Patent Description:
A variety of pressurized gas cylinders have been used for storage and transportation of pressurized gas products for household and industrial. For example, the cylinders may be used for the storage of gas for cooking appliances such as stoves or grills. Many of these cylinders have traditionally been fabricated of steel with a steel cylindrical body having a valve at the top for controlling the flow of gas from the cylinder, a footing at the bottom to provide stability for the cylinder upon a supporting surface, and a handle at the top to assist in transporting the cylinder and for protecting the valve.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose portable gas cylinders comprising a gas tank and a handle assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a portable gas cylinder is provided in line with independent claim <NUM>. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a method of assembling a portable gas cylinder is provided in line with independent claim <NUM>.

These and other objects of this invention will be evident when viewed in light of the drawings, detailed description and appended claims.

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, a preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:.

Embodiments of the invention relate to methods and systems that relate to a portable gas cylinder. The cylinder has a gas tank having an upper portion having a valve port and a collar surrounding the valve port. The collar has a body, a flange extending radially outwardly from the body, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings in the body. The cylinder also has a handle assembly attached to the gas tank. The handle assembly includes a shroud having a plurality of circumferentially spaced body portions, a first plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers extending downward in a first direction that are each engaged with a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced openings in the collar to attach the shroud to the collar, and a second plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers extending upward in a second direction. The handle assembly also includes a handle attached to the shroud, the handle having a body that surrounds and abuts the shroud, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings extending through the body. The second plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers are engaged with a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced openings in the handle.

With reference to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. However, the inclusion of like elements in different views does not mean a given embodiment necessarily includes such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements. The examples and figures are illustrative only and not meant to limit the invention.

Turning now to <FIG>, a portable gas cylinder is shown generally at reference numeral <NUM>. The gas cylinder <NUM> includes a gas tank <NUM> configured to store a suitable pressurized gas, a handle assembly <NUM> attached to a top of the gas tank <NUM>, and a foot assembly <NUM> attached to a bottom of the gas tank <NUM>. The gas tank <NUM> may be made of a suitable material, such as metal, and the foot assembly <NUM> may be made of a suitable material, such as metal or a non-metal material, such as plastic. The gas tank <NUM> includes an upper portion <NUM> having a valve port <NUM> and a mounting collar <NUM> surrounding the valve port <NUM>.

The mounting collar <NUM> may be secured to the upper portion <NUM> in any suitable manner, such as by welding, or may alternatively be integrally formed with the upper portion <NUM>. The mounting collar may be made of a suitable material, such as metal, such as a steel of a grade to allow for welding, corrosion resistance, and to absorb tension on the cylinder without significant deformation. The mounting collar <NUM> may be painted and finished with the tank <NUM> to prevent corrosion, and the paint and weld do not need to be removed during requalification thereby preventing the integrity of the wall of the tank <NUM> from being compromised. The mounting collar <NUM> has a base <NUM> attached to the upper portion <NUM>, a flange <NUM> extending radially inwardly from the base <NUM>, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings <NUM> in the base <NUM>.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the handle assembly <NUM> will be discussed in detail. The handle assembly <NUM> includes a shroud <NUM> that attaches to the mounting collar <NUM> and a handle <NUM> that attaches to the shroud <NUM>. The handle assembly has the rigidity to maintain ergonomic integrity while having the flexibility to absorb energy. The shroud <NUM> is substantially cylindrical, with an opening <NUM> or through passage extending therethrough to surround and abut the mounting collar <NUM> and to surround the valve port <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may be made of a suitable material, such as a polymeric material that is compressible to absorb shocks during drops or impacts. The shroud includes a plurality of body portions <NUM> and a plurality of connection portions <NUM>. Each connecting portion <NUM> includes a first plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> extending downward in a first direction towards the tank <NUM>, and a second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> extending upward in a second direction opposite the first direction away from the tank <NUM>. As shown, each of the first plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> is vertically aligned with one of the second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM>, and each connection portion <NUM> with one of the first and second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> and <NUM> is provided between a pair of the body portions <NUM>. As such, the body portions <NUM> and the connection portions <NUM> with a set of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> alternate with one another in a circumferential direction forming the circular shroud, which as shown is one piece but could be separate pieces coupled together. It will be appreciated, however, that the shroud <NUM> may be provided with a minimum number of fingers <NUM> and <NUM> to engage with the mounting collar <NUM> and the handle <NUM> to secure the handle <NUM> to the tank <NUM> and prevent rotation of the handle <NUM> relative to the tank <NUM>.

Each of the first plurality of fingers <NUM> is spaced from the respective pair of body portions <NUM> by slots <NUM> on opposite sides of the fingers <NUM>, and each of the second plurality of fingers <NUM> is spaced from the respective pair of body portions <NUM> by slots <NUM> on opposite sides of the fingers <NUM>. The first and second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> and <NUM> are deflectable relative to the body portions <NUM> for engaging the mounting collar <NUM> and the handle <NUM> respectfully. The first plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> are configured to deflect radially outwardly away from the valve port <NUM> during attachment, and each have a catch <NUM> extending radially inwardly from the finger <NUM> that engages a respective surface <NUM> in the openings <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> are configured to deflect radially inwardly toward the valve port <NUM> during attachment of the handle <NUM>, and each have a catch <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the finger <NUM> that engages a respective surface <NUM> in a respective opening <NUM> in the handle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> can be spaced from bottoms of the body portions <NUM> in the second direction to provide a gap between the upper portion <NUM> and the fingers <NUM> to prevent interference during installation.

Each body portion <NUM> includes a ledge <NUM> extending radially outwardly at its bottom to provide a surface for a bottom of the handle <NUM> to abut to space the handle <NUM> from the upper surface <NUM> to prevent corrosion. Each body portion <NUM> also includes a slot <NUM> at its top configured to be abutted by a tab <NUM> of the handle <NUM> as will be described in detail below. A portion of each body portion <NUM> forming a base <NUM> of each slot <NUM> is surrounded by a lip <NUM> that surrounds sides of the tabs <NUM>. The body portions <NUM> are substantially U-shaped with a flat bottom such that tops of the body portion are substantially aligned with tops of the second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM>. The body portions <NUM> include lateral portions projecting from either side that are below the slots <NUM> and above the slots <NUM> connecting the body portions <NUM> to the connection portions <NUM>.

The shroud <NUM> additionally includes a projection <NUM> extending radially inwardly from the body portions <NUM> and the first and second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> and <NUM>. As shown, the projection <NUM> is a circular projection having a horizontal portion <NUM> and a vertical portion <NUM> extending downward from the horizontal portion <NUM>. An underside of the horizontal portion <NUM> is configured to abut a top of the flange <NUM> of the mounting collar <NUM> and an inner side of the vertical portion <NUM> is configured to abut an inner edge of the flange <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

Referring now to the handle <NUM> in detail, the handle <NUM> is substantially cylindrical and may be made of a suitable material, such as a high strength lightweight steel, which may be of a different grade and thickness than the mounting collar <NUM> and tank <NUM>. In this way, the handle <NUM> can be deformable during an impact or drop to prevent damage to the tank <NUM>. The handle <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and an opening <NUM> or through passage extending therethrough to surround and abut the shroud <NUM> and to surround the valve port <NUM>. The body <NUM> including a plurality of openings <NUM> and an opening <NUM> that reduce weight of the handle <NUM> and provide areas for hanging/holding the cylinder <NUM>, and a cutout <NUM> that reduces weight and provides an access area for the valve of the cylinder while protecting the valve. For example, the body <NUM> and openings <NUM> define grip areas <NUM> at a top of the handle <NUM> for a user to grasp the handle <NUM> to transport the cylinder <NUM>, and the body <NUM> and openings <NUM> define an area for receiving a hook or other suitable element for hanging the cylinder <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> additionally includes the plurality of circumferentially spaced openings <NUM> that each are configured to receive one of the catches <NUM> of the second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM>, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings <NUM>. Projecting radially inwardly from a top of each of the openings <NUM> is a respective one of the tabs <NUM> that engage the respective slot <NUM> in shroud <NUM>. As illustrated, the openings <NUM> and <NUM> alternate around the body <NUM>, and the openings <NUM> are positioned in a direction above the openings <NUM>. The handle may be formed of one piece, which may be shaped and ends held together in a suitable manner, such as by welding.

Turning now to <FIG>, the attachment of the handle assembly <NUM> to the gas tank <NUM> will be described. <FIG> show the cylinder <NUM> with portions cutaway and portions enlarged to illustrate the attachment of the handle assembly <NUM>. The handle assembly <NUM> is removably attached to the collar <NUM> to allow the shroud <NUM> and/or handle <NUM> to be easily replaced, for example if damaged during a drop, without requiring welds to be removed and redone, which could compromise the integrity of the tank <NUM>. For example, a user could replace the shroud <NUM> and/or handle <NUM>, without damaging the weld between the collar <NUM> and the tank <NUM>.

Referring initially to <FIG>, to attach the shroud <NUM> to the mounting collar <NUM>, the shroud <NUM> is lowered onto the mounting collar <NUM> in the first direction. As the shroud <NUM> is lowered, the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> are deflected radially outwardly when they contact the base <NUM> of the mounting collar <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> remain deflected as they move along the base <NUM> until they reach a respective one of the plurality of openings <NUM>. As the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> move past the respective surfaces <NUM>, the fingers move radially inward to their initial positions and the catches <NUM> engage the respective surfaces <NUM> to connect the shroud <NUM> to the mounting collar <NUM>. In the engaged position, the horizontal portion <NUM> of the projection <NUM> abuts a top of the flange <NUM> and the vertical portion <NUM> abuts the inner edge of the flange <NUM>. The interaction between the projection <NUM> and the flange <NUM> prevents movement of the shroud <NUM> relative to the mounting collar <NUM> in the first direction, and the interaction between the catches <NUM> and the surfaces <NUM> prevent movement of the shroud <NUM> relative to the mounting collar <NUM> in the second direction. Similarly, the interaction between the sides of the catches <NUM> and the sides of the respective openings <NUM> prevent rotation of the shroud <NUM> relative to the mounting collar <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, the attachment of the handle <NUM> to the shroud <NUM> will be described in detail. To attach the handle <NUM> to the shroud <NUM>, the handle <NUM> is lowered onto the shroud <NUM> in the first direction. As the handle <NUM> is lowered, the bottom of the handle <NUM> contacts the catches <NUM> of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. As the handle <NUM> is further lowered, the handle <NUM> deflects the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> radially inwardly as shown in <FIG>, and the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> remain deflected as they move along the handle <NUM> until they reach a respective one of the plurality of openings <NUM>. As the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> move past the respective surfaces <NUM>, the fingers <NUM> move radially outwardly to their initial positions and the catches <NUM> engage the respective surfaces <NUM> to connect the handle <NUM> to the shroud <NUM>.

In the engaged position, the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM> of the handle <NUM> are disposed in the respective slots <NUM> in the body portions <NUM> and abut the respective bases <NUM>. The interaction between the tabs <NUM> and the bases <NUM> and the interaction between the bottom of the handle <NUM> and the ledge <NUM> prevents movement of the handle <NUM> relative to the shroud <NUM> in the first direction as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and the interaction between the catches <NUM> and the surfaces <NUM> prevent movement of the handle <NUM> relative to the shroud <NUM> in the second direction. Similarly, the interaction between the sides of the catches <NUM> and the sides of the respective openings <NUM> prevent rotation of the handle <NUM> relative to the shroud <NUM>. Additionally, when a force is applied on the handle <NUM>, the force is not resisted by the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM>, but instead is resisted by the plurality of tabs <NUM> compressing against the respective bases <NUM>. The metallic handle <NUM> is spaced from the metallic tank <NUM> and metallic collar <NUM> by the ledge <NUM> of the polymeric shroud <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> to prevent corrosion between the components. The polymeric shroud <NUM> between the handle <NUM> and the tank <NUM> also minimizes deformation of the metal components while providing flexibility to protect the valve.

When the handle <NUM> is connected to the shroud <NUM>, the body <NUM> of the handle <NUM> is radially outwardly spaced from and abutting or in close proximity to the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> preventing deflection of the fingers <NUM> thereby preventing disengage of the shroud <NUM> from the mounting collar <NUM>. To replace or repaint the handle <NUM>, a user deflects the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM> radially inwardly disengaging the catches <NUM> from the surfaces <NUM> and the handle <NUM> is moved in the second direction away from the tank <NUM>. Similarly, to replace the shroud <NUM> after removal of the handle <NUM>, a user deflects the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM> radially outwardly disengaging the catches <NUM> from the surfaces <NUM> and the shroud <NUM> is moved in the second direction away from the tank <NUM>. By providing a replaceable metal handle <NUM> and replaceable polymer shroud <NUM>, a user can replace the handle <NUM> without having specialized equipment and without having to damage the welds securing the mounting collar <NUM> to the tank <NUM>. The replaceable metal handle also easily allows for multicolor cylinders, for example for customer or gas identification purposes, for example by providing a tank of a first color and a handle of a second color.

Turning now to <FIG>, an exemplary embodiment of the gas cylinder is shown at <NUM>. The gas cylinder <NUM> is substantially the same as the above-referenced gas cylinder <NUM>, and consequently the same reference numerals but indexed by <NUM> are used to denote structures corresponding to similar structures in the gas cylinders. In addition, the foregoing description of the gas cylinder <NUM> is equally applicable to the gas cylinder <NUM> except as noted below.

Turning initially to <FIG> and <FIG>, the gas cylinder <NUM> includes a gas tank <NUM> configured to store a suitable pressurized gas, a handle assembly <NUM> attached to a top of the gas tank <NUM>, and a foot assembly <NUM> attached to a bottom of the gas tank <NUM>. The gas tank <NUM> includes an upper portion <NUM> having a valve port <NUM> for receiving valve <NUM> and a mounting collar <NUM> surrounding the valve port <NUM>. The mounting collar <NUM> has a base <NUM> attached to the upper portion <NUM>, a flange <NUM> extending radially inwardly from the base <NUM>, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings <NUM> in the base <NUM>.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the handle assembly <NUM> includes a shroud <NUM> that attaches to the mounting collar <NUM> and a handle <NUM> that attaches to the shroud <NUM>. The handle assembly <NUM> has the rigidity to maintain ergonomic integrity while having the flexibility to absorb energy. The shroud <NUM> is substantially cylindrical, with an opening <NUM> or through passage extending therethrough to surround and abut the mounting collar <NUM> and to surround the valve port <NUM>. The shroud <NUM> may be made of a suitable material, such as a polymeric material that is compressible to absorb shocks during drops or impacts. The shroud <NUM> includes a plurality of body portions <NUM>, a plurality of connection portions <NUM>, and a skirt <NUM> extending outwardly from the body potions <NUM>. Each connecting portion <NUM> includes a first plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> extending downward in a first direction towards the tank <NUM>, and a second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> extending upward in a second direction opposite the first direction away from the tank <NUM>. As shown, each of the first plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> is vertically aligned with one of the second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM>, and each connection portion <NUM> with one of the first and second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> and <NUM> is provided between a pair of the body portions <NUM>. As such, the body portions <NUM> and the connection portions <NUM> with a set of the fingers <NUM> and <NUM> alternate with one another in a circumferential direction with the skirt <NUM> extending outwardly from the body portion <NUM> forming the circular shroud, which as shown is one piece but could be separate pieces coupled together. It will be appreciated, however, that the shroud <NUM> may be provided with a minimum number of fingers <NUM> and <NUM> to engage with the mounting collar <NUM> and the handle <NUM> to secure the handle <NUM> to the tank <NUM> and prevent rotation of the handle <NUM> relative to the tank <NUM>.

Each of the first plurality of fingers <NUM> is spaced from the respective pair of body portions <NUM> by slots <NUM> on opposite sides of the fingers <NUM>, and each of the second plurality of fingers <NUM> is spaced from the respective pair of body portions <NUM> by slots <NUM> on opposite sides of the fingers <NUM>. The first and second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> and <NUM> are deflectable relative to the body portions <NUM> for engaging the mounting collar <NUM> and the handle <NUM> respectfully. The first plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> are configured to deflect radially inwardly toward the valve port <NUM> during attachment, and each have a catch <NUM> extending radially outwardly from the finger <NUM> that engages a respective surface <NUM> in the openings <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> are configured to deflect radially outwardly away from the valve port <NUM> during attachment of the handle <NUM>, and each have a catch <NUM> extending radially inwardly from the finger <NUM> that engages a respective surface <NUM> in a respective opening <NUM> in the handle <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> can be spaced from bottoms of the body portions <NUM> in the second direction to provide a gap between the upper portion <NUM> and the fingers <NUM> to prevent interference during installation, for example by ledges <NUM> that abut the upper surface <NUM> and that extend radially outwardly from a bottom of each body portion <NUM>.

Each body portion <NUM> includes a slot <NUM> at its top configured to be abutted by a tab <NUM> of the handle <NUM> as will be described in detail below. A portion of each body portion <NUM> forming a base <NUM> of each slot <NUM> is surrounded by a lip <NUM> that surrounds sides of the tabs <NUM>. The body portions <NUM> are substantially U-shaped with a flat bottom such that tops of the body portion are substantially aligned with tops of the second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM>. The body portions <NUM> include lateral portions projecting from either side that are below the slots <NUM> and above the slots <NUM> connecting the body portions <NUM> to the connection portions <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> additionally includes the plurality of circumferentially spaced openings <NUM> that each are configured to receive one of the catches <NUM> of the second plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM>, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings <NUM>. Projecting radially outward from a top of each of the openings <NUM> is a respective one of the tabs <NUM> that engage the respective slot <NUM> in shroud <NUM>. As illustrated, the openings <NUM> and <NUM> alternate around the body <NUM>, and the openings <NUM> are positioned in a direction above the openings <NUM>. The handle may be formed of one piece, which may be shaped and ends held together in a suitable manner, such as by welding.

Turning now to <FIG> and <FIG>, the attachment of the handle assembly <NUM> to the gas tank <NUM> will be described. The handle assembly <NUM> is removably attached to the collar <NUM> to allow the shroud <NUM> and/or handle <NUM> to be easily replaced, for example if damaged during a drop, without requiring welds to be removed and redone, which could compromise the integrity of the tank <NUM>. For example, a user could replace the shroud <NUM> and/or handle <NUM>, without damaging the weld between the collar <NUM> and the tank <NUM>.

To attach the shroud <NUM> to the mounting collar <NUM>, the shroud <NUM> is lowered onto the mounting collar <NUM> in the first direction. As the shroud <NUM> is lowered, the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> are deflected radially inwardly when they contact the base <NUM> of the mounting collar <NUM>. The plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> remain deflected as they move along the base <NUM> until they reach a respective one of the plurality of openings <NUM>. As the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> move past the respective surfaces <NUM>, the fingers move radially outward to their initial positions and the catches <NUM> engage the respective surfaces <NUM> to connect the shroud <NUM> to the mounting collar <NUM>. The interaction between the catches <NUM> and the surfaces <NUM> prevent movement of the shroud <NUM> relative to the mounting collar <NUM> in the second direction. Similarly, the interaction between the sides of the catches <NUM> and the sides of the respective openings <NUM> prevent rotation of the shroud <NUM> relative to the mounting collar <NUM>.

To attach the handle <NUM> to the shroud <NUM>, the handle <NUM> is lowered onto the shroud <NUM> in the first direction. As the handle <NUM> is lowered, the bottom of the handle <NUM> contacts the catches <NUM> of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM>. As the handle <NUM> is further lowered within the shroud <NUM>, the handle <NUM> deflects the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> radially outwardly, and the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> remain deflected as they move along the handle <NUM> until they reach a respective one of the plurality of openings <NUM>. As the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> move past the respective surfaces <NUM>, the fingers <NUM> move radially inward to their initial positions and the catches <NUM> engage the respective surfaces <NUM> to connect the handle <NUM> to the shroud <NUM>.

In the engaged position, the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM> of the handle <NUM> are disposed in the respective slots <NUM> in the body portions <NUM> and abut the respective bases <NUM>. The interaction between the tabs <NUM> and the bases <NUM> prevents movement of the handle <NUM> relative to the shroud <NUM> in the first direction, and the interaction between the catches <NUM> and the surfaces <NUM> prevent movement of the handle <NUM> relative to the shroud <NUM> in the second direction. Similarly, the interaction between the sides of the catches <NUM> and the sides of the respective openings <NUM> prevent rotation of the handle <NUM> relative to the shroud <NUM>. Additionally, when a force is applied on the handle <NUM>, the force is not resisted by the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM>, but instead is resisted by the plurality of tabs <NUM> compressing against the respective bases <NUM>, which also space the metallic handle <NUM> from the metallic tank <NUM> and metallic collar <NUM> to prevent corrosion between the components. The polymeric shroud <NUM> between the handle <NUM> and the tank <NUM> also minimizes deformation of the metal components while providing flexibility to protect the valve.

When the handle <NUM> is connected to the shroud <NUM>, the body <NUM> of the handle <NUM> is radially inwardly spaced from and abutting or in close proximity to the plurality of circumferentially spaced fingers <NUM> preventing deflection of the fingers <NUM> thereby preventing disengage of the shroud <NUM> from the mounting collar <NUM>. To replace or repaint the handle <NUM>, a user deflects the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM> radially outwardly disengaging the catches <NUM> from the surfaces <NUM> and the handle <NUM> is moved in the second direction away from the tank <NUM>. Similarly, to replace the shroud <NUM> after removal of the handle <NUM>, a user deflects the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs <NUM> radially inwardly disengaging the catches <NUM> from the surfaces <NUM> and the shroud <NUM> is moved in the second direction away from the tank <NUM>.

In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify a quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as "about" is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Moreover, unless specifically stated otherwise, a use of the terms "first," "second," etc., do not denote an order or importance, but rather the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish one element from another.

As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of "may" and "may be" indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur - this distinction is captured by the terms "may" and "may be.

Claim 1:
A portable gas cylinder (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a gas tank (<NUM>, <NUM>) having an upper portion (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a valve port (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a handle assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) attached to the gas tank (<NUM>, <NUM>), the handle assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) having a shroud (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a handle (<NUM>, <NUM>) attached to the shroud (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein:
the gas tank (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a collar (<NUM>, <NUM>) surrounding the valve port (<NUM>, <NUM>), the collar having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings (<NUM>, <NUM>);
the shroud (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the handle assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a plurality of circumferentially spaced body portions (<NUM>, <NUM>), a first plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending downward in a first direction that are each engaged with a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced openings (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the collar (<NUM>, <NUM>) to attach the shroud (<NUM>, <NUM>) to the collar (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a second plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending upward in a second direction;
the handle (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the handle assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>) has a body (<NUM>, <NUM>) that surrounds and abuts the shroud (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending through the body (<NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein the second plurality of circumferentially spaced deflectable fingers (<NUM>, <NUM>) are engaged with a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced openings (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the handle (<NUM>, <NUM>).