Impact-resistant container and method of making same

Abstract

Abstract An impact-resistant container having a flexible walled, rupture resistant, fluid impervious body portion in which one or more pleats are formed. The pleats are secured in a folded position by use of an adhesive or by sewing or interweaving the pleated portion with threads or fibers of sufficient strength to hold the pleats in a folded position during normal use of the container as a vehicle fuel tank or for carrying other liquid substances. Upon being subjected to high impact loads, the folded pleats unfold to increase the volume of the container and while unfolding, absorb the energy of impact upon the container to prevent its bursting. This invention is particularly useful in preventing rupture of fuel tanks in airplane or automotive vehicles and greatly reduces the likelihood of fires which result from such ruptured fuel tanks, air droppable containers and any tank or container where high impact loads will be applied. When used as a fuel tank, the container of this invention may be mounted in a vehicle in a breakaway type retainer shell which holds the tank in a folded position during normal use but upon impact, will open up to permit the fuel tank to expand and unfold to absorb the energy of impact.

Inventors

• 👤 Richard L Cook

Bibliographic Details