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.

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, s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[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.

Problems solved by technology

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.

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.

Large obstructions such as buildings surrounding a street in which a blast occurs prolong pressure durations and lead to greater damaging capability.

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.

If the plastic tube is omitted, the mitigating material attenuates the blast pressure but is not adapted to retain fragments produced by the blast.

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