Gas Pressure Regulator Having Energy Absorbing Features

A gas pressure regulator adapted for being mounted to a gas cylinder, the gas pressure regulator comprising:

• a body defining a front portion and opposed side portions;
• a plurality of gas pressure indicators mounted to the front portion of the body;
• a bonnet mounted to an exterior portion of the body;
• a pressure adjustment knob mounted to one of the side portions of the body, proximate the bonnet, and horizontally relative to a longitudinal axis of the pressurized gas cylinder;
• and
• an energy absorbing device operatively engaged with the pressure adjustment knob and the bonnet, the energy absorbing device being capable of absorbing energy from impact loads imposed on the pressure adjustment knob;
• wherein the energy absorbing device comprises a series of members that progressively slow a velocity of the pressure adjustment knob under impact loads, and the series of members comprise:
• a first stage member defining an arcuate wall that extends along an interior central portion of the pressure adjustment knob and an end portion;
• a second stage member defining a plurality of walls positioned around an inner periphery of the pressure adjustment knob;
• wherein the arcuate wall defines a specific thickness to buckle under a load limit, thereby allowing the second stage member to engage the bonnet to slow a velocity of the pressure adjustment knob under impact loads.