[go: up one dir, main page]

EP3561365B1 - Protective cap for gas container comprising two carrying handles on top of the cap - Google Patents

Protective cap for gas container comprising two carrying handles on top of the cap Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3561365B1
EP3561365B1 EP19165189.2A EP19165189A EP3561365B1 EP 3561365 B1 EP3561365 B1 EP 3561365B1 EP 19165189 A EP19165189 A EP 19165189A EP 3561365 B1 EP3561365 B1 EP 3561365B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
support uprights
pair
gas
support
uprights
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP19165189.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3561365A1 (en
Inventor
Remy VANDENDRIESSCHE
Samuel Vignerol
Antoine Frenal
Renaud Ligonesche
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Original Assignee
Air Liquide SA
LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Air Liquide SA, LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude filed Critical Air Liquide SA
Publication of EP3561365A1 publication Critical patent/EP3561365A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3561365B1 publication Critical patent/EP3561365B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/002—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for vessels under pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/032—Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/05—Size
    • F17C2201/058—Size portable (<30 l)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0602—Wall structures; Special features thereof
    • F17C2203/0612—Wall structures
    • F17C2203/0614—Single wall
    • F17C2203/0617—Single wall with one layer
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0639—Steels
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0636—Metals
    • F17C2203/0646—Aluminium
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2203/00—Vessel construction, in particular walls or details thereof
    • F17C2203/06—Materials for walls or layers thereof; Properties or structures of walls or their materials
    • F17C2203/0634—Materials for walls or layers thereof
    • F17C2203/0658—Synthetics
    • F17C2203/0663—Synthetics in form of fibers or filaments
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0157—Details of mounting arrangements for transport
    • F17C2205/0165—Details of mounting arrangements for transport with handgrip
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0308—Protective caps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0323—Valves
    • F17C2205/0329—Valves manually actuated
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/03—Fluid connections, filters, valves, closure means or other attachments
    • F17C2205/0302—Fittings, valves, filters, or components in connection with the gas storage device
    • F17C2205/0338—Pressure regulators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/01—Pure fluids
    • F17C2221/011—Oxygen
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2221/00—Handled fluid, in particular type of fluid
    • F17C2221/03—Mixtures
    • F17C2221/031—Air
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0107—Single phase
    • F17C2223/0123—Single phase gaseous, e.g. CNG, GNC
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/035—High pressure (>10 bar)
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/043—Pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0486—Indicating or measuring characterised by the location
    • F17C2250/0491—Parameters measured at or inside the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/01—Improving mechanical properties or manufacturing
    • F17C2260/015—Facilitating maintenance
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/02—Applications for medical applications
    • F17C2270/025—Breathing
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/07—Applications for household use
    • F17C2270/0745—Gas bottles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a protective cowling, also called a cap, for gas cylinders, in particular medical gas, provided with two carrying handles, arranged in parallel, surmounting the cowling and a gas container, such as a bottle, equipped with such a cowling, and their use for storing or distributing a gas, in particular a medical gas.
  • Gas containers typically gas cylinders, equipped with a valve block, with or without an integrated regulator, namely a simple valve controlling only the gas flow or a valve with an integrated regulator , also called RDI, to control the flow and pressure of the gas delivered.
  • an integrated regulator namely a simple valve controlling only the gas flow or a valve with an integrated regulator , also called RDI, to control the flow and pressure of the gas delivered.
  • a protective cowling forming a rigid protective shell around said valve block.
  • Such a cowling is commonly called a “cap”.
  • some cowlings include a fixed or mobile, in particular pivoting, attachment system.
  • the cover in order to facilitate transport and handling of the bottle/valve unit/cover assembly, it is usual to provide the cover with a carrying handle which, in general, overcomes it and allows it to be carried manually with one hand. by users.
  • Cowlings of this type are described in particular by the documents EP-A-629812 , DE-A-10057469 , US-A-2004/020793 and EP-A-258648 1 , and WO 2012/038687 .
  • the problem that arises is to improve the grip and facilitate the lifting of heavy gas containers, in particular gas cylinders, in particular those of more than 12 kg, typically from 14 kg to 35 kg, by an operator reducing the risk of injury.
  • the solution of the invention is a protective cowling or "cap” for a gas container, in particular a gas bottle, comprising a cowling body as defined by claim 1.
  • the invention also relates to a gas distribution assembly comprising a gas container, a valve unit fixed to the gas container and a protective cover according to the invention forming a protective shell around at least a part of the valve unit, that is to say that the valve block is included in an internal volume delimited by the protective cover.
  • the invention further relates to a use of a gas distribution assembly according to the invention for storing or distributing a gas or gaseous mixture, in particular of the oxygen, air, N 2 O/O 2 , He/O 2 and NO/nitrogen, or any other gas or gas mixture, in particular medical gases.
  • the Figure 1 presents an embodiment of a protective cover 1, commonly called a "cap”, arranged around a valve unit 11 (partially visible), namely a valve with or without an integrated pressure regulator, itself fixed to a container of gas, namely here at the neck of a gas bottle 10 (cf; Fig. 4 ).
  • the gas cylinder 2 typically has a size between 40 and 150 cm, for example between 50 and 100 cm, and a capacity of 2 to 30 liters, for example 10 liters (in water equivalent).
  • the body 2 of the protective cover 1 makes it possible to protect the valve block 11 against shocks, whether said valve block is of the type with integrated pressure reducer or RDI, or of the type without integrated pressure reducer.
  • the protective cowling 1 comprises a cowling body 2 forming a protective shell defining an internal volume sized to receive the valve block 11.
  • the protective cover 1 is provided with two carrying handles 5, 8 carried by pairs of support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7.
  • the carrying handles 5, 8 are formed of a rigid material, such as a polymer, a metal or a metal alloy, and are carried by the support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7 which mechanically connect the body 2 of the cowling to the handles.
  • the carrying handles 5, 8 have an elongated shape, whether straight or curved, typically a length L1, L2 of less than 20 cm, typically 6 to 15 cm.
  • the carrying handles 5, 8 are generally arranged horizontally or approximately horizontally relative to the ground. It is important to provide a spacing E (cf. Fig. 2 ) Between the two carrying handles 5, 8 at least 4 cm, preferably between 5 and 8 cm, to facilitate their entry by an operator, especially when wearing gloves.
  • the support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7 are attached to both ends of the carrying handles 5, 8 so as to allow a user to easily transport the hat/tap/bottle assembly by means of said carrying handles 5, 8
  • the uprights-supports 3, 4, 6, 7 comprise a first pair of uprights-supports 3, 4 carrying the first carrying handle 5, and a second pair of uprights-supports 6, 7 carrying the second carrying handle 8, and are integral with the cowling body.
  • the support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7 of the same pair of uprights are arranged facing each other, preferably parallel or approximately parallel to each other.
  • the Figure 5 proposes an embodiment of the uprights-supports 3, 4, 6, 7.
  • the uprights-supports 4, 7 comprise at their free ends 4a, 7a, fixing fingers 17 intended to be inserted into the carrying handles 5, 8 (not shown) which are tubular.
  • the fixing fingers 17 carried by the support uprights 4, 7 of a pair of support uprights protrude in the direction of the fixing fingers 17 carried by the support uprights 3, 6 of the other pair of support uprights.
  • the tubular carrying handles 5, 8 have lumens, at least partially hollowed out, so as to form housings configured to receive the fixing fingers 17 projecting from the support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7.
  • maintaining the fixing fingers 17 in the lumen of the handles 5, 8 can be done by screwing, gluing or any other suitable technique.
  • the same structure is adopted for the support uprights 3, 6.
  • internal walls or ribs 18 are provided forming struts in said support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7, as illustrated in Figure 5 .
  • support posts 3, 4 of the first pair of support posts and the support posts 6, 7 of the second pair of support posts are fixed relative to each other, and fixed relative to the body of the cowling 2, that is to say that they do not move, in particular they are not movable in translation or in pivoting.
  • the support posts 3, 4 of the first pair of support posts and the support posts 6, 7 of the second pair of support posts form between them an angle ( ⁇ ) of between 20° and 90°, for example of the order of 50°.
  • the uprights-supports 3, 4 of the first pair of uprights-supports and the uprights-supports 6, 7 of the second pair of uprights-supports comprise common bases or portions 9, 9a, 9b, visible on the Figures 1 and 2 and thus form structures (side view) substantially Y, V-shaped.
  • first pair of support posts 3, 4 comprises a first 3 and a second 4 support post
  • second pair of support posts 6, 7 comprises a third 6 and a fourth 7 support post
  • first 3 and the third 6 post-support have a first common base 9a
  • second 4 and the fourth 7 post-support have a second common base 9b.
  • first longitudinal axis (AA) of the first carrying handle 5 and the second longitudinal axis (BB) of the second carrying handle (8) are advantageously made for the first longitudinal axis (AA) of the first carrying handle 5 and the second longitudinal axis (BB) of the second carrying handle (8) to be (quasi) parallel to each other. , and advantageously coplanar, as seen on the Figures 1 and 3 , which facilitates their handling and manipulation by an operator.
  • the cowling body 2 is typically made of a material of the polymer and/or metal or metal alloy type, preferably a plastic material, such as PVC, PE, PET, PP, PMMA, PU, PA, etc. The same applies to support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7 and carrying handles 5, 8.
  • valve unit 11 typically an RDI type valve, comprises, as illustrated in Figure 1 , a rotary wheel 12, located on the front face, which can be manipulated by a user to control the gas flow, a gas outlet connector 17 to draw off the gas stored in the bottle 10, a pressure gauge 14 to control the gas pressure, a filling connection 16 located on the rear face ( Fig. 3 ), for introducing gas into the bottle 10 when the latter is empty or almost empty, and a pressurized gas outlet connector 13, arranged on the side face of the cowling.
  • a rotary wheel 12 located on the front face, which can be manipulated by a user to control the gas flow
  • a gas outlet connector 17 to draw off the gas stored in the bottle 10
  • pressure gauge 14 to control the gas pressure
  • a filling connection 16 located on the rear face ( Fig. 3 )
  • a pressurized gas outlet connector 13 arranged on the side face of the cowling.
  • the body 2 of the protective cowling 1 has openings giving access to the valve block 11 located in the internal volume of the body 2 of the cowling and to these various organs, in particular to the rotary wheel 12, to the outlet connector 17, to the pressure gauge 14, to the fill connection 16, to the high pressure outlet connection 13, as shown in the Figures 1 to 3 . It is also possible to provide on the body 2 of the cowling a control member 15, such as a translation slider, making it possible to control the passage of gas in the RDI, typically of the open/closed type, as illustrated in Figure 3 .
  • a control member 15 such as a translation slider
  • the fixing around the valve block 11 at the level of the neck of the gas bottle 20 is done by screwing. Furthermore, the cowling 1 is fixed either to the neck of the bottle 10, or to the RDI 11, for example by screwing/tightening or any other suitable fixing technique.
  • the carrying handles 5, 8, which are designed to be taken in hand by an operator, even when the latter is wearing protective gloves, are preferably formed of a core or elongated central structure, preferably tubular, made of rigid material, such as plastic, a metal or a metal alloy, which can, according to one embodiment, be covered with one (or more) layer of a flexible material having a thickness ranging up to a few millimeters and a Shore A hardness between 0 and 100, for example a material of the rubber or silicone type.
  • a gas container 10 such as a gas cylinder, equipped with a cowling 1 according to the invention, which is easy to lift with both hands for a user, with a minimized risk of injury and comfort of improved use.
  • the Figure 4 represents the two-handed carrying by an operator of a gas distribution assembly comprising a gas cylinder equipped with the cowling of the Figure 1 .
  • the presence of the two handles 5, 8 surmounting the body 2 of the cowling 1, that is to say located above the body 2 and at a distance from it allows not only to improve and greatly facilitate the lifting of the bottle 10 by reducing the risk of injury, in particular to the back, but also allows the gripping of the handles 5, 8, even when the operator is wearing gloves, which further improves safety of use.
  • the presence of the two carrying handles 5, 8 makes it possible to distribute and therefore divide the efforts of the operator when lifting the bottle 10 of gas.
  • the fact of arranging the two carrying handles 5, 8 substantially parallel to each other, therefore in the same plane makes it possible to increase the ergonomics and the ease of gripping for the operator.
  • the cowling 1 according to the invention is particularly well suited to use on gas cylinders, in particular medical gas cylinders, of type B10, B15 or B20 having masses between approximately 17 and 32 kg.
  • a gas container 10 provided with a cowling 1 according to the invention protecting the valve block 11, in particular an RDI, arranged on the container 10 is particularly well suited to use for storing or distributing a gas or gas mixture, typically a gas medical, in particular a gas or gaseous mixture chosen from oxygen, air, an N 2 O/O 2 , He/O 2 or NO/nitrogen mixture.
  • a gas or gas mixture typically a gas medical, in particular a gas or gaseous mixture chosen from oxygen, air, an N 2 O/O 2 , He/O 2 or NO/nitrogen mixture.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne un capotage de protection, encore appelé chapeau, pour bouteilles de gaz, en particulier de gaz médical, muni de deux poignées de portage, agencées en parallèle, surmontant le capotage et un récipient de gaz, telle une bouteille, équipée d'un tel capotage, et leur utilisation pour stocker ou distribuer un gaz, notamment un gaz médical.The present invention relates to a protective cowling, also called a cap, for gas cylinders, in particular medical gas, provided with two carrying handles, arranged in parallel, surmounting the cowling and a gas container, such as a bottle, equipped with such a cowling, and their use for storing or distributing a gas, in particular a medical gas.

Les gaz industriels et médicaux sont couramment conditionnés dans des récipients de gaz, typiquement des bouteilles de gaz, équipés d'un bloc robinet, avec ou sans détendeur intégré, à savoir un robinet simple contrôlant uniquement le débit de gaz ou un robinet à détendeur intégré, encore appelé RDI, permettant de contrôler débit et pression du gaz délivré.Industrial and medical gases are commonly packaged in gas containers, typically gas cylinders, equipped with a valve block, with or without an integrated regulator, namely a simple valve controlling only the gas flow or a valve with an integrated regulator , also called RDI, to control the flow and pressure of the gas delivered.

Afin de protéger ce bloc robinet, il est courant agencer au niveau du col de la bouteille de gaz et autour dudit bloc robinet, un capotage de protection formant coque protectrice rigide autour dudit bloc robinet. Un tel capotage est couramment appelé « chapeau ».In order to protect this valve block, it is common to arrange at the level of the neck of the gas bottle and around said valve block, a protective cowling forming a rigid protective shell around said valve block. Such a cowling is commonly called a “cap”.

Par ailleurs, pour permettre d'accrocher l'ensemble bouteille/chapeau/robinet à un support, tel un barreau de lit d'hôpital, un brancard, une tringle ou support d'accrochage d'un véhicule d'urgence, par exemple une unité de SAMU ou analogue, certains capotages comprennent un système d'accrochage fixe ou mobile, notamment pivotant.Furthermore, in order to allow the bottle/cap/tap assembly to be hung on a support, such as a hospital bed bar, a stretcher, a hanging rod or support for an emergency vehicle, for example a SAMU unit or the like, some cowlings include a fixed or mobile, in particular pivoting, attachment system.

De plus, afin de faciliter le transport et les manipulations de l'ensemble bouteille/bloc robinet/capotage, il est usuel de doter le capotage d'une poignée de transport qui, en général, le surmonte et permet son portage manuel à une main par les utilisateurs.In addition, in order to facilitate transport and handling of the bottle/valve unit/cover assembly, it is usual to provide the cover with a carrying handle which, in general, overcomes it and allows it to be carried manually with one hand. by users.

Des capotages de ce type sont décrits notamment par les documents EP-A-629812 , DE-A-10057469 , US-A-2004/020793 et EP-A-258648 1 , et WO 2012/038687 .Cowlings of this type are described in particular by the documents EP-A-629812 , DE-A-10057469 , US-A-2004/020793 and EP-A-258648 1 , and WO 2012/038687 .

Toutefois, en pratique, le transport et les manipulations par un opérateur de l'ensemble bouteille/bloc robinet/capotage continuer à poser certains problèmes, en particulier lorsque les bouteilles sont lourdes, typiquement lorsque leur masse est supérieure à 5 à 10 kg.However, in practice, the transport and handling by an operator of the bottle/valve block/cover assembly continue to pose certain problems, in particular when the bottles are heavy, typically when their mass is greater than 5 to 10 kg.

En effet, lorsque les récipients de gaz sont lourds et ne peuvent pas être facilement soulevés par un opérateur, c'est-à-dire une personne, il est usuel de les rouler sur eux-mêmes pour les déplacer sur le sol, notamment jusqu'aux racks de stockage où ils sont entreposés avant leur utilisation.Indeed, when the gas containers are heavy and cannot be easily lifted by an operator, that is to say a person, it is usual to roll them on themselves to move them on the ground, in particular up to to the storage racks where they are stored before use.

Dans ce cas, leur fond est en contact avec le sol et l'opérateur opère des mouvements de rotation au niveau du corps du récipient ou du capotage pour le faire progressivement avancer sur le sol en « roulant ».In this case, their bottom is in contact with the ground and the operator performs rotational movements at the level of the body of the container or of the cowling to make it gradually move forward on the ground by “rolling”.

Or, il est courant que des obstacles existent sur le sol, comme des trottoirs, des bordures, des cadres de racks de stockage..., qui peuvent atteindre des hauteurs allant jusqu'à 20 ou 30 cm. Ces obstacles empêchent un « roulage » continu du récipient sur le sol et obligent l'opérateur à soulever le récipient, via la poignée de portage, pour lui faire passer l'obstacle.However, it is common for obstacles to exist on the ground, such as sidewalks, curbs, frames of storage racks, etc., which can reach heights of up to 20 or 30 cm. These obstacles prevent a continuous "rolling" of the container on the ground and oblige the operator to lift the container, via the carrying handle, to make it pass the obstacle.

On comprend aisément qu'un tel soulèvement de récipient lourd engendre un risque de blessure pour l'opérateur, notamment de blessure au dos, car la prise en main et le portage du récipient via la poignée de portage ne sont pas pratiques, ni ergonomiques car une poignée de portage n'est généralement pas assez large pour permettre une saisie à deux mains. Tous les efforts et la masse du récipient se concentrent alors sur une seule main et un seul bras, ce qui accentue le risque de blessure, en particulier au dos, voire aussi au bras et à l'épaule.It is easily understood that such lifting of a heavy container creates a risk of injury to the operator, in particular of back injury, because handling and carrying the container via the carrying handle are not practical, nor ergonomic because a carrying handle is usually not large enough to allow two-handed grasping. All the efforts and the mass of the container are then concentrated on a single hand and a single arm, which increases the risk of injury, in particular to the back, or even to the arm and shoulder.

Au vu de cela, le problème qui se pose est d'améliorer la préhension et de facilité le soulèvement des récipients de gaz lourds, notamment des bouteilles de gaz, en particulier ceux de plus de 12 kg, typiquement de 14 kg à 35 kg, par un opérateur en réduisant le risque de blessure.In view of this, the problem that arises is to improve the grip and facilitate the lifting of heavy gas containers, in particular gas cylinders, in particular those of more than 12 kg, typically from 14 kg to 35 kg, by an operator reducing the risk of injury.

La solution de l'invention est un capotage de protection ou « chapeau » pour récipient de gaz, en particulier une bouteille de gaz, comprenant un corps de capotage tel que défini par la revendication 1.The solution of the invention is a protective cowling or "cap" for a gas container, in particular a gas bottle, comprising a cowling body as defined by claim 1.

Selon le cas, le capotage de protection selon l'invention peut comprendre l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques techniques suivantes :

  • les montants-supports de la première paire de montants-supports forment avec les montants-supports de la seconde paire de montants-supports, un angle (α) compris entre 20° et 80°, de préférence entre 30° et 70°.
  • les première et seconde poignées de portage sont espacées l'une de l'autre d'un espacement (E) compris entre 4 cm et 12 cm, de préférence entre 4 cm et 10 cm.
  • les première et seconde poignées de portage sont espacées l'une de l'autre d'un espacement (E) suffisant pour permettre à un utilisateur de saisir simultanément les deux poignées avec ses mains de sorte de pouvoir soulever la bouteille à deux mains en s'aidant des deux poignées de portage.
  • les montants-supports de la première paire de montants-supports et les montants-supports de la seconde paire de montants-supports comprennent des bases communes fixées au corps de capotage.
  • les montants-supports des première et seconde paires de montants-supports et les bases communes desdits montants-supports forment des structures en Y ou V (i.e. en vue latérale ou de côté).
  • la première paire de montants-supports comprend un premier et un deuxième montant-support, la seconde paire de montants-supports comprend un troisième et un quatrième montant-support, le premier et le troisième montant-support ont une première base commune, et le deuxième et le quatrième montant-support ont une seconde base commune.
  • les montants-supports de la première paire de montants-supports et les montants-supports de la seconde paire de montants-supports comprennent des extrémités libres, lesdites première et seconde poignées de portage étant fixées au niveau desdites extrémités libres desdits montants-supports.
  • les montants-supports de la première paire de montants-supports et les montants-supports de la seconde paire de montants-supports sont formées d'au moins un matériau rigide, de préférence en polymère ou en métal.
  • la première poignée de portage comprend un premier axe longitudinal (AA) et la seconde poignée de portage comprend un second longitudinal axe (BB), lesdits premier et second axes longitudinaux (AA ; BB) étant parallèles et coplanaires.
  • la première poignée de portage et la seconde poignée de portage sont dimensionnées pour être prises en main par un utilisateur, en particulier lorsque l'opérateur porte des gants.
  • le corps de capotage, les montants-supports et les poignées de portage sont formés d'au moins un matériau choisi parmi les polymères, les métaux et alliages métalliques.
  • le matériau polymère est préférentiellement un plastique, tel que PVC, PE, PET, PP, PMMA, PU, PA....
  • les première et seconde poignées de portage sont longiformes.
  • les première et seconde poignées de portage sont tubulaires, c'est-à-dire qu'elles présentent un lumen.
  • les montants-supports présentent à leurs extrémités libres, des doigts de fixation venant s'insérer dans le lumen des première et seconde poignées de portage tubulaires.
  • les première et seconde poignées de portage ont des longueurs (L1, L2) comprise entre 5 et 20 cm, de préférence entre 7 et 15 cm. Dans tous les cas, elles doivent avoir une longueur suffisante pour permettre leur prise en main par un utilisateur.
  • les première et seconde poignées de portage ont des diamètres ou épaisseurs (D1, D2) compris entre 1 et 5 cm, typiquement entre 1,5 et 4 cm.
  • l'âme des poignées de portage en matériau rigide.
  • selon un mode de réalisation, l'âme des poignées de portage en matériau rigide, tout ou partie dudit matériau rigide étant recouvert d'un matériau souple, c'est-à-dire mou au toucher, par exemple le matériau souple est surmoulé autour de l'âme rigide. De préférence, le matériau souple a de préférence une dureté Shore entre 5 et 95, par exemple un matériau de type caoutchouc.
  • les poignées de portage sont horizontales ou quasi-horizontales lorsque le capotage est posé sur le sol.
  • les poignées de portage sont fixes par rapport au corps de capotage, c'est-à-dire qu'elles ne pivotent pas ou de se déplacent pas par rapport au corps de capotage.
  • les montants-supports présentent des renforcements de paroi leur conférant une rigidité ou solidité accrue, notamment en cas de chute ou de choc, par exemple des parois internes ou nervures formant des jambes de force dans lesdits montants-supports.
Depending on the case, the protective cowling according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following technical characteristics:
  • the support uprights of the first pair of support uprights form with the support uprights of the second pair of support uprights, an angle (α) of between 20° and 80°, preferably between 30° and 70°.
  • the first and second carrying handles are spaced apart by a spacing (E) of between 4 cm and 12 cm, preferably between 4 cm and 10 cm.
  • the first and second carrying handles are spaced apart by a spacing (E) sufficient to allow a user to simultaneously grasp the two handles with his hands so as to be able to lift the bottle with both hands in s using the two carrying handles.
  • the support posts of the first pair of support posts and the support posts of the second pair of support posts comprise common bases fixed to the cowling body.
  • the support posts of the first and second pairs of support posts and the common bases of said support posts form Y or V structures (ie in lateral or side view).
  • the first pair of support posts includes a first and a second support post, the second pair of support posts includes a third and a fourth support post, the first and the third support post have a common first base, and the second and fourth support upright have a common second base.
  • the support posts of the first pair of support posts and the support posts of the second pair of support posts include free ends, said first and second carrying handles being fixed at said free ends of said support posts.
  • the support uprights of the first pair of support uprights and the support uprights of the second pair of support uprights are formed of at least one rigid material, preferably polymer or metal.
  • the first carrying handle comprises a first longitudinal axis (AA) and the second carrying handle comprises a second longitudinal axis (BB), said first and second longitudinal axes (AA; BB) being parallel and coplanar.
  • the first carrying handle and the second carrying handle are sized to be taken in hand by a user, in particular when the operator is wearing gloves.
  • the cowling body, the support uprights and the carrying handles are formed from at least one material chosen from polymers, metals and metal alloys.
  • the polymer material is preferably a plastic, such as PVC, PE, PET, PP, PMMA, PU, PA....
  • the first and second carrying handles are elongated.
  • the first and second carrying handles are tubular, that is to say they have a lumen.
  • the support uprights have, at their free ends, fixing fingers which are inserted into the lumen of the first and second tubular carrying handles.
  • the first and second carrying handles have lengths (L1, L2) of between 5 and 20 cm, preferably between 7 and 15 cm. In all cases, they must be of sufficient length to allow them to be handled by a user.
  • the first and second carrying handles have diameters or thicknesses (D1, D2) comprised between 1 and 5 cm, typically between 1.5 and 4 cm.
  • the core of the carrying handles in rigid material.
  • according to one embodiment, the core of the carrying handles made of rigid material, all or part of said rigid material being covered with a flexible material, that is to say soft to the touch, for example the flexible material is molded around rigid soul. Preferably, the flexible material preferably has a Shore hardness between 5 and 95, for example a rubber-like material.
  • the carrying handles are horizontal or almost horizontal when the cover is placed on the ground.
  • the carrying handles are fixed relative to the cowling body, that is to say they do not pivot or move relative to the cowling body.
  • the support uprights have wall reinforcements giving them increased rigidity or solidity, in particular in the event of a fall or impact, for example internal walls or ribs forming struts in said support uprights.

L'invention porte aussi sur un ensemble de distribution de gaz comprenant un récipient de gaz, un bloc robinet fixé sur le récipient de gaz et un capotage de protection selon l'invention formant coque protectrice autour d'au moins une partie du bloc robinet, c'est-à-dire que le bloc robinet est compris dans un volume interne délimité par le capotage de protection.The invention also relates to a gas distribution assembly comprising a gas container, a valve unit fixed to the gas container and a protective cover according to the invention forming a protective shell around at least a part of the valve unit, that is to say that the valve block is included in an internal volume delimited by the protective cover.

Selon le cas, l'ensemble de distribution de gaz de l'invention peut comprendre l'une ou plusieurs des caractéristiques techniques suivantes :

  • le capotage comprend un volume interne dimensionné pour abriter un bloc robinet.
  • le capotage comprend un système de fixation permettant de le fixer à un récipient de gaz, en particulier au col d'une bouteille de gaz.
  • le bloc robinet est un bloc robinet à détendeur intégré (RDI).
  • le récipient de gaz (10) contient un gaz ou mélange gazeux choisi parmi l'oxygène, l'air, un mélange N2O/O2, He/O2 ou NO/azote, ou tout autre gaz ou mélange gazeux.
  • le récipient de gaz est choisi parmi les bouteilles de gaz.
  • le bloc robinet comprend un volant rotatif contrôlant le débit de gaz, un raccord de sortie de gaz, un manomètre et/ou un raccord de remplissage.
  • le capotage comprend une ou plusieurs ouvertures donnant accès au bloc robinet, en particulier au volant rotatif, au raccord de sortie de gaz, au manomètre et/ou au raccord de remplissage
  • la bouteille de gaz a une taille comprise entre 40 cm et 150 cm, typiquement entre 50 et 105 cm.
  • la bouteille de gaz contient de 2 à 30 litres, typiquement de 9 à 26 litres (contenance en équivalent eau).
  • la bouteille de gaz a un corps cylindrique creux.
  • la bouteille de gaz comprend un col portant un orifice de sortie du gaz au niveau duquel est fixé le bloc robinet.
  • la bouteille est en acier, en un alliage d'aluminium ou en matériau composite.
  • la bouteille contient un gaz à une pression supérieure à 1 bar abs allant jusqu'à 350 bar abs environ.
Depending on the case, the gas distribution assembly of the invention may include one or more of the following technical characteristics:
  • the cowling comprises an internal volume sized to house a valve unit.
  • the cowling comprises a fixing system allowing it to be fixed to a gas container, in particular to the neck of a gas cylinder.
  • the valve block is a valve block with integrated expansion valve (RDI).
  • the gas container (10) contains a gas or gas mixture chosen from oxygen, air, an N 2 O/O 2 , He/O 2 or NO/nitrogen mixture, or any other gas or gas mixture.
  • the gas container is selected from gas cylinders.
  • the valve unit includes a rotary wheel controlling the gas flow, a gas outlet connector, a pressure gauge and/or a filling connector.
  • the cowling comprises one or more openings giving access to the valve unit, in particular to the rotary wheel, to the gas outlet connection, to the pressure gauge and/or to the filling connection
  • the gas bottle has a size between 40 cm and 150 cm, typically between 50 and 105 cm.
  • the gas bottle contains 2 to 30 litres, typically 9 to 26 liters (capacity in water equivalent).
  • the gas cylinder has a hollow cylindrical body.
  • the gas bottle comprises a neck carrying a gas outlet orifice at which the valve unit is fixed.
  • the bottle is made of steel, an aluminum alloy or a composite material.
  • the cylinder contains a gas at a pressure greater than 1 bar abs up to approximately 350 bar abs.

L'invention concerne en outre une utilisation d'un ensemble de distribution de gaz selon l'invention pour stocker ou distribuer un gaz ou mélange gazeux, en particulier de type oxygène, air, N2O/O2, He/O2 et NO/azote, ou tout autre gaz ou mélange gazeux, en particulier des gaz médicaux.The invention further relates to a use of a gas distribution assembly according to the invention for storing or distributing a gas or gaseous mixture, in particular of the oxygen, air, N 2 O/O 2 , He/O 2 and NO/nitrogen, or any other gas or gas mixture, in particular medical gases.

L'invention va maintenant être mieux comprise grâce à la description détaillée suivante, faite à titre illustratif mais non limitatif, en référence aux figures annexées parmi lesquelles :

  • la Figure 1 est une vue de 3/4 d'un mode de réalisation d'un capotage de protection selon l'invention,
  • la Figure 2 est une vue latérale du capotage de la Figure 1,
  • la Figure 3 est une vue de la face arrière du capotage de la Figure 1,
  • la Figure 4 schématise le portage à deux mains par un opérateur d'un ensemble de distribution de gaz comprenant une bouteille de gaz équipée du capotage de la Figure 1, et
  • la Figure 5 propose un mode de réalisation des montants-supports.
The invention will now be better understood thanks to the following detailed description, given by way of illustration but not limitation, with reference to the appended figures, among which:
  • the Figure 1 is a 3/4 view of an embodiment of a protective cowling according to the invention,
  • the Figure 2 is a side view of the cowling of the Figure 1 ,
  • the Figure 3 is a view of the rear face of the cowling of the Figure 1 ,
  • the Figure 4 diagrams the two-handed carrying by an operator of a gas distribution assembly comprising a gas bottle fitted with the cowling of the Figure 1 , and
  • the Figure 5 proposes an embodiment of the support uprights.

La Figure 1 présente un mode de réalisation d'un capotage de protection 1, couramment appelé « chapeau », agencé autour d'un bloc robinet 11 (partiellement visible), à savoir un robinet avec ou sans détendeur intégré, lui-même fixé à un récipient de gaz, à savoir ici au col d'une bouteille de gaz 10 (cf ; Fig. 4). La bouteille de gaz 2 a typiquement une taille entre 40 et 150 cm, par exemple entre 50 et 100 cm, et une contenance de 2 à 30 litres, par exemple de 10 litres (en équivalent eau).The Figure 1 presents an embodiment of a protective cover 1, commonly called a "cap", arranged around a valve unit 11 (partially visible), namely a valve with or without an integrated pressure regulator, itself fixed to a container of gas, namely here at the neck of a gas bottle 10 (cf; Fig. 4 ). The gas cylinder 2 typically has a size between 40 and 150 cm, for example between 50 and 100 cm, and a capacity of 2 to 30 liters, for example 10 liters (in water equivalent).

Le corps 2 du capotage de protection 1 permet de protéger le bloc robinet 11 contre les chocs, que ledit bloc robinet soit du type avec détendeur intégré ou RDI, ou du type sans détendeur intégré.The body 2 of the protective cover 1 makes it possible to protect the valve block 11 against shocks, whether said valve block is of the type with integrated pressure reducer or RDI, or of the type without integrated pressure reducer.

Plus précisément, le capotage de protection 1 comprend un corps 2 de capotage formant une coque protectrice définissant un volume interne dimensionné pour recevoir le bloc robinet 11.More specifically, the protective cowling 1 comprises a cowling body 2 forming a protective shell defining an internal volume sized to receive the valve block 11.

Conformément à la présente invention, le capotage de protection 1 est doté de deux poignées de transport 5, 8 portées par des paires de montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7. Les deux poignées de portage 5, 8, c'est-à-dire de transport, surmontent donc le corps 2 du capotage 1.In accordance with the present invention, the protective cover 1 is provided with two carrying handles 5, 8 carried by pairs of support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7. The two carrying handles 5, 8, i.e. that is to say transport, therefore overcome the body 2 of the cowling 1.

Les poignées de portage 5, 8 sont formées d'un matériau rigide, tel un polymère, un métal ou alliage métallique, et sont portées par les montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7 qui relient mécaniquement le corps 2 de capotage aux poignées de portage 5, 8. Les poignées de portage 5, 8 ont une forme longiligne, qu'elle soit rectiligne ou incurvée, typiquement une longueur Ll, L2 inférieure à 20 cm, typiquement de 6 à 15 cm. Par ailleurs, les poignées de portage 5, 8 sont généralement agencées horizontalement ou approximativement horizontalement par rapport au sol. Il est important de prévoir un espacement E (cf. Fig. 2) entre les deux poignées de portage 5, 8 d'au moins 4 cm, de préférence entre 5 et 8 cm, pour faciliter leur saisie par un opérateur, notamment lorsqu'il est équipé de gants.The carrying handles 5, 8 are formed of a rigid material, such as a polymer, a metal or a metal alloy, and are carried by the support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7 which mechanically connect the body 2 of the cowling to the handles. carrying 5, 8. The carrying handles 5, 8 have an elongated shape, whether straight or curved, typically a length L1, L2 of less than 20 cm, typically 6 to 15 cm. Furthermore, the carrying handles 5, 8 are generally arranged horizontally or approximately horizontally relative to the ground. It is important to provide a spacing E (cf. Fig. 2 ) Between the two carrying handles 5, 8 at least 4 cm, preferably between 5 and 8 cm, to facilitate their entry by an operator, especially when wearing gloves.

Les montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7 sont fixés aux deux extrémités des poignées de portage 5, 8 de manière à permettre à un utilisateur de transporter facilement l'ensemble chapeau/robinet/bouteille au moyen desdites poignées de portage 5, 8. Les montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7 comprennent une première paire de montants-supports 3, 4 portant la première poignée de portage 5, et une seconde paire de montants-supports 6, 7 portant la seconde poignée de portage 8, et sont solidaires du corps de capotage.The support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7 are attached to both ends of the carrying handles 5, 8 so as to allow a user to easily transport the hat/tap/bottle assembly by means of said carrying handles 5, 8 The uprights-supports 3, 4, 6, 7 comprise a first pair of uprights-supports 3, 4 carrying the first carrying handle 5, and a second pair of uprights-supports 6, 7 carrying the second carrying handle 8, and are integral with the cowling body.

Les montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7 d'une même paire de montants sont agencés face à face l'un de l'autre, de préférentiellement parallèles ou approximativement parallèles l'un à l'autre.The support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7 of the same pair of uprights are arranged facing each other, preferably parallel or approximately parallel to each other.

La Figure 5 propose un mode de réalisation des montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7. Comme on le voit, les montants-supports 4, 7 comprennent à leurs extrémités libres 4a, 7a, des doigts de fixation 17 destinés à venir s'insérer dans les poignées de portage 5, 8 (non montrées) qui sont tubulaires. Les doigts de fixation 17 portés par les montants-supports 4, 7 d'une paire de montants-supports font saillie en direction des doigts de fixation 17 portés par les montants-supports 3, 6 de l'autre paire de montants-supports. Les poignées de portage 5, 8 tubulaires présentent des lumens, au moins partiellement évidés, de sorte de former des logements configurés pour recevoir les doigts de fixation 17 faisant saillie sur les montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7. Une fois insérés, le maintien des doigts de fixation 17 dans le lumen des poignées 5, 8 peut se faire par vissage, collage ou toute autre technique adaptée. La même structure est adoptée pour les montants-supports 3, 6.The Figure 5 proposes an embodiment of the uprights-supports 3, 4, 6, 7. As can be seen, the uprights-supports 4, 7 comprise at their free ends 4a, 7a, fixing fingers 17 intended to be inserted into the carrying handles 5, 8 (not shown) which are tubular. The fixing fingers 17 carried by the support uprights 4, 7 of a pair of support uprights protrude in the direction of the fixing fingers 17 carried by the support uprights 3, 6 of the other pair of support uprights. The tubular carrying handles 5, 8 have lumens, at least partially hollowed out, so as to form housings configured to receive the fixing fingers 17 projecting from the support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7. Once inserted, maintaining the fixing fingers 17 in the lumen of the handles 5, 8 can be done by screwing, gluing or any other suitable technique. The same structure is adopted for the support uprights 3, 6.

Préférentiellement, afin de rigidifier les montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7 et donc d'accroitre leur solidité, on prévoit des parois internes ou nervures 18 formant des jambes de force dans lesdits montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7, comme illustré en Figure 5.Preferably, in order to stiffen the support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7 and therefore to increase their solidity, internal walls or ribs 18 are provided forming struts in said support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7, as illustrated in Figure 5 .

Par ailleurs, les montants-supports 3, 4 de la première paire de montants-supports et les montants-supports 6, 7 de la seconde paire de montants-supports sont fixes les uns par rapport aux autres, et fixes par rapport au corps de capotage 2, c'est-à-dire qu'ils ne bougent pas, en particulier ils ne sont pas mobiles en translation ou en pivotement.Furthermore, the support posts 3, 4 of the first pair of support posts and the support posts 6, 7 of the second pair of support posts are fixed relative to each other, and fixed relative to the body of the cowling 2, that is to say that they do not move, in particular they are not movable in translation or in pivoting.

En outre, comme illustré sur les Figures 1 et 2, les montants-supports 3, 4 de la première paire de montants-supports et les montants-supports 6, 7 de la seconde paire de montants-supports forment entre eux un angle (α) compris entre 20° et 90°, par exemple de l'ordre de 50°.Furthermore, as illustrated in the Figures 1 and 2 , the support posts 3, 4 of the first pair of support posts and the support posts 6, 7 of the second pair of support posts form between them an angle (α) of between 20° and 90°, for example of the order of 50°.

Préférentiellement, les montants-supports 3, 4 de la première paire de montants-supports et les montants-supports 6, 7 de la seconde paire de montants-supports comprennent des bases ou portions communes 9, 9a, 9b, visibles sur les Figures 1 et 2 et forment ainsi des structures (vue latéralement) sensiblement en forme de Y, V .Preferably, the uprights-supports 3, 4 of the first pair of uprights-supports and the uprights-supports 6, 7 of the second pair of uprights-supports comprise common bases or portions 9, 9a, 9b, visible on the Figures 1 and 2 and thus form structures (side view) substantially Y, V-shaped.

En effet, de telles structures en Y ou V permet de conférer une grande rigidité lors des sollicitations du capotage 1, c'est-à-dire non seulement lors des opérations de levage mais aussi en cas de chute ou de choc violent sur les montants-supports.Indeed, such Y or V structures make it possible to confer great rigidity during the stresses of the cowling 1, that is to say not only during lifting operations but also in the event of a fall or violent impact on the uprights. -brackets.

Plus précisément, la première paire de montants-supports 3, 4 comprend un premier 3 et un deuxième 4 montant-support, la seconde paire de montants-supports 6, 7 comprend un troisième 6 et un quatrième 7 montant-support, le premier 3 et le troisième 6 montant-support possèdent une première base commune 9a, alors que le deuxième 4 et le quatrième 7 montant-support possèdent une seconde base commune 9b.More specifically, the first pair of support posts 3, 4 comprises a first 3 and a second 4 support post, the second pair of support posts 6, 7 comprises a third 6 and a fourth 7 support post, the first 3 and the third 6 post-support have a first common base 9a, whereas the second 4 and the fourth 7 post-support have a second common base 9b.

En outre, on prévoit avantageusement que le premier axe longitudinal (AA) de la première poignée de portage 5 et le second longitudinal axe (BB) de la seconde poignée de portage (8) soient (quasi) parallèles l'un à l'autre, et avantageusement coplanaires, comme visible sur les Figures 1 et 3, ce qui facilite leur prise en main et la manipulation par un opérateur.In addition, provision is advantageously made for the first longitudinal axis (AA) of the first carrying handle 5 and the second longitudinal axis (BB) of the second carrying handle (8) to be (quasi) parallel to each other. , and advantageously coplanar, as seen on the Figures 1 and 3 , which facilitates their handling and manipulation by an operator.

Le corps 2 de capotage est typiquement en un matériau de type polymère et/ou métal ou alliage métallique, préférentiellement en matériau plastique, tel que PVC, PE, PET, PP, PMMA, PU, PA... Il en va de même des montants-supports 3, 4, 6, 7 et des poignées de portage 5, 8.The cowling body 2 is typically made of a material of the polymer and/or metal or metal alloy type, preferably a plastic material, such as PVC, PE, PET, PP, PMMA, PU, PA, etc. The same applies to support uprights 3, 4, 6, 7 and carrying handles 5, 8.

Par ailleurs, le bloc robinet 11, typiquement un robinet de type RDI, comprend, comme illustré en Figure 1, un volant rotatif 12, situé en face avant, manipulable par un utilisateur pour contrôler le débit de gaz, un raccord de sortie de gaz 17 pour soutirer le gaz stocké dans la bouteille 10, un manomètre 14 pour contrôler la pression du gaz, un raccord de remplissage 16 situé en face arrière (Fig. 3), servant à introduire du gaz dans la bouteille 10 lorsque celle-ci est vide ou quasiment vide, et un raccord de sortie de gaz sous pression 13, agencé en face latérale du capotage. Le corps 2 du capotage de protection 1 présente des ouvertures donnant accès au bloc robinet 11 situé dans le volume interne du corps 2 de capotage et à ces différents organes, en particulier au volant rotatif 12, au raccord de sortie 17, au manomètre 14, au raccord de remplissage 16, au raccord de sortie à haute pression 13, comme illustré sur les Figures 1 à 3. On peut aussi prévoir sur le corps 2 de capotage un organe de commande 15, tel un curseur translatif, permettant de contrôler le passage de gaz dans le RDI, typiquement de type ouvert/fermé, comme illustré en Figure 3.Furthermore, the valve unit 11, typically an RDI type valve, comprises, as illustrated in Figure 1 , a rotary wheel 12, located on the front face, which can be manipulated by a user to control the gas flow, a gas outlet connector 17 to draw off the gas stored in the bottle 10, a pressure gauge 14 to control the gas pressure, a filling connection 16 located on the rear face ( Fig. 3 ), for introducing gas into the bottle 10 when the latter is empty or almost empty, and a pressurized gas outlet connector 13, arranged on the side face of the cowling. The body 2 of the protective cowling 1 has openings giving access to the valve block 11 located in the internal volume of the body 2 of the cowling and to these various organs, in particular to the rotary wheel 12, to the outlet connector 17, to the pressure gauge 14, to the fill connection 16, to the high pressure outlet connection 13, as shown in the Figures 1 to 3 . It is also possible to provide on the body 2 of the cowling a control member 15, such as a translation slider, making it possible to control the passage of gas in the RDI, typically of the open/closed type, as illustrated in Figure 3 .

La fixation autour du bloc de robinet 11 au niveau du col de la bouteille de gaz 20 se fait par vissage. Par ailleurs, le capotage 1 vient se fixer soit au col de la bouteille 10, soit au RDI 11, par exemple par vissage/serrage ou tout autre technique de fixation adaptée.The fixing around the valve block 11 at the level of the neck of the gas bottle 20 is done by screwing. Furthermore, the cowling 1 is fixed either to the neck of the bottle 10, or to the RDI 11, for example by screwing/tightening or any other suitable fixing technique.

Afin d'améliorer le confort pour l'utilisateur, lors des manipulations de l'ensemble, les poignées de portage 5, 8, qui sont conçues pour être prise en main par un opérateur, même lorsque celui-ci porte des gants de protection, sont préférentiellement formées d'une âme ou structure centrale longiligne, préférentiellement tubulaire, en matériau rigide, tel du plastique, un métal ou un alliage métallique, pouvant, selon un mode de réalisation, être recouverte d'une (ou plusieurs) couche d'un matériau souple présentant une épaisseur allant jusqu'à quelques millimètres et une dureté Shore A entre 0 et 100, par exemple un matériau de type caoutchouc ou silicone.In order to improve the comfort for the user, when handling the assembly, the carrying handles 5, 8, which are designed to be taken in hand by an operator, even when the latter is wearing protective gloves, are preferably formed of a core or elongated central structure, preferably tubular, made of rigid material, such as plastic, a metal or a metal alloy, which can, according to one embodiment, be covered with one (or more) layer of a flexible material having a thickness ranging up to a few millimeters and a Shore A hardness between 0 and 100, for example a material of the rubber or silicone type.

Dans tous les cas, on obtient un récipient de gaz 10, telle une bouteille de gaz, équipé d'un capotage 1 selon l'invention aisé à soulever à deux mains pour un utilisateur, avec un risque de blessure minimisé et un confort d'utilisation amélioré. Ainsi, la Figure 4 représente le portage à deux mains par un opérateur d'un ensemble de distribution de gaz comprenant une bouteille de gaz équipée du capotage de la Figure 1.In all cases, a gas container 10 is obtained, such as a gas cylinder, equipped with a cowling 1 according to the invention, which is easy to lift with both hands for a user, with a minimized risk of injury and comfort of improved use. Thus, the Figure 4 represents the two-handed carrying by an operator of a gas distribution assembly comprising a gas cylinder equipped with the cowling of the Figure 1 .

Comme on peut le voir, la présence des deux poignées 5, 8 surmontant le corps 2 du capotage 1, c'est-à-dire située au-dessus du corps 2 et à distance de celui-ci, permet non seulement d'améliorer et faciliter grandement le soulèvement de la bouteille 10 en diminuant le risque de blessure, notamment au dos, mais aussi autorise la saisie des poignées 5, 8, même lorsque l'opérateur est muni de gants, ce qui améliore encore plus la sécurité d'utilisation. En particulier, la présence des deux poignées de portage 5, 8 permet de répartir et donc diviser les efforts de l'opérateur lors d'un levage de la bouteille 10 de gaz. En outre, le fait d'agencer les deux poignées de portage 5, 8 sensiblement parallèles l'une à l'autre donc dans un même plan, permet d'augmenter l'ergonomie et la facilité de préhension pour l'opérateur.As can be seen, the presence of the two handles 5, 8 surmounting the body 2 of the cowling 1, that is to say located above the body 2 and at a distance from it, allows not only to improve and greatly facilitate the lifting of the bottle 10 by reducing the risk of injury, in particular to the back, but also allows the gripping of the handles 5, 8, even when the operator is wearing gloves, which further improves safety of use. In particular, the presence of the two carrying handles 5, 8 makes it possible to distribute and therefore divide the efforts of the operator when lifting the bottle 10 of gas. In addition, the fact of arranging the two carrying handles 5, 8 substantially parallel to each other, therefore in the same plane, makes it possible to increase the ergonomics and the ease of gripping for the operator.

Le capotage 1 selon l'invention est particulièrement bien adapté à une utilisation sur des bouteilles de gaz, notamment de gaz médical, de type B10, B15 ou B20 ayant des masses comprises entre 17 et 32 kg environ.The cowling 1 according to the invention is particularly well suited to use on gas cylinders, in particular medical gas cylinders, of type B10, B15 or B20 having masses between approximately 17 and 32 kg.

Un récipient de gaz 10 muni d'un capotage 1 selon l'invention protégeant le bloc robinet 11, notamment un RDI, agencé sur le récipient 10 est particulièrement bien adapté à une utilisation pour stocker ou distribuer un gaz ou mélange gazeux, typiquement un gaz médical, en particulier un gaz ou mélange gazeux choisi parmi l'oxygène, l'air, un mélange N2O/O2, He/O2 ou NO/azote.A gas container 10 provided with a cowling 1 according to the invention protecting the valve block 11, in particular an RDI, arranged on the container 10 is particularly well suited to use for storing or distributing a gas or gas mixture, typically a gas medical, in particular a gas or gaseous mixture chosen from oxygen, air, an N 2 O/O 2 , He/O 2 or NO/nitrogen mixture.

Claims (11)

  1. Protective cap (1) for a gas container (10), comprising:
    - a cap body (2),
    - a first pair of support uprights (3, 4) that are secured to the cap body (2) and bear a first carry handle (5), and
    - a second pair of support uprights (6, 7) that are secured to the cap body (2) and bear a second carry handle (8), the first and second carry handles (5, 8) surmounting the cap body (2), and the support uprights (3, 4) of the first pair of support uprights (3, 4) and the support uprights (6, 7) of the second pair of support uprights (6, 7) being fixed with respect to one another and fixed with respect to the cap body (2),
    characterized in that:
    - the support uprights of the first pair of support uprights (3, 4) and the support uprights of the second pair of support uprights (6, 7) comprise a common base (9) fixed to the cap body (2), said support uprights of the first and second pairs of support uprights (3, 4; 6, 7) and the common bases (9) of said support uprights (3, 4; 6, 7) forming Y- or V-shaped structures,
    - the support uprights (3, 4) of the first pair of support uprights (3, 4) form, with the support uprights (6, 7) of the second pair of support uprights (6, 7), an angle (a) of between 20° and 80°, and
    - the first and second carry handles (5, 8) are spaced apart from one another by a spacing (E) of between 4 cm and 15 cm.
  2. Protective cap (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support uprights (3, 4) of the first pair of support uprights (3, 4) and the support uprights (6, 7) of the second pair of support uprights (6, 7) comprise free ends (3a, 4a; 6a, 7a), said first and second carry handles (5, 8) being fixed at said free ends (3a, 4a, 6a, 7a) of said support uprights (3, 4; 6, 7) .
  3. Protective cap (1) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support uprights (3, 4) of the first pair of support uprights (3, 4) and the support uprights (6, 7) of the second pair of support uprights (6, 7) are formed from at least one rigid material, preferably made of polymer or metal.
  4. Protective cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first carry handle (5) comprises a first longitudinal axis (AA) and the second carry handle (8) comprises a second longitudinal axis (BB), said first and second longitudinal axes (AA; BB) being parallel and coplanar.
  5. Protective cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first carry handle (5) and the second carry handle (8) are designed to be held by a user in their hand, in particular when the operator is wearing gloves.
  6. Protective cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cap body (2), the support uprights (3, 4; 6, 7) and the carry handles (5, 8) are formed from at least one material chosen from polymers, metals and metal alloys.
  7. Protective cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second carry handles (5, 8) are elongate and have lengths (L1, L2) of between 5 and 20 cm, and diameters (D1, D2) of between 1 and 5 cm.
  8. Gas distribution assembly (1, 10, 11) comprising a gas container (10), a valve unit (11) fixed to the gas container (10), and a protective cap (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is fixed to the gas container (10) or to the valve unit (11) and forms a protective cowling around at least a part of the valve unit (11), wherein the container (10) is preferably a gas cylinder.
  9. Gas distribution assembly (1, 10, 11) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the valve unit (11) is an integrated valve regulator (IVR) unit.
  10. Gas distribution assembly (1, 10, 11) according to Claim 8, characterized in that the gas container (10) contains a gas or gaseous mixture chosen from oxygen, air, an N2O/O2, He/O2 or NO/nitrogen mixture.
  11. Use of a gas distribution assembly (1, 10, 11) according to one of Claims 8 to 10 to store or distribute a gas or gaseous mixture, in particular a gas or gaseous mixture chosen from oxygen, air, an N2O/O2, He/O2 or NO/nitrogen mixture.
EP19165189.2A 2018-04-26 2019-03-26 Protective cap for gas container comprising two carrying handles on top of the cap Active EP3561365B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1853659A FR3080669B1 (en) 2018-04-26 2018-04-26 PROTECTIVE COVER FOR GAS CONTAINER INCLUDING TWO CARRYING HANDLES OVERCOMING THE COVER

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3561365A1 EP3561365A1 (en) 2019-10-30
EP3561365B1 true EP3561365B1 (en) 2022-07-13

Family

ID=63294345

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19165189.2A Active EP3561365B1 (en) 2018-04-26 2019-03-26 Protective cap for gas container comprising two carrying handles on top of the cap

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3561365B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2927191T3 (en)
FR (1) FR3080669B1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP7639772B2 (en) * 2022-05-27 2025-03-05 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Fluid tank

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2930317B1 (en) * 2008-04-22 2010-08-20 Air Liquide ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A FAUCET AND A PROTECTIVE HAT, BOTTLE COMPRISING SUCH AN ASSEMBLY
GB201015652D0 (en) * 2010-09-20 2010-10-27 Linde Ag Pessure vessel
LU92157B1 (en) * 2013-02-21 2014-08-22 Presta Gaz S A Collar for gas cylinder
PT3069072T (en) * 2013-11-15 2022-09-20 Amtrol Licensing Inc Handle for portable gas cylinder with click locking assembly
FR3018585A1 (en) * 2014-03-12 2015-09-18 Air Liquide PROTECTIVE COVER WITH PORTABLE HANDLE WITH IMPROVED COMFORT

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR3080669A1 (en) 2019-11-01
FR3080669B1 (en) 2021-01-22
EP3561365A1 (en) 2019-10-30
ES2927191T3 (en) 2022-11-03

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3480509B2 (en) Use of a gas cylinder with a protective hood with pivoting attachment system
CA2518878C (en) Medical gas cylinder with outside protective shell
EP2918892B1 (en) Protective hood for a gas cylinder with electronic display screen in raised position
EP3643958B1 (en) Assembly comprising a protective cover and a gas cylinder with a device for indicating the pressure or autonomy in raised position
EP2918891B1 (en) Hood with protective flange for the rotary control member of a gas-cylinder valve block
EP3561365B1 (en) Protective cap for gas container comprising two carrying handles on top of the cap
EP3531006B1 (en) Protective hood with pivoting attachment system for gas cylinder
EP2937620B1 (en) Protective cap for a gas bottle
EP2937621A1 (en) Protective cowl with portable handle having improved comfort
FR3052846A1 (en) PROTECTIVE COVERAGE WITH SWIVEL HINGING SYSTEM FOR A GAS CONTAINER
WO2015132506A1 (en) Assembly for packaging, storing and dispensing gas, in particular medical quality oxygen
FR3018582A1 (en) PROTECTIVE COVER WITH ANTI-SLIP GASKET SYSTEM FOR A GAS CONTAINER
FR3018577A1 (en) BLOCK TAP FOR GAS CONTAINER WITH POLYGONATED SHAPE GRIP

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20200430

RBV Designated contracting states (corrected)

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20220411

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602019016878

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1504456

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220815

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2927191

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20221103

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20220713

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20221114

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20221013

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 1504456

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20220713

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20221113

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20221014

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602019016878

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20230414

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20230326

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230326

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230326

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230326

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230326

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20250319

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20250319

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20250326

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20250319

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20250429

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20250401

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20190326

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20190326

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20220713