Cylinder safety system

A cylinder caddy, adapted to a bottle with a neck, a bottom, and a center of gravity is provided. The caddy includes a handle with a first end pivotally attached to the upper strap, and a second end configured to detachably connect to the neck. In a first position, the handle is pivoted to allow the second end to be attached to the neck, thereby requiring the removal of a regulator, allowing the storage compartment to hold a regulator, protecting the neck from dust and other particulates and allowing a user to safely carry the cylinder. In a second position, the handle is pivoted to allow the second end form a strut, thereby providing the user a more stable operating position.

BACKGROUND

Portable cylinders are commonly used to supply a variety of pure and mixed gas standards for use in industrial, medical, commercial, or residential applications. The portable cylinders may contain reactive, non-reactive, as well as flammable gas mixtures in pure form or mixed concentrations. These cylinders are used in many applications including but not limited to welding and cutting, the calibration of medical devices, as well as fixed and portable confined space and breath alcohol testing monitors.

Most portable cylinders have a relatively high ratio of length (or height) to diameter. They usually have a flat bottom and a rounded top. As these cylinders typically have service pressures of 155 psi to over 2200 psi, they are constructed with very thick walls. They are often made of steel or aluminum. These cylinders tend to be unstable whether they are standing vertically or lying horizontally. When standing vertically, especially if they have a relatively heavy regulator attached, they are prone to tipping over. When lying horizontally, they tend to roll, especially during transport.

The consequences of a pressurized cylinder accidentally discharging its contents due to tipping over or rolling can be disastrous. The accidental release of the potential energy within the cylinder can cause immediate danger to both life and property. Although the cylinders may look small, the contents can be under significant pressure, and when released uncontrollably they can displace air, creating an asphyxiation hazard. In some cases the cylinders may contain flammable or even poisonous gas.

Hence, a need exists in the industry, for a simple, safe, and effective means to transport and provide a stable working platform for portable, high pressure cylinders.

SUMMARY

A cylinder caddy, adapted to a bottle with a neck, a bottom, and a center of gravity is provided. The caddy may have a strap configured to affix circumferentially to the cylinder at a location that may be higher than the center of gravity, a bottom cup configured to affix circumferentially to the cylinder along the bottom, at least one axial strap configured to connect the strap and the bottom cup, and a storage compartment. The storage compartment may be attached to the at least one axial strap. The caddy includes a handle with a first end pivotally attached to the upper strap, and a second end configured to detachably connect to the neck or a valve attached to the neck. In a first position, the handle is pivoted to allow the second end to be attached to the neck, thereby requiring the removal of a regulator, allowing the storage compartment to hold a regulator, protecting the neck, and allowing a user to safely carry the cylinder. In a second position, the handle may be pivoted to allow the second end to form a strut or brace, thereby providing the user a more stable operating position.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated inFIG. 1, a typical portable cylinder will have a bottom101, sides102, a rounded top103, and a neck104. A flow or pressure regulator105will be attached to neck104during normal operation. Regardless of the material of construction, but especially if the cylinder is made of aluminum, the center of gravity106will be relatively high in the cylinder when regulator105is attached. This will tend to make the cylinder assembly top heavy and prone to tipping during use.

Therefore, during the usage of the cylinder assembly, safety and stability are concerns. If the cylinder is simply laid on its side, rolling instability is now a potential problem. There is also a concern about contamination, should the cylinder assembly simply be laid down on its side. The regulator and any attached hoses might inadvertently come into contact with surfaces that could taint the gas. So, laying the cylinder on the side is not an ideal solution due to this inherent instability.

Turning toFIG. 2, a cylinder caddy is provided. The caddy includes a strap201that may be configured to affix circumferentially to the cylinder at a location which may be higher than the center of gravity106(shown). Strap201may be located at a position that is approximately equal to the center of gravity106(not shown). Strap201may be located at a position that is lower than the center of gravity106(not shown). In one embodiment, strap201is adjustable, and may have a buckle, hook and loop, clip, or any other means known in the art to secure it to the cylinder. In another embodiment, strap201may be made of an elastic polymer. Storage compartment202may be attached to strap201. At least one axial strap204may be attached to strap201and also attached to storage compartment202.

As some flow regulators105may include rechargeable batteries, a charging connector (not shown) may be included in storage compartment202which may, for example, connect to an automotive 12 volt charging port. One non-limiting example for such a usage would be for law enforcement officers using the caddy for road side breath alcohol screenings.

A handle203is pivotally attached to strap201. In a first position, handle203A is pivoted to allow the second end to attach to the neck or valve104of the cylinder. In this first position, it will be required that the regulator105be removed from the cylinder, thereby encouraging the industry recognized best practice of removing the flow regulator105when the cylinder is not in use, or in transit. If flow regulator105is left attached to the cylinder when not in use, the regulator may be damaged, or the entire contents of the cylinder my vent if there is a regulator leak. During the first position, storage compartment202is available to store regulator105.

In a second position, handle203B may be pivoted to allow the second end to form a brace, strut, or stand, thereby providing the user a more stable mode of operation (such as calibration). In the second position, storage compartment202may collapse and help support handle203in the strut position.

As indicated inFIG. 2, storage compartment202may be made of a flexible material, such as vinyl and may be designed to conveniently store a regulator as well as other spare components, such as batteries, tubing, etc.

As indicated inFIGS. 3 and 4, storage compartment202may be made with sections of a hard material202A or202C, with a compressible or flexible central section202B or202D.

As indicated inFIG. 4, storage compartment202may be made of a hard material202C, which contacts the handle203and connects in any manner known in the art. A portion202D of storage compartment202may be made of a flexible or compressible section.

In an alternate embodiment, still indicated inFIG. 4, storage compartment202may be made of a flexible material202C, which is connected to a strip of hard material202D. The flexible material202C collapses when the handle is in the second position, and the hard material202D connects to handle203in any manner known in the art.

As indicated inFIG. 5, storage compartment202may be made of a hard material which contacts202E the handle203and connects in any manner known in the art.