Air tank locking mechanism

A self-contained breathing apparatus includes at least one air tank having a regulator, and a back plate configured to removably receive the air tank. The back plate has a plate having a tank engagement surface for engaging at least a portion of an air tank, a receiving cradle on the plate configured to receive the regulator of an air tank, and a locking mechanism associated with the cradle and/or the plate for releasably locking the regulator and/or the cradle relative to the plate. The locking mechanism has at least one locking member configured to move between a first locked position, wherein the locking member engages the regulator and/or cradle to restrict removal of the regulator and/or the receiving cradle from the plate, and a second unlocked position, wherein the locking member disengages from the regulator and/or the cradle to permit removal of the regulator and/or the cradle from the plate.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to an air tank locking mechanism and, in particular, a locking mechanism for securing an air tank to a harness back plate of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).

Technical Considerations

As is known in the art, there exist various self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) that provide an air tank attached to a back plate that can be worn by a user. SCBAs are commonly used in many industries, including the firefighting industries. Firefighters often utilize SCBAs when entering dangerous areas, such as structures which are on fire or areas where there is expected gas leaks, making breathing without the SCBAs hazardous and potentially lethal. In current SCBAs, the air tank is held in the SCBA by a strap that goes around the circumference of the air tank. The strap prevents the air tank from moving in the radial direction relative to the harness back plate. However, a problem with the current strap method of securing the air tank is that the strap method does not prevent the air tank from moving in the axial direction (i.e., in the vertical direction). Firefighters often move around, under, and over objects that may cause at least a portion of the air tank to strike an object. Such contact may cause the air tank to move in the axial direction and become dislodged from the harness back plate.

There is a need for an SCBA that is capable of securing the air tank to prevent axial movement of the air tank.

SUMMARY

Generally, provided is an improved SCBA that may have at least one air tank having a regulator, a wearable harness with a back plate configured to removably receive the at least one air tank. The back plate may have a plate configured for positioning on a user's back, the plate having a tank engagement surface for engaging at least a portion of the at least one air tank, a receiving cradle on the plate configured to receive the regulator of the at least one air tank, and a locking mechanism associated with the cradle for releasably locking the regulator in the cradle. The locking mechanism may have at least one locking member configured to move between a first locked position, wherein the at least one locking member engages the regulator to restrict removal of the regulator from the receiving cradle, and a second unlocked position, wherein the at least one locking member disengages from the regulator to permit removal of the regulator from the cradle.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking mechanism of the SCBA may have a biasing member configured for biasing the at least one locking member into the locked position. The biasing member may be a spring. In non-limiting embodiments, the at least one locking member is moveable linearly. In other non-limiting embodiments, the locking member is rotatable about a pivot point.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking mechanism of the SCBA may have a latching end opposite a controlling end, the latching end may be configured for engaging the regulator in the first locked position, and the controlling end may be configured for facilitating movement of the at least one locking member from the first locked position to the second unlocked position. The at least one locking member may be moveable to the second unlocked position due to linear or pivoting movement of the controlling end.

Also provided is an improved back plate for a wearable harness configured to receive at least one air tank. The back plate may be configured for position on a user's back, the plate having a tank engagement surface configured for engaging at least a portion of the at least one air tank, a receiving cradle on the plate configured to receive a regulator of the at least one air tank and a locking mechanism associated with the cradle for releasably locking the regulator in the cradle. The locking mechanism may have at least one locking member configured to move between a first locked position, wherein the at least one locking member engages the regulator to restrict removal of the regulator from the receiving cradle, and a second unlocked position, wherein the at least one locking member disengages from the regulator to permit removal of the regulator from the cradle.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking mechanism of the back plate may have a biasing member configured for biasing the at least one locking member into the locked position. The biasing member may be a spring. In non-limiting embodiments, the at least one locking member is moveable linearly. In other non-limiting embodiments, the locking member is rotatable about a pivot point.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking mechanism of the back plate may have a latching end opposite a controlling end, the latching end may be configured for engaging the regulator in the first locked position, and the controlling end may be configured for facilitating movement of the at least one locking member from the first locked position to the second unlocked position. The at least one locking member may be moveable to the second unlocked position due to linear or pivoting movement of the controlling end.

Also provided is a locking mechanism for securing a regulator of an air tank to a back plate assembly of a self-contained breathing apparatus. The locking mechanism may have at least one locking member comprising a latching end opposite a controlling end and at least one biasing member for biasing at least a portion of the at least one locking member. The at least one locking member may be movable between a first locked position where the latching end may be configured to engage the regulator to prevent movement of the regulator relative to the latching end, and a second unlocked position where the latching end is configured to disengage the regulator to permit movement of the regulator relative to the latching end. The controlling end may be configured for facilitating movement of the latching end and the at least one biasing member may be configured to bias the latching end to the first position.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the latching end of the locking mechanism may have a sloped surface configured for automatically moving the at least one locking member out of the locked position during the insertion of the regulator into the receiving cradle. The at least one locking member may be movable to the second unlocked position due to linear or pivoting movement of the controlling end. The biasing member may be a spring.

Further non-limiting embodiments or aspects are set forth in the following numbered clauses:

Clause 1: A self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) comprising: at least one air tank having a regulator; a wearable harness with a back plate configured to removably receive the at least one air tank, the back plate comprising: a plate configured for positioning on a user's back, the plate having a tank engagement surface for engaging at least a portion of the at least one air tank; a receiving cradle on the plate configured to receive the regulator of the at least one air tank; and a locking mechanism associated with at least one of the plate and the receiving cradle for releasably locking the regulator and the receiving cradle relative to the plate, the locking mechanism comprising at least one locking member configured to move between a first locked position, wherein the at least one locking member engages at least one of the regulator and the receiving cradle to restrict removal of the regulator and the receiving cradle from the plate, and a second unlocked position, wherein the at least one locking member disengages from at least one of the regulator and the receiving cradle to permit removal of at least one of the regulator and the receiving cradle from the plate.

Clause 2: The SCBA of Clause 1, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a biasing member configured for biasing the at least one locking member into the locked position.

Clause 3: The SCBA of Clause 1 or 2, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

Clause 4: The SCBA of any of Clauses 1-3, wherein the at least one locking member is movable linearly.

Clause 5: The SCBA of any of Clauses 1-4, wherein the at least one locking member is rotatable about a pivot point.

Clause 6: The SCBA of any of Clauses 1-5, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a latching end opposite a controlling end, wherein the latching end is configured for engaging the regulator in the first locked position, and wherein the controlling end is configured for facilitating movement of the at least one locking member from the first locked position to the second unlocked position.

Clause 7: The SCBA of any of Clauses 1-6, wherein the latching end has a sloped surface configured for automatically moving the at least one locking member out of the locked position during the insertion of the regulator into the receiving cradle or during the insertion of the receiving cradle into a cradle receiving arrangement on the plate.

Clause 8: The SCBA of any of Clauses 1-7, wherein the at least one locking member is movable to the second unlocked position due to linear or pivoting movement of the controlling end.

Clause 9: A back plate for a wearable harness configured to receive at least one air tank, the back plate comprising: a plate configured for positioning on a user's back, the plate having a tank engagement surface configured for engaging at least a portion of the at least one air tank; a receiving cradle on the plate configured to receive a regulator of the at least one air tank; and a locking mechanism associated with at least one of the plate and the receiving cradle for releasably locking the regulator and the receiving cradle relative to the plate, the locking mechanism comprising at least one locking member configured to move between a first locked position, wherein the at least one locking member engages at least one of the regulator and the receiving cradle to restrict removal of the regulator and the receiving cradle from the plate, and a second unlocked position, wherein the at least one locking member disengages from the at least one of the regulator and the receiving cradle to permit removal of at least one of the regulator and the receiving cradle from the plate.

Clause 10: The back plate of Clause 9, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a biasing member configured for biasing the at least one locking member into the locked position.

Clause 11: The back plate of Clause 9 or 10, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

Clause 12: The back plate of any of Clauses 9-11, wherein the at least one locking member is movable linearly.

Clause 13: The back plate of any of Clauses 9-12, wherein the at least one locking member is rotatable about a pivot point.

Clause 14: The back plate of any of Clauses 9-13, wherein the at least one locking member comprises a latching end opposite a controlling end, wherein the latching end is configured for engaging the regulator in the first locked position, and wherein the controlling end is configured for facilitating movement of the at least one locking member from the first locked position to the second unlocked position.

Clause 15: The back plate of any of Clauses 9-14, wherein the latching end has a sloped surface configured for automatically moving the at least one locking member out of the locked position during the insertion of the regulator into the receiving cradle or during the insertion of the receiving cradle into a cradle receiving arrangement on the plate.

Clause 16: The back plate of any of Clauses 9-15, wherein the at least one locking member is movable to the second unlocked position due to linear or pivoting movement of the controlling end.

Clause 17: A locking mechanism for securing a regulator of an air tank to a back plate assembly of a self-contained breathing apparatus, the locking mechanism comprising: at least one locking member comprising a latching end opposite a controlling end; and at least one biasing member for biasing at least a portion of the at least one locking member, wherein the at least one locking member is movable between a first locked position, wherein the latching end is configured to engage the regulator to prevent movement of the regulator relative to the latching end, and a second unlocked position, wherein the latching end is configured to disengage the regulator to permit movement of the regulator relative to the latching end, wherein the controlling end is configured for facilitating movement of the latching end, and wherein the at least one biasing member is configured to bias the latching end to the first position.

Clause 18: The locking mechanism of Clause 17, wherein the latching end has a sloped surface configured for automatically moving the at least one locking member out of the locked position during the insertion of the regulator into the receiving cradle or during the insertion of the receiving cradle into a cradle receiving arrangement on the plate.

Clause 19: The locking mechanism of Clause 17 or 18, wherein the at least one locking member is movable to the second unlocked position due to linear or pivoting movement of the controlling end.

Clause 20: The locking mechanism of any of Clauses 17-19, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting. Further, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.

InFIGS.1-6C, like characters refer to the same components and elements, as the case may be, unless otherwise stated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

All numbers and ranges used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. By “about” is meant plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value, such as plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered as limiting to any analysis of the values under the doctrine of equivalents.

Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning and ending values and any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and/or ratios disclosed herein represent the average values over the specified range and/or ratio.

The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but refer to different conditions, properties, or elements.

The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to”.

As used herein, “at least one of” is synonymous with “one or more of”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes one or more of A alone; or one or more B alone; or one or more of C alone; or one or more of A and one or more of B; or one or more of A and one or more of C; or one or more of B and one or more of C; or one or more of all of A, B, and C.

As used herein, the terms “parallel” or “substantially parallel” mean a relative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines, that is from 0° to 5°, or from 0° to 3°, or from 0° to 2°, or from 0° to 1°, or from 0° to 0.5°, or from 0° to 0.25°, or from 0° to 0.1°, inclusive of the recited values.

As used herein, the terms “perpendicular” or “substantially perpendicular” mean a relative angle as between two objects at their real or theoretical intersection is from 85° to 90°, or from 87° to 90°, or from 88° to 90°, or from 89° to 90°, or from 89.5° to 90°, or from 89.75° to 90°, or from 89.9° to 90°, inclusive of the recited values.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some non-limiting embodiments or aspects”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components is described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the disclosure.

No aspect, component, element, structure, act, step, function, instruction, and/or the like used herein should be construed as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” and “at least one.” Furthermore, as used herein, the term “set” is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, a combination of related and unrelated items, and/or the like) and may be used interchangeably with “one or more” or “at least one.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has”, “have”, “having”, or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based at least in partially on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. The term “some non-limiting embodiments or aspects” means “one or more (but not all) embodiments or aspects of the disclosure(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. A description of some non-limiting embodiments or aspects with several components in communication with each other does not imply that all such components are required. On the contrary, a variety of optional components is described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the disclosure.

As discussed herein, certain operations may be performed in a different order, modified, or removed. Moreover, steps may be added to methods described herein and still conform to the described embodiments. Further, operations described herein may occur sequentially or certain operations may be processed in parallel. Yet further, operations may be performed by a single processing unit or by distributed processing units.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

With reference toFIG.1, shown is a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)100in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. An SCBA100may contain at least one air tank102, a back plate106for securing the at least one air tank102, and a harness112to which the back plate106with the at least one air tank102is connected to. The at least one air tank102may have a substantially cylindrical shape having a lower end103spaced apart from an upper end105in a direction along a longitudinal axis109. The at least one air tank102has an air tank regulator104located at the lower end103. The air tank regulator104is configured to deliver breathable air from the tank102to a facepiece worn by the user via a hose and one or more additional regulators. The at least one air tank102may be secured to the back plate106by a strap110. For example, the upper end105of the at least one air tank102may be held by the strap110in order to prevent movement of the at least one air tank102relative to the back plate106. The strap110may extend around the outer circumference of the air tank102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the strap110may have a clamp107in order to secure the air tank102to the back plate106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the clamp107may be movable between a locked position configured for preventing movement of the at least one air tank102relative to the back plate106, and an unlocked position configured for permitting movement of the at least one air tank102relative to the back plate106, such as during loading and/or unloading of the at least one air tank102to/from the back plate106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the strap110may prevent the air tank102from rotating about its longitudinal axis109.

With continued reference toFIG.1, the back plate106may also have a cradle108configured for receiving the air tank regulator104at the lower end103of the at least one air tank102. The cradle108may be secured to the back plate106or be integrally formed therewith. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cradle108may be configured to prevent the air tank regulator104from moving relative to the back plate106in a direction along the longitudinal axis109of the at least one air tank102. In some embodiments or aspects, the cradle108may be removably connectable with the back plate106. For example, the cradle108may be configured for connecting with the air tank regulator104prior to connecting the cradle108and air tank regulator104assembly to the back plate106.

With continued reference toFIG.1, the harness112may be secured to the back plate106. The harness112has a pair of shoulder straps113that allow the user to wear the SCBA100like a backpack. When worn by the user, the back plate106rests on the back of the user. The harness112may be adjustable such that it may be tightened or loosened to fit securely on the user's body. The harness112may include a latching mechanism for securing the harness112to the user's body. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the latching mechanism may removably secure the shoulder straps113to each other.

With reference toFIG.2, shown is a non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the at least one air tank102and the back plate106. The at least one air tank102may be identical to the at least one air tank102shown inFIG.1. As shown inFIG.2, the air tank regulator104may be attached to the at least one air tank102, for example using a threaded connector. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the air tank regulator104may include a gauge111to indicate the amount of air remaining in the at least one air tank102. A valve113may be provided for controlling the flow of air out of the at least one air tank102.

With reference toFIGS.3A-3C, and with continued reference toFIG.2, the back plate106has a first end115having the cradle108and a second end117opposite the first end115. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the back plate106may have V-shape with the cradle108provided at the bottom of the V and a pair of arms119extending away from each other in a direction away from the cradle108. The cradle108has a locking mechanism200configured for selectively locking at least a portion of the at least one air tank102to prevent movement thereof relative to the back plate106in a direction along the longitudinal axis109of the at least one air tank102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking mechanism200may be provided directly on the back plate106and may be configured to removably lock the cradle108to the back plate106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking mechanism200may have at least one locking member206configured for engaging the air tank regulator104and/or the cradle108in a way so as to prevent movement thereof relative to the back plate106in a direction along the longitudinal axis109of the at least one air tank102. The locking mechanism200may be movable between a locked position, in which movement of the at least one air tank102and/or the cradle108relative to the back plate106is prevented or restricted, and an unlocked position, in which movement of the at least one air tank102and/or the cradle108relative to the back plate106is permitted.

With continued reference toFIGS.2-3C, the back plate106may have a tank engagement surface121configured to contact at least a portion of the at least one air tank102when the at least one air tank102is loaded onto the back plate106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the tank engagement surface121may be shaped to correspond to an outside shape of the at least one air tank102. As shown inFIG.2, the cradle108may be removably secured to the back plate106by the engagement with a cradle receiving arrangement125on the first end115of the back plate106. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cradle receiving arrangement125may be a groove on the back plate106that is configured to removably receive a corresponding tongue on the cradle108. In other embodiments or aspects, the cradle receiving arrangement125may include one or more fasteners for removably securing the cradle108to the back plate106.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cradle108may be shaped to define a cradle cavity127. The cavity127may be configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one air tank102, such as the air tank regulator104. The cradle cavity127may be defined by two or more walls129of the cradle108. The walls129may be parallel to the tank longitudinal axis109. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cradle108may have a base130that is spaced apart from the back plate106and is configured to provide shielding to the air regulator104, such as by surrounding at least a portion of the air regulator104in order to protect the air tank regulator104. The base may be perpendicular to the tank longitudinal axis109. The walls129may be located on opposite sides of the base130, or the walls129may be connected to each other. The cradle base130may connect two or more walls129of the cradle108. The cradle base130may have a cushioned pad for receiving the air tank regulator104. One or more walls129may have an indentation in the top of the wall. The indentation of the wall may provide for access to the air tank regulator104, or may allow a portion of the air tank regulator104to extend outside of the cradle walls. A cradle wall129may be located opposite of the back plate106. The wall opposite the back plate106may providing shielding of the air tank regulator104, protecting the regulator from potential hazards such as being struck.

With continued reference toFIGS.2-3C, the locking mechanism200may be operatively associated with the back plate106and/or the cradle108. In some non-limiting embodiments, the locking mechanism200may be associated with the cradle108such that the locking mechanism200is positioned to allow interaction with the air tank regulator104. For example, the locking mechanism200may be positioned to allow selective engagement with the air tank regulator104to prevent its removal from the cradle108when the locking mechanism200is in the locked position and permit its removal from the cradle108when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.

With reference toFIGS.4A-B, the locking mechanism200includes at least one locking member206. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking mechanism200may have a pair of locking members206. Each locking member206may be configured for moving between a first or locked position and a second or unlocked position. In the locked position, the at least one locking member206may be configured to engage the at least a portion of the air tank regulator104to prevent removal of the air tank102from the cradle108. Conversely, in the unlocked position, the at least one locking member206may be configured to disengage from the air tank regulator104to permit removal of the air tank102from the cradle108, such as by moving the air tank102vertically upward in a direction along its longitudinal axis109. In some non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of each locking member206may be configured to engage with a tank neck above the air tank regulator104(shown inFIGS.5A-5C).

With reference toFIGS.4A-4B, the locking mechanism200may be biased to the locked position. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking mechanism200may have a biasing member208for biasing the at least one locking member206to the locked position. In some embodiments or aspects, the biasing member208may be attached to the locking member206. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the biasing member may be attached to the back plate106or cradle108. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the biasing member208may be a spring, such as a torsion, a compression spring, or an extension spring. When the spring is decompressed or compressed to a first state, the spring may keep the locking member206in the locked position. When the compression spring becomes compressed from the decompressed state or the first state to a second state, such as due to movement of the locking member206from the first position toward the second position, a restoring force is built up in the spring to urge the spring back toward the decompressed state or the first state. Similarly, when an extension spring is extended from a first state to an extended or second state, such as due to movement of the locking member206from the first position toward the second position, a restoring force is built up in the spring to urge the spring back toward the first state. In case of a torsion spring, movement of the locking member206from the first position toward the second position may cause a first end of the torsion spring to rotate relative to a second end, thereby increasing the stored potential energy of the spring. In each instance, the biasing member208returns the locking member206toward the first, locked position after the urging force on the locking member206is removed. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the biasing member208may be an elastic band, elastic member, or a magnet.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member206may be movable be pivotally movable, rotatably movable, linearly movable, or movable in any direction via any combination of pivotal, rotatable, and linear movement between the first position and the second position. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member206may be pivotally moved about a pivot point408. The pivot point408may be a partial length down the longitudinal axis412of the locking member206. The locking member206may be attached to the back plate106or the cradle108through a through hole located at the pivot point408. The back plate106and/or cradle108may have a corresponding through hole such that one or more fasteners may secure the locking member206to the back plate106and/or cradle108through the through hole. The fastener may be a pin or any other member configured or adapted to mate the locking member206to the back plate106and/or cradle108. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the cradle108may be removable from the back plate106and the locking member206may be configured to releasably retain the cradle108on the back plate106. In such embodiments, the cradle108may be connected to the air tank regulator104prior to connecting the cradle108to the back plate106.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking member206may comprise of a latching end404opposite a controlling end402. At least a portion of the latching end404may protrude from the locking member206along a lateral axis414. The latching end404is configured to releasably engage at least a portion of the air regulator104and/or the cradle108in the locked position. The latching end404is movable between a first, locked position, where removal of the air regulator104from the cradle108is prevented due to interference between at least a portion of the latching end404and the air regulator104and/or the cradle108, and a second, unlocked position, where the air tank regulator104can be removed freely from the cradle108. In non-limiting embodiments, the latching end404may engage with the air tank regulator104by reaching over the top of the air tank regulator104, preventing the air tank regulator104from moving up past the latching end404. In other non-limiting embodiments, the latching end404may engage with the air tank regulator104by being inserted into a slot in the air tank regulator104. In some non-limiting embodiments, the locking mechanism200may include at least two locking members206such that the latching members206are positioned opposite one another and spaced apart from each other in the first position at a distance that is less than the width of the air tank regulator104.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the controlling end402may be configured for facilitating movement of the locking member206from the first, locked position to the second, unlocked position. The controlling end402may be exposed such that it can be actuated by a user. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, when a force is applied to the controlling end402in the direction of arrows A shown inFIG.4B, the controlling end402may move in a pivotal direction, causing the locking member206to move about a pivot point408. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, when a force is applied to the controlling end402, the controlling end402may move in a linear direction, causing the locking member206to move in a linear direction along the lateral axis414. The movement in the linear direction or about the pivot point408may cause the locking member206to move out of the first, locked position and into the second, unlocked position.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the latching end404of the locking member206may have a sloped surface406. The sloped surface406may be at an acute angle. When the air tank regulator104is inserted into the receiving cradle108, the sloped surface may face the neck of the air tank102. The sloped surface406may be configured to cause the locking member206to move out of the locked position during the insertion of an air tank regulator104into the receiving cradle108. During the insertion of the air tank regulator104, the air tank regulator104may come in contact with the sloped surface406. As the insertion of the air tank regulator104continues, the force of the air tank regulator104movement may push the sloped surface406to the outward direction. The force on the sloped surface406may cause the locking member206to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, allowing for the continued insertion of the air tank regulator104. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects where the cradle108is removable from the back plate106, when the cradle108is inserted into cradle receiving arrangement125on the back plate106, the sloped surface406may be configured to cause the locking member206to move out of the locked position. As the insertion of the cradle108continues, the force due to movement of the cradle108may push the sloped surface406to the outward direction. The force on the sloped surface406may cause the locking member206to move from the locked position to the unlocked position, allowing for the continued insertion of the cradle108.

In reference toFIGS.4A-B, shown is a non-limiting embodiment of a locking mechanism. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the locking mechanism may contain two locking members206. There may be a biasing member208for each locking member206in the locking mechanism. The biasing member may bias the locking member such that when the locking member206is in a resting position, the biasing member208will encourage the locking member206to the locked position (as seen inFIG.4A).

With continued reference toFIGS.4A-B, in non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the biasing member208may be a spring. One end of the spring may be attached to the locking member206. The other end of the spring may be attached to the cradle108or back plate106. When the spring is compressed, the locking member may be moved out of the locked position into the unlocked position (as seen inFIG.4B). When the spring is not compressed, the spring may cause the locking member206to be in the locked position.

In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, if more than one locking member206is included in the locking mechanism200, each locking member206may move independently of the other locking member206. Actuation of one of the multiple locking members206into the second unlocked position may not permit removal of the air tank102from the cradle108. In this manner, the locking mechanism200may have a redundant safety mechanism to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the air tank102due to an accentual actuation of a single locking member206.

In reference toFIGS.5A-5C, shown is a non-limiting embodiment of a locking mechanism at various stages of an air tank102insertion. This example non-limiting embodiment includes two locking members206located on opposite sides of an air tank regulator104. The locking members have a latching end404and a controlling end402, the latching end404having a sloped surface406. The latching ends are spaced apart from each other in the first, locked position at a distance that is less than the width of the air tank regulator104. The locking members206move in a pivotal direction about a pivot point408. Each locking member includes a biasing member208which is a spring. As the air tank102is inserted in the space between the latching ends, the air tank regulator104comes in contact with the sloped surfaces406of the locking members206, as shown inFIG.5A. The continued downward motion of the air tank regulator104creates a force on the sloped surfaces406of the locking members206. The force will cause the locking members206to pivot about their respective pivot points408to deflect the locking members206from the first, locked position to the second, unlocked position, as shown inFIG.5B. The locking members transfer the force to the biasing member springs, causing the springs to compress. As the locking members206move outward into the unlocked position, the air tank regulator104is able to move past the latching ends404of the locking members206. The neck of the air tank is thinner than the air tank regulator104. Once the air tank regulator104has fully passed the latching ends of the locking members206, the biasing member springs208will decompress, moving the locking members206about their respective pivot points408from the unlocked position to the locked position, as shown inFIG.5C. The latching ends404of the locking members will be on opposite sides of the air tank neck. In the event that the air tank102were to move in the upward direction along the longitudinal axis of the tank109, the air tank regulator104would come in contact with the underside of the latching ends404of the locking members206. The latching ends404would then prevent the air tank regulator104from moving any further upward along the longitudinal axis of the tank109, keeping the air tank102in place.

In further reference toFIGS.5A-5C, in non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to remove the air tank102, a force may be applied to the controlling ends402of the locking members206in the direction of arrows A as indicated inFIG.4B, compressing the biasing member springs208and building a restoring force in the biasing member springs208. As the biasing member springs208are compressed, the latching ends404of the locking members206will move in an outward direction out of the first, locked position and into the second, unlocked position as the locking member206pivots about the pivot point408. When the latching ends404have moved outwards far enough such that the gap between the latching ends404is larger than the width of the air tank regulator104, the air tank102can be moved in the upward direction. Once the air tank regulator104has moved upward along the longitudinal axis of the air tank109past the latching ends404of the locking members206, the force may be removed from the controlling ends402, causing the biasing member springs208to decompress. As the biasing member springs208decompress, the locking members206will move from the second, unlocked position to the first, locked position.

With reference toFIGS.6A-6C, shown is a non-limiting embodiment of a locking mechanism at various stages of insertion of the combined air tank102and cradle108assembly for a locking engagement with a locking mechanism on the back plate106. This example non-limiting embodiment includes two locking members206located on the back plate106and positioned on opposite sides of the cradle108. The locking members have a latching end404and a controlling end402, the latching end404having a sloped surface406. The latching ends are spaced apart from each other in the first, locked position at a distance that is less than the width of the cradle108. The locking members206move in a pivotal direction about a pivot point408. Each locking member includes a biasing member208which is a spring. As the air tank102and the cradle108are inserted in the space between the latching ends, the cradle108comes in contact with the sloped surfaces406of the locking members206, as shown inFIG.6A. The continued downward motion of the cradle108creates a force on the sloped surfaces406of the locking members206. The force will cause the locking members206to pivot about their respective pivot points408to deflect the locking members206from the first, locked position to the second, unlocked position, as shown inFIG.5B. The locking members transfer the force to the biasing member springs, causing the springs to compress. As the locking members206move outward into the unlocked position, the cradle108is able to move past the latching ends404of the locking members206. Once the cradle108has fully passed the latching ends of the locking members206, the biasing member springs208will decompress moving the locking members206about their respective pivot points408from the unlocked position to the locked position, as shown inFIG.6C. The latching ends404of the locking members will be on opposite sides of the cradle108, thereby preventing the cradle108from moving any further upward along the longitudinal axis of the tank109keeping the air tank102in place.

In further reference toFIGS.6A-6C, in non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to remove the cradle108and the air tank102from the back plate106, a force may be applied to the controlling ends402of the locking members206in the direction of arrows A as indicated inFIG.4B, compressing the biasing member springs208and building a restoring force in the biasing member springs208. As the biasing member springs208are compressed, the latching ends404of the locking members206will move in an outward direction out of the first, locked position and into the second, unlocked position as the locking member206pivots about the pivot point408. When the latching ends404have moved outwards far enough such that the gap between the latching ends404is larger than the width of the cradle108, the cradle108and the air tank102can be moved in the upward direction. Once the cradle108has moved upward along the longitudinal axis of the air tank109past the latching ends404of the locking members206, the force may be removed from the controlling ends402, causing the biasing member springs208to decompress. As the biasing member springs208decompress, the locking members206will move from the second, unlocked position to the first, locked position.