Abstract:
A two piece ( 20, 22 ) mounting system is disclosed. For a marine application, as, for example, mounting a pair of air tanks ( 10, 12 ) together, a first piece ( 20 ) is attached to one tank and a second piece ( 22 ) is attached to the other tank. A pair of cooperatively dimensioned cavities ( 48, 84 ) and protrusions ( 54, 90 ) on the front of both pieces permit easy and rapid mounting of the first piece to the second piece. A built-in spring loaded, indexing plunger mechanism ( 72 ) automatically locks the two pieces together at an automatically predetermined positioned dictated by the length of one protrusion and a built-in stop ( 112 ) in a cavity. Quick dismounting is permitted by simply displacing the handle ( 208 ) on the plunger mechanism. A number of other applications, including mounting a fire extinguisher to a wall, is discussed.

Description:
[0001]     This design relates to a mounting system and particularly to a system which permits the quick mounting and dismounting of the items to the bearing surface or element.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     There are many items in different applications, whose usage would be facilitated if there would be an ability to quickly and easily mount and dismount them.  
         [0003]     In marine situations, for example, boaters and scuba divers are aware of the benefits of being able to mount and dismount items quickly and conveniently. Some items include anchors, electronic gear, fire extinguishers, dive ladders, scuba cylinders and others.  
         [0004]     In other environments as well, the benefits of a quick, easy and secure mounting assembly are apparent. So, for example, the need for a quick, but secure remounting of fire extinguishers under such conditions as earthquakes, auto/truck accidents, difficult fire scenarios, or other extreme conditions, is of obvious benefit.  
         [0005]     In the marine area, it is important for boaters to be able to remove vulnerable, expensive electronic gear whenever they leave their vessel at the end of the day or for an extended time. The boat&#39;s anchor preferably should be kept off the vessel&#39;s fragile decks. If it could be detachably secured, perhaps to the boat&#39;s railing, this concern can be obviated. Of course, these efforts should present minimum inconvenience.  
         [0006]     The impetus for the present invention came from the inventor&#39;s interest in scuba diving. Scuba divers realize the need for a quick, relatively easy and secure connect/disconnect system. They are faced with mounting or detaching their buoyancy compensator (B.C.) to their main oxygen tank; and their, smaller back-up air tank(s) (pony bottle) to the primary tank. Many times these chores are performed on board as the vessel rolls, or along a rocky coast where the footing is a challenge.  
         [0007]     A further consideration beyond the practicality of such a system is its cost. For example, divers, traditionally, will have at least two tanks of their own. Some will have several, and, typically with different stress demands. For example the coupling between the B.C. and the main tank will differ in size and load bearing capacity from the connection between the main tank and the spare or pony bottle. As a practical matter, divers will own several tanks. So, too, there are different diameter spare tanks on the market.  
         [0008]     Preferably, a mounting system should accommodate all of these variables. A simple, secure cost effective way to accomplish this connect/disconnect function is desired. Various approaches have been identified in the prior art.  
         [0009]     For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,949,889, a design is revealed which relies on a nylon band to secure the spare tank. This band will stretch when heated or moistened allowing for some play and possibly loss of the spare tank. Newer buoyancy compensators use two nylon bands to secure the pony bottle to the main tank, in case one should loosen. This device further places the spare tank in an uncomfortable position if placed on one of the two bands of a newer buoyancy compensator. The tightening of these bands is crucial but difficult. With one unit hanging from one of the bands it is extremely difficult to complete the process. Furthermore, removal of the spare tank underwater would be very time consuming and difficult.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,302 reveals a design that is very difficult and time consuming to attach. The diver must separate the tank band from its buckle, then feed it through this device and then back to and through the buckle. This must be done while supporting a tank, anywhere in the range of 8 to 15 lbs (3.5 70 7.0 kilo), on the deck of a pitching boat. Also if the diver decides to change the size of the spare tank, a differently sized device would have to be employed. Further, the removal of the spare tank underwater would be very time consuming and difficult.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,836 reveals a device that uses two detent pins. The disclosed detent pins require jiggling and extreme pressure to push in or remove, especially while wearing a thick, diver&#39;s glove. These pins are secured from dropping by steel cables. These cables form loops that can easily be snagged by fishing line, hooks or wreckage. If this should happen these detent pins could be pulled free, or at least create a panic situation. These cables often fray, allowing a strand to penetrate the crucial air bladder located in the buoyancy compensator. Again, if the diver should want to change the diameter of the tank, an additional, differently sized unit would have to be purchased. Still further, the use of a nylon strap (Col. 3, 1.56) again is problematic due to heat and moisture. The inventor&#39;s experience with this device leads him to conclude that the alignment or attachment of this device requires some practice, especially on the deck of a boat out at sea. This item is very costly due to its construction process.  
         [0012]     The device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,753 requires a great amount of strength to manipulate. The slotted opening created for the stainless steel banding appears to allow these bands much space to move. Judging from its description it appears it uses a flat surface to press against the round outside diameter of the spare air tank. Even though this device was designed to connect two cylinders, there are no rounded surfaces at all. This will create excessive wear on the aluminum tanks that are filled with 3000 psi (210 bar) of air. There are many sharp edges and protrusions that can be easily snagged, or puncture dive gear.  
         [0013]     The design of U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,886 uses two of its described pieces to secure, a 30 cu ft (0.85 cu meters) tank, the most common size. When using these two pieces the diver has a problem keeping them aligned so the tank can be installed. They are usually knocked from alignment when being hit or bumped in the car, at the dive shop or on the boat. This means the hose clamps have to be loosened, realigned and tightened. Often this realignment will be performed out at sea. Another problem is the use of two detent pins. They are hard to place and remove. They are attached by a steel cable, so that when the pin is pushed into place, the cable forms a loop that is easily snagged by fishing line, hooks or wreckage. Not only will this panic a diver, the detent pin may be pulled free, allowing the spare tank to separate. Once again, these cables are known to fray, allowing its strands to puncture the air bladder in the buoyancy compensator.  
         [0014]     The device described in design patent, DES. 342,666 uses a pin that may easily be lost. It is designed to connect two round cylinders, yet there are no rounded contact surfaces. This will create uneven wear on a potentially explosive tank. As with several of the designs discussed, this design would appear to be very costly to create. This inhibits the diver from buying multiple sets of the mounting assembly. This reduces the tank transfer time and reduces the pleasure and/or productivity of a diving experience.  
         [0015]     It is therefore a principal object of the present invention to provide a two piece mounting system, wherein one piece slides quickly and easily into another and wherein an integral locking mechanism between the two pieces is automatically engaged.  
         [0016]     It is a further object of the invention to provide a two piece mounting system wherein each piece is fabricated from extruded metal thus lessening their cost and availability in multiple sets.  
         [0017]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a locking mechanism for the two piece mounting system which is easily disengaged from the locked position.  
         [0018]     It is yet another object to provide a locking mechanism which does not require cables to secure it as part of the mounting system thus avoiding snagging and interference problems.  
         [0019]     It is still another object of the invention to provide a two piece mounting system wherein the sliding movement of the first piece into the second is purposely stopped at a support surface of the second near the point of locking mechanism engagement and disengagement, so as to facilitate the attachment and detachment of the item to be mounted.  
         [0020]     It is but another object of this invention to provide a two piece mounting system, wherein each piece includes arcuate contact surfaces for engaging, simultaneously cylindrical members, for example, the main tank and pony bottle of a scuba diver&#39;s equipment.  
         [0021]     It is still another object of this invention to provide a two piece mounting system which is configured to minimize drag, for example, as part of a scuba diver&#39;s equipment, while used in the water; and which is further shaped to minimize interference contacts with the surrounding environment.  
         [0022]     It is still yet another object of this invention to provide an interface mounting arrangement between the two piece mounting system and the equipment secured by the mounting system, which is secure under all possible orientations of the system-equipment, as employed.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0023]     These and other objects are obtained with the mounting system of the present invention.  
         [0024]     As noted above there are many situations where it is important if not vital to have a quick connect/disconnect system for various items. Especially in a marine environment, and even more particularly for scuba divers, reliable systems of this type are essential. It occurred that having these systems in place, attached to the items to be mounted together, would be an advantage. Further, if an operator&#39;s simple arm movements effectuate a secure, reliable connection and disconnection the result would be an important improvement.  
         [0025]     To this end a two piece mounting system incorporating these ideas is devised. For mounting a main air tank used in scuba diving to a pony air tank, for example, two similar pieces would be employed. Each would have a generally rectangularly shaped central body portion that is preferably fabricated in extruded aluminum, but can, of course, be made of other metals such as steel, and a variety of plastic materials. Each of the two pieces can have a partially arcuate rear surface matching the radii of tanks for attachment. Connection to the tanks can be made in any convenient manner, in this case stainless steel band-clamps being preferred. The first piece can be connected to the pony air tank, and the second piece to the main air tank. The front of the first piece has an attached generally cylindrical protrusion extending from the top of the piece a spaced distance down one side of the central body, with a matching cylindrical cavity being formed into the other side of the central body. A similar matching and cooperating structure is incorporated into the front of the second piece.  
         [0026]     To provide the fast and automatic connection and easy disconnection required by the present invention, the cavity in the first piece is equipped with a spring loaded, indexing plunger mechanism which will be fully illustrated and described below. For the second piece the top of the cylinder has a beveled edge, with an indent in the cylinder positioned just below this edge. The base of the cylinder cavity has a plug of a specific dimension. To securely mount the pony air tank to the main air tank, an operator simply raises the first piece over the second piece and lowers the matching cylinder-cavities together. The precise dimensions of the cylinder on the first piece, together with the plug in the matching cavity in the second piece insure that the spring biased plunger portion in the plunger mechanism, which has been urged inwards by the beveled top surface of the cylinder in the second piece, is in axial alignment with, and in fact is positioned into, the indent adjacent the top of the second piece cylinder. The two tanks are now secured together reliably for any future orientation. For quick release, the handle on the plunger mechanism is simply pulled out against the biasing spring permitting the two pieces to be separated.  
         [0027]     As previously discussed and to be more fully described below, the basic mounting system can be employed for a wider variety of applications. The rear surface of one or both pieces can be fabricated to accommodate flat or variously curved surfaces. The overall dimensions of either piece can obviously be selected for the given application. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of the invention as used to secure oxygen tanks to a buoyancy compensator used in scuba diving.  
         [0029]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of  FIG. 1 , with the so-called pony-tank rotated 90°, in the direction of the arrow, from its position in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0030]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a first piece of a first adaptation of the present invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a second piece of the first adaptation of the present invention.  
         [0032]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a first piece of a second adaptation of the present invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second piece of a second adaptation of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the first piece of the second adaptation of the invention as depicted in  FIG. 5 , shown mounted to a buoyancy compensator for a scuba diving application of the present invention.  
         [0035]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view shown to understand the relationship between the first and second pieces of the first adaptation for the present invention, prior to their connection.  
         [0036]      FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of a second piece of yet another adaptation of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 9B  is a top plan view of the second piece depicted in  FIG. 9A .  
         [0038]      FIG. 10A  is a side elevation view of another application of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 10B  is a top plan view of the application depicted in  FIG. 10A  taken along lines  10 B- 10 B in  FIG. 10A . 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0040]     Refer now to the drawings. The use of the same reference numerals in different figures signify one and the same item. Various preferred embodiments of the mounting system of the present invention are shown. In  FIG. 1 , in one application of the invention, it is seen as applied to securing a main oxygen tank  10  to a smaller reserve tank, or pony tank,  12  through a first adaptation of the invention  14 ; and the mounting of that combination to a buoyancy compensator (BC)  16  attached to a scuba diver&#39;s vest  17 , using a second adaptation of the invention  18 .  
         [0041]     The first adaptation  14  includes a first and second piece,  20  and  22 . The second adaptation  18  includes a first and second piece  24  and  26 . The two adaptations differ in length and other minor aspects as will be apparent from the following discussion. Adaptation  18  is longer due to the fact that it must balance the weight of the tank combination along the length of the mounting surface associated with the BC. From  FIG. 2 , it is seen that the interface boundaries  28  and  30  for each of the two adaptations are substantially identical in profile. In this application, the mounting surfaces  32  and  33  of piece  24  are flat so as to complement the mounting surface of the BC.  
         [0042]     To secure the cylindrical tanks  10  and  12  to the first adaptation  14 , adjustable band-clamps  34  and  36 , and  38  and  40  are used. These typically are stainless steel band-clamps identical to the radiator hose clamps purchased at auto parts stores. The relationship between each of these band-clamps and the pieces  20  and  22 , will be discussed hereinafter. A further set of band-clamps  42  and  44  are used to connect the combined tanks to the second piece  26  of the second adaptation  18 .  
         [0043]      FIG. 3  depicts the first piece  20  shown secured to an air tank  12  by band-clamps  34  and  36 . The piece  20 , as is true with the other pieces that form the adaptations,  14  and  18 , as well as the adaptations for the other embodiments, all of which will be described hereinafter, is fabricated from a material suitable for its environment of use as well as having the necessary strength requirements. So, for example, in its utilization in a scuba diver environment, the piece is fabricated from aluminum or plastic so as to resist the corrosive effects of water, keeping in mind as well, the need to provide a piece that is relatively light weight and which will only minimally contribute to drag while in use in the water.  
         [0044]     Individual pieces,  20  and  22 , are initially cut from an extruded aluminum piece which has the basic shape necessary to implement the interconnect feature of the present invention. The individual pieces are cut at appropriate lengths to accommodate the application. So for example, for the scuba diver application, for the pieces depicted in  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , which, together, implement the first adaptation  14 , the longitudinal length would be approximately 4″ (10 cm). The individual, basic pieces are cut to the desired length from the extended, extruded piece. They are then subsequently machined to provide the surfaces and features necessary to fully implement the invention and which may be unique to a specific application. This approach reduces production costs significantly.  
         [0045]     In  FIG. 3 , the cut first piece, as extruded, is seen to include a first central body portion  46 . Formed at one lateral end is a cavity  48  which is interiorly disposed in the first central body portion. This cavity is partially circular. The cavity  48  is interconnected along its longitudinal length to and through the surface  50  of the central body portion  46 , via a rectangular cutout  52 . Formed at the other lateral end by the extrusion is a first, partially circular protrusion  54  extending outward from the first central body portion  46  and connected thereto by extension member  56 . The contours of  54  and  56 , and their respective dimensions and dimensional relationship to the first central body portion, complement the contours of cavity  48  and cutout  52 , and their dimensions, and dimensional relationships to the first central body portion, for purposes which will be apparent hereinafter.  
         [0046]     Extending longitudinally, axially, in both directions from the first central body portion  46 , are band-clamp retention portions  58  and  60 . Each of the associated facing surfaces are machined to form a retaining groove which is dimensioned to accommodate the longitudinal width and thickness of the securing band portions of the band-clamp, such as  34  and  36 . This prevents the respective band from slipping off from the piece  20  secured to a tank  12 , when in use in difficult environments.  
         [0047]     Arcuate segments  62  and  64  are also formed in the basic extruded piece. These segments are designed into the extruding mold so as to eliminate unnecessary material from the piece-a benefit in scuba diving applications in that it reduces the weight of the pieces  20  and  22 , and helps to minimize drag in the water.  
         [0048]     The rear surface  65  of the piece  20  is formed having partially arcuate surfaces of predetermined radii, if the piece is to be secured to a cylindrical object such as an air tank. So for example, surface portion  66  of rear surface  65  as formed extends the entire longitudinal length and has a first radius which complements the radius of the outer surface of the smaller cylindrical air tank,  12 . The piece  20  is formed such that surface portions  67  and  68  at the lateral edges,  69  and  70 , have the same radius, which complements the radius of the outer surface of the larger cylindrical tank,  10 . The piece  20  is shown in  FIG. 3  as secured to the smaller cylindrical tank  12  along surface portion  66 .  
         [0049]     Piece  20  is further machined to permit the mounting of a spring-loaded, indexing plunger mechanism,  72 . This includes forming a threaded opening through the side wall  74  which forms part of the partially circular cavity  48 . The spring biased plunger portion  76  of the mechanism  72  protrudes into the cavity  48  when the mechanism  72  is firmly secured against the outer surface  78  of the piece  20 . The components that form the mechanism  72  are fabricated from materials that are compatible with the anticipated environment for a given application. So for example when used as part of the scuba diving equipment, the metallic parts of the mechanism  72  would typically be manufactured from stainless steel. One suitable plunger mechanism is supplied by J. W. Winco, Inc., located in New Berlin, Wis., under their part number GN 617-6-NI.  
         [0050]     As best seen in  FIG. 3 , the first partially circular protrusion  54  and its associated extension  56  are machined so as to trim their length at its bottom end  80 . This is done for reasons that will be apparent from the discussion hereinafter.  
         [0051]      FIG. 4  depicts piece  22  which cooperates with piece  20  to form the first adaptation of the invention  14 . As noted above, the piece  22  is first cut to the desired length from the basic formed aluminum extrusion. Again, for a scuba diving tank application, this length would be approximately 4″ (10 cm). Once cut the piece  22  is machined to provide the surfaces and features necessary to implement the invention of the specific adaptation.  
         [0052]     In  FIG. 4 , the piece  22 , as extruded, is seen to include a second central body portion  82 . Formed at one lateral end is a cavity  84  which is interiorly disposed in the second central body portion. This cavity is partially circular. The cavity  84  is interconnected along its longitudinal length to and through the surface  86  of the central body portion  82 , via a rectangular cutout  88 . Formed at the other lateral end by the extrusion is a first, partially circular protrusion  90  extending outward from the second central body portion  82  and connected thereto by extension member  92 . The contours of  90  and  92 , and their respective dimensions and dimensional relationship to the second central body portion, complement the contours of cavity  84  and cutout  88 , and their dimensions, and dimensional relationships to the second central body portion, for purposes which will be apparent hereinafter.  
         [0053]     Extending longitudinally, axially, in both directions from the second central body portion  82 , are band-clamp retention portions  94  and  96 . Each of the associated facing surfaces are machined to form a retaining groove which is dimensioned to accommodate the longitudinal width and thickness of the securing band portions of the band-clamp, such as  38  and  40 . This prevents the respective band from slipping off from the piece  22  secured to a tank  10 , when in use in difficult environments.  
         [0054]     Arcuate segments  98  and  100  are also formed in the basic extruded piece. These segments are designed into the extruding mold so as to eliminate unnecessary material from the piece, a benefit in scuba diving applications in that it reduces the weight of the pieces  20  and  22 , and helps to minimize drag in the water.  
         [0055]     The rear surface  101  of the second piece  22  is formed having partially arcuate surfaces of predetermined radii if the piece is to be secured to a cylindrical surface, such as an air tank. So for example, surface portion  102  of rear surface  101  as formed, extends the entire longitudinal length and has a first radius which complements the radius of the outer surface of the smaller cylindrical air tank,  12 . The piece  22  is formed such that surface portions  103  and  104  at the lateral edges,  105  and  106 , have the same radius which complements the radius of the outer surface of the larger cylindrical tank,  10 . The piece  22  is shown in  FIG. 4  as secured to the larger cylindrical air tank  10  in contact with surface portions  103  and  104 .  
         [0056]     Circular protrusion  90  is machined on its top end to form a beveled surface  108 . The circular protrusion  90  is further machined to provide a cylindrically shaped indent  110 , at a point in the lateral outside surface, just below the bottom of the beveled surface  108 .  
         [0057]     Circular plug  112  is sized to tightly fit at the bottom of cavity  84 , as viewed in  FIG. 4 . It is secured therein via a stainless steel pin  114  (see  FIG. 8 ) which is press-fitted through a compatible opening in the side-wall  116  and into a complementing hole (not seen) in the plug  112 .  
         [0058]     Referring to the second adaptation of the invention,  18 , individual pieces,  24  and  26 , are initially cut from two separately formed, extruded aluminum pieces, each of which has the basic shape necessary to implement the interconnect feature of the present invention. The individual pieces are cut at appropriate lengths to accommodate the application. So for example, for the scuba diver application, for the pieces depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , which, together, implement the second adaptation  18 , the longitudinal length would be approximately 12″ (30.5 cm). Once the basic pieces are cut to the 12″ (30.5 cm) length requirement, they are subsequently machined to provide the surfaces and features necessary to fully implement the invention and which may be unique to a specific application. As noted above, this approach reduces production costs significantly.  
         [0059]     In  FIG. 5 , the cut first piece  24 , as extruded, is seen to include a first central body portion  118 . Formed at one lateral end is a cavity  120  which is interiorly disposed in the first central body portion and extends the entire longitudinal length of the piece  24 . This cavity is partially circular. The cavity  120  is interconnected along its longitudinal length to and through the surface  122  of the central body portion  118 , via a rectangular cutout  124 . Formed at the other lateral end by the extrusion is a first, partially circular protrusion  126  extending outward from the first central body portion  118  and connected thereto by extension member  128 . The contours of  126  and  128 , and their respective dimensions and dimensional relationship to the first central body portion, complement the contours of cavity  120  and cutout  124 , and their dimensions, and dimensional relationships to the first central body portion  118 , for purposes which will be apparent hereinafter.  
         [0060]     Arcuate segments  130  and  132  are also formed in the basic extruded piece. These segments are designed into the extruding mold so as to eliminate unnecessary material from the piece, a benefit in scuba diving applications in that it reduces the weight of the piece  24 , and helps to minimize drag in the water.  
         [0061]     The rear surface  134  of the piece  24  is formed having a partially arcuate surface of predetermined radius for when the piece is to be secured to a cylindrical surface. So for example, surface portion  136  of rear surface  135  as formed, extends the entire longitudinal length and has a first radius which complements the radius of the outer surface of a cylindrical surface such as an air tank. It also reduces weight and minimizes drag in a water environment. The piece  24  is formed such that surface portions  32  and  33  at the lateral edges,  138  and  140 , are substantially flat, which allows mounting the piece  24  to a flat surface such as the mounting plate affixed to the buoyancy compensator,  16 . (See  FIG. 7 ).  
         [0062]     Piece  24  is further machined to permit the mounting of a spring-loaded, indexing plunger mechanism,  142 . This includes forming a threaded opening through the side wall  144  which forms part of the partially circular cavity  120 . The spring biased plunger (not shown) portion of the mechanism  142  protrudes into the cavity  120  when the mechanism  144  is firmly secured against the outer surface  146  of the piece  24 . The components that form the mechanism  142  are fabricated from materials that are compatible with the anticipated environment for a given application. So for example when used as part of the scuba diving equipment, the metallic parts of the mechanism  142  would typically be manufactured from stainless steel. One suitable plunger mechanism is supplied by J. W. Winco, Inc., located in New Berlin, Wis., under their part number GN 617-6-NI.  
         [0063]     As seen in  FIG. 5 , the first partially circular protrusion  126  and its associated extension  128  are machined so as to trim their length at their bottom  148  as viewed in  FIG. 5 . This is so for reasons that will be apparent from the discussion hereinafter.  
         [0064]     The piece  24  is further machined to provide mounting slots  150  and  152 . These are machined completely through the first central body portion  118  to facilitate securing the piece  24  to a mounting surface.  
         [0065]      FIG. 6  depicts second piece  26  which cooperates with piece  24  to form the second adaptation of the invention  18 . The piece  26  is first cut to the desired length from a basic formed aluminum extrusion. The basic extruded piece from which piece  26  is cut, in fact, is identical to the one from which the pieces  20  and  22  are cut. For a scuba diving tank application, where this piece,  26 , is used to mate with piece  24 , the length would be approximately 12″ (30.5 cm). Once cut the piece  26  is machined to provide the surfaces and features necessary to implement the invention as to the specific adaptation.  
         [0066]     In  FIG. 6 , the piece  26 , as extruded, is seen to include a second central body portion  154 . Formed at one lateral end is a cavity  156  which is interiorly disposed in the second central body portion. This cavity is partially circular. The cavity  156  is interconnected along its longitudinal length to and through the surface  158  of the central body portion  154 , via a rectangular cutout  160 . Formed at the other lateral end by the extrusion is a first, partially circular protrusion  162  extending outward from the second central body portion  154  and connected thereto by extension member  164 . The contours of  162  and  164 , and their respective dimensions and dimensional relationship to the second central body portion, complement the contours of cavity  156  and cutout  160 , and their dimensions, and dimensional relationships to the second central body portion  154 , for purposes which will be apparent hereinafter.  
         [0067]     Extending longitudinally, axially, in both directions from the second central body portion  154 , are band-clamp retention portions  166  and  168 . Each of the associated facing surfaces are machined to form a retaining groove which is dimensioned to accommodate the longitudinal width and thickness of the securing band portions of the band-clamp, such as  42  and  44 . This prevents the respective band from slipping off from the piece  26  secured to a tank  10 , when in use in difficult environments.  
         [0068]     Arcuate segments  170  and  172  are also formed in the basic extruded piece. These segments are designed into the extruding mold so as to eliminate unnecessary material from the piece, a benefit in scuba diving applications in that it reduces the weight of the piece  26 , and helps to minimize drag in the water.  
         [0069]     The rear surface  174  of the piece  26  is formed having partially arcuate surfaces of predetermined radii if the piece is to be secured to a cylindrical surface, such as an air tank. So for example, surface portion  176  of rear surface  174  as formed, extends the entire longitudinal length and has a first radius which complements the radius of the outer surface of a smaller cylindrical air tank, such as tank  12 . The piece  26  is formed such that surface portions  178  and  180  at the lateral edges,  182  and  184 , have the same radius, which complements the radius of the outer surface of a larger cylindrical tank, such as tank  10 . The piece  26  is shown in  FIG. 6  as secured to the larger cylindrical air tank  10  in contact with surface portions  178  and  180 .  
         [0070]     Circular protrusion  162  is machined on its top end to form a beveled surface  186 . The circular protrusion  162  is further machined to provide a cylindrically shaped indent  188 , at a point in the lateral outside surface, just below the end of the beveled surface  186 .  
         [0071]     Circular plug  190  is sized to tightly fit at the bottom of cavity  156 , as viewed in  FIG. 6 . It is secured therein via a stainless steel pin (not visible) which is press-fitted through a compatible opening in the side-wall  192  and into a complementing hole (again, not seen) in the plug  190 .  
         [0072]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , piece  24 , such as depicted in detail in  FIG. 5 , is secured to the mounting plate  194  attached to the buoyancy compensator  16  in a known way. The bolts forming part of the bolt and nut arrangements  196  and  198 , are secured to the mounting plate  194 . They pass through slots  150  and  152  in the piece  24 . Once assembled with the piece  24  in place, the BC is now ready to be connected to a main cylindrical air tank, such as  10  in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0073]      FIG. 8  shows the pre-assembly position of the first piece  20 , in place on a cylindrical tank, in relation to the second piece  22  also in place on its respective cylindrical tank. While only the pre-interconnect relationship of the pieces,  20  and  22 , comprising the first adaptation of the invention is shown in  FIG. 8 , the same relative position of piece  24 , affixed to the BC as shown in  FIG. 7 , to its mating piece  26  shown in  FIG. 6 , would be identical.  
         [0074]     Consider first, however, the assembly of the BC with piece  24  affixed, to a main tank, for example  10  in  FIG. 1 . Piece  26  is attached to the main tank  10  with band-clamps  42  and  44 . Piece  22  would already be affixed to the main tank  10  using band-clamps  38  and  40 , prior to affixing piece  26  thereto (See  FIG. 1 ). The BC with piece  24  affixed is positioned above the main tank  10  such that the circular portion  126  is axially aligned with the cavity  156  of the second piece  26 ; and the cavity  120  axially aligned with the circular protrusion  162  of piece  26 . The BC with piece  24  attached is lowered down on to piece  26  such that the circular portions of the respective pieces  24  and  26  enter the corresponding cavities  120  and  156 . The tolerance of the aligning circular portions and the extensions  128  and  164 , and the complementing cavities are sufficiently, loosely dimensioned to permit easy axial engagement.  
         [0075]     As the pieces  24  and  26  achieve the fully, interconnected position as shown in  FIG. 1 , the beveled surface  186  contacts the spring-biased plunger portion of the spring loaded, indexing plunger mechanism  142 . This forces the plunger back into the body of the mechanism until the plunger reaches the outside surface  200  of circular portion  160  between the beveled surface  186  and the cylindrically shaped indent  188 . With the pieces  24  and  26  fully engaged in their interconnected position, the plunger of mechanism  142  is then axially aligned with the center line of the indent  188  and is urged into that opening by the spring in the mechanism  142 . The two pieces are now affirmatively locked together. To facilitate the assembly procedure just described, the circular plug  190  disposed at the bottom of cavity  156  in piece  26  provides a stop for the descending BC with piece  24  attached. The plug  190  contacts the undersurface  202  (see  FIG. 5 ) of the shortened circular portion  126 , at the point of interconnection between the pieces  24  and  26  where the spring-biased plunger is axially aligned with the indent  188 . The stop also shares the weight distribution of the tanks suspended from the BC with the plunger portion of the mechanism  142 .  
         [0076]     Now the BC with main tank affixed can be secured to a second tank typically the smaller pony tank,  12 .  FIG. 8  illustrates this.  
         [0077]     Prior to the assembly of the combination of the BC and main tank to the smaller pony tank, piece  20  of the first adaptation is secured to the pony tank  12  using band-clamps  34  and  36 . For purposes of clarity, the pony tank  12  is not depicted in  FIG. 8 . Nor is the main tank shown affixed to the piece  22 .  
         [0078]     Piece  20  on the pony tank is positioned so that the bottom  204  of the cavity  48  is axially aligned with and positioned above the top surface  206  of circular protrusion  90 . Circular protrusion  54  is positioned so as to axially align with the opening of cavity  84 . The pony tank with the piece  20  secured thereto is brought in to cooperative relationship with the main piece  22  secured to the main tank by threading the circular protrusion  90  in to the cavity opening  48 , while engaging circular portion  54  of piece  20  in cavity  84  in piece  22 . As piece  20  moves downward, as viewed in  FIG. 8 , eventually the beveled surface  108  of protrusion  90  contacts the plunger  76  of indexing plunger mechanism  72 . Thereupon, as the piece  20  moves further, downwardly, the plunger  76  is urged further inwardly, until protrusion  76  axially aligns with the cylindrically indent  110  in the lateral outside surface. At this point the plunger is urged by the spring in mechanism  72  into engagement with the indent  110  for positive locking of the two pieces.  
         [0079]     Circular plug  112  provides a support for the bottom end  80  of the circular portion  54  just at the point where the plunger  76  engages the cylindrically shaped indent  110 . The plug  112  prevents the user from over shooting the point of axial alignment between the plunger  76  and the indent  110 , something which could occur readily, due to the weight of the cylinder involved and the difficulty in exactly positioning the two tanks, relatively, at that point of alignment between the plunger and the indent. Further, the circular plug  112 , tightly fitted in the cavity  84 , provides a support surface for the weight of the tank  12 , approximately, evenly distributing the weight of the tank between the plunger and the plug  112 . The pony tank is now firmly secured to the buoyancy collar main tank combination in an affirmative locking way. It is precluded from disengaging from the BC-main tank combination due to the affirmative interlocking scheme afforded between the spring-loaded, indexing plunger mechanism  72  and the cylindrically shaped indent  110 , irrespective of the spatial orientation of the two tanks, which would be varied in a scuba diving application. The interconnection between the main tank and the buoyancy compensator through the affirmative, cooperative relationship between the spring-biased plunger portion of indexing mechanism  142  and the cylindrically shaped indent  188  ensures the two tanks will not disengage unintentionally from the BC.  
         [0080]     When it is desired to separate the pony tank from the main tank, or the main tank from the buoyancy collar, one need to only to urge the plunger  76  of mechanism  72  or its counterpart in mechanism  142 , by urging the handle, for example  208  of plunger mechanism  72 , axially outward in the direction of arrow  210 . This disengages the plunger  76  from the indent opening  110 , allowing the separation of the pony tank from the main tank. So also, is the main tank easily disengaged from the buoyancy compensator.  
         [0081]     The various angular edges of the pieces described,  20 ,  22 ,  24 , and  26  can be smoothed by known abrading techniques prior to the engagement of the plunger mechanisms to the respective pieces. This can be important in scuba diving applications.  
         [0082]     Of course the location of the individual pieces on a particular cylindrical tank, i.e. piece  20  on tank  12  or piece  22  on tank  10 , is somewhat dictated by convenience but also economics. Assuming for the moment that the price of the piece  20  might be somewhat higher due to the fact that a plunger mechanism, a purchased part, would be required, and the fact that a scuba diver might have more pony tanks than perhaps main tanks such as tank  12 , it might be preferable to have the less expensive piece,  20 , mounted on the pony tank. In terms of operation, other than the relative positioning of the piece with the plunger mechanism above the piece without the plunger mechanism as depicted in  FIG. 8 , the advantages of the invention are the same and principally turn on the affirmative, quick engagement and disengagement of the two units.  
         [0083]      FIG. 9A  depicts a piece  212  which cooperates with piece such as  24  to form another adaptation of the invention  14 . The piece  212  is first cut to the desired length from a basic formed aluminum extrusion. For a scuba diving tank application, where this piece,  212 , is used to mate with piece  24 , the length would be approximately 12″ (30.5 cm). Once cut the piece  212  is machined to provide the surfaces and features necessary to implement the invention as to this specific adaptation.  
         [0084]     In  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the piece  212 , as extruded, is seen to include a second central body portion  214 . Formed at one lateral end is a cavity  216  which is interiorly disposed in the second central body portion. This cavity is partially circular. The cavity  216  is interconnected along its longitudinal length to and through the surface  218  of the central body portion  214 , via a rectangular cutout  220 . Formed at the other lateral end by the extrusion is a first, partially circular protrusion  222  extending outward from the second central body portion  214  and connected thereto by extension member  224 . The contours of  222  and  224 , and their respective dimensions and dimensional relationship to the second central body portion, complement the contours of cavity  216  and cutout  220 , and their dimensions, and dimensional relationships to the second central body portion  214 , for purposes apparent from the previous discussion.  
         [0085]     Arcuate segments  226  and  228  are also formed in the basic extruded piece. These segments are designed into the extruding mold so as to eliminate unnecessary material from the piece, a benefit in scuba diving applications in that it reduces the weight of the piece  212 , and helps to minimize drag in the water.  
         [0086]     The rear surface  230  of the piece  212  is formed having two partially arcuate surface portions  232  and  234  of predetermined radii. Both surface portions  232  and  234  of rear surface  230  as formed, extend the entire longitudinal length. Each has a radius which complements the radius of the outer surface of a larger cylindrical air tank, such as main tank  10 . Of course if there were a need, the surface portions  232  and  234  could be formed to each have the dual radii surface depicted and described in  FIG. 6 . Or alternately the surface portions  232  and  234  could be formed to each have the radius necessary to accommodate a smaller tank such as tank  12 .  
         [0087]     Arcuate surface portions  232  and  234  are interconnected in the formed piece by a flat intermediary surface portion  236 .  
         [0088]     Extending longitudinally, axially, in both directions from the second central body portion  214  are band-clamp retention portions,  238 ,  240 ,  242 , and  244 . Each of the associated facing surfaces as viewed in the direction of arrow  246  are machined to form a retaining groove which is dimensioned to accommodate the longitudinal width and thickness of the securing band portions of a band-clamp such as  42  described above. Slots  246 ,  248 ,  250 , and  252  are cut through the flat intermediary surface portion  236 . This enables respective bands of four associated band-clamps (not shown) to pass along retention portions  238 ,  240 ,  242 , and  244  and pass through slots  246 ,  250  and  252 . Thus one tank is securely retained against surface  232  and one tank against surface  234 .  
         [0089]     Circular protrusion  222  is machined on its top end to form a beveled surface  254 . As described for piece  26  above, the circular protrusion  222  is further machined to provide a cylindrically shaped indent  256 , at a point in the lateral outside surface, just below the end of the beveled surface  254 .  
         [0090]     As described for piece  26 , circular plug  258  is sized to tightly fit at the bottom of cavity  216 . It is secured therein via a stainless steel pin  260  which is press-fitted through a compatible opening in the side-wall  262  and into a complementing hole (again, not seen) in the plug  258 .  
         [0091]     The unit depicted in  FIGS. 9A and 9B  would be assembled to two tanks, typically two main tanks such as  10 , using suitable band-clamps at the top and bottom of piece  212 . The BC with piece  24  attached would then be positioned as described above with respect to piece  26 . Piece  24  would then be moved to engage piece  212  as described above so as to engage them in an affirmative interlock.  
         [0092]     Referring now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the teachings of the present invention are applied to another application. Here fire extinguisher  264 , to which  266  has been affixed by band-clamps  268  and  270 , is to be mounted to a vertical surface. Piece  266  is identical in all substantial respects, except, perhaps, for the length, to piece  20 . (See  FIG. 3 ). It can be cut from the same extruded basic form from which pieces  20 ,  22  and  26  are cut.  
         [0093]     Piece  272  is formed from the same extruded piece used to fashion piece  24 , (see  FIG. 5 ). However, the basic extruded piece is machined differently to accommodate this particular application. So for example, the piece  272  retains the formed flat surfaces  274  and  276  which facilitate its mounting to the vertical surface  278 . Further, the piece  272  is machined to include at least one opening, which could be a slot  280 , to accommodate bolts  284  and  286  used to secure the piece  272  to the vertical mounting surface. As illustrated, the bolts  284  and  286  pass through the slot in the piece  272 . The piece  272 , since made from the same basic extruded piece as piece  24 , includes a circular portion  288  and a cylindrical cavity  290 . Here, however, the circular portion extends the full length of the piece  272  and reflects the configuration of circular portion  90  of  FIG. 4 . I.e., circular portion  288  is further machined to include a beveled surface  292  and a cylindrical indent (not seen) just below the beveled surface where it meets the lateral side of the circular portion at a location identical to the location of cylindrical indent  110  on circular portion  90  as seen in  FIG. 4 . Further, the piece  272  is different from the piece  24 , in that a circular plug  294  is positioned in cavity  290  at the bottom, similar to circular plug  112  positioned in cavity  84  in piece  22  as seen in  FIG. 4 . The plug is tightly fit into the cavity and secured by an appropriate pin, again as disclosed above with respect to  FIG. 4 .  
         [0094]     Once piece  266  is secured to the fire extinguisher  64 , and the piece  272  secured to the vertical mounting surface  278 , the user mounts the extinguisher to the surface by axially aligning circular portion  296  and cavity  298  of piece  266 , with the corresponding cavity  290  and circular piece  288  of piece  272 . Once aligned, the user would lower the fire extinguisher down onto the piece  272  in the direction of arrow  299 . When the plunger in the mechanism  300  contacts the beveled surface  292  it is urged back into the housing of mechanism  300  as described above. When the plunger portion is opposite the cylindrical indent (again, not seen) such as indent  110  in  FIG. 4 , the plunger is urged into the cylindrical indent by the spring in the housing. At this point the shortened cylindrical portion  296  rests on the top of the circular plug  294  to provide a balanced distribution of weight between the plug and the plunger portion of the mechanism  300 . To remove the extinguisher, the user would simply retract the plunger by the pulling outwardly on the handle of mechanism  300 , and then lift the extinguisher out of the interconnecting relationship between piece  266  and  276 .  
         [0095]     It should be apparent, at this juncture, that the present invention has broad application to the mounting of various devices in a secure, quick and convenient way so that the item to be mounted can be easily removed. It is apparent that this could have application to the mounting of expensive electronic gear, on board ships as well as other items referred to above.  
         [0096]     While the present invention has been disclosed in connection with versions shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.