U.S. patent application number 09/747736 was filed with the patent office on 2001-12-06 for pressure vessel head ring assembly.
Invention is credited to Carlo, Charles C., Mauldin, Stephen H..
Application Number | 20010047998 09/747736 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26891858 |
Filed Date | 2001-12-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010047998 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Carlo, Charles C. ; et
al. |
December 6, 2001 |
Pressure vessel head ring assembly
Abstract
A head ring protects the valving assembly, or regulator, flow
adjuster, and content gauge, commonly attached to a pressure
vessel, such as a conventional pressurized gas cylinder. The head
ring includes a base securable to the dispensing end of the
pressure vessel. A plurality of posts are distributed about a
perimeter of the base, each of the posts extending vertically
upward from about the base to beyond the valving assembly. Each of
the posts has a first end and a second end. A collar is secured to
a portion of the perimeter of the base, and the collar extends
vertically downward from the perimeter of the base. The collar
includes a radially-extending flange at each end. A first ring
horizontally extends from the posts and is secured adjacent to the
first end of the posts. A second ring horizontally extends from the
posts and is secured adjacent to the second end of the posts. The
first ring and the second ring are radially positioned outward of
the regulator, the flow adjuster and the content gauge. A gauge
protection plate extends vertically downward from the first ring.
The gauge protection plate includes an interior wall defining a
plate opening. The plate opening is sized to allow visual access to
the content gauge. The head ring protects the valving assembly
during handling and transport of the pressure vessel. The head ring
assembly may also act as part of a pressure vessel assembly or a
package assembly, the package assembly including an outer pack made
from a durable material defining a bag sized to surround and
protect the pressure vessel.
Inventors: |
Carlo, Charles C.; (Humble,
TX) ; Mauldin, Stephen H.; (Charlotte, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ATTEN: PATENT DEPARTMENT
KILPATRICK STOCKTON LLP
3500 ONE FIRST UNION CENTER
301 SOUTH COLLEGE STREET
CHARLOTTE
NC
28202-6001
US
|
Family ID: |
26891858 |
Appl. No.: |
09/747736 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60196358 |
Apr 12, 2000 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/724 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C 2205/0323 20130101;
F17C 2221/011 20130101; F17C 2205/0308 20130101; F17C 2221/014
20130101; F17C 13/04 20130101; F17C 2201/0119 20130101; F17C
2205/0338 20130101; F17C 2270/0709 20130101; F17C 2205/0165
20130101; F17C 2203/0646 20130101; F17C 2223/033 20130101; F17C
2223/0153 20130101; F17C 13/084 20130101; F17C 2201/058 20130101;
F17C 2270/0745 20130101; F17C 2221/035 20130101; F17C 13/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/724 |
International
Class: |
B65D 025/00; B65D
041/00; B65D 043/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A head ring assembly for protecting a valving assembly on a
pressure vessel, the head ring assembly comprising: a base
securable to a regulator end of the pressure vessel; a plurality of
posts distributed about the perimeter of the base and extending
vertically upward from about the base to beyond the valving
assembly, each of the plurality of posts having a first end and a
second end; a collar having a plurality of radially-extending
flanges, the collar secured to and extending vertically downward
from a portion of the base, the first end of at least two opposing
posts secured to at least two of the flanges; and a plurality of
horizontally-extending rings secured to each of the plurality of
posts adjacent to the first and/or second ends, the plurality of
rings radially positioned outward of the valving assembly.
2. The head ring assembly of claim 1, further comprising a gauge
protection plate extending vertically downward from a portion of
the perimeter of the first ring, the gauge protection plate having
an interior wall defining an opening sized to allow visual access
to a content gauge.
3. The head ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the base further
comprises an interior wall defining a base opening sized to allow
passage of a portion of a flow adjuster through the base
opening.
4. The head ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
posts comprises four or more posts.
5. The head ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
posts are distributed equally about the perimeter of the base.
6. The head ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the collar is
supportable against a necked end of the pressure vessel for
providing additional stability to the head ring assembly.
7. The head ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the collar and the
plurality of flanges are integrally formed.
8. The head ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of
rings comprises a first ring and a second ring.
9. The head ring assembly of claim 8, wherein the first ring is
secured to each of the plurality of posts adjacent to the first
ends.
10. The head ring assembly of claim 8, wherein the second ring is
secured to each of the plurality of posts adjacent to the second
ends.
11. The head ring assembly of claim 1, further comprising
attachments for securing the base, posts, collar, rings, and gauge
protection plate, the attachments having sufficient strength for
withstanding the forces of a dropped or toppled pressure
vessel.
12. The head ring assembly of claim 1, wherein the head ring
assembly is sized to protect the valving assembly of more than one
size or configuration of pressure vessel.
13. A head ring assembly for protecting a valving assembly on a
pressure vessel, the head ring assembly comprising: a base
securable to a dispensing end of the pressure vessel; a plurality
of posts equally distributed about the perimeter of the base and
extending vertically upward from about the base to beyond the
valving assembly, each of the plurality of posts having a first end
and a second end; a collar having a plurality of radially-extending
flanges, the collar secured to and extending vertically downward
from a portion of the base, the first end of at least two opposing
posts secured to at least two of the flanges; a first
horizontally-extending ring secured to each of the plurality of
posts adjacent to the first ends, the first ring radially
positioned outward of the valving assembly; a second
horizontally-extending ring secured to each of the plurality of
posts adjacent to the second ends, the second ring radially
positioned outward of the valving assembly; and a gauge protection
plate extending vertically downward from a portion of the perimeter
of the first ring, the gauge protection plate having an interior
wall defining an opening sized to allow visual access to a content
gauge.
14. The head ring assembly of claim 13, wherein the base further
comprises an interior wall defining a base opening sized to allow
passage of a portion of a flow adjuster through the base
opening.
15. The head ring assembly of claim 13, wherein the plurality of
posts comprises four or more posts.
16. The head ring assembly of claim 13, wherein the collar is
supportable against a necked end of the pressure vessel for
providing additional stability to the head ring assembly.
17. The head ring assembly of claim 13, wherein the collar and the
plurality of flanges are integrally formed.
18. The head ring assembly of claim 13, further comprising
attachments for securing the base, posts, collar, rings, and gauge
protection plate, the attachments having sufficient strength for
withstanding the forces of a dropped or toppled pressure
vessel.
19. The head ring assembly of claim 13, wherein the head ring
assembly is sized to protect the valving assembly of more than one
size or configuration of pressure vessel.
20. A head ring assembly for protecting a regulator, a flow
adjuster, and a content gauge on a pressure vessel of more than one
size or configuration, the head ring assembly comprising: a base
secured to a regulator end of the pressure vessel, wherein a
threaded portion of the flow adjuster passes through a base
opening, the base secured to the regulator end of the pressure
vessel when the regulator is threaded onto the flow adjuster; four
or more posts equally distributed about the perimeter of the base
and extending vertically upward from about the base to beyond the
regulator, each of the posts having a first end and a second end; a
collar having a plurality of radially-extending flanges, the collar
secured to and extending vertically downward from a portion of the
base for mating with a neck of the pressure vessel for providing
additional stability to the head ring assembly, the first end of at
least two opposing posts secured to at least two of the flanges; a
first horizontally-extending ring secured to each of the posts
adjacent to the first ends, the first ring radially positioned
outward of the regulator, the flow adjuster, and the content gauge;
a second horizontally-extending ring secured to each of the posts
adjacent to the second ends, the second ring radially positioned
outward of the regulator, the flow adjuster, and the content gauge;
a gauge protection plate extending vertically downward from a
portion of the perimeter of the first ring, the gauge protection
plate having an interior wall defining an opening sized to allow
visual access to the content gauge; and attachments for securing
the base, posts, collar, rings, and gauge protection plate, the
attachments having sufficient strength for withstanding the forces
of a dropped or toppled pressure vessel.
21. The head ring assembly of claim 20, wherein the first and
second horizontally extending rings have an outer diameter in the
range of 3 inches to 5 inches.
22. The head ring assembly of claim 20, wherein the four or more
posts have a height in the range of 4 inches to 6 inches.
23. The head ring assembly of claim 20, wherein the base has an
inner diameter in the range of 1/2 inch to 11/2 inches.
24. A pressure vessel assembly, comprising: a pressure vessel
having a dispensing end including a valving assembly; a base
securable to the dispensing end of the pressure vessel; a plurality
of posts distributed about the perimeter of the base and extending
vertically upward from about the base to beyond the valving
assembly, each of the plurality of posts having a first end and a
second end; a collar having a plurality of radially-extending
flanges, the collar secured to and extending vertically downward
from a portion of the base, the first end of at least two opposing
posts secured to at least two of the flanges; a plurality of
horizontally-extending rings secured to each of the plurality of
posts adjacent to the first and/or second ends, the plurality of
rings radially positioned outward of the valving assembly; and a
gauge protection plate extending vertically downward from a portion
of the perimeter of the first ring, the gauge protection plate
having an interior wall defining an opening sized to allow visual
access to a content gauge.
25. A package assembly for protecting a pressure vessel having a
valving assembly, the package assembly comprising: a head ring
assembly, comprising: a base securable to a dispensing end of the
pressure vessel; a plurality of posts distributed about the
perimeter of the base and extending vertically upward from about
the base to beyond the valving assembly, each of the plurality of
posts having a first end and a second end; a collar having a
plurality of radially-extending flanges, the collar secured to and
extending vertically downward from a portion of the base, the first
end of at least two opposing posts secured to at least two of the
flanges; a plurality of horizontally-extending rings secured to
each of the plurality of posts adjacent to the first and/or second
ends, the plurality of rings radially positioned outward of the
valving assembly; a gauge protection plate extending vertically
downward from a portion of the perimeter of the first ring, the
gauge protection plate having an interior wall defining an opening
sized to allow visual access to a content gauge; and an outer pack
defining a bag sized to surround the pressure vessel, the valving
assembly, and the head ring assembly, the outer pack comprising a
durable material.
26. The package assembly of claim 25, further comprising a pressure
vessel having a dispensing end with the valving assembly secured to
the dispensing end, the valving assembly including at least one
component selected from the group consisting of a regulator, a flow
adjuster, and the content gauge.
27. The package assembly of claim 25, wherein the outer pack
comprises a bag made of a flame resistant material.
28. The package assembly of claim 25, further comprising one or
more straps, wherein the outer pack is secured to the pressure
vessel with the one or more straps.
29. The package assembly of claim 25, wherein the outer pack
further comprises a flap portion that folds over the head ring
assembly.
30. The package assembly of claim 25, wherein the outer pack
further comprises a clear window.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/196,358, filed Apr. 12, 2000.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates generally to pressure vessels, such
as pressurized gas canisters and compressed gas cylinders, and,
more particularly, to a head ring assembly for protecting the
valving of pressure vessels.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The Air Transport Association ("ATA") and the International
Air Transport Association ("IATA") have recently released
specifications affecting the design of airline shipping containers.
Specifications ATA-300 and IATA-200 establish the airline
industry's standards for acceptable packaging of shipping
containers used in air transport and address such issues as proper
packaging design, marking, and inspection/testing. These
specifications ensure that materials, such as pressurized cylinders
containing oxygen and other fluids, are adequately protected during
handling and transport. For example, these specifications require
that gas cylinders have valve protection head rings to protect the
valves from damage or inadvertent opening during transport. Further
requirements ensure the integrity of packaging and valving after
repeated exposure to extreme temperatures, harsh chemicals, and
vibration. Thus, these specifications ensure the safe handling and
transport of compressed fluids and other materials.
[0006] At least one head ring design has previously been used to
protect the valving associated with a pressure vessel. This
previous head ring was designed to protect the regulator, flow
adjuster, and content gauge during handling and transport of the
pressure vessel. The design has spaced-apart concentric rings that
surround the valving, protecting the valving. Aviation Mobility,
for example, manufactured such a head ring (Aviation Mobility, a
division of Access Management Group, 201 South Tryon Street, Suite
1210, Charlotte, N.C. 28202, tel. 704-525-7005,
www.accessmg.com).
[0007] Previous head ring designs, however, often incurred damage
in the field. While previous head ring designs protected the
valving to some extent, the head ring itself often deformed from
normal use. Welds, for example, failed from impacts. Rings were
damaged because of these failed welds. These weld failures
shortened the expected life of each head ring and created premature
repair costs.
[0008] Other problems with these previous head ring designs
involved the fastening mechanism. Prior head rings used a clamping
system to attach the head ring to the pressurized cylinder. A
U-bolt, for example, clamped the head ring to the cylinder. This
U-bolt clamping system, however, could not maintain proper
orientation between the head ring and the valving. The U-bolt clamp
permits the head ring to rotate and expose the valving. The U-bolt
clamp also has exposed threads, and these exposed threads were
easily damaged during handling. These damaged threads make the
U-bolt difficult to remove. The U-bolt clamping system is also
labor intensive and requires an intricate field operation.
[0009] Prior head ring designs also had compatibility problems.
While there are two leading manufacturers of light-weight gas
cylinders, there are slight dimensional differences between each
manufacturer's cylinder design. These dimensional differences are
acute in the neck region of the cylinder. Previous head ring
designs were not compatible with both manufacturers. One head ring
design was required for one manufacturer, while another head ring
design was required for the other manufacturer. This compatibility
problem increased the cost of the head ring and created confusion
and mismatch.
[0010] There is, accordingly, a need in the art for a head ring
design that is robust, a head ring design that is easily attached
and properly oriented to a gas cylinder, a head ring design that is
compatible with multiple cylinder configurations, and a head ring
design that is always cost effective.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The aforementioned problems are minimized by the present
invention. A head ring protects the valving assembly, or regulator,
flow adjuster, and content gauge, commonly attached to pressure
vessels, such as conventional pressurized gas cylinders. The head
ring includes a base securable to the dispensing end of the
pressure vessel. A plurality of posts are distributed about a
perimeter of the base, each of the posts extending vertically
upward from about the base to beyond the valving assembly. Each of
the posts has a first end and a second end. A collar is secured to
a portion of the perimeter of the base, and the collar extends
vertically downward from the perimeter of the base. The collar
includes a radially-extending flange at each end. A first ring
horizontally extends from the posts and is secured adjacent to the
first end of the posts. A second ring horizontally extends from the
posts and is secured adjacent to the second end of the posts. The
first ring and the second ring are radially positioned outward of
the regulator, the flow adjuster, and the content gauge. A gauge
protection plate extends vertically downward from the first ring.
The gauge protection plate includes an interior wall defining a
plate opening. The plate opening is sized to allow visual access to
the content gauge. The head ring protects the valving assembly
during handling and transport of the pressure vessel. The head ring
assembly may also comprise part of a pressure vessel assembly or a
package assembly for protecting the pressure vessel, the package
assembly including an outer pack made from a durable material
defining a bag sized to surround the pressure vessel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will be better understood when the following
Detailed Description of the Invention is read with reference to the
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of a pressure vessel and valving
assembly incorporating a head ring assembly;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the head ring assembly shown in
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a top view of the head ring assembly shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the head ring assembly shown
in FIGS. 1-3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of a particular pressure vessel
package utilizing the head ring assembly shown in FIGS. 1-4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an outer pack of the
pressure vessel package shown in FIG. 5;
[0019] FIGS. 7-9 are, respectively, side, top, and perspective
dimensional drawings of the head ring assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5;
and
[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a pressure vessel
utilizing the head ring assembly of FIGS. 1-5 and 7-9, further
utilizing a series of cushioning discs and pads.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] FIG. 1 is a side view of a pressure vessel 10 and valving
assembly 12. As those skilled in the art recognize, the valving
assembly 12 commonly includes a regulator 14, a flow adjuster 16,
and a content gauge 18. A head ring 20 of the present invention
protects the valving assembly 12 from damage during handling and
transport.
[0022] The pressure vessel 10 is shown as a common pressurized
cylinder. This pressurized cylinder is typically used to store
pressurized oxygen, nitrogen, or other gaseous/liquid fluids. Those
skilled and unskilled in the art recognize that pressure vessels
are available in many different configurations and in many
different sizes. Pressure vessels, for example, may include small
propane bottles commonly used in camping equipment. Pressure
vessels may also include large underground storage tanks. The head
ring 20 of the present invention is adaptable to protect the
valving assembly 12 of any size or configuration of pressure
vessel.
[0023] FIG. 2 is a side view of the head ring 20 shown in FIG. 1.
The head ring 20 includes a base 22. The base 22 is secured to the
pressure vessel 10 (FIG. 1) by the regulator 14 (FIG. 1). A
plurality of posts 24 are distributed about a perimeter of the base
22, and each of the posts extends vertically upward from
approximately adjacent to the base 22 to beyond the regulator 14
(FIG. 1). Each of the posts 24 has a first end 26 and a second end
28. Each of the posts 24 has a height in the range of about 3
inches to about 7 inches, preferably in the range of about 4 inches
to about 6 inches.
[0024] The head ring 20 includes a collar 30. The collar 30 is
secured to a portion of the perimeter of the base 22 and extends
vertically downward from the perimeter of the base 22. The collar
30, in one embodiment, includes a radially-extending flange 32 at
each end of the collar 30. The collar 30 mates with the neck and/or
shoulder portion of the pressure vessel 10 (FIG. 1) to provide
additional stability to the head ring 20. The non-flange portion of
the collar 30 may be curved, ranging from a small arc to a
semi-circle to a full circle. The flanges 32 may be separately
secured or integrally formed with the non-flange portion of the
collar 30. Two or more flanges may be separately secured to the
non-flange portion of the collar 30 and to other head ring 20
components. Additionally, one or more posts 24 may be secured to
the non-flange portion of the collar 30.
[0025] The head ring 20 also includes at least a first ring 34 and
a second ring 36. The first ring 34 horizontally extends to
interconnect the posts 24 and is secured adjacent to the first end
26 of the posts 24. The second ring 36 horizontally extends to
interconnect the posts 24 and is secured adjacent to the second end
28 of the posts 24. The first ring 34 and the second ring 36 are
radially positioned outward of the flow adjuster 16 (FIG. 1) and
the content gauge 18 (FIG. 1) so that if the pressure vessel 10
(FIG. 1), with the head ring 20 attached, is dropped, the rings 34
and 36 protect the valving assembly 12 (FIG. 1) from damage.
Additional rings may be added between the first ring 34 and second
ring 36 to increase the sturdiness of the head ring 20.
[0026] The head ring 20 also includes a gauge protection plate 38
having a thickness and area sufficient to protect the content gauge
18 from damage. The gauge protection plate 38 extends vertically
downward from the first ring 34 adjacent the content gauge 18 (FIG.
1) of the valve assembly 12 (FIG. 1). The gauge protection plate 38
includes an interior wall 40. The interior wall defines a plate
opening 42. The plate opening 42 is sized to allow visual access to
the content gauge 18 (FIG. 1), while the gauge protection plate 38
has an area sufficiently larger than the content gauge 18 to
protect the content gauge 18 and to allow the plate to be secured
to at least one post and/or the first ring 34.
[0027] In effect, the head ring 20 is supported on the pressure
vessel 10 by the base 22 and the collar 30. The first or lower end
26 of at least two opposing posts 24 are respectively secured to
the opposing flanges 32 of the collar 30. For example, the first
ends of each of the posts may be turned radially inward to aid in
securing each post to the respective flange. The first, or lower
ring 34, and the second, or upper ring 36, are respectively secured
in a spaced apart relationship to each of the opposing posts 24.
The remaining opposing posts 24 are secured between the lower ring
34 and the upper ring 36. Additionally, the gauge protection plate
38 is secured at its top portion to the lower ring 34, and at one
side portion to the lower end 26 of one of the opposing posts 24
that are secured to the collar flange 32. Preferably, all of the
components are secured by welding sufficient to withstand the
forces of a dropped or toppled pressure vessel 10 (FIG. 1).
Preferably three (3), and more preferably four (4), posts 24 are
spaced equally about the perimeter of the rings 34 and 36 to
minimize or eliminate denting or deflection of the rings or other
members caused by mishandling of the pressure vessel 10 (FIG. 1).
The components of the head ring 20 are preferably secured to each
other through welding, although other attachment methods such as
mechanical securing, gluing, or integral forming may be
utilized.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a top view of the head ring 20 shown in FIGS. 1
and 2. The base 22, which is a washer-like component, also includes
an interior wall 44. The interior wall 44 defines a base opening
46. The base opening 46 is sized to allow a threaded portion of the
flow adjuster 16 (FIG. 1) to pass through the base opening 46. The
regulator 14 (FIG. 1) is then threaded onto the flow adjuster 16
(FIG. 1) to secure the head ring 20. For example, the base opening
46 has a sufficient minimum diameter to fit over a variety of
different-sized flow adjusters 16 while having a sufficient maximum
diameter to be clamped in place between the regulator 14 and the
threaded flow adjuster 16. A means for sealing the head ring 22 to
the flow adjuster 16 (FIG. 1) and to the regulator 14 (FIG. 1) may
also be provided. The means for sealing the head ring 22 may
include, for example, an 0-ring between the head ring 22 and the
regulator 14 (FIG. 1) or flow adjuster 16 (FIG. 1). The means for
sealing the head ring 22 may alternatively include
polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., TEFLON.RTM. material as marketed and
sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company) washers between the
head ring 22 and the regulator 14 (FIG. 1) or flow adjuster 16
(FIG. 1). Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that
various other sealing methods and devices may be used. The means
for sealing the head ring 22 may, for example, utilize sealing
compounds such as silicone, rubber, or other polymeric materials. A
permanent sealant, such as a weld, is also equivalent.
[0029] FIG. 4 is perspective view of the head ring 20 shown in
FIGS. 1-3. The preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 has a collar
30 sized to fit various pressure vessels. LUXFER.RTM. pressure
vessels, for example, are one manufactured type of light-weight
aluminum pressure vessels (LUXFER.RTM. is a registered trademark of
Luxfer Gas Cylinders, 3016 Kansas Avenue, Riverside, Calif. 92507,
tel. 909-684-5110, www.luxfercylinders.com). CATALINA.RTM. pressure
vessels are another manufactured type of light-weight aluminum
pressure vessels (CATALINA.RTM. is a registered trademark of
Aluminum Precision Products, 7300 Anaconda Avenue, Garden Grove,
Calif. 92841, tel. 714-890-0999, www.catalinacylinders.com). While
both Luxfer and Catalina manufacture pressure vessels, there are
dimensional differences between each manufacturer's design. For
example, the neck of the Luxfer and Catalina pressure vessels have
different lengths. The collar 30, therefore, is sized to allow a
single head ring 20 to adapt to either manufacturer's pressure
vessel design. For example, the height of the collar 30,
corresponding to the length of the neck of a pressure vessel, has a
sufficient maximum value so that the head ring 20 may be
interchangeably utilized with a plurality of different pressure
vessels. Those skilled in the art readily recognize that the base
22, the posts 24, the collar 30, the first ring 34, and the second
ring 36 may also be designed to suit any particular pressure vessel
application.
[0030] FIG. 5 shows a particular pressure vessel package 48
utilizing the head ring 20 of the present invention. This
particular pressure vessel package 48 is designed to comply with
the Air Transport Association's Specification 300: Packaging of
Airline Supplies ("ATA-300"), and the International Air Transport
Association's Specification 200: Packing Instruction ("ATA-200").
This specification establishes the airline industry's requirements
for the design, development, and procurement of shipping containers
acceptable for air transport. The package 48, shown in FIG. 5,
includes the pressure vessel 10, the valving assembly 12, the head
ring 20, and an outer pack 50 protecting the valving assembly 12.
The outer pack 50, also shown in FIG. 6, represents a bag into
which the pressure vessel 10 slides. The outer pack 50 surrounds
the pressure vessel 10 and the valving assembly 12. The outer pack
50 is constructed of a flame retardant, flame resistant material.
The outer pack 50 has an overall diameter in the range of about 6
inches to about 7 inches and an overall height in the range of
about 23 inches to about 25 inches. Vessel straps 52 secure the
pressure vessel 10 to the outer pack 50. A flap portion 54 folds
over the head ring 20, and the flap portion 54 is retained by hook
and loop fasteners 56 and by mechanical fasteners 58. A brass
grommet 60 provides a passage for a cannula or mask supply tube to
connect with the valving assembly 12. Pack straps 62 allow the
package 48 to be easily carried. A first clear vinyl window 64
allows viewing of the regulator 14 and/or the content gauge 18. An
outer pocket 66, also having a clear vinyl window, accepts shipping
documents or other identifying paperwork. The head ring 20 and the
outer pack 50 combine to satisfy the packaging requirements of
ATA-300 and IATA-200.
[0031] The package 48 is constructed of durable materials. The
outer pack 50, flap portion 54, and outer pocket 66 are
constructed, for example, from 1000 Denier Dupont Cordura. The
vessel straps 52 and the pack straps 62 are made from polypropylene
having a tensile strength of 750 lbs. The first clear vinyl window
64 is extruded from sixteen (16) gauge clear vinyl.
[0032] FIGS. 7-9 are, respectively, side, top, and perspective
dimensional drawings of the head ring 20.
[0033] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 10, the pressure vessel package
48 (FIG. 5) may also include a plurality of cushioning discs and
pads. The plurality of cushioning discs and pads may include a
first disc 88 disposed within the head ring assembly 12 and
positioned such that it surrounds the nut 90 at the base of the
regulator 14. The first disc 88 may be made of, for example, wood
or any other suitable cushioning material and protects the
regulator 14 from shock and deformation resulting from impact. A
second disc 92, made of, for example, PE foam or any other suitable
cushioning material, may be disposed within the head ring 12,
adjacent to the first disc 88 and surrounding the regulator 14.
Additionally, top 94 and bottom 96 boot pads may be positioned such
that the top boot pad 94 surrounds the head ring assembly and the
bottom boot pad 96 surrounds the bottom of the pressure vessel 10.
The top 94 and bottom 96 boot pads may be made of, for example,
rubber or any other suitable cushioning material. The top 94 and
bottom 96 boot pads protect the head ring assembly 12 and pressure
vessel 10 from shock and deformation resulting from impact.
Preferably, the top 94 and bottom 96 boot pads are disposed within
and fixedly attached to the interior of the outer pack 50 (FIGS. 5
and 6) of the pressure vessel package 48 (FIG. 5).
EXAMPLE
[0034] One embodiment of the head ring 20 is further illustrated by
the following non-limiting example. This particular non-limiting
example of the head ring 20 is sized for oxygen dispensing pressure
vessels used in the airline industry. While this example is sized
for use in the airline industry, the dimensions given below may
vary for other applications. The head ring 20 shown in FIGS. 1-4,
and further shown in FIGS. 6-8 , has an overall height 70 (FIG. 6)
in the range of about 5 inches to about 8 inches, preferably in the
range of about 6 inches to about 7 inches, to protect the valving
assembly 12. In particular, the head ring 20 protects the regulator
14, which is a compact regulator design such as part number
165408DA produced by Precision Medical, Inc. or part number
CP540-8UNBR-SH produced by Contemporary Products, Inc. The first
ring 34 and the second ring 36 each have an outer diameter 72 (FIG.
7) in the range of about 3 inches to about 5 inches. The first ring
34 and the second ring 36 have a spacing 74 (FIG. 6) in the range
of about 3 inches to about 4 inches. The base 22 has a diameter 76
(FIG. 6) in the range of about 2 inches to about 3 inches, while
the collar 30 has a height 78 in the range of about 1 inch to about
2 inches. The gauge protection plate 38 extends downward from the
first ring 34. The gauge protection plate 38 has a width 82 (FIG.
7) in the range of about 2 inches to about 3 inches. The base
opening 46 has a diameter 84 (FIG. 7) in the range of about 1/2
inch to about 11/2 inches.
[0035] The head ring 20 is preferably constructed of welded low
carbon steel components. The base 22, the posts 24, the collar 30,
the first ring 34, and the second ring 36 are formed from common
steel stock and formed to shape. For example, the posts 24, the
first ring 34 and the second ring 36 are formed from nominal
0.25-inch diameter hot-rolled steel bar stock, such as A-36 steel
having about 36,000 lbs. minimum yield strength, giving the head
ring 20 an overall outer diameter 84 (FIG. 7) in the range of about
4 inches to about 5 inches. The diameter of the rings and posts may
be in the range of about 1/8 inch to about 1/2 inch, preferably
about 1/4 inch. The gauge protection plate 38 is formed from
1/8".times.11/4" sections of hot-rolled flat steel, such as the
A-36 steel described above. The base 22 may be formed from 21/4"
round 1018 cold finish steel. The components preferably are welded
together, such as by using 0.030" ER705-6 weld joints. The
thickness of the base 22 and the gauge protection plate 38 may be
in the range of about {fraction (1/16)} inch to 1/4 inch, and
preferably about 1/8 inch. Those skilled in the art will readily
recognize the head ring 20 may be constructed from many other
materials, including stainless steels, other alloy steels, powder
metals, nonferrous metals (aluminum, brass, etc.), composite
materials, ceramic materials, polymeric materials, alloys and
combinations thereof. The preferred embodiment also includes color
coating, such as enamel paint.
[0036] While the present invention has been described with respect
to various features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and
unskilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not so
limited. Variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. Those skilled in the art, for example, readily recognize
that the particular example described in this application may be
dimensionally altered to suit other design requirements. Those
skilled in the art also readily recognize that the particular
example may be altered to suit a particular pressure vessel design
or configuration. Thus, the head ring 20 may be utilized with any
size pressure vessel to protect the valving attached to the
pressure vessel.
* * * * *
References