Fire and water-resistant container

Abstract

A fire-resistant container having a full gasket at the interface between hinged top and bottom mating elements. The elements are insulated and are formed with matable labyrinthine edges. One of the edges is provided with a smooth, soft gasket disposed in a groove in the labyrinth which forms a seal against a corresponding rib in the opposing edge. The elements are joined along common sides by a hinge, the rotational axis of which is positioned in space relative to the gasket and rib such that, in closing of the container, the gasket engages the rib at all points substantially simultaneously. The hinged elements are secured by an over-center latching latch such that when the container is fully closed the rib exerts a small and substantially uniform force against the gasket to form a seal against fire and water. Upon being exposed to fire, the hinges and/or the latch may be destroyed without causing the seal between to be broken, thus maintaining the fire- and water-resistance of the container, the weight of the top element further compressing the gasket onto the rib and thereby enhancing the seal.