(19)
(11) EP 1 047 915 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
07.05.2003 Bulletin 2003/19

(21) Application number: 99903994.4

(22) Date of filing: 20.01.1999
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: F42B 39/18
(86) International application number:
PCT/SE9900/072
(87) International publication number:
WO 9903/7972 (29.07.1999 Gazette 1999/30)

(54)

PACKAGE FOR DANGEROUS GOODS

VERPACKUNG FÜR GEFÄHRLICHE STOFFE

EMBALLAGE DE MARCHANDISES DANGEREUSES

(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

(30) Priority: 22.01.1998 SE 9800147

(43) Date of publication of application:
02.11.2000 Bulletin 2000/44

(73) Proprietor: Bröderna Ljungquist AB
421 22 Västra Frölunda (SE)

(72) Inventor:
  • LINDGREN, Rolf
    S-427 37 Billdal (SE)

(74) Representative: Petri, Stellan et al
Ström & Gulliksson AB Box 41 88
203 13 Malmö
203 13 Malmö (SE)


(56) References cited: : 
FR-A1- 2 369 977
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    Technical Field



    [0001] The present invention relates to a package, primarily intended for dangerous goods, for example containing gunpowder and gas cartridges.

    Background of the Invention



    [0002] Automotive air bags and seat belts, containing gunpowder and gas cartridges, have caused transportation problems as spare parts, because they are classified as pyrotechnic articles and as such as dangerous goods. Accordingly, these spare parts have had to be stored in special localities and to be sent separately, sometimes not even by ordinary flights.

    [0003] Conventionally, corrugated cardboard boxes with interiors of polystyrene or polyethylene foam have been used.

    [0004] The costs and longer delivery times cause problems, and therefore there has been a great demand for a special package that would be accepted by the authorities for normal transport and storage of dangerous goods of the above mentioned kind and similar.

    [0005] Among the requirements on such a package is that it shall be able to withstand an external open fire for at least 30 minutes and to give a defined protection for the contained goods against external blows and shocks, for example experienced if the package is dropped from a certain height.

    [0006] An attempt to cope with the prior art drawbacks is represented by the document FR-A-2369977.

    The Invention



    [0007] A package fulfilling the above requirements and solving the problems with conventional packages is according to a package comprised of
       an outer box of flame-resistant solid cardboard,
       an inner packaging of moulded mineral wool, and
    characterized by
       wire frames or cages around the inner packaging.

    [0008] The cardboard material of the outer box has a weight of typically 1150 g/m2 and the mineral wool fiber material of the inner packaging a volumetric weight of typically 115 kg/m3 for the package to meet the requirements.

    [0009] The inner packaging comprises a bottom and a cover with interfitting edge rims and grooves, and its material thickness is typically 40 mm, except at sides with joints, where the thickness typically is 60 mm.

    [0010] Three wire frames may ordinarily be used. These loops may be made of steel wire with a typical diameter of 3 mm.

    The Drawing



    [0011] The invention will be described in further detail below under reference to the accompanying drawing, in which Fig 1 is a perspective illustration of the elements of the package according to the invention and Fig 2 is a corresponding illustration of these elements partly assembled into the package, one element being partly cut away in order to reveal the interior of the package.

    Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment



    [0012] Typical examples of goods for which the package according to the invention is intended are air bags and seat belts containing gunpowder and gas cartridges. Such goods is defined as dangerous goods and requires special packages.

    [0013] The package according to the invention basically includes three elements: an outer box 1, an inner packaging 2, and wire frames 3.

    [0014] The outer box 1, which in Fig 1 is shown folded down and in Fig 2 folded up, is manufactured of flame-resistant impregnated solid cardboard, typically with a weight of 1150 g/m2. The box is preferably parallelepipedic. It is preferably of the sideglued type and is to be mounted or sealed by steel clamps or staples, which are not shown.

    [0015] The inner packaging 2 with an outer shape corresponding to the inner shape of the box 1 is made of moulded mineral wool fibres or the like, in a specific example mainly consisting of such oxides as silicon, iron, aluminium and calcium oxides, a bonding agent of refined phenol formaldehyde and a dust retaining agent, so that the mineral wool can be moulded and retains its shape. The volumetric weight of this material may be in the order of 115 kg/m3.

    [0016] The inner packaging 2 is normally built up of two portions: a bottom 2A and a cover 2B, which as shown preferably are provided with interfitting edge rims and grooves for stabilizing the packaging. The height of a rim may be in the order of 15 mm.

    [0017] The space defined within the packaging 2 shall be dimensioned after the goods to be packed therein. The wall thickness of the inner packaging 2 shall normally be at least 40 mm but at sides with joints normally at least 60 mm.

    [0018] Before insertion into the box 1 the inner packaging 2 is provided with for example three wire frames 3. These frames 3, which hold the two portions of the inner packaging 2 together and reinforce it, may be made of machine-welded steel wire with a diameter of 3 mm.

    [0019] As an alternative to wire frames, use may be made of wire cages, which are held together in an appropriate way.

    [0020] In order to give an appreciation of the size of the package it may be mentioned that the external dimensions of the box 1 when intended for containing a passenger vehicle airbag may for example be about 300 x 250 x 500 mm.

    [0021] The package according to the invention is primarily developed for the purpose stated above. However, it can also be used for other pyrotechnic goods with an explosive capacity of up to 300 g explosive force.

    [0022] The following advantages are provided by a package according to the invention:

    [0023] The spare parts in question are easy to handle at the production plant and in the warehouse.

    [0024] Transportation can be performed without restriction by air, rail, road and sea and together with other spare parts.

    [0025] The freight expenses are considerably decreased.

    [0026] The package can be re-used, especially thanks to the treated outer surface of the box.

    [0027] The package is environmental-friendly, and recycling is possible.

    [0028] The package is fireproof and permits normal, easy marking and labelling.


    Claims

    1. A package, primarily intended for dangerous goods, for example containing gunpowder and gas cartridges, comprised of
       an outer box (1) of flame-resistant solid cardboard,
       an inner packaging (2) of moulded mineral wool, and
    characterized by
       wire frames (3) or wire cages around the inner packaging.
     
    2. A package according to claim 1, characterized in that the cardboard material of the outer box (1) has a weight of typically 1150 g/m2.
     
    3. A package according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer box (1) is mounted or sealed by steel clamps or staples.
     
    4. A package according to claim 1, characterized in that the mineral wool fiber material of the inner packaging (2) has a volumetric weight of typically 115 kg/m3.
     
    5. A package according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner packaging (2) comprises two portions: a bottom (2A) and a cover (2B) with interfitting edge rims and grooves.
     
    6. A package according to claim 5, characterized in that the material thickness of the inner packaging (2) typically is 40 mm, except at sides with joints, where the thickness typically is 60 mm.
     
    7. A package according to claim 1, characterized in that the wire frames (3) or wire cages are made of steel wire with a typical diameter of 3 mm.
     
    8. A package according to claim 1, characterized in that three wire frames (3) are used.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Verpackung, hauptsächlich vorgesehen für gefährliche Güter, z.B. Schiesspulver oder Gaspatronen beinhaltend, umfassend eine äussere Kiste (1) aus flammwidrigem soliden Karton, sowie eine innere Verpackung (2) aus geformter Mineralwolle, gekennzeichnet durch Drahtrahmen (3) oder Drahtkäfige um die innere Verpackung herum.
     
    2. Verpackung gemäss Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass das Kartonmaterial der äusseren Kiste (1) ein Gewicht von typisch 1150 g/m2 hat.
     
    3. Verpackung gemäss Anspruch 2, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die äussere Kiste (1) durch Stahlklammern oder Krampen montiert oder verschlossen ist.
     
    4. Verpackung gemäss Anpruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass das Mineralwollfasermaterial der inneren Verpackung (2) ein typisches Volumengewicht von 115 kg/m3 hat.
     
    5. Verpackung gemäss Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die innere Verpackung (2) zwei Abschnitte umfasst: ein Unterteil (2A) und eine Abdeckung (2B) mit zusammenpassenden Ränderkanten und Rillen.
     
    6. Verpackung gemäss Anspruch 5, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Materialstärke der inneren Verpackung (2) typisch 40 mm ist, mit Ausnahme von Seiten mit Verbindungen, wo die Dicke typisch 60 mm ist.
     
    7. Verpackung gemäss Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass die Drahtrahmen (3) oder Drahtkäfige aus Stahldraht mit einem typischen Durchmesser von 3 mm hergestellt sind.
     
    8. Verpackung gemäss Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass drei Drahtrahmen (3) verwendet werden.
     


    Revendications

    1. Emballage, destiné principalement à des matières dangereuses, par exemple contenant des cartouches de poudre à canon et de gaz, constitué
       d'une boîte extérieure (1) en carton plein résistant aux flammes,
       d'un emballage intérieur (2) en laine minérale moulée, et
       caractérisé par
       des cadres (3) en fil métallique ou des cages en fil métallique entourant l'emballage intérieur.
     
    2. Emballage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le carton de la boîte extérieure (1) a une force de typiquement 1150 g/m2.
     
    3. Emballage selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que la boîte extérieure (1) est montée ou scellée au moyen de brides ou d'agrafes en acier.
     
    4. Emballage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que la matière fibreuse en laine minérale de l'emballage intérieur (2) a une masse volumique de typiquement 115 kg/m3.
     
    5. Emballage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que l'emballage intérieur (2) comporte deux parties : un fond (2A) et un couvercle (2B) avec des arêtes et des gorges de bords s'ajustant entre elles.
     
    6. Emballage selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que l'épaisseur de la matière de l'emballage intérieur (2) est typiquement de 40 mm, sauf aux côtés ayant des joints, où l'épaisseur est typiquement de 60 mm.
     
    7. Emballage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que les cadres (3) en fil métallique ou les cages en film métallique sont formés d'un fil d'acier ayant un diamètre typique de 3 mm.
     
    8. Emballage selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que trois cadres (3) en fil d'acier sont utilisés.
     




    Drawing