Compressed-gas fuel system cabinets and related methods

Abstract

This disclosure includes compressed-gas fuel system cabinets, each having a frame and a cover coupled together via fasteners to support and contain compressed-gas fuel system components, such as fuel pressure vessels. The frame, cover, and / or fasteners can be configured to facilitate assembly of the cabinet—in terms of safety and / or speed—and / or access to or servicing of the components contained within the cabinet.

Description

COMPRESSED-GAS FUEL SYSTEM CABINETS AND RELATED METHODS BACKGROUND A. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to compressed-gas fuel systems, and more specifically, to cabinets for housing compressed-gas fuel system components, including fuel pressure vessels (e.g., compressed-gas tanks), lines, valves, and / or the like. B. Description of Related Art

[0002] A vehicle equipped with a compressed-gas fuel system, such as a compressed natural gas (“CNG”) fuel system, can provide benefits over a vehicle equipped with a traditional diesel or gasoline fuel system, including reduced emissions and fuel costs. For the former, the fuel pressure vessels are often—along with other components of the compressed-gas fuel system— contained within a housing, which is sometimes referred to as a cabinet. The vessels are typically both numerous and large to, for example, provide the vehicle with a range comparable to a traditional diesel- or gasoline-powered vehicle. And to house those vessels, the cabinet is often correspondingly large. The cabinet also usually must support, in addition to house, the vessels; as a result, the cabinet can have many large and heavy components that require assembly.

[0003] A compressed-gas fuel system also requires frequent inspections of components contained within the cabinet. Given, however, the large size of the cabinet, such inspections can be costly, time-consuming, and they can present unnecessary risks. To illustrate, if the cabinet is mounted behind the cab of a tractor truck, the cabinet may be tall and narrow to provide room for a trailer pulled by the tractor truck, which can require a ladder to inspect components contained therein, such as to open access panels of the cabinet near its top.

[0004] Further, to perform a more-detailed inspection or to service components contained within the cabinet can require access to those components beyond that provided by the cabinet’s access panels. That increased access can, however, require removal of some of the cabinet’s components, such as paneling of the cabinet. And this removal can be complicated; for instance, and continuing with the behind-cab cabinet example, the cabinet can abut the cab such that access to fasteners of the cabinet toward its cab-facing end is limited. 139656437.1 -1-SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present compressed-gas fuel system cabinets can address one or more of these issues. For example, some of the present cabinets can facilitate assembly of the cabinet by, for instance, including first fasteners that are each configured to be received by an opening of a frame member of the cabinet or a cover of the cabinet such that the fastener is prevented from rotating relative to the frame member or cover when a nut or other female fastener receives a threaded portion of the fastener to couple the frame member or cover to the frame or a portion thereof. Such can be accomplished by the first fastener including a neck that interfaces with an opening of the frame member or cover that prevents the first fastener’s rotation relative thereto. In at least this way, the frame member or cover can be secured to the frame or a portion thereof while reducing the need for a tool to access the first fastener at both of its ends. This is significant in that the frame member or cover can be large, frustrating access to both ends of a traditionally-used fastener, as well as heavy, potentially requiring the manual location of the frame member or cover relative to the frame or portion thereof while the traditionally-used fastener is used to couple the same together.

[0006] To facilitate inspection of components contained within the cabinet, some of the present cabinets can include a door. This door can extend a height from a bottom end of the door to a top end of the door that is at least a majority of (e.g., at least 70% of) a height of the cabinet, and can include a handle configured to permit movement of the door to an open position. With such a relatively large height, the door can provide access to components disposed both near the top of the cabinet and near the middle and / or bottom of the cabinet. In some cabinets, the handle can be positioned closer to the bottom end of the door than to the top end of the door and, optionally, such that the handle is accessible by a user at ground level when the cabinet is installed on a vehicle (e.g., when the cabinet is so installed, the handle can be positioned at or less than 215 centimeters (cm) above ground level). In this way, a user can access the handle—and thus components contained within the cabinet—more easily and more safely; for example, the user may not be required to climb onto a ladder and / or the vehicle to reach the handle.

[0007] The handle can be coupled to and configured to release a first latch disposed at the top end of the door, a second latch disposed at the bottom end of the door, and, optionally, a third latch disposed between the first and second latches. Such latches can reduce door vibration that might otherwise be exacerbated by, for example, the door’s relatively large height.

[0008] The cover can include a removable cover member that is coupled to the frame and / or other member(s) of the cover via openings of the cover member that receive fasteners as well 139656437.1 -2-as features of the cover member that interlock with features of the frame and / or other member(s) of the cover. Such interlocking features can include, for example, hooks of the cover member and / or frame that are receivable by slots of the frame and / or cover member. This configuration can facilitate inspection and / or service of components contained within the cabinet in that, for example, the interlocking features can be disengaged and engaged to remove and install, respectively, the cover member, even when access to those interlocking features is limited; to illustrate, the interlocking features can be disengaged and engaged by lifting and lowering, respectively, the cover member relative to the remainder of the cabinet. Space- restricted locations at which such interlocking features can be particularly advantageous include, for example, locations toward the front of a behind-cab cabinet that may be difficult to access due to a cab and / or fairing of a vehicle.

[0009] These interlocking features can also facilitate assembly of the cabinet. To illustrate, the cover member can be supported (e.g., hung) relative to the frame via the interlocking features while a user installs fasteners through the cover member’s openings to complete the cover member’s installation, as opposed to, for example, the user having to manually position the cover member relative to the remainder of the cabinet when performing that task.

[0010] Some of the present compressed-gas fuel system cabinets comprise: a frame configured to support fuel pressure vessels, the frame including a vertical frame member and a horizontal frame member configured to be coupled together, a cover configured to be coupled to the frame such that the cover and the frame define an interior volume sized to contain the vessels, and fasteners configured to couple members of the frame together and the cover to the frame, the fasteners including first fasteners, each having a head, a threaded portion, and a neck having a non-circular cross-section, the neck positioned between the head and the threaded portion, wherein at least one of the vertical frame member, the horizontal frame member, and the cover define non-circular openings, each configured to receive the neck of one of the first fasteners such that the first fastener is prevented from rotating relative to the non-circular opening when the threaded portion of the first fastener is received by a nut. In some cabinets, for each of the first fasteners, the non-circular cross-section of the neck comprises a square cross-section.

[0011] In some cabinets, at least one of the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame member define the non-circular openings. In some cabinets, the cabinet has a height and a width, the vertical frame member extends at least 75% of the height, and the horizontal frame member extends at least 75% of the width. In some cabinets, the frame includes an oblique frame member configured to be coupled to the horizontal frame member and / or the vertical 139656437.1 -3-frame member, and the oblique frame member is configured to the horizontal frame member and / or the vertical frame member via at least one of the first fasteners being received by at least one of the non-circular openings.

[0012] In some cabinets, the frame is configured to be coupled to vessel mounts, each configured to receive and secure a neck of one of the vessels. In some cabinets, the vessels comprise at least three vessels, the vessels having a capacity of at least 65 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE).

[0013] Some cabinets are configured to be mounted behind a cab of a vehicle. Some cabinets have a height of between 1.7 and 3.0 meters (m), a width of between 2.0 and 2.5 m, and a depth of between 0.3 and 1.0 m.

[0014] Some cabinets comprise an elongated door extending between a top end and a bottom end, the door configured to permit access to the interior volume, the door having a height, measured between the top end and the bottom end, that is at least 70% of a height of the cabinet, a first latch configured to secure the door in a closed position at the top end, a second latch configured to secure the door in the closed position at the bottom end, and a handle positioned closer to the bottom end than to the top end, the handle configured to release the first and second latches to permit movement of the door from the closed position to an open position. Some cabinets comprise a rod connecting the handle, the first latch, and the second latch such that operation of the handle releases the first latch and the second latch. In some cabinets, the door is configured to permit access to the vessels, fuel lines configured to receive fuel from the vessels, and valves configured to control the flow of fuel from the vessels.

[0015] In some cabinets, the cover comprises a first cover member and a second cover member, wherein a portion of the first cover member defines a recess along a width of the first cover member, and wherein the recess is configured to receive the second cover member such that, when the first and second cover members are coupled to the frame, the portion of the first cover member defining the recess overlies a portion of the second cover member. In some cabinets, the recess of the first cover member extends at least 90% of a width of the first cover member. In some cabinets, each of the first and second cover members extends at least 50% of a width of the cabinet.

[0016] In some cabinets, the cover comprises a third cover member that defines hooks, each configured to be received by a slot of the frame to couple the third member to the frame, and openings, each configured to receive one of the fasteners to couple the third cover member to the frame. In some cabinets, each of the hooks defines a recess configured to receive the frame, the recess having a transverse dimension that decreases along a depth of the recess. In some 139656437.1 -4-cabinets, the third cover member comprises sheet metal, and the sheet metal of the third cover member defines the hooks. In some cabinets, the slots of the frame are defined by the vertical frame member.

[0017] In some cabinets, the third cover member extends at least 80% of a depth of the cabinet and at least 80% of a height of the cabinet. In some cabinets, the hooks are defined at a front end of the third cover member and at least some of the openings are defined at a rear end of the third cover member. In some cabinets, the cover member defines an opening for receiving the door.

[0018] In some cabinets, the fasteners comprise second fasteners, each including a pin having a head and a grooved portion coupled to the head, and a collar configured to receive and be swaged onto the grooved portion of the pin such that removal of the collar from the grooved portion requires destruction of the pin and / or the collar. In some cabinets, the second fasteners are configured to couple horizontal frame members together, including first horizontal frame members that extend in a first direction and second horizontal frame members that extend in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. In some cabinets, the first horizontal frame members and the second horizontal frame members are positioned at a bottom end of the frame. In some cabinets, the first horizontal frame members comprise the horizontal frame member discussed above with respect to the first fasteners.

[0019] In some cabinets, the fasteners include third fasteners for coupling the cover to the frame, the third fasteners each including a head, a threaded portion, a dog point, a lock washer captured between the head and the threaded portion, and a washer captured between the lock washer and the threaded portion. In some cabinets, the third fasteners each include a trivalent plating.

[0020] Some compressed-gas fuel system cabinets comprise: a frame configured to support fuel pressure vessels, and a cover configured to be coupled to the frame such that the cover and the frame define an interior volume sized to contain the vessels, the cover including a cover member (e.g., the third cover member discussed above) that defines hooks, each configured to be received by a slot of the frame to couple the cover member to the frame, and openings, each configured to receive a fastener to couple the cover member to the frame.

[0021] In some cabinets, the hooks are defined at a front end of the cover member, and at least some of the openings are defined at a rear end of the cover member. In some cabinets, the cover member has a height, measured between a top end and a bottom end of the cover member, that is at least 2.5 times a width of the cover member, measured between the front end and the rear end of the cover member. In some cabinets, each of the hooks defines a recess 139656437.1 -5-configured to receive the frame, the recess having a transverse dimension that decreases along a depth of the recess. In some cabinets, the cover member comprises sheet metal, and the sheet metal of the cover member defines the hooks.

[0022] Some of the present methods of assembling a compressed-gas fuel system cabinet comprise: coupling a vertical frame member of a frame to a horizontal frame member of the frame using first fasteners (e.g., the first fasteners described above) at least by, for each of the first fasteners, disposing the first fastener through the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame member such that a neck of the first fastener having a non-circular cross-section is received by a non-circular opening defined by the vertical frame member of the horizontal frame member and threading a nut onto the first fastener, wherein, during the threading, the neck and the non-circular opening cooperate to prevent rotation of the first fastener relative to the vertical frame member or the horizontal frame member, and coupling a cover to the frame.

[0023] In some methods, coupling the cover to the frame comprises coupling a cover member (e.g., the third cover member described above) to the frame at least by disposing hooks defined by the cover member into slots defined by the frame, and disposing fasteners through openings defined by the cover member and securing the fasteners relative to the frame. In some methods, before disposing the fasteners through the openings of the cover member, the cover member is supported by the frame via the hooks and slots.

[0024] In some methods, the hooks are defined at a front end of the cover member, and at least some of the openings are defined at a rear end of the cover member. In some cabinets, the cover member has a height, measured between a top end and a bottom end of the cover member, that is at least 2.5 times a width of the cover member, measured between the front end and the rear end of the cover member. In some methods, the cover member comprises sheet metal, and the sheet metal of the cover member defines the hooks. In some methods, each of the hooks defines a recess configured to receive the frame, the recess having a transverse dimension that decreases along a depth of the recess. In some methods, the slots are defined by the vertical frame member.

[0025] The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. Two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each other or may be connected to one another via one or more intermediate components or elements.

[0026] The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise.

[0027] The term “substantially” is defined as largely, but not necessarily wholly, what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially 90 degrees includes 90 degrees, 139656437.1 -6-and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about” may be substituted with “within 10% of” what is specified.

[0028] The phrase “and / or” means and or or. To illustrate, A, B, and / or C includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C. In other words, “and / or” operates as an inclusive or.

[0029] The terms “comprise” (and any form of comprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of have, such as “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of include, such as “includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of contain, such as “contains” and containing”) are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, an apparatus that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements. Likewise, a method that “comprises,” “has,” “includes,” or “contains” one or more steps possesses those one or more steps but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

[0030] Any embodiment of any of the apparatuses and methods can consist of or consist essentially of—rather than comprise / have / include / contain—any of the described elements, features, and / or steps. Thus, in any of the claims, the phrase “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb.

[0031] The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments.

[0032] Some details associated with the embodiments described above and others are described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate identical structures. Rather, the same reference numbers may be used to indicate similar features or features with similar functionalities, as may non-identical reference numbers. The 139656437.1 -7-figures are drawn to scale unless otherwise noted, meaning the sizes of the depicted elements in each are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment shown.

[0034] FIG.1 depicts a not-to-scale vehicle including one of the present cabinets.

[0035] FIGs.2A-2H are front perspective, rear perspective, front, rear, right, left, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the cabinet of FIG.1.

[0036] FIG. 3A is a rear perspective view of the cabinet of FIG. 1 with portions of the cabinet’s cover removed from the cabinet’s frame, showing fuel pressure vessels and other compressed-gas fuel system components housed within the cabinet.

[0037] FIGs.3B-3G are front, back, right, left, top, and bottom views, respectively, of the cabinet of FIG.1 with portions of its cover removed.

[0038] FIG.4A is a side view of a fastener having a non-circular neck, the fastener being usable to couple members of the frame of FIG.1’s cabinet together and / or the cabinet’s cover to the frame.

[0039] FIGs.4B and 4C are front and back views of the fastener of FIG.4A.

[0040] FIG.4D depicts a nut that can receive a threaded portion of the fastener of FIG.4A.

[0041] FIG.5A depicts non-circular openings defined by members of the frame of FIG.1’s cabinet, the openings each dimensioned to cooperate with the neck of a fastener of FIG.4A to prevent rotation of the fastener when it is used to couple the frame members together or to other frame members.

[0042] FIG.5B depicts fasteners of FIG.4A disposed within the non-circular openings of FIG.5A.

[0043] FIG.6 is a side view of a fastener that can be used to couple frame members of FIG. 1’s cabinet together.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a side view of a fastener having a captured washer and a captured lock washer, the fastener being usable to couple the cover of FIG.1’s cabinet to the cabinet’s frame.

[0045] FIG. 8A is a front view of a cover member of the cover of FIG. 1’s cabinet, the cover member including hooks for coupling the cover member to the cabinet’s frame.

[0046] FIG.8B is a left side view of the cover member of FIG.8A.

[0047] FIG.8C depicts the cover member of FIG.8A coupled to a frame member of FIG. 1’s cabinet via the hooks of the cover member being received by slots of the frame member.

[0048] FIG.8D is a partial view showing one of the hooks of FIG.8A’s cover member.

[0049] FIGs. 9A and 9B are perspective and partial side views of cover members of the cover of FIG.1’s cabinet. 139656437.1 -8-

[0050] FIG.10 is a partial left side view of the cabinet of FIG.1 with a door of the cabinet removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 10 including one of the present compressed-gas fuel system cabinets 14. Cabinet 14 can house components of a compressed-gas fuel system, such as a compressed natural gas (“CNG”) or hydrogen fuel system. These components can include, for example, fuel pressure vessels 18, fuel lines 22 for directing fuel to and from the vessels, valves 26 configured to control the flow of fuel from the vessels, and other components described below. As shown, vehicle 10 can be a commercial vehicle, such as a box truck, tractor truck, garbage truck, bus, and / or the like. Cabinet 14, also as shown, can be configured to be mounted behind a cab 30 of vehicle 10. In other embodiments, a vehicle (e.g., 10) can be a passenger vehicle, such as a car or truck, and / or a cabinet (e.g., 14) can be configured to be mounted to the vehicle in other locations, such as underneath the vehicle, on a roof of the vehicle, on a tailgate of the vehicle (e.g., if the vehicle is a garbage truck), in a trunk of the vehicle, and / or the like.

[0052] Referring additionally to FIGs. 2A-2H, cabinet 14 can have a height 34 (FIG. 2C) of between 1.7 and 3.0 meters, such as a height that is greater than any one of, or between any two of, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, and 3.0 meters (m). A width 38 of cabinet 14 can be between 2.0 and 2.5 m, such as greater than any one of, or between any two of, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5 m. And cabinet 14 can have a depth 42 (FIG. 2E) of between 0.3 and 1.0 m, such as a depth that is greater than any one of, or between any two of, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0 m.

[0053] With further reference to FIGs.3A-3G, cabinet 14 can include a frame 46. Frame 46 can be configured to support vessels 18. As shown, frame 46 supports four vessels 18; however, in other cabinets (e.g., 14), a frame (e.g., 46) can support more or less vessels (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, or more vessels 18). Vessels 18 can store an amount of compressed gas that is between 60 and 180 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE), such as approximately 65, 80, 95, 135, 175, or 180 DGE. To support vessels 18, cabinet 14 can include vessel mounts 50 coupled to frame 46. As depicted, vessel mounts 50 can each be configured to receive a neck of a vessel 18 (e.g., a tank) to secure the vessel relative to frame 46. More specifically, for each of vessels 18, two vessel mounts 50 can be used, with one positioned at each end of the vessel. In that configuration, one of the two vessel mounts can be configured to permit sliding of the vessel relative to the vessel mount along a longitudinal axis of the vessel, which can accommodate 139656437.1 -9-expansion and contraction of the vessel that may occur due to, for example, pressure and temperature changes. Vessels 18 can be supported relative to frame 46 in a stacked configuration, with, for example, their longitudinal axes being horizontal and parallel and, in some instances, co-planar, as shown.

[0054] Frame 46 can comprise frame members that are coupled together to define at least a portion of the frame. To illustrate, frame 46 can include vertical frame members 54, horizontal frame members 58, and, optionally, oblique frame members 62, each of which is described in more detail below. The frame, including each of its members, can comprise a metal, such as aluminum, steel, and / or the like. For example, one or more of frame 46’s members—up to including each of those members—can comprise aluminum. And one or more of, up to including each, of frame 46’s members can be extruded such that, for example, the frame member(s) have constant cross-sections along their lengths (e.g., excepting openings for fasteners 90).

[0055] Cabinet 14 can include a cover 66 configured to be coupled to frame 46 such that the cover and the frame cooperate to define an interior volume 70 that contains vessels 18. In addition to vessels 18, interior volume 70 can contain, for example, fuel lines 22, one or more valves 26 (e.g., a shut-off valve, de-fuel valve, and / or the like), one or more ports 72 (e.g., a fill port, defuel port, and / or the like), one or more gauges 74 (e.g., a pressure gauge), a regulator 78, a fuel filter 82, a fuel system controller 86, and / or the like (FIGs. 3D and 3E) . These components can each be housed by cabinet 14 such that, for example, accessing the component requires opening a door (e.g., 218, described below) of the cabinet or removing a portion of cover 66 (e.g., cover member 158a, described below). As shown, some portions of the exterior surface of cabinet 14 can be defined by frame 46 and other portions of the exterior surface can be defined by cover 66. Cover 66, or any portion thereof, such as the below-described cover members 158a-158c, can comprise a metal, such as aluminum, steel, and / or the like, and / or a composite, such as a fiber-reinforced polymeric material. In the illustrated embodiment, cover 66 comprises sheet metal, such as sheet aluminum.

[0056] To couple the frame members of frame 46 together and cover 66 to the frame, cabinet 14 includes fasteners 90 that can provide a variety of benefits. To begin and referring to FIGs. 4A-4D, fasteners 90 can include first fasteners 90a, which may simplify, speed, and promote safety during assembly of cabinet 14. Each of first fasteners 90a can have a head 94, a threaded portion 98, and a neck 102 positioned between the head and the threaded portion. Head 94 can be rounded as opposed to, for example, including wrench flats. For instance, and as shown, head 94 can be domed. In other instances, a head (e.g., 94) of a first fastener (e.g., 90a) can be 139656437.1 -10-rounded and flat, as in an elevator bolt. Beyond lacking wrench flats, head 94 of first fastener 90a can lack a drive—a shaped cavity or protrusion that allows torque to be applied to the first fastener. At least via head 94, first fastener 90a can be used to couple components of cabinet 14 together while providing a low profile and / or a smooth, aesthetically-pleasing appearance. By way of example, first fasteners 90a can comprise carriage bolts.

[0057] Neck 102 can be configured to interface with an opening of a structure (e.g., a frame 46 member or a cover 66 member) such that first fastener 90a is prevented from rotating relative to the structure. To illustrate, neck 102 can have a non-circular cross-section 106, taken perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of fastener 90a. As depicted, cross-section 106 is square. Nevertheless, other first fasteners (e.g., 90a) can each have a neck (e.g., 102) with a cross-section (e.g., 106) that is otherwise polygonal (e.g., triangular, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, and / or the like, whether regular or irregular and with or without rounded corners). Some first fasteners (e.g., 90a) can have a neck (e.g., 102) that is splined, ribbed, or the like.

[0058] Threaded portion 98 of fastener 90a can comprise any threads suitable for being received by a nut or other female-threaded fastener, such as machine threads. An illustrative nut 112 is shown in FIG.4D. Nut 112 is of course not limiting and nor is threaded portion 98, as in general, neck 102 allows first fastener 90a to be received by a structure such that the first fastener is prevented from rotating relative to the structure while any female fastener receives the first fastener to couple the structure to another structure. A first fastener (e.g., 90a) can further terminate in a dog point, to, for example, facilitate receipt of the fastener’s male portion (e.g., threaded portion 98) by a nut or other female fastener. FIG.7 depicts an illustrative dog point 146 of fastener 90c.

[0059] Referring additionally to FIGs.5A and 5B, first fasteners 90a can be used to couple members of frame 46 together. To illustrate, frame 46 can include a vertical frame member 54a and a horizontal frame member 58a configured to be coupled to the vertical frame member. And at least one of those frame members (e.g., horizontal frame member 58a, as depicted) can define non-circular openings 110, each having a cross-section corresponding to and configured to receive neck 102 of one of first fasteners 90a. In this way, first fasteners 90a can be prevented from rotating relative to non-circular openings 110 as the first fasteners are received by nuts 112 or other female fasteners to couple the vertical and horizontal frame members together.

[0060] Using first fasteners 90a in this manner can speed assembly of cabinet 14 as well as promote safety during the same, at least in that, for each of first fasteners 90a, tools are not needed to both hold the first fastener and to couple a female fastener to the first fastener. Indeed, 139656437.1 -11-the coupled frame 46 members of this illustration—vertical frame member 54a and horizontal frame member 58a—can each be large and heavy, frustrating simultaneous access to both ends of a traditional fastener to couple the frame members together. For example, vertical frame member 54a can extend at least 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90% (e.g., at least 75%) of cabinet height 34. Likewise, horizontal frame member 58a can extend at least 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90% (e.g., at least 75%) of cabinet width 38. Further, a first fastener 90a— via its neck 102 being received in a corresponding opening 110—can also locate vertical frame member 54a relative to horizontal frame member 58a before the first fastener is received by a female fastener, reducing the need to manually locate the vertical and horizontal frame members relative to one another before their coupling.

[0061] Frame members 54a and 58a are provided by way of illustration, as the same or similar benefits can be provided by using first fasteners 90a to couple other frame 46 members together, including other vertical frame members 54, such as those at each other corner of cabinet 14, and / or other horizontal frame members 58, such as those that extend along width 38 or depth 42 of the cabinet, including those co-planar with or positioned above horizontal frame member 58a. To illustrate, first fasteners 90a can be used to couple horizontal frame members 58b that extend along depth 42 of cabinet 14 and are coupled to vessel mounts 50 to vertical frame members 54.

[0062] These benefits are not limited to vertical frame members being coupled to horizontal frame members—they extend to oblique (e.g., non-vertical and non-horizontal) frame members 62. To illustrate, frame 46 includes an oblique frame member 62a that is couplable to vertical frame member 54a using first fasteners 90a, where at least one of the oblique frame member and the vertical frame member (e.g., the vertical frame member, as depicted) defines non- circular openings 110 for cooperation with necks 102 of first fasteners 90a to couple the oblique frame member to the vertical frame member. While oblique frame member 62a extends between vertical frame member 54a and horizontal frame member 58a, such oblique frame members 62 can include those that extend between other vertical frame members 54 and / or other horizontal frame members 58, as well as those that extend between ones of the vertical frame members (e.g., oblique frame member 62b) or ones of the horizontal frame members.

[0063] These benefits can also extend to cover 66. Indeed, cover 66—or cover member(s) thereof—can be relatively large and / or heavy. Accordingly, cover 66, or member(s) thereof, can be coupled to frame 46 using first fasteners 90a, with the cover and / or the frame defining non-circular openings 110 for receiving necks 102 of the first fasteners. 139656437.1 -12-

[0064] Referring additionally to FIG.6, fasteners 90 can also include second fasteners 90b for creating permanent connections between cabinet 14 components. To illustrate, a second fastener 90b can include a pin 114 having a head 118 and a grooved portion 122 coupled to the head. Grooved portion 122 can be threaded, with grooves defined between the threads, or ribbed, with grooves defined between the ribs (e.g., as shown for second fastener 90b at the end opposite head 118). Second fastener 90b can include a collar 126 configured to receive grooved portion 122 and be mechanically deformed (e.g., swaged) into the grooves thereof. Once collar 126 is so-coupled to grooved portion 122, the collar cannot be removed from pin 114 without destroying the collar and / or pin. In this way, second fastener 90b can provide a permanent connection for components disposed between collar 126 and head 118. To illustrate, second fastener 90b can comprise a lock bolt, such as a Huck bolt.

[0065] Second fasteners 90b can be used to couple members of frame 46 together. For example, frame 46 can include—in addition to horizontal frame member 58a—horizontal frame members 58c, 58d, and 58e (FIG.3G), which can be coupled to one another using second fasteners 90b. Horizontal frame members 58a, 58c, 58d, and 58e, when so coupled, can form a base section of frame 46 at the bottom thereof. To illustrate, horizontal frame members 58a and 58c can extend in a first direction 130, and horizontal frame members 58d and 58e can extend between horizontal frame members 58a and 58c, for example, in a second direction 134 that is perpendicular to the first direction. This base frame section—enhanced by its assembly using permanent second fasteners 90b—can provide a stable and square foundation for assembling other components of cabinet 14 (e.g., vertical frame members 54) to the base frame section as well as for supporting other components of or contained within the cabinet relative to vehicle 10 when the cabinet is installed on the vehicle.

[0066] Referring to FIG.7, fasteners 90 can further include third fasteners 90c, which can, for example, be used to couple cover 66, or a cover member thereof (e.g., 158a-158c, described below), to frame 46 and / or another cover member. As shown, a third fastener 90c can include a head 138 and a threaded portion 142. Head 138 can include any suitable drive, such as an external hex as shown, and threaded portion 142 can include any threads suitable for being received by a female-threaded fastener (e.g., a nut like 112), such as machine threads. Provided by way of illustration, to achieve coupling of a cover member to frame 46 and / or another cover member, threaded portion 142 can be passed through an opening of the cover member and an opening of the frame and / or other cover member to be received by a female-threaded fastener.

[0067] Captured between head 138 and threaded portion 142 can be a lock washer 150 and a washer 154, with the washer being positioned between the lock washer and the threaded 139656437.1 -13-portion. Washer 150 can protect a finish of cover 66, which can be painted, powder coated, or the like, by preventing contact between the cover and lock washer 150 that might otherwise scratch the cover, while the lock washer can reduce the risk of third fastener 90c becoming loose (e.g., due to vibration) once it is fastened. Third fastener 90c can further include a dog point 146 to facilitate the third fastener’s receipt of a female threaded fastener. And to resist corrosion, third fastener 90c can include a trivalent plating.

[0068] Referring additionally to FIGs.8A-8D, cover 66 can include a cover member 158a that is configured to be coupled to frame 46 and / or other member(s) of the cover via features of the cover member that interlock with features of the frame and / or the other member(s) of the cover. To illustrate, cover member 158a can define hooks 162, each configured to be received by a slot 166 of frame 46 to couple the cover member to the frame. Hooks 162 can each define a recess 170 configured to receive frame 46, and the recess can have a transverse dimension 174 that decreases along its depth. In this way, for example, the hook can facilitate receipt of frame 46 at the open end of recess 170 and guide cover member 158a into position relative to the frame as the recess receives more of the frame. Transverse dimension 174 at the bottom of recess 170 can be smaller than a transverse dimension of the portion of frame 46 received thereby such that the portion of the frame can be wedged within the recess, promoting a secure connection between the two. Cover member 158a—as with other cover members (e.g., 158b and / or 158c)—can be defined by sheet metal, and, optionally, the sheet metal of the cover member can define hooks 162.

[0069] In other embodiments, and as mentioned above, hooks (e.g., 162) can be used— additionally or alternatively—to couple a cover member (e.g., 158a) to other member(s) of a cover (e.g., 66), in which instance, slots (e.g., 166) can be defined by the other member(s) of the cover. Whether hooks (e.g., 162) are used to couple a cover member (e.g., 158a) to a frame (e.g., 46) and / or other member(s) of a cover (e.g., 66), one or more of the hooks can be defined by the frame and / or the other member(s) of the cover, which would then mate with corresponding slot(s) (e.g., 166) of the cover member. Further, hooks 162 and slots 166 are provided by way of example, as other interlocking features can be used (e.g., other projections having heads that can be received and captured by slots or other openings, tabs that are receivable by slots or other openings, and / or the like).

[0070] The use of interlocking features, like hooks 162 and slots 166, can facilitate inspection and / or service of components contained within cabinet 14. To illustrate, hooks 162 can be disengaged and engaged with slots 166 to remove and install, respectively, cover member 158a, even when access to the hooks and slots is limited, by, for example, lifting and 139656437.1 -14-lowering, respectively, the cover member relative to the structure to which it is or is to be coupled. The use of hooks 162 and slots 166, or other interlocking features, to install cover member 158a can be particularly advantageous at the front of cabinet 14, which—being a behind-cab cabinet—may be difficult to access due to, for example, a cab 30 and / or a fairing of vehicle 10. Correspondingly, hooks 162 of cover member 158a can be defined at a front end 198 of cover member 158a.

[0071] Cover member 158a can also include openings 178, each configured to receive a fastener (e.g., 90, specifically a third fastener 90c) to couple the cover member to frame 46 and / or other member(s) of cover 66. At least some of openings 178 can be defined at a rear end 202 of cover member 158a, where, for example, access to install fasteners may be more available. Cover member 158a can have a height 182, measured between a top end 186 and a bottom end 190 of the cover member, that is at least 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, or 3.5 times a width (e.g., 194) of the cover member, measured between front end 198 and rear end 202 of the cover member. More specifically, cover member can extend at least 80% of depth 42 of cabinet 14 and at least 80% of height 34 of the cabinet. In at least this way, cover member 158a can be removed to provide access to a relatively large portion of interior volume 70.

[0072] Hooks 162 and slots 166, or other interlocking features, can also facilitate cover member 158a’s installation. To illustrate, cover member 158a can be supported (e.g., hung) relative to frame 46 via hooks 162 being received by slots 166. This can reduce the need for a user to manually position cover member 158a—which can be relatively large, as described above—when, for example, third fasteners 90c are disposed through openings 178 to complete the cover member’s installation.

[0073] Referring now to FIGs.9A and 9B, shown are cover members 158b and 158c. When cover members 158b and 158c are installed, such as coupled to frame 46 and / or other member(s) of cover 66, a portion of cover member 158b can overlap a portion of cover member 158c. For example, cover member 158b can define a recess 206 for receiving a portion of cover member 158c. Recess 206 can extend at least 90% of, up to and including all of, a width 210 of cover member 158b, and the portion of cover member 158c that is overlapped by cover member 158b can have a height 214 that is between 1 centimeter (cm) and 10 cm. Each of cover members 158b and 158c can extend along at least 50% (e.g., at least 60, 70, 80% or more) of width 38 of cabinet 14. At least via their overlapping nature, cover members 158b and 158c can reduce moisture, dirt, or other contaminant ingress into cabinet 14.

[0074] Referring to FIGs.2A-2F and 10, cabinet 14 can include a door 218 that is received by an opening of cover 66, such as an opening of cover member 158a as shown. Door 218 can 139656437.1 -15-be moved from a closed position (e.g., FIG.2F) to an open position to permit access to interior volume 70 and components contained therein, such as vessels 18, fuel lines 22, valve(s) 26, gauge(s) 74, regulator(s) 78, fuel filter(s) 82, fuel system controller(s) 86, and / or the like. Such access is illustrated in FIG.10, which shows the left side of cabinet 14 with door 218 removed. Cabinet 14 can include multiple doors 218; for instance, the right side of the cabinet also includes a door 218 (FIG.2E). Door 218 can have a height 230, measured between a top end 222 of the door and a bottom end 226 of the door, that is relatively tall. To illustrate, height 230 can be at least 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80% or more of height 34 of cabinet 14 (e.g., at least 70% of the height of cabinet). In this way, door 218, when in the open position, can provide enhanced access to interior volume 70 and components contained therein.

[0075] To allow a user to open door 218, the door can include a handle 234. Handle 234 can be positioned closer to bottom end 226 than to top end 222. In some instances, handle 234 can be positioned such that the handle is accessible by a user standing on the ground when the cabinet is installed on vehicle 10; for example, a vertical distance between the ground and the handle can be 215 cm or less. In one or more of these ways, use of door 218 (e.g., to inspect components housed in cabinet 14) can be simplified and made safer. To illustrate, a user may not be required to climb onto a ladder and / or vehicle 10—or at least as high on the ladder and / or vehicle—to reach handle 234.

[0076] To secure door 218 in the closed position, cabinet 14 can includes latches 238 (FIG. 10). These latches can include a latch 238 configured to secure door 218 at top end 222, a latch 238 configured to secure the door at bottom end 226, and, in the depicted example, a latch 238 disposed between the top-end and bottom-end latches. Such latches 238 and their positioning along door 218 can, for example, reduce vibration of the door that might otherwise be exacerbated by the door’s relatively tall height. To allow operation of handle 234 to release latches 238, the handle can be coupled to the latches via a rod 242. To illustrate, rod 242 can be rotated via operation of handle 234, and the rotation of the rod can, in turn, release latches 238. This configuration can, for example, achieve adequate securement of door 218 in the closed position while permitting handle 234 to be advantageously positioned toward bottom end 226 of the door as described above.

[0077] Some of the present methods for assembling a compressed-gas fuel system cabinet (e.g., 14) comprise coupling a vertical frame member (e.g., 54a) of a frame (e.g., 46) to a horizontal frame member (e.g., 58a) of the frame using first fasteners (e.g., 90a). Such coupling can be performed at least by, for each of the first fasteners, disposing the first fastener through the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame member such that a neck (e.g., 102) of the 139656437.1 -16-first fastener having a non-circular cross-section (e.g., 106) is received by a non-circular opening (e.g., 110) defined by the vertical frame member or the horizontal frame member, and threading a nut (e.g., 112) onto the first fastener (e.g., a threaded portion 98 thereof), wherein, during the threading, the neck and the non-circular opening cooperate to (e.g., physically) prevent rotation of the first fastener relative to the vertical frame member or the horizontal frame member.

[0078] Some methods include coupling a cover (e.g., 66) to the frame. In some methods, coupling the cover to the frame comprises coupling a cover member (e.g., 158a) to the frame at least by disposing hooks (e.g., 162) defined by the cover member into slots (e.g., 166) defined by the frame, and disposing fasteners (e.g., 90c) through openings (e.g., 178) defined by the cover member and securing the fasteners relative to the frame. In some methods, before disposing the fasteners through the openings of the cover member, the cover member is supported by the frame via the hooks and slots.

[0079] In some methods, the cover member has a height (e.g., 182), measured between a top end (e.g., 186) and a bottom end (e.g., 190) of the cover member, that is at least 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, or 3.5 times a width (e.g., 194) of the cover member, measured between a front end (e.g., 198) and a rear end (e.g., 202) of the cover member. In some methods, the hooks are defined at the front end of the cover member, and at least some of the openings are defined at a rear end of the cover member.

[0080] In some methods, each of the hooks defines a recess (e.g., 170) configured to receive the frame, the recess having a transverse dimension (e.g., 174) that decreases along a depth of the recess. In some methods, the cover member comprises sheet metal, and the sheet metal of the cover member defines the hooks. In some methods, the slots are defined by the vertical frame member.

[0081] The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of illustrative embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the apparatuses and methods are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than the ones shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiments. For example, elements may be omitted or combined as a unitary structure, and / or connections may be substituted. Further, where 139656437.1 -17-appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and / or functions and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.

[0082] The claims are not intended to include, and should not be interpreted to include, means plus- or step-plus-function limitations, unless such a limitation is explicitly recited in a given claim using the phrase(s) “means for” or “step for,” respectively. 139656437.1 -18-

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A compressed-gas fuel system cabinet comprising: a frame configured to support fuel pressure vessels, the frame including a vertical frame member and a horizontal frame member configured to be coupled together; a cover configured to be coupled to the frame such that the cover and the frame define an interior volume sized to contain the vessels; and fasteners configured to couple members of the frame together and the cover to the frame, the fasteners including first fasteners, each having: a head; a threaded portion; and a neck having a non-circular cross-section, the neck positioned between the head and the threaded portion; wherein at least one of the vertical frame member, the horizontal frame member, and the cover define non-circular openings, each configured to receive the neck of one of the first fasteners such that the first fastener is prevented from rotating relative to the non-circular opening when the threaded portion of the first fastener is received by a nut.

2. The cabinet of claim 1, wherein at least one of the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame member define the non-circular openings.

3. The cabinet of claim 1 or 2, wherein, for each of the first fasteners, the non-circular cross-section of the neck comprises a square cross-section.

4. The cabinet of any of claims 1-3, wherein: the cabinet has a height and a width; the vertical frame member extends at least 75% of the height; and the horizontal frame member extends at least 75% of the width.

5. The cabinet of any of claims 1-4, wherein: the frame includes an oblique frame member configured to be coupled to the horizontal frame member and / or the vertical frame member; and the oblique frame member is configured to be coupled to the horizontal frame member and / or the vertical frame member via at least one of the first fasteners being received by at least one of the non-circular openings. 139656437.1 -19-6. The cabinet of any of claims 1-5, wherein the frame is configured to be coupled to vessel mounts, each configured to receive and secure a neck of one of the vessels.

7. The cabinet of any of claims 1-6, wherein the cabinet is configured to be mounted behind a cab of a vehicle.

8. The cabinet of any of claims 1-7, wherein the cabinet has: a height of between 1.7 and 3.0 meters (m); a width of between 2.0 and 2.5 m; and a depth of between 0.3 and 1.0 m.

9. The cabinet of any of claims 1-8, comprising: an elongated door extending between a top end and a bottom end, the door configured to permit access to the interior volume, the door having a height, measured between the top end and the bottom end, that is at least 70% of a height of the cabinet; a first latch configured to secure the door in a closed position at the top end; a second latch configured to secure the door in the closed position at the bottom end; and a handle positioned closer to the bottom end than to the top end, the handle configured to release the first and second latches to permit movement of the door from the closed position to an open position.

10. The cabinet of claim 9, comprising a rod connecting the handle, the first latch, and the second latch such that operation of the handle releases the first latch and the second latch.

11. The cabinet of any of claims 1-10, wherein the door is configured to permit access to: the vessels; fuel lines configured to receive fuel from the vessels; and valves configured to control the flow of fuel from the vessels. 139656437.1 -20-12. The cabinet of any of claims 1-11, wherein the cover comprises: a first cover member; and a second cover member; wherein a portion of the first cover member defines a recess along a width of the first cover member; and wherein the recess is configured to receive the second cover member such that, when the first and second cover members are coupled to the frame, the portion of the first cover member defining the recess overlies a portion of the second cover member.

13. The cabinet of claim 12, wherein the recess of the first cover member extends at least 90% of the width of the first cover member.

14. The cabinet of claim 12 or 13, wherein each of the first and second cover members extends at least 50% of a width of the cabinet.

15. The cabinet of any of claims 1-14, wherein the cover comprises a third cover member that defines: hooks, each configured to be received by a slot of the frame to couple the third cover member to the frame; and openings, each configured to receive one of the fasteners to couple the third cover member to the frame.

16. The cabinet of claim 15, wherein the slots of the frame are defined by the vertical frame member.

17. The cabinet of claim 15 or 16, wherein: the hooks are defined at a front end of the third cover member; and at least some of the openings are defined at a rear end of the third cover member.

18. The cabinet of claim 17, wherein the third cover member extends at least 80% of a depth of the cabinet and at least 80% of a height of the cabinet.

19. The cabinet of any of claims 15-18, wherein: the third cover member comprises sheet metal; and the sheet metal of the third cover member defines the hooks. 139656437.1 -21-20. The cabinet of any of claims 15-19, wherein each of the hooks defines a recess configured to receive the frame, the recess having a transverse dimension that decreases along a depth of the recess.

21. The cabinet of any of claims 15-20, as depending from any of claims 9-11, wherein the cover member defines an opening for receiving the door.

22. The cabinet of any of claims 1-21, wherein the vessels comprise at least three vessels, the vessels having a capacity of at least 65 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE).

23. The cabinet of any of claims 1-22, wherein the fasteners comprise second fasteners, each including: a pin having: a head; and a grooved portion coupled to the head; and a collar configured to receive and be swaged onto the grooved portion of the pin such that removal of the collar from the grooved portion requires destruction of the pin and / or the collar.

24. The cabinet of claim 23, wherein the second fasteners are configured to couple horizontal frame members together, including: first horizontal frame members that extend in a first direction; and second horizontal frame members that extend in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.

25. The cabinet of claim 24, wherein the first horizontal frame members comprise the horizontal frame member.

26. The cabinet of claim 24 or 25, wherein the first horizontal frame members and the second horizontal frame members are positioned at a bottom end of the frame. 139656437.1 -22-27. The cabinet of any of claims 1-26, wherein the fasteners include third fasteners for coupling the cover to the frame, the third fasteners each including: a head; a threaded portion; a dog point; a lock washer captured between the head and the threaded portion; and a washer captured between the lock washer and the threaded portion.

28. The cabinet of claim 27, wherein the third fasteners each include a trivalent plating.

29. A compressed-gas fuel system cabinet comprising: a frame configured to support fuel pressure vessels; and a cover configured to be coupled to the frame such that the cover and the frame define an interior volume sized to contain the vessels, the cover including a cover member that defines: hooks, each configured to be received by a slot of the frame to couple the cover member to the frame; and openings, each configured to receive a fastener to couple the cover member to the frame.

30. The cabinet of claim 29, wherein: the hooks are defined at a front end of the cover member; and at least some of the openings are defined at a rear end of the cover member.

31. The cabinet of claim 29 or 30, wherein the cover member has a height, measured between a top end and a bottom end of the cover member, that is at least 2.5 times a width of the cover member, measured between a front end and a rear end of the cover member.

32. The cabinet of any of claims 29-31, wherein: the cover member comprises sheet metal; and the sheet metal of the cover member defines the hooks.

33. The cabinet of any of claims 29-32, wherein each of the hooks defines a recess configured to receive the frame, the recess having a transverse dimension that decreases along a depth of the recess. 139656437.1 -23-34. A method of assembling a compressed-gas fuel system cabinet, the method comprising: coupling a vertical frame member of a frame to a horizontal member of the frame using first fasteners at least by, for each of the first fasteners: disposing the first fastener through the vertical frame member and the horizontal frame member such that a neck of the first fastener having a non-circular cross-section is received by a non-circular opening defined by the vertical frame member or the horizontal frame member; and threading a nut onto the first fastener, wherein, during the threading, the neck and the non-circular opening cooperate to prevent rotation of the first fastener relative to the vertical frame member or the horizontal frame member; and coupling a cover to the frame.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein coupling the cover to the frame comprises coupling a cover member to the frame at least by: disposing hooks defined by the cover member into slots defined by the frame; and disposing fasteners through openings defined by the cover member and securing the fasteners relative to the frame.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein, before disposing the fasteners through the openings of the cover member, the cover member is supported by the frame via the hooks and slots.

37. The method of claim 35 or 36, wherein: the hooks are defined at a front end of the cover member; and at least some of the openings are defined at a rear end of the cover member.

38. The method of any of claims 35-37, wherein the cover member has a height, measured between a top end and a bottom end of the cover member, that is at least 2.5 times a width of the cover member, measured between a front end and a rear end of the cover member.

39. The method of any of claims 35-38, wherein: the cover member comprises sheet metal; and the sheet metal of the cover member defines the hooks. 139656437.1 -24-40. The method of any of claims 35-39, wherein each of the hooks defines a recess configured to receive the frame, the recess having a transverse dimension that decreases along a depth of the recess.

41. The method of any of claims 35-40, wherein the slots are defined by the vertical frame member. 139656437.1 -25-

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