Fire extinguishers – Special applications – For cooking installation
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-08
2002-03-26
Morris, Lesley D. (Department: 3752)
Fire extinguishers
Special applications
For cooking installation
C169S060000, C169S042000, C169S068000, C169S029000, C169S056000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06360825
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a self-contained fire extinguisher and more particularly to a self contained fire extinguisher for use with any residential or commercial range hood having a structure and design that incorporates any commercially available housed dispersing media so that the unit does not require servicing during its shelf life and will be operational and functional regardless of the age of the particular fire extinguisher.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The use of automatically activated fire extinguishing devices is well noted in the prior art. In the event of a cooking fire such devices release a compound onto the stove surface thereby extinguishing the fire. Typically, these automatic fire-extinguishing devices are contained in the range hood of the stove exposing unsightly and bulky cable, which accumulate grease over a period of time. Additionally, such devices have been found to be unreliable, falsely activating upon sensing heat without fire. Many of these devices also require on-site installation time, as well as complex automatic shut-off of electricity or gas to the stove requiring an electrician installation, thereby adding to the stove's expense. Yet another disadvantage to the prior art devices includes an unsightly trigger mechanism that must be positioned for sensing heat from the stove.
An example of a prior art device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,256,181 issued to Searcy. This device is a pressured fire-extinguishing vessel located in a remote station with lines to feed the range hood. This device houses a pyrotechnic sensor means that when ignited by flames transfers the fire to a fusible link. Once the fusible link is severed, a valve on the fire extinguisher is opened causing the fire extinguishing material to discharge in the location of the pyrotechnic sensor.
Another automatic fire extinguishing device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,636 issued to North. This device also features a pressurized fire-extinguishing vessel. In this patent there is disclosed a residential fire extinguishing system comprising a delayed remote fire extinguisher mounted in a cabinet over the range connected by flexible hoses to a pair of nozzles housed in the hood. In the event the fire extinguisher is activated to release the fire suppressant, the gas supply line is pressurized thereby shutting off gas supply to the stove.
Yet another fire extinguishing device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,278 issued to Mikulec. This device features a pressurized fire-extinguishing vessel. This patent provides for an automatically activated self contained remote station fire extinguishing stove device which is installed in a stove hood and features a compact design. In addition this patent also provides for an automatic stove shut-off.
Mikulec discovered the need of alternating and changing the structure of the conventional fire extinguisher, by providing a device that is not pressurized. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,531, Mikulec discloses a non-pressured unit that can be utilized as a conventional fire extinguisher, or in an alternative embodiment, can be utilized above the stove. In order to accomplish this type of non-pressurized configuration, Mikulec designed the interior of the unit to include a spring-loaded plunger. This will provide for the plunger to be in a compress state and allow for fluid to be stored therein. Once a fire is detected, a fusible link melts and causes the spring to be released and innately provide for the fluid to be dispensed to the appropriate location. Though efficient, this device does not effectively utilize the spring, in that the spring reaches maximum velocity prior to fully dispensing the fluid. Thus, Mikulec relies mainly on gravity for dispensing the fire retardant material. A minimal amount of pressure is used and consequently, may not be adequate for dispensing the fire retardant media affectivity. In addition, Mikulec's fusible link system is complex in nature, and thus innately provides for a system that is not as economical if the design was more compact and included fewer components. Further, Mikulec discloses an attaching means, for use with conventional hoods that utilizes brackets. Though efficient, the brackets do provide for holes to be drilled in the existing cabinets and/or hood. The prospect of drilling holes may discourage some individuals from installing the unit, and thus will defeat the intended purpose of the present invention.
Accordingly, it is seen that there is a need for an automatic fire extinguishing apparatus designed and configured to operate efficiently and one that will not require servicing during its shelf life, like conventional pressurized fire extinguishers. The device should be structured so as to provide a means of automatically extinguishing a cooking fire quickly and effectively by dispersing an extinguishing media over the source of fire. This device should be compact in size, adaptable to any size range hood and optionally be adapted to be used in either a commercial or residential environment. Ideally, this apparatus should also be designed so as to allow for ease of installation and removal, so as to innately provide for a non-pressurized fire extinguishing vessel that is self-contained within range's hood. In addition, the present invention should not be limited to use in an hood, but should also be designed to replace conventional hand-held fire extinguishers, by providing a product that forces the housed media quickly and efficient and thus provide for a non-pressurized unit.
As will be seen, the present invention achieves its intended purposes, objectives and advantages by accomplishing the needs as identified above, through a new, useful and unobvious combination of component elements, which is simple to use, with the utilization of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable cost to manufacture, assemble, test and by employing only readily available material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an automatic fire extinguisher that is ideally suited for use with electric or gas stoves. However, it is to be understood, by those skilled in the art, that this fire extinguisher apparatus can be used and/or attached in/to any environment/structure, so as to be adapted to extinguish flames, fires or the like when one is present. Inherently, the present invention is a fire extinguisher that can be used in combination with an electric, gas stoves and/or other applications for distinguishing fires. Thus, the present invention is a fire extinguisher that can be used in conventional form, such as a hand held unit, or optionally, can be located above a stove to provide a means of extinguishing fires.
In the preferred application, this automatic fire extinguishing device is designed and configured to be removably secured to any sized commercial or residential range hood so as to offer protection by having a means of automatically extinguishing a fire safely, quickly and efficiently. The structure and design of the fire extinguisher is such that it is installed easily and will be nonobtrusive and still provide for an aesthetically pleasing hood while offering protection to the consumer. Since the device is structured so as to be located under the hood, it is not visible or only partially visible when installed. The location of the device is such that it will operate quickly and efficiently when a fire is present. Thus, providing for a device that offers adequate fire prevention.
The system of the present invention comprises a hollow housing that maintains a dispersing media for extinguishing a fire. The hollow housing includes a first end and a second end. Located within the housing is the dispensing media. This media can be any commercially available media that can be used for dispensing a fire. Secured to the first end is a means for allowing the housed dispersing media to escape. Thus, this means is basically an outlet. Externally located on the housing is the release mechanism. This release
Padgett Randall
Pons J. Michael
Carnes Cona & Dixon
Morris Lesley D.
Nguyen Dinh Q.
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