Handle for a portable cylinder

Abstract

A portable cylinder is provided, which includes a can having an upper part with a valve opening, a mounting collar connected to the upper part of the can, and a handle attached to the mounting collar. The mounting collar has an upward extension surrounding the valve opening and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs radially outwardly extending from the upward extension, wherein corresponding gaps are formed between adjacent tabs of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs. The handle includes a shroud portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced crossbars for abutting the lower side of a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs, and at least one tab for engaging the mounting collar into one of the gaps; and a handle portion extending from the shroud portion and having one or more areas for gripping the handle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Generally speaking, the present invention relates to a portable cylinder, and more particularly to a handle for a portable cylinder. Background Art

[0002] Various pressurized cylinders have been used for the storage and transportation of pressurized gas products for household and industrial use. For example, the cylinder can be used to store gas for cooking appliances such as stoves or grills, for storing refrigerants, for storing helium, etc. Conventionally, many of these cylinders are made of steel, and the steel cylinder body has a valve at the top for controlling the gas flow out of the cylinder; a footing at the bottom for providing stability of the cylinder on a support surface; and a handle at the top for assisting in transporting the cylinder and protecting the valve. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a handle for a cylinder. The handle includes a shroud portion configured to be attached to a collar of the cylinder, the shroud portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart rungs for abutting a lower side of a corresponding one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs of the collar, and at least one tab for engaging the collar; and a handle portion extending from the shroud portion and having one or more areas for gripping the handle.

[0004] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a portable cylinder. The portable cylinder includes a tank having an upper portion with a valve opening; a mounting collar connected to the upper portion of the tank, the mounting collar having an upwardly extending portion surrounding the valve opening and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs radially outwardly extending from the upwardly extending portion, wherein corresponding gaps are formed between adjacent tabs of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs; and a handle attached to the mounting collar. The handle includes a shroud portion and a handle portion, the shroud portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart rungs and at least one tab, the rungs for abutting a lower side of a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs, the tab for engaging the mounting collar into one of the gaps, and the handle portion extending from the shroud portion and having one or more areas for gripping the handle.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of assembling a portable cylinder is provided. The cylinder includes a can having an upper portion, a collar attached to the upper portion of the can, and a handle. The method includes: lowering the handle onto the collar such that a plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs of the handle are received in gaps between adjacent tabs of a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs of the collar and such that a deflectable tab of the handle contacts and deflects one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs; and rotating the handle until each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs is located below a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs and the deflectable tab engages the collar into one of the gaps.

[0006] These and other objects of the present invention will be apparent when reference is made to the accompanying drawings, the detailed description, and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, and preferred embodiments thereof will be described in detail in the specification and illustrated in the drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary cylinder.

[0009] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the cylinder.

[0010] Figure 3 is a left side view of the cylinder.

[0011] Figure 4 is another front perspective view of the cylinder.

[0012] Figure 5 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary handle.

[0013] Figure 6 is a top rear perspective view of the handle.

[0014] Figure 7 is a bottom front perspective view of the handle.

[0015] Figure 8 is a bottom rear perspective view of the handle.

[0016] Figure 9 is a front view of the handle.

[0017] Figure 10 is a rear view of the handle.

[0018] Figure 11 is a left side view of the handle.

[0019] Figure 12 is a right side view of the handle.

[0020] Figure 13 is a top view of the handle.

[0021] Figure 14 is a bottom view of the handle.

[0022] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the handle attached to the can.

[0023] Figure 16 is another perspective view of the handle attached to the can.

[0024] Figure 17 is yet another perspective view of the handle attached to the can.

[0025] Figure 18 is yet another perspective view of the handle attached to the can.

[0026] Figure 19 is another perspective view of the handle attached to the can.

[0027] Figure 20 is another perspective view of the handle attached to the can.

[0028] Figure 21 is yet another perspective view of the handle attached to the can.

[0029] Figure 22 is a top perspective view of the handle attached to the can.

[0030] Figure 23 is a perspective view of two cylinders attached to a carrier device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method and system associated with a portable cylinder. The cylinder includes a can having an upper portion with a valve opening, a mounting collar connected to the upper portion of the can, and a handle attached to the mounting collar. The mounting collar has an upward extension surrounding the valve opening and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs radially extending outward from the upward extension, wherein corresponding gaps are formed between adjacent tabs of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs. The handle includes a shroud portion and a handle portion. The shroud portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced crossbars for abutting the lower side of a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs, and at least one tab for engaging the mounting collar into one of the gaps. The handle portion extends from the shroud portion and has one or more areas for gripping the handle.

[0032] Referring to the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals represent like or corresponding parts in several views. However, the inclusion of similar elements in different views does not mean that a given embodiment must include such elements or that all embodiments of the invention include such elements. The embodiments and the drawings are illustrative only and are not meant to limit the invention, which is measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

[0033] Now referring Figure 1-4 , a portable cylinder is generally shown at 10 in the drawings. The cylinder 10 includes a tank 12 configured to store a suitable pressurized fluid, a handle 14 attached to the top of the tank 12, and one or more feet 16 located at the bottom of the tank 12. In one embodiment, instead of or in addition to the feet 16, a suitable foot assembly may be attached to the bottom of the tank 12.

[0034] The handle 14 and / or the tank 12 may have a color selected to reflect the different materials of the handle 14 and / or the tank 12 and / or the different fluids stored in the tank 12. For example, the tank 12 and / or the handle 14 may be a first color to indicate that helium is stored in the tank 12; a second color to indicate that a first type of refrigerant is stored in the tank 12; a third color to indicate that a second type of refrigerant is stored in the tank 12; and so on. The tank 12 may be made of a suitable material, such as a suitable metal, such as steel, and in one embodiment, the tank may be non-refillable and thus disposable.

[0035] The tank 12 includes an upper portion 18 having a valve opening 20 for receiving a suitable valve 24; and a mounting collar 22 disposed around the valve opening 20. The mounting collar 22 may be fixed to the upper portion 18 in any suitable manner, such as by a suitable welding process, such as spot welding, arc welding, etc., or alternatively, integrally formed with the upper portion 18. In one embodiment, the mounting collar 22 is positioned on the upper portion 18, the valve 24 is positioned in the valve opening 20, and then the mounting collar 22 and the valve 24 are simultaneously fixed to the upper portion 18 in a single welding process. In another embodiment, the mounting collar 22 is positioned on the upper portion 18 and fixed thereto in a first welding process, and the valve 24 is positioned in the valve opening 20 and fixed thereto in a second welding process. The mounting collar 22 may be made of a suitable material, such as a metal, such as a grade of steel that allows welding, is corrosion resistant, and absorbs the tension on the cylinder without significant deformation.

[0036] The mounting collar 22 has a base 26, shown as generally circular, attached to the upper portion 18 and including an opening 28 surrounding the valve port 20; an upward extension 30 that extends around the perimeter of the base 26; and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 that extend radially outward from the upward extension 30. A corresponding gap 34 is formed between adjacent tabs of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32. The upward extension 30 may include an outwardly extending lip 36 at the region between adjacent tabs 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting collar 22 includes seven circumferentially spaced tabs 32 that are equidistantly spaced from one another, although we understand that any suitable number of tabs may be provided.

[0037] Additionally referring Figure 5-14 to, the handle 14 will be discussed in detail. The handle 14 includes a shroud portion 40 attached to the mounting collar 22, as will be described in detail below, and a handle portion 42 that projects from the shroud portion 40. The handle 14 has a rigidity that maintains ergonomic integrity while having a flexibility that absorbs energy and may be made of a suitable material, such as a polymeric material that is compressible to absorb shock during a drop or impact.

[0038] The shroud portion 40 includes an inner body portion 50 having an opening 52 or a through-channel that extends therethrough to surround the valve portion 20; an outer body portion 54 that is radially outwardly spaced from the inner body portion 50; and a base 56 that extends therebetween. A channel 46 is defined between the inner and outer body portions 50 and 54 and the base 56 for receiving the mounting collar 22 such that the radially outer surface of the inner body portion 50 will abut or be adjacent to the upward extension 30 and the radially inner surface of the outer body portion 54 will abut or be adjacent to the outer edges of the circumferentially spaced tabs 32. The inner body portion 50 and the outer body portion 54 may be circular or substantially circular to correspond to the geometry of the mounting collar 22.

[0039] The shroud portion 40 further includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs 58 that extend radially inwardly from the outer body portion 54 in the channel 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud portion 40 includes seven rungs 58 that are equally spaced from one another, with one rung 58 corresponding to each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32, but it will be understood that any suitable number of rungs 58 having a suitable spacing may be provided. Each of the rungs 58 is spaced from the base 56 in a first direction to define an area for receiving a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 of the mounting collar 22, and each rung 58 is spaced from the inner body portion 50 in a corresponding second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction to define an area for receiving the upwardly extending portion 30 of the mounting collar 22. Each rung 58 may include a planar portion 60 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges 62 located below the planar portion 60, the flanges 62 serving to support the planar portion 60 while minimizing weight and material use. A plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 64 are provided in the base 56 at positions corresponding to each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs 58. As shown, each opening 64 is larger than the corresponding rung 58.

[0040] The shroud portion 40 further includes at least one deflectable tab 66 that extends radially outwardly from the inner body portion 50 in the channel 46. As shown, one deflectable tab 66 is provided between a pair of rungs 58 and the corresponding opening 64 at the central portion of the handle. The deflectable tab 66 is configured to be deflected by one of the circumferentially spaced tabs 32 of the mounting collar 22 during installation and includes a catch 68 that abuts the upwardly extending portion 30 within one of the slots 34 after installation. An opening 48 is provided in the base 56 at a position corresponding to the deflectable tab 66.

[0041] Referring now in detail to the handle portion 42, the handle portion 42 has a curved body 70, the first and second ends 72 and 74 of which are circumferentially spaced from one another to define a slot for the nozzle of the valve 24 to extend through for attachment. A support 76 is provided between the first and second ends 72 and 74 and has a substantially flat bottom and curved sides that are connected to the first and second ends 72 and 74. If the can 12 is placed Figure 7 and 8 inverted as shown, the top of the curved body 70 is flat or substantially flat to serve as a foot, and the top of the curved body 70 has a perimeter that is sized to hold the can 12 stable when the can is supported on the curved body 70.

[0042] The curved body 70 further includes a plurality of openings 78, 80, and 82 extending therethrough to save material and weight, as well as one or more openings 84 on one side of the body 70 for receiving a carrying device for the transport cylinder, as described below. The body 70 and the openings 78 and 80 define a gripping area 86 near the top of the handle member 42 for a user or machine to grip the handle member 42 to transport the cylinder 10. The opening 82 is sized to provide space for tools and / or filling devices proximate the valve 24. The one or more openings 84 and the openings 84 on each side of the body 70 as shown are formed by a member 88 that is integral with or separable from one or more support flanges 90.

[0043] The body 70 has an inner surface 94 and an outer surface 96 at its top, the inner surface 94 and the outer surface 96 defining a channel 98 for saving material and weight and may provide one or more support flanges 100 between the inner surface 94 and the outer surface 96. The inner surface 94 has a substantially straight portion as shown to allow the use of existing cartons when transporting the handle 14. The handle 14 may further include a plurality of support flanges 90 extending internally around the body 70 and the shroud portion 40 and a plurality of support flanges 92 extending externally around the body 70. The support flanges 90 and 92 may be provided for the structural integrity of the handle 14 while minimizing material use. Any suitable number of support flanges may be provided along the interior and exterior of the body 70.

[0044] Now referring Figure 15-22 , the connection of the handle 14 to the can 12 will be described in detail. Figure 16-21 The handle 14 is shown, with portions cut away and / or enlarged to illustrate the connection of the handle 14 to the can 12. The handle 14 may be connected to the can 12 in any suitable manner, such as by a semi-automatic process or a fully automatic process. The handle 14 and the can 12 are designed to be disposable, so the handle 14 is connected to the can 12 in a substantially permanent manner and is removable when one of the handle 14 or the can 12 is damaged.

[0045] Returning again to reference Figure 15-17 , to attach the shroud portion 40 to the mounting collar 22, the handle 14 is lowered onto the mounting collar in a downward direction. If not already aligned, the handle 14 may be rotated to align the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs 58 with the corresponding slots 34. As Figure 17 shown, when the handle 14 is further lowered, at least one deflectable tab 66 contacts the top of one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32, and the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs 58 are received in the slots 34.

[0046] Now referring to Figure 18 ,when the handle 14 is further lowered, the outer surface of the inner body portion 50 and the base 56 of the shield portion 40 contact the top of the upward extension portion 30 at the lip 36, preventing further downward movement of the handle 14. In this position, the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs 58 pass through the respective slots 34 and move beneath the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32. At the same time, at least one deflectable tab 66 is deflected upward by one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs contacted by the deflectable tab 66.

[0047] Now referring to Figure 19-21 ,the handle 14 is then rotated relative to the can 12, for example, rotated approximately 25 degrees. As Figure 19 shown, as rotation begins, at least one deflectable tab 66 moves relative to one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 and remains in the deflected position while the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs 58 move beneath a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32. As Figure 20 and 21 shown, the handle 14 is rotated until at least one deflectable tab 66 has moved past the end of one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 into an adjacent one of the slots 34 and returned to its unbiased position. In its unbiased position, the latch 68 abuts or is adjacent to the upward extension portion 30 of the mounting collar 22. As Figure 21 shown, in this position, each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs 58 is located beneath a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32, and the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 are visible through the plurality of openings 64. Figure 21 Also shown is the interaction between the handle 14 and the mounting collar 22 at one of the regions without one of the circumferentially spaced rungs 58, Figure 22 showing the assembled cartridge.

[0048] The interaction between the circumferentially spaced rungs 58 and the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 prevents upward movement of the handle 14 relative to the mounting collar 22, and the interaction between the base # of the shield portion 40 and the upward extension portion 30 further prevents downward movement of the handle 14 relative to the mounting collar 22. Positioning at least one deflectable tab 66 in one of the gaps 3 between a pair of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs prevents or substantially prevents rotation of the handle 14 relative to the mounting collar 22.

[0049] Now turning to Figure 23, showing a pair of cylinders 10, each cylinder having a can 12, a handle 14 attached to the can, feet 16, and a valve 24 attached to the valve opening. A carrying handle 110 is also provided and is connected to each cylinder 10. The carrying handle 110 can be made of a suitable material, such as metal, and can be formed by bending or otherwise altering a straight piece of metal. The carrying handle 110 includes a gripping portion 112 for a user or machine to grasp when carrying the cylinder 10, a pair of extensions 114 extending downwardly from the gripping portion 112, attachment portions 116 extending outwardly from each extension 114 substantially parallel thereto, and upwardly angled portions 118 at the ends of each attachment portion 116 for preventing the cylinder 10 from falling off the carrying handle 110 during transportation. The extensions 114 space the attachment portions 116 from the gripping portion 112 such that the gripping portion 112 can be grasped above the handle 14.

[0050] For transporting the cylinder 10, each upwardly angled portion 118 and attachment portion 116 are received in one of the openings 84 in the handle 14 and advanced toward the corresponding valve 24 until the upwardly angled portion 118 passes through the corresponding opening 84 into the interior region of the corresponding handle 14. Then the gripping portion 112 is positioned above the handle 14 such that a user can grasp the gripping portion 112.

[0051] The above systems, components (e.g., cylinders, cans, handles, etc.), etc. have been described in terms of the interactions between several components and / or elements. It should be understood that such devices and elements can include those elements or sub-elements specified therein, some of the specified elements or sub-elements, and / or additional elements. In addition, one or more elements and / or sub-elements can be combined into a single assembly to provide an aggregated function. These elements can also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

[0052] Although the embodiments discussed herein relate to the devices, systems, and methods discussed above, these embodiments are intended to be exemplary and are not intended to limit the applicability of these embodiments to those discussions set forth herein.

[0053] The above examples are merely illustrative of several possible embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, and equivalent changes and / or modifications will occur to other technicians in the art after reading and understanding this specification and the drawings. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the above components (components, devices, systems, circuits, etc.), the terms used to describe such components (including those related to "methods"), unless otherwise specified, are intended to refer to any component that is applied to perform the specified functions of the described components (e.g., functionally equivalent), such as hardware, software, or a combination thereof, even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs the functions in the illustrated embodiments of the present invention. In addition, although a particular feature of the present invention may be disclosed only in one of several embodiments, that feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, as may be required and advantageous for any given or particular application. Further, to the extent that the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "has," "with," or variants thereof are used in the detailed description and / or claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including."

[0054] This written description uses examples to disclose the present invention, including the best mode, and also enables a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the present invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. The patent scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that have no substantial difference from the literal language of the claims, then they are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0055] In the specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms having the following meanings. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximating language, as used throughout the specification and claims, may be used to modify a quantitative representation that can vary without resulting in a change in the basic function associated with it. Thus, a value modified by a term such as "about" is not limited to the specified exact value. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Additionally, unless otherwise specifically stated, the use of terms such as "first," "second," etc. does not denote order or importance, but rather is used to distinguish one element from another.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "can" and "may be" denote the likelihood of occurring in a set of circumstances; the possession of a specified property, characteristic, or function; and / or the qualification of another verb by expressing one or more of the ability, capacity, or likelihood associated with the qualifying verb. Thus, the use of "can" and "may be" indicates that the modified term is apparently suitable, capable, or fit for the specified capacity, function, or use, while allowing for the possibility that, in some circumstances, the modified term may not be appropriate, capable, or fit. For example, in some circumstances, an event or capacity may be expected, while in other circumstances, the event or capacity will not occur - this distinction is embodied by the terms "can" and "may be".

[0057] The best mode for carrying out the invention has been described in order to illustrate the best mode known to the applicant at the time and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, including making and using the apparatus or system and performing the associated methods. These embodiments are illustrative only and are not meant to limit the invention, as measured by the scope and advantages of the claims. The invention has been described with reference to preferred and alternative embodiments. Obviously, others will make modifications and changes after reading and understanding the specification. All such modifications and changes are intended to be included as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents. The patent scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to one of ordinary skill in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims, they are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A handle for a cylinder, comprising: A shroud portion configured to be attached to a collar of the cylinder, the shroud portion including an inner body portion, an outer body portion radially outwardly spaced from the inner body portion, and a base extending therebetween, a plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs and at least one deflectable tab, the rungs for abutting a lower side of a respective one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs of the collar, the at least one deflectable tab extending upwardly toward the base and radially outwardly from the inner body portion for engaging the collar, and A handle portion extending from the shroud portion and having one or more areas for gripping the handle.

2. The handle according to claim 1, wherein A channel for receiving the collar is defined between the inner body portion and the outer body portion and the base.

3. The handle according to claim 2, wherein, The plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs extend radially inwardly from the outer body portion.

4. The handle according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs are sized to be received between circumferentially spaced tabs on the collar during a first installation step and are configured to be rotated during a second installation step to be positioned beneath the tabs.

5. The handle according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, Each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs includes a planar portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges below the respective planar portion.

6. The handle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, Each rung is spaced from the base in a first direction to define an area for receiving a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs, and each rung is spaced from the inner body portion in a respective second direction orthogonal to the first direction to define an area for receiving an upward extension of the collar.

7. The handle according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The base includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings above each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs.

8. The handle according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The handle portion has a body having a first end and a second end circumferentially spaced from each other to define a slot through which a nozzle extends.

9. The handle according to claim 8, wherein, The body includes at least two openings that, with the body, define a gripping area.

10. A portable cylinder, comprising: A can having an upper portion with a valve opening; A mounting collar attached to the upper portion of the can, the mounting collar having an upward extension surrounding the valve opening and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs radially outwardly extending from the upward extension, wherein respective slots are formed between adjacent ones of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs; And A handle attached to the mounting collar, the handle including: A shroud portion including an inner body portion, an outer body portion radially outwardly spaced from the inner body portion, and a base extending therebetween; a plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs for abutting a lower side of a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs; and at least one deflectable tab extending upwardly toward the base and radially outwardly from the inner body portion for engaging the mounting collar into one of the slots; and A handle portion extending from the shroud portion and having one or more areas for gripping the handle.

11. The portable cylinder according to claim 10, wherein, A channel for receiving the collar is defined between the inner body portion and the outer body portion and the base.

12. The portable cylinder according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs extend radially inwardly from the outer body portion.

13. The portable cylinder according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein, The dimensions of the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs are designed to be received in a respective one of the slots during a first installation step, and the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs are configured to be rotated in a second installation step to be positioned below the tabs.

14. The portable cylinder according to any one of claims 10 - 12, wherein, Each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs includes a planar portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges below the respective planar portion.

15. The portable cylinder according to claim 11 or 12, wherein Each rung is spaced from the base in a first direction to define an area for receiving a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs, and each rung is spaced from the inner body portion in a respective second direction orthogonal to the first direction to define an area for receiving the upwardly extending portion of the collar.

16. The portable cylinder according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The base includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings above each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs.

17. The portable cylinder according to any one of claims 10 - 12, further comprising a valve attached to the valve port.

18. The portable cylinder according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein, The mounting collar includes a base attached to the upper portion of the can, and wherein the upwardly extending portion extends around the perimeter of the base.

19. The portable cylinder according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein, The handle portion has a body having a first end and a second end circumferentially spaced from each other and defining a slot through which the nozzle extends.

20. A method of assembling a portable cylinder, the cylinder including a can having an upper portion, a collar attached to the upper portion of the can, and a handle, the method comprising: Lowering the handle onto the collar to receive the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs of the handle in the slots between adjacent ones of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs on the collar, and causing the radially outwardly and upwardly extending deflectable tabs of the handle to contact and deflect one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs, and rotating the handle until each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced rungs is located below a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs and the deflectable tab engages the collar in one of the slots.

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