PORTABLE EMERGENCY UNIT

Abstract

A portable emergency unit comprises an eyewash and shower station coupled to a chassis. A water tank and a pump are coupled to the chassis and are in fluid communication with the eyewash and shower station so that the pump is operable to supply water from the water tank to the eyewash and shower station when the eyewash and shower station is activated. A temperature control system is also coupled to the chassis and is in fluid communication with the water tank. The temperature control system is operable to maintain the temperature of water stored in the water tank within a predetermined range.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/500,696, filed on Jun. 24, 2011 and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to the technical field of industrial and commercial emergency and personal protective equipment. More particularly, the present disclosure is in the technical field of personal protective equipment, such as emergency shower and eyewash systems, for employees who have sustained injuries due to chemicals splashing in their eyes or on their body.

Conventional eyewash and shower stations, such as those found in laboratories and industrial facilities, are typically connected into the facilities plumbing system and are therefore substantially immovable. In many circumstances, it is impractical to have an eyewash and shower station installed close to every hazard, especially when those hazards may be temporary in nature. Portable eyewash and shower stations are available but are not without their own limitations.

Many portable eyewash and shower stations have limited capabilities for delivering required fluid pressure and volumes. Those systems that can provide required fluid pressure and volumes tend to be large and heavy. Moving such devices can require several strong persons, or a sturdy wheeled vehicle such as a reinforced wagon or handcart, as well as relocating the water source that supplies the unit. Thus, moving a conventional portable unit from location to location creates several hazards.

There is a continuing need in the art for systems that provide emergency eyewash and shower stations that are self-contained and easily portable, thus allowing the emergency facility to be placed in the most beneficial location.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, a portable emergency unit comprises an eyewash and shower station coupled to a chassis. A water tank and a pump are coupled to the chassis and are in fluid communication with the eyewash and shower station so that the pump is operable to supply water from the water tank to the eyewash and shower station when the eyewash and shower station is activated. A temperature control system is also coupled to the chassis and is in fluid communication with the water tank. The temperature control system is operable to maintain the temperature of water stored in the water tank within a predetermined ra8 nge.

In other embodiments, a portable emergency unit comprises an eyewash and shower station coupled to a chassis. A water tank and a pump are coupled to the chassis and are in fluid communication with the eyewash and shower station so that the pump is operable to supply water from the water tank to the eyewash and shower station. A temperature control system is coupled to the chassis and in fluid communication with said water tank. A control unit is also coupled to the chassis and is operable to control the pump and the temperature control system.

In other embodiments, a portable emergency unit comprises an eyewash and shower station coupled to a chassis. A water tank and a pump are coupled to the chassis and are in fluid communication with the eyewash and shower station so that the pump is operable to supply water from the water tank to the eyewash and shower station. A temperature control system is coupled to the chassis and in fluid communication with said water tank. A control unit is also coupled to the chassis and is operable to control the pump and the temperature control system. An activation sensor is coupled to the eyewash and shower station and is operable to send an activation signal to the control unit that initiates operation of the pump when the eyewash and shower station is activated. A temperature sensor is coupled to the water tank and operable to send a temperature signal to the control unit that initiates operation of the temperature control unit when the temperature of water within the water tank is outside a predetermined range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a partial sectional isometric view of a portable emergency unit; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a control system for use with a portable emergency unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to that illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed below may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.

Unless otherwise specified, any use of any form of the terms “connect”, “engage”, “couple”, “attach”, or any other term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”.

In addition, in the discussion and claims that follow, it may be sometimes stated that certain components or elements are in fluid communication. By this it is meant that the components are constructed and interrelated such that a fluid could be communicated between them, as via a passageway, tube, or conduit. The various characteristics mentioned above, as well as other features and characteristics described in more detail below, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, portable emergency unit 10 comprises eyewash and shower station 12, water tank 14, pump 16, temperature control system 18, power supply 20, control unit 22, and chassis 24. Eyewash and shower station 12 includes showerhead 26 and eyewash basin 28. Station 12 also includes pull handle 30 to activate showerhead 26 and lever 32 to activate eyewash basin 28. Station 12 is coupled to pump 16, which is operable to supply water from water tank 14 to the station. Temperature control system 18 is also coupled to pump 16 and is operable to maintain the water within water tank 14 within a selected temperature range. Control unit 22 is coupled to pump 16, temperature control system 18, and power supply 20 so as to control the operation of portable emergency unit 10. All of the components of portable emergency unit 10 are mounted to chassis 24.

When operated in an emergency situation, portable emergency unit 10 may be configured to support the simultaneous use of both showerhead 26 and eyewash basin 28 of station 12 for a sufficient time to mitigate whatever hazard is encountered. Effective operation of station 12 is dependent on factors including, but not limited to, the volume, flow rate, and temperature of the water supplied to the station. Therefore, portable emergency unit 10 includes systems that seek to control these factors and ensure reliable and effective operation of the unit.

Water tank 14 is sized so as to hold at least the amount of water needed to supply eyewash and shower station 12 with sufficient flow to support simultaneous use of showerhead 26 and eyewash basin 28 for a predetermined period of time. In certain embodiments, showerhead 26 is configured to supply 20 gallons of water per minute and eyewash basin is configured to supply 3.7 gallons per minute. In certain embodiments, water tank 14 may be a 350-gallon potable water tank constructed from polyethylene or some other lightweight material.

Pump 16 is coupled to eyewash and shower station 12 by main outlet 40. Both pump 16 and main outlet 40 are sized so as to move the water in water tank 14 to eyewash and shower station 12 at a pressure and flow rate needed for satisfactory operation of the station. Pump 16 may be a submersible pump that is disposed within water tank 14 (as shown) or may an external pump that draws water from the tank. In certain embodiments, pump 16 may be a 9-stage, 1 horsepower submersible pump.

Because eyewash and shower station 12 is intended to be used by people, it is desirable to have the water used by the station to be at a temperature that will allow an affected person to be able to use the station for a sufficient amount of time. In certain embodiments, the desired temperature range for water supplied to eyewash and shower station 12 is between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature control system 18 is configured to maintain the temperature of the water in water tank 14 within a desired range. Water is drawn from tank 14 through secondary outlet 42 to temperature control system 18, which may either heat or cool the water as necessary. Once the water is at a desired temperature is it returned to water tank 14 through recycle inlet 44. Water may be moved from tank 14 to temperature control system 18 by pump 16 or by a secondary pump integrated into the temperature control system.

Control unit 22 governs the operation of temperature control system 18. Temperature sensor 34 monitors the temperature within water tank 14 and signals control unit 22 when the temperature falls out of a predetermined range. In response, control unit 22 activates temperature control system 18, which adjusts the temperature of the water as described above. If needed for the operation of temperature control system 18, control unit 22 provides power to pump 16 from power supply 20 in order to move water to and from the temperature control system.

Control unit 22 also governs the operation of pump 16. Handle 30 and lever 32 are equipped with sensors that send a signal to control unit 22 when eyewash and shower station 12 is activated. In response to the activation signal, control unit 22 provides power to pump 16 from power supply 20 so that water is supplied to the eyewash and shower station. After a predetermined amount of time, or when handle 30 or lever 32 is released, control unit 22 cuts the power to pump 16.

Power supply 20 may be an electric generator, batteries, a combination of a generator and batteries, or any supply of sufficient power. Power supply 20 is preferable constructed so as to operate independently of any outside supply of power but may, in certain embodiments, be adapted to be coupled to an external power supply. In certain embodiments, power supply 20 may be an 8000 watt generator that allows for remote start from control unit 22 and has a 240 volt plug for supplying electrical power to temperature control system 18.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a control unit 22 for controlling a portable emergency unit 10 with a remotely started generator. Control unit 22 comprises thermostat controller 50, time delay 52, and relays 54. Thermostat controller 50 interfaces with temperature sensor 34 and temperature control system 18. Time delay 52 interfaces with the generator so as to limit the activation time of the generator's starter. Relays 54 provide the internal switching to control unit 22 so as to activate the generator and other systems when needed.

Chassis 24 may be a wheeled trailer, mobile container, or other configuration that allows for easy transportation of the unit. Chassis 24 may provide a full enclosure for portable emergency unit 10 so as to protect its components and help isolate those components from environment factors. Chassis 24 has sufficient width to allow unencumbered access to eyewash and shower station 12 and sufficient height to accommodate the station. In certain embodiments, chassis 24 may provide a width of at least 41 inches from the sides of eyewash and shower station 12 and a height of at least 80 inches. In certain embodiments, chassis 24 may also comprise a grate 36, catch basin, or other drainage device positioned below eyewash and shower station 12 to allow water to not collect at the base of the unit.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and description. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A portable emergency unit comprising:

a chassis;

an eyewash and shower station coupled to said chassis;

a water tank coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said eyewash and shower station;

a pump coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said water tank and said eyewash and shower station, wherein said pump is operable to supply water from said water tank to said eyewash and shower station when said eyewash and shower station is activated; and

a temperature control system coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said water tank, wherein said temperature control system is operable to maintain the temperature of water stored in said water tank within a predetermined range.

2. The portable emergency unit of claim 1, further comprising a power supply coupled to said pump and to said temperature control system.

3. The portable emergency unit of claim 2, wherein said power supply is a generator that is activated when said eyewash and shower station is activated.

4. The portable emergency unit of claim 2, wherein said power supply is a battery.

5. The portable emergency unit of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of wheels coupled to said chassis.

6. The portable emergency unit of claim 1, further comprising a drainage device coupled to said chassis proximate to said eyewash and shower station.

7. The portable emergency unit of claim 1, further comprising a control unit coupled to said chassis and operable to control the operation of said pump and said temperature control system.

8. The portable emergency unit of claim 7, further comprising a sensor coupled to said eyewash and shower, wherein said sensor provides a signal to said control unit that initiates operation of said pump when said eyewash and shower station is activated.

9. The portable emergency unit of claim 7, further comprising a sensor coupled to said water tank, wherein said sensor provides a signal to said control unit that initiates operation of said temperature control unit when the temperature of water within said water tank is outside the predetermined range.

10. A portable emergency unit comprising:

a chassis;

an eyewash and shower station coupled to said chassis;

a water tank coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said eyewash and shower station;

a pump coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said water tank and said eyewash and shower station;

a temperature control system coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said water tank; and

a control unit coupled to said chassis and operable to control said pump and said temperature control system.

11. The portable emergency unit of claim 10, further comprising a sensor coupled to said eyewash and shower station and operable to send an activation signal to said control unit that initiates operation of said pump when said eyewash and shower station is activated.

12. The portable emergency unit of claim 10, further comprising a sensor coupled to said water tank and operable to send a signal to said control unit that initiates operation of said temperature control unit when the temperature of water within said water tank is outside a predetermined range.

13. The portable emergency unit of claim 10, further comprising a power supply coupled to said pump, said temperature control system, and said control unit.

14. The portable emergency unit of claim 13, wherein said power supply is a generator that is activated when said eyewash and shower station is activated.

15. The portable emergency unit of claim 13, wherein said power supply is a battery.

16. The portable emergency unit of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of wheels coupled to said chassis.

17. The portable emergency unit of claim 10, further comprising a drainage device coupled to said chassis proximate to said eyewash and shower station.

18. A portable emergency unit comprising:

a chassis;

an eyewash and shower station coupled to said chassis;

a water tank coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said eyewash and shower station;

a pump coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said water tank and said eyewash and shower station;

a temperature control system coupled to said chassis and in fluid communication with said water tank;

a control unit coupled to said chassis and operable to control said pump and said temperature control system;

an activation sensor coupled to said eyewash and shower station and operable to send an activation signal to said control unit that initiates operation of said pump when said eyewash and shower station is activated; and

a temperature sensor coupled to said water tank and operable to send a temperature signal to said control unit that initiates operation of said temperature control unit when the temperature of water within said water tank is outside a predetermined range.

19. The portable emergency unit of claim 18, further comprising a power supply coupled to said pump, said temperature control system, and said control unit.

20. The portable emergency unit of claim 18, wherein said power supply is a generator that is activated when said eyewash and shower station or said temperature control unit is operated.