AU2015100058A4 - A Bracket - Google Patents

Abstract

A bracket for a gas bottle, the bracket comprising a support member adapted for connection to a support, a ledge member associated with the support member and movable between a storage condition and a use condition, and a retaining member associated with the support member and movable between a storage condition and a use condition in which the retaining member is adapted to retain the gas bottle in the bracket.

Description

A BRACKET TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a bracket. In particular, the present invention relates to a bracket for gas bottles. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Gas bottles (also known as gas cylinders or gas tanks) are pressure vessels used to store gases at above atmospheric pressure. Gas bottles are used as a source of various gases in many industrial, commercial and medical applications, and are also used in domestic applications, such as to supply propane for cooking. [0003] As with any pressure vessel, gas bottles carry with them certain dangers if mishandled or misused. For instance, ruptured gas bottles can explode or be transformed into projectiles, while leaking gas bottles can result in a build-up of toxic or flammable gases. Thus, care must be taken when transporting, storing and using gas bottles. [0004] Typically, when transporting or storing gas bottles, the gas bottles are placed on a rack or bracket, and a securing device such as a chain or collar is typically secured about the gas bottle to reduce its movement. However, these securing devices can be fiddly to use and the racks or brackets are typically designed to hold only one size of gas bottle, meaning that different brackets are required for different size gas bottles. [0005] In light of the foregoing, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a bracket for gas bottles that was simple to use and that accommodated gas bottles of different sizes. [0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0007] The present invention is directed to a bracket for a gas bottle, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention, in one form, resides broadly in a bracket for a gas bottle, the bracket comprising a support member adapted for connection to a support, a ledge member associated with the support member and movable between a storage condition and a use condition, and a retaining member associated with the support member and movable between a storage condition and a use condition in which the retaining member is adapted to retain the gas bottle in the bracket. [0009] The support member may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. Preferably, however, the support member comprises one or more elongate members adapted for connection to a support. The support may be of any suitable form, and may include a wall, door, pole, pillar, tree, fence or the like. Alternatively, the bracket may be mounted to a vehicle, in which case the support may be any suitable part of the vehicle capable of supporting the bracket. [0010] The support member may be connected to the support using any suitable technique. For instance, the support member may be connected to the support using one or more mechanical fasteners, such as nails, bolts, U-bolts, rivets, screws, cable ties or any suitable combination thereof. In other embodiments of the invention, the support member may be connected to the support using adhesives, one or more hooks, ties, clips, clasps or the like. In other embodiments of the invention, the support member may be fixedly connected to the support member, such as by welding. [0011] The one or more elongate members may be of any suitable type. For instance, the one or more elongate members may comprise one or more rods or bars, or may comprise mesh material, or may comprise sheet material. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a single elongate member in the form of sheet material is provided. Preferably, the sheet material is a rigid or semi-rigid sheet material. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support member may be fabricated from metal, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium or the like, fibreglass, wood, plastic or a combination thereof. Most preferably, particularly when the bracket is to be used outdoors (and is therefore exposed to the elements) the support member may be fabricated from metal, and preferably a corrosion resistant metal (e.g. stainless steel, galvanised steel, or metal that has been provided with a corrosion resistant coating). [0012] The support member may be oriented in any suitable direction, although in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support member may be positioned substantially vertically when in use. [0013] The support member may be of any suitable width. Preferably, however, the width of the support member is at least about (and preferably greater than) the cross-sectional diameter of a gas bottle to be retained in the bracket. [0014] The height of the support member may vary depending on the gas bottle to be retained in the bracket. For instance, if a relatively small gas bottle is to be retained, the height of the support member may be similar to the height of the gas bottle. Similarly, if a relatively tall gas bottle is to be retained, the height of the support member may be similar to the height of the gas bottle. [0015] Preferably, the support member is provided with an upper end and a lower end. In some embodiments, the lower end may be located at or adjacent ground level. Alternatively, the bracket may be connected to the support in such a manner that the lower end is located a distance above ground level. [0016] It is envisaged that, in effect, the support member may provide a rear portion of the bracket such that, in use, the gas bottle is positioned in front of the support member. [0017] In some embodiment of the invention, the support member may include a rear portion and one or more edge members. Preferably, the edge members may extend from the edges of the rear portion. The edge members may extend from one or more of the upper and lower edges of the rear portion, or from side edges of the rear portion. By "side edges" it is meant the opposed vertical edges of the rear portion. [0018] Preferably, the edge members extend from the side edges of the rear portion. The edge members may extend outwardly at any suitable angle from the rear portion. For instance, the edge members may extend at between about 450 and 1350 to the rear portion. More preferably, the edge members may extend at between about 700 and 1100 to the rear portion. Most preferably, the edge members extend at about 900 to the rear portion. [0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the edge members may extend outwardly from the rear portion in a forward direction. [0020] The edge members may be of any suitable height. In some embodiments of the invention, the edge members may extend along at least a portion of the height of the rear portion. Alternatively, the edge members may extend along substantially the entire height of the rear portion. [0021] Similarly, the edge members may be of any suitable length. For instance, the edge members may extend forwardly of the rear portion so that the edge members and the rear portion -r together form an enclosure into which the gas bottle may be housed. Alternatively, the edge members may extend forwardly of the rear portion only a relatively short distance. [0022] The edge members may be formed integrally with the rear portion, or may be formed separately therefrom and adapted for fixed or temporary attachment thereto. For instance, the edge members may be welded to the rear portion, or may be connected using one or more mechanical fasteners, such as one or more bolts, screws, nails, rivets or the like, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, the support member may be fabricated from a single piece of sheet material, with the sheet material being folded to create the edge members. [0023] If an edge member is provided on each side edge of the rear portion, the edge members may be substantially identical in size and shape, or may differ from one another. [0024] While it is envisaged that the ledge member and the retaining member may be associated with the support member by being attached directly to the rear portion, in a preferred embodiment the ledge member and/or the retaining member may be connected to at least one edge member. [0025] In some embodiments, each side edge of the rear portion may be provided with a plurality of edge members. In this embodiment, the ledge member may be connected to a first edge member, while the retaining member may be connected to a second edge member. [0026] As previously stated, the bracket comprises a ledge member. It is envisaged that the purpose of the ledge member is that, when in the use condition, a gas bottle may be placed on, and supported by, the ledge member. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ledge member may be oriented substantially horizontally when in the use condition. [0027] The ledge member may be located at any suitable point on the support member. For instance, if the support member is relatively tall, the ledge member may be connected to the support member at a point intermediate the upper and lower ends of the support member. Alternatively, the ledge member may be connected to the support member at or adjacent the lower end of the support member. The ledge member may be located at or adjacent ground level or may be located at a point above ground level. [0028] It will be understood that the ledge member may be moved into the use condition when it is desired to place a gas bottle on the ledge member. However, the ledge member may be moved into the storage condition when, for instance, no gas bottle is in the bracket and it is desired to reduce the space occupied by the bracket. Alternatively, in embodiments of the invention in which the ledge member is located at a point above ground level, the ledge member may be moved into the storage condition such that a gas bottle of a different size (e.g. a taller gas bottle) may be retained within the bracket. [0029] In some embodiments of the invention, the bracket may be provided with a plurality of ledge members. In these embodiments it is envisaged that the ledge members may be spaced at intervals along the height of the support member. In this way, ledge members may be located at points on the support member corresponding to different gas bottle heights. [0030] In embodiments of the invention in which a plurality of ledge members are provided, one of which is located at or adjacent ground level, the ledge member located at or adjacent ground level may be fixed in the use condition, and may not move to a storage condition. [0031] The ledge members may be of any suitable construction adapted to support a gas bottle. For instance, the ledge members may be fabricated from a mesh material or a sheet material. Preferably, the sheet material is a rigid or semi-rigid sheet material. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support member may be fabricated from metal, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium or the like, fibreglass, wood, plastic or a combination thereof. Most preferably, particularly when the bracket is to be used outdoors (and is therefore exposed to the elements) the support member may be fabricated from metal, and preferably a corrosion resistant metal (e.g. stainless steel, galvanised steel, or metal that has been provided with a corrosion resistant coating). [0032] The ledge member may move between the storage condition and the use condition using any suitable technique. For instance, the ledge member may fold, telescope or slide between the storage condition and the use condition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the ledge member may pivot between the storage condition and the use condition. [0033] The ledge member may pivot in any suitable direction between the use condition and the storage condition. Preferably, however, the ledge member pivots between the use condition in which the ledge member is substantially horizontal and the storage condition in which the ledge member is substantially vertical. The ledge member may pivot upwardly from the use condition to the storage condition, or downwardly from the use condition to the storage condition. In some embodiments of the invention, the ledge member may be positioned so as to at least partially abut the rear portion of the support member in the storage condition. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the ledge member may be located substantially parallel to the support member when in the storage condition. [0034] It is envisaged that the ledge member may be movable between the use condition and a first storage condition (in which the ledge member pivots upwardly from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position) and from the use condition to a second storage condition (in which the ledge member pivots downwardly from a substantially horizontal position to a substantially vertical position). Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, it is envisaged that the ledge member may be capable of pivoting at least about 1800 about the pivot point where the ledge member is connected to the support member. [0035] The ledge member may be provided with one or more handling members adapted to facilitate movement of the ledge member between the use condition and the storage condition. The handling members may be of any suitable form, and may include one or more handles, chains, handholds or the like that a user can grasp so as to more easily move the ledge member between the use condition and the storage condition. [0036] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, movement of the ledge member may be achieved automatically. For instance, the bracket may be provided with a motor, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or the like which, when actuated, move the ledge member between the use and storage conditions. [0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ledge member is connected to both edge members of the support member. Thus, in this embodiment, it is envisaged that the ledge member may pivot about the point of connection between the ledge member and the side members. Preferably, the ledge member is positioned so as to extend at least partway between the inner surfaces of the respective edge members. [0038] The bracket may be provided with one or more stop members to retain the ledge member in the use condition and/or the storage condition. Any suitable stop members may be provided. For instance, the ledge member may be locked into the storage and/or use condition using one or more pins, clips, locks, struts (including gas struts) or the like. Alternatively, particularly when in the use condition, the ledge member may be located sufficiently close to the rear portion so that downward pivoting of the ledge member is physically prevented. [0039] In other embodiments of the invention, the ledge member and the support member may be interconnected by one or more elongate members (such as chains, ropes, wires, struts or the like) that retain the ledge member in the use condition and prevent downward pivoting of the ledge member.

[0040] In other embodiments of the invention, the ledge member may be biased into the use and/or storage conditions using one or more biasing members. Any suitable biasing members may be provided, such as one or more springs, tubes of compressed material or the like, or a combination thereof. [0041] As previously stated, the bracket comprises a retaining member associated with the support member and movable between a storage condition and a use condition in which the retaining member is adapted to retain the gas bottle in the bracket. The retaining member may be of any suitable form and may be adapted to retain the gas bottle in the bracket in any suitable manner. [0042] The retaining member may move between the storage condition and the use condition using any suitable technique. For instance, the retaining member may fold, telescope or slide between the storage condition and the use condition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, the retaining member may pivot between the storage condition and the use condition. [0043] The retaining member may pivot in any suitable direction between the use condition and the storage condition. Preferably, however, when the retaining member is in the storage condition it is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation. The retaining member may pivot upwardly from the storage condition to the use condition, or downwardly from the storage condition to the use condition. [0044] It is envisaged that, when in the use position, the retaining member may abut the gas bottle being retained on the bracket. Thus, the position of the retaining member in the use condition may be dependent on the size of the gas bottle to be retained on the bracket. For instance, if a large gas bottle is retained, the retaining member may only be required to pivot less than 900 from the storage condition into the use condition. However, if a small gas bottle is retained, the retaining member may be required to pivot more than 900 before it abuts the gas bottle. Therefore, it is envisaged that the retaining member may be capable of pivoting more than 900 between the storage condition and the use condition. Preferably, the retaining member may be capable of pivoting at least about 1800 about the pivot point where the ledge member is connected to the support member. [0045] In some embodiments of the invention, the retaining member may be positioned so as to at least partially abut the support member in the storage condition. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the retaining member may be located substantially parallel to the support member when in the storage condition. [0046] It is envisaged that the retaining member may be movable between the use condition and a first storage condition (in which the retaining member pivots upwardly from the use condition to a substantially vertical position) and from the use condition to a second storage condition (in which the retaining member pivots downwardly from the use condition to a substantially vertical position). [0047] The retaining member may be of any suitable construction. Preferably, however, the retaining member comprises one or more members capable of at least partially surrounding at least a portion of a gas bottle when in the use condition. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining member may comprise one or more elongate members that, when in the use condition, and together with the support member, form an enclosure in which the gas bottle is at least partially received and retained. [0048] The one or more elongate members may be of any suitable form. For instance, the one or more elongate members may comprise one or more rods, bars or the like. In some embodiments of the invention the one or more elongate member may be fabricated from tubular material or any suitable cross-sectional shape and area. [0049] Multiple elongate members may be provided, with each elongate member pivoting relative to the support member independently of the other elongate members. More preferably, however, a single elongate member is provided. The single elongate member may be formed as a unitary structure, or may be fabricated from multiple components fixedly or temporarily connected to one another using any suitable technique. [0050] It is envisaged that the retaining member may be substantially V- or U-shaped so as to at least partially surround at least a portion of the gas bottle. [0051] The retaining member may be of any suitable construction. For instance, the ledge members may be fabricated from a rigid or semi-rigid material, such as metal, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium or the like, fibreglass, wood, plastic or a combination thereof. Most preferably, particularly when the bracket is to be used outdoors (and is therefore exposed to the elements) the support member may be fabricated from metal, and preferably a corrosion resistant metal (e.g. stainless steel, galvanised steel, or metal that has been provided with a corrosion resistant coating). [0052] The retaining member may be provided with one or more handling members adapted to facilitate movement of the retaining member between the use condition and the storage condition. The handling members may be of any suitable form, and may include one or more handles, chains, handholds or the like that a user can grasp so as to more easily move the retaining member between the use condition and the storage condition. [0053] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, movement of the retaining member may be achieved automatically. For instance, the bracket may be provided with a motor, hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders or the like which, when actuated, move the retaining member between the use and storage conditions. [0054] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining member is connected to at least one of the edge members of the support member. Thus, in this embodiment, it is envisaged that the retaining member may pivot about the point of connection between the retaining member and the side member. More preferably, the retaining member is connected to both of the edge members of the support member. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining member may be connected to an outer surface of the edge members. In this way, the retaining member may be used to retain gas bottles that are at least as wide as the support member. [0055] In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a bracket for a gas bottle, the bracket comprising a substantially vertical support member adapted for connection to a support, a ledge member associated with the support member and movable between a storage condition and a use condition, a retaining member associated with the support member and pivotable between a storage condition in which the retaining member is located substantially parallel to the support member and a use condition in which the retaining member is adapted to retain the gas bottle in the bracket, wherein the retaining member is capable of pivoting more than 900 between the storage condition and the use condition. [0056] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the prior art. Firstly, by providing the bracket with a ledge member, gas bottles of varying sizes may be accommodated using the same bracket. In addition, providing a retaining member that pivots between the storage condition and the use condition allows for fast and simple removal of an empty gas bottle and its replacement with a full gas bottle. Further, by providing a retaining member that is capable of pivoting more than 900 between the storage condition and the use condition, it may be ensured that, regardless of the size of the gas bottle being retained, the retaining member may be brought into abutment with the gas bottle to prevent it from accidentally coming free from the bracket.

I V [0057] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0058] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0059] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0060] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a bracket for a gas bottle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0061] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of a bracket for a gas bottle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0062] Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a bracket for a gas bottle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0063] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a bracket for a gas bottle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0064] In Figure 1 there is illustrated a bracket 10 for a gas bottle 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 10 comprises a support member 12 in the form of a rear portion 13 and a pair of edge members 14. The support member 12 is formed from galvanised steel sheet and is attached to a support in the form of a pole 15 using bolts 16. [0065] It may be seen in Figure 1 that the gas bottle 11 is connected to a regulator 16 mounted to the pole 15 via a flexible pipe 17. [0066] The bracket 10 further comprises a ledge member 18 which, in Figure 1, is shown in the use condition in which the gas bottle 11 is placed on, and supported by, the ledge member 18. The ledge member 18 is connected to the inner surface of the edge members 14 via bolts 19 that act as a pivot point about which the ledge member 18 may pivot between the use condition shown in Figure 1 and the storage condition in which the ledge member is pivoted either upwardly or downwardly from the use condition until the ledge member 18 is positioned substantially parallel to the rear portion 13. [0067] Also illustrated in Figure 1 is a retaining member 20 in the form of a U-shaped bar. The retaining member 20 is attached to outer surface of the edge members 14 via bolts 21 that act as a pivot point about which the retaining member 20 may pivot between the use condition shown in Figure 1 and the storage condition in which the retaining member is pivoted either upwardly or downwardly from the use condition until the retaining member 20 is positioned substantially parallel to the rear portion 13. [0068] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the retaining member 20 is pivoted upwardly from the use condition illustrated into the storage condition so that the gas bottle 11 may be replaced when empty. Once a new gas bottle 11 has been placed on the ledge member 18, the retaining member 20 is pivoted downwardly about the pivot point created by bolts 21 until it reaches the use condition. [0069] In Figure 1, the gas bottle 11 has only a relatively small volume, meaning that the dimensions of the gas bottle 11 are relatively small. Thus, in this embodiment of the invention, the retaining member 20 must pivot greater than 900 from the storage condition to the use condition in which the retaining member 20 abuts the gas bottle 11. By allowing the retaining member 20 to pivot more than 900 between the storage condition and the use condition it may be ensured that, regardless of the size of the gas bottle 11, the retaining member 20 will always be capable of abutting the gas bottle 11 in the use condition. This ensures that the gas bottle 11 is firmly retained on the bracket 10, regardless of the size of the gas bottle 11. [0070] In Figure 2, a front view of a bracket 10 for a gas bottle 11 a is shown. The bracket 10 of Figure 2 is identical to that of Figure 1, although in Figure 2 the connection between the ledge member 18 and the edge members 14 and between the retaining member 20 and the edge members 14 may be more clearly seen. [0071] In Figure 3, a front view of a bracket 10 for a gas bottle 11 is shown. The bracket is the same as that illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. However, in Figure 3 the gas bottle shown in Figures 1 and 2 has been removed and replaced with a larger gas bottle 11 a. [0072] In this Figure, the lower end of the 4gas bottle 11 a is placed on the ground 22, while the upper end of the gas bottle 11 a is retained in place on the bracket 10 by the retaining member I / 20 which is shown pivoted into the use condition in which the retaining member 20 abuts the gas bottle 11 a and surround a portion of the gas bottle 11 a. [0073] To enable the larger gas bottle 11 a to be accommodated by the bracket 10, the ledge member (obscured) must be moved out of the use condition shown in Figures 1 and 2 into the storage condition. Thus, in Figure 3, the ledge member (obscured) is pivoted into the storage condition where it is positioned substantially parallel to the rear portion 13. [0074] In Figure 4 there is shown a side view of a bracket 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this Figure it may be see that the ledge member 18 is in the use condition in which it is positioned substantially horizontally. The ledge member 18 pivots about the bolt 19 that connects the ledge member 18 to the edge member 14 and acts as the pivot point about which the ledge member pivots. [0075] In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4, the bracket 10 is provided with a stop member in the form of a chain 23 that limits the movement of the ledge member 18 and ensures that the ledge member 18 is retained in a substantially horizontal orientation in the use condition. [0076] The chain 23 is connected at a first end thereof to the edge member 14 and at a second end thereof to the ledge member 18. The chain 23 is sized so that its length allows the ledge member 18 to move into the use condition, but further downward pivoting of the ledge member 18 is prevented. [0077] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0078] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0079] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A bracket for a gas bottle, the bracket comprising a support member adapted for connection to a support, a ledge member associated with the support member and movable between a storage condition and a use condition, and a retaining member associated with the support member and movable between a storage condition and a use condition in which the retaining member is adapted to retain the gas bottle in the bracket.

2. A bracket for a gas bottle according to claim 1 wherein the retaining member pivots between the storage condition and the use condition.

3. A bracket for a gas bottle according to claim 2 wherein the retaining member is capable of pivoting more than 900 between the storage condition and the use condition.

4. A bracket for a gas bottle according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the gas bottle is placed on and supported by the ledge member when the ledge member is in the use condition.

5. A bracket for a gas bottle, the bracket comprising a substantially vertical support member adapted for connection to a support, a ledge member associated with the support member and movable between a storage condition and a use condition, a retaining member associated with the support member and pivotable between a storage condition in which the retaining member is located substantially parallel to the support member and a use condition in which the retaining member is adapted to retain the gas bottle in the bracket, wherein the retaining member is capable of pivoting more than 900 between the storage condition and the use condition.