GB2560945A

GB2560945A - Frame apparatus and method of forming a frame

Info

Publication number: GB2560945A
Application number: GB1705020.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Jackson Christopher; Jacobsen Brian
Original assignee: Linde GmbH
Current assignee: Linde GmbH
Priority date: 2017-03-29
Filing date: 2017-03-29
Publication date: 2018-10-03
Also published as: GB201705020D0

Abstract

A frame apparatus 100 for transporting a pressure vessel 160 comprising a plurality of connecting members (104, 106, 108, 110, 142, 144, 148, 150, 152) arranged to form a box like structure containing the pressure vessel within. A first 104 and second 152 connecting member comprise complementary couplings. The connecting members are formed of a polymer material, preferably Styrene Acrylonitrile copolymer or Acrylonitrile butadiene Styrene (ABS). Also preferably, the respective complementary couplings are either snap-fitted or adhered to each other. The plurality of connecting members may comprise a number of interconnecting lateral cross-members, longitudinal upright members, a base and cover member. In addition, the frame apparatus may come as part of a kit wherein the kit also comprises a set of instructions for assembling the container. A method for forming the frame apparatus is disclosed.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Linde Aktiengesellshcaft (Incorporated in the Federal Republic of Germany) Klosterhofstrasse 1, Munich 80331, Germany (72) Inventor(s):

Christopher Mark Jackson Brian Jacobsen

(51) INT CL:
F17C 13/08 (2006.01)	B65D 61/00 (2006.01)
(56) Documents Cited:
EP 1262710 A2	WO 2015/162349 A1
JP 2004224410 A	US 7017741 B1
US 6976594 B1 US 20040159621 A1 (58) Field of Search: INT CL B65D, F17C Other: EPODOC, WPI	US 20080142459 A1

(74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

The Linde Group

The Priestley Centre, 10 Priestley Road,

The Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XY, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Frame apparatus and method of forming a frame Abstract Title: Frame apparatus for pressure vessel (57) A frame apparatus 100 for transporting a pressure vessel 160 comprising a plurality of connecting members (104, 106, 108, 110, 142, 144, 148, 150, 152...) arranged to form a box like structure containing the pressure vessel within. A first 104 and second 152 connecting member comprise complementary couplings. The connecting members are formed of a polymer material, preferably Styrene Acrylonitrile copolymer or Acrylonitrile butadiene Styrene (ABS). Also preferably, the respective complementary couplings are either snap-fitted or adhered to each other. The plurality of connecting members may comprise a number of interconnecting lateral cross-members, longitudinal upright members, a base and cover member. In addition, the frame apparatus may come as part of a kit wherein the kit also comprises a set of instructions for assembling the container. A method for forming the frame apparatus is disclosed.

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- 1 FRAME APPARATUS AND METHOD OF FORMING A FRAME [0001] The present invention relates to a frame apparatus of the type that, for example, houses pressure vessels therein. The present invention also relates to a method of forming a pressure vessel container frame, the method being of the type that, for example, comprises forming a box-like structure.

[0002] In the field of pressure vessels, for example pressure vessels containing pressurised gas, it is known to transport the pressure vessels in bundles or groups of pressure vessels. One way of containing the pressure vessels is within a frame or cage, sometimes referred to as a pallet. The frame or cage often has a base that facilitates manipulation using a forklift or pallet lift.

[0003] The bundles are typically subjected to harsh environments and rough treatment during transportation. Known frames tend to be constructed from metal and are welded together as single units, which are intended to be in service for about ten years. The frames are therefore difficult to disassemble. Repair and maintenance is also difficult and often results in an entire frame assembly being discarded. Furthermore, the frame is relatively expensive to manufacture, partly on account of the life expectancy requirement for the frame.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame apparatus for transporting a pressure vessel, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of connecting members arranged in a box-like structure for containing the pressure vessel therein; wherein a first connecting member and a second connecting member of the plurality of connecting members comprise respective complementary couplings; and the plurality of connecting members is formed from a polymer material.

[0005] The plurality of connecting members may be reaction injection moulded.

[0006] The respective complementary couplings may be parts of a snap fit. The respective complementary couplings may be adhered together.

-2[0007] The plurality of connecting members may be formed from a Styrene Acrylonitrile copolymer. Alternatively, the plurality of connecting members or some thereof may be from Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

[0008] The plurality of connecting members may comprises: a plurality of longitudinal upright members; and a plurality of lateral cross-members comprising a lateral cross member that extends between a pair of longitudinal upright members of the plurality of longitudinal upright cross members; and a base.

[0009] The plurality of connecting members may comprise: a cover member.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a frame kit for containing a pressure vessel for transportation, the kit comprising: a plurality of connecting members, a first connecting member and a second connecting member of the plurality of connecting members comprising respective complementary couplings; and a set of instructions to construct a box-like structure from the connecting members for containing the pressure vessel; wherein the plurality of connecting members is formed from a polymer material.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a pressure vessel container frame, the method comprising: forming a plurality of connecting members from a polymer material; assembling the plurality of connecting members to form a box-like structure for containing the pressure vessel therein; wherein a first connecting member and a second connecting member of the plurality of connecting members are connected together by respective complementary couplings thereof.

[0012] It is thus possible to provide an apparatus and method that reduces the high material costs associated with existing cage manufacture. The apparatus can be constructed rapidly and is also adaptable. In this latter regard, flexible construction is possible: the modular nature of the apparatus supports different configurations of pressure vessels, for example the number of pressure vessels and how the pressure vessels are arranged within the apparatus. This provides a more efficient way of meeting local pressure vessel bundling requirements. Manufacture is simplified and manufacture time for the apparatus is also reduced. The use of materials lighter than metal, which are nevertheless durable, results in transportation efficiencies. For example, a greater number

-3of bundles can be loaded onto a vehicle before a weight limit for the vehicle is reached. Also, greater fuel efficiency is achieved by use of the lighter material. The whole or part of the apparatus is ultimately disposable, but also recyclable.

[0013] At least one embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a frame apparatus constituting an embodiment of the invention; and [0015] Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a method of forming a pressure vessel container frame constituting another embodiment of the invention.

[0016] Throughout the following description, identical reference numerals will be used to identify like parts.

[0017] Referring to Figure 1, a frame apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of connecting members 102 arranged to form a box-like structure. The plurality of connecting members 102 comprises a first longitudinal upright member 104, a second longitudinal upright member 106, a third longitudinal upright member 108 and a fourth longitudinal upright member 110. The first longitudinal upright member 104 is fixedly connected to the second longitudinal upright member 106 by a first upper lateral cross member 112, a first lower lateral cross member 114 and a first supporting lateral cross member 116 disposed between the first upper and first lower cross members 112, 114. The first upper, lower and supporting cross members 112, 114, 116 are spaced apart and lie substantially parallel with respect to each other. In this example, the first upper, lower and supporting cross members 112, 114, 116 and the first and second longitudinal upright members 104, 106 are integrally formed. However, the skilled person should appreciate that other manners of formation are contemplated provided sufficient strength can be achieved. The first and second longitudinal upright members 104, 106 and the first lower and supporting cross members 114, 116 define a rectangle having four corners, each corner comprising a reinforcement 118. The first and second longitudinal upright members 104, 106 and the first upper, lower and supporting cross members 112, 114, 116 are substantially coplanar and serve as a first end piece 120. Each of the first and second longitudinal upright members 104, 106 comprise a first connecting socket 124, a

-4second connecting socket 126, and a third connecting socket 128, which extend inwardly and substantially perpendicularly away from the above-mentioned plane of the first end piece 120.

[0018] A second end piece 122 has a respective plane and comprises the third longitude upright member 108 and the fourth longitudinal upright member 110. The third longitudinal upright member 108 is fixedly connected to the fourth longitudinal upright member 110 by a second upper lateral cross member 130, a second lower lateral cross member 132 and a second supporting lateral cross member 134 disposed between the second upper and lower cross members 130, 132. The second upper, lower and supporting cross members 130, 132, 134 are spaced apart and lie substantially parallel with respect to each other. In this example, the second upper, lower and supporting cross members 130, 132, 134 and the third and fourth longitudinal upright members 108, 110 are integrally formed. However, the skilled person should appreciate that other manners of formation are contemplated provided sufficient strength can be achieved. The third and fourth longitudinal upright members 108, 110 and the second lower and supporting cross members 132, 134 define a rectangle having four corners, each corner comprising the reinforcement 118. Each of the third and fourth longitudinal upright members 108, 110 comprise a fourth connecting socket 136, a fifth connecting socket 138, and a sixth connecting socket 140, which extend inwardly and substantially perpendicularly away from the plane of the second end piece 122.

[0019] A first upper bridging lateral cross member 142 and a second upper lateral bridging cross member 144 each connect at a first end thereof to the third connecting sockets 128, respectively. A second end of each of the first upper bridging cross member 142 and the second upper bridging cross member 144 respectively connect to the sixth connecting sockets 140. A first lower lateral bridging cross member 146 and a second lower lateral bridging cross member 148 each connect at a first end thereof to the first connecting sockets 124, respectively. A second end of each of the first lower bridging cross member 146 and the second lower bridging cross member 148 respectively connect to the fourth connecting sockets 136. A first intermediate lateral bridging cross member 150 and a second intermediate lateral bridging cross member 152 each connect at a first end thereof to the second connecting sockets 126, respectively. A second end of each of the first intermediate bridging cross member 150 and the second intermediate bridging cross member 152 respectively connect to the fifth connecting sockets 138.

-5[0020] The first and second end pieces 120, 122 and the cross members 112, 114, 116, 130, 132, 134, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152 are formed from a polymer material, for example a Styrene Acrylonitrile copolymer, such as Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The end pieces 120, 122 and the cross members 112, 114, 116, 130, 132, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152 are, in this example, formed by injection moulding, for example reaction injection moulding.

[0021] A base unit 154 is attached, for example by welding, to a lower end 156 of the frame apparatus 100. For the avoidance of doubt, the orientation of the frame apparatus 100 can be perceived in a number or ways, but reference herein to the lower end 156 is intended to refer to the end adjacent a surface upon which the frame apparatus 100 is intended to rest during normal use.

[0022] In this example, the base unit 154 comprises a plurality of spaced recesses 158 to receive the bases of cylindrical pressure vessels 160. At an upper end 162, opposite to the lower end 156 mentioned above, a separating piece 164 having spaced apertures 166 is provided that rests on upper shoulders of pressure vessels 160 and sits within a peripheral boundary formed by the first supporting cross member 116, the second supporting cross member 134, the first intermediate bridging cross member 150, the second intermediate bridging cross member 152. When in situ, the recesses of the base unit 154 and the apertures 166 of the separating piece 164 are in registry. The skilled person should, however, appreciate that a profiled base and a separating piece are not essential and alternatives are conceivable, for example a flat base unit and a top panel plate or member.

[0023] Elongate corner protectors 168 having a substantially L-shaped cross section are attached to each corner of the frame apparatus 100, for example by a clip connector.

[0024] In this example, the first and second upper bridging cross members 142, 144, the first and second lower bridging cross members 146, 148, and the first and second intermediate bridging cross member 150, 152 are connected to the connecting sockets 124, 126, 128, 136, 138, 140 of the first and second end pieces 120, 122 using snap fit connections. This is an example of one kind of complementary coupling. However, the skilled person will appreciate that other kinds of coupling for the frame apparatus 100 can

-6be employed, for example chemical bonding using a suitable adhesive or solvent, depending upon materials employed.

[0025] In another embodiment, the frame apparatus 100 is manufactured as follows. The first and second end pieces 120, 122 and the cross members 112, 114, 116, 130, 132, 134, 142, 144, 146, 148, 150, 152 are formed (Step 200) by injection moulding, for example reaction injection moulding. A desired configuration of pressure vessels to house is selected (Step 202), for example a 2 x 2 arrangement of pressure vessels 160 and appropriately sized end pieces and cross members are selected (Step 204).

[0026] The first and second upper bridging cross members 142, 144, the first and second lower bridging cross members 146, 148, and the first and second intermediate bridging cross member 150, 152 are brought into engagement with the first, second and third connecting sockets 124, 126, 128 and the respective complementary parts of the snap fits are engaged (Step 206) so that the first and second upper bridging cross members 142, 144, the first and second lower bridging cross members 146, 148, and the first and second intermediate bridging cross member 150, 152 are connected to the first end piece 120. The fourth, fifth and sixth connecting sockets 136, 138, 140, are brought into engagement with the free ends of the first and second upper bridging cross members 142, 144, the first and second lower bridging cross members 146, 148, and the first and second intermediate bridging cross member 150, 152 so that the respective complementary parts of the snap fits at the free ends of the first and second upper bridging cross members 142, 144, the first and second lower bridging cross members 146, 148, and the first and second intermediate bridging cross member 150, 152 and the fourth, fifth and sixth connecting sockets 136, 138, 140 are engaged (Step 208), resulting in the first and second upper bridging cross members 142, 144, the first and second lower bridging cross members 146, 148, and the first and second intermediate bridging cross member 150, 152 being connected to the second end piece 122.

[0027] The corner protectors 168 are then snap fitted to the corners (Step 210) at the first, second, third and fourth longitude upright members 104, 106, 108, 110 and the base unit is, for example, stitch welded (Step 212) to lower end 156 of the frame apparatus 100. Thereafter, pressure vessels 160 can be installed (Step 214) in the internal volume delineated by the frame apparatus 100 and the separating piece 164 can then be placed over the pressure vessels 160 and snap fitted into place (Step 216).

-7[0028] In the event that a piece or component becomes damaged, replacement parts can easily be inserted in place of the damaged parts by disconnecting the relevant snap fits and inserting the new replacement part in place of the damaged part.

[0029] The skilled person should appreciate that the above-described implementations are merely examples of the various implementations that are conceivable within the scope of the appended claims. Indeed, although in the example set forth above, the first and second end pieces 120, 122 are formed as respective single units, it should be appreciated that the first and second end portions can be formed from individual piece parts and connected together using, for example snap fits.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the component parts described above can be provided as a kit with a set of instructions.

Claims

1. A frame apparatus for transporting a pressure vessel, the apparatus comprising:

a plurality of connecting members arranged in a box-like structure for containing the pressure vessel therein; wherein a first connecting member and a second connecting member of the plurality of connecting members comprise respective complementary couplings; and the plurality of connecting members is formed from a polymer material.

2. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the plurality of connecting members are reaction injection moulded.

3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the respective complementary couplings are parts of a snap fit.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective complementary couplings are adhered together.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claim, wherein the plurality of connecting members is formed from a Styrene Acrylonitrile copolymer.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of connecting members is formed from Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS).

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of connecting members comprises:

a plurality of longitudinal upright members; and a plurality of lateral cross-members comprising a lateral cross member that extends between a pair of longitudinal upright members of the plurality of longitudinal upright cross members; and a base.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of connecting members comprises:

-9a cover member.

9. A frame kit for containing a pressure vessel for transportation, the kit comprising:

a plurality of connecting members, a first connecting member and a second

5 connecting member of the plurality of connecting members comprising respective complementary couplings; and a set of instructions to construct a box-like structure from the connecting members for containing the pressure vessel; wherein the plurality of connecting members is formed from a polymer material.

10. A method of forming a pressure vessel container frame, the method comprising: forming a plurality of connecting members from a polymer material;

assembling the plurality of connecting members to form a box-like structure for containing the pressure vessel therein; wherein

15 a first connecting member and a second connecting member of the plurality of connecting members are connected together by respective complementary couplings thereof.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1705020.4 Examiner: Mr James Tagg