Abstract: A head ring protects the valving assembly, or regulator, flow adjuster, and content gauge, commonly attached to a pressure vessel, such as a conventional pressurized gas cylinder. The head ring includes a base securable to the dispensing end of the pressure vessel. A plurality of posts are distributed about a perimeter of the base, each of the posts extending vertically upward from about the base to beyond the valving assembly. Each of the posts has a first end and a second end. A collar is secured to a portion of the perimeter of the base, and the collar extends vertically downward from the perimeter of the base. The collar includes a radially-extending flange at each end. A first ring horizontally extends from the posts and is secured adjacent to the first end of the posts. A second ring horizontally extends from the posts and is secured adjacent to the second end of the posts. The first ring and the second ring are radially positioned outward of the regulator, the flow adjuster and the content gauge.