Abstract:
A fireproof container with heat activated panel is presented. The invention includes a fireproof container and panel, compression pins, and heat sensitive pin. Fireproof panel is disposed adjacent to vent holes located along the fireproof container and separated there from so as to allow airflow into the container. Compression pins are disposed between and attached to both container and panel so as to apply a mechanical load onto the panel directed towards the container. Heat sensitive pin is disposed between and attached to both container and panel so as to oppose the mechanical load applied by the compression pins when the temperature of the surrounding environment is below a threshold temperature. Heat sensitive pin yields to the mechanical load when the surrounding environment exceeds the threshold temperature, thereby enabling contact between panel and container so as to interrupt airflow into the enclosure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     None.  
       FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     None.  
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0003]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0004]     The present invention relates to a protective container for electronic devices. Specifically, the invention is a fireproof container, sufficiently voluminous for the storage of hard drives and the like, having a fireproof panel brought into contact with the container, so as to protect the devices therein, when the surrounding environment exceeds a pre-determined temperature.  
         [0005]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0006]     A variety of protective devices for computer equipment and the like are described and claimed in the related arts. Devices include both passive and active protection systems. Several examples are discussed below.  
         [0007]     Engler, U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,833, describes and claims a thermally insulated cabinet for protecting electronic data storage devices from damage by accidental and environmental conditions and from intentional acts. The cabinet is comprised of multiple layers of thermal insulation materials.  
         [0008]     Kikinis, U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,597, describes and claims a fireproof enclosure for the remote storage of a data storage element. The data storage element contacts a heat sink mounted to a wall of the enclosure so as to transfer heat out of the enclosure. Heat dissipation through the heat sink and into the wall is terminated by moving the heat sink or by stopping the flow of coolant therein when the temperature surrounding the enclosure indicates a fire.  
         [0009]     Decante, U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,156, describes and claims a protective enclosure for a computer system. The enclosure includes a safe-like device having a door with a multi-polar switch to interrupt the exchange of data to protect the system against fraudulent use, damage, and tampering.  
         [0010]     Generally, enclosures are either sealed thereby requiring heat to be conducted through the enclosure or manually sealable via a closable door. As such, heat management within the container remains a challenge. The related arts do not provide a means for closing a fireproof container based upon the response of a heat activated mechanical device.  
         [0011]     What is required is a fireproof container for the storage of computer equipment having a heat activated closure panel which is open under normal temperature conditions and automatically closes when conditions representative of a fire are detected.  
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0012]     An object of the present invention is to provide a fireproof container having a heat sensitive mechanical device which allows airflow into the container to cool computer devices therein and seals the enclosure when temperature conditions are indicative of a fire.  
         [0013]     The present invention includes a fireproof container, a fireproof panel, at least two compression pins and at least one heat sensitive pin. The fireproof container includes an enclosure and a lid with at least two vent holes. Fireproof panel is disposed adjacent to the vent holes and separated from the fireproof container so as to allow airflow between panel and container and through the vent holes. Compression pins are disposed between and contacting both fireproof container and panel so as to apply a mechanical load onto the panel directed towards the container. Heat sensitive pin is disposed between and contacting both fireproof container and panel so as to oppose the mechanical load applied by the compression pins when the temperature of the surrounding environment is below a defined temperature threshold. Heat sensitive pin yields to the mechanical load when the surrounding environment exceeds the threshold temperature thereby enabling contact between panel and container so as to interrupt airflow into the enclosure and shield the contents from fire and water.  
         [0014]     In an alternate embodiment, a mechanical means is provided for manually enabling contact between fireproof panel and fireproof container to interrupt airflow into the enclosure.  
         [0015]     The described invention provides advantages over the related arts. The invention is mechanically-based thereby avoiding electrically powered thermostats, valves, and the like for proper function. The invention relies on convection cooling of electronic devices within the fireproof container via airflow, thereby avoiding the inefficiencies of conduction cooling. The invention is readily adaptable to a wide variety of container designs.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present invention with partial section view showing container with several electronic storage devices therein and a panel attached to the lid portion of the container.  
         [0017]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a ventilation space between panel and lid with compression pin assemblies and heat sensitive pin assembly disposed between and contacting panel and lid.  
         [0018]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the preferred embodiment in  FIG. 2  showing the paired arrangement of compression pin assemblies about the heat sensitive pin.  
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the present invention showing attachment of fans within the container and attachment of compression pin and heat sensitive pin assemblies to panel and container.  
         [0020]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged broken section view of the present invention showing construction of compression pin and heat sensitive pin assemblies and an exemplary airflow pattern through the ventilation space, vent holes and storage volume when panel is in its OPEN position.  
         [0021]      FIG. 6  is an enlarged broken section view of the present invention showing panel in its CLOSED position after thermal activation of the heat sensitive pin assembly and expansion of springs so as to move the panel into contact with the lid along the container.  
         [0022]      FIG. 7  is a an enlarged sectional view showing an embodiment wherein the power/data cable assembly is embedded within the panel and passes through a hole within the container, thereafter electrically connected to electronic storage devices each attached to a mounting bracket.  
         [0023]      FIG. 8  is a top elevation view showing an exemplary hole pattern for second and third plates.  
         [0024]      FIG. 9  is a top elevation view showing an exemplary hole pattern for the first plate.  
         [0025]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged sectional view showing an alternate embodiment having a knob and screw assembly and guide pins so as to facilitate the manual closure of the ventilation space between panel and container.  
         [0026]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged sectional view of the alternate embodiment in  FIG. 10  showing panel in its CLOSED position after rotation of knob and screw assembly.  
         [0027]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged sectional view of an alternate embodiment having a ring attached about the vent hole so as to prevent water from entering the container and a tube disposed within the vent hole to prevent contact with insulation materials. 
     
    
     REFERENCE NUMERALS  
       [0028]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1 
                 Fireproof container system 
               
               
                 2 
                 Container 
               
               
                 3 
                 Panel 
               
               
                 4 
                 Electronic storage device 
               
               
                 5 
                 Power/data cable 
               
               
                 6 
                 Lid 
               
               
                 7 
                 Enclosure 
               
               
                 8 
                 Lock assembly 
               
               
                 9 
                 Handle 
               
               
                 10 
                 Hinge 
               
               
                 11a-11d 
                 Compression pin assemblies 
               
               
                 12 
                 Heat sensitive pin assembly 
               
               
                 13 
                 Container wall 
               
               
                 14 
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 15 
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 16 
                 Top member 
               
               
                 17 
                 Side member 
               
               
                 18 
                 First plate 
               
               
                 19 
                 Second plate 
               
               
                 20 
                 Third plate 
               
               
                 21 
                 Spring 
               
               
                 22 
                 Nut 
               
               
                 23 
                 Fan 
               
               
                 24 
                 Vent hole 
               
               
                 25 
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 26 
                 Rod 
               
               
                 27 
                 Threaded cylinder 
               
               
                 28 
                 Opening 
               
               
                 29 
                 Heat sensitive material 
               
               
                 30 
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 31 
                 Storage volume 
               
               
                 32 
                 Ventilation space 
               
               
                 33 
                 Threaded rod 
               
               
                 34 
                 Hole 
               
               
                 35 
                 Seam 
               
               
                 36 
                 Bracket 
               
               
                 37 
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 38 
                 Hole 
               
               
                 39 
                 Bolt 
               
               
                 40 
                 Immovable structure 
               
               
                 41 
                 Grommet 
               
               
                 42 
                 Threaded hole 
               
               
                 43 
                 Threaded hole 
               
               
                 44 
                 Threaded hole 
               
               
                 45 
                 Guide pin hole 
               
               
                 46 
                 Knob 
               
               
                 47 
                 Threaded rod 
               
               
                 48 
                 Coupler 
               
               
                 49 
                 Hole 
               
               
                 50 
                 Cavity 
               
               
                 51 
                 Ring 
               
               
                 52 
                 Tube 
               
               
                 53 
                 T-shaped end 
               
               
                 54 
                 Vent hole 
               
               
                 55 
                 Threaded hole 
               
               
                 56 
                 Guide pin 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION  
       [0029]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the present invention, generally referred to as a fireproof container system  1 , includes a container  2  having a panel  3  movably attached thereto and an optional power/data cable  5 .  
         [0030]     The container  2  may be any commercially available fireproof storage box including, but not limited to, fire resistant containers, lockboxes, and safes. As represented in  FIG. 1 , the container  2  should have sufficient interior volume to completely enclose at least one electronic storage device  4 . For example, a Fire-Safe Security Chest, model number 1100-SEN, manufactured by the Sentry Group with corporate offices in Rochester, N.Y., was sufficiently voluminous to accommodate up to three standard PC-type hard drives.  
         [0031]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the panel  3  is likewise composed of one or more heat resistant materials known within the art. The panel  3  might be a cup-shaped structure composed of side members  17  seamlessly molded, formed, or otherwise attached in a substantially perpendicular fashion to a planar disposed top member  16 . The dimensional extents of the panel  3  may be less than that of the container  2 , as represented in  FIGS. 1-3 .  
         [0032]     Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , preferred embodiments of the present invention include a container  2  having an upper lid  6  and a lower enclosure  7 . Lid  6  and enclosure  7  are attached via a hinge  10  along one side so as to allow repeated entry into the container  2 . Lid  6  and enclosure  7  may be secured via a lock assembly  8  along a second side to prevent unauthorized access. Furthermore, the container  2  may include an optional handle  9  along one side for transportation purposes.  
         [0033]     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a panel  3  is disposed along one side of the container  2 , preferably separate from and parallel to the lid  6  so as to provide a ventilation space  32 . The ventilation space  32  should allow airflow between panel  3  and lid  6 . Compression pin assemblies  11   a - 11   d  and heat sensitive pin assembly  12  are disposed between and attached to both lid  6  and panel  3  in a perpendicular fashion. In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , compression pin assemblies  11   a - 11   c  and  11   b - 11   d  are disposed in a paired arrangement about a centrally located heat sensitive pin assembly  12 . In other embodiments, it is possible to have at least two compression pin assemblies  11   a - 11   d  and at least one heat sensitive pin assembly  12 , thus providing a variety of design options.  
         [0034]     Referring now to  FIGS. 4-6 , the lid  6  is shown contacting the enclosure  7  so as to orm a storage volume  31  within the fireproof container  2 . Lid  6  includes at least two vent holes  24  disposed along and adjacent to the panel  3 . A first plate  18  composed of a thin rigid element, preferably a thermally non-conductive material, is attached to the top member  16  of the panel  3  via fasteners  14 , including screws, bolts, and rivets, through holes  49  along the first plate  18 . Holes  49  are shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0035]     Compression pin assemblies  11   a - 11   d  include a threaded rod  33  having a nut  22  and spring  21  at one end. The opposite end of each threaded rod  33  is screwed into a threaded hole  44  through the first plate  18  having a complementary thread arrangement so as to provide for a fixed and rigid attachment there between. Threaded holes  44  are shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0036]     A second plate  19  and third plate  20 , each composed of a thin rigid element, preferably a thermally non-conductive material, are fastened about the container wall  13  via fasteners  15  through threaded holes  43 . Threaded holes  43  are shown in  FIG. 8 . Vent holes  54  through both second plate  19  and third plate  20 , also shown in  FIG. 8 , are desired to be of similar shape, size, and location as the hole through the container wall  13  and in combination comprise the vent hole  24 . Threaded rods  33  pass through and are movable within holes  34 , also shown in  FIG. 8 , along both second plate  19  and third plate  20 . Holes  34  along second plate  19  and third plate  20  should be aligned with threaded holes  44  along first plate  18 . A nut  22  is threaded onto each threaded rod  33  so as to partially compress the spring  21  against the third plate  20 . A ventilation space  32  should exist between side members  17  of the panel  3  and container wall  13  along the lid  6  after compression of the springs  21 .  
         [0037]     As discussed above, two or more vent holes  24  pass through the second plate  19 , third plate  20 , and container wall  13  so as to allow for airflow from the surrounding environment into the container  2 . A fan  23  may be fastened to the third plate  20  via fasteners  25  screwed into threaded holes  55 , see  FIG. 8 , adjacent to a vent hole  24 . In some embodiments, it may be desired to provide a fan  23  across each vent hole  24  in a push-pull arrangement.  
         [0038]     Referring again to  FIGS. 4-6 , the heat sensitive pin assembly  12  is composed of a t-shaped rod  26  slidably disposed within a threaded cylinder  27 . The threaded cylinder  27  has an opening  28  to allow movement of the rod  26  through the threaded cylinder  27 . A heat sensitive material  29  is disposed between the threaded cylinder  27  and rod  26 . When solidified, the heat sensitive material  29  sufficiently bonds the rod  26  to the threaded cylinder  27  so as to resist movement of the rod  26  when a force is applied by the compression pin assemblies  11   a - 11   d  through the panel  3  and onto the heat sensitive pin assembly  12 . When heated to its metal temperature, the heat sensitive material  29  liquefies thereby releasing the rod  26  and allowing it to slide through the threaded cylinder  27 . While a variety of heat sensitive materials  29  are applicable to the present invention, it is preferred to use eutectic alloys having a melt temperature of approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit.  
         [0039]     The heat sensitive pin assembly  12  is attached to the lid  6  by screwing the threaded cylinder  27  into complimentary threads along a threaded hole  42  through the container wall  13 , second plate  19 , and third plate  20 , also see  FIG. 8 . The rod  26  should be sufficiently long so as to contact the first plate  18  and move the panel  3  thereby further compressing the springs  21  along the compression pin assemblies  11   a - 11   d . The resultant assembly between heat sensitive pin assembly  12 , compression pin assemblies  11   a - 11   d , and panel  3  provides the ventilation space  32  between side members  17  and lid  6 . The resultant compressive load exerted by the compress pin assemblies  11   a - 11   d  is resisted by the heat sensitive pin assembly  12 , so long as the bond formed by the heat sensitive material  29  between rod  26  and threaded cylinder  27  is maintained.  
         [0040]     Components comprising the compression pin assemblies  11   a - 11   d  may be fabricated from a variety of thermally conductive and non-conductive materials, including metals and plastics. However, components comprising the heat sensitive pin assembly  12  are preferred to be thermally conductive, preferably metals, so as to efficiently communicate heat from the surrounding airflow into the heat sensitive material  29 .  
         [0041]     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , the fireproof container system  1  is shown having an exemplary complimentary arrangement of two fans  23  to draw air from the surrounding environment into the storage volume  31  within the container  2 . Airflow circulates within the storage volume  31  so as to cool electronic storage devices  4  therein and is thereafter expelled from the container  2 . Airflow into and out of the container  2  should be at a temperature lower than the melt point of the heat sensitive material  29  under normal operating conditions.  
         [0042]     A fire event adjacent to the fireproof container system  1  will heat the surrounding environment and raise the temperature of air passing entering, traversing, and exiting the container  2 . This fire heated air contacts and heats the heat sensitive pin assembly  12  to a temperature exceeding the melt point of the temperature sensitive material  29 .  
         [0043]     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , liquefaction of the heat sensitive material  29  allows movement of the rod  26  within the heat sensitive pin assembly  12  and expansion of the springs  21  within the compression pin assemblies  11   a - 11   d . The net result is movement of the panel  3  into contact with the container  2  thereby effectively sealing the fireproof container system  1  from the surrounding environment. A water and heat resistant seam  35  is formed between the side members  17  and container wall  13 . In some embodiments, it may be desired to include a gasket along side members  17  and/or container wall  13  at the seam  35  so as to further ensure a water and heat resistant seam  35 . In yet other embodiments, it may be desirous to have a micro-switch to interrupt power to fans  23  and electronic storage devices  4 .  
         [0044]     In other embodiments, it may be advantageous to mount electronic storage devices  4  directly to the interior of the enclosure  7  or onto brackets  36  composed of thermally conductive or non-conductive materials. Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the latter is shown whereby two brackets  36  are attached to the bottom of the enclosure  7  via fasteners  30 . An electronic storage device  4  is likewise attached to each bracket  36  in a removable fashion via two or more fasteners  37 .  
         [0045]     In yet other embodiments, it might be advantageous to secure the fireproof container system  1  to a fixed and otherwise immovable floor or wall. Referring again to  FIG. 7 , an exemplary arrangement is shown wherein a bolt  39  passes through the enclosure  7  so as to mechanically secure the present invention to an immovable structure  40 . The lock assembly  8  referenced above is advantageous to deny access into the container  2 , thereby preventing removal of the bolt  39 .  
         [0046]     In yet other embodiments, it might be advantageous to secure one or more power/data cables  5  to the fireproof container system  1  so as to electrically power electronic storage devices  4 , fans  23 , and the like. Referring again to  FIG. 7 , a power/data cable  5 , comprising one or more devices understood in the art, is shown embedded within and through the panel  3 . While a variety of placements and attachment schemes are possible, it is preferred to prevent heat and water infiltration into the container  2  via the passageway for the power/data cable  5 . As such, one or more materials comprising the panel  3  might be integrally molded or formed about the power/data cable  5  during fabricating of the panel  3 . A hole  38  is mutually positioned along the first plate  18 , second plate  19 , and third plate  20 , see  FIGS. 8-9 , and container wall  13  so as to allow passage of the power/data cable  5  from the panel  3  into the storage volume  31 . Holes  38  should be sufficiently large so as to allow passage and sliding of the power/data cable  5  there through. In some embodiments, commercially available grommets  41  may be employed to line the holes  38  to avoid chaffing of the power/data cable  5  which might result with use and function of the fireproof container system  1 .  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a mechanical means is provided for manually raising and lowering the panel  3  with respect to the container  2 . Unlike the embodiment described above, the present arrangement includes physical separation between panel  3  and first plate  18 . Two or more guide pins  56 , examples including rivets, are attached to the first plate  18  so as to project towards the panel  3 . Guide pin holes  45  are provided partially through the thickness of the panel  3 . When panel  3  is raised, a guide pin  56  partially resides within each guide pin hole  45 . When panel  3  is lowered, guide pins  56  substantially traverse and fill the guide pin holes  45 . Guide pins  56  prevent rotation of the panel  3  with respect to the first plate  18  during manual operation of the panel  3 .  
         [0048]     A threaded rod  47  traverses the thickness of the panel  3  through a cavity having mutually contacting and complimentary threads. A knob  46  is fixed at one end of the threaded rod  47 . A t-shaped end  53  is fixed at another end of the threaded rod  47  opposite of the knob  46 . Knob  46 , threaded rod  47 , and t-shaped end  53  rotate as a single body when knob  46  is manually turned. The t-shaped end  53  is secured to the first plate  18  in a rotatable fashion via a coupler  48 . The coupler  48  is either mechanically attached, welded, or adhesively bonded to the first plate  18  and includes a cavity therein which accommodates the t-shaped end  53  in a non-binding fashion. The assembly comprising knob  46 , threaded rod  47 , and t-shaped end  53  may be composed of thermally conductive and non-conductive materials.  
         [0049]     Referring again to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , proper function of the mechanical closer requires the distance h 1  between first plate  18  and panel  3  to be at least as large as the distance h 2  between panel  3  and container  2 . When the panel  3  is raised, a gap is provided between panel  3  and first plate  18  so as to provide a ventilation space  32 . Rotation of the knob  46  causes a corresponding reduction of the gap between first plate  18  and panel  3  and a narrowing of the ventilation space  32  between panel  3  and container  2 . During closure, the structure of the coupler  48  is accommodated by a cavity  50  of nearly approximate size and shape within the panel  3 . Closure of the panel  3  onto the container  2  is achieved when panel  3  contacts the container  2 , thereby forming the water and heat resistant seam  35  described above for heat activated functionality. The mechanical closure means described herein allows the panel  3  to be raised and lower independent of temperature and as conditions require.  
         [0050]     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , a ring  51  may be mechanically attached or adhesively bonded to the second plate  19  opposite of the fan  23  and about each vent hole  24  so as to prevent water from contacting the fan  23 . The ring  51  may be a disk or similarly shaped element. A variety of cross sectional shapes are possible, including uniformly thick, tapered, and contoured designs.  FIG. 12  shows an exemplary tapered design.  
         [0051]     In yet other embodiments, a tube  52  might be advantageous to line the vent hole  24  through the container wall  13 , as shown in  FIG. 12 . Tube  52  may be comprised of a plastic element having an inner diameter of substantially equivalent dimension as the vent holes  54  along both second plate  19  and third plate  20 . The tube  52  may be adhesively bonded to the container wall  13  and mechanically attached thereto via contact with second plate  19  and third plate  20 , as represented in  FIG. 12 .  
         [0052]     The description above indicates that a great degree of flexibility is offered in terms of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.