Gas cylinders and tanks

Abstract

The cylinder includes a hollow body of resilient material having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower base, and an upper portion extending upwardly from the sidewall. The upper portion includes at least one opening therein. The cylinder also includes an integral grip portion that is applied as a coating on the exterior of the cylinder. The grip portion improves stability when handling or transporting the cylinder.

1 . A gas cylinder comprising:
 a hollow body of resilient material having a lower supporting base;   a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower supporting base;   an upper portion extending upwardly from the sidewall, the upper portion including at least one opening therein; and   an exteriorly applied grip portion.   
   
   
       2 . The cylinder of  claim 1 , wherein the grip portion circumferentially extends over the side wall, the upper portion, or the supporting base. 
   
   
       3 . The cylinder of  claim 1 , wherein the grip portion comprises epoxy resin. 
   
   
       4 . The cylinder of  claim 1 , wherein the grip portion comprises polyurethane resin. 
   
   
       5 . The cylinder of  claim 3 , wherein the resin is mixed with sand. 
   
   
       6 . The cylinder of  claim 4 , wherein the resin is mixed with sand. 
   
   
       7 . The cylinder of  claim 3 , wherein the resin is mixed with crumbled rubber. 
   
   
       8 . The cylinder of  claim 4 , wherein the resin is mixed with crumbled rubber. 
   
   
       9 . The cylinder of  claim 1 , wherein the grip portion is applied over an entire exterior surface of the cylinder. 
   
   
       10 . The cylinder of  claim 1 , wherein the cylinder is a molded metal cylinder. 
   
   
       11 . The cylinder of  claim 1 , wherein the cylinder comprises of an aluminum liner surrounded by a carbon composite. 
   
   
       12 . The cylinder of  claim 11 , wherein the carbon composite is coated in fiber glass. 
   
   
       13 . The cylinder of  claim 1  wherein the exteriorly applied grip portion is applied circumferentially and spirally applied to a portion of the side wall and the grip portion is applied to a portion of the lower supporting base. 
   
   
       14 . A method of forming a grippable cylinder, comprising:
 providing a gas cylinder comprising a hollow body having a lower supporting base, a sidewall extending upwardly from the lower supporting base, an upper portion extending upwardly from the sidewall, the upper portion including at least one opening therein;   coating a portion of the gas cylinder with an epoxy residue; and   applying a frictional enhancing agent to at least a portion of the epoxy residue.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the epoxy residue and the frictional enhancing agent are applied prior to cylinder pressure and integrity testing. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the frictional enhancing agent is applied to the side wall, the upper portion, or the supporting base. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the epoxy residue includes polyurethane. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the frictional enhancing agent includes sand. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the frictional enhancing agent comprises crumbled rubber. 
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the frictional enhancing agent is applied over an entire surface of the cylinder.