GB2615634A - Fire extinguishing apparatus and method of use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A fire extinguishing apparatus 2 is provided for extinguishing and/or managing a fire risk, and particularly for extinguishing a fire associated with an electric vehicle battery. The apparatus includes at least one arm member 24 having fluid inlet 6 for allowing fluid to enter the arm member in use, and two or more fluid outlets 8, 10, 12 for allowing fluid to exit the arm member. The two or more fluid outlets are arranged on the arm member a spaced distance apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the arm member. The apparatus is arranged such that fluid exits the fluid outlets in a generally upwardly direction. The device may include three arms connected to a single fluid inlet by means of a manifold 4. The device is preferably provided with one or more wheels or other movement means 29.

Description

UNTINGUISING APPARATUS AND MUTHOD OF USUTEWRI,X3F This invention relates to fire extinguishing apparatus and/or to a method of use thereof Although the following description refers almost exclusively to fire extinguishing apparatus for use in extinguishing and/or managing a fire risk associated with an electric vehicle battery, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the apparatus could be used for fire extinguishing and/or fire risk management of any one or more items. In addition, reference to fire extinguishing apparatus also covers fire suppression apparatus, fire prevention apparatus, fire risk management apparatus and/or the like.

As the use and ownership of electric vehicles increases significantly in both the private and commercial sectors, it is becoming an increasing problem for firefighters to safely and efficiently manage electric vehicle fires and/or fire risks due to the problems associated with the lithium-ion ba.sed high voltage batteries typically used in these vehicles. The batteries are often located on or adjacent the underside of a vehicle and so cannon be easily accessed. As such, conventional methods of firefighting using a conventional water hose arranged to deliver water under gravity from above the vehicle are not effective. In addition, in order to get a conventional water hose into position adjacent a. vehicle battery, the firefighter typically has to stand immediately adjacent the vehicle and direct the water hose nozzle in an upwardly direction underneath the vehicle. This is very dangerous for a firefighter, particularly due to the potential risks associated with explosion of the vehicle and/or the vehicle battery. It is therefore desirable to provide apparatus that allows for a much safer method to manage and/or extinguish fires or fire risks associated with an electrical vehicle and/or electrical vehicle battery. Furthermore, even if the vehicle or vehicle battery is not on fire, any damage caused to the vehicle battery, such as for example following a vehicle accident or collision, could result in thermal runaway in the battery, thereby causing the battery to overheat, set on fire or explode.

One example of a system that has been designed to deal specifically with electric vehicle batteries is disclosed in W02021146763. The system includes a penetrating unit that provides a penetrating arm to pierce the housing of the battery and introduce pressurised fluid into the battery from an outlet at the end of the penetrating arm. Problems associated with this system are that there is a high risk of explosion associated with penetrating a. battery, thereby still crea.ting a safety risk for firefighters using this system and/or for members of the public nearby. the movement mechanism associated with raising and lowering the penetrating arm with respect to a battery and for creating sufficient force in the penetrating arm to pierce the battery makes this system complex and expensive to manufacture. In addition, the system only provides teaching for a single penetration arm for penetrating a single cell of a battery, yet vehicle batteries often contain multiple battery cells and it would take significant time and expensive to allow penetration of multiple battery cells.

Further examples of electric vehicle suppression systems involve forming a structure around the vehicle to fully submerse the vehicle battery is fire supressthg liquid or providing a fixed hose structure that is located underneath the vehicle. However, since different makes and sizes of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles (i.e. lorries, bus, cars, scooters) have the batteries in different places within the vehicle, a fixed hose structure does not take into account the variation in battery location and size of different vehicles.

It is therefore an =in of the present invention to provide fire extinguishing apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a. method of using fire extinguishing apparatus that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided fire extinguishing apparatus for extniguishnig a fire and/or managing a fire risk, wherein said apparatus includes at least one arm member having fluid inlet means for allowing fluid to enter said arm member in use, and two or more fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to exit said arm member in use, said two or more fluid outlet means arranged on said arm member a spaced distance apart in at least a. longitudinal direction of said arm member, and wherein the apparatus is arranged such tha.t fluid exits the two or more fluid outlet means in at least a vertical upwardly direction, in a generally upwardly direction and/or at an acute angle to the vertical direction in use.

Preferably the apparatus and/or at least one arm member has a base or base surface on which the apparatus is locatable or supported on in use and the two or more fluid outlet means are arranged such that the fluid exits the fluid outlet means in at least a direction perpendicular to the base or base surface of the apparatus, substantially perpendicular to the base or base surface of the apparatus, and/or at an acute angle to the base or base surface of the apparatus.

In one embodiment the two or more fluid outlet means are arranged such that fluid exits the fluid outlet means in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a. longitudinal a.xis of the of the at least one arm member or at an acute angle with respect to the perpendicular direction.

To the best of the Applicant's knowledge, no one ha.s previously provided fire extinguishing apparatus wherein the fluid is arranged to be pumped or dispensed from the apparatus in a.t least a direction opposite (Jr substantially opposite to the direction of gravity or in a generally upwardly direction. As such, the apparatus of the present invention can be used to tackle a fire and/or fire risk from below one or more items that are on fire and/or that are a fire risk rather than in the conventional manner from above or from the side of an item that is on fire and/or that is a fire risk. In addition, since there are at least two or more fluid outlet means, fluid being used to extinguish or control a fire and/or fire risk can be directed at two or more locations on said one or more items that are on fire and/or are a fire risk, which is more efficient.

In one embodiment movement means are provided on and/or associated with said arm member and/or apparatus to allow at least part of the arm member and/or apparatus to be movable across a surface or ground surface in use.

Preferably the movement means are provided on, at, immediately adjacent and/or associated with a free end of the arm member or an end furthest from where the apparatus is connected to a fluid supply in use.

Preferably the apparatus is arranged such that the at least one arm member is non-penetrating with respect to one or more items, battery or vehicle battery which the apparatus is being used to extinguish a fire for and/or manage a fire risk for in use. Thus, the at least one arm member is not arranged to pierce or penetrate one or more items, battery or vehicle battery which the apparatus is being used to manage a fire risk and/or extinguish a fire for. This mikes the apparatus of the present invention significantly safer than prior art fire extinguishing systems. It also makes the apparatus simpler and more cost effective to manufacture.

In one embodiment the apparatus and/or the at least one arm member is arranged to be positioned a spaced distance apart from the one or more items, battery or vehicle battery for which the apparatus is being used to manage a fire risk and/or extinguish a. fire. Further preferably the apparatus and/or the at least one arm member is arranged to be positioned a spaced distance apart below or under the one or more items, battery or vehicle battery in use.

Preferably the apparatus is arranged to be supported on a surface or ground surface in use. Further preferably a base surface of the apparatus is arranged to be supported on a surface of ground surface in use. The base surface is preferably opposite, substantially opposite or to the side of where the two or more outlet nozzles are positioned.

Preferably the at least one arm member is arranged to remain in contact directly or indirectly with a. surface or ground siwfa.ce on which the apparatus is supported on in use. 'thus, in one example, the at least one arm member is arranged to be moved across a surface in use in order to position the same a.t a. required location for managing a. fire risk and/or extinguishing a fire and the a.t least one arm member can remain in position at this required location when fluid is arranged to exit the two or more fluid outlet means in use.

Preferably the movement means allows the apparatus of the present invention to be moved into position with respect to one or more items, a battery or vehicle battery remotely, such that a firefighter is not required to be immediately adjacent the one or more items, battery or vehicle battery in order to position the apparatus at a required location in use.

Preferably the movement means are arranged to be directly or indirectly provided on and/or associated with the at least one arm member, and further preferably provided on and/or associated with the base or base surface of the at least one arm member.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes two or more arm members or arm member portions.

Preferably the movement means are provided on and/or associated with each of said two or more arm members or arm member portions.

In one embodiment two or more movement means are provided on and/or associated with each arm member or the at least one arm member. Further preferably the two or more movement means are arranged to be a. spaced distance apart along the length or longitudinal axis of the arm member.

In one embodiment the movement means are arranged to allow sliding motion and/or wheeled motion of the at least one arm member across a surface or ground surface in use.

In one embodiment the movement means includes any or any combination of one or more wheels, swivel wheels, rollers, balls, drums, skids, skies, rudders and/or the like.

In one example, a skid or ski is provided at a or each free end of the at least one arm member in use.

In one embodiment the movement means are integrally formed with the at least one arm member, and further preferably integrally formed with the base or base surface of the at least arm member.

In one embodiment attachment means are provided on and/or associated with the movement means and/or the a.t least one arm member to allow the movement means to be attached and/or detachably attached to the at least one arm member in use.

In one embodiment the attaclunent means includes any or any combination of one or more brackets, screws, nuts and bolts, clips, inter-engaging members and/or the like.

In one embodiment two or more of the fluid outlet means are arranged in a linear or substantially linear manner or linear path on the at least one arm member.

In one embodiment two or more of the fluid outlet means are arranged to be parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the at least one arm member.

In one embodiment two or more of the fluid outlet means are arranged on the arm member such that fluid exits from at least one of the fluid outlet means at a different angle and/or direction relative to at least one other fluid outlet means on the arm member in use.

In one embodiment at least two of the fluid outlet means are arranged to be provided on opposite (Jr substantially opposite sides of the arm member.

In one embodiment at least two of the fluid outlet means are arranged to be provided at spaced apart locations around at least a perimeter, sector or circumference of the arm member.

In one embodiment at least two or more fluid outlet means are arranged to be at different angles and/or facing different angles relative to ea.ch other. l;or example, the angle between two or more of the fluid outlet means could be between 0-180 degrees, 0.1 degrees-90 degrees, and further preferably could be approximately 4590 degrees to each other.

In one embodiment a plurality of fluid outlet means are provided on each arm member; some or at least one of the fluid outlet means are arranged on a top surface or top part of the arm member and some or at least one of the fluid outlet means are arranged on a side of the arm member.

In one embodiment the movement means are provided on and/or associated with a base surface of the arm member and the two or more fluid outlet means are arranged to be on a top surface of the arm member that is opposite or substantially opposite to the base surface, and/or the two or more fluid outlet means are arranged to be on one or more sides of the arm members provided between the base surface and a top surface (arranged to be opposite or substantially opposite to the base surface).

In one example, the fluid outlet means are arranged to be on a surface or part of a surface of the arm member a. spaced distance from the surfa.ce or pa.rt of the surface on which the movement means are provided and/or associated with.

In one example, the fluid outlet means are movable and/or adjustable relative to the at least one arm member to allow adjustment of the angle and/or pressure with which fluid exits the fluid outlet means in use. This allows a user to adjust the fluid outlet means to ensure fluid is directed at a specific location and/or direction from the arm member in use.

In one embodiment the at least one arm member consists of a single arm member. In one embodiment the at least one arm member consists of a single arm member portion.

S

In one embodiment the single arm member or ea.ch arm member includes two or more arm member portions connected together via connection means.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes two or more arm members. Each of the two or more arm members can consist of a single arm member portion or two or more arm member portions connected together via connection means.

In the embodiment where the apparatus includes two or more arm members, each of the arm members can be operated independently of the other arm members or can be operated in combination and simultaneously.

Preferably reference to operation of the apparatus refers to the dispensing of fluid from the apparatus via the two or more fluid outlet means in use.

In one embodiment the apparatus and/or the at least one anti member is modular and/or adjustable in length, width, shape and/or dimensions. the modularity is typically created by joining different combinations of arm member portions together in different arrangements. This allows the apparatus to be a.dapted to the fire risk area being managed or the size of the fire being extinguished.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes manifold means having a fluid inlet means and two or more fluid outlet means. 't he plurality of fluid outlet means on the manifold means preferably help to provide the modularity to the apparatus in one embodiment.

Preferably the two or more fluid outlet means of the manifold means are arranged laterally of each other, side by side and/or in a parallel arrangement.

It will be appreciated that the manifold means can be provided in any suitable size, shape, design and have any suitable number of fluid inlet means and fluid outlet means. The manifold means are arranged to allow fluid to flow through the same in use from the fluid inlet means to the fluid outlet means.

In one embodiment the manifold means has a fluid inlet means and three or more fluid outlet means.

Thus, it will be appreciated that with the manifold means and/or the arm member length a.djustability can allow the apparatus to be provided in any user selected, predetermined or arbitrary arrangement to accommodate different sized and/or shaped battery arrangements that are found in different makes and sized vehicles.

Preferably the fluid inlet means of the at least one arm member is attached, integral or detachably attached to one or more of the manifold fluid outlet means.

In one embodiment connection means are provided on and/or associated with the at least one arm member portions and/or manifold means to allow two or more arm member portions or the manifold and arm members to be connected together in use. This can allow the length, shape and/or dimensions of the apparatus to be changed and/or adapted in use.

In one embodiment the arm member portions or an arm member are arranged to be connectable together in an end to end manner. In this example, preferably the arm member portions are arranged to be co-axial, aligned and/or substantially aligned with each other.

In one embodiment the arm member portions or an arm member is arranged to be connected to the manifold means in a lateral, parallel and/or side by side arrangement.

Preferably the connection means are provided on and/or associated with an end or free end of the at least one arm member and/or arm member portion, fluid inlet means, fluid outlet means, manifold means and/or the like.

In one embodiment connection means are provided on and/or associated with each end or opposite ends of the at least one arm member, fluid inlet means, fluid outlet means, manifold means and arm member portion.

In one embodiment the connection means includes any (Jr any combination of one or more screw threads, collars, screw threaded collars_ bayonet fittings, push-fit connections, clips, nut and bolts, one or more screw fittings, friction fit, quick release connection, ca.m locks and/or the like.

In one enthodiment closure means are provided on and/or associated with an open end of the fluid inlet means, fluid outlet means of the arm member, manifold means and/or arm member portion to allow closure or selective closure of the open end in use. This helps with the modularity of the apparatus so that fluid only exits from required fluid outlet means in use.

In one embodiment the arm member can be a fluid conduit having a first open end and a. second closed end, or a fluid conduit having first and second open ends.

In one embodiment ne or more fluid branches can be provided on the arm member if required to allow fluid to flow along the fluid branches to different fluid outlet means in use.

Removal of the closure means in one example allows a further arm member portion to be connected to the end of an arm member portion or manifold means in use.

Preferably the closure means acts to close the open end of the arm member portion, arm member, fluid inlet means, manifold means and/or fluid outlet means and prevent fluid from exiting through an open end of the same in use.

In one embodiment the closure means is attached or detachably attached to the arm member portion, arm member, fluid inlet means, manifold means and/or fluid outlet means via one or more screw threads, bayonet fittings, push-fit connections, clips, nut and bolts, one or more screw fittings, friction fit and/or the like In one example the closure means is in the form of an end cap.

Preferably the cross sectional shape of the arm member, fluid inlet means and/or fluid outlet means is circular or substantially circular. However, it will be appreciated that the cross sectional shape could be any suitable shape as required, such as square, oval, triangular, hexagonal and/or the like.

In one embodiment the at least one arm member and/or the one or more arm member portions are cylindrical (Jr substantially cylindrical in shape. However, it will be appreciated that the arm member and/or one or more arm member portions could be any suitable shape as required.

In one embodiment support or stability means are provided on and/or associated with the at least one arm member, arm member portions, manifold means and/or apparatus. The support or stability means help to maintain the arm member is a required position in use, particularly when pressurised fluid is flowing through the apparatus in use.

Preferably the support or stability means protrudes outwardly from one, opposite or both sides of the at least one arm member, manifold means and/or one or more arm member portions in use to support and/or stabilise the same in a required position in use.

In one example the support or stability means is arranged such that it contacts the ground surface on which the at least one arm member, manifold means and/or one or more arm member portions are located in use.

In one example the support or stability means is in the form of a bar member that extends outwardly of one, opposite or both sides of the arm member and/or manifold means.

Preferably the support or stability means can be integral with the arm member, manifold means and/or one or more arm member portions, attached or detachably attached to the arm member and/or one or more arm member portions via engagement means.

Preferably the engagement means includes any or any combination of friction fit, adhesive, welding, one or more screws, nuts and bolts, clips, brackets and/or the In one embodiment a. longitudinal axis of the support or stability means is arranged to be transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the a.t least one arm member and/or one (Jr more arm member portions in use.

In one embodiment the support or stability means are movable from a first, out of use position, wherein it is parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the arm member, and a second in-use position, wherein it is transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the arm member.

In one embodiment the at least one arm member, one or more arm member portions and/or support (Jr stability means are rigid or substantially rigid in form.

Preferably the at least one arm member and/or one or more arm member portions is made from metal, such as for example, stainless steel 316 stainless steel.

In one embodiment one or more extension portions are provided to extend the length of the manifold means (i.e. the manifold means fluid inlet means and/or outlet means) at least one arm member and/or arm member portion in use.

Preferably the one or more extension portions are connectable to one or more arm member portions and/or the at least one arm member via the connection means.

Preferably one or more extension portions are arranged to be in fluid communication with the one or more arm members, manifold means and/or arm member portions in use.

Preferably the one or more extension portions have one or more fluid inlet means and/or fluid outlets means defined in the same.

Preferably the one (Jr more extensions portions are fluid conduits. Preferably the extension portions are rigid or substantially rigid in form Preferably the at least one arm member, the one or more arm member portions, the manifold means and/or the one or more extension portions are hollow or substantially hollow to allow fluid flow therethrough in use.

In one example, the at least one arm member, the one or more arm member portions, the manifold means and/or the one or more extension portions has a. fluid channel defined in the same to allow fluid to flow through the same in use. Thus, in one example, the at least one arm member is a fluid conduit or hose.

Preferably the at least one arm member, fluid conduit or hose is rigid or substantially Preferably the fluid channel is defined at least between the fluid inlet means and the mo or more fluid outlet means.

In one example the at least one arm member, the one or more arm member portions and/or the one or more extension portions has a fluid channel defined in the same with fluid inlet means in the form of a first open end. The opposite end of the fluid channel is preferably also an open end.

Preferably the fluid inlet means is in fluid communication with the two or more fluid outlet means via the fluid channel.

In one embodiment valve means are provided on and/or associated with the apparatus, the fluid inlet means and/or fluid outlet means of the at least one arm member, the manifold means the one or more arm member portions, the one or more extension portions and/or a body portion of the apparatus to control the flow of fluid through the same in use.

Preferably the valve means are movable between an open position, wherein fluid can flow through the valve means in use, and a closed position, wherein fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve means and fluid inlet means in use.

In one embodiment the valve means is manually movable between the open and closed positions.

In one embodiment user actuation means are provided on or associated with the valve means to allow the valve means to be manually moved between the open and closed positions.

Preferably the user actuation means includes a handle portion to allow a user to manually actuate the valve means.

In one embodiment the valve means arc movable between the open and closed positions via mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic means.

Tr' one embodiment the valve means can be moved between the open and closed positions automatically and/or remotely via control means, such as for example using a. remote control unit Preferably the at least one arm member, the one or more arm member portions and/or the one or more extension portions are elongate or substantially elongate in form.

In one embodiment the apparatus comprises two or more arm member portions connected together in an end to end arrangement. In this embodiment the arm members are typically co-axial with each other, parallel or substantially parallel to each other, arranged in a. linear orientation a.nd/or aligned or substantially aligned with each other.

In one embodiment the apparatus can comprise two or more arm members that are arranged a spaced distance apart from each other and arra.nged laterally or in a. side by side manner. In this embodiment the two or more arm members can be arranged parallel to substantially parallel to each other or can be arranged at an angle to each other, such as for example at an angle of 0-180 degrees to each other.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes three or more arm members that are arranged a spaced distance apart from each other and arranged laterally or in a side by side manner.

In one embodiment the apparatus includes a body portion or the manifold means and the at least one arm member and/or one or more arm member portions can be integral with, attached or detachably attached to the body portion or the manifold means via the connection means.

In one embodiment the body portion or the manifold means includes a. body portion or manifold means fluid inlet means and at least one body portion fluid outlet means.

In one embodiment at least one fluid channel is defined in the body portion or manifold means between the body portion fluid inlet means and the at least one body portion fluid outlet means and the at least one body portion fluid channel is in fluid communication with the body portion fluid inlet means and the at least one body portion fluid outlet means.

In one embodiment two or more body portion or manifold means fluid outlet means are provided and these a.re arranged to be a spaced distance apart from each other.

In one example the two or more body portion or manifold means fluid outlet means can be provided parallel or substantially parallel to each other or they can be arranged at an angle relative to each other, such as for example at an angle between 0-180 degrees, further preferably 0-90 degrees.

Preferably at least one arm member portion is connected to at least one of the body portion or manifold means fluid outlet means in use to form an arm member of the apparatus.

Preferably if one of the body portion (Jr manifold means fluid outlet means is not required, closure means can be provided on and/or associated with the same to close the same off.

Preferably the apparatus is for use M extinguishing and/or managing a fire risk associated with one or more items, a battery or a vehicle battery, hybrid vehicle battery. For example, the vehicle could be a car, tram, truck, lorry, golf buggy, scooter and/or the like Preferably the fluid that can flow through the apparatus and/or the at least one arm member, manifold means and/or the like in use is any flowable liquid, water, water with one or more additives and/or the like.

Preferably the apparatus is connectable to a pressurised fluid source in use to allow fluid to flow from the pressurised fluid flow into the apparatus.

Preferably the fluid source and/or the fluid flowing through the fluid outlet means can be arranged for dispensing continuously, substantially continuously or nnermittently.

Preferably the fluid is or includes a liquid, a foam, water, fire extinguishing liquid and/or the like.

Preferably the fluid outlet means and/or fluid inlet means include any or any combination of one or more apertures, nozzles, fluid dispensing heads, sprnikling or spray heads or devices and/or the like for dispensing, sprinkling or spraying the fluid therefrom in use.

In one embodiment 50-300 fluid outlet means are provided in the apparatus, preferably 200-300 fluid outlet means and yet further preferably 240-270 fluid outlet means.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing a fire and/or managing a fire risk, wherein said apparatus includes manifold means having at least one fluid inlet means and two or more fluid outlet means; at least one arm member having fluid inlet means for allowing fluid to enter said ann member in use, and two or more fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to exit said arm member in use, sa.id two or more fluid outlet means arranged on said arm member a spaced distance apart in at least a longitudinal direction of said arm member; the fluid inlet means of the at least one arm member being integral with, attachable or detachably attachable to at least one of the two or more manifold means fluid outlet means to allow fluid to flow from the manifold means to the arm member in use; and wherein the apparatus is arranged such that fluid exits the two or more arm member fluid outlet means in at least a vertical upwardly direction, in a generally upwardly direction and/or at an acute angle to the vertical direction in use.

Thus, in one embodiment of this aspect the fire extinguishing apparatus is modular in form.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing a fire and/or managnig, a fire risk, wherein said apparatus includes at least one arm member having fluid inlet means for allowing fluid to enter said arm member in use, and two or more fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to exit said arm member in use, said two or more fluid outlet means arranged on said arm member a spaced distance apart in a longitudinal direction of said arm member, and wherein movement means are provided on and/or associated with said arm member to allow at least part of the arm member to be movable across a surface or ground surface in use.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing and/or managing a fire risk, wherein said apparatus includes at least one arm member having fluid inlet means for allowing fluid to enter said arm member, and two or more fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to exit said arm member, said two (Jr more fluid outlet means arranged on said arm member a spaced distance apart in at least a longitudinal direction of said arm member, and wherein said method includes the steps of arranging the apparatus such that fluid exits the two or more fluid outlet means in at least a vertical upwardly direction, in a generally upwardly direction and/or at an acute angle to a vertical direction According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using fire extinguishing appa.ratus for extinguishing a fire and/or managing a fire risk, wherein said apparatus includes manifold means having at least one fluid inlet means and two or more fluid outlet means; at least one arm member having fluid inlet means for allowing fluid to enter said arm member in use, and two or more fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to exit said arm member in use, said two or more fluid outlet means arranged on said arm member a spaced distance apart in at least a longitudinal direction of said arm member; and wherein said method includes the steps of arranging or attaching the fluid inlet means of the at least one arm member to at least one of the two (Jr more manifold means fluid outlet means to allow fluid to flow from the manifold means to the a.rm member; and arranging the apparatus such that fluid exits the two or more arm member fluid outlet means in at least a. vertical upwardly direction, in a generally upwardly direction and/or a.t an acute angle to the vertical direction.

Preferably the method includes the steps of allowing the fluid to enter the fluid inlet means, passing the fluid through the apparatus and allowing,-the fluid to exit the two or more fluid outlet means.

Preferably the fluid is caused to flow through the apparatus due to fluid pressure generating by mains fluid supply, a. pump, fluid pressure means and/or the like.

According to further independent aspects of the present invention there is provided vehicle battery fire extinguishing apparatus and/or a method of using vehicle battery fire ex tinguis hing apparatus.

In one embodiment the apparatus can be used on both electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. The apparatus could also be used for other fire extinguishing or suppression applications, smoke reduction applications, dampening applications (i.e. dust or chemical dampening) and/or the like.

According to one independent aspect of the present invention there is provided a ground based or ground supported fire extinguishing apparatus.

EmbodUnents of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of fire extinguishing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; igures 2a is a perspective view of fire extinguishing apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Figure 21 is a detailed perspective view of the apparatus in figure 2a but with an example of movement means shown according to an embodiment of the present wention; Figure 3 is a detailed perspective view of part of an arm member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is an exploded view of two arm members according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5a is a cross sectional view of an arm member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5b is a top plan view of an arm member with stability-means according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is an end view of an arm member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a. perspective view of an arm member according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 8 is a perspective view of apparatus including three separate arm means according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of extension arm members for use with the apparatus of the present invention in one embodiment; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an arrangement of the apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a perspective view of apparatus of the present invention according to one embodiment; Figures 12a. and 12bm show a perspective view of fire extinguishing apparatus according to a further embodiment and detailed view of the manifold and arm member connection means of the apparatus respectively.

Referring firstly to figures 1-2b, there is illustrated fire extinguishing apparatus 2 for use in extinguishing a fire and/or managing a fire risk associated with one (Jr more items according to an embodiment of the present invention. It will be appreciated that reference to managing a fire risk associated with one or more items may include directing fluid at the one or more items to cool the same in order to prevent a fire and/or to dampen chemicals, dust and/or the like.

The apparatus is arranged such that it is positionable on a surface or ground surface in use and fluid is dispensed from the apparatus in a generally upwardly direction and/or in a vertical direction. This allows the apparatus to be located beneath an item which is on fire and/or for a which a fire risk is being managed.

The apparatus is also modular in form so that the shape, size, length, width and/or dimensions of the apparatus can be adjusted according to the requirements of the vehicle and/or area being treated by the apparatus.

Apparatus 2 includes a body portion or manifold means 4 having a body portion fluid inlet means 6 and three body portion fluid outlet means 8, 10, 12. An extension portion or fluid conduit 14 can be connected to the body portion or manifold means 4 to provide the body portion or manifold means 4 at a required length from a user and/or fluid valve means 16. Thus, if a user wishes to be positioned remote to the fire and/or area being treated, they could increase the length of the extension portion in one example.

The extension portion (Jr fluid conduit 14 is typically an elongate member with a fluid channel defined in the same. The fluid channel is arranged to be parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the extension portion. The extension portion 14 can be provided in connection with the body portion or manifold means fluid inlet means 6 as shown, but could also be provided in connection with the body portion fluid outlet means 8, 10,12, depending on where extension of the apparatus is required. 't he extension portion 14 typically has a fluid inlet means or open end 18 in fluid communication with the fluid valve means 16, and fluid outlet means or open end 20 in fluid communication with the body portion fluid inlet means 6. 't he open end 20 of extension portion 14 is connected to the body portion fluid inlet means 6 via connection means, which in the illustrated example is in the form of a screw threaded collar 22 but in figures 12a is shown as a cam lock.

In the illustrated example, each of the body portion or manifold means fluid outlet mcms 8, 10, 12 protrudes outwardly from the body portion or manifold means 4 at an acute angle relative to an adjacent fluid outlet means. 't he fluid outlet means 8, 10, 12 are arranged a spaced distance apart from each other. however, the manifold means fluid outlet means 8, 10, 12 could protrude outwardly from the manifold means at any suitable angle, such as for example, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular, a.s shown in figures 12a and 12b. It will also be appreciated that any number of body portion or manifold means fluid outlet means could be provided and could be arranged at any spaced distance apart from each other and/or at any angle relative to each other. This has the advantage that the size, design, arrangement and/or shape of the apparatus can be adapted to suit the fire and/or fire risk being managed in use.

Thus, the apparatus could be of a pre-determined and/or fixed size, design, arrangement and/or shape or the apparatus could be entirely modular so that the user selects the size design, arrangement and/or shape of the apparatus to suit the application the apparatus is being used for.

One or more arm member portions 24 can be joined to one or more of the body or manifold means fluid outlet means 8, 10, 12 to provide an arrangement of arm members sufficient to provide a suitable fluid coverage area in use of the apparatus 2. For example, in figure 1, three arm member portions 24, 24' 24" are connected in an end to end arrangement to create one elongate single arm member. The arm member portion 241s shown as being connected to body portion fluid outlet means 20 in the illustration but the ann member portion 24 could be joined to any of the body portion fluid outlet means 8, 10, 12.

In figure 12a, fluid inlet means of three arm members 24 are connected to fluid outlet means 8, 10, 12 of the manifold means 4.

The connection means used to connect the arm member portions together in this example are screw threaded collars 22 but any suitable connection means could be used as required, such as cam locks 22.

Closure means in the form of end caps 26 can be attached to the body portion or manifold means fluid outlet means 8, 12 that are not in use to close the same off to prevent fluid from exiting the same in use. An end cap 26 can also be connected to the end of arm member portion 24" to close off the open end of the arm member portion 24". 'this forces fluid flowing through the arm member portions to exit from the fluid outlet nozzles, as will be described in more detail below.

In figure 2a, each arm member portion 24,24', 24" is connected to each of the body portion fluid outlet means 8, 10, 12 to form a trident like arrangement. A similar arrangement is shown in figure 12a. It can be seen that this arrangement of arm members provides broader coverage for fluid to be discharged in a lateral direction. End caps 26 can be provided at the ends of each of the arm member portions 24, 24', 24" to close off the open ends of the arm member portions.

In figure 2b, a similar arrangement of the apparatus 2 is shown but in this figure, movement means in the form of wheels 28 are joined to each of the arm member portions 24, 24', 24 " to allow the same to be more easily moved across a surface or ground surface in use. This allows the apparatus to be easily wheeled into position without a user/firefighter having to stand adjacent the location of the item for which the fire risk is being managed, thereby improving the safety for the user/firefighter.

In this example, the wheels 28 are detachably attached to the arm member portions 24, 24', 24" via attachment means, which in this illustration is a wheel bracket 30 located over each of the arm member portions and connected to opposite sides of each wheel axle 32. However, the wheels 28 are only optional or they could be integrally formed with the arm member portions as required.

In figure 12a, movement means in the form of skies or skids 29 are provided at the free ends of arm members 24 and intermediate the arm members to allow the apparatus to be slid into position in use.

Ia.ch arm member portion 24, 24,', 24," includes a base surface and the wheels 28 or skies 29 are located on the base surface.

In the illustrations, the fluid valve means 16 include a valve body 34 and user actuation means in the form of a handle 36. A user can rotate the handle 36 to move the valve body 34 between an open position, wherein fluid can flow through the fluid valve means, and a. closed position, wherein fluid is prevented from flowing through the fluid valve means. The fluid valve means is typically connected to a pressurised fluid source in use either directly or indirectly via conventional fire hoses.

It will be appreciated that the fluid valve means could be automatically actuated if required remote from the valve means. This allows the valve means to be moved between the open and closed positions without a user having to get too close to a potential fire or fire risk in use.

Referring to figures 4-5a, each arm member portion 24, 24', 24" is cylindrical in shape and has a fluid channel 38 defined through the same. The fluid channel 38 has two open ends located at opposite ends of the arm member portion. One of the open ends can be considered to be a fluid inlet means for the arm member portion to allow fluid to enter the arm member portion. A plurality of fluid outlet means in the form of fluid nozzles 40 a.re provided at spa.ced distances apart along the length of each arm member portion 24, 24', 24". The fluid outlet nozzles 40 are in fluid communication with the fluid channel 38.

In the illustrations, the fluid outlet nozzles are shown as low profile outlet nozzles but it will be appreciated that any dispensing nozzle could be used as required.

In figures 1-2b, the fluid outlet nozzles 40 arc arranged in a linear or substantially linear arrangement along a top surface of the arm member portions 24, 24', 24". In this arrangement, pressurised fluid dispensed from the nozzles 40 is in a vertical or substantially vertical and upwardly direction (or direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the arm member portion).

In figures 3-5a, some fluid outlet nozzles 40 are arranged in a linear or substantially linear arrangement along a. top surfa.ce of the arm member portion 24 hut some of the fluid outlet nozzles 40 are also arranged laterally at an acute angle to these top surface nozzles. These side nozzles allows pressurised fluid to be dispensed at an acute angle to the vertical.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention where each arm member portion 24 has a male screw threaded component 42 located on an external surface adjacent an end of the same. A collar 22 is provided at a female end 44 of the arm member portion 24 which has a screw threaded component provided on an internal surface of the same. As such, the male end of one arm member portion can be releasably connected to a female end of an adja.cent arm member portion via, the screw threaded components. At the end of the arm members, the end cap 26 ca.n be provided which ha.s a similar internal threaded surface as per the collar 22.

In the embodiment shown in figure 3, the end cap 26 has a loop 46 to allow a user to easily grip the same in use.

Since the fluid that is being dispensed via the fire extinguishing apparatus in use is typically a pressurised fluid, stability means can be provided in the form of stability bars 48. The stability bars 48 are provided at spaced apart intervals along the length of the arm member portions to prevent the arm member portions from rotating in use and to maintain/stabilise the same. In figure 12a and 12b, the stability means include support feet 49 and are provided on a. base of the manifold means 4.

igure 7 shows a more detailed view of the stability bars 48 attached to an extension portion 14 in use. the stability bars protrude outwardly from either side of the extension portion 14 to prevent rotation of the extension portion in use. A bracket 30 can be located around an exterior surface of the extension portion. The bracket 50 can include on or more apertures 52 through which the stability bars 48 can be inserted to allow engagement of the stability bars 48 to the extension portions.

Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the present invention where the stability bars are attached to the arm member portions instead of, or in addition to, the extension portion 14.

Figure 8 shows an arrangement of the present invention which includes three arm members arranged a spaced distance apart from each other. Each arm member includes at least two arm member portions joined to an extension portion 14. The stability bars 48 of adjacent arm members can optionally be joined together via joining members 54 if required. In this arrangement each arm member has its own fluid valve means to allow independent control of fluid dispensing from each of the arm members. 't his is in contrast to the embodiment shown in figures 2a-2b where a single fluid valve means is provided for simultaneous and combined fluid dispensing control in three arm members that are joined together via the body portion 4.

Figure 9 shows a. detailed view of two extension portions 14, 14' arranged in an end to end manner to form a linear extension pipe locatable between fluid valve means 16 and one or more arm member portions. The extension portions 14, 14' are similar in form to the arm member portions 24 but do not have the fluid outlet nozzles arranged along the length of the same.

Figure 10 is a further embodiment of the present invention which is provided to show how an arm member of any required length can be provided by connecting together a plurality of arm member portions 24, 24', 24", 24", 24'", 24" in an end to end arrangement. A plurality of wheels 28 can be attached to the arm member portions along the length of the same to help the arca member be moved across a surface in use.

Figure 11 illustrates an example of the apparatus according to an embodiment without the end cap 26 present on the end arm member portion 24".

Tr' use, a firefighter can determine the required length and arrangement of arm members suitable for extinguishing a fire and/or managing a. fire risk depending on the size of the area they need to contain and/or manage, the number and/or size of the items that are being managed for fire risk and/or fire containment and/or the like. They can then quickly atta.ch a suitable arrangement of apparatus components together using the modular components of the present invention. In one example where the fire risk is an electric vehicle fire, the firefighter can stand a distance from the vehicle and wheel the apparatus underneath the vehicle such that the fluid outlet nozzles are below and adjacent the vehicle battery. Once the apparatus is in position, the firefighter can then move the valve means of the apparatus from a closed position to an open position, allowing pressurised fluid, such as pressurised water, to flow through the apparatus and be dispensed through the fluid outlet nozzles. Due to the arrangement of the fluid outlet nozzles on the apparatus, the pressurised fluid is typically dispensed in an upwardly direction, in a vertical direction and/or at an acute angle to the vertical direction, thereby allowing the fire risk to be managed from below the vehicle.

The present invention provides a. multi-functional fire suppression, dampening and/or cooling system. it provides a quick, safe and efficient method of providing fluid to an affected area.. The apparatus can be moved into a required position remotely ensuring firefighters or users are not exposed to harmful smoke, chemicals, dust or fire. The modularity of the apparatus allows the apparatus to be adapted to be used on different types and makes of vehicles or in different applications. For example, the standard set up can cover an area of 2m x 1.6m but this area could be increased or decreased a.s required. It provides a low level system, typically on about 43mm in height so can be moved underneath vehicles or other items very easily.

Claims (1)

1. Claims 1. Fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing and/or managing a fire risk, wherein said apparatus includes at least one arm member having fluid inlet means for allowing fluid to enter said arm member in use, and two or more fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to exit said arm member in use, said two or more fluid outlet means arranged on said arm member a spaced distance apart in at least a longitudinal direction of said arm member, and wherein said apparatus is arranged such that fluid exits the two or more fluid outlet means in at least a vertical upwardly direction, in a generally upwardly direction and/or at an a.cute angle to a. vertical direction in use.

   7. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 1, including manifold means, said manifold means including manifold fluid inlet means for allowing fluid to enter the manifold means in use and two or more fluid outlet means for allow fluid to exit the manifold means in use, the fluid inlet means of the at least one arm member being integral with, attachable or detachably attachable to at least one of the manifold fluid outlet means.

   3. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the manifold means has three or more fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to exit the manifold means in use.

   4. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding china, wherein the apparatus, the at least one arm member and/or the manifold means is modular and/or adjustable in length, width, arrangement, shape and/or dimensions in use.

   5. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein closure means are provided on and/or associated with an open end of the arm member, manifold means, fluid inlet means and/or fluid outlet means to allow closure or selective closure of the same in use.

   6. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein connection means are provided on and/or associated with the at least one arm member, the manifold means, the fluid inlet means and/or the fluid outlet means to allow attachment and/or detachable attachment of two or more arm members together or an arm member with the manifold means in Use.

   7. The fine extinguishing apparatus according to claim n 1, wherein movement means are provided on and/or associated with the apparatus, the at least one arm member, the manifold means; a base of the apparatus, manifold means and/or a base of the at least one arm member, to allow movement of the apparatus, manifold means and/or arm member across a surface in use.

   8. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the movement means includes any or any combination of one or more wheels, swivel wheels, rollers, balls, drums, skids, skies or rudders.

   9. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one arm member is non-penetrating and/or arranged to be a spaced distance apart with respect to one or more items, battery or vehicle battery which the apparatus is being used to extinguish a fire and/or a manage a fire of the same in use.

   10. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus includes two or more arm members that can be arranged in a linear manner and/or laterally of each other in the apparatus.

   11. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the movement means are integrally formed with at the least one atm member and/or manifold means.

   12. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein attachment means are provided on and/or associated with the movement means, the manifold means and/or at least one arm member to allow attachment or detachable attachment of the movement means with the same ill USC.

   13. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein two or more of the arm member fluid outlet means are arranged in a linear or substantially linear manner, are arranged to be parallel or substantially parallel to a. longitudinal axis of the at least one arm member and/or are provided at least partially circumferentially or at least partially around a. perimeter of the at least one arm member.

   14. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the two or more arm member fluid outlet means are arranged on the arm member such that fluid exits from at least one of the fluid outlet means at a different angle, different direction, opposite or substantially opposite relative to at least one other of the fluid outlet means.

   15. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the arm member fluid outlet means are movable and/or adjustable relative to the at least one arm member to allow adjustment of the angle and/or pressure with which fluid exits the arm member fluid outlet means in use.

   16. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein support means are provided on and/or associated with the at least one arm member and/or manifold means for helping to maintain the at least one arm member and/or manifold means in a. required position in use.

   17. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said support means are arranged to protrude outwardly from one or opposite sides of the at least arm member and/or manifold means in use.

   18. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support means are movable from a first, out of use position, wherein it is parallel or substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the at least one arm member, and a second in-use position, wherein it is transverse, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the at least one arm member.

   19. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one arm member, manifold means and/or the support means are rigid or substantially rigid in form 20. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more extension portions are provided to extend the length of the at least one arm member and/or manifold means in use.21. The fire extinguishing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein valve means are provided on and/or associated with the apparatus, the fluid inlet means and/or fluid outlet means of the apparatus, said valve means movable between an open position, wherein fluid can flow through the valve in use, and a. closed position, wherein fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve in use.22:the fire extinguishing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the valve means are arranged to be manually actuated or automatically actuated.23. A method of using fire extinguishing apparatus for extinguishing and/or managing a fire risk, wherein said apparatus includes at least one arm member having fluid inlet means for allowing fluid to enter said arm member, and two or more fluid outlet means for allowing fluid to exit said arm member, said two or more fluid outlet means arranged on said arm member a spaced distance apart in at least a. longitudinal direction of said arm member, and wherein said method includes the steps of arranging the apparatus such that fluid exit,. the two or more fluid outlet means in at least a vertical upwardly direction, in a generally upwardly direction and/or at an acute angle to a vertical direction.