Patent ID: 6929073
Filing Date: 2005-08-16
Classification: A62C

Abstract:
1. A fire port for a flammable material compartment, the compartment having an access hole therethrough, the fire port comprising: a diaphragm, the diaphragm having a predetermined thickness extending between opposite primary and secondary surfaces, the diaphragm having a center axis perpendicular to the primary surface, the diaphragm extending from the center axis outward to a diaphragm periphery, the diaphragm having at least one first groove extending across the primary surface, the first groove having a maximum depth less than the diaphragm thickness, the first groove having a floor at the maximum depth, the diaphragm having a first frangible web between the first groove floor and the secondary surface, the diaphragm being juxtaposed with the compartment access hole; a base member extending annularly around the diaphragm, the base member extending from a base proximal edge adjacent the diaphragm periphery, outward to a base distal edge, the base proximal edge having a predetermined thickness to resist tearing, the base distal edge having a thickness less than the predetermined thickness, the base distal edge being adapted to present a low profile so as to prevent snagging by clothing and equipment; a cylindrical wall extending axially from the diaphragm periphery to the base proximal edge, the cylindrical wall extending annularly around the diaphragm, the cylindrical wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the diaphragm, cylindrical wall, and base member being of one-piece construction, so as to reinforce the diaphragm as the nozzle is inserted therethrough; and mounting means for mounting the fire port on the compartment, so that in the event of a fire, a fire extinguisher nozzle will be inserted through the diaphragm, the frangible web will rupture, the nozzle will enter the compartment, and the fire extinguisher will be actuated, thereby suppressing the fire.