Patent ID: 7448586

Claim:
A positively engaging apparatus for releasably retaining of a cylindrical tank in an inverted vertical position comprising: A. a backing plate extending generally vertically: B. an upper bracket means defining a tank receiving zone thereadjacent, said upper bracket means including: (1) a rear panel attached to said backing plate; (2) a first side panel extending outwardly from said rear panel; (3) a second side panel extending outwardly from said rear panel at a position spatially disposed from said first side panel to facilitate defining at least a portion of the tank receiving zone therebetween; C. a foot plate mounted to said backing plate at a position below said upper bracket means to define a tank receiving zone thereabove adapted to receive a cylindrical tank stored therewithin inverted and vertically, said tank receiving zone being defined below said upper bracket means and above said foot plate and extending vertically along and adjacent said backing plate; D. a top clamping member pivotally secured with respect to said first side panel and said second side panel and movable between a retracted position extending vertically along said rear panel of said upper bracket means and a retaining position extending outwardly from said rear panel of said upper bracket means for selectively retaining a cylindrical tank inverted within the tank receiving zone engaged between said top clamping member thereabove and said foot plate therebelow; E. a locking mechanism attached to said upper bracket means and movable between an locked position in engagement with respect to said top clamping member for holding thereof in the retaining position and an unlocked position disengaged from said top clamping member to facilitate return movement thereof to the retracted position; F. a return biasing means attached to said top clamping member and to said upper bracket means for urging said top clamping member toward the retracted position thereof; G. a releasing means attached to said locking mechanism and operative to urge said locking mechanism to move toward the unlocked position; and H. a bumper member attached to said rear panel of said upper bracket means and extending outwardly therefrom into abutment with a cylindrical tank positioned within the tank receiving zone to facilitate securement therewithin responsive to movement of said top clamping member to the retaining position.