WO2018102868A1

WO2018102868A1 - A holding assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018102868A1
Application number: PCT/AU2017/051338
Authority: WO
Inventors: Courtney Louise Haigh; Firth Etheridge Haigh
Original assignee: Courtney Louise Haigh; Firth Etheridge Haigh
Priority date: 2016-12-08
Filing date: 2017-12-06
Publication date: 2018-06-14

Abstract

A container holding assembly including a support member to support a container, the support member having two spaced apart walls, the spaced apart walls being an inner wall and an outer wall, a wire coiled around the inner wall and located between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein when a current is applied to the wire the inner wall is charged and the outer wall is oppositely charged forming a magnetic field between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein in use, the container is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field.

Description

A HOLDING ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container holding assembly. Reference will be made in the specification to the use of the invention with respect securing a gas cylinder to a vehicle. This use is by way of example only and the invention is not limited to this use. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When transporting a gas cylinder, the cylinder needs to be secured. An unsecured gas cylinder can roll around in a vehicle or in a trailer. An unsecured gas cylinder can pose a serious safety risk in the event of a vehicle accident or during harsh manoeuvring. Even in stable environments such as laboratories and other work spaces, an unsecured gas cylinder can pose a serious safety risk.

Currently, gas cylinders are secured in vehicles and trailers using straps. A problem with using straps is that a user must ensure that the straps are secured before the vehicle or trailer is moved. Due to human error, gas cylinders can remain unsecured when straps are available.

Another problem with using straps is that a gas cylinder secured by straps in a vehicle or trailer and accessible from outside of the vehicle or trailer is susceptible to theft. To overcome this problem, some gas cylinders are chained to a secure point on the vehicle or trailer in addition to being secured by straps.

Straps used to secure a gas cylinder can also become stuck between the gas cylinder and a gas cylinder support, requiring a user to move the gas cylinder to access the straps.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above problems by developing and using a gas cylinder holding assembly, and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a gas cylinder holding assembly including

a support member to support a gas cylinder, the support member having two spaced apart walls, the spaced apart walls being an inner wall and an outer wall; a wire coiled around the inner wall and located between the inner wall and the outer wall,

wherein when a current is applied to the wire the inner wall is charged and the outer wall is oppositely charged forming a magnetic field between the inner wall and the outer wall,

wherein in use, the gas cylinder is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field.

Preferably the support member is shaped to support the gas cylinder. In one form, the support member is shaped to support a lower portion of the gas cylinder. Preferably, the outer wall is adapted to be located at least partially within a base of the gas cylinder. Preferably the outer wall extends further from a base of the support member than the inner wall. Preferably the outer wall and the inner wall are substantially circular. In another form, the support member has an arcuate shape to support a cylindrical portion of the gas cylinder. In one form, the support member is adapted to support the gas cylinder in a horizontal orientation. In another form, the support member is adapted to support the gas cylinder in a vertical orientation.

Preferably the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a battery to supply a current to the wire. In one form, the gas cylinder holding assembly is adapted to connect to an external power supply. Preferably the external power supply is an electrical power supply of a vehicle. Alternatively, the external power supply can be mains electricity. Preferably the external power supply is used to charge the battery. In one form, the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a solar panel to charge the battery.

In one embodiment, the cylinder holding assembly includes an extension housing. Preferably the battery is located in the extension housing.

Preferably the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a proximity sensor to detect when a gas cylinder is in proximity to the support member. In one form, the proximity sensor is a proximity switch. Preferably the proximity sensor detects when a gas cylinder is within 5mm of the support member. In use, preferably the current is applied to the wire when the proximity sensor detects the gas cylinder.

Preferably the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a switch to selectively apply current to the wire. In one form, the current is applied to the wire when the switch is in an on position and the proximity sensor detects the gas cylinder. In one form, the switch is located remotely to the support member. In another form, the switch is actuated remotely. Preferably the switch is wirelessly actuated. Preferably the switch is wirelessly actuated by a mobile device using a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection between the gas cylinder holding assembly and the mobile device.

Preferably the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a controller. Preferably the controller is adapted to activate an alarm if the proximity sensor detects that the gas cylinder is no longer in proximity of the support member. Preferably the controller is adapted to activate an alarm if the battery has a low charge. Preferably the controller is adapted to activate an alarm if a loss of power is detected. Preferably the alarm is an audible and/or visual alarm. In one form the alarm is activated on a mobile device wirelessly connected to the gas cylinder holding assembly.

Preferably the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a sensor to sense the type of gas cylinder to be held in position by the magnetic field. Preferably, if the gas cylinder is sensed to not be of a predetermined type, current is prevented from being applied to the wire. In one embodiment, the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a scanner to scan a code on the gas cylinder to determine the type of gas cylinder. In another embodiment, the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a reader to read an electronic tag on the gas cylinder. Preferably the reader is an RFID reader and the tag is an RFID tag. Preferably the controller is adapted to activate an alarm if the gas cylinder is sensed to not be of a predetermined type.

In one form, the gas cylinder includes a ferromagnetic attachment. Preferably in use, the ferromagnetic attachment of the gas cylinder is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field. Preferably the ferromagnetic attachment is a clamp that attaches to the gas cylinder.

In one embodiment, the ferromagnetic attachment includes the battery. Preferably the ferromagnetic attachment includes a housing for the battery. Preferably the battery provides power to the gas cylinder holding assembly. More preferably the battery provides power to the gas cylinder holding assembly when the ferromagnetic attachment is in contact with the support member.

Preferably the gas cylinder holding assembly includes an attachment means. Preferably the attachment means is adapted to attach the gas cylinder holding assembly to a portion of a vehicle or a trailer, or a ground surface. Preferably the attachment means includes an aperture, which can attach the gas cylinder holding assembly to a portion of a vehicle or a trailer using a fastener such as a bolt. In one form, the attachment means is a flange having at least one aperture.

Preferably the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a magnetically permeable cover. The cover preferably covers at least a portion of the support member. In use, when the cylinder is supported on the support member, the cover is preferably located between the support member and the cylinder.

The wire is preferably an insulated wire. More preferably the wire is an insulated copper wire. The wire is preferably coiled around the inner wall a plurality of times. Preferably the wire is coiled around the inner wall at least between 50 to 500 times. More preferably the wire is coiled around the inner wall more than 500 times.

Preferably the inner wall is made from a ferromagnetic material. Preferably the ferromagnetic material is iron. In another form, the inner wall is made from a ferrimagnetic material. Preferably the inner wall defines an inner core. In one form, the inner wall defines a solid inner core. In another form, the inner wall defines a partially hollow inner core.

Preferably the outer wall is made from a ferromagnetic material. Preferably the ferromagnetic material is iron. In another form, the outer wall is made from a ferrimagnetic material. Preferably the outer wall is in magnetic contact with the inner wall. The outer wall preferably at least partially surrounds the coiled wire.

The gas cylinder holding assembly preferably includes a diode and/or a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of wire. In use, the diode and/or the capacitor inhibits a voltage spike across the coil of wire when current is removed from the coil of wire.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a gas cylinder holding assembly including

a support member to support a gas cylinder, the support member having a central core and an outer wall spaced from the central core; a wire coiled around the central core and located between the central core and the outer wall,

wherein when a current is applied to the wire the central core is charged and the outer wall is oppositely charged forming a magnetic field between the central core and the outer wall,

wherein in use, the cylinder is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field.

Preferably the central core is made from a ferromagnetic material. Preferably the ferromagnetic material is iron. In another form, the central core is made from a ferrimagnetic material.

Preferably the outer wall is in magnetic contact with the central core.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a gas cylinder holding assembly including

a support member to support a ferromagnetic attachment attached to a gas cylinder, the support member having a central core and an outer wall spaced from the central core;

a wire coiled around the central core and located between the central core and the outer wall,

wherein in use, the ferromagnetic attachment of the cylinder is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of retaining a gas cylinder, including the steps of

locating a gas cylinder in proximity to a support member of a gas cylinder holding assembly, the support member having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from the inner wall;

applying a current to a wire coiled around the inner wall and located between the inner wall and the outer wall, charging the inner wall and oppositely charging the outer wall forming a magnetic field between the inner wall and the outer wall; and holding the gas cylinder in position using the magnetic field.

Preferably the step of applying a current to a wire coiled around the inner wall includes actuating a switch to selectively apply a current to the wire. Preferably the step of actuating a switch to selectively apply a current to the wire includes wirelessly actuating the switch using a mobile device.

Preferably the step of applying a current to a wire coiled around the inner wall includes applying the current when a proximity sensor detects that the gas cylinder is in proximity to the support member.

Preferably the method further includes the step of activating an alarm if the proximity sensor detects that the gas cylinder is no longer in proximity of the support member.

Preferably the method further includes the step of activating an alarm if the battery charge level falls below a predetermined value.

Preferably the method further includes the step of activating an alarm if loss of power is detected.

In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a container holding assembly including

a support member to support a container, the support member having two spaced apart walls, the spaced apart walls being an inner wall and an outer wall; a wire coiled around the inner wall and located between the inner wall and the outer wall,

wherein in use, the container is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a container holding assembly including

a support member to support a container, the support member having a central core and an outer wall spaced from the central core;

wherein in use, the container is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field. In a further aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a container holding assembly including

a support member to support a ferromagnetic attachment attached to a container, the support member having a central core and an outer wall spaced from the central core;

wherein in use, the ferromagnetic attachment of the container is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a method of retaining a container, including the steps of

locating a container in proximity to a support member of a container holding assembly, the support member having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from the inner wall;

applying a current to a wire coiled around the inner wall and located between the inner wall and the outer wall, charging the inner wall and oppositely charging the outer wall forming a magnetic field between the inner wall and the outer wall; and holding the container in position using the magnetic field.

In one embodiment, the container is a storage box. Preferably the container is a tool box. In another embodiment, the container is a gas cylinder. Preferably the container includes a ferromagnetic material. Preferably the gas cylinder includes a ferromagnetic material.

In another aspect, the present invention broadly resides in a vehicle having one or more container holding assemblies, each container assembly including

wherein when a current is applied to the wire the inner wall is charged and the outer wall is oppositely charged forming a magnetic field between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein in use, the container is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field.

The features described with respect to one aspect also apply where applicable to all other aspects of the invention. Furthermore, different combinations of described features are herein described and claimed even when not expressly stated. Features relating to gas cylinder holding assemblies may be applicable to container holding assemblies, with the term 'gas cylinder' replaced with the term 'container'. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the present invention can be more readily understood reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross section view of a gas cylinder holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of the gas cylinder holding assembly of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross section view of the gas cylinder holding assembly of Figure 1 in use, retaining a gas cylinder;

Figure 4 is a schematic top view of a gas cylinder holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic cross section view of the gas cylinder holding assembly of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross section view of the gas cylinder holding assembly of Figure 4 in use, retaining a gas cylinder;

Figure 7 is a is a schematic cross section view of a gas cylinder holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a schematic top view of the gas cylinder holding assembly of Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a schematic cross section view of the gas cylinder holding assembly of Figure 7 in use, retaining a gas cylinder;

Figure 10 is a schematic top view of a gas cylinder holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 11 is a schematic cross section view of the gas cylinder holding assembly of Figure 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a gas cylinder holding assembly 10. The gas cylinder holding assembly 10 has a support member 12. The support member 12 has an inner wall 14 and an outer wall 16 spaced from the inner wall 14. The support member 12 is made from a ferromagnetic material, in this case steel. An insulated copper wire 18 is coiled around the inner wall 14 and located between the inner wall 14 and the outer wall 16 (individual strands of wire not shown). A cover 24 is located over the coiled wire 18.

The gas cylinder holding assembly 10 has flanges 20 with apertures 22. The flanges 20 and apertures 22 allow the gas cylinder holding assembly 10 to be attached to a portion of a vehicle or trailer or the like (not shown).

In use with reference to Figure 3, a gas cylinder 30 is located on the support member 12. The gas cylinder 30 is in close proximity to the inner wall 14 and the outer wall 16.

A base 32 of the gas cylinder 30 is located around the outer wall 16. This aids in locating the gas cylinder 30 on the support member 12.

A switch (not shown) is actuated and a current is applied to the wire 18, magnetically charging the inner wall 14 oppositely charging the outer wall 16, forming a magnetic field between the inner wall 14 and the outer wall 16. The gas cylinder 30 is held in position by the magnetic field. In one embodiment (not shown), the switch is wirelessly actuated by a mobile device.

In another embodiment (not shown) the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a proximity sensor to detect when a gas cylinder is in proximity to the support member and the current is applied to the wire when the proximity sensor detects the gas cylinder.

With reference to Figures 4 to 6 there is shown a gas cylinder holding assembly 10. Similar to Figures 1 to 3, the gas cylinder holding assembly 10 shown in Figures 4 to 6 has an inner wall 14 and an outer wall 16 spaced from the inner wall 14. The inner wall 14 can also be considered to be a central core. An insulated copper wire 18 is coiled around the inner wall 14 and located between the inner wall 14 and the outer wall 16 (individual strands of wire not shown). A cover 24 is located over the coiled wire 18.

In use with reference to Figure 6, a gas cylinder 30 is located on the arcuate support member 12. A switch (not shown) is actuated and a current is applied to the wire 18, magnetically charging the inner wall 14 oppositely charging the outer wall 16, forming a magnetic field between the inner wall 14 and the outer wall 16. The gas cylinder 30 is held in position by the magnetic field.

With reference to Figures 7 to 9 there is shown a gas cylinder holding assembly 10. In this embodiment, the support member 12 is substantially flat and adapted to support a ferromagnetic attachment 40 which is clamped onto a gas cylinder 30.

In use with reference to Figure 9, a magnetic field is produced in a similar manner to the gas cylinder holding assemblies 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6. The magnetic field holds the ferromagnetic attachment 40 in place. The ferromagnetic attachment 40 can be used when the gas cylinder 30 is made of a non -ferromagnetic material.

In one embodiment (not shown), the ferromagnetic attachment includes a battery to provide power to the gas cylinder holding assembly when the ferromagnetic attachment is in contact with the support member. A benefit of having the battery associated with the ferromagnetic attachment is that fresh/recharged batteries can be supplied with fresh/recharged gas cylinders.

With reference to Figures 10 and 11 there is shown a gas cylinder holding assembly 10. In this embodiment, the support member 12 is arcuate to support a gas cylinder (not shown) in a longitudinal orientation, i.e. with a longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder holding assembly.

In another embodiment (not shown) the gas cylinder holding assembly includes a sensor in the form of a scanner to detect the type of gas cylinder. If a predetermined type (correct type) of gas cylinder is detected, current can be applied to the wire to hold the gas cylinder in place. If an incorrect type of gas cylinder is detected current is prevented from being applied to the wire and/or an alarm is activated. A benefit of sensing the type of gas cylinder is to prevent accidental use of incorrect gases, for example in a medical or laboratory environment. ADVANTAGES

An advantage of the preferred embodiment of the gas cylinder holding assembly includes that gas cylinders can be retained without the need for straps. Another advantage of the preferred embodiment of the gas cylinder holding assembly includes the ability to actuate the gas cylinder holding assembly using a wirelessly connected mobile device. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the gas cylinder holding assembly includes the ability to sense the type of gas cylinder, to avoid the use of an incorrect gas cylinder. A further advantage of the preferred embodiment of the gas cylinder holding assembly includes easier recharging/replacement of the battery when it is associated with the ferromagnetic attachment.

VARIATIONS

While the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is herein set forth.

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

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A container holding assembly including

2. A container holding assembly as claimed in claim 1 , further including a proximity sensor to detect when a container is in proximity to the support member, wherein in use the current can be applied to the wire when the proximity sensor detects the container.

3. A container holding assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further including a battery to supply a current to the wire.

4. A container holding assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, adapted to connect to an external power supply.

5. A container holding assembly as claimed in claim 3, further including a solar panel to charge the battery.

6. A container holding assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a switch to selectively apply current to the wire.

7. A container holding assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the switch is actuated remotely.

8. A container holding assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the switch is wirelessly actuated by a mobile device using a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection between the container holding assembly and the mobile device.

9. A container holding assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container includes a ferromagnetic attachment, wherein in use the ferromagnetic attachment of the container is supported on the support member and held in position by the magnetic field.

10. A container holding assembly as claimed in claim 2, further including a controller adapted to activate an alarm if the proximity sensor detects that the container is no longer in proximity of the support member.

11. A container holding assembly as claimed in claim 3, further including a controller adapted to activate an alarm if the battery has a low charge or if a loss of power is detected.

12. A container holding assembly as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the alarm is activated on a mobile device wirelessly connected to the container holding assembly.

13. A container holding assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including an attachment means to attach the container holding assembly to a portion of a vehicle, trailer, or a ground surface.

14. A container holding assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including a diode and/or a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of wire to inhibit a voltage spike across the coil of wire when current is removed from the coil of wire.

15. A method of retaining a container, including the steps of

locating a container in proximity to a support member of a container holding assembly, the support member having an inner wall and an outer wall spaced from the inner wall; applying a current to a wire coiled around the inner wall and located between the inner wall and the outer wall, charging the inner wall and oppositely charging the outer wall forming a magnetic field between the inner wall and the outer wall; and holding the container in position using the magnetic field.

16. A method of retaining a container as claimed in claim 15, wherein the step of applying a current to a wire coiled around the inner wall includes wirelessly actuating a switch using a mobile device to selectively apply a current to the wire.

17. A container holding assembly or a method of retaining a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the container is a gas cylinder.

18. A container holding assembly or a method of retaining a container as claimed in claim 17, wherein the outer wall is adapted to be located at least partially within a base of the gas cylinder.

19. A container holding assembly or a method of retaining a container as claimed in claim 17, wherein the support member has an arcuate shape to support a cylindrical portion of the gas cylinder.

20. A container holding assembly or a method of retaining a container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner wall defines a solid inner core.