Connection device for use with a blast-resistant container

Abstract

A connection device for use with a blast-resistant container includes a frame with a recess, and a connecting member. An arcuate surface is formed on the outside of the opening of the recess. The connecting member is connected to the frame at one end with a head engaged in the recess and connected to a side panel at the other end. Thus, this connection device can transmit strong membrane force between each two panels of a container and meet the connection requirement of a blast-resistant container. When there is a blast, the connection device is able to confine the blast within the container for that the maximum strain of the plastic hinge in the connecting member can be controlled by the curvature of that arcuate surface formed on the frame.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A connection device for use with a blast-resistant container comprising: 
 a first panel having an edge;    a connecting member which connects to said panel edge at one edge of itself, a head being formed at the other edge of this connecting member;    a frame having a recess which hold said head of said connecting member, the outside opening of said recess being shaped as an arcuate surface; and    a second panel having an edge which connects to said frame,    thereby when the blast is happened inside a container, said connecting member can be held effectively in said recess of said frame and deform along said arcuate surface of the outside opening of said recess such that the maximum plastic strain is under the control of the curvature of said arcuate surface to avoid the main failure effect from the bending stress near the edge of a container panel. Thus, this connection device can transmit strong membrane force between each two panels of a container and meet the connection requirement of a blast-resistant container. And the blast can be confined in the inside of the blast-resistant container.    
     
     
         2 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said frame has an engaging portion connected to said second panel.  
     
     
         3 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein additionally comprises: 
 a second connecting member which connects to said second panel edge at one edge of itself, a second head being formed at the other edge of this connecting member; and    a second recess in said frame, which hold said second head of said second connecting member, the outside opening of said second recess being shaped as an arcuate surface,    thus said second panel is also connected to said frame.    
     
     
         4 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said frame uses reinforced ribs to reduce the weight.  
     
     
         5 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said head of said connecting member is formed by L shaped with a lip.  
     
     
         6 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said lip of said L shaped head extends outwardly from the elbow of said connecting member.  
     
     
         7 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein said lip of said L shaped head extends inwardly from the elbow of said connecting member.  
     
     
         8 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 7 , roller assemblies are installed to the bottom of said recess of said frame, thus, the panel sliding on this frame can be used as a door.  
     
     
         9 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said frame is manufactured by extrusion.  
     
     
         10 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said connecting member is manufactured by extrusion.  
     
     
         11 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connecting member is made of stainless steel.  
     
     
         12 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the connecting member is made of aluminum alloy with high toughness.  
     
     
         13 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said frame is made of metal.  
     
     
         14 . The connection device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said metal is aluminum alloy.