Cylinder ventilation device

Abstract

A device for ventilating leaks from cylinders containing flammable gas when being transported in a closed vehicle, The device comprises an enclosure into which the gas cylinder may be placed, the enclosure including means to contain any leakage from the gas cylinder and then extract any leaked gas from the closed vehicle.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A device for transporting a gas cylinder in a closed vehicle comprising:
 an enclosure dimensioned to hold the gas cylinder, the enclosure having an outlet;   means to draw air through the enclosure associated with the outlet of the enclosure;   vents formed in the enclosure to allow air intake;   a hose connected between the outlet of the enclosure and an outlet for the vehicle.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the enclosure tapers toward the upper end to form the outlet of the enclosure and the vents are formed in a lower portion of the enclosure. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the outlet for the enclosure is formed in a lower portion of the enclosure and the vents are formed in an upper portion of the enclosure. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the enclosure has cylindrical shape, or a rectangular prism shape. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the vents sealed by non return means. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the enclosure includes access means to allow access to the interior of the enclosure, said access means comprising sealable doors formed in the wall of the enclosure, a pivoting cap for the enclosure or a removable cap for the enclosure. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6  wherein the sealable doors are hinged and may be sealed by clips, a locking mechanism, a zipper arrangement, or hook and loop type fastening means. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the enclosure is made from a rigid material, such as aluminum, steel, coated fabric or canvas. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1  further including a sensor to detect any gas leakage from the cylinder and controls connected with the sensor to turn on the means to draw air through the enclosure upon sensing a leak. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the means to draw air through the enclosure is a pump. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein power for the means to draw air through the enclosure is provided by battery, power packs, direct wiring with the vehicle engine or by a plug connected to the a utility or lighter socket of the vehicle.