WO2003034003A1

WO2003034003A1 - Pivoting base weighing apparatus for gas cylinder

Info

Publication number: WO2003034003A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2002/000216
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Joseph Cross
Original assignee: G-Net Limited
Priority date: 2001-10-17
Filing date: 2002-10-16
Publication date: 2003-04-24

Abstract

A pivoting base apparatus for at least one gas cylinder includes at least a first member (1) pivotally attached (3) to a second member (2) such that when the first member (1) pivots, a notification means (36) is automatically activated to alert customers or suppliers to the weight status of the cylinder. The apparatus operates based on a weight balancing or fulcrum counterweight system, so that during use of the gas cylinder(s) the weight of the gas will change thus altering the balance between the weights. The pivoting apparatus can be linked consecutively for multiple gas cylinder installations or two gas cylinders can be mounted on a pivoting base apparatus.

Description

PIVOTING BASE WEIGHING APPARATUS FOR GAS CYLINDER

This invention relates to a pivoting base apparatus. The invention is directed particularly, but not solely toward a pivoting base for at least one LPG or gas cylinder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently LPG can be supplied to consumers in single 45kg or 90kg cylinders. Under New Zealand gas regulations a maximum of two 45kg cylinders only, can be used without a dangerous goods licence. Normally one cylinder is used to supply gas while the other is stored in reserve for when the first cylinder is empty. To avoid running out of gas the consumer must first check for a red indicator to appear on the regulator. The red indicator is for reading the pressure in the cylinder on the supply side and turns red when this pressure drops, indicating that the cylinder is empty. The consumer then rings a gas supplier for the replacement cylinder.

Using only one cylinder at a time, limits the available gas capacity and the number of appliances that can be run at once. Ringing the gas supplier also combines to make using gas by cylinder onerous on the consumer in terms of the need to read a measuring device and in remembering to notify a supplier. These factors in turn can limit the potential for further gas appliance sales. Existing measuring devices that could be used to notify a low gas situation are also expensive to manufacture and maintain.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved pivoting base apparatus which will obviate or minimise the aforementioned problems in a simple yet effective manner or which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

Accordingly in a first aspect the invention consists in a pivoting base apparatus for a gas cylinder, the apparatus including at least a first member, a second member and a notification means, the first member having a pivot means wherein the first member is pivotally mounted on the second member such that when the first member pivots, the notification means is automatically activated whereby a person such as a customer and or supplier is alerted to the weight status of the gas cylinder.

Preferably the first member is a plate member.

Alternatively the first member is a bar member assembly.

Preferably the first member is substantially horizontal when in use, presenting an upper surface for a cylinder and a lower surface facing the ground.

Preferably the first member is rectangular in shape having an edge when viewed in plan view when in use.

Alternatively the first member is semi-hemispherical in shape having an edge when viewed in plan view when in use.

Preferably the second member is a support member for the first member.

Preferably the second member is provided by at least a pair of support bracket members wherein the bracket members are notched at their upper end thereof to receive the pivot means.

Alternately the second member is substantially in the shape of a ring, which surrounds the first member edge and supports the first member by the pivot means.

Preferably the bracket members are fixedly attached to a concrete slab.

Preferably the pivot means is located with respect to the first member and second member such that a fulcrum is provided.

Preferably the first member has a first end and a second end, wherein the pivot means is located adjacent the first end.

Preferably a counter weight is provided on the first member.

Preferably the counter- weight is located on the lower surface of the first member. Alternately the counter-weight is provided by the weight of the first member.

Alternately a counter-weight adjustment device is provided which can shift the location of the pivot point on the first member.

Preferably the counterweight is located adjacent the second end of the first member.

Alternatively the second member provides the counterweight.

Preferably the second member has at least two notches on an upper edge.

Alternately the second member has a circular housing for a bearing

Preferably the pivot means includes a pivot point located at each end of the first member.

Preferably the pivot means comprises a rod member located underneath the first member.

Preferably the rod member has at least two portions which are rotatably located in a bearing respectively, in the second member.

Alternately the rod member has at least two portions, which are rotatably located in each notch respectively, in the second member.

Alternatively the pivot means comprises an angle iron member located underneath the first member.

Preferably the angle iron member has at least two ends which are rotatably located in each notch in the second member.

Alternatively the pivot means comprises a plate member located underneath the first member.

Preferably the plate member has at least portions which are located in apertures in the second member.

Alternatively the pivot means comprises an extension member located at opposing ends of the second member.

Preferably the extension member comprises a bearing. Alternatively the pivot means includes bearings fixedly located on each side of the first member which each rotatably receive an elongate member, wherein the elongate member is fixedly attached to a respective second member.

Preferably the second member is a bracket member having one elongate member attached thereto and protruding therefrom.

Alternatively the pivot means comprises a bearing or a Teflon™ bush.

Preferably the notification means comprises a switching device.

Preferably the switching device is connected to a communication means to enable notification to occur.

Preferably the switching device is activated when a circuit is opened or closed

Preferably the communication means is a telephone line.

Alternately the communications means is a cellular small message service.

Alternately the communications means is a signal relay via a computer.

Preferably a signal is sent via the telephone line to a gas supplier.

Alternately the signal is sent to a third party monitoring station

Preferably the switching means is a reed switch.

Alternatively the switching means is a photo interrupter switch

Alternatively the switching means is a load cell.

Alternatively the switching means is a magnetic device.

Alternatively the notification means comprises a pivoting member.

Preferably the pivoting member includes an indication means having a protruding member joined to an outer edge of a plate member. Preferably the indication means is a notification on the upper surface of the pivoting member becoming visible when in the low gas position.

Preferably the pivoting and notification member is located below the first plate member such that when the first plate member pivots, the pivoting and notification member also pivots to provide a visual indication or flag or audio sound to a user.

Preferably the protruding member is a coloured member.

Preferably the coloured member is a light means.

Preferably the light means is a light bulb.

Alternatively the light means is an LED device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred forms of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective of the apparatus.

Figure 2 shows an underside plan view of the pivoting member. .

Figure 3 is an end view of one half of the switch member as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a partial exploded side view of the apparatus.

Figure 5a shows a partial plan view of an angle iron pivoting means.

Figure 5b shows a partial side view of the angle iron pivoting means of Figure 5a.

Figure 5 c shows a partial plan view of a bar pivoting means.

Figure 5d shows a partial side view of the bar pivoting means of Figure 5c.

Figure 5e shows a partial plan view of a plate extension pivoting means.

Figure 5f shows a partial side view of the plate extension pivoting means of Figure 5e. Figure 6 is a partial exploded side view of the apparatus showing a pivot plate notification means when not activated.

Figure 7 is a partial exploded side view of the apparatus showing a pivot plate notification means when activated.

Figure 8 is a cross section of the apparatus having the mechanical indicator located within a recess.

Figure 9 is a cross section of the apparatus having the pivoting member connected to the second pivoting member.

Figure 10 is a cross section of the apparatus having the second pivoting member having a biasing means.

Figure 11 a) is a cross section of the apparatus having a holding stand.

Figure 11 b) is a plan view of the stand of figure 11 a).

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a second aspect of the pivoting base apparatus.

Figure 13 is a plan view of the pivoting base apparatus of figure 12.

Figure 14 is an end view of the bottom part of the pivoting base apparatus of figure 12.

Figure 15 is a close up cross sectional view of the switching mechanism of figure 12.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the pivoting plate of figure 12.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of an alternative to the pivoting plate comprising pivoting bars.

Figure 18 is a general view of the pivoting plate and a solid bar counter weight.

Figure 19 - 26 show close up perspective views of alternative pivoting mechanisms.

Figure 27 is a perspective view of a third aspect of the pivoting base apparatus.

Figure 28 is a plan view of the another version of the twin bottle version of figure 13. Figure 29 is a plan view of the figure 28 without the gas bottles in place.

Figure 30 is a plan view of the pivoting plate or first member.

Figure 31 is a cross sectional end view of the bottle on the pivoting plate member.

Figure 32 is a perspective view of another pivoting means.

Figure 33 is a perspective view of another supporting bracket.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figure 1, the pivoting base apparatus is suitable for any refillable commodity that can fit thereon to be pivoted so that customers and or suppliers can be automatically notified regarding the weight status of the cylinder. For example single 45kg or 90kg gas cylinders G are particularly suited for the apparatus. The apparatus can be linked consecutively for multiple cylinder installations. The apparatus is made up of a first member 1 and a second member 2 and a notification means 4. The first member 1 is preferably a substantially planar member, which has a shape in plan view when in use of a semi- hemispherical plate member. The first member 1 is supported by a pivot means 3 on the second member 2.

The first member 1 or pivoting plate 1 has a first end 5, a second end 6, an upper surface 7, a lower surface 8 and a peripheral edge 9. For example plate 1 can be 12mm thick. The second member has an outer surface 10, an inner surface 11, an upper edging 12 and a lower edging 13. The pivot means 3 interfits with at least two notches 14, 15 (not shown) located in the edge 12 of the second member 2. The lower edge 13 can rest on the ground or substrate surface or floor. It is preferred that the second member 2 surrounds the pivoting plate 1 by creating a lip portion 16 above the upper surface 7 of pivoting plate 1. The pivoting plate 1 is recessed with respect to the second portion 2 to form the lip portion 16. In use a LPG cylinder G, rests on the upper surface 7 of the pivoting plate 1. The gas bottle can typically be 375mm in diameter. In another example the pivoting plate 1 can be located on top of the upper edge of the second member 2. A portion of the LPG cylinder base rests on the pivoting plate 1. The overall shape of the second member 2 is substantially similar to the circumference of the LPG cylinder. Equally any shape for the apparatus and components will provide the same function and intended purpose of the device - as long as a LPG cylinder G can sit on the apparatus and automatically activate the notification means.

The notification means 4 is used to enable the gas user to communicate automatically with a gas supplier and or customer, without having to manually ring up a gas supplier to inform them that the gas cylinder(s) need refilling. The notification means 4 preferably includes a switching means. The switching means forms part of a circuit with the rest of the apparatus by way of a fulcrum mechanism, which is then connected to a communication means. The communication means can be a telephone line via a monitoring module or alarm control panel.

In Figure 2, the pivot means 3 serves to provide the fulcrum mechanism which is provided by a counter balance weight 17 attached to the lower surface 8 of the pivoting plate 1, balanced by the pivot means 3 with the weight of the LPG cylinder G. The counter balance weight 17 is calculated to offset the weight of a partially empty LPG cylinder, which in use is mounted on the upper surface 7 of the pivoting plate 1. When the LPG cylinder G reaches a weight equal to or less than the weight calculated out to extrapolate to an equal weight on the other side of the fulcrum. This can be termed the trigger weight. The counter weight side of the pivoting plate 1 will drop to break a circuit and activate a switch to send a signal to a supplier for the purpose of reordering gas. The apparatus can be linked consecutively for multiple cylinder installations activated or monitored by at least one signal.

Alternatively the counterweight can be provided by the weight of the pivoting plate itself. Alternatively the counterweight can be an adjustable counterweight whereby the location of the pivot point can be shifted with respect to the first member.

In the plan view as shown in Figure 2 the pivoting plate 1 is shown with the lower surface 8 being exposed. On the lower surface of pivoting plate 1 at the second end 6, is the counter weight 17 which can be any material but is likely to be a lead or steel or any combination thereof. This material can be attached in any manner, which is suitable to hold it at the correct position on the pivoting plate 1. For example the material can be welded or bolted or even glued in place.

At the opposite end 5 of the pivoting plate 1 there is shown the pivot means 3. The pivot means 3 in this example can comprise a steel rod 18 which is attached to the pivoting plate 1 so that the ends 19, 20 of the rod are exposed or protrude beyond the parameter of the pivoting plate 1.

In figure 3 the end view of the notification means 4, there is shown a switching means or device located on the pivoting plate 1. The switching means preferably is a reed switch which includes a plate 22 for a magnet sensor which covers a cavity 23 for a magnet. Plate 22 has an aperture 24. The other part of the notification means comprises a shroud member or junction box 25 located on the second member 2, as shown in figures 4, 5 and 5a. Any other type of switching means can be used as long as it enables an outside party to be contacted automatically when the pivoting plate moves or pivots according to predetermined fulcrum settings.

The switching means is connected to a communication means to enable the notification to occur. The communication means can be a telephone line, a cellular small message service or a signal relay via a computer. Cabling can be connected to the apparatus by way of the shroud 25 through conduit members. Alternatively connection between the apparatus and the supplier or any outside party, can be by infra red means or radio frequency.

The pivot means 3 can consist in a number of alternatives. Some examples of these are shown in figure 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e and 5f. In figures 5a and 5b there is shown an angle iron Al which is used in place of the rod. Figure 5b and 5c show a bar B used in place of the rod 18. Figure 5e and 5f show a plate extension P from the underside 8 of the pivoting plate 1. Figure 5b shows the angle iron Al member comprising two plate members joined together to form a N-shape member pivoting in the notch 14 or 15. Figures 5e and 5f show the first member 1 being simply tilted on second member 2 without any notches 14 or 15. Figures 5a-f show a variety of ways of achieving the pivot means 3. The pivot means 3 is not necessarily limited to these examples. For instance the pivot means 3 can be a bearing or a Teflon bush or a living hinge.

The switching device 4 works on the principal that while the circuit is closed or alternatively opened, the signal is constant through the communication means, which is preferably a telephone line. The switch is activated when this circuit is broken and alternatively when the circuit is opened. When the circuit is broken, an order for a refill is automatically sent via a telephone line. The device provides advance warning that a LPG cylinder is nearly empty. Once the weight of LPG cylinder reaches a predetermined level which can be set as desired, the pivoting plate 1 drops, setting off the switch that sends a signal to a phone dialler. This notifies the gas supplier or their monitoring agent that the customer requires gas and replacement gas cylinders) should be despatched.

The components of the apparatus are of sufficient strength to support a full LPG cylinder and provide a bearing surface 7 for the fulcrum. The second member 2 represents one side of the circuit for the reed switch 4. The switch 4 as shown in the figures 1 and 2, in this example, is a closed circuit read switch. Other types of switches for example a load cell, a magnetic device, photo interrupter could be used and would also work just as well. Within the second member 2 sits the pivoting plate 1 on a pivoting means 3 which provides the axis point for the fulcrum with the counter weight 17 attached to the under side 8 and outer edge of the pivoting plate the other half of the switch is also mounted under the pivoting plate 1. The other end of the pivoting plate 1 is the bearing surface on which the weight of the LPG cylinder is transferred onto as the counter balance starts to drop the pivoting plate 1.

The pivoting plate system has the advantage of being able to be used with a single cylinder connection or a multiple cylinder connection. In each case, only at least one pivoting plate device is necessary.

In another alternative construction or when combined with some or all of the features already disclosed, the notification means can be a mechanical indicator as shown in Figures 6 and 7. Using the same apparatus structure of Figures 1-5, having the first member 1 pivotedly supported on the second member 2, the notification means 4, can include a pivoting member 30 which can comprise a plate member 31. In relation to the user, the plate member has an upper surface 32 and a lower surface 33. Plate member 31 is pivoted by a pivot means 34. Pivot means 34 can rest and be fixedly attached to the base of the second member 2 of the apparatus. A counterweight member 35 can be located underneath plate member 31 on lower surface 33 and/or in any position that enables notification to a user to occur depending on the weight configuration of the object being used in the apparatus. For example, in this particular use, the object can be a gas cylinder.

The notification means can be an indicator or mechanical indicator 36 in combination or alternatively which can be located at any position on the plate member 31 to affect a visual notification to the user. The indicator can be located on top of the pivoting member becoming visible when the plate pivots or the gas volume is in a low position. As shown in Figures 6 and 7 the indicator 36 is located at an edge of the plate 31 to effect visual recognition by protruding or being lifted or being rotated, to be sighted, by the pivoting action of the first member 1 in response to a weight change in the gas cylinder. The indicator 36 can be a coloured member; for example, a red tag or it can be a light means such as a light bulb or LED device or audio sound. The light bulb could be sited on the plate member 31 or anywhere convenient such as separate the apparatus if decide. The bulb or LED could be enabled by connection to the mains, or through solar power or it can be activated by battery power. Alternatively when the apparatus signals low-gas an audio sound can be activated to alert the customer.

The lighting device could be sited externally to enable a passing gas supplier to recognise it or it could be sited internally to remind a customer that refilling will soon occur or needs to occur. In another alternative, the notification means could be any suitable acoustic device. Wireless technology such as BLUETOOTH™ can also be a suitable notification means.

As shown in figures 8-11 the pivoting plate 1 is not shown recessed but is shown located on top of the second member 2. In figure 8 the notification means or mechanical indicator 36 is shown to be housed in a cover means 40. In figure 9 the pivoting plate 1 is connected to the pivoting plate or second pivoting plate 31 by a third pivot means 41. Third pivot means for example can be a hinge both mechanical or living. In figure 10 there is shown a biasing means 42 which can be located under second pivoting plate 31 to enable the plate to return to indicating position if the gas cylinder empties to a certain point.

As shown in figures 11 a) and b) the apparatus can include a stand 43 which includes is use an upright portion 44 and horizontal portion 45 at the distal end thereof. Portions 44 and 45 can be any cross section that enables the gas cylinder to be easily located when installing and yet allow the apparatus to operate. A chain 47 can also be included on horizontal portion 45 by locating through aperture means 46. The chain 47 can be used to encircle the gas cylinder. The stand 43 and or chain can also be suitable for earthquake prone areas so making them safer. The apparatus can include an aperture 48 for the wiring conduit, which leads to the switch. As shown in Figure 12, the pivoting base apparatus includes a pivoting member 101 and support means. The pivoting member 101 pivots on the support means. The support means can be supported by a solid base 102. Preferably concrete is best for the base 102. The concrete base can be a slab, which can either be especially made for the purpose, or it can part of an existing insitu slab. All that is necessary for the base apparatus to sit on, is some base item that can handle the weight, is fixable to the base apparatus and any special requirements for storing gas. The pivoting member 101 can be for example be a plate. The support means can be a bracket 106. Alternatively the support means can be any member that enables the pivoting member 101 to be supported and allow pivoting. The plate 101 pivots on brackets 106 by a pivoting mechanism 103. Angled brackets or stopping means which for example can be brackets 104, are situated on one side of the apparatus, adjacent the edge of the plate.

The apparatus also has cylinder supports 105 with chains or straps or any flexible means to hold the gas bottles in an upright manner and to sit there against. The cylinder supports 105 can be made up of a central or at least a single support 108 with a lateral support 107 at the top where the chain or any flexible means can be used to hold each bottle and this is the similarly for another bottle as shown in figure 12.

Figure 12 shows a twin bottle example of the apparatus. Also shown in figures 12-17, is the switching mechanism 108 which is made up of a switch 109 located on the pivoting plate 101 and another half of the switch 110 located within or part of the concrete slab 102. See figure 15 for a close up view.

In figure 17 there is yet another variation on the pivoting base. In this example the pivoting plate 101 is now swapped for a pivoting bar 122 combined with a single bar as a counter weight 123. At the end of the pivoting bar is the switch 124 as shown in figures 17 and 18. Figure 18 is a general view of a combination of the plate 101 and a solid bar 121 as the counter weight.

In figures 19 to 26 are various views of alternative pivoting mechanisms 103. The pivoting plate 101 can have an extension member 130 and various directions or orientations with respect to the main part of the plate. The extension member 131 is shown located in a notch 133 in the bracket 106. Also shown is a further enhancement to the pivoting mechanism 106 whereby a further extension member 131 is placed underneath the extension member 130. This further extension member 131 can be a single vertical bar, a V shaped bar or even just a round bar in itself.

The pivot mechanism 106 can also merely consist of the extension members 130 of the pivoting plate merely resting on the edge of a support or angle bracket with no notch 133 provided for rotation.

As shown in figure 27 the pivoting base apparatus is for the location of a gas cylinder. The apparatus includes a base member 501 supported by a first support member 502. The first support member 502 is supported by a second support member 503. The apparatus includes a notification means 504.

The base member 501 has an upper surface 505 and a lower surface 506. The second support member has an upper surface 507 and a lower surface 508. The base member 501 has a pivoting means 509 which pivots on the first support member 502. First support member 502 has a notch 510 to enable pivoting of the base member 501 on the first support member. Preferably the first support member 502 is one of a pair of angle iron members which enable the base member 501 to straddle therebetween and pivot.

The base member 501 can be a plate member or a bar member. Any base member shape and or thickness are possible as long as the gas container is safely held upright and can pivot appropriately when required. The second support member 503 can be any solid member that can allow the gas container to sit upright and allow for the pivoting of the base. For example a concrete slab which can be specially made or it can an insitu slab. The base member 501 has the lower surface 505 that faces the upper surface 507 of the slab 503. First support member 502 rests on the upper surface 507 of the slab. The notification means 504 comprises an assembly that is fitted between the lower surface 506 of the plate 501 and the upper surface 507 of the slab 503. The notification assembly includes a first part 511 located on the lower surface 506 and a second part 512 located on the upper surface 507 of the slab 503. The first part 511 can be a magnetic switch contact and the second part 512 can be a reed switch mounted in a conduit 513. The conduit 513 can lead out through the slab 503 to any convenient connection and contains suitable wiring 514. The apparatus includes a third support device 515. This can include at least one up-right member(s) 516 and locating base bracket 517 as shown in figure 27. This can be simply bolted to the slab. Bracket 517 is not essential. The upright(s) could be fixed directly to the slab if desired. On the upper surface 507 between the lower surface 506 of the plate 501 there is at least one fourth support member 519 or 520. These members can be any shape, thickness and can be provided in any suitable position that provides some bearing support between the plate and slab without placing any or too much stress on the notification means. Minimally all that is needed for the circuit to be connected is for close contact electrically without putting any weight thereon.

When a full gas bottle is in place on the upper surface 505 of plate 101, with the appropriate counterweight not shown or using the weight of the plate itself as the counterweight, the plate 501 balances to a level position wherein the first part 511 does not contact 512 i.e. the circuit is broken or is open. When the bottle empties the plate 501 drops till contact between 511 and 512 occurs and the circuit is completed and notification through telephone lines occurs. The fourth support members provide additional support to the plate which is also bearing on the notification means.

As shown in figures 28-31, the pivoting base apparatus can be in the form of a first member 800 that pivots on a second member 801 by a pivot means 802. In use at least one gas bottle G is located on the first member 800. The pivot means 802 can be provided by an elongate member 805 affixed to the first member 800 which slidably interfits with a bearing or bearing housing member 803 fixed to a support bracket 804. The pivot means and bracket are located at least at the sides or ends of the first member 800. First member 800 is a plate, which pivots by bearing means 803, which in turn are supported by a support. The support can be a bracket member 804, which is supported or is resting on a substrate eg a concrete slab 805.

A suitable counter-weight (not shown) or weight of the plate is also attached to plate 800. The counterweight can be a separate mass or it may be integrally formed with the plate. As shown in figures 29 & 30, the plate can be notched 806 to allow the elongate means 805 to be affixed thereto. Alternatively the plate may not be notched so that the bearing(s) 803 can simply be fixed to the plate 800 or the bearing 803 can also be in the form of a length matching the distance between the bracket supports 804. The bearings 803 can include an inner race and an outer race there being ball bearing therebetween.

As shown in figure 31, the bearing 803 can be situated substantially at the location of the plate force and or bottle force or at the fulcrum pivot point with respect to the downward vertical weight of the bottles at a distance from the pivot versus the counterweight at another distance (lever arm) form the pivot point P. The elongate means 805 can be attached to the plate (preferably underneath or within the notches) at, at least two sides other of, have a portion protruding from the plate side edge. The protruding portion slidably interfits with the bearing or bush member 803 to allow rotation of the pivoting plate 800.

The apparatus can also have a bottle support 807, which includes a vertical support 808 having at least at one end a lateral support 809 and a fixing part 810 at the other end to allow fixing to a substrate 805. Lateral support 809 can be for example a curved or angled planar support and the fixing can be a plate with suitable fixing in combination with a strap or chain.

Alternatively, as shown in figure 32 and 33, bearings 820 and any associated housing, can also be fitted to the pivoting plate 821 rather than the support bracket 822 which can reduce any cylinder weight bearing pressures on the top edge of the brackets which in-turn will resist the rotation of the cylinders need to move when the trip weight is reached. The bearings 820 can be Teflon™ bushes. By placing the bearing housing on the pivoting plate, as the plate and housing rotate there is significantly less frictional resistance when a cylinder is resting against the bearing.

In this example, the pivoting plate 821 has the bearing 820 directly attached thereto. This bearing can be a bush or bearing housing having at least one aperture 823. The support bracket 822 has an elongate means 824 that interfits with the aperture 823. The elongate means 824 can be an axle or rod or tube member that slideably interfits with little frictional resistance. The bracket 822 can be made up of a vertical portion 825 and a base portion 826. The vertical portion 825 can have an aperture for the interfitting of the axle. There are preferably at least two support brackets on each side of the pivoting plate. To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the description herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

Throughout the description of this specification the word "comprise" and variations of that word, such as "comprising", are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

ADVANTAGES

The pivoting base apparatus has the following advantages:

1. Low manufacturing costs.

2. Simple to install and operate.

3. Allows for single cylinder supply without running out of gas.

4. Less cylinders for storage of gas required on site

5. Automatic operation or manual operation.

6. Enables two or more gas cylinders to be used at once or consecutively.

7. Can include a support stand to assist in installation and provide earthquake protection

Claims

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A pivoting base apparatus for at least one gas cylinder, the apparatus including at least a first member, a second member and a notification means, the first member having a pivot means wherein the first member is pivotally mounted on the second member such that when the first member pivots, the notification means is automatically activated to alert customers and or suppliers to the weight status of the cylinder.

2. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first member is a plate member.

3. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first member is a bar assembly.

4. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the first member is substantially horizontal when in use, presenting an upper surface for a cylinder and a lower surface facing the ground.

5. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first member is rectangular in shape having an edge when viewed in plan view when in use.

6. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 4 wherein the first member is semi-hemispherical in shape having an edge when viewed in plan view when in use.

7. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 5 or 6 wherein the second member is a support member for the first member.

8. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 7 wherein the second member is substantially in the shape of a ring, which surrounds the first member edge and supports the first member by the pivot means.

9. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 7 wherein the second member is provided by at least a pair of support bracket members wherein the bracket members are notched at their upper end thereof to receive the pivot means.

10. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 9 wherein the bracket members are fixedly attached to a concrete slab.

11. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 10 wherein the pivot means is located with respect to the first member and second member such that a fulcrum is provided.

12. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 11 wherein the first member has a first end, a second end and sides wherein the pivot means is located on the sides adjacent the first end.

13. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 12 wherein a counter- weight is provided on the first member.

14. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 13 wherein the counter- weight is located on the lower surface of the first member.

15. A pivoting base as claimed in claims 13 wherein the counter- weight is located adjacent the second end of the first member.

16. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 12 wherein a counter- weight is provided by the weight of the first member.

17. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 wherein the counter- weight has adjustment means, which enables the pivot point to be shifted with respect to and on the first member.

18. A pivoting base as claimed in any one of claims 13-17 wherein the second member has at least two notches on an upper edge.

19. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 18 wherein the notches have a circular housing for at least one bearing.

20. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 19 wherein the pivot means includes a pivot point located at each end of the first member.

21. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 20 wherein the pivot means comprises a rod member located underneath the first member.

22. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 21 wherein the rod member has at least two portions, which are, rotatably located in each notch respectively, in the second member.

23. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 19 wherein the pivot means comprises an angle iron member located underneath the first member.

24. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 23 wherein the angle iron member has at least two ends, which are, rotatably located in each notch in the second member. .

25. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 19 wherein the pivot means comprises a plate member located underneath the first member.

26. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 25 wherein the plate member has at least portions, which are, rotatably located in apertures in the second member.

27. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 19 wherein the pivot means comprises an extension member located at opposing ends of the second member.

28. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 27 wherein the extension member comprises a bearing.

29. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 18 wherein the pivot means includes bearings fixedly located on each side of the first member which each rotatably receive an elongate member, wherein the elongate member is fixedly attached to a respective second member.

30. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 29 wherein the second member is a bracket member having one elongate member attached thereto and protruding therefrom.

31. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 28 or claim 30 wherein the notification means comprises a switching device.

32. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 31 wherein the switching device is connected to a communication means to enable notification to occur.

33. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 31 wherein the switching device is activated when a circuit is opened or closed.

34. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 32 wherein the communication means is a telephone line.

35. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 32 wherein the communication means is a cellular small message service.

36. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 32 wherein the communication means is a signal relay via a computer.

37. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 36 wherein a signal is sent via the telephone line to a gas supplier.

38. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 36 wherein the signal is sent to a third party monitoring station.

39. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 38 wherein the switching means is a reed switch.

40. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 38 wherein the switching means is a photo interrupter switch

41. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 38 wherein the switching means is a load cell.

42. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 38 wherein the switching means is a magnetic device.

43. A pivoting base as claimed in any one of claims 38 wherein the notification means includes a pivoting member.

44. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 43 wherein the pivoting member includes an indication means having a protruding member joined to an outer edge of a plate member.

45. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 44 wherein the indication means is a notification on the upper surface of the pivoting member becoming visible when in the low position.

46. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 45 wherein the pivoting member is located below the first plate member such that when the first plate member pivots, the pivoting member also pivots to provide a visual indication or flag to a user.

47. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 46 wherein the protruding member is a coloured member.

48. A pivoting base as claimed in claim 47 wherein the coloured member is a light means.

49. A pivoting base as herein described with reference to the figures accompanying the drawings.