AU2005224295B2

AU2005224295B2 - Cylinder refurbishing and cylinder cover

Info

Publication number: AU2005224295B2
Application number: AU2005224295A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brian Snashall
Original assignee: Snashall Investments Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Snashall Investments Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2004-03-23
Filing date: 2005-03-23
Publication date: 2010-05-13
Anticipated expiration: 2025-03-23
Also published as: AU2005224295A1

Description

"Cylinder Refurbishing and Cylinder Cover" Field of the Invention This invention relates to a method of refurbishing cylinders for use in a gas cylinder exchange program, and a cover for use in refurbishing cylinders. 5 Background Art The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the 10 person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention. Cylinders are commonly used for storage and supply of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), where the LPG is stored under pressure and in a liquid form. The gas cylinders are used by, in particular, owners of gas-fired barbeques, gas-fired patio heaters, and gas heated spa pools, in situations where there is no connection to a 15 reticulated gas main. Where there is no gas main available, gas cylinders are the only means of supplying LPG for ordinary household applications such as cooking and heating, and indeed for business and commercial use for these purposes. Cylinders typically have a body of cylindrical configuration tending to a rounded/dome shaped base and top portion, formed integrally therewith. The 20 cylinder has a footing at the base thereof, formed integrally therewith, usually welded to the base. The footprint of the footing is less than the diameter of the cylinder, but sufficiently wide to provide stability. The footing is often a ring-like member attached coaxially with the cylinder at typically three or four points spaced equidistant around the base. The cylinder is provided with a guard 25 attached coaxially with the cylinder to the top portion, the guard being usually a ring-like configuration, attached to the top of the cylinder. The guard provides protection against breakage or other damage to fittings through which gas is drawn off, in addition to providing a handle in the form of a hand-hold aperture by -2 which the cylinder may be picked up and carried. The guard and footing are typically attached in a manner that prescribes a circle at each end of the cylinder, the circles having a circumference less than the maximum circumference of the body. In this specification the prescribed circle that the guard forms where 5 attached to the top portion of the cylinder shall be referred to as the guard circumference, and the prescribed circle that the footing forms where attached to the base of the cylinder shall be referred to as the footing circumference. Gas cylinders are certified for a period of ten years, after which it is necessary that they undergo a full inspection and refurbishing, and if passed are certified for a 10 further ten year period. In the case of smaller cylinders, commonly referred to as 4.5kg and 9kg cylinders, when the cylinder is empty or nearly empty, it is a common practice for the owners to take the cylinder to a depot or fuel outlet such as a petrol station, and refill the cylinder. The onus is on the depot or outlet to ensure that an out-of-test cylinder 15 is not refilled. More recently cylinder exchange services have become popular, where when a gas cylinder is empty or near empty, for a fee the consumer simply swaps the cylinder for a full cylinder, at the retail outlet. With cylinder exchange services, the onus does not rest with the consumer to maintain the certification of the cylinder, 20 but rather rests with the service provider. As the exchanged cylinders have often been knocked around and/or left outside in the elements, on receipt of the empty cylinders, the service provider is required to refurbish the cylinders before they are refilled with LPG. This involves stripping of paint on the cylinder and removal of any surface rust, before the cylinder is repainted, relabelled and clad with a 25 expanded-mesh plastic netting to prevent the paint being chipped by adjacent cylinders coming into contact with each other. Any cylinders that are out-of-date must first be recertified, which involves an internal inspection to ensure that there is no corrosion present and pressure testing. Subsequent to refurbishing, the cylinders can be refilled with LPG.

-3 As can be appreciated, there is a high cost associated with the above described process. It is labour intensive and requires a lot of material, especially in terms of consumables such as paint and thinners, and supplies for stripping the old paint. The use of volatile organic compounds particularly in the form of thinners used in 5 the spray painting process is of some concern, not only from the point of view of risk of fire and other accidents involving personnel, but also pollution of air from evaporation and ground water from spillage. In view of the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide an alternative that could cut down on the amount of paint required in the refurbishing of cylinders. 10 Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, 15 the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a 20 method of refurbishing a cylinder comprising fitting a tubular sleeve member to the main body of the cylinder; said cylinder having a footing and a guard, said sleeve member being characterised by being formed of a material being stretchable in at least two dimensions and when unstretched being of height less than the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard 25 circumference to the location of the footing circumference, and a circumference of less than the maximum circumference of the cylinder, said sleeve member having a top elastic member attached at one end and a bottom elastic member attached at the other end, said top elastic member being in use located proximal to the location of said guard circumference and said bottom elastic member being in use -4 located proximal to the location of said footing circumference, said top elastic member having a length when relaxed less than said guard circumference, and said bottom elastic member having a length when relaxed less than said footing circumference. 5 In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of refurbishing a cylinder said method being characterised by fitting a tubular sleeve member to the main body of the cylinder; said cylinder having a footing and a guard, said sleeve member being characterised by being formed of a material being stretchable in at least two dimensions and when unstretched 10 being of height less than the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference, and a circumference of less than the maximum circumference of the cylinder, said sleeve member having a top elastic member attached at one end and a bottom elastic member attached at the other end, said top elastic 15 member being in use located proximal to the location of said guard circumference and said bottom elastic member being in use located proximal to the location of said footing circumference, wherein the main body comprises a top portion up to the guard circumference, a bottom portion up to the footing circumference and a middle portion between the top and bottom portions, said top elastic member 20 having a length when relaxed less than a circumference of the top portion, and said bottom elastic member having a length when relaxed less than a circumference of the bottom portion. Preferably said material is a woven material. Preferably said material is opaque so as to obscure the cylinder underlying 25 surface. With the above described arrangement, less paint is required in refurbishing a cylinder. Only sufficient paint is required to prevent corrosion of the main body of the cylinder (which is to be covered by the sleeve member), rather than the larger amount hitherto required to provide an acceptable finish. The only parts of the 30 cylinder that need the same amount of paint as before are the top portion -5 including the guard, and the base including the footing. The painting of the cylinders as described here is merely preferred, as in some markets where aesthetics are not considered to be important, there may be no desire to paint cylinders. However in these markets, the invention may have some application as 5 the sleeve member can carry branding, advertising, and other information such as dangerous goods information, and weights and measures information. Preferably the method includes the step of preparing the cylinder as described in the preceding paragraph, and allowing the paint to dry, prior to fitting the sleeve member as described. 10 In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a tubular sleeve member for the main body of a cylinder of predetermined dimensions, the cylinder having a footing and a guard located at opposed ends, said sleeve member being characterised by being formed of a material being stretchable in at least two dimensions and when unstretched being of height less 15 than the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference, and a circumference of less than the maximum circumference of the cylinder, said sleeve member having a top elastic member attached at one end and a bottom elastic member attached at the other end, said top elastic member being in use 20 locatable proximal to the location of said guard circumference and said bottom elastic member being in use locatable proximal to the location of said footing circumference, said top elastic member having a length when relaxed less than said guard circumference, and said bottom elastic member having a length when relaxed less than said footing circumference. 25 In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided A tubular sleeve member for the main body of a cylinder of predetermined dimensions, the cylinder having a footing and a guard located at opposed ends, said sleeve member being characterised by being formed of a material being stretchable in at least two dimensions and when unstretched being of height less 30 than the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference, and a -6 circumference of less than the maximum circumference of the cylinder, said sleeve member having a top elastic member attached at one end and a bottom elastic member attached at the other end, said top elastic member being in use locatable proximal to the location of said guard circumference and said bottom 5 elastic member being in use locatable proximal to the location of said footing circumference, wherein the main body comprises a top portion up to the guard circumference, a bottom portion up to the footing circumference and a middle portion between the top and bottom portions, said top elastic member having a length when relaxed less than a circumference of the top portion, and said bottom 10 elastic member having a length when relaxed less than a circumference of the bottom portion. Preferably said material is a woven material. Preferably said material is opaque so as to obscure the cylinder underlying surface. 15 Preferably the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 50% to 85% of the maximum circumference of the cylinder. Preferably the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 50% to 80% of the maximum circumference of the cylinder. Preferably the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 60% to 80% 20 of the maximum circumference of the cylinder. Preferably the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 55% to 70% of the maximum circumference of the cylinder. Preferably the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 60% to 64% of the maximum circumference of the cylinder.

-7 Preferably the relaxed height of the sleeve lies from 80% to 100% of the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference. Preferably the relaxed height of the sleeve lies from 85% to 100% of the surface 5 distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference. Preferably the relaxed height of the sleeve lies from 90% to 99% of the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference. 10 Preferably the relaxed height of the sleeve is about 95% of the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference. Preferably the top and bottom elastic members are stretchable from their relaxed lengths by an amount of from 60% to 90%. 15 Preferably the top and bottom elastic members are stretchable from their relaxed lengths by an amount of from 70% to 80%. Preferably the top and bottom elastic members are stretchable from their relaxed lengths by an amount of about 75%. Preferably the relaxed length of the top elastic member is from 70% to 95% of the 20 circumference of the top portion, and the top elastic member is stretchable to extend around the maximum circumference of the cylinder. Preferably the relaxed length of the top elastic member is from 75% to 90% of the circumference of the top portion. Preferably the relaxed length of the top elastic member is from 80% to 88% of the 25 circumference of the top portion.

-8 Preferably the relaxed length of the bottom elastic member is from 70% to 95% of the circumference of the bottom portion, and the bottom elastic member is stretchable to extend around the maximum circumference of the cylinder. Preferably the relaxed length of the bottom elastic member is from 75% to 90% of 5 the circumference of the bottom portion. Preferably the relaxed length of the bottom elastic member is from 84% to 88% of the circumference of the bottom portion. With the most preferred of these dimensions, dependent also on the type of elastic utilised in the elastic members, a sleeve member is provided that is a 10 smooth snug fit, from or near the location of said guard circumference to or near the location of said footing circumference. The colour of the sleeve member can be chosen to accord with the trading get-up of the retail outlet for the filled cylinders, and indeed the trade mark of the retail outlet may be printed on (such as by screen printing) or woven into the material of 15 the sleeve members. In addition to this, any markings required by regulatory bodies may be printed on or woven into the material of the sleeve members, obviating the need to separately apply stickers. Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a cylinder including a tubular sleeve member as described above. 20 Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a cylinder refurbished according to the method as described above. An aspect of the invention seeks to provide savings in labour costs associated with refurbishing gas cylinders (such as used gas cylinders), in addition to savings in material costs. In another aspect, the invention also provide environmental 25 benefits through lowered use of volatile organic compounds used as thinners and solvents in paint compositions, through lower use of paints as hitherto used in cylinder refurbishing.

-9 Brief Description of the Drawings A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, in the following description made with reference to the drawings in which: 5 Figure 1 is a partly cut-away view of a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder utilised with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a view of the sleeve member according to the embodiment of the invention, for the gas cylinder shown in figure 1, laid flat; and Figure 3 is a view of a liquefied petroleum gas cylinder with the sleeve 10 member of figure 2 fitted; and Figure 4 is a view of a further sleeve member according to the embodiment of the invention, for the gas cylinder shown in figure 1, laid flat. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention The embodiment is a sleeve member 11 for use as a cover over a liquefied 15 petroleum gas cylinder 13 for use in a gas cylinder refilling exchange program. The gas cylinder 13 has a guard member 15 attached at one end of the cylinder, near the top of the cylinder 13 at a region defined as the guard circumference. The guard member 15 almost completely encircles the top of the cylinder 13, and includes a cut away portion 19 which serves as a passage, providing a hand-hold 20 through which the fingers of the hand may be passed in order to grip and lift the gas cylinder. The gas cylinder 13 also includes a footing 21 attached at the other end of the cylinder (opposite end to that where the guard member 15 is attached) which extends entirely around the bottom of the cylinder 13, and is attached at a region 25 defined as the footing circumference 23 of the cylinder. A fitting 25 is located at the very top of the cylinder, within the region of protection afforded by the guard 15. The fitting 25 allows for valves to be screwed into, in sealing manner, to the fitting 25 for attaching hoses etc to draw off gas contained under pressure within the cylinder 13. The guard member 15 is provided to provide physical protection 30 against inadvertent damage to the gas fittings which are located at the top of the -10 cylinder, usually along the cylinder central axis. The cylinder central axis is disposed vertically when the cylinder is in use. The cylinder has dimensions as shown in Figure 1, and for reference, the guard circumference is 620mm, the footing circumference is 660mm, while the 5 circumference of the main body of the cylinder 13 is 1000mm. The surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference 17 to the locating of the footing circumference 23 is 440mm. The sleeve 11 shown lying flat in figure 2, is formed from a woven stretchable fabric, stretchable in at least two dimensions. The woven stretchable fabric is woven in a 10 continuous tube, and in this particular embodiment is Lycra-. The tube of woven material has a relaxed lateral dimension of 305mm, when lying flat, and is cut into lengths of 410mm. Elastic sold under the trade description of Raytex, and having a relaxed length of 520mm is sewn to the inside of the length of tube around the circumference at the end to be the top end of the cover, while elastic having a 15 relaxed length of 580mm is sewn to the other end (the end to be the bottom end of the cover) of the tube of material, stitched to the inside thereof around the circumference of the tube. The length of elastic being shorter than the width of the tube of material causes the completed sleeve 11 to be drawn in at both the top 31 and the bottom 33. 20 Referring to Figure 3, the completed sleeve 11 is shown fitted to the cylinder 13, with the top elastic 27 fitting snugly in the location of the guide circumference, and the bottom elastic 29 fitting snugly in the location of the footing circumference. The elastic draws the tubular material comprising the sleeve in at its ends, ensuring a close and smooth fit with minimal wrinkling of the material against the 25 cylinder at these regions. The sleeve material may be any woven or knitted fabric that is stretchable in two dimensions. Any knit fabric such as jersey, tricot, or velour may be utilised as an alternative to lycra. The elastic may be a flat elastic strip can be capable of being stretched longitudinally by from 5% to 110%. The width of the elastic may be from 30 3mm to 50mm. The elastic may alternatively be a woven elastic braid - 11 incorporating any other stretchable fabric. In the case of a woven elastic braid, it may be possible to have a width greater than 50mm. In figure 4, an alternative sleeve 11 is shown lying flat. This sleeve 11 is formed from a woven stretchable fabric known as cotton elastane, which is a cotton 5 synthetic blend, and is stretchable in two dimensions. The cotton elastane is woven in a continuous tube, as in the first embodiment. While a tube may be formed from a flat sheet stitched axially, for aesthetic reasons a continuous tube is preferred. The cotton elastane tube has a relaxed lateral dimension of 400mm, when lying flat, and is cut into lengths of 410mm. Elastic sold under the trade 10 description of Raytex, and having a relaxed length of 520mm is sewn to the inside of the length of tube at the end to be the top end of the cover, while elastic having a relaxed length of 580mm is sewn to the other end (the end to be the bottom end of the cover) of the tube of material, stitched to the inside thereto. The length of elastic being shorter than the width of the tube of material causes the completed 15 sleeve 11 to be drawn in at both the top 31 and the bottom 33. The sleeve of the invention is expected to solve many current servicing and refurbishment issues in the gas cylinder industry. Use of the sleeve of the invention is expected to require less maintenance when refurbishing each cylinder. The maintenance costs involved in the refurbishment including labour 20 are expected to be reduced. Use of the sleeve of the invention is expected to be less labour intensive and should reduce the physically demanding work that is currently undertaken in performing conventional paint spraying refurbishment. Therefore the costs involved in refurbishment are expected to be reduced, possibly resulting in a lower price for consumers. 25 Utilising the sleeve of the invention is expected to reduce the quantity of paint required in the refurbishment of the cylinders and subsequently reduce the amount of volatile organic compounds being used (i.e. thinners), reduce the likelihood and danger of fire, lower the number of employee accidents involving dangerous chemicals, and reduce the amount of pollution being released into the 30 atmosphere.

- 12 Finally use of the sleeve of the invention is expected to reduce the number of parts that would have to be shipped in and delivered and would therefore reduce the transport issues currently involved. In total, it is expected that the use of the invention will dramatically reduce the 5 impact on the environment through reduced reliance on the traditional method of refurbishing gas cylinders. It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the dimensions provided in the specific embodiment described herein, and that changes may be made, largely determined by relative elasticity of materials used 10 in making the sleeve. The invention may be used on all cylinder sizes having the same basic configuration as outlined in this specification. Such cylinders come in capacities of 4kg, 12kg, 15kg, 18kg, 45kg, 190kg, and 210kg in Australia, although other capacities in other jurisdictions are likely. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are 15 deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of refurbishing a cylinder said method being characterised by fitting a tubular sleeve member to the main body of the cylinder; said cylinder having a footing and a guard, said sleeve member being characterised by being 5 formed of a material being stretchable in at least two dimensions and when unstretched being of height less than the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference, and a circumference of less than the maximum circumference of the cylinder, said sleeve member having a top elastic member attached at one 10 end and a bottom elastic member attached at the other end, said top elastic member being in use located proximal to the location of said guard circumference and said bottom elastic member being in use located proximal to the location of said footing circumference, said top elastic member having a length when relaxed less than said guard circumference, and said bottom elastic member having a 15 length when relaxed less than said footing circumference.

2. A method of refurbishing a cylinder said method being characterised by fitting a tubular sleeve member to the main body of the cylinder; said cylinder having a footing and a guard, said sleeve member being characterised by being formed of a material being stretchable in at least two dimensions and when 20 unstretched being of height less than the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference, and a circumference of less than the maximum circumference of the cylinder, said sleeve member having a top elastic member attached at one end and a bottom elastic member attached at the other end, said top elastic 25 member being in use located proximal to the location of said guard circumference and said bottom elastic member being in use located proximal to the location of said footing circumference, wherein the main body comprises a top portion up to the guard circumference, a bottom portion up to the footing circumference and a middle portion between the top and bottom portions, said top elastic member 30 having a length when relaxed less than a circumference of the top portion, and -14 said bottom elastic member having a length when relaxed less than a circumference of the bottom portion.

3. A method of refurbishing a cylinder as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said material is a woven material. 5

4. A method of refurbishing a cylinder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said material is opaque so as to obscure the cylinder underlying surface.

5. A method of refurbishing a cylinder as claimed in claim any one of the preceding claims wherein the top portion including the guard, and the base 10 including the footing are painted before fitting said sleeve.

6. A method of refurbishing a cylinder as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein sufficient paint required to prevent corrosion of the main body of the cylinder is applied thereto prior to fitting said sleeve member, as opposed to a larger amount required to provide an acceptable finish. 15

7. A tubular sleeve member for the main body of a cylinder of predetermined dimensions, the cylinder having a footing and a guard located at opposed ends, said sleeve member being characterised by being formed of a material being stretchable in at least two dimensions and when unstretched being of height less than the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the 20 guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference, and a circumference of less than the maximum circumference of the cylinder, said sleeve member having a top elastic member attached at one end and a bottom elastic member attached at the other end, said top elastic member being in use locatable proximal to the location of said guard circumference and said bottom 25 elastic member being in use locatable proximal to the location of said footing circumference, said top elastic member having a length when relaxed less than said guard circumference, and said bottom elastic member having a length when relaxed less than said footing circumference. - 15

8. A tubular sleeve member for the main body of a cylinder of predetermined dimensions, the cylinder having a footing and a guard located at opposed ends, said sleeve member being characterised by being formed of a material being stretchable in at least two dimensions and when unstretched being of height less 5 than the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference, and a circumference of less than the maximum circumference of the cylinder, said sleeve member having a top elastic member attached at one end and a bottom elastic member attached at the other end, said top elastic member being in use 10 locatable proximal to the location of said guard circumference and said bottom elastic member being in use locatable proximal to the location of said footing circumference, wherein the main body comprises a top portion up to the guard circumference, a bottom portion up to the footing circumference and a middle portion between the top and bottom portions, said top elastic member having a 15 length when relaxed less than a circumference of the top portion, and said bottom elastic member having a length when relaxed less than a circumference of the bottom portion.

9. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in claim 7 or 8 wherein said material is a woven material. 20

10. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein said material is opaque so as to obscure the cylinder underlying surface.

11. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 50% to 85% of the maximum circumference of the cylinder. 25

12. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 50% to 80% of the maximum circumference of the cylinder. -16

13. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 60% to 80% of the maximum circumference of the cylinder.

14. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein 5 the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 55% to 70% of the maximum circumference of the cylinder.

15. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the relaxed circumference of the sleeve member lies from 60% to 64% of the maximum circumference of the cylinder. 10

16. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 15 wherein the relaxed height of the sleeve lies from 80% to 100% of the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference.

17. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 15 wherein 15 the relaxed height of the sleeve lies from 85% to 100% of the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference.

18. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 15 wherein the relaxed height of the sleeve lies from 90% to 99% of the surface distance 20 along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location of the footing circumference.

19. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 15 wherein the relaxed height of the sleeve is about 95% of the surface distance along the surface of the cylinder from the location of the guard circumference to the location 25 of the footing circumference. -17

20. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 19 wherein the top and bottom elastic members are stretchable from their relaxed lengths by an amount of from 60% to 90%.

21. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 19 wherein 5 the top and bottom elastic members are stretchable from their relaxed lengths by an amount of from 70% to 80%.

22. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 19 wherein the top and bottom elastic members are stretchable from their relaxed lengths by an amount of about 75%. 10

23. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 22, when dependent on claim 8, wherein the relaxed length of the top elastic member is from 70% to 95% of the circumference of the top portion, and the top elastic member is stretchable to extend around the maximum circumference of the cylinder. 15

24. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in claim 23 wherein the relaxed length of the top elastic member is from 75% to 90% of the circumference of the top portion.

25. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in claim 23 wherein the relaxed length of the top elastic member is from 80% to 88% of the circumference of the top 20 portion.

26. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 25, when dependent on claim 8, wherein the relaxed length of the bottom elastic member is from 70% to 95% of the circumference of the bottom portion, and the bottom elastic member is stretchable to extend around the maximum circumference of the 25 cylinder. - 18

27. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in claim 26 wherein the relaxed length of the bottom elastic member is from 75% to 90% of the circumference of the bottom portion.

28. A tubular sleeve member as claimed in claim 26 wherein the relaxed length 5 of the bottom elastic member is from 84% to 88% of the circumference of the bottom portion.

29. A tubular sleeve member for a cylinder substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.