Compressed gas cylinder container

A compressed gas cylinder container useable to protect the gas cylinder from impact and from exterior contaminants is disclosed. The container includes a lower spacer for positioning within an inner portion of the container and shaped to form a space between a lower end of a compressed gas cylinder and an inner portion of a bottom end of the container. An upper spacer having an opening therein is sized for insertion around a top portion of a compressed gas cylinder to form a space between the side of the top of the compressed gas cylinder and the inner side walls of the top portion of the container. The inner side wall of the container separated from the compressed gas cylinder by a space therebetween to protect the compressed gas cylinder from impact to the container.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
This invention relates, in general, to containers for holding compressed 
gas cylinders and, in particular, to a compressed gas cylinder container 
capable of protecting a compressed gas cylinder from impact. 
BACKGROUND ART 
Compressed gas cylinders are used in various applications. Typically, a 
compressed gas cylinder comprises a steel cylindrical body having a valve 
means at the top thereof which may include a pressure gauge. The 
compressed gas within the cylinder is maintained within the cylinder at 
high pressures. Therefore, it is often necessary to avoid impact, 
puncture, or other damage to the cylinder which could create extreme 
danger or even an explosion. There presently exist, containers for 
compressed gas cylinders. However, such containers suffer from a variety 
of shortcomings and may not adequately protect the compressed gas 
cylinders therein from impact. 
In one type of gas cylinder container, four radially directed through-slots 
are spaced circumferentially around the midsection of a body that can 
receive a gas cylinder. The user threads a strap through the slots and 
operates a toggle on the strap to alternatively tighten or release the 
strap around a gas cylinder inserted into the body. Handles are located on 
the midsection and end of the body for improved handling. Footings are 
located on the body exterior in order to prevent rolling of the body about 
its longitudinal axis. Such a design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 
3,921,872 to Buell, Jr. This type of container, however, does not prevent 
longitudinal movement or shifting of the gas cylinder. The body does not 
adequately protect the inserted gas cylinder against radial exterior 
impact or denting. Also, the slots do not adequately seal the gas cylinder 
against exterior-contaminant exposure. 
In another type of container, upper and lower cap-skirts receive the ends 
of a gas cylinder. A user threads a strap through apertures and grooves on 
the cap-skirts and runs the strap along sides of a gas cylinder received 
between the cap-skirts. The user alternatively tightens and releases the 
strap around the received gas cylinder by operating spring clasps on the 
strap. A number of radial projections appear on one or more of the 
cap-skirts in order to prevent rotation of the received gas cylinder about 
its longitudinal axis. Such a design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 
4,022,343 to Richardson. However, the cap-skirts may not adequately seal 
the gas cylinder against exterior-contaminant exposure. Moreover, the 
cap-skirts do not protect the received gas cylinder against radial 
exterior impact or denting. 
A known configuration of a safety device for a fluid container provides a 
cap for covering a valved-end of the fluid container. A flexible membrane 
having a central opening and a downwardly-extending inverted-yoke are 
secured at the bottom rim of the cap. The flexible membrane is for sealing 
within the cap the valved-end of the container after insertion through its 
central opening. The downwardly-extending inverted-yoke is for retaining 
the opposite end of the container. In one embodiment, forcing the 
valved-end of the container through the central opening of a flexible 
membrane fixed at the cap bottom-rim and catching the opposite end of the 
container with the inverted-yoke cooperate to seal the valved-end of the 
container within the cap and above the flexible membrane. In another 
embodiment, the valved-end of the container is inserted through the 
central opening of the flexible membrane and into the cap and the opposite 
end is set into the inverted-yoke and then the valved-end of the container 
is sealed above the flexible membrane by axially drawing and clamping taut 
the flexible membrane. Such a design is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 
2,465,095 to Harvey. However, the cap and inverted-yoke do not fully seal 
the container below the flexible membrane against exterior contaminant 
exposure and protect the container below the flexible membrane against 
radial exterior impact or denting. 
Thus, a need exists for an impact resistant compressed gas cylinder 
container that protects the gas cylinder against exterior impact or 
denting. An additional need exists for a technique that allows sealing of 
the container against exterior-contaminant exposure. A further need exists 
to provide such protection and to secure the container against 
longitudinal movement or shifting. Another need exists for a technique 
that allows the cylinder to be sealed against exposure while being 
longitudinally secured. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The shortcomings of the prior art are overcome and additional advantages 
provided with the compressed gas cylinder constructed in accordance with 
the present invention. 
The compressed gas cylinder container includes a lower spacer for 
positioning within an inner portion of the container and shaped to form a 
space between a lower end of a compressed gas cylinder and an inner 
portion of a bottom end of the container. An upper spacer having an 
opening therein is sized for insertion around a top portion of a 
compressed gas cylinder to form a space between the side of the top of the 
compressed gas cylinder and the inner side walls of the top portion of the 
container. The inner side wall of the container separated from the 
compressed gas cylinder by a space therebetween to protect the compressed 
gas cylinder from impact to the container. 
In yet another aspect of the invention, the compressed gas cylinder 
comprises an elongate container sized and adapted to receive a compressed 
gas cylinder axial therein wherein the space exists between the gas 
cylinder and the inside surface of the container. A first spacer is 
adapted for mounting on a first end of the compressed gas cylinder so that 
it contacts the inner wall of the container and the compressed gas 
cylinder to create a space therebetween. A second spacer is located within 
a second end of the container and sized to receive a second end of the gas 
cylinder to maintain the second end of the container in alignment with the 
second end of the container and to maintain a space between the second end 
of the compressed gas cylinder and the inner wall of the container. The 
compressed gas cylinder is prevented from axial and radial movement 
relative to the container by the first and second spacer. 
The container may also include a means for mounting a first spacer on the 
first end of the compressed gas cylinder. The first spacer may be a ring 
mountable around the first end of the compressed gas cylinder, and may be 
made of a resilient material such as rubber. The means for mounting the 
first spacer may include a handle protruding from the ring which may be 
exposed within an opening in the first end of the container for insertion 
and removal thereof. The first end of the container may include a cap 
mountable over the opening to close the same. The cap may be secured over 
the opening using a clamp. The second end of the container may also 
comprise a second opening and a second cap may be mountable over the 
second opening to close the same. Again, the second cap may be secured 
over the second opening using a clamp. The container may be adapted to 
allow a maximum pressure therein and may also include a pressure relief 
valve therein. Furthermore, the first and/or second cap may be adapted or 
affixed onto a tube portion of the container to allow pressure within the 
container to be relieved when the pressure reaches a maximum value. The 
tube portion of the container may be corrugated, particularly on its 
exterior. The container may also include a means for carrying the 
container, which may include a strap mounted to the exterior thereof. 
The invention also includes a method for protecting a compressed gas 
cylinder. The method includes aligning a compressed gas cylinder within an 
elongate container, mounting the first spacer on a first end of the 
compressed gas cylinder such that the first spacer contacts the inner side 
wall of the first end of the container and the first end of the cylinder 
to create a space therebetween, placing a second end of the compressed gas 
cylinder within a second spacer located at a second end of the container 
to maintain a space between the second end of the compressed gas cylinder 
and an inner side wall of the second end of the container, and maintaining 
the compressed gas cylinder in axial and radial alignment with the 
container. 
Additional features and advantages are realized through the structures and 
techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the 
invention are described in detail herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
In accordance with the principles of the present invention, an impact 
resistant compressed gas cylinder container is provided in which the gas 
cylinder is protected against transverse, i.e., radial, exterior impact or 
denting. Additionally, the container is sealed against 
exterior-contaminant exposure. Furthermore, the container secures the 
compressed gas cylinder against longitudinal movement or shifting, as 
described herein. 
One example of a container incorporating and using the protection and 
positioning capabilities of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 1 
and described in detail herein. 
In one embodiment, container 100 includes tube 102 having first end 104 and 
second end 106. The first end of the tube can be covered by first cap 108. 
The second end of the tube can be covered by second cap 110. The tube has 
inner walls 112 that can receive compressed gas cylinder 114 therethrough 
with spare surrounding space 116. First spacer 118 aligns first end 120 of 
the compressed gas cylinder in the spare surrounding space in the first 
end of the tube. Generally, the first end of the compressed gas cylinder 
includes valve 121 through which the compressed gas cylinder was 
previously filled and from which the end-user will later release 
compressed gas from the cylinder. Furthermore, the valve on the first end 
of the compressed gas cylinder is typically centered on the longitudinal 
axis of the cylinder. Second spacer 122 aligns second end 124 of the 
compressed gas cylinder in the spare surrounding space in the second end 
of the tube. 
In one example, tube 102 is formed using High Density Polyethylene ("HDPE") 
resins for protection of compressed gas cylinder 114 through mechanical 
strength, chemical protection, corrosion resistance, and galvanic 
immunity. Preferably, the tube has a plurality of exterior corrugations 
126, such as ridge 128 and groove 129. The corrugations contribute 
protection from the transfer through the tube and to the compressed gas 
cylinder of foreseeable impacts applied to the exterior of the tube. For 
example, one or more ridges could bend into their adjacent grooves in 
order to absorb a glancing blow while preserving the structural integrity 
of the tube, thereby protecting the compressed gas cylinder contained 
therein. For instance, the tube can be formed from corrugated PVC tubing. 
For purposes such as ease of handling by the user, container 100 can 
include amenities such as strap 107 that has its ends 109 attached to the 
tube, for instance, by connectors encircling the tube within grooves 129 
at the attachment locations of the strap to the tube. 
In one embodiment, first and second caps 108, 110 are formed from thick 
rubber in order to provide mechanical flexibility and hermetic sealing. In 
one example, the user installs either of the caps on tube 102 by 
substantially uniformly stretching the flange of the cap over the rim 
outside the corresponding one of ends 104, 106 and along a number of 
(e.g., two or three) ridges 128. For improved sealing, the user installs 
the second cap and preferably thereafter installs the first cap by 
deliberately stretching the first cap transversely outwardly from the tube 
during insertion over corrugations 126 in order to allow escape of excess 
air. Namely, when the first cap initially covers the first end of the tube 
after the second cap has already been installed, the first cap thereby 
captures an air pocket that is compressed as its flange is pulled 
longitudinally over the corrugations. Stretching the first cap 
transversely outwardly during installation relieves the pressure build-up 
as the air naturally escapes when given a passage between the cap and the 
corrugations. Therefore, the final assembly achieves a more stable 
steady-state condition because little or no pressure gradient exists 
across the cap since the release during installation allowed entropy to 
substantially equalize the pressure of the ambient air outside container 
100 and in spare surrounding space 116 inside the container. Furthermore, 
the sealing of spare surround space around compressed gas cylinder 114 
lends mechanical support to preserve the structure of the container and 
thereby protect the cylinder contained therein. That is, the sealed air in 
the spare surrounding space hydraulically resists compression. Therefore, 
this sealed air assists the tube and caps from caving inwardly due to 
exterior forces applied thereupon. 
Optionally, first cap 108 can include pressure relief valve 130, such as a 
plug removably inserted into a hole defined in the first cap and connected 
by a neck to ring 131. In one example, steel plate 132 is fastened to the 
exterior of the first cap for retaining the parts of the pressure relief 
valve. For instance, the steel plate can define a hole sized to encircle 
or collar the neck and stop the plug as well as the ring. In one 
embodiment, the user can pull the ring to selectively release any excess 
pressure existing within container 100. For example, an indentation to 
tube 102 could reduce the volume of the container without decreasing the 
contents of the container for higher resulting pressure in spare 
surrounding space 116. Then, the user could tug the ring to relieve the 
increased pressure before taking the first cap off of first end 104 of the 
tube for removal of compressed gas cylinder 114 from the container. 
Alternatively, the pressure relief valve may be configured to 
automatically open or release when the pressure inside the container 
reaches a certain level. Furthermore, the steel plate would retain the 
parts of the pressure relief valve not only for convenience, but also for 
safety. Namely, without the steel plate, the plug-neck-ring could easily 
become projectiles which endanger the user upon dislodgement, due to 
tugging by the user or occurring spontaneously because of pressure 
build-up inside the container. In extreme circumstances of severe malady 
to the container or in the situation of preexisting defect in the 
compressed gas cylinder, breaking of the seals around or within the gas 
cylinder could create an undesirable, large pressure within the cylinder. 
Where the structural integrity of the container remains intact despite 
such inner tumult, whether or not the outward appearance of the container 
suggests catastrophe, the user can proceed to explore foreseeably 
dangerous conditions by operating the pressure relief valve. Nonetheless, 
the user would need to exercise caution and not open the pressure relief 
valve in the event noxious or toxic gases were being transported within 
the cylinder. Nevertheless, even in such dire instances as the rupture of 
a contained cylinder due to its own defect, the present invention 
advantageously seals the gases within the container. 
For purposes such as shipping, transporting, or handling of container 100, 
the user can optionally fasten first clamp 133 around first cap 108 
covering first end 104 of tube 102. The first clamp decreases any 
motivation of the first cap toward movement by increasing static friction 
of the first cap over, and transverse squeezing of the first cap about, 
the first end of the tube. One preferred embodiment always fastens second 
clamp 134 around the second cap covering second end 106 of the tube in 
order to increase mechanical support of second spacer 122 and compressed 
gas cylinder 114. For instance, the clamps 133, 134 can be formed from 
stainless steel. In addition, the first and/or second caps, including the 
clamps thereon, can be configured to separate from the tube when the 
pressure within the container reaches a desired level. 
In one embodiment, the user fastens second cap 110 about second end 106 of 
tube 102, as described above, and engages second spacer 122 against the 
inner face of the second cap and telescopically with inner walls 112 of 
the tube. The second cap defines an opening for receipt of second end 124 
of compressed gas cylinder 114. The second spacer contributes to 
maintenance of spare surrounding space 116 between the inner walls of the 
tube and the compressed gas cylinder in the second end of the tube. 
Preferably, the second spacer further contributes to axial alignment of 
the cylinder in the tube. For example, the second spacer can be a gasket. 
Furthermore, first spacer 118 defines an opening for insertion around first 
end 120 of compressed gas cylinder 114. Moreover, the first spacer 
maintains spare surrounding space 116 between the inner walls of the tube 
and the compressed gas cylinder in the first end of the tube. For example, 
the first spacer can be a gasket made of a resilient material such as 
rubber. In particular, the first spacer and second spacer 122 cooperate to 
axially/longitudinally and transversely/radially align the cylinder in the 
tube. In one preferred embodiment, the first spacer maintains a hermetic 
seal between inner walls 112 of the tube and the compressed gas cylinder. 
In accordance with the present invention, subsequent to installation of 
the caps 108, 110 as described above, this hermetic seal assists in 
hydraulically securing the position of the cylinder. 
In one aspect, compressed gas cylinder 114 has little or no relative 
movement longitudinally with respect to tube 102 because sealed air in the 
pockets of spare surrounding space 116 have no passages for flow through 
or around first spacer 118. The sealed air in these pockets resists 
compression and therefore dissuades the cylinder from leaving its inserted 
position. In another aspect, the pockets provided by the first spacer 
advantageously form a protective cushion for the cylinder against 
transversely-exterior impact, in accordance with the present invention. 
That is, the tube can flex into the space surrounding the cylinder without 
impacting the exterior of the cylinder. Further, the tube can desirably 
utilize the flexing space to absorb transverse strikes to its exterior and 
then harmlessly return to its original form, all without denting the 
cylinder. Similarly, the tube can aggregately flex in regions of its 
exterior (e.g., due to loading or unsupported shifting of container 100) 
without harming the cylinder. 
In one preferred embodiment, handle 136 attached to first spacer 118 
provides a means for removing the first spacer. For instance, the handle 
can include a gasket ring. As depicted in FIG. 2, the handle preferably is 
formed with a plurality of arms 138 having approximately uniformly spacing 
about the first spacer. This uniformity in spacing lends structural 
strength to the handle for increased longevity. Plus, the uniformity 
increases user control and comfort in handling the first spacer. 
In one example, the user stores container 100 with second clamp 134 
squeezing second cap 110 about second end 106 of tube 102. When not 
holding compressed gas cylinder 114, the container can nevertheless have 
first cap 108 covering first end 104 of the tube. First spacer 118 with 
holder 136 as well as second spacer 122 and other appropriate items such 
as dowels and rope can be stored inside the otherwise empty container. To 
insert the compressed gas cylinder, the user would preferably stand the 
container vertically on the second cap. The user slips off the first cap 
and removes any items stored within the container other than the second 
spacer, which would be positioned against the second cap with its 
perimeter along inner walls 112 and its opening opened toward the first 
end of the tube for impending receipt of second end 124 of the compressed 
gas cylinder. Then, the user would insert the cylinder through first end 
104 of the tube for receipt of the cylinder second end into the opening of 
the second spacer while making sure the cylinder will be transversely 
centered between the inner walls. That is, the user seeks to prepare for 
symmetrical positioning of the cylinder in spare surrounding space 116. 
The user reaches through the first end of the tube and presses atop first 
end 120 of the cylinder for seating of the second end of the cylinder into 
the opening of the second spacer, while ensuring transversely symmetrical 
alignment of the cylinder within the container. 
Next, the user positions first spacer 118 over valve 121 and onto first end 
120 of compressed gas cylinder 114 with the opening of the first spacer 
opened toward second end 106 of tube 102 for mounting onto the first end 
of the cylinder. The first spacer is placed evenly about the first end of 
the cylinder for transverse, as well as longitudinal, symmetry in the 
forthcoming division into pockets of spare surrounding space 116. In one 
example, the user grasps handle 136 for insertion of the first cap onto 
the first end of the cylinder with arms 138 stretching thereover. One 
preferred embodiment employs one or more wooden dowels having a tapered 
end for pressing firmly and evenly on the first spacer around the cylinder 
and toward the tube second end (e.g., downward). As described above, the 
user utilizes the first spacer to create a hermetic seal between the first 
end of the cylinder and inner walls 112 of the first end of the tube, in 
accordance with the present. At this point, the cylinder is advantageously 
positioned transversely symmetrically within the inner walls. 
Finally, the user covers first end 104 of tube 102 using first cap 108 and 
forming the stable, hermetic seal of container 100, as described above. In 
accordance with the present invention, the container now protects and 
positions compressed gas cylinder 114 for safe transport, handling, and 
storage. Furthermore, the container can assume numerous intended and 
unintended orientations and absorb all sorts of blows and harm while 
safely protecting and positioning the contained cylinder, in accordance 
with the present invention. 
During the normal course of operation, the user at some point will wish to 
remove compressed gas cylinder 114 from container 100. In one example, the 
user stands the container vertically upon second cap 110. Where pressure 
relief valve 130 appears atop first cap 108, the user usually pulls or 
tugs outwardly (e.g., upwardly) on ring 131 to release any built-up 
pressure with the container, for safety to the user during ensuing removal 
of first cap 108, as described above. Typically, the user next peels, 
jostles, or otherwise works off the first cap. Then, the users employs any 
handle 136, rope, and wooden dowels, as desired, to remove first spacer 
118 from first end 120 of compressed gas cylinder 114, by retrieving the 
first cap through the opening of first end 104 of tube 102. In the normal 
course of events, the user may need to exert force upon the first end of 
the compressed gas cylinder toward second end 106 of the tube (e.g., 
downward) in order to release the seal formed by the first spacer, for 
retrieval of the first spacer from the container without also lifting or 
otherwise moving the container therewith. 
After removal of first spacer 118, the user proceeds in turn to remove 
compressed gas cylinder 114 from container 100. In unseating second end 
124 of the cylinder from second spacer 122, the user may need to apply 
opposing (e.g., downward) force to the container, for example at first end 
104 of tube 102. 
In accordance with the present invention, the sealing of container 100 
(which is completed using first spacer 108 and first cap 108) protects 
compressed gas cylinder 114 by holding or securing it in position. 
Furthermore, this sealing provides one or more pockets in spare 
surrounding space 116 for absorption of impact by tube 102. Moreover, the 
sealing works to relieve stress, strain, and fatigue of the working parts 
of the compressed gas cylinder by maintaining a pressurized envelope that 
serves to lower the gradient between it and the pressurized inside of the 
compressed gas cylinder. 
Container 100 advantageously protects compressed gas cylinder 114 from 
impacts that often occur during transporting and/or handling. For 
instance, the container protects the gas cylinder against 
transverse-exterior impact or denting. Further, the container protects 
first end 120 (e.g., the valved-end) of the cylinder from accidental 
damage. Additionally, the container seals the cylinder against 
exterior-contaminant exposure. Moreover, the container desirably secures 
the cylinder against longitudinal movement or shifting. Also, the 
container protects the cylinder from wear and tear. For example, the 
container can protect the cylinder from chipping or scratching of its 
paint. 
Although preferred embodiments have been depicted and described in detail 
herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that 
various modifications, additions, substitutions and the like can be made 
without departing from the spirit of the invention and these are therefore 
considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the 
following claims.