James Curtis Hopkins

US Patent:

7963343, Jun 21, 2011

Filed:

Aug 6, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/221749

Inventors:

James Hopkins - Annapolis MD, US

International Classification:

A62C 37/00

US Classification:

169 56, 169 13, 169 54, 169 61, 340628, 340632

Abstract:

A Christmas tree fire prevention device preferably includes an air-pressurized reservoir containing fire-retardant agent and a mechanism for automatically discharging the fire-retardant agent. The discharging mechanism may be connected to the reservoir via a flexible hose may also be removably attached to the apex of an existing Christmas tree and camouflaged as a holiday decoration. A mechanism for automatically emitting an alarm signal when the automatic fire-retardant agent discharging mechanism is activated may further be included. The discharging mechanism may include a valve with a metal-alloy plug which has a relatively low melting point. Flame heated air preferably causes the plug to melt and activates the discharging mechanism, which ejects the plug from the valve. The pressurized fire-retardant may then egress through the valve, deflect off a guard located on top of the discharging mechanism, and cover the Christmas tree.