.

In an alternative embodiment, a different form of connection means 4 may be provided in which the connection means 4 is a one way connection means such that once the base 2 and the backing member 3 are connected, the base 2 and the backing member 3 cannot easily be disassembled. Advantageously, a one-way connection means 4 prevents the user from accidentally pulling apart the base 2 from the backing member 3, and thus, disassembling the modular fire extinguisher stand 1.

In another alternative embodiment, the one-way connection means 4 can be provided at multiple locations between the base 2 and the backing member 3. Providing a one-way connection means 4 at multiple locations advantageously ensures that the base 2 and the backing member 3 remain securely connected at at least one location even if they have become disconnected at one other location. A user then only needs to re-assemble the base 2 and the backing member 3 at the disassembled location(s) in order to completely re-assemble the modular fire extinguisher stand 1, rather than having to completely reconnect the base 2 and the backing member 3.

The one way connection means 4, in this embodiment, is a snap fit connection 43 that is provided between the protrusion 41 and the recess 42. The snap fit connection 43 is best shown in figures 3 to 7 and consists of corresponding protrusions 431 and 432 that are provided on the base 2 and the backing member 3, respectively. When the base 2 and the backing member 3 are connected together, the protrusions 431 and 432 of the snap fit connection 43 engage with each other after resiliently snapping into place so that the base 2 and the backing member 3 are substantially locked together. One of the protrusions 431 and 432 is a spring like resilient protrusion. The other one of the protrusions 431 and 432 is a rigid protrusion. When the base 2 and the backing member 3 are connected together, the spring like resilient protrusion is moved by the rigid protrusion until the snap fit connection 43 is in an engagement position in which the base 2 and the backing member 3 are substantially locked together. Advantageously, the snap fit connection 43 provides a strong one-way connection between the base 2 and the backing member 3 such that it makes it even more difficult for a user or passer-by to accidentally or easily disassemble the base 2 from the backing member 3.

Considerable force would have to be applied in order to disconnect the base 2 and the backing member 3 once they have been connected. For example, a flat head screw driver may have to be used in order to prise the protrusions 431 and 432, of each of the snap fit connections 43, out of engagement with each other, and thus disconnect the base 2 from the backing member 3. Advantageously, this prevents a user or passer-by from disassembling the base 2 and the backing member 3 simply by using their hands.

An attachment means 5 is provided in order to facilitate the adjacent attachment of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 to another modular fire extinguisher stand 1. In this embodiment the other modular fire extinguisher stand is identical. In other embodiments, the other modular fire extinguisher stand may be similar (i.e. it has the same attachment mechanism).

Currently, fire extinguisher stands, whether or not they are provided as part of a flat pack, come in double or triple forms (i.e. fire extinguisher stands that hold two or three fire extinguishers, respectively). This often leads to an installer of fire extinguisher stands having to either go back to the storage depot and return in the future to complete the installation correctly (i.e. provide a stand in the correct form) or install a stand (or stands) that contains too many fire extinguisher holders for the number of fire extinguishers needed at the installation site. Providing an attachment means 5 advantageously allows an installer to attach modular fire extinguisher stands 1, in order to always provide the correct number of fire extinguisher stands corresponding with the number of fire extinguishers to be held at an installation site.

Providing an attachment means 5 also advantageously prevents the current common scenario in which, for example, if an installer of fire extinguisher stands only has triple fire extinguisher stands left, during an installation shift, to install at a site in which a double fire extinguisher stand is needed. The installer may travel back to the storage depot to pick up more double fire extinguisher stands, which is a waste of resource, such as time and fuel, for the installer, and also provides a potential hazard whilst the new stand is not in place. Advantageously, the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is more environmentally friendly than prior stands as it reduces, on average, the amount of fuel that is used for an installer’s vehicle, per installation.

In this embodiment, the attachment means advantageously does not necessitate any drilling, or forming holes in, or altering the structure of the stand. In this way a strong, stable multiple stand is provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment means 5 is arranged such that the base 2 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 can be attached to the base 2 of an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1. Also in a preferred embodiment, the attachment means 5 is provided such that the backing member 3 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 can be attached to the backing member 3 of an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1.

In other embodiments, the attachment means 5 is arranged to attach the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 to an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1 at multiple locations. In particular, the base 2 of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the base of the adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and the backing member 3 of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the backing member 3 of the adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand. Providing the attachment means 5 at multiple locations advantageously allows for a stronger overall connection between the one or more modular fire extinguisher stands, rather than simply providing an attachment means 5 in only one location. This also makes it more burdensome to disassemble the more than one modular fire extinguisher stand as disassembly would have to take place at more than one location.

The attachment means 5 is arranged to facilitate attachment between the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1 such that a flush fit is provided between the side walls 6 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and the adjacent side walls 6 of the adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1. The side walls 6 consist of side walls 62 provided on each side of the base 2, and side walls 63 provided on each side of the backing member 3. As shown in figures 8 to 14, when multiple modular fire extinguisher stands 1 are attached to each other, the side walls 6, of the base 2 and the backing member 3, that are attached directly adjacent to the side walls 6, of the base 2 and backing member 3 of an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1, cannot be seen or accessed. I.e. there is a flush fit provided between the side walls 6 of two modular fire extinguisher stands 1 when they are attached together. This advantageously avoids the scenario in which a user or passer-by, of multiple modular fire extinguisher stands 1, accidentally knocks or forces apart the side walls 6 of the one or more adjacent modular fire extinguisher stands 1.

The flush fit provided between the side walls 6 of two modular fire extinguisher stands 1 when they are attached together means that there are no gaps provided between the adjacent side walls 6. This advantageously prevents the build-up of dirt between the side walls 6 and also advantageously prevents the attached modular fire extinguisher stands 1 from being easily prised apart.

The flush fit provided between the side walls 6 of two modular fire extinguisher stands 1 when they are attached together also advantageously ensures that the attached modular fire extinguisher stands 1 are safer. This is because a user or passer-by is less likely to trip or catch a body part on the attached modular fire extinguisher stands 1 if there are no gaps provided between the stands 1. The flush fit also ensures that the attached modular fire extinguisher stands 1 have a one-piece look which, advantageously, makes the stands look more aesthetically pleasing.

The flush fit provided between the adjacent side walls 6 advantageously ensure that the attached modular fire extinguisher stands 1 are more resistant to grime, for example, when the stand 1 is used in food preparation areas.

Known single, double and triple stands have rounded edges. The rounded edges are used on known stands to avoid having sharp edges and for aesthetic purposes.

The flush fit provided between the side walls 6 is achieved, in this embodiment, by providing square edges 7 along the side walls 6 of the modular fire extinguisher stand. The square edges 7 are, specifically, nonrounded edges that avoid undesirable gaps between modular fire extinguisher stands 1 when they are connected to each other via the attachment means 5. The square edges 7 are provided along every edge of the side walls 6. The flush fit that is provided by the square edges 7 creates a one-piece look and effect, i.e. there are no undesired gaps created when more than one modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is attached together. I.e. when more than one modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is attached together to form a multiple fire extinguisher stand, the multiple fire extinguisher stand appears as though it has been manufactured as a multiple fire extinguisher stand without having to be formed by attaching together more than one modular fire extinguisher stand 1.

In some embodiments, the square edges 7 along the side walls 6 are facilitated by providing a small draught angle between the bottom of the side walls 6 and the top of the side walls 6. An angle of 0.25 degrees is provided in comparison to prior art mouldings which incorporate a draught angle of between 1 and 2 degrees in order to assist the ejection of the base 2 and/or backing member 3 from the tool once it has been moulded. Advantageously, the reduced draught angle allows the adjacent side walls 6 of a multiple stand to have a flush fit.

In a preferred embodiment, the top square edges 7 of the side walls are provided at substantially the same height for the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1 to advantageously provide a one-piece look and effect when more than one modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is attached via the attachment means 5 as well as advantageously reducing the risk of knocking apart the stands accidentally, getting things caught between the stands and reducing the build-up of dirt between the stands.

The height and width of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 are kept at a minimum value in order to save material and floor space. The modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is made to separately accommodate both the largest and smallest fire extinguisher, i.e. whichever size of fire extinguisher is needed at each location. That is, the height and width are about the same or slightly larger than the largest fire extinguisher to be supported. Whilst as much material as possible has been saved in manufacturing the modular fire extinguisher stand 1, a reserve has been implemented into the design in order to accommodate mandatory industry standard fire extinguisher identification signs. This label receiving portion is described in more detail below.

As shown in figures 8 to 14, the attachment means 5 comprises a connector 8, such as a clip, and a connector receiving portion 9. Advantageously, the attachment means 5 is provided, when the fire extinguisher stand is in use, on a non-user side of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 so that the end user does not accidentally disconnect adjacent modular fire extinguisher stands 1 by disconnecting a connector 8 from its associated connector receiving portions 9. Another advantage to the attachment means 5 being provided on a non-user side of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is that the modular fire extinguisher stand 1, whether provided alone or as part of a multiple fire extinguisher stand, looks tidier. I.e. the attachment means 5 is out of sight of the end user.

In this embodiment, the attachment means is provided on an under-side 21 of the base 2 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1. In other embodiments, a further attachment means 5 is provided at a rear side 32 of the backing member 3 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1. The under-side 21 of the base 2, in use, lies directly adjacent a floor surface. The rear side 32 of the backing member 3, in use, faces an adjacent wall or wall-like surface. Advantageously, in other embodiments, the attachment means 5 is provided in multiple locations in order to provide a more secure connection between more than one adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1. More specifically, the attachment means 5 is provided on each side of the under-side 21 of the base and on each side of the rear side 32 of the backing member. Advantageously, providing the attachment means 5 on the under-side 21 and/or rear side 32 reduces the chances of the end user catching the device and accidentally disconnecting the multiple adjacent modular fire extinguisher stands 1.

The connector receiving portion 9, which is arranged at each attachment means 5, is provided on the under-side 21 of the base and the rear side 32 of the backing member, at each of their respective sides, of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1. The connector receiving portion 9 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 directly aligns with the connector receiving portion 9 of an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1. When the connector receiving portions 9 of both the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1 are aligned, the connector 8 can be securely received into the connector receiving portion 9 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and also securely received into the connector receiving portion 9 of the adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1, simultaneously.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector receiving portion 9 includes protrusions 91 that are received by recesses 81, which are provided on the connector 8, when the connecter 8 is securely received into the connector receiving portions 9. Advantageously, a push fit connection is provided between the connector 8 and the connector receiving portion 9 which ensures that they can be connected quickly and easily. Typically, two modular fire extinguisher stands 1 can be assembled using the attachment means 5 in less than 40 seconds. Advantageously, drilling or special tools are not required to connect the connector 8 and the connector receiving portion 9. Despite this, as shown in figures 10 and 11, the connector 8 also includes holes 82 for receiving an appropriate fixing means, such as a screw, in order to provide additional securing means if desired. In some examples, up to four holes 82 can be provided. Advantageously, providing a connector 8 with holes 82 that can receive a fixing means reduces the risk of a user trying to separate a multiple modular fire extinguisher stand 1. When the connector 8 is received into the connector receiving portion 9, a flush fit is created between the square edges 7, of the base 2 and the backing member 3, and the connector 8. Advantageously, the flush fit allows there to be no gap created between the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and the floor surface or the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and the wall-like surface and, thus, reduces the chances of a user from catching themselves on the stand which could cause the attached stands to become disconnected or even injury for the end user. The flush fit also advantageously ensures that the attached modular fire extinguisher stands 1 look tidier and reduce the amount of wasted floor space.

In another embodiment, a different form of attachment means 5, in a form other than a connector 8 and connector receiving portion 9 may be provided which still achieves the flush fit between the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and the floor surface or the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and the wall-like surface.

A tight friction-fit is provided between the connector 8 and the connector receiving portion 9 when the connector 8 is securely received by the connector receiving portion 9. A tight friction fit is ensured by providing a plurality of corresponding protrusions 92 and recesses 81. Further to this, in a preferred embodiment, the protrusions 92 and recesses 81 are dovetail shaped in order to increase the area of contact provided between the protrusions 92 and recesses 81, and thus, increase the tightness of the friction-fit. Advantageously, the tight friction-fit ensures that movement in all directions (i.e. vertical, horizontal and in/out) between modular fire extinguisher stands 1, that are attached via the attachment means 5, is prohibited.

In another embodiment, the connector 8 and the connector receiving member 9 are connected by a snap-fit arrangement. Advantageously, a snap-fit arrangement would improve the strength of the connection between adjacent modular fire extinguisher stands 1 at the attachment means 5. In yet another embodiment, the connector 8 and the connector receiving member 9 are connected by any other suitable arrangement.

In another embodiment of the invention, the connector 8 is integrally located on one of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and the adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1, and the connector receiving portion 9 is integrally formed on the other of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 and the adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1. Advantageously, providing integrally formed connectors 8 and connector receiving portions 9 ensures that an installer cannot lose the connector 8 before or during an installation shift. The connector 8 is provided on one side of the stand 1 so as to be securely receivable into a connector receiving portion 9 that is provided on an adjacent side of an adjacent stand 1. This is as an alternative to the above-described embodiment in which the connector 8 is formed as a separate component part to the modular fire extinguisher stand 1. l.e. the connector 8 can be formed as an integral part of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1.

The backing member 3 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 comprises a front face 31.

As shown in figure 7, the base 2 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is symmetrical about the axis A-A. As shown in figure 1, the base 2 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 comprises an open channel 22 that extends from one end 23 of the base 2 to an opposite end 24 of the base in a direction substantially parallel to the front face 31 of the backing member 3 and substantially perpendicular to the axis A-A. Advantageously, when a modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is attached via the attachment means 5 to an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1, the open channel 22 of the base 2 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 aligns with a corresponding open channel 22 of an adjacent base 2 of the adjacently attached modular fire extinguisher stand 1. A further advantage of the open channel 22 is that it provides recesses that are positioned either side of the fire extinguisher when a fire extinguisher is being held within the modular fire extinguisher stand 1. These recesses of the open channels 22 allow for protrusions, that are normally positioned to one side of the base of a fire extinguisher (i.e. such that the base of the fire extinguisher is not quite circular), to be positioned within them. The protrusions that are provided on the base of the fire extinguisher include a recess for receiving the end of a fire extinguisher’s hose. The open channels 22 therefore facilitate storage of part of the fire extinguisher’s hose. Advantageously, the open channels 22 allow the fire extinguisher to be positioned within the base 2 in any orientation such that the protrusion, provided on the base of the fire extinguisher, can extend within the open channel 22 towards either side of the base.

The base 2 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 comprises a front surface 25. As shown in figures 1, 6 and 7, the front surface 25 of the base 2 comprises a curved, protruding portion 251. The curved, protruding portion 251 is arranged, in use, to accommodate a fire extinguisher. The front surface 25 of the base 2 of the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 advantageously aligns with a corresponding front surface 25 of an adjacent base 2 when an adjacent modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is attached to the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 such that a flush fit is provided between the adjacent front surfaces 25, as shown in figures 8 to 14.

As shown in figures 1 to 4, the front face 31 of the backing member 3 comprises a recess 311 for receiving a part of a fire extinguisher. In this embodiment, the recess 311 is a curve and, in this case, has an arched profile that extends upwardly from the bottom of the backing member 3 and, in use, extends upwardly from the base 2, such that the recess 311 can partly receive a part of a stored fire extinguisher. The recess 311 is advantageously designed to be able to receive a variety of different sized extinguishers, i.e. fire extinguishers of different diameters and heights.

The front face 31 of the backing member 3 also comprises a label receiving portion 312 for receiving one or more portrait and/or landscape safety and/or instruction labels. The label receiving portion 312 is provided on a flat surface of the front face 31 of the backing member 3 that surrounds the recess 311. The label receiving portion 312 is large enough to receive safety and/or instruction labels that come in fairly standard sizes, such as portrait sizes of 80mm by 200mm and landscape sizes of 100 by 150mm, each +/-10mm. The landscape labels are normally provided on the label receiving portion 312 situated above the recess 311 and the portrait labels are normally provided on the label receiving portion 312 situated either side of the recess 311.

Each modular fire extinguisher stand 1 is arranged to hold only one fire extinguisher at a time. A multiple fire extinguisher stand 11, as shown in figures 8, 9, and 12 to 14, comprises more than one modular fire extinguisher stand 1, as shown in figure 1, attached to each other via the attachment means 5.

The multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 is arranged to receive multiple fire extinguishers. The multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 can be made by attaching a modular fire extinguisher stand 1 to one or more additional modular fire extinguisher stands 1 via the attachment means 5.

In other embodiments, the multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 that comprises more than one modular fire extinguisher stand 1 that have been attached by the attachment means 5 can be disassembled. The multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 can be disassembled by detaching one or more modular fire extinguisher stands 1 from the multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 by removing each connector 8 from its associated connector receiving portion 9.

Advantageously, the way in which the modular fire extinguisher stand 1 can be attached to adjacent modular fire extinguisher stands 1 to form a multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 makes it easy for an installer of fire extinguisher stands to always install the correct type of stand (i.e. single, double or triple) depending on how many fire extinguishers need to be held at an installation site.

In some embodiments, stands that are attached adjacent to each other do not have a flush fit therebetween. Some of the advantages of the flush fit may be lost. However, in such embodiments, the advantage of the modular attachment for the installer is retained. For example, the ability to form any multiple stands that are desired after sizing up a new installation job is retained.

The most popular requirement for a fire extinguisher stand is a double stand arrangement, for storing two fire extinguishers. An installer of fire extinguisher stands will therefore quite often carry a double multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 that has been assembled centrally at the storage depot so that assembly of this common stand does not have to be carried out on site. In some cases, a double multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 may have been produced as part of the manufacturing process. If an installer has a double multiple fire extinguisher stand 11, for example, that is suitable for holding two fire extinguishers, but realises on arrival at the installation site that only one fire extinguisher needs to be held, the installer can disassemble the double multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 to hold one fire extinguisher.

In a similar manner, if an installer only has single modular fire extinguisher stands in their vehicle, for example if they are unsure about the arrangement of stands needed at an installation site, a multiple fire extinguisher stand 11 can be made to suit the installation site by assembling more than one modular fire extinguisher stand 1 on site.

This assembly and disassembly of modular fire extinguisher stands 1 advantageously allows an installer of fire extinguisher stands to be able to continue with an installation even in situations of unexpected demand, i.e. the installer will never be unpleasantly surprised by having to install a fire extinguisher stand that can hold more or less fire extinguishers than originally intended. Assembly and disassembly also advantageously reduces the amount of material and floor space that is wasted at an installation site and reduces the time and fuel that is currently wasted when an installer has to travel back to the depot during an installation shift.

A modular, flat-pack fire extinguisher stand according to the claims of this invention provides great advantages relative to current fire extinguisher stands in relation to transportability, instalment, resource saving and workflow for installers. As a result, the overall installation process is also made more efficient and safety at the location in which the stand(s) is/are being installed is also improved.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms comprises and comprising and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A modular fire extinguisher stand for a fire extinguisher, the modular fire extinguisher stand comprising;

a base;

a backing member;

2. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to claim 1 wherein the connection means is a one-way connection means such that once connected, the base and the backing member cannot easily be disconnected.

3. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the connection means is arranged to connect the base and the backing member such that they are arranged perpendicular to each other.

4. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein the connection means comprises a projection and recess arrangement between the base and the backing member.

5. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to claim 4 wherein the recess is a slot.

6. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein the base of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the base of the other modular fire extinguisher stand.

7. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein the backing member of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the backing member of the other modular fire extinguisher stand.

8. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means is arranged to attach the modular fire extinguisher stand to the other modular fire extinguisher stand at multiple locations.

9. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to claim 8 wherein the base of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the base of the other modular fire extinguisher stand and wherein the backing member of the modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to be attached to the backing member of the other modular fire extinguisher stand.

10. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means is arranged to facilitate attachment such that a flush fit is provided between a side wall of the modular fire extinguisher stand and an adjacent side wall of the other modular fire extinguisher stand.

11. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to claim 10 wherein the flush fit is achieved by providing square edges on the side wall of the modular fire extinguisher stand.

12. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein the attachment means comprises a connector, such as a clip, and a connector receiving portion.

13. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to claim 12 comprising the connector receiving portion, wherein the connector is arranged to be securely received in the connector receiving portion of the stand and also securely received in a connector receiving portion of the other modular fire extinguisher stand.

14. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to claim 12 wherein the connector is located on one of the stand and the other stand, and the connector receiving portion is located on the other of the stand and the other stand; or vice versa.

15. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein the backing member comprises a front face.

16. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to claim 15 when dependent upon any of claims 6 to 14 wherein, in use, the attachment means is provided on an underside of the base of the modular fire extinguisher stand and/or on a rear of the backing member.

17. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein the base includes an open channel that extends from one end of the base to an opposite end of the base in a direction parallel to the front face of the backing member, and optionally wherein the open channel of the base aligns with a corresponding open channel of the other base when the other modular fire extinguisher stand is attached to the modular fire extinguisher stand.

18. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein the base comprises a front surface.

19. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to claim 18 wherein the front surface comprises a curved, protruding portion arranged, in use, to accommodate a fire extinguisher and wherein the front surface of the base aligns with a corresponding front surface of the other base when the other modular fire extinguisher stand is attached to the modular fire extinguisher stand.

20. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any of claims 15 to 19 wherein the front face of the backing member comprises a recess for receiving a part of the fire extinguisher.

21. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any of claims 15 to 20 wherein the front face of the backing member comprises a label receiving portion for receiving one or more portrait and/or landscape safety and/or instruction labels, and optionally wherein the label receiving portion comprises a flat surface that surrounds the recess.

22. A modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim wherein each modular fire extinguisher stand is arranged to hold only one fire extinguisher.

23. A multiple fire extinguisher stand comprising more than one modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim adjacently attached to each other via the attachment means.

24. A method of making a multiple fire extinguisher stand arranged to receive one or more fire extinguishers, comprising attaching a modular fire extinguisher stand according to any preceding claim to one or more additional modular fire extinguisher stands via the attachment means.

25. A method of disassembling a multiple fire extinguisher stand according to claim 23 arranged to receive one or more fire extinguishers, comprising detaching one or more modular fire extinguisher stands from the multiple fire extinguisher stand by removing each connector from its 5 associated connector receiving portion.