FIRE AND WATER-RESISTANT CONTAINER
A fire-resistant container (14) having a full gasket (62) at the interface between hinged top (12) and bottom mating elements. The elements (12,10) are insulated and are formed with matable labyrinthine edges. One of the edges is provided with a smooth, soft gasket (62) disposed in a groove (54) in the labyrinth which forms a seal against a corresponding rib (60) in the opposing edge. The elements (12,10) are joined along common sides by a hinge (18), the rotational axis (16) of which is positioned in space relative to the gasket (62) and rib (60) such that, in closing of the container (14), the gasket (62) engages the rib (60) at all points substantially simultaneously. The hinged elements (12,10) are secured by over-center latch (28,30) such that when the container (14) is fully closed the rib (60) exerts a small and substantially uniform force against the gasket (62) to form a seal against fire and water.