Cylindrical container bags

Tank tote bags for storing cylinders such as diving tanks, welding tanks, and medical tanks such as oxygen tanks, in separate compartments that can be arranged in either vertical upright positions or horizontal laid down positions. One bag version has two tanks that can be arranged side-by-side in a bag with a mesh material behind the tanks, an open front and open top, and horizontal and vertical straps for holding the tanks together and separate from one another. Another bag version has three tanks arranged in a triangular arrangement. And another version has five tanks arranged in a triangular configuration. A still another version has four tanks arranged in a stacked two by two arrangement in a bag with a closeable top. The bags can be used in pickup truck beds and boats, homes and garages. The bags can be lightweight and can be easily carried and handled by one hand and later folded into small compact spaces.

This invention relates to tanks, and in particular to lightweight, durable, pliable, and carriable bags for separating and holding combinations of two, three, four and five tanks, such as diving tanks, oxygen tanks and cylinders together in side by side arrangements, and for protecting the exterior of the tanks from being damaged as well as surface areas of storage locations such as homes, vehicles, boats, and the like, from being damaged, and for allowing plural tanks to be handled and/or carried by a single user.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

Tanks such as scuba diving tanks, oxygen tanks and cylinders contain pressurized gas that can become hazardous if not properly stored or handled. Additionally, it is preferable that the tanks be consistently transported and stored in a vertical position as opposed to a horizontal position. The horizontal position can cause damage, marring and scratches, thus increasing the likelihood of corrosion. Additionally, storing tanks in horizontal positions on their sides takes up an unnecessary waste of floor space. Merely storing the diving tanks in an upright position is not safe since the unsecured tanks can tip, fall over and hit against one another. Using rope and bungee cords is generally not a practical solution for storing loose tanks in pickup truck beds, garages, boats, dive shops and the like.

Backpacks and single tank storage bags have been used by divers to store their cylinder tanks when the tanks are not being used. There are several problems with using the backpacks and single tank storage bags. First, most backpacks do not often allow for the tanks to be stored in upright position on a floor surface. Secondly, backpacks usually only have room for storing up to at most two tanks. Many professional and sportsman divers normally take three or more tanks on a dive trip. The problem becomes compounded when plural divers go to a dive trip. In fact normal safety procedures require two divers teamed up with one another for a single dive. Thus, the divers often need more than two tanks at any given time, and need to safely store and handle these tanks. With current backpacks and single tank storage bags, the user is often forced to handle and carry plural backpacks, and plural single tank storage bags. Thus, backpacks and single tank storage bags do not take care of most divers' needs.

The inventor is aware of several types of devices that can be used for storing dive tanks. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,964,266 to Bartlett; 4,495,883 to Hoy; 4,889,306 to Boucher; 5,025,935 to Hadachek; 5,082,464 to Clink; 5,267,815 to Feder; 5,299,721 to Cummings; 5,788,475 to Henderson; 5,833,197 to Peabody; and 5,901,890 to Stokes. However, none of these devices singularly or in combination overcomes all of the problems described above. A device sold under the name “Pelican Tank Racks” shows racks for holding four and six air tanks. However, the Pelican Tank Racks require using “carbon steel” that is wrapped in polyester coating layer into large wire cages having large mesh opening. These racks are expensive to hold and carry excessive weight when being used.

In addition, the inventor is aware of other types of devices that can be used for storing oxygen tanks. There are wheel carts for oxygen tanks cylinders that carry one (1) tank. These are used by the user to provide some portability while employing the use of the air. Further, there are pouches that also allow portability, and are generally carried or attached to the wheel chairs.

The inventor is also aware steel type racks for storage of oxygen tanks. These types of racks are bulky and heavy not allowing for portability.

Thus, the need exists for solutions to the problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a lightweight and durable tank storage bag for storing and toting two, three, four, or five, cylinder tanks in one carrying bag.

A secondary object of this invention is to provide a lightweight and durable tank storage bag for holding tanks in vertical upright positions side by side in a close configuration without abutting one another.

A third object of this invention is to provide a lightweight and durable tank storage bag for holding tanks in horizontal laid down positions side by side in a close configuration without abutting one another.

A fourth object of this invention is to provide a lightweight and durable tank storage bag for storing with a boat.

A fifth object of this invention is to provide a lightweight and durable tank storage bag that can be used in a vehicle such as the bed of a truck, jeep, SUV, station wagon, and the like.

A sixth object of this invention is to provide a lightweight and durable tank storage bag that can be used in a trunk of a vehicle.

A seventh object of this invention is to provide a lightweight and durable tank storage bag that can be used in home or garage.

An eighth object of this invention is to provide a lightweight and durable tank storage bag that allows individual tanks to be easily accessible for cleaning and maintenance.

A preferred embodiment of a tank container bag can include a first compartment having a first flexible and pliable strap frame, adapted for holding a first cylindrical tank therein, and a second compartment having a second flexible and pliable strap frame, adapted for holding a second cylindrical tank therein, the first compartment being attached in a side-by-side to the second compartment in a combined arrangement, wherein the combined arrangement allows for the first cylindrical tank and the second cylindrical tank to be stored in an upright vertical position, a horizontal position, and allows for the bag to be handled and carried by a single user.

Pliable and flexible mesh material can be used for covering a rear side of the bag, so that top ends, and front sides of the first and the second cylindrical tanks are left exposed.

The bag can have four vertical straps parallel to one another forming a back of the bag with the mesh material attached across the four vertical straps.

Additionally, the bag can have an inwardly folded vertical edge of mesh material midway down the mesh material for separating the first tank from the second tank.

Underneath the bag can be sets of flexible crossed straps under the compartments for supporting the tanks, therein.

The bags can include an upper horizontal strap positioned to pass about upper side portions of the first and the second cylinder, and a lower horizontal strap positioned to pass about lower side portions of the first and the second cylinders. The straps can include adjustable fastening features for allowing the straps to be tightly wrapped about the first and the second cylinders.

A third compartment having a third flexible and pliable strap frame, adapted for holding a third cylindrical tank therein, can be attached along a midportion behind the first and the second compartment, the first and the second and the third compartments being arranged in a triangular configuration. Pliable and flexible mesh material can be used for covering rear sides of each compartment of the bag, so that a top ends and front sides of the tanks are exposed.

Another triangular configuration can have two rows of compartments(two in the front, three there-behind) for holding five cylindrical tanks.

Another version can include a top lid formed from a pliable and flexible material that can be positioned from a flap open position to a closed position, by zipper fasteners, and the like. Compartments can each contain tubular containers each formed from tubular pliable and flexible mesh material adapted for substantially enclosing the first and the second cylinders therein. A bottom cover can close off the bag and be formed from a pliable and flexible material.

The top lid and the bottom lid can each have a webbing material formed from a pliable and flexible material running down a middle portion of a pliable and flexible mesh material. Side straps and webbing can also be used for adding rigidity and strength to the bag, and have upper looped portions that can function as handles for raising and lowering the bag.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Double Cylinder Bag Embodiment

FIG. 1is a rear left perspective view of an empty double bag tank tote.1.FIG. 2Ais a front right perspective view of the double bag tank tote1ofFIG. 1with cylinders2,4, such as scuba tank air cylinders, and the like, with upper air flow valves3,6, respectively.FIG. 2Bis a rear left perspective view of the double bag tank tote1of the preceding figures with cylinders2,4.FIG. 3Ais a right side view of the double bag tank tote1ofFIG. 2Aalong arrow3AX.FIG. 3Bis a left side view of the double bag tank tote1ofFIG. 2Aalong arrow3AY.FIG. 4Ais a front side view of the double bag tank tote1ofFIG. 2Aalong arrow4AX.FIG. 4Bis a rear side view of the double bag tank tote1ofFIG. 2Balong arrow4BX.FIG. 4Cis an enlarged view of the valve strap and upper right bag connection loop ofFIG. 4A.FIG. 4Dis an enlarged view of the front straps of theFIG. 4Aused to hold cylinders in place.FIG. 4Eis a top view of the double bag tank tote1of the preceding figures without cylinders therein.FIG. 4Fis a top view of the double bag tank tote1of the preceding figures.FIG. 4Gis an enlarged view of the hook and loop fastened front straps used in the front of the compartments10,40of the tote bag1ofFIGS. 4A,4C,4E.

Referring toFIGS. 1-4G, tote bag1can include double compartments10,20for supporting cylindrical type air tanks2,4therein. The bag1can allow for the cylindrical tanks to be able to remain in a standing position, and also allow to be laid in a horizontal orientation position as well.

The top of each compartments10,40can include upper longitudinal rectangular planar straps12,42with ends11,13and41,43that can wrap and be fastened about loops15,17,45,47that are pre-attached to an upper horizontal rectangular planar strap20running across the bag1. Midportions of the upper longitudinal straps12,42can be wrapped about stem portions of air valves3,6that are located on the cylinders2,4, so that the straps12,42hold the cylinders2,4to the bag1.

The straps12,42,20,30,50can be formed from a flexible and pliable material such as nylon cloth webbing material, and the loops15,17,45,47can be stainless steel, galvanized steel, plastic preformed loops that can be sewn to upper horizontal strap20.

Along a rear side of the bag1behind cylinders2,4can be a mesh material60that can be formed from a flexible and pliable nylon mesh type material, with open pores, and the like. Mesh backing material60can be attached to upper horizontal strap20and to lower horizontal rectangular planar strap50. Attached to both the upper horizontal strap,20and the lower horizontal strap50can be parallel vertical planar rectangular straps32,34,36,38. Straps can be attached to one another by sewing, webbing, and the like. Between the middle vertical straps34,36can be a portion65of the mesh backing material60folded inwardly in order to form a separator for the cylinders2,4. In between the folded longitudinal mesh portion65can be another vertical strap35. The straps32,34,35,36,38can be attached to the mesh material60by sewing, and the like.

The front of bag1can have ends22,28of the upper horizontal strap20, and ends52,58of the lower horizontal strap attached to each other by fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners and the like. As shown inFIG. 4G, the strap ends22can also include double strap ends for allowing a more secure fastening effect with strap end28.

As shown inFIGS. 4A,4D,4E, the front of upper horizontal strap20can include two sets of ends22,28in front of each compartment10,40. Here, the straps20can be attached to side vertical straps38and32as well as to the middle vertical strap35that separates the space between the two stored cylinders2,4.

Additionally, the strap20can have a single set of ends that fastens in front of the cylinders2,4. The width of the loop space formed by strap20can be adjusted as desired and further tightened to securely hold cylinders2,4to the bag1.

The lower strap50can be formed into a single fixed loop about the cylinders2,4. Additionally, the lower strap50can have fastening ends similar to that of upper strap20in front of both compartments10,40, or a single fastening ends point in front of the cylinders2,4.

Underneath the compartments10,40of the bag1, can be a first set of crossed flexible and planar nylon mesh type straps72,74and second set of crossed flexible and planar nylon, (Note: material options can include nylon, polypropylene, polyester, combinations thereof, and the like) type straps76,78that are attached by sewing, and the like, to the lower horizontal strap50. The first and second sets of crossed straps72,74and76,78hold and support the bottom of the cylinders2,4within the bag1.

Additional strap ends21,29,51,59each with eyelet through-holes formed therein(can have metal and plastic loops sewn therein) and can each extend out from each end of upper horizontal strap20, and lower horizontal strap50. These strap ends21,29,51,59with eyelets can be used to further tie and fasten the bag1with or without cylinders2,4inside of boats, vehicles, trunks, and the like. Additionally, these strap ends21,29,51,59with eyelets can be used to further tie and fasten the bag1to other bags1, and can be used to attach further straps thereto so that the bags are more easily portable. The bag1can also be carried and handled in an empty or full state by grabbing onto any one of the straps on the bag.

Triple Cylinders Triangular Bag Embodiment

FIG. 5is a rear perspective view of an empty triple bag tank tote embodiment100with compartments10,40,110adapted for holding cylinders, such as compressed air cylinder tanks therein.FIG. 6Ais a front right perspective view of the triple bag tank tote with cylinders3,6,8in each of the compartments10,40,110.FIG. 6Bis a rear left perspective view of the triple bag tank tote100with compartments10,40and110and cylinders2,4,8.FIG. 7Ais a right side view of the triple bag tank tote100ofFIG. 6Aalong arrow7AX.FIG. 7Bis a left side view of the triple bag tank tote100ofFIG. 6Aalong arrow7AY.FIG. 8Ais a front side view of the triple bag tank tote100ofFIG. 6Aalong arrow8AX.FIG. 8Bis a rear side view of the triple bag tank tote100ofFIG. 6Balong arrow8BX.FIG. 8Cis an enlarged view of the valve strap and upper right bag connection loop ofFIG. 6A.FIG. 8Dis an enlarged view of the front straps of the containers10,40and110of the preceding figures used to hold cylinders2,4,8in place.FIG. 8Eis a top view of the triple bag tank tote100of the preceding figures without any cylinders stored inside.FIG. 8Fis a top view of the triple bag tank tote100of the preceding figures.FIG. 8Gis an enlarged view of the hook and loop fastened front straps ofFIGS. 6A,6C,6E.

Referring toFIGS. 5-8G, the triple bag tote100can include the compartments10,40and associated straps and associated components that are used in the double bag tote1previously described above, with the addition of a third compartment110attached by sewing, and the like, to a rear side of the double compartment tote1.

Third compartment110can have an upper horizontal strap120similar to horizontal strap20, and have ends122,128that fasten together similar to strap ends22,28previously described, where the strap ends122,128can be adjusted to tightly hold an upper portion of the third cylinder8to the bag100.

Across a lower portion of third cylinder8can be a lower horizontal strap150that can be similar to lower horizontal strap50previously described, and be used for holding a lower portion of cylinder8to bag100. Strap150can be in a fixed one-size state. Alternatively, strap150can be adjusted and tightened by having loose ends similar to strap20that can be fastened together by hook, and loop fasteners, and the like.

Underneath compartment110, can be a set of a third set of crossed flexible and planar nylon type straps172,174, similar to crossed straps72,74,76,78previously described, that are attached by sewing, and the like, to the lower horizontal strap150. Similar to the first and second sets of crossed straps72,74and76,78, the third set of crossed straps172,174holds and supports the bottom of the cylinder8within bag100.

The top of compartment110can include an upper longitudinal rectangular planar strap112with ends111,113that are similar to longitudinal straps12,42previously described, that can wrap and be fastened about loops115,117, that are pre-attached to an upper horizontal rectangular planar strap120running across the compartment110. Midportions of the upper longitudinal straps12,42can be wrapped about stem portions of air valves3,6that are located on the cylinders2,4, so that the straps12,42hold the cylinders2,4to the bag1.

Along a rear side of the bag110behind cylinders8can be a mesh material160that can be formed from a flexible and pliable nylon mesh type material, with open pores, and the like, which functions similar to mesh material60previously described.

Mesh backing material160can be attached to upper horizontal strap120and to lower horizontal rectangular planar strap150. Attached to both the upper horizontal strap,120and the lower horizontal strap150can be parallel vertical planar rectangular straps132,134. Straps can be attached to one another by sewing, webbing, and the like. Between the vertical straps132,134, can be another vertical strap135. The straps132,134,135, can be attached to the mesh material160by sewing, and the like.

Five Cylinders Triangular Bag Embodiment

A five cylinder bag embodiment can also have a similar triangular configuration with similar type compartments, webbing, straps, and the like. A five cylinder bag embodiment can have two rows of tank compartments, with a first row having approximately two tank compartments, and a second row having three tank compartments. The five cylinders embodiment can be especially used for handling and carrying small oxygen tanks therein.

Four Cylinders Bag Embodiment

FIG. 9is a perspective view of a four pack closed tank tote200with a closed top270.FIG. 10Ais a perspective view of the four pack tank tote200ofFIG. 9with top270in an open position.FIG. 10Bis another view ofFIG. 10Ashowing partial interior view of four compartments210,220,230,240.FIG. 11is a top view of the tank tote200ofFIGS. 10A-10Bwith open top.FIG. 12Ais a top view of the tank tote200ofFIG. 9with closed top270.FIG. 12Bis a bottom view of the tank tote200ofFIG. 9.FIG. 14is a side view of a single compartment210used in the tank tote200ofFIGS. 9-12.FIG. 15is a top view of the single compartment210ofFIG. 14.

Referring toFIGS. 9-14, a four compartment tote bag200can include an outer layer250of a mesh material that can be formed from a flexible and pliable nylon mesh type material, with open pores, and the like, which functions similar to mesh materials previously described. Outer layer250can have a substantially rectangular configuration, and have a bottom flap260also formed from a similar mesh material with a sewn side edge flap strap material254that attaches the bottom flap260to the bottom of the rectangular outer layer250. Across the bottom flap260can be a pair of sewn on exterior located straps262,264, similar to those previously described for giving rigidity and strength to the bottom flap260.

Extending upward along opposite sides of the rectangular outer layer250can be a pair of sewn on straps280,290with upwardly extending portions282,292forming handles for allowing the bag20to be handled and held by the handle portions292,282. The top of the bag200can be a lid flap270formed from similar mesh material with a pair of internal side located sewn on straps272,274. Around a perimeter edge of the top flap270can be a sewn on strap edge276. One side edge of the top flap270can be sewn directly to an upper side edge of the rectangular outer layer250to form a hinge portion for the top flap270. Along an upper edge of the rectangular outer layer250can be a sewn on strap edge252with a zippered portion that can be fastened by a zipper275to a similar zippered portion to allow the top flap270to function as a lid that can be opened and closed to access the interior of the bag200.

Inside the rectangular outer layer250can be four identical compartments210,220,230,240for safely holding and separating cylinder tanks of various sizes from one another. A compartment210is shown having a tubular container formed from a mesh material215similar to those previously described, and a sewn on top pliable and flexible strap material edge212, and a side sewn on strap edge214, that is directed toward a middle portion of the bag200, so that all four side edges face one another. Tank cylinders212,222,232,242can be easily slipped into the open tops of each tubular container210,220,230,240can be supported by bottom flap260. Top flap260can be fastened into a closed position on the bag200, allowing the bag to positioned in a vertical upright position, or laid down in an horizontal position.

When not being used, the bags1,100,200are pliable enough to be folded up into a small space such as a duffel bag or trunk compartment, and the like.

The weights of the novel tote bags are no more than approximately ½ pound each which is substantially less than the weight of prior art devices. Also, the novel invention embodiments can be folded together into compact spaces.

Although the preferred embodiments describes hook and loop fasteners for attaching straps together, the invention can be used with other types of fasteners such as snaps, buckles, and the like. Additionally, the strap ends can be tied to one another for fastening purposes. Still furthermore, the straps can have different shapes, and include rope, cable material, and the like.

The tank bags can be manufactured in a variety of colors.

Although the embodiments are described for supporting oxygen tanks, the invention can be used for other types of tanks, such as but not limited to medical oxygen tanks, diving tanks, welding tanks, and the like, of different sizes, and the like.