Field of technology

The invention relates to a new design of a portable fire extinguisher. It includes a newly shaped flat pressure tank with extinguishing medium used as a heat shield due to its shape, a suspension device, an ergonomic handle for holding and operating the portable fire extinguisher with one hand, a valve for the extinguishing medium and an outlet nozzle shaped to spray extinguishing medium in the direction of the extinguished object. In addition, it also contains an electronic safety, assistance and rescue module connected to the portable fire extinguisher and a breathing gas mask integrated into the portable fire extinguisher.

State of the art

Fire extinguishers known so far are shaped as a container in which the extinguishing medium is stored. Until now, closed cylindrical containers welded into one piece from a cylindrical shell, bottom and lid have been exclusively used for storing extinguishing media. An opening is created in the lid of the cylindrical container for the outlet of the extinguishing medium, equipped with an outlet valve with a cap. The extinguishing medium is discharged towards the extinguished object through the outlet valve and the connected pressure hose. The fixed part of the lever, usually anchored to the valve, is usually used to grip the fire extinguisher. A holder firmly connected to the supporting wall is usually used to hang the fire extinguisher on the wall via grip firmly connected to the body of the fire extinguisher or to the valve.

A significant disadvantage of fire extinguishers known so far is precisely their cylindrical shape, which needs to have a large diameter in order to fit a sufficient amount of extinguishing medium. The width that the fire extinguisher occupies from the wall can be an obstacle, especially in narrow escape corridors.

The cylindrical fire extinguishers known so far are difficult to remove from the holder on the load-bearing wall, because the handle must be at the upper end of the cylinder near the outlet valve. Therefore, it is necessary to first release the fire extinguisher from the holder on the supporting wall, remove the cylindrical body of the fire extinguisher, and then grab the fire extinguisher by the handle and prepare it for extinguishing.

Fire extinguishing is made more difficult by the need to hold the cylindrical fire extinguisher and nozzle hose with both hands.

Fire extinguishers produced so far do not protect the extinguishing person against the heat due to their shape.

Fire extinguishers known so far are not equipped with an integrated gas breathing mask with the possibility to hide the eyes, even though burning objects produce a large amount of fumes that irritate the eyes and respiratory tract and complicate the extinguishing process, sometimes even preventing this entirely and directly endangering the health and life of the person extinguishing the fire.

Fire extinguishers known so far also cannot be used as a protective and rescue evacuation aid and cannot protect the extinguishing person from falling parts of a burning building. Fire extinguishers known so far are only equipped with printed instructions with text and pictograms placed on the body of the device, which are not sufficiently legible when the extinguisher is held in the position ready for extinguishing, and the instructions are therefore not sufficiently legible and usable.

Fire extinguishers known so far are not equipped with electronics, do not allow electronic revision records, do not provide a connection with the electronic security systems of the building and do not provide a direct connection with the rescue services.

Fire extinguishers known so far are not sufficiently protected against theft.

Fire extinguishers known so far cannot attract the attention of persons in danger using light or sound, thus becoming more difficult to access in the event of a fire for persons acting under increased psychological pressure.

Fire extinguishers known so far do not provide lighting and do not allow the extinguishing person to see in dark spaces filled with smoke.

Fire extinguishers known so far do not allow the extinguishing or evacuated person to inform the rescue services about their location in the building, in particular by sending acoustic and electromagnetic signals, as well as by means of electronic communication.

Fire extinguishers known so far do not allow the integration of other rescue elements such as oxygen breathing apparatus, defibrillator, first aid kit and others.

Fire extinguishers known so far do not allow integration with an additional extinguishing system - hydrant.

The essence of the invention

The aim of the invention is to:

- increase the safety of people when using a fire extinguisher

- make the use of the fire extinguisher better and easier

- adapt the fire extinguisher to the current requirements for its placement, both spatially and aesthetically

- secure the fire extinguisher against unauthorized manipulation

- use a fire extinguisher to further save human lives

The shortcomings of the current state of the art are substantially eliminated and the aim of the invention is achieved by a portable fire extinguisher comprising a flat pressure vessel of toroidal shape (a curved narrow cylinder or a similar shape) with a nozzle containing fire extinguishing medium which, due to its shape, directly and without additional shaped elements serves as a protective shield against heat and falling parts of building structures; the ergonomic handle designed for easy carrying, holding and operation of the fire extinguisher with one hand with a nozzle of extinguishing medium through the shield in the direction from the protected extinguishing person towards the object being extinguished; a suspension mechanism that enables easy familiarization with the function and operation of the device and allows its easy grasping, removal, as well as the integration of other elements primarily used to save human lives; a shield that integrates protection against heat radiation and enables the placement of an integrated gas breathing mask, ranging from the simplest mouth mask, through a nose and mouth mask up to a full-face mask and electronic safety, assistance and rescue module which supports a whole range of fire-fighting and rescue functions and applications that have not yet been associated with a fire extinguisher, especially within the scope of the revision system, voice instructions for using the portable fire extinguisher, security against unauthorized handling of the portable fire extinguisher device, connection of the portable fire extinguisher to electronic fire and safety systems, autonomous fire safety systems, autonomous lighting of the portable fire extinguisher, acoustic signaling of the position of the portable fire extinguisher or of the person handling the portable fire extinguisher.

An advantage of the portable fire extinguisher according to the invention lies mainly in the shape of the tank, which directly enables the protection of the person extinguishing the fire from heat radiation emitted by the fire and against falling debris in the building. At the same time, its flat shape reduces the collisions with the suspension device while it is placed on the wall.

Another advantage is the ability to operate the device with one hand and to spray the extinguishing medium directly from the body of the shield in the direction of the extinguished object without limiting the shield protection of the extinguishing person.

Another advantage is the suspension of the portable fire extinguisher on the wall and its convenient lifting away from the wall, which allows familiarization with the method of extinguishing, the use of protective equipment integrated in the portable fire extinguisher and its easy installation and removal.

Another advantage is the integration of breathing equipment protecting against the inhaling of toxic gases as well as providing protection for the eyes against irritation by toxic gases produced by the extinguished object, all thanks to an integrated breathing gas mask or protective breathing hood.

Another advantage is the integration of an electronic system that can notify of the position of the fire extinguisher, connect to fire and security alarm systems, act as an autonomous alarm system and an active element that warns of the risk of fire and is able to help operators use the device, aid with the passage through the building affected by the fire, during the evacuation of people from the building and when searching for people who are stuck in the affected building.

Another advantage is the possibility of replacing the tank as per the instructions provided in the specified standards without negatively affecting the other systems.

Another advantage is the integration of further fire safety elements in buildings or life protection elements, as well as the possibility of integrating fire extinguishers in larger compounds into a connected system which allows individual extinguishers to communicate with each other, guide and evaluate signals as well as navigate people in the building - both during standard operation of the building as well as in case of emergencies.

The layout of the portable fire extinguisher allows for the free customization of the shape and layout of its elements, both in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

Clarification of the drawings and list of reference marks

1 . Portable fire extinguisher

2. Suspension mechanism

3. Electronic safety, assistance and rescue module

4. Breathing gas mask

5. Box

6. Wall 7. Hydrant cabinet

8. Toroidal tank

9. Sleeve

10. Holders

11 . Suspension system

12. Valve

13. Hose

14. Nozzle

15. Grip

16. Seal

17. Trigger lock

18. Trigger

19. Arm holder

20. Shield

21. Label

22. Strap

23. Light switch

24. Siren switch

25. Light

26. Siren

27. LED indicator light

28. USB connector

29. Loop

Example implementations of the invention

As per Fig. 1 , the portable fire extinguisher consists of a circular pressurized tank 8consisting of a toroidal welded body welded to a sleeve 9, to holders 10 and a suspension rotating system for the placement of the portable fire extinguisher on the wall or on a stand. This structure provides the portable fire extinguisher with a flat shape which furthermore allows its flat shape to act as a shield against heat while not taking up more than 80 mm of space when stored in corridors. The sleeve 9 is placed in the lower part of the pressurized circular tank and eccentrically towards the axes of the product so as to allow for an optimal ergonomic grip of the device and is equipped with a thread for the placement of valve 12 with a nut that allows a tight connection of the valve to the pressurized tank. The valve 12 is furthermore also equipped with a pressure gauge to monitor the pressure in the tank and is connected to hose 13 which is used to transfer pressure when the valve 12 is opened - specifically it is used to transmit nitrogen and the extinguishing medium towards the nozzle 14. The nozzle is attached to a holder which is part of the shield20 and if necessary it can be disconnected from the holder in the shield 20 and extinguish with two hands, where one hand carries the fire extinguisher and the other holds the nozzle 14 and directs it towards the fire. Otherwise, when the nozzle 14 remains in its primary position anchored to the holder of the shield20, the device can be used for one-handed fire extinguishing, specifically by spraying the pressurized medium (nitrogen) and the extinguishing medium directly from the shield directed towards the fire. This dual functionality of the nozzle 14 is a fundamental and completely novel element in fire extinguishing technology which has not been used before. A crucial component required to use the device is the grip 15, which is connected to the body of the valve 12 and also contains the trigger 1_8, which applies pressure to the valve 12 by rotating downwards along the axis of the trigger; this pushes the thumb into the body of the valve and by doing so opens the release, which in turn moves the pressurized and extinguishing media into the hose 13. The trigger 18 can be secured by a trigger lock 17, and the device also includes a seal 16 that indicates the use of the device; the release of the trigger lock irreparably damages this seal. The arm holder 19 is necessary to ergonomically hold the fire extinguisher !; the operating person inserts their hand into the arm holder and the portable fire extinguisher is then suspended on the arm. In combination with the gripl.5 held in the palm, the portable fire extinguisher is securely attached to the body of the extinguishing person, who is protected by the shield 20 from the heat coming from the fire source and thus allows the extinguishing person to approach the fire closer and with less fear. The protective shield 20 serves as the cover of the device, which consists according to the standard of a red painted pressure vessel 8 integrally connected with a nozzle 9, consoles - holders 10 and the suspension system 11 .Thanks to this, the cover of the device 20 can be painted in a different color than the standard for the body of the fire extinguisher, and since the cover 20 also serves as part of the handle of the device, it does not have to be painted red. The construction of the spatial arrangement of the portable fire extinguisher ! encloses the internal space, which is used to store the breathing gas mask 4. The breathing gas mask 4 is a breathing apparatus equipped with a filter for particulate matter, as well as toxic fumes and poisonous asphyxiating gases. Thanks to this, the portable fire extinguisher ! is newly equipped with a gas mask 4 integrated into it, which in many cases is even a prerequisite for using the fire extinguisher, since asphyxiating and irritating smoke is produced by all burning objects and especially in closed spaces for which fire extinguishers of this type are intended, asphyxiating impermeable smoke often accumulates and makes extinguishing and evacuation impossible. The breathing gas mask 4 can protect both the mouth and the nose, but also the whole face including the eyes and the whole head if it has the form of a hood. The portable fire extinguisher is additionally equipped with an electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3, which also uses the structure of the tank 8 that form the internal space. The electronic assistance, safety and rescue module 3 is located behind the hose 13 and the nozzle 14. The functionality of the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3 is described in a separate section of Fig. 8, but here it is essential to mention that similarly to the nozzle14it is easily detachable from the cover 20and can be used separately, whereas when placed in the primary position of the cover holder 20, it also works in conjunction with the entire portable fire extinguisher.

As per Fig. 2, which indicates the front side of the flat portable fire extinguisher !, which is usually turned towards the fire, the cover - shield 20 is turned towards the heat source, which due to the nature of its function covers the entire body of the portable fire extinguisher ! as well as all components such as the holder, hose and everything that could be negatively affected by the heat. In the view, only the label 21 is used, which integrates holes for the extinguishing medium nozzle 14 and for the penetration of light and sound from the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3. Given that the shield 20 is not required to be red by the standard, the portable fire extinguisher is also equipped with a strap 22, which is used to hold a pictogram indicating the portable fire extinguisher; pulling the strap lifts the flat portable fire extinguisher ! away from the wall if it is placed on the wall. Fig. 3 depicts a horizontal cross-section of the portable fire extinguisher !and explains the construction of the toroidal tank 8, which is shown here mainly as a circular cross-section of a rounded pipe from which the circular body of the valve12protrudes, on which the oval-shaped gripl 5 is mounted in the cross section. In the section, a small circle also indicates the hose 13 and the rotating arm handle 19,

1.e. , the sleeve. The cover and shield 20 is pressed and anchored to the body of the tank from the front side. The core of the illustration here is the holder-suspension mechanism 2 which carries the portable fire extinguisher 1_, and indicates how it is folded in standby mode in the body of the portable fire extinguisher.

Fig. 4 shows the side view of the portable fire extinguisher !, indicating the arrangement of the pressure vessel 8, the cover 20, the label 21 and the strap 22. The illustration demonstrates the space saving, i.e., the flatness of the design of the portable fire extinguisher !, which does not exceed 90 mm and is thus the flattest portable fire extinguisher with a volume of over 6 liters in the world.

Figure 5. depicts the portable fire extinguisher ! in a vertical cross-section, which best shows the arrangement of all components, both the portable fire extinguisher ! itself and, most importantly, the wall suspension mechanism 2, the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3, but also the box 5, which is intended as a space for storing other safety equipment that transforms the portable fire extinguisher into an evacuation aid, a means to save lives and a fire protection tool. This compartment 5, using the top hollow space of the portable fire extinguisher, is firmly connected to the wall and is easily accessible when the portable fire extinguisher is folded back. It can be filled with a first-aid kit, an oxygen breathing apparatus, or a defibrillator for lifethreading emergencies. When used as a fire protection tool, the storage compartments can be equipped with a small foam fire extinguisher for putting out fires in early stages, a fire grenade, a fire blanket, or an evacuation radio. Thanks to the design and geometry of the portable fire extinguisher, the life-saving capabilities of the fire extinguisher have been greatly expanded. In the illustration, next to the accompanying components, the arrangement of the device itself ! is depicted. This includes primarily the toroidal tank 8 with the nozzle 9 and holderslO, which protrude into the rotating mechanism 11 , on which the portable fire extinguisher ! is suspended using the holder

2. A valve with a pressure gauge 12 is screwed onto the sleeve 9, from which the hose 13 leads, as indicated in the cross section, and it turns in the upper part and goes towards the extrusion nozzle 14. The valve 12 is connected to the palm handle 15with the trigger Iock17 and the seal 16protrudinq from it.

Fig. 6 shows a plan view, which depicts the system for tilting the portable fire extinguisher 1_ away from the wall using the suspension mechanism 2. The suspension mechanism 2 is equipped with two axes of rotation and enables both opening and moving the portable fire extinguisher away from the wall.

The vertical cross-section of the wall in Fig. 7 shows the portable fire extinguisher 1_ suspended on the wall 7, which serves as the door of the hydrant cabinet 6. This arrangement allows the spatial integration of the hydrant and the portable fire extinguisher, which is only possible due to the unique flat shape of the portable fire extinguisher 1_. The fire extinguisher here functions as a cover - the door of the hydrant cabinet. Both products can be used as standard, i.e., independently of each other, with the assumption that the initial attempt to extinguish the fire is with the fire extinguisher and the hydrant hose is only used if that proves insufficient. In combination with an evacuation radio, an auxiliary small foam fire extinguisher, a fire grenade or a fire blanket, this creates a fire protection area. Fig. 8 shows the frontal and plan view of the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3, which, while in stand-by mode, is firmly connected to the shield of the portable fire extinguisher 1_. By pulling the Ioop29, the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3can be taken out and used separately. The electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3 works independently and in conjunction with electric high-current and electronic low-current safety, fire and alarm systems. On the front side of the portable fire extinguisher 1_, only the Iight25 and the sound canal of the siren 26 are visible from the electronic module.

In this standby position, the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module at this lowest level provides evacuation functions, where the Iight25 is used to leave the dark building and the cone of light also helps with aiming the fire extinguisher at the source of the smoke. The siren 26is a safety aid used to evacuate people stuck in buildings, as it allows rescuers to locate them thanks to sound and light. The sound changes in frequency according to the trapped person's ability to activate the siren by pressing a button, and the frequency thus informs the emergency services remotely whether the person is conscious. The sound at this lowest level also acts as an alarm siren warning of danger. The light is activated by button 23 and the siren by button 24. Battery status is indicated by a LED indicator27. The electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3 is recharged using the USB connector 28.

Other autonomous functions of the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3include motion sensing, which triggers the siren 26 when the portable fire extinguisher1_is moved, also serving as protection against theft. At the same time, when the portable fire extinguisher is grabbed, the siren triggers a fire alarm. Furthermore, the GSM module, which can be integrated into the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3, solves the dilemma of whether to actively use a fire extinguisher first, or to call the fire department, because it automatically calls the fire department after the alarm is triggered, with the exact location and time where the fire alarm occurred. In addition, the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module 3provides instructions to the operator via recorded verbal sequences, thus replacing the standard printed written instructions and pictograms indicating the method of use, making it much easier to use. This also makes the device usable even for visually impaired people.

When the electronic manometer is used, the system is able to evaluate the pressure drop in the device and alert the user of limited functionality and necessary service intervention, or when connected to GSM or the building's electronic system, the information is transmitted to the fire system manager. For revision purposes, the portable fire extinguisher is equipped with a recording device that collects data from revisions and draws attention to discrepancies and the need for further revisions.

Functions dependent on the connection to the electrical power network turn the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module into an emergency light that, according to the standard, is turned on in the event of a power failure and, in the case of the portable fire extinguisher, not only enables orientation in dark spaces, but also navigates people to the portable fire extinguisher, which is easy to find in a building even if standard lighting is not working and conventional fire extinguishers are thus impossible to find.

Functions dependent on other electronic security and fire devices receive information from fire sensors that trigger the siren and turn on the light if smoke is detected or an alarm is sounded. On the other hand, the electronic safety, assistance and rescue module informs the system about the movement of the portable fire extinguisher and can trigger a loud or silent alarm. All these electronic functions make the operation of the portable fire extinguisher much easier and significantly increase the safety of the system while facilitating the rescue and evacuation of people.

Industrial applicability

The described portable fire extinguisher with all its components can be repeatedly industrially mass produced and, thanks to the cover 20, can be easily modified in terms of shape, material and color for use in all types of interiors of buildings, vessels and vehicles that are to be equipped with this category of fire extinguisher.