Firefighter training apparatus

Abstract

A firefighter training apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has an internal space, and the internal space has a ceiling, closed (enclosed) sides, a closed (enclosed) end, and an opening located generally opposite the closed end. The apparatus is operable for use in enabling one or more firefighters to practice and / or learn about confronting a fire (including in particular an indoor fire) with (or at least including) overhead flames. The apparatus also comprises one or more fuel inlets through which combustible fluid fuel can enter the internal space. At least one of the fuel inlets is located such that, when fuel flows to said at least one fuel inlet, fuel enters the internal space through said at least one fuel inlet at or near the closed end of the internal space near the ceiling. The apparatus also has a heat source, which is operable to elevate the ambient temperature, at least in the region of the internal space where fuel enters through the said at least one fuel inlet, to a temperature above the fuel's autoignition temperature, and the apparatus further includes means for enabling an operator to (at least) cause fuel to cease flowing to one or more or all of the fuel inlets.

Description

FIREFIGHTER TRAINING APPARATUSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in educating and / or training firefighters.BACKGROUND

[0002] Firefighters quite commonly encounter fires that are burning inside houses and other buildings and structures. When confronting such indoor fires, particularly in houses and dwellings, firefighters often encounter flames that are overhead, that is, flames that are (at least initially) located near the ceiling and / or moving or spreading (often generally horizontally) along in the region of space up near the ceiling inside the room or hallway (or other internal area) of the house or building etc where the fire is encountered. Accordingly, this kind of scenario, i.e. where flames are accounted that are (at least initially) up near and / or moving along the ceiling (i.e. overhead flames), is a scenario that firefighters should be educated on and / or trained to deal with. There is also thought to be a need for firefighters to be able to practice dealing with such scenarios.

[0003] Previously, to enable firefighters to learn about and / or practice confronting indoor fires with (or including) overhead flames (i.e. flames near and / or moving or spreading along the ceiling), for example, as part of early firefighter education and / or as part of ongoing firefighter training, a training apparatus would often be created. Typically, this apparatus would be located in an open outdoor area, away from other buildings and structures (away from anything else that might catch fire). The apparatus created for this purpose would typically represent a “room”. Accordingly, the apparatus would often have a box like construction the interior of which would be sized and shaped to represent / simulate a room or a hallway (or the like) inside a house or building.

[0004] Quite often, although not necessarily always, a shipping container, such as for example a standard 20-foot or a standard 40-foot shipping container, might be used. That is, the apparatus might in fact be a shipping container, possibly with certain modifications made thereto, although sometimes little or no modification may be made, but in any case, where a shipping container was used, the inside of the shipping container would represent the inside of the “room”.

[0005] Regardless of how the apparatus was constructed (i.e. regardless of whether a shipping container was used or the apparatus was constructed in some other way), inside the apparatus (i.e. in the simulated “room” inside the apparatus), the height of the ceiling above the floor would typically be approximately standard for (or representative of) the ceiling height in ahouse or building, and the “room” would typically have three walls, such that the “room” would be enclosed on two sides and also at one end, but the other end of the “room” (opposite the closed end) would typically remain open (or at least have an opening therein) to allow firefighters to enter and exit the “room”. Where the apparatus was (or was constructed from) a shipping container, the open end would typically be created by securing the door(s) at one end of the container open, the long sidewalls of the container would form the parallel sides of the “room”, and the end wall (or perhaps the closed door(s)) at the end of the container opposite the open door(s) would form the closed end of the “room”.

[0006] In order for firefighters to practice confronting an indoor fire with flames near and / or moving or spreading along the ceiling (overhead flames), a carbonaceous fire would typically be built and then set alight inside the “room” for the firefighters to practice on. The fire would typically be built (before being lit) at or near the closed end of the “room” (i.e. at the end opposite to the opening used for entering and exiting to the “room”), and the fire would generally be made from a pile of wood and hay (and / or possibly other such solid combustible materials). A liquid petrochemical accelerant would sometimes also be poured or thrown onto the unlit pile of combustible materials shortly before (or at the same time as) lighting it, so that, once lit, the combustible materials (wood and hay etc, and the accelerant if used) would ignite rapidly thereby causing the flames from the fire to rapidly extend up to and then begin moving along the ceiling (in a direction away from the closed end) of the “room”. At this point, one or more firefighters would enter the “room” to learn about and / or practice confronting an indoor fire with overhead flames near and / or moving along the ceiling.

[0007] There are a number of problems with the previous method described above.

[0008] One problem is that, although firefighter education / training performed using the method described above takes place in an apparatus that is configured (or at least able to be used) for this purpose, and under supervised conditions (e.g. closely monitored by additional firefighters who are also equipped with firefighting equipment and ready to assist should the those undertaking the education / training inside the “room” experience a problem or get into difficulty that they cannot handle themselves), nevertheless the fire created inside the “room” is still a real fire created by igniting solid combustible carbonaceous materials. Consequently, despite the supervised conditions and the presence of additional firefighters ready to assist should the need arise, the fire ignited inside the “room” and used for training in the previous method described above is nevertheless a live and uncontrolled fire, at least until that fire is brought under control. With the previous method above, the fire in the “room” would generally therefore continue to burn, or even grow if sufficient fuel and oxygen were present, until the fire was brought under control by the firefighter(s) or until all fuel was consumed. Therefore, with theprevious method described above, if a firefighter who initially entered the “room” to practice / train after the fire had been ignited got into difficulty, or if there was an incident or something went wrong (e.g. if a firefighter who was undertaking the training in the room with the live fire experienced a medical episode while confronting the fire inside the “room”, or the like), that firefighter inside the room (and any other firefighter(s) who initially entered the room with them to participate with them in the same training exercise) would be exposed to considerable real danger from the fire in the room, and in that case, one or more of the additional firefighter(s) on standby would typically then also be required to enter the room to assist and / or to pull them out, and also to bring (or help bring) the fire inside the room under control. This therefore created considerable real safety risk (i.e. the risk of serious injury or even death), not only for the firefighter(s) who initially entered the room to participate in the training exercise, but also for any other firefighter(s) who might then also need to go into the room as well to assist while the fire is burning.

[0009] Even in circumstances where a training exercise went smoothly, and the firefighter(s) who initially entered the room to participate in the education / training exercise were able to perform the exercise and bring the fire under control without needing (much or any) assistance from any of the additional firefighters on standby outside, nevertheless with the previous method described above, in every instance, the fire that was lit inside the “room” for the purpose of conducting the training exercise would need to be not only brought under control, but completely extinguished, and all burnt and unburnt wood and hay (and other materials), and all other debris (including any combustible materials or residues and also any other debris), would have to be completely cleared out and removed from the room, and the room would also need to be dried out (remembering that large amounts of water would have been used to bring the live fire in the room under control and extinguish it), before the room could be “reset” by building another new fire at the closed end of the room to allow another set of firefighters to undertake a similar exercise. The amount of time thus required for the room to initially be set up, including preparing the pile of combustible materials (wood and hay and other materials) ready to be set alite, and then actually setting it alight (which of course can occur only after all participants and other required personnel are ready and all safety procedures have been completed), and then conducting the exercise (including bringing the fire in the “room” under control and completely extinguishing it), and thereafter allowing the room first to cool, then completely clearing it out drying it out and making it safe, and then readying the room again (i.e. “resetting” it) for the next exercise by building a new pile of wood and hay, etc, would typically mean that only two (or possibly three) exercises could be conducted with a single apparatus in a single day. This significantly limited the number of firefighters able to participate in this form of education / training.

[0010] Yet a further problem with the previous method described above is that the conditions, and consequently the behaviour of the fire inside the room, could often vary significantly and in ways that were difficult or impossible to control or regulate. For example, even seemingly simple / minor factors such as e.g. the moisture content of the combustible materials (e.g. the wood and hay and the like) used to build the fire (which is difficult or impossible to control), and / or the amount of combustible materials (wood and hay and the like) used to build the fire, and / or whether an accelerant is used and / or the amount used, and / or the size or height or shape or way the fire was built prior to being lit, and / or how long it was since a previous exercise had been conducted within the “room”, etc, could all (individually and in combination) significantly affect the rate of ignition of the fire and also the behaviour of the fire once lit. However, this variability in the behaviour of the fire, due to factors that are largely uncontrollable, might often, in turn, significantly alter the conditions within the “room”, meaning that the conditions encountered by one set of firefighter participants in one exercise might be quite (or even very) different to the conditions encountered by a different set of firefighter participants in a different exercise (even if conducted using the same apparatus I “room”, just at a different time).

[0011] It is thought that it would be desirable if at least some of the above-mentioned problems or issues could be overcome or reduced.

[0012] It is to be clearly understood that mere reference in this specification to any previous or existing devices, apparatus, products, systems, methods, practices, publications, patents, or indeed to any other information, or to any problems or issues, does not constitute an acknowledgement or admission that any of those things, whether individually or in any combination, formed part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the field or is admissible prior art.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] In a first form, albeit not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention relates to an apparatus having an internal space, the internal space having a ceiling, closed (enclosed) sides, a closed (enclosed) end, and an opening located generally opposite the closed end, wherein the apparatus is operable for use in enabling one or more firefighters to confront (i.e. topractice and / or learn about confronting) a fire (including in particular an indoor fire) with (or at least including) overhead flames, the apparatus comprising: one or more fuel inlets through which combustible fluid fuel can enter the internal space, wherein at least one of the fuel inlet(s) is located such that, when fuel flows to said at least one fuel inlet, fuel enters the internal space through said at least one fuel inlet at or near the closed end of the internal space near the ceiling; and a heat source, wherein the heat source is operable to elevate the ambient temperature, at least in the region of the internal space where fuel enters through the said at least one fuel inlet, to a temperature above the fuel’s autoignition temperature, and means for enabling an operator to (at least, and possibly amongst other things) cause fuel to stop flowing to one or more or all of the fuel inlets.

[0014] The means for enabling an operator to (at least, possibly amongst other things) cause fuel to cease flowing to one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s) may be able to be operated by the operator from a location outside (and preferably at least a short distance away from) the apparatus.

[0015] The apparatus may also comprise means for enabling an operator to cause fuel to flow, and stop flowing (as desired / required), to one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s). Means may also be provided for enabling the operator to cause fuel to flow, and stop flowing (as desired / required), to at least one fuel inlet separately from and / or independently of at least one other fuel inlet, if there are two or more fuel inlets.

[0016] The apparatus may also provide means for enabling an operator to operate the heat source, including turning it on and off (as desired / required). In some embodiments, fuel may be prevented from flowing to the fuel inlet(s) if the heat source is not on.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments, a wireless remote control may be provided for enabling an operator to cause fuel to flow, and stop flowing (as desired / required), to one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s). The remote control may also include controls for enabling the operator to turn the heat source on and off.

[0018] In some embodiments, for the above-mentioned at least one fuel inlet at least (and possibly for multiple or all of the fuel inlets if there is more than one), the remote control may have two buttons (both of which may be independently depressible if pressed, but each of which may automatically “un-press” I return whenever it is not being pressed or held down) which must be pressed simultaneously in order for fuel to begin flowing to the said fuel inlet(s), and fuel may only continue to flow the said fuel inlet(s) if (and only while) the operator is pressing and holdingboth buttons.

[0019] The apparatus may also include means for preventing at least some water (or limiting the amount of water) that is sprayed from a hose used by a firefighter from reaching and / or entering the region where fuel enters the internal space through one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s). This may take the form of a water deflector. Also, if there are fuel inlets located at position / locations that are sufficiently separated from one another, there may be multiple water deflectors, for example, one associated with each fuel inlet position / location.

[0020] In some embodiments, the heat source may comprise a burner (“pilot burner”) that is fuelled by the same fuel as the fuel inlet(s).

[0021] The apparatus may also include an air inlet which is operable to introduce outside air (i.e. air from outside the internal space) into the internal space. The air inlet may be operable to introduce outside air into (or near) the closed end. The speed / flow rate at which air is introduced by the air inlet may also be able to be controlled.

[0022] The apparatus may be elongate in shape overall, with the closed (enclosed) end located at or toward one end of the elongate shape and the opening located at or towards the opposite end of the elongate shape. The opening does not necessarily need to be directly or exactly opposite the closed end, nor does the opening need to face directly towards the closed end, although it may often be the case (in many embodiments) that the opening is located directly opposite and faces towards the closed end. This may be the case, for example, where the apparatus comprises a modified shipping container, as discussed below.

[0023] As just mentioned, in some embodiments, the apparatus may comprise a modified shipping container. That is, the apparatus may be constructed from (or made by modifying) a shipping container. In such cases, the opening may be created by opening a door or doors at one end of the shipping container, the sides of the apparatus may correspond to respective side walls of the shipping container and the apparatus’ ceiling may correspond to the inside of the container’s roof.

[0024] In some embodiments, the sides and the ceiling may meet (i.e. they may meet with and join to) an end wall at the closed end. There may also be at least one fuel inlet that extends through the end wall at a location high on the end wall (close to where the end wall meets the ceiling) such that, when fuel is caused to flow to (and through) the said fuel inlet, fuel enters the internal space through the said fuel inlet close to / near the ceiling.

[0025] The apparatus may also have an openable and closable flue. This may be locatedin a portion of the ceiling near the opening.

[0026] The apparatus may also have a floor, and at least a portion of the floor may be perforated (i.e. it may have openings or gaps therein).

[0027] An insulating material may be provided on the sides and / or the ceiling of the apparatus. Protective material may also be provided to protect at least some of the insulating material.

[0028] In another form, albeit again not necessarily the only or broadest form, the invention relates to a method for enabling one or more firefighters to confront (i.e. to practice and / or learn about confronting) a fire (including in particular an indoor fire) with overhead flames in an apparatus having an internal space, the internal space having a ceiling, closed sides, a closed end, and an opening located generally opposite the closed end, and the apparatus also having one or more fuel inlets, wherein at least one fuel inlet is located such that, when a combustible fluid fuel flows to said at least one fuel inlet, fuel enters the internal space through said at least one fuel inlet at or near the closed end of the internal space near the ceiling, a heat source, and controls for enabling an operator to cause fuel to flow to, and stop flowing to, one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s), wherein the method comprises: operating the heat source to elevate the ambient temperature, at least in the region of the internal space where fuel enters through the said at least one fuel inlet, to a temperature above the fuel’s autoignition temperature, and then operating the controls to cause combustible fuel to enter the internal space through one or more fuel inlets to thereby cause overhead flames to be produced, and also to stop the flow of fuel to stop the production of overhead flames if or when desired / required.

[0029] The apparatus has an internal space with a ceiling, closed sides, a closed end, and an opening located generally opposite the closed end. Typically (if not necessarily always), the apparatus’ internal space will have a box or prism like shape, so as to resemble a room or hallway. If the apparatus is made from a shipping planner, the internal space inside the shipping container will generally be defined by the shape and configuration of the container’s roof, sidewalls and end walls / doors. However, there is no requirement for the apparatus’ internal space to be box or prism shaped. Other shapes are also possible, for example with curved sidewalls, or a curved or domed ceiling, etc. The apparatus’ internal space might have this kind of curved or unusual or “not-a-normal-box-or-prism” type shape if, for example, the apparatus is intentionally designed to simulate a particular building or structure having a space inside it of that shape, so that firefighters can practice in an internal space of that specific shape. Embodiments where the apparatus is built with a shape inside that is intended to resemble the shape inside some real structure (and not just a generic house or hallway or the like) might be envisaged where, for example, firefighters need to be trained to deal with fires that might occur in specific structures, like e.g. in underground mines, or on industrial sites or in industrial facilities.

[0030] The apparatus should be operable to be used in a way that enables one or more firefighters to practice and / or learn about confronting fire where the fire has overhead flames. However, it is not necessarily to be understood or implied that the only flames that can be encountered inside the space are flames overhead, or travelling along, etc, the ceiling. There could also be flames at other heights / levels or in other regions of space within the internal space inside the apparatus too. In fact, as will be discussed further below, actions taken by firefighters against flames that are initially overhead, that is up near or travelling along near the ceiling, may cause the flames descend vertically to lower levels. However in addition to this, the apparatus may also be designed to generate flames at different levels or locations or in different regions of space, as well. Indeed, the apparatus may have one or more fuel inlets for introducing fuel, and thereby producing flames, at different levels or locations or in different regions of the space.

[0031] Other features and aspects of the invention will be made evident from the Detailed Description below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0032] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention, or the appended Claims (if any), in any way.The Detailed Description makes reference to a number of Figures as follows:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic (side-on, cross-sectional) illustration showing the general / overall operation an apparatus for use in firefighter training according to one possible embodiment of the invention. The other Figures, and the Detailed Description section below, also show and refer mainly to apparatus that operate in the same general manner as illustrated in Figure 1 .

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic (side-on, cross-sectional) illustration of the same apparatus as shown in Figure 1 but showing (by way of example only) the apparatus while it is in use, i.e. with a firefighter (or firefighters) inside confronting overhead flames (or flames that are at least initially overhead) during a training exercise.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic plan (i.e. top-down) view of the apparatus in the embodiment presently described but with the ceiling / roof not shown (i.e. as if removed) so that the inside of the apparatus can be seen in this top-down view.

[0036] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of the sidewall framing of the apparatus in the embodiment presently described. Figure 4 is somewhat cross-sectional in that it shows the sidewall framing for one of the apparatus’ sidewalls as if viewed from inside the apparatus.

[0037] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the apparatus as if viewed from outside the apparatus’ open end (or through the open doors at the open end of the apparatus) and looking into the internal space inside the apparatus in the apparatus’ lengthwise direction. The vertical wall surface which is mainly visible in this Figure (i.e. the wall that is shown in a plane parallel to the plane of the page) is the inside surface of the end wall at the closed (enclosed) end of the apparatus’ internal space.

[0038] Figure 6 contains images of a remote control of a type that may be used with the embodiment shown in other Figures.

[0039] Figure 7 shows an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, i.e. an embodiment of the kind presently described, and which therefore operates in the same general manner as shown and described with reference to Figure 1 and other Figures. Figure 7 shows the apparatus when viewed from the outside and also from slightly behind and to one side of the end of the apparatus that contains the “enclosed end”. This Figure therefore shows (from the outside) one of the long sidewalls of the apparatus, and also visible in this Figure are some of the gas bottles / cylinders that can be used to contain and supply the combustible fuel (for example LPG). It should be noted, however, that pressurised bottles / cylinders (like the LPGcylinders shown in Figure 7) is not the only way that the combustible fuel can be contained and supplied to the apparatus. For example, the apparatus could alternatively be connected to a mains (piped) supply of natural gas, or the like. In any case, Figure 7 also shows, on the end of the apparatus which is visible and closest to the viewer in this Figure, a lockable metal mesh door which leads to the apparatus’ control room. (Figure 9 below is a view with this lockable metal mesh door open and looking into the apparatus’ control room.)

[0040] Figure 8 is a view of some the “plumbing”, including flow conduits (pipes), taps / valves, regulators, etc, through which combustible fuel flows (in this particular Figure) from the gas cylinders / bottles and, ultimately, into the apparatus (via the fuel inlets, as explained below) when the apparatus is in use. Note that the gas cylinders / bottles themselves (which are visible in Figure 7) are not shown in Figure 8. This is because the gas bottles / cylinders that are visible in Figure 7 have been removed (i.e. they are not installed in a position) in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the ends of the (black) tubes (which are commonly referred to as “pigtails”) which connect (or which would connect) to the gas bottles / cylinders (if gas bottle / cylinders were in position, like in Figure 7) are instead shown safely secured to their respective attachment points on the apparatus wall. The “pigtails” would have their ends secured to these respective attachment points on the wall, as shown in Figure 8, when no gas bottles / cylinders are installed, such as e.g. when the apparatus is not in use (or not being prepared for use), or e.g. when the apparatus is in use but being supplied by an alternative fuel source, such as mains natural gas. It should be noted that Figure 8 does not (and nor does Figure 7) show all of the apparatus’ “plumbing”. For instance, in this embodiment, three other gas cylinders / bottles can also be installed on the other side of the apparatus (i.e. on the opposite side of the apparatus that is hidden from view in Figure 7 - this is schematically shown in Figure 3). These other gas bottles / cylinders also have similar “plumbing” associated with them.

[0041] Figure 9 is (as mentioned above) a view into the apparatus’ control room (i.e. with the metal mesh door opened and looking into the control room). This control room is really just a small space located behind (i.e. on the opposite side of) the end wall that forms the “enclosed end” of the apparatus’ internal space. This is also the end wall of the apparatus through which the gas inlets extend (in this embodiment), etc. This control room contains controls and electronic equipment, etc, for controlling the operation of the apparatus. This control room also contains the apparatus’s air blower, the purpose and operation of which will be described below.

[0042] Figure 10 is an illustration of the apparatus’ main electrical / control box, which is also shown in side-on view in Figure 9. Figure 10 shows the control buttons, knobs and display that are mounted and accessible directly on the main front face of the control box - this main front face is actually the outer face of an openable door of the control box in this embodiment. Thisopenable door can be opened (using a key) to access further electronics and controls contained inside the box.

[0043] Figure 1 1 is a view from outside and slightly away and to one side of the end of the apparatus that has openable doors. The openable doors on this end of the apparatus, when they are opened (as they are in this Figure), create the “open end” of the apparatus’ internal space. This Figure therefore also shows (from the outside) part of the inside surface of one of the apparatus’ long sidewalls, part of the floor of the apparatus (the portion of the floor near the “open end”), and also the lever used to open and close the apparatus’ flue.

[0044] Figure 12 is a view from within the apparatus, from near the enclosed end, looking out in the apparatus’ length direction, i.e. looking from the inside out towards (and indeed through) the apparatus’ open end (through the open doors at that end).

[0045] Figure 13 is a view looking into the apparatus from the open end (or from just outside the open end) in the apparatus’s length direction, looking towards the end wall at the apparatus’ closed (enclosed) end. The internal surface of that end wall at the closed end is therefore visible in this Figure, as are the internal surfaces of the apparatus’ sidewalls, ceiling and floor.

[0046] Figure 14 is a more close-up view of the upper part of the internal surface of the end wall at the apparatus’ closed end, and also of the upper portions of the side walls and ceiling that meet the end wall. Also shown in this Figure are: the apparatus’ pilot burner (which is not a mere conventional “pilot light” but rather a device for elevating the ambient temperature in this end region of the apparatus, or at least in the vicinity of the fuel inlets, to above the autoignition temperature of the fuel), the fuel inlets themselves, of which there are five (5) in this particular embodiment; and- a number of (of this case two) pipes which extend a distance inward along the ceiling from the top of the end wall at the closed end of the apparatus. These pipes are connected to the air blower on the outside of the end wall. A flow of air (containing oxygen) generated by the air blower enters the space inside the apparatus through these pipes when the apparatus is (and the air blower is also) in operation.

[0047] Figure 15 is a close-up view of the lower part apparatus’ closed end, including the lower portion of the inside surface of the end wall, and also the end portions of the side walls and floor that meet the end wall.

[0048] Figure 16 shows the lever mechanism used to open and close the apparatus’ flue. The opening in the ceiling of the apparatus (close to the “open end” of the apparatus) which is created when the flue is opened is also visible in this Figure.

[0049] Figure 17 is a view of the flue cover, which is located near the open end of the apparatus, when it is open and viewed from slightly above the apparatus’ roof on the outside.

[0050] Figure 18 is a view of the end of the apparatus that contains the main opening (created by opening the main doors), but Figure 18 shows this end of the apparatus from off to one side such that the opening formed when the doors at this end are opened is not visible. However, one of the doors is visible and shown swung fully open. This is the position that this door must be in when the apparatus in this embodiment is in operation. The reason for this is explained below. This Figure also illustrates the apparatus’ operating lights and an emergency shut off button used in this embodiment.

[0051] Figure 19 illustrates a contact switch associated with the door of the apparatus shown in Figure 18. This contact switch forms part of a safety interlock. This safety interlock functions such that the apparatus can only operate when (and in particular fuel cannot flow to the fuel inlets, etc, unless) this doors is swung fully open and latched / secured in this open position, and in particular, with the bolt which is shown extending from the door hasp in this Figure contacting and engaging / activating the contact switch, as shown. If the door moves such that the bolt disengages or moves out of contact with the contact switch at any time while the apparatus is in operation, all flow of fuel will immediately cease (whereupon any flames inside will quickly go out once all fuel already injected into the apparatus has combusted or vented or the temperature drops below the temperature where fuel combusts, etc).DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] Figure 1 is a schematic (side-on, cross-sectional) illustration showing the general operation an apparatus 100 according to one possible embodiment of the invention. The general operation of the apparatus 100, as depicted schematically in Figure 1 , will be discussed further below.

[0053] In Figure 1 (and also other Figures), the apparatus 100 is constructed from, or more specifically it is made by modifying, a shipping container. For example, from Figure 7 it can be appreciated that the apparatus 100 depicted in that Figure (and in other Figures) is constructed by modifying a 40-foot shipping container. Other sized shipping containers could also be used. Furthermore, there is no requirement that the apparatus (or any apparatus according to the present invention) must be constructed from a shipping container. The apparatus may, therefore,be constructed in any suitable way and from any materials suitable for the use, and able to withstand the conditions, to which the apparatus will be subjected (particularly on the inside of the apparatus, but also on the outside).

[0054] One benefit of constructing the apparatus 100 from (i.e. by modifying) a shipping container is that the overall shape and physical structure of the shipping container is retained, as are the container’s main lifting / crane attachment points. Consequently, the apparatus 100 can be moved / tran sported from one location / site to another, if or as desired. This can be done in essentially the same way as for a normal shipping container of the same size (of course this can only be done after all necessary safety procedures have been performed and the apparatus 100 is made ready for such transportation). This makes it possible or easier for the apparatus 100 to be moved, say, from one firefighter training site or facility to another, so that each site or facility does not necessarily need to have its own apparatus.

[0055] The apparatus 100 shown in the Figures has an internal space 101 , and the internal space 101 has: a ceiling 110; closed (enclosed) sides; a closed (enclosed) end 103; and an opening, which in the case of the embodiment depicted in the Figures is an open end 102, located generally opposite the closed end 103.

[0056] In the embodiment presently described (shown in the Figures), the closed (enclosed) sides of the apparatus take the form of a pair of parallel (and generally planar and vertical) sidewalls 120. Basically, the sidewalls 120 correspond to the side walls of the container. The side walls 120 are not specifically shown in (and they are not labelled in) Figure 1 or Figure 2, but they are shown and labelled other Figures.

[0057] Of course, in other embodiments, the closed sides of the internal space could have other shapes and / or configurations (and the side walls would not be the sidewalls of a shipping container if the apparatus is not constructed from, or by modifying, a shipping container). Whilst the shape and configuration of the sides of the apparatus is therefore not narrowly critical, it is thought that the apparatus should have sides that are closed (enclosed), or at least mostly closed (enclosed) or effectively closed (enclosed). It is thought that it may be possible that there could be some gaps or openings or the like in the sides / sidewalls, provided the sides remain mostly or effectively closed despite these gaps or openings etc, and it is thought that the sides should be closed (or at least mostly or effectively closed) at least along a certain portion or length of theapparatus extending from the apparatus’ closed (enclosed) end and towards the opening. The enclosed sides should therefore extend at least some way from the closed end towards the opening at the other end, and it is thought that typically (or at least often) the enclosed sides will extend all the way from the closed end to the opening at the other end.

[0058] The reason why it is thought that the apparatus should have sides that are closed (enclosed), or at least mostly closed (enclosed) or effectively closed (enclosed), is because, if the sides of the apparatus along the portion of the apparatus extending away from the closed (enclosed) end were instead to be substantially open (i.e. if they were not closed or at least mostly or effectively so), this might allow flames to escape out through the sides of the apparatus, particularly near the top / ceiling, rather than travelling along the ceiling inside the internal space. This may be understood further from the explanations of the operation of the apparatus given below.

[0059] In the embodiment shown and described, the closed end 103 is at the end of the apparatus 100 (i.e. at the end of the internal space 101 ) where the sidewalls 120 and the ceiling 110 meet with the end wall 130 (a.k.a. the closed / enclosed end wall 130). The end wall 130 also has other parts and components associated with it (and extending through it), as discussed below.

[0060] In the present embodiment, the open end 102 is at the end of the apparatus 100 (and at the end of the internal space 101 ) that is opposite the closed end 103, and in this embodiment (in which the apparatus 100 is constructed from a shipping container) the open end 102 is created by opening the doors 140 at the end of the container opposite the end that has the end wall 130.

[0061] The apparatus 100 can be used to enable a firefighter, or multiple firefighters at once or in succession, etc, to practice and / or learn about confronting a fire with overhead flames, that is, flames which (like the flames F schematically represented in Figure 1 ) are (at least initially) located near the ceiling and / or moving or spreading or travelling along in the region of space up near the ceiling 110. To enable the apparatus 100 to function and be used in this way, the apparatus 100 also has: a fuel inlet (or a number of fuel inlets) 200 through which combustible fluid fuel can enter the internal space 101 , a heat source 300, which is operable to elevate the ambient temperature, at least in the region of the internal space near / around where fuel enters, to a temperature which is above the autoignition temperature of the fuel, andmeans for enabling an operator (not shown) to (at least) cause fuel to cease flowing to one or more (or all) of the fuel inlets (if there is more than one). In the particular embodiment shown and described, the means for enabling an operator to cause fuel to cease flowing into the internal space includes (primarily) a wireless remote control 600, shown in Figure 6, but also, in addition to the remote control 600, there are a number of other emergency shut off buttons 601 which are physically wired into the electronics of the apparatus 100 and located at other locations around the apparatus (shown in other Figures, e.g. Figure 10 and Figure 18). However, it will be clearly understood that the means for enabling an operator to cause fuel to cease flowing to one or more (or all) of the fuel inlets (if there is more than one) could also take a range of other wired (or otherwise connected) or wireless forms, such as e.g. a controller which may be handheld or otherwise operable from a location somewhat away from the apparatus (and therefore not physically mounted to the apparatus itself), but which is connected via a cable or wire to the electronics of the apparatus that control the apparatus’ operation.

[0062] Figure 1 and Figure 2 both show a fuel inlet 200, which is located such that, when a combustible fluid fuel is caused to flow to (and through) the said fuel inlet 200, the fuel enters the internal space 101 through the fuel inlet 200 at the enclosed end 103 at a height / level close to / near the ceiling 1 10. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 are only schematic illustrations, they only show a single fuel inlet 200 (and they only show this single fuel inlet 200 schematically, so things like the piping etc which conveys the fuel to the fuel inlet 200 is not shown in these Figures). However, no particular limitation is to be inferred from this. Indeed, other Figures (in particular Figure 13 and Figure 14) show a number of discrete fuel inlet nozzles 210. More specifically, Figure 14 in particular (and also Figure 13) depicts five (5) separate fuel inlet nozzles 210. The fuel inlet nozzles 210 visible in Figure 13 and Figure 14 are arranged in a horizontal line and they all extend through the end wall 130 near the top thereof (i.e. up high on the end wall 130, fairly close to the ceiling 1 10).

[0063] The five fuel inlet nozzles 210 shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 may each (individually) be considered a separate fuel inlet 210, or all of them together may be considered to form a single fuel inlet 200. Whichever way these are considered (i.e. whichever way these are thought of), it should be understood that, in other embodiments, there may also be one or more other fuel inlets (not shown or labelled), which may be positioned / located elsewhere and extending through the end wall 130 and / or through other outer walls (including the floor or ceiling or sidewall(s)) that define the internal space 101 (it is thought that any such additional fuel inlets may also be generally towards the closed end 103), such that, when the fuel is caused to flow to these other fuel inlets (which will typically be while fuel is also flowing to the above-mentionedfuel inlet(s) 200 / 210 described above although fuel might also flow independently to these other fuel inlets, including at times when fuel may not be flowing to the above-mentioned fuel inlet(s) 200 / 210), the fuel that enters the internal space 101 through said other fuel inlets will cause flames to emanate from the location(s) of those other inlets (in addition to the flames emanating from the location(s) of the above-mentioned fuel inlet(s) 200 / 210 described above if fuel is also flowing to them at the same time).

[0064] For the remainder of this description, reference will generally be made only to the fuel inlets(s) 200 / 210 shown in the Figures, i.e. not to any other fuel inlets that may be present but which are not shown and labelled in the Figures. Also, for ease of reference, except if / where there is a need to refer to them individually, the five fuel inlet nozzles 210 visible in Figure 13 and Figure 14 will be referred to hereafter collectively / together as a single fuel inlet 200. Also, in the explanations that follow, it should be understood that fuel flows (or does not flow) through all of the individual fuel inlet nozzles 210 simultaneously. In other words, if fuel is flowing into the internal space 101 (or not) through any one of the individual fuel inlet nozzles 210, it will also be flowing (or not) through the other inlet nozzles 210 at the same time, such that the five inlet nozzles effectively operate simultaneously / together as a single fuel inlet 200.

[0065] In the embodiment presently being described, the heat source 300 takes the form of a gas powered burner 300. The burner 300 will hereafter be referred to as the pilot burner 300 (or simply the pilot 300). In Figure 1 and Figure 2, the pilot burner 300 is only represented schematically. However, other figures, in particular Figure 13 and Figure 14, show the pilot burner 300 in the form that it takes in the particular embodiment shown in those Figures.

[0066] Even though the gas powered burner 300 is referred to herein as a pilot burner 300 (or simply the pilot 300), it is to be clearly understood that the pilot / pilot burner 300 is not the same as, and it does not function in the same way as, a conventional pilot light (or the like). A conventional pilot light, for example as traditionally used on things like gas hot water systems and other like gas appliances, is a small gas burner that can be lit when needed in order to produce a small flame, or the pilot light may remain alight so that it’s small flame is on at all times and can be utilised whenever needed, and the function of a conventional pilot light is that the small flame it produces is used to ignite (i.e. the small flame produced by the pilot light directly ignites) a larger gas burner, such as the main burner used for heating the water in a hot water system (or the like), when gas is caused to flow to the larger main burner.

[0067] However, the function of the pilot 300 in the embodiment presently being described is not the same as this. On the contrary, the function of the pilot 300 is (as mentioned above) to elevate the ambient temperature, at least in the region of the internal space 101 where fuelenters through the fuel inlet 200 (and the Figures show that, in this embodiment at least, this region is also where the pilot 300 is generally located), to a temperature above the autoignition temperature of the fuel. The reason for doing this is so that, after the pilot 300 has initially been ignited and has been on / burning for a sufficient time for it to have raised / increased the ambient temperature of the air in (at least) the region of the internal space 101 (close to the closed end 103 and towards the top of the end wall 130) where the fuel enters through the fuel inlet 200 to a temperature above the fuel’s autoignition temperature, any fuel that is thereafter caused to enter / flow in through the inlet 200 auto-ignites.

[0068] Therefore, when fuel is injected (i.e. caused to flow) into this region of the closed- end 103 through the fuel inlet 200, which only occurs after the ambient temperature in this region has been increased to a temperature higher than the fuel’s autoignition temperature by the pilot 300, the fuel (auto) ignites immediately upon entering the said region. It is to be clearly understood that it is not the flame produced by the pilot 300 (or any other naked or burning flame) that is the direct cause for the fuel igniting. In other words, it is not the case that the cause of the fuel igniting (or the way in which the fuel is made to ignite) is upon coming into contact with the flame produced by the pilot 300 (or any other “pilot” type flame). Rather, it is because the pilot 300 (and the heat generated by it) has caused the ambient temperature in the region where fuel enters to be elevated / raised above the fuel’s autoignition temperature before the fuel enters, and the temperature remains so when the fuel begins to enter (and as it continues to flow in), that the fuel consequently spontaneously auto ignites. In other words, it is the very temperature of the ambient air which the fuel encounters upon entering that causes the fuel to immediately begin to combust upon exiting the fuel inlet 200 into the internal space 101 , or more technically, this temperature is sufficient to cause the fuel to immediately begin burning / reacting with the oxygen in the air, and this in turn produces the overhead flame, F, represented schematically in Figure 1 , for the firefighter(s) to train / practice on. As fuel continues to flow in, the temperature in the region near the pilot 300 and the inlet 200 remains elevated above the fuel’s autoignition temperature, partly because of the continued operation of the pilot 300, but heat produced by the (highly exothermic) combustion of the fuel also assists to maintain the temperature in that region above the fuel’s autoignition temperature.

[0069] Figure 1 through Figure 5 show that, in this embodiment, there is a water deflector 132 which projects into the internal space 101 (i.e. into the closed-end 103) from the inside surface of the end wall 130. The water deflector 132 projects inward from the end wall 130 at a height just below the location / height where the fuel inlet 200 extends through the end wall 130. Note that Figure 1 and Figure 2 are side on, cross-sectional schematics. It should therefore be understood that the water deflector 132, despite being represented essentially as only a bentline in Figure 1 and Figure 2, is actually configured (or shaped) more like a shelf (or shallow trough) extending / projecting inwards from the end wall 130, with most of the water deflector 132 just below the level of the fuel inlet 200. It can also be seen that the outer edge of the water deflector 132 (i.e. the edge of it opposite to the edge that joins to the end wall 130) has a portion that is angled / curved upwards. It is actually the underside of this angled / curved up outer edge portion of the water deflector 132 that is visible in Figure 5. Also, the reason the fuel inlet 200 and the pilot 300 are not shown / labelled in Figure 5 is because these are hidden from view behind the outer (curved up) edge of the water deflector 132 in Figure 5.

[0070] The purpose of the water deflector 132 is to prevent some of the water (or limit the amount of water) that is sprayed from the hose used by firefighter(s) during a training exercise from reaching / entering the region where the pilot 300 is and where the fuel enters through the fuel inlet 200. Preventing water from entering this region (or limiting the amount of water that entered this region) helps to ensure that the temperature in this region remains above the autoignition temperature of the fuel, so that fuel entering this region through the fuel inlet 200 auto ignites upon entering. In other words, preventing at least some of the water from entering (or limiting the amount of water that can enter) this region may help to reduce the possibility or amount of heat absorption by water (i.e. by evaporation or flash boiling of any liquid water) in this region, and limiting the amount of heat absorption by water in this region may in turn help to ensure that the temperature in this region remains above the autoignition temperature of the fuel, so that fuel auto ignites upon entering this region when the apparatus is in operation.

[0071] The water deflector 132, due to its shape, may also help somewhat to channel / guide the flow of the fuel gas as it exits the fuel inlet 200, and hence the movement of the flame produced as the flowing fuel gas reacts with oxygen and ignites as it flows, along the ceiling, as shown in Figure 1 .

[0072] The water deflector 132 is not shown in Figure 13 or Figure 14, although the points 132a where the water deflector 132 would attached to the end wall 130 are visible and labelled in Figure 14.

[0073] The combustible fluid fuel used will often be bottled LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), which (as the name suggests) is supplied in liquid form under pressure (LPG is supplied under sufficient pressure to keep the fuel in liquid form at normal outdoor temperatures) in a pressure vessel, such as a gas bottle or gas cylinder. As is generally the case for all LPG supplied in a gas bottle or gas cylinder, when the valve / tap on the bottle / cylinder is opened (after the bottle / cylinder has been connected to whatever the gas is to flow into), the fuel (which is still pressurised and in liquid form when inside the bottle) is depressurised and converted to agaseous form upon passing out through a flow regulator as it leaves the bottle / cylinder. Consequently, in the present embodiment, if / when the fuel used is bottled LPG, then when the LPG bottle(s) is / are connected and opened (and when the apparatus is operated to cause fuel to flow out of the gas bottles and into the apparatus) the fuel is supplied to the fuel inlet 200 (and then into the apparatus) in gaseous form. LPG can be a mixture of a number of volatile / combustible hydrocarbons, but it is usually a mixture of one or more of the following in varying proportions: propane, propylene, butylene, iso butane and n-butane. If (as is common) the fuel is mainly propane, and allowing for imperfect / incomplete combustion, the chemical reaction that occurs (after the fuel enters the internal space 101 and is auto-ignited by the high ambient temperature created by the pilot 300, which is above the fuel’s autoignition temperature) is:C3HS+ xO2-> yCO2+ zCO + wH20 + vC2Hs

[0074] It was mentioned above that one combustible fluid fuel that can be used (and which is in fact used in the embodiment shown in the Figures) is bottled LPG. However, no limitation should be inferred from this, and LPG is not the only combustible fluid fuel that can be used. In fact, a wide range of other combustible fluid (flowable) fuels could potentially be used. By way of example, another fluid fuel that can be used (and which the embodiment shown in some of the Figures is actually configured to also use or operate with) is natural gas, which is typically supplied in gaseous form in pipes (i.e. mains gas). Other fuels could also be used, including (possibly) fuels that are supplied and injected through the fuel inlet 200 in liquid form, or as a spray or mist, etc, which immediately boils and combusts upon entering the apparatus’s internal space.

[0075] The apparatus 100 in the embodiment presently being described is controlled from outside the apparatus by an operator (i.e. a human operator, not shown in any of the Figures) using the remote control 600 shown in Figure 6. Importantly, the operator, who is in primary control of the apparatus 100 via the remote control 600, should at all material times (i.e. before and during an exercise conducted using the apparatus, until the exercise has ended) position him / herself in, and control the apparatus from, a position outside the apparatus where he / she can see in through the open end 102 into the inside 101 of the apparatus. This is so that the operator can see, in particular, the firefighter(s) participating in an exercise (after the firefighter(s) enter), and the flames being produced inside the apparatus, etc. (It is possible that other embodiments could be created where the operator may not necessarily need to physically position him / herself in a position where he / she can see directly (i.e. with his or her own eyes) into the inside of the apparatus, if, for example, the operator is located at some other location while the apparatus is in use but the operator is provided with a view into the inside of theapparatus via a live, real-time video feed, or the like. However, in the embodiment presently described, where the operator controls the apparatus using the remote control 600 shown in Figure 6, the operator should stand on the outside of the apparatus (at a safe distance away, but still) looking into the apparatus through the open end 102.

[0076] It is important for the operator who is in control of the apparatus 100 to have a clear, real-time view of the inside of the apparatus while it is in operation (and preferably also a realtime audio feed of sound coming from the apparatus). The reason this is important is because it is the ability of the operator to see (and preferably also hear) what is occurring inside the apparatus (and with the apparatus generally) in real-time that allows the operator to immediately identify / realise if a firefighter who is participating in an exercise encounters difficulties, or suffers a medical incident, or the like (or if anything like this even appears to happen), or if the apparatus needs to be immediately shut down for any other reason, so that the operator can react and immediately cause (using the remote control 600) gas to cease flowing to the fuel inlets 200, whereupon all flames inside the apparatus will cease (once all unburnt fuel already inside the apparatus’ internal space 101 has combusted or entered a region where the temperature or the oxygen content is insufficient to maintain ongoing combustion, etc). Basically, the operator is able to shut down the apparatus almost immediately if there is a need to do so for any reason.

[0077] Thus, the apparatus can be very quickly “shut down” / “switched off” (such that the production of flames F inside the apparatus ceases almost immediately) if required for any reason. Therefore if, for example, a participant were to get into difficulty during an exercise, the apparatus can be immediately “shut down” and the participant can then very quickly thereafter (if needed) be assisted by one or more others from outside. Also, the one or more others who enter from outside to assist can do so in much safer conditions than would be possible using the previous method described in the Background section above. In particular, anyone entering from outside to assist in these circumstances would not be required to bring an ongoing live / uncontrolled fire within the interior of the apparatus under control in addition to rendering the needed assistance.

[0078] Importantly, it is also possible for the present apparatus to be “switched back on” again very soon, or even almost immediately, after it is “shutdown” (assuming the pilot 300 has not gone out such that the ambient temperature near the fuel inlet 200 remains above the fuel’s autoignition temperature). This can also be of significant benefit if, for example, a participant (such as e.g. a new recruit) gets into difficulty due to inexperience or simply makes a mistake when confronting / combating the overhead flames. If this occurs, the apparatus can (if necessary) be immediately shut down such that the production of flames ceases. That / those participants could then immediately and safely exist the apparatus after it has been shut down(with assistance from others who enter from outside if required, or without if not), and an experienced firefighter educator or trainer could then explain to that / those participants what may have gone wrong or what may have been done incorrectly. And then, those same participants (after readying themselves again and conducting any pre-entry safety procedures) could immediately re-enter the apparatus, and the operator could then once again cause overhead flames to begin being generated within the apparatus, to allow those same participants to “try again” or repeat the exercise to gain the necessary understanding or experience. This ability to allow participants to “try again”, or to practice multiple times, or undertake training exercises (which may be the same or different) one after another in quick succession, is something that simply could not be done with the method previously used (discussed in the Background section above).

[0079] The procedures for operating the apparatus, in particular the start-up and shutdown procedures, are discussed in more detail below. However, a summary is provided here for introductory / explanatory purposes.

[0080] In order to begin the “pre-start” procedures, the doors 140 at the end of the apparatus / container (the end that has the open end 102) must be opened and latched back, i.e. so as to create the open end / opening 102. The doors 140 must remain (and be secured) in the open position whenever the apparatus is in operation. All equipment should also be inspected / tested (and maintained or fixed / replaced, if necessary) before commencing operation of the apparatus, and the fuel supply must be connected and turned on, and all electronic and other equipment turned on and made ready.

[0081] Then, to begin operation of the apparatus, the operator first turns the rotatable switch 602 on the top right hand side of the remote control 600 from the “off” position (shown in Figure 6(l)) to the “on” position (shown in Figure 6(H)).

[0082] Next, the operator can press the “start” button 604. And then, the operator can press the “pilot on” button 606. After the “pilot on” button 606 has been pressed, there is a short safety delay of about 60 seconds (although the length of this delay can be adjusted to be shorter or longer) before the pilot 300 ignites. This short safety delay is provided for (and preprogrammed into the apparatus’ operating electronics) for safety, just in case e.g. (part of the pre-start safety procedures have not been properly followed and) the operator begins operation of the apparatus (and in particular begins to ignite the pilot burner 300) while, say, a person or object is still inside the internal space 101 . The short safety delay after the “pilot on” button 606 has been pressed, but before the pilot burner 300 actually turns on and ignites, provides time, say, if a person or object is still inside the apparatus, for the operator to realise (or be alerted to) this and terminatethe start-up procedure by immediately pushing the “pilot off” button 608. Pushing the “pilot off’ button 608 during the short safety delay stops the pilot 300 from turning on and igniting. Also, if the “pilot off” button 608 is pressed at any time when the pilot 300 is on / ignited (including if this is done while the apparatus 100 is in operation producing flames F), this immediately shuts the pilot burner 300 off, and this (pressing the “pilot off” button 608) also automatically shuts off flow to the fuel inlet 200 (if fuel was flowing to the fuel inlet 200 at the time).

[0083] Once the “pilot on” button 606 has been pressed, and after the preprogrammed short safety delay has passed (assuming the start-up procedure is not terminated during the safety delay), the pilot burner 300 will ignite. When the pilot burner 300 ignites, and also whenever the pilot burner 300 is on / ignited, a green warning light 702 (see Figure 18) illuminates on the outside of the apparatus. In the embodiment presently being described, the green warning light 702 is located on the outside on one of long sides 120 of the apparatus / container, near where the door 140 is latched open. The illumination of the green warning light 702 provides a visible alert that the apparatus is in operation, with the pilot burner 300 lit. It should be noted that fuel may not necessarily always be flowing into the internal space 101 through the fuel inlet 200 (and igniting to produce overhead flames) at all times when the pilot burner 300 is lit. However, whenever the pilot burner 300 is lit, the green warning light 702 is on / illuminated to alert all in the vicinity that the apparatus is in operation, and even if fuel is not flowing into the apparatus to create flames at all times while the pilot burner 300 is lit and the green light 702 is illuminated, this (i.e. the injection of fuel to create overhead flames) is either occurring or imminent at all times when the pilot burner 300 is lit. The green warning light 702 provides a visible warning of this.

[0084] The apparatus in this embodiment also has another warning light 704, which in this case is a red warning light 704. The red warning light 704 is located near (in fact in this embodiment it is part of the same light assembly as) the green warning light 702. The purpose of the red warning light 704 is to alert if there is a fault with the operation of the pilot burner 300 or the flame it produces. If a fault is detected with the pilot burner 300 or with the flame it produces, the red warning light 704 will immediately illuminate, and audible alarm will also sound. This (i.e. the illumination of the red warning light 704, and also the sounding of the audible alarm) will alert the operator to immediately terminate the operation of the apparatus by pressing the “pilot off” button 608.

[0085] However, once the “pilot on” button 606 has been pressed, and after the preprogrammed short safety delay has passed, assuming the start-up procedure is not terminated during the safety delay, and assuming also that the pilot burner 300 is functioning properly and ignites (i.e. assuming no fault with the pilot burner 300 is detected requiring the operator to terminate operation of the apparatus), the apparatus is then (or is soon thereafter)ready to commence flow / entry of fuel via the fuel inlet 200.

[0086] To initiate the entry / injection of fuel into the inside of the apparatus through the fuel inlet 200, the operator must (in this embodiment) press and hold down the two “main on” buttons 609 simultaneously. Note: fuel will only begin to flow in through the inlet 200 to auto ignite and create overhead flames F if (and only for so long as) the operator is pressing and holding down both of the “main on” buttons 609 simultaneously. If the operator presses only one of the “main on” buttons 609, fuel will not flow to or through the fuel inlet 200. Equally, even if the operator is initially pressing and holding down both of the “main on” buttons 609, such that fuel is initially flowing to and through the fuel inlet 200 (and autoigniting upon entering the internal space 101 to create overhead flames inside the apparatus), if the operator then releases even one of the “main on” buttons 609 while the other “main on” button 609 remains pressed down, the flow of fuel to and through the inlet 200 will immediately cease. The requirement for the operator to press down on both of the “main on” buttons simultaneously in order to cause fuel to begin flowing, and the functionality whereby fuel immediately ceases to flow if even one of the “main on” buttons 609 (or both of them) is released, and such that fuel will not flow again until both buttons are (first released and then) pressed down simultaneously and held, is provided as a safety measure, somewhat akin to a “dead man switch”.

[0087] It should be understood that, when the operator is operating the apparatus during an exercise (e.g. when one or more participants are inside the apparatus during a training exercise), the operator may not necessarily always just press down the “main on” buttons 609 and then hold them down continuously for the entire duration of exercise. This is possible, and it may be done in some instances. However, it is also possible for the operator to deliberately vary the production (and hence the behaviour) of the overhead flames being produced by, for example, initially pressing down on both of the “main on” button 609 and holding them down simultaneously for a certain period (so that flames F are produced for that period), but the operator might then release the “main on” buttons 609 (or one of them) to cause flames to temporarily stop producing, before then (releasing and) pressing down on both of the “main on” buttons 609 simultaneously again to cause flames to again commence producing. In this way, the operator can cause the flames F to be turned on, and off, or to be created in pulses (the duration of which is within the operator’s control via the remote control 600) in any way that the operator desires. In this way, the operator is able to create any number of differing types of training exercises with overhead flames that are e.g. turned on, and off, and on again, etc, or pulsed in pulses of the same or varying duration, or held / kept on, etc, and in which the flames therefore behave in any manner of different ways. This allows the apparatus to be used (under the control of the operator) to allow firefighters to practice or train on a wide (limitless) range ofdiffering situations, and also to practice different training techniques that may be applicable or suitable for use when combating overhead flames with differing behaviours.

[0088] It will be appreciated that, after the pilot 300 has caused the temperature in (at least) the region around the pilot 300 and gas inlet 200 to exceed the fuel’s autoignition temperature, and after the combustible fuel then begins entering through the fuel inlet 200, inflows thereafter of fuel into the closed end 103 (whether this is a continuous / steady inflow of fuel, or a broken “pulsed” flow, or a combination, etc) cause the fuel to instantly combust as / whenever new fuel enters and encounters air that is above the autoignition temperature. This is what generates the overhead flame as the fuel continuously combusts (reacts with oxygen), and further inflow of fuel generally causes the flame produced by the combustion to begin moving along the ceiling 1 10, away from the closed end 103, towards the open end 102. Thus, the continued / ongoing inflow of the fuel (whether it is a continuous / steady inflow of fuel, or a broken “pulsed” flow, etc) is a part of what causes the flame to move along the ceiling. Note that the overhead flame F schematically illustrated in Figure 1 , which is of approximately constant thickness / depth along the ceiling 1 10, is roughly indicative of the kind of flame that would be produced by a continuous, steady (unbroken) inflow of fuel (and assuming the flow of flame is not affected by contact with water from a participant firefighter or the like).

[0089] When flames F are being produced and are moving along the ceiling 120, away from the closed end 103, as just discussed and shown in Figure 1 , this in turn causes air to be sucked into the internal space 101 from outside, as indicated by arrows A1 in Figure 1 , and it also causes air that is already inside the internal space 101 to be drawn / sucked up from lower level / heights (near the floor) up towards the overhead flames F near the ceiling, as indicated by arrows A2 in Figure 1 . The air in / near the closed end 103 (close to the end wall 130) is also caused to circulate and swirl, as indicated by arrows A3 in Figure 1 . The way in which air is drawn into the apparatus from outside, and the way it swirls within the apparatus, is due to a number of complex and interrelated factors, but the general vertical temperature variation / gradient that is created (and the consequent air expansion, etc, that occurs) when flames are being produced is one of the factors that contributes to this. In the example situation schematically depicted in Figure 1 , the vertical temperature gradient at a location approximately midway along the length of the apparatus is such that the temperature near the floor is approximately 50°C, the temperature at approximately mid height within the internal space 101 is approximately 150°C, and the temperature close to the ceiling (but just below the flames F) is approximately 500°C, but the temperature within the flame F itself is approximately 1600°C.

[0090] It was mentioned above that, after the pilot 300 has caused the temperature in (at least) the region around the pilot 300 and gas inlet 200 to exceed the fuel’s autoignitiontemperature, and after the combustible fuel then begins entering through the fuel inlet 200, the progressive / continued inflow of fuel causes the flame produced by the combusting fuel to move along the ceiling 1 10, away from the closed end 103, towards the open end 102.

[0091] In addition to this, the apparatus 100 also includes an air inlet that will hereafter be referred to as the secondary air inlet 400. In Figure 1 and Figure 2, the secondary air inlet 400 is depicted schematically only. However, Figure 14 shows that, in the embodiment depicted in that Figure (and the same embodiment is shown in other Figures), the secondary air inlet 400 comprises a pair of elongate pipes / tubes. Those elongate pipes / tubes extend through the end wall 130 near the very top thereof (just below where the end wall 130 joins to the ceiling 110), and they extend for a distance along (or just beneath) the ceiling 1 10. Additional air is introduced into the internal space 101 at or just below ceiling height via the secondary air inlet 400. In the embodiment depicted in Figure 14, air is introduced into the internal space 101 upon exiting the open ends of the elongate tubes / pipes inside the internal space 101 . The air that is introduced into the internal space 101 via the secondary air inlet 400 is indicated in Figure 1 by the arrow A4.

[0092] Part of the purpose of the secondary air inlet 400 is that the air it introduces into the internal space 101 contains oxygen which can be consumed (i.e. which the fuel can react with and combust) to produce the flames F. However, in addition, the speed / flow rate at which air is introduced into the internal space 101 via the secondary air inlet 400 can also be controlled (i.e. it can be increased and decreased, as desired), and this in turn can be used to adjust / control the speed at which gas and flames move / propagate across the ceiling. In other words, increasing the rate at which air is introduced via the secondary air inlet 400 increases the speed of the movement / propagation of the flames F across the ceiling, and decreasing the rate at which air is introduced via the secondary air inlet 400 decreases the speed of the movement / propagation of the flames F across the ceiling.

[0093] For the embodiment shown in a number of the Figures, namely the one for which the secondary air inlet 400 comprises a pair of tubes as shown in Figure 14, the air that is introduced into the internal space 101 by those tubes is pumped / blown in by a fan / blower. The fan / blower is contained within a box 402, as shown in Figure 9. Changing / adjusting the speed at which the fan / blower contained within the box 402 is operating changes / adjusts the rate at which air is introduced through the pair of elongate tubes into the internal space 101. The controls for controlling / adjusting the rate at which the fan / blower inside box 402 operates, and hence for controlling the rate at which air is introduced by the secondary air inlet 400, are contained within (or mounted on) the apparatus’s main electrical control box 500. In other embodiments, controls for adjusting / changing the rate at which air can be introduced via the secondary air inlet 400 (orfor turning the secondary air inlet on and off) might be provided on the remote control (or other controls) used by the operator to control / operate the apparatus during a training exercise.

[0094] Firefighters who are to participate in an educational or training exercise inside the apparatus 100 should generally only enter the internal space 101 after the pilot 300 has elevated the ambient temperature in (at least) the region surrounding the fuel inlet 200 to a temperature above the fuel’s autoignition temperature, but they should generally enter before the operator causes fuel to begin flowing in through the fuel inlet 200. The participant firefighter(s) should therefore be inside the apparatus, and in position and ready, before the operator causes flames to begin being produced.

[0095] Once the pilot 300 has done its job (such that the ambient temperature near the fuel inlet 200, at least, is above the fuel’s autoignition temperature), and the participant firefighters have entered and readied themselves, the controller can use the remote control 600 (in the manner discussed above) to cause the fuel to start flowing in through the fuel inlets 200. As explained above, the operator can create a steady flow of fuel / flame, or a broken “pulsed” flow of fuel / flame (where the operator can control the duration of the pulses and the time between pulses), or the operator may use these in any desired combination, to create different situations and scenarios for the participant firefighters to practice on.

[0096] The firefighter(s) participating in the exercise will generally use water from a fire hose to confront / attack the flames, practising using correct procedures and techniques for such overhead flames. This may often involve using the fire hose to produce / spray short duration pulses of water as a fine mist directed up at the flames. Other methods or techniques for confronting and controlling overhead flames may also be employed or practised by firefighters participating in an exercise. The details of these firefighting techniques themselves are not part of the present invention and need not be discussed further.

[0097] Figure 2 schematically illustrates, by way of example and for illustrative purposes only, a situation in which a firefighter participating in a training exercise inside the apparatus 100 is using a fire hose to produce / spray a short duration pulse of water as a fine mist up at the overhead flames F moving along the ceiling 110 (which the participating firefighter is practising confronting). Before the firefighter turns the hose on to produce the fine mist of water, the flames (prior to being hit by the water) would be mostly overhead and extending along the ceiling, i.e. as generally depicted schematically in Figure 1 . However, as depicted in Figure 2, when the firefighter sprays water up at (and into) the overhead flames, as is often done as a pulse of small water droplets or a fine mist, contact between this mist of water and the overhead flame causes the flame, which was previously mainly just moving along the ceiling overhead, to descend ormove down towards the ground / floor, and therefore towards the firefighter (or at least towards the level from which the firefighter is confronting the flames). This (i.e. the way the flames move down) is an important aspect of overhead flame / fire behaviour for participant firefighters to experience and practice combating.

[0098] A brief / simplistic explanation for the reason why this flame behaviour is believed to occur is given below. It is believed that the fine mist of water produced / sprayed out of the fire hose creates a barrier (and it is believed that this barrier may be caused by an effective wall of pressure formed by the water mist, its shape, density etc) that combusting gas (and hence the flame F) cannot easily move past or through. However, while the combusting fuel / flame may be mostly or completely unable to move past or through this barrier (which is believed to be created by the spray of water), nevertheless there is still oxygen that has not yet been consumed / combusted contained within the closed-end 103, i.e. in between the end wall 130 and the barrier created by the fine mist of water. In particular, although the oxygen that is initially consumed is the oxygen up near the ceiling (which the fuel encounters first upon entering through the fuel inlet 200), there is also oxygen in the air lower down including, after the firefighter has created the barrier by spraying the fine mist of water, in the air between that barrier and the end wall 130. As a consequence, when the combusting fuel / flame is unable to move beyond the barrier created by the water mist, the combusting fuel instead begins to move down and begins to consume oxygen located in the air lower down. As a result, the flame descends vertically down from the ceiling towards the floor, as shown in Figure 2. In some cases, this can even cause the flame to descend right onto (or to engulf) the participant firefighters from overhead, and it is important for firefighters to learn and practice how to combat this behaviour, and other behaviours, of overhead flames. The above is believed to be (at least in simplistic terms) the reason (or part of the reason) for the flame behaviour shown in Figure 2. However, the invention is not to be considered in any way bound to or by this theory (or whether or to what extent this is correct), and in any event, the explanation for this observed flame behaviour is not directly relevant to the invention or how it operates, and the explanation given above with reference to Figure 2 is given for illustrative / example purposes only.

[0099] One thing that should be noted is that the apparatus in the embodiment depicted in the accompanying Figures has a secondary air inlet 400. This may not always be the case. There could be embodiments of the invention that do not have a secondary air inlet. However, in embodiments that do have a secondary air inlet 400 (and this is the case in all of the accompanying Figures), the amount of oxygen present inside the apparatus, particularly at and near the closed-end 103, is maintained / kept at a sufficient level to allow ongoing combustion of the fuel injected. In particular, the introduction of air (and hence oxygen) via the secondary airinlet 400 means that combustion of the fuel (and production of flames) does not cease (or falter or fail or diminish) as a result of lack of sufficient oxygen.

[0100] The scenario (or the kinds of scenarios) produced / simulated by the apparatus 100, i.e. with an indoor flame (i.e., a flame produced in a confined space which would normally contain only a limited amount of air / oxygen and fuel), but where there is a continual supply (or a continual replenishment) of oxygen, and also a continual supply / replenishment of the combustible fuel, such that flames continue to be produced in the indoor / confined space almost lim itlessly (or until the fuel flow is stopped), is actually not realistic or representative of actual indoor fires that a firefighter would likely encounter in reality. Nor are the flames produced by the apparatus 100 necessarily exactly representative of the kinds of flame that would be encountered in reality. However, that is not the point. The point of the apparatus not necessarily to simulate reality (or a real-life fire scenario) as closely as possible. Nor is it the point of the apparatus 100 to enable the firefighters participating in the exercise to actually put the flames out. Indeed, they generally cannot put the flames out in the embodiment of the apparatus shown and described. Rather, the purpose of the apparatus is that it is intended to create a training environment where firefighters can practice (repeatedly, if necessary) and learn techniques that can be used to fight overhead flames in different situations, and to practice different techniques in a relatively safe, controlled / controllable environment, even if the environment created to enable this is not entirely realistic.

[0101] Turning next to Figure s, it can be seen from this Figure that the floor of the apparatus (except for in the regions close to the open end 102 and close to the closed-end 103) is perforated. Figure 3 and Figure 15 show that, in the particular embodiment shown in these Figures, the perforated portion of the floor (and the openings in this perforated portion of the floor) are created by forming this portion of the floor from metal grates 1 12. The gaps / openings in the grates 112 allow air / gas and pressure etc to communicate (i.e. to move in and out) between the inside and the outside of the apparatus. The openings in the grates 112 therefore allow pressure (e.g. created by combustion and rapid temperature increases etc inside the apparatus) to escape through the floor, meaning that the apparatus consequently behaves less like a pressure vessel, and this also helps to limit the extent to which pressure (and heat and the like) is forced rapidly or dangerously out through the open end 102. The openings / gaps in the perforated portion of the floor (because they are located in the part of the apparatus that is vertically furthest from the ceiling) do not substantially affect the way in which the flames F are produced and propagate along / across the ceiling.

[0102] However, as can be seen in Figure 13 and Figure 15 for example, for much of the length of the perforated portion of the floor, pavers 113 are placed on top of the grates 112. Thepavers 113 are placed on top of the grates 112 “loose”. That is, the pavers are not secured to the grates or to one another. The pavers 113 therefore simply rest (loose) on top of the grates 112. The pavers 113 (despite simply resting loose on top of the grates 112) provide a more level / smooth, and also more secure, surface and footing for firefighters to walk on, and they also reduce the trip hazard, compared to if the firefighters were instead required to walk directly on the perforated grates 112. Because the pavers 113 simply rest (loose) on top of the grates 112, small gaps / openings remain between the individual pavers, and these gaps between the pavers allow pressure and heat etc to escape out through the openings in the grates 112, even in parts of the floor where the grates 1 12 are covered by the pavers 113.

[0103] Figure 3 also shows (from above) the locations on either side of the apparatus where the gas bottles / cylinders are positioned, which are on the outer sides of the walls of (i.e. on the opposite sides of the respective walls of) the apparatus’ above-mentioned control room.

[0104] Turning to Figure 4, this shows a schematic illustration of the sidewall framing of the apparatus. Many of the other Figures, including Figure 12, Figure 13, Figure 14 and Figure 15 show that there are a number of metallic surface liners 121 secured on the inside surface of each of the apparatus’ sidewalls 120. In fact, on each of the apparatus’ sidewalls 120, there is also an insulating material 122 which installed behind these metallic surface liners 121. The metallic surface liners 121 help to protect the insulating material 122 (from flame / fire damage but also from impact or abrasion damage etc), and the insulating material 122 helps prevent heat from being transferred from the inside of the apparatus to the outside (e.g. so that the outside surfaces of the side walls 120 do not become hot or dangerous to touch etc). The insulating material 122, and the surface liners 121 , are not illustrated in Figure 4; however it will be appreciated that these are mounted to the wall framing illustrated in Figure 4. Basically, the insulating material 122 is secured to the wall framing shown in Figure 4, and it is sandwiched between the wall framing and the liners 121 by a number of large bolts, as shown.

[0105] It will also be appreciated from the Figures that the ceiling 110, and the end wall 130, also have identical insulating material 122 and liners 121 thereon, and these are secured in position in the same way as just described.

[0106] Figure 4 also shows the flue 150, and the lever mechanism 151 used to open and close it. The purpose of the flue 150 can be appreciated from Figure 1. The flue 150 should be open at all times when the apparatus is in operation, and its purpose is to help ensure that any flames (or at least most or a substantial portion of them) that manage to travel all the way along the ceiling 1 10 and reach the open end 102 exit vertically upwards through the open flue 150, instead of shooting horizontally out through the open doors / open end 102 (which could bedangerous). Figure 16 and Figure 17 also shows the flue 150 when it is open, and Figure 16 also provides a clearer view of the lever mechanism 151 used for opening and closing it in this embodiment.

[0107] Figure 9 is a view into the apparatus’ control room, i.e. with the metal mesh door shown in Figure 7 open and looking into the control room. The control room is a small space located behind (i.e. on the outside of) the end wall 130. As can be seen from Figure 9, the control room contains the apparatus’s main electrical control box 500, which houses the controls and electronic equipment, etc, for controlling the operation of the apparatus (including the electronic and signalling componentry which communicates with the remote control 600). This control room also houses the apparatus’s air blower 402. Also visible in Figure 9 is some of the plumbing via which combustible fuel is supplied to the fuel inlet 200 (Figure 9 actually illustrates the individual pipes / tubes that convey fuel to each of the individual fuel inlet nozzles 210), and also the plumbing via which fuel is supplied to the pilot 300.

[0108] Figure 19 illustrates a contact switch 800 associated with the door 140 of the apparatus shown in Figure 18. The contact switch forms 800 functions such that the apparatus can only operate when (and in particular fuel cannot flow to the fuel inlet 200, etc, unless) this door 140 is swung fully open and latched / secured in the open position shown, and in particular, with the bolt 142 which is shown extending from the door hasp in this Figure contacting and engaging / activating the contact switch 800, as shown. If the door moves such that the bolt 142 disengages or moves out of contact with the contact switch 800 at any time while the apparatus is in operation, the apparatus will immediately and automatically shut down and all flow of fuel will immediately cease.

[0109] The following is a more detailed explanation of procedures employed in operating the apparatus in the embodiment shown.

[0110] Before commencing pre-start checks, it should be verified that all necessary maintenance work on the apparatus has been completed. All isolations should also be removed, and the area must be cleared of all foreign objects, such as rubbish, maintenance equipment, tools, and the like. No materials or tools or the like should ever be stored on top of, under or in the apparatus. Applicable signage should be erected to create an exclusion zone around the apparatus prior to its operation to prevent unauthorised personnel from entering the exclusion zone. The apparatus should also be ventilated prior to the commencement of pre-start checks.[0011 1] PRE-START CHECKS

[0112] 1. Open the main doors 140 and ensure they are latched back so that the contactswitch 800 for the or each door 140 that has one is engaged / activated (in the embodiment shown, it is only the door 140 on the side shown in Figure 18 that has a contact switch 800). After each shutdown, the doors should be closed and opened and, in particular, the door(s) 140 that have a contact switch 800 should be opened and latched in contact with the contact switch 800 to test / verify the operation of the / each contact switch 800.

[0113] Personnel should only enter the apparatus 100 with a personal gas detector (as a minimum) as the atmosphere inside could be contaminated.

[0114] 2. Check the interior of the apparatus, i.e. the internal space 101 , and ensure it is empty.

[0115] 3. Check the pilot 300 is clean, unobstructed and undamaged. Clean it if required before proceeding with pre-start. Do not proceed with pre-start if the pilot 300 is faulty or damaged.

[0116] 4. Open the flue 150 by pulling the handle 151 towards the door and locking it in place as shown in Figure 16.

[0117] 5. If necessary / applicable, on the outside of the sidewall of the apparatus shown inFigure 18, remove the cover (not shown) and install (i.e. plug in) the detachable lighting assembly that contains and provides the green and red warning lights 702 and 704. (In this embodiment, this detachable lighting assembly also houses the audible alarm.)

[0118] 6. Connect electricity supply to the apparatus (this is done by connecting electrical power leads to the power sockets (not labelled but visible) on the side of the main control box 500) and turn it on. Also check and confirm that the remote control 600 is operating correctly.

[0119] 7. Confirm that all emergency shut down buttons 601 are operational.

[0120] 8. Confirm that all LPG valves (not labelled) are in the closed position.

[0121] Steps 9-13 below apply if LPG cylinders are to be used to supply the combustible fuel. Alternatively, if the fuel to be used is mains gas, proceed to step 14. Importantly, if fuel contained in LPG cylinders is to be used, the valve through which mains gas can alternatively be supplied must be closed or the mains gas pipe plugged. If the fuel to be used is mains gas, the LPG cylinders should be disconnected and each of the pigtails secured to its applicable attachment point (as shown in Figure 8).

[0122] 9. Confirm that all six of the LPG gas cylinders have sufficient fuel to proceed.Generally, all cylinders should be at least 50% full in order to proceed.

[0123] 10. Connect the LPG cylinder pigtails to the respective LPG cylinders.

[0124] 11 . Open the taps / valves on each of the LPG cylinders.

[0125] 12. Open the LPG supply valves on the pipework that connects the cylinders to the fuel inlets 200 and also the pilot 300.

[0126] 13. Carry out leak tests on all LPG pipework and valves. If no leaks are found, the apparatus is now ready for operation - proceed to step 16.

[0127] As mentioned above, step 14 below follows directly after step 8 above if the fuel to be used is mains gas, and if so, the LPG cylinders should be disconnected and each of the pigtails secured to their attachment points.

[0128] 14. Open the valve (not shown) on the pipework that connects the mains gas supply to the fuel inlet 200 and pilot 300.

[0129] 15. Carry out leak tests on all mains gas pipework and valves. If no leaks are found, the apparatus is now ready for operation - proceed to step 16.

[0130] 16. Turn the system on / off switch 501 on the main control box 500 (under the PLC screen / display) to “on”.

[0131] 17. Confirm the operation of the PLC screen / display on the main control box 500.

[0132] 18. Using the controls on the main control box 500, set the speed of the air blower 402 (which controls the flow rate of air introduced through the secondary air inlet 400) to the desired value.

[0133] 19. Press the PLC’s “reset” button 502 on the main control box 500.

[0134] 20. Close and open the doors 140 and ensure that the door(s) 140 that have a contact switch 800 are latched in contact with the contact switch 800 to verify the operation of the / each contact switch 800. If the / each contact switch 800 is confirmed to be operating correctly, the apparatus is now ready to be operated.

[0135] OPERATION

[0136] 21 . The remote control 600 can be used to operate the apparatus 100, as explained above.

[0137] SHUTDOWN PROCEDURE

[0138] 22. Close the taps / valves on each of the LPG cylinders (if LPG cylinders are used to supply the fuel) or close the valve (not shown) on the pipework that connects the mains gas supply to the fuel inlet 200 and pilot 300 (if mains gas is used).

[0139] 23. Operate the pilot 300 to use up any gas remaining in the pipework.

[0140] 24. Turn the switch 602 on the remote control 600 to “off”.

[0141] 25. Press the red “Stop” button 603 on the remote control 600.

[0142] 26. Turn the system on / off switch 501 on the main control box 500 (under the PLC screen / display) to “off”.

[0143] 27. Disconnect mains power (by disconnecting power leads from the power sockets on the main control box 500).

[0144] 28. If necessary / applicable, on the outside of the sidewall of the apparatus shown in Figure 18, remove (i.e. unplug) the detachable lighting assembly that contains and provides the green and red warning lights 702 and 704 and in its place reinstall the cover over the light assembly’s attachment / connection point.

[0145] 29. Close the flue 150 using the lever 151.

[0146] 30. Close and lock the doors 140.

[0147] For mains gas supply, the supply pipe / hose that connects the mains gas to the apparatus should be disconnected and caps installed on the connection point. For LPG cylinders, the pigtails must be disconnected from the LPG cylinders and connected to their respective connection points.

[0148] In this specification, the term “comprising” is (and likewise variants of the term such as “comprise” or “comprises” are) intended to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or integers, but not necessarily the exclusion of any other integer, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0149] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various placesthroughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0150] It is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited to or by any specific features (or anything else) described in the Brief Description of the Figures or Detailed Description, or shown in the Figures, since those sections of the specification relate mainly only to one possible way of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An apparatus having an internal space, the internal space having a ceiling, closed sides, a closed end, and an opening located generally opposite the closed end, wherein the apparatus is operable for use in enabling one or more firefighters to confront a fire with overhead flames, and the apparatus further comprises: one or more fuel inlets through which combustible fluid fuel can enter the internal space, wherein at least one fuel inlet is located such that, when fuel flows to said at least one fuel inlet, fuel enters the internal space through said at least one fuel inlet at or near the closed end of the internal space near the ceiling; and a heat source, which is operable to elevate the ambient temperature, at least in the region of the internal space where fuel enters through the said at least one fuel inlet, to a temperature above the fuel’s autoignition temperature, and means for enabling an operator to cause fuel to cease flowing to one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s).

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the means for enabling an operator to cause fuel to stop flowing to one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s) can be operated by the operator from a location outside the apparatus.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the apparatus comprises means for enabling an operator to cause fuel to flow, and stop flowing, to one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s).

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the apparatus comprises means for enabling an operator to operate the heat source, including turning it on and off.

5. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein fuel is prevented from flowing to the fuel inlet(s) if the heat source is not on.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or any one of claims 4-5 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a wireless remote control for enabling an operator to cause fuel to flow, and stop flowing, to one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s).

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 when claim 6 is read as dependent on claim 4, wherein the remote control includes controls for enabling the operator to turn the heat source on and off.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 or 7 wherein, for the said at least one fuel inlet at least, the remote control has two buttons which must be pressed simultaneously in order for fuel to begin flowing to the said fuel inlet(s), and fuel only continues to flow the said fuel inlet(s) if (and only while) the operator is pressing and holding both buttons.

9. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises means for preventing at least some water (or limiting the amount of water) that is sprayed from a hose used by a firefighter from reaching and / or entering the region where fuel enters the internal space through one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s).

10. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat source comprises a burner (“pilot burner”) that is fueled by the same fuel as the fuel inlet(s).11 . The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further includes an air inlet which is operable to introduce outside air into the internal space.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the air inlet is operable to introduce outside air into (or near) the closed end.

13. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the speed / flow rate at which air is introduced by the air inlet can be controlled.

14. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is elongate in shape overall, with the closed (enclosed) end located at or toward one end of the elongate shape and the opening located at or towards the opposite end of the elongate shape.

15. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a modified shipping container.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the opening is created by opening a door or doors at one end of the shipping container, the sides of the apparatus correspond to respective side walls of the shipping container and the apparatus’ ceiling corresponds to the inside of the container’s roof.

17. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sides and the ceiling meet an end wall at the closed end.

18. The apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein there is at least one fuel inlet that extends through the end wall at a location high on the end wall such that, when fuel is caused to flow to (and through) the said fuel inlet, fuel enters the internal space through the said fuel inlet close to / near the ceiling.

19. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus has an openable and closable flue.

20. The apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the flue is located in a portion of the ceiling near the opening.21 . The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus has a floor and at least a portion of the floor is perforated.

22. The apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an insulating material is provided on the sides and / or the ceiling.

23. The apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein protective material is provided to protect at least some of the insulating material.

24. A method for enabling one or more firefighters to confront a fire with overhead flames in an apparatus having an internal space, the internal space having a ceiling, closed sides, a closed end, and an opening located generally opposite the closed end, the apparatus also having one or more fuel inlets, wherein at least one fuel inlet is located such that, when a combustible fluid fuel flows to said at least one fuel inlet, fuel enters the internal space through said at least one fuel inlet at or near the closed end of the internal space near the ceiling, a heat source, and controls for enabling an operator to cause fuel to flow to, and stop flowing to, one or more or all of the fuel inlet(s), wherein the method comprises:operating the heat source to elevate the ambient temperature, at least in the region of the internal space where fuel enters through the said at least one fuel inlet, to a temperature above the fuel’s autoignition temperature, and then operating the controls to cause combustible fuel to enter the internal space through one or more fuel inlets to thereby cause overhead flames to be produced, and also to stop the flow of fuel to stop the production of overhead flames if or when desired / required.

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