U.S. patent application number 11/515775 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-14 for case for small explosive device.
Invention is credited to Salvatore Cirillo, Fernanda Di Biase, Guy Gettle.
Application Number | 20070131684 11/515775 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37871988 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070131684 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cirillo; Salvatore ; et
al. |
June 14, 2007 |
Case for small explosive device
Abstract
A container for containing an explosive device, including a
mitigating layer defining an enclosure openable to insert the
explosive device therein and closable to surround the explosive
device, the mitigating layer reducing a force of a blast caused by
an explosion of the explosive device, and a fragment-retaining
layer substantially surrounding the mitigating layer, the
fragment-retaining layer being resistant to a remainder of the
force of the blast passing through the mitigating layer and
retaining fragments propagated by the explosion of the explosive
device, such as to reduce potential injury to a person in proximity
of the container.
Inventors: |
Cirillo; Salvatore;
(Montreal, CA) ; Di Biase; Fernanda; (Montreal,
CA) ; Gettle; Guy; (Alamo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OGILVY RENAULT LLP
1981 MCGILL COLLEGE AVENUE
SUITE 1600
MONTREAL
QC
H3A2Y3
CA
|
Family ID: |
37871988 |
Appl. No.: |
11/515775 |
Filed: |
September 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60713740 |
Sep 6, 2005 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/88.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 39/14 20130101;
F42B 39/30 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/088.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/22 20060101
B65D090/22 |
Claims
1. A container for containing an explosive device, the container
comprising: a mitigating layer defining an enclosure openable to
insert the explosive device therein and closable to surround the
explosive device, the mitigating layer reducing a force of a blast
caused by an explosion of the explosive device; and a
fragment-retaining layer substantially surrounding the mitigating
layer, the fragment-retaining layer being resistant to a remainder
of the force of the blast passing through the mitigating layer and
retaining fragments propagated by the explosion of the explosive
device, such as to reduce potential injury to a person in proximity
of the container.
2. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein the
fragment-retaining layer retains all fragments propagated by the
explosion of the explosive device.
3. The container as defined in claim 1, further comprising an outer
shell surrounding the fragment-retaining layer, the outer shell
having a body and a cover, part of the fragment-retaining layer and
mitigating layer being located within the body and a remainder of
the fragment-retaining layer and mitigating layer being located
within the cover, the body and cover being relatively movable
between an open position to open the enclosure and a closed
position to close the enclosure.
4. The container as defined in claim 3, wherein the outer shell is
made of shock resistant plastic.
5. The container as defined in claim 3, wherein the outer shell
includes a vent for high pressure gas created by the explosion of
the explosive device.
6. The container as defined in claim 5, wherein the vent includes
an aperture defined through the outer shell and closed by a cover
which is one of dislodged and expanded by the high pressure
gas.
7. The container as defined in claim 3, wherein the outer shell
includes shielding preventing a transmission of electromagnetic
radiation or interference therethrough.
8. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein the blast effect
mitigation material includes a honeycomb structure extending
between two plies of friable tissue, the honeycomb structure being
filled with attenuating filler material.
9. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein the
fragment-retaining layer includes at least one of ballistic armor
and polycarbonate.
10. The container as defined in claim 1, further comprising at
least one blast effect mitigating divider extending across the
enclosure and defining at least first and second compartments on
either side thereof, each of the compartments being adapted to
receive one of the explosive device and at least one additional
explosive device therein, the divider reducing a risk of
sympathetic detonation between the explosive devices.
11. The container as defined in claim 9, wherein the divider
includes a middle sheet for retaining fragments propagated by the
explosion of any one of the explosive devices, the middle sheet
being sandwiched between two panels of material reducing the force
of the blast caused by the explosion.
12. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein the
fragment-retaining layer has a first hole defined therethrough and
the mitigating layer has a second hole defined therethrough in
alignment with the first hole, at least one of the first and second
holes being selectively opened and closed such as to define a port
allowing at least one of insertion of an inspection device and
injection of an agent into the enclosure.
13. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein at least part of
the fragment-retaining layer and the mitigating layer permits
transmission therethrough of a desired portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum.
14. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein inner surfaces of
the mitigating layer are coated with a fire-resistant material.
15. A container for containing an explosive device, the container
comprising: an outer shell including a body and a cover relatively
movable between an open position and a closed position; a
fragment-retaining layer disposed against inner surfaces of the
body and the cover such as to substantially define a first
enclosure when the body and the cover are in the closed position; a
mitigating layer disposed against inner surfaces of the
fragment-retaining layer such as to define a second enclosure
within the first enclosure when the body and cover are in the
closed position, the second enclosure being adapted to receive the
explosive device therein; wherein the mitigating layer reduces a
force of a blast caused by an explosion of the explosive device,
and the fragment-retaining layer resists a remainder of the force
of the blast passing through the mitigating layer and retains
fragments propagated by the explosion.
16. The container as defined in claim 15, further comprising at
least one blast effect mitigating divider extending across the
second enclosure and defining at least first and second
compartments on either side thereof, each of the compartments being
adapted to receive one of the explosive device and at least one
additional explosive device therein, the divider reducing a risk of
sympathetic detonation between the explosive devices.
17. The container as defined in claim 16, wherein the divider is
removable.
18. The container as defined in claim 16, wherein the divider
includes a middle sheet made of the same material as that of the
fragment-retaining layer, the middle sheet being sandwiched between
two panels of the same material as that of the mitigating
layer.
19. A method of containing an explosion of an explosive device, the
method comprising: reducing a force of the explosion using a
mitigating layer surrounding the explosive device; and containing
the reduced force of the explosion and fragments projected by the
explosion using a fragment-retaining layer surrounding the
mitigating layer.
20. The method as defined in claim 19, further comprising
minimizing transmission of a shock wave produced by the explosion
using the fragment-retaining layer.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application claims priority on U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/713,740 filed Sep. 6, 2005, the entire
specification of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to explosion containment, and
more particularly to a container allowing safe transport of at
least one small explosive device.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Millions of small explosive devices such as detonators,
detonating cord, airbag inflators and fuses are made and shipped
every year. Detonators, detonating cord, uncased explosives, and
other devices containing small explosive charges are widely used by
many security and military agencies, for example for the
destruction of suspect explosive devices, disposal of unexploded
munitions, and wall breaching during hostage rescue operations.
These devices are also widely used in the petroleum industry, the
entertainment industry, the construction industry, etc.
[0004] As a result, small explosive devices and charges often need
to be carried in the presence of others, including the general
public, usually in portable cases, such as when detonators and
detonating cords are taken by security personnel to sites where
operations require breaching walls and destruction of explosive
materials.
[0005] Upon detonation, rapid combustion processes produced even by
a small explosive device compress surrounding fluid media so
quickly that shock waves are produced. Also, the physical expansion
of the hot blast combustion products adds to pressure loading of
objects in its path, as well as generates radiation. The hot blast
combustion products are typically capable of igniting combustible
materials nearby and inflicting burns on exposed humans. Humans may
be killed by intense blast pressure alone, as this causes lung
damage above threshold levels. Below threshold conditions for fatal
injury, blast pressure may cause damage to ears and lungs, and
sudden accelerations that lead to spinal injuries. Moreover,
fragments from exploding cased explosive devices may lead to fatal
internal damage.
[0006] Explosive effects dissipate rapidly in air as long as the
blast is unconfined. Large obstructions such as buildings
surrounding a street in which a blast occurs prolong pressure
durations and lead to greater damaging capability. Complete or
near-total confinement maximizes blast effect duration, as the
blast pressure is prevented from being dissipated.
[0007] In order to provide safe handling of small explosive
devices, it is often desired to prevent detonation of one explosive
charge from causing detonation of others nearby, an event widely
termed "sympathetic detonation", as mass detonation of large
quantities of small explosive charges generates blast parameters
equivalent to single-charge detonations of similar weight. A number
of prior art small explosive devices containers are designed to
prevent sympathetic detonation, but not to confine either blast
effect or fragments. As a result, such containers are usually
destroyed when the elements contained therein explodes, and
components are hurled at significant velocities. As such, these
containers would be unsuitable for transportation of small
explosive devices next to people, as the components projected by
the explosion could cause serious injury.
[0008] For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,160,468, Halsey et al.
disclose the use of a mitigating material, pumice, to surround hard
plastic tubes to contain explosive devices. The hard plastic tube
forms a barrier between the explosion and the mitigating material.
If the plastic tube is omitted, the mitigating material attenuates
the blast pressure but is not adapted to retain fragments produced
by the blast.
[0009] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved container
allowing safe transportation of small explosive devices.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0010] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide
an improved container allowing safe transportation of small
explosive devices.
[0011] Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, there
is provided a container for containing an explosive device, the
container comprising a mitigating layer defining an enclosure
openable to insert the explosive device therein and closable to
surround the explosive device, the mitigating layer reducing a
force of a blast caused by an explosion of the explosive device,
and a fragment-retaining layer substantially surrounding the
mitigating layer, the fragment-retaining layer being resistant to a
remainder of the force of the blast passing through the mitigating
layer and retaining fragments propagated by the explosion of the
explosive device, such as to reduce potential injury to a person in
proximity of the container.
[0012] Also in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided a container for containing an explosive device, the
container comprising an outer shell including a body and a cover
relatively movable between an open position and a closed position,
a fragment-retaining layer disposed against inner surfaces of the
body and the cover such as to substantially define a first
enclosure when the body and the cover are in the closed position, a
mitigating layer disposed against inner surfaces of the
fragment-retaining layer such as to define a second enclosure
within the first enclosure when the body and cover are in the
closed position, the second enclosure being adapted to receive the
explosive device therein, wherein the mitigating layer reduces a
force of a blast caused by an explosion of the explosive device,
and the fragment-retaining layer resists a remainder of the force
of the blast passing through the mitigating layer and retains
fragments propagated by the explosion.
[0013] Further in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided a method of containing an explosion of an explosive
device, the method comprising reducing a force of the explosion
using a mitigating layer surrounding the explosive device, and
containing the reduced force of the explosion and fragments
projected by the explosion using a fragment-retaining layer
surrounding the mitigating layer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
showing by way of illustration a preferred embodiment of the
present invention and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the container of FIG.
1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, a container or transport case
10 according to the present invention is shown. The case 10
comprises an outer shell 12 surrounding a fragment-retaining layer
14, which surrounds a mitigating layer 16.
[0018] The outer shell 12 preferably has a rectangular
cross-section, and includes a body 18 and a cover 20 which together
define an enclosure, also preferably of rectangular cross-section.
In a particular embodiment, the outer shell 12 protects the
internal components and materials being transported from weather
and incidental damage, and as such is made of a shock resistant
plastic, for example a polypropylene copolymer such as
Coroplast.TM.. Alternate materials for the outer shell include wood
or any appropriate type of metal such as for example steel or
aluminum.
[0019] In the embodiment shown, the cover 20 is pivotally retained
on the body 18 through hinges 22. The body 18 and cover 20 also
include locking means 24 retaining the cover 20 in the closed
position when engaged. Alternatively, the hinged cover 20 can be
replaced by a cover completely separate from the body 18, or by a
guillotine-type door, a hatch-type door, a drawer, a plurality of
doors, etc.
[0020] In a particular embodiment, the case 10 is designed to
handle small explosive devices (e.g. less than 1 kg total of
TNT-equivalent explosive), and as such the hinges 22 and locking
means 24 allow some gas to escape between the closed cover 20 and
the body 18, with the gas leakage and attendant shock waves
mitigated to the extent required to prevent permanent injury to
nearby people or prevent sympathetic detonation or burning of
nearby energetic materials. In an alternate embodiment, the case 10
is used to contain explosive devices and other devices that may
contain hazardous biological, radioactive, or chemical agents that
could be dispersed under pressure, and as such the seal between the
cover 20 and body 18 is adequate to prevent release of the
hazardous material. The degree to which the seal is impervious to
the transmission of gas can thus be varied through various closure
modifications readily available to one in the art.
[0021] A handle 26, which may be fixed or extendable, is attached
to the body 18 to facilitate transport of the case 10 either by
hand or by a robotic device. It is also considered to provide the
case 10 with more than one handle 26, or alternatively with no
handle at all.
[0022] The fragment-retaining layer 14 is located within the
enclosure defined by the outer shell 12 and is in contact
therewith. The fragment-retaining layer 14 includes a bottom sheet
28 and four (4) side sheets 30 located in the body 18, and a top
sheet 32 located in the cover 20. The bottom and side sheets 28, 30
preferably abut one another and the sheets 28, 30, 32 together
define an enclosure within the enclosure of the outer shell 12.
[0023] The sheets 28, 30, 32 of the fragment-retaining layer 14 are
made of a fragment-retaining material which minimize shock wave
transmission as well as retains fragments propagated by an
explosion of a size corresponding to the explosive device(s) to be
transported in the case 10. In a particular embodiment, the sheets
28, 30, 32 are made of polycarbonate, such as Lexan.RTM., as this
material has been proven to deform plastically to a great extent
under explosive loading without rupture. Polycarbonate also
features low acoustic impedance, which is desirable for shock wave
attenuation. Alternatively, the sheets 28, 30, 32 can be made of a
metal of similar properties and/or can comprise ballistic armor in
order to protect the encased explosive devices from impinging
projectiles or ammunition fragments. As such, the
fragment-retaining layer 14 resists to a remainder of the blast
force passing through the mitigating layer 16.
[0024] The mitigating layer 16 is located within the enclosure
defined by the fragment-retaining layer 14 and is in contact
therewith. A bottom panel 34 is located against the bottom sheet
28, a side panel 36 is located against each of the side sheets 30,
and a top panel 38 is located against the top sheet 32. The inner
surfaces 56 of the panels 34, 36, 38 define an enclosure for the
explosive device which will be contained in the case 10.
[0025] The panels 34, 36, 38 of the mitigating layer 16 are formed
of a blast effect mitigating material which effectively reduces the
strength of the blast of an explosive device in close proximity.
Examples of such materials are disclosed by Gettle et al. in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,225,622 and 5,394,786, which are both incorporated
herein by reference. The mitigation mechanism of such materials is
a combination of mechanical and chemical factors that stop the
chemical reaction of the explosive before the entire explosive is
consumed. A portion of the remainder of the explosive force is
mitigated as it passes through the material. In a preferred
embodiment, the panels 34, 36, 38 are made from lightweight
honeycomb filled with attenuating filler material and sealed off on
both sides with a thin relatively friable tissue. Other mitigating
materials can also be used in the panels 34, 36, 38, such as
pumice, foamed plastic beads, etc.
[0026] Although the mitigating layer 16 is shown as being formed of
separate panels, it can also be integrally cast or otherwise molded
to maintain an intended shape. Alternatively, the mitigating layer
16 can be tubular or in the form of amorphous bags of blast effect
mitigating material so long as the bags are adequately secured to
resist displacement when moved or disturbed.
[0027] The inner surfaces 56 of the panels 34, 36, 38, which define
the enclosure where the explosive device will be contained,
includes an interior lining that either provides negligible
resistance to or delay in rupture, or permits transmission of the
impinging blast wave into the blast effect mitigating material. In
a preferred embodiment, the lining is perforated or otherwise
permanently open to the unobstructed flow of gas between the space
where explosive devices and materials are placed and the blast
effect mitigating material.
[0028] Alternatively, the lining can be a fabric or metal foil that
prevents penetration of moisture or spilled fluids into the blast
effect mitigating material, a frangible material resistant to the
transmission of gas in ambient conditions but otherwise readily
ruptured by the impingement of a blast in the event of a detonation
inside the case 10. Such a lining would be preferable when the
blast effect mitigating material is a gel or fluid, or when
powdered, liquid, or gaseous extinguishing agents are employed that
assist in mitigating explosive effects or otherwise serve to
suppress post-blast ignition of nearby flammable materials.
[0029] In the embodiment shown, the case 10 includes at least one
blast effect mitigating divider 40, such that opposed exposed
surfaces 58 of the divider 40 define together with the inner
surfaces 56 of the panels 34, 36, 38 a plurality of separate
compartments, in order to resist or inhibit the occurrence of
sympathetic detonation when more sensitive explosive devices are
carried. In FIG. 1, two such dividers 40 are illustrated, extending
throughout the enclosure defined by the mitigating layer 16 in a
perpendicular manner.
[0030] Each divider 40 includes a middle sheet 42 sandwiched
between two divider panels 44. The middle sheet 42, like the
bottom, side and top sheets 28, 30, 32 of the fragment-retaining
layer 14, is composed of a fragment-retaining material such as for
example polycarbonate. Like the sheets 28, 30, 32, the middle sheet
42 can also include ballistic armor to prevent fragments and
projectiles such as bullets from impacting explosive devices inside
the compartment. The divider panels 44 are composed of blast effect
mitigation material similarly to the bottom, side and top panels
34, 36, 38 of the mitigating layer 16. The opposed exposed surfaces
58 of the divider panels 44 include an interior lining similar to
the lining of the inner surfaces 56 of the panels 34, 36, 38.
[0031] In the embodiment shown, the case 10 also includes removable
blast effect mitigating dividers 46, one of which is shown in FIG.
1. The removable dividers 46 each include a middle sheet 48 similar
to the middle sheet 42 of the divider 40, sandwiched between two
divider panels 50 similar to the divider panels 44 of the divider
40. The removable dividers 46 also includes opposed exposed
surfaces 60 including a lining similar to the lining of the exposed
surfaces 58 of the divider 40. The removable dividers 46 are sized
such as to be snuggly slidable within a compartment of the
enclosure defined by the mitigating layer 16.
[0032] In a particular embodiment, the dividers 40 and removable
dividers 46 are intended to prevent sympathetic detonation between
explosive devices located in separate compartments. However,
prevention of sympathetic detonation is not essential. The critical
requirement is that in the event of a detonation of one or more
explosive devices within the case 10, release of blast generated
gas, from the case 10, is so slight that no permanent injury is
inflicted on humans in close proximity to the case 10. Fragments
from explosive device components, and components of the case 10,
are preferably completely confined. Extremely rapid cooling of hot
gaseous products is also preferable such as to prevent possible
ignition of case materials and other items kept within the case
10.
[0033] Alternatively, it is considered to provide a case 10 without
the dividers 40 and/or without the removable dividers 46. For
example, the case 10 can provide a single compartment.
[0034] In the embodiment shown, the body 18 includes an inspection
port 54, formed by aligned holes through the outer shell 12,
fragment-retaining layer 14 and mitigating layer 16. The port 54
facilitates examination or characterization by various means so
that inspection devices such as optical and other electromagnetic
imaging devices, chemical sensors, and radiation detection probes
may be installed in appropriate locations. Alternatively, the port
54 may be provided with an appropriate nozzle to inject various
kinds of agents, such as aqueous foams for blast effect mitigation
or neutralizing of chemical or biological agents, or cleaning
material for scrubbing radioactive dusts. The port 54, when not in
use, is closed by an appropriate cover (not shown). Alternately,
the port 54 can be omitted.
[0035] In the embodiment shown, the body 18 also includes at least
one vent 52, which is defined by an aperture cut in one wall of the
outer shell 12, in order to release hot blast gases. Preferably,
the vent 52 is located near explosive devices within the case 10
and is vented in a direction away from a person carrying the case
10. The vent 52 is covered by the portion of the wall of the outer
shell 12 removed to form the aperture (not shown), re-attached over
the aperture in such a manner that the vent cover is easily
dislodged under internal pressure.
[0036] Alternately, the vent 52 could be located in other
locations, for example in corners of the outer shell 12. Also,
alternate covers for the vent 52 include an elastic or flexible bag
that expands under pressurization caused by an internal explosion.
This expandable member may be substantially comprised of a fabric
or plurality of fabric layers capable of catching debris and
fragments from the detonation of a stored explosive device.
Alternatively, the expandable member may be substantially comprised
of a mesh that allows gradual release of internal gas, thereby
reducing the loads imparted by the blast to the hinges 22 and
locking means 24. Any combination of such components for vent
covers can be made by an individual skilled in the design of blast
protection devices, such as bellows-type components combined with
mesh and elastic "balloon" components.
[0037] Although not shown, mountings or other provisions for
cylindrical vessels, or other shapes of explosive devices, may be
provided in the compartments. Straps or other similar components
can be provided for additional restraint to the explosive devices
within the compartments.
[0038] In a particular embodiment, wheels (not shown) are attached
to the outer shell 12 to facilitate movement of the case 10 by hand
or robot. The wheels may be integral to the outer shell 12, or be
provided by detachable means enabling the wheel assembly to be
removed when not needed. Alternatively, skids may be provided that
also serve to facilitate movement.
[0039] Moreover, explosive devices or other items may be placed in
protective cartons or wraps within the compartments to provide
additional levels of protection. Such wraps and cartons may be
substantially comprised of high-strength materials that resist
bullets and ammunition fragments from penetrating.
[0040] The case 10 (as well as detachable wheels, if provided) may
be provided with a bag enclosure that seals the case 10 when it is
shut, to prevent release of dangerous materials to the external
environment, for instance if the device within contains radioactive
materials or potentially lethal pathogens. The bag enclosure may be
part of the detachable wheeled or skid device, attached to the
outer shell 12, or incorporated with the internal compartments or
linings of the case 10. This bag enclosure may be coated or
otherwise substantially comprised of materials that serve to
neutralize the anticipated hazard.
[0041] The case 10 can also include shielding against the
transmission of electromagnetic radiation or interference (EMI),
including the effects of electromagnetic pulse (generally
designated as EMP) when the case 10 is closed. The case 10, acting
as a protection system, thus protects explosive devices kept
therewithin from unintentional detonation or neutralization from
radio waves or other electromagnetic events present outside the
closed case 10. Provisions for electrical grounding may also be
placed in suitable locations of the case 10 in order to prevent the
buildup of static electricity.
[0042] Part or all of the outer shell 12 may utilize materials that
facilitate external examination of the case contents, such as those
permitting transmission therethrough of a desired portion of the
electromagnetic spectrum. The fragment-retaining layer 14 and the
mitigating layer 16 may be made of materials that are
correspondingly similar.
[0043] The outer surface of the outer shell 12, the inner surfaces
56, and the exposed surfaces 58, 60, either alone or in
combination, may be coated with fire-resistant materials in order
to avoid ignition upon detonation of an encased explosive device.
This is preferable when the case 10 is destined to contain
energetic materials that may be capable of sustained burning with
or without access to ambient air.
[0044] Should vessels or containers storing radioactive, chemical,
or biological agents be placed within cases where explosive devices
are also kept, internal protective components that prevent piercing
the agent container may be integrated within the second
enclosure.
[0045] The case 10 of the present invention thus minimizes the
release of potentially hazardous phenomena under pressure above
ambient to the environment external to it. Thus shock waves and
pressurized gas leakage are mitigated to the degree desired by
those who may be come into close proximity to the case 10 when
explosive devices are contained therewithin.
[0046] The mitigating layer 16 preferably provides substantial
cushioning in order to protect explosive devices placed within the
case 10 from shock and impact. Thus, the case 10 may be dropped,
fall from a moving vehicle, stepped on, crushed by stacking with
heavy objects, or struck by bullets with a reduced risk of
explosion of the contained explosive devices or, in the case of an
explosion, with limited risk of injury to people nearby. As it
often is required to be carried by hand, the case 10 is preferably
sized such as to be relatively light.
[0047] The case 10, sized accordingly, can safely contain a variety
of small explosive devices, including, but not limited to,
detonators, detonating cords, airbag inflators, fuses, small hand
grenades, small anti-personnel mines, various recovered explosive
devices, etc.
[0048] Although the case 10 has been described as a portable case,
it is also considered to integrate the case in a rolling cart, in a
vehicle, in a building, etc. Where the case 10 is integrated in an
enclosure of an existing structure, the outer shell 12 can be
omitted. The case integrated in a rolling cart could be used, for
example, in an airplane, where the rolling cart would be of a
serving-cart type, to be rolled in proximity of a potentially
dangerous device found, so that the device could be place within
the case 10 with minimal handling. The case integrated in a vehicle
could be used, for example, in a the cabin of a law enforcement
vehicle, to transport small explosive devices destined to explode
suspect devices, or to transport the suspect devices themselves
away from the public.
[0049] The embodiments of the invention described above are
intended to be exemplary. Those skilled in the art will therefore
appreciate that the foregoing description is illustrative only, and
that various other alternatives and modifications can be devised
without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
Accordingly, the present invention is intended to embrace all such
alternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the
scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *