Multipurpose valve cap

Abstract

Devices and methods for a gas tank valve cap with integrated washer storage are disclosed. In examples, a valve cap may comprise a first cavity for covering a portion of a gas tank valve, and a second cavity for housing a washer/gasket. In examples, the washer/gasket may be removed from the valve cap and used to secure a connection between the gas tank valve and a connecting hose line. In further examples, the washer may be re-inserted into the valve cap, and the valve cap may be placed on the gas tank valve for protecting the valve from abrasion and the like.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cap for covering at least a portion of a gas tank valve, comprising:
 a first cylindrical cavity having a first inside diameter and a first depth;   a second cylindrical cavity having a second inside diameter and a second depth, the second inside diameter being smaller than the first inside diameter and the second depth being smaller than the first depth, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity have a common backplane; and   a washer housed within the second cylindrical cavity, wherein at least one of the first cylindrical cavity or the second cylindrical cavity is composed of a pliable material such that, when squeezed with a threshold amount of force, the second cylindrical cavity releases at least a portion of the washer.   
     
     
         2 . A cap as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising an inner rim disposed on at least a portion of the second cylindrical cavity and located at a distal end of the second cylindrical cavity with respect to the common backplane, the inner rim having an inside diameter smaller than an outside diameter of the washer. 
     
     
         3 . A cap as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a relief cut disposed in at least a portion of the second cylindrical cavity, the relief cut located at a distal end of the second cylindrical cavity with respect to the common backplane. 
     
     
         4 . A cap as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a removable tab coupled to at least a portion of the first cavity, the removeable tab configured to separate from the cap and release the portion of the gas tank valve when pulled. 
     
     
         5 . A cap as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a pull tab removeably coupled to a portion of the second cavity such that the pull tab covers the second cavity, the pull tag configured to separate from the second cavity and provide access to the washer situated within the second cavity. 
     
     
         6 . A cap as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the protrusion includes a connection arm, the connection arm comprising a retainer ring located at a distal end of the connection arm with respect to the first cylindrical cavity, the retainer ring sized to fit over at least a portion of the gas tank valve. 
     
     
         7 . A cap as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a cover attached to at least a portion of an outside surface of the second cylindrical cavity, the cover sized to removably couple to at least a distal end of the second cylindrical cavity with respect to the common backplane and enclose the washer inside the second cylindrical cavity. 
     
     
         8 . A cap comprising:
 a first cylindrical cavity having a first depth and being oriented in a first direction;   a second cylindrical cavity having a second depth smaller than the first depth and oriented in a second direction opposite of the first direction, the second cylindrical cavity sized to house a washer therein; and   wherein the first cylindrical cavity and the second cylindrical cavity share a common backplane.   
     
     
         9 . A cap as recited in  claim 8 , wherein at least one of the first cylindrical cavity or the second cylindrical cavity is composed of a pliable material such that, when squeezed with a threshold amount of force, the second cylindrical cavity releases at least a portion of the washer. 
     
     
         10 . A cap as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising an inner rim disposed on at least a portion of the second cylindrical cavity and being located at a distal end of the second cylindrical cavity with respect to the common backplane, the inner rim having an inside diameter smaller than an outside diameter of the washer. 
     
     
         11 . A cap as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising a relief cut in at least a portion of the second cylindrical cavity, the relief cut being located at a distal end of the second cylindrical cavity with respect to the common backplane. 
     
     
         12 . A cap as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising a protrusion disposed on at least a portion of an outside surface of the first cylindrical cavity and extending in a direction parallel to the common backplane. 
     
     
         13 . A cap as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the protrusion includes a connection arm, the connection arm comprising a ring at a distal end of the connection arm with respect to the first cylindrical cavity, the ring being sized to fit over at least a portion of a gas tank valve. 
     
     
         14 . A cap as recited in  claim 8 , further comprising a first thread disposed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the first cylindrical cavity, the first thread sized to mate with at least a portion of a gas tank valve. 
     
     
         15 . A device comprising:
 a first cavity oriented in a first direction and sized to cover at least a portion of a gas tank valve;   a second cavity oriented in a second direction opposite of the first direction and sharing a common backplane with the first cavity; and   wherein second cavity is sized to house a washer therein.   
     
     
         16 . A device as recited in  claim 15 , wherein at least one of the first cavity or the second cavity is composed of a pliable material such that, when squeezed with a threshold amount of force, the second cavity releases at least a portion of the washer. 
     
     
         17 . A device as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising an inner rim disposed on at least a portion of the second cavity and located at a distal end of the second cavity with respect to the common backplane. 
     
     
         18 . A device as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising a relief cut in at least a portion of the second cavity, the relief cut located at a distal end of the second cavity with respect to the common backplane. 
     
     
         19 . A device as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising a first thread disposed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the first cavity, the first thread sized to mate with at least a portion of a gas tank valve. 
     
     
         20 . A device as recited in  claim 15 , further comprising a connection arm disposed on at least a portion of an outside surface of at least one of the first cavity or the second cavity.