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Title:
MOBILE LIQUID DEPLOYMENT VEHICLE AND SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2020/220145
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Provided is a mobile liquid deployment vehicle and system. The vehicle comprises a carriage having a plurality of ground engaging wheels, a longitudinal conduit supported on the carriage, having an input connector at a first end that can receive an inflow of a liquid, a tower containing a channel therein that is fluidly connected to the conduit, a first end of the tower branching from the conduit, and a liquid output device attached to a second end of the tower that is configured to receive liquid from the tower for deployment. The tower is able to move between a stowed position and a spraying position. A system is also disclosed, in which a plurality of vehicles are fluidly connected, such as in series, to deploy liquid over a vast area. Once set up, a vehicle and the system can be operated in an autonomous or semi-autonomous manner to aid in fighting and/or preventing fires.

Inventors:
MCKEEN DAVID BRIAN (CA)
COONS CATHY DAWN (CA)
CRAIG ERIC GEORGE (CA)
BARNET DON (CA)
DENURE SIMON (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2020/050595
Publication Date:
November 05, 2020
Filing Date:
May 04, 2020
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
MCKEEN DAVID BRIAN (CA)
International Classes:
A62C27/00; A01G25/09; A62C3/02; B05B15/60; B62B3/12
Foreign References:
CN207356427U2018-05-15
CN207995770U2018-10-23
CN204697653U2015-10-14
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
RIDOUT & MAYBEE LLP et al. (CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A mobile liquid deployment vehicle, comprising

a carriage having a plurality of ground engaging wheels;

a longitudinal conduit supported on the carriage, having an input connector at a first end that can receive an inflow of a liquid from a liquid source;

a tower containing a channel therein that is in liquid communication with the conduit, a first end of the tower branching from the conduit; and

an output device attached to a second end of the tower that is configured to receive liquid from the tower for deployment.

2. A mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1, further comprising

at least one horizontal support connected to an upper portion of a

frame of the carriage, the at least one horizontal support extending substantially transversely to the length of the carriage, and anchoring the conduit to the carriage.

3. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1 or 2, further

comprising

means to raise the tower between an erect spraying position and a prone stowed position.

4. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a neck portion in liquid communication with the conduit, the neck

portion fluidly connecting the conduit and the tower.

5. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 4, wherein the neck portion and/or the tower comprises a swivel connection that allows the tower to rotate about the neck portion between an erect spraying position and a prone stowed position.

6. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 4, further comprising an intermediate portion positioned between and fluidly connecting the

neck portion and the tower, the intermediate portion comprising a swivel connection that allows the tower to rotate about the neck between an erect spraying position and a prone stowed position.

7. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 6, wherein the

intermediate portion is U-shaped.

8. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a tower support attached to the carriage that receives the tower when it is in a stowed position.

9. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1, wherein the output device is rotatably attached to the second end of the tower.

10. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1, wherein the output device is a sprayer, a water cannon, a mister, or a fogger.

11. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1, further comprising an auxiliary connection in fluid communication with the conduit.

12. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1, wherein a second end of the conduit comprises an output connector.

13. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1, further comprising at least one post rotatably connected to the carriage, the at least one post having a ground engaging member at one end, and a mechanism to telescopically alter the length of the at least one post

14. The mobile liquid deployment vehicle of claim 1, further comprising means to raise and lower the output device to alter a launch angle of the liquid. 15. A system for deploying liquid, comprising

a plurality of vehicles as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14, that are fluidly connected with each other.

16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising

a fluid pumping vehicle and/or a tanker vehicle in fluid communication with a first vehicle of the system to provide fluid to the system.

Description:
MOBILE LIQUID DEPLOYMENT VEHICLE AND SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to the field of mobile liquid deployment vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a vehicle that disperses liquid to suppress fires, or to soak buildings or terrain as a preventative measure in advance of a fire. The invention also relates to a system comprising a number of vehicles that may be connected in series. Background of the Invention

Although wildfires are a natural phenomenon, their frequency and severity appears to be growing. Wildfires typically occur in dry forested areas, and the combustible nature of the surrounding vegetation encourages quick and often uncontrollable spreading. Embers or sparks can travel via wind to other flammable areas, which propagates the wildfire. If the embers or sparks find their way to residential areas, this can cause the loss of homes, subdivisions, and even towns. The unpredictable nature of a wildfire often leads to loss of life including frontline firefighters and the general population residing in the area.

The use of autonomous or semi-autonomous firefighting equipment is becoming more common. Such equipment includes motorized or robotic vehicles that deploy water as needed. Rapidly deploying such vehicles to battle active fires, or to soak homes in advance of the fire as a preventative measure, is a safer option and provides added support.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile liquid deployment vehicle. The vehicle comprises a carriage having ground engaging wheels. The carriage supports a conduit having an input connector that can receive an inflow of a liquid. Branching upward from the conduit is a neck portion containing a channel therein, that is hingedly attached to a tower. The tower defines a channel therein, and can be raised into an erect spraying position, in which a first end of the tower forms a substantially water tight seal with the neck portion. The tower can be hingedly lowered into a stowed position. An output device is rotatably attached to a second end of the tower, and is in liquid communication with the tower channel.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for deploying liquid. The system comprises a plurality of vehicles as described herein in fluid communication with each other. Preferably the plurality of vehicles are connected in series. The system may also include a means of supplying a liquid to a first vehicle in the series, such as a water pumping truck or a tanker truck.

In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises at least one horizontal support connected to an upper portion of a frame of the carriage, the at least one horizontal support extending substantially transversely to the length of the carriage, and anchoring the conduit to the carriage.

In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises means to raise the tower between an erect spraying position and a prone stowed position.

In an embodiment, the neck portion and/or the tower comprises a swivel connection that allows the tower to rotate about the neck portion between an erect spraying position and a prone stowed position.

In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises an intermediate portion positioned between and fluidly connecting the neck portion and the tower, the intermediate portion comprising a swivel connection that allows the tower to rotate about the neck between an erect spraying position and a prone stowed position.

In an embodiment, the intermediate portion is U-shaped, and the connection between the neck and tower is configured such that the tower is

substantially parallel to the conduit when in the stowed position. In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises a tower support attached to the carriage that receives the tower when it is in a stowed position.

In an embodiment, the output device is rotatably attached to the second end of the tower.

In an embodiment, the output device is a sprayer, a water cannon, a mister, or a fogger.

In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises an auxiliary connection in fluid communication with the conduit.

In an embodiment, a second end of the conduit comprises an output connector.

In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises at least one post rotatably connected to the carriage, the at least one post having a ground engaging member at one end, and a mechanism to telescopically alter the length of the at least one post.

In an embodiment, the vehicle comprises means to raise and lower the output device to alter a launch angle of the liquid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described in further detail in which :

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention in a stowed or transport position;

Figure 2 is photograph of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention with the bracing members in a ground-engaging position;

Figure 3 is another perspective view of the vehicle as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is another perspective view of the vehicle as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is another perspective view of the vehicle as shown in Figure 1 with the tower in a spraying position; Figure 6 is a photograph of a perspective view of an output device mounted to a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention in a stowed or transport position;

Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a vehicle according to another embodiment in a stowed position;

Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle as shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of the vehicle as shown in Figure 8 with the tower in a spraying position;

Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle as shown in Figure 10; and

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A better understanding of the present invention and its objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein there is described preferred embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

A vehicle 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1-7. The vehicle 10 includes a carriage 12 having side walls 14 and a floor 16. The rear wall of the carriage 12 may be absent, or may be hingedly connected in the form of a gate, to improve access to the interior of the carriage 12. The interior of the carriage 12 is intended to transport equipment that may be necessary for the operation of the vehicle 10, such as fire hoses. The interior of the carriage 18 may have hose reels (not shown) mounted therein to accommodate the fire hoses. At least one ground engaging front wheel 30 may be coupled to the front of the carriage 12. In one embodiment, a single front wheel 30 is rotatably attached to the carriage 12. Preferably, the front wheel 30 is able to swivel to increase the maneuverability of the vehicle 10. Optionally, a front portion of the carriage includes a hitch. The hitch can be used to tow vehicles 10 into their desired position.

In one embodiment, a horizontal support 20 having a length greater than the width of the carriage 12 extends substantially transversely across the rear of the carriage 12. Posts 22 extending upward from the rear corners of the carriage 12 support the horizontal support 20 above the carriage 12. In another embodiment, the horizontal support 20 attaches to the top of the side walls 14 of the carriage 12.

Attached to each end of the horizontal supports is a leg 24. Each leg is generally L-shaped, having a first portion 26 of the leg that is slidably attached to the horizontal support 20, and a second portion 28 of the leg 24 that extends downward. The first portion 26 of the leg 24 may slidably extend outward along the horizontal support 20. When both legs 24 are in an extended position, a broader base is formed which may provide additional stability to the vehicle 10, particularly when it is in operation. The legs 24 may then slide inward along the horizontal support 20, forming a more compact vehicle 10 which is preferred for transport. The vehicle 10 may have means 29 to assist with the sliding movement of the legs 24, such as hydraulics. Rear ground engaging wheels 31 are coupled to the second portion 28 of the legs 24. In an alternate arrangement, the rear wheels could be attached directly to the carriage 12.

A braking mechanism 32 that impedes the rotation of the rear wheels 30 may be coupled to the second portion 28 of the legs 24. For example, the braking mechanism 32 may have a threaded portion and a friction portion, and be engaged with a threaded aperture attached to the second portion 28 of the leg 24. As the braking mechanism 32 is rotated and threaded through the aperture, the friction portion contacts the wheel 31, thereby inhibiting or hindering the rotation thereof.

Attached to a second portion 28 of each leg is a guide 34. The guide 34 slidingly engages a bracing member 36. The bracing member 36 has a body portion 40 that travels through the guide 36, and a foot portion 42 that may engage the ground. The bracing member 36 may slide through the guide 34 between a first position (see e.g. Figure 1) in which the bracing member 36 is in an elevated position and the foot portion 42 does not engage the ground, and a second position (see e.g. Figure 2) in which the bracing member 36 is in a lowered position and the foot portion 42 contacts the ground. The guide 34 is angled and positioned such that when the bracing member 36 is deployed in the second position, the bracing member 36 does not interfere with the rear wheels 31. The first position is preferred during transport of the vehicle 10, while the bracing members 36 are preferably deployed into the second position when the vehicle 10 is in operation.

Mounted substantially transversely on top of the support 20 along the length of the carriage 12 is a longitudinal conduit 44. The conduit 44 has an input connector 46 at a first end for connecting the vehicle 10 to a liquid source, such as a fire hydrant, water pumping vehicle, and the like. The vehicle 10 may also be equipped with a pumping device (not shown) to facilitate the introduction of liquid into the conduit 44 from passive sources, such as pools, lakes, rivers, etc. The flow of liquid through the input connector 46 is regulated by an input valve. The opposing second end of the conduit 44 has an output connector 48. The output connector 48 can connect the vehicle 10 to a subsequent vehicle 10, such as with a hose. The flow of liquid through the output connector 48 is regulated by an output valve 50. Along the length of the conduit 44, there may be at least one auxiliary connector 52 regulated by an auxiliary valve 54. The auxiliary connector 52 allows a user to attach equipment, such as a fire hose, directly to the conduit, which may be desirable if the operator needs to direct liquid at immediate targets. It is understood that the valves 50, 54 can be any type of valve, including e.g. a ball valve, a gate valve, a plug valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, and the like. The connectors 46, 48, 52 can be configured as any type of connector that enables connections with typical fire hoses. Preferably, the conduit 44 has an interior diameter of 4 inches to 5 inches.

As can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, extending substantially vertically from the conduit is a neck portion 56. The neck portion 56 defines a channel therein, and is in fluid communication with the conduit 44. The flow of liquid through the neck portion 56 is regulated by a tower valve 58. The tower valve 58 can be any type of valve, including e.g. a ball valve, a gate valve, a plug valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, and the like. Preferably, the neck portion 56 has a flange 60 surrounding an upper opening. The neck flange 60 is hingedly attached to a flange 62 surrounding a first end of a tower 64. The tower 64 defines a channel therethrough, and through its connection with the neck 56, may be hingedly raised into an erect spraying position, that is preferably substantially vertical. Preferably, there is a locking mechanism (not shown), such as e.g. a securing pin, to secure the tower in the spraying position.

When in the spraying position, the neck flange 60 and the tower flange 62 abut or mate, and the tower 64 and the neck 56 form a substantially water tight connection. The strength of the connection may be facilitated by the presence of a gasket 66 at the interface between the neck 56 and the tower 64.

Figures 8-11 illustrate a second embodiment of the vehicle 10, showing modified versions of the carriage 12 and tower 64.

Similar to the previous embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes a carriage 12 having side walls 14 and a floor 16. Underneath the floor is a frame 15 that provides structural support to the carriage 12. The rear wall of the carriage 12 may be absent, or may be hingedly connected in the form of a gate, to improve access to the interior of the carriage 12. In this embodiment, there is a hitch 15 attached to the carriage 12 via structural elements 17 to facilitate towing of the vehicle 10. A post 19, having a ground engaging front wheel 30 at one end, is rotatably attached to at least one of the structural elements 17. The post 19 can be rotated to place the front wheel 30 in an elevated position during transport of the vehicle 10 (see Figures 8 and 9). Alternatively, when the vehicle 10 is in its intended position, the post 19 is rotated to place the front wheel 30 in a ground engaging position to stabilize the vehicle 10 (see Figures 10 and 11). The post 19 may be telescopic to allow incremental adjustments of the height of the post 19, which can contribute to levelling the vehicle 10. The telescopic ability of the post 19 can be controlled through a mechanism, such as a crank 21.

Alternatively, instead of a front wheel 30, the post may have a flat base (not shown), that engages with the ground to provide support.

Rear wheels 31 are rotatably mounted near the rear of the carriage 12. The wheels may be equipped with a suspension system, such as shock absorbers, to minimize turbulence when the vehicle 10 is in motion.

In this embodiment, a plurality of horizontal supports 20 extends

substantially transversely across the carriage 12. Support posts 23 extending upward from the frame 15 support the horizontal supports 20.

In this embodiment, additional posts 19 are rotatably attached to the rear of the carriage 12. These posts 19 have a ground engaging base 25 at one end. Each post 19 can be rotated to place the base 25 in an elevated position during transport of the vehicle 10 (see Figures 8 and 9).

Alternatively, when the vehicle 10 is in its intended location, each post 19 is rotated to place the base 25 in a ground engaging position to stabilize the vehicle 10 (see Figures 10 and 11). The post 19 may be telescopic to allow incremental adjustments of the height of the post 19, which can contribute to levelling the vehicle 10. The telescopic ability of the post 19 can be controlled through a mechanism, such as a crank 21.

As with the previous embodiment, mounted substantially transversely on top of the supports 20 along the length of the carriage 12 is a longitudinal conduit 44. The features of the conduit 44 are as disclosed above. As can be seen in Figures 8-11, extending from the conduit, such as in a substantially vertical direction, is a neck portion 56. The neck portion 56 defines a channel therein, and is in fluid communication with the conduit 44. The flow of liquid through the neck portion 56 is regulated by a tower valve 58. The tower valve 58 can be any type of valve, including e.g. a ball valve, a gate valve, a plug valve, a butterfly valve, a check valve, and the like. In this embodiment, above the tower valve 58 is a bend 59. The bend 59 is preferably about 90 degrees, and is substantially perpendicular to the length of the conduit 44. After the bend 59 is a neck flange 60 that serves as a connection point with the tower 64.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8-11, the neck flange 60 is connected to a U-shaped intermediate portion 61. The intermediate portion 61 has flanges 63 on each end. A flange 63 on a first end of the

intermediate portion 61 sealingly connects with the neck flange 60, and a flange 63 on the opposing second end of the intermediate portion sealingly connects with a flange 62 at a first end of a tower 64. The tower 64 defines a channel therethrough, and a first end of the tower has a bend 67 adjacent the tower flange 62. The neck bend 59 and the tower bend 67 allow for the connection of the neck portion 56 and the tower 64 while maintaining a configuration that is substantially parallel to the conduit 44, and that does not require sealing and unsealing the interior channel of the vehicle 10.

The intermediate portion 61 has a swivel coupling 65 contained therein. The swivel coupling 65 can be located near a first end of the intermediate portion 61, or near the second end of the intermediate portion 61. The swivel coupling 65 allows the intermediate portion 61 to rotate, which will move the tower 64 from a stowed position (see Figures 8 and 9), to a deployed spraying position (see Figures 10 and 11). In a further variation, the swivel coupling 65 can be located on the neck portion 56 adjacent the neck flange 60 and/or on the tower 64 adjacent the tower flange 62.

Alternatively, the intermediate portion 61 can be omitted, and the neck flange 60 may connect directly with the flange 62 at a first end of the tower 64 (not shown). In this variation, the tower 64 and/or the neck portion 56 has a swivel coupling 65 adjacent the tower flange 62 or neck flange 60, respectively, such that the tower 64 is able to rotate up into a deployed spraying position.

The following features are applicable to both embodiments of the vehicle as described above.

When the tower 64 is in the spraying position, liquid provided to the conduit 44 can now be redirected up the tower 64 for deployment. Preferably, when erected into the spraying position, the height of the tower 64 is 2 to 10 meters.

When not in use, the tower 64 can be hingedly lowered down into a stowed position. Raising means 69, such as hydraulics, can be incorporated to facilitate the raising and lowering of the tower 64. The carriage 12 can be outfitted with enclosures 73 that contain the equipment necessary to operate the raising means. In the first embodiment, the hinges are positioned and arranged such that the lowered tower 64 extends forward over the carriage 12, preferably substantially parallel to the conduit 44. Similarly, in the second embodiment of the vehicle, the swivel coupling 65 is positioned and arranged such that the lowered tower 64 extends forward over the carriage 12, preferably substantially parallel to the conduit 44. A tower support 70 may extend upward from the conduit 44 and/or the carriage 12 to cradle the tower 64 when it is in the stowed position. Figure 7 illustrates a locking mechanism 71 on the tower support to secure the tower 64 in a stowed position.

An output device 72 is mounted on a second end of the tower 64. The output device 72 can be directly attached to the tower 64, or an

intermediate collar 74 may be disposed between the tower 64 and the output device 72. The output device 72 is in fluid communication with the tower 64, and may receive liquid diverted up the tower 64 from the conduit 44. The output device 72 may be interchangeable based on the use of the vehicle 10, and can include e.g. a sprayer, a water cannon, a mister, or a fogger. Alternatively, a nozzle 73 of the output device 72 can be adjusted to provide a multitude of spraying patterns and intensities. The output device 72 may be adjustable to control the pressure and volume of liquid that is dispersed. Preferably, the output device is able to deploy liquid at least 100 meters. The output device 72 is preferably rotatably mounted to the second end of the tower 64 to permit rotation thereof, which will expand the dispersion field. The output device 72 may be manually rotated about the tower 64 as necessary, or alternatively, the output device 72 is equipped with a mechanism that rotates or oscillates the output device 72 about the tower during operation.

In one embodiment, in order to discourage a full 360° rotation of the output device 72 and/or to direct the output device 72 in a certain general direction, the base of the output device 72, the collar 74, and/or the upper portion of the tower 64 may include stop members (not shown). In this embodiment, the output device 72 may comprise a tab. While rotating about the tower 64, the tab contacts one of the stop members, resulting in the output device 72 stopping its rotation and reversing direction. The position of the stops can be adjusted as needed to dictate the rotational capability of the output device 72. Means 73 to raise and lower the trajectory angle of the output device 72 independent of the tower 64 to alter the launch angle of the liquid from the output device 72, such as through a hydraulic system, may also be included (see Figure 6).

The vehicle 10 may be equipped with a reservoir (not shown) containing a fire retardant composition, such as a gel-based or foam-based retardant.

The reservoir may be in fluid communication with the conduit 44, and when the vehicle 10 is in operation, the fire retardant may be drawn out of the reservoir and mixed with the liquid before being dispersed. Alternatively, the fire retardant composition is manually dispersed directly from the reservoir.

Optionally, the vehicle 10 may have one or a plurality of storage

compartments 78 that may be in the interior of the carriage 18 or attached to certain structural components of the vehicle 10. The storage

compartments 78 may be shaped and dimensioned to accommodate tools, spare parts, hydraulic fluid, and the like for maintaining and operating the vehicle.

Optionally, the carriage 12 may include additional frame members 80 to reinforce and stabilize the vehicle. For example, at least one frame member 80 may extend from the front of the carriage 12 to the horizontal support 20. This frame member 80 may directly or indirectly provide additional support to the conduit 44.

In another embodiment (not shown), certain aspects of the vehicles 10 are motorized including e.g. movement of the vehicle 10, deploying the legs 24 into an extended position, deploying the bracing members 36 into a ground engaging position, rotating the posts and/or telescopically extending the posts to engage with the ground, raising and lowering of the tower 64, actuation of the valves 50, 54, 58, the rotational capability of the output device 72, and the adjustment of the angle of trajectory of the output device 72. Preferably, at least some or all of these aspects of the vehicle 10 can be controlled remotely. The vehicle 10 may be equipped with a computer, such as a microprocessor, that is operably connected to control certain features of the vehicle to oversee and implement the remotely issued operating commands. Also, the computer is connected with communication means that are able to send and/or receive signals from a remotely located control system, thereby allowing a user at a remote location to operate certain aspects of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle 10 may be equipped with a camera, which will allow the remote operator to control various aspects of the vehicle.

In a system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a number of vehicles as described above are connected in series as shown in Figure 12. A first vehicle 10 is deployed to a desired location, and a liquid source is coupled to the input connector 46. A hose is coupled to the output connector 48 of the first vehicle, and an input connector 46 of a second vehicle that has been deployed in a second location. A plurality of additional vehicles 10 can be connected in series in such a manner. The towers 64 of each vehicle are placed in the spraying position. To deploy the liquid from the system, liquid from the liquid source is allowed to flow to the first vehicle, and all input, output, and tower valves are placed in an open position such that the liquid can flow from vehicle 10 to vehicle 10 and also up each tower 64 for deployment from the output devices 72. During operation, certain tower valves can be closed if it is no longer desirable to deploy liquid from certain vehicles 10 in the system. The vehicles 10 can be placed e.g. every 150 meters to create an extended front for dispersing a liquid. Such a system permits multiple vehicles 10 that can collectively cover a vast area to be supplied by a single liquid source. Actuation of pumps at certain vehicles 10 may be necessary to maintain pressure of the liquid throughout the series.

In addition to the vehicles 10, the system may comprise a large fire truck, such as a tanker or pumper, to supply water to the plurality of vehicles. An all-terrain vehicle may also be included to tow the vehicles to their desired locations. The system may also comprise a transport trailer that is structured and dimensioned for receiving a plurality of the vehicles 10 and the all-terrain vehicle. The transport trailer is able to relocate these components of the system as needed. The transport trailer may also include a control panel that is able to monitor and/or remotely operate some of all of the remotely controlled functions of the vehicles 10.

The use of the latter embodiment of the vehicle 10 will now be described, although the first embodiment of the vehicle 10 could be deployed in a similar manner. When in use, the vehicle 10 as described is towed to a desired position via e.g. an ATV or a truck. While the vehicle 10 is still connected, the posts 19 are rotated into a substantially vertical position, and if necessary, the mechanism 21 is operated to telescope the bases 25 down to the ground to stabilize and level the vehicle 10. Confirm that all valves 50, 54, 58 are in the closed position. Operate the raising means 69 to raise the tower 64 into an erect spraying position, and lock the tower 64 in this position. Attach a first end of a hose to input connector 46, and the second end of the hose to a liquid source, such as e.g. fire hydrant, tanker, or pump fed by a water source. Rotate and/or raise the output device 72 to the desired position. Turn on the liquid supply, and open the tower valve 158 to provide liquid to the output device 72. If additional vehicles 10 are to be connected, a second vehicle is towed to a second location and set up as described above. Another hose is connected to the output connector 148 of the first vehicle 10 and the input connector 46 of the second vehicle 10. The output valve 50 of the first vehicle 10 is opened, which allows the liquid to flow to the second vehicle, and can then be deployed from the second location. In addition, if necessary, a hose can be connected to an auxiliary connector 52, and once the auxiliary valve 54 is opened, an operator can use the hose to deploy the liquid in the immediate vicinity.