System and method of delivering foam to a firefighting bucket
A foam delivery system for delivering firefighting foam solution to a firefighting bucket that is suspended by at least one cable from a helicopter. A firefighting foam solution is carried aboard the helicopter in one or more foam storage containers. The foam delivery system facilitates the delivery of the foam solution to the bucket and facilitates the mixture of the delivered foam solution with the water, the resultant mixture being effective in fighting fires, in one embodiment, more effective than the use of water alone. The foam solution is delivered from the cabin to the firefighting bucket through a hose. The hose includes a container segment and a bucket segment, the two segments detachably coupled together by an automatic release coupling system.
The present invention relates generally to a system and method of fighting fires, and more specifically, a system and method of delivering foam to a firefighting bucket.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONHelicopter or aircraft-carried firefighting buckets, often called dump-buckets, that are carried to fight fires are presently used. Such a method of fighting fires is often used to fight forest fires where the use of a large amount of water is necessary and the target location is remote or difficult to access by land-based vehicles.
Firefighting buckets are generally filled by being dipped into a body of water while it is suspended beneath a hovering helicopter. Some buckets need to be fully submerged under water while other buckets may be filled from relatively shallow water sources with the use of a pump to draw water into the bucket.
Several different types of firefighting foam are made that, when added to water, increase the effectiveness of water in reducing and extinguishing fires. One such foam mixture reduces the amount of water that evaporates due to high temperatures surrounding a fire. Accordingly, a greater amount of the water dropped actually reaches the intended area.
Presently, there are limited ways to incorporate firefighting foam into aircraft-carried bucket firefighting systems. Accordingly, there remains a need for a system and method of using a firefighting bucket that addresses the shortcomings and limitations of existing firefighting systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the present invention, a foam delivery system to deliver firefighting foam solution to a firefighting bucket is disclosed. The foam delivery system includes a bucket suspended by at least one cable from a helicopter; a first container located in a cabin of the helicopter, the first container containing firefighting foam solution; a hose having a first segment and a second segment, a first end of the hose coupled to the first container and a second end of the hose located proximate to the bucket, wherein the first segment and the second segment are coupled using an automatic release coupling system, the automatic release coupling system including a female coupling at an end of the first segment, the female coupling including a release sleeve, an elastic cord having a first end affixed proximate to the female coupling and a second end fixed at a first position on the first segment, the first position being a predetermined distance from the female coupling, the automatic release coupling system further including a cable of fixed length having a first end connected to the release sleeve and a second end fixed at a second position on the first segment, the second position being a predetermined distance from the female coupling, wherein the elastic cord maintains at least a portion of the first segment between the first position and the female coupling in a curved position; and a male coupling releasably coupled to the female coupling.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a foam delivery system to deliver firefighting foam solution to a firefighting bucket is disclosed. The foam delivery system includes a firefighting bucket suspended by at least one cable from a helicopter; a support tray removably secured in a cabin of the helicopter; a first container located in the support tray, the first container containing firefighting foam solution, the container further including a gauge, a dispensing valve, and a vent valve; a first segment of hose having a container end and a coupling end, the container end of the first segment of hose removably coupled to the dispensing valve, the coupling end including an automatic release coupling system, the automatic release coupling system including a first coupling located at the coupling end of the first segment, the first coupling including a release mechanism, a tube fixed on the first segment a predetermined distance from the first coupling, an elastic cord having a first end affixed to the tube and a second end affixed proximate to the first coupling, a cable of fixed length having a first end affixed to the tube and a second end coupled to the release mechanism, wherein the elastic cord maintains at least a portion of the first segment between the tube and the first coupling in a curved position; a second segment of hose having a coupling end and a dispensing end, the coupling end including a second coupling releasably coupled to the first coupling of the automatic release coupling system, and the dispensing end positioned proximate to the firefighting bucket; and wherein at least part of the first segment and at least part of the second segment are located proximate to and approximately parallel to the at least one cable.
It is understood that other aspects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein example embodiments of the invention are shown and described by way of illustration. The invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThese and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of example embodiments of the present invention and it is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention can be practiced. The embodiments described throughout this description are intended to serve as an example or illustration of the present invention and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Any number of the described embodiments may be incorporated in any desired combination. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, specific embodiments of the invention being shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be used as structural and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Generally, one embodiment of the present invention provides generally for a foam delivery system used in fighting fires. A helicopter carries a firefighting bucket below the helicopter by one or more sling cables. A firefighting foam solution is carried aboard the helicopter in one or more foam storage containers. The foam delivery system facilitates the delivery of the foam solution to the bucket and facilitates the mixture of the delivered foam solution with the water, the resultant mixture being effective in fighting fires, and in one embodiment, more effective than the use of water alone. The foam solution is delivered from the cabin to the firefighting bucket through a hose. The hose includes a container segment and a bucket segment, the two segments detachably coupled together by an automatic release coupling system.
The foam delivery system provides, for example, at least the following advantages: it is easy to handle, assemble, and manipulate; no special training is required for the flight operation of the system; electrical or additional power sources are not required; only simple preflight and post-flight inspections may be used; the system meets flight safety operation requirements; emergency, automatic disconnection of the hose is provided; reduction of helicopter fuselage corrosion is provided; the cost of making and installing the system in relatively low; and the system provides for quick installation and removal of the container(s) and associated equipment.
Referring now to the figures,
In one embodiment, the hose 112 is run down the rear, or aft cable. The drawing in
The bucket may be any bucket or apparatus that is used to carry liquid substances, such as water or other firefighting substances, for fighting fires. Such buckets are known in the field. Example suitable buckets of a variety of sizes and holding capacities are available from Sim's Company Limited. However, suitable buckets for use in fighting fires are available from other manufactures. The bucket is shown in
The hose 112, in one embodiment, is a “spring hose,” having a coiled spring extending throughout the length of the hose. One example hose has an inner diameter of 19 millimetres and an outer diameter of 26 millimetres. However, a hose of any suitable size and strength may be used. One suitable hose is available from Hakko Corporation marketed under the name Eightron.
In accordance with one embodiment, the process of installing the hose to the bucket and cable is as follows. A securing plate 322 is fabricated to the suitable shape and size and installed to the bucket 102. In one embodiment, the securing plate 322 is constructed from steel, but it may also be constructed of materials other than metal, such as polymer materials. In one embodiment, the metal plate 322 is incorporated with the one of the support struts using the mounting bolts and nuts of the bucket, however it maybe be attached in any suitable manner. A sealant may be added to the bolts and nuts after installation to protect them from damage such as corrosion. The dispensing end of the bucket segment 116 of the hose 112 is coupled to the metal plate 322 using connectors such as, for example, two “p-clips” with protective hosing, however any suitable connectors may be used. The hose 112 is routed and coupled to the cable 104 along substantially the entire length of the cable 104. In one embodiment, the hose 112 is routed along approximately 35 feet of the cable 104, except for the last twenty inches at the end configured for attachment to the cargo hook 106 of the helicopter 108. The lengths of various parts are varied according to the length of the cables 104 used, the type of aircraft used, the location of the cargo hook on the aircraft, and the position of the foam solution storage area aboard the aircraft. However, the length of the cable, the length of the various segments of hose and other elements, as well as the positioning of the cable, hose segments, container(s), and other elements, may be varied according to the needs of the specific application without diverging from the teachings of the present invention. The hose 112 may be coupled to the cable 104 using connectors 220, such as, for example, a combination of cable ties and saddle blocks. Anchor tape may be attached to the cable 104 and the hose 112 at points of coupling in order to protect both the cable 104 and the hose 112. One end of a “high line” may be attached proximate to a coupling end of the container segment 114 of the hose 112. A second end of the high line is fitted with a swivel hook, which may be hooked to the helicopter 108 at a location that may be reached by the helicopter crew. In one embodiment, the high line is included a safety design feature for use in case container segment 114 is disconnected from the bucket segment 116 of the hose. To prevent the container segment 114 of hose from dangling and being blown, possibly causing damage to the belly of the helicopter, the high line may be used to manually pull the container segment 114 of the hose into the cabin of the helicopter. During the installation process, colored tape may be used to mark the bucket cables 104 to ensure proper installation. For example, in one embodiment, the hose 112 is coupled to the middle cable and the right cable is marked with green tape and the left cable is marked with red tape. Such marking can help ensure proper orientation of the bucket 102 when assembled and connected to the helicopter.
In one embodiment, the automatic release system 118 operates in urgent or emergency situations when the bucket 102 must be detached from the helicopter 108. For example, the bucket 102 may be trapped by a foreign object that may endanger the safe flight of the helicopter 108, or the helicopter may experience a power failure, necessitating detachment of the bucket 102 from the cargo hook 106 of the helicopter 108. In such situation, the weight of the released bucket will cause automatic release of the male coupling 506 from the female coupling 502, disconnecting the bucket segment 116 from the container segment 114.
The elastic cord 514 maintains a curve or arc in a portion of hose between the fixed tube 512 and the brass coupling 503, referred to as a curved or coupled position, or first position. In one embodiment, the release cable 510 is of a predetermined length and configured such that there is little or no slack in the cable 510, or that the release cable 510 is generally taut when the portion of hose between the fixed tube 512 and the brass coupling 503 is in the curved position. The cable may be relatively non-elastic such that it does not stretch significantly longer than the desired predetermined length. The release cable need not be a single piece of material and may actually be comprised of a number of cables. For example, the release cable 510 shown in the illustrated embodiments includes two lanyard cables coupled securely to each other. When sufficient tension is placed on the bucket segment 116 of the hose 112, the elastic cord 514 will stretch allowing the curved portion of the hose 112 to straighten, referred to as the straight or release position, or second position. When the curved portion of the hose 112 is straightened, the release cable 510, since fixed at one end to the fixed tube 512, will apply a pulling force on the release sleeve 513, thereby opening the female coupling 502. Prior to actuation of the release sleeve, the female coupling 502 locks or secures the male coupling 506 in coupled engagement. Upon actuation of the release sleeve, the male coupling 506 is released from the female coupling 502 and the bucket segment 116 is detached from the container segment 114. In one embodiment, the weight of the released bucket 102 and one or more cables 104, being attached to the bucket segment 116 of the hose 112, assist in separating the bucket segment 116 from the container segment 114 upon release of the male coupling 506 from the female coupling.
During one emergency situation, the pilot will release the cargo hook, thereby causing the bucket 102 to be released and jettisoned away from the helicopter. The force of the gravity pulling down on the bucket will also pull the bucket segment 116 of the hose downward, straightening the curved portion of the hose. Due to this straightening, the pulling force of the release cable will actuate the release sleeve on the female coupling, thereby releasing the male coupling. Therefore, the bucket and the bucket segment 116 of the hose will be completely detached and free to drop away from the helicopter.
In one embodiment, the elastic cord 514 has approximately a 10 millimetre diameter and is approximately 8.5 inches (approximately 21.6 centimetres) long and the fixed tube 512 is fixed at a position approximately 10 inches from the coupling end of the container segment 114 of the hose 112. However, any suitable size, length and type of cord may be used. In one embodiment, the elastic cord 514 has sufficient tension such that approximately 10 pounds of force, as measured by a pull-load gauge, is required to translate the hose to the release position thereby actuating the release sleeve. However, other tensions may be used that will also ensure that release by the female coupling 502 occurs when necessary and not when ordinary tension, such as tension created in the hose 112 during normal use and assembly of the foam delivery system, is applied. For example, in another embodiment, approximately 5 pounds of force may be required to cause actuation of the release coupling. Other embodiments may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, other size, shape, length, location and other configuration of the elastic cord 514 and release cable 510 may be used. In one embodiment, variation of the length and resilience of the elastic cord, or the amount of curve in the curved portion of the hose, can be varied to adjust the amount of force required for actuating the release coupling. Also, while certain coupling configurations have been described, other releasable couplings may be used having other types of release mechanisms. For example, while the illustrated coupling has a release sleeve, other couplings may be released by the actuation of a latch, switch, rotation, or other release mechanism.
Referring now to
While not shown in the above-referenced figures, other wires, hoses, cables, or control lines may be run down one or more of the cables 104 in addition to the hose. Generally, a control mechanism may be provided to open and close an opening in the bucket 102 to facilitate the filling and emptying of water into and out of the bucket 102. While such control may be done using wireless devices, it is possible to include these and other lines in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the bucket 102 is positioned to facilitate and improve the mixing of the foam solution with the water as the bucket 102 is carried in flight by the helicopter 108. As the bucket 102 travels through the air, generating ramp air pressure, an interaction of the passing air and the surface area of the water in the bucket 102 occurs. This interaction produces an agitation of the water, mixing the foam solution with the water to produce a more effective firefighting solution. In one embodiment, hanging the bucket 102 at a generally horizontal position, when the helicopter is substantially still and hovering, produces agitation of the water during flight. According to another embodiment, the bucket may be positioned such that the angle of attack of the moving air against the surface of the water increases and/or maximizes the agitation of the water. In one embodiment, the length of the cables is adjusted to achieve the desired angle of the bucket 102. If the bucket 102 is suspended substantially level when still, as the bucket 102 travels through the air, drag causes the bucket to travel slightly behind the cargo hook 106 of the helicopter, and as a result, the bucket 102 travels at a inherent angle of orientation. The bucket 102, therefore, may be adjusted such that effective angle, which is the combined angle of the inherent angle and the angle of adjustment, is within a predetermined range. In one embodiment, the length of all cables are of equal or approximately equal length. In another embodiment, one of the cables, such as the rear or middle cable, may be shortened or lengthened relative to the two side cables to achieve the desired effective angle. In another embodiment, the relative air speed of the helicopter may be increased or decreased in order to adjust the degree of the inherent angle created during flight. The effective angle may be measured as the angle formed between the direction of flight and the plane created by the surface of the bucket 102. Therefore, the effective angle may be measured relative to the direction of flight. According to one embodiment, it is not necessary to provide any mixing pumps or motors or other devices to mix the water once foam is delivered to the bucket 102. Accordingly, a low-cost system of agitating the foam and water solution is provided.
The automatic release coupling system 118 provides the advantage that the bucket segment 116 of the hose 112 will automatically detach when the bucket 102 is released from the helicopter 108. Should the bucket 102 become caught or force is applied to the bucket 102 in anyway where the safety of the helicopter 108 or the crew aboard the helicopter is at risk, the bucket 102 is released or detached from the helicopter, the automatic release coupling system 118 is activated, and the bucket segment 116 of the hose 112 is detached from the container segment 114. The automatic release coupling system 118 provides a controlled decoupling of the bucket segment 116 of the hose 112, thereby reducing risk of damage and harm to the helicopter, the crew, and/or the foam delivery system.
In another embodiment, decoupling of the bucket segment 116 may be manually controlled by a crew member in the helicopter. For example, the actuation of the female coupling 502, thereby releasing the male coupling 506, may be done by a cable or wire or by wireless remote controlled devices. The coupling system 118 also provides for easy assembly and disassembly of the foam delivery system. The release sleeve of the female coupling 102 may also be manually actuated when, for example, connecting the male coupling when the helicopter is on the ground.
The above-described foam delivery system provides a relatively simple, low-cost system for delivering foam solution to a firefighting bucket. The foam delivery system uses the forces of gravity to assist in delivering the foam solution to the bucket 102. According to one embodiment, an additional electrical supply is not necessary, and electrical pumps, which may possibly break down during use and hinder the delivery of foam, are also not required. Another advantage provided by the invention is the ability to retrofit commercially available foam containers to be used with the foam delivery system.
In one embodiment, the coupling of the hose 112 to the cable 104, as describe above, adds stability to the bucket 102. The rigidity of the hose 112 may reduce the amount of movement and rotation of the bucket 102 during flight and also during use of the bucket 102 to fight fires.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described system may be implemented in a variety of configurations. For example, while certain types of hose, coupling devices, and connectors have been described, other types of suitable hoses, coupling devices, and connectors may be used. Welding and adhesives may also be used where appropriate. Also, while the various above-describe components have be described as being made from certain materials, other suitable materials may be used.
The previous description of the exemplary embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and/or use the present invention. While the invention has been described with respect to particular illustrated embodiments, various modifications to these embodiments will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is therefore desired that the present embodiments be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments described above but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. A foam delivery system to deliver firefighting foam solution to a firefighting bucket, the foam delivery system comprising:
- a bucket suspended by at least one cable from a helicopter;
- a first container located in a cabin of the helicopter, the first container containing firefighting foam solution;
- a hose having a first segment and a second segment, a first end of the hose coupled to the first container and a second end of the hose located proximate to the bucket, wherein the first segment and the second segment are coupled using an automatic release coupling system, the automatic release coupling system including a female coupling at an end of the first segment, the female coupling including a release sleeve, an elastic cord having a first end affixed proximate to the female coupling and a second end fixed at a first position on the first segment, the first position being a predetermined distance from the female coupling, the automatic release coupling system further including a cable of fixed length having a first end connected to the release sleeve and a second end fixed at a second position on the first segment, the second position being a predetermined distance from the female coupling, wherein the elastic cord maintains at least a portion of the first segment between the first position and the female coupling in a curved position; and
- a male coupling releasably coupled to the female coupling.
2. The foam delivery system of claim 1, further including a support tray removably secured in the cabin of the helicopter, wherein the first container is located within the support tray.
3. The foam delivery system of claim 1, wherein the first container further includes a gauge, a dispensing valve, and at least one vent valve.
4. The foam delivery system of claim 1, wherein the dispensing valve includes a coupling for receiving the first end of the hose.
5. The foam delivery system of claim 1, wherein the first position is proximate to the second position.
6. The foam delivery system of claim 1, wherein at least part of the hose is run proximate to and approximately parallel to the at least one cable.
7. The foam delivery system of claim 1, wherein the male coupling is released from female coupling when the curved portion of first segment is straightened by a longitudinal pulling force.
8. The foam delivery system of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal pulling force exceeds approximately 5 pounds of force.
9. The foam delivery system of claim 7, wherein the longitudinal pulling force exceeds approximately 10 pounds of force
10. The foam delivery system of claim 3, wherein the first container is retrofitted with the gauge, the dispensing valve, and the at least vent valve.
11. The foam delivery system of claim 1, wherein water is contained in the bucket and during generally horizontal travel of the bucket through the air, ramp air pressure generates agitation of the water, wherein delivered foam solution is mixed with the water.
12. The foam delivery system of claim 2, further including a second support tray and a second container located within the second support tray, wherein the container end of the first segment is configured for removable coupling to the first container and the second container.
13. The foam delivery system of claim 2, wherein the support tray includes an inclined container stand
14. A foam delivery system to deliver firefighting foam solution to a firefighting bucket, the foam delivery system comprising:
- a firefighting bucket suspended by at least one cable from a helicopter;
- a support tray removably secured in a cabin of the helicopter;
- a first container located in the support tray, the first container containing firefighting foam solution, the container further including a gauge, a dispensing valve, and a vent valve;
- a first segment of hose having a container end and a coupling end, the container end of the first segment of hose removably coupled to the dispensing valve, the coupling end including an automatic release coupling system, the automatic release coupling system including a first coupling located at the coupling end of the first segment, the first coupling including a release mechanism, a tube fixed on the first segment a predetermined distance from the first coupling, an elastic cord having a first end affixed to the tube and a second end affixed proximate to the first coupling, a cable of fixed length having a first end affixed to the tube and a second end coupled to the release mechanism, wherein the elastic cord maintains at least a portion of the first segment between the tube and the first coupling in a curved position;
- a second segment of hose having a coupling end and a dispensing end, the coupling end including a second coupling releasably coupled to the first coupling of the automatic release coupling system, and the dispensing end positioned proximate to the firefighting bucket; and
- wherein at least part of the first segment and at least part of the second segment are located proximate to and approximately parallel to the at least one cable.
15. The foam delivery system of claim 14, wherein second coupling is released from first coupling when the portion of first segment is straightened by a longitudinal pulling force applied to the second segment.
16. The foam delivery system of claim 15, wherein the longitudinal pulling force exceeds approximately 5 pounds of force.
17. The foam delivery system of claim 15, wherein the longitudinal pulling force exceeds approximately 10 pounds of force
18. The foam delivery system of claim 14, wherein the first container is retrofitted with the gauge, the dispensing valve, and the vent valve.
19. The foam delivery system of claim 14, wherein water is contained in the bucket and generally horizontal travel of the bucket through the air generates agitation of water, wherein delivered foam solution is mixed with the water.
20. The foam delivery system of claim 14, further including a second support tray and a second container located within the second support tray, wherein the container end of the first segment is configured for removable coupling to the first container and the second container.
21. The foam delivery system of claim 14, wherein the support tray includes an inclined container stand
22. A foam delivery system to deliver firefighting foam solution to a firefighting bucket, the foam delivery system comprising:
- a firefighting bucket;
- means for suspending the firefighting bucket from a helicopter;
- means for containing foam solution in the helicopter;
- means for removably securing the containing means in the helicopter;
- a hose for delivering the foam solution from the containing means to the firefighting bucket, wherein the hose includes a first segment and a second segment, the second segment detachably coupled to the first segment by coupling means, the first segment being coupled to the containing means and the second segment being coupled to the firefighting bucket, wherein the coupling means provides for decoupling of the second segment from the first segment when a longitudinal pulling force is applied to the second segment of the hose.
23. The foam delivery system of claim 20, wherein the coupling means includes elastic means for maintaining a curved portion in the first segment and release means for decoupling the second segment from the first segment, wherein the release means is actuated upon stretching of the elastic means and straightening the curved portion.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 18, 2006
Publication Date: Nov 22, 2007
Inventor: Wing Wong (Hong Kong)
Application Number: 11/405,826
International Classification: B65B 1/04 (20060101);