OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention refers to an integrated screen nozzle, envisaged for the creation
of an integrated safety zone employed for self-protection, protection and safeguarding
of persons and property in situations of risk derived from entrapment in fire emergencies
of all kinds: forest, interface, agricultural, urban and industrial.
[0002] The object of the invention is to contribute to solving and securing the existing
safety problems for self-protection, protection and safeguarding of persons and property
in situations of extreme danger due to fire, so contributing to the establishment
of protocols for action which can secure, and minimise the risks to, persons and property
from emergency situations of entrapment by fire.
[0003] A kit and fire fighting system, and a procedure for installing the system, are also
the object of the invention.
PRIOR ART
[0004] The phenomenon of agricultural-urban-forest-interface fire is no longer a natural
perturbation that models the landscape, but has become a terrible menace which, in
95% of cases, is occasioned by human beings. It is an environmental problem of the
first order and efforts at prevention must be undertaken to preserve our forests,
which are of great importance.
[0005] Taking into account, then, the number of hectares of surface burned in certain countries
during the year, and naturally taking also into account the human mortality arising
as a consequence of fires of all kinds, it is a fact that many companies, and, of
course other entities, are trying to find ways to solve the problems and inconveniences
which arise during fire extinction operations.
[0006] With respect to this, we could cite numerous documents such as the Spanish patents
PCT/ES 2013070007 (
WO 201 31 0481 7 A3);
P 201230046;
P 9601895; and many other documents corresponding to patents, without forgetting the information
and products mentioned on different Internet self-protection sites dedicated to the
fight against fire.
[0007] Nevertheless, in relation to the present application, no integrated nozzle for protection/self-protection
which determines an integrated safety zone such as that described in this application,
has been found.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, the object of the invention, is
a curtain screen nozzle which generates an integrated safety zone, incorporating variable-protection
angle devices, as well as a chemical product (retardant-humectant) dispenser, a GPS
geolocator device and a flow regulation system with working pressure gauge, in addition
to other elements and components which shall be specified in the course of the present
description.
[0009] The integrated nozzle of the invention has taken into account determinants such as:
- Possibility of regulating the flow of water as determined by availability and situation,
optimising consumption of the fluid and so extending the self-protection time.
- Possibility of regulating the angle of positioning with respect to the horizontal
and establishing different screen angles, for the purposes of guaranteeing the protection
of persons and property in the different situations of risk,
- Incorporation of a chemical agent (retardant-humectant) dispenser which is associated
to the principal extinguishing agent (water), raising its extinction capacity.
- Incorporation of a GPS geolocator for immediate localisation and activation of protocols
for intervention for the protection and rescue of persons and property in situations
of risk posed by fire.
- Speeding up the response time in the self-protection manoeuvre, as the reaction time
when establishing a safety zone is determinant, for which reason all the elements
included in this invention are incorporated into a single integrated system.
- Possibility of using the integrated nozzle with portable motor pumps, drinking water
supply networks and fire fighting protection systems, with the particular feature
that its source of feeding does not proceed exclusively from a pumper.
- The incorporation of a pressure gauge, which lets us determine the optimal working
pressures, according to what is established in the technical descriptions and user
manual.
[0010] Taking into account all these determinants, the integrated screen nozzle for self-protection
comprises the following as basic elements:
- A connector with the possibility of adaptation to the different connection systems
in use in the different countries, according to their regulations.
- A flow meter which allows the flow to be regulated optimally for accomplishing self-protection
determined by the availability of water, and with the object of securing the manoeuvre.
- A dispenser which allows a retardant-humectant to be introduced into the system, which
is then mixed with the water in a proportion determined by the manufacturer of the
chemical agent employed.
- A pressure gauge to allow the pressure to be measured in the nozzle so as to guarantee
the preselected flow, according to the technical data for the nozzle.
- A deposit containing the chemical agent (humectant or retardant) to be employed in
the extinction, which is conveyed to the dispenser through a conduit or pipe. On the
top of that chemical agent deposit is its lid for filling, and on the opposite side
there is a small compartment designed to hold the GPS geolocator, which is situated
on the outside. The deposit is fixed to the other components at its base and at its
top and side by means of an anchorage which, in turn, serves as a carrying handle
for transport; the size, shape and material of that deposit shall be appropriate.
- A protection-projection screen in the shape of a semicircle which offers the possibility
of setting different angles between its two symmetric halves, varying them as determined
by the field of application and the elements to be protected. In addition, certain
anchorages for support and stabilisation are incorporated into that screen, and these
can be regulated in height so as to permit changing and orienting the angle of projection
of the fluid with respect to the horizontal plane at that location. The optimal working
pressure and flow will also depend on the resources and elements to be protected.
- A connecting cylinder attached to the screen mentioned above, which serves as a union
between the flow meter and the protection-projection screen itself, the launch of
water towards the final screen taking place within that cylinder.
- A GPS geolocator which consists of a localisation system, allowing the exact location
of the persons or property which are in a situation of extreme danger to be given.
[0011] The integrated nozzle described is applicable in different fire fighting and rescue
services and standard fires (agricultural - industrial - urban - forest - interface)
as well as in the different existing fire fighting systems for the defence and protection
of structures situated in interface zones, which might be affected by fires, complementing
or perhaps replacing the systems currently employed for their protection and defence.
[0012] The integrated nozzle, in the presence of pumpers or motor pumps, allows fire fighting
personnel to carry out different procedures of action for tackling situations of extreme
risk arising from entrapment during the work of extinction, and it is possible to
perform different self-protection manoeuvres with the objective of guaranteeing, or
at least minimising the risks, and safeguarding, the lives of the personnel concerned.
[0013] In addition to the defence and protection of structures which might be affected in
interface fires, it can also be used in defence and protection of vehicles, of liquefied
gases and inflammable liquids located in interface zones, as well as all other property
which might be affected as a consequence of a fire.
[0014] It can also be used to support and ensure the preparation of firebreaks, controlled
burns or backfires, as well as support for the lines of defence in extreme situations
and as a defensive element for creating integrated safety zones at advanced control
posts (ACP) and high-risk installations (filling stations, tanks, campsites, etc,).
[0015] A ring of protection could also be created using several water screens to defend
structures threatened by the advance of the fire.
[0016] It is also possible to feed this nozzle by connection to a domestic or industrial
water network through connectors as prescribed by the regulations in the country of
sale and use.
[0017] The protection-projection screen lies in a plane which forms an angle (a) rather
greater than 90º (between 91º and 120º) with respect to the direction of the connecting
cylinder, so that when deployed in a horizontal direction, the water curtain or screen
generated is projected in a substantially vertical plane with a slight rising inclination
outward with respect to the integrated nozzle assembly.
[0018] In one embodiment, between the connecting cylinder and the protection-projection
screen, a tubular head with a longitudinal perforation has been inserted, which is
fixed at one end to the connecting cylinder, while the opposite end of the tubular
head has a characteristic outlet mouthpiece comprising the mouth of the cited longitudinal
perforation, and a conical flange which affects only part of the annular outline of
the cited mouth of the longitudinal perforation.
[0019] The outlet mouthpiece is so deployed as to correspond with a tiered front face of
the tubular head which possesses an upper part tucked inwards where the conical flange
is located, and a protruding lower part to which the protection-projection screen
is fixed using front screws. Once the protection screen has been fixed in position,
between the same and upper part of the tiered front face, an open grating is formed,
through which the water flows to generate the self-protection water screen of curtain.
[0020] The angular joint between the two parts 19a and 19b on the front face of the tubular
head comprises a first rounded angular joint. Likewise, the starting points of the
ends of the conical flange comprise a second rounded angular joint.
[0021] A fire fighting kit is also envisaged, made up of an integrated self-protection assembly
comprising the integrated screen nozzle, a fireproof, impermeable, collective fire
shelter and a set of thermal wheel protection covers for a fire fighting vehicle.
[0022] The invention also comprises a fire fighting system made up of:
The integrated screen nozzle.
[0023] A fire fighting vehicle fitted with a hose through which water under pressure circulates
and to which the integrated screen nozzle is connected, where the water current, fed
by a tank, is driven by an impulsion pump.
[0024] A collective fire shelter which is fireproof and impermeable.
[0025] A set of thermal wheel protection covers for a fire fighting vehicle, which are fireproof
and impermeable.
[0026] It should be emphasised that the integrated nozzle, collective fire shelter and vehicle
- thermal wheel protectors assembly, together comprise a triangle of life, when the
collective fire shelter is placed between the vehicle and the integrated nozzle.
[0027] The hose through which water under pressure circulates has an inner diameter of between
20 and 70 mm, and length between 10 and 20 m, where these dimensions optimise the
performance of the impulsion pump.
[0028] The impulsion pump pressure is bounded between 10 and 50 bars, with a minimum pressure
of 14 bars at the tip of the integrated screen nozzle.
[0029] The invention also comprises an installation procedure for the fire fighting system
consisting of the following phases:
- Establish the triangle of life by positioning the fire fighting vehicle in a specific
area of the territory affected by a fire.
[0030] Select high water pressure by opening a first water feeder valve by checking the
correct positioning of a second valve to select the pressure stage (high or low) on
those vehicles fitted with the same, and proceed to close a third valve which permits
the return of water to the tank.
[0031] Protect at least those wheels of the vehicle directly exposed to the advance of the
fire using the wheel protection covers.
[0032] Initial deployment of the collective fire shelter upon the part of the vehicle facing
the advance of the fire, where the collective fire shelter is placed on the ground,
with an aluminized part facing upwards and with certain deployment markings indicating
the direction of arrival of the fire front.
[0033] Connect the integrated screen nozzle to the hose, where the nozzle is positioned
at a distance from a part of the vehicle facing the advancing fire front.
[0034] Open a water valve to feed the hose and the integrated screen nozzle.
[0035] Activate the GPS geolocator by pressing its S.O.S. button.
[0036] Open a valve to allow passage of the chemical agent contained in the deposit of the
integrated screen nozzle.
[0037] Place the collective fire shelter against one face of the vehicle, maintaining the
aluminized part facing upwards, at which moment the collective fire shelter is erected
by the ingress of users into its inner ends, positioning their feet on the lower anchorage
points and their hands on the upper anchorage points;
[0038] Deploy the collective fire shelter completely by securing the upper anchorage points
associated to the hands of the users and other lower anchorage points associated to
the feet of the users, corresponding to the ground supporting the collective fire
shelter;
Ensure the perfect deployment of the lower part of the collective fire shelter employing
the arms and legs of the users laid or stretched upon the ground.
[0039] Activate the chemical lights inside the collective fire shelter, proceed to don respiratory
protection masks and then proceed to open an autonomous respiration system installed
inside the collective fire shelter.
[0040] The integrated screen nozzle is situated at a distance of between 2 and 4 metres
from the fire fighting vehicle.
[0041] The fire fighting vehicle shall be so positioned that the side opposite to the location
of its fuel deposit is facing the front of advance of the fire, describing a line
parallel to the advance of the fire, whereby the triangle of life is established on
the cited side of the fire fighting vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0042] To complement the description which will follow immediately and for the purposes
of aiding greater comprehension of the characteristics of the invention, in accordance
with a preferred practical embodiment of the same, as an integral part of the cited
description, a set of figures has been included representing the following, for the
purposes of illustration but without limitation:
Figure 1 - This shows a representation corresponding to a general perspective view
of the integrated screen nozzle for self-protection embodied in accordance with the
object of the invention.
Figure 2.- This shows another perspective view but from a different angle of vision,
of the same nozzle represented in the preceding figure.
Figure 3 - This shows another perspective view of the same nozzle, in this case of
the lower part to display the layout of the chemical agent deposit and the connection
between the same and the retardant or humectant dispenser.
Figure 4 - This shows a section view of part of the integrated nozzle of the invention,
in which a tubular head to which a protection-projection screen against which the
water current strikes can be clearly seen.
Figure 5 - This shows a perspective view of the tubular head referred to in the preceding
figure.
Figure 6 - This shows a front view of the tubular head.
Figure 7 - This shows a perspective view of the integrated nozzle with a configuration
different from that shown in the foregoing figures 1 to 3.
Figure 8 - This shows a plan view of the integrated nozzle represented in the preceding
figure.
Figure 9 - This shows a plan view of a fire fighting vehicle associated to different
locations of the integrated nozzle and collective fire shelter, which, together with
a set of wheel protection covers for the vehicle, constitutes a fire fighting system.
Figure 10 - This shows a plan view similar to that represented in figure 9, with the
difference that in this case, two additional light vehicles have also been incorporated.
Figure 11 - This shows a side view of a fire fighting vehicle, where a locker for
storage of the protection covers, integrated nozzle and folded collective fire shelter,
identified externally with the sign S.O.S., can be clearly seen.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0043] As can be seen in the figures, the integrated screen nozzle (15) starts from the
nozzle of the corresponding water feeder hose (34), whose connector (1) if followed
by a flow meter (2) which allows the flow of water to be regulated, with an optimal
working pressure at the tip of the integrated nozzle (15).
[0044] Beyond this joint, a dispenser (5) which allows a chemical agent (humectant-retardant)
to enter from the deposit (3), which is connected via a conduit (4) with the dispenser
(5), in such a way that the latter allows the chemical agent from the deposit (3)
to enter, for mixing with water in an optimal percentage as prescribed by the manufacturer.
[0045] After the dispenser (5) there is a connecting cylinder (6) attached to the corresponding
protection-projection screen (7) which, as can be seen in the figures, constitutes
the connection between the dispenser (5) and the protection-projection screen (7),
the water and chemical agent being launched in the cited connecting cylinder (6) towards
the protection-projection screen (7).
[0046] The protection-projection screen (7), designed to form a curtain of water, is in
the shape of a semicircle with a slight warping (7) which allows different water projection
settings to be configured and incorporates anchorage points (8) for support upon the
ground, which are adjustable in height, and also allowing the angle of projection
of the water curtain with respect to the horizontal plane of support and the location
of the protection-projection screen (7) itself to be varied.
[0047] Returning to the connection piping (4) between the dispenser (5) and deposit (3),
it should be said that this piping is a connected semi-rigid or rigid conduit.
[0048] For its part, the deposit (3) containing the chemical agent (retardant or humectant)
contains the corresponding lid for filling (9) and a small external compartment (19)
designed to hold a GPS geolocator.
[0049] The cited deposit (3) may be constituted of a plastic, polyester or stainless steel
material, or any other material resistant to fire, and it is fixed to the remaining
components underneath with screws (11), as shown in figure 3, while the upper and
side parts incorporate a grip (12) which may be of plastic, metal or strong polyamide
tape; the grip (12) has, on its upper part, the corresponding handle (13) designed
for grip and transport of the entire nozzle (15), and which is of ergonomic design
to facilitate grasp and avoid slippage.
[0050] Finally, it should be said that the nozzle (15) is fitted with a pressure gauge (14)
to measure the pressure at the nozzle tip and guarantee the preselected flow. In accordance
with the characteristics referred to, the functionality or operation of the nozzle
is as follows:
Through the connector (1), water enters from a source of supply such as pumpers, motor
pumps or water networks for fire fighting systems, which water immediately passes
through the flow meter (2), which allows the quantity of water projected on the basis
of the selected flow and the pressure set according to the pressure gauge (14) to
be regulated, the fluid then passing to the dispenser (5) where the chemical agent
is mixed with the water through the channel or piping (4) which connects the chemical
agent deposit (3) with the dispenser (5) itself. Subsequently, the fluid is made to
pass through the connecting cylinder (6), responsible for comprising the join between
the dispenser (5) and the protection-projection screen (7). At this connecting cylinder
(6), the fluid accelerates and is projected towards the protection-projection screen
(7) itself, forming a water curtain in the shape of a semicircle, with a slight angle
of inclination as determined by the shape and design of that screen, which in turn
forms an angle of 900 with respect to the supporting surface and where the cited angle
may be adjusted using the support and anchorage elements (8), and it is possible to
modify the angles of protection of the protection-projection screen (7) with respect
to the supporting surface.
[0051] The protection-projection screen (7) lies in a plane which forms an angle (a) rather
greater than 90º (between 91º and 120º) with respect to the direction of the connecting
cylinder (6), so that when deployed in a horizontal direction, the water curtain or
screen generated is projected in a substantially vertical plane with a slight rising
inclination outward with respect to the integrated nozzle assembly (15).
[0052] Continuing with what has been said in the preceding paragraph, the warping (7) of
the protection-projection screen (7) gives rise to two collateral planes which in
one embodiment converge towards the integrated nozzle structure (15), and in another
embodiment converge outwards with respect to the integrated nozzle structure (15).
[0053] On the other hand, in one embodiment, between the connecting cylinder (6) and the
protection-projection screen (7), a tubular head (16) with a longitudinal perforation
(17) has been inserted, which is fixed at one end to the connecting cylinder (6),
while the opposite end of the tubular head (16) has a characteristic outlet mouthpiece
comprising the mouth of the cited longitudinal perforation (17), and a conical flange
(18) which affects only part of the annular outline of the cited mouth of the longitudinal
perforation (17).
[0054] In turn, the outlet mouthpiece is so deployed as to correspond with a tiered front
face of the tubular head (16) which possesses an upper part (19a) tucked inwards where
the conical flange (18) is located, and a protruding lower part (19b) to which the
protection-projection screen (7) is fixed using front screws (20), in such a way that
once the protection screen (7) has been fixed in position, between the same and the
upper part of the tiered front face, an open grating (21) is formed, through which
the water flows to generate the water curtain as it strikes the protection-projection
screen (7).
[0055] The angular joint between the two parts (19a) and (19b) on the front face of the
tubular head (16) is a first rounded angular joint (22), exactly as is found at the
starting points of the ends of the conical flange (18), which comprise a second rounded
angular joint (23).
[0056] The passage of water through the flow meter (2) (the water current regulator) can
be regulated by turning a lever (24), which has two positions: a first one, which
allows passage of a lesser flow, and a second one which allows the passage of a greater
flow. In the first position of lesser flow, suction of the chemical agent from the
deposit (3) through the conduit or piping (4) is generated, and an anti-return valve
is incorporated to prevent the backwash of water in the second position towards the
cited deposit (3).
[0057] As can be seen more clearly in figure 4, the flow meter (2) consists of a central
passage (25) made up of two conical trunk bodies (26), (27) placed exactly opposite
a perforated disc (28) and a coaxial passage (29) laid out around the central passage
(25), where part of the water runs through the coaxial passage (29) and also through
the perforated disc (28), while the rest of the water runs through the central passage
(25). The water current divides on entering the flow meter (2), while at the outlet,
the two currents are reunited, running through the connecting cylinder (6) towards
the protection-projection screen (7).
[0058] In figure 8, the integrated nozzle (15) incorporating the external compartment (10)
which is to house the geolocator is shown, and this is located in correspondence with
the upper part of the deposit (3) for the chemical agent forming part of the integrated
nozzle (15).
[0059] A fire fighting system has been envisaged, comprising the integrated nozzle (15),
a fire fighting vehicle (31), a collective fire shelter (32) and a set of protection
covers (not shown in the figures) for the wheels of the vehicle (31), the invention
also including an installation procedure for the fire fighting system.
[0060] An integrated self-protection kit against fires has also been envisaged with the
object of maximising the likelihood of survival in the event of entrapment of personnel
by fires of forest, industrial, agricultural or interface type, who may be working
with a vehicle at the scene of the fire.
[0061] This kit consists of the integrated nozzle (15), the collective fire shelter (32)
and the protection covers for the wheels of the vehicle (31).
[0062] The installation procedure must be applied as a last resort, when it is impossible
to escape to a zone of safety, and constant evaluation of the behaviour and course
of the fire is necessary, observing the safety rules at all times, just as we must
assess continuously the degree of risk that a situation of entrapment might occur.
[0063] The installation procedure detailed hereunder is especially designed for tackling
situations of risk where people's lives may be at risk in situations of entrapment
by forest, urban, industrial, agricultural or interface fires. It is described clearly
and simply so as to contribute to the proper training of those personnel who may be
affected, so that following a suitable process of instruction, it can be undertaken
rapidly and in an orderly and safe way.
[0064] Under no circumstances shall this installation procedure associated to the integrated
self-protection kit give rise to any motive for its application in any situations
other than that described. As this is an integrated safety kit consisting of different
elements, each of the same has different functions in the various fields and sectors
of application.
[0065] In its turn, it contains different procedures especially devised and prepared for
tackling specific situations within its areas of application and use, such as protection
of houses, other property, vehicles, incorporation into fire fighting installations,
defence of industrial complexes, housing developments, protection of containers of
liquefied, inflammable gases, combustible and inflammable liquids, etc.
[0066] This installation procedure for the fire fighting system is applied in situations
of entrapment with vehicles, and is not applicable with other elements or devices
other than those reflected in the integrated self-protection kit.
[0067] Entrapment is an extreme situation in which personnel are caught unawares for reasons
arising from the behaviour of the fire and the evolution of the risk. It is a situation
of a threat to life, in which the safety rules cannot be observed or are inadequate,
or in which the escape routes or safe zones are compromised.
[0068] The integrated self-protection kit is a set of elements or devices specially designed,
and forming a unified whole, for self-protection and defence of persons and property
in situations of extreme risk from entrapment by fires of forest, agricultural, industrial,
urban or interface type.
[0069] The integrated self-protection kit is made up of several safety devices which, when
combined in a single space and faced with a single situation of entrapment, constitute
a triangle of life which contributes to maximise the likelihood of survival of the
people concerned, as well as the protection of the material goods at risk or involved
in the entrapment.
[0070] The integrated screen nozzle (15) is devised for self-protection and is made up of
different components such as the protection-projection screen (7), flow meter (2)
(variable flow regulator), geolocator, chemical agent dispenser (5), chemical agent
deposit (3), stabilisation system and incorporating angle regulation for the protection-projection
screen (7).
[0071] The collective fire shelter (32) is an enclosure manufactured of a fireproof and
impermeable material designed for the protection of persons in situations of extreme
danger from entrapment by fires of forest, agricultural, interface, urban or industrial
type, and its purpose is to help to minimise the effects of the passage of flames
and gases from a fire, so as to raise the likelihood of survival of personnel involved
in an emergency. It is fitted with an anti-panic lighting system, individual smoke
protection masks, an anchorage system for rapid and easy deployment, a proofing system
against gases and flames, and a thermal visor for external visibility. It can optionally
incorporate an external temperature probe, a geolocator and a collective autonomous
respiration system independent of the outside environment.
[0072] The vehicle wheel protection cover is a thermal protector in the form of a sheath
manufactured of a fire-resistant material, easy and rapid to install, flame-resistant
and with an outer aluminized, or similar, layer for thermal protection It is especially
manufactured for the protection of tyres exposed to sources of heat from radiation,
convection or direct contact. Its purpose is to prevent the tyres of the vehicle wheels
from bursting or catching fire as a result of the temperature, protecting them from
the source of radiation and preventing the rubber from reaching its flashpoint.
[0073] In the installation procedure, a series of actions are defined which will have to
be carried out in an orderly manner to attain the stated objective.
[0074] This procedure is applicable in cases of entrapment and potentially dangerous situations
and those derived from situations of risk from fires, directed to fire extinction
and emergency services assigned competence in tasks of extinguishing forest, agricultural,
industrial and interface (urban - forest) fires.
[0075] This installation procedure for the fire fighting system shall be carried out as
a last resort so as to avoid, as far as possible, situations of entrapment which force
us to apply the anti-entrapment procedure using the integrated self-protection kit.
To this end, all those rules and recommendations in force in relation to health and
safety shall be established and complied with, with the aim of avoiding situations
of danger of entrapment during fires, where people's lives and property could be in
danger.
[0076] The procedure shall be carried out by performing different actions, to be assigned
to the different members comprising the team, so that the execution of the procedure
is as rapid as possible.
[0077] The integrated self-protection kit is housed in a locker (33) of the vehicle (31),
easy to access and duly marked with the sign S.O.S., so that it can be located, and
the associated procedure for action carried out, rapidly, so as to tackle situations
of entrapment by fire.
[0078] The actions required of the different members (users) of the team might need to be
performed with different configurations, depending on how many persons are involved
in carrying out the procedure.
[0079] The actions detailed hereunder, which form part of the procedure established, are
configured in the form of steps to be taken, with execution by only two persons (driver
of fire fighting pumper and assistant), so as to secure the procedure, given that
only two persons comprise the crew of a pumper in reality. In a different situation
where there could be more team members, this would call for new personalized configurations
and specific training.
[0080] The phases or actions of the fire fighting system installation procedure are the
following:
- Avoid undertaking the self-protection manoeuvre at critical points where the fire
might evolve violently (elevated places, potential runs, alignments, etc.).
- If at all possible, attempt to conduct the manoeuvre upon natural or artificial protective
barriers. Never place the vehicle beneath power lines which might place our lives
in danger from electrocution.
- As far as possible, and if the time and conditions permit, position the vehicle in
a place free of vegetation with the idea of reducing the effects of the passage of
the fire due to lack of fuel, so contributing to facilitate the location of the integrated
nozzle (15), as well as the deployment of the collective fire shelter (32).
[0081] The vehicle (31) shall be so positioned that the side opposite to the location of
its fuel deposit is facing the advancing fire front, describing a line parallel to
the advance of the fire, if possible. Should this be impossible, endeavour to ensure
that one of its faces (sides or ends) is as closely oriented as possible facing the
advance of the fire, where the triangle of life shall be established by the installation.
[0082] Next, the driver of the vehicle (31) shall proceed to put it into service and operation,
activating lights and other visual and acoustic signals. Then, put the fire fighting
pump into operation by connecting it to its energy supply. Subsequently, vacate the
vehicle cabin, closing doors and windows.
[0083] Next, the driver goes behind the vehicle (31) and proceeds to open the water feeder
valve (Tank - Pump), and then ensures that high pressure has been selected by checking
the correct positioning of a second valve to select the pressure stage (high or low)
on those vehicles fitted with the same, and proceeds to close a third valve which
permits the return of water (Pump - Tank).
[0084] Once these actions have been performed, they shall go to the locker (33) of the vehicle
(31) where the integrated self-protection kit marked with the sign (S.O.S) is stored.
They shall install the cited kit, proceeding first to place the thermal protection
covers over those wheels exposed directly to the advance of the fire.
[0085] Next, they proceed to take the collective fire shelter (32), with its Initial deployment
upon the part of the vehicle facing the advancing fire front, placed on the ground,
with its aluminized part facing upwards and with certain deployment markings indicating
the direction of arrival of the fire front. The combination and configuration of the
nozzle (15), shelter (32) and vehicle (31) constitute what we call the "triangle of
life".
[0086] Finally, the driver shall return to the pump and make sure that one end connector
of the hose (34) emerging from the installation which supplies water to the nozzle
(15), is perfectly connected to the impulsion pump collector outlet, which action
will previously have been performed by the driver's assistant. Once this has been
checked, the water valve will be opened, and the pump revolutions increased until
the pump pressure of 10 to 50 bars is reached, entailing minimum pressure of 14 bars
at the tip of the integrated nozzle. In the event that there are no pressure gauges
in working order, the alternative shall be to establish the maximum possible pump
pressure (maximum revolutions).
[0087] Immediately, they shall go to the shelter (32), where the driver's assistant shall
already be awaiting their collaboration for the proper location and deployment of
the shelter (32).
[0088] The actions to be carried out by the driver's assistant are the following:
They get down from the vehicle (31), making sure to close door and window, and then
go immediately to the locker on the vehicle (31) marked with the S.O.S. sign, to locate
the integrated nozzle (15) safety equipment and activate its geolocator by pressing
its S.O.S. button.
[0089] Next, the assistant places the integrated nozzle (15) between two and four metres
from the vehicle (31), taking as reference that side of the vehicle (31) facing the
advancing fire front, and placing the same upon its centre (making this correspond
with the side where the collective fire shelter and protection covers are), ensuring
correct positioning of the integrated nozzle (15) and proceeding to open the valve
for the chemical agent contained in the deposit (3) of the nozzle (15).
[0090] Next, the working flow is selected on the basis of the availability of water in the
tank, a first position being selected when the vehicle tank contains less than 3000
litres, and a second position when the tank has more than 3000 litres.
[0091] In the next phase, they should take the hose (34), connecting one of its end connectors
to the high-pressure impulsion pump collector outlet and the other end duly connected
to the integrated nozzle (15).
[0092] The deployment of the installation shall be performed on the side of the vehicle
(31) and right beside it in the supposed case of having placed the integrated nozzle
(15) at the front of the vehicle (31); it it was placed at the rear part (pump) or
else at one of the sides, the installation shall be deployed by passing it underneath
the vehicle, with the object of protecting the installation and avoiding kinks which
could render the passage of water difficult.
[0093] Next, the driver's assistant goes to the collective fire shelter (32), which will
have been previously deployed by the driver, placing themselves at one of the sides
and, with the help of their colleague, who will be positioned at the opposite end,
they proceed to install it against one face of the vehicle, while maintaining the
aluminized part facing upwards. At that moment, they proceed to erect the shelter
(32) by entering into its ends, placing their feet on the lower anchorage points and
their hands on the upper anchorage points.
[0094] The bodies of the driver and their assistant shall remain standing and, with the
interior of the shelter over their shoulders, in such a way that the shelter is fully
opened and they can facilitate its proper deployment on the ground.
[0095] Once the feet and hands of the driver and assistant are on the anchorage points,
they shall proceed to kneel on the ground and, in unison, proceed to strike forward
with your arms, while they sink to the ground. Once in that position and on the ground,
they proceed to ensure the perfect deployment of the shelter by extending their arms
and legs completely.
[0096] Next, they proceed to activate the chemical lighting inside the shelter and proceed
to don the respiratory protection masks, remain calm and attempt to control their
breathing. Subsequently, they proceed to open the autonomous respiration system fitted
inside the shelter.
[0097] From the interior, and using the thermal screen, they shall monitor the evolution
and condition of the passage of the fire front, so that they can have real-time information
about what is going on outside. In those models fitted with an outside thermometer,
they will be able to read the temperature in real time.
[0098] They should not leave the shelter until they are certain that the environmental conditions
outside are optimal for the survival of human beings.
[0099] The installation procedure for the fire fighting system with pumper and the presence
of terrestrial or air-transported brigades is the following:
In this case, the actions assigned to the driver of the vehicle and their assistant
shall be the same as those described before, with the exception of those related to
the deployment of the shelter, which shall be the responsibility of the brigades attached
to the vehicle, following prior instruction and training.
[0100] The latter shall be responsible for finding the shelter and deploying it, this being
performed exactly as described before.
[0101] After prior instruction and training, they shall maintain the shelter prepared and
remain kneeling on the ground, awaiting the entrance of the driver's assistant and
the driver, the last-named being responsible for putting the collective fire shelter
(32) into operation, and who, having checked the optimum working pressure, shall proceed
to enter the shelter (32).
[0102] In the case of a pumper (31), terrestrial brigades and 2 light vehicles (30), the
actions to be performed shall be common with those specified above, with the exception
of positioning the light vehicles (30) with respect to the pumper (31). There are
two possible configurations:
- Pumper with one of its sides facing the advancing fire front.
- Pumper with its front or rear facing the advancing fire front.
[0103] Finally, with respect to the installation procedure, it should be pointed out that
all personnel involved in the entrapment by a fire shall enter inside the shelter
(32), in such a way that should the number of persons exceed its capacity, a further
shelter (32) shall be deployed in the place established to prevent direct exposure
of the personnel to the fire front.
1. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, which being devised for the creation of an integrated
safety zone and designed for self-protection, the protection and safeguarding of persons
and property in situations of risk, derived from entrapment in fire emergencies of
all kinds: forest, interface, agricultural, urban and industrial, is characterised by the fact that it comprises a connector (1) for coupling to the corresponding supply
of water for extinction, and next to which connector (1) there lies a flow meter (2)
which measures the flow of fluid, followed by a dispenser (5) of chemical agents (retardant
or humectant), connected, via a conduit (4) to the corresponding deposit (3) containing
the chemical agent, and there lying next to the dispenser (5) a connecting tube (6)
between the same and a protection-projection screen (7), of semicircular configuration
and with a slight warping (7), complemented with some anchorage points (8) for support
upon the ground, these anchorage points (8) being adjustable in height so as to allow
the angle of projection of the fluid (water) to be changed and oriented, with respect
to the horizontal plane of the ground, with the particular feature that upon the chemical
agent deposit (3), there are included externally a support (12) which, at its upper
part, forms a handle (13), the cited deposit (3) including in its upper part a lid
(9) for closure, as well as housing (10) for a GPS geolocator.
2. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that it includes a pressure gauge (14) as a measuring element for the pressure
at the tip of the nozzle (15).
3. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection according to the foregoing claims, characterised by the fact that the chemical agent deposit (3), as well as the remaining elements,
including the anchorage support (12) and conduit (4) of connection between the deposit
(3) and the dispenser (5) may be made of plastic, metal or another suitable material.
4. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection according to the foregoing claims, characterised by the fact that the chemical agent deposit (3) is fixed using screws (11).
5. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection according to the foregoing claims, characterised by the fact that between the flow meter (2) which measures the water current and the
projection-projection screen (7), there lies a connecting cylinder (6) with reduction
of internal diameter to raise the speed of the fluid towards the protection-projection
screen (7).
6. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised by the fact that the protection-projection screen (7) lies in a plane which forms an
angle (a) rather greater than 90° (between 91° and 120°) with respect to the direction
of the connecting cylinder (6), so that when deployed in a horizontal direction, the
water curtain or screen generated is projected in a substantially vertical plane with
a slight rising inclination outward with respect to the integrated nozzle assembly
(15).
7. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to any of the foregoing claims,
characterised by the fact that:
- between the connecting cylinder (6) and the protection-projection screen (7), a
tubular head (16) with a longitudinal perforation (17) has been inserted, which is
fixed at one end to the connecting cylinder (6), while the opposite end of the tubular
head (16) has a characteristic outlet mouthpiece comprising the mouth of the cited
longitudinal perforation (17), and a conical flange (18) which affects only part of
the annular outline of the cited mouth of the longitudinal perforation (17).
- the outlet mouthpiece is so deployed as to correspond with a tiered front face of
the tubular head (16) which possesses an upper part (19a) tucked inwards where the
conical flange (18) is located, and a protruding lower part (19b) to which the protection-projection
screen (7) is fixed using front screws (20).
- where once the protection-projection screen (7) is fixed, between the same and the
upper part of the tiered front face (19a), an open grating (21) is formed, through
which the water flows.
8. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to claim 7,
characterised by the fact that:
- the angular joint between the two parts (19a) and (19b) on the front face of the
tubular head (16) comprises a first rounded angular joint (22);
- the starting points of the ends of the conical flange (18) comprise a second rounded
angular joint (23).
9. Fire fighting kit, characterised by the fact that it consists of an integrated self-protection assembly formed by the
integrated screen nozzle (15) described in any of the foregoing claims, a collective
fire shelter (32) and a set of protection covers (31) for the wheels of a fire fighting
vehicle.
10. Fire fighting system, characterised by the fact that it comprises:
- the integrated screen nozzle (15) described in any of the foregoing claims 1 to
8;
- a fire fighting vehicle (31) fitted with a hose (34) through which water under pressure
circulates and to which the integrated screen nozzle (15) is connected, where the
water current, fed by a tank, is driven by an impulsion pump;
- a collective fire shelter (32), which is fireproof and impermeable;
- a set of wheel protection covers for a fire fighting vehicle (31), which are fireproof
and impermeable, where the integrated nozzle (15), collective fire shelter (32) and
vehicle (31) together comprise a triangle of life, when the collective fire shelter
(32) is placed between the vehicle (31) and the integrated nozzle (15).
11. Fire fighting system, according to the preceding claim, characterised by the fact that he hose (34) through which water under pressure circulates has an inner
diameter of between 20 and 70 mm, and length between 10 and 20 m, where these dimensions
optimise the performance of the impulsion pump.
12. Fire fighting system, according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised by the fact that the impulsion pump pressure is bounded between 10 and 50 bars, with
a minimum pressure of 14 bars at the tip of the integrated screen nozzle (15).
13. Installation procedure for the fire fighting system, undertaken with the system described in any of the foregoing claims 10 - 12,
characterised by the fact that it comprises the following phases:
- establish the triangle of life by positioning the fire fighting vehicle (31) in
a specific area of the territory affected by a fire;
- select high water pressure by opening a first water feeder valve by checking the
correct positioning of a second valve to select the pressure stage (high or low) on
those vehicles fitted with the same, and proceed to close a third valve which permits
the return of water to the tank.
- protect at least those wheels of the vehicle (31) directly exposed to the advance
of the fire using the wheel protection covers;
- initial deployment of the collective fire shelter (32) upon the part of the vehicle
facing the advancing fire front, where the collective fire shelter (32) is placed
on the ground, with an aluminized part facing upwards and with certain deployment
markings indicating the direction of arrival of the fire front;
- connect the integrated screen nozzle (15) to the hose (34), where the integrated
nozzle (15) is positioned at a distance from a part of the vehicle (31) facing the
advancing fire front;
- open a water valve to feed the hose (34) and the integrated screen nozzle (15);
- activate the GPS geolocator by pressing its S.O.S. button;
- open a valve to allow passage of the chemical agent contained in the deposit (3)
of the integrated screen nozzle (15);
- place the collective fire shelter against one face of the vehicle (31), maintaining
the aluminized part facing upwards, at which moment the collective fire shelter (32)
is erected by the ingress of users into its inner ends, positioning their feet on
the lower anchorage points and their hands on the upper anchorage points;
- deploy the collective fire shelter (32) completely by securing the upper anchorage
points associated to the hands of the users and other lower anchorage points associated
to the feet of the users, corresponding to the ground supporting the collective fire
shelter (32);
- ensure the perfect deployment of the lower part of the collective fire shelter (32)
employing the arms and legs of the users laid or stretched upon the ground;
- activate the chemical lights inside the collective fire shelter (32), proceed to
don respiratory protection masks and then proceed to open an autonomous respiration
system installed inside the collective fire shelter (32);
14. Installation procedure for the fire fighting system, according to claim 13, characterised by the fact that the integrated screen nozzle (15) is situated at a distance of between
2 and 4 metres from the fire fighting vehicle (31).
15. Installation procedure for the fire fighting system, according to either of the foregoing claims 13 or 14, characterised by the fact that the fire fighting vehicle (31) shall be so positioned that the side
opposite to the location of its fuel deposit is facing the advancing fire front, describing
a line parallel to the advance of the fire, whereby the triangle of life is established
on the cited side of the fire fighting vehicle (31).
Amended claims under Art. 19.1 PCT
1. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, which being devised for the creation of an integrated safety zone and designed for
self-protection, the protection and safeguarding of persons and property in situations
of risk, derived from entrapment in fire emergencies of all kinds: forest, interface,
agricultural, urban and industrial, is characterised by the fact that it comprises a connector (1) for coupling to the corresponding supply
of water for extinction, and next to which connector (1) there lies a flow meter (2)
which measures the flow of fluid, followed by a dispenser (5) of chemical agents (retardant
or humectant), connected, via a conduit (4) to the corresponding deposit (3) containing
the chemical agent, and there lying next to the dispenser (5) a connecting tube (6)
between the same and a protection-projection screen (7), of semicircular configuration
and with a slight warping (7), complemented with some anchorage points (8) for support
upon the ground, these anchorage points (8) being adjustable in height so as to allow
the angle of projection of the fluid (water) to be changed and oriented, with respect
to the horizontal plane of the ground, with the particular feature that upon the chemical
agent deposit (3), there are included externally a support (12) which, at its upper
part, forms a handle (13), the cited deposit (3) including in its upper part a lid
(9) for closure, as well as housing (10) for a GPS geolocator.
2. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to claim 1, characterised by the fact that it includes a pressure gauge (14) as a measuring element for the pressure
at the tip of the nozzle (15).
3. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised by the fact that the chemical agent deposit (3), as well as the remaining elements,
including the anchorage support (12) and conduit (4) of connection between the deposit
(3) and the dispenser (5) may be made of plastic, metal or another suitable material.
4. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised by the fact that the chemical agent deposit (3) is fixed using screws (11).
5. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised by the fact that between the flow meter (2) which measures the water current and the
protection-projection screen (7), there lies a connecting cylinder (6) with reduction
of internal diameter to raise the speed of the fluid towards the protection-projection
screen (7).
6. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to any of the foregoing claims, is characterised by the fact that the protection-projection screen (7) lies in a plane which forms an
angle (a) rather greater than 90º (between 91º and 120º) with respect to the direction
of the connecting cylinder (6), so that when deployed in a horizontal direction, the
water curtain or screen generated is projected in a substantially vertical plane with
a slight rising inclination outward with respect to the integrated nozzle assembly
(15).
7. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to any of the foregoing claims,
characterised by the fact that:
- between the connecting cylinder (6) and the protection-projection screen (7), a
tubular head (16) with a longitudinal perforation (17) has been inserted, which is
fixed at one end to the connecting cylinder (6), while the opposite end of the tubular
head (16) has a characteristic outlet mouthpiece comprising the mouth of the cited
longitudinal perforation (17), and a conical flange (18) which affects only part of
the annular outline of the cited mouth of the longitudinal perforation (17).
- the outlet mouthpiece is so deployed as to correspond with a tiered front face of
the tubular head (16) which possesses an upper part (19a) tucked inwards where the
conical flange (18) is located, and a protruding lower part (19b) to which the protection-projection
screen (7) is fixed using front screws (20);
- where once the protection-projection screen (7) is fixed, between the same and the
upper part of the tiered front face (19a), an open grating (21) is formed, through
which the water flows.
8. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to claim 7,
characterised by the fact that:
- the angular joint between the two parts (19a) and (19b) on the front face of the
tubular head (16) comprises a first rounded angular joint (22);
- the starting points of the ends of the conical flange (18) comprise a second rounded
angular joint (28);
9. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised by the fact that its water feeding and supply source is a fire fighting pumper.
10. Integrated screen nozzle for self-protection, according to any of the claims 1 to 8, characterised by the fact that its water feeding and supply source is a mobile or fixed source of
water under pressure.
11. integrated screen nozzle (15), characterised by the fact that it comprises an integrated self-protection assembly comprising the
integrated screen nozzle (15), a fireproof, impermeable, collective fire shelter (32)
and a set of thermal wheel protection covers for a fire fighting vehicle (31).
12. Fire fighting system, characterised by the fact that it comprises:
- the integrated screen nozzle (15) described in claims 1 to 10;
- a fire fighting vehicle (31) which acts as a source of water under pressure and
which is fitted with a hose (34) through which water under pressure circulates and
to which the integrated screen nozzle (15) is connected, where the water current,
fed by a tank, is driven by an impulsion pump;
- a collective fire shelter (32), which is fireproof and impermeable;
- a set of wheel protection covers for a fire fighting vehicle (31), which are fireproof
and impermeable, where the integrated nozzle (15), collective fire shelter (32) and
vehicle (31) together comprise a triangle of life, when the collective fire shelter
(32) is placed between the vehicle (31) and the integrated nozzle (15).
13. Fire fighting system, according to claim 12, characterised by the fact that the hose (34) through which water under pressure circulates has an
inner diameter of between 20 and 70 mm. Its length also lies between 10 and 20 m,
where these dimensions optimise the performance of the impulsion pump.
14. Fire fighting system, according to claims 12 or 13, characterised by the fact that the impulsion pump pressure is bounded between 10 and 50 bars, with
a minimum pressure of 14 bars at the tip of the integrated screen nozzle (15).
15. Installation procedure for the fire fighting system, undertaken with the system described in claims 12 - 14,
characterised by the fact that it comprises the following phases:
- establish the triangle of life by positioning the fire fighting vehicle (31) in
a specific area of the territory affected by a fire;
- select high water pressure by opening a first water feeder valve by checking the
correct positioning of a second valve to select the pressure stage (high or low) on
those vehicles fitted with the same, and proceed to close a third valve which permits
the return of water to the tank;
- protect at least those wheels of the vehicle (31) directly exposed to the advance
of the fire using the wheel protection covers;
- initial deployment of the collective fire shelter (32) upon the part of the vehicle
facing the advance of the fire, where the collective fire shelter (32) is placed on
the ground, with an aluminized part facing upwards and with certain deployment markings
indicating the direction of arrival of the fire front;
- connect the integrated screen nozzle (15) to the hose (34), where the integrated
nozzle (15) is positioned at a distance from a part of the vehicle (31) facing the
advancing fire front;
- open a water valve to feed the hose (34) and the integrated screen nozzle (15);
- activate the GPS geolocator by pressing its S.O.S. button.
- open a valve to allow passage of the chemical agent contained in the deposit (3)
of the integrated screen nozzle (15).
- place the collective fire shelter against one face of the vehicle (31), maintaining
the aluminized part facing upwards, at which moment the collective fire shelter (32)
is erected by the ingress of users into its inner ends, positioning their feet on
the lower anchorage points and their hands on the upper anchorage points.
- deploy the collective fire shelter (32) completely by securing the upper anchorage
points associated to the hands of the users and other lower anchorage points associated
to the feet of the users, corresponding to the ground supporting the collective fire
shelter (32);
- ensure the perfect deployment of the lower part of the collective fire shelter (32)
employing the arms and legs of the users laid or stretched upon the ground.
- activate the chemical lights inside the collective fire shelter (32), proceed to
don respiratory protection masks and then proceed to open an autonomous respiration
system installed inside the collective fire shelter (32);
16. Installation procedure for the fire fighting system, according to claim 15, characterised by the fact that the integrated screen nozzle (15) is situated at a distance of between
2 and 4 metres from the fire fighting vehicle (31).
17. Installation procedure for the fire fighting system, according to claims 16 or 16, characterised by the fact that the fire fighting vehicle (31) shall be so positioned that the side
opposite to the location of its fuel deposit is facing the advancing fire front, describing
a line parallel to the advance of the fire, whereby the triangle of life is established
on the cited side of the fire fighting vehicle (31).