GB1407694A - Thermo-responsive closure device for containers - Google Patents

Abstract

1407694 Minimising fires in containers AMEECO LTD 7 March 1973 [22 March 1972 22 Nov 1972] 13499/72 and 54060/72 Heading A5A A container for inflammable substances provided with means for automatically closing the lid in the event of fire comprises a normally open hinged lid, a thermo-responsive trigger mechanism mounted on the inside surface of the lid and including a lid closing member which is biassed to move towards the lid but restrained by a thermo-responsive link, and a surface located externally of the lid with which the lid closing member engages when released by breaking of the link, to cause pivotting of the lid to the closed position. Container I has lid 8 hingedly attached thereto at 9 by means of mounting bracket 6 secured to band 2 which is secured to the open end of 1 (Fig 1). Plate 10 is also mounted on bracket 6 and extends upwardly to a position such that it co-operates with pin 11, which is the lid closing member of thermoresponsive trigger mechanism 29. Pin 11 is mounted for axial movement through aperture 12 in lid 8 on a pair of L-brackets 13, 14, the former being secured to lid 8 and having a hole corresponding to aperture 12, and the latter being secured to 13 and also formed with a hole for the passage of pin 11. Spring 17 is mounted on 11 between 14 and fixed collar 16 to urge 11 towards lid 8. Thermo-responsive link 21 extends between screw head 20 on pin 11 and end 22 of 13, and comprises overlapping plates 23, 24 bonded by eutectic solder. Plate 25, with a hole for pin 11, is secured to the outer face of lid 8 and has lugs 26 which co-operate with plates 7 to provide the hinge mechanism. In the event of a fire in or near container 1 link 21 breaks and pin 11 is urged against plate. 10 by spring 17, the reaction of nose 27 of 11 against 10 causing lid 8 to pivot about the hinge and then close under gravity. In the Fig 4 embodiment, trigger mechanism 50 comprises plunger 39 slidable along guide rod 42, spring 43 being retained in compression between shoulder 44 of 39 and face 45 of bracket limb 37. Fusible link 47 is attached between bracket 37 and screw assembly 46 on plunger 39. The trigger mechanism may be mounted on a container already having a hinged lid by boring a hole in the lid.