Abstract:
An apparatus for transporting an oxygen tank having a main compartment containing a sleeve, the sleeve designed to secure either one or two tanks in place. The apparatus has wheels to facilitate movement of the tank or tanks from place to place and a number of pockets for storage of items. The apparatus further includes a port for a hose to be connected to the tank and to another point outside the apparatus.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Not Applicable 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not Applicable 
   REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX 
   Not Applicable 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to carriers for tanks. More particularly, this invention pertains to an apparatus for carrying one or two tanks sized for personal use, most particularly oxygen tanks, although the apparatus could be used for tanks containing other gases or fluids. 
   For health reasons, many people must use oxygen. In order to enjoy a full life, it is necessary for those people to be able to make use of an oxygen tank of a size that is portable. However, even portable oxygen tanks are heavy, especially for people with health problems. Such tanks are cumbersome and can be difficult to carry when the oxygen user is also carrying other personal items, such as a purse or a sweater. Traditional oxygen carriers with shoulder straps, such as the one shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,739,913, are too heavy for most people to carry. Oxygen tank carriers with wheels, such as the one shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,667,397, are generally a metal frame on wheels, which are rigid and difficult to maneuver, not to mention aesthetically unpleasing. 
   What is needed, then, is a tank carrier apparatus which does not have to be carried by the oxygen tank user on his or her back or shoulders. 
   What is also needed is a tank carrier apparatus that is wheeled and is easy to maneuver. 
   What is also needed is a tank carrier apparatus that provides storage space for personal items. 
   Finally, what is also needed is a tank carrier apparatus that can securely hold for transport either one or two tanks. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A tank carrier apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a main compartment for holding one or two tanks, at least one handle, and at least one wheel. The main compartment includes an interior sleeve which is movable between two positions to allow for the secure holding of either one or two tanks. The main compartment is accessed by a closeable opening and provides a port through which an oxygen tube to be connected to a tank inside the main compartment. 
   Furthermore, the present invention includes a main compartment with a padded nylon sleeve with a unique concave design to accommodate one or two tanks, a front clipping system with a flip top entry for accessing the main compartment where the tank or tanks are housed, a port hole in the top of the carrier for the oxygen hose, a retractable padded pull handle, a stationary, quick grab handle for easy carrying, two wheels with traction and stability control, an identification window and several pockets with color coded tags for personal items. 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a tank carrier which is less cumbersome for oxygen users. 
   Another object of the present invention is to provide a tank carrier which provides oxygen users more independence and prolongs their lives. 
   Still another object of the present invention is to provide a means for transporting an oxygen tank without the oxygen user having to carry the weight of the tank or tanks. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a tank carrier apparatus that also provides space for carrying personal items. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a color-coded system to assist an oxygen user in finding personal items in the tank carrier apparatus. 
   A further object of the present invention is to provide a tank carrier apparatus that can securely hold and transport either one or two tanks. 
   Other and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon the reading of the following disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a front view of one embodiment of the tank carrier apparatus of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of one embodiment of the tank carrier apparatus of the present invention. 
       FIG. 3  is an overhead view of one embodiment of the tank carrier apparatus of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is an overhead view of the inside of one embodiment of the tank carrier apparatus of the present invention without a tank inside the compartment. 
       FIG. 5  is a front view of the inside of one embodiment of the tank carrier apparatus holding one tank. 
       FIG. 6  is an overhead view of the inside of one embodiment of the tank carrier apparatus of the present invention holding one tank. 
       FIG. 7  is a front view of the inside of one embodiment of the tank carrier apparatus holding two tanks. 
       FIG. 8  is an overhead view of the inside of one embodiment of the tank carrier apparatus of the present invention holding two tanks. 
       FIG. 9  is a cut-away detail of the base of the compartment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the base of the compartment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to the drawings designated as  FIGS. 1 through 10 , the present invention relates to a tank carrier apparatus that enables easy and mobile transport of a tank or tanks. Throughout this description, the term “tank” refers to an oxygen tank; however, it is contemplated that the tank carrier apparatus of the present invention could be utilized for transporting any other appropriate type of tank. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front view of the tank carrier apparatus of the present invention  10  is shown in a closed, stored, upright, static position. The apparatus  10  includes a main compartment  12 , also referred to as compartment  12 , which houses a tank or tanks in its interior. The interior of main compartment  12  is accessed through its lid  13  which opens to expose the interior of main compartment  12 . Lid  13  is a removable or hinged cover allowing access to compartment  12 . Lid  13  can be securely closed by latch  14 . It is contemplated that latch  14  could take any form known in the art, for example a clipping system, snap, button, hook and loop closure, or zipper. Main compartment  12  rests on foot  16  and wheels  34  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) when not in transport. In the preferred embodiment, the tank carrier apparatus has two handles, retractable pull handle  18  and stationary handle  20 . Retractable pull handle  18  can be extended from main compartment  12  for pulling the apparatus when it is tilted so that it rests only on wheels  34 . Stationary handle  20  can be used to lift the apparatus, i.e., up steps or into a vehicle, or to carry the apparatus. 
   On the exterior of main compartment  12  is front pocket  22 . In the preferred embodiment of the invention, front pocket  22  opens to reveal an organizer with compartments to hold various personal items such as writing utensils and coins. The preferred embodiment of apparatus  12  contains several other pockets, including front mesh pocket  24 , side mesh pocket  26 , side pocket  28  which is sized to hold a mobile telephone and side pocket  30 . The preferred embodiment of the invention also contains identification pocket  32 . It is contemplated that the apparatus of the present invention could contain more or fewer pockets and that the arrangement of the pockets shown in the figures could be rearranged while remaining within the spirit of the present invention. It is also contemplated that the pockets could be of other sizes, materials and have a variety of types of closures, i.e., zippers, snaps, hook and loop, etc., without exceeding the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the pockets could be color-coded to assist the user in identifying and remembering what each pocket holds. Alternatively, the pockets could be labeled with words or symbols to identify the item held by each pocket. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates a side view of the present invention and shows the placement of wheel  34 . In the preferred embodiment, it is contemplated that two wheels would be utilized, one on each corner of the bottom of the compartment on the same side at retractable handle  18 . However, an alternative embodiment might utilize more or less wheels, for example a single wide wheel might be used that extends the length of the bottom edge of the compartment on the same side as retractable handle  18 . Preferably, wheels  34  are rubber and provide traction and stability control, allowing easy maneuvering and handling over all surfaces. 
     FIG. 3  shows the top of main compartment  12 , particularly lid  13  when in the closed position.  FIG. 3  also illustrates port  36  which is an opening for the oxygen hose, allowing the oxygen user to connect the oxygen hose to a tank and thread the hose through the top of the main compartment  12  so that the oxygen may be used while the tank is in the main compartment  12  of the present invention and lid  13  is closed. 
   Sleeve  38  is attached to the interior of main compartment  12 . Preferably, sleeve  38  is constructed of a nylon padded material and is sewn into the main compartment  12 . However, sleeve  38  could be constructed of other materials known in the art and could be attached to the main compartment in any way known in the art. Furthermore, it is contemplated that sleeve  38  could be configured to fit into main compartment  12  in a removable fashion, so as not to be permanently attached. Sleeve  38  has two partitions  38 A,  38 B and is configured such that each partition is movable between a concave and a convex position.  FIG. 4  shows the sleeve  38  in broken lines with both partitions in a concave position and sleeve  38  in solid lines with both partitions in a convex position. 
     FIG. 5  shows an interior view of main compartment  12  with one tank (T). The partitions of sleeve  38  are in the concave position, cradling the tank (T) and holding it in position within the main compartment  12 .  FIG. 5  also shows base  40  of main compartment  12 . Base  40  supports a tank or tanks within main compartment  12  and in a preferred embodiment, base  40  is constructed of a lightweight plastic with foam rubber padding and covered by a nylon cover. 
     FIG. 6  is a top view of the interior of main compartment  12  with one tank (T). Partitions  38 A and  38 B of sleeve  38  are in the concave position, cradling tank (T) so that it is stationary within main compartment  12 . 
     FIG. 7  is an interior view of main compartment  12  with two tanks (T) inside. The partitions of sleeve  38  are in the convex position, cradling the tank (T) and holding it in position within the main compartment  12 . Sleeve  38  is between tanks (T) securing them in position and preventing them from contacting one another. 
     FIG. 8  is a top view of the interior of main compartment  12  with two tanks (T) inside. Partitions  38 A and  38 B of sleeve  38  are in the convex position, cradling tanks (T) so that they do not contact one another and are stationary within main compartment  12 . 
     FIG. 9  is a cutaway detail of a preferred embodiment of base  40  showing the interior lightweight molded plastic  40 A, the layer of foam rubber padding  40 B and the nylon cover  40 C. In the preferred embodiment,  40 A is a ¾ inch lightweight molded plastic and  40 B is a ¼ inch foam rubber padding.  FIG. 10  is a side view of base  40 . The base provides support for one or two tanks in the carrier. 
   Although it is contemplated that the tank carrier apparatus of the present invention could be of any size which is convenient to accommodate a tank or tanks, in the preferred embodiment the apparatus has dimensions of 24 inches by 12.5 inches by 6 inches providing a capacity to transport oxygen cylinder sizes M6, C and D. 
   Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful Tank Carrier Apparatus, it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.