PRESSURE VESSEL

Abstract

An improved molded, reinforced pressure vessel having a winding foot on the liner tank which includes a head, disposed away from the tank and a narrowed neck extending between the head and the tank wherein outer radial dimensions of the head are greater than outer radial dimension of the neck. The improved foot design allows windings to cover more of the liner tank that maximizes the reinforcement provided by the winding and in blow molded liner tanks, the narrow neck restricts the migration of material out of and away from the foot, thus producing a stronger liner tank.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show forms of the invention that are presently preferred. However, it should be understood that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a pressure vessel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a pressure vessel having a radial winding, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of a pressure vessel, having a radial winding and a partial longitudinal winding, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings where like numerals indicate like elements, there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a pressure vessel according to the present invention, which is generally referred to by the numeral 10. The pressure vessel 10 is primarily intended for use as a container for pressurized liquids or gasses. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressure vessel is used as a pressurized container in water softener or water treatment devices and applications.

FIGS. 1-5 show pressure vessels 10 constructed according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vessels 10 have a liner tank 12, covered by radial windings 14 and longitudinal windings 16, as is best seen in FIGS. 4 and 5. The vessel 10, which generally follows the shape of the liner tank 12, has a generally tubular center section 18 with rounded end portions 20, 22 at opposing longitudinal ends of the center section 18. The end portions 20, 22 may be semispherical or have some other rounded configuration, without sharp edges, that facilitates the longitudinal winding of fibers around the liner tank 12. A port 30 is disposed at the first end of the vessel 10 and a foot 24 is disposed at the second end 22. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the vessel may have a number of variations from the general shape described above without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The figures show various views of the second longitudinal end 22 of a liner tank 12. The foot 24 extends longitudinally away from the second end 22. As best shown in FIG. 1, the foot 24 has a head 26 and a neck 28 extending between the head 26 and the liner tank 12. The foot 24 has a generally oblong profile, with the head 26 being wider and longer than the neck 28. The head 26 is sized and shaped to facilitate the engagement of the foot 24 with equipment used to wind the fibers 14, 16 around the liner tank 12. The shape of the foot 24 may vary as long as a narrow neck 28 portion is provided with a head 26 which is dimensionally larger than the neck 28.

On prior art vessels, neck portions were at least as large as the head. However, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the neck 28 is narrower than the head 26. The narrow neck 28 allows the longitudinal windings 16 to cover more of the second end 22 of the vessel, thus strengthening the vessel 10. FIGS. 4 and 5 show longitudinal windings 16 wrapped around the neck 28, under the head 26. Thus, the vessel 12 has increased strength, due to the increased area covered by the longitudinal winding 16, over vessels of the prior art.

In vessels that are constructed using blow molding, such as the one shown in the figures, the narrow neck 28 design also adds strength by minimizing thin spots in the liner tank 12. During the molding process, the liner tank material fills the foot portion 24 of a mold. When pressurized gas, such as air, is blown into the center of the material, the liner material expands to the walls of the mold. In the present embodiment, during molding, the liner material thickness in the second end 22 stays constant because the foot portion 24 has a narrow neck 28 which restricts the flow of air into the foot portion 24 and the migration of liner material out of the foot portion 24.

An interior surface 32 of the liner tank 12 defines the interior of the vessel 10. As mentioned above, the liner wall 40 thickness is generally constant across the second end 22. During molding, a small impression (not shown) forms inside of the liner tank 12, adjacent the foot 24. The impression is shallow enough that there are no thin spots formed in the liner wall 40.

The improvements shown in the vessel 10 in view of those formed using other prior art techniques is highlighted in that weak spots in a prior art vessel are formed at the tip of the foot and where there are sharp corners formed on the foot. In the present invention the foot 24 has a narrow neck 28, thus restriction the migration of material away from the foot 24 during molding. This leads to a robust second end 22 and a stronger vessel 10.

In summary, the vessel 10 is stronger than those seen in the prior art because of the design of foot 24, for example. The foot 24 has a narrow neck 28, thus allowing windings to cover more of the liner tank 12, maximizing the reinforcement provided by the winding. Furthermore, in blow molded liner tanks, the narrow neck 28 restricts the migration of material out of and away from the foot 24, thus producing a stronger liner tank 12.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to the exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pressure vessel comprising: a liner tank having a generally tubular center section and two generally rounded end portions located at opposing first and second longitudinal ends of the center section;a winding foot disposed at the second longitudinal end of the tank and having a head, disposed away from the tank and a narrowed neck extending between the head and the tank; andwherein outer radial dimensions of the head are greater than outer radial dimension of the neck.

2. The pressure vessel according to claim 1, wherein the winding foot is co-molded with the liner tank.

3. The pressure vessel according to claim 1, further comprising: a radial winding of fiber material disposed about center section of the tank; anda longitudinal winding of fiber disposed outwardly of the radial winding and in a general longitudinal direction about the tank.

4. The pressure vessel according to claim 1 further comprising a port disposed at the first longitudinal end of the tank, the port defining a passageway into the tank.

5. The pressure vessel according to claim 1 wherein the head of the foot is dimensionally larger than the neck.

6. The pressure vessel according to claim 5 wherein the neck of the foot is narrower than the head.

7. The pressure vessel according to claim 1 wherein said liner tank has an interior surface of consistent thickness across the generally tubular center section and two generally rounded end portions.