Special receptacle or package – Structural features for vertical stacking – i.e. – similar... – Having vertical projecting element or recess for interlock
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-28
2001-10-23
Castellano, Stephen (Department: 3727)
Special receptacle or package
Structural features for vertical stacking, i.e., similar...
Having vertical projecting element or recess for interlock
C206S003000, C206S821000, C220S582000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305544
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to shipping and storage containers and systems, and in particular, to a system and method for storing and transporting ammunition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A round of ammunition may include a missile and an associated missile launch tube assembly. In order to protect the round as far forward in a military theater as possible, it is preferable to keep the round in the container as long as possible. Protection is also required for shipping and storage of the round.
Current shipping containers used for missiles and ammunition are typically constructed from aluminum or steel. Aluminum containers are prone to impact damage and puncture, are difficult to seal, require costly maintenance when damaged, and require painting for marking and corrosion resistance in a chemical agent environment or where camouflage is required. Steel containers are a very heavy alternative and do not solve these problems. Also, steel and aluminum containers are expensive since each requires large lengths of welding and gasket-compatible tolerances.
During shipment and storage of the containers, multiple containers are stacked upon one another. It is desirable to secure these containers firmly in place, against one another. Frequently, the weight of the containers causes damage to containers below, requiring repair and/or disposal of damaged containers.
Due to elevation changes inherent in transporting rounds of ammunition, the container may incorporate an automatic pressure relief or “breather” valve to prevent pressure differential between the container and ambient atmosphere. At higher elevations, the breather valve vents air pressure from within the container to account for the associated ambient pressure drop. During descent, air is forced through the breather valve into the container to accommodate increased ambient pressure. As air enters the interior of the container, its contents may be exposed to moisture and other pollutants associated therewith.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a shipping and storage container which can withstand the pressure differential associated with changes in elevation without the use of a breather valve, and, in particular, to provide a container which employs a pressure vessel as the storage media.
Another object is to provide a light-weight shipping and storage container to decrease the burden of vehicular and manual transportation thereof.
Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce the labor and material costs associated with the manufacture of shipping and storage containers.
Still another object is to provide a durable stackable container which can be mobilized and deployed with enhanced efficiency.
The foregoing objects are attained in accordance with the present invention by employing a high strength, “pipe-grade” storage vessel capable of withstanding significant pressure differentials with minimal deformation, as the storage component. In a particular, embodiment, a removable end cap provides access to the interior of the storage vessel. A pair of backing rings may be provided to axially support plastic flanges which form the interface between the end cap and the storage vessel.
In another embodiment, a rubber gasket may be provided to form a generally air-tight seal between the end cap and the storage vessel. In one particular embodiment, one or more stacking lugs may be disposed upon the exterior of the pressure vessel to provide a secure, releasable stacking connection to adjacent storage containers. A number of ergonomic handling features may also be incorporated into the stacking lugs.
In another embodiment, a lever clamp assembly may provide a releasable, mechanical connection between the removable end cap and the storage vessel. The assembly may incorporate a lever clamp “U-bolt” and pivot clamp facilitating the secured coupling and rapid removal of the end cap assembly.
In yet another embodiment, a humidity indicator may be incorporated into the pressure vessel to allow for early detection of a breach in the integrity of the air-tight seal. A manual pressure relief valve may also be provided to breach the air tight seal prior to missile deployment. This allows the operator to remove the end cap without having to overcome the force associated with a pressure differential between the interior of the pressure vessel and ambient environment.
A technical advantage of the present invention includes the ability to withstand pressure differentials without allowing moisture and pollutants to enter the pressure vessel. By limiting the deformation of the container, maintenance and repair due to associated damage is also significantly reduced.
Another technical advantage includes the durable, light weight stackable container which facilitates rapid deployment and ease of transportation. Still other technical advantages of the present invention include providing a weld-sealed, impact-resistant, paint-free, minimum-maintenance alternative using plastic materials and manufacturing techniques.
Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, detailed description and claims.
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PCT International Search Report mailed Aug. 22, 2000 for international application PCT/US 99/29791 filed Dec. 14, 1999.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Castellano Stephen
Raytheon Company
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