AU2004100250A4 - Tank protector - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT TANK PROTECTOR The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: MI Australia 02 APR 2004 TANK PROTECTOR For many years scuba tanks have been rattling around on boats, trolleys and in boots of cars with no protection whatsoever.

There are a number of consequences that arise from the metal scuba tanks being unprotected.

Firstly, they can generate a substantial amount of noise when they move and hit another object, especially other tanks. This is often a problem faced by tour operators who have to move a number of tanks of a tight timetable and are thus able to take less care in moving the tanks so as to reduce the amount of noise.

Secondly, tanks do not have handles or straps for easy handling and transportation.

The absence of a handle and the cylindrical design of scuba tanks means that the risk of personal injury is greater if they should slip from someone's grip. This risk is further enhanced when tanks are wet, particularly if there is oil in the water.

Thirdly, one of the most common problems faced by divers on dive trips is the tank slipping from the buoyancy control device (BCD) back strap with which it is attached to the diver.

Fourthly, the operative life of the scuba tank is approximately 10 years. However, long before the tank needs replacing, the paint surface becomes scratched and dented.

This makes the tanks look old and uncared for and gives the impression of a lack of professionalism in a competitive consumer market.

The Tank Protector has been designed by a Certified Divemaster to address all these issues. It was designed to be a cheap and effective way of protecting tanks, reducing noise, enhancing safety and ease of movement and reducing the risk of the tank slipping from the BCD.

The Tank Protector is a cylindrical neoprene cover for the tank covering the tank from the base (bottom) of the tank to the neck of the tank. The cover is made of neoprene (wetsuit material). The cover fits snugly to the tank by stretching to allow the tank to be inserted and then contracting to fit the shape of the tank. The Tank Protector comes in three designs: basic, premium and deluxe.

Basic: As can be seen in Figure 1, the Basic model of the Protector Tank is a tubular cover with openings at the top and bottom (2 and 3 respectively). The cover can be fitted to the tank using the openings at either end although it is envisaged that it will predominantly be fitted by pulling the cover down over an upright tank. Whilst this design does not have a handle or carry strap, the non-slip surface of the neoprene and indeed the rims of the cover will aid in the safe handling of the tank.

Premium: As can be seen in Figure 2, the tubular cover of the Premium model is contracted at the top to cover part of the neck as well as the body of the tank. As the top opening is wide enough for the nozzle but not wide enough for the tank to fit through, the tank has to be inserted through the bottom opening thus providing additional security for the tank within the cover.

This model is further enhanced by the existence of a carry strap/handle (7) stitched into the neoprene in an elongated position centrally located in the body of the cover as shown in Figure 2.

Deluxe: As Shown in Figure 3, the tubular cover is sealed at the bottom (10) and is contracted at the top to provide cover for the neck as well as the body of the tank and to provide the utmost security for the tank within the cover.

However, unlike the Premium design, the cover at the top stretches to allow the tank to be inserted and then contracts around the neck once the tank has been fully inserted as shown in the enlargement in Figure 4.

The Deluxe model also has a carry strap/handle (11) stitched into the neoprene in an elongated position centrally located in the body of the cover as seen in Figure 3.

All models of the Tank Protector provide cushioning for the tank thus preventing noise and protecting the surface of the tank.

In addition, the Tank Protector aids in the security of holding the tank by providing a non-slip surface and, with the addition of a strap, makes transporting the tank safer and easier. The handle also has the advantage over traditional methods of transportation, which include picking the tank up by nozzle, by eliminating the loss of air and risk of damage to the nozzle that can occur by carrying the tank in that manner.

In addition, as neoprene is a buoyant material, it aids in the buoyancy of the tank.

Claims (4)

1. A tank protector consisting of a tubular (cylindrical) cover of 5mm neoprene covering the tank from base to bottom of the neck.

2. A tank protector according to claim 1 where the cover extends to cover the neck of the tank or extends to cover the neck of the tank and the bottom of the tank.

3. A tank protector according to claims 1 and 2 wherein there is a carry strap attached to the tubular cover.

4. A tank protector according to any of the claims 1, 2 and 3 provides a cushioning mechanism for the tank, protecting it from superficial and structural damage, reducing noise, assisting in the handling and transportation of the tank and securing attachments to scuba divers. A tank protector as previously described herein and illustrated by Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying diagrams. PAUL ANTONY O'SULLIVAN 30 MARCH 2004