US20070090117A1

US20070090117A1 - Safety carrier for stabilizing a pressure filled cylindrical container

Info

Publication number: US20070090117A1
Application number: US11/255,122
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Terry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-20
Filing date: 2005-10-20
Publication date: 2007-04-26

Abstract

An apparatus and method of stabilizing a cylindrical pressure filled gas tank, such as a pressure filled propane gas tank typically used for common gas cooking grills. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and manner in which stabilize the cylindrical gas filled tank for transpiration, more efficiently and effectively than in the past. The invention includes among its essential elements a backbone member, stabilizing members a strap and handle. The stabilizing device may be used to secure the tank during transportation to and from the gas filling station. The tank is placed in communication with the stabilizing safety carrier frame, secured in place by strapping or temporarily affixing in place. Then the tank along with the safety carrier is placed on the floor, against the wall, or within a vehicle for transpiration to the gas filling station. The safety carrier helping to prevent movement or shifting of the cylindrical tank during transpiration, wherein stabilizing the tank from movement resulting is a safer trip to and from the gas filling station.

Description

FIELD

The invention relates generally to a pressure filled cylindrical container stabilizing and carrier device, more particularly an improved device for carrying, retaining, stabilizing and securing a pressure filled tank that when moving or transporting the tank the tank is stabilized preventing the tank from shifting, moving or rolling during movement or transportation of the tank.

BACKGROUND

In the past, transporting and carrying of cylindrical pressure filled containers was cumbersome and potentially dangerous. Typically, transportation and carrying of a pressure filled cylindrical container such as a propane tank commonly used to supply gas for a gas-cooking grill has been accomplished many different ways. Many people use and cook with portable back yard gas grills. In most applications these gas grill assemblies have a potable detachable tank that is used to supply gas to the grill, mostly used for cooking of food. Once the tank is empty the tank is disconnected from the grill assembly carried and transported to a propane filling station where the tank is filled and then transported back to the location of the grill, reattached to the grill and used once again. In most cases tanks are purchased at a store, the tank periodically gets refilled at a store or gas filling station requiring the consumer to transport the tank in both filled and empty conditions. Generally, a person would merely carry or transport the tank in an automobile or other suitable transportations media; it would be preferable to transport the tank in an open carrier like an open truck bed to prevent any build up of heat or gasses from the tank. Routinely, the tank is either stood upright (tanks axis substantially perpendicular to the horizontal) or laid down on its side during transportation (tanks axis substantially parallel to the horizontal). Transportation of the tank upright contains a risk that the tank may fall or topple over during transportation; most tanks have a high center of gravity wherein the tank is prone to tipping and falling over when exposed to forces that are found during this time moving or transporting a tank. One clear solution to this problem is to lay the tank on its side lowering the tanks center of gravity stabilizing the tank from tipping, however characteristically these tanks are cylindrical in shape and lying one on its side will only allow the tank to roll during transportation. Most of the time the person who is transporting the tank uses various methods securing the tank including but not limited to pushing the tank into a crook strap an elastic cord or rope around the tank to keep it from rolling or tipping. In another scenario people merely place the tank in their auto or truck and just pile items around the tank to keep it from tipping or moving during transportation. It is well know in the arts that transportation of cylindrical pressure filled tanks without any way stabilizing the tank can be cumbersome and even dangerous. Commonly a variety of apparatus are know in the prior art that are directed toward transporters, hand trucks or wheel barrows used for transport of pressure filled cylindrical tanks. Devices that will effectively communicate with a full frame around the tank, the typical device having wheels to move the tank from one location to the next. The prior art also teaches devices that will pick up a tank from a vertical position, pick it up to move the tank from one location to the next. Several prior art devices use full wrap around frames, collars and support plates to mount brackets to the wall of a trucks or vehicle bed, walls or structures to stabilize the tank from moment during transportation. The inventor of this invention, a Safety Carrier for Stabilizing a Pressure Filled Cylindrical Container has found a simpler more efficient way of stabilizing a pressure filled cylindrical tank.
The traditional way of stabilizing a Pressure Filled Cylindrical Container has been found by the inventor to be time consuming, bulky, costly and not required. The traditional way of stabilizing the cylinder is burdensome and unnecessary to accomplish the result of merely stabilizing the tank for transportation to the store or filling station for filling. Consequently many inventors have attempted various alternative ways to stabilize a pressure filled cylindrical container for transportation with varying results, such devices include: truck bed frame mounted holding devices, ridged wrap around devices having wheels for movement, and molded single piece soft cavity nesting devices for holding the tank in a vertical position. The inventor has a novel solution to overcome the problems of past tank stabilizing devices.
Further drawbacks in design of such prior art will be manifested by the complex multi piece constructions of assemblies that stabilize the tank as mounted to the bed of a tuck. Moreover many of the prior art devices do supply an efficient cost effective light weight solution to the problem. Other drawbacks in design are complex molding techniques used to fabricate some designs.

SUMMARY

This invention provides an apparatus and method of using a safety carrier for stabilizing a pressure filled cylindrical container for transport. More particularly, embodiment of the invention relates to manner in which to use common materials and methods in transportation and Stabilizing of a Pressure Filled Cylindrical Container more efficiently an effectively than in the past. Moreover, embodiment and implantations of this invention will allow the user to stabilize for transport a cylindrical container resulting in time and energy savings without sacrificing integrity or function.
It is an object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method of stabilizing a cylindrical pressure filled container. The invention is directed to a device that can be used to stabilize a cylindrical tank. The invention generally comprises a frame along with a means to secure the frame to the tank such as a strap and buckle arrangement. A strap affixed or in communication with the frame, wrapping the strap around the tank securing the frame to the tank, temporarily affixing the stabilizing apparatus to the tank. The stabilizing frame is placed in communication with the tank, saddling the tank, saddle being defined as the tank nesting within the frame resting on the frame the frame, the strap securing the frame to the tank. The tank and frame can them be placed on a substantially horizontal surface with the tank rolling or moving securing the tank, the tank and frame can also be placed against a wall to aid in stabilizing the tank.
More particularly the invention relates to an apparatus and manner in which to stabilize the cylindrical pressure filled tank during simple transportation. Using this invention and method will allow the user place the tank along with the stabilizing device on or against a surface in turn preventing the tank from rolling or moving. In one illustration when the tank is mounted to the safety carrier device the tank and carrier are characteristically placed with the axial direction of the tank horizontal effectively lowering the center of gravity of the tank wherein preventing the tank from rolling. Typically during transportation of the tank to the filling location the carrier attached to the tank can be placed on the floor of the bed of a truck, or floor of an automobile, or the seat of an automobile or similar vehicle to prevent rolling or tipping.
It is further object of this invention to supply the necessary apparatus and method to prevent a pressure filled cylindrical from movement during simple transportation of the cylinder. In one illustration of this invention anti-skid means such as rubber feet are affixed to at least the backbone to prevent skidding and even the stabilizing members further preventing cylinder movement. It is yet another object of this invention to provide and apparatus and method that is cost effective, simple, lightweight, long lasting and durable.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an apparatus and method that is simple by design and efficient in method and use.
The principles preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the forgoing specification. The invention which is intended to be protected herein, however, is not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, since these embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the spirit of this invention. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variation and changes which fall within the spirit and scope of the claims be embraced thereby.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages will occur to those skilled in the art from the following description of an embodiment and the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1, shows a perspective view of a standard propane pressure filled cylindrical container along with the invention the cylindrical container safety carrier
FIG. 2, shows a front view of the safety carrier
FIG. 3, shows a top view safety carrier
FIG. 4, shows a side view safety carrier

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A safety carrier 1 for stabilizing a pressure filled cylindrical container 2 comprising; an elongated backbone member 3 having at least a first surface 4 and a second surface 5. The first surface 4 corresponding with the axial direction of the cylindrical container 2 as the container fits into or nests on the stabilizing frame 1. The backbone 3 being substantially ridged and parallel to the axial direction of the pressure filled container 2 coincident to the axial direction of the cylindrical of the pressure filled container 2. The first surface 4 arranged to be in communication with the cylindrical container 2 wherein the cylindrical container 2 is arranged to rest on the backbone 4 or is to saddle or cradle the cylindrical container 2. The second surface 5 of the elongated backbone 3 is arranged to be in contact with a surface that the safety carrier will communicate with; typically the stabilizing frame 1 and tank 2 will rest on the ground or flat surface or be placed against a vertical surface for stabilization. Not only does the invention have a backbone 3 but also comprises a plurality of elongated stabilizing members 6 in communication with the elongated backbone 3.
The stabilizing members 6 having a distal end 7 and a proximate end 8, the proximate end 8 in communication with the backbone 3, the stabilizing members 6 can be connected to the backbone 6 a number of ways including but not limited to welding, nut and bolt, glued or the entire frame can be molded or formed from in a single piece form. The stabilizing members 6 of the safety carrier 1 are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to the elongated backbone member 3. The stabilizing members 6 attaching to the backbone 3, the stabilizing members 6 being made from at least a first surface 9 and a second surface 10, wherein the first surface 9 is substantially perpendicular with respect to the elongated backbone member 3, the stabilizing member 6 being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction 19 of the pressure filled container 2 when the cylindrical container is placed or nested along the backbone 3. The first surface 9 arranged to be in communication with the cylindrical container 2 wherein the cylindrical containers 2 rests on, nests in or comes in contact with the stabilizing members first surface 9. The second surface 10 of the stabilizing members 6 are arranged to be in contact with a surface that the safety carrier 1 will communicate with. Typically the surface that the second surface 10 will contact will be the ground, floor or substantially vertical wall, any way that will prevent the cylinder 2 from moving or rolling. The backbone member 3 having the plurality of stabilizing members 6 attached thereto that comprise the entire frame of the safety carrier 1.
The frame 1 can have a strap 11 in communication with the safety carrier frame 1. The strap 11 having a first end 12 and a second end 13 arranged such that the strap can be wrapped around the cylindrical tank 2 wherein temporally securing the frame 1 to the tank 2 preventing the tank from movement when placed on the ground or other like surfaces. A strap attachment member 14 to be arranged to connect the first end 12 of the strap 11 to the second end strap 13, such as a buckle, hook and loop materiel or the like. The strap 11 adapted to be wrapped around the cylindrical container 2, the strap attachment member fixing the first end 12 to the second end 13 securing the to the cylindrical container 2 to the safety carrier frame 1.
In on illustration the safety carrier is placed on the ground or like substantially horizontal surfaces where the axial direction 19 of the cylindrical container 2 is parallel to the ground such that the pressure filled container 2 is resistant to rolling or moving. In most applications the safety carrier in used to stabilize the cylindrical tank 2 that is a propane gas filled tank, or a gas cooking grill tank.
In yet another illustration the safety carrier 1 has or is fit with a handle 15 so when the safety carrier is in communication with the tank 2 the assembly can be lifted or picked up with ease. Other improvement include the safety carrier having anti-skid surface 16 or anti-skid feet that are attached to the second surface 5 of the backbone 3 and the second surface 10 of the stabilizing members 6 preventing the frame 1 from sliding on a smooth surface. When the tank 2 nests within the safety carrier 1 the safety carrier in one embodiment has a compliant surface that the tank rests on such a foam rubber or other like materials 17. As the tank nest in the safety carrier frame some tanks have a weldment 20 that may prevent the tank from nesting properly into the carrier therefore the safety carrier backbone comprises a clearance 18 for any protrusion from the tank that may impede the tank from nesting into the frame.

Claims

1. A safety carrier for stabilizing a pressure filled cylindrical container comprising;

an elongated backbone member having at least a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface corresponds with the axial direction of the cylindrical container, the backbone being substantially parallel to the axial direction of the pressure filled container coincident to the axial direction of the cylindrical of the pressure filled container, the first surface arranged to be in communication with the cylindrical container wherein the cylindrical container is arranged to rest on the backbone, the first surface arranged to saddle the cylindrical container, the second surface of the elongated backbone is arranged to be in contact with a surface that the safety carrier will communicate with,

a plurality of elongated stabilizing members in communication with the elongated backbone, the stabilizing members having a distal end and a proximate end, the proximate end in communication with the backbone, the stabilizing members being substantially perpendicular to the elongated backbone member, the stabilizing members being fixedly attached to the backbone, the stabilizing members having at least a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is substantially perpendicular with respect to the elongated backbone member, the stabilizing member being substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the pressure filled container when the cylindrical container is placed along the backbone, the first surface arranged to be in communication with the cylindrical container wherein the cylindrical containers rests on the stabilizing members first surface, the second surface of the stabilizing members are arranged to be in contact with a surface that the safety carrier will communicate with, the backbone member having the plurality of stabilizing members comprise a frame for the safety carrier: and,

a strap in communication with the safety carrier frame, the strap having a first end and a second end, a strap attachment member to be arranged to connect the first end to the second end, the strap adapted to be wrapped around the cylindrical container, the strap attachment member fixing the first end to the second end securing the to the cylindrical container to the safety carrier frame.

2. The safety carrier of claim 1 wherein the safety carrier is placed on the ground where the axial direction of the cylindrical container is parallel to the ground such that the pressure filled container is resistant to rolling or moving.

3. The safety carrier of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical tank is a propane gas filled tank.

4. The safety carrier of claim 1 wherein the safety carrier has a handle.

5. The safety carrier of claim 1 wherein the safety carrier comprises anti-skid feet.

6. The safety carrier of claim 1 wherein the safety carrier comprises a compliant surface that the tank rests on

7. The safety carrier of claim 1 wherein the safety backbone comprises clearance for any protrusion from the tank such as weldments.

8. The safety carrier of claim 1 wherein the safety carrier is fabricated from a plastic material.

9. A Method of using a safety carrier for stabilizing a pressure filled cylindrical container of claim 1 comprising the steps of;

placing the cylindrical tank against the carrier frame wherein the tank is nesting on the frame,

strapping the tank to the frame by wrapping the strap around the tank, securing the strap such that the strap is grasping on to the tank wherein the tank is removably fixed to the frame, and;

placing the tank along with the frame in a position within the desired transporting device such that the tank with frame is resisting movement.