US3643609A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Security container having destruct means
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-09-05
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Granted: 1972-02-22
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Expires: 1989-09-05
Abstract
Abstract A piece of luggage in the form of an attache case is equipped with destruct means for destroying the contents therein in response to an intentionally given signal. The interior of the case comprises a compartment in the form of a metallic box with a cover, which box when closed serves as a combustion chamber to incinerate the contents therein when so desired. Fuel and electric igniter means are placed within the box and ignition current is supplied by a power pack housed in the attache case. A heat insulation barrier surrounds the box and prevents transfer of combustion heat to the walls of the attache case. The circuit interconnecting the electric power pack and the igniter means includes a number of normally open switches arranged in series; all of which must be closed to initiate and start the destruct cycle. One switch is closed in response to closure of the attache case, and others may be deliberately closed by key means or the like. The final switch is closed by a pushbutton in the vicinity of the attache case handle, whereby the carrier of the case may set off the destruct cycle by manipulating the pushbutton with a finger of the hand around the handle.
Inventors
- 👤 Dennis W Maywald
- 👤 Solomon Wolff
- 👤 James R Arcara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 10:08
CPC Classifications
A; A45; A45C; A45C13/00; A45C13/18; A45C13/24; E; E05; E05G; E05G1/00; E05G1/005; E05G1/10; E05G1/14; E05G2700/00; E05G2700/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
257 words
A security attache case, adapted for incinerating its contents, having a cover hinged thereto, a contents incinerating and holding means within said attache case comprising: a contents-holding compartment formed of a noncombustible material for holding the contents of the attache case, a channel communicating with said first contents-holding compartment and an envelope retained in said channel, said envelope holding incinerating materials for incinerating the contents in the contents-holding compartment upon ignition of said materials; fuel and igniter means retained in said channel; an electrical supply; a control circuit including a plurality of serially connected, normally open switches, all of which must be closed to energize said igniter means by current flowing from said electrical supply through the closed switches of said circuit to said fuel and igniter means; and an electrical connection between one of said switches and the attache case cover to close the switch in response to the closing of the attache case cover; and security means on the outside of said attache case including key means to clOse a second of said switches; and a pushbutton located near the handle for closing a third of said switches, said key means when operated to open said second switch, prevents the closing of said circuit even when the pushbutton is pushed to close said third switch whereby said key means acts as a safety device to prevent accidental operation of said pushbutton; and said key means when operated to close said second switch, permits the pushbutton to complete said control circuit when said button is pushed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
257 words
A security attache case, adapted for incinerating its contents, having a cover hinged thereto, a contents incinerating and holding means within said attache case comprising: a contents-holding compartment formed of a noncombustible material for holding the contents of the attache case, a channel communicating with said first contents-holding compartment and an envelope retained in said channel, said envelope holding incinerating materials for incinerating the contents in the contents-holding compartment upon ignition of said materials; fuel and igniter means retained in said channel; an electrical supply; a control circuit including a plurality of serially connected, normally open switches, all of which must be closed to energize said igniter means by current flowing from said electrical supply through the closed switches of said circuit to said fuel and igniter means; and an electrical connection between one of said switches and the attache case cover to close the switch in response to the closing of the attache case cover; and security means on the outside of said attache case including key means to clOse a second of said switches; and a pushbutton located near the handle for closing a third of said switches, said key means when operated to open said second switch, prevents the closing of said circuit even when the pushbutton is pushed to close said third switch whereby said key means acts as a safety device to prevent accidental operation of said pushbutton; and said key means when operated to close said second switch, permits the pushbutton to complete said control circuit when said button is pushed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
63 words
An attache case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said contents-holding compartment, said channel, said fuel and igniter means and said incinerating materials are separated from the inner walls of the attache case by means of a heat insulation barrier, said barrier blocking the transfer of combustion heat generated within said contents-holding means to prevent damage to the walls of the attache case.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
An attache case as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pushbutton is enclosed in a guard means to prevent accidental operation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
An attache case as claimed in claim 3, wherein the guard means comprises slidable enclosing means which normally enclose the pushbutton.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-21 | 1975-08-23 | 1976-02-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-21 | 1979-08-23 | 1980-02-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-21 | 1983-08-23 | 1984-02-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |