Handle for portable gas cylinder

Abstract

A portable gas cylinder is provided that includes a tank having a mounting ring coupled to an upper portion of the tank and a handle assembly attached to the mounting ring. The mounting ring has an upwardly extending portion and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs extending radially outwardly from the upwardly extending portion, wherein respective gaps are formed between adjacent tabs of the plurality of circumferentially spaced apart tabs. The handle assembly includes a handle having a shield portion and a handle portion extending from the shield portion; and an attachment member configured to be coupled to the shield portion to prevent rotational movement of the handle relative to the ring, the attachment member having a body, a first protrusion protruding from a front wall of the body for engaging the shield portion, and a second protrusion protruding from a rear wall of the body for engaging the shield portion.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 170,691, filed on February 17, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to a portable gas cylinder, and more particularly to a handle for a portable gas cylinder. Background Art

[0004] A variety of pressurized gas cylinders have been used to store and transport pressurized gas products for domestic and industrial use. For example, cylinders can be used to store gas for cooking appliances like stoves or grills, for storing refrigerants, and for storing helium. Traditionally, many of these cylinders are made of steel. The steel cylinder has a valve at the top to control the flow of gas in the cylinder, feet at the bottom to provide stability on a supporting surface, and a handle at the top to facilitate transportation and protect the valve. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a handle assembly for a gas cylinder is provided. The handle assembly includes: a handle having a shroud portion and a handle portion, the shroud portion being configured to couple to a ring of the gas cylinder, the shroud portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges for abutting the underside of a respective one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs of the ring to prevent upward movement of the shroud portion relative to the ring, and the handle portion extending from the shroud portion and having one or more areas for gripping the handle; and an attachment member configured to couple to the shroud portion to prevent rotational movement of the handle relative to the ring, the attachment member having a body, a first protrusion protruding from a front wall of the body for engaging the shroud portion, and a second protrusion protruding from a rear wall of the body for engaging the shroud portion.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a portable gas cylinder is provided. The portable gas cylinder includes: a tank having an upper portion having a valve port; a mounting ring coupled to the upper portion of the tank, the mounting ring having an upwardly extending portion surrounding the valve port and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs extending radially outward from the upwardly extending portion, wherein corresponding gaps are formed between adjacent ones of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs; and a handle assembly attached to the mounting ring. The handle assembly includes: a handle having a shroud portion and a handle portion, the shroud portion coupled to the ring, the shroud portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges that abut against the underside of respective ones of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs at an attachment position to prevent upward movement of the shroud portion relative to the ring, and the handle portion extending from the shroud portion and having one or more areas for gripping the handle; and an attachment member coupled to the shroud portion at an attachment position to prevent rotational movement of the handle relative to the ring, the attachment member having a body, a first protrusion protruding from a front wall of the body for engaging the shroud portion, and a second protrusion protruding from a rear wall of the body for engaging the shroud portion.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of assembling a portable gas cylinder is provided. The gas cylinder includes a tank having an upper portion, a ring attached to the tank at the upper portion, and a handle. The method includes lowering the handle onto the ring so that a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges of the handle are received in gaps between adjacent ones of a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs on the ring; rotating the handle until each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges is positioned below a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs; and advancing an attachment member downward through an opening in the handle so that a protrusion on the attachment member engages a protrusion protruding from the opening, thereby coupling the handle to the tank.

[0008] These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent when referring to the drawings, detailed description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in the specification and shown in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is an exploded front perspective view of an exemplary gas cylinder.

[0011] Figure 2 It is a rear perspective view of the gas cylinder.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a left side view of the gas cylinder.

[0013] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of a gas cylinder without a valve.

[0014] Figure 5 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary handle.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a top rear perspective view of the handle.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a bottom front perspective view of the handle.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a bottom rear perspective view of the handle.

[0018] Figure 9 This is the front view of the handle.

[0019] Figure 10 This is the rear view of the handle.

[0020] Figure 11 It is the left side view of the handle.

[0021] Figure 12 It is a right side view of the handle.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a top view of the handle.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a bottom view of the handle.

[0024] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the handle.

[0025] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary attachment member.

[0026] Figure 17 is another perspective view of the attachment member.

[0027] Figure 18 is a side view of the attachment member.

[0028] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the attachment member.

[0029] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the handle attached to the tank.

[0030] Figure 21 is another perspective view of the handle attached to the tank.

[0031] Figure 22 is yet another perspective view of the handle attached to the tank.

[0032] Figure 23 is yet another perspective view of the handle attached to the tank.

[0033] Figure 24 is a partial cross-sectional view of a handle attached to a tank. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems related to portable gas cylinders. The gas cylinder comprises a tank having an upper portion with a valve port, a mounting ring coupled to the upper portion of the tank, and a handle assembly attached to the mounting ring. The mounting ring comprises an upwardly extending portion surrounding the valve port and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs extending radially outward from the upwardly extending portion, wherein adjacent tabs in the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs have corresponding gaps formed between them. The handle assembly includes: a handle having a shield portion and a handle portion, the shield portion being configured to couple to a ring of the gas cylinder, the shield portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced ledges for abutting an underside of a corresponding one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs of the ring to prevent upward movement of the shield portion relative to the ring, and the handle portion extending from the shield portion and having one or more areas for grasping the handle; and an attachment member configured to couple to the shield portion to prevent rotational movement of the handle relative to the ring, the attachment member having a body, a first protrusion protruding from a front wall of the body for engaging the shield portion, and a second protrusion protruding from a rear wall of the body for engaging the shield portion.

[0035] Referring to the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts throughout the various views. However, the inclusion of similar elements in different views does not necessarily mean that a given embodiment will include such elements, or that all embodiments of the invention will include such elements. The embodiments and drawings are illustrative only and are not intended to limit the present invention, which is to be measured by the scope and spirit of the claims.

[0036] Now go to Figure 1-Figure 4 A portable gas cylinder is generally shown at 10. The gas cylinder 10 includes a tank 12 configured to store a suitable pressurized fluid; a handle 14 attached to the top of the tank 12; one or more legs 16 at the bottom of the tank 12; and an attachment member 18 that secures the handle 14 to the tank 12. In one embodiment, a suitable leg assembly can be attached to the bottom of the tank 12 in place of or in addition to the legs 16.

[0037] The handle 14 and / or the tank 12 may have colors selected to reflect different materials of the handle 14 and / or the tank 12 and / or different fluids stored in the tank 12. For example, the tank 12 and / or the handle 14 may be a first color indicating that helium is stored in the tank 12, a second color indicating that a first type of refrigerant is stored in the tank 12, a third color indicating that a second type of refrigerant is stored in the tank 12, etc. The tank 12 may be made of a suitable material (e.g., a suitable metal such as steel), and in one embodiment, the tank may be non-refillable and therefore disposable.

[0038] The tank 12 includes an upper portion 20 having a valve port for receiving a suitable valve 24, and a mounting ring 22 disposed around the valve port. The mounting ring 22 can be secured to the upper portion 20 in any suitable manner (e.g., by a suitable welding process, such as spot welding, arc welding, etc.), or can be integrally formed with the upper portion 20. In one embodiment, the mounting ring 22 is positioned on the upper portion 20, the valve 24 is positioned in the valve port, and then the mounting ring 22 and valve 24 are simultaneously secured to the upper portion 20 in a single welding process. In another embodiment, the mounting ring 22 is positioned on the upper portion 20 and secured to the upper portion 20 in a first welding process, and the valve 24 is positioned in the valve port and secured to the valve port in a second welding process. The mounting ring 22 can be made of a suitable material (e.g., a metal), such as steel, of a grade that allows for welding, resists corrosion, and absorbs tension on the cylinder without significant deformation.

[0039] The mounting ring 22 has a base 26, which is shown as generally circular and is attached to the upper portion 20, and includes an opening 28 surrounding the valve port, an upwardly extending portion 30 extending around the periphery of the base 26, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 extending radially outward from the upwardly extending portion 30. Respective gaps 34 are formed between adjacent tabs in the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting ring 22 includes seven circumferentially spaced tabs 32 that are equally spaced from one another, but it will be understood that any suitable number of tabs may be provided at appropriate spacings from one another.

[0040] The base 26 may include markings on its upper surface, such as markings 36a, 36b, and 36c. The markings 36a-36c may be suitable markings for attaching the handle 14 to the tank 12. For example, the marking 36a may be a triangle or a triangle 38 (see FIG. Figure 13 ) or other suitable markings to indicate the first position of the handle during installation, marking 36b can be a line or other suitable marking to indicate the second position of the handle during installation, and marking 36c can be a circle or other suitable marking to indicate the position where the attachment member 18 is to be installed during installation to secure the handle 14 to the tank 12. It should be understood that the marking can be in the form of an indentation or protrusion, a sticker, a label, etc.

[0041] Additional references Figure 5-Figure 14, the handle 14 will be discussed in detail. The handle 14 includes a shield portion 40 and a handle portion 42, the shield portion 40 being attached to the mounting ring 22 (as will be described in detail below), and the handle portion 42 protruding from the shield portion 40. The handle 14 has rigidity to maintain ergonomic integrity while having flexibility to absorb energy and can be made of a suitable material (such as a compressible polymer material) to absorb shock in the event of a drop or impact.

[0042] The shroud portion 40 includes an inner body portion 50 having an opening 52 or through passage extending therethrough to surround the valve 24, an outer body portion 54 spaced radially outward from the inner body portion 50, and a base 56 extending between the inner and outer body portions 50, 54. A passage 46 is defined between the inner and outer body portions 50, 54, and the base 56 for receiving the mounting ring 22 such that the radially outer surface of the inner body portion 50 will abut or proximate the upwardly extending portion 30, while the radially inner surface of the outer body portion 54 will abut or proximate the outer edges of the circumferentially spaced tabs 32. The inner and outer body portions 50, 54 may be circular or substantially circular to correspond to the geometry of the mounting ring 22.

[0043] The shroud portion 40 also includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges 58 extending radially inwardly from the outer body portion 54 within the channel 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the shroud portion 40 includes seven flanges 58 spaced equidistantly from one another, one flange 58 corresponding to each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32, but it should be understood that any suitable number of flanges 58 with appropriate spacing may be provided. Each flange 58 is spaced from the base 56 along a first direction to define an area for receiving a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 of the mounting ring 22, and each flange 58 is spaced from the inner body portion 50 along a respective second direction orthogonal to the first direction to define an area for receiving the upwardly extending portion 30 of the mounting ring 22. Each flange 58 may include a flat portion 60 and a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs 62 located below the flat portion 60 to provide support for the flat portion 60 while minimizing weight and material usage. At least one of the flanges 58 (three flanges 58 as shown) may also include a stop portion 66 that projects on one side thereof substantially perpendicular to the flat portion 60 to abut the base 58, thereby providing a stop for preventing the handle 14 from rotating in one direction relative to the mounting ring 22 upon contact with one of the tabs 32. A plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 64 are provided in the base 56 at locations where each opening 64 corresponds to one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges 58. As shown, each opening 64 is larger than the corresponding flange 58 on at least one side of the flange.

[0044] Also go to Figure 15, the shield portion 40 also includes an opening 70 at the rear of the handle 14 between the pair of openings 64. The opening 70 has a front wall 72 and a pair of side portions 76 and 78. The front wall 72 has a circumferential width that is less than the circumferential width of the rear wall 74, and the pair of side portions 76 and 78 are angled relative to the front wall 72 and the rear wall 74. The front wall 72 of the opening can form a portion of the inner body portion 52, and the rear wall 74 of the opening can form a portion of the outer body portion 54. Projecting inwardly from the front wall 72 and the rear wall 74 toward each other are respective protrusions 80 and 82 having respective engagement surfaces 84 and 86. The protrusions 80 and 82 are downwardly angled such that the engagement surfaces 84 and 86 face away from the base 56. The protrusion 80 on the front wall 72 is lower in height than the protrusion 82 on the rear wall 74.

[0045] Now refer to the handle portion 42 and Figure 5-Figure 14 , the handle portion 42 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart struts 90, 92, 94, and 96 extending from the shroud portion 40, and a curved handle 98 extending above the struts 90, 92, 94, and 96. The ends of the struts 90 and 92 and the curved handle 98 are circumferentially spaced apart from each other to define a gap through which the nozzle attached to the valve 24 extends, and a support 100 is provided between the struts 90 and 92. If the tank 12 is as Figure 7 and Figure 8 10. When placed upside down as shown, the top of the curved handle 98 is flat or substantially flat to serve as a foot, and the circumference of the top of the curved handle 98 is sized to stabilize the tank 12 when supported on the curved body 90. The bottoms of the struts 90, 92, 94, and 96 are configured to abut the upper portion 20 of the tank to transfer forces from the handle 14 to the tank (e.g., if the tank is dropped on the handle 14). The handle portion 42 also includes a plurality of openings 102, 104, and 106 formed between the struts 90, 92, 94, and 96, the curved handle 98, and the shroud portion 40 to conserve material and weight and define a gripping area for a user or machine to grasp the handle member 42 for transporting the gas cylinder 10. The struts 90, 92, 94, and 96 each include a plurality of cavities 108, 110, and 112 to conserve material and weight.

[0046] Now go to the details Figure 16-19The attachment member 18 is formed of a suitable material (e.g., a polymer material) that may be the same as or different from the polymer material of the handle 14. The attachment member 18 includes a body 120 having a cavity 122, a protrusion 124 that protrudes from a front wall 126 of the body 120, a protrusion 128 that protrudes from a rear wall 130 of the body 120, and a leg 132 that extends downwardly from the front wall 126 of the body 120. Each protrusion 124, 128 includes an engagement surface 134, 136 for engaging the corresponding engagement surface 84, 86 of the protrusions 80 and 82. The protrusions 124 and 128 are inclined upwardly toward the top of the attachment member 18 so that the engagement surfaces 134, 136 and 84, 86 face each other. The protrusions 124 on the front wall 126 of the body 120 are positioned below the protrusions 128 on the rear wall 130 of the body 120 at a height corresponding to the height difference between the protrusions 80 and 82. The body 120 is deflectable during installation to allow the protrusions 124 and 128 to move past the protrusions 80 and 82 on the shroud portion 40 to engage the engagement surfaces 84, 86 and 134, 136.

[0047] The attachment member 18 also includes a protrusion 140 that protrudes downward from the bottom of the body, abutment surfaces 142 and 144 on opposite sides of the protrusion 140, and an abutment surface 146 on the bottom of the protrusion 140. The protrusion 140 is configured to be received in one of the gaps 34 between adjacent tabs 32 in the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 when the handle 14 is positioned (particularly, the gap 34 below the opening 70). The abutment surfaces 142 and 144 are configured to abut an adjacent tab 32 extending into the opening 70 when the handle 14 is positioned, and the abutment surface 146 is configured to abut the upwardly extending portion 30.

[0048] Now go to Figure 20-24 , the attachment of the handle 14 to the tank 12 will be described in detail. Figure 21-23 The handle 14 is shown with portions cut away and / or portions enlarged to illustrate the attachment of the handle 14 to the tank 12. The handle 14 may be attached to the tank 12 in any suitable manner, such as by a semi-autonomous process or a fully autonomous process. The handle 14 and tank 12 are designed to be disposable, so the handle 14 is attached to the tank 12 in a substantially permanent manner and may be removed if one of the handle 14 or the tank 12 becomes damaged.

[0049] First reference Figure 20 To attach the shroud portion 40 to the mounting ring 22, the handle 14 is lowered in a downward direction onto the mounting ring. If not already aligned, the handle 14 can be rotated to align the marking 36a on the base with the marking 38 on the handle so that the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges 58 are aligned with the corresponding gaps 34.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 21 As 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 upwardly extending portion 30 to prevent the handle 14 from moving further downward. In this position, the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges 58 pass through the corresponding gaps 34 and move under the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32, and the attachment member 18 is positioned over one of the circumferentially spaced tabs 32. As shown, the attachment member 18 is in the first position engaged within the opening 70, but it should be understood that the handle 14 can be attached to the tank 12 and then the attachment member 18 attached to the handle 14.

[0051] Now refer to Figure 22 The handle 14 is then rotated relative to the tank 12, for example, approximately 50 degrees. During this rotation, the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges 58 move beneath a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32. The handle 14 is rotated until the marking 38 aligns with the marking 36 b, at which point the blocking portion 66 abuts the side of the corresponding circumferentially spaced tab 32 to prevent further rotation, and the marking 36 c aligns with the opening 70 so that the opening is located above the gap 34 aligned with the marking 36 c. In this position, each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges 58 is located beneath a corresponding 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. The interaction between the circumferentially spaced flanges 58 and the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 32 prevents the handle 14 from moving upward relative to the mounting ring 22, and the interaction between the base 56 of the shroud portion 40 and the upwardly extending portion 30 prevents the handle 14 from moving further downward relative to the mounting ring.

[0052] Now go to Figure 23 and 24 To secure the handle 14 to the tank 12, remove the attachment member 18 from the Figure 22 The first position shown moves to Figure 23 As the attachment member 18 moves downward, the body 120 deflects to allow the protrusions 124 and 128 on the attachment member 8 to move under the protrusions 80 and 82 that project inwardly from the opening 70 until the abutment surface 146 abuts the upwardly extending portion 30 and the abutment surfaces 142 and 144 abut the adjacent tabs 32 (e.g., tabs 32) that extend into the opening 70. Figure 2412). The protrusion 140 will be positioned between adjacent tabs 32 in the gap 34, preventing the handle 14 from rotating relative to the tank 12. Once positioned, the engagement surfaces 134 and 136 will engage the corresponding engagement surfaces 84 and 86 to secure the handle 14 to the tank 12 and prevent the handle 14 from being removed, and the leg 132 will extend between the upwardly extending portion 30 and the front wall 72 of the opening 70. The attachment member 18 can be moved downwardly by inserting a tool or the like into the cavity 122 and pressing against the portion of the body 120 that forms the bottom of the cavity 122.

[0053] The above-described systems, components (e.g., cylinders, tanks, handles, etc.), etc., have been described with respect to the interactions between several components and / or elements. It should be understood that these devices and elements may include those elements or subelements specified therein, some specified elements or subelements, and / or additional elements. In addition, one or more elements and / or subelements may be combined into a single component to provide integrated functionality. An element may also interact with one or more other elements not specifically described herein.

[0054] While the embodiments discussed herein are related 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 discussed set forth herein.

[0055] The above examples illustrate only a few possible embodiments of various aspects of the present invention, and those skilled in the art will recognize equivalent replacements and / or modifications after reading and understanding this specification and the accompanying drawings. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the above-mentioned components (assemblies, devices, systems, circuits, etc.), unless otherwise specified, the terms used to describe these components (including references to "means") are intended to correspond to any component (e.g., a functionally equivalent component), such as hardware, software, or a combination thereof, that performs the specified function of the described component, even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs the function in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. In addition, although a particular feature of the present invention may be disclosed for only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, which may be desirable and advantageous for any given or specific application. In addition, if the terms "components," "comprising," "having," "having," "with," or variations thereof are used in the detailed description and / or claims, these terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0056] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0057] In the specification and claims, a plurality of terms having the following meanings are mentioned. The singular forms "a", "an", "the" include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Approximate language used throughout the specification and claims herein can be applied to modify quantitative expressions that can vary without causing changes in the basic functions to which they are related. Therefore, values ​​modified by terms such as "approximately" are not limited to the precise values ​​specified. In some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument for measuring the value. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, the use of terms such as "first", "second", etc. does not indicate order or importance, but rather the use of terms such as "first", "second", etc. to distinguish one element from another.

[0058] As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate: the possibility of occurring under a range of circumstances; possessing a particular property, characteristic, or function; and / or qualifying a verb by expressing one or more of the ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualifying verb. Thus, the use of "may" and "may be" indicates that the modified term is clearly suitable, capable, or appropriate for the indicated capability, function, or use, while also recognizing that in certain circumstances, the modified term may sometimes be inappropriate, unable, or unsuitable. For example, in certain circumstances, an event or capability is expected, while in other circumstances, it is unlikely to occur—a distinction represented by the terms "may" and "may be."

[0059] The best mode of implementing the invention has been described in order to illustrate the best mode known to the applicant at the time and to enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention (including making and using the device or system and performing the combined method). The examples are illustrative only and are not intended 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, after reading and understanding this specification, others will make modifications and substitutions. It is intended to include all such modifications and substitutions, as long as they fall within the scope of the appended claims or their equivalents. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to a person of ordinary skill in the art. These other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not essentially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for a gas cylinder, comprising: a handle having a shroud portion and a handle portion, the shroud portion being configured to couple to a ring of the gas cylinder, the shroud portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges for abutting an underside of a respective one of a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs of the ring to prevent upward movement of the shroud portion relative to the ring, and the handle portion extending from the shroud portion and having one or more areas for gripping the handle; and an attachment member configured to couple to the shield portion to prevent rotational movement of the handle relative to the ring, the attachment member having a body, a first protrusion protruding from a front wall of the body for engaging the shield portion, and a second protrusion protruding from a rear wall of the body for engaging the shield portion.

2. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The shroud portion includes an inner body portion, an outer body portion spaced radially outwardly from the inner body portion, and a base extending between the inner body portion and the outer body portion, and wherein a channel for receiving the ring is defined between the inner body portion, the outer body portion, and the base.

3. The handle assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The shroud portion also includes an opening in the base for receiving the attachment member.

4. The handle assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The opening has a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side walls, a third protrusion protruding inwardly from the front wall for engaging the first protrusion, and a fourth protrusion protruding inwardly from the rear wall for engaging the second protrusion.

5. The handle assembly according to claim 4, wherein: The first protrusion and the second protrusion are inclined upward so that the corresponding engaging surfaces of the first protrusion and the second protrusion face the base, and wherein the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are inclined downward so that the corresponding engaging surfaces of the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion face away from the base, thereby allowing the engaging surfaces of the first protrusion and the second protrusion to engage the engaging surfaces of the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion.

6. The handle assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The circumferential width of the front wall is smaller than the circumferential width of the rear wall.

7. The handle assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein: The body is deflectable during installation to allow the first and second protrusions to move beneath the third and fourth protrusions.

8. The handle assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein: The base includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings above each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges.

9. A handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The first protrusion is located at a height below the second protrusion.

10. A handle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein: The handle portion has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart struts extending from the shroud portion and a curved handle extending over the struts.

11. A portable gas cylinder comprising: a storage tank having an upper portion thereof having a valve port; a mounting ring coupled to an upper portion of the tank, the mounting ring having an upwardly extending portion surrounding the valve port and a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs extending radially outward from the upwardly extending portion, wherein corresponding gaps are formed between adjacent tabs of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs; and a handle assembly attached to the mounting ring, the handle assembly comprising: a handle having a shroud portion coupled to the ring and a handle portion, the shroud portion including a plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges that abut an underside of a respective one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs at an attachment location to prevent upward movement of the shroud portion relative to the ring, and the handle portion extending from the shroud portion and having one or more areas for gripping the handle; as well as an attachment member coupled to the shield portion in an attached position to prevent rotational movement of the handle relative to the ring, the attachment member having a body, a first protrusion protruding from a front wall of the body for engaging the shield portion, and a second protrusion protruding from a rear wall of the body for engaging the shield portion.

12. The portable gas cylinder according to claim 11, wherein The shroud portion includes an inner body portion, an outer body portion spaced radially outwardly from the inner body portion, and a base extending between the inner body portion and the outer body portion, and wherein a channel for receiving the ring is defined between the inner body portion, the outer body portion, and the base.

13. The portable gas cylinder according to claim 12, wherein: The shield portion also includes an opening in the base for receiving the attachment member, the opening having a front wall, a rear wall, a pair of side walls, a third protrusion protruding inwardly from the front wall for engaging the first protrusion, and a fourth protrusion protruding inwardly from the rear wall for engaging the second protrusion.

14. The portable gas cylinder according to claim 13, wherein The first protrusion and the second protrusion are inclined upward so that the corresponding engaging surfaces of the first protrusion and the second protrusion face the base, and wherein the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion are inclined downward so that the corresponding engaging surfaces of the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion face away from the base, thereby allowing the engaging surfaces of the first protrusion and the second protrusion to engage the engaging surfaces of the third protrusion and the fourth protrusion.

15. The portable gas cylinder according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The circumferential width of the front wall is smaller than the circumferential width of the rear wall.

16. The portable gas cylinder according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The attachment member also includes a protrusion protruding downward from the bottom of the body and an abutment surface, and on opposite sides of the protrusion, the protrusion is received in one of the gaps between adjacent ones of the plurality of circumferentially spaced protrusions below the opening in the attachment position, and the abutment surface abuts the adjacent protrusion.

17. The portable gas cylinder according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein: The body is deflectable during installation to allow the first and second protrusions to move beneath the third and fourth protrusions.

18. The portable gas cylinder according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein: The base includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings above each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges.

19. A portable gas cylinder according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges includes a blocking portion projecting on one side of the flange substantially perpendicular to a planar portion of the flange to provide a stop for preventing rotation of the handle relative to the mounting ring in one direction.

20. A method of assembling a portable gas cylinder comprising a tank having an upper portion, a ring attached to the tank at the upper portion, and a handle, the method comprising: lowering the handle onto the ring so that the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges of the handle are received in gaps between adjacent ones of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs on the ring; rotating the handle until each of the plurality of circumferentially spaced flanges is positioned beneath a corresponding one of the plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs; as well as An attachment member is pushed downwardly through the opening in the handle so that the protrusions on the attachment member engage the protrusions protruding from the opening, thereby coupling the handle to the cartridge.

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