Safety device for a fire extinguisher

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of safety. Particularly, the present invention relates to the field of fire safety. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of fire extinguishers. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a safety device for a fire extinguisher.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Any reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.

[0003] Uncontrolled fires have the potential to cause a significant amount of damage and safety concerns in a short period of time. There are devices that can assist in putting out a fire. For instance, fire extinguishers and fire blankets provide a means of putting out or at least controlling a fire.

[0004] Generally, or broadly, a fire will double in size every 30 seconds when left unchecked. As such, it is of utmost importance that once a fire has been noticed that it be extinguished as soon as possible. Fire extinguishers provide a quick means of controlling or putting out a fire.

[0005] Fire extinguishers are ambidextrous and can be utilized by any person regardless of their ‘handedness’. Typically, all fire extinguishers are provided with a safety pin to ensure that the fire extinguisher is not accidentally discharged. Shown in FIG 1 is a prior art safety pin 10 utilized with a fire extinguisher 30. The safety pin 10 is inserted through aligned apertures of the handle to ensure that the handle is not pressed. The safety pin 10 comprises an elongate member 11 which is inserted through the apertures to prevent accidental actuation of the fire extinguisher. Additionally, a further deterrent in the form of tie 20 is utilized to prevent the pin from accidentally being released. The tie 20 is designed to break under a predetermined tension so that the pin 10 can be removed from the fire extinguisher.

[0006] As shown in FIG 1 , the pin 10 comprises a ring 12 which assists the user in pulling out the pin 10. However, a problem with the removal of the pin is that it must be removed from the fire extinguisher in accordance with the side the ring 12 is located. As such, the pin 10 will need to be removed by either the right hand or left hand depending on the orientation thereof (e.g., a pin inserted in the right-hand side, will need to be removed/pulled from the right side; and vice versa). The orientation of the pin 10 is usually determined by the technician or serviceperson who installed it.

[0007] Typically, a user will pick up the fire extinguisher with their favoured hand, and once this is performed, the pin has to be pulled to allow the fire extinguisher to be activated via the squeezing of the handle. If the pin is required to be pulled from that same side that the preferred hand has picked up the fire extinguisher then this makes the operation of pulling this pin, especially with the added weight of the fire extinguisher, extremely awkward and hazardous. Additionally, this may also require more time and this is unfavourable when dealing with a fire.

[0008] It would be advantageous to address one or more of the above issues and/or to at least provide the consumer with a commercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In a first aspect, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a safety device for a fire extinguisher comprising: a pulling section having a first end and a second end; a first arm adapted to engage a first aperture of a handle of the fire extinguisher; and a second arm adapted to engage a second aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher, wherein the first arm is connected to the first end, and wherein the second arm is connected to the second end.

[0010] In an embodiment, the first arm and second arm are adapted to engage and/or abut an outside of a handle of the fire extinguisher.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first arm and second arm extend substantially perpendicularly to the pulling section. In an embodiment, the first arm is substantially parallel to the second arm.

[0012] In some embodiments, the pulling section comprises a curve therein adapted to engage one or more fingers of a user.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the first arm and second are biased towards one another. In embodiments, first arm comprises a distal end. In one embodiment, the first arm comprises a biased distal end. In some embodiments, the second arm comprises a distal end. In an embodiment, the second arm comprises a biased distal end.

[0014] In an embodiment, a distal end of the first arm comprises an extension adapted to engage a first aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher. In some embodiments, a distal end of the second end comprises an extension adapted to engage a second aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher. In one embodiment, the extension of the first arm and the second arm extend towards one another.

[0015] In one embodiment, the distal end of the first arm comprises a first aperture. In an embodiment, the distal end of the second comprises a second aperture. In certain embodiments, the first aperture and/or second aperture comprises one or more cutting edges and/or cutting surface.

[0016] In an embodiment, the safety device comprises an anti-tampering device. In one embodiment, the anti-tampering device comprises or is a tie.

[0017] In embodiments, the first aperture and second aperture are adapted to receive the anti-tampering device. [0018] In embodiments, the first arm comprises a first notch. In certain embodiments, the second arm comprises a second notch. In one embodiment, the first notch abuts the second notch when in a rest configuration.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first arm comprises a second extension. In an embodiment, the second arm comprises a second extension. In certain embodiments, the second extension of the first arm and the second extension of the second arm are adapted to abut a top surface of a handle of the fire extinguisher.

[0020] In embodiments, the distal end of the first arm and the distal end of the second arm abut a side surface of the handle of the fire extinguisher. In one embodiment, in use, the first arm and second arm enclose the handles of the fire extinguisher.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first arm comprises a bend therein. In certain embodiments, the second arm comprises a bend therein.

[0022] In an embodiment, the present invention resides in a safety device for use with a fire extinguisher. In another embodiment, the present invention resides in a safety device when used with a fire extinguisher.

[0023] In another aspect, the invention resides in a fire extinguisher system comprising: a fire extinguisher comprising a handle having one or more apertures; and a safety device adapted to engage the one or more apertures independently and preventing actuation of the fire extinguisher.

[0024] The safety device and components thereof may be as substantially described hereinabove for the first aspect.

[0025] In one embodiment, a distal end of the first arm comprises a first aperture. In an embodiment, a distal end of the second arm comprises a second aperture. In a further embodiment, the first aperture and second aperture are adapted to receive an anti-tampering device. [0026] In one embodiment, the fire extinguisher system further comprises an anti-tampering device. In some embodiments, the anti-tampering device comprises or is a tie.

[0027] In embodiments, the anti-tampering device is secured to the first aperture and/or the second aperture.

[0028] In an embodiment, the safety device is adapted to be removed from engaging the one or more apertures by applying a generally perpendicular to the axis of the one or more apertures.

[0029] In yet another aspect, the present invention resides in a method of installing a safety device on a fire extinguisher including the steps of: providing a safety device for a fire extinguisher comprising a pulling section having a first end and a second end, a first arm adapted to engage a first aperture of a handle of the fire extinguisher, and a second arm adapted to engage a second aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher; engaging the first arm with a first aperture; and engaging the second arm with the second aperture, to thereby instal the safety device on a fire extinguisher.

[0030] The safety device and components thereof may be as substantially described hereinabove for the first aspect.

[0031] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of engaging an anti-tampering device with a first aperture of the first arm and a second aperture of the second arm. In one embodiment, the anti-tampering device comprises or is a tie.

[0032] The various features and embodiments of the present invention referred to in the individual sections above and in the description which follows apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate.

[0033] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] To assist in understanding the invention and to enable a person skilled in the art to put the invention into practical effect, embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG 1 shows a prior art safety device for a fire extinguisher;

FIG 2 shows an embodiment of the present safety device;

FIG 3 shows an embodiment of the present safety device used with a fire extinguisher;

FIG 4 shows a different perspective of FIG 3;

FIG 5 shows another embodiment of the present safety device;

FIG 6 shows a side profile of the safety device of FIG 5; and

FIG 7 shows the safety device of FIG 5 used with a fire extinguisher and an anti-tamper seal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention reside primarily in a safety device. Accordingly, the device, system and/or method steps have been illustrated in concise schematic form in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are necessary for understanding the embodiments of the present invention, but so as not to obscure the disclosure with excessive detail that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the present description.

[0036] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, above and below, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. [0037] Words such as “comprises” or “includes” are intended to define a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a system, method, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed, including elements that are inherent to such a system, method, device, or apparatus.

[0038] As used herein, the term ‘about’ means the amount is nominally the number following the term ‘about’ but the actual amount may vary from this precise number to an unimportant degree.

[0039] As used herein, the term ‘fire extinguisher’ refers to a portable device that discharges a substance (such as water, foam, gas or other material) to extinguish a fire.

[0040] As used herein, the term ‘safety device’ can be used interchangeably with ‘anti-discharge device’. The safety device prevents accidental operation of a fire extinguisher. Preferably, the safety device can be reused.

[0041] As used herein, the term ‘handle’ in relation to a fire extinguisher refers to a fire extinguisher handle that comprises two parts: a top handle and a bottom handle. The bottom handle is usually a carry handle and is fixed whereas the top handle is squeezable to actuate the fire extinguisher. The apertures mentioned herein in relation to the fire extinguisher handle may be located in both handles and a safety pin inserted therein prevents actuation or pivoting of the top handle and thus prevents actuation of the fire extinguisher. In one embodiment, the fire extinguisher mentioned herein only has the apertures in the bottom handle. Suitably, a first aperture is located on one side of the handle and the second aperture is located on an opposing side of the handle. Preferably, the first aperture and second aperture are aligned.

[0042] The present invention is predicated on the finding that the present safety device can address one or more of the above issues. In this regard, the present safety device can be readily removed by the user with either hand. This alleviates the problem associated with awkwardness and hazardousness of present safety devices and removes at least one impediment of quick actuation of a fire extinguisher. [0043] In a first aspect, although it need not be the broadest or only aspect, the invention resides in a safety device for a fire extinguisher. The safety device comprises a pulling section having a first end and a second end, a first arm adapted to engage a first aperture of a handle of the fire extinguisher, and a second arm adapted to engage a second aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher. The first arm is connected to the first end, and wherein the second arm is connected to the second end.

[0044] FIG 2 shows an embodiment of the present safety device. The safety device 100 comprises a pulling section 110 have a first end 111 and a second end 112. The safety device 100 comprises a first arm 120 and a second arm 130. The first arm 120 is connected to the first end 111 of the pulling section

110. In an embodiment, the pulling section 110 is adapted to engage one or more fingers of a user. In some embodiments, the pulling section 110 is curved. In one embodiment, the first arm 120 is substantially perpendicular to the pulling section 110. In an embodiment, the first arm 120 extends away from the first end

111. The second arm 130 is connected to the second end 112 of the pulling section 110. In one embodiment, the second arm 130 is substantially perpendicular to the pulling section 110. In an embodiment, the second arm 130 extends away from the second end 112. In one embodiment, the first arm 120 is substantially parallel to the second arm 130.

[0045] The first arm 120 and second arm 130 are adapted to engage apertures of a handle of a fire extinguisher. The distal end 122 of the first arm 120 comprises an extension 123 that is adapted to engage an aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher. That is, the extension 123 fits in the aperture. In one embodiment, the extension 123 is suitably a conical or frustoconical shape. The distal end 132 of the second arm 130 comprises an extension 133 that is adapted to engage another aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher. That is, the extension 133 fits in the aperture. In an embodiment, the extension 133 is suitably a conical or frustoconical shape. The extensions extend towards one another from their respective arm. In one embodiment, the first arm 120 and second arm 130 are biased towards one another.

[0046] The extensions, when engaged with the aperture of the handle of a fire extinguisher, prevents actuation of the fire extinguisher. In one embodiment, each extension independently engages a respective aperture.

[0047] The distal end 122 of the first arm 120 may further comprise a first aperture 124. The distal end 132 of the second arm 130 may further comprise a second aperture 134. The first aperture 124 and/or the second aperture 134 are adapted to receive an anti-tampering device that prevents the safety device 120 from being accidentally released from the apertures and thus fire extinguisher. In one embodiment, the anti-tamper device is a tie. The tie is substantially as described herein above for tie 20 described in FIG 1 .

[0048] The first arm 120 may suitably comprise a notch 125. The second arm 130 may suitably comprise a notch 135. As shown, in a resting configuration, the notches 125 and 135 are formed in the first arm 120 and the second arm 130, respectively, such that they abut one another or substantially abut one another. Respective notches are generally centrally located in their respective arm.

[0049] The notches 125 and 135 suitably abut each other to form an abutting structure similar to a knuckle connection. This knuckle connection facilitates reaction to when a force is applied to the pulling section. In this regard, as the pulling section is pulled by a user the portion of the first arm and second arm proximate the pulling section deflects inwardly. That is, as the pulling section is pulled, the portion of the respective arm between a respective notch and the proximal end of the respective arm deflects inwardly. As a result of this inward deflection, the distal end of the respective arm (that is, the portion of the arm between the notch and the distal end) deflects outwardly. This assists disengagement of the extension with the apertures of the fire extinguisher.

[0050] In one embodiment, the safety device is formed of a flexible material and/or semi-flexible material. In one embodiment, the safety device is formed of plastic or polymer. A non-limiting example of the material in which the safety device is formed is polypropylene. Polypropylene provides sufficient strength and flexibility to the safety device.

[0051] In one embodiment, the safety device is integrally formed. As used herein, the term ‘integrally formed’ refers to the device being formed of a unitary piece of material. For instance, the safety device is cast or molded.

[0052] As shown in FIG 2, the distal end 122 of the first arm 120 may be flexed inwardly. That is, the first arm 120 comprises an inwardly flexed distal end. In another embodiment, the distal end 132 of the second arm 130 may be flexed inwardly. That is, the second arm 130 comprises an inwardly flexed distal end. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the inwardly flexed distal end assists in maintaining the extension in the apertures of the handle. In use, the arms wrap or enclose the handles of the fire extinguisher from above. In this regard, the arms extend around the handle from the outside to engage the apertures. That is the safety device engages the apertures of the handle from the outside in.

[0053] Shown in FIGs 3 and 4 is an embodiment of the safety device 100 engaging a fire extinguisher 300. As shown, the extensions engage the apertures of the handle and prevent actuation of the fire extinguisher. The extension from each arm engages separate apertures of the handle and this allows the arm to extend above the handle. In use, the pulling section is positioned above the handle.

[0054] This orientation allows the safety device to be removed from the apertures by simply pulling on the safety device from above the fire extinguisher. This orientation allows the user to use either hand or fingers thereof to pull on the pulling section of the safety device and addresses the handedness issue above. It will be appreciated this results in other advantages such as addressing the awkwardness and hazardousness of removing the safety device and also allows the user to actuate the fire extinguisher much quicker by facilitating removable of the safety device.

[0055] Shown in FIGs 5 and 6 is another embodiment of the safety device. The safety device 500 comprises a pulling section 510 having a first end 511 and a second end 512. The safety device 500 comprises a first arm 520 and a second arm 530. The first arm 520 is connected to the first end 511 of the pulling section 510. In an embodiment, the pulling section 510 is adapted to engage one or more fingers of a user. In some embodiments, the pulling section 510 may be curved. In one embodiment, the first arm 520 may be substantially perpendicular to the pulling section 510. In an embodiment, the first arm 520 extends away from the first end 511 . The second arm 530 is connected to the second end 512 of the pulling section 510. In one embodiment, the second arm 530 may be substantially perpendicular to the pulling section 510. In an embodiment, the second arm 530 extends away from the second end 512.

[0056] The first arm 520 and second arm 530 are adapted to engage apertures of a handle of a fire extinguisher. The distal end 522 of the first arm 520 comprises an extension 523 that is adapted to engage an aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher. That is, the extension 523 fits in the aperture In one embodiment, the extension 523 comprises or has a conical or frustoconical shape. The distal end 532 of the second arm 530 comprises an extension 533 that is adapted to engage another aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher. That is, the extension 533 fits in the aperture. In one embodiment, the extension 533 is suitably an elongate member. In an embodiment, the elongate member has a tapered distal tip. In an embodiment, the extension 533 is comprised or has a conical or frustoconical shape. The extensions extend towards one another from their respective arm. In one embodiment, the first arm 520 and second arm 530 may be biased towards one another.

[0057] The extensions, when engaged with the aperture(s) of the handle of a fire extinguisher, prevents actuation of the fire extinguisher. In one embodiment, each extension independently engages a respective aperture.

[0058] The distal end 522 of the first arm 520 may further comprise a first aperture 524. The distal end 532 of the second arm 530 may further comprise a second aperture 534. The first aperture 524 and/or the second aperture 534 are adapted to receive an anti-tampering device that prevents the safety device 520 from being accidentally released from the apertures and thus fire extinguisher. In one embodiment, the anti-tamper device comprises or is a tie. The tie is substantially as described hereinabove.

[0059] In one embodiment, the first aperture 524 and/or second aperture 534 comprises one or more cutting edges and/or cutting surface. In this regard, the surrounding surface of the first aperture 524 and/or second aperture 534 is provided with one or more cutting edges or cutting surface. In an embodiment, the one or more cutting edges is a sharp edge. In an embodiment, the one or more cutting edges is located at a lower end of the respective aperture. That is, the one or more cutting edges is located at the distal end of aperture. The cutting edge(s) assists with breaking the anti-tamper seal or tie when a pulling force is applied on the safety device. This further facilitates removal of the safety device from a fire extinguisher and therefore assists in actuation of the fire extinguisher to address a fire hazard.

[0060] The first arm 520 may suitably comprise a second extension 525. The second arm 530 may suitably comprise a second extension 535. The second extension 525, 535 are adapted to abut a top surface of a handle of a fire extinguisher. The second extensions 525, 535 suitably assist, in conjunction with the extensions 523, 533 to retain or maintain the position of the safety device with a fire extinguisher.

[0061] The junction of the second extension 525, 535 and the respective first or second arm 520, 530 may further comprise a retaining portion respectively. It will be appreciated that one or both of the first or second arm may comprise the retaining portion. In one embodiment, the retaining portion may be in the form of, or comprise, an aperture 526, 536. The retaining portion 526, 536 suitably accommodates a test tag and/or tether. The retaining portion(s) provides a convenient means to accommodate the test tag and/or tether.

[0062] In one embodiment, the safety device is formed of a flexible material. In one embodiment, the safety device is formed of plastic or polymer. A nonlimiting example of the material in which the safety device is formed is polypropylene. Polypropylene provides sufficient strength and flexibility to the safety device.

[0063] In one embodiment, the safety device is integrally formed. As used herein, the term ‘integrally formed’ refers to the device being formed of a unitary piece of material. For instance, the safety device is cast or molded.

[0064] As shown in FIG 5, the distal end 522 of the first arm 520 may be flexed inwardly. That is, the first arm 520 comprises an inwardly flexed distal end. In another embodiment, the distal end 532 of the second arm 530 may be flexed inwardly. That is, the second arm 530 comprises an inwardly flexed distal end. The person skilled in the art will appreciate that the inwardly flexed distal end assists in maintaining the extension in the apertures of the handle. It will be appreciated that the distal end 522 and 532 are adapted to abut an outside of the handle.

[0065] Shown in FIG 6 is a side view of the safety device shown in FIG 5. As shown, the first arm 520 and second arm 530 may suitably comprise a bend therein. In this regard, the portion of the first arm 520 and the portion of the second arm 530 that is proximal the pulling section 510 can define a first plane (pi). The portion of the first arm 520 and the portion of the second arm 530 that is distal to the pulling section 530 can define a second plane (p2). In one embodiment, the first plane and second plane form an obtuse angle. This angle allows for the pulling section to be orientated as desired to facilitate quick removal of the safety device.

[0066] In one embodiment, the pulling section may be formed or comprise an anti-slip material. In one embodiment, the pulling section comprises an anti-slip surface thereunder. The anti-slip material and/or anti-slip material facilitates grasping of the pulling section to remove it from a fire extinguisher.

[0067] Shown in FIG 7 is an embodiment of the safety device 500 engaging a fire extinguisher 600. As shown, the extensions engage the apertures of the handle and prevent actuation of the fire extinguisher. The extension from each arm engages separate apertures of the handle and this allows the arm to extend above the handle. In use, the pulling section is positioned above the handle. In use, the arms wrap or enclose the handles of the fire extinguisher from above. In this regard, the arms extend around the handle from the outside to engage the apertures.

[0068] In use, the first arm 520 and second arm 530 suitably abut or go around the outside of the handle. In this regard, the extensions 523, 533 suitably engage the apertures of a fire extinguisher from the outside in. This allows the present safety device to be retrofitted to existing fire extinguishers.

[0069] In use, an upward pulling force on the safety device (or the pulling section) releases the engagement of the extensions in the apertures in the handles. This allows for the handles of the fire extinguisher to be actuated.

[0070] This orientation allows the safety device to be removed from the apertures by simply pulling on the safety device from above the fire extinguisher. This orientation allows the user to use either hand or fingers thereof to pull on the pulling section of the safety device and addresses the handedness issue above. It will be appreciated this results in other advantages such as addressing the awkwardness and hazardousness of removing the safety device and also allows the user to actuate the fire extinguisher much quicker by facilitating removable of the safety device.

[0071] The present safety device also provides a simple anti-discharge device for use with fire extinguishers. As there are no moving parts or pivot points, the present safety device alleviates problems such as seizure in parts and mechanical failures.

[0072] In one embodiment, the safety device is released upon a predetermined force. In an embodiment, the predetermined force is less than about 100N, less than about 90N, less than about 80N, less than about 70N, less than about 60N, less than about 50N, less than about 40N, less than about 30N, less than about 20N, or less than about 10N.

[0073] It will be appreciated that the present safety device may be retrofitted or used with presently available fire extinguishers.

[0074] In one embodiment, the present invention resides in a safety device for use with a fire extinguisher. In some embodiments, the present invention resides in a safety device when used with a fire extinguisher.

[0075] In another aspect, the invention resides in a fire extinguisher system comprising: a fire extinguisher comprising a handle having one or more apertures; and a safety device adapted to engage the one or more apertures independently and preventing actuation of the fire extinguisher. [0076] In one embodiment, the safety device may be as substantially described hereinabove.

[0077] In an embodiment, the safety device is adapted to be removed from engaging the one or more apertures by applying a generally perpendicular to the axis of the one or more apertures. In this regard, the safety device can be disengaged from the fire extinguisher by pulling the safety device from above the fire extinguisher. An advantage of this orientation is that the safety device can be disengaged using either hand, and is more easily actuated by the user. This addresses a significant issue that is encountered with presently available safety pins that are used with fire extinguishers.

[0078] The apertures of the handle define an axis therebetween. In one embodiment, each extension independently engages a respective aperture. In use, the extensions do not abut one another. The extensions are independent from one another.

[0079] In embodiments the first extinguisher system further comprises an anti-tampering device. In one embodiment, the anti-tampering device comprises or is a tie. In an embodiment, the anti-tampering device engages a first aperture of the first arm and a second aperture of the second arm. In one embodiment, the anti-tampering device prevents dislodgement of the safety device from the fire extinguisher.

[0080] In another aspect, the invention resides in a method of installing a safety device on a fire extinguisher including the steps of: providing a safety device for a fire extinguisher comprising a pulling section having a first end and a second end, a first arm adapted to engage a first aperture of a handle of the fire extinguisher, and a second arm adapted to engage a second aperture of the handle of the fire extinguisher; engaging the first arm with a first aperture; and engaging the second arm with the second aperture, to thereby instal the safety device on a fire extinguisher.

[0081] The safety device and components thereof may be as substantially described hereinabove.

[0082] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.