U.S. patent application number 11/293899 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for propane tank cover.
Invention is credited to Thomas S. Abdo.
Application Number | 20070125789 11/293899 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38117696 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070125789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Abdo; Thomas S. |
June 7, 2007 |
Propane tank cover
Abstract
Methods of covering a horizontally orientated substantially
cylindrical propane tank supported on a surface, with the propane
tank having a longest dimension parallel to the surface. One method
comprises providing a cover having at least one closure mechanism,
surrounding the propane tank with the cover, and closing the
closure mechanism, wherein the cover can only be removed from the
propane tank by opening the closure mechanism. Another method
comprises providing a cover comprising a covering portion and a
skirt extending downwardly from the covering portion, positioning
the covering portion of the cover over the horizontally orientated
cylindrical propane tank, and vertically hanging the skirt from the
covering portion.
Inventors: |
Abdo; Thomas S.; (Charlotte,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PRICE HENEVELD COOPER DEWITT & LITTON, LLP
695 KENMOOR, S.E.
P O BOX 2567
GRAND RAPIDS
MI
49501
US
|
Family ID: |
38117696 |
Appl. No.: |
11/293899 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/694 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C 2203/0607 20130101;
F17C 2221/035 20130101; F17C 2260/021 20130101; F17C 2201/035
20130101; F17C 2201/056 20130101; F17C 2201/0109 20130101; F17C
2205/0323 20130101; F17C 2203/0617 20130101; F17C 2270/0134
20130101; F17C 2270/0147 20130101; F17C 3/00 20130101; F17C
2223/0153 20130101; F17C 2223/033 20130101; F17C 2201/054 20130101;
F17C 2270/07 20130101; F17C 2203/0636 20130101; F17C 2201/0104
20130101; F17C 2205/0115 20130101; F17C 2205/018 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/694 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/00 20060101
B65D025/00 |
Claims
1. A method of covering a horizontally orientated substantially
cylindrical propane tank supported on a surface, the propane tank
having a longest dimension parallel to the surface, the method
comprising: providing a cover having at least one closure
mechanism; surrounding the propane tank with the cover; and closing
the closure mechanism; wherein the cover can only be removed from
the propane tank by opening the closure mechanism.
2. The method of covering a propane tank of claim 1, further
comprising: providing the cover with a covering portion and a skirt
extending downwardly from the covering portion; and vertically
hanging the skirt from the covering portion.
3. The method of covering a propane tank of claim 2, wherein:
vertically hanging the skirt includes extending the skirt at least
half way to the ground surface, such that a bottom edge of the
skirt is closer to the ground surface than the bottom of the
covering portion.
4. The method of covering a propane tank of claim 3, further
including: touching the ground surface with the bottom edge of the
skirt.
5. The method of covering a propane tank of claim 2, wherein: the
skirt has an oval cross-sectional shape.
6. The method of covering a propane tank of claim 2, further
including: placing a design on the covering portion and the
skirt.
7. The method of covering a propane tank of claim 1, wherein: the
closure mechanism comprises a hook and loop fastener.
8. The method of covering a propane tank of claim 1, wherein: the
closure mechanism comprises a zipper.
9. The method of covering a propane tank of claim 1, further
including: placing a design on the cover.
10. A method of covering a horizontally oriented cylindrical
propane tank connected to a ground surface comprising: providing a
cover comprising a covering portion and a skirt extending
downwardly from the covering portion; positioning the covering
portion of the cover over the horizontally orientated cylindrical
propane tank; and vertically hanging the skirt from the covering
portion.
11. The method of covering a horizontally oriented cylindrical
propane tank of claim 10, wherein: vertically hanging the skirt
includes extending the skirt at least half way to the ground
surface, such that a bottom edge of the skirt is closer to the
ground surface than the bottom of the covering portion.
12. The method of covering a horizontally oriented cylindrical
propane tank of claim 11, further including: touching the ground
surface with the bottom edge of the skirt.
13. The method of covering a horizontally oriented cylindrical
propane tank of claim 10, wherein: the skirt has an oval
cross-sectional shape.
14. The method of covering a horizontally oriented cylindrical
propane tank of claim 10, further including: placing a design on
the cover.
15. The method of covering a horizontally oriented cylindrical
propane tank of claim 10, wherein: placing a design on the cover
comprises placing a design on the covering portion and the
skirt.
16. A covered propane tank comprising: a horizontally oriented
cylindrical propane tank connected to a ground surface; and a cover
comprising a covering portion and a skirt hanging vertically
downwardly from the covering portion, the covering portion of the
cover being positioned over the horizontally orientated cylindrical
propane tank.
17. The tank of claim 16, wherein: the skirt extends at least half
way to the ground surface, such that a bottom edge of the skirt is
closer to the ground surface than the bottom of the covering
portion.
18. The tank of claim 17, wherein: the bottom edge of the skirt
touches the ground surface.
19. The tank of claim 16, wherein: the skirt has an oval
cross-sectional shape.
20. The tank of claim 16, wherein: the cover includes a design
therein.
21. The tank of claim 20, wherein: the design is on the covering
portion and the skirt.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention concerns propane tanks, and more
particularly relates to a cover for a propane tank.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Propane tanks are used to supply propane gas to residences
to heat clothes dryers, ovens, fireplaces, furnaces, generators,
grills, outdoor lighting, space and water heaters and other
products in the residence. Typically, the propane tanks comprise a
horizontally orientated substantially cylindrical housing having
rounded ends (or "hot dog shaped"). The propane tanks typically
come in 150 gallon to 1,000 gallon tanks and can be placed
underground or positioned above ground on a surface adjacent the
residence. Propane tanks that are above ground typically are
painted white or silver to reflect heat and to prevent pressure
inside the tank from getting too high. However, the white or silver
exterior of the propane tanks can be highly visible adjacent a
residence and therefore provide a very unappealing appearance.
[0003] Accordingly, an apparatus is desired having the
aforementioned advantages and solving and/or making improvements on
the aforementioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0004] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of
covering a horizontally orientated substantially cylindrical
propane tank supported on a surface, with the propane tank having a
longest dimension parallel to the surface. The method comprises
providing a cover having at least one closure mechanism,
surrounding the propane tank with the cover, and closing the
closure mechanism. The cover can only be removed from the propane
tank by opening the closure mechanism.
[0005] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
method of covering a horizontally oriented cylindrical propane tank
connected to a ground surface. The method comprises providing a
cover comprising a covering portion and a skirt extending
downwardly from the covering portion. The method also comprises
positioning the covering portion of the cover over the horizontally
orientated cylindrical propane tank and vertically hanging the
skirt from the covering portion.
[0006] Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a
covered propane tank comprising a horizontally oriented cylindrical
propane tank connected to a ground surface and a cover comprising a
covering portion and a skirt hanging vertically downwardly from the
covering portion. The covering portion of the cover is positioned
over the horizontally orientated cylindrical propane tank.
[0007] These and other aspects, objects, and features of the
present invention will be understood and appreciated by those
skilled in the art upon studying the following specification,
claims, and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cover of the present invention on
a propane tank.
[0009] FIG. 2 is an end view of the cover of the present invention
on the propane tank.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a top view of the cover of the present invention
on the propane tank.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the cover of
the present invention on the propane tank.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of
the cover of the present invention on the propane tank taken along
the line V-V of FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0013] For purposes of description herein, the terms "upper,"
"lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention
as orientated in FIG. 1. However, it is to be understood that the
invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where
expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood
that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached
drawings, and described in the following specification are simply
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the
appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are
not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state
otherwise.
[0014] The reference number 10 (FIGS. 1-3) generally designates a
cover embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example,
the cover 10 is used to cover propane tanks 12 to provide the
propane tanks 12 with an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
[0015] Propane tanks 12 are typically used to provide propane fuel
to residences and other buildings. The propane tank 12 comprises a
horizontally orientated substantially cylindrical housing 14 having
a cylindrical portion 15 and rounded ends 16 (or "hot dog shaped").
A pair of feet 18 extend downwardly from the cylindrical portion 15
of the propane tank 12. The feet 18 can be secured to a support
surface 20 and/or placed on support members 22 (e.g., cinder
blocks) on the support surface 20. Therefore, propane tank 12 has a
longest dimension parallel to the surface 20. The propane tank 12
further includes a removable tank cover 24 on an upper portion of
the cylindrical portion 15. A shut-off valve (not shown) is located
under the tank cover 24 and a supply line (not shown) extends out
of the tank cover 24 to supply the propane to the residence or
other building. Propane tanks 12 and use of the same are well known
to those skilled in the art.
[0016] In the illustrated example, the cover 10 surrounds the sides
and at least a portion of the top of the substantially cylindrical
housing 14 of the propane tank 12. The cover 10 includes a body
portion 26 that surrounds the tank cover 24 of the propane tank 12,
with the body portion 26 covering the top and sides of the
cylindrical portion 15 and the rounded ends 16 of the propane tank
12. A bottom portion 28 of the cover 24 preferably wraps at least
partially under the propane tank 12. The cover 10 includes at least
one slit 29 running vertically from the tank cover 24 to the bottom
portion 28 of the cover 24. The at least one slit 29 allows the
cover 24 to be positioned over the propane tank 12. A closure
mechanism 30 is connected to the cover 10 on each side of the slit
29 for attached portions 32 of the cover 10 adjacent the slit 29
together, thereby securing the cover 10 to the propane tank 12. The
closure mechanism 30 can comprise a zipper, a hook and loop type
fastener or any other closure mechanism that removably connects the
portions 32 of the cover 10 together. Although one closure
mechanism 30 is shown, it is contemplated that a plurality of
closure mechanisms 30 could be used. Furthermore, while a
vertically aligned closure mechanism 30 is shown, it is
contemplated that the closure mechanism 30 could be horizontally
orientated, with the cover 10 split into an upper portion and a
lower portion. Accordingly, when the cover 10 is positioned on the
propane tank 12, the cover 10 can only be removed from the propane
tank 12 by opening the closure mechanism 30. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that the cover 10 could include straps or other
connection devices that extend under the propane tank 12 to assist
in connecting the cover 10 to the propane tank 12.
[0017] The illustrated cover 10 includes a tank cover portion 34
for covering the tank cover 24 of the propane tank 12. In the
illustrated example, the tank cover portion 34 is separate from the
body portion 26 and is removably connected thereto by a closure
mechanism 36. The closure mechanism 36 connecting the tank cover
portion 34 to the body portion 26 can comprise a zipper, a hook and
loop type fastener or any other closure mechanism that removably
connects the tank cover portion 34 and the body portion 26 of the
cover 10 together. It is contemplated that the closure mechanism 36
for connecting the tank cover portion 34 and the body portion 26 of
the cover 10 together can be integral with the closure mechanism 30
for connecting the portions 32 of the cover 10 together. For
example, the closure mechanisms 30, 36 can comprise a unitary
zipper. Alternatively, the closure mechanisms 30, 36 can be
separate. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the tank cover
portion 34 can be integral with the body portion 26 of the cover or
the cover 10 can be used without the tank cover portion 34, wherein
the body portion 26 can include an opening for accommodating the
tank cover 24. The cover 10 can also include other openings for
allowing projections extending from the propane tank 12 (e.g., hook
connections for transporting the propane tank 12) to extend
therethrough.
[0018] In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 10 preferably
includes a design on the cover 10 to provide an aesthetically
pleasing appearance. For example, the cover 10 can include a design
having a professional or college logo or mascot thereon.
Furthermore, the cover 10 can include a design such that the cover
10 will blend in with the background. For example, the cover 10 can
include a nature scene thereon (e.g., trees and flowers), a fence,
etc. It is contemplated that the design could be any picture or
image. Furthermore, the cover 10 can be made of any fabric or
material with the design integrally formed as part of the fabric or
material or placed on the fabric or material. Preferably, the cover
10 reflects heat and/or sunlight and prevents pressure inside the
propane tank 12 from getting too high.
[0019] The reference numeral 10a (FIGS. 4-5) generally designates
another embodiment of the present invention, having a second
embodiment for the cover. Since cover 10a is similar to the
previously described cover 10, similar parts appearing in FIGS. 1-3
and FIGS. 4-5, respectively, are represented by the same,
corresponding reference number, except for the suffix "a" in the
numerals of the latter. The second embodiment of the cover 10a
includes a body portion 26a and a bottom portion 28a that surrounds
the tank cover 24a and at least partially covering the top and
sides of the cylindrical portion 15a and the rounded ends 16a of
the propane tank 12a. The cover 10a also includes a skirt 50
hanging vertically downwardly from the body portion 26a or the
bottom portion 28a. The skirt 50 can extend downward from the body
portion 26a at a point 52 that defines a vertical tangential line
on the surface of the cylindrical portion 15a of the propane tank
12a or anywhere below the point 52 (although the skirt 50 could be
connected to the body portion 26a above the point 52). Preferably,
the skirt 50 hangs at least half way to the ground surface 20a,
such that a bottom edge 54 of the skirt 50 is closer to the ground
surface 20a than the point at which the skirt 50 extends from the
body portion 26a or the bottom portion 28a of the cover 10a. It is
contemplated that the skirt 50 could touch the ground surface 20a.
Preferably, the skirt 50 is uninterrupted and defines an oval
horizontal cross-section. However, it is contemplated that the
skirt 50 could be interrupted (e.g., the skirt 50 could only hang
down on two opposite sides of the propane tank 12a, but not from
the ends of the propane tank 12a). Furthermore, it is contemplated
that the skirt 50 could have weights adjacent the bottom edge 54 to
ensure that the skirt 50 hangs vertically when the wind is blowing
against the propane tank 12a.
[0020] The second embodiment of the cover 10a can be positioned
over the propane tank 12a in a variety of manners. As illustrated
in FIG. 5, the bottom portion 28a of the cover l0a includes an
elastic bottom 60 that allows the bottom portion 28a to be expanded
to slide over the propane tank 12a and then automatically
contracted to fit snugly below the propane tank 12a to secure the
cover 10a to the propane tank 12a. However, it is contemplated that
the cover 10a could include at least one closure mechanism (e.g.,
zipper or hook and loop type fastener) and associated slit as in
the first embodiment of the cover 10 to allow the cover 10a to be
placed over the propane tank 12a. Furthermore, it is contemplated
that the skirt 50 could be removably connected to the remainder of
the cover 10a by a closure mechanism. Moreover, it is contemplated
that the cover 10a could include straps or other connection devices
that extend under the propane tank 12a to assist in connecting the
cover 10a to the propane tank 12a (in addition to the elastic
bottom or substituted therefore). For example, the straps or other
connection devices could extend between the points 52 of opposite
sides of the propane tank 12a and the skirt 50 could be integral
with the body portion 26a of the skirt 50.
[0021] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can
be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the
concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be
understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the
following claims unless these claims by their language expressly
state otherwise.
* * * * *