Unitary overpressure vent panel structure

Abstract

Unitary one-piece frameless overpressure vent panel assembly ( 10 ) includes a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central relief opening ( 26 ), a rigid, generally planar secondary support member ( 44 ) provided with a central relief aperture ( 46 ), and a frangible vent panel ( 30 ) between the support members in full closing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture. A sealant element ( 48 ) may be provided between the vent panel and at least one of the support members in circumscribing relationship to the relief opening or aperture. At least one line of weakness ( 34 ) may be provided in the vent panel. A flexible gasket ( 58 ) secured to the secondary support member assures a fluid tight seal between the vent panel assembly and the structure defining a protected zone. Alternatively, a knife blade or the like may be provided adjacent the vent panel to effect severing thereof under a predetermined overpressure in lieu of a line of weakness in the panel.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly for installation over and removal as a unit from a pressure relief area of a confined zone to be protected from the buildup of overpressures, said unitary vent panel assembly comprising: 
 a rigid, generally planar primary support member having a central pressure relief opening;    a frangible vent panel carried by the primary support member in full closing relationship to the relief opening;    a rigid, generally planar secondary support member overlying the vent panel and having a central relief aperture; and    structure interconnecting the primary support member, the vent panel and the secondary support member in generally circumscribing relationship to the portion of the vent panel aligned with the pressure relief opening and central relief aperture respectively to provide a rigid, integrated, one-piece overpressure vent assembly.    
     
     
         2 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said vent panel is provided with at least one line of weakness defining a burst pattern of the panel when subjected to an overpressure of predetermined magnitude;  
     
     
         3 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said central relief aperture is substantially co-extensive in dimensions with the relief opening in the primary support member;  
     
     
         4 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said primary support member has a main planar body and is provided with a lip substantially around the perimeter thereof and projecting away from the main body of the primary support member for increasing the rigidity of the primary support member.  
     
     
         5 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said structure includes a plurality of mechanical fasteners extending through the primary support member, the vent panel and the secondary support member.  
     
     
         6 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 3  wherein said mechanical fasteners each comprise a rivet.  
     
     
         7 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said structure comprises a weld line connecting a portion of the panel outside of and in generally circumscribing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture, to at least one of the support members.  
     
     
         8 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said structure comprises a line of adhesive connecting a portion of the panel outside of and in generally circumscribing relationship to the relief opening and the aperture, to at least one of the support members.  
     
     
         9 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein is provided a flexible, generally planar gasket joined to and overlying the face of the secondary support member remote from the vent panel, said gasket being provided with an opening at least substantially co-extensive in area with the relief opening of the primary support member and the aperture of the secondary support member respectively.  
     
     
         10 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein is provided a sealant element between the panel and at least one of the support members in surrounding relationship to the relief opening in the primary support member and the aperture in the secondary support member.  
     
     
         11 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 10  wherein said sealant element is a tubular, flexible sealant material trapping a quantity of a compressible fluid.  
     
     
         12 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein is provided an intermediate support member between the vent panel and the secondary support member, said intermediate support member having an opening therein substantially co-extensive in dimensions with the relief opening in the primary support member and the central aperture in the secondary support member.  
     
     
         13 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said support members and the vent panel are of generally quadrate, complemental configuration.  
     
     
         14 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said support members and the vent panel are of generally circular, complemental configuration.  
     
     
         15 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said line of weakness is configured to define at least one panel hinge portion upon bursting of the panel by said overpressure to prevent fragmentation of the panel upon opening thereof.  
     
     
         16 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein said support members of the frame assembly are provided with bolt through holes for fastening of the frame assembly in place over said pressure relief area of the confined zone.  
     
     
         17 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the portion of said vent panel aligned with the pressure relief opening of the primary support member and the aperture of the secondary support member is provided with a series of undulations therein.  
     
     
         18 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 17  wherein said support members are of generally quadrate configuration and said undulations define a plurality of side-by-side generally parallel, concavo-convex domed sections.  
     
     
         19 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 18  wherein the concave surfaces of the panel are on one side of the panel and the convex surfaces of the panel are on the opposite side thereof.  
     
     
         20 . A unitary overpressure vent panel assembly as set forth in  claim 1  wherein in provided at least one sharp object in sufficiently close relationship to the vent panel to effect severing upon excursion of the vent panel toward the object as a result of a predetermined overpressure being applied to the side of the vent panel opposed to said object.