PRESSURE CONTAINER FOR FLUIDS

Abstract: Pressure container for fluids, such as propane and butane, comprinsing an inner, fluid-tight liner layer (1) and a pressure supporting layer (2) outside the liner, as well as an outer, protective casing (5). As known per se the said layers (1, 2) consist of transparent or translucent materials, and the casing (5) comprises a middle section (7) having surface portions (7A, 7B, 7C) being cut-away so that parts of the actual container (3), being located inside the casing (5), are visible from the outside, and that the casing has shock-absorbing properties.

Description: PRESSURE CONTAINER FOR FLUIDS. Propane bottles and other pressure containers for fluids have been commonly known for many years, based on metal as construction material, in particular steel. These known containers, being to a large extent utilized by people during cabin and outdoor life, have the drawback, inter alia, of being heavy and accordingly difficult to handle. Moreover there is often a problem of knowing how much of the original contents is still left in the bottle or container. Because of the risk of explosion and accidents, many and strict requirements are imposed with respect to such pressure containers. Thus, the safety aspect is very essential in this connection. In recent years there has been put on the market a propane bottle of composite materials, as described in Norwegian patent No. 179.423. This known structure is made in part of transparent or translucent materials, these besides being relatively light, so that some of the drawbacks mentioned above regarding pressure containers of steel, are eliminated. The known propane bottle of composite materials however, can not be manufactured in a rational and inexpensive way when the strict safety requirements are to be satisfied, while at the same time preventing damage and accidents as a result of mechanical stresses, such as shock and impact. In contrast to the manner of manufacturing according to the above Norwegian patent specification, it is particularly advantageous to produce the actual pressure container by first making an inner liner and then winding around it fibre reinforced elements, for example glass fibre bands or treads . The latter manufacturing method forms the basis of the pressure container being known from Norwegian patent No. 170.552, wherein besides there is described and shown an outer, protective sheath to serve for resisting fire or heat influence. Thus, taking the latter design as a starting point, the invention is related to a pressure container of the type comprising an inner fluid-tight liner and a pressure sup- porting layer outside the liner, as well as an outer, protective casing. What is novel and specific in the pressure container according to the invention, in the first place consists therein that the liner and said layer as known per se consist of transparent or translucent materials, that the casing comprises a middle section having surface portions being cut-away so that parts of the actual container, being located inside the casing, are visible externally, and that the casing has shock-absorbent properties. The liner or inner layer can be manufactured by methods known per se, in particular blow-moulding as one piece or injection moulding in two or more parts to be assembled. The particular form of casing comprised by the invention, can also be produced by injection moulding, possibly in two or three separate parts being then assembled into an integral structure. In this connection it is essential that the casing structure has shock-absorbent properties, provided for by a suitable choice of materials and/or the actual configu- ration of the casing. The pressure container according to the invention, having a casing as stated above, has substantial advantages, in particular in consideration of two important factors with respect to this type of pressure containers, where there is involved a filling of a fluid in liquid phase, such as propane, to be delivered to a consumer appliance or the like upon vaporization in the pressure container. In order that a desired capacity is obtained in a use situation, it is important that the required heat of vaporization can be sup- plied from the environment. On the other hand and as already mentioned above, it is of much interest to the users to be able to observe the liquid level in the container, which is possible when this consists of transparent or translucent materials. The cut-away portions of the casing makes it pos- sible to observe the liquid level. Besides these portions will involve a "Venetian blind" effect, that in strong sun radiation prevents a too intense heating of the actual pressure container. It is more important however, that the configuration of the casing with the cut-away portions enable an air flow from the outside and over the actual container surface, so that the required heat can be supplied thereto for the varorization mentioned above. This latter and highly desir- able effect will be particularly enhanced when at least the preferably cylindrical middle section of the casing, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, is designed with spacer elements so as to form air flow passages between the container surface and the casing in general . In this connection it is a particular advantage when the air flow passages are adapted to extend in a generally vertical direction when the pressure container has a normal, standing position resting on the bottom and with the axis of the cylindrical section oriented substantially vertically. The pressure container according to the invention will be explained more closely in the following description with reference to the drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments based on the invention. Fig. 1 in axial section shows a pressure container ac- cording to the invention, e.g. for use as a propane bottle, Fig. 2 shows the actual container in the example of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 in exploded perspective view shows three sections of the casing for the container in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 shows a cylindrical middle section of a casing for a larger (higher) pressure container than the one found in Figs . 1 and 2 , Fig. 5 shows another and preferred form of protective casing in elevation, Fig. 6 in partial view shows a further embodiment of the protective casing, Fig. 7 in partial cut-away elevation shows an advantageous design of a bottom section for the pressure container, Fig. 8 at a smaller scale shows the bottom section in Fig. 7 as seen from above, Fig. 9 in a corresponding manner as Fig. 8, shows a first alternative bottom section to the one in Fig. 8, Fig. 10 shows a second alternative bottom section, Fig. 11 shows a third alternative design of a bottom section for the pressure container, and Fig. 12 in perspective view shows an advantageous design of a boss at the top of the pressure container. The actual container, which is manufactured for a desired volume capacity, in Figs. 1 and 2 is indicated with reference numeral 3. As illustrated in Fig. l the container 3 comprises an inner layer or liner 1, in the first place adapted to be a fluid-tight layer so that the contents can not escape from the container, even when being under comparatively high pressure. Outside the liner 1 there is shown a reinforcing or pressure-supporting layer 2 being here provided by means of winding fibre reinforced elements, such as glas fibres to which there has been applied a suitable adhesive or the like, for subsequent curing in the form of a number of winding layers on the liner 1. There is here the question of manufacturing steps and a choice of materials being known per se and without any need for closer expla- nation. In this connection it is obvious that the selected materials and material compositions in the layers l and 2, in a way known per se can provide a container 3 having transparent or translucent walls. This property is particularly desired in the cylindrical wall portions being usually incorporated in such containers. This however, does not exclude the possibility that e.g. purely spherical containers with transparent walls can be of interest in connection with the invention. A main shape with rotational symmetry is clearly preferred. Quite in general in Fig. 2 at 4 there are shown parts incorporated in a mounting arrangement for a valve or the like, at an opening on top of container 3. See also Fig. 1 in this connection. These parts of the structure however, are only of subordinate interest in connection with the present invention, and will not be discussed further here. Of particular interest however, in this connection is the surrounding casing, which according to the above explanations, has a novel and particular combination of functions. As will appear from Figs. 1 and 3, the casing 5 shown, comprises a middle section 7 being preferably of a generally cylindrical shape, a top section 8 and a bottom section 9. As indicated in Fig. 3 these three sections can be produced separately and then be assembled into a more or less integrated, total structure constituting the casing 5. As an alternative sections 7 and 9 can be manufactured integrally as one piece, e.g. by injection moulding, and subsequently be joined to the top section 8 when the actual container 3 has been put into the middle section 7. Another alternative consists in producing sections 7 and 8 integrated as one piece, with subsequent joining to the bottom section 9. Taking into account, inter alia, a rational production, the casing can also as a whole in its basic shape deviate more or less from the basic shape of the container within it. The middle section 7 is built up by a number of ribbonlike elements of which two are indicated at 7E and 7F, extending around the whole circumference of section 7 and having a spacing in axial direction, as indicated e.g. at 7A, 7B and 7C. These spaces form the cut-away surface portions mentioned above, that make it possible to observe parts of the actual container 3 inside the casing, in particular for the purpose of seeing the liquid level in the container. In this connection it can be an advantage when the cut-away portions or spaces 7A, 7B and 7C have a substantially larger dimension in the lateral direction than in the height direction. This design is also favourable in view of the Venetian blind effect mentioned above, i.e. a shading effect against undesired solar heating. So as to form an integral and strong structure in the middle section 7, there is in addition to the ribbon elements around the circumference, also provided longitudinal elements as shown e.g. at 11 and 12, forming in this example a rectangular, cross-wise pattern of the ribbon elements. It is clear that the configuration of pattern or elements forming the middle section 7 of the casing, can be varied within wide limits while maintaining the effect described, on the basis of cut-away surface portions. These can be more or less elongate and can extend in different directions, also at an inclination. Oval and circular open portions can also be contemplated. The proportion of the total surface of the middle section representing the cut-away surface portions, can vary a good deal in relation to what is seen from the example of Fig. 1 and 3. It is preferred however, that the cut-away portions constitute a relatively significant proportion of the total surface. It has been found that the proportion of cut-away surface portions should be at least 20% of the total exterior surface of the casing. On the inside of middle section 7 there is provided a number of projections, ribs or webs adapted to form relatively wide air gaps between the outer surface of container 3 and the main parts of the adjacent casing. Such ribs or webs are shown at 14 and 15 in Fig. 1, and an additional example is illustrated at 16 in Fig. 3. As will appear from this figure there is a relatively high number of such projecting ribs around the whole circumference interiorly of middle section 7. In this way there are formed air gaps that make possible air flows, in particular in vertical direction as indicated with arrow 20 in Fig. l. This solution as also seen in association with the cut-away portions 7A, 7B and 7C in Fig. 1, is highly advantageous in view of the desired vaporization effect, at the same time as the air through- flow in the case of undesired intense solar heating, has the effect of maintaining a lower and acceptable surface temperature on container 3. It is obvious that spacer elements in the form of projections, ribs or webs as discussed above, can be provided for in different manners and at various locations interiorly of middle section 7. In order that the spacer elements shall also have a resilient and shock-absorbing effect in relation to container 3, they can be adapted to be deformed preferably elasti- cally when there is a tendency to small relative movements between the casing and the container, i.e. movements or stresses mainly normal to the major surfaces. 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F 1 1 φ Ω £ φ 01 d Φ d t d P 3, 1 -J Φ F- φ rt rt φ P F- F- CO o F- Ω F> Ω p Φ tr P. tr P 01 H P 01 Φ o Ω φ - P rt φ M IQ o P H, UJ UJ to to F F in o in o in O in top section 8 and supporting or engagement members around the bottom of bottom section 9 (Figs. 1 and 3), can be formed as hollow structures as known per se, with e.g. an open or foam-like core, so as to sustain mechanical stresses that will occur during practical use of such pressure containers . The mounting device or boss 4 as generally shown in Fig. 2, advantageously can have a design at the top as illustrated in Fig. 12. As will appear from Fig. 12 there is provided a nut-like part 4A that can e.g. have a hexagonal shape, which by the strong anchoring of the boss structure at the top of the actual container 3 , implies that this and nut-part 4A are rotationally securely interconnected. When mounting a valve or connecting device or the like to the boss 4 in Fig. 2, e.g. by means of a thread connection, the nut-part 4A thus can be favourably utilized. Thereby the users of such pressure containers will not be dependent on a secure rotational anchoring of the casing structure described, outside the actual pressure container.

Claims: C l a i m s 1. Pressure container for fluids, such as propane and butane, comprising an inner, fluid-tight liner layer (1) and a pressure supporting layer (2) outside the liner, as well as an outer, protective casing (5,57,67), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said layers (1,2) as known per se consist of transparent or translucent materials, that the casing (5,57,67) comprises a middle section (7,57,67) having surface portions (7A, 7B, 7C, 41-48 , 51-53,61) being cut-away so that parts of the actual container (3) , being located inside the casing (5,57,67), are visible from the outside, and that the casing has shock-absorbing properties. 2. Pressure container according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cut-away surface portions comprise relatively elongate gaps (51-53) extending generally in a vertical direction in a normal, standing position of the pressure container (Fig. 5) . 3. Pressure container according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the preferably cylindrical middle section (7) comprises ribbon-like elements (7E, 7F, 31-38) extending around the circumference and having mutual spaces in the axial direction so as to form the cutaway surface portions (7A, 7B, 7C, 41-48) , and axially extending elements (11,12,21,22) to which the ribbon-like elements are joined. 4. Pressure container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some of the cut-away surface portions are in the form of letters or other characters or a logo (61) , that can e.g. indicate a producer or distributor (Fig. 6) . 5. Pressure container according to any one of claims 1-4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the casing (5) is composed of three or more separately manufactured sections, comprising at least said middle section (7) , a top section (8) and a bottom section (9) . 6. Pressure container according to any one of claims 1-4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the middle section (7) is manufactured in one piece together with a top section (8) or with a bottom section (9) , and is joined to a separate bottom section or a separate top section, respectively, so as to form the complete casing (5) . 7. Pressure container according to any one of claims 1-6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least the middle section (7) has spacer elements (14,15,16) forming air flow passages (20) between the outer surface of the container (3) and the casing (5) , and preferably having resilient or shock-absorbing properties. 8. Pressure container according to claim 7 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that also the top section (8) and the bottom section (69) have spacer elements (8C, 71-73, 91,101,102,111,112) forming air flow passages between the outer surface of the container (3) and the casing (5), and preferably having resilient or shock-absorbing properties. 9. Pressure container according to claim 7 or 8, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some of the spacer elements are in the form of generally radial, flat ribs (16) which in the middle section (7) preferably extend in axial direction outside the container (3) . 10. Pressure container according to claim 7, 8 or 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some of the spacer elements (71-73,91) are inclined so as to form an angle somewhat different from 90° with respect to the adjacent portion of the container surface (77) . 11. Pressure container according to any one of claims 7-10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spacer elements are provided and distributed at such a number and with such length that together they bring about a substanial degree of smooth load distribution between the container and the casing. 12. Pressure container according to any one of claims 7-11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spacer elements (14- 16, 8C, 71-73,91,101, 102, 111, 112) are preferably elastically resilient in relation to the container (3,77), such as by being flexible at least at edge portions engaging the container surface. 13. Pressure container according to any one of claims 7-11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some of the spacer elements are permanently deformable such as by breaking, upon occurence of forces or stresses exeeding a certain limit, between container and casing. 14. Pressure container according to any one of claims 7-13, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some spacer elements (101,102,111,112) in the top section and/or bottom section (100,110) are located in an approximate arcuate or circular form, preferably about a central axis of the container and the casing. 15. Pressure container according to any one of claims 1-14, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the bottom section (9) of the casing (5) comprises a shock-absorbing, bellows-like supporting member (9B,9C) which supports the bottom of the container (3) . 16. Pressure container according to any one of claims 8-15, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the bottom section (9) of the casing (5) is provided with at least one laterally directed recess (9E) along a portion of the circumference, in order, inter alia, to serve as a handgrip. 17. Pressure container according to any one of claims 1-16, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cut-away surface portions (7A, 7B, 7C, 41-48 , 51-53 , 61) together have an area that constitutes at least 20% of the total exterior surface area of the casing. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 30 Dune 1998 (30.06.98); original claims 1-17 amended (4 pages)] 1. Portable pressure container for fluids, such as propane and butane, comprising an inner, fluid-tight liner layer (1) and a pressure supporting layer (2) outside the liner, as well as an outer, protective casing (5,57,67), c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said layers (1,2) as known per se consist of transparent or translucent materials, that the casing (5,57,67) comprises a middle section (7,57,67) having surface portions (7A, 7B, 7C, 41-48, 51-53,61) being cut-away so that parts of the actual container (3) , being located inside the casing (5,57,67), are visible from the outside, and that the casing has shock-absorbing properties . 2. Portable pressure container according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cut-away surface portions comprise relatively elongate gaps (51-53) extending generally in a vertical direction in a normal, standing position of the pressure container (Fig. 5) . 3. Portable pressure container according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the preferably cylindrical middle section (7) comprises ribbon-like elements (7E, 7F, 31-38) extending around the circumference and having mutual spaces in the axial direction so as to form the cutaway surface portions (7A, 7B, 7C, 41-48) , and axially extending elements (11,12,21,22) to which the ribbon-like elements are joined. 4. Portable pressure container according to claim 1, 2 or 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some of the cut-away surface portions are in the form of letters or other characters or a logo (61) , that can e.g. indicate a producer or distributor (Fig. 6) . 5. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1-4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the casing (5) is composed of three or more separately manufactured sections, comprising at least said middle section (7) , a top section (8) and a bottom section (9) . 6. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1-4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the middle section (7) is manufactured in one piece together with a top section (8) or with a bottom section (9) , and is joined to a separate bottom section or a separate top section, respectively, so as to form the complete casing (5) . 7. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1-6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least the middle section (7) has spacer elements (14,15,16) forming air flow passages (20) between the outer surface of the container (3) and the casing (5) , and preferably having resilient or shock-absorbing properties. 8. Portable pressure container according to claim 7, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that also the top section (8) and the bottom section (69) have spacer elements (8C, 71-73, 91,101,102,111,112) forming air flow passages between the outer surface of the container (3) and the casing (5), and preferably having resilient or shock-absorbing properties. 9. Portable pressure container according to claim 7 or 8 , c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some of the spacer elements are in the form of generally radial, flat ribs (16) which in the middle section (7) preferably extend in axial direction outside the container (3) . 10. Portable pressure container according to claim 7, 8 or 9, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some of the spacer elements (71-73,91) are inclined so as to form an angle somewhat different from 90° with respect to the adjacent portion of the container surface (77) . 11. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 7-10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spacer elements are provided and distributed at such a number and with such length that together they bring about a substanial degree of smooth load distribution between the container and the casing. 12. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 7-11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the spacer elements (14- 16,8C, 71-73, 91, 101, 102, 111, 112) are preferably elastically resilient in relation to the container (3,77), such as by being flexible at least at edge portions engaging the container surface. 13. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 7-11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some of the spacer elements are permanently deformable such as by breaking, upon occurence of forces or stresses exeeding a certain limit, between container and casing. 14. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 7-13, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that at least some spacer elements (101,102,111,112) in the top section and/or bottom section (100,110) are located in an approximate arcuate or circular form, preferably about a central axis of the container and the casing. 15. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1-14, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the bottom section (9) of the casing (5) comprises a shock-absorbing, bellows-like supporting member (9B,9C) which supports the bottom of the container (3) . 16. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 8-15, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the bottom section (9) of the casing (5) is provided with at least one laterally directed recess (9E) along a portion of the circumference, in order, inter alia, to serve as a handgrip. 17. Portable pressure container according to any one of claims 1-16, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the cut-away surface portions (7A, 7B, 7C, 41-48, 51-53 , 61) together have an area that constitutes at least 20% of the total exterior surface area of the casing.

Inventors: JENSEN GAUTE, JENSEN, GAUTE
Applicants: JENSEN GAUTE, RAUFOSS COMPOSITES AS, JENSEN, GAUTE
Application year: 1998
Main classification: F17C1
IPC codes: F17C1