Method And Apparatus For Covering A Portion Of A Propane Cylinder
Patent No. US10882664 (titled "Method And Apparatus For Covering A Portion Of A Propane Cylinder") was filed by Timothy S Nash on Jan 21, 2016.
What is this patent about?
’664 is related to the field of propane tank accessories , specifically addressing the problems of instability, rust formation, and uncomfortable handling associated with standard propane cylinders. The background highlights the common issues of tanks tipping over, leaving rust stains, and having awkward handles, leading to user inconvenience and potential safety hazards.
The underlying idea behind ’664 is to provide a protective and stabilizing cover for propane cylinders. This cover aims to increase the base area of the cylinder, preventing it from direct contact with the ground, thereby reducing rust and improving stability. The cover can be retrofitted to existing cylinders or integrated into new designs.
The claims of ’664 focus on a cover with a specific geometry designed to attach to the foot ring of a propane tank. Claim 1 describes a cover with a slit that sandwiches the foot ring, preventing it from contacting the ground. Claim 17 describes a hoop base with inner and outer upstands forming a slot to receive the base of the cylinder, ensuring a secure fit and stable support.
In practice, the cover functions by providing a wider, more stable base for the propane cylinder. The slit or slot design allows for easy attachment and removal, while the material composition (rubber, thermoplastics, etc.) prevents rust formation and provides a non-slip surface. Additional features like external stabilizers, internal stabilizers, and strap loops can be integrated to further enhance stability and security.
Unlike prior solutions that may only address one aspect of the problem (e.g., a simple rubber base to prevent rust), ’664 offers a comprehensive solution by simultaneously addressing stability, rust prevention, and ease of handling. The concentric slit design accommodates variations in tank sizes, and the option for grounding components enhances safety by preventing electrostatic charges. The use of non-electrostatic materials is a key differentiator.
How does this patent fit in bigger picture?
Technical landscape at the time
In the mid-2010s when ’664 was filed, at a time when propane tanks were typically constructed with a metal base and a rigid handle. When systems commonly relied on these standard designs, the tanks were prone to tipping, rusting, and were often awkward and uncomfortable to carry due to the handle's small surface area.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The examiner allowed the application because claims 1-13, 15-16, 18-19, and 21-28 were allowable after examiner amendments to claims 1 and 12.
Claims
This patent includes 24 claims, with claims 1 and 17 being independent. Independent claim 1 focuses on a cover for a tank that prevents a foot ring from contacting a surface, while independent claim 17 focuses on a cover for a propane cylinder base. The dependent claims generally elaborate on the features, configurations, and methods of using the covers described in the independent claims.
Key Claim Terms New
Definitions of key terms used in the patent claims.
Patent Family
File Wrapper
The dossier documents provide a comprehensive record of the patent's prosecution history - including filings, correspondence, and decisions made by patent offices - and are crucial for understanding the patent's legal journey and any challenges it may have faced during examination.
Date
Description
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US10882664
- Application Number
- US15002484
- Filing Date
- Jan 21, 2016
- Status
- Granted
- Expiry Date
- Jan 21, 2036
- External Links
- Slate, USPTO, Google Patents