US20070000925A1 - Portable fire and heat resistant storage unit for electronic media - Google Patents
Portable fire and heat resistant storage unit for electronic media Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070000925A1 US20070000925A1 US11/168,560 US16856005A US2007000925A1 US 20070000925 A1 US20070000925 A1 US 20070000925A1 US 16856005 A US16856005 A US 16856005A US 2007000925 A1 US2007000925 A1 US 2007000925A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- storage unit
- outer shell
- fire
- cap
- Prior art date
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- Abandoned
Links
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 87
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000378 calcium silicate Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229910052918 calcium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 9
- OYACROKNLOSFPA-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium;dioxido(oxo)silane Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-][Si]([O-])=O OYACROKNLOSFPA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000009970 fire resistant effect Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 235000012241 calcium silicate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000010451 perlite Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000019362 perlite Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000010455 vermiculite Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 235000019354 vermiculite Nutrition 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052902 vermiculite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003779 heat-resistant material Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229920003043 Cellulose fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Orthosilicate Chemical compound [O-][Si]([O-])([O-])[O-] BPQQTUXANYXVAA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000004115 Sodium Silicate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007796 conventional method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013500 data storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011152 fibreglass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009408 flooring Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N sodium silicate Chemical compound [Na+].[Na+].[O-][Si]([O-])=O NTHWMYGWWRZVTN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052911 sodium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B33/00—Constructional parts, details or accessories not provided for in the other groups of this subclass
- G11B33/14—Reducing influence of physical parameters, e.g. temperature change, moisture, dust
- G11B33/1406—Reducing the influence of the temperature
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B23/00—Record carriers not specific to the method of recording or reproducing; Accessories, e.g. containers, specially adapted for co-operation with the recording or reproducing apparatus ; Intermediate mediums; Apparatus or processes specially adapted for their manufacture
- G11B23/02—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means
- G11B23/021—Containers; Storing means both adapted to cooperate with the recording or reproducing means comprising means for reducing influence of physical parameters, e.g. temperature change, moisture
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/02—Details
- H05K5/0209—Thermal insulation, e.g. for fire protection or for fire containment or for high temperature environments
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/02—Details
- H05K5/0213—Venting apertures; Constructional details thereof
Definitions
- the present invention pertains to the art of fire and heat resistant enclosures and, more specifically, to a portable storage unit for storing and protecting electronic media such as CDs and DVDs from exposure to fire and high temperatures.
- the present invention is directed to a fire and heat resistant storage unit for the storage of electronic media, particularly CDs and DVDs.
- the storage unit comprises a core body portion of calcium silicate encased in a shell.
- a locking cap is attached to a bottom wall portion of the shell and allows a user to access a housing in which electronic media, such as CDs or DVDs, can be stored.
- a handle is attached to the storage unit to aid a user in flipping the storage unit from an access position, in which the user can access the electronic media housing, to a storage or in-use position in which the bottom wall portion is arranged directly adjacent a relatively planar supporting surface, such as a concrete floor. With the bottom wall portion of the storage unit adjacent the relatively planar supporting surface, little air and, correspondingly, minimal oxygen, is available beneath the storage unit. This results in a highly heat resistant storage unit that allows for the safe storage of heat sensitive electronic media.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the heat resistant storage unit of the present invention shown inverted;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heat resistant storage unit of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the heat resistant storage unit of the present invention.
- a fire and heat resistant storage unit 10 (hereafter storage unit 10 ) includes a core body portion 15 ; an insert or housing 20 ; an outer shell 22 comprising a casing 25 , a top wall 30 , and a bottom wall 35 ; and a cap 40 .
- storage unit 10 takes the general form of a cube.
- Body portion 15 is formed from fire and heat resistant material and includes side portions 45 - 48 , a top portion 49 and a bottom portion 50 having a storage cavity 55 , a first rim 57 and a second rim 58 formed substantially centrally therein.
- Diametrically opposed pin holes 59 are formed within body 15 adjacent second rim 58 .
- Outer shell 22 is preferably formed from sheet steel, but could be formed from other heat resistant materials, including heat resistant plastic.
- Casing 25 of outer shell 22 extends around body portion 15 and includes side wall portions 65 - 68 .
- Housing 20 which is preferably formed from plastic, includes a main body portion 70 , a stepped portion 71 , a bottom portion 72 and a lip portion 75 that extends about an access opening 77 .
- Diametrically opposed pin holes 78 are formed within stepped portion 71 of housing 20 .
- main body portion 70 , stepped portion 71 and bottom portion 72 define a housing 20 in which electronic media, such as CDs or DVDs, can be stored.
- the plastic used to form housing 20 is preferably a standard fire resistant plastic.
- the region of body portion 15 located between the storage cavity 55 and outer shell 22 defines a buffer zone 80 which protects items located within housing 20 from fire and heat.
- body portion 15 is formed of molded calcium silicate, vermiculite or perlite.
- body portion 15 could be formed from any equivalent fire/heat resistant material.
- body portion 15 also includes various additives and fillers, such as cellulose fiber and fiberglass.
- Storage cavity 55 is then bored into the center of bottom portion 50 of body portion 15 in a manner which establishes a first rim 57 and a second rim 58 .
- body portion 15 can be initially formed to include storage cavity 55 , such as through a molding or other forming process. Although storage cavity 55 is depicted as substantially cylindrical in FIG.
- first and second rims 57 and 58 would take a shape corresponding to the shape of storage cavity 55 .
- housing 20 is inserted into storage cavity 55 .
- housing 20 fits snuggly within storage cavity 55 , with stepped portion 71 of housing 20 resting upon first rim 57 and lip portion 75 resting upon second rim 58 .
- Housing 20 can also be adhesively secured in place, such as with a sodium silicate adhesive.
- housing 20 stepped portion 71 and lip portion 75 could be formed to fit a desired shape chosen for storage cavity 55 and first and second rims 57 and 58 . It should also be understood that housing 20 need not include a stepped portion 71 or a lip portion 75 . Further, storage cavity 55 need not be formed with first and second rims 57 and 58 .
- casing 25 is formed about side portions 45 - 48 of body portion 15 .
- a handle 82 is preferably attached to one or more of side portions 65 - 68 of casing 25 .
- top wall 30 is mounted over top portion 49 of body portion 15 .
- bottom wall 35 is arranged over bottom portion 50 of body portion 15 .
- Electronic media 84 can now be placed into housing 20 through aligned access opening 77 .
- cap 40 is placed over a central opening 90 formed in bottom wall 35 and is secured in place via a locking mechanism 95 .
- cap 40 comprises a fire/heat resistant material 97 , such as calcium silicate, with the remainder of cap 40 preferably made of plastic.
- a metallic plastic may be used for cap 40 .
- locking mechanism 95 preferably includes locking pins 100 and 101 extending from either side of cap 40 for locking cap 40 in place.
- other types of standard locking mechanisms could be used. As shown in FIG. 3 , locking pins 100 and 101 preferably extend adjacent an inner surface (not labeled) of bottom wall 35 and extend through respective pin holes 78 in housing 20 and into respective pin holes 59 in body portion 15 to provide a tight and secure mounting arrangement.
- storage unit 10 can now be flipped from an access position in which a user can access housing 20 as depicted in FIG. 1 , to a storage position in which bottom wall 35 is arranged directly adjacent to, i.e., in a substantially full abutting relationship, a relatively planar supporting surface 110 as depicted in FIG. 2 .
- Handle 82 can aid a user in flipping storage unit 10 .
- planar support surface 110 is a concrete floor, but can be other flooring surfaces.
- an outer portion 115 of cap 40 is preferably substantially flush with bottom wall 35 such that the relatively planar supporting surface 110 and bottom wall 35 with cap 40 abut one another.
- This arrangement assures that little air, and thus little oxygen, is available beneath storage unit 10 .
- This configuration has been found to be critical to the invention and significantly increases the fire and heat resistance of storage unit 10 , thereby enabling storage unit 10 to effectively protect electronic media 84 in the case of a fire that generates high levels of heat. It is significant to note that a plastic cap 40 will be protected for a period of time from fire damage when storage unit 10 is in its storage position, but will at least partially melt or be otherwise damaged if storage unit 10 is in its access position during a fire. Thus, a plastic cap 40 can be utilized as an indicator of improper use of storage unit 10 .
- storage unit 10 can withstand the high temperatures of a fire without the temperature within housing 20 exceeding 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes. In fact, it has been found that the temperature within housing 20 does not exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius) and the humidity level within the housing 20 does not exceed 80 percent for up to 30 minutes during a fire.
- Test sample #2 included a body portion 15 comprising an approximately 13.8 ⁇ 13.8 inch (approximately 351 mm ⁇ 351 mm) rectangular body of molded calcium silicate with an approximately 24 gauge (approximately 0.65 mm) square steel casing 25 and a plastic insert housing 20 .
- a first rim 57 having an approximately 1.5 inch (38 mm) associated wall height with a diameter of approximately 8 inches (200 mm), was formed about storage cavity 55 having a height of approximately 5 inches (approximately 150 mm) and a diameter of approximately 6 inches (approximately 150 mm).
- FIG. 3 depicts an alternative embodiment of storage unit 10 ′ in which a square cap 40 ′ is attached to bottom wall 35 by a pair of hinges 120 .
- storage cavity 55 , first rim 57 , second rim 58 , and housing 20 can take on a shape corresponding to that of cap 40 ′ or can be simply shaped as described above and shown in the drawings. Again, the exact shape of storage cavity 55 , first and second rims 57 and 58 , housing 20 and cap 40 , 40 ′ can take on any form and should not be seen as limiting the present invention.
- a fire and heat resistant storage unit 10 , 10 ′ which can be easily and inexpensively manufactured, is readily transported/portable, and allows a user to protect store electronic media, such as CDs or DVDs, in a safe convenient manner.
- a major key to the present invention is the way in which storage unit 10 , 10 ′ is adapted to be stored with cap 40 , 40 ′ extending directly along a substantially planar support surface 110 . With cap 40 , 40 ′ abutting substantially planar support surface 110 , little air is available beneath storage unit 10 , 10 ′ and thus little heated air can find its way between cap 40 , 40 ′ and outer shell 22 , and into housing 20 .
- This arrangement substantially increases the fire and heat resistance of storage unit 10 , 10 ′, allowing for the safe-keeping of heat sensitive electronic media in a simple and effective manner.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Casings For Electric Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
A fire and heat resistant storage unit for housing electronic media includes a core body portion of heat resistant material surrounded by an outer shell. An opening in a bottom wall of the outer shell allows a user access to a housing unit that is placed in the core body portion. A locking cap seals off the opening in the outer shell and a handle attached to the outer shell aids a user in flipping the storage unit from an access position in which a user can access the housing, to a storage or in-use position in which the bottom wall is directly adjacent a relatively planar support surface. Such a configuration significantly increases the fire and heat resistance of the storage unit and allows electronic media to be stored safely without being damaged.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention pertains to the art of fire and heat resistant enclosures and, more specifically, to a portable storage unit for storing and protecting electronic media such as CDs and DVDs from exposure to fire and high temperatures.
- 2. Discussion of the Prior Art
- There is a long-standing need to protect valuable items, including business records, from high temperatures, particularly temperatures experienced during a fire. With the advent of computers, important business documents are stored on electronic data storage media, such as compact disks (CDs), digital video disks (DVDs) or magnetic tapes. These electronic media records are subject to damage at lower temperatures than traditional paper records. In order to protect such records, many businesses will periodically transport their electronic media records to highly fire/heat-resistant bank vaults for safekeeping. Of course, storing the electronic media in a fire and heat resistant container on-site would be less costly and less time-consuming for most businesses.
- Various types of heat and fire resistant containers have been used in the past to store valuables, including containers having multiple layers of fire/heat-proofing materials, such as the container described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,735,155. However, the materials and methods of manufacturing needed to produce such multi-layered containers can be costly. Other containers, such as the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,855,741, have a solid main body covered with a shell. These containers can be heavy and can have limited heat-proofing capabilities. Based on the above, there exists a need in the art for a portable heat resistant storage container that is simple to manufacture and has a high enough heat resistance rating to store electronic media safely.
- The present invention is directed to a fire and heat resistant storage unit for the storage of electronic media, particularly CDs and DVDs. The storage unit comprises a core body portion of calcium silicate encased in a shell. A locking cap is attached to a bottom wall portion of the shell and allows a user to access a housing in which electronic media, such as CDs or DVDs, can be stored. A handle is attached to the storage unit to aid a user in flipping the storage unit from an access position, in which the user can access the electronic media housing, to a storage or in-use position in which the bottom wall portion is arranged directly adjacent a relatively planar supporting surface, such as a concrete floor. With the bottom wall portion of the storage unit adjacent the relatively planar supporting surface, little air and, correspondingly, minimal oxygen, is available beneath the storage unit. This results in a highly heat resistant storage unit that allows for the safe storage of heat sensitive electronic media.
- Additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views.
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the heat resistant storage unit of the present invention shown inverted; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the heat resistant storage unit ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the heat resistant storage unit of the present invention. - With initial reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , a fire and heat resistant storage unit 10 (hereafter storage unit 10) includes acore body portion 15; an insert orhousing 20; anouter shell 22 comprising acasing 25, atop wall 30, and abottom wall 35; and acap 40. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1 ,storage unit 10 takes the general form of a cube.Body portion 15 is formed from fire and heat resistant material and includes side portions 45-48, atop portion 49 and abottom portion 50 having astorage cavity 55, afirst rim 57 and a second rim 58 formed substantially centrally therein. Diametrically opposed pin holes 59 are formed withinbody 15 adjacent second rim 58.Outer shell 22 is preferably formed from sheet steel, but could be formed from other heat resistant materials, including heat resistant plastic. Casing 25 ofouter shell 22 extends aroundbody portion 15 and includes side wall portions 65-68.Housing 20, which is preferably formed from plastic, includes amain body portion 70, a stepped portion 71, abottom portion 72 and alip portion 75 that extends about an access opening 77. Diametrically opposed pin holes 78 are formed within stepped portion 71 ofhousing 20. Together,main body portion 70, stepped portion 71 andbottom portion 72 define ahousing 20 in which electronic media, such as CDs or DVDs, can be stored. The plastic used to formhousing 20 is preferably a standard fire resistant plastic. The region ofbody portion 15 located between thestorage cavity 55 andouter shell 22 defines abuffer zone 80 which protects items located withinhousing 20 from fire and heat. - The preferred method of forming
storage unit 10 will now be discussed with reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 . Preferably,body portion 15 is formed of molded calcium silicate, vermiculite or perlite. Of course,body portion 15 could be formed from any equivalent fire/heat resistant material. In the present embodiment,body portion 15 also includes various additives and fillers, such as cellulose fiber and fiberglass.Storage cavity 55 is then bored into the center ofbottom portion 50 ofbody portion 15 in a manner which establishes afirst rim 57 and a second rim 58. Certainly,body portion 15 can be initially formed to includestorage cavity 55, such as through a molding or other forming process. Althoughstorage cavity 55 is depicted as substantially cylindrical inFIG. 1 , it is understood that any desired shape could be used forstorage cavity 55. Of course, first andsecond rims 57 and 58 would take a shape corresponding to the shape ofstorage cavity 55. At this point,housing 20 is inserted intostorage cavity 55. Preferably, housing 20 fits snuggly withinstorage cavity 55, with stepped portion 71 ofhousing 20 resting uponfirst rim 57 andlip portion 75 resting upon second rim 58.Housing 20 can also be adhesively secured in place, such as with a sodium silicate adhesive. Although depicted inFIG. 1 as a cylindrical container with a cylindrical lip, it again should be understood thathousing 20, stepped portion 71 andlip portion 75 could be formed to fit a desired shape chosen forstorage cavity 55 and first andsecond rims 57 and 58. It should also be understood thathousing 20 need not include a stepped portion 71 or alip portion 75. Further,storage cavity 55 need not be formed with first andsecond rims 57 and 58. - Next,
casing 25 is formed about side portions 45-48 ofbody portion 15. Ahandle 82 is preferably attached to one or more of side portions 65-68 ofcasing 25. Oncecasing 25 is formed aboutbody portion 15,top wall 30 is mounted overtop portion 49 ofbody portion 15. Likewise,bottom wall 35 is arranged overbottom portion 50 ofbody portion 15. Preferably top andbottom walls casing 25 by welding or by any other conventional method.Electronic media 84 can now be placed intohousing 20 through aligned access opening 77. In order to fully assemblestorage unit 10,cap 40 is placed over acentral opening 90 formed inbottom wall 35 and is secured in place via alocking mechanism 95. At least a portion ofcap 40 comprises a fire/heatresistant material 97, such as calcium silicate, with the remainder ofcap 40 preferably made of plastic. For aesthetic purposes, a metallic plastic may be used forcap 40. Additionally, lockingmechanism 95 preferably includes lockingpins 100 and 101 extending from either side ofcap 40 for lockingcap 40 in place. However, other types of standard locking mechanisms could be used. As shown inFIG. 3 , lockingpins 100 and 101 preferably extend adjacent an inner surface (not labeled) ofbottom wall 35 and extend through respective pin holes 78 inhousing 20 and into respective pin holes 59 inbody portion 15 to provide a tight and secure mounting arrangement. - Once
housing 20 is loaded withelectronic media 84 to be stored and protected andcap 40 is locked via lockingmechanism 95,storage unit 10 can now be flipped from an access position in which a user can accesshousing 20 as depicted inFIG. 1 , to a storage position in whichbottom wall 35 is arranged directly adjacent to, i.e., in a substantially full abutting relationship, a relatively planar supportingsurface 110 as depicted inFIG. 2 .Handle 82 can aid a user in flippingstorage unit 10. Preferably,planar support surface 110 is a concrete floor, but can be other flooring surfaces. Whenstorage unit 10 is in its storage position ofFIG. 2 , anouter portion 115 ofcap 40 is preferably substantially flush withbottom wall 35 such that the relatively planar supportingsurface 110 andbottom wall 35 withcap 40 abut one another. This arrangement assures that little air, and thus little oxygen, is available beneathstorage unit 10. This configuration has been found to be critical to the invention and significantly increases the fire and heat resistance ofstorage unit 10, thereby enablingstorage unit 10 to effectively protectelectronic media 84 in the case of a fire that generates high levels of heat. It is significant to note that aplastic cap 40 will be protected for a period of time from fire damage whenstorage unit 10 is in its storage position, but will at least partially melt or be otherwise damaged ifstorage unit 10 is in its access position during a fire. Thus, aplastic cap 40 can be utilized as an indicator of improper use ofstorage unit 10. - To test the invention, two samples of
storage unit 10, one metal clad, one plastic wrapped, were subjected to a 30 minute 125 degree Fahrenheit Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 72 Fire Test for fire resistance of record protection equipment. The results from this test can be seen in Table 1.TABLE 1 Temperatures-Degrees Fahrenheit Test #1 Test #2 Ceramic Vermiculite & Calcium Fiber Perlite Silicate Time #1 #2 #1 #2 #1 #2 0 min. 63 63 63 63 62 62 5 min. 64 64 64 64 62 63 10 min. 64 64 64 64 63 63 15 min. 66 66 64 65 63 64 20 min. 74 74 66 68 67 69 25 min. 95 94 77 81 80 81 30 min. 125 122 102 108 102 103 - According to the results of the test,
storage unit 10 can withstand the high temperatures of a fire without the temperature withinhousing 20 exceeding 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius) for 30 minutes. In fact, it has been found that the temperature withinhousing 20 does not exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius) and the humidity level within thehousing 20 does not exceed 80 percent for up to 30 minutes during a fire. Test sample #2 included abody portion 15 comprising an approximately 13.8×13.8 inch (approximately 351 mm×351 mm) rectangular body of molded calcium silicate with an approximately 24 gauge (approximately 0.65 mm)square steel casing 25 and aplastic insert housing 20. Afirst rim 57, having an approximately 1.5 inch (38 mm) associated wall height with a diameter of approximately 8 inches (200 mm), was formed aboutstorage cavity 55 having a height of approximately 5 inches (approximately 150 mm) and a diameter of approximately 6 inches (approximately 150 mm). -
FIG. 3 depicts an alternative embodiment ofstorage unit 10′ in which asquare cap 40′ is attached tobottom wall 35 by a pair ofhinges 120. Although not shown,storage cavity 55,first rim 57, second rim 58, andhousing 20 can take on a shape corresponding to that ofcap 40′ or can be simply shaped as described above and shown in the drawings. Again, the exact shape ofstorage cavity 55, first andsecond rims 57 and 58,housing 20 andcap resistant storage unit storage unit cap planar support surface 110. Withcap planar support surface 110, little air is available beneathstorage unit cap outer shell 22, and intohousing 20. This arrangement substantially increases the fire and heat resistance ofstorage unit - Although described with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, it should be readily understood that various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit thereof. In general, the invention is only intended to be limited by the scope of the following claims.
Claims (20)
1. A fire and heat resistant storage unit for storing electronic media comprising:
a body portion formed at least in part by calcium silicate having top, bottom and multiple opposing side walls, the bottom wall including a storage cavity formed substantially centrally therein;
a housing including a bottom portion, at least one side portion and a lip portion opposite the bottom portion that establishes an access opening, said housing extending into the storage cavity of the body portion with the access opening being exposed;
an outer shell having top, bottom and multiple opposing side walls that collectively encase the body portion, said outer shell including a substantially central opening formed in the bottom wall and leading into the housing; and
a cap adapted to extend across and close the access opening of the housing, the cap being formed, at least in part, by a material selected from the group consisting of: calcium silicate, vermiculite, perlite, and a combination thereof, wherein, when electronic media is placed in the housing, the access opening of the housing is closed by the cap, the bottom wall of the storage enclosure is supported upon a substantially planar support surface, and the storage enclosure is subjected to high temperatures developed by a fire, a temperature in the housing does not exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius) for at least 30 minutes.
2. The storage unit according to claim 1 , wherein the housing fits snugly within the storage cavity of the body portion.
3. The storage unit according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a first rim formed about the periphery of the storage cavity, wherein the lip portion is positioned adjacent the rim.
4. The storage unit according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a second rim formed about the periphery of the storage cavity, wherein a stepped portion of the housing is positioned adjacent the second rim.
5. The storage unit according to claim 1 , wherein the housing is formed of plastic.
6. The storage unit according to claim 5 , wherein the outer shell is formed of sheet metal.
7. The storage unit according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a handle attached to one of the multiple opposing side walls of the outer shell.
8. The storage unit according to claim 1 , further comprising:
a locking mechanism carried by the cap for selectively securing the cap to the body portion.
9. The storage unit according to claim 8 , wherein the locking mechanism includes at least one locking pin extending into the body portion.
10. The storage unit according to claim 1 wherein, upon exposing the enclosure to high temperatures developed by a fire, a humidity level in the housing does not exceed 80 percent for up to 30 minutes.
11. A method of storing electronic media in a fire and heat resistant storage unit comprising:
positioning the storage unit, which includes an outer shell encasing an internal body portion formed from a fire resistant material, in an access position wherein a removable cap, formed at least in part from a fire resistant material selected from the group consisting of: calcium silicate, vermiculite, perlite, and a combination thereof, is exposed along a bottom wall of the storage unit;
removing the cap from a central opening formed in the bottom wall of the outer shell in order to expose an access opening in a housing positioned in a storage cavity formed substantially centrally in the internal body portion;
placing electronic media into the housing through the central opening and the access opening;
closing the access opening in the housing by replacing the cap across the central opening formed in the bottom wall; and
flipping the storage unit from the access position to a storage position in which the bottom wall of the outer shell is placed against and supported on a substantially planar support surface, wherein upon exposing the storage unit to high temperatures developed by a fire, a temperature in the housing is prevented from exceeding 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius) for at least 30 minutes.
12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
utilizing a handle attached to one of multiple opposing side walls of the outer shell to flip the unit from the access position to the storage position.
13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising:
securing the cap to the outer shell using a locking mechanism.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the cap is secured to the outer shell with at least one locking pin of the locking mechanism extending into the internal body portion.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein placing the electronic media into the housing constitutes placing the electronic media in a plastic housing.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein, upon exposing the storage unit to the high temperatures developed by a fire, a humidity level in the housing does not exceed 80 percent for up to 30 minutes.
17. A method of forming and arranging a fire resistant enclosure for storing electronic media comprising:
forming a body from a fire resistant material including calcium silicate, while creating a region in the body which is void of the fire resistant material and includes a first rim;
positioning a plastic insert in the region, said plastic insert including a bottom portion, a side portion and a lip portion that defines an access opening to a housing created by the bottom and side portions;
covering the body with an outer shell including top, bottom and multiple opposing side walls, while aligning a substantially central opening formed in the bottom wall of the outer shell with the access opening of the plastic insert;
placing electronic media into the housing of the plastic insert through the aligned central and access openings;
closing the access opening with a cap member formed, at least in part, from a fire resistant material selected from the group consisting of: calcium silicate, vermiculite, perlite, and a combination thereof; and
placing the bottom wall of the outer shell and cap member on a supporting surface wherein, upon exposing the enclosure to high temperatures developed by a fire, a temperature in the storage cavity does not exceed 125° F. (52° C.) for at least 30 minutes.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the enclosure is formed and arranged such that, upon exposing the enclosure to high temperatures developed by a fire, the temperature in the storage cavity does not exceed 125° F. (52° C.) and a humidity level in the storage cavity does not exceed 80 percent for up to 30 minutes.
19. The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
positioning the plastic insert with the lip portion adjacent the first rim.
20. The method of claim 17 , further comprising:
positioning the plastic insert with a stepped portion of the plastic insert adjacent a second rim located about the periphery of the first rim.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/168,560 US20070000925A1 (en) | 2005-06-29 | 2005-06-29 | Portable fire and heat resistant storage unit for electronic media |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/168,560 US20070000925A1 (en) | 2005-06-29 | 2005-06-29 | Portable fire and heat resistant storage unit for electronic media |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20070000925A1 true US20070000925A1 (en) | 2007-01-04 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/168,560 Abandoned US20070000925A1 (en) | 2005-06-29 | 2005-06-29 | Portable fire and heat resistant storage unit for electronic media |
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Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070131684A1 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2007-06-14 | Salvatore Cirillo | Case for small explosive device |
US20130146603A1 (en) * | 2010-04-15 | 2013-06-13 | George Howard Brilmyer | Fire containment case for portable battery operated electronic devices |
CN111028870A (en) * | 2019-12-31 | 2020-04-17 | 上海本安仪表系统有限公司 | Fireproof, waterproof and anti-collision data storage box |
CN111312300A (en) * | 2020-02-13 | 2020-06-19 | 宜鼎国际股份有限公司 | Data storage device with thermal protection |
US11141616B1 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2021-10-12 | Highwater Innovations, Llc | Combined capture and fire containment apparatus for portable electronic devices |
US20220024674A1 (en) * | 2020-07-23 | 2022-01-27 | Cellblock Fcs, Llc | Shipping package for lithium battery |
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US20070131684A1 (en) * | 2005-09-06 | 2007-06-14 | Salvatore Cirillo | Case for small explosive device |
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US11141616B1 (en) | 2018-12-14 | 2021-10-12 | Highwater Innovations, Llc | Combined capture and fire containment apparatus for portable electronic devices |
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CN111312300A (en) * | 2020-02-13 | 2020-06-19 | 宜鼎国际股份有限公司 | Data storage device with thermal protection |
US20220024674A1 (en) * | 2020-07-23 | 2022-01-27 | Cellblock Fcs, Llc | Shipping package for lithium battery |
US11542091B2 (en) * | 2020-07-23 | 2023-01-03 | Cellblock Fcs, Llc | Shipping package for lithium battery |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |