Patent Publication Number: US-7712405-B2

Title: Variable containment vessel

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 60/676,308 filed May 2, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to an explosion containment device, and in particular to a Variable Containment Vessel (VCV) or Bomb Bag for capturing a potential explosive device, and managing any explosion resulting therefrom. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A conventional Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) scenario includes the following steps: 
   1) Emergency services, e.g. 911, police or fire, receive a report, usually from a witness, regarding a suspicious looking package; 
   2) A team of EOD bomb technicians (or Fire personnel) is dispatched to the scene; 
   3) Upon arriving at the location of the suspected threat the witness will be interviewed and then the EOD technicians will: a) survey the situation, b) secure the area, and c) start making precautionary judgments about immediate risks to life and property. Concurrent with the precautionary measures being taken, other risk assessments are being developed as the EOD team determines, as best they can, the exact nature of the threat so that a successful render safe procedure (RSP) can be executed; 
   4) Typically, in the RSP procedure, if the package is small and looks harmless, it will be X-rayed in position to determine the contents or shot with a disruptor; 
   5) Alternatively, or in addition, in cases in which a more serious threat is perceived, the EOD technicians deploy a robot to transfer the package to a large containment vessel; and 
   6) In the instance where step 5) is not possible, e.g. on a cruise ship, aircraft or transit way, measures must be immediately taken to deal with the threat and to manage or defeat the potentially hazardous event. 
   The problem with steps 4) and 5) is that the package remains a threat to the public, private property and the EOD team during and after these steps. Moreover, robots may not have full access to the package, and the containment vessel may have to be positioned a great distance away, due to its size. 
   In order to simplify the RSP, i.e. to provide a simple first step that is justified for both low and high-risk situations, an easily deployable, relatively-inexpensive explosive-containment device is required. Several explosive containment devices have been proposed, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,648,613 issued Mar. 14, 1972 to Arthur Cunn; U.S. Pat. No. 3,739,731 issued Jun. 19, 1973 to Patrick Tabor; U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,872 issued Oct. 1, 1985 to Graham et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,079 issued Jun. 6, 1989 to Garth Barrett; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,252 issued Sep. 3, 1991 to Gamadi et al. Unfortunately, none provide an explosive containment system that provides safe containment for different sizes of explosions, i.e. the conventional devices are of a fixed size and shape, and will fail if the explosion is too powerful. Furthermore, most of the existing systems only cover the device, which does not prevent the explosion from damaging people or property below the device. While the Tabor device does disclose a tie string for raising the explosive device into the body of the containment device, it does not provide a remote capture system for completely enclosing the explosive device rapidly from a remote location, thereby eliminating any danger to the EOD technicians. 
   An object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an easily deployable containment vessel, which can capture a potentially harmful device within an inner containment layer, and enclose any explosion within an outer expandable containment layer. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Accordingly, the present invention relates to a explosion containment device for enclosing an explosive device comprising: 
   a frame having a closed end, and an open end for receiving the explosive device; 
   an outer containment vessel mounted on the frame having an expandable volume; 
   whereby detonation of the explosive device causes the outer containment vessel to expand, thereby containing the explosion and preventing failure thereof. 
   Another aspect of the present invention relates to an explosion containment device for enclosing an explosive device comprising: 
   an inner containment vessel having a closed bottom end, and an open bottom end for placing over the explosive device; and 
   a capture device for lifting the explosive device into the inner containment vessel and closing the bottom end of the inner containment vessel. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings which represent preferred embodiments thereof, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a VCV according to an embodiment of the present invention in a retracted or storage position; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the VCV of  FIG. 1  in an expanded or deployed position; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a VCV according to another embodiment of the present invention in the retracted of storage position; 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the VCV according to  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrating the bottom capture device therefor; 
       FIG. 5  is a cross sectional view of a remotely actuated trigger for the bottom capture device of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view of VCV of  FIGS. 1 and 2  before the bottom capture device has been actuated; 
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view of the VCV of  FIGS. 1 and 2  after the bottom capture device has been actuated; 
       FIG. 8  is a partially sectioned isometric view of an inner mitigating frame in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a partially sectioned isometric view of a dual outer containment arrangement according to another embodiment of the present invention for a rectangular mitigating frame; 
       FIG. 10  is a partially sectioned isometric view of the dual outer containment arrangement of  FIG. 9  with a cylindrical mitigating frame; 
       FIG. 11  is an isometric view of a door closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an open position; 
       FIG. 12  is an isometric view of the door closing device of  FIG. 11  in the closed position; and 
       FIG. 13  is a sketch of a robot deployed embodiment of the VCV according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a sketch of the robot deployed embodiment of the VCV according to the present invention according to  FIG. 13 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A Variable Containment Vessel (VCV) is comprised of at least one of a series of modern day fabrics, e.g. Kevlar, Glass Fiber and Nomex, which are arranged into a containment vessel in such a way so as to accommodate rapid expansion into a larger shape for the purpose of containing a blast, either fragmentary or incendiary. Inner layers of the VCV are made of materials specifically designed to contain fragmentary and/or incendiary blasts. The product is intended to be easily deployed and to prevent damage to property, bystanders and EOD personnel. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3 , the VCV generally indicated at  1 , includes an inner containment vessel frame  2 , a secondary expandable containment vessel layer  3 , a bottom capture system  4 , and a top lid  5 . The inner frame  2  is preferably constructed out of a solid material although a skeletal frame is possible. The inner frame  2  provides an inner mitigation or containment layer, as well as support for the secondary containment layer  3 , the bottom capture system  4  and the top lid  5 . The inner frame  2  is rectangular or cylindrical, although other shapes are possible, and constructed from materials intended to consume or mitigate blast energy, braced with a tension layer to facilitate the consumption of the blast mitigation material. In its simplest form the inner fame  2  can be made from a heavy cardboard material, 0.5 to 1.5 inches thick, preferably 0.8 to 1.0 inches thick, with a reflective inner layer, e.g. aluminum or mylar. The dimensions of the inner frame  2  can vary for different VCV&#39;s, which can be utilized depending on the size of explosive device  6 . The secondary expandable containment layer  3  comprises a multi-layer sheet surrounding the inner frame  2  forming a bag  7  and folded, in preferably horizontal layers for storage adjacent to the inner frame  2 . Vertically stored layers are also possible, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . An upper edge of the bag  7  is attached to the outer edge of the lid  5 , whereby an explosion within the inner frame  2 , not containable thereby, would cause the lid  5  to separate from the inner frame  2  pulling the bag  7  therewith (see  FIG. 2 ). The inner frame  2  initially redirects the pressure or force of the blast upwardly to the upper lid  5 , as illustrated by arrows in  FIGS. 1 to 3 . Accordingly, the volume of the containment vessel  1  expands along with the explosion, whereby the explosive materials are contained, while the explosive force is vented through vents in the containment vessel  1 . Preferably, the bag  7  is pliable, flaccid and/or elastic, and includes flame retardant inner layers, a plurality of heat resistant fabric layers, e.g. Nomex, a plurality of high strength and impact resistant inner layers, e.g. Kevlar or ultra high strength molecular weight polyethylene, and a plurality of high strength outer layers, e.g. fiber glass, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, polyacrylonitrile. Preferably, the top lid  5  is comprised of a composite fabric with high strength, e.g. Kevlar, Aluminum, and heat resistant, e.g. Nomex, layers. The top lid  5  can be equipped with an access port for inserting disruptors and a handle to facilitate manual and robotic manipulation. Preferably, the top lid  5  is 0.25 to 0.5 inches thick, and most preferably 0.375 inches thick, although any suitable thickness is possible. The top lid  5  can be temporarily mounted on the frame  2  via Velcro or other suitable non-permanent or easily frangible fastener. 
   The bag  7  can be airtight if chemical or biological devices are suspected. For conventional explosives the bag  7  is not air tight, and the more the bag  7  expands the greater the amount of venting, as the surface area increases and as the fabric stretches. Extra ports can be provided, e.g. near where the top lid  5  is connected and where the bottom capture system  4  is mounted. One of the key advantages of the present invention results from an understanding of the chemistry of an explosion. High order explosions result from being under pressure, which typically occurs in conventional bomb disposal containers. However, in the VCV  1  according to the present invention there is little chance for pressure to develop, since the volume expands almost as fast as the explosion, thereby resulting in a low order burn, which has much less potential for destruction. 
   An outer frame (not shown) can be provided to enclose the bag  7 , thereby providing protection during transportation. 
   With reference to  FIGS. 4 to 7 , the bottom capture system  4  includes a tie cable  11  extending through eyelets formed in the bottom of a flexible sheet material  9 , stored near the bottom of the inner frame  2 . Preferably, the flexible sheet material  9  is the bottom end of the bag  7 . A barrel or raceway  12 , encircling the lower edge of the inner frame  2 , provides a track for one or more projectiles  13 , which are connected to the end(s) of the tie cable  11 . When a .32 caliber (or any suitable caliber) blank, similar to a ramset blank, is fired into the raceway  12 , the force acts like a propellant and propels the projectile down the raceway  12 , which pulls the tie cable  11  and draws the edge of the flexible sheet material  9  together closing and locking the lower portion of the inner frame  2 . Other suitable propellants can be used instead of the blank. The blank can be fired manually, e.g. by a robot or EOD technician, from adjacent the VCV  1  or fired remotely using a remotely activated trigger. An example of a remotely activated trigger, illustrated in  FIG. 5 , is mounted on an extension  21  of the raceway  12 , and includes a length of non-electric surface delay detonator  22  (NonEl®). One end of the NonEl  22  is held by an EOD technician remote from the VCV  1 , while the other end of the NonEl  22  is fixed proximate the end of the extension  21 . Activation of the NonEl  22  causes detonation of a small charge, e.g. blasting cap  23 , which accelerates a firing pin  24  into the blank  25  disposed in the extension  21 . The force created by the blank  25  propels the projectile  13  down the raceway  12 , as hereinbefore described. Other electrical detonation systems are possible including wireless systems, which cause the blank  25  or other propellant to activate. 
   Once deployed, the cable  11  is locked, i.e. prevented from sliding backwards, by a tapered collet. Wedged pointed fingers  16  can be provided on the edge of the flexible sheet material  9  for sliding under the explosive device  6 , ensuring the explosive device is lifted into the inner frame  2  during activation of the capture system  4 . The tie cable  11  would also extend through the fingers  16 , which would be brought together when the sheet material  9  is drawn together. The fingers  16  are preferably made of a soft plastic, which may or may not break when impacting each other. A plurality of feet extending from the frame  2  lift the frame  2  off the ground enabling the capture system  4  to close unencumbered. 
   Once the package (bomb)  6  is contained safely within the VCV  1 , it is transported to a disposal site, where it can be opened and unloaded. 
   If need be the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) can be disrupted, e.g. shot, in the bag to disable or detonate the device under safer surroundings. The use of the VCV enables any evidence from the explosive device to be contained within the VCV for future examination. Chemical or biological hazards can also be neutralized in the bag. The VCV  1  can be reused, assuming no structural failure has occurred. 
   The present invention is built with a frangible frame shape with an open end. To deploy the item one simply sets the VCV  1  over the suspect package and then triggers the capture system  4 , which lifts or moves the package into the VCV  1  and gathers the bottom sheet material  9  closed. Once closed, the VCV  1  is locked closed until the cable/plates are destructively released. The frame  2  has a frangible portion, which can be removed using an explosive charge, a thermite device or simply a cutter device positioned to cut the tie cable to release the bottom. 
     FIG. 8  illustrates a multi-layer energy-mitigating inner containment vessel frame  32  having an inner shock absorbing layer  33 , an intermediate support layer  34 , and a outer expandable containment layer  35 . The inner shock absorbing layer  33  is comprised of a plurality of square compartments filled with shock-absorbing material, e.g. gel or foam etc. The intermediate support layer  34  can be formed of a strong cardboard or plastic material, but preferably is constructed of a stronger material, such as aluminum. The outer expandable containment layer  35  is comprised of a steel or titanium screen, which is expandable to catch any large projectiles originating from the blast. One end of the inner frame  32  is permanently closed by a cap  36 , made of a high strength material, such as aluminum or steel. 
   In a “garbage can” configuration, the bottom end of the inner frame  32  is closed by cap  36 , and the bomb is placed inside the inner frame  32  manually or using a robot. In the “garbage can” configuration a cover  37  ( FIG. 9 ) is placed over the open top end. The cover  37  can be constructed from a solid high strength metal or from a multi-layer structure similar to the walls of the inner frame  32 , i.e. shock-absorbing material  33 , intermediate support layer  34  and outer containment layer  35 . In addition, a secondary expandable containment structure  38  can be placed over the inner frame  32 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the secondary expandable containment structure or vessel is comprised of a pair a multi-layer sheets surrounding the inner frame  32  forming an inner and outer bags  41  and  42 . As above, the bags  41  and  42  are pliable, flaccid and/or elastic, and includes flame retardant inner layers, a plurality of heat resistant fabric layers, e.g. Nomex, a plurality of high strength and impact resistant inner layers, e.g. Kevlar or ultra high strength molecular weight polyethylene, and a plurality of high strength outer layers, e.g. fiber glass, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, polyacrylonitrile. The inner bag  41  can be vented into the outer bag  42  ensuring that the outer bag  42  expands with the inner bag  41 . The outer bag  42  can be air tight to contain chemical or biological agents or vented to the atmosphere. For conventional explosives the outer bag  42  is not air tight, and the more the outer bag  42  expands the greater the amount of venting, as the surface area increases and as the fabric stretches. 
   In an alternative “bottom loading” embodiment, illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the cap  36  is on the top of the inner frame  32 , and the bottom of the inner frame  32  includes a door closing apparatus  45 , described in greater detail below with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The “bottom loading” configuration can include the single layer expandable containment structure, e.g. bag  7 , disclosed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3  or the multi-layer arrangement including inner and outer bags  41  and  42 , see  FIG. 10 . The inner frame  32  can also have a rectangular shape or a rectangular opening corresponding to a rectangular opening  46  in the door closing apparatus  45 , which is better suited to fit over rectangular explosive devices, e.g. briefcases etc. 
   The door closing apparatus  45 , which provides the function of a bomb capture device, is illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , and includes a base  51  with reciprocating jaws  52  and  53  slideable therein. The base  51  includes upper and lower structures  54  and  55  with the jaws  52  and  53  slideable therebetween. The jaws  52  and  53  are spring loaded with springs  56  and locked in an open position with a latch  57 , which is released upon actuation, i.e. remote or robotic. Alternatively, the jaws  52  and  53  could be propelled from a rest position using some form of propellant for closing the jaws  52  and  53  in under 1 second, preferably under 0.5 of a second, more preferably in under 0.25 of a second, and most preferably in under 0.1 of a second. A handle  58  is provided on each jaw  52  and  53  for manually opening and setting the jaws  52  and  53 . A plurality of threaded fasteners  59  with L-shaped clamps surround the opening  46  for holding the inner frame  32  onto the base  51 . 
   A plurality of teeth  61  extend outwardly and downwardly from the leading edge of both of the jaws  52  and  53  into close proximate with the ground under the base  51 , whereby when the jaws  52  and  53  are actuated, the teeth  61  with engage the bottom of the bomb and lift it up into the inner frame  32 , thereby capturing the bomb within the containment structure. The teeth  61  extend below the jaws  52  and  53 , so as not to interfere with the tight closure of jaws  52  and  53 , as seen in  FIG. 12 . 
   A robot mounted embodiment of the present invention, illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , includes a supporting mount  71  fixed on the front of a robot  72  with ground engaging tracks  73  for supporting an inner containment vessel frame  74  with an opening in a sidewall thereof. The inner containment vessel  74  is pivotable in relation to the supporting mount  71  from an open or shovel position illustrated in  FIG. 13  and a closed position illustrated in  FIG. 14 . In use, the robot  72  is directed to position the inner containment vessel  74  adjacent to the potential explosive device  76 . Teeth or a tapered lip  79  can be provided at the leading edge of the inner containment vessel  74  for extending under the explosive device  76  enabling the explosive device  76  to be lifted into the inner containment vessel  74 . Typically the explosive device  76  will be placed up against a wall or other structure, whereby movement of the robot  72  towards the wall or other structure will force the leading edge of the inner containment vessel  74  under the explosive device  76  and cause the explosive device  76  to slide into the inner containment vessel  74 . After the explosive device  76  has entered the inner containment vessel  74 , the inner containment vessel  74  is rotated by piston arm  81  or some other mechanical device to the closed position ( FIG. 14 ) with the outer containment vessel  77  covering the opening therein. Preferably, the inner containment vessel  74  is a multi-layer construction, similar to the energy-mitigating inner containment vessel frame  32 . The robot configuration can include the single layer expandable outer containment structure  77  mounted on a top end of the inner containment vessel, e.g. bag  7 , disclosed above with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 3  or the multi-layer arrangement including inner and outer bags  41  and  42 , as in  FIG. 10  for secondary dissipation of energy and the containment of explosive material. 
   A smaller version of the robot mounted embodiment of  FIGS. 13 and 14  can be mounted on the end of a handle rather than a robot for picking up and enclosing smaller potentially explosive packages, which may be positioned in enclosed areas. 
   The present invention will modify current modern day RSPs by providing an explosion containment device that whenever possible should be use to contain a suspicious package, even before it is X-rayed. Moreover, a VCV, according to the present invention should be used first to mitigate damage to local property or bomb team personnel and elements, such as robots.