CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/336,091, filed April 28, 2022, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fire suppression systems and fire suppressant agent distribution and storage systems. More specifically, the present invention is directed to systems and methods for commissioning and resupplying a fire suppression system with fire suppressant agent stored in two-element, collapsible packaging.

[0003] Rigid, single-element containers, such as tanks, drums, and jugs are commonly used to store and transport fluids and powders, such as powderized fire suppressant agent and liquid fire suppressant agent, to jobsites for filling one or more tanks installed in a fire suppression system. Fire suppression systems can require substantial amounts of fire suppressant agent. For example, industrial work equipment may use a fire suppression system with five or more 40 gallon tanks filled with fire suppressant during commissioning. Smaller, rigid containers of agent (i.e., 4-gallon containers, 5-gallon containers, etc.) may be transported to the site to fill the larger tanks, emptied, and disposed of. Being rigid, the volume of space occupied by the emptied containers is the same as if they were full.

SUMMARY

[0004] At least one embodiment relates to a method of supplying fire suppressant. The method includes providing a tank configured to receive a tank volume of fire suppressant, a nozzle configured to release a spray of the fire suppressant therefrom, and an activator configured to selectively fluidly couple the nozzle to the tank such that at least a portion of the fire suppressant passes through the nozzle. The method further includes providing, in a first position, a container including a fill volume of fire suppressant. The container is movable between the first position wherein the container occupies a first volume of space and a second position wherein the container occupies a second volume of space smaller than the first volume. The method further includes transferring, from the first container, the fire suppressant to the tank, and moving, from the first position, the container to the second position.

[0005] Another embodiment relates to a method of supplying fire suppressant to a fire suppressant system. The method includes providing a container configured to store a volume of fire suppressant, wherein the container includes a first element releasably coupled to a second element. A first mode of operation is defined when the first element is coupled with the second element, and a second mode of operation is defined when the first element is separated from the second element. The method further includes, when the container is in the first mode of operation, filling the container with the volume of fire suppressant, and, when the container is in the second mode of operation, transferring at least a portion of the fire suppressant from the container to a tank of the fire suppression system.

[0006] Another embodiments relates to a fire suppression system. The system includes a tank configured to receive a tank volume of liquid fire suppressant, a nozzle having an outlet at least selectively fluidly coupled to the tank and configured to release a spray of the liquid fire suppressant therefrom in the hazard area, and an activator configured to selectively release the liquid fire suppressant from the tank during a single-agent phase such that at least a portion of the liquid fire suppressant passes through the outlet of the nozzle in response to the fire detection device detecting a fire in the hazard area. The system also includes a container including at least a portion of the tank volume of fire suppressant and movable between a first position wherein the container defines a first volume and a second position wherein the container defines a second volume smaller than the first volume. The container is also configured to provide at least a portion of the tank volume of the fire suppressant to the tank.

[0007] This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to like elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] FIG. l is a schematic diagram of a container for storing a volume of fire suppressant, according to some embodiments [0009] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a container for storing a volume of fire suppressant, according to some embodiments.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an illustration of an exploded view of the container of FIG. 7, according to some embodiments.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an illustration of first part of a container for storing a volume of fire suppressant, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIGS. 5 and 6 are illustrations of a container for storing a volume of fire suppressant in a collapsed state, according to some embodiments.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for a process of providing fire suppressant to a fire suppression system, according to some embodiments.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for a process of providing a fire suppressant to a fire suppression system, according to another embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a fire suppression system, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Overview

[0017] Referring generally to the FIGURES, for commissioning and/or resupplying a fire suppression systems and apparatuses with fire suppressant agent (i.e., fire suppressant), a volume of fire suppressant (e.g., a fill volume) is stored, transported, and/or provided to the fire suppression system or apparatuses via a container. Current methods use rigid plastic jugs in various volumes (i.e., 3-gallon, 5-gallon, etc.) to store and transport the fire suppressant to a fire suppression system. Collapsible containers reduce the required physical footprint drastically, such that during transportation and storage when the container is empty, the container can be collapsed to occupy less space, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with the transportation and storage of the container. For example, large industrial equipment can commonly have five or more 30 gallon tanks in their fire suppression system for storing fire suppressant. A distributor currently hauls six full 5-gallon rigid jugs of fire suppressant, per tank, to the fire suppression system where the distributor would fill and commission each 30-gallon tank. After filling, the distributor would then load the now empty 5-gallon rigid jugs and transport port them back to a storage or disposal facility. As rigid jugs, the empty jugs take up the same volume of space as the full jugs during transportation and storage. Collapsible containers break down into a smaller footprint and save space, are more readily recyclable, and allow distributors less commissioning time as fewer trips would be required to the fire suppression system. Manufacturing of the rigid jugs also requires more raw material, as the jugs must have enough structural integrity to maintain their shape, including the shape of their internal volume, even when not filled with an agent. Flexible containers can use less material as they principally rely on the tensile strength of the material when filled with an agent to maintain structural integrity.

[0018] In some embodiments, the collapsible container is composed of a single flexible element with an internal volume that can be reduced when not holding an agent. In some embodiments, the container is composed of at least two elements, including an inner element and an outer element substantially surrounding the inner element. The elements may be separable, and used separately, such that the first element containing the fire suppressant may be separated from the outer element and used to transport and store the fire suppressant alone or in conjunction with the outer element. The container can be used to provide fire suppressant to a fire suppression system or apparatus, wherein the first element may be separated from the second element for transferring the fire suppressant from the inner element to the fire suppression system or apparatus, and then the container (e.g., the first element and/or the second element) can be compressed to reduce the volume of space occupied by the container for more efficient transportation, storage, and/or recycling or disposal. The collapsible container can be used to supply fire suppressant to both fire suppression systems and apparatuses, including handheld extinguishers or portable extinguishers.

Container

[0019] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a container, shown as container 10, includes a first element (i.e., portion, part, component, piece), shown as inner element 12, and a second element, shown as outer element 16. The container 10 including the inner element 12 and the outer element 16 can be moveable between a first state (i.e., position, configuration, arrangement, etc.), referred to herein as an expanded state, and a second state, referred to herein as a compressed state.

[0020] In some embodiments, the container 10 can include an outer element 16 and multiple inner elements 12, such that there are multiple, separate inner volumes 14. For example, a first fire suppressant agent (e.g., a liquid fire suppressant) can be stored in a first inner element 12 and a second fire suppressant agent (e.g., a dry fire suppressant) could be stored in a second inner element 12.

[0021] In some embodiments, the outer element 16 is a rigid hard-sided or semi-rigid element for providing support and/or protection to the inner element 12. In some embodiments, the outer element 16 is made of a rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, paper, cardboard, metal, wood, or any other rigid or semi-rigid material. In some embodiments, the outer element 16 is biodegradable, for example it can be composed of biodegradable cardboard. In some embodiments, the outer element 16 is moveable between a first position (e.g., the expanded state) and a second position (e.g., the compressed state). In some embodiments, the inner element 12, including inner volume 14, is configured to substantially occupy outer volume 18 of the outer element 16. In some embodiments, the outer element includes one or more handles, shown as handle 19, for interacting with the container 10. In some embodiments, the outer element 16 includes an opening, shown as opening 17, for providing access to the inner element 12.

[0022] Referring now to FIG. 4, in some embodiments the inner element 12 is water-tight and configured to receive the fire suppressant via spout 20 and contain the fire suppressant within an inner volume 14. In some embodiments, the inner element 12 is a flexible soft-sided container (i.e., jug, pouch, bag, etc.) such that the volume of the inner volume 14 can change based on the shape of the inner element 12. In some embodiments, the inner element 12 is made of one more flexible materials suitable to contact fire suppressant, for example plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), or any other type of material capable of forming a flexible, water-tight enclosure. In some embodiments, the inner element 12 is entirely or partially made of one or more layers of material. In some embodiments, a number of layers of material within the inner element 12 varies across the element. For example, in some embodiments the inner element 12 can be include a single layer in certain locations, (such as its faces) and multiple layers at other areas (such as its edges and seams) to improve strength in areas more likely to experience higher forces. In some embodiments, the inner element 12 is used to store, transport, and deliver fire suppressant to a fire suppressant tank or container on its own, without outer element 16. For example, using just inner layer 16 a distributor can fill multiple flexible containers including just inner element 12 with fire suppressant. The multiple containers act as bags, jugs, etc. and may include integrated handles, shown as inner handle 21, for maneuvering the containers. In some embodiments, after emptying the containers, the flexible inner layers 12 are reduced to a compressed state where the inner volume 14 is substantially zero, and inner layers 12 are substantially folded, compressed, or minimized. As flexible containers, the total volume of space the inner layers 12 occupy is largely dependent on the inner volume 14, which can be expanded and reduced as required. As such, in some embodiments the inner layers 12 can transition between a reduced state occupying a volume of space, and an expanded state occupying a volume of space greater than the volume occupied in the reduced state.

[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the container 10, including inner element 12 and outer element 16 is shown in first position i.e., an expanded state. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the container 10, including the inner element 12 and the outer element 16, in a second position i.e., a compressed state. In the expanded state the container 10 occupies a first amount (e.g., volume) of space, and in some embodiments includes an inner volume sufficient to store a fill volume of fire suppressant (e.g., powderized fire suppressant, liquid fire suppressant). In some embodiments, in the expanded state the container 10 includes both an outer volume 18 and an inner volume 14. In some embodiments, the inner volume 14 substantially occupies the outer volume 18. In some embodiments, at least one of the inner volume 14 or the outer volume 18 can be filled with fire suppressant. For example, the inner volume 14 can be filled with fire suppressant in the expanded state and substantially occupy the outer volume 18.

[0024] In the compressed state, the container 10 occupies a second amount of space which is less than the first amount of space in the expanded state. In some embodiments, in the compressed state the container 10 is no longer hollow (i.e., no longer contains a void) and/or no longer contains a volume large enough to carry the fill amount of fire suppressant. In some embodiments, in the compressed state the volume of space filled by the container 10 is equal to or substantially equal to the volume of space filled by the material forming the container 10 itself. As described above, the provision of fire suppressant in the container 10 can reduce the carbon footprint associated with the commissioning and/or resupply of the fire suppression system.

[0025] In some embodiments, the container 10 can transition between the expanded state and the compressed state by emptying, collapsing, folding, compressing, etc. In some embodiments, the container 10 can transition between the first compressed state and between the second expanded state and vice versa repeatedly. Because, at least in part, the container 10 can be moved from the expanded state into the compressed state after being emptied of fire suppressant, the container can thereby occupy a smaller amount of space for more efficient, packing, transport, and/or disposal.

[0026] In some embodiments, the state or position of the outer element 16 corresponds with the state of the container 10 as a whole. For example, when the container 10 is in the expanded state, the outer element 16 is in the first position, and when the container 10 is in the compressed state, the outer element 16 is in the second position. In the first position, the outer element 16 includes an internal volume, shown as outer volume 18.

[0027] In some embodiments, when the container 10 is in the expanded state, the inner element 12 is compressed, such that inner volume 14 is substantially zero and the outer element 16 is in the first position (i.e., expanded). In some embodiments, when the container 10 is in the expanded state the inner element 12 is expanded, such that the inner volume 14 is large enough to contain a volume of fire suppressant such as a fill volume of fire suppressant (e.g., 1 -gallon, 4-gallon, 5-gallon, etc.), and the outer element 16 is in the first position (i.e., expanded). In some embodiments, when the container 10 is in the compressed state, the inner element 12 is compressed, such that inner volume 14 is substantially zero and the outer element 16 is in the second position (i.e., compressed). For example, referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the inner element 12 can be compressed such that the inner element no longer contains an inner void 14 sufficient to contain the fill amount of fire suppressant. The outer element 16 can also be compressed or folded such that it no longer contains an outer volume 18 sufficient to contain the inner element 12. In some embodiments, the inner element 12 is expanded while the outer element 16 is in the second position (i.e., compressed), such that outer volume 18 is substantially zero. For example, the inner element 12 may be supported independently of the outer element 16, such that the inner element 12 may include an inner volume while the outer element 16 may be compressed. The various positions allow the container 10 to operate in multiple distinct modes.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6, the outer element 16 can be folded, reduced, compressed, etc., from the first position to the second position. In some embodiments, in the second position the outer element 16 is substantially solid. As used herein “substantially solid,” is without reference to any internal voids and/or cavities included within the one or more materials the first and/or outer element 16 are composed of (e.g., cardboard), and instead is in reference to the lack of an internal void and/or volume intended for containing the fire suppressant. In some embodiments, in the second position the inner element 12 is contained within the outer element 16. For example, the inner element 12 and the outer element 16 can be compressed while the inner element 12 is still inside of the outer element 16, such that in the compressed state the outer element 16 may still substantially and/or entirely surround the inner element 12. In some embodiments, when the outer element 16 in the second position, the container 10 is in the compressed state, such that the inner element 12 is also compressed, folded, diminished, reduced, etc. such that it is also substantially solid. In some embodiments therefore, in the compressed state of the container 10 the inner element 12 and outer element 16 are both moved to no longer contain an inner volume sufficient to contain a fill volume of fire suppressant.

[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, in some embodiments, a first mode of operation is defined when the inner element 12 is coupled with the outer element 16. For example, the inner element 12 may be placed inside of the outer element 16 such that the outer element 16 supports the inner element 12, such that inner element 12 and inner volume 14 occupies outer volume 18. In some embodiments, inner volume 14 and outer volume 18 at least partially contain the same volume of space. For example, when inner element 12 is supported within outer element 16, inner volume 14 and outer volume 18 may be centered around the same volume of space, such that the volume of space contained within the inner volume 14 is also contained within the outer volume 18. In some embodiments, a second mode of operation is defined when the inner element 12 is independent of (i.e., not supported by, uncoupled from, etc.) the outer element 16. For example, the inner element 12, either when containing a volume of fire suppressant or when empty, may be removed from the outer element 16 and used, transported, stored, etc., independent of the outer element 16. In some embodiments, the inner volume 14 and the outer volume 18 contain different volumes of space. For example, when the inner element 12 is separated from the outer element 16, the volume of space included in inner volume 14 is not the same volume of space contained in the outer volume 18. In some embodiments, the inner element 12 is coupled to the outer element 16 in the first mode of operation during transportation of the container 10, including a volume of fire suppressant, to a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the container 10 is in the second mode of operation during transportation away from the fire suppression system, for example after having been emptied of fire suppressant. In some embodiments, a user may remove the inner element 12 from the outer element 16 (i.e., move the container 10 to the second mode of operating) before transferring the fire suppressant from the inner element 12 to the fire suppression system. For example, the inner element 12 may include integrated handles or portions designed for aiding the transfer of the fire suppressant from the inner element 12 to the fire suppression system.

[0030] When commissioning and/or resupplying a fire suppression system or apparatus with fire suppressant, the fire suppressant can initially be transported to the fire suppression system or apparatus in one or more containers 10, each in the expanded state, such that the container(s) 10 each contain a fill volume of fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is moved from the contained s) 10 to one or more tanks installed in the fire suppression system or apparatus, for example the tank of a handheld fire extingunisher. In some embodiments, after being emptied or substantially emptied of fire suppressant, the containers 10 are moved into the compressed state. In the compressed state, the containers 10 occupy less space than in the expanded state, allowing for more container(s) to be stored and/or transported in less space than if the container(s) 10 remained in the expanded state. The compressed state and its diminished volume can reduce the carbon footprint associated with commissioning and/or resupplying the fire suppression system by reducing the amount of fossil fuel consumed in removing, disposing, and/or recycling the containers 10 after they been emptied of fire suppressant.

[0031] In some embodiments, the container 10 may be in the expanded state during any mode of operation. For example, in the first mode of operation the inner element 12 and the outer element 16 may be in the expanded state, such that they each contain an internal volume, (e.g., inner volume 14 and outer volume 18). For a further example, in the second mode of operation, the inner element 12 and the outer element 16 may also be in the expanded state, however one of or both of the inner element 12 and the outer element 16 may also be compressed. In some embodiments, the inner element 12 and/or the outer element 16 may be in the compressed state during any mode of operation,

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 7, a flow chart illustrating a method 200 for supplying fire suppressant to a fire suppression system is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method 200 is performed with a container 10 as described above. At step 202, a container in an expanded state including a fill volume of fire suppressant is provided. The container 10 in the expanded state may occupy a first volume of space. In some embodiments, as described above, the container 10 contains at least two parts including a first part, such as inner element 12 and a second part, such as outer element 16. In the expanded state the inner element 12 has an internal volume for containing fire suppressant, such as inner volume 14, and the outer element 16 has an internal volume for containing the inner element 12 and the inner volume 14, such as outer volume 18. In some embodiments, the inner layer is made of a flexible material such that its internal volume is a factor of its external shape. For example, the inner layer may expand and compress which in turns changes the internal volume of the inner layer. In some embodiments, the outer layer is rigid. In some embodiments, the outer layer is configured to fold, reduce, compress, etc., to reduce and/or eliminate the outer layer’s internal volume. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant can hold 1, 2, 3, 4.5, 5, etc., gallons of fire suppressant. [0033] At step 204, the container is transported to the fire suppression system or apparatus, such as fire suppression system 410. In some embodiments, the fire suppression system is installed and/or located at a jobsite in an empty state, and must be filled with fire suppressant during commissioning and/or resupplying of the fire suppression system. The fire suppressant can be provided to the fire suppression system by a manufacturer, supplier, distributor, and/or user. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is provided in one or more containers as described herein when transported to the fire suppression system.

[0034] At step 206, the fire suppressant is transferred from the container to the fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is poured from the container into a tank of the fire suppression system, for example via a spout such as spout 20 of container 10. In some embodiments, spout 20 includes a hose (e.g., flexible tube, pipe, etc.) to pass the fire suppressant from the container 10 into the tank. In some embodiments, the hose of spout 20 is configured to reach at or near a bottom of the tank being filled with fire suppressant. By using a spout 20 as described, the fire suppressant is provided to the tank from the bottom up, which reduces foaming of the fire suppressant as it is being filled. The reduced foaming means less fire suppressant is in contact with the air in the environment and the filling process and proceed more quickly. As described above, in some embodiments, to ease the transfer of the fire suppressant, the inner element of the container containing the fire suppressant is removed from the outer element prior to the transfer of the fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the inner element includes integrated handles for a user to support and/or maneuver the inner layer. A user may therefore transfer the fire suppressant from the inner element to the fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the volume of fire suppressant in the container is equal to the volume of fire suppressant required to commission and/or resupply the fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the volume of fire suppressant contained within a container is only a portion of the volume of fire suppressant required to commission and/or resupply the fire suppression system, and multiple containers are needed. As such, in some embodiments method 200 may be repeated with multiple containers.

[0035] At step 208, the container is moved into a compressed state. In some embodiments, the container in the compressed state occupies a second volume of space which is less than the first volume of space occupied by the container in the expanded state. In some embodiments, moving the container into the compressed state from the expanded state includes moving both the inner element and the outer element from expanded states to compressed states. In some embodiments, the container is moved into the compressed state when the inner element and the outer element are coupled together. In some embodiments, the container is moved into the compressed state when the inner element is separate from the outer element.

[0036] At step 210, the container, including the inner element and the outer element, is transported in the compressed state away from the fire suppression system. The reduced volume of the container in the compressed state as compared to the container in the expanded state allows for more containers to be transported in less space, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the transportation of the containers.

[0037] Referring now to FIG. 8, a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for supplying fire suppressant to a fire suppression system is shown, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the method 300 is performed with a container 10 as described above. In some embodiments, the method 300 is performed in addition to the method 200. For example, a container for use with method 200 may also be used in method 300. In some embodiments, methods 200 and 300 are performed concurrently.

[0038] At step 302, a two-element container with an inner element including a fill volume of fire suppressant, with the inner element supported by an outer element, is provided. For example, the inner element may be substantially similar to the inner element 12 and the outer element may be substantially similar to the outer element 16, except as specified otherwise herein. In some embodiments, the inner element is made of a flexible material such as a plastic. In some embodiments, the inner element is a bag, container, jug, etc., with an internal volume for containing the fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the outer element is a rigid element. In some embodiments, the container has additional elements such as multiple inner elements 12. In some embodiments, the inner element is an inner element such as inner element 12 of container 10, and the outer element is the same as or similar to outer element 16 of container 10. In some embodiments, the container used in method 300 is movable between an expanded state and a compressed state, and designed for use in method 200 as well as method 300. In some embodiments, the inner element of the container is releasably coupled to the outer element. For example, the outer element may include an internal volume, such as outer volume 18, designed to contain the inner element. The inner element may be separable from the outer element such that it can be moved into and out of the outer volume 18 of the outer element. In some embodiments, the outer element merely supports the inner element. Still in other embodiments, the outer element is releasably coupled to the inner element via one or more fastening means such as an adhesive, a lid, a latch, an interference fit, etc.

[0039] At step 304, the two-element container is transported to a fire suppression system. In some embodiments, step 304 is the same and/or similar to step 204 of method 200.

[0040] At step 306, the inner element including the fill volume of fire suppressant is separated from the outer element. For example, the outer element may be a box, and the inner element may be removed from the box. In some embodiments, the inner element includes an integrated handle which may be used to remove the inner element from the outer element. In some embodiments, the outer element is an enclosed box, which is then opened to allow the inner element to be removed.

[0041] At step 308, the fire suppressant is transferred from the inner element to the fire suppression system. As described above, in some embodiments the inner element includes integrated handles for maneuvering and positioning the fire suppressant. In some embodiments, at least two handles are provided to facilitate pouring the fire suppressant from the inner element into the fire suppression system. In some embodiments, as the fire suppressant is transferred from the inner element to the fire suppression system, the inner element gradually transitions from an expanded state to a compressed state. For example, the inner element is flexible, such that as fire suppressant is removed the inner element can compress.

[0042] At step 310, the outer element is moved from an expanded state to a compressed state. In the expanded state, the outer element may occupy a volume of space that is larger than the volume of space occupied by the outer element in the compressed state. For example the outer element may be a box, which can be moved into a compressed state by folding the box into a substantially flat shape. In some embodiments, the outer element is moved to a compressed state still separated from the inner element. Still in some embodiments, the inner element is coupled to the outer element and the outer element is moved into the compressed state.

[0043] At step 310, the now-empty or substantially empty inner element and the outer element in the compressed state are transported away from the fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the container, including the inner element and the outer element, are recycled after supplying fire suppressant to the fire suppression system, and the container must be transported to a recycling facility, a storage center, a distribution center, etc. Transporting, storing, and/or recycling the container when the inner and outer elements are in the compressed state reduces the carbon footprint associated with the supply effort, as the compressed container occupies less space and can be moved efficiently. In some embodiments, the two-element container can also be recycled efficiently, for example when the inner element is made of a first recyclable material (e.g., plastic, paper, etc.) and the outer element is made of a second recyclable material (e.g., cardboard, plastic, etc.).

[0044] In some embodiments, prior to step 202 of method 200 and step 302 of method 300, the container is stored in a compressed state before being filled with a fire suppressant for use in steps 202 or 302. For example, prior to being filled, a number of containers in a compressed state can be stacked, arranged, stored, etc. The containers can then be filled without fire suppressant and provided to steps 202 or 302 as containers in the expanded state including a volume of fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the containers are moved to the expanded state prior to being filled with fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the containers gradually transition from a compressed state to an expanded state while being filled with fire suppressant. For example, in a single-element embodiment including just inner element 12, as inner element 12 is filled with fire suppressant it can gradually expand until it transitions from its compressed state to its expanded state.

Fire Suppression System

[0045] Referring to FIG. 9, a fire suppression system 410 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. In one embodiment, fire suppression system 410 is a chemical fire suppression system. Fire suppression system 410 is configured to dispense or distribute a fire suppressant agent onto and/or nearby a fire, extinguishing the fire and preventing the fire from spreading. Fire suppression system 410 may be used alone or in combination with other types of fire suppression systems (e.g., a building sprinkler system, a handheld fire extinguisher, etc.). In some embodiments, multiple fire suppression systems 410 are used in combination with one another to cover a larger area (e.g., each in different rooms of a building).

[0046] Fire suppression system 410 may be used in a variety of different applications. Different applications may require different types of fire suppressant agent and different levels of mobility. Fire suppression system 410 is usable with a variety of different fire suppressant agents, such as powders, liquids, foams, or other fluid or flowable materials. Fire suppression system 410 may be used in a variety of stationary applications. By way of example, fire suppression system 410 is usable in kitchens (e.g., for oil or grease fires, etc.), in libraries, in data centers (e.g., for electronics fires, etc.), at filling stations (e.g., for gasoline or propane fires, etc.), or in other stationary applications. Alternatively, fire suppression system 410 may be used in a variety of mobile applications. By way of example, fire suppression system 410 may be incorporated into land-based vehicles (e.g., racing vehicles, forestry vehicles, construction vehicles, agricultural vehicles, mining vehicles, passenger vehicles, refuse vehicles, etc.), airborne vehicles (e.g., jets, planes, helicopters, etc.), or aquatic vehicles, (e.g., ships, submarines, etc.).

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 9, fire suppression system 410 includes a fire suppressant tank 412 (e.g., a vessel, container, vat, drum, tank, canister, pressure vessel, cartridge, or can, etc.). Fire suppressant tank 412 defines an internal volume 414 filled (e.g., partially, completely, etc.) with fire suppressant agent. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant agent is normally not pressurized (e.g., is near atmospheric pressure). Fire suppressant tank 412 includes an exchange section, shown as neck 416. Neck 416 permits the flow of expellant gas into internal volume 414 and the flow of fire suppressant agent out of internal volume 414 so that the fire suppressant agent may be supplied to a fire.

[0048] In some embodiments, fire suppression system 410 (e.g., fire suppressant tank 412) is supplied fire suppressant by container 470, as described above. Container 470 may be movable between a first expanded state and a second compressed state. In some embodiments, container 470 contains a first element (e.g., an inner layer, inner portion, etc.), shown as inner element 472, and a second element (e.g., an outer layer, outer portion, shell, etc.), shown as outer element 474. In some embodiments, inner element 472 defines an inner volume 476, and outer element 474 defines a second inner volume 478. In some embodiments, the inner volume 476 and second inner volume 478 are variable, that is in the expanded state the inner volume 476 and second inner volume 478 occupy a first volume of space, and in the compressed state of the container the inner volume 476 and second inner volume 478 occupy a second volume of space less than the first volume of space. In some embodiments, the inner volume 476 contains a volume of fire suppressant agent. The inner volume 476 may be designed to hold 0.25 gallons, 0.5 gallons, 1 gallon, 2 gallons, 5, gallons, etc., of fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the second inner volume 478 is designed to contain the inner element 472 and its inner volume 476.

[0049] In some embodiments, the inner element 472 is separable from the outer element 474. For example, the inner layer may be removably coupled to the outer element 474 such that in a first configuration the inner element 472 is supported by the outer element 474 (as shown in FIG. 9) and in a second mode of operation the inner element 472 is not supported by the outer element 474. The container 470 may be provided to a fire suppression system 410 by a user during commissioning and/or resupplying of the fire suppression system 410 to provide the fire suppressant agent to the fire suppressant tank 412. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant tank 412 is decoupled from the fire suppression system 410, for example by disconnecting neck 416 from hose 434 and/or pipe 440, at which point the fire suppressant tank 412 is filled with fire suppressant from the container 470. In some embodiments, after the transfer of fire suppressant from the container 470, specifically the inner element 472, to the fire suppression system 410 the container 470 may be moved to the second compressed state to reduce the volume it now occupies, allow for more efficient, removal, transportation, and/or recycling of the container 470.

[0050] Fire suppression system 410 further includes a cartridge 420 (e.g., a vessel, container, vat, drum, tank, canister, pressure vessel, cartridge, or can, etc.). Cartridge 420 defines an internal volume 422 configured to contain a volume of pressurized expellant gas. The expellant gas may be an inert gas. In some embodiments, the expellant gas is air, carbon dioxide, or nitrogen. Cartridge 420 includes an outlet portion or outlet section, shown as neck 424. Neck 424 defines an outlet fluidly coupled to internal volume 422. Accordingly, the expellant gas may leave cartridge 420 through neck 424. Cartridge 420 may be rechargeable or disposable after use. In some embodiments where cartridge 420 is rechargeable, additional expellant gas may be supplied to internal volume 422 through neck 424.

[0051] Fire suppression system 410 further includes a valve, puncture device, or activator assembly, shown as actuator 430. Actuator 430 includes an adapter, a coupler, an interfacing member, a receiving member, an engagement member, etc., shown as receiver 432, that is configured to receive neck 424 of cartridge 420. Neck 424 is selectively coupled to the receiver 432 (e.g., through a threaded connection, etc.). Decoupling cartridge 420 from actuator 430 facilitates removal and replacement of cartridge 420 when cartridge 420 is depleted. Actuator 430 is fluidly coupled to neck 416 of fire suppressant tank 412 through a conduit, tubular member, pipe, fixed pipe, piping system, etc., shown as hose 434.

[0052] Actuator 430 includes an activation mechanism 436 configured to selectively fluidly couple internal volume 422 to neck 416. In some embodiments, activation mechanism 436 includes one or more valves that selectively fluidly couple internal volume 422 to hose 434. The valves may be mechanically, electrically, manually, or otherwise actuated. In some such embodiments, neck 424 includes a valve that selectively prevents the expellant gas from flowing through neck 424. Such a valve may be manually operated (e.g., by a lever or knob on the outside of cartridge 420, etc.) or may open automatically upon engagement of neck 424 with actuator 430. Such a valve facilitates removal of cartridge 420 prior to depletion of the expellant gas. In other embodiments, cartridge 420 is sealed, and activation mechanism 436 includes a pin, knife, nail, or other sharp object that actuator 430 forces into contact with cartridge 420. This punctures the outer surface of cartridge 420, fluidly coupling internal volume 422 with actuator 430. In some embodiments, activation mechanism 436 punctures cartridge 420 only when actuator 430 is activated. In some such embodiments, activation mechanism 436 omits any valves that control the flow of expellant gas to hose 434. In other embodiments, activation mechanism 436 automatically punctures cartridge 420 as neck 424 engages actuator 430. [0053] Once actuator 430 is activated and cartridge 420 is fluidly coupled to hose 434, the expellant gas from cartridge 420 flows freely through neck 424, actuator 430, and hose 434 and into neck 416. The expellant gas forces fire suppressant agent from fire suppressant tank 412 out through neck 416 and into a conduit or hose, shown as pipe 440. In one embodiment, neck 416 directs the expellant gas from hose 434 to a top portion of internal volume 414. Neck 416 defines an outlet (e.g., using a syphon tube, etc.) near the bottom of fire suppressant tank 412. The pressure of the expellant gas at the top of internal volume 414 forces the fire suppressant agent to exit through the outlet and into pipe 440. In other embodiments, the expellant gas enters a bladder within fire suppressant tank 412, and the bladder presses against the fire suppressant agent to force the fire suppressant agent out through neck 416. In yet other embodiments, pipe 440 and hose 434 are coupled to fire suppressant tank 412 at different locations. By way of example, hose 434 may be coupled to the top of fire suppressant tank 412, and pipe 440 may be coupled to the bottom of fire suppressant tank 412. In some embodiments, fire suppressant tank 412 includes a burst disk that prevents the fire suppressant agent from flowing out through neck 416 until the pressure within internal volume 414 exceeds a threshold pressure. Once the pressure exceeds the threshold pressure, the burst disk ruptures, permitting the flow of fire suppressant agent. Alternatively, fire suppressant tank 412 may include a valve, a puncture device, or another type of opening device or activator assembly that is configured to fluidly couple internal volume 414 to pipe 440 in response to the pressure within internal volume 414 exceeding the threshold pressure. Such an opening device may be configured to activate mechanically (e.g., the force of the pressure causes the opening device to activate, etc.) or the opening device may include a separate pressure sensor in communication with internal volume 414 that causes the opening device to activate.

[0054] Pipe 440 is fluidly coupled to one or more outlets or sprayers (e.g., nozzles, sprinkler heads, discharge devices, dispersion devices, etc.), shown as nozzles 442. The fire suppressant agent flows through pipe 440 and to nozzles 442. Nozzles 442 each define one or more apertures, through which the fire suppressant agent exits, forming a spray of fire suppressant agent that covers a desired area. The sprays from nozzles 442 then suppress or extinguish fire within that area. The apertures of nozzles 442 may be shaped to control the spray pattern of the fire suppressant agent leaving nozzles 442. Nozzles 442 may be aimed such that the sprays cover specific points of interest (e.g., a specific piece of restaurant equipment, a specific component within an engine compartment of a vehicle, etc.). Nozzles 442 may be configured such that all of nozzles 442 activate simultaneously, or nozzles 442 may be configured such that only nozzles 442 near the fire are activated.

[0055] Fire suppression system 410 further includes an automatic activation system 450 that controls the activation of actuator 430. Automatic activation system 450 is configured to monitor one or more conditions and determine if those conditions are indicative of a nearby fire. Upon detecting a nearby fire, automatic activation system 450 activates actuator 430, causing the fire suppressant agent to leave nozzles 442 and extinguish the fire. Fire suppression system 410 further includes a manual activation system 460 that controls the activation of actuator 430. Manual activation system 460 is configured to activate actuator 430 in response to an input from an operator. Manual activation system 460 may be included instead of or in addition to automatic activation system 450. Both automatic activation system 450 and manual activation system 460 may activate actuator 430 independently. By way of example, automatic activation system 450 may activate actuator 430 regardless of any input from manual activation system 460, and vice versa.

Configuration of the Exemplary Embodiments

[0056] While the inner element is described herein as being flexible and the outer element is described herein as being rigid, in some embodiments the inner element may be rigid and the outer element may be flexible, and any combination of flexible/rigid inner element and flexible/rigid outer element is anticipated.

[0057] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean +/- 10% of the disclosed values. When the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are applied to a structural feature (e.g., to describe its shape, size, volume, orientation, direction, etc.), these terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. When the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are applied to a state (e.g., full, empty, expanded, compressed, etc.), these terms are generally meant to cover when the state is approached, even if the state is not fully realized. For example, a container may be substantially empty even though a small portion of fire suppressant remains in the container. For another example, a container may be substantially compressed even though the container still contains a small amount of internal volume that has not be removed when transitioned from an expanded state to a compressed state. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0058] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0059] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may involve one member supporting another member directly or indirectly. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be frictional, mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0060] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0061] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0062] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the system 410 as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the container 10 of FIG. 1 may be used in both method 200 of FIG. 7 and method 300 of FIG. 8. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.