[001] The subject matter in general relates to mounting structure of fire extinguisher to floor of an automobile. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to a mounting structure for holding the fire extinguisher on top of a service lid of the automobile.
BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present subject matter.
[003] Fire hazard is one of the most common type of hazard that exists and automobiles too are susceptible to it. Automobiles may catch fire due to fuel leaks, carrying flammable items, among others. Fire extinguishers, that are generally used to douse the flames in cases of emergencies, are to be placed at a location in the automobile whereby it is accessible and within the reach of all the occupants, for example, driver, co-driver, and rear seat occupants.
[004] Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, in a conventional cargo (with or without CNG) vehicle or an ambulance 100 (hereinafter referred to as an automobile 100), the floor area 114 is divided into a front row and a rear compartment. The front row comprises a driver’s seat 102 and a co-driver’s seat 104, and the rear compartment may comprise a rear seat 106 located right behind the driver’s seat 102. The floor area 114 located between the front row and the rear compartment generally comprises a service lid 108 that is used to access the transmission cable (not shown) of the automobile 100 for performing servicing of the transmission cable. The service lid 108 is generally located close to the centre of the width of the automobile 100, the width being in the direction from the driver’s seat 102 to the co-driver’s seat 104.
[005] The fire extinguisher 200 is placed on the floor area 114 located between the front row and the rear compartment as it can be accessed by the personnel seated in the seats 102, 104, and 106. Ideally, the fire extinguisher has to be located in the floor area 114 at a position from where it is possible for each occupant to access the fire extinguisher easily. However, the presence of the service lid 108 at the centre makes it difficult to position the fire extinguisher 200 at the centre (i.e., location reachable to all three person’ seats).
[006] Therefore, the fire extinguisher 200 is generally placed towards the either side of the service lid 108. Placing the fire extinguisher 200 at a position 110, makes it difficult for the person seated in the seat 104 to access the fire extinguisher 200 in case of an emergency. Similarly, placing the fire extinguisher 200 at a position 112, makes it difficult for the person seated in the seat 102 to access the fire extinguisher 200 in case of an emergency.
[007] Furthermore, the fire extinguisher 200 is not directly affixed to the floor area 114. Instead, a rigid structure 202, capable of withstanding the loads and other undue movements of the fire extinguisher 200 during the vehicular movement, is welded to the floor area 114 and the fire extinguisher 200 is held on top of this rigid structure 202. Additional reinforcements in the form of a plurality of band 204, 208 are provided to hold the fire extinguisher 200. The plurality of band 204, 208 is attached to the rigid structure 202.
[008] With the current layout of conventional automobile, the solution for the above technical problem can be provided, by placing the fire extinguisher 200 above the service lid 108, so that the fire extinguisher 200 is within range from all the seats 102, 104 and 106. However, placing the fire extinguisher 200 above the service lid 108 brings with its own set of new problems, in that the service lid 108 is not structurally capable of withstanding the dynamic loads of the fire extinguisher 200. The service lid 108 is a conventional lid that is affixed to the floor area 114 using mounting bolts (not shown) at its four corners 206. The placing of the fire extinguisher 200 directly on top of the service lid 108 will add undue load on the service lid 108 with no proper load distribution, resulting in the failure of the mounting bolts of the service lid 108. Furthermore, the service lid 108 is not as structurally capable as the rigid structure 202 to withstand the dynamic loads, nor it is capable of constraining the movement of the fire extinguisher 200 during the vehicular movement.
[009] Therefore, there is a need for a technical solution for placing the fire extinguisher in the cargo or ambulance vehicle to solve the above mentioned technical problems.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0010] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in the state of the art, some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to propose a mounting structure for holding a fire extinguisher in an automobile.
[0012] It is another object of the present disclosure to dispose a fire extinguisher at a location that is accessible by the driver, co-driver and the person seated in the rear compartment.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a fire extinguisher bracket that is capable of receiving fire extinguishers with varying weights.
[0014] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a mounting structure that is capable of constraining the movement of the fire extinguisher.
[0015] It is still yet another object of the present disclosure to propose a mounting structure that is capable of distributing the load or stress from the service lid to the floor area of the automobile.
[0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present invention is illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0017] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a mounting structure for holding a fire extinguisher in automobile. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0018] The present disclosure relates to a mounting structure for holding a fire extinguisher in an automobile. The mounting structure comprises a fire extinguisher bracket having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to be disposed parallel to a floor area of an automobile. The first portion comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the first portion is disposed on a service lid of the automobile and the second end of the first portion is disposed on the floor area of the automobile. The second portion extends from the first end of the first portion towards a roof panel of the automobile. The first portion and the second portion combine to define an L-shape. The second portion is configured to contain the movement of the fire extinguisher in a direction parallel to the length of the first portion.
[0019] In an aspect, the mounting structure comprising a first mounting bracket configured to be mounted on the service lid of the automobile, wherein the first mounting bracket receives the first end of the first portion.
[0020] In an aspect, the mounting structure comprising a second mounting bracket configured to be mounted on the floor area of the automobile, wherein the second mounting bracket receives the second end of the first portion.
[0021] Other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0022] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 discloses a floor area of an automobile;
[0024] FIG. 2 discloses a conventional way of mounting a fire extinguisher to the floor area of the automobile;
[0025] FIG. 3 discloses an isometric view of a fire extinguisher bracket, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a mounting structure for affixing the fire extinguisher bracket to a service lid and the floor area of the automobile, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the mounting structure for affixing the fire extinguisher to the fire extinguisher bracket, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternate embodiment of the mounting structure; and
[0029] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the mounting structure for affixing the fire extinguisher to the alternate embodiment of the fire extinguisher bracket shown in FIG. 6.
[0030] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0032] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, “consisting” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0034] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0035] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[0037] The mounting structure for holding the fire extinguisher on floor area of the automobile. The mounting structure comprises a fire extinguisher bracket 300.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, disclosed is a fire extinguisher bracket 300 in accordance with an embodiment. The fire extinguisher bracket 300 comprises a first portion 302 and a second portion 304.
[0039] The first portion 302 is configured to be disposed parallel to a floor area 114 (shown in FIG. 4) of an automobile 400 (shown in FIG. 4) along the width of the automobile 400, the width being in the direction from a driver’s seat (not shown) to a co-driver’s seat (not shown). The first portion 302 comprises a first end 308 and a second end 310. The second portion 304 extends from the first end 308 of the first portion 302 towards a roof panel (not shown) of the automobile 400. The first portion 302 and the second portion 304 combine to define an L-shape structure.
[0040] In an embodiment, the automobile 400 is an ambulance or cargo vehicle or any other automobile having a service lid 108 (shown in FIG. 4).
[0041] In an embodiment, a bevel shaped bead 306 is provided where the first portion 302 and the second portion 304 combine. The bevel shaped bead 306 stiffens the area of stress concentration.
[0042] In an embodiment, the first portion 302 defines a through-hole 318 at its centre. The through-hole 318 reduces the weight of the fire extinguisher bracket 300. In another embodiment, the first portion 302 is a solid structure without any through-hole 318.
[0043] The second portion 304 defines a receiving portion 312. The receiving portion 312 is in U-shape or C-shape.
[0044] In an embodiment, the first end 308 of the first portion 302 defines a plurality of first through-holes 314 and the second end 310 of the first portion 302 defines a plurality of second through-holes 316.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrating a mounting structure for holding the fire extinguisher 200 on the fire extinguisher bracket 300. As shown, the mounting structure further comprises a first mounting bracket 402 and a second mounting bracket 404. The first mounting bracket 402 is mounted on the service lid 108 of the automobile 400. The first mounting bracket 402 is configured to receive the first end 308 of the first portion 302 of the fire extinguisher bracket 300. The first end 308 is affixed to the first mounting bracket 402 using fasteners, such as bolts 406 that are configured to pass through the first through-holes 314 defined by the first end 308.
[0046] In an embodiment, the first mounting bracket 402 is spot welded to the service lid 108 using the spot welding techniques known in the art.
[0047] In an embodiment, the second mounting bracket 404 is mounted to the floor area 114 of the automobile 400. The second mounting bracket 404 is configured to receive the second end 310 of the first portion 302. The second end 310 is affixed to the second mounting bracket 404 using bolts 406 that are configured to pass through the second through-holes 316 defined by the second end 310.
[0048] In an embodiment, the second mounting bracket 404 is spot welded to the floor area 114 using the spot welding techniques known in the art.
[0049] In an embodiment, the first mounting bracket 402 may be larger in size compared to the second mounting bracket 404. In an embodiment, the first mounting bracket 402 may be same in size compared to the second mounting bracket 404. In yet another embodiment, the first mounting bracket 402 may be made of stiffer material as compared to the second mounting bracket 404. The fire extinguisher bracket 300 along with the mounting brackets 402, 404 limits the vibration between the service lid 108 and the floor area 114 by assisting in distributing the loads from service lid 108 to the floor area 114 and hence reducing stresses.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, disclosed is another view of the mounting structure for affixing the fire extinguisher 200 to the fire extinguisher bracket 300, in accordance with an embodiment. The fire extinguisher 200 is disposed on the fire extinguisher bracket 300 such that a neck portion 506 of the fire extinguisher 200 is received by the receiving portion 312 of the second portion 304.
[0051] In an embodiment, the fire extinguisher bracket 300 further comprises a first band 502. The first band 502 may be affixed to the second end 310 of the first portion 302 using the bolts 406 that may be configured to pass through the second through-holes 316 defined by the second end 310. The first band 502 is configured to secure the body of the fire extinguisher 200 to the fire extinguisher bracket 300.
[0052] In an embodiment, the first band 502 is made of an elastic material that adjusts and tightens itself depending upon the size of the fire extinguisher 200. In another embodiment, the first band 502 consists of a buckle that is used to tighten the grip of the first band 502 on the fire extinguisher 200.
[0053] In an embodiment, since the perimeter of the fire extinguisher 200 increases from the neck portion 506 towards the portion that is tightened using the first band 502, the movement of the fire extinguisher 200 along direction 500 is restricted. This is due to the second portion 304 coming in contact with a portion of the fire extinguisher 200 whose size is larger than the size of its neck portion 506. The movement along the direction 500 may be as a result of the automobile 400 being in motion or taking a sharp turn or during impact, among others.
[0054] In an embodiment, nozzle portion 508 of the fire extinguisher 200 blocks the movement of the fire extinguisher 200 along direction 500. Thus, the fire extinguisher 200 once placed on the fire extinguisher bracket 300 and tightened using the first band 502, is confined in that position and isolated from movement.
[0055] As an example, the above disclosed embodiment of the fire extinguisher bracket 300 with a first band 502 provided on the second end 310 of the first portion 302 is used to receive the fire extinguisher 200 that weighs 1kg. Also, when 1 kg fire extinguisher 200 is mounted on the mounting structure, the receiving portion 312 of the second portion 304 of the fire extinguisher bracket 300 touches the neck portion 506 of the fire extinguisher 200 and facilitates in load sharing. Hence, there are two location of load sharing from the fire extinguisher 200 to the bracket 300, i.e., one through the first band 502 and another through the receiving portion 312.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 6 disclosed is mounting structure of an alternate embodiment of the fire extinguisher bracket 300. In this embodiment, the first band 502 is affixed to the first end 308 of the first portion 302. The attachment is made using the bolts 406 that are configured to pass through the first through-holes 314 defined by the first end 308. A second band 504 is affixed to the second end 310 of the first portion 302 using the bolts 406 that are configured to pass through the second through-holes 316 defined by the second end 310.
[0057] In an embodiment, the second band 504 may have a Velcro strap.
[0058] FIG. 7 shown an isometric view of mounting structure for affixing the fire extinguisher 200 to the fire extinguisher bracket 300. The neck portion 506 of the fire extinguisher 200 is placed in the vicinity of the receiving portion 312 of the second portion 304. The body of the fire extinguisher 200 is fastened to the fire extinguisher bracket 300 using the first band 502 and the second band 504. As discussed in the previous embodiment, the increasing perimeter of the fire extinguisher 200 and the nozzle portion 508 restrict the movement of the fire extinguisher 200 in the direction 500.
[0059] As an example, the instant embodiment of the fire extinguisher bracket 300 with the first band 502 provided on the first end 308 of the first portion 302 and the second band 504 provided on the second end 310 of the first portion is used to receive the fire extinguisher 200 that weighs 2kg.
[0060] Also, when 2 kg fire extinguisher 200 is mounted on the mounting structure, there are two location of load sharing from the fire extinguisher 200 to the bracket 300 i.e. one through the first band 502 and another through the second band 504.
[0061] During service of transmission cable of the vehicle i.e. while operating via the service lid 108. The fire extinguisher 200 is first removed from the mounting structure, then the bolts 406 are unfastened, which are the bolts 406 at the second end 310 of the first portion 302 of the fire extinguisher bracket 300. The service lid 108 is now removed by unfastening the bolts at the four corners 206 of the service lid 108.
[0062] In another embodiment, this can be concluded that a bridging bracket can be used to distribute stresses or loads between a less rigid surface and a more rigid surface similar to the fire extinguisher bracket 300 used between the service lid 108 and the floor area 114, in the current invention.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[0063] The present disclosure proposes a mounting structure for holding a fire extinguisher in an automobile.
[0064] The present disclosure proposes to dispose a fire extinguisher at a location that is accessible by the driver, co-driver and the person seated in the rear compartment.
[0065] The present disclosure proposes a mounting structure that is capable of receiving fire extinguishers with varying weights.
[0066] The present disclosure proposes a mounting structure having a fire extinguisher bracket that is capable of constraining the movement of the fire extinguisher.
[0067] The present disclosure proposes a mounting structure that is capable of distributing the loads or stresses from the service lid to the floor area of the automobile.
[0068] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0069] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0070] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[0071] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[0072] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims:We claim:
1. A mounting structure for holding a fire extinguisher (200) in an automobile (400), the mounting structure comprising:
a fire extinguisher bracket (300) comprises a first portion (302) and a second portion (304) wherein the first portion (302) is configured to be disposed parallel to a floor area (114) of an automobile (400), such that,
a first end (308) of the first portion (302) is disposed on a service lid (108) of the automobile (400); and
a second end (310) of the first portion (302) is disposed on the floor area (114) of the automobile (400); and
the second portion (304) extending from the first end (308) of the first portion (302) towards a roof panel of the automobile (400), wherein,
the first portion (302) and the second portion (304) combine to define an L-shape; and
the second portion (304) is configured to restrict the movement of the fire extinguisher (200) in a direction (500) parallel to the length of the first portion (302).

2. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting structure comprising a first mounting bracket (402) configured to be mounted on the service lid (108) of the automobile (400), wherein the first mounting bracket (402) receives the first end (308) of the first portion (302).

3. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first end (308) of the first portion (302) defines a plurality of first through-holes (314) configured to affix the first end (308) of the first portion (302) to the first mounting bracket (402).

4. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first mounting bracket (402) is mounted on the service lid (108) using spot welding.

5. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting structure comprising a second mounting bracket (404) configured to be mounted on the floor area (114) of the automobile (400), wherein the second mounting bracket (404) receives the second end (310) of the first portion (302).

6. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second end (310) of the first portion (302) defines a plurality of second through-holes (316) configured to affix the second end (310) of the first portion (302) to the second mounting bracket (404).

7. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second mounting bracket (404) is mounted on the floor area (114) using spot welding.

8. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting structure (300) comprising a first band (502) configured to secure the fire extinguisher (200) to the fire extinguisher bracket (300), wherein the first band (502) is affixed to the first end (308) of the first portion (302).

9. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first end (308) of the first portion (302) defines a plurality of first through-holes (314) configured to affix the first band (502) to the first portion (302).

10. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mounting structure comprising a second band (504) configured to secure the fire extinguisher (200) to the fire extinguisher bracket, wherein the second band (504) is affixed to the second end (310) of the first portion (302).

11. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein the second end (310) of the first portion (302) defines a plurality of second through-holes (316) configured to affix the second band (504) to the second end (310).

12. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (302) and the second portion (304) are combined to each other using a bevel shaped bead.

13. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (304) defines a receiving portion (312) configured to receive a neck portion (506) of the fire extinguisher (200).

14. The mounting structure as claimed in claim 13, wherein shape of the receiving portion (312) corresponds to shape of the neck portion (506) of the fire extinguisher (200), wherein the receiving portion (312) defines a U-shape or C-shape.