Patent EP-4127556-A1 (EP)
Inventor: PARISI FULVIO
IPC: F17C13/08
Filed: 2021-04-06
Abstract: Safety apparatus (20) for the movement of a plurality of pneumatically interconnected gas bottles (Β') under pressure, the so-called "bottle pack", comprising: - an internal support structure (21), comprising a plurality of horizontal plates, superimposed vertically, respectively at different levels with respect to the ground, and stably connected to each other, - wherein said support structure (21) supports said plurality of bottles (Β'), which contain a pressurised gas and are arranged in juxtaposition to each other on vertical axes, or on horizontal axes and are arranged in juxtaposition to each other on vertical axes, or on horizontal axes, - wherein each bottle (Β') in said plurality of bottles comprises respective pneumatic valve means to intercept the flow of gas, - wherein a first plate (P21), lower and close to the ground, is configured as a support pallet for said plurality of bottles (Β') and is raised above the ground by means of the support feet (P211), - wherein said pneumatic valve means of each bottle (Β') of said plurality of bottles are pneumatically connected by means of a sealed pneumatic circuit connecting the pneumatic valve means of all the bottles (Β'), to each other and to a pneumatic connector provided for removable connection of a flexible hose, which creates the pneumatic and mechanical connection with respect to an external appliance that uses the gas, respectively carries out filling with gas, of the bottles of said plurality of bottles (B'); - wherein said pneumatic connector of said pneumatic circuit is arranged at a higher level than that of said first plate (P21), - wherein at least said first plate (P21) forms with at least one pair of said support feet (P211) and with the ground at least one slot, having a height sufficient to allow passage of the forks of a fork lift truck for movement of the apparatus (20); - an external cage structure (22), including a plurality of vertical uprights (22.11), arranged around said horizontal plates of said support structure (21) and rigidly connected with respect to said support structure (21). According to the invention, said apparatus (20) comprises: - a vertical interspace (Ι'), provided between said internal support structure (21) and said external cage structure (22); - screening means (23), vertically mobile within said interspace (Ι') and configured like a blind, that: - in a first lowered working position, close said at least one slot between said first plate (P21), said at least one pair of support feet (P211) and the ground, while it does not screen from the outside said connector of said pneumatic connection circuit and it is possible for an operator to make the removable connection between said pneumatic connector and said hose, and - in a second raised working position, screens from the outside said pneumatic connector of said pneumatic connection circuit and prevents an operator from making the removable connection between said pneumatic connector and said hose, while it does not close said at least one slot and it is possible to move the apparatus (20) using a fork lift truck, the forks of which are inserted through said at least one slot, - and transfer command means (24), configured to selectively control the vertical movement of said mobile screening means (23), respectively into said first lowered working position and into said second raised working position.