Field

The present invention relates to fire safety systems and methods, more specifically an alarm and sprinkler system for housing units and related methods of use and installation.

Background

High rise housing units, often called apartment blocks or blocks of flats, provide an important source of housing stock in most developed and developing countries. However, in the aftermath of the Grenfell fire tragedy, questions arose around the lack of sophistication of the fire/smoke alarm systems and the lack of sprinkler systems. It is clear that a coordinated fire and smoke alarm system could have saved lives.

Similarly, the lack of sprinkler systems in such blocks of housing units is typically a cost saving choice for the developer. Again, the presence of sprinklers may have saved lives, if present, within Grenfell tower.

In light of the above, there exists a need for an alarm system that actively monitors and helps to mitigate the spread of an existing fire. Similarly, there exists a need for a lower cost sprinkler system that is potentially suited for installation by a layperson. Finally, a system that combines these aspects would be desirable. At least mitigating these existing issues is an aim of the present invention.

Summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an alarm system for protecting a series of housing units separated by communal areas, said system comprising: a unit alarm located within each housing unit, each unit alarm configured to configured to alert an occupant of the housing unit; at least one communal alarm, each communal alarm configured to activate to supply a communal alarm signal on detection of fire and/or smoke within a communal area; a receiver located within each housing unit for receiving and transmitting the unit and communal alarm signals. Each communal alarm is communicatively coupled to one or more of the receivers such that upon detection of fire and/or smoke within its communal area, the communal alarm provides the communal alarm signal to the receivers.

The first aspect provides a coordinated alarm system that is suited to a collection of housing units such as an apartment block or block of flats. It can be appreciated that in an embodiment the unit alarms may be configured to activate to supply a unit alarm signal on detection of fire and/or smoke within its housing unit

The communal alarm and the receivers may be communicatively coupled wirelessly at a single frequency, and each communal alarm may operate at a different frequency. The use of different frequencies may allow differing signals to be issued to whole floors or groups of unit alarms.

The system may further comprise a central control unit to receive alarm signals from the receivers. The central control unit may be connected in series with the receivers, such that upon receipt of an alarm signal the central control unit identifies which receiver has transmitted the alarm.

The central control unit may be configured to, on input from an authorised user, transmit a command to a receiver; and each unit alarm may be configured to transmit the unit alarm signal on receipt of the command from the central control unit.

The central control unit may be configured to shut-off a supply of gas to the housing units upon input by an authorised user. The gas shut-off may be performed by closing a solenoid valve in the supply line. Alternatively or additionally, the central control unit may be configured to shut-off the or a gas supply upon receipt of a communal or unit alarm signal, or upon receipt of two or more signals. It can be appreciated that the central control unit could isolate the gas supply to specific locations.

By isolating the housing units from an incoming supply of gas the risk of any fire spreading between housing units is reduced. Furthermore, the risk of gas explosion is greatly reduced. One advantage of this system shutting off the gas supply upon authorisation (rather than automatically) is that the gas supply is not shut off for minor events, such as an occupant burning food. This prevents regular inconveniences to both occupants and the fire brigade. The same principle can be applied to automatic evacuation procedures.

Each communal alarm may be configured to, upon detecting the presence of fire and/or smoke, activate to transmit a communal alarm signal to the central control unit. Alternatively, or additionally, each communal alarm may be configured to trigger the communal alarm signal upon receipt of a plurality of unit alarm signals from the unit alarm of housing units. Typically, the threshold number is set to be greater than 1 unit alarm signal occurring simultaneously to reduce false alerts caused by cooking and the like. It can be appreciated that the communal alarm may only activate the communal alert signal in such circumstances if unit alarm signals are received from adjacent or adjoining housing units.

The central control unit may comprise a user interface configured to display relevant information, such as location of a triggered alarm. Other relevant information may include, for example: time the alarm was initially triggered; what triggered the alarm (i.e. heat or smoke); and a localised temperature reading. This information may enable an authorised person (such as the Chief Fire Officer) to determine the severity of the potential hazard. An advantage of providing a central control unit is that an authorised user will be able to quickly and easily provide commands or receive information concerning any potential fire hazard. The user interface and relevant information being displayed will aid the authorised user in making a decision as to the severity of the potential hazard. This also complies with the London Fire Brigade’s“stay put” policy - occupants of a housing block are advised to stay inside unless otherwise informed. This prevents residents unnecessarily being placed in danger. The occupants are able to“stay put” unless the alarm is sounded by the central control unit.

Each receiver may be communicatively coupled to a door entry system, such that the door entry system is configured to unlock on receipt of a signal from the central control unit. Alternatively or additionally, each receiver may be communicatively coupled to a door entry system such that the door entry system is configured to unlock on receipt of a communal alarm signal from its coupled communal alarm. This automated unlocking of the door entry system will allow the fire service to access housing units more easily, and reduce the time taken for a hazard to be dealt with or evacuations to be completed.

The unlocking of the door entry system may be restricted to locations where an alarm has detected fire and/or smoke, and/or in locations specified by an or the authorised user. This ensures that security of the housing units is not prejudiced by any false alarms.

Each receiver may be configured to, upon receipt of the communal alarm signal from said communal alarm, trigger the unit alarm signal. This alerts any residents in case they are unable to hear a communal alarm signal, and ensures certainty as to whether an alarm being heard is relevant for them or not.

The unit alarm(s) may comprise a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm, optionally the CO alarm may be isolated from the receiver(s). A CO alarm is extremely important in housing estates where a gas supply is provided, in order to provide residents with warning in case of any gas leaks or other related health hazards.

Each housing unit may further comprise a sprinkler system connected to the domestic water supply of the housing unit. The sprinkler is typically configured to activate when exposed to excess heat, for example using a heat sensitive bulb or the like. The sprinkler system may comprise a wireless pressure or flow switch to activate the sprinkler system, which may be activated by the receiver upon receipt of a unit alarm signal. Alternatively or additionally, the sprinkler system may be activated by the wireless pressure or flow switch upon receipt of a communal alarm signal. Further alternatively or additionally the pressure and/or flow switch may be communicatively coupled to the communal alarm, optionally via the receiver, to provide an alert to the communal alarm in the event of activation of one or more sprinkler systems in the housing units. It can also be appreciated that activation of the or a sprinkler system in the communal area could trigger activation of the unit alarms in a similar manner.

Providing a sprinkler system gives an additional safety mechanism. Localised incidents may be extinguished before a fire has the opportunity to spread to other areas/housing units. The sprinkler system being activated by a unit alarm and/or a communal alarm rather than manually means that any incidents occurring while a resident is unaware or out can be dealt with at the earliest possible opportunity. Activation by the relevant unit/communal alarm also ensures that the sprinkler system is not activated when not necessary.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of response to a potential fire in at least one area of a series of housing units, comprising the steps of:

detecting the presence of smoke and/or fire;

transmitting a signal indicating the presence of fire and/or smoke to a central control unit; displaying the location of the fire and/or smoke on a user display of the central control unit;

closing off a gas supply to the series of housing units; and

upon authorisation, sounding an alarm within each housing unit.

It can be appreciated that the optional or preferred features described in relation to the first aspect may be equally applicable to the second aspect.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a sprinkler system for use in a housing unit, comprising: a sprinkler head; domestic gauge piping; and a connector configured to connect with existing domestic plumbing. The sprinkler head and connector are connectable to each end of the domestic gauge piping.

The sprinkler system may further comprise a flow or pressure switch. The switch may be configured to be activated wirelessly.

The connector may be a T-shaped connector.

An advantage of the described sprinkler system is that it would be straightforward to assemble and install. As discussed previously, cost is often a deterrent for developers/landlords to provide sufficient safety measures. This sprinkler system can be installed easily and cheaply - potentially even by the occupant.

The sprinkler system may further comprise a communication module configured to be connected and coupled to an alarm system as defined in any previous aspect. Accordingly, the sprinkler system may be configured to activate upon receipt of a signal from the alarm system as described previously. The sprinkler system may also be configured to activate upon detection of a sufficiently high localised temperature. This may be through the use of a sensor (e.g. thermometer) and trigger, or a mechanical trigger. Examples of a mechanical trigger include a glass bulb filled with liquid alcohol in the sprinkler head. This glass bulb acts as a stopper in the sprinkler head. If the localised temperature is sufficiently high, the pressure inside the bulb will increase sufficiently to cause the bulb to shatter. This allows water to flow out of the sprinkler.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts suitable for assembling the sprinkler system as described previously.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of assembling a sprinkler system for use in a housing unit, comprising the steps of:

isolating the water supply of a section of a domestic plumbing system to be adapted;

disconnecting a connector between two sections of piping;

connecting a replacement connector with an additional orifice for receiving an additional section of piping;

coupling the additional section of piping to the replacement connector; coupling a flow or pressure switch to the additional section of piping; coupling a sprinkler head to the other end of the additional section of piping; and

mounting the sprinkler head to a ceiling of the housing unit; and re-connecting the water supply to the adapted system.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a fire protection system for a series of housing units, said system comprising: an alarm system as described in the first aspect; and a sprinkler system as described in the third aspect, wherein the receivers are further configured to activate the sprinkler system in locations where an alarm has detected fire and/or smoke, and/or in locations specified by an authorised user.

These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from, and elucidated with reference to, the embodiments described hereinafter.

Brief description of Drawings

Embodiments will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which

figure 1 a illustrates the schematic layout of a typical apartment block with an example embodiment of the alarm system;

figure 1 b illustrates a schematic floor plan of a typical apartment block with an example embodiment of the alarm system;

figure 2 illustrates a schematic floor plan of a typical apartment block with an example embodiment of the alarm system;

figure 3a illustrates a schematic of an example embodiment of the sprinkler system; and

figure 3b illustrates a photograph of a portion of an assembled sprinkler system.

It should be noted that the Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of these Figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

Detailed description of embodiments

Figures 1 a and 1 b illustrate the layout of a typical apartment block 100 and floor 101. As best shown in Figure 1 a, the apartment block 100 comprises multiple floors 101 , which in turn comprise communal areas 102 (such as stairwells and/or common lift access areas) and housing units (rooms or apartments) 103. The apartment block 100 has an incoming gas supply 110, supplied from a mains gas supply, which can be closed off with a solenoid valve 115 to isolate the gas supply 110 of the apartment block 100 from the mains gas supply. The apartment block 100 has been fitted with an alarm system 120.

The alarm system 120 comprises a series of receivers 121 coupled to unit alarms (not pictured) located within each housing unit 102, a central control unit 123, and a series of communal alarms 122 located within communal areas 102.

The unit alarms (which may be coupled or integrated with the receivers 121 ) are configured to alert an occupant of the housing unit. Typically the unit alarms are intended to be provided in addition to standard smoke/ detectors and/or CO detectors, although in an embodiment the unit alarms may be integrated with such a device. Typically the receiver 121 and/or unit alarm is integrated with an existing communication system, such as a centralised telephone system and/or centralised door opening system - both of which are commonly found in housing unit accommodation. Advantageously the door entry system can be configured to unlock on receipt of a signal from the central control unit 123. This, in turn, can be used to restrict locations that are automatically unlocked, for example to locations that are specified by an accredited user (such as a fire marshall or officer).

As noted above, the receivers and/or unit alarms typically are in addition to standard smoke/heat detectors or CO detectors. However, they can be configured to send a unit alarm signal upon receipt of a positive detection by such detector.

The central control unit 123 is also communicatively coupled to the solenoid valve 115 by a services means 125, such as electronically controlled actuator, or similar means, such that the control unit 123 can shut-off the gas supply 110 upon authorisation by an authorised user.

As shown in Figure 1 b, each communal alarm 122 is communicatively coupled to each receiver 121 via communications channel 126. In the example shown in Figure 1 b, a floor 101 of the apartment block 100 comprises six rooms or housing units 103 arranged around a communal area 102. The communal alarm 122 is typically located within the communal area 102. Each room 103 is fitted with a unit alarm 121 (although it can be appreciated that not all rooms 103 necessarily require a unit alarm). Communication channel 126 may utilise a wireless signal or communications cable to transmit signals to and from the communal alarm 122 and each receiver 121. Each communal alarm 122 may operate on a set frequency, different to other communal alarms 122.

Communal alarm 122 is communicatively coupled to one or more receivers 121 , typically the receivers of housing units 103 that are directly or indirectly linked to the communal area 102. Communal alarm is configured to activate upon detection of fire and/or smoke within the communal area, triggering a communal alarm. The communal alarm acts to provide an alert to the unit alarms via the receiver to alert occupants of the housing units that a possible fire or smoke is present within the communal area to which they are directly or indirectly linked. Communal alarm 122 can also be configured to trigger the communal alarm signal upon receipt of a plurality of unit alarm signals from the unit alarm of housing units 103. Typically, the threshold number is set to be greater than 1 unit alarm signal occurring simultaneously to reduce false alerts caused by cooking and the like. It can be appreciated that the communal alarm may only activate the communal alert signal in such circumstances if unit alarm signals are received from adjacent or adjoining housing units 103.

The central control unit 123 is communicatively coupled to the receivers 121 and communal alarms 122 by a communications channel 124. Communications channel 124 may be a wireless transmitter or communications cable connecting the central control unit 123 to the receivers and alarms 121 , 122. It can be appreciated that a communications module or other control means may be incorporated within the central control unit as needed.

Figure 2 illustrates an alternative example apartment block floor 201. Like the example of Figure 1 , the alarm system comprises a series of receivers 221 , and a communal alarm 222. The communal alarm 222 is communicatively coupled to each unit alarm 221 via communications channel 226. The communication channel may use wireless protocols, whereby each communal alarm may utilise a dedicated frequency to communicate with the unit alarms (via the receivers). This ensures that a signal generated by or to the communal alarm can be identified. This is of particular importance when used with a central control unit, with each communal alarm utilising a dedicated frequency to allow the central control unit to easily identify where the signal originates.

Additionally, as noted above, the central control unit 223 is connected in series with the receivers 221 , such that upon receipt of an alarm signal the central control unit 223 identifies which receiver 221 has transmitted the alarm. In particular, the receivers may utilise normally closed contacts such that activation of the communal alarm 222 triggers a wireless signal 226 to open the contacts in the receivers or unit alarm 221. Once this contact is opened, an alarm is triggered at the central control unit 223 by this break in the circuit.

Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a portion of the sprinkler system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3b broadly shows the system 200, which comprises a sprinkler head 201 , coupled to piping 205. Piping 205 is typically standard domestic gauge piping to ensure compatibility with existing domestic plumbing system 220. This allows the sprinkler system to be easily retrofit to existing apartment blocks and homes. Figure 3a is a schematic representation of a typical sprinkler system installation. The sprinkler head 201 is mounted to a ceiling 230 with a mounting plate 202. The piping 205 is connected to domestic plumbing system 220 with connector 210, which may be a T-shaped connector. The piping 205 is mounted to the ceiling 230 by support mounts 206.

Sprinkler system 200 may be configured to automatically activate at a certain localised temperature, such as through the use of a sensor (e.g. thermometer) and trigger, or a mechanical trigger. Examples of a mechanical trigger include a glass bulb filled with liquid alcohol in the sprinkler head. This glass bulb acts as a stopper in the sprinkler head. If the localised temperature is sufficiently high, the pressure inside the bulb will increase sufficiently to cause the bulb to shatter. This allows water to flow out of the sprinkler.

In one embodiment, the sprinkler system is coupled to a wireless pressure or flow switch to activate the sprinkler system. The pressure and/or flow switch can then be communicatively coupled to the communal alarm, optionally via the receiver, to provide an alert to the communal alarm in the event of activation of one or more sprinkler systems in the housing units. It can also be appreciated that activation of the or a sprinkler system in the communal area could trigger activation of the unit alarms in a similar manner.

In an embodiment, the sprinkler is configured to be activated by receipt of a signal from the central control unit 123. Such a sprinkler system 200 would include a communication module, such as a wireless receiver 203, for receiving an activation signal from the central control unit 123. It may be appreciated that a processor, memory and other means to receive, transmit and undertake signals and instructions to and/or from the communal alarms and/or the central control unit may be integrated within the sprinkler system.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein.

Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom.

For the sake of completeness it is also stated that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, the term "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.