Abstract:
A cover or jacket designed to fit standard cooking gas cylinders of varying sizes is provided. More particularly, the cover comprises a specific fire-proof material which protects users from fire hazards and harms likely to stem from an uncovered cooking gas cylinder, while simultaneously protecting the cooking gas cylinder itself from any harmful particles and/or bacteria that would normally be found on an exposed cooking gas cylinder.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from Jamaican Patent Application No. 18/1/4451 entitled “CYLINDER COVER/JACKET” filed on behalf of Errol A. McGhie, on May 22, 2006. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to an apparatus and system for securing gas cylinders and, more particularly, to interlocking jackets that cover gas cylinders. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Cooking gas (i.e. propane) cylinders have become an almost indispensable product for most modern businesses and households. Yet due to the flammable nature of such cylinders they may also pose a risk to users as they are often readily exposed and susceptible to substances which could ignite the combustible gases contained within the cylinder. More ways are needed to minimize such risks. 
         [0004]    Often when cooking, gas cylinders are cracked, broken and/or otherwise pose a risk to the user, such user becomes aware of this fact when it is too late to remedy. Precautions and methods of warning the user where danger is imminent need to be employed. 
         [0005]    Depending on use, particular cooking gas cylinders may be stored for long periods of time and, as a result, attract numerous particles and bacteria by means of dirt and crawling insects. Exposure to such elements (including moisture) may have the effect of corroding the cylinder itself and/or causing the collection of dust and other particles which can pose health hazards. The nature and heavy weight of such cylinders (both large and small) often prevent users from properly cleaning the cylinders and from removing varied bacteria. 
         [0006]    The shape and weight of cooking gas cylinders often make them difficult to carry, for example, when removing one cylinder from its storage area and replacing it with another. The “handles,” normally on the top of such cylinders, are difficult and uncomfortable to grip. A more comfortable and efficient means of transporting cooking gas cylinders by hand is required. 
         [0007]    Where cylinders are being transported in moving vehicles and similar devices, the cylinders may shift, fall or otherwise suffer damage during the course of travel. A means of securing and stabilizing the cylinder during such travel is required. 
         [0008]    Other products, such as heating and insulation jackets for cooking gas cylinders, are designed specifically to heat and insulate cylinders in order to prevent gases from condensing inside the cylinder. These cylinder jackets are commonly used with hydrocarbon and protocol mixtures to protect against inaccurate calibration and process control when cylinders are exposed to low temperatures. Such jackets are not geared to providing practical uses for general users, for example, by not providing any means of carrying the cylinder by hand. 
         [0009]    Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus and/or system for securing gas cylinders that is easy to use and economical that addresses at least problems associated with conventional systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0010]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention, accordingly, provides an apparatus for securing a gas cylinder having a reservoir and a valve assembly. A generally cylindrical first covering member that is dimensioned to cover the majority of the reservoir is provided, where the first covering member has a major axis, a top, and a bottom end. A second covering member is also provided, where the second covering member is dimensioned to cover the valve assembly, has an opening to access the valve assembly, has a removable flap dimensioned to cover the opening, and has a bottom end. A third covering member is secured to the first covering member at the top end of the first covering member and secured to the bottom end of the second covering member. A plurality of magnetic strips are secured to the exterior of the first covering member. At least one female stabilizer is removably secured to at least one of the magnetic strips, and at least one male stabilizer is removably secured to at least one of the magnetic strips. 
         [0011]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second covering member further comprises a generally cylindrical portion having a first and a second end with the first end being secured to the third covering member and with the generally cylindrical portion having the opening therein and a generally circular top portion secured to the second end of the generally cylindrical portion. 
         [0012]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top portion is secured to the cylindrical portion by a zipper. 
         [0013]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic strips are evenly spaced relative to one another. 
         [0014]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pair of female stabilizers are further provided where each female stabilizer is secured to at least one magnetic strip, and the female stabilizers are spaced symmetrically relative one another about the major axis. 
         [0015]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a pair of male stabilizers are provided where each male stabilizer is secured to at least one magnetic strip, and the male stabilizers are spaced symmetrically relative one another about the major axis. 
         [0016]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the male stabilizer and the female stabilizer are made of polyvinyl chloride having metallic strips secured thereon. 
         [0017]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for securing a plurality of gas cylinders is provided where each gas cylinder has a reservoir and a valve assembly. The system includes a plurality of cylinder jackets where each cylinder jacket is secured on at least one gas cylinder and where each cylinder jacket is secured to another cylinder jacket. A generally cylindrical first covering member that is dimensioned to cover the majority of the reservoir is provided, where the first covering member has a major axis, a top, and a bottom end. A second covering member is also provided, where the second covering member is dimensioned to cover the valve assembly, has an opening to access the valve assembly, has a removable flap dimensioned to cover the opening, and has a bottom end. A third covering member is secured to the first covering member at the top end of the first covering member and secured to the bottom end of the second covering member. A plurality of magnetic strips are secured to the exterior of the first covering member. At least one female stabilizer is removably secured to at least one of the magnetic strips, and at least one male stabilizer is removably secured to at least one of the magnetic strips. 
         [0018]    Some additional objects of the present invention are:
       1. Protecting the cooking gas cylinder from fire hazards and any such harm by using an inflammable material that will properly cover the surface area of the cylinder.   2. Protecting users of cooking gas cylinders from fire hazards and other harm as the protective and inflammable layer of material covering the jacket will reduce the risk of any flammable or explosive substance coming into direct contact with the cylinder.   3. Preventing dust, particles, bacteria, insects and any and all such matter from coming into direct contact with the cooking gas cylinder and thereby corroding, contaminating and/or otherwise reducing the effectiveness of the cooking gas cylinder.   4. Providing a safe and easy means of keeping the cooking gas cylinder clean as the cylinder cover is designed to collect any and all matter from coming into direct contact with the cylinder and the cover itself can be easily removed from the cylinder, cleaned and placed on the cylinder.   5. Facilitating an easy, safe and comfortable means of transporting the cooking gas cylinder, especially by hand, as the cylinder cover is comprised of secure, accessible and comfortable handles or grips to allow the movement and carriage of the cylinder from place to place.   6. Providing a means of securing and keeping the cylinder stable when it is being transported in moving vehicles or similar devices.   7. Providing a cost-effective means of benefiting from the above-mentioned uses.       
 
         [0026]    The apparatus in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is comprised of:
       a canvas, fireproof material tailored to the size and dimensions of the particular cylinder;   a 17-inch (the size may vary according to the size of the cylinder) metal zipper, which also comprises a flame retardant fabric onto which the metal fastener is attached, that runs down the center to the bottom of the cylinder cover;   a 23-inch (the size may vary according to the size of the cylinder) metal zipper positioned around the outer edge of the circular top of the cylinder cover;   a rectangular flap/pouch adjoined to the top circular section of the cylinder cover;   four rectangular magnetic strips, each placed evenly at four sides of the exterior of the cylinder cover;   a pair of semi-curved plastic sheaths made of flame retardant polyvinyl chloride material, each of which contains a rectangular metallic strip on the side where the sheaths are curved inwards. Attached to the opposite side of the sheaths is a vertical rectangular slide-in groove;   a pair of semi-curved plastic sheaths made of flame retardant polyvinyl chloride material, each of which contain a rectangular metallic strip on the side where the sheaths are curved inwards. Attached to the opposite side of the sheaths is a rectangular wedge.       
 
         [0034]    Another object of a preferred embodiment of the invention is to protect cooking gas cylinders and their handlers by reducing the risk of contact of the cylinders with potentially and actual harmful elements. The invention also provides an easy and accessible means of protection from dust and other particles that would otherwise collect on and/or stain and/or otherwise negatively affect the cooking gas cylinder. 
         [0035]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention also features a padded rectangular flap which doubles as a padded handle for easy carriage of the invention and the gas cylinder within. Gripping the handles on existing gas cylinders can be extremely uncomfortable and, as such, hampers transportation of such cylinders. The padded flap of the cylinder jacket therefore provides an additional practical use, i.e. ease of transporting cylinders. 
         [0036]    A preferred embodiment of the present invention will also be of utility to commercial users, particularly those companies which supply or transport cylinders in bulk. Through the attached stabilizer device, it will create a stable linkage between cylinders which will prevent excessive movement as well as reduce friction between and damage to cylinders during transport. 
         [0037]    The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  is an exploded view of the cover and cylinder in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of the cover and cylinder with the flap open in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the cover and cylinder with the flap closed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the cover and cylinder in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view of the cover and cylinder in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is a front isometric view of the female stabilizer in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a front isometric view of the male stabilizer in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a rear isometric view of a stabilizer in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0047]      FIGS. 9 through 11  depict the operation and use of the cover and stabilizer in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0048]    Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views. 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-5  of the drawings, a cylinder cover or jacket  200  is depicted. Preferably, the cylinder cover  200  is used in conjunction with a compressed gas cylinder  100 , such as a conventional propane tank. 
         [0050]    The tank  100  comprises a reservoir  102 , a valve assembly  104  and a support base  106 . The reservoir  102  is typically formed of steel and retains the compressed gas therein. Additionally, most reservoirs, like reservoir  102 , are ellipsoid shaped, preferably resembling oblate ellipsoids. The valve assembly  104  is secured to one end of the reservoir  102  (typically, a “flat end” of the oblate ellipsoid), and which may include a handle as shown. Opposite the valve assembly  104  is the support base  106  that serves to allow the cylinder  100  to remain upright or standing. Typically, the support base  106  is a steel ring welded to the reservoir  102 . 
         [0051]    For securing gas cylinders (like cylinder  102 ), a cover  200  is employed. Preferably, the cover  200  is made of a canvas, fireproof material (i.e. NOMEX®) that is dimensioned to fit the cylinder (i.e. cylinder  100 ). The cover  200  includes a first covering member  202 , a second covering member  206 , a third covering member  204 , and magnetic strips  218 . Typically, the cover  200  is comprised of multiple layers of welded fabric or material. 
         [0052]    The first covering member  202  operates to cover the majority of the area of cylinder  100  or most of the reservoir  102 . Preferably, the first covering member  202  is generally cylindrical having a major axis that is adapted to be generally coaxial with the major axis of the cylinder  100 , when engaged. Generally, the first covering member  202  is adapted to cover the reservoir  102  of cylinder  100 , having a height of about 17 inches and a diameter of about 12 inches. Additionally, a zipper (not shown) may also be included along the height of the first covering member  202  to allow for easy removal of the cover  200 . 
         [0053]    The valve assembly  104  (which may include a handle) is typically covered by the second covering member  206 . Preferably, the second covering member  206  is generally cylindrical with a major axis that is coaxial with the major axis of the first covering member  202 . In contrast to the first covering member  202 , the second covering member  206  is more complex and comprised of several subcomponents. Namely, the second covering member  206  includes a cylindrical portion  220  (which is about 6 inches tall and has a diameter of about 23 inches) and a generally circular top portion  212  (which has a circumference of about 23 inches). The top portion  212  is preferably secured to the cylindrical portion  220  with a zipper  214 . Additionally, an opening  208  is present in the cylindrical portion  220  to allow the user to have access to the valve assembly  104 . The opening  208  is generally rectangular and being about 4 inches wide by about 5 inches tall. A flap  210 , which is stitched to the cylindrical portion  220  at a first end and removably secured to the cylindrical portion  220  at a second end by fasteners  216  (i.e. snap-on fasteners) is also provided. Preferably, the flap  210  is about 5 inches wide by about 6 inches tall and adapted to cover opening  208 , when desired. The flap  210  may be raised when it is pulled outward, releasing the fasteners  216 . The flap  210  serves as part of a covering for the gas cylinder and at the same time a medium to protect a person&#39;s hand while the gas cylinder is being carried. 
         [0054]    Linking the first covering member  202  and the second covering member  206  is the third covering member  204 . Typically, the third covering member  204  is frustospherical or frustoellipsoidal in shape. The third covering member  204  is secured at one end to the top of the first covering member  202  and is secured to the cylindrical portion  220  at the other end. Preferably, the third covering member  204  is stitched to both the first covering member  202  and the second covering member  206 . 
         [0055]    Secured along the outside of the first covering member  202  are magnetic strips  218 . Preferably, four magnetic strips  218  extend longitudinally parallel to the major axis and are circumferentially placed equidistantly and symmetrically about the major axis of the first covering member  202 . Magnetic strips  218  are typically at least 5 inches long and about 1.5 inches wide and typically oriented to have the major axis of each of the magnetic strips  218  coextensive with the major axis of the first covering member  202 . Preferably, magnetic strips  218  are permanent magnets made of Neodymium Iron Boron (NIB). 
         [0056]    In addition to simply covering gas cylinders, the covers  200  can be interlocked with one another. Interlocking is achieved through the use of sheaths or stabilizers. As can be seen in  FIGS. 6-11 , stabilizers are secured to the exterior of covers  200 . In particular, there are two types of stabilizers that are used: male stabilizers  300  and female stabilizers  350 . Each male stabilizer  300  and female stabilizer  350  are adapted to engage one another so as to “interlock.” 
         [0057]    Each male stabilizer  300  and female stabilizer  350  has a base member  302 . Base member  302  is a curved sheet of plastic (such as polyvinyl chloride) which is generally a sectioned cylindrical surface. Included on the concave side of the base member  302  is a metallic strip  308 . Typically, strip  308  is a generally rectangular ferromagnetic (i.e. carbon steel) strip that is about 1.5 inches by about 5.0 inches. Extending from the convex side of base member  302  is either the male securing member  304  (for the male stabilizer  350 ) or the female securing member  306  (for the female stabilizer  350 ). Preferably, the male securing member  304  has a “T” shaped cross section having respective widths of about ½ inch and about 1.4 inches. Preferably, the female securing member  306  has a pair of opposing “V” shaped members that are each about ½ inch wide with about a ½ inch channel therebetween. 
         [0058]    When used, as seen in  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the male securing member  304  slidably engages the female securing member  306 . In order to make use of the engagement, a pattern is formed on adjacent covers  200  to allow many cylinders  100  to be secured to one another. An example of such a pattern is an alternating pattern where a pair of female stabilizers are secured to each cylinder cover  200  (being oriented symmetrically about the major axis of the first covering member  202  and opposite one another) and a pair of male stabilizers are secured to each cylinder cover  200  (being oriented symmetrically about the major axis of the first covering member  202  and opposite one another). 
         [0059]    Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.