U.S. patent application number 11/468321 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for modular rack for transporting and horizontally storing gas cylinders.
This patent application is currently assigned to DISCOUNT CARTS & RACKS INC.. Invention is credited to Sean Stavros Farley.
Application Number | 20060283824 11/468321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46324948 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060283824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farley; Sean Stavros |
December 21, 2006 |
Modular rack for transporting and horizontally storing gas
cylinders
Abstract
A modular rack for storing gas cylinders includes a plurality of
vertical posts spaced from one another. A plurality of sleeves are
removably sleeved onto the posts. At least one tray is removably
attached to this post and sleeves. The tray includes a plurality of
cradles, or spaced apart beams, adapted to at least partially
retain a horizontally positioned gas cylinder therein.
Inventors: |
Farley; Sean Stavros;
(Woodland Hills, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KELLY LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP
6320 CANOGA AVENUE
SUITE 1650
WOODLAND HILLS
CA
91367
US
|
Assignee: |
DISCOUNT CARTS & RACKS
INC.
4450 Shopping Lane
Simi Valley
CA
93063
|
Family ID: |
46324948 |
Appl. No.: |
11/468321 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10933641 |
Sep 2, 2004 |
|
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11468321 |
Aug 30, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/188 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F17C 2205/0107 20130101;
F17C 2205/013 20130101; F17C 2201/0104 20130101; A47B 2031/004
20130101; F17C 13/085 20130101; F17C 2201/058 20130101; A47B 57/545
20130101; F17C 2201/035 20130101; F17C 2205/0161 20130101; F17C
2270/01 20130101; A47B 2031/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
211/188 |
International
Class: |
A47B 57/00 20060101
A47B057/00 |
Claims
1. A modular rack for storing gas cylinders, comprising: a
plurality of vertical posts spaced apart from one another; at least
one tray having a plurality of positioning tubes for receiving the
vertical posts therethrough, the at least one tray further
including a plurality of cradles each adapted to at least partially
retain a horizontally positioned gas cylinder therein; and a
plurality of sleeves removably sleeved on the posts and configured
to engage the positioning tubes of the at least one tray.
2. The modular rack of claim 1, wherein the plurality of vertical
posts comprise four posts in spaced apart relation.
3. The modular rack of claim 1, wherein the vertical posts include
a plurality of spaced apart annular retaining grooves formed on an
outer surface thereof.
4. The modular rack of claim 3, wherein the sleeves include
radially inward protrusions adapted to be received within the
annular retaining grooves of the posts.
5. The modular rack of claim 1, wherein the sleeves comprise first
and second portions snap-fit to one another surrounding the
post.
6. The modular rack of claim 1, wherein the sleeves are configured
to be matingly received within the positioning tubes.
7. The modular rack of claim 6, wherein lower portions of the
sleeves are of a wider diameter than upper portions of the sleeves,
and wherein the positioning tubes define correspondingly tapered
inner surfaces.
8. The modular rack of claim 1, wherein the at least one tray
comprises a plurality of trays removably attached to the posts and
sleeves in spaced apart relation.
9. The modular rack of claim 1, wherein the at least one tray
comprises generally parallel outer frame members having a plurality
of elongated cross-beams extending therebetween.
10. The modular rack of claim 9, wherein a pair of the cross-beams
are spaced apart from one another less than an outer diameter of
the gas cylinder so as to form a gas cylinder retaining cradle.
11. The modular rack of claim 1, including wheels operably
associated with each post.
12. The modular rack of claim 1, wherein the plurality of posts
comprise first and second sets of posts connected end to end with a
post connector disposed between each connected set of posts.
13. The modular rack of claim 12, wherein the post connector has a
generally cylindrical configuration with a ledge extending radially
outward intermediate ends thereof, the ends of the post connector
configured to be removably inserted into open ends of the
posts.
14. A modular rack for storing gas cylinders, comprising: four
vertical posts spaced apart from one another in a generally
rectangular configuration; a plurality of sleeves removably sleeved
on the posts, each sleeve comprising first and second portions
snap-fit to one another surrounding the post; a plurality of trays
having a plurality of positioning tubes for receiving the vertical
posts therethrough and configured to removably engage the sleeves
such that the trays are disposed in vertical spaced relation on the
posts, the trays including generally parallel outer frame members
having a plurality of cross-beams extending therebetween, adjacent
cross beams spaced apart from one another sufficiently so as to
cradle and retain a horizontally positioned gas cylinder
therebetween.
15. The modular rack of claim 14, wherein the vertical posts
include a plurality of spaced apart annular retaining grooves
formed on an outer surface thereof, and wherein the sleeves include
radially inward protrusions adapted to be received within the
annular retaining grooves of the posts.
16. The modular rack of claim 14, wherein lower portions of the
sleeves are of a wider diameter than upper portions of the sleeves,
and wherein the positioning tubes define correspondingly tapered
inner surfaces.
17. The modular rack of claim 14, including wheels operably
associated with each post.
18. The modular rack of claim 14, wherein the plurality of posts
comprise first and second sets of posts connected end to end with a
post connector disposed between each connected set of posts.
19. The modular rack of claim 18, wherein the post connector has a
generally cylindrical configuration with a ledge extending radially
outward intermediate ends thereof, the ends of the post connector
configured to be removably inserted into open ends of the posts.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to racks and carts
for gas tanks, such as compressed gas cylinders. More particularly,
the present invention relates to a modular rack or cart which is
assembled for storing and transporting such gas cylinders.
[0002] There are many gases which are stored in cylindrical tanks
for later use. Many of these gases are compressed. Such compressed
gas cylinders may contain compressed oxygen for medical or
manufacturing purposes, helium, such as for use in children's'
balloons, and other gases, such as those used in welding and the
like. Due to the high pressure and the dangers associated with this
high pressure, and at times the volatile nature of the contents of
the cylinder, OSHA and DOT have set forth safety regulations and
placed certain guidelines on the storage and transportation of such
compressed gas cylinders. It will be appreciated to those skilled
in the art that given the compressed gas within the cylinder, if a
cylinder were to fall over and the outlet valve be damaged or
broken, the compressed gas would escape and the cylinder could act
as a rocket, causing much damage. Accordingly, the proper storage
and transportation of these cylinders is very important.
[0003] Compressed gas cylinder carts and racks have been designed
and manufactured by various companies for many years. However, they
are all comprised of welded steel construction. This presents many
drawbacks. First, manufacturing of these units is very expensive as
it requires a skilled welder to weld all the joints of the cart or
rack. Moreover, shipping and storage of these units is very costly
as they occupy a large volume.
[0004] There do exit modular racks, such as that illustrated and
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,263 to Chang. However, these racks
are not configured to store and transport compressed gas cylinders.
For example, the modular rack of Chang includes trays having a wire
rack for supporting articles thereon. However, the trays are not
configured to securely store compressed gas cylinders thereon, or
any other object capable of rolling due to the fact that the wires
or rods of the trays are so close to one another that the
compressed gas cylinders would easily roll to the left or to the
right. Given the danger associated with dropping a compressed gas
cylinder, such racks would be totally unacceptable for
transportation and storage purposes and would not meet the safety
regulations set forth by OSHA and DOT.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a modular rack
or cart for storing gas cylinders which can be transported in a
disassembled state so as to save on shipping and storage, yet is
easily assembled with little skill and simple tools. The present
invention fulfills these needs and provides other related
advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention resides in a modular rack or cart
adapted to store compressed gas cylinders and the like. The modular
rack of the present invention generally comprises a plurality of
vertical posts spaced from one another. Typically, the vertical
posts consist of four posts spaced from one another in a generally
rectangular configuration. At least one tray is removably attached
to the vertical posts. The tray has a plurality of positioning
tubes for receiving the vertical posts therethrough. The tray
further includes a plurality of cradles each adapted to at least
partially retain a horizontally positioned gas cylinder therein.
Typically, a plurality of trays removably attached to the posts in
spaced apart relation. The tray comprises generally parallel outer
frame members having a plurality of elongated cross-beams extending
therebetween. A pair of the cross beams are spaced apart from one
another less than an outer diameter of the gas cylinder to be
stored so as to form a gas cylinder retaining cradle.
[0007] A plurality of sleeves are removably sleeved on the posts
and configured to engage the positioning tubes of the at least one
or more trays. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sleeves
comprise first and second portions which are snap-fit to one
another surrounding the posts. The vertical posts typically include
a plurality of spaced apart annular retaining grooves formed on an
outer surface thereof. The sleeves include radially inward
protrusions adapted to be received within the annular retaining
grooves of the posts. The sleeves are configured to be matingly
received within the positioning tubes. In one particularly
preferred embodiment, a lower portion of the sleeve is of a wider
diameter than an upper portion of the sleeve. The positioning tube
defines a correspondingly tapered inner surface so that a
frictional engagement is formed therebetween.
[0008] In one embodiment, the plurality of posts comprise a first
set of posts and a second set of posts. The first and second sets
of posts are connected end to end with the post connector disposed
between each connected set of posts. The post connector has a
generally cylindrical configuration with a ledge extending radially
outward intermediate the ends thereof. The ends of the post
connector are configured to be removably inserted into open ends of
the posts. Wheels may be operably associated with each post so as
to transport the gas cylinders.
[0009] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such
drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembled modular
rack embodying the present invention and having compressed gas
cylinders stored thereon;
[0012] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view, illustrating
components for assembling a first tray, in accordance with the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating the
connection of a sleeve onto a post, in accordance with the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view illustrating the assembly
of a second tray to the rack;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assembled four tray rack
embodying the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 6 is a partially exploded perspective view illustrating
the addition of wheels and another set of vertical posts to the
rack, in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of
illustration, the present invention is directed to a modular rack
or cart, generally referred to by the reference number 10. A
benefit of the rack of the present invention is that it is designed
so as to be modular and assembled in simple fashion, typically only
utilizing a hammer to assemble the pieces to one another. That is,
various components thereof are removably attached to one another
such that the rack tends to be fairly compact when not assembled
for storage and transport. As described above, such racks or carts
are typically offered as a single unit, requiring a significant
amount of welds between the various metallic components thereof.
Due to the large space requirements, such prior art containers are
costly to ship and store in a warehouse, etc. The rack of the
present invention overcomes these disadvantages.
[0018] With reference now to FIG. 1, the rack 10, in one embodiment
of the invention, includes a plurality, typically four posts 12-18,
which are oriented vertically and spaced apart from one another,
typically forming a generally rectangular configuration. A
plurality of trays 20 are removably attached to the posts, as will
be more fully described herein. In FIG. 1, the rack 10 includes
eight spaced-apart trays 20. However, it will be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that the number of trays 20 can vary
between racks depending upon the need. The trays 20 are configured
so as to securely retain a compressed gas cylinder 22 thereon when
the gas cylinder 22 is disposed in a generally horizontal position,
as illustrated. The gas cylinder 22 may comprise any compressed gas
cylinder, such as metallic tanks having compressed air, oxygen, or
other gases. Many of these gas cylinders 22, particularly those
used in the medical industry, are provided in generally uniform
widths. For example, E cylinders and the like are approximately 4.5
inches in outer diameter. An M6 cylinder is slightly less than 31/2
inches in outer diameter. However, it will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art with the description provided below that the
rack 10 of the present invention can be modified so as to
accommodate different sized gas cylinders 22.
[0019] With reference now to FIGS. 2-4, the rack 10 comes
disassembled. In order to assemble the rack 10, the posts 12-18 are
spaced apart from one another, typically in rectangular
configuration. A plurality of sleeves, at least one for each post
12-18 are provided. These sleeves are removably attached to each
vertical post 12-18 and adapted to engage the portion of the tray
20.
[0020] With particular reference now to FIG. 3, each sleeve is
typically comprised of first and second portions 24 and 26 which
are configured to snap-fit to one another surrounding the post 14.
As such, at least one of the portions or halves 24 and/or 26
includes a male projection 28 which is configured to be received
within a corresponding female recess 30 of the other portion 24 or
26. In a particularly preferred embodiment, each portion 24 and 26
includes male projections 28 and female recesses 30 so that a
secure snap-fit connection can be made between the two portions 24
and 26.
[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, with continuing
reference to FIG. 3, each post 12-18 includes a plurality of spaced
apart annular retaining grooves 32 formed on an outer surface
thereof. Each sleeve portion 24 and 26 includes radially inward
protrusions 34 adapted to be received within the annular retaining
grooves 32 of the posts 12-18. Thus, the assembled sleeve portions
24 and 26 snap-fit to one another will remain at the desired
location on the posts 12-18. Moreover, the sleeves will be
positioned at the same relative height on each post 12-18. The
sleeves, as will be more fully described herein, serve as stops for
the trays 20.
[0022] With reference now to FIG. 2, each tray 20 includes a
positioning tube 36 attached thereto and corresponding to one of
the posts 12-18. Typically, a positioning tube 36 is integrally
formed or otherwise affixed to each corner of the tray 20, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. Each positioning tube 36 is generally
tubular and includes a through-hole 38 through which the post 12-18
is inserted. The inner diameter of the positioning tube 36 is of a
greater than the outer diameter of the post 12-18. Thus, the tray
20 can be easily slid over the post 12-18. The assembled sleeve
portions 24 and 26 are configured to be matingly received within
the positioning tubes 36. In a particularly preferred embodiment,
the sleeves are of a wider diameter at a lower portion thereof than
an upper portion, so as to have an outer taper. The positioning
tubes define a correspondingly tapered inner surface such that the
assembled sleeve fits within the positioning tube and engages it so
as to serve as a stop. A friction fit is formed as the tray 20 is
pressed downwardly, such as striking the tray 20 with a rubber
mallet or hammer, to form a tight connection. With reference now to
FIG. 4, this process is repeated in order to add additional trays
20 to the vertical posts 12-18. FIG. 5 illustrates a rack 10 having
four trays 20 assembled in spaced-apart relation.
[0023] With reference again to FIG. 3, in order to provide
additional stability, leveling feet 40 extend from the bottom of
each post 12-18. Instead of being leveling feet, these feet 40 may
comprise tabs 40 having an aperture 42 through which a fastener,
such as a bolt, can be passed through and into a floor or the like
so as to securely hold the rack 10 in place without fear of tipping
over.
[0024] With reference now to FIG. 6, in some cases, the rack 10
needs to be mobile so as to transport the gas cylinders 22, or to
be easily moved from one location to another. Typically, the posts
14-18 are hollow tubes. Tubular shafts 44 of a caster wheel 46 have
a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the posts
12-18, so as to be removably received therein. The shaft portion 44
may include protrusions, such as an annular ring or the like which
serves as a grip, or the ends of the shafts 44 may be externally
threaded and the open ends of the post 12-18 internally threaded so
as to receive the wheel shafts 44 therein. Typically, however, the
shafts 44 of the caster wheels 46 include an annular ring 48 or the
like which slips into and engages an internal groove 50 of the post
12-18.
[0025] With continuing reference to FIG. 6, in order to create a
rack 10 of additional height so as to assemble additional trays
thereon, the vertical posts 12-18 can be made of a greater length.
Alternatively, a second set of posts 52-58 are provided which are
connected end to end with posts 12-18. One way of accomplishing
this is by providing a post connector 60 which interconnects the
top end of post 12-18 to the bottom end of post 52-58. In a
particularly preferred embodiment, the post connector 60 has a
generally cylindrical configuration with ends 62 and 64 having an
outer diameter which is less than that of the inner diameter of the
post 12-18 and 52-58. A ledge 66 extending radially outward
intermediate the ends 62 and 64 of the post connector 60 provides a
stop or contact surface for the end of post 12-18 and the
corresponding post 52-58. The ends 62 and 64 of the post connector
60 may be externally threaded and received within internal threads
of the post 12-18 and 52-58 as well. In this manner, a taller rack
with additional trays, such as that illustrated in FIG. 1, is
provided.
[0026] With reference again to FIG. 2, the trays 20 as described
above, are configured to retain or cradle horizontally disposed gas
cylinders 22 thereon. The gas cylinders 22, for safety purposes,
must not be able to be easily moved from their stored position. For
example, if the gas cylinders 22 were placed on a conventional
storage rack, the cylinders 22 could roll from left to right,
possibly falling from the rack and presenting a safety hazard. Due
to the fact that the gas cylinders 22 are filled with compressed
gas, breaking the nozzle end, or puncturing the gas cylinder 22 can
either cause an explosion, or the gas cylinder 22 serving as a
torpedo or rocket as the compressed gas uncontrollably leaves the
gas cylinder 22. Accordingly, DOT and OSHA have strict regulations
regarding the storage and transportation of such gas cylinders.
[0027] In accordance with these safety regulations, the tray 20 of
the present invention is configured to securely retain and store
such gas cylinders 22. Each tray 20 includes generally parallel
outer frame members 68 and 70. A plurality of elongated cross beams
72-82 extend between the outer frame members 68 and 70. The number
of cross beams 72-82 depends upon the length of the outer frame
member 68 and 70, and the desired number of gas cylinders 22 to be
stored on each tray 20. The cross beams 72-82 are spaced apart from
one another less than an outer diameter of the gas cylinder so as
to form a gas cylinder retaining cradle therebetween, as
illustrated in FIG. 1. For example an E cylinder is approximately
4.4 inches in diameter. Thus, in order to store such cylinders on
the rack 10, adjacent cross beams 72 and 74 (or any other
combination of adjacent cross beams) must be disposed such that
their adjacent-most surfaces are spaced apart less than 4.4 inches.
However, the cross beams cannot be too close to one another, or the
cylinder tanks 22 will have a propensity to roll and not be
securely retained in the cradle formed by the adjacent cross beams
72 and 74. For example, cross beams 72 and 74 are preferably spaced
apart from one another such that their adjacent edges are 4.0 to
4.3 inches apart from one another. It is desirable to have a large
amount of the lower surface, below a mid-line of the gas tank 22,
positioned below the plane of the adjacent cross beam 72 and 74,
such that the gas cylinders 22 are securely retained therebetween.
Accordingly, the cross beam 72 and 74 should be positioned such
that 49% or less of the body of the gas cylinder 22 is disposed
below the cross beams 72 and 74. More typically, 25% to 45% of the
gas cylinders 22 is disposed below the plane of the adjacent cross
beam 72 and 74. If 50% or more of the gas cylinder 22 were able to
be disposed below the plane of the adjacent cross beam 72 and 74,
the gas cylinder 22 would fall between the cross beams 72 and 74.
Accordingly, the cross beams 72 and 74 are disposed a fraction of
an inch less than the outer diameter of the gas cylinder tank 22 so
as to retain the gas cylinder 22 therebetween. For example, M6
cylinders are approximately 3.4 inches in diameter. Thus, cross
beams 72 and 74 would be spaced apart from one another to create a
gap between 3.0 and 3.3 inches in diameter. The trays 20
illustrated herein include six cross beams, thus being able to
accommodate up to five gas cylinders 22 on each tray 20. However,
as mentioned above, the number of cross beams can be altered so as
to accommodate fewer or more gas cylinders 22.
[0028] Although several embodiments have been described in detail
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the
appended claims.
* * * * *