Abstract:
A device for ventilating leaks from cylinders containing flammable gas when being transported in a closed vehicle, The device comprises an enclosure into which the gas cylinder may be placed, the enclosure including means to contain any leakage from the gas cylinder and then extract any leaked gas from the closed vehicle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a device that provides ventilation of cylinders being transported within vehicles. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    Gas cylinders of acetylene and other flammable gases, such as propane, are often transported within vehicles by trades people who use such gases in their work, e.g. plumbers. Many of these vehicles are enclosed, e.g. panel trucks or vans. Such transport can be very hazardous and despite precautions, the cylinders can and do develop leaks. These leaks have led to explosions of the closed vehicles, which not only may destroy the vehicle, but may result in injuries or death of the driver or other occupants of the closed vehicle. 
         [0003]    While there has been some discussion of legislation to ban the transport of cylinder gas in closed vehicles, this is not a practical solution to the problem. Trades people use closed vehicles in their jobs to provide protection to equipment and goods as well as to reduce the chance of theft or tampering. 
         [0004]    There remains a need in the art for improvements to the transport of flammable gas cylinders in close vehicles. 
       SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0005]    The invention provides an improved device for ventilating leaks from cylinders containing flammable gas when being transported in a closed vehicle. The device of the invention generally comprises an enclosure into which the gas cylinder may be placed, the enclosure including means to contain any leakage from the gas cylinder and then extract any leaked gas from the closed vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of the device according to the invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of the device according to the invention showing an embodiment where the enclosure has doors that open to allow insertion of a gas cylinder. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of the device according to the invention showing an embodiment where the enclosure has a lid, that opens to allow insertion of a gas cylinder. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The invention provides a device for containing and ventilating any leakage from a gas cylinder when the cylinder is being transported in a closed vehicle. The invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the drawing figures.  FIG. 1  shows the device of the invention comprising an enclosure  10  having in which a gas cylinder  20  can be stored during transport. The enclosure  10  is shown in  FIG. 1  as having a generally cylindrical shape, but any shape, rectangular prism, etc. dimensioned to hold the gas cylinder  20  can be used. The enclosure  10  includes a side wall  30  which in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  tapers toward the upper end to form an outlet  40 . Associated with the outlet  40 , a means  50 , such as a pump, for drawing air through the enclosure  10  is provided. At the lower end of the enclosure  10 , vents  60 ,  65  are formed to allow for the intake of air when the means  50  is operating. The vents  60 ,  65  may he sealed by non return means when the means  50  is not operating, to seal the interior of the enclosure  10  from the surrounding atmosphere and ensure that not gas leaked from the cylinder  20  escapes the enclosure  10 . One end of a hose  70  or other suitable means is attached to the outlet  40  while the other end of the hose  70  is attached to an outlet means for the closed vehicle, so that any leaked gas from the cylinder  20  can be safely vented to the atmosphere outside the closed vehicle. 
         [0010]    The interior of the enclosure  10  can be accessed in many different ways to allow insertion of the cylinder  20 . Two examples of closure systems are shown in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 2  shows an embodiment where the enclosure  10  has doors  110 ,  115  that open to allow insertion of a gas cylinder. The doors  110 ,  115  should include sealing means to ensure that no gas from the gas cylinder can escape the enclosure  10  when the doors are closed. This may be accomplished by having hinged doors that are sealed when closed by clips or a locking mechanism. Alternatively, a zipper arrangement, hook and loop type fastening means, or other attachment means may be used to close the doors.  FIG. 3  shows an embodiment where the interior of the enclosure  10  is accessed trough a pivoting or removable lid  120 . The lid  120  may be hinged and closed by clips or a locking mechanism. Alternatively, the lid  120  can have a zipper, hook and loop fastener, or other attachment means to the main body of the enclosure  10 . As a separate alternative, the lid  120  can be screw fitted to the main body of the enclosure  10 . 
         [0011]    The enclosure  10  can be made of any material that prevents leakage from the cylinder  20  from escaping from the enclosure  10 . This may be a rigid material such as aluminum, steel, or the like, or may be a more flexible material such as coated fabric or canvas. 
         [0012]    When the enclosure  10  is intended to contain a cylinder  20  that is filled with gases that are lighter than air, e.g. acetylene, then the outlet  40 , means  50  and hose  70  should be arranged at or near the top of the enclosure  10 . When the enclosure  10  is intended to contain a cylinder  20  that is filled with gases that are heavier than air, e.g. propane, then the outlet  40 , means  50  and hose  70  should be arranged at or near the bottom of the enclosure  10 . 
         [0013]    The enclosure  10  can be fitted with a sensor that would detect any gas leakage from the cylinder  10  and controls can be connected with such a sensor to turn on the pump or other evacuating means upon sensing a leak. Power for the air flow system or pump can be provided by batter, or power packs. Alternatively power can be provided by direct wiring with the vehicle engine or by a plug that inserts in to a utility or lighter socket of the vehicle. 
         [0014]    The device of the invention provides a means for making the transport of gas cylinders in closed vehicles much safer. The invention is simple and easy to use and versatile enough to be accommodated in any closed vehicle configuration. 
         [0015]    It is anticipated that other embodiments and variations of the present invention will become readily apparent to the skilled artisan in the light of the foregoing description, and it is intended that such embodiments and variations likewise be included within the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.