U.S. patent application number 11/563992 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-29 for tank cover hinge assembly.
Invention is credited to Greg E. McRae.
Application Number | 20080121644 11/563992 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39462585 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080121644 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McRae; Greg E. |
May 29, 2008 |
Tank Cover Hinge Assembly
Abstract
A tank cover hinge assembly for use with storage tanks is
disclosed. The assembly may include a hinge member having a first
surface that is configured to engage a collar of a tank, and a
second surface that is configured to engage a lid. The hinge member
may provide a coupling between the collar and the lid, and may be
configured to prevent movement of the lid beyond a predetermined
angle of opening with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis of
the tank.
Inventors: |
McRae; Greg E.; (Irving,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER BOTTS L.L.P.
2001 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 600
DALLAS
TX
75201-2980
US
|
Family ID: |
39462585 |
Appl. No.: |
11/563992 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/810 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60K 15/05 20130101;
B60K 2015/053 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/810 |
International
Class: |
B65D 43/16 20060101
B65D043/16 |
Claims
1. An assembly, comprising: a hinge member having a first surface
being configured to engage a collar of a tank and a second surface
being configured to engage a lid; and wherein the hinge member
provides a coupling between the collar and the lid, the hinge
member being configured to prevent movement of the lid beyond a
predetermined angle of opening with respect to an imaginary
longitudinal axis of the tank.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the tank comprises a liquefied
petroleum gas (LPG) tank.
3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein: the hinge member comprises an
elongate body having a first surface being configured to engage the
collar, and a protrusion extending away from the first surface; and
the protrusion having a generally flat second surface being
configured to engage the lid when the hinge member is installed in
a first position, and a generally concave third surface being
configured to engage the lid when the hinge member is installed in
a second position.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the second surface and third
surface are on opposite sides of the protrusion.
5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the hinge member is selectively
installable in either the first position or the second
position.
6. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the predetermined angle of
opening is approximately equal to one hundred and eighty
degrees.
7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein engagement between the hinge
member and the lid provides sufficient strength to allow a
horizontal surface of the lid to support in excess of fifteen
pounds without allowing the lid to deflect beyond approximately one
hundred and eighty degrees.
8. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the predetermined angle of
opening is approximately equal to one hundred and twenty
degrees.
9. The assembly of claim 2, wherein: the lid is coupled to the
hinge member adjacent to a first edge of the lid; the lid includes
a second edge that is opposite the first edge; and the
predetermined angle of opening is selected to prevent the second
edge from extending outside of a circumference of the tank.
10. The cover assembly of claim 2, wherein: the hinge member
includes a first installation position and a second installation
position; when the hinge member is installed in the first
installation position, the predetermined angle of opening is
approximately equal to one hundred and eighty degrees; and when the
hinge member is installed in the second installation position, the
predetermined angle of opening is approximately equal to or less
than one hundred and thirty degrees.
11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: the lid is coupled to the
hinge member adjacent to a first edge of the lid; the lid includes
a second edge that is opposite the first edge; and when the hinge
member is installed in the second installation position, the
predetermined angle of opening is selected to prevent the second
edge from extending outside of a circumference of the tank.
12. The assembly of claim 10, further comprising: an elongate pin;
wherein the hinge member defines a first opening and a second
opening that is spaced from the first opening; the pin being
configured to extend through the first opening or the second
opening to provide the coupling between the collar and the lid;
when the pin extends through the first opening, the hinge member is
in the first position; and when the pin extends through the second
opening, the hinge member is in the second position.
13. The assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a pin being
configured to extend through the first opening or the second
opening, to provide the coupling between the collar and the lid;
and wherein removal of the pin allows the hinge member, the lid,
and the collar to separate with respect to each other.
14. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the hinge member comprises
plastic.
15. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the hinge member comprises
metal.
16. An apparatus, comprising: a body having a first surface being
configured to engage a component of a storage container, and a
protrusion extending away from the first surface; and the
protrusion having a generally flat second surface being configured
to engage a container lid when the apparatus is installed in a
first position, and a generally concave third surface being
configured to engage the container lid when the hinge member is
installed in a second position.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising the component of
the storage container and the lid, and wherein the lid is
positioned to protect valves extending from an upper surface of the
storage container.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein: the body may be coupled with
the component of the storage container and the lid in a first
position; the body may be decoupled from the component of the
storage container and the lid and re-coupled to the lid and the
component of the storage container, in a second position; the first
position defines a first predetermined angle of opening of
approximately one hundred and twenty degrees; and the second
position defines a second predetermined angle of opening of
approximately one hundred and eighty degrees.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a pin operable to
accommodate coupling among the body, the component of the storage
container, and the lid.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein: the body has first and
second apertures formed therein; the first aperture being
configured to accommodate the pin in the first position; and the
second hole aperture being configured to accommodate the pin in the
second position.
21. An assembly, comprising: an LPG storage tank; a base being
coupled to a lower portion of the LPG storage tank to support the
LPG storage tank in an upright position; a hinge member having a
first surface being configured to engage a collar of the LPG
storage tank and a second surface being configured to engage a lid;
the hinge member providing a coupling between the collar and the
lid, the hinge member being configured to prevent movement of the
lid beyond a predetermined angle of opening with respect to an
imaginary longitudinal axis of the LPG storage tank; the hinge
member including a first installation position and a second
installation position; when the hinge member is installed in the
first installation position, the predetermined angle of opening is
approximately equal to one hundred and eighty degrees; when the
hinge member is installed in the second installation position, the
predetermined angle of opening is approximately equal to or less
than one hundred and thirty degrees; the lid being coupled to the
hinge member adjacent to a first edge of the lid; the lid including
a second edge that is opposite the first edge; when the hinge
member is installed in the second installation position, the
predetermined angle of opening is selected to prevent the second
edge from extending outside of a circumference of the tank; an
elongate pin; wherein the hinge member defines a first opening and
a second opening that is spaced from the first opening; the pin
being configured to extend through the first opening or the second
opening to provide the coupling between the collar and the lid;
when the pin extends through the first opening, the hinge member is
in the first position; and when the pin extends through the second
opening, the hinge member is in the second position.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure is related to storage tank components
and more particularly, to a tank cover hinge assembly.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Storage tanks that are used to store volatile liquids and
gases often include fragile valves for loading and unloading of
tank contents. For example, LPG tanks are used to contain liquefied
petroleum gas such as propane. LPG tanks come in a variety of sizes
and are used in both commercial and residential applications. The
quantities of gas an LPG tank is required to hold in certain
applications can vary. Often larger LPG tanks have a cylindrical
collar and a lid that protects the valves, fittings, and other
components located at the top of the tank.
[0003] LPG tanks may also be installed in widely different
locations and environments. An LPG tank may be installed in a
location with limited open space surrounding the top of the tank.
In other installations, there may be plenty of space in the area
surrounding the tank. In order to access the valves, fittings, and
other components that control the filing and discharging of the
contents of the tank, the lid must be opened.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The teachings of the present invention include a tank cover
hinge assembly for use with storage tanks. In accordance with a
particular embodiment of the present invention, the assembly
includes a hinge member having a first surface that is configured
to engage a collar of a tank and a second surface that is
configured to engage a lid. The hinge member provides the coupling
between the collar and the lid, and is configured to prevent
movement of the lid beyond a predetermined angle of opening with
respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis of the tank.
[0005] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, the hinge member may include an elongate body having a
first surface that is configured to engage the collar, and a
protrusion that extends away from the first surface. The protrusion
may include a generally flat second surface that is configured to
engage the lid when the hinge member is installed in a first
position, and a generally concave third surface that is configured
to engage the lid when the hinge member is installed in a second
position.
[0006] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the hinge member may be selectively installed in either
the first position or the second position. In the first position,
the hinge member may prevent the lid from being opened beyond a
first predetermined angle (e.g., 180 degrees) and in the second
position the hinge member may prevent the lid from being opened
beyond a second predetermined angle (e.g., 120 degrees).
[0007] Technical advantages of particular embodiments of the
present invention include a hinge member that prevents a lid from
being opened beyond a predetermined angle of opening. Thus, a user
can selectively control the angle of opening of the lid in its
maximum open position.
[0008] Further technical advantages of particular embodiments of
the present invention include a hinge member that can selectively
be installed in one of two positions, the first and second
positions being operable to prevent the opening of the lid beyond
first and second predetermined angles of opening, respectively.
[0009] Still further technical advantages of the present invention
include a hinge member that can be easily changed from a first
installation position to a second installation position, the first
and second positions being operable to prevent the opening of the
lid beyond first and second predetermined angles of opening,
respectively.
[0010] Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one
of ordinary skill in the art from the following figures,
descriptions and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have
been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some,
or none of the enumerated advantages.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and
advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following
description, taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings, in
which like reference numbers indicate like features, and
wherein:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of an embodiment of the
present invention showing the cover assembly with a lid in a closed
position;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing illustrating an alternative
embodiment of the present invention showing the hinge member
installed in a second position wherein the angle of opening of the
lid is approximately equal to 120 degrees;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
invention in which the hinge member is installed in a third
position, wherein the predetermined angle of opening of the lid is
approximately equal to 180 degrees;
[0015] FIG. 4A illustrates a hinge member in accordance with
another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 4B illustrates an end view of the hinge member of FIG.
4A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] The present disclosure is directed to a hinge member for use
with a cover assembly of a tank, for example a liquefied petroleum
gas ("LPG") tank. The cover assembly is positioned at the top of
the LPG tank. In the illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, the cover assembly includes a cylindrical collar and a
lid that protects the valves and fittings located at the top of the
tank. The valves and fittings are typically surrounded by a
cylindrical collar and are covered by a lid when the lid is in a
closed position. In certain applications, it is advantageous to be
able to control the angle of opening of the lid. A hinge member of
the present invention stops a lid of an LPG tank from being opened
beyond a predetermined angle of opening. For example, the
predetermined angle of opening may be approximately 120 or
approximately 180 degrees. The predetermined angle of opening may
be selected by attaching the hinge member to the cylindrical collar
and the lid in one of two different configurations. The hinge
member may be made of plastic, polyethylene (e.g., UL
QMFZ2.E205741, minimum temperature -40.degree. F., pliability
280.degree. F.), metal, metal alloys, composites, or any other
suitable material.
[0018] LPG tanks are sometimes installed where there is plenty of
open space surrounding the cover assembly of a tank. In such
installations there are no obstructions that would prevent a tank
lid from opening to an angle of opening of 180 degrees. The present
invention allows the hinge member to be attached to the cylindrical
collar and the lid in a first configuration where the hinge member
will stop and support the lid when it reaches an angle of opening
of approximately 180 degrees. By stopping and maintaining the lid
at an angle of opening of approximately 180 degrees, the lid is
capable of functioning as a work surface that is located adjacent
to the valves and fittings at the top of the LPG tank. For the
purposes of this specification, the angle of opening refers to a
measurement of the angle formed between a surface 19 of the lid,
and the surface of the cylindrical collar.
[0019] In other LPG tank installations, there may not be sufficient
open space surrounding the top of the tank to allow the tank lid to
be opened to an angle of opening of approximately 180 degrees. In
these installations there may be obstructions that a tank lid would
encounter if it is opened to an angle of opening of 180 degrees. In
these LPG tank installations, it is advantageous to be able to open
the tank lid to a predetermined angle that will not allow the lid
to contact any nearby obstructions. The present invention allows
the hinge member to be attached to the cylindrical collar and the
lid in a second configuration where the hinge member will stop and
support the lid when it reaches an angle of opening of
approximately 120 degrees. For example, when the lid is opened to
an approximately 120 degree angle of opening, the lid may be in a
position in which no part of the lid will exceed the circumference
of the tank.
[0020] Control of the opening angle of an LPG tank's lid may be
accomplished by attaching the hinge member of the present invention
to an existing cylindrical collar and lid. Moreover, a single hinge
member can control the angle of opening of the lid for the 120
degree angle of opening and the 180 degree angle of opening. When
the hinge member is attached to a lid and a cylindrical collar in a
first configuration, the angle of opening is stopped at
approximately 180 degrees. When the hinge member is attached to a
cylindrical collar and a lid in a second configuration, the angle
of opening of the lid is stopped at approximately 120 degrees.
Predetermined angles of opening of 120 degrees and 180 degrees are
illustrated herein by way of example only. It will be readily
apparent to those of ordinary skill in this art that various other
predetermined angles of opening may be used in addition to, or in
lieu of 120 degrees and 180 degrees, within the teaching of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates an LPG tank assembly 20 in accordance
with a particular embodiment of the present invention. Tank
assembly 20 includes a base 22, tank 32, lifting lug 26 and a cover
assembly 30. A cylindrical collar 34 is fixed to the top of tank 32
and includes two visible handles 35. The cylindrical collar 34
surrounds valves and fittings located at the top of the tank 32.
Coupled to the cylindrical collar 34 is a hinge member 38 that
provides the coupling of the lid 36 to the cylindrical collar 34.
The hinge member 38, the cylindrical collar 34, and the lid 36 are
all joined by a pin 39. The pin may be inserted through either one
of two apertures of the hinge member 38. Removal of the pin 39
allows the hinge member 38, the cylindrical collar 34, and the lid
36 to separate with respect to each other. The cover assembly 30 is
shown with the lid 36 in its closed position.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a cover assembly 40 which includes a
cylindrical collar 44 to surround valves and fittings positioned on
the top of the tank. The cover assembly 40 also includes a hinge
member 48 that couples the lid 46 to the cylindrical collar 44. The
hinge member 48, the cylindrical collar 44, and the lid 46 are all
joined by a pin 49. The pin may be inserted through an aperture of
the hinge member 48 adjacent an edge of the lid that forms surface
47. Removal of the pin 49 allows the hinge member 48, the
cylindrical collar 44, and the lid 46 to separate with respect to
each other. In this embodiment, the hinge member 48 is attached to
the cylindrical collar 44 and the lid 46 in a configuration that
prevents the lid 46 from opening beyond an approximately 120 degree
angle of opening. The lid 46 is able to open until a surface 47 of
the lid 46 contacts a corresponding recessed portion 45 of the
hinge member 48. The concave surface of the recessed portion 45 of
the hinge member 48 is located such that the lid 46 contacts the
hinge member 48 when the lid 46 is opened to a predetermined angle
(approximately 120 degrees in the illustrated embodiment).
Depending on the size of the tank to which the cover assembly 40 is
attached, the hinge member 48 may prevent the lid 46 from opening
beyond an angle of opening that would cause an edge of the lid 46
to extend outside of the circumference (see FIG. 1) of the tank 42.
For example, with reference to FIG. 1, the edge 21 of lid 36 would
be prevented from extending outside of the dotted lines marked C,
when the lid is in the fully open position (approximately 120
degrees with respect to the surface of the cylindrical collar.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present
invention. The cover assembly 50 of FIG. 3 includes a hinge member
58 that couples the lid 56 and the cylindrical collar 54. The hinge
member 58, the cylindrical collar 54, and the lid 56 are all joined
by a pin 59. The pin may be inserted through an aperture of the
hinge member 58. Removal of the pin 59 allows the hinge member 58,
the cylindrical collar 54, and the lid 56 to separate with respect
to each other. In this embodiment, the hinge member 58 is attached
to the cylindrical collar 54 and the lid 56 in a configuration that
prevents the lid 56 from opening beyond an angle (approximately 180
degrees in the illustrated embodiment). The lid 56 is able to open
until a convex surface 55 of the lid 56 contacts a corresponding
concave surface 57 of the hinge member 58. The concave surface of
the hinge member 58 is located such that the lid 56 contacts the
hinge member 58 when the lid is opened to approximately a 180
degree angle of opening.
[0024] When the lid 56 is positioned at an approximately 180 degree
angle of opening, the lid 56 may function as a work surface
adjacent the valves and fittings located at the top of the tank.
The work surface provides an area for workmen to use during
service, maintenance and/or repair. For example, the workman could
place tools, parts or components on the work surface. In accordance
with a particular embodiment of the present invention, the hinge
member and lid may be configured in a manner that allows the work
surface to support fifteen pounds or more without deflecting.
[0025] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate side and end views (respectively)
of a hinge member suitable for use within the teachings of the
present invention. Hinge member 60 includes two apertures 62 and
63, each of which are suitable to receive a pin in order to couple
the hinge member 60 with a lid and collar. In a first
configuration, the pin can be inserted through aperture 62 (see
FIG. 2) which allows concave surface 64 to engage an edge of the
lid to prevent the lid from being opened beyond a predetermined
angle (e.g., 120 degrees). The hinge member and pin can be
disassembled and re-assembled in a second configuration in which
the hinge member is rotated 180 degrees and the pin is inserted
through aperture 63 (see FIG. 3). This allows concave surface 66 to
engage an edge of the lid to prevent the lid from being opened
beyond a predetermined angle (e.g., 180 degrees).
[0026] Several dimensions and radius measurements are illustrated
in FIGS. 4A and 4B. These measurements are provided as an example
only, and are subject to substantial modification within the
teachings of the present invention. In accordance with a particular
embodiment of the present invention, these dimensions may be as
follows (in inches): A=2.3328, B=0.1250, C=0.4815, D=0.250,
E=0.375, F=0.375, G=2.430, H=1.680, I=0.375, J=0.6775, K=0.375,
L=0.2188, M=0.4815, N=1.294, 0=0.1250, P=1.4484, Q=0.375, and
R=0.750 (e.g., tolerance+/-0.005).
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the hinge member generally
includes an elongate body having a first surface 67 that is
configured to engage a component of a storage tank (e.g., the
collar of an LPG tank). The body also includes a protrusion 68 that
extends away from the first surface 67. The protrusion forms a
second surface 70 that is generally flat and is configured to
engage the lid when the hinge member is installed in the first
position. The body includes a generally concave third surface 64
that is configured to engage the lid when the hinge member is
installed in the second position. As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the
second and third surfaces are on opposite sides of the protrusion.
Thus, the hinge member may be rotated by one hundred and eighty
degrees when being reconfigured from the first position to the
second position.
[0028] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a pin 49 is inserted
through a first aperture of the hinge member 48 in order to attach
the hinge member 48 to the lid 46 and the cylindrical collar 44.
The cover assembly 40 illustrated in FIG. 2, where the lid stops at
an angle of opening of approximately 120 degrees, is easily
switched to the embodiment of the cover assembly 58 illustrated in
FIG. 3, where the lid stops at an angle of opening of approximately
180 degrees. This switch is accomplished by merely flipping the
hinge member so that a second aperture is on top of the first
aperture. The hinge member is then attached to the lid and the
cylindrical collar with a pin through the second aperture of the
hinge member. Thus, the attachment of the hinge member, in one of
two configurations allows either the embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 2 or the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.
[0029] Although the present invention has been described in several
embodiments, a myriad of changes and modifications may be suggested
to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present
invention encompass such changes and modifications as fall within
the scope of the present appended claims.
* * * * *