Pressure vessel

Abstract

An improved molded, reinforced pressure vessel having a winding foot on the liner tank which includes a head, disposed away from the tank and a narrowed neck extending between the head and the tank wherein outer radial dimensions of the head are greater than outer radial dimension of the neck. The improved foot design allows windings to cover more of the liner tank that maximizes the reinforcement provided by the winding and in blow molded liner tanks, the narrow neck restricts the migration of material out of and away from the foot, thus producing a stronger liner tank.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 820,688, filed Jul. 28, 2006.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to containers for holding pressurized contents and more particularly to molded, reinforced pressure vessels.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Pressurized vessels have been used for many years. One form of pressurized vessel has a gas-tight liner with a cylindrical central section and two rounded, generally semispherical end portions. It is common for a port to be located at one longitudinal end of the vessel, at the center of one of the semispherical ends. Fibers are wound around the exterior surface of the liner, thereby strengthening the liner to form a vessel capable of containing pressurized contents. Such pressurized contents may be water, or other liquids, or gasses.[0004]In construction, the liner is generally molded from plastic. One common form of molding liners is bl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention relates to a pressure vessel design that minimizes unreinforced areas and thin spots in the liner, which can lead to weak spots in the vessel. The invention provides a design that includes a reinforced foot at one end of the liner, which helps to strengthen the vessel and hold it under pressure. The design also includes a molded reinforced liner that is blow molded and then affixed to a foot, which adds extra cost and time to the manufacturing process. The invention provides a solution to this problem by using a foot that is molded onto the liner during the manufacturing process, which reduces the unreinforced area and thin spots in the liner. The design also includes various views of the second end of the liner tank, which further reinforces the vessel. Overall, the invention provides a pressure vessel design that is stronger and more durable."

Problems solved by technology

One common problem with blow molded containers is the development of thin spots due to stretching of material around corners of the mold.

The thin spots create weak portions of the liner, thus limiting its capability to hold pressurized material.

The extra step of adding the foot adds cost and time to the liner making process.

These thin spots lead to weakening of the liner, and thus decreased stress resistance and reduced performance of the pressure vessel.

Thus, the foot presents a potential weak spot in the pressure vessel.

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