Storage system and protective device for tanks

A tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to pressurized liquid or gas storage tanks and more particularly to an improved storage system and protective device for such tanks.

Tanks for storing and dispensing pressurized gas and/or liquid are commonly used in a wide variety of industrial, medical and other applications. A typical tank comprises a hollow cylinder made of steel or other rigid impermeable material that stores the gas or liquid under relatively high pressure. A regulator assembly is in fluid flow communication with the tank and includes a regulator to control the flow of fluid from the tank and a gauge to monitor the fluid level and/or pressure. The tank may be provided with a separate valve for controlling fluid flow from the tank to the regulator assembly. A supply hose is connected to the output port of the regulator assembly for dispensing the fluid. The gauge is relatively fragile and can be damaged or unseated from the regulator assembly if it collides with an object.

Often storage tanks are used in an environment where the fluid stored in the tank is used in conjunction with other equipment for performing a particular function. Example environments are plumbing, welding, HVAC and electrical work where the tank may store a liquid fuel such as acetylene or propane. Such applications require related equipment such as brazing rods, pipe fittings, solder, flux, hand tools, torch heads or the like. Because the typical filled storage tank is heavy and difficult to transport and a wide variety of related equipment may be required at the work site, it has been difficult for a worker to easily and conveniently transport the storage tank and associated equipment.

Thus, an improved storage system and protective device for use with pressurized tanks is desired.

SUMMARY

The storage system of the invention comprises a tank jacket that has a top portion and a body portion made of a durable flexible material such as nylon that is dimensioned to fit over the outside of a storage tank. The top portion includes a hole for receiving the regulator assembly. Specifically, the regulator assembly is removed from the tank, typically by unscrewing the assembly from the tank, and the jacket is fit over the tank so that the hole aligns with the tank's fill/dispense port. The regulator assembly is then reattached to the tank to retain the jacket on the tank. The free edge of the body portion includes an elastic band for fitting the edge of the body portion tightly to the tank. The tank jacket supports a hose support assembly for storing the supply hose and a plurality of pockets for retaining various accessories and tools.

Additionally, a gauge protector may be provided that fits over the regulator assembly. The gauge protector is constructed of a rigid material such as ABS plastic. The gauge protector includes a first housing section defining a first cavity for receiving the regulator and a second housing section defining a second cavity for receiving the pressure gauge. The first and second housing sections provide shock protection for the gauge and regulator. The first and second housing sections are rigidly connected to one another and mounted on the regulator assembly such that a force applied to the gauge is at least partially absorbed by the gauge protector and regulator assembly. As a result the force on the gauge is lessened and the integrity of the connection between the gauge and the regulator is maintained. A handle may be formed on the gauge protector to facilitate carrying of the tank.

The gauge protector and tank jacket may be used independently from one another or may be used together on the same tank. When used together, the gauge protector and tank jacket protect the tank and regulator assembly and provide a system for transporting the tank and related accessories and tools.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 4, the storage system1of the invention is shown in use with a storage tank2having a fill/dispense port3on which is mounted regulator assembly4. Regulator assembly4includes a regulator5and gauge6. A hose8is in fluid flow communication with regulator5for dispensing the fluid stored in tank2. While in the illustrated embodiment tank2has a substantially cylindrical shape, the storage system of the invention can be used with tanks having any size and shape. Storage system1consists of a jacket10made of a durable and flexible material such as nylon, cordura, cotton, polyester, leather, denim, other synthetic materials or other materials that provide the necessary durability and flexibility. In one embodiment the material is a flame retardant material. Jacket10has a top portion12that terminates in a circular rim14and defines a centrally located hole18. Extending from top portion12is a body portion16that extends around the entire periphery of the top portion so as to create an interior cavity dimensioned to receive tank2. The bottom free edge20of body portion16is open such that the tank can be inserted into the cavity formed by body portion16and top portion14through the bottom of the jacket10. In use the tank2may be stood vertically and the jacket10slipped over top of the tank. The shape of top portion12is determined by the shape of the tank. In the illustrated embodiment tank2is cylindrical and top portion12is shaped and sized to match the outer dimension of tank2such that the body portion16closely fits over the exterior of the tank. If a tank with a different shape is used, the storage system would likewise be shaped to conform to the shape and size of the tank. Likewise, the hole18is shown in the center of the top portion12to accommodate the centrally located fill/dispense port3of tank2. If the fill/dispense port is located in a different position on a different type of tank, hole18would be repositioned so as to be coextensive with the port.

Referring toFIG. 3, an elastic band21is provided along the free end of body portion16. Elastic band21may be disposed in a pocket or hem formed at the free edge of body portion16. The elastic band21is provided to help retain the jacket on the tank and to conform the free end of the jacket to the exterior surface of the tank. The elastic band21also helps to prevent debris or other foreign matter from entering the space between the tank2and the jacket10and minimizes the chance that the free end of the jacket will be inadvertently snagged.

The jacket10supports a hose storage assembly30on which the hose8is stored when not in use. Hose storage assembly30consists of a base member32that is connected to the side portion16by adhesive, stitching or other suitable fastener. If desired the base32may be removably connected to the side portion16such as by hook and loop fasteners, snaps or other releaseable fastener. Base32is dimensioned so as to have an interior dimension and shape that is substantially the same as the outer dimension of the jacket and that conforms to the outer shape and dimension of the tank2such that the base32will surround the tank when the storage system1is mounted on the tank. Extending from the base is an upper flange34and a lower flange36. Upper flange34an lower flange36extend from the base a distance sufficient to create a volume of space therebetween that can accommodate the hose when the hose is wound around base32. Hose8extends from the regulator assembly4through a hole39formed in upper flange34and into the space between upper flange34and lower flange36such that the hose can be wrapped around base32. The hose storage assembly is arranged such that hose8is wrapped around the tank2. In other words, the axis around which hose8is wrapped is coextensive with the longitudinal axis of tank2. In this manner the hose8can be safely and securely stored while minimizing the space the hose occupies in the stored position.

The bottom flange36includes a plurality of notches38that extend from the exterior edge of the bottom flange to an interior position. After the hose is wound on reel assembly30, the free end of the hose can be inserted into one of the notches38to prevent the hose from unwinding. Notches are provided spaced around the periphery of bottom flange36such that the end of the hose can be secured in a notch regardless of where on the hose storage assembly the free end of the hose is positioned. As best shown inFIG. 5, in one embodiment each notch38has a narrow throat portion40that leads into a slightly wider receptacle portion42. The throat portion40is dimensioned such that the hose, which is typically constructed of a flexible material, is deformed as it is squeezed through throat portion40. In this manner the hose will not inadvertently fall out of the notch. The receptacle portion42holds the hose without applying continuous pressure on the hose. The throat portion40could also be made flexible such as by using a deformable material or a flexible arrangement to facilitate insertion of the hose.

In the illustrated embodiment, jacket10supports an elongated vertical pocket50that may store brazing rods or other elongated articles. In one embodiment pocket50may be made of the same material as jacket10. Brazing rods are typically stored in an elongated plastic container52where the rods and storage container, when inserted in the pocket50may extend beyond the hose storage assembly30. To accommodate the brazing rods or other elongated articles, the hose storage assembly is formed with a gap44that allows the elongated article to extend beyond the hose storage assembly if necessary as shown inFIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment the gap is formed by making the hose storage assembly of a single piece that does not form a completely closed circle, i.e. the hose storage assembly has a “C” shape in plan view. Alternatively the reel assembly could be formed of two separate pieces that when secured on the body will not completely circumscribe the periphery of the jacket10to create gap44. Moreover, the hose storage assembly could completely circumscribe the periphery of jacket10and gap44be provided by aligned apertures in the top and bottom flanges34and36that allow passage of an elongated article stored in pocket50. In operation, if an elongated article is stored in pocket50, the hose8will wrap around the outside of the stored article when the hose is in the stored position as shown in the Figures.

In addition to pocket50other storage compartments may be provided on body10to facilitate the storage and transport of tools, accessories, equipment or the like. A plurality of vertical pockets60may be provided on the front of jacket10. Pockets60are formed of a single piece of molded plastic formed to conform to the shape of the side portion14. The molded plastic pockets provide durable receptacles for tools such as torch heads62. Located on one side of the jacket10are a plurality of pockets sized and configured to retain tools and accessories used by a worker. For example pockets66may be used to store solder, pocket68may store flux, pockets70may store markers, pocket72may store channel pliers and pocket74may store pipe cutters. The opposite side of jacket10may include mesh bags73with closing flaps73athat are held shut by hook and loop fasteners or other releaseable fastener. The mesh bags may retain accessories such as pipe fittings or the like. Other pockets may be provided on the opposite side for retaining a striker and/or additional brazing rods. The pockets and other storage compartments may be permanently secured to the jacket such as by adhesive, rivets, or stitching or they may be releasably secured to the jacket such as by hook and loop fasteners, snaps or the like.

Referring toFIG. 6, the illustrated embodiment of the gauge protector100of the invention comprises an integral, unitary structure molded of ABS plastic or other rigid material. The gauge protector100may also be made of other rigid materials such as steel and need not be an integral structure as the various elements of the gauge protector could be manufactured separately and assembled to create a unitary structure. In the illustrated embodiment, gauge protector100includes a first housing section102having a back wall104and a side wall106extending from back wall104to create cavity105. Back wall104defines an aperture108for receiving the conduit of regulator and side wall106defines an aperture110for receiving hose. A threaded hole103is formed in side wall106for receiving a threaded securing member such as a bolt as will hereinafter be described. Gauge protector100includes a second housing section112that has a circular back wall115and an annular wall116extending from back wall115to define cavity114for closely receiving gauge6. First housing section102and second housing section112are rigidly connected by portions117such that a passage121extends between cavity105and cavity114.

Referring toFIG. 7another embodiment of the gauge protector is shown generally at130. Gauge protector130is the same as gauge protector100except that handle132is provided on the gauge protector to facilitate the carrying of the tank. The same reference numerals are used inFIG. 7as are used inFIG. 6to identify the same elements as previously described with reference toFIG. 6. Handle132includes support members134and136that connect the second housing section112to the hand grip138. Hand grip138is a rigid structure that can be gripped by a person to carry tank2. A soft cushion140may be molded in the hand grip138to enhance the comfort of the grip. A slotted recess forming compartment142may be provided in hand grip138to retain the tank key. Portion144of hand grip138can be used to hold a torch head handle. Specifically, portion144consists of a recessed area146bounded by hand grip portion148and prongs150. The torch head handle can be hung on recessed area146for convenient temporary storage when the tank is in use.

FIG. 8shows how gauge protector130is mounted on the regulator assembly4. To install gauge protector130on regulator assembly4, regulator assembly4is removed from valve stem151at locking nut152. Regulator assemble4is inserted into the front of gauge protector130such that conduit154is inserted into aperture108until regulator5is received in cavity105and gauge6is received in cavity114. Side wall106engages and closely surrounds the regulator5and side wall116engages and closely surrounds gauge6. Conduit156that connects the regulator5to gauge6is closely received between portions117in passage121. Side wall116is dimensioned such that it extends beyond the front face and back side of gauge6. Once the regulator assembly is retained in gauge protector130, the regulator assembly is reattached to valve stem151using locking nut152. A threaded member such as bolt113is threadably engaged with threaded hole103and engages regulator5to retain the gauge protector130on regulator assembly130. In one embodiment threaded member113threadably engages a threaded hole119formed in regulator5. In another embodiment the threaded member113may simply engage the outer surface of regulator5to retain the gauge protector130on regulator assembly4under the pressure of threaded member113against the regulator assembly4. Aperture110is aligned with the port158on regulator5for receiving hose8such that hose8can be inserted through aperture110and connected to port158. After the gauge protector130is mounted on regulator assembly4, tank2can be easily carried using handle132.

Gauge protector100minimizes damage to the gauge. Specifically, gauge protector minimizes the liklihood that a blow to the gauge will cause the gauge to become unseated from the regulator or otherwise damaged. Side wall116and side wall106are shaped and dimensioned to closely fit over and surround regulator5and gauge6such that gauge protector provides shock protection for the gauge itself and adds structural rigidity between the gauge and the regulator to minimize the possibility that the gauge will become unseated from the regulator. The interface between the hose8and aperture110, the interface between conduit156and portions117and the friction fit between regulator5and sidewalls106and the engagement of threaded member113with regulator assembly4prevent the gauge protector from moving. As a result a collision with the gauge will be absorbed at least in part by the gauge protector and elements of the regulator. This minimizes the chance that the gauge6will become unseated from the regulator5. It is to be understood that some regulator assemblies may have shapes that differ somewhat from the illustrated regulator assembly. In such a case the specific shape and configuration of the gauge protector will change to accommodate the size and shape of the regulator assembly and gauge. The gauge protector should be arranged such that it surrounds the regulator and gauge and provides structural rigidity between these components.

The gauge protectors130and100may be used with or without jacket storage system1. Likewise storage system1may be used with or without gauge protectors130or100. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 through 4gauge protector130is used with storage system1. Using gauge protector130and storage system1on the same tank provides a simple apparatus for carrying a tank and its assorted accessories and related tools while providing protection for the gauge and tank. Associated accessories can be stored in the storage compartments provided on jacket10and the tank and the stored accessories can be conveniently carried using handle132.FIG. 9shows a diagram illustrating a releasable pocket according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As noted previously, a plurality of pockets60may be provided on the jacket10. These pockets60may be releasably attached to the jacket10. An example back side of a single pocket of the plurality of pockets60is shown that attaches to the jacket10. The single pocket60includes snaps201providing a snap connection to corresponding portions202on the jacket10. This allows the plurality of pockets60to be releasably attached to the jacket10. In this example embodiment, only four snap connections are shown, however embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this number of snap connections. Further, although not shown, as noted previously the plurality of pockets60may also be releasably attached to the jacket10by other releasable methods, e.g., adhesive, rivets, stitching, hook and loop fasteners, etc.FIG. 10shows a diagram illustrating a releasable hose storage assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As noted previously, the base member32of the hose storage assembly30may be removably connected to the body portion16. In this example embodiment, the base member32of the hose storage assembly30may be removably connected to the body portion16by snaps210. In this example embodiment, only four snaps are shown, however, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this number of snap connections. Further, although not shown, as noted previously, the base member32of the hose storage assembly30may be removably connected to the body portion16by other releasable methods, e.g., adhesive, hooks, loop fasteners, etc.

The system of the invention facilitates the storage and transport of accessories and tools used with a compressed fluid storage tank and provides protection for the gauge and tank. While embodiments of the invention are disclosed herein, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be embraced therein.