WO2022094483A1

WO2022094483A1 - Frame assembly for transporting vessels and vehicle including the same

Info

Publication number: WO2022094483A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/057779
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jay A. DE VENY, III.
Original assignee: Hyzon Motors Inc.
Priority date: 2020-11-02
Filing date: 2021-11-02
Publication date: 2022-05-05

Abstract

A vehicle for transporting vessels includes a chassis, a plurality of wheels coupled to the chassis, and a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes a base, a first support beam coupled to the base, and a second support beam coupled to the base. The second support beam is spaced from the first support beam such that an opening is defined between the first and second support beams. The frame assembly also includes a bottom insert extending between and coupled to the first and second support beams. The bottom insert partially defines a storage region configured to store a vessel. The frame assembly additionally includes a top insert extending between and removably coupled to the first and second support beams. The top insert further defines the storage region when the top insert extends between and is coupled to the first and second support beams.

Description

FRAME ASSEMBLY FOR TRANSPORTING VESSELS AND

VEHICLE INCLUDING THE SAME

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to and all the benefits of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63/108,555 filed November 2, 2020, the disclosure of which is expressly hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to a frame assembly for transporting vessels and, more specifically, to a frame assembly for transporting vessels and a vehicle including the same.

2. Description of the Related Art

[0003] Conventional frame assemblies in the art for storing containers, such as vessels, typically include trays for storing the containers. Certain applications of frame assemblies, such as use with vehicles, are increasingly desired to occupy smaller packaging space, be lighter in weight, and allow for more modularity in assembling the frame assembly.

[0004] One example of recent vehicles desiring improved frame assemblies are vehicles transporting pressurized vessels. For example, vehicles that are powered by fuel cells, which have become an important renewable energy option, utilize pressurized vessels to store hydrogen for use by the fuel cells. As fuel cell technology continues to develop, there is a continued desire to improve efficiency, lifespan, and manufacturing costs of fuel cells, along with improved storage of hydrogen, which is used by the fuel cells to generate power. Known hydrogen tanks occupy a large storage volume on vehicles, are limited in modularity, and require substantial time to assemble.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved frame assembly and vehicle including the same, along with a method of assembling the frame assembly.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES

[0006] A vehicle for transporting vessels includes a chassis, a plurality of wheels coupled to the chassis, and a frame assembly. The frame assembly of the vehicle includes a base coupled to the chassis, a first support beam coupled to and extending in a first direction from the base along a first axis, and a second support beam coupled to and extending in the first direction from the base along a second axis. The second support beam is spaced from the first support beam such that an opening is defined between the first and second support beams. The frame assembly of the vehicle also includes a bottom insert extending between and coupled to the first and second support beams. The bottom insert partially defines a storage region configured to store a vessel. The frame assembly of the vehicle additionally includes a top insert extending between and removably coupled to the first and second support beams. The bottom insert is disposed between the base and the top insert with respect to the first axis. The top insert further defines the storage region when the top insert extends between and is coupled to the first and second support beams.

[0007] Accordingly, having the top insert further defining the storage region when the top insert extends between and is removably coupled to the first and second support beams reduces storage volume occupied by the vessels, provides greater modularity of the frame assembly, and reduces assembly time of the frame assembly. [0008] In another embodiment, a frame assembly for use with a vehicle for transporting vessels includes a base configured to be coupled to a chassis of the vehicle. The frame assembly also includes a first support beam coupled to and extending in a first direction from the base along a first axis. The assembly also includes a second support beam coupled to and extending in the first direction from the base along a second axis. The second support beam is spaced from the first support beam such that an opening is defined between the first and second support beams. The frame assembly additionally includes a bottom insert extending between and coupled to the first and second support beams. The bottom insert partially defines a storage region configured to store a vessel. The frame assembly further includes a top insert extending between and removably coupled to the first and second support beams. The bottom insert is disposed between the base and the top insert with respect to the first axis. The top insert further defines the storage region when the top insert extends between and is coupled to the first and second support beams. At least a portion of the bottom insert is resiliently deformable, and at least a portion of the top insert is resiliently deformable.

[0009] Accordingly, having at least a portion of the bottom insert being resiliently deformable, and at least a portion of the top insert bring resiliently deformable reduces storage volume occupied by the vessels, provides greater modularity of the frame assembly, reduces assembly time of the frame assembly, and improves storage of the vessels by securing the vessels with respect to the frame assembly.

[0010] In another embodiment, a method of assembling a frame assembly of a vehicle includes the steps of disposing a first vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the first vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts, disposing the first intermediate insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams such that the first intermediate insert is engaged with the first vessel, and disposing the second intermediate insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams such that the second intermediate insert is engaged with the first vessel and such that the first vessel is disposed in the first storage region. The method also includes the steps of disposing a second vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the second vessel is engaged with the first and second intermediate inserts, disposing the first top insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams such that the top insert is engaged with the second vessel, disposing the second top insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams such that the second top insert is engaged with the second vessel and such that the second vessel is disposed in the second storage region, and rigidly attaching the first securing bracket to the first and second support beams and the second securing bracket to the third and fourth support beams such that the first and second securing brackets compresses the inserts for securing the first and second vessels.

[0011] Accordingly, the above-described method reduces storage volume occupied by the vessels, provides greater modularity of assembling the frame assembly, reduces assembly time of the frame assembly, and improves storage of the vessels by securing the vessels with respect to the frame assembly.

[0012] In another embodiment, a method of assembling the frame assembly includes the steps of disposing a first vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the first vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts, disposing a second vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the second vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts, and disposing the first intermediate insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams such that the first intermediate insert is engaged with the first and second vessels. The method also includes the steps of disposing the second intermediate insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams such that the second intermediate insert is engaged with the first and second vessels such that the first vessel is disposed in the first bottom storage region and such that the second vessel is disposed in the second bottom storage region, disposing a third vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the third vessel is engaged with the first and second intermediate inserts, and disposing a fourth vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the fourth vessel is engaged with the first and second intermediate inserts. The method also includes the steps of disposing the first top insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams such that the top insert is engaged with the third and fourth vessels, disposing the second top insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams such that the second top insert is engaged with the third and fourth vessels such that the third vessel is disposed in the first top storage region and such that the fourth vessel is disposed in the second top storage region, and rigidly attaching the first securing bracket to the first and second support beams and the second securing bracket to the third and fourth support beams such that the first and second securing brackets compresses the inserts for securing the first, second, third, and fourth vessels.

[0013] Accordingly, the above-described method reduces storage volume occupied by the vessels, provides greater modularity of assembling the frame assembly, reduces assembly time of the frame assembly, and improves storage of the vessels by securing the vessels with respect to the frame assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a chassis, a plurality of wheels, and a frame assembly supporting a plurality of vessels.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the frame assembly.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 2, with the frame assembly including front enclosure, a back enclosure, a first side enclosure, and a second side enclosure for enclosing the plurality of vessels.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the frame assembly, with the frame assembly including a base, a first support beam, and a second support beam.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIG. 2, with the frame assembly including the first support beam, the second support beam, and also including a third support beam, a fourth support beam, and a bottom insert partially defining a storage region, with the bottom insert being further defined as a first bottom insert and a second bottom insert, and with the storage region being further defined as a first bottom storage region and a second bottom storage region.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 5, further including a first vessel disposed in the first bottom storage region and a second vessel disposed in the second bottom storage region.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIGS. 5 and 6, further including an intermediate insert, with the intermediate insert defining an intermediate storage region, with the intermediate insert being further defined as a first intermediate insert and a second intermediate insert, with the first and second intermediate inserts further defining the first and second bottom storage regions, and with the first and second intermediate inserts partially defining a first and second intermediate storage regions.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the frame assembly of FIGS. 5-7, further including a third vessel disposed in the first intermediate storage region and a fourth vessel disposed in the second intermediate storage region.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIGS. 5-8, including two additional intermediate inserts further defining the first and second intermediate storage regions, and with the two additional intermediate inserts partially defining two additional intermediate storage regions.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the frame assembly of FIGS. 5-9, including six additional intermediate inserts, a top insert, and a securing bracket, with the top insert being further defined as a first top insert and second top insert, and with the securing bracket being further defined as a first securing bracket and a second securing bracket.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a front view of the frame assembly of FIGS. 5-10, with the inserts being at rest such that each of the storage regions define a first diameter.

[0026] FIG. 12 is a front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 11, with the inserts being compressed against the vessels such that the storage regions define a second diameter less than the first diameter due to at least a portion of the inserts being resiliently deformable.

[0027] FIG. 13 is a front view of another embodiment of the frame assembly, with the frame assembly including the bottom insert, intermediate insert, and the top insert, with the bottom insert and the intermediate insert defining a bottom storage region, with the intermediate insert and the top insert defining a top storage region, with the bottom storage region being further defined as the first bottom storage region and a second bottom storage region, with the top storage region being further defined as a first top storage region and a second top storage region, and with the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts being at rest such that each storage region defines a first diameter.

[0028] FIG. 14 is a front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 13, further including the securing bracket, with the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts being compressed against the vessels such that each storage region defines a second diameter less than the first diameter due to at least a portion of the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts being resiliently deformable.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a front view of another embodiment of the frame assembly, with the frame assembly including the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts, with the bottom insert and the intermediate insert defining the bottom storage region, with the intermediate insert and the top insert defining the top storage region, and with the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts being at rest such that the bottom and top storage regions define the first diameter.

[0030] FIG. 16 is a front view of the frame assembly of FIG. 15 further including the securing bracket, and with the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts being compressed against the vessels such that the bottom and top storage regions define the second diameter less than the first diameter due to at least a portion of the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts being resiliently deformable.

[0031] FIG. 17 is a front view of another embodiment of the frame assembly, with the frame assembly including the bottom insert and the top insert, with the storage region being further defined as two storage regions, and with bottom and top inserts being compressed against the vessels such that each storage region defines the second diameter due to at least a portion of the bottom insert and the top insert being resiliently deformable.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a front view of another embodiment of the frame assembly, with the frame assembly including the bottom insert and the top insert defining the storage region, and with the bottom and top inserts being compressed against the vessel such that the storage region defines the second diameter less than the first diameter due to at least a portion of the bottom and top inserts being resiliently deformable.

[0033] FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method of assembling the frame assembly; and

[0034] FIG. 20 is a flowchart of another method of assembling the frame assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] With reference to the FIGS., wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a vehicle 30 for transporting vessels 140 is generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The vehicle 30 includes a chassis 32, a plurality of wheels 34 coupled to the chassis 32, and a frame assembly 36. The vehicle 30 may be any vehicle used to transport vessels. For example, vehicle 30 may be a vehicle at least partially powered by fuel cells. In such embodiments, the vessels 140 contain pressurized hydrogen. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the frame assembly 36 includes a base 38. With reference to FIG. 18, the frame assembly 36 of the vehicle 30 includes a first support beam 40 coupled to and extending in a first direction FD from the base 38 along a first axis Al, and a second support beam 44 coupled to and extending in the first direction FD from the base 38 along a second axis A2. The second support beam 44 is spaced from the first support beam 40 such that an opening 48 is defined between the first and second support beams 40, 44. The base 38 may extend between the first and second support beams 40, 44, and, in some embodiments, may be disposed between the first and second support beams 40, 44. It is to be appreciated that the base may be any suitable component coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44 for supporting the first and second support beams 40, 44. The frame assembly 36 of the vehicle 30 also includes a bottom insert 50 extending between and coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44. In some embodiments, the bottom insert 50 is disposed between the first and second support beams 40, 44. The bottom insert 50 partially defines a storage region 52 configured to store a vessel 140. The frame assembly 36 may optionally include side plates 138 for supporting the bottom insert 50 and/or the first and second support beams 40, 44. It is to be appreciated that the vessel 140 may be any vessel or container for carrying fluid. For example, the vessel 140 may contain hydrogen.

[0036] The frame assembly 36 of the vehicle 30 additionally includes a top insert 54 extending between and removably coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44. In some embodiments, the top insert 54 is disposed between the first and second support beams 40, 44. The bottom insert 50 is disposed between the base 38 and the top insert 54 with respect to the first axis Al . The top insert 54 further defines the storage region 52 when the top insert 54 extends between and is coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44.

[0037] Having the top insert 54 further defining the storage region 52 when the top insert 54 extends between and is coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44 reduces storage volume occupied by the vessel 140 and reduces assembly time of the frame assembly 36.

[0038] The frame assembly 36 may include front enclosure 126, a back enclosure 128, a first side enclosure 130, and a second side enclosure 132 for enclosing the plurality of vessels 140, as shown in FIG. 3. [0039] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom insert 50 is resiliently deformable, and at least a portion of the top insert 54 is resiliently deformable, as described in further detail below. Having at least a portion of the bottom insert 50 and a portion of the top insert resiliently deformable improves storage of the vessels 140 by securing the vessels 140 with respect to the frame assembly 36. It is to be appreciated that when a portion of the inserts are described as being resiliently deformable that a portion of the inserts may be further defined as being elastically deformable.

[0040] With continued reference to FIGS. 18, the bottom insert 50 may include a first bottom arm 56 and a second bottom arm 58 extending away from the base 38. When present, the first and second bottom arms 56, 58 partially define the storage region 52. The top insert 54 may include a first top arm 60 and a second top arm 62 extending toward the first and second bottom arms 56, 58, with the first and second top arms 60, 62 further defining the storage region 52.

[0041] When at least a portion of the bottom insert 50 and at least a portion of the top insert 54 is resiliently deformable, the first and second bottom arms 56, 58 of the bottom insert 50 may be the portion of the bottom insert 50 that is resiliently deformable and the first and second top arms 60, 62 of the top insert 54 may be the portion of the top insert 54 that is resiliently deformable. As illustrated in the storage regions FIGS. 11, 13, and 15, the storage region 52 of FIG. 18 may have a first diameter DI when the bottom and top inserts 50, 54 are at rest, and the storage region 52 has a second diameter D2 less than the first diameter DI when a vessel 140 is disposed in the storage region 52. Typically, the storage region 52 has the second diameter D2 when the inserts (i.e., the bottom insert 50 and top insert 54 of FIG. 18) of the frame assembly 36 are compressed against the vessel 140. In other words, when the inserts of the frame assembly 36 are compressed against the vessel 140, at least a portion of each insert expands to define the second diameter D2. When the storage region 52 defines the first diameter DI the storage region 52 may have an oval configuration (i.e., not a perfect circle), with the first diameter DI being defined as being along the semi-major axis of the oval (i.e., the widest diameter defined by the storage region 52). When the inserts of the frame assembly 36 are compressed against the vessel 140, the first and second bottom arms 56, 58 and the first and second top arms 60, 62 may abut one another. Typically, the storage region 52 defined by the top and bottom inserts 54, 50 has a configuration corresponding to the shape of the vessel 140, such as a circular configuration.

[0042] The first support beam 40 may define a first channel 42 and the second support beam 44 may define a second channel 46. When the first and second channels 42, 46 are present, the top insert 54 may be slidably disposed in the first and second channels 42, 46. Additionally, although not required, the bottom insert 50 may also be slidably disposed in the first and second channels 42, 46. However, it is to be appreciated that the bottom insert 50 may extend between the first and second channels 42, 46 and may not be slidable within the first and second channels 42, 46. As described above, when the bottom insert 50 and the top insert 54 are compressed against the vessel 140, the first bottom arm 56 and the first top arm 60 may be movable radially outwardly into the first channel 42, and the second bottom arm 58 and the second top arm 62 may be movable radially outwardly into the second channel 46. Having the first and second channels 42, 46 present allows the first and second bottom arms 56, 58 and the first and second top arms 60, 62 to elastically deform to accommodate the vessel 140. Then, after the vessel 140 is removed from the storage region 52, the first and second bottom arms 56, 58 and the first and second top arms 60, 62 deform inwardly back to their rest position. [0043] The first and second support beams 40, 44 may include a guide projection

142 extending within the first and second channels 42, 46. In such embodiments, the top insert 54 and, optionally, the bottom insert 50, may define a guide slot 144 configured to face the guide projection 142 of the first and second support beams 40, 44. When the guide projection 142 is present in the first and second support beams 40, 44, the top insert 54 is typically slidably disposed within the first and second channels 42, 46, and, more specifically, the guide projection 142 is slideable within each corresponding guide slot 144.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 17, the bottom insert 50 may include a middle bottom arm 86 and the top insert 54 may include a middle top arm 92. In such embodiments, the storage region 52 is further defined as two storage regions, with each storage region configured to store a vessel 140.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 13-16, the frame assembly 36 includes an intermediate insert 64 extending between and removably coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44. In one embodiment, the intermediate insert 64 is disposed between the first and second support beams 40, 44. When present, the intermediate insert 64 is disposed between the bottom and top inserts 50, 52 with respect to the first axis Al, and the storage region 52 is further defined as a bottom storage region 66 defined by the bottom insert 50 and the intermediate insert 64 for storing a vessel 140, and a top storage region 68 defined by the intermediate insert 64 and the top insert 54 for storing a second vessel 140. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the intermediate insert 64 is resiliently deformable. Having at least a portion of the intermediate insert 64 being resiliently deformable, along with at least a portion of the bottom insert 50 and the top insert 54 being resiliently deformable, improves storage of the vessels 140 by securing the vessels 140 with respect to the frame assembly 36. For example, each of the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 have an inner surface 146, with the inner surface 146 of each of the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 being configured to engage an outer surface 152 of each corresponding vessel 140. In one embodiment, due to at least a portion of the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 being resiliently deformable, the inner surface 146 of each of the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 is configured to engage the outer surface 152 of each corresponding vessel 140 and, in some embodiments, completely engages the outer surface 152 of each corresponding vessel 140. In such instances, the each of the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 are secured to each corresponding vessel 140 such that each corresponding vessel 140 is prevented from moving with respect to the frame assembly 36. Additionally, in such embodiments, the second diameter D2 of the storage region 52 corresponds to a diameter of the vessel 140. In one embodiment, the diameter of the vessel is equal to the second diameter D2 defined by the storage region 52. For example, when the inner surface 146 of the first and second bottom arms 56, 58 is completely engaged with the outer surface 152 of the corresponding vessel 140, the diameter of the vessel 140 is equal to the second diameter D2 of the storage region.

[0046] With continued reference to FIGS. 13-16, the intermediate insert 64 may include a first bottom intermediate arm 70 and a second bottom intermediate arm 72 extending toward the first and second bottom arms 56, 58 of the bottom insert 50 to define the bottom storage region 66, and a first top intermediate arm 74 and a second top intermediate arm 76 extending toward the first and second top arms 60, 62 of the top insert 54 to define the top storage region 68. When present, the first and second bottom intermediate arms 70, 72 are resiliently deformable, and the first and second top intermediate arms 74, 76 are resiliently deformable. When the first and second bottom intermediate arms 70, 72 are resiliently deformable, and when the first and second top intermediate arms 74, 76 are resiliently deformable, the bottom storage region 66 and the top storage region 68 each have a first diameter DI when the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50,

64, 54 are at rest, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15. In other words, the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 are not under any compressive forces such that the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 have their initial configuration. Additionally, as particularly shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the first and second bottom intermediate arms 70, 72 are resiliently deformable, and when the first and second top intermediate arms 74, 76 are resiliently deformable, the bottom storage region 66 and the top storage region 68 have the second diameter D2 less than the first diameter DI when a first vessel 140 is disposed in the bottom storage region 66 and a second vessel 140 is disposed in the top storage region 68 and when the bottom insert 50, the intermediate insert 64, and the top insert 54 are compressed against the vessels 140. When the bottom insert 50, intermediate insert 64, and top insert 54 are compressed against each corresponding vessel 140, the first and second bottom intermediate arms 70, 72 typically abut the first and second bottom arms 56, 58, and the first and second top intermediate arms 74, 76 abut the first and second top arms 60, 62.

[0047] With reference to FIGS 13 and 14, the bottom storage region 66 is further defined as a first bottom storage region 78, and the top storage region 68 is further defined as a first top storage region 82. In such embodiments, the bottom insert 50 and the intermediate insert 64 define a second bottom storage region 80 for storing a vessel 140, and the intermediate insert 64 and the top insert 54 define a second top storage region 84 for storing a vessel 140. When present, the bottom insert 50 typically includes a middle bottom arm 86 extending toward the intermediate insert 64 and partially defining the first and second bottom storage regions 78, 80. The intermediate insert 64 may include a middle bottom intermediate arm 88 extending toward the bottom insert 50 and further defining the first and second bottom storage regions 78, 80, and a middle top intermediate arm 90 extending toward the top insert 54 partially defining the first and second top storage regions 82, 84. The top insert 54 may include a middle top arm 92 extending toward the intermediate insert 64 and further defining the first and second top storage regions 82, 84.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the second bottom storage region 80 is disposed between the first bottom storage region 78 and the first top storage region 82 with respect to the first and second axes Al, A2, and the first top storage region 82 is disposed between the second top storage region 84 and the second bottom storage region 80 with respect to the first and second axes Al, A2. When the second bottom storage region 80 is disposed between the first bottom storage region 78 and the first top storage region 82 with respect to the first and second axes Al, A2, and when the first top storage region 82 is disposed between the second top storage region 84 and the second bottom storage region 80 with respect to the first and second axes Al, A2, the second bottom storage region 80 may be nested within the first bottom storage region 78 and the first top storage region 82 with respect to the first and second axes Al, A2, and the first top storage region 82 may be nested within the second top storage region 84 and the second bottom storage region 80 with respect to the first and second axes Al, A2. Having the second bottom storage region 80 nested within the first bottom storage region 78 and the first top storage region 82 and having the first top storage region 82 nested within the second top storage region 84 and the second bottom storage region 80 allows the frame assembly to be more compact than if the first and second bottom storage regions 78, 80 were coplanar. In particular, the dimensions of the frame assembly 36, namely the width of the frame assembly 36, is smaller because the vessels 140 can be nested and disposed closer to one another. [0049] With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the middle bottom arm 86 may be configured to be spaced from the middle bottom intermediate arm 88 when the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 extend between and are coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44. As shown in FIG. 14, the first bottom arm 56 may abut the first bottom intermediate arm 70, the second bottom arm 58 may abut the second bottom intermediate arm 72, the first top intermediate arm 74 may abut the first top arm 60, and the second top intermediate arm 76 may abut the second top arm 62 when the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 extend between and are coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44. Typically, as shown in FIG. 14, the first bottom arm 56 abuts the first bottom intermediate arm 70, the second bottom arm 58 abuts the second bottom intermediate arm 72, the first top intermediate arm 74 abuts the first top arm 60, and the second top intermediate arm 76 abuts the second top arm 62 when the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 are under compression (i.e., not at rest) such that the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 resiliently deform. In such embodiments, because the middle bottom arm 86 is spaced from the middle bottom intermediate arm 88, both the middle bottom arm 86 and middle bottom intermediate arm 88 may resiliently deform with respect to one another to secure each corresponding vessel 140. Additionally, because the middle top intermediate arm 90 is spaced from the middle top arm 92, both the middle top intermediate arm 90 and the middle top arm 92 may resiliently deform with respect to one another to secure each corresponding vessel 140.

[0050] It is to be appreciated that the frame assembly 36 may include any number of additional intermediate inserts 134, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 9-12. In such embodiments, it is to be appreciated that the above description with respect to the intermediate insert 64 also may apply to each additional intermediate insert 134. For example, each additional intermediate insert 134 may be resiliently deformable, and may be configured to secure one, two, three, four, or more vessels. When additional intermediate inserts 134 are present, the additional intermediate inserts 134 may define first and second intermediate storage regions 148, 150, and any additional intermediate storage regions 136. It is also to be appreciated that although four total intermediate inserts are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, any number of intermediate inserts may be included in the frame assembly 36 for securing the desired number of vessels. It is additionally to be appreciated that the additional intermediate inserts 134 may be equally spaced (i.e., the vessels 140 are equally spaced from one another), or may be unequally spaced (i.e., some vessels are closer to other vessels 140), such as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0051] It is to be appreciated that the frame assembly 36 may include a single bottom insert 50, top insert 54, and, optionally, intermediate insert 64. In such embodiments, each of the bottom insert 50, top insert 54, and, optionally, intermediate insert 64, may have an insert width IW defined along the storage axis SA for supporting each corresponding vessel 140. In such embodiments, the insert width IW is at least 90% of a vessel length VL defined along the storage axis SA of each corresponding vessel 140. In other embodiments, the insert width IW is at least 80% of the vessel length VL of each corresponding vessel 140. In other embodiments, the insert width IW is at least 70% of the vessel length VL of each corresponding vessel 140. In other embodiments, the insert width IW is at least 60% of the vessel length VL of each corresponding vessel 140. In other embodiments, the insert width IW is at least 50% of the vessel length VL of each corresponding vessel 140. In other embodiments, the insert width IW is at least 40% of the vessel length VL of each corresponding vessel 140. In other embodiments, the insert width IW is at least 30% of the vessel length VL of each corresponding vessel 140. [0052] Although not required, with reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-12, the bottom insert 50 may be further defined as a first bottom insert 94, the top insert 54 may be further defined as a first top insert 98, and the opening 48 may be further defined as a first opening 110. As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the frame assembly 36 may include a third support beam 102 coupled to and extending in the first direction FD from the base 38 along a third axis A3, and a fourth support beam 106 coupled to and extending in the first direction FD from the base 38 along a fourth axis A4 and spaced from the third support beam 102 such that a second opening 112 is defined between the third and fourth support beams. The third support beam 102 may define a third channel 104 and the fourth support beam 106 may define a fourth channel 108. When the third support beam 102 defines the third channel 104 and when the fourth support beam 106 defines a fourth channel, the second top insert 100 is slidably disposed in the third and fourth channels 104, 108. The first and third support beams typically are disposed along a first plane and the second and fourth support beams are disposed along a second plane, with the first and second planes being parallel to one another. The first and third support beams 40, 102 are typically spaced from one another along the first plane with respect to the storage axis SA, and the second and fourth support beams 44, 106 are spaced from one another along the second plane with respect to the storage axis SA. The frame assembly 36 may include side beams 124 for supporting the first and third support beams 40, 102 and the second and fourth support beams 44, 106. It is to be appreciated that the first and third support beams 40, 102 may be configured as a wall and may optionally be integral with one another. Similarly, it is to be appreciated that the second and fourth support beams 44, 106 may be configured as a wall and may optionally by integral with one another. [0053] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-12, the frame assembly 36 includes a second bottom insert 96 extending between and coupled to the third and fourth support beams 102, 106, and a second top insert 100 extending between and removably coupled to the third and fourth support beams 102, 106. The second bottom insert 96 is disposed between the base 38 and the second top insert 100 with respect to the third axis A3, and the second bottom insert 96 and the second top insert 100 further define the storage region 52 such that a vessel 140 is supported by the first bottom insert 94, the second bottom insert 96, the first top insert 98, and the second top insert 100.

[0054] As particularly shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the intermediate insert 64 may be further defined as a first intermediate insert 114, and the frame assembly 36 may include a second intermediate insert 116 extending between and removably coupled to the third and fourth support beams 102, 106, with the second intermediate insert 116 is disposed between the second bottom insert 96 and the second top insert 100 with respect to the third axis A3. In such embodiments, the first and second bottom inserts 94, 96 and the first and second intermediate inserts 114, 116 define the bottom storage region 66, and the first and second intermediate inserts 114, 116 and the first and second top inserts 98, 100 define the top storage region 68.

[0055] It is to be appreciated that the description of the bottom insert 50, the intermediate insert 64, the top insert 54, and the additional intermediate inserts 134 extending between the first and second support beams 40, 44 equally applies to the second bottom insert 96, the second intermediate insert 116, the top insert 54, and the additional intermediate inserts 134 extending between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106, respectively. For example, each of the second bottom insert 96, the second intermediate insert 116, the top insert 54, and the additional intermediate inserts 134 extending between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 may be resiliently deformable.

[0056] Typically, the longer the vessel length VL, the frame assembly 36 typically includes the first and second support beams 40, 44 and the third and fourth support beams 102, 106. For example, when a ratio of the vessel length VL to the second diameter D2 is greater than 4:1, greater than 5:1, greater than 6:1, greater than 7:1, or greater than 8:1, the frame assembly 36 typically includes the first and second support beams 40, 44 and the third and fourth support beams 102, 106. This is typically advantageous because the frame assembly 36 can adequately secure each corresponding vessel 140 without requiring longer, single inserts, which is more costly to manufacture, and increases the overall weight of the frame assembly 36.

[0057] The frame assembly 36 typically includes a securing bracket 118 configured to be rigidly coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44. The securing bracket 118 is configured to compress the inserts (e.g., the bottom insert 50, the top insert 54, and, when present, the intermediate insert 64) against at least one vessel 140 and/or against one another for securing at least one vessel 140. For example, when the frame assembly 36 includes the bottom insert 50 and the top insert 54, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the securing bracket 118 is configured to compress the bottom insert 50 and the top insert 54 to secure the corresponding vessel 140. As described above, the storage region 52 defines the first diameter DI when the top insert 54 and bottom insert 50 are at rest. After the securing bracket 118 is rigidly coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44, the bottom insert 50 and the top insert 54 are compressed against the vessel 140 such that the storage region 52 defined by the bottom insert 50 and the top insert 54 has the second diameter D2 less than the first diameter DI. [0058] As shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 16, the securing bracket 118 is configured to compress the bottom insert 50, the intermediate insert 64, and the top insert 54 to secure the corresponding vessels 140. As described above, the storage region 52, such as when the storage region 52 is further defined as the bottom storage region 66 and the top storage region 68 in FIG. 15, defines the first diameter DI when the bottom insert 50, the intermediate insert 64, and the top insert 54 are at rest. After the securing bracket 118 is rigidly coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44, as shown in FIGS. 16, the bottom insert 50, the intermediate insert 64, and the top insert 54 are compressed against each corresponding vessel 140 such that the bottom storage region 66 defined by the bottom insert 50 and intermediate insert 64 has the second diameter D2 and such that the top storage region 68 defined by the intermediate insert 64 and the top insert 54 has the second diameter. As also described above, the storage region 52, such as when the storage region 52 is further defined as the first bottom storage region 78, the second bottom storage region 80, the first top storage region 82, and the second top storage region 84 in FIG. 13, defines the first diameter DI when the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54 are at rest. After the securing bracket 118 is rigidly coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44, the bottom insert 50, the intermediate insert 64, and the top insert 54 are compressed against each corresponding vessel 140 such that the first and second bottom storage regions 78, 80 defined by the bottom insert 50 and intermediate insert 64 have the second diameter D2 and such that the first and second top storage regions 82, 84 defined by the intermediate insert 64 and the top insert 54 have the second diameter D2.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 10, the securing bracket 118 may be further defined as a first securing bracket 120, and with the frame assembly 36 may include a second securing bracket 122 configured to be rigidly coupled to the third and fourth support beams 102, 106, the second securing bracket 122 is configured to compress the inserts for securing at least one vessel 140. It is to be appreciated that the description of the securing bracket 118 equally applies to the second securing bracket 122.

[0060] Due to the compression of the inserts of the frame assembly 36 against each corresponding vessel 140, the inserts may be coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44 without the use of fasteners, such as screws, rivets, or bolts. For example, the bottom insert 50, the top insert 54, and, when present, the intermediate insert 64, may be coupled to the first and second support beams 40, 44 without the use of fasteners. Similarly, the second bottom insert 96, the second top insert 100, and, when present, the second intermediate insert 116, may be coupled to the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 without the use of fasteners.

[0061] The inserts, such as embodiments including the bottom and top inserts 50, 54, embodiments including the bottom, intermediate, and top inserts 50, 64, 54, and embodiments including the first and second bottom inserts 94, 96, first and second intermediate inserts 114, 116, and first and second top inserts 98, 100 may be comprised of a plastic material. Having the inserts comprised of a plastic material space results in a lighter and less costly frame assembly 36. The plastic material may be further defined as a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material may be further defined as polyoxymethylene. Other non-limiting examples of the plastic material is a high-density plastic, such as high-density polyethylene, and composite materials. It is to be appreciated that other materials that are resiliently deformable when under compression, such as aluminum, may be used for the inserts.

[0062] A method 200, as shown in FIG. 19, of assembling the frame assembly 36 of the vehicle 30 includes the step of disposing a first vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the first vessel 140 is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts 94, 96, as indicated by box 202. The method 200 also includes the step 204 of disposing the first intermediate insert 114 in the first opening 110 between the first and second support beams 40, 44 such that the first intermediate insert 114 is engaged with the first vessel 140, as indicated by box 204. The method 200 further includes the step of disposing the second intermediate insert 116 in the second opening 112 between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 such that the second intermediate insert 116 is engaged with the first vessel 140 and such that the first vessel 140 is disposed in the first storage region 52, as indicated by box 206. The method 200 additionally includes the step of disposing a second vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the second vessel 140 is engaged with the first and second intermediate inserts 114, 116, as indicated by box 208. The method 200 also includes the step of disposing the first top insert 98 in the first opening 110 between the first and second support beams 40, 44 such that the top insert 54 is engaged with the second vessel 140, as indicated by box 210. The method 200 additionally includes the step of disposing the second top insert 100 in the second opening 112 between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 such that the second top insert 100 is engaged with the second vessel 140 and such that the second vessel 140 is disposed in the second storage region 52, as indicated by box 212. The method 200 further includes the step of rigidly attaching the first securing bracket 120 to the first and second support beams 40, 44 and the second securing bracket 122 to the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 such that the second securing bracket 120, 122 compress the inserts for securing the first and second vessels 140 as indicated by box 214.

[0063] The method 200 may also include the steps of disposing the first bottom insert 94 in the first opening 110 between the first and second support beams 40, 44, and disposing the second bottom insert 96 in the second opening 112 between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106. The step of disposing the first bottom insert 94 in the first opening 110 between the first and second support beams 40, 44 and the step of disposing the second bottom insert 96 in the second opening 112 between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 occur before the step 202 of disposing the first vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the first vessel 140 is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts 94, 96 and before the step 208 disposing the second vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the second vessel 140 is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts 94, 96.

[0064] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, a method 300 of assembling the frame assembly 36 includes the step of disposing a first vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the first vessel 140 engaged with the first and second bottom inserts 94, 96, as indicated by box 302. The method 300 also includes the step of disposing a second vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the second vessel 140 is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts 94, 96, as indicated by box 304. The method 300 additionally includes the step of disposing the first intermediate insert 114 in the first opening 110 between the first and second support beams 40, 44 such that the first intermediate insert 114 is engaged with the first and second vessels 140 as indicated by box 306. The method 300 further includes the step of disposing the second intermediate insert 116 in the second opening 112 between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 such that the second intermediate insert 116 is engaged with the first and second vessels 140 such that the first vessel 140 is disposed in the first bottom storage region 78 and such that the second vessel 140 is disposed in the second bottom storage region 80, as indicated by box 308. The method 300 also includes the step of disposing a third vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the third vessel 140 is engaged with the first and second intermediate inserts 114, 116, as indicated in box 310. The method 300 additionally includes the step of disposing a fourth vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the fourth vessel 140 is engaged with the first and second intermediate inserts 114, 116, as indicated by box 312. The method 300 additionally includes the step of disposing the first top insert 98 in the first opening 110 between the first and second support beams 40, 44 such that the top insert 54 is engaged with the third and fourth vessels 140 as indicated by box 314. The method 300 further includes the step of disposing the second top insert 100 in the second opening 112 between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 such that the second top insert 100 is engaged with the third and fourth vessels 140 such that the third vessel 140 is disposed in the first top storage region 82 and such that the fourth vessel 140 is disposed in the second top storage region 84, as indicated by box 316. The method 300 additionally includes the step of rigidly attaching the first securing bracket 120 to the first and second support beams 40, 44 and the second securing bracket 122 to the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 such that the first and second securing brackets 120, 122 compress the inserts for securing the first, second, third, and fourth vessels 140.

[0065] The method 300 may include the step of disposing the first bottom insert 94 in the first opening 110 between the first and second support beams 40, 44, disposing the second bottom insert 96 in the second opening 112 between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106. In such embodiments, the step of disposing the first bottom insert 94 in the first opening 110 between the first and second support beams 40, 44 and the step of disposing the second bottom insert 96 in the second opening 112 between the third and fourth support beams 102, 106 occur before the step 302 of disposing a first vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the first vessel 140 is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts 94, 96, and the step 304 of disposing a second vessel 140 in and extending between the first and second openings 110, 112 such that the second vessel 140 is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts 94, 96.

[0066] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle for transporting vessels, said vehicle comprising: a chassis; a plurality of wheels coupled to said chassis; and a frame assembly, comprising, a base coupled to said chassis; a first support beam coupled to and extending in a first direction from said base along a first axis; a second support beam coupled to and extending in said first direction from said base along a second axis, wherein said second support beam is spaced from said first support beam such that an opening is defined between said first and second support beams; a bottom insert extending between and coupled to said first and second support beams, wherein said bottom insert partially defines a storage region configured to store a vessel; and a top insert extending between and removably coupled to said first and second support beams, wherein said bottom insert is disposed between said base and said top insert with respect to said first axis; with said top insert further defining said storage region when said top insert extends between and is coupled to said first and second support beams.

2. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said bottom insert is resiliently deformable, and wherein at least a portion of said top insert is resiliently deformable.

28

3. The vehicle as set forth in claim 2, wherein said bottom insert comprises a first bottom arm and a second bottom arm extending away from said base, wherein said first and second bottom arms partially define said storage region, wherein said top insert comprises a first top arm and a second top arm extending toward said first and second bottom arms, wherein first and second top arms further define said storage region, wherein said first and second bottom arms of said bottom insert are resiliently deformable, wherein said first and second top arms of said top insert are resiliently deformable, wherein said storage region has a first diameter when said bottom and top inserts are at rest, and wherein said storage region has a second diameter less than said first diameter when a vessel is disposed in said storage region.

4. The vehicle as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said storage region defined by said top and bottom inserts has a configuration corresponding to the shape of the vessel.

5. The vehicle as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an intermediate insert extending between and removably coupled to said first and second support beams, wherein said intermediate insert is disposed between said bottom and top inserts with respect to said first axis, and wherein said storage region is further defined as a bottom storage region defined by said bottom insert and said intermediate insert for storing a vessel, and a top storage region defined by said intermediate insert and said top insert for storing a second vessel.

6. The vehicle as set forth in claim 5, wherein at least a portion of said intermediate insert is resiliently deformable.

7. The vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein said intermediate insert comprises a first bottom intermediate arm and a second bottom intermediate arm extending toward said first and second bottom arms of said bottom insert to define said bottom storage region, and a first top intermediate arm and a second top intermediate arm extending toward said first and second top arms of said top insert to define said top storage region, wherein said first and second bottom intermediate arms are resiliently deformable, wherein said first and second top intermediate arms are resiliently deformable, wherein said bottom storage region and said top storage region each have a first diameter when said bottom, intermediate, and top inserts are at rest, and wherein said bottom storage region and said top storage region have a second diameter less than said first diameter when a first vessel is disposed in said bottom storage region and a second vessel is disposed in said top storage region.

8. The vehicle as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bottom storage region is further defined as a first bottom storage region, wherein said top storage region is further defined as a first top storage region, wherein said bottom insert and said intermediate insert define a second bottom storage region for storing a vessel, and wherein said intermediate insert and said top insert define a second top storage region for storing a vessel.

9. The vehicle as set forth in claim 8, wherein bottom insert comprises a middle bottom arm extending toward said intermediate insert and partially defining said first and second bottom storage regions, wherein said intermediate insert comprises a middle bottom intermediate arm extending toward said bottom insert and further defining said first and second bottom storage regions, wherein said intermediate insert comprises a middle top intermediate arm extending toward said top insert partially defining said first and second top storage regions, and wherein said top insert comprises a middle top arm extending toward said intermediate insert and further defining said first and second top storage regions.

10. The vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein said second bottom storage region is disposed between said first bottom storage region and said first top storage region with respect to said first and second axes, and wherein said first top storage region is disposed between said second top storage region and said second bottom storage region with respect to said first and second axes.

11. The vehicle as set forth in claim 10, wherein said second bottom storage region is nested within said first bottom storage region and said first top storage region with respect to said first and second axes, and wherein said first top storage region is nested within said second top storage region and said second bottom storage region with respect to said first and second axes.

12. The vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 9-11, wherein said middle bottom arm is configured to be spaced from said middle bottom intermediate arm when said bottom, intermediate, and top inserts extend between and are coupled to said first and second support beams.

13. The vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 9-12, wherein said first bottom arm abuts said first bottom intermediate arm, wherein said second bottom arm abuts said second bottom intermediate arm, wherein said first top intermediate arm abuts said first top arm, and wherein said second top intermediate arm abuts said second top arm when said bottom, intermediate, and top inserts extend between and are coupled to said first and second support beams.

14. The vehicle as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bottom insert and said top insert are disposed in said opening between said first and second support beams.

15. The vehicle as set forth in claim 14, wherein said first support beam defines a first channel, wherein said second support beam defines a second channel, and wherein said top insert is slidably disposed in said first and second channels.

16. The vehicle as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said bottom insert is further defined as a first bottom insert, wherein said top insert is further defined as a first top insert, and wherein said opening is further defined as a first opening, and further comprising a third support beam coupled to and extending in said first direction from said base along a third axis, a fourth support beam coupled to and extending in said first direction from said base along a fourth axis and spaced from said third support beam such that a second opening is defined between said third and fourth support beams, a second bottom insert extending between and coupled to said third and fourth support beams, and a second top insert extending between and removably coupled to said third and fourth support beams, wherein said second bottom insert is disposed between said base and said second top insert with respect to said third axis, and wherein said second bottom insert and said second top insert further define said storage region such that a vessel is supported by said first bottom insert, said second bottom insert, said first top insert, and said second top insert.

17. The vehicle as set forth in claim 16, wherein said intermediate insert is further defined as a first intermediate insert, and further comprising a second intermediate insert extending between and removably coupled to said third and fourth support beams, wherein said second intermediate insert is disposed between said second bottom insert and said second top insert with respect to said third axis, wherein said first and second bottom inserts and said first and second intermediate inserts define said bottom storage region, and wherein said first and second intermediate inserts and said first and second top inserts define said top storage region.

18. The vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein said third support beam defines a third channel, wherein said fourth support beam defines a fourth channel, and wherein said second top insert is slidably disposed in said third and fourth channels.

19. The vehicle as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said inserts are comprised of a plastic material.

32

20. The vehicle as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said inserts are coupled to said support beams without the use of fasteners.

21. The vehicle as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of said vessels, and wherein said vessel is configured to store hydrogen for powering a fuel cell.

22. The vehicle set forth in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a securing bracket configured to be rigidly coupled to said first and second support beams, wherein said securing bracket is configured to compress said inserts for securing at least one vessel.

23. The vehicle as set forth in claim 22, wherein said securing bracket is further defined as a first securing bracket, and further comprising a second securing bracket configured to be rigidly coupled to said third and fourth support beams, wherein said second securing bracket is configured to compress said inserts for securing at least one vessel.

24. A method of assembling said frame assembly of said vehicle as set forth in any one of claims 22 and 23, said method comprising the steps of: disposing a first vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the first vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts; disposing the first intermediate insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams such that the first intermediate insert is engaged with the first vessel; disposing the second intermediate insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams such that the second intermediate insert is engaged with the first vessel and such that the first vessel is disposed in the first storage region; disposing a second vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the second vessel is engaged with the first and second intermediate inserts;

33 disposing the first top insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams such that the top insert is engaged with the second vessel; disposing the second top insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams such that the second top insert is engaged with the second vessel and such that the second vessel is disposed in the second storage region; and rigidly attaching the first securing bracket to the first and second support beams and the second securing bracket to the third and fourth support beams such that the first and second securing brackets compresses the inserts for securing the first and second vessels.

25. The method as set forth in claim 24, further comprising the steps of: disposing the first bottom insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams; and disposing the second bottom insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams; wherein the step of disposing the first bottom insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams and the step of disposing the second bottom insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams occur before the steps of disposing a first vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the first vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts and disposing a second vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the second vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts.

26. A method of assembling said frame assembly as set forth in any one of claims 22 and 23, said method comprising the steps of: disposing a first vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the first vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts;

34 disposing a second vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the second vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts; disposing the first intermediate insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams such that the first intermediate insert is engaged with the first and second vessels; disposing the second intermediate insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams such that the second intermediate insert is engaged with the first and second vessels such that the first vessel is disposed in the first bottom storage region and such that the second vessel is disposed in the second bottom storage region; disposing a third vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the third vessel is engaged with the first and second intermediate inserts; disposing a fourth vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the fourth vessel is engaged with the first and second intermediate inserts; disposing the first top insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams such that the top insert is engaged with the third and fourth vessels; disposing the second top insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams such that the second top insert is engaged with the third and fourth vessels such that the third vessel is disposed in the first top storage region and such that the fourth vessel is disposed in the second top storage region; and rigidly attaching the first securing bracket to the first and second support beams and the second securing bracket to the third and fourth support beams such that the first and second securing brackets compresses the inserts for securing the first, second, third, and fourth vessels.

27. The method as set forth in claim 26, further comprising the steps of:

35 disposing the first bottom insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams; and disposing the second bottom insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams; wherein the step of disposing the first bottom insert in the first opening between the first and second support beams and the step of disposing the second bottom insert in the second opening between the third and fourth support beams occur before the steps of disposing a first vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the first vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts and disposing a second vessel in and extending between the first and second openings such that the second vessel is engaged with the first and second bottom inserts.

28. A frame assembly for use with a vehicle for transporting vessels, with the vehicle including a chassis, said frame assembly comprising: a base configured to be coupled to the chassis; a first support beam coupled to and extending in a first direction from said base along a first axis; a second support beam coupled to and extending in said first direction from said base along a second axis, wherein said second support beam is spaced from said first support beam such that an opening is defined between said first and second support beams; a bottom insert extending between and coupled to said first and second support beams, wherein said bottom insert partially defines a storage region configured to store a vessel; and a top insert extending between and removably coupled to said first and second support beams, wherein said bottom insert is disposed between said base and said top insert with respect

36 to said first axis, with said top insert further defining said storage region when said top insert extends between and is coupled to said first and second support beams; wherein at least a portion of said bottom insert is resiliently deformable, and wherein at least a portion of said top insert is resiliently deformable.

29. The frame assembly as set forth in claim 28, wherein said bottom insert comprises a first bottom arm and a second bottom arm extending away from said base, wherein said first and second bottom arms partially define said storage region, wherein said top insert comprises a first top arm and a second top arm extending toward said first and second bottom arms, wherein first and second top arms further define said storage region, wherein said first and second bottom arms of said bottom insert are resiliently deformable, wherein said first and second top arms of said top insert are resiliently deformable, wherein said storage region has a first diameter when said bottom and top inserts are at rest, and wherein said storage region has a second diameter less than said first diameter when a vessel is disposed in said storage region

30. The frame assembly as set forth in any one of claims 28 and 29, further comprising an intermediate insert extending between and removably coupled to said first and second support beams, wherein said intermediate insert is disposed between said bottom and top inserts with respect to said first axis, and wherein said storage region is further defined as a bottom storage region defined by said bottom insert and said intermediate insert for storing a vessel, and a top storage region defined by said intermediate insert and said top insert for storing a second vessel.

31. The frame assembly as set forth in claim 29, wherein at least a portion of said intermediate insert is resiliently deformable.

32. The frame assembly as set forth in any one of claims 30 and 31, wherein said intermediate insert comprises a first bottom intermediate arm and a second bottom intermediate arm extending

37 toward said first and second bottom arms of said bottom insert to define said bottom storage region, and a first top intermediate arm and a second top intermediate arm extending toward said first and second top arms of said top insert to define said top storage region, wherein said first and second bottom intermediate arms are resiliently deformable, wherein said first and second top intermediate arms are resiliently deformable, wherein said bottom storage region and said top storage region each have a first diameter when said bottom, intermediate, and top inserts are at rest, and wherein said bottom storage region and said storage region have a second diameter less than said first diameter when a first vessel is disposed in said bottom storage region and a second vessel is disposed in said top storage region.

33. The frame assembly as set forth in any one of claims 28-32, wherein said bottom insert is further defined as a first bottom insert, wherein said top insert is further defined as a first top insert, and wherein said opening is further defined as a first opening, and further comprising a third support beam coupled to and extending in said first direction from said base along a third axis, a fourth support beam coupled to and extending in said first direction from said base along a fourth axis and spaced from said third support beam such that a second opening is defined between said third and fourth support beams, a second bottom insert extending between and coupled to said third and fourth support beams, and a second top insert extending between and removably coupled to said third and fourth support beams, wherein said second bottom insert is disposed between said base and said second top insert with respect to said third axis, and wherein said second bottom insert and said second top insert further define said storage region such that a vessel is supported by said first bottom insert, said second bottom insert, said first top insert, and said second top insert.

38

34. The frame assembly as set forth in claim 33, wherein said intermediate insert is further defined as a first intermediate insert, and further comprising a second intermediate insert extending between and removably coupled to said third and fourth support beams, wherein said second intermediate insert is disposed between said second bottom insert and said second top insert with respect to said third axis, wherein said first and second bottom inserts and said first and second intermediate inserts define said bottom storage region, and wherein said first and second intermediate inserts and said first and second top inserts define said top storage region.

35. The frame assembly as set forth in any one of claims 28-34, wherein said bottom storage region is further defined as a first bottom storage region, wherein said top storage region is further defined as a first top storage region, wherein said bottom insert and said intermediate insert define a second bottom storage region for storing a vessel, and wherein said intermediate insert and said top insert define a second top storage region for storing a vessel.

36. The frame assembly as set forth in claim 35, wherein bottom insert comprises a middle bottom arm extending toward said intermediate insert and partially defining said first and second bottom storage regions, wherein said intermediate insert comprises a middle bottom intermediate arm extending toward said bottom insert and further defining said first and second bottom storage regions, wherein said intermediate insert comprises a middle top intermediate arm extending toward said top insert partially defining said first and second top storage regions, and wherein said top insert comprises a middle top arm extending toward said intermediate insert and further defining said first and second top storage regions.

39