WO2018071309A1

WO2018071309A1 - Passively activated fire suppression device

Info

Publication number: WO2018071309A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/055674
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary John ZOLLINGER; Stephen Michael HARBESON
Original assignee: Phenix Solutions LLC
Current assignee: Phenix Solutions LLC
Priority date: 2016-10-12
Filing date: 2017-11-02
Publication date: 2018-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2019-04-12

Abstract

A passively activated fire suppression device with a retardant containment chamber containing fire retardant powder and an gas accumulator chamber containing pressurized gas, a barrier layer situated between the retardant containment chamber and the gas accumulator chamber and configured to prevent the retardant from moving into the gas accumulator chamber, and a protective layer that overlies the retardant containment chamber. The protective layer has a cut-out through which a portion of the retardant containment chamber protrudes. The retardant containment chamber, gas accumulator chamber, and barrier layer are bonded together at their perimeters.

Description

PASSIVELY ACTIVATED FIRE SUPPRESSION DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §1 19(e), this application claims the benefit of U.S.

Provisional Application No. 62/407,383, filed on October 12, 2016.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates generally to the field of fire suppression systems, and more specifically, to a passively activated fire suppression device.

2. Description of the Related Art.

Flash fires in the work environment pose a serious hazard to personnel, equipment and key infrastructure. These fires may lead to physical injury, work stoppages, and material damage. Workers that are exposed to potentially combustible areas have to rely on the presence of a fellow worker to quickly respond to a flash fire situation utilizing a traditional fire extinguisher. Equipment and infrastructure are typically protected by expensive systems that rely on humans and expensive sensors for activation. These response methodologies rely on human reaction time, technologies that may fail, and the vigilance of a human to recognize the hazard, process what is happening, and respond. In all situations, valuable response time is wasted, which could lead to serious injury and material damage.

What is needed is a passive fire suppression system that does not rely on human intervention, sensors or similar equipment. The device described herein may be used in a number of different applications; for example, it may be incorporated into a vest or other garment, integrated into a tent or similar personal protection structure, implemented in a vehicle, utilized in connection with a computer rack and/or electrical box, or installed in a building or other edifice. Advantages of the present invention include improved worker safety, reduced reaction time, and minimization of damage to materials and equipment.

Innovations in the area of fire suppression systems include U.S. Patent No.

3782475 (Schmidt, 1974), which discloses a fire extinguisher comprised of flexible sheeted structures having fire extinguishing material enclosed between sheets of heat- rupturable material and fire-proof or fire-resistant material. The invention is intended to be fabricated into household articles such as towels, blankets and draperies. The heat- rupturable flexible sheet enclosing the fire-extinguisher material is preferably a low- melting, low-decomposition temperature material, such as polyethylene.

U.S. Patent No. 4232742 (Dick, 1980) provides a flame-guard device for electrical installations consisting of a cable-shaped string of capsules, each capsule containing a flame-extinguishing substance that is released when the capsule is heated. The capsules are connected by a hose and formed by contractions in the hose. The contracted parts of the hose include perforations, which facilitate suspension or nailing of the capsule string. The perforations are only on that part of the hose that connects the capsules and are not on or around the capsules themselves. The capsules are constructed to burst or open up when heated.

U.S. Patent No. 6983805 (Chattaway, 2006) discloses a fire blanket comprised of a generally flexible substrate and a chemical compound that reacts endothermically when heated. The chemical compound is preferably an alkali metal salt and is either solid or in the form of an alkali solution at room temperature. The flexible substrate material is porous to the chemical compound so that it permeates through the substrate when in liquid form. The substrate is of a cellular construction in which the chemical compound is held in the cells of the substrate until it is melted.

U.S. Patent No. 7905296 (Bennett, 201 1) provides a hazard control system comprised of a housing that contains a control material. In one embodiment, the control material is an extinguishant for retarding fire. The surface of the housing is configured to rupture in response to a trigger event, such as an impact or exposure to heat. The housing may be a rigid structure, a semi-rigid structure, a membrane or a bladder. The housing may be scored to promote fracturing in the event of an impact. In an alternate embodiment, the invention incorporates spring mechanisms to facilitate dispersal of the control material. U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2002/0020536, also filed by Bennett, describes a fire protection device for a non-fuel tank vehicle system component comprising a rigid container enclosing containing a fire extinguishing substance, the container being shaped to conform to the outer contours of the vehicle component. U.S. Patent No. 9149672 (Al-Anzi, 2015) describes encapsulated fire

extinguishing agents comprised of a sealed outer shell containing a fire extinguishing agent. The shell is made of a material that melts when exposed to extreme heat. The invention further comprises a plurality of inner sealed shells disposed within the interior of the outer shell and containing a second fire extinguishing agent. The fire

extinguishing agents are selected for optimum efficiency, depending upon the type of fire that might be anticipated in the structure or room in which the invention is used.

U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20120048577 (Ball) discloses a fire suppression device comprised of a housing that retains a fire extinguishing agent and an attachment means for attaching the device to a surface. In one embodiment, the housing is made of two different materials, one of whir.h melts upon exposure to a predetermined

temperature, and the other of which is more heat-resistant than the other.

U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20140069664 (Chauhan) describes an apparatus for releasing a fire-resistant chemical material designed to protect the cargo in a shipping container while at the same time extinguishing the fire within the container. The invention is comprised of a large, flat plastic board with mounds of fire retardant chemical disposed upon its front surface and a thin sheet of plastic material covering the front surface of the board and depressed downwardly against the board to form discrete chemical powder pouches. The assembly is preferably secured to the ceiling of a shipping container with its front surface facing downward so that the plastic sheet will rupture when exposed to heat, thereby releasing the chemical powder.

U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 20150367153 (Slesinski) involves a self- extinguishing receptacle containing predetermined amounts of reieasable fire

suppressant. In one embodiment, the receptacle has a lid, and a packet containing the fire suppressant material is positioned on the underside of the lid.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a passively activated fire suppression device comprising: a retardant containment chamber comprised of a plastic material, the retardant containment chamber being configured to contain a quantity of fire retardant powder and pressurized gas; a seal layer that is bonded to the retardant containment chamber so as to provide an airtight seal, the seal layer being comprised of the same plastic material as the retardant containment chamber; and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer overlying an outside surface of the seal layer; wherein the volume ratio of pressurized gas to retardant powder within the retardant containment chamber is about 3.5 to 1.0; and wherein the gas within the retardant containment chamber is pressurized to about 35 pounds per square inch. The fire retardant powder is preferably mixed with a fluidizer in a ratio by weight of about 9: 1 retardant power to fluidizer.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is a passively activated fire suppression device comprising: a retardant containment chamber comprised of a first plastic material and configured to contain a quantity of fire retardant powder; an gas accumulator chamber comprised of a second plastic material and configured to contain a quantity of pressurized gas, the gas accumulator chamber being bonded to the retardant containment chamber; a barrier layer that is situated between the retardant containment chamber and the gas accumulator chamber and configured to prevent the fire retardant powder from moving from the retardant containment chamber into the gas accumulator chamber; and a protective layer overlying the retardant containment chamber, with a cutout situated in a center section of the protective layer and a portion of the retardant containment chamber protruding through the cut-out in the center section of the protective layer; wherein both the retardant containment chamber and the gas

accumulator chamber have an internal gas pressure, and wherein the internal gas pressures of the retardant containment chamber and the gas accumulator chamber are equal as long as the retardant containment chamber remains intact; wherein the first and second plastic materials each has a melt temperature, and wherein the protective layer is comprised of a material that has a higher melt temperature than the first and second plastic materials; and wherein the barrier layer comprises a valve means that is configured to allow gas to pass through the valve means and into the retardant containment chamber when an external event causes a decrease in the gas pressure within the retardant containment chamber. The internal gas pressure within both the retardant containment chamber and the gas accumulator chamber is preferably about 35 pounds per square inch, and the volume ratio of pressurized gas in the gas accumulator chamber to retardant powder within the retardant containment chamber is preferably about 3.5 to 1 .0. In one embodiment, the first plastic material and the second plastic material are the same material. In a preferred embodiment, the first plastic material is transparent. The first plastic material, the second plastic material, and the barrier layer are preferably bonded together at their perimeters.

In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is a passively activated fire suppression system comprised of a plurality of the passively activated fire suppression devices described above situated between a first layer of fire-resistant material and a second layer of fire-resistant material; wherein the first layer of fire-resistant material comprises a plurality of cut-outs through which the portion of each retardant containment chamber that protrudes through a cut-out in the center section of the protective layer also extends through a cut-out in the first layer of fire-resistant material.

In another alternate embodiment, the present invention is a passively activated fire suppression garment comprised of a plurality of the passively activated fire suppression devices described above and a layer of fire-resistant material overlying the plurality of passively activated fire suppression devices; wherein the layer of fire-resistant material comprises a plurality of cut-outs through which the portion of each retardant containment chamber that protrudes through a cut-out in the center section of the protective layer also extends through a cut-out in the layer of fire-resistant material.

In another alternate embodiment, the present invention is a shipping box with a passively activated fire suppression system, wherein the shipping box is cuboid in shape; wherein a top surface of the box is comprised of four flaps; wherein each of the four flaps has an underside; and wherein at least one of the passively activated fire suppression devices described above is adhered to the underside of each of the four flaps.

Alternately, the present invention is a shipping box with a passively activated fire suppression system, wherein the shipping box is cuboid in shape; wherein a top surface of the box is comprised of four flaps; wherein each of the four flaps has an underside; wherein at least one of the passively activated fire suppression devices described above is adhered to the underside of each of the four flaps; and wherein the portion of the retardant containment chamber that protrudes through the cut-out in the center section of the protective layer is configured to face downward when the box is closed. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention is a passively activated fire suppression system comprising a rigid ceiling tile overlying the passively activated fire suppression device described above; wherein the rigid ceiling tile comprises a cut-out in a center section of the ceiling tile through which the portion of each retardant containment chamber that protrudes through a cut-out in the center section of the protective layer also extends through the cut-out in the ceiling tile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA WINGS

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-section view of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is an ex loder! view of a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a cross-section view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the valve in the barrier layer.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the valve in the barrier layer.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the valve in the barrier layer.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle blanket embodiment of the present invention shown installed underneath an automobile hood.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the vehicle blanket embodiment of the present invention shown installed underneath the roof of the cab in an automobile.

Figure 1 OA is a front perspective view of the vest embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 OB is a rear perspective view of the vest embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the shipping box embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the arch or tent embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a perspective view of the ceiling tile embodiment of the present invention.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Heat-sensitive (retardant containment) chamber

2 Seal layer

3 Pressure-sensitive adhesive layer

4 Fire retardant powder

5 Pressurized gas

6 Barrier layer

6a Reed valve (in harrier layer)

6b Micro-perforations (in barrier layer)

6c Scoring (in barrier layer)

7 Gas accumulator chamber

8 Barrier layer

8a Cut-out/window (in protective layer)

9 Fire-resistant material

10 Cut-out (in fire-resistant material)

1 1 Hook-and-loop fastener strap

12 Cut-out (in ceiling tile)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Figure 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a cross-section view of this same embodiment. As shown in this figure, the first embodiment of the present invention is a single cell comprised of a heat-sensitive (retardant containment) chamber 1 , a seal layer 2, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3. Inside the heat-sensitive chamber 1 are fire retardant powder 4 and pressurized gas 5. The pressurized gas may be air, nitrogen, or any other inert gas. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3 allows the cell to be adhered to a flat (or relatively flat) surface. The cell is preferably oriented so that the heat-sensitive chamber 1 extends downwardly from the seal layer 2. With the cell oriented in this manner, the fire retardant powder 4 will settle by gravity at the bottom of the heat-sensitive chamber 1 , as shown.

The heat-sensitive chamber 1 comprises an open top and is configured to contain the retardant powder 4 and pressurized gas 5 when the open top is closed off by the seal layer 2. The seal layer 2 is preferably thermally bonded (but may be bonded in any other manner) to the material comprising the heat-sensitive chamber 1 to create an airtight seal. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3 may be comprised of glue (not shown) and a layer of protective material on top of the glue that is removed to expose the glue. The heat-sensitive chamber is preferably comprised of a heat-sensitive plastic that ruptures upon exposure to high temperatures or flame (i.e., it has a relatively low melt

temperature). One suitable example of such a material is METSTR or METALLOCENE STRONG™ plastic manufactured by Brentwood Plastics, Inc. of St. Louis, Missouri. The seal layer 2 is preferably comprised of the same material as the heat-sensitive chamber 1 .

The fire retardant powder 4 may be any commercial suitable product. In a preferred embodiment, the fire retardant powder is Purple-K™ fire extinguishing agent manufactured by Tyco Fire Suppression and Building Products of Marinette, Wisconsin. According to the Material Safety Data Sheet for this product, it is made up of silicone fluid (0.5-1 .5% by weight), purple pigment (1 -5% by weight), mica (1 -5% by weight), Fuller's earth (a type of clay) (1-5% by weight), and potassium bicarbonate (60- 100% by weight). In a preferred embodiment, the retardant powder 4 is mixed with a fluidizer or silica-based powder (such as AEROSIL™ manufactured by Deutsche Gold Und Silber Scheideanstsalt Vormals Roessler Corporation of Frankfurt, Germany) that acts as an anti-caking agent; the fluidizer preferably makes up ten percent ( 10%) by weight of the retardant powder mixture.

When exposed to extreme heat or fire, the material comprising the heat-sensitive chamber 1 begins to melt, thereby reducing the chamber's ability to retain pressure. The plastic ruptures when the internal pressure of the chamber exceeds the structural integrity of the plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, the internal gas pressure within the chamber is set at 35 pounds per square inch (psi). When the plastic ruptures, the retardant powder 4 is driven out of the cell and onto the fire/heat source as a result of the release of the pressurized gas within the cell. In this particular embodiment, the retardant powder 4 is also directed downward onto the heat source by gravity. In a preferred embodiment, the volume ratio of pressurized gas to retardant powder within the cell is 3.5 to 1.0. The cell may be of any size or shape, depending on the application.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a cross-section view of this same embodiment. This embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 in that the fire retardant powder 4 is maintained in a separate chamber from that which contains the pressurized gas 5. In this embodiment, the heat-sensitive chamber 1 contains the fire retardant powder 4, but a separate gas accumulator chamber 7 contains the pressurized gas 5. The gas accumulator chamber 7 is preferably made nf Hi D or high-density plastic manufactured by

Brentwood Plastics of St. Louis, Missouri; according to Brentwood Plastics' written specifications for this product, this particular plastic material is typically used for applications requiring extra stiffness, better barrier, and higher heat resistance. This material is particularly appropriate for the gas accumulator chamber 7 because of its relative stiffness. Note that in this embodiment, the gas accumulator chamber 7 replaces the seal layer 2 of the first embodiment. Although no pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is shown in connection with the second embodiment, there may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on the outside of the gas accumulator chamber 7.

The heat-sensitive chamber 1 is comprised of the same material as that discussed above in connection with the first embodiment. In both embodiments, the material comprising the heat-sensitive chamber 1 is of a minimum porosity so as to maintain the desired gas pressure. In the second embodiment, the heat-sensitive chamber 1 and the gas accumulator chamber 7 are separated by a barrier layer 6, which is preferably comprised of METSFT or METALLOCENE SOFT™ plastic manufactured by

Brentwood Plastics of St. Louis, Missouri. The METSFT material has a strong, fast heat seal. The METSTR material has greater tensile strength and impact- and puncture- resistance than the METSFT material; therefore, the METSTR material is more appropriate for the heat-sensitive layer, which is more exposed than the barrier layer 6. The barrier layer 6 prevents the retardant powder 4 from moving out of the heat-sensitive chamber I and into the gas accumulator chamber 7. In an alternate embodiment, the heat-sensitive chamber 1 , gas accumulator chamber 7, and barrier layer 6 are all comprised of the same material, namely, a stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film also known as MYLAR ^rM polyester film. The latter material is manufactured by DuPont Teijin Films of Chester, Virginia. MYLAR™ polyester film is heat-sealable and has low permeability, which enables it to maintain gas pressure.

The material comprising the heat-sensitive chamber 1 is bonded to the barrier layer 6 and configured to contain the fire retardant powder 4. In fact, all three layers— the heat-sensitive chamber 1, the gas accumulator chamber 7, and the barrier layer 6 are bonded together at their perimeters. This bonding process may be accomplished via a heat sealer (in which the layers are thermally bonded). It may also be accomplished with glue, epoxy or resin. The present invention is not limited to any particular manner of bonding these three layers together.

Ideally, the heat-sensitive chamber 1 will be filled as full as possible with the retardant powder, but there will still be some gas in the heat-sensitive chamber. As with the first embodiment, the volume ratio of pressurized gas in the gas accumulator chamber 7 to fire retardant powder in the heat-sensitive chamber 1 is 3.5:1 , and the two chambers 1, 7 are pressurized at 35 psi. The gas pressure in both chambers 1 , 7 is equal (otherwise, the valve means would cause gas in the gas accumulator chamber to pass through to the heat-sensitive chamber) until and unless the heat-sensitive chamber begins to melt. The gas pressure in the heat-sensitive chamber will decrease either as a result of an increase in volume of the heat-sensitive chamber (caused by melting) or when the heat-sensitive chamber ruptures as a residt of exposure to extreme heat or flame, thereby causing the gas pressure with the heat-sensitive chamber to equalize with the ambient gas pressure. When this happens, the valve means (discussed more fully below) activates, thereby causing the pressurized gas in the gas accumulator chamber 7 to pass through the valve means and push the retardant powder out of the heat-sensitive chamber. Because the melting of the heat-sensitive chamber is a relatively sudden event, the change in gas pressure between the two chambers occurs abruptly, thereby causing a forceful expulsion of the retardant power. The invention is designed so that the portion of the heat-sensitive chamber that is exposed through the cut-out 8a in the protective layer 8 is the first part of the cell to melt.

A protective layer 8 preferably made of HERCULITE™ marine vinyl fabric (manufactured by Herculite, Inc. of Emigsville, Pennsylvania) overlies the heat-sensitive chamber 1 and preferably comprises a cut-out or window 8a through which the material comprising the heat-sensitive chamber 1 is exposed. This cut-out 8a acts as a port through which the fire retardant powder 4 is expelled when the cell is exposed to extreme heat or flame. In one embodiment, the material that comprises the heat-sensitive chamber 1 is transparent, which allows the retardant powder 4 to be seen through the window 8a. The HERCULITE ^rM material is preferred for the protective layer 8 because it is tough, UV-resistant, easily worked, easily obtained, comes in a variety of colors, and is sufficiently heat-resistant to ensure that the rest of the cell will melt and rupture before the protective layer does. The protective layer 8 preferably has a higher melt temperature than the material comprising the heat-sensitive chamber 1.

Figure 5-7 show various embodiments of the barrier layer 6 shown in Figures 3 and 4. As shown in these figures, the barrier layer 6 preferably comprises a valve that controls the release of pressurized gas 5 from the gas accumulator chamber 7 into the heat-sensitive chamber 1. When this gas is released, the pressure of the gas forces the fire retardant powder 4 in the heat-sensitive chamber 1 out through the cut-out 8a in the protective layer 8. In Figure 5, the valve in the barrier layer 6 is in the form of a reed valve 6a. In Figure 6, the valve in the barrier layer 6 is in the form of a series of micro- perforations 6b in the barrier layer; these micro-perforations must be sufficiently small to prevent the fire retardant powder 4 from moving into the gas accumulator chamber 7 from the heat-sensitive chamber 1. In Figure 7, the valve in the barrier layer 6 is in the form of a section or line of scoring 6c that weakens but does not puncture the barrier layer 6. Any other type of valve may be used as long as it (i) prevents the fire retardant powder 5 from traveling into the gas accumulator chamber 7 and (ii) allows the pressurized gas 5 to move into the heat-sensitive chamber 1 when there is a significant pressure differential between the two chambers. Inflatable Packaging Incorporated of Newtown, Connecticut, provides a number of alternative valve technologies, including a proprietary "flat" valve system. When the second embodiment of the present invention is exposed to extreme heat or flame, the material comprising the heat-sensitive chamber 1 begins to melt, thereby exposing the contents of the heat-sensitive chamber to atmospheric pressures. When this happens, a pressure differential is created between the heat-sensitive chamber and the gas accumulator chamber 7, and this pressure differential actuates the valve means in the barrier layer 6. Note that only some of the possible valve means have been disclosed herein; any pressure-sensitive valve means may be utilized. Based on tests conducted by the inventors, it has been established that a pressure differential of slightly more than two to one must exist between the gas accumulator chamber 7 and the heat-sensitive chamber 1 at 14.7 psi at sea level in order to drive the gas into the heat-sensitive chamber and p.xpp.l the fire retardant powder 4 with sufficient force to extinguish a fire.

The two different embodiments of cells described above may be utilized singly or in configurations involving multiple cells to provide broader coverage. The cells may also be custom-sized to fit a particular application. Furthermore, multiple cells may be configured to address a variety of different applications, some of which are shown in Figures 8-13.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the vehicle blanket embodiment of the present invention shown installed underneath an automobile hood, and Figure 9 is a perspective view of the vehicle blanket embodiment of the present invention shown installed underneath the roof of the cab in an automobile. In the vehicle blanket embodiment, multiple cells (in the form of the second cell embodiment discussed above) are sandwiched between two layers of fire-resistant material 9. Examples of suitable fire- resistant materials include ARAMID^{I M} materials manufactured by Composix Co. of Newark, Ohio, and NOMEX™ materials manufactured by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware. One of these layers of fire-resistant material comprises a plurality of cut-outs 10, and the cells are configured so that the portion of the heat-sensitive chamber 1 that protrudes from the cut-out 8a in the protective layer 8 (not shown) is exposed through a cut-out 10 in the fire-resistant material 9. The vehicle blanket can be adhered to the underside of a car hood with adhesive, as shown in Figure 8, or secured to the roof of the cab with hook-and-loop fastener straps 1 1 as shown in Figure 9. Numerous other applications of the blanket embodiment described herein are

12

4 possible; for example, the blanket embodiment could be rolled out onto the roof of a building to prevent fire damage.

Figure 1 OA is a front perspective view of the vest embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 1 OB is a rear perspective view of the vest embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a plurality of cells (again, in the form of the second cell embodiment discussed above) are sandwiched between two layers of fire- resistant material 9, which is then cut and sewn to form a vest with a neckline, arm holes, and preferably a front closure means (in this case, a zipper). The cells are preferably sized so that they are smaller in the area of the vest between the neckline and arm holes and larger in the chest area and back. As with the vehicle blanket, the outer-most layer of fire-resistant material 9 is comprised of a plurality of cut-outs 10 through which that portion of the heat-sensitive chamber 1 that protrudes through the cut-out 8a in the protective layer 8 (not shown) extends. In this manner, the fire retardant powder 4 within the heat-sensitive chamber 1 is exposed, whereas the rest of the cell is not (it is enclosed within the layers of fire-resistant material 9). In one embodiment, all of the cells are circular in shape and relatively small so as to facilitate greater ease of movement of the wearer of the vest.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the shipping box embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a single cell (which could be in the form of either the first or second cell embodiment described above) is adhered to the underside of each of the four flaps that comprise the top of the box. The cells are elongated in this figure; as noted above, the cells may be sized as necessary to fit any particular application.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the arch or tent embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the vehicle blanket embodiment described above in that the cell (in this case, the second cell embodiment) is sandwiched between two layers of fire-resistant material 9. The material is then used to form an arch (for example, above a ditch) or tent. As with the vehicle blanket embodiment, the portion of the heat-sensitive chamber 1 that protrudes through a cut-out 8a in the protective layer 8 (not shown) also extends through a cut-out 10 in the fire-resistant material 9.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the ceiling tile embodiment of the present invention. To use the present invention on the ceiling of a structure, either the first cell embodiment or the second cell embodiment may be simply adhered to the ceiling surface. Alternately, the second cell embodiment may be coupled with a rigid ceiling tile with a cut-out in it so that the portion of the heat-sensitive chamber 1 that protrudes tlirough the cut-out 8a in the protective layer 8 also extends through a cut-out 12 in the ceiling tile. Although not shown, the vehicle blankets shown in Figures 8 and 9 could also be tacked upon onto the ceiling of a structure.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many changes and

modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. The appended claims are therefore intended to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A passively activated fire suppression device comprising:

(a) a retardant containment chamber comprised of a plastic material, the retardant containment chamber being configured to contain a quantity of fire retardant powder and pressurized gas;

(b) a seal layer that is bonded to the retardant containment chamber so as to provide an airtight seal, the seal layer being comprised of the same plastic material as the retardant containment chamber; and

(c) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer overlying an outside surface of the seal layer;

wherein the volume ratio of pressurized gas to retardant powder within the retardant containment chamber is about 3.5 to 1.0; and

wherein the gas within the retardant containment chamber is pressurized to about 35 pounds per square inch.

2. The passively activated fire suppression device of claim 1 , wherein the fire retardant powder is mixed with a fluidizer in a ratio by weight of about 9: 1 retardant power to fluidizer.

3. A passively activated fire suppression device comprising:

(a) a retardant containment chamber comprised of a first plastic material and configured to contain a quantity of fire retardant powder;

(b) an gas accumulator chamber comprised of a second plastic material and configured to contain a quantity of pressurized gas, the gas accumulator chamber being bonded to the retardant containment chamber;

(c) a barrier layer that is situated between the retardant containment chamber and the gas accumulator chamber and configured to prevent the fire retardant powder from moving from the retardant containment chamber into the gas accumulator chamber; and

(d) a protective layer overlying the retardant containment chamber, with a cutout situated in a center section of the protective layer and a portion of the retardant containment chamber protruding through the cut-out in the center section of the protective layer;

wherein both the retardant containment chamber and the gas accumulator chamber have an internal gas pressure, and wherein the internal gas pressures of the retardant containment chamber and the gas accumulator chamber are equal as long as the retardant containment chamber remains intact;

wherein the first and second plastic materials each has a melt temperature, and wherein the protective layer is comprised of a material that has a higher melt temperature than the first and second plastic materials; and

wherein the barrier layer comprises a valve means that is configured to allow air to pass through the valve means and into the retardant containment chamber when an external event causes a decrease in the gas pressure within the retardant containment chamber.

4. The passively activated fire suppression device of claim 3, wherein the internal gas pressure within both the retardant containment chamber and the gas accumulator chamber is about 35 pounds per square inch; and

wherein the volume ratio of pressurized gas in the gas accumulator chamber to retardant powder within the retardant containment chamber is about 3.5 to 1 .0.

5. The passively activated fire suppression device of claim 3, wherein the first plastic material and the second plastic material are the same material.

6. The passively activated fire suppression device of claim 3, wherein the first plastic material is transparent.

7. The passive activated fire suppression device of claim 3, wherein the first plastic material, the second plastic material, and the barrier layer each has a perimeter, and the first plastic material, the second plastic material, and the barrier layer are bonded together at their respective perimeters.

8. A passively activated fire suppression system comprised of a plurality of the passively activated fire suppression devices of claim 3 situated between a first layer of fire-resistant material and a second layer of fire-resistant material;

wherein the first layer of fire-resistant material comprises a plurality of cut-outs through which the portion of each retardant containment chamber that protrudes through a cut-out in the center section of the protective layer also extends through a cut-out in the first layer of fire-resistant material.

9. A passively activated fire suppression garment comprised of a plurality of the passively activated fire suppression devices of claim 3 and a layer of fire-resistant material overlying the plurality of passively activated fire suppression devices;

wherein the layer of fire-resistant material comprises a plurality of cut-outs through which the portion of each retardant containment chamber that protrudes through a cut-out in the center section of the protective layer also extends through a cut-out in the layer of fire-resistant material.

10. A shipping box with a passively activated fire suppression system, wherein the shipping box is cuboid in shape;

wherein a top surface of the box is comprised of four flaps;

wherein each of the four flaps has an underside; and

wherein at least one of the passively activated fire suppression devices of claim 1 is adhered to the underside of each of the four flaps.

1. A shipping box with a passively activated fire suppression system, wherein the shipping box is cuboid in shape;

wherein a top surface of the box is comprised of four flaps;

wherein each of the four flaps has an underside;

wherein at least one of the passively activated fire suppression devices of claim 3 is adhered to the underside of each of the four flaps; and

wherein the portion of the retardant containment chamber that protrudes through the cut-out in the center section of the protective layer is configured to face downward when the box is closed.

12. A passively activated fire suppression system comprising a rigid ceiling tile overlying the passively activated fire suppression device of claim 3;

wherein the rigid ceiling tile comprises a cut-out in a center section of the ceiling tile through which the portion of each retardant containment chamber that protrudes through a cut-out in the center section of the protective layer also extends through the cut-out in the ceiling tile.