Abstract:
A fire resistant and heat insulating flexible portable container comprising a housing having an interior compartment therein for receiving articles to be protected from heat and fire therein, a closeable aperture for allowing a user access to the interior compartment of said housing, a first layer of non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric encasing the interior compartment of said housing, a second layer of non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric covering said first layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric and a non-combustible heat insulating mat or pad sandwiched between said first layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric and said second layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to currently pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/137,887; filed on Aug. 4, 2008; titled FIRE BARRIER HOUSING/INSERT. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates generally to fire resistant and heat insulating devices and more specifically to a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing for protecting valuable and personal items from heat and fire. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    None 
       REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0004]    None 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Fire resistant and heat insulating housing for storing valuable and personal items are know in the art. For example fire resistant and heat insulating safes and similar housings are known in the art and work for their intended purpose of protecting valuable and personal items from exposure to fire and heat. However, known fire resistant and heat insulating safes are made generally from metal or other heavy weighed materials and thus are not very portable as they tend to be heavy and cumbersome to move from one location to the next. 
         [0006]    In order to reduce the weight of the aforementioned housings while still maintaining the fire resistance and heat resistance properties of the housing, various types of lightweight fire resistant and heat insulating compositions have been experimented with. An example of a type of known fire resistant and heat insulating composition are those that contain asbestos. Although asbestos-based housings or asbestos-containing housings are relatively light weight and are considered effective in providing fire resistance and heat resistance properties, it has been found that exposure to asbestos can lead to adverse health risks thus the current use of asbestos is limited. It is also noted that other types of known fire resistant and heat insulating composition that are non-asbestos based currently exist. However, the non-asbestos based fire resistant and heat insulating composition generally are not adequate for higher temperature applications. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention comprises a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible portable container and a fire resistant and heat insulating tarp. The fire resistant and heat insulating flexible portable container includes a housing having an interior compartment therein for receiving articles to be protected from heat, fire, and water therein. Located on a surface of the housing is a closeable aperture for allowing a user access to the interior compartment of the housing. The housing includes a first layer of non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric comprising silica or fiberglass-based fabric encasing the interior compartment of said housing and a second layer of non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric comprising silica or fiberglass-based fabric covering said first layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric. The first and second layers of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric also have the properties of being water resistant. The housing further includes a non-combustible heat insulating mat or pad comprising a ceramic or silica fiber-based mat sandwiched between said first layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric and said second layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric. 
         [0008]    The fire resistant and heat insulating flexible portable container may also include a fire and water resistant laminated material comprising aluminum foil, neoprene, silicone rubber, PFFE, or Teflon applied to a surface of said second layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric; a decorative fire and water resistant skin surrounding said second layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric, a cover attached to the housing and extending over the aperture for controlling user access to said aperture; and a fastening member for maintaining said housing in a closed condition. The fire resistant and heat insulating flexible portable container may also include fastening member comprising fire resistant Velcro-based pads. 
         [0009]    The fire and water resistant and heat insulating tarp includes a first layer of non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric comprising a silica or fiberglass-based fabric and a second layer of non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric comprising a silica or fiberglass-based fabric. Sandwiched between the first layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric and the second layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric is a non-combustible heat insulating mat or pad comprising a ceramic or silica fiber-based mat. The fire and water resistant and heat insulating tarp includes a fire resistant laminated material comprising aluminum foil, neoprene, silicone rubber, PTFE, or Teflon applied to a surface of the first layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible horizontal case shown in an open condition and supporting a photo album therein; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of horizontal case of  FIG. 1  taken along the lines A-A; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  a perspective view of a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible vertical case of shown in an open condition and supporting a laptop therein; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  a perspective view of a fire resistant and heat insulating tarp; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  a partial cross-sectional view of the fire resistant and heat insulating tarp of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing comprising a small duffle or gym bag; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing comprising a box housing or insert; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing comprising a large duffle or army bag; 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing a fire resistant and heat-insulating flexible housing a housing or insert pouch; 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing comprising a back pack insert; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing comprising a large picture pouch. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0021]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 ,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing comprising a horizontal case  10  for protecting valuable and personal items from extreme heat, fire, and water. The terms valuable and personal items may encompass but is not limited to paper, photos, jewelry, money, valuables, boxes, files, guns, computers, laptops, pictures, paintings, film, video, tapes, medical x-rays, sports memorabilia. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , horizontal case  10  is shown in an open condition supporting a photo album II therein. Horizontal case  10  includes fastening members comprising a set of fire resistant Velcro soft pads  12  located on an exterior surface of horizontal case  10  for attaching engagement with a set of corresponding fire resistant Velcro hook pads  13  located on a surface of a cover  14  of the vertical horizontal  10 . The engagement of the fire resistant Velcro soft pads  12  to the fire resistant Velcro hook pads  13  functions to maintain horizontal case  10  in a closed condition to secure photo album  11  or anything else supported within horizontal case  10  therein. Although the embodiment of  FIG. 1  show the fastening members as comprising a set of fire resistant Velcro-based pads, alternative types of fastening members or fastening means may be used including but not limited to buckle-based members, strap-based members, clamp-based members, zippers, and pin-based members. 
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of horizontal case  10  taken along the lines A-A showing the general components forming horizontal case  10 . More specifically, horizontal case  10  generally comprises three main components, namely a non-combustible heat insulating mat or pad  15  that is enclosed between an inner layer of non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric  16 B and an outer layer of non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric  16 A. In general regards to the three main components of the horizontal case  10 , the three main components of the horizontal case  10  may be sewn, bonded, glued, laminated to form the horizontal case  10 . The three main components may also be sewn, bonded, glued, laminated to form housing/inserts having alternative shapes and design. If sewn, typical threads that are used either on the interior, exterior, or both may include but are not limited to fiberglass-based threads, a combination fiberglass and steel based thread, a combination of polyester and stainless steel-based thread, and a Kevlar-Nomex® brand-based thread. 
         [0023]    In regards to non-combustible heat-insulating mat  15 , non-combustible heat-insulating mat  15  may be composed of various types of materials that have heat insulating and fire retardant properties, that is non-combustible heat-insulating mat  15  is capable of withstanding direct exposure to flames and high temperature. Examples of suitable materials include but is not limited to ceramic or silica fiber-based mats or insulation material that generally range from ¼ inch to 12 inches in thicknesses. The individual fibers of the ceramic or silica fiber-based mats or insulation material visually are similar to that of cotton fibers. In one example of an embodiment the ceramic or silica fibers may be 2-4 micrometers in size while having a weight in the area of 4 pounds per square foot, and are usually in string form and loomed or needled together. It is noted that other embodiments may comprise the ceramic or silica fibers having a weight of more than or less than 4 pounds per square foot. 
         [0024]    In regards to the non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric  16 A and  16 B, non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric  16 A and  16 B may be composed of various types of materials that have heat insulating and fire retardant properties including but not limited to silica and fiberglass-based fabrics. Non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric  16 A and  16 B each may comprise of the same material or alternatively different materials. A feature of the present invention is that non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric  16 A and  16 B are also capable of withstanding direct exposure to flames and high temperature. If silica or fiberglass fabrics are used the silica or fiberglass fabric typically ranges from 12 oz. to 36 oz. per square yard. It is noted that fabrics  16 A and  16 B not only functions as a fire retardant and heat insulator but also to hold heat insulating mat or pad  15  together. The silica or fiberglass fabrics may be used alone or in combination with additional laminated materials that are applied to the surfaces of the silica or fiberglass fabrics. Suitable laminated materials include but are not limited to aluminum foil, neoprene, silicone rubber, PTFE, Teflon, etc . . . depending on the intended use of the eventual product. 
         [0025]    As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , for a more decorative look the outer layer of non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabric  16 A may alternatively be covered with a non-combustible decorative fire and water resistant skin  17 . Examples of suitable materials for skin  17  include but is not limited to leather, suede, vinyl, nylon, cottons, polyesters, metallics, which may be sewn, bonded, glued, laminated to the outer layer of fire resistant and heat insulating fabric  16 A of horizontal case  10 . In order for the decorative fire and water resistant skin  17  to meet various fire ratings such as the ASTM E-84 Class A or  1 , NFPA 701, FAA25.853 Aircraft, and UL 723, UBC 42-1, the decorative fire and water resistant skin  17  may be treated with various types of fire resistant chemicals such as the fire resistant chemicals manufactured and sold by American Fire Coatings, Inc. of Broussard, La. The fire resistant chemicals may be applied to the decorative fire and water resistant skin  17  by various methods including spraying, dipping, brushing, rolling depending on the material used for the decorative fire and water resistant skin  17 . A feature of the treated decorative fire and water resistant skin  17  is that when exposed to fire, the exposed regions of the decorative fire and water resistant skin  17  may blacken but will not ignite. 
         [0026]    A feature of the present invention is that the combinations of the non-combustible heat insulating mat or pad  14 , the non-combustible fire resistant and heat insulating fabrics  16 A and  16 B, and the laminated material(s) or treated decorative fire and water resistant skin  17 , which are sewn, bonded, glued, or laminated together into a variety of configurations results in a product such as a compartment, pouch, insert, sleeve, bag, or purse, that is capable of withstanding a continuous flame temperature range of 1000 degrees Fahrenheit to as high as 2300 degrees Fahrenheit while having a melting point temperature up to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the design of the housing/insert. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing of the present invention comprising a vertical case  18  in an open condition supporting a laptop  19  therein. Vertical case  18  comprises similar components to the horizontal case  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, instead of having fastening members comprising fire resistant Velcro-based pads  12  and  13 , the fastening member for vertical case  18  comprises a latch housing  20  located on an exterior surface  21  of vertical case  18  for receiving a latch  22  located on a cover  23  of the vertical case  18 . 
         [0028]    In general regards to the fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing of the present invention since the housing is intended to support and protect a variety of valuable and personal items such as paper, photos, jewelry, money, valuables, boxes, files, guns, computers, laptops, pictures, paintings, the compartments of the housing may vary in sizes. For example, it is noted that the compartments for the flexible housing may range in size from under 1 sq. ft. to as large as 10,000 sq. ft. depending on the particular item requiring fire and heat protection. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 ,  FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a fire resistant and heat insulating tarp  23  of the present invention for covering and protecting larger articles such as but not limited to automobiles and home furniture from extreme heat and fire.  FIG. 5  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the fire resistant and heat insulating tarp  23  of  FIG. 4 . Fire resistant and heat insulating tarp  23  generally comprises similar components to the horizontal case  10  and vertical case  18  of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 , namely a non-combustible heating insulating mat or pad  24  sandwiched between a first non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric  25  and a second non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric  26 . First silica or fiberglass fabric  25  is also shown including an optional fire retardant laminated material  27  that in the present embodiment is applied to the surface of first silica or fiberglass fabric  25 . As noted above, laminated material  27  may comprise but is not limited to aluminum foil, neoprene, silicone rubber, PTFE, Teflon, depending on the intended use of the eventual product. 
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing for protecting valuable and personal items from extreme heat and fires comprising a small duffle or gym bag  27 . Although not shown, duffle or gym bag  27  generally comprises similar components to the fire resistant and heat insulating tarp  23  of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , namely a non-combustible heating insulating mat or pad sandwiched between a first non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric and a second non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric. The duffle or gym bag  27  includes fastening members comprising at least one fire resistant Velcro soft pad  28  located on an exterior surface  27   a  of the duffle or gym bag  27  for attaching engagement with at least one corresponding fire resistant Velcro hook pad  29  located on a cover  30  of the duffle or gym bag. The engagement of the fire resistant Velcro soft pads  28  to the fire resistant Velcro hook pads  29  functions to maintain duffle or gym bag  27  in a closed condition to secure and maintain items supported within duffle or gym bag  27  therein. 
         [0031]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing for protecting valuable and personal items from fires comprising box housing or insert  31 . Although not shown, box housing or insert  31  generally comprises similar components to the fire resistant and heat insulating tarp  23  of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , namely a non-combustible heating insulating mat or pad sandwiched between a first non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric and a second non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric. In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the box housing or insert  31  includes fastening members comprising at least one fire resistant Velcro soft pad  32  located on an exterior surface  31  a of box housing or insert  31  proximal a closeable aperture or open end  33  of box housing or insert  31  for attaching engagement with at least one corresponding fire resistant Velcro hook pad  34  located on a cover  35  of box housing or insert  31 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing for protecting valuable and personal items from fires comprising a large duffle or army bag  36 . Although not shown, duffle or army bag  36  generally comprises similar components to the fire resistant and heat insulating tarp  23  of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , namely a non-combustible heating insulating mat or pad sandwiched between a first non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric and a second non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , large duffle or army bag  36  is shown including fastening members comprising at least one fire resistant Velcro soft pad  38  located on an interior surface  37  of the large duffle or army bag  36  proximal a closeable aperture or open end  36   a  of the large duffle or army bag  36  for attaching engagement with at least one corresponding fire resistant Velcro hook pad  39  located on a corresponding interior surface of the large duffle or army bag  36 . Although the embodiment of  FIG. 8  show the fastening members as comprising a set of fire resistant Velcro-based pads  38  and  39 , alternative types of fastening members or fastening means may be used including but not limited to buckle-based members, strap-based members, clamp-based members, pin-based members, and draw cord system. 
         [0033]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing for protecting valuable and personal items from fires comprising a pouch housing or insert  40 . Pouch housing or insert  40  generally comprises similar components to the fire resistant and heat insulating tarp  23  of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , namely a non-combustible heating insulating mat or pad sandwiched between a first non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric and a second non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric. Pouch housing or insert  40  includes fastening members comprising at least one fire resistant Velcro soft pad  41  located on an interior surface of the pouch housing or insert  40  proximal a closeable aperture or open end  43  of the pouch housing or insert  40  for attaching engagement with at least one corresponding fire resistant Velcro hook pad  42  located on a corresponding interior surface of pouch housing or insert  40 . It is noted that instead of fire resistant Velcro-based pad, alternative types of fastening members or fastening means may also be used pouch housing or insert  40  including but not limited to metal bands. 
         [0034]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of afire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing for protecting valuable and personal items from fires comprising a back pack insert  45 . Back pack insert  45  generally comprises similar components to the fire resistant and heat insulating tarp  23  of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , namely a non-combustible heating insulating mat or pad sandwiched between a first non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric and a second non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric. The back pack insert  45  includes fastening members comprising at least one fire resistant Velcro soft pad  46  located on an exterior surface  48  of the back pack insert  45  proximal a closeable aperture or open end  49  of the back pack insert  45  for attaching engagement with at least one corresponding fire resistant Velcro hook pad  47  located on a cover  50  of the back pack insert  45 . 
         [0035]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing an alternative embodiment of a fire resistant and heat insulating flexible housing for protecting valuable and personal items from fires comprising a large picture pouch  51 . Picture pouch  51  generally comprises similar components to the fire resistant and heat insulating tarp  23  of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , namely a non-combustible heating insulating mat or pad sandwiched between a first non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric and a second non-combustible silica or fiberglass fabric. The large picture pouch  51  includes fastening members comprising at least one metal band  52  located on an interior surface of the large picture pouch  51  proximal a closeable aperture or open end  54  of the large picture pouch  51  for attaching engagement with at least one corresponding metal band  53  located on a corresponding interior surface of large picture pouch  51 . In an alternative embodiment, the large picture pouch  51  may include fastening members comprising at least one fire resistant Velcro soft pad located on an interior surface of the large picture pouch  5   1  proximal the open end  54  of the large picture pouch  51  for attaching engagement with at least one corresponding fire resistant Velcro hook pad located on the corresponding interior surface of large picture pouch  51 .