The present invention includes systems, assemblies, and methodologies for inhibiting combustion within fluid containers, enhancing the safety of such containers. One aspect includes a novel base module from which assemblies of varying shape and size, suitable for disposing within a variety of different fluid containers, are created. In one embodiment, the base module is made from an expanded mesh which is rolled in a novel cylindrical configuration according to a novel methodology. In another embodiment, the base module may be combined with other base modules to form an assembly. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for creating base modules which allows for varying density of the base modules and therefore varying flexural strength and rigidity of the assemblies. As such, the packing density of assemblies within containers may be optimized to produce the desired effect of inhibiting combustion within the container.

A portable fuel container configured to prevent liquid fuel contained therein from being entirely emptied from the container. The amount of liquid fuel retained in the container can be sufficient to maintain a fuel-to-air ratio in the container at a fuel-rich level that prevents combustion within the container if the container were to be placed near an ignition source or if an ignition source were to somehow enter the container. The container can also include other safety features such as, for example, a flash suppressor located at the fill opening, an extra wide fill opening, and/or an easily controllable dispensing spout. When a flash suppressor is employed, the perforations in the flash suppressor can be configured to retain fuel therein after fuel has been dispensed from the container and the flash suppressor is no longer submerged in fuel.

A container to store a liquid. The container may include a body with a cavity to store a liquid. The container may include a valve with a housing and a closing member. The housing may include a conduit connecting a first opening at a top of the valve to a second opening at a bottom of the valve, where the top of the valve faces an exterior of the housing and the bottom of the valve faces the cavity of the housing. The closing member may be located within the conduit, where the closing member may control a flow of matter from the second opening to the first opening.

The present invention includes systems, assemblies, and methodologies for inhibiting combustion within fluid containers, enhancing the safety of such containers. One aspect includes a novel base module from which assemblies of varying shape and size, suitable for disposing within a variety of different fluid containers, are created. In one embodiment, the base module is made from an expanded mesh which is rolled in a novel cylindrical configuration according to a novel methodology. In another embodiment, the base module may be combined with other base modules to form an assembly. The present invention is also directed to an apparatus and method for creating base modules which allows for varying density of the base modules and therefore varying flexural strength and rigidity of the assemblies. As such, the packing density of assemblies within containers may be optimized to produce the desired effect of inhibiting combustion within the container.

A portable fuel container configured to prevent liquid fuel contained therein from being entirely emptied from the container. The amount of liquid fuel retained in the container can be sufficient to maintain a fuel-to-air ratio in the container at a fuel-rich level that prevents combustion within the container if the container were to be placed near an ignition source or if an ignition source were to somehow enter the container. The container can also include other safety features such as, for example, a flash suppressor located at the fill opening, an extra wide fill opening, and/or an easily controllable dispensing spout. When a flash suppressor is employed, the perforations in the flash suppressor can be configured to retain fuel therein after fuel has been dispensed from the container and the flash suppressor is no longer submerged in fuel.

Flame mitigation devices meeting all applicable regulatory requirements are described. The system includes a mesh element affixed to a closure fitment that is specially designed to couple to a rounded bead or edges on a container neck. Tamper-evident and child resistant features can be incorporated at the interfaces of the closure fitment and a cap that is removably attachable to the closure, whereas the closure is effectively coupled to the container in a permanent a manner.

Flame mitigation system for retractable/extendible spout formed in a closure is described. The system meets applicable regulatory requirements and includes a flame mitigating mesh element in a rigid spout section immediately above a flexible section that extends and retracts. A tamper evident panel is disposed above the mesh, while a removable cap can be affixed to the rigid spout. An optional, snap-fitting cylindrical guard may also be used. In each instance, the precise positioning of selected elements and inner diameter and axial travel distance of selected elements can be determinative of the system's ability to pass the regulatory requirements.

Flame mitigation devices meeting all applicable regulatory requirements are described. The device includes a slotted connector and a venting support tube, with systems described to include a container with an elongated pouring spout. Additional aspects include a series of container sections each having a flame mitigation device as described above.