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.

Abstract: A fire-resistant container for use as a safe, formed of steel and lined on its inner surface with a composition comprising insulative and intumescent materials, preferably mineral wool insulation and hydrated sodium silicate fiberboard, respectively. Preferably, an air space is also provided between the fire-resistant materials and the wall. A hinged door of the container is fitted with fire-resistant materials in similar fashion to the container walls, and the door's jamb is gasketed in intumescent material. Within the container, an inner wall is formed of a fire-resistant material such as gypsum board. The aforementioned fire-resistant container meets Underwriters Laboratories Standard 72 and is suitable for storage of paper documents, firearms, and other valuables.

Abstract: A drop and slide escutcheon system where the escutcheon has rims with locking members that fit into locking grooves formed in the funnels on the safe body. The escutcheon is offset by a slight amount, allowing the locking members to slide down into openings that provide access to the locking grooves in the funnel as the escutcheon is inserted into position. The escutcheon is then moved laterally, sliding the locking members into the locking grooves provided.

Abstract: Projections and mating recesses for a hinge interconnecting a blow-molded double-walled container and lid are formed to be snap fit together while the recesses are warm from molding. The hinge projections and recesses are blow molded without forming any opening through a hinge wall into an interwall space. After the hinge projections and recesses are assembled, interwall spaces of the body and lid are each filled with a pourable insulation material that sets to make the assembled hinge strong and durable.

Abstract: A combination of the inventive combination lock can be easily and conveniently changed by the user. A clutch selectively disengages the drive tumbler from the lock spindle. With the drive tumbler disengaged and the tumblers in an aligned position, the user rotates the lock knob by a desired increment, thereby changing all of the numbers by the increment. In one embodiment, the clutch is operated by a cup mounted around the drive cam and engaging the drive tumbler, a spring biasing the drive tumbler against the cup and the drive cam, and the cup carrying a button that, when pressed, moves the drive tumbler out of engagement with the drive cam. In another embodiment, the clutch is operated by a thumb screw projecting through a rear panel of the combination lock that moves an upper part of the drive cam out of engagement with a lower part of the drive cam, allowing relative rotation of the lock dial and the drive tumbler.

Abstract: An insulated steel shell safe has a lip extending inward around an inner periphery of a door opening; and a molded resin liner, inserted into the steel shell through the door opening, is connected to the lip to form an interior of the safe. The liner has a face flange seated against the front face of the lip and outwardly extending ribs engaging a rear face of the lip. This supports the liner within the shell by engagement of the face flange and the ribs with the lip while insulation material is poured through a back wall of the shell into the space between the shell and the liner.