Anti-rotation devices for compressed gas cylinders

Abstract

The anti-rotation assembly (100) includes a skid (110) having a bracket (140) disposed on an upper surface (112) and an anti-rotation device (200) having an elongated body (210), a first end (220), and a second end (230). The first end (220) is removably securable in an opening (144) in the bracket (140), and the second end (230) is removably securable to a neck (188) of the cylinder (180). A locked state is defined by the first end (220) of the anti-rotation device (200) fastened to the bracket (140), and an unlocked state is defined by the first end (220) of the anti-rotation device (200) not fastened to the bracket (140). In the unlocked state, the anti-rotation device (200) is rotatable about a longitudinal axis Y defined by the neck (188) of the cylinder (180).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The field of the disclosure relates generally to securing devices for compressed gas cylinders, and more particularly to anti-rotation devices utilized during transportation of compressed gas cylinders.

[0002] Compressed gas cylinders are used to store liquefied gas under pressure. The cylinders are typically filled at a service station and then transported to the end user. To safely transport the cylinders, they must be secured to a skid that limits the cylinder's ability to roll and slide. Cylinders are traditionally secured with straps or by fastening the ends of the cylinder to the skid. However, these methods do not allow the user to temporarily rotate the cylinder to adjust its orientation so that the user can access the cylinder's pressure relief valve or nozzle for filling.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide an apparatus for securing a compressed gas cylinder to a skid that allows access to the pressure relief valve or nozzle of the compressed gas cylinder. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, an anti-rotation assembly for a compressed gas cylinder is disclosed. The anti-rotation assembly includes a skid having an upper surface, a bracket disposed on the upper surface of the skid, the bracket having an opening, and an anti-rotation device having an elongated body, a first end, and a second end, the first end being removably securable in the opening of the bracket and the second end being removably securable to a neck of the cylinder. A locked state of the anti-rotation device is defined by the first end of the anti-rotation device fastened to the bracket, and an unlocked state of the anti-rotation device is defined by the first end of the anti-rotation device not fastened to the bracket. In the unlocked state, the anti-rotation device is rotatable about a longitudinal axis defined by the neck of the cylinder. The attached state of the anti-rotation device is defined by the second end being attached to the neck of the cylinder, and the unlocked state of the anti-rotation device is defined by the second end not being attached to the neck of the cylinder.

[0005] In another aspect, a method for securing a cylinder to a skid is disclosed. The method includes: positioning a cylinder having a neck on an upper surface of the skid; positioning a second end of an anti-rotation device on the neck of the cylinder; attaching the anti-rotation device to the neck of the cylinder to define an attached state of the anti-rotation device; positioning a first end of the anti-rotation device against a longitudinal sidewall of a bracket of the skid, the bracket being positioned on the upper surface of the skid; and fastening the first end of the anti-rotation device to the bracket to define a locked state of the anti-rotation device such that the cylinder is removably secured to the skid. The unlocked state of the anti-rotation device is defined by the first end of the anti-rotation device not fastened to the bracket, and the unattached state of the anti-rotation device is defined by the second end not attached to the neck of the cylinder.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a method of filling a cylinder secured to a skid is disclosed, the method including: positioning a cylinder having a neck and a fill valve with a fill port on an upper surface of the skid; attaching a second end of an anti-rotation device to the neck of the cylinder to define a mounted state of the anti-rotation device; positioning a first end of the anti-rotation device against a longitudinal sidewall of a bracket of the skid, wherein the bracket positioned on the upper surface of the skid defines a first angular position and an unlocked state of the anti-rotation device is defined by the first end of the anti-rotation device not fastened to the bracket; rotating the cylinder and anti-rotation device along a longitudinal axis defined by the neck of the cylinder to the second angular position so that the fill valve is accessible; filling the cylinder through the fill port of the fill valve; rotating the cylinder and anti-rotation device to the first angular position; and fastening the first end of the anti-rotation device to the bracket to define a locked state of the anti-rotation device.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an anti-rotation assembly for a compressed gas cylinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 2] 2 shows a partial view of Detail A of the anti-rotation assembly of FIG. 1;

[0010] [Figure 3] FIG. 2 shows a side elevation view of the anti-rotation assembly of FIG. 1.

[0011] [Figure 4] 4 shows a partial view of Detail B of the anti-rotation assembly of FIG. 3.

[0012] [Figure 5]FIG. 2 shows a front plan view of the anti-rotation assembly of FIG. 1.

[0013] [Figure 6] 2 shows a front plan view of an anti-rotation device of the anti-rotation assembly of FIG. 1.

[0014] [Figure 7] 7 shows a side elevation view of the anti-rotation device of FIG. 6.

[0015] [Figure 8] 1 shows how the cylinder is secured to the skid.

[0016] [Figure 9] 1 shows a method for filling a cylinder fixed to a skid.

[0017] The reference signs used in the drawings and their meanings are summarized in the list of reference signs. As a rule, identical parts in the drawings are provided with the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In the following specification and claims, reference will be made to a number of terms that shall be defined to have the following meanings.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context dictates otherwise. The terms "comprise," "include," and "have" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The term "optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where the event occurs or does not occur.

[0020] An embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to an anti-rotation assembly comprising: a skid having an upper surface; a bracket disposed on the upper surface of the skid, the bracket having a longitudinal opening; and an anti-rotation device having an elongated body, a first end, and a second end, the first end being removably securable in the longitudinal opening of the bracket and the second end being removably securable to a neck of a cylinder. The anti-rotation device is fastened to the bracket to define a locked state, and the anti-rotation device is rotatable about the neck of the cylinder in an unlocked state in which the anti-rotation device is not fastened to the bracket.

[0021] Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings disclosed herein, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements unless otherwise defined. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of anti-rotation assembly 100, and Figure 2 shows an enlarged partial view of Detail A of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of anti-rotation assembly 100, and Figure 4 shows a partial view of Detail B of Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a front plan view of anti-rotation assembly 100.

[0022] 1-5 , anti-rotation assembly 100 includes skid 110 having a top surface 112 and a bottom surface 114 and configured to secure cylinder 180. Skid 110 has a generally rectangular shape with longitudinal edges 116 and lateral edges 118, with cylinder 180 disposed on top surface 112 and extending parallel to longitudinal edges 116. In some embodiments, skid 110 includes an opening 120 in which at least a portion of cylinder 180 is disposed. In some embodiments, skid 110 further includes a forklift receiver 122 extending laterally to longitudinal edges 116. Forklift receiver 122 is a structural tube that also provides structural support to skid 110. In the illustrated embodiment, each skid 110 is configured to secure one cylinder 180, however, in some embodiments, the skids 110 may be positioned adjacent to one another, or the skids 110 may be stacked on top of one another with additional vertical lateral supports connecting multiple skids 110.

[0023] The cylinder 180 includes a cylindrical central portion 182, a forward dome-shaped portion 184, and an aft dome-shaped portion 186. In some embodiments, the aft portion is flat. As best shown in FIG. 3 , the forward dome-shaped portion 184 and the aft dome-shaped portion 186 define a central axis Y of the cylinder 180. Referring back to FIGS. 1-5 , the forward dome-shaped portion 184 includes a cylindrical neck 188 extending therefrom. As best shown in FIG. 4 , the cylindrical neck 188 is concentric with the central axis Y of the cylinder 180, and the cylindrical neck 188 extends a length L1 from the forward dome-shaped portion 184. Referring now to FIG. 5 , the cylindrical neck 188 has an outer diameter D1. As described in more detail below, an end of the anti-rotation device 200 is configured to surround the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder 180 and helps secure the cylinder 180 to the skid 110. In a preferred embodiment, the aft dome-shaped portion 186 is devoid of any mechanical means configured to aid in removably securing the cylinder 180 to the skid 110. For example, the aft dome-shaped portion 186 may be devoid of pinholes, threaded taps, etc. that may be used as part of the means for removably securing the cylinder 180 to the skid 110.

[0024] 1-5, the anti-rotation assembly 100 further includes a longitudinal guide 130 that extends along the top surface 112 of the skid 110. The longitudinal guide 130 contacts a cylindrical central portion 182 of the cylinder 180 to prevent the cylinder 180 from rolling. When the cylinder 180 is at least partially positioned within the opening 120, the cylinder 180 is seated against the longitudinal guide 130. The anti-rotation assembly 100 further includes a lateral stop 132 that extends across the top surface 112 of the skid 110. The lateral stop 132 reduces or prevents longitudinal movement of the cylinder 180.

[0025] 2 and 4, the anti-rotation assembly 100 further includes a bracket 140 disposed on the upper surface 112 of the skid 110. The bracket 140 includes a longitudinal sidewall 142 having a longitudinal opening 144. In some embodiments, the longitudinal opening 144 is circular. In some embodiments, the longitudinal opening 144 is a longitudinal slot. As described in more detail below, the longitudinal opening 144 is configured to receive a fastener 196.

[0026] FIG. 6 shows a front plan view of an anti-rotation device 200 for removably securing the cylinder 180 to the skid 110, and FIG. 7 shows a side elevation view of the anti-rotation device 200. The anti-rotation device 200 includes an elongated body 210 having a first end 220 and a second end 230 having a circular ring 232. The first end 220 includes an aperture 222 extending therethrough. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first end 220 is removably securable to the longitudinal opening 144 of the bracket 140 by passing a fastener 196 through the aperture 222 in the first end 220 and through the longitudinal opening 144 of the bracket 140. The fastener 196 may be secured by a nut 198. In some embodiments, the aperture 222 has threads that threadably engage and secure the fastener 196. In embodiments in which the longitudinal opening 144 in the bracket 140 is a slot, the anti-rotation device 200 can be secured to the bracket 140 at any point along the slot. In other words, the first end 220 of the anti-rotation device 200 is translatable along the longitudinal slot of the bracket in the unlocked state of the anti-rotation device 200 to properly position the cylinder 180 on the skid 110. The unlocked state is defined by the anti-rotation device 200 not being fastened or secured to the bracket 140, and the locked state is defined by the anti-rotation device 200 being fastened or secured to the bracket 140.

[0027] 6 and 7 , the circular ring 232 has an inner surface 234 that defines an inner diameter D2 of the circular ring 232. The inner surface 234 is configured to surround the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder 180 (as best shown in FIG. 5 ). In some embodiments, the inner diameter D2 of the circular ring 232 is sized and configured to form an interference fit with the outer diameter D1 of the cylindrical neck 188 and the inner surface 234, thus removably securing the anti-rotation device 200 to the cylinder 180. In some embodiments, the circular ring 232 includes at least one set screw 250 that threads into at least one aperture 235 extending through the circular ring 232. Advancement of the at least one set screw 250 relative to the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder 180 can removably secure the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder 180 to the circular ring 232, and therefore to the anti-rotation device 200. At least one set screw 250 may secure the cylindrical neck 188 with an interference fit.

[0028] The installed state of anti-rotation device 200 is defined by second end 230 (more specifically, circular ring 232) attached to neck 188 of cylinder 180, and the installed state of anti-rotation device 200 is defined by second end 230 not attached to neck 188 of cylinder 180. The above is true regardless of whether anti-rotation device 200 is removably secured to cylindrical neck 188 by an interference fit between inner surface 234 and cylindrical neck 188 or by use of at least one set screw 250.

[0029] In operation, the cylinder 180 is placed on the skid 110 such that the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder 180 is aligned with the bracket 140 of the skid 110. The anti-rotation device 200 is then removably secured to the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder 180 in the installed state. As shown in FIG. 5 , the cylinder 180 can be rotated in a first angular direction A1 about the longitudinal axis Y. In the installed and unlocked state, the cylinder 180 and the anti-rotation device 200 are rotatable together from a first angular position to a second angular position. In the first angular position (shown in FIG. 5 ), the anti-rotation device 200 abuts the bracket 140 of the skid 110. In the second angular position (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 5 ), the anti-rotation device 200 and the cylinder 180 are rotated about the central axis Y of the cylinder 180.

[0030] Returning to FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the cylindrical neck 188 includes a fill valve 170 having a fill port 172 facing downward toward the skid 110 in a locked state. For transportation of the skid 110 and cylinder 180, it is common to have the fill port 172 facing downward toward the skid 110 and in a locked state. Furthermore, the cylinder 180 cannot be refilled when the fill port 172 faces downward toward the skid 110. Therefore, to fill or refill the cylinder 180 while the cylinder 180 is on the skid 110, the anti-rotation device 200 can be disengaged in an unlocked state, and the cylinder 180 with the anti-rotation device 200 rotated to a second angular position to fill the cylinder 180. This process can then be reversed, and the anti-rotation device 200 can be engaged in a locked state. In some embodiments, the second angular position is up to 180 degrees from the first angular position.

[0031] Industrial Applicability During operation, the teachings of the present disclosure may find applicability in many industrial applications, including, but not limited to, allowing temporary rotation of the cylinder 180, or more generally, changing the orientation of the cylinder so that a user can access the pressure relief valve or fill port 172 of the cylinder 180. The present disclosure allows for recharging of a cylinder 180 already positioned on the skid 110, allowing for faster recharging. The cylinder 180 can be rotated up to 180° while still resting on the skid 110 by simply unlocking the first end 220 of the anti-rotation device 200 from the bracket 140 of the skid 110 (thus eliminating the need to remove the cylinder from the skid 110 for recharging). Because the anti-rotation device 200 remains attached to the cylinder 180 in an attached state even during refilling, to lock the anti-rotation device 220 (and cylinder 180) back onto the skid 110, the user simply rotates the anti-rotation device 220 (and cylinder 180) in the opposite direction and fastens the anti-rotation device 220 to the skid 110.

[0032] A method 300 for securing a cylinder 180 is shown in Figure 8. The method 300 includes positioning 302 a cylinder 180 having a cylindrical neck 188 on the upper surface 112 of the skid 110, positioning 304 a second end 232 of an anti-rotation device 200 on the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder, attaching 306 the anti-rotation device 200 to the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder 180, positioning 308 a first end 230 of the anti-rotation device 200 against a longitudinal sidewall 142 of a bracket 140 of the skid 110, and fastening 310 the first end 230 of the anti-rotation device 200 to the bracket 140, thereby defining a first locked state of the anti-rotation device 200.

[0033] A method of filling a cylinder 180 secured to a skid 110 is shown in Figure 9. The method 400 includes positioning 402 a cylinder 180 having a cylindrical neck 188 and a fill valve 170 on the upper surface 112 of the skid 110. The method 400 further includes attaching 404 a second end 232 of an anti-rotation device 200 onto the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder 180, positioning 406 a first end 230 of the anti-rotation device 200 against a longitudinal sidewall 142 of a bracket 140 of the skid 110, rotating 408 the cylinder 180 and anti-rotation device 200 from a first angular position to a second angular position along a longitudinal axis Y defined by the cylindrical neck 188 of the cylinder 180, connecting the fill port 172 to a gas source, and filling 410 the cylinder 180 via the fill port of the fill valve. After filling the cylinder 180, the method 400 further includes rotating the cylinder 180 and the anti-rotation device 200 back to the first angular position 412 and fastening the first end 230 of the anti-rotation device 200 to the bracket 140 414.

[0034] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0035] While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description should be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention encompasses further embodiments having any combination of features from the different embodiments described above and below. Furthermore, statements made herein characterizing the present invention refer to embodiments of the invention and not necessarily to all embodiments.

[0036] The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article "a" or "the" when introducing an element should not be construed as excluding a plurality of elements. Similarly, "or" should be construed as inclusive, such that a reference to "A or B" does not exclude "A and B," unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Furthermore, a reference to "at least one of A, B, and C" should be construed as one or more of the group of elements consisting of A, B, and C, and should not be construed as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B, and C, regardless of whether A, B, and C are related categorically or otherwise. Furthermore, a reference to "A, B, and / or C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" should be construed as including any single entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B, and C.

[0037] This specification uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and practicing 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 contain equivalent structural elements that do not differ substantially from the literal language of the claims.

[0038] While the present systems and methods have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the subject technology can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. a skid 110 having an upper surface 112; a bracket 140 disposed on the upper surface 112 of the skid 110, the bracket 140 having an opening 144; an anti-rotation device (200) having an elongated body (210), a first end (220), and a second end (230), the first end (220) being removably securable to the opening (144) of the bracket (140) and the second end (230) being removably securable to the neck (188) of the cylinder (180); 1. An anti-rotation assembly 100 comprising: a locked state of the anti-rotation device (200) is defined by the first end (220) of the anti-rotation device (200) fastened to the bracket (140), and an unlocked state of the anti-rotation device (200) is defined by the first end (220) of the anti-rotation device (200) not fastened to the bracket (140); the anti-rotation device 200 is rotatable in the unlocked state about a longitudinal axis Y defined by the neck 188 of the cylinder 180; Anti-rotation assembly 100.

2. 2. The anti-rotation assembly of claim 1, wherein an attached state of the anti-rotation device is defined by the second end being attached to the neck of the cylinder, and an unattached state of the anti-rotation device is defined by the second end not being attached to the neck of the cylinder.

3. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 2, wherein the anti-rotation device (200) and the cylinder (180) are rotatable together about the longitudinal axis in the unlocked and attached states.

4. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the opening (144) in the bracket (140) is a longitudinal slot.

5. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 4, wherein the first end (220) of the anti-rotation device (200) is translatable along the longitudinal slot of the bracket (140).

6. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the second end (230) includes a circular ring (232) having an inner surface (234) configured to surround the neck (188) of the cylinder (180).

7. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein the neck (188) of the cylinder (180) is removably secured to the circular ring (232) by an interference fit.

8. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein the circular ring (232) further comprises a set screw (250).

9. 9. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 8, wherein advancement of the set screw (250) against the neck (188) of the cylinder (180) removably secures the neck (188) of the cylinder (180) to the circular ring (232).

10. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 9, wherein the set screw (250) secures the neck (188) of the cylinder (180) with an interference fit.

11. 2. The anti-rotation assembly of claim 1, wherein the cylinder and the anti-rotation device are rotatable from a first angular position to a second angular position in the unlocked state, the first angular position being defined by the anti-rotation device abutting the bracket.

12. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 11, wherein the second angular position is up to 180 degrees from the first angular position.

13. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the skid (110) further comprises a longitudinal guide (130) extending along the surface (112) of the skid (110).

14. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 13, wherein the longitudinal guide (130) prevents the cylinder (180) from rolling.

15. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the skid (110) further includes a lateral stop (132) extending across the top surface (112) of the skid (110).

16. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 15, wherein the lateral stops (132) prevent longitudinal movement of the cylinder (180).

17. The anti-rotation assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the cylinder (180) further comprises an aft dome-shaped portion (186) lacking mechanical means configured to removably secure the cylinder (180) to the skid (110).

18. 18. The anti-rotation assembly 100 of claim 17, wherein the mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a pinhole and a threaded tap.

19. A method of securing a cylinder 180 to a skid 110, comprising: placing a cylinder 180 having a neck 188 on the upper surface 112 of the skid 110; placing a second end 230 of an anti-rotation device 200 onto the neck 188 of the cylinder 180; attaching the anti-rotation device (200) to the neck (188) of the cylinder (180) to define an attached state of the anti-rotation device (200); placing the first end 220 of the anti-rotation device 200 against a longitudinal side wall 142 of a bracket of the skid, the bracket being disposed on the top surface 112 of the skid 110; fastening the first end 220 of an anti-rotation device 200 to the bracket 140 to define a locked state of the anti-rotation device 200 such that the cylinder 180 is removably secured to the skid 110; A method comprising:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein an unlocked state of the anti-rotation device 200 is defined by the first end 220 of the anti-rotation device 200 not fastened to the bracket 140, and an unattached state of the anti-rotation device 200 is defined by the second end 230 not attached to the neck 188 of the cylinder 180.

21. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the anti-rotation device 200 and the cylinder 180 are rotatable together about the longitudinal axis Y in the unlocked state and the attached state.

22. 1. A method of filling a cylinder 180 secured to a skid 110, comprising: placing a cylinder 180 having a neck 188 and a fill valve 170 having a fill port 172 on the upper surface 112 of said skid 110; attaching a second end (230) of an anti-rotation device (200) to the neck (188) of the cylinder (180) to define an attached state of the anti-rotation device (200); positioning a first end 220 of the anti-rotation device 200 against a longitudinal sidewall 142 of a bracket 140 of the skid 110, wherein the bracket 140 positioned on the top surface 112 of the skid 110 defines a first angular position, and an unlocked state of the anti-rotation device 200 is defined by the first end 220 of the anti-rotation device 200 not fastened to the bracket 140; rotating the cylinder 180 and the anti-rotation device 200 along a longitudinal axis Y defined by the neck 188 of the cylinder 180 to a second angular position such that the fill valve 170 is accessible; filling the cylinder 180 through the fill port 172 of the fill valve 170; rotating the cylinder 180 and the anti-rotation device 200 to the first angular position; fastening the first end 220 of the anti-rotation device 200 to the bracket 140 to define a locked state of the anti-rotation device 200; A method comprising:

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