Cylinder protection apparatus

Abstract

A cover for a gas supplying apparatus is provided, comprising an elongated sleeve and a handle. The sleeve envelopes a portion of a tank of the apparatus, and has a longitudinal slit, closeable with a zipper mechanism. The cover is removable, and reusable. The sleeve is constructed of impact-absorbent material, and, has an open top and a closed bottom. A seam formed by attachment of a circular piece to the bottom of the sleeve is external. There is a closable strap which fits around a portion of the tank to secure the tank. There is an attachable tool. The sleeve includes a pouch to house the tool. The sleeve material is neoprene, of a green coloration when the tank contains oxygen, and has lettering comprising “OXYGEN”. The handle is a strap device attached to the sleeve which forms handholds to carry the tank in a balanced horizontal orientation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention pertains generally to a device for a cylinder, and more specifically a device for protecting and identifying a compressed gas cylinder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Suppliers and users of compressed gas cylinders, including those containing oxygen for use in medical or therapeutic environments, face challenges related to proper identification and use of the cylinders. Problems related to color confusion, illegible content labels, and universal gas flow-meter adaptors may lead to medical patients inadvertently receiving medical gases other than oxygen for inhalation.

Currently, a trade association known as the Compressed Gas Association (CGA) recommends that when color coding is used, the color green be used to designate medical oxygen. No specific shade, tone, or hue, of green is mandated or recommended.

There are typically a number of medical gas suppliers that sell or lease compressed gas cylinders to healthcare organizations within any given metropolitan area. To differentiate medical gas oxygen cylinders among competitors, each supplier may use a different shade of green to designate medical oxygen. Therefore, a single hospital may have cylinders of various shades of green coloration, all containing oxygen. Color coding is further complicated by ambient lighting levels which significantly affect how a specific color of green is perceived by a user. In some lighting conditions, a green cylinder may look similar to a gray or black cylinder. In the medical field the color gray designates the cylinder contents as carbon dioxide and black designates cylinder contents as nitrogen. Varying oxygen cylinder colors and varying light levels may increase the likelihood that cylinders containing different gases are confused.

Labeling used on compressed gas cylinders is intended to satisfy guidelines and regulations from agencies including the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and independent organizations including the CGA. The CGA also recommends that labels be used to identify cylinder contents. Labels are typically provided on oxygen cylinders at or near a shoulder of the cylinder. Typically, printing on a label is not legible when viewed from a distance greater than a few feet away from the cylinder. Small font sizes used on a label may result in a healthcare provider relying solely upon the color of the cylinder to identify the contents.

Medical gas cylinders use flow regulators, comprising gauges, valves, and flow meters that are specific to the type of gas, e.g. oxygen and carbon dioxide. Medical gas cylinders in the United States utilize a pin indexing system to facilitate gas identification. The pin indexing system is recommended by CGA and Standard No. 99 from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). When the cylinder pins are in good repair it is not possible to connect an oxygen flow meter to a carbon dioxide cylinder. However, the pin indexing system can be overcome when pins are broken or a universal adaptor is used, thus facilitating use of an incorrect flow meter or regulating device. Therefore, a system relying on color and pin indexing have been shown to be insufficient to eliminate medical gas mix-ups.

Most medical gas cylinders have two separate valves or metering devices to control gas flow. A primary flow control valve is located on a valve stem of the cylinder, and is an integral component thereof. A cylinder wrench, or key, is typically used to open and close the primary flow control valve. A secondary flow control valve, or regulator, is typically downstream of the valve stem. The secondary flow control valve is used to meter the rate of gas flowing out of the cylinder. Such a double-valve configuration makes it possible to trap gas pressure between the primary valve and secondary flow control valve, thus making it appear to the user that the primary control valve is open. The cylinder wrench or key must be used to open the cylinder to permit gas flow. This wrench is typically a separate component.

A pressure gage is preferably an element of each regulator or flow metering device, and is used to determine an amount of gas remaining in the cylinder. A person can use a measure of cylinder pressure and rate of flow to determine an amount of time remaining for using a specific cylinder to provide oxygen to a patient. The user must know that “X” pressure at “Y” flow rate translates to “Z” minutes of oxygen remaining. This is critical when the patient is being transported for tests and piped oxygen is not available. However, translation of pressure and flow rate to an amount of time of remaining oxygen requires either knowledge of factors for the above equation or some form of readily available conversion chart or table.

In view of the above-identified concerns and issues, there is a need for a device which addresses the concerns.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the object of this invention, a device is provided comprising a cover for a gas supplying apparatus, comprising an elongated sleeve, and a handle. The elongated sleeve is suitable for covering a substantial portion of a tank of the gas supplying apparatus, and has a slit substantially oriented to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve which runs along a portion thereof. The sleeve material is of an external coloration suitable to indicate contents of the tank, with lettering suitable to indicate contents of the tank.

An aspect of the invention includes the cover being removable, and reusable.

Another aspect of the invention includes the elongated sleeve constructed of impact-absorbent material, and, having a top portion and a bottom portion, said bottom being closed and said top being open. The bottom portion being closed further comprises a circular piece attached at an end of the elongated sleeve, with the circular piece being attached to the elongated sleeve around and near an outer circumference of the circular piece. A seam formed by attachment of the circular piece to the elongated sleeve is substantially external.

Another aspect of the invention includes the top portion having a closable strap which fits around a portion of the tank, and, secures the tank within the sleeve.

Another aspect of the invention includes the slit, which comprises a closure mechanism assembled within the slit, with the closure mechanism comprising a zipper device.

Another aspect of the invention comprises an attached tool useable with the gas supplying apparatus. The sleeve includes a pouch to house the attached tool.

Another aspect of the invention includes the sleeve material being neoprene, and, being of a green coloration when the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen. The sleeve has lettering comprising the word “OXYGEN” oriented along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve when the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen. Furthermore, there may be digitally discernible lettering comprising the word “OXYGEN”.

Another aspect of the invention includes the sleeve having lettering suitable to indicate a pressure/flow/time conversion chart.

Another aspect of the invention includes the handle comprising a strap device, formed as a substantially continuous piece, and, attached to the elongated sleeve at a plurality of locations. The strap device forms handholds suitable for carrying the gas supplying apparatus in a substantially horizontal orientation when the gas supplying apparatus comprises the tank and an attached flow regulating device. The strap device is preferably placed within and attached to the sleeve on an inside surface of the sleeve.

Another aspect of the invention includes the sleeve of a length suitable to prevent shrouding of content identifiers located on a shoulder of the gas supplying apparatus.

Another aspect of the invention includes means for preventing rolling when the device containing the gas supplying apparatus is in a horizontal orientation.

Another aspect of the invention includes a cover for a gas supplying apparatus suitable for medical oxygen, comprising an elongated sleeve, suitable for covering a portion of a tank of the gas supplying apparatus. The sleeve has a slit oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and running along at least a portion thereof. The sleeve material is of a coloration suitable to indicate the contents of the tank comprise oxygen, with lettering indicating the contents of the tank comprise oxygen.

Another aspect of the invention includes a cover for a gas storage tank containing medical oxygen, comprising: an elongated sleeve, suitable for covering a substantial portion of the tank. The sleeve includes a slit substantially oriented to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and running along at least a portion thereof, and has a pouch integrated onto the sleeve. There is an attachable tool, useable with the gas storage tank and storable in the pouch, and a handle, comprising a strap device attached to the elongated sleeve at a plurality of locations such that handholds are formed suitable for carrying the gas storage tank in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Another aspect of the invention includes a cover for a gas supplying apparatus comprising a tank and a flow regulator. The cover comprises an elongated sleeve: suitable for covering a substantial portion of the tank, and, of a length suitable to prevent shrouding of content identifiers located on a shoulder of the tank. The sleeve has a slit oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and running along at least a portion thereof, and a top portion and a bottom portion. The bottom is closed and the top is open. There is a closable strap, located at the top portion of the sleeve, fittable around a circumference of the tank, and, operable to secure the tank within the sleeve. There is a handle, comprising a strap device attached to the elongated sleeve such that handholds are formed suitable for carrying the gas storage tank in a substantially horizontal orientation. There is an attached tool useable with the gas supplying apparatus.

These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, the preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of a cylinder protection apparatus, in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an element of the cylinder protection apparatus, in accordance with the present invention; and,

FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary tables, in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIGS. 1 and 2 shows detailed aspects of an apparatus which has been constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The invention comprises a removable, reusable cover 10 for a portable gas supplying apparatus 2. In the embodiment detailed herein, the exemplary portable gas supplying apparatus 2 comprises a pressurizable tank 4 for storing oxygen useable in a medical or therapeutic environment with an attached flow regulating device. The tank 4 includes a tank valve 8. The flow regulating device includes a pressure gauge 9, and a flow regulator 6 for controlling magnitude of gas flow out of the tank 4 when valve 8 is open. There is preferably a label 5 attached to the tank 4 on a shoulder portion that identifies contents of the tank 4, in this embodiment oxygen.

The cover 10 comprises an elongated sleeve 11 crafted from of impact-absorbent material that is suitable for covering a substantial portion of the tank 4 of gas supplying apparatus 2. The sleeve 11 includes a slit 12 oriented substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve, running along at least a portion thereof. As illustrated in the figures, the slit preferably runs completely through a top, open portion 16 at one end and terminates at a point prior to the opposing, bottom portion 18 at the other end. Alternatively, the slit may terminate toward both ends of the sleeve without running completely through either end of the sleeve. A closure mechanism 14 comprising, for example, a zipper device, a hook and loop (e.g. VELCRO®) device or other suitable reusable closure mechanism, is preferably associated with the slit 12. When the slit is opened, the tank 4 can be readily inserted into the sleeve 11, or removed therefrom. When the tank 4 is inserted into the sleeve 11 the closure mechanism 14 is closed to secure the tank 4 within the sleeve 11.

A closing device 20 is located near the top portion 16 in the illustrated embodiment which includes a slit running completely through the top, open portion 16. Closing device 20 is operable to close and secure contiguous sides of the slit 12 at the top portion of the sleeve 11 when the tank 4 is inserted therein. The closing device 20 can comprise a hook and loop (e.g. VELCRO®) device, or other device suitable for closing the contiguous sides of the slit 12 which are located at the top 16 of the sleeve around the tank 4 and securing the tank therein. Other suitable devices may comprise a drawstring device, or a strap and buckle mechanism, among others.

The bottom portion 18 is preferably closed by a substantially circular piece of the impact-absorbent material that is attached at the bottom end of the elongated sleeve 11. The circular piece is preferably attached to the elongated sleeve around an outer circumference of the bottom portion 18, near the outer circumference of the circular piece. Attachment of the circular piece to the elongated sleeve is preferably made by forming a substantially external, continuous seam 19 at a junction of the sleeve and the circular piece around the outer circumference of the circular piece. The external seam allows formation of a broad, outwardly extending footprint for the cover 10, providing the cover 10 with the gas supplying apparatus 2 inserted to stand upright and on end with enhanced stability.

The sleeve is preferably constructed using an impact-absorbent material such as neoprene, having an external coloration 26 suitable to indicate contents of the tank 4, in this instance being the color green for medical oxygen. Marking 22 is placed on the sleeve which indicates contents of the tank. Marking can comprise vertical or horizontal lettering, or other suitable lettering which preferably permits reading of the lettering from a single perspective. The marking on the sleeve preferably comprises the word “OXYGEN” oriented along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve when the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen. Font and font size of the lettering is preferably a block style font, of a size that is readily viewable from a distance and visually discernable by human and machine vision. Lettering may be formed by a known process such as silk-screening. Lettering material may be any one of a number of materials, including inks which are reflective, contrasting with the background coloring of the sleeve or phosphorescent to allow ready visualization and identification in areas with limited lighting. Furthermore, there may be lettering on the sleeve of a form of tactilely discernible lettering, such as Braille, comprising the word “OXYGEN” when the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen. Alternative markings may include universally recognizable symbology to indicate tank contents, for example “02” to indicate oxygen and “N20” to indicate nitrous oxide.

The sleeve 10 preferably further includes attached lettering or graphics suitable to indicate a pressure/flow/time conversion, preferably located near the top portion 16. Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an exemplary pressure/flow/time conversion chart useable with the tank 4 when containing medical oxygen. The pressure/flow/time conversion chart is useable to provide an amount of time the tank can provide oxygen at a given flow rate. In an alternate embodiment, a pocket is formed on the sleeve at a suitable location wherein a removable document containing a suitable pressure/flow/time conversion chart can be stored for use. Such a pocket may be translucent such that the contents may be viewed therethrough. Furthermore, an identification device can be attached or inserted at a suitable location on the sleeve, including within such a pocket, which contains cylinder-specific information useable for inventory management and other reasons. The identification device can comprise a serial number, bar code, radio-frequency identification tag or other known identification devices. Other lettering may include, e.g., warning labels, usage labels, and supplier information.

Referring to FIG. 3, a tool 44 is described. The tool 44 is useable with the tank 4, or with the regulator 6 of the gas supplying apparatus 2, and is attachable to the sleeve 10 at a convenient point, using a lanyard 42. The tool 44 preferably comprises a wrench-like device having one or more openings 46 that fit on an adjustment nut of the tank valve 8 to control flow therefrom. The tool is preferably constructed of a lightweight, durable composite material, e.g. plastic, and of a color similar to the color of the sleeve. A portion of the tool 44 at which the openings 46 are located is preferably reinforced by increasing the thickness thereof. An operator is able to apply one of openings 46 of the tool 44 to the adjustment nut of the tank valve, and apply a torque to the tool 44 to open or close the tank valve 8. Adjustment nuts are unique to each application of a gas storage tank, i.e., a tank for oxygen has a different adjustment nut than one for carbon dioxide, thus requiring a different adjustment tool. The tool 44 preferably has a second opening 48 to which an end of the lanyard 42 is preferably permanently attached. The lanyard 42 preferably comprises a string-like device, constructed any one of several elastic materials, of suitable length, and an end of the lanyard distal to the end attached to the tool is attached to the cover 10. The cover 10 includes an integrated pouch 40 suitable to house the attached tool 44 when it is not in use. The pouch 40 comprises a pocket-shaped device, is preferably constructed of material similar in properties and color to the sleeve, and, is sewn or stitched to the sleeve at a location near the top 16 of the sleeve 111 near the valve 8 of the tank 4. The pouch 40 is preferably of a size that accommodates all or a substantial portion of the tool 44. The distal end of the lanyard 42 is preferably attached to the sleeve 11 at a convenient location near the pouch 40. The pouch and the tool 44 are located close to the valve 8 of the tank when the tank is inserted in the cover 10. By so placing the lanyard 42 and tool 44, length of the lanyard 42 can be limited to prevent interference during use. Alternatively, the distal end of the lanyard 42 may be attached to the sleeve at the pouch 40, thus facilitating storing the lanyard 42 in the pouch 40 when not in use.

The cover 10 includes a handle 30, preferably comprising a strap device of suitable material which is formed as a substantially continuous piece, and attached to the elongated sleeve 11. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the continuous strap device is laid out and stitched with known stitching techniques to an inner portion of the sleeve 11, with portions of the handle 30 oriented orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 11. The handle 30 is laid out and stitched to an inside surface portion of the sleeve in specific locations along lines 32, 34 in a fashion which permits creation of handholds in the handle 30. Stitching the handle 30 to the inside surface of the sleeve is done to prevent the handle 30 from interfering with application of lettering on the outside of the sleeve, among other reasons. Furthermore, the handle 30 is laid out and stitched to the sleeve along lines 32, 34 such that a longitudinal center of gravity of the gas supplying apparatus 2 is preferably located proximate lines 32 and line 34, and more preferably between line 32 and line 34 when the gas supplying apparatus 2 is properly inserted into the cover device. Locating the handles of the handle 30 in such a manner facilitates carrying the gas supplying apparatus 2, including the tank 4 with attached regulator 6, in a substantially balanced, horizontal orientation.

The cover 10 is preferably operable to prevent rolling of the tank 4 and cover 10 when stored in a horizontal orientation. Rolling can be prevented by creating an amount of eccentricity in the cover 10 along a circular cross-section that is formed when the tank 4 is inserted therein (not shown). The eccentricity can include an elevated seam in the area around the slit 12 with assembled zipper 14 (not shown). The eccentricity can include an elevated seam created in the sleeve running parallel to the longitudinal axis (not shown). The eccentricity can include the pouch 40 formed in an elevated fashion. The invention includes other constructions for forming an eccentricity in the cross-section of the gas supplying apparatus 2 and cover 10 to prevent rolling.

Specific details of an exemplary embodiment of the invention are described below. The sleeve 10 is sized to fit snugly over a standard gas supplying apparatus 2 comprising a compressed gas E-sized cylinder 4 and regulator 6 containing medical oxygen. E-cylinders have a nominal circumference of 33.8 cm (13¼″ inches). The sleeve, including the bottom section, is preferably constructed of neoprene fabric that is about 1.5 mm in thickness, and of a forest green coloration 26 with a black nylon backing. The exemplary sleeve has dimensions of 563 mm (22¼ inches) tall ±3.175 mm (⅛ inch), and of a circumference that is sized to incorporate stretching of the sleeve fabric. The pouch 40 is preferably also of the same neoprene or similar material. The exemplary handle 30 is made of a white, polypropylene fabric or a nylon fabric that is 25.4 mm (1 inch) in width with a tensile strength of about 440 kPa (200 pounds). The lettering 22 is applied using a known silk screening technique, with white ink. The silk screen design and ink is preferably compatible with the stretchable neoprene fabric, and is machine-washable. The stitching preferably comprises a known double-stitching technique (or equivalent) for attaching the strap 30 to the neoprene sleeve 10, the zipper 14 to the neoprene sleeve 10 at slit 12, and the base 18 to the sleeve. Other stitching is preferably of sufficient strength and quality to ensure the seams do not open during use. It is preferable to use a zigzag stitch to create the seam 19 between the base 18 and the sleeve 10, thus providing a clean finished look. The zipper 14 preferably comprises a known design having a plastic slider, and being self-lubricating and abrasion-resistant. The lanyard 42 for the attached wrench 44 preferably comprises a known stretchable material approximately 2 to 3 mm (⅛ inch) in width and approximately 35 cm (14 inches) long, attached at one end to the wrench 44 and at the other end to the sleeve 10. The wrench 44 is preferably made of hardened plastic; approximately 114 mm (4½ inches) in length, 19 mm (¾ inch) in width, and 3 mm (⅛ inch) in thickness. It has an opening 48 at one end for attaching the aforementioned lanyard 42. The other end of the wrench features two openings 46 offset by 90 degrees and molded to fit the stem of valve 8 on the oxygen cylinder 4.

The invention has been described with specific reference to the preferred embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Apparatus for a compressed gas tank, comprising:

an elongated sleeve, suitable for covering a substantial portion of the tank, said sleeve having a slit substantially oriented to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve and running along at least a portion thereof, external coloration suitable to indicate contents of the tank, and external marking suitable to indicate contents of the tank; and,

a handle.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the slit runs at least a majority of the length of the sleeve.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the external marking comprises tactilely discernible features.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the external marking comprises visually discernible features.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the cover is removable.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the cover is reusable.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the elongated sleeve comprises impact-absorbent material.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the elongated sleeve is closed at a bottom portion thereof.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the bottom portion of the sleeve is closed by a substantially circular piece attached to the elongated sleeve substantially proximate an outer circumference of the circular piece.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein a seam formed by attachment of the circular piece to the elongated sleeve is substantially external the sleeve.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the elongated sleeve is open at a top portion thereof, the slit runs completely through the top portion, and further comprising a closable strap effective to secure contiguous sides of the slit at the top portion of the sleeve.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slit comprises a closure mechanism.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 when the closure mechanism comprises a zipper device.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising an externally accessible pocket.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a tool tethered to the sleeve and suitable for use with flow control valves associated with the tank.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising an externally accessible pouch suitable for storage of the tethered tool.

17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the sleeve comprises neoprene.

18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the external coloration is a green coloration when the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen.

19. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said external marking comprises visually discernible marking.

20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said visually discernible marking indicates the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen.

21. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said external marking comprises visually discernible marking including the word “OXYGEN” when the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen.

22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said external marking comprises tactilely discernible marking.

23. The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said tactilely discernible marking indicates the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen.

24. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said external marking comprises tactilely discernible marking including the word “OXYGEN” when the intended contents of the tank comprise medical oxygen.

25. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprises marking suitable to indicate a pressure/flow/time relationship of the intended contents of the tank.

26. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the handle comprises a strap device formed as a substantially continuous piece and attached to the elongated sleeve at a plurality of locations.

27. The apparatus of claim 26 further comprising the strap device attached to the elongated sleeve at a plurality of locations to form handholds suitable for carrying the tank in a substantially balanced horizontal orientation.

28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the strap device is attached to the sleeve at the plurality of locations on an inside surface of the sleeve.

29. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein sleeve length is suitable to prevent shrouding of markings on a shoulder of the tank.

30. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising means for preventing rolling when the tank is in a horizontal orientation.

31. Cover for a gas supplying apparatus suitable for medical oxygen, comprising:

an elongated sleeve suitable for covering a substantial portion of a tank of the gas supplying apparatus, said sleeve having a slit substantially oriented to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve and running along at least a portion thereof, external coloration suitable to indicate the contents of the tank comprise oxygen, and external marking suitable to indicate the contents of the tank comprise oxygen.

32. Utility kit for a gas storage tank containing medical oxygen, comprising:

an elongated sleeve suitable for covering a substantial portion of the tank, said sleeve having a slit substantially oriented to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve and running along at least a portion thereof, and a pouch;

a tool useable with the gas storage tank and storable in the pouch; and,

a handle comprising a strap device attached to the elongated sleeve at a plurality of locations such that handholds are formed suitable for carrying the gas storage tank in a substantially balanced horizontal orientation.

33. The utility kit of claim 32 wherein the sleeve is constructed of an impact-resistant material having external coloration suitable to indicate the contents of the tank comprise oxygen, and having marking indicating the contents of the tank comprise oxygen.

34. Cover for a gas supplying apparatus including a tank and a flow regulator, comprising:

an elongated sleeve suitable for covering a substantial portion of the tank and having a length suitable to prevent shrouding of markings located on a shoulder of the tank, the sleeve having a slit oriented substantially along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve and running along at least a portion thereof, the sleeve having a top portion and a bottom portion, said bottom portion being closed and said top portion being open;

a closable strap located at the top portion of the sleeve, fittable around a circumference of the tank, and operable to secure the tank within the sleeve;

a handle including a strap device attached to the elongated sleeve at a plurality of locations such that handholds are formed suitable for carrying the gas supplying apparatus in a substantially balanced horizontal orientation; and, a tool useable with the gas supplying apparatus.