GB2423499A

GB2423499A - Carrier for a generally cylindrical container

Info

Publication number: GB2423499A
Application number: GB0503776A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wyndham Thomas Meredith
Original assignee: ALDERLY BUSINESS SERVICES Ltd
Current assignee: ALDERLY BUSINESS SERVICES Ltd
Priority date: 2005-02-24
Filing date: 2005-02-24
Publication date: 2006-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 2025-02-24
Also published as: GB2423499B; GB0503776D0

Abstract

A carrier (100) for assisting in transportation of a generally cylindrical container, such as a gas canister. The carrier includes first (102) and second (104) rigid elongate members that are connected together by at least one flexible strap (106, 108, 110, 112). At least one fastening strap (206A, B) is connected to each of the rigid members and is configured to be wrapped around a container (202) to releasably fasten it to the carrier such that the container is supportable directly or indirectly on at least one of the rigid members. The flexible strap may form a loop (302, figure 3) which acts as a handle. Brackets (118A, B) may extend from the rigid elongate members, said brackets supporting in use on end of the cylindrical container and providing a mounting point for wheels (120A, B).

Description

CARRIER FOR A GENERALLY CYLINDRICAL CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a carrier for a generally cylindrical container.

Gas canisters are widely used in various environments, including the home and camp sites. Such cylinders are available in the UK in various standard sizes: size 1 (6 kg propane/7g butane); size 2 (13 kg propane/I 5kg butane) and size 3 (19 kg propane). These cylinders can be rather heavy and therefore difficult to transport, especially over longer distances, such as between the point of purchase and the point of usage. This can be problematic because the cylinders tend to need to be transported fairly regularly for refilling, etc. Further, due to the height of the cylinder, if it is to be carried by the user in a domestic vehicle then it will normally have to be placed on its side in the boot/trunk compartment. However, the cylindrical shape of the container means that it tends to roll, which can be unsafe.

Embodiments of the present invention are intended to assist with the safe transportation of containers.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a carrier adapted for assisting in transportation of a generally cylindrical container, the carrier including: first and second rigid elongate members connected together by at least one flexible strap; and at least one fastening strap connected to each of the rigid members where, in use, the fastening straps are wrapped around a container to releasably fasten the container to the carrier such that the container is supportable directly or indirectly on at least one of the rigid members.

The carrier can further include at least one traction device connected to at least one of the rigid members. In a first mode of operation, the carrier is positioned such that it is supported by the traction device on a surface over which the container is to be transported. The traction device may include at least one wheel.

At least one bracket may extend from one of the rigid members, where, in use, one end of the container at least partially contacts the bracket. In one embodiment, the bracket also functions as a mount for the traction device.

The connecting strap may be connected to a first point along the length of one of the rigid members; a first point on the other rigid member; a second point on the other rigid member and a second point on the first rigid member. The carrier may include a handle device, which may be connected to at least one of the rigid members. The handle device may be formed by a loop in the connecting strap, e.g. a loop in a portion of the strap extending between the first and second points on the second member.

At least one of the rigid members may include a pair of struts projecting substantially perpendicularly from one surface of the rigid member, the two struts being spaced apart by a distance generally corresponding to a diameter of at least a portion of the container. A said fastening strap may be fixed to one free end of one of the struts. The fastening strap may be fitted with a releasable fastening arrangement such as a buckle mechanism.

A further strap may be suspended between the free ends of the pair of struts to form a cradle that assists with locating the container within the carrier in use. This cradle strap may also be fixed to the rigid member associated with the pair of struts, typically at a point around half way between the two struts. In one embodiment, a said fastening strap is formed of one end of a said cradle strap.

The carrier may include an arrangement that, in a second mode of operation, cooperates with a device for fixing the carrier to a surface. The surface may be part of a vehicle, e.g. a boot/trunk compartment surface. At least one end of at least one of the rigid members may form the surface fixing arrangement. The fixing arrangement may also include a strap connected to the vehicle surface that is wrapped over the ends of the rigid members.

The rigid members may be formed of a metal such as aluminium, or plastic.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit including a carrier substantially as described herein and a device for retaining the carrier on a surface of a vehicle.

Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of the features set out above or in the following

description.

The invention may be performed in various ways, and, by way of example only, an embodiment thereof will now be described, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a partial plan view of an embodiment of the carrier; Figure 2 is a bottom end view of the carrier of Figure 1 to which a container is fastened; Figure 3 shows the carrier and container in a first mode of operation in which the carrier is wheeled along a surface, and Figure 4 shows the carrier and container in a second mode of operation where the carrier is fixed to a surface of a vehicle.

Figure 1 shows several components that form an embodiment of the carrier 100. The embodiment shown in the Figures is a carrier suitable for carrying a size 2 gas bottle and its components have appropriate dimensions for accommodating such a bottle. The carrier 100 includes a first (lower in Figure 1) rigid elongate member 102. The rigid member 102 is a substantially flat length of aluminium having a thickness of around 3mm, a width of around 50mm and a length of around 455mm. The carrier further comprises a second (upper in Figure 1) elongate rigid member 104 having dimensions substantially identical to those of rigid member 102. The rigid components of the example carrier are formed of aluminium; however, it will be appreciated that other suitable materials, e.g. plastics, could be used for some or all of these components.

The first and second rigid members 102, 104 are connected together by means of a connecting strap. The strap can be formed of strong nylon webbing or other suitable materials, such as polyester or polypropylene, and in the example the strap has a width of around 50 mm. One end of a first portion 106 of the strap is connected to a portion of the first rigid member 102, around 82.5 mm from its right hand end. In the example, the strap is connected to a rigid member by means of a portion of the strap being laid substantially flat on top of a location on the rigid member that includes one or more apertures and then inserting one or more rivets through the strap and rigid member aperture to fix them together.

The portion 106 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the rigid member 102 and the end of that portion is attached to a similar location (i.e. around 80 mm from the right hand end) of the second rigid member 104. A second portion 108 of the connecting strap continues past the first rigid member 102 and (although not shown in Figure 1) loops around so that a third portion 110 of the connecting strap passes back over the second rigid member 102.

The loop (not shown in Figure 1, but labelled 302 in Figure 3) in the strap between portions 108 and 110 can form a handle device that may be used to assist with transporting the carrier and a fastened container as described below.

The end of the third portion 110 of the connecting strap is fixed to the upper surface of the second rigid member 104, at a point spaced around 80 mm from the left hand end of the rigid member. A fourth portion 112 of the strap then continues (in a direction substantially parallel to portion 106) back to the first rigid member 102. The end of the fourth portion 112 of the strap is fixed to the upper surface of the first rigid member 102, at a point spaced around 82.5 mm from the left hand end of the rigid member.

Thus, the two rigid members are connected together by means of the strap, such that when the portions 106, 112 of the straps are extended, the two members can be positioned so that they are substantially parallel with each other and have their corresponding ends substantially aligned. Although the connecting strap shown in the example is described as being a single length of material, it will be appreciated that, for example, portions 106, 108, 110 and/or 112 could be separate pieces of material. Connecting strap portions 106, 122 have a length of that generally corresponds to the height of the main body of the gas bottle that is intended to be transported using the carrier.

The first rigid member 102 is fitted with a pair of struts 114A, 1 14B.

Similarly, the second rigid member 104 is fitted with a pair of struts 1 16A, 11 6B.

Each of the struts 114, 116 is formed of a flat bar of aluminium having a thickness of around 3mm, a width of around 50mm and a length of around 255mm. Each strut is bent or formed to have an L shape, the shorter (base) portion of which has a length of around 65 mm and the longer (stem) portion of which has a length of around 190 mm. As shown for struts 114 in Figure 2, the base portion of each strut is fixed on top of the upper surface of its respective rigid member 102, 104, with the free end of the strut base portion being aligned with the corresponding end of the rigid member. Thus, the stem portion of each strut projects substantiaHy perpendicularly from a point around 65mm from the respective end of the strut and a there is a gap of around 325mm between the two opposed parallel stem portions of each pair of struts attached to one of the rigid members 102, 104. The size of this gap generally corresponds to the diameter of the main body of the gas bottle that is intended to be transported using the carrier, e.g. a size 2 or 3 gas bottle.

Also attached to the upper surface of the first rigid member 102 are a pair of wheel brackets 11 8A, 11 8B. The wheel brackets are formed of flat bars of aluminium having a thickness of around 3mm, a width of around 50mm and a length of around 155mm. Each wheel bracket is bent or formed to have an L shape, the shorter (base) portion of which has a length of around 60mm and the longer (stem) portion of which has a length of around 95mm. The left hand (in Figures 1 and 2) wheel bracket 118A is spaced apart from the left hand end of the first rigid member 102 by a distance of around 82.5 mm. Similarly, the right hand wheel bracket 11 8B is spaced apart from the right hand end of the first rigid member 102 by around 82.5 mm. The base portion of each of the wheel brackets 118A, 118B is fixed to the upper surface of the second rigid member 104 such that the stem portions of the two brackets are located at the bottom end of the carrier device 100. Spokes 11 9A, 11 9B extend substantially perpendicularly from the bottom end surface of the stem portions of the wheel brackets 118A, 118B, respectively, and wheels 120A, 120B are fitted to the spokes 11 9A, 11 9B, respectively.

It will be appreciated by the skilled person that instead of the set of wheels 120, a single wheel could be provided, e.g. at the centre of the rigid member 102. Further, some provision for the steering the wheel(s) may be provided. In alternative embodiments other types of traction devices can be used. For instance, when the carrier is to be used for transporting a cylinder over ice/snow, skis or skids could be attached to the carrier instead of wheels.

A further strap forming, in use, a cradle for the cylinder is connected between the two free ends of the struts 1 14A, 1 14B of the first rigid member 102. This cradle strap can be seen in Figure 2. One end of a first portion 204A of the cradle strap is connected to the free end of strut 1 14A and the portion 204A then passes down towards the centre of the second rigid member 104, where it is connected to the rigid member by means of one or more rivet. A second portion 204B of the cradle strap then passes up towards the free end of the first strut 1 14B. The cradle strap formed by the portions 204A, 204B can have a length approximately equal to half the circumference of the cylinder that is to be fastened to the carrier. Thus, as can be seen in Figure 2, the cradle strap portions 204A, 204B form a semi circular cradle suitable for holding the curved surface of a lower end portion of a generally cylindrical gas bottle 202.

The portions 204A, 204B of the cradle strap may be formed of one length of material, although they could be separate pieces. A similar cradle strap (not shown in Figure 1) can be connected between the free end of strut I 16A, the centre point of the second rigid member 104 and the free end of the other strut II 6B. This cradle strap can hold the curved surface of an upper end portion of the gas cylinder 202.

Also shown in Figure 2 is a fastening strap that can be used to releasably attach the container 202 to the carrier 100. A first portion 206A of the fastening strap extends from the free end of the left hand strut 1 14A. Another portion 206B of the fastening strap extends from the free end of the other strut I 14B. The portions 206A, 206B have lengths suitable for fitting around the part of the curved surface of the cylinder 202 that projects above the tops of the struts to securely hold the container on the carrier.

Attached to the free ends of each of the fastening strap portions 206A, 206B are co-operating parts of a buckle mechanism 208. Although a conventional two-piece buckle mechanism is shown in the example, it will be appreciated that other types of fastening means can be utilized, ranging from a S fl-a---- simple knot to more complex mechanisms that may be fitted onto either or both of the pair of fastening straps.

In the example shown In the Figures, a fastening strap comprising two portions (one portion connected to each strut) is shown. However, it will be appreciated that a single strap connected to one of the struts, e.g. I 148, could be used, that strap being fastened, for example, by fitting Into a buckle located on the opposite strut, e.g. 114A. In the example shown In the Figures, portions 206A, 2068 of the fastening strap and portions 204A, 2048 of the cradle strap are shown as being formed of the same length of material (I.e. a fastening strap middle portion of the length), but the various portions could be formed of one or more separate pleces. However, there can be manufacturinglstrength advantages in having the straps all formed of a single plece of materiai.

Similar fastening straps 306 (visible In Figures 3 and 4) with buckle mechanisms 308 aiso extend from the free ends of the struts 116A, 1168 of the second rigid member 104 to fit around the curved surlace of an upper portion of the cylinder 202 in use.

In the example shown in the Figures, the various rigid members, straps, struts and brackets are fixed together by means of rivets. However, It will be appreciated that any suitable ftdng means may be used e.g., nutlboft arrangements, welding or strong adhesives.

Having lengths of flexible material conned the two rigid members means that the straps can be folded and the rigid components brought together when the carrier is not in use, which means that it requires little storage space. In some embodiments, components of the carrier may be readily detachable to further assist with storage. Having connecting components formed of one or more pieces of flexible material means that the carrier is relatively lightweight, which can be beneficial to the user when transporting a heavy container. Also, the use of flexible straps in the carrier can have cost/manufacturing advantages.

Gas bottle cylinders come in various standard sizes and it will be appreciated that versions of the carrier having dimensions suitable for particular containers can be made. Also, some of the carrier components may be adjustable to allow the carrier to be used with cylinders of different sizes. For instance, the length of the connecting strap portions 106 and 112 may be adjustable in order to allow the distance between the two rigid members to be changed to accommodate differences in the height/length of various types of gas bottles, e.g. size 2 and 3 bottles. Also, the struts and/or wheel brackets may be slidably mounted on the rigid member 102 to allow canisters having different dimensions to be accommodated.

An example of how the carrier can be used to transport a cylinder will now be described. Typically, the user will lay the lower surfaces of the rigid members 102, 104 on a ground surface (as shown in Figure 2, for example) with the connecting strap portions 106, 112 fully extended so that the two rigid members 102 are spaced apart and substantially parallel with each other. The fastening straps will normally be positioned outside the gap between the struts so as to avoid them getting caught under the cylinder. The handle portion 302 of the connecting strap will also be extended away from the rigid members.

The bottom portion of the cylinder will normally first be lowered into the cradle formed by straps 204, with the bottom end of the cylinder being positioned so that it contacts the adjacent surfaces of the wheel brackets 118.

The upper portion of the cylinder 202 will then be lowered into the cradle formed by the strap spanning upper struts 116. After this, each fastening strap will be wrapped around the adjacent portions of the cylinder and the buckles closed.

The fastening straps may be tightened around the cylinder by pulling the loose end of one of the straps through the buckle. At this point, the cylinder will be substantially fastened to the carrier.

The carrier is now ready to transport the container fastened to it over the ground surface. Typically, the user will pull up the upper end of the carrier using the handle 302 until the only parts of the carrier in contact with the ground surface are the wheels 120. This is shown in Figure 3, where the carrier and container are drawn along the ground surface (in a generally right to left direction), with the upper ends of the carrier and container being tilted towards the user. The bottom end of the cylinder 202 rests on the upper surface of the wheel brackets 118 and the connecting strap portions 106, 112 are held taut and straight by virtue of the carrier being fastened to the cylinder.

In the case where the carrier and fastened container are to be transported in a vehicle before the container is removed from the carrier, an arrangement such as that shown in Figure 4 can be used. The carrier and fastened container are placed onto a surface of a vehicle, e.g. within the trunk/boot compartment or the back of a truck, such that the bottom surfaces of the rigid members 102, 104 lie on the compartment surface.

In order to secure the carrier and fastened container on the surface, a further fixing arrangement may be provided. In example of Figure 4, the fixing arrangement includes a pair of security strips (one of which, 402, can be seen in the Figure) formed of strong, but flexible/elastic material. The security strips are fixed to the vehicle surface (e.g. through apertures in the surface) so that they are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a gap of around 325 mm. Each strip is pulled over the upper surfaces of corresponding ends of the two rigid members 102, 104 so that all the ends of the two rigid members are held beneath the strips. Alternatively, a cargo net, cargo straps or the like could be wrapped over the carrier and fastened container, with edges of the cargo net/straps being fastened to suitable points/arrangements on the vehicle surface, It will be appreciated that other fixing arrangements could be used, e.g. bolts that fix through apertures in portions of the rigid members and into the vehicle surface. Such fixing arrangements will be removed when the carrier and fastened container are to be taken off the vehicle. The carrier and the fastened container can then be removed from the vehicle and may then, if necessary, be transported to a particular location over the ground surface using the wheels as described above.

When the carrier and the fastened container have been transported to the destination where the container is to be removed from the carrier, the bottom surfaces of the rigid members 102, 104 are laid on the ground; the buckles and fastening straps are undone and the user then lifts the container from the carrier and places the container at the desired location.

Claims

ALDERLY. 1.doc CLAIMS

1. A carrier (100) adapted for assisting in transportation of a generally cylindrical container, the carrier including: first (102) and second (104) rigid elongate members connected together by at least one flexible strap (106, 108, 110, 112); and at least one fastening strap (206) connected to each of the rigid members, the at least one fastening strap configured to be wrapped around a container to releasably fasten the container to the carrier such that the container is supportable directly or indirectly on at least one of the rigid members.

2. A carrier according to Claim 1, wherein the carrier further includes at least one traction device (120) connected to at least one of the rigid members (102, 104).

3. A carrier according to Claim 1 or 2, where, in a first mode of operation, the carrier (100) is positioned such that it is supported by the traction device (120) on a surface over which the container is to be transported.

4. A carrier according to Claim 3, wherein the traction device includes at least one wheel (120).

5. A carrier according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein at least one bracket (118) extends from one of the rigid members (102, 104), where, in use, one end of the container at least partially contacts the bracket.

6. A carrier according to Claim, 5 when dependent upon Claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the bracket (118) also functions as a mount for the traction device (120).

7. A carrier according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the flexible connecting strap (106, 108, 110, 112) is connected to a first point along ALDERLY. 1.doc the length of the first rigid member (102); a first point on the second rigid member (104); a second point on the second rigid member and a second point on the first rigid member.

8. A carrier according to any one of the preceding Claims, further including a handle (302) connected to at least one of the rigid members (102, 104).

9. A carrier according to Claim 8, wherein the handle is formed by a loop (302) in the flexible connecting strap (106, 108, 110, 112), e.g. a loop in a portion of the strap extending between the first and second points on the second member.

10. A carrier according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein at least one of the rigid members (102, 104) includes a pair of struts (116A, 116B) projecting substantially perpendicularly from one surface of the rigid member, the two struts being spaced apart by a distance generally corresponding to a diameter of at least a portion of the container.

11. A carrier according to Claim 10, wherein the at least one fastening strap (206) is fixed to one free end of one of the struts (116).

12. A carrier according to any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the at least one fastening strap (206) is fitted with a releasable fastening arrangement such as a buckle mechanism (308).

13. A carrier according to Claim 10, including a further strap (204) suspended between the free ends of the pair of struts (116A, 116B) to form a cradle thai assists with locating the container within the carrier (100) in use.

ALDRLy.1.doc

14. A carrier according to Claim 13, wherein the cradle strap (204) is also fixed to the rigid member (102, 104) associated with the strut (116), typically at a point around half way between the two struts.

15. A carrier according to Claim 14, wherein a said fastening strap (206) is formed of one end of a said cradle strap (204).

16. A carrier according to any one of the preceding Claims, including an arrangement (102, 104) that, in a second mode of operation, cooperates with a device (402) for fixing the carrier to a surface.

17. A carrier according to Claim 16, wherein the surface is part of a vehicle, e.g. a boot/trunk compartment surface.

18. A carrier according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein at least one end of at least one of the rigid members (102, 104) forms the surface fixing arrangement.

19. A carrier according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the fixing arrangement includes a strap (402) connected to the vehicle surface that is wrapped over the ends of the rigid members (102, 104).

20. A kit including a carrier according to any one of the preceding Claims a device (402) for retaining the carrier on a surface of a vehicle.

21. A vehicle fitted with the retaining device (402) of the kit of Claim 20.