System and method for cooling heated area and assisting in fire suppression

Abstract

According to some aspects, the present disclosure provides embodiments of an apparatus for assisting fire suppression. The device includes a body surrounding a volume defining a fluid plenum. The body defines a plurality of outlet ports therethrough to direct pressurized fluid to a target, and at least one fluid input port to couple to a source of pressurized fluid.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 389,083 filed on July 14, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 386,236 filed on December 6, 2022, U.S. Design Application Serial No. 29 / 866,115 filed on August 29, 2022, U.S. Design Application Serial No. 29 / 868,454 filed on December 2, 2022, and U.S. Design Application Serial No. 29 / 869,752 filed on January 9, 2023. Each of the foregoing patent applications is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to fire extinguishing devices. Background Art

[0004] Various fire extinguishing devices are known in the art. However, existing fire extinguishing methods have proven to be ineffective against certain types of fires. The present disclosure addresses these and other needs in the art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides embodiments of a dispenser for delivering water or other cooling liquids to a burning object, such as a burning vehicle, building, or structure. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure may include a device that can be connected to a standard fire hose, for example, to effectively help extinguish a fire, such as a fire in an electric vehicle battery pack. Alternatively, a device made according to the present disclosure may be attached for fixed applications, such as a rigid pipe installation.

[0006] Devices made in accordance with the present disclosure can deliver water to a target location, such as for firefighting, at rates of up to 400 gallons per minute under typical operating conditions and can be easily deployed under a vehicle from a relatively safe distance. However, devices made in accordance with the present disclosure can be designed to provide effective cooling in situations where large fluid flow rates are not available or permitted due to environmental and other considerations.

[0007] In recent years, society has shifted its energy focus toward renewable energy, creating a demand for electric vehicles. The demand for electric vehicles has naturally created a need for improvements in battery technology. Unfortunately, in many electric vehicle battery configurations, due to manufacturing defects, component failures, and / or poor design, the battery pack can reach a point where it overheats and begins to burn, causing the electric vehicle to catch fire. As a result, electric vehicle fires caused by battery packs are frequent. However, many, if not most, fire departments are not properly equipped to handle electric vehicle fires. This is because it takes a lot of time and effort to put out electric vehicle fires. A charged car battery pack contains a large amount of chemical potential energy, which is converted into heat energy during a fire, so a large amount of water must be delivered to the battery pack to control the fire. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that the battery pack in an electric vehicle is often located in an inaccessible area near the bottom of the vehicle.

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide users with devices such as rugged, fire-resistant fire hose extensions and water dispensers to help extinguish electric vehicle fires as well as other types of fires. The present disclosure is intended to provide users with a device that can be easily deployed and operated at a relatively safe distance from the fire. To achieve this, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure may include a base and a hose connection. In addition, the hose connection helps ensure that the user can operate the embodiments of the present disclosure at a safe distance from the electric vehicle fire while targeting areas that are not easily accessible. The fire hose extension can be a rugged, fire-resistant conduit, such as a steel pipe, which can resist compressive loads, such as the weight of a car falling on top of the pipe, which would otherwise cut off the flow of liquid from the fire hose. Therefore, some embodiments according to the present disclosure may include a fire hose attachment that can be easily deployed under an electric vehicle to effectively help quickly extinguish an electric vehicle fire from a relatively safe distance.

[0009] According to some aspects, the present disclosure provides embodiments of an apparatus for assisting firefighting. The apparatus includes a body surrounding a volume defining a fluid plenum. The body defines a plurality of outlet ports therethrough to direct pressurized fluid to a target, and at least one fluid input port to couple to a pressurized fluid source.

[0010] According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, the body can be defined by a base plate configured to slide along a ground surface and an upper surface above the base plate, wherein the base plate and the upper surface cooperate to define a fluid plenum chamber, and wherein a plurality of outlet ports are formed through the upper surface. The device can also include a conduit fluidly coupled to one or more of the base plate and the upper surface, wherein the conduit terminates at a fluid input port configured to be coupled to a fire hose. In some embodiments, the lateral dimensions of the device can be between about twelve inches and about thirty inches, and the height can be between about two inches and about eight inches. The base plate and the upper surface can be welded along their perimeters to form the fluid plenum chamber.

[0011] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the device can be configured to direct fluid through the plurality of outlet ports at a rate of about 300 gallons per minute to about 500 gallons per minute. If desired, the base plate can define a ramp portion to facilitate sliding the device along the ground, wherein the ramp portion is located on the body opposite the fluid input port. If desired, the conduit can extend in a direction parallel to the base plate.

[0012] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the device may further include an extension conduit detachably coupled to the conduit. In some aspects, the body may have a circular, triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal shape when viewed from a top view. If desired, the body and conduit may be formed of steel.

[0013] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of extinguishing a fire, comprising providing a device as described herein, coupling the device to a fluid source, placing the device near a fire source, and extinguishing the fire.

[0014] According to further aspects of the present disclosure, the fire may be an electric vehicle ("EV") fire, among other things. In the event of an electric vehicle fire, the device may be deployed by sliding the device under a battery pack of the electric vehicle, and the fire extinguishing step may include directing water through the device to cool the battery pack of the electric vehicle. The device may be slid under a first side of the electric vehicle by pulling the device under the vehicle from a second side of the electric vehicle. For example, water may be directed through the device and contact the electric vehicle at a volume flow rate between about 80 GPM and about 500 GPM, between about 30 GPM and about 500 GPM, or between about 450 GPM and about 500 GPM. Further, according to the present invention, the device may include between 1 and 100 outlet ports, or any increment of outlet ports therebetween.

[0015] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a fixed fire suppression system and related methods, which include a high pressure riser coupled to the apparatus described herein. Such a fixed system can be used in any environment where a high fluid volume flow rate is required.

[0016] Other purposes, features and / or advantages will be explained in part in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be understood by practicing the present disclosure and / or the claims. At least some of these purposes and advantages can be realized and obtained by the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0017] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the claims; rather, the claims are to be enjoyed their full scope, including the scope of equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The present disclosure can be understood from the following detailed description, alone or in conjunction with the accompanying Figure 1 The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the present teachings and together with the description explain specific principles and operations. In the accompanying drawings,

[0019] Figure 1 is a rear plan view of an embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Right side plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Left side plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Front plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A bottom plan view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 Upper right rear isometric view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 Upper right front isometric view of an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 Lower right rear isometric view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig.10 yes Figure 1Upper right rear isometric view of an embodiment of with an extension tube attached and the main body portion exploded to show the internal cavity of the device.

[0029] Fig.11 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0030] Figures 12 to 16 is a schematic top plan view of a further embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.17 is a schematic diagram of a further embodiment according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] All drawings herein are for the purpose of describing selected embodiments according to the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0033] For purposes of illustration and not limitation, as embodied herein, Figures 1 to 9 An illustrative embodiment of a fire extinguishing device 100 according to the present disclosure is shown. The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide users with a device that can effectively help extinguish electric vehicle fires and other fires. The present disclosure provides users with a device that can reach areas such as under electric vehicles, or other hard-to-reach areas that are not easily accessible, while discharging a large amount of water per minute and covering a large area.

[0034] To accomplish this, the device 100 includes a body surrounding a partially or completely hollow volume that forms a plenum chamber for receiving a high pressure liquid (e.g., water). The illustrated body of the device 100 is formed by a base plate 120 that is connected to an upper housing portion 110 at its periphery, wherein the housing portion and the base plate cooperate to form an interior volume or plenum chamber 102 to receive the pressurized fluid. The housing 110 may define a plurality of openings 114, 116 therethrough to allow the cool pressurized liquid to be ejected from the plenum chamber 102. The openings may have a variety of different sizes and shapes as desired to suit a particular application.

[0035] It should be understood that the substrate 120 may also be disc-shaped as desired. Preferably, an elongated conduit or tube 140 extends laterally outward from the body. In the illustrated embodiment, the tube extends along the longitudinal axis of the device and defines the longitudinal axis of the device, and the housing 110 and the substrate 120 cooperate with the tube. The tube may be oriented parallel to the substrate 120. It should be understood that the substrate and the housing may be angled with the axis of the tube so that their orientation is asymmetric when viewed in a top view. The device 100 preferably has a low horizontal profile to allow the device 100 to slide under a burning vehicle or introduce other difficult-to-reach locations. The conduit 140 terminates at a free end, which may include elements of a coupler and / or one or more fasteners, such as a thread 144. The conduit 140 may similarly terminate at a quick-connect flange or other connector, which will be discussed in further detail below. The length of the conduit may be any desired length, for example, between about six inches and about ten feet, or including any increment of about one inch between the two. The selected components allow the user to operate the device 100 at a relatively safe distance from an electric vehicle fire or other fire. The threads 144 or other coupling may be connected to another length of rigid conduit as desired (e.g., see below). Figure 10-11 ). The free end of the conduit 140 or the extension tube (150, discussed below) can in turn be connected to a connector for a fire hose. When water or other liquid is connected, the water can then flow to the device through the fire hose and out toward the burning object. Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure may include a fire hose attachment that can be easily deployed under an electric vehicle to effectively help quickly extinguish an electric vehicle fire from a relatively safe distance. The conduit 140 and / or any rigid tube connected thereto can be used to push the device 100 under the vehicle and can be used as an anti-crush flow conduit if the tires of the electric vehicle collapse causing the bottom of the vehicle to fall on top of the device 100. The rigid conduit 140 / 150 can then allow water or other fluids to continue to flow toward the fire location. The rigid conduit 140 / 150 can also be used as a thermal break to help protect the fire hose. If the fire hose extends under the vehicle, it is unlikely to continue to deliver the same amount of water to the device 100, and if the fire hose is too close to the fire source, it may be damaged or burned.

[0036] Up to 400 gallons of water per minute may be discharged through the substrate according to embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, preferred volumetric flow rates of water may include approximately 350-500 gallons per minute, in increments of approximately one gallon per minute. However, in applications where the available water flow rate is not as high, the size, shape, and number of openings 114, 116 may be modified to provide a suitable liquid jet through the openings to accommodate the lower flow rates.

[0037] As shown in the figure, the housing 110 and the base 120 can be made of high temperature resistant metal material, and the shape is hemispherical. Figure 5 As shown. The hemispherical shape (which may resemble a spherical segment or a similar shape, such as an oblate spheroid) further allows the flowing water or other liquid to achieve maximum flow rate without generating excessive interfering turbulence. The base 120 may include a base plate that can slide along the ground, which terminates in a ramp portion 122. The ramp portion 122 may help the device 100 slide over debris when being pulled or pushed to a location where the device 100 is to be used. The base 120 and the upper shell 110 are preferably formed of a metal material, such as steel plate or steel plate coating (stainless steel or carbon steel), which is thick enough (for example, one-eighth inch to three-eighths inch thick) to allow repeated use and adaptability to harsh environments. The base 120 and the shell 110 are preferably connected around their perimeters by a welded connection to form a fluid-tight interface. Preferably, the conduit 140 is connected at the weld interface 146 ( Figure 5 ) is welded to at least one of the lower plate and the upper curved peripheral surface. A plurality of openings 114, 116 are shown formed by a series of circular and elongated holes spaced around the surface of the housing portion to allow pressurized liquid (e.g., water) to be easily sprayed outwardly and cover a large area, such as under an electric vehicle.

[0038] refer to Fig.10 As described above, the threaded connection 144 of the catheter 140 can be used to receive a threaded coupler and / or an extension tube 150 ( Fig.10 ). The threads 144 of the conduit 140 may be connected to a threaded collar 160, which in turn is connected to an extension tube 150. The extension tube 150 terminates in another coupler 170, which may be configured, for example, to couple to a fire hose. One or both of the couplers 160, 170 may be rotationally rigid or may allow relative rotation between the conduit 140 and the extension tube 150 and / or between the extension tube 150 and a fire hose (not shown).

[0039] Continue to refer Figures 1 to 10 , the ring 136 is located on the opposite side of the conduit 140. The ring is preferably composed of a metal material welded to the upper surface of the lower plate 120 and / or the housing 110. The ring 136 allows a chain or other implement or tool to be connected to the device 100 to pull the device 100 from the opposite side of the electric vehicle to the bottom of the electric vehicle to deploy the device. For example, in use, a chain (not shown) can be pushed under the electric vehicle from a first side of the vehicle to a second side of the vehicle, wherein the chain is fixed to the ring 136 or other part of the device 100, and further wherein the conduit and / or extension is also connected to a fire hose. The device 100 can then be pulled under the burning vehicle and the water can be connected.

[0040] In addition, if Figures 1 to 10As shown, one or more laterally placed handles 132, 134 may be attached to the outer surface of the housing 110 or the base plate 120. Like the ring 136, the handles 132, 134 are also preferably metal having a bracket shape or "C" shape. The handles 132, 134 are preferably designed to allow a user to easily pick up and transport the device 100 or to provide additional connection points for pulling or pushing the device 100. If desired, additional handles or rings may be provided to pull or push the device 100.

[0041] Fig.11 A further embodiment 100' of a device according to the present disclosure is shown. Reference numerals of embodiment 100' generally correspond to reference numerals of embodiment 100, but with certain differences. For example, on the side of housing portion 110' closest to conduit 140', where conduit 140' enters housing portion 110' via coupler 148', two holes 115' are defined through housing portion 110'. These holes 115' can be configured to serve as insertion points, where a user can use a rod fork to push the device into place.

[0042] Further in accordance with the present disclosure, the substrate 120 and the upper housing portion 110 can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, and multiple holes (114, 114', 115', 116, 116') can be positioned at various locations on the housing portions 100, 110'. Each hole can have the same or different sizes. For example, the hole can have a diameter of about 8mm to 25mm, or any diameter between the two in increments of 1mm. For example, the three holes 114 arranged diagonally at the top of the device 110 can be larger than the other holes to allow more water to be sprayed from these holes along the length of the vehicle, and other holes 116 can be configured to be directed toward the battery pack. The holes can be similarly tilted or "angled" to help direct water in a specific direction. That is, the holes can be formed through the housing portion 110 so that the side walls of the holes point in the direction in which water or other pressurized fluid needs to be directed. The outlet ports or holes 114, 115', 116 may be, for example, circular and annular, or elongated with rounded ends, or any other shape including slit-shaped, circular, oval, rectangular, triangular, and the like.

[0043] As described above, the fire hose connection can be secured to the device via a threaded connection 144 on a tube or conduit 140 extending outwardly from the housing portion 110. In the present disclosure, the combination of the housing portion 110 and the base plate 120 is referred to as the base or base portion of the device 100. The length of the tube or conduit 140 can be any length, for example, between about 6 inches and about 72 inches, or any length in one-inch increments therebetween. If desired, a flange 125' ( Fig.11), the flange 125' being attached to the upwardly curved surface of the base 110' / 120'. As described above, it may be beneficial to provide the conduit 140 in the form of an elongated pipe (e.g., a steel pipe) because the pipe is more tolerant of exposure to the heat of a battery pack fire than a fire hose itself, which may be burned through in such an event. The hose connection or conduit (e.g., 144, 160, 170) may be designed as a hollow cylindrical shape having a steel material and may be screwed into a flange (e.g., Fig.11 148 ') in, or can be directly welded to the substrate 110 / 120, such as Figures 1 to 10 For example, if the base 110' / 120' is provided with a threaded flange 148', the user can select different lengths of pipes to be screwed into the device 100' to suit different situations. This can be similarly achieved by using Figures 1 to 10 This is achieved by using extension tubes 150 of different lengths in the embodiments of the present invention. The hose connection used allows a standard fire hose to be connected to the device 100 / 100', thereby allowing water or other pressurized fluid to flow from the fire hose through the base and outward toward the burning electric vehicle (or other target) at a high pressure and high volume flow rate to maximize heat transfer. These embodiments allow the hose connection to be easily rotatably secured to the base 110 / 120; 110' / 120' and tightened as needed. With all components working in conjunction, it can be appreciated that the present disclosure provides embodiments of fire hose attachments that can be easily deployed under an electric vehicle to effectively help extinguish electric vehicle fires quickly and from a relatively safe distance.

[0044] Extension tube 150 can be used to deliver water or other fluids and can be used to assist in deploying the device. For example, an appropriate length of extension tube 150 can be selected, taking into account the distance that device 100 and conduit 150 need to travel and any hot or other hazardous conditions that exist. If desired, conduit 140 / 140' and / or extension tube 150 can be provided with one or more notches to enable a user to tighten or loosen the threaded connection as desired.

[0045] In some implementations, the disclosed embodiments can also be effectively used for engine compartment fires in internal combustion vehicles by sliding the device into the engine area under the car and turning on the water without opening the hood, which is much safer than the traditional method of opening the hood. In addition, the device can be slid under a garage or warehouse door to help cool the area before opening the door to allow fire department personnel to enter the structure. In addition, a hole can be cut in the wall of a burning structure and the device 100 can be slid through the hole and turned on to begin cooling the burning structure.

[0046] Figures 12 to 16 A top view of an alternative device according to the present disclosure is shown, wherein the primary element that has been changed is the top plan shape of the device. Fig.12 A triangular shaped device 200 is shown having a fluid inlet conduit 240 opening into a generally triangular shaped interior cavity through one side of the triangular shaped device, although it will be appreciated that the conduit 240 may enter in a direction coincident with a corner of the device 200 . Fig.13 The device 300 in FIG. 3 is a generally square or rectangular device having an inlet conduit 340 that opens into a generally rectangular interior cavity through one side of the rectangular device. Fig.14 The device 400 in FIG. 4 is a generally pentagonal device having an inlet conduit 440 that opens into a generally pentagonal interior cavity through one side of the pentagonal device. Fig.15 The device 500 in FIG. 5 is a generally hexagonal device having an inlet conduit 540 that opens into a generally hexagonal interior cavity through one side of the hexagonal device 500 . Fig.16 The device 600 in FIG. 6 is a generally octagonal device having an inlet conduit 640 that opens into a generally octagonal interior cavity through one side of the octagonal device 600 .

[0047] As shown, the device may define a peripheral lip around the perimeter of the body portion (e.g., 110 / 120) of each device. Figure 4 , providing a flat peripheral edge or lip 124 around the device. This can be formed by the overlapping area of ​​the components 110, 120 and the peripheral weld connecting the two parts 110, 120. If desired, each of the embodiments shown herein (e.g., 100', 200 to 700) can include such a peripheral lip. In addition, the embodiments 200 to 600 can have relatively sharp corners (e.g., Fig.12 ) or rounded corners (for example, Fig.13 ).

[0048] Fig.17 Another embodiment of a fixed system 700 (e.g., a permanent fire suppression system) is shown that utilizes a device 710 that is similar in structure to, for example, the base portion of any of the devices 100 to 600 and 100'. The device 710 can be connected to a supply line 720, which in turn is coupled to a pressurized fluid source 730. In use, the system can be used to direct a large amount of cooling fluid to a target area to be cooled, such as a boiler, a reactor, etc.

[0049] The main base or body portion of the device 100, 100', 200 to 600, 710 can have any desired lateral dimension, and the lateral dimension is preferably between about 10 and about 36 inches, or any increment between these amounts in increments of about half an inch. The height of the device 100, 100', 200 to 600, 710 can be about 2 to about 8 inches (if necessary), or any increment between these amounts in increments of about 0.25 inches. The diameter of the conduit (e.g., 140) extending laterally outward from the device (e.g., 100) is preferably between 1.0 and about 3.0 inches (standard pipe size), or any increment between these amounts in increments of about 0.25 inches. The device is generally configured to withstand an internal pressure between about 100 and 140psi. If desired, the device can be formed by connecting upper and lower plates of the same or different sizes through peripheral side walls, and can be similar to a cylinder or conical section as required.

[0050] The examples set forth below are intended to be illustrative of the disclosed embodiments and are not intended to be limiting.

[0051] Example

[0052] According to one embodiment, there is provided a Figures 1 to 10 Device in.

[0053] In this embodiment, the conduit 140 / 150 may include ASME B36.10MSchedule 40 mild steel. The outer diameter (OD) of the conduit may be 2.875 inches, and the wall thickness may be about 0.203 inches. The extension tube 150 may be 60 inches long. Both ends of the extension tube may be threaded with NPT, which is an abbreviation for national pipe taper. In a detailed form, this thread is called "American National Standard Taper Pipe Thread". The length of the conduit 150 enables a firefighter to push the device (e.g., 100) forward from a relatively safer position, which would not be possible without the extension tube 150. The extension tube 150 provides the firefighter with rigidity to push the device 100; considering that fire hoses tend to kink when pushed, the extension tube 150 has a longer service life than a pressurized fire hose. The extension tube 150 can withstand high temperatures and continue to allow water to flow long after a standard fire hose fails due to thermal degradation. If the extension tube 150 and device 100 are placed under a burning vehicle with the tires and rims burning, the extension tube 150 and device 100 are sufficient to bear the weight of the passenger vehicle. If an extension tube or a sufficiently long conduit 140 is not provided, the weight of the vehicle will squeeze the fire hose, thereby reducing or more likely stopping the outflow of water.

[0054] Coupler 160( Fig.10) may include a cam and groove coupler, sometimes referred to as a cam lock connector, which is used to connect two hoses and / or pipes together. The connection can be quickly connected or disconnected, which is very important because firefighting time is limited and it is difficult to use a wrench while wearing firefighter protective clothing and gloves. In this example, the cam and groove coupler including coupler 160 is equipped with 2 1 / 2 NPT female threads to receive a threaded connection 144 on one portion of the fitting and a threaded connection of an extension tube 150 on another portion that is equipped with a cam and groove coupler. The non-threaded connection provided by the cam and groove system ensures that the end user cannot connect a fire hose directly to the device 140 without first connecting the extension tube 150. In fact, this design element prevents the extension tube 150 from being omitted during deployment.

[0055] Provide fire hose to pipe connections (e.g. Fig.10 170) to connect the system to the water supply system. Specifically, the coupler 170 may include 2 1 / 2 A dual internal coupler which also has NPT (National Pipe Taper) threads on the pipe side and NH (National Hose) threads on the fire hose side. The fire hose side of the coupler 170 may be selected or adjusted to meet any department's fire hose external thread requirements. Preferably, after assembly is complete, the coupler 170 is configured so that the fire hose side of the coupler 170 retains the ability to rotate to prevent kinking and facilitate unit deployment. The dual internal coupler allows for a semi-permanent NPT threaded connection with the extension tube 150 while the other side of the coupler provides the end user with internal threads that are compatible with the fire hose. Such a coupler is useful in that it allows the end user to be able to connect their externally threaded hose to the extension tube 150. As described above, the dual internal coupler allows the water supply hose to rotate and self-correct any kinks. These kinks are often unavoidable and are common during hose deployment.

[0056] The present disclosure also provides various methods of using the disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are designed and developed to adapt to the evolving fire service and support the safety of firefighters and the communities they serve. Although it was born to solve the growing problem of electric vehicle fires, the application of the applicant (Turtle Fire System, LLC) far exceeds this purpose.

[0057] The primary uses of the disclosed embodiments generally include suppressing thermal runaway on electric vehicles. If an electric vehicle battery suffers structural damage due to a collision, the disclosed device can be deployed as an active suppression strategy designed to allow sufficient time for passenger rescue. In some embodiments, the disclosed embodiments can be deployed and supplied at relatively low liquid flow rates (e.g., 80-100 GPM) as a preventative measure for any vehicle at risk of fire after a motor vehicle accident. Because the disclosed embodiments can withstand high potential flow rates (e.g., 500 GPM or more), and because of the large flow pattern (35-40 feet high) and 30 feet in diameter (over 360 degrees) produced by the disclosed embodiments, the disclosed embodiments can be used for both low-floor cars and high-floor vehicles, such as trucks, buses, etc.

[0058] In some embodiments, the disclosed embodiments can be used in the cabin of an electric vehicle to flood the lithium-ion battery from the top when deployed through a window. In addition, the disclosed embodiments can be used to extinguish fires in alternative fuel vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, hydrogen and various other new battery technologies (sodium phosphate, sodium ion), and electrochemical fuel cells powered by hydrogen, methanol, etc. The disclosed embodiments can be used to cool burning fuel tanks, or even just cool fuel tanks that are threatened by fire, such as fuel oil / diesel tanks, waste oil tanks commonly found in auto repair shops, restaurants, and refineries, and pressure vessels for compressed natural gas, liquefied propane, oxyacetylene, etc.

[0059] The disclosed embodiments may also be used in conjunction with standpipes in parking structures and high-rise structures. For example, according to NFPA 14, a high-rise building is required to deliver a total flow of 500 gpm from the 2 hydraulic farthest outlets on the farthest riser. The risers also need to be supplied with a pressure of no less than 100 psi and no greater than 175 psi. An additional 250 gpm must be retained in the system for use by firefighters at each additional standpipe. In practice, the system must be able to deliver a water volume flow rate of up to 1000 gpm or 1250 gpm, depending on the sprinkler configuration. When a structure fire threatens adjacent properties, multiple firefighting units are often required to direct an effective amount of water onto the exposed structure. By flowing a flow rate in excess of 500 gpm, the disclosed embodiments can deliver three 2 1 / 2 ” hand line flow. Furthermore, once deployed, the disclosed embodiments require no active monitoring and are fully operational even in a collapse zone. This autonomy allows incident commanders to reallocate their exposure protection teams to more pressing issues. The disclosed embodiments can provide a considerable multiplier factor for firefighters.

[0060] In alternative implementations, the disclosed embodiments may also be deployed under lower flow rate conditions. For example, the disclosed embodiments may be positioned underneath any vehicle that is considered to be at risk of fire. This may include anything from an internal combustion engine vehicle involved in a multi-vehicle accident to an electric vehicle stored in a garage in a burning building.

[0061] In further implementations, the disclosed embodiments may be deployed in a hazardous materials (HAZ-MAT) incident and may be used for decontamination of firefighters, civilians, hoses, equipment, firefighting equipment, etc. Additionally, when faced with a deep fire in a building in a difficult to control or hard to reach area, the disclosed embodiments may be deployed and left to extinguish the fire while personnel evacuate to safety. The disclosed embodiments may be used in maritime applications such as port hubs that accept cargo such as electric and hybrid vehicles, vehicles on ferries, etc.

[0062] In further embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may be deployed on top of and below bridges, tunnels, and parking garages. For example, if a vehicle catches fire under a bridge, the heat could weaken the bridge. The disclosed embodiments may be deployed in these settings, for example, attached to a boom of a robot, to deliver large volume flow rates of water to such locations to minimize damage to the bridge or road above. In some embodiments, the disclosed embodiments may be used to fight fires involving metal truss roofs or bowstring structures. For example, before evacuating firefighters from such a structure, an incident commander may order the deployment of a disclosed embodiment to cool the trusses to prevent collapse. The disclosed embodiments may remain to assist in fighting the fire while crews evacuate to safety.

[0063] According to further examples, the disclosed embodiments may be used in large area coverage applications such as recycling plants, scrap yards, refineries, wildland fires, large mulch pile fires, and garbage dumps, the latter of which is increasing due to improper disposal of lithium ion batteries with household garbage. The disclosed embodiments are very effective in trailer park fires, where the disclosed embodiments are deployed in the crawl space under the trailer.

[0064] In further implementations, the disclosed embodiments may also enable the flow of fire suppressant (eg, foam or F500) as long as such product can be delivered to the device (eg, 100) via a fire hose, whether via a fire truck or sensor.

[0065] In further implementations, the disclosed embodiments may be modified to be permanently installed as part of a deluge sprinkler system, such as Fig.17as shown. Unit 710 can be configured for ready-to-use, connected to a riser by a sprinkler installation company. Thus, the present disclosure contemplates constructing a sprinkler system incorporating embodiments of the disclosed embodiments. In such applications, the size of the device (e.g., 100) can be adjusted and optimized for a particular application. In further embodiments, the disclosed embodiments can be incorporated into new and existing suppression systems and used as a deluge sprinkler system capable of delivering large volumes of water from the ground upward. As an example, the disclosed embodiments can be permanently installed on the ground at an electric vehicle charging station, a designated electric vehicle parking space in a parking lot, and the like. The disclosed embodiments can be connected to a wet or dry system and pre-piped to a fire department rated riser, allowing the fire department to connect and flow water at a safe distance.

[0066] This specification and the drawings illustrating various embodiments should not be considered as limiting. Various mechanical, compositional, structural, electrical and operational changes, including equivalent changes, may be made without departing from the scope of this specification and the claimed invention. In some cases, well-known structures and techniques are not shown or described in detail to avoid confusing the present disclosure. The same reference numerals in two or more figures represent the same or similar elements. In addition, whenever feasible, the elements and their related features described in detail with reference to one embodiment may be included in other embodiments that do not specifically show or describe them. For example, if a certain element is described in detail with reference to one embodiment, and the element is not described with reference to another embodiment, the element may still be claimed to be included in another embodiment.

[0067] For the purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages or ratios, as well as other numerical values ​​used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" to the extent that they have not been so modified. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and the appended claims are approximate and may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0068] It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," as well as any word used in the singular, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term "include" and its grammatical variations are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list does not exclude other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0069] In addition, the terms in this specification are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, spatial relative terms (such as "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", "proximal end", "distal end", etc.) can be used to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These spatial relative terms are intended to cover the different positions (i.e. positioning) and directions (i.e. rotational positions) of the device in use or operation except the position and direction shown in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will be located "above" or "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the illustrative term "below" can cover the position and direction above and below. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0070] In view of the disclosure herein, further modifications and alternative embodiments will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the apparatus and method may include additional components or steps that are omitted from the diagrams and descriptions for operational clarity. Therefore, this description should be interpreted as illustrative only, with the purpose of teaching those skilled in the art the general manner of implementing this teaching. It should be understood that the various embodiments shown and described herein should be considered illustrative. Elements and materials and the arrangement of these elements and materials can replace the elements and materials shown and described herein, parts and processes can be reversed, and the specific features of this teaching can be used independently, all of which are obvious to those skilled in the art after benefiting from the description herein. Changes can be made to the elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of this teaching and the following claims.

[0071] It is to be understood that the particular examples and embodiments described herein are non-limiting and that modifications in structure, dimensions, materials, and methods may be made without departing from the scope of the present teachings.

[0072] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. The specification and examples should be considered illustrative and for reference only, and the following claims shall be entitled to their fullest extent under applicable law, including their equivalents.

Claims

1. A device for assisting fire extinguishing, comprising: A body surrounds the volume defining the fluid pumping chamber, the body defining a plurality of outlet ports therethrough for directing the pressurized fluid to a destination and at least one fluid input port for coupling to a source of pressurized fluid.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The body is defined by a base plate configured to slide along a ground surface and an upper surface above the base plate, wherein the base plate and the upper surface cooperate to define the fluid plenum, and wherein the plurality of outlet ports are formed through the upper surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a conduit fluidly coupled to one or more of the substrate and the upper surface, wherein The conduit terminates in the fluid input port, which is configured to be coupled to a fire hose.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The device has a lateral dimension of between about twelve inches and about thirty inches and a height of between about two inches and about eight inches.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The base plate and the upper surface are welded along their perimeters to form the fluid plenum.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The device is configured to direct fluid through the plurality of outlet ports at about 300 gallons per minute to about 500 gallons per minute.

7. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The base defines a ramp portion to facilitate sliding the device along a floor, wherein the ramp portion is located on the body opposite the fluid input port.

8. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The conduit extends in a direction parallel to the substrate.

9. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an extension catheter removably coupled to the catheter.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The body has a circular shape when viewed from above.

11. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The body and the conduit are formed from steel.

12. A method of extinguishing a fire comprising providing a device as claimed in any preceding claim, coupling the device to a fluid source, placing the device in the vicinity of a fire source, and extinguishing the fire.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The fire source was an electric vehicle ("EV") fire.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The device is deployed by sliding the device under a battery pack of an electric vehicle, and wherein the fire extinguishing step includes directing water through the device to cool the battery pack of the electric vehicle.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The device is slid under a first side of the electric vehicle by pulling the device from a second side of the electric vehicle underneath the vehicle.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Water is directed through the device and into contact with the electric vehicle at a volume flow rate between about 80 GPM and about 500 GPM.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Water is directed through the device and into contact with the electric vehicle at a volume flow rate between about 350 GPM and about 500 GPM.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Water is directed through the device and into contact with the electric vehicle at a volume flow rate of between about 450 GPM and about 500 GPM.

19. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The device includes less than about 20 outlet ports.

20. The device according to claim 1, wherein The device includes less than about 12 outlet ports.

21. A fixed fire extinguishing system comprising a high pressure riser coupled to the apparatus of claim 1.

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