Fluid storage receptacle with safety features and receptacle transportation device

Abstract

A fluid storage receptacle100 having a housing 120 defining a volume 110 for receiving a fluid and a fluid release valve 130 located on one side of the housing. There is also at least one shock-absorb

Description

The invention of the present disclosure relates to a fluid storage receptacle, such as a gas cylinder, which is designed with various safety features purposed with preventing injurious accidents. The invention of the present disclosure also relates to a transportation device facilitating movement of the fluid storage receptacle in response to a force exerted by a user or handler. Background Conventional, large capacity gas cylinders of 20 or more litres capacity have a tall, slender, and hard steel (or other alloy) or composite man-made material exterior without any protection and, due to their design, have a high centre of gravity that makes them unstable and difficult to handle. This is proven by the 30+ deaths and 6,000 injuries that occur each year in the United States alone (according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics). In some cases, death has been caused by the cylinder valve separating from the cylinder whilst full of gas that is pressurised at 150-200bar, causing the cylinder itself to behave like a missile killing workers and damaging property. Other deaths occur where the separated valve becomes a high-speed projectile. Injuries including broken teeth and facial damage can also be caused by separated valves, and skeletal and muscular injuries can occur due to mishandling cylinders or from falling cylinders. When full of pressurised gas, cylinders can weigh 20kg or more, and their tall slender shape makes it easy to mishandle and injure the handler. Moreover, the standard cylinder design makes it difficult for handlers to manoeuvre it easily. Transportation vehicles such as forklifts are often used to transport such receptacles, but these are typically only justified when carrying multiple cylinders, for example on a pallet or in a cage, and in any event require specialised training to safely operate. Considering the typical weights of gas cylinders, handheld carrying represents a health and safety hazard. It is therefore desirable to provide means for storing fluids such as gas, at high pressures, which address at least some of these problems. Summary According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided fluid storage receptacle, comprising: a housing defining a volume suitably configured for receiving a fluid therein; a fluid release valve located on one side of the housing; at least one shock-absorbing member located on the storage receptacle; a first horizontally disposed member located above the fluid release valve in order to inhibit vertical motion of a component of the fluid release valve under pressure; a second horizontally disposed member located at or near the base of the receptacle, further wherein the first and second horizontally disposed members each comprise at least one attachment point located at or near their centre; wherein the approximate ratio of the height and width of the receptacle are selected in order to locate the centre of gravity of the receptacle at or below a midway point on the receptacle. The use of shock-absorbing members greatly reduce damage to both the receptacle on impact, and the handler, should the receptacle fall or topple. What is more, the receptacle can be manoeuvred easily by placing it on its side and rolling it on the shock absorbers. By configuring the centre of gravity of the receptacle at or below a midway point on the receptacle, preferably as close to the ground as possible, the likelihood of the receptacle toppling when a force is applied to it is reduced. This will help to reduce the occurrence of accidental collisions with the receptacle that lead to it toppling and either being damaged or rupturing. It will be understood that a rupture of a high-pressure receptacle can cause damage to property and / or personnel in the vicinity of the receptacle. By way of example only, the height and width of the receptacle may be approximately equal, although other ratios are envisaged by the inventors. The provision of a first horizontally disposed member located above the fluid release valve prevents damage to property and personnel in the event of a rupture of the valve, as valve components that would have become projectiles are blocked by the first horizontally disposed member. Moreover, the provision of attachment points on the first and second horizontally disposed members allows for attachment of a transportation mechanism for moving the receptacle. In optional embodiments, the receptacle further comprises a sleeve dimensioned to fit around the housing, wherein the sleeve or the housing comprises a plurality of attachment portions located on or near its base, and the sleeve or the housing further comprises complementary attachment portions on or near an end distal to the base and configured to removably connect to the attachment portions at the top of the sleeve or housing in order to facilitate secure stacking of an additional receptacle thereon. The ability to stack receptacles optimises space utilisation for both storage and transport of receptacles. Optionally, the sleeve is removably located around the housing. The sleeve may comprise a base plate and collar. Alternatively, in embodiments not including a separate sleeve, the receptacle may itself comprise the base plate and collar. Optionally attachment portions comprise pins and apertures suitably dimensioned for receiving the pins therein. Alternatively, the attachment portions on or near the base of the sleeve or the housing and on the sleeve or housing at an end distal to the base comprise complementary locking slots that lock into place when rotated. The attachment portions in any embodiment will facilitate the secure locking in-place of the stacked receptacles. Preferably, the shock-absorbing members comprise surrounds that partially enclose the receptacle or the sleeve. Preferably, the shock-absorbing members comprise a first shock-absorbing member located at a top side of the receptacle or sleeve, and a second shock-absorbing member located at a bottom side of the receptacle or sleeve. Optionally, the shock-absorbing members further comprising a third shock-absorbing member located substantially at a midsection of the receptacle or sleeve. Preferably, the shock-absorbing members comprise a rubber material. In various embodiments the rubber material includes natural rubber and / or a synthetic rubber selected from one or more of Butyl and Polyurethane or other manmade compounds. Certain rubber materials such as natural rubber, or synthetic rubbers including Butyl and Polyurethane or other manmade compounds, possess shock-absorbance amongst their useful properties which helps to reduce the force from impact on both the receptacle and the handler. Optionally, the receptacle further comprises a geolocation tracking device. The use of a geolocation tracking device will assist in the recovery of stolen or misplaced receptacles. Optionally, the base of the housing and the base of the sleeve are dimensioned such that a cavity is formed between them, and the tracking device is positioned in the cavity formed between the base of the housing and the base of the sleeve. Positioning the geolocation tracking device in a non-visible place which is difficult to reach will help to prevent tampering aimed at removing the tracking device for theft. In various embodiments, the volume defined by the housing is at least about 20 litres, or at least about 50 litres. It is preferred for industrial purposes that receptacles are capable of storing 20 litres or more of a gas or other fluid. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a transportation device for use with the receptacle, comprising an elongated member with a handle at an end proximal to a handler and attachment members located at an end distal to the handler, wherein the attachment members are configured to be removably cooperative with the attachment points on the receptacle in order to facilitate transportation of the receptacle in response to a handler exerting a pull or a push force using the handle. For example, the attachment points on the receptacle may be the attachment points on the first and second horizontally disposed members. In light of the typical weights of receptacles such as gas cylinders, it is considered advantageous to be able to transport the receptacle without the need to operate slow-moving, skill-specific machinery such as forklifts, and furthermore without the need for handheld carrying of the receptacle by a handler which represents a health and safety hazard. Moreover, the use of fork-lifts is not typically justified in cases where a single cylinder requires transportation. Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 provides a cross-sectional side view of a fluid storage receptacle according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 2 provides side (a), top (b), and bottom (c) views of a fluid storage receptacle according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and additionally a close-up view (d) of an attachment mechanism of the fluid storage receptacle. Figure 3 provides a conceptual diagram illustrating the stacking of fluid storage receptacles according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 4 provides cross-sectional and top views (a), and side and bottom views (b) of a fluid storage receptacle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 provides a conceptual diagram illustrating use of a transportation device for moving a fluid storage receptacle according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Drawings The present disclosure will now be made with reference to the accompany Figures. Like features share like reference numerals, where appropriate. It will be understood that the Figures are provided as examples only and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the specific configuration of components depicted in those Figures. Referring now to Figure 1, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of the side of a fluid storage receptacle 100 configured for storing a fluid at high pressures, such as a gas and / or a liquid. In the context of the present disclosure, “high” pressures will be understood to be dependent on whether a liquid or a gas is being stored. For example, pressurised gases are often stored at pressures in the range of >I OObar and often as high as 200bar or more, whilst liquids are often stored at pressures of >1 bar such as 2-3bar. The receptacle 100 comprises an interior volume 110 for storing the fluid, the interior volume 110 being defined by a housing 120. In various embodiments the housing 120 may be formed of steel, one or more heavy-duty plastics, and / or other compound material(s). A fluid release valve 130 is located at one side of the receptacle 100 for facilitating controlled release of the fluid from the interior volume 110 in response to opening of the fluid release valve 130. In preferred embodiments the approximate ratio of the height and width of the receptacle are selected in order to locate the centre of gravity of the receptacle at or below a midway point on the receptacle. By way of example only, the receptacle may be 450mm in height and 450mm in width. The receptacle is preferably cylindrical, but other geometries are envisaged by the inventors too. In the embodiment of Figure 1, a sleeve 140 is located around the housing 120. The sleeve 140 can be fixedly attached to the housing 120, for example by welding or a similar process or by being integrally part of the housing 120. Alternatively, the sleeve 140 can be removably located around the housing 120 by sliding the sleeve 140 on or off the housing 120. Shock-absorbing members 150 are located around the receptacle 100 and absorb energy imparted from collisions with either machinery, objects, or personnel. Preferably, the shock absorbing members 150 are formed of a durable material, and are sufficiently smooth such that if the receptacle 100 were to be placed on its side it could be rolled along the ground. In some embodiments the shock-absorbing members 150 comprise textured surfaces, such as treads comparable to those on a vehicle tire. Textured surfaces may prove particularly useful in use-cases where the surfaces are wet or have loose debris such that additional friction is desirable. The shock-absorbing members 150 may be formed entirely or partially of natural rubber, or entirely or partially of synthetic rubber. The shock-absorbing members 150 may be solid through, or may be at least partially hollow tubing filled with air. Apertures 160 located on the collar of the receptacle or sleeve 140 allow personnel to lift the receptacle 100, either by placing their hands / fingers inside the apertures 160, or by inserting an appropriately dimensioned member through the apertures 160 and lifting the receptacle 100. Preferably there are at least four apertures 160 on the collar of the receptacle or sleeve 140, in pairs of two that are aligned laterally on opposite sides of the collar such that two appropriately dimensioned members can be inserted one through each of the pairs of apertures 160. The arrangement of four apertures 160 in this way allows personnel to lift and carry the receptacle in a manner akin to a stretcher. Furthermore, the collar provides additional protection for the valve 130. Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated various views (a)-(d) of aspects of the receptacle 100 of Figure 1. View 2(a) demonstrates a side view of the receptacle 100 with sleeve 140, shockabsorbing members 150, and apertures 160 visible. Whilst the view in Figure 2 demonstrates a separate sleeve 140 removably attachable to the housing, it is envisaged by the inventor that in alternative embodiments the receptacle 100 can be provided without the sleeve 140 and instead the receptacle housing itself includes a base plate and collar. Views 2(b) and 2(c) demonstrate top and bottom side views of the receptacle 100, respectively. A first horizontally disposed member 210 is located on the top side of the receptacle 100 above the fluid release valve 130 in order to inhibit vertical motion of a component of the fluid release valve 130 under pressure in the event of a rupture of the valve. The first horizontally disposed member 210 may be formed of steel, one or more heavy duty plastics, and / or other compound material(s). The first horizontally disposed member 210 may comprise a single cross-shaped member such as that illustrated in Figure 2, or alternatively may comprise a single horizontal bar. In other embodiments, the multiple horizontally disposed members 210 may be located on the top side of the receptacle 100, one on top of the other, as a fail-safe mechanism. The first horizontally disposed member 210 may be integrally attached to the collar of the receptacle or sleeve 140, or alternatively may be removably attached. Preferably, at least the first horizontally disposed member 210 is formed of a resilient material such as but not limited to steel or iron. The material of the first horizontally disposed member 210 should be sufficiently resilient to withstand forces typical of a rupturing gas cylinder valve component. A second horizontally disposed member 220 may be located on the bottom side of the receptacle 100, and is visible in view 2(c). Also visible in Figure 2, view (d) is a close-up of one embodiment of a mechanism for attaching the bottom side of a first receptacle 100 to the top side of a second receptacle 100 in order to stack the receptacles on top of one another. The attachment mechanism comprises complementarily dimensioned portions 230 located on the first and second horizontally disposed members 210, 220 on the top and bottom sides respectively. When the first receptacle 100 is placed on top of the second receptacle 100, a handler turns the first receptacle 100 clockwise or anti-clockwise (dependent on the specific design) to bring the complementarily dimensioned portions into abutment. Preferably, the complementarily dimensioned portions 230 are hook-shaped that help to prevent detachment after locking and therefore reduce the likelihood of toppling of the first receptacle from on top of the second receptacle. The stacking arrangement is conceptually presented in Figure 3. Referring Figure 4, there is illustrated various views (a) and (b) of aspects of a fluid storage receptacle 400. The receptacle 400 is substantially similar to the receptacle 100 illustrated in Figures 1-3, but comprises a different attachment mechanism for stacking the receptacles in the manner of Figure 3. In particular, the top and bottom sides visible in views (a) and (b) respectively comprise pins 410 and apertures 420 suitably dimensioned for receiving the pins therein. The pins and apertures can be either way around, i.e. the pins can be located on the bottom side of the receptacle and the apertures on the top side, or vice versa. As visible in Figure 4 is cavity 430 into which a geolocation tracking device 440 can be placed. The cavity 430 provides a difficult to detect and reach location for placing the tracking device 440, which will help to prevent removal of tracking devices by thieves and therefore increase the likelihood of recovering stolen receptacles. The tracking device 440 may utilise any number of known satellite navigation systems including but not limited to RFID, GPS, and GLONASS. Moreover, the tracking device 440 will preferably have a longlife battery included. Preferably, the cavity 430 is access either by removing the sleeve 140 or by opening a lockable hatch accessed either from the outside or inside of the receptacle to allow for charging or removal of the device 440 by authorised personnel. Whilst certain numeral values for dimensions of the receptacle 400 are illustrated in Figure 4, these are provided by of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Referring to Figure 5, there is provided a conceptual diagram illustrating use of a transportation device 500 removably attached to the receptacle of any previous Figure. In particular, the transportation device 500 comprises a shaft 510 with a handle at an end proximal to a handler 520 and attachment members 530 located at an end distal to the handler 520, wherein the attachment members 530 are configured to be removably cooperative with the attachment points on the horizontally disposed members 210 of the receptacle 100 in order to facilitate transportation of the receptacle 100 in response to a handler 520 exerting a pull or a push force using the handle. Importantly the attachment points on the transportation device 500 and the on the receptacle 100 should be configured such that the receptacle 100 is able to rotate about an axis through its centre when pulled by the handler via the transportation device 500, like a wheel. For example, the attachment points on the receptacle may be the attachment points 230 on the first and second horizontally disposed members 210, 220. The attachment points on the receptacle may be apertures on the first and second horizontally disposed members 210, 220 which the attachment members 530 fit in to whilst permitting rotation of the receptacle 100. It will be understood that whilst the handle on the transportation device 500 is preferable it is an optional ergonomic feature. Similarly, whilst the configuration of the attachment members 530 in Figure 5 including elongated portions arranged perpendicular to the shaft 510 provides ergonomically advantageous positioning for a handler 520, the attachment members 530 may simply be disposed at one end of the shaft 510. The transportation device 500 may be formed from steel, one or more heavy duty plastics, and / or other compound materials. The provision of the transportation device utilising both the attachment points on the horizontal members 220, 230 and the shock-absorbing members 150 facilitates safe transportation of the receptacle 100 with a reduced risk of damage to the receptacle 100 or personnel moving the receptacle 100, whilst also removing the need for machine operation training on the part of personnel.

Claims

1. A fluid storage receptacle, comprising:a housing defining a volume suitably configured for receiving a fluid therein;a fluid release valve located on one side of the housing;at least one shock-absorbing member located on the storage receptacle;a first horizontally disposed member located above the fluid release valve in order to inhibit vertical motion of a component of the fluid release valve under pressure;a second horizontally disposed member located at or near the base of the receptacle, further wherein the first and second horizontally disposed members each comprise at least one attachment point located at or near their centre;wherein the approximate ratio of the height and width of the receptacle are selected in order to locate the centre of gravity of the receptacle at or below a midway point on the receptacle.

2. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the height and width of the receptacle are approximately equal.

3. The receptacle of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a sleeve dimensioned to fit around the housing, wherein the sleeve comprises:a plurality of attachment portions located on or near its base, andthe sleeve further comprises complementary attachment portions on or near an end distal to the base and configured to removably connect to the attachment portions at the top of the sleeve in order to facilitate secure stacking of an additional receptacle thereon.

4. The receptacle of claim 3, wherein the sleeve is removably located around the housing.

5. The receptacle of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of attachment portions located on or near its base, and the housing further comprises complementary attachment portions on or near an end distal to the base and configured to removably connect to the attachment portions at the top of the sleeve or housing in order to facilitate secure stacking of an additional receptacle thereon.

6. The receptacle of claims 1-5, wherein the attachment portions comprise pins and apertures suitably dimensioned for receiving the pins therein; or wherein the attachment portions on or near the base of the sleeve or the housing and on the sleeve or housing at an end distal to the base comprise complementary locking slots that lock into place when rotated.

7. The receptacle of any previous claim, wherein the shock-absorbing members comprise surrounds that partially enclose the housing or the sleeve.

8. The receptacle of claim 7, wherein the shock-absorbing members comprise a first shock-absorbing member located at a top side of the sleeve, and a second shockabsorbing member located at a bottom side of the sleeve.

9. The receptacle of claim 8, wherein the shock-absorbing members further comprising a third shock-absorbing member located substantially at a midsection of the sleeve.

10. The receptacle of any previous claim, wherein the shock-absorbing members comprise a rubber material.

11. The receptacle of any previous claim, wherein the shock-absorbing members comprise a natural rubber and / or a synthetic rubber selected from one or more of Butyl and Polyurethane.

12. The receptacle of any previous claim, further comprising a geolocation tracking device.

13. The receptacle of claim 12, wherein the base of the housing and the base of the sleeve are dimensioned such that a cavity is formed between them, and the tracking device is positioned in the cavity formed between the base of the housing and the base of the sleeve.

14. The receptacle of any previous claim, wherein the volume defined by the housing is at least about 20 litres, or at least about 50 litres.

15. A transportation device for use with the receptacle of any previous claim, comprising an elongated member with a handle at an end proximal to a handler and attachment members located at an end distal to the handler, wherein the attachment members are5 configured to be removably cooperative with the attachment points on the receptaclein order to facilitate transportation of the receptacle in response to a handler exerting a pull or a push force using the handle.

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