Patent Document

The present utility application hereby formally claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent application No. 61/518,710 filed May 10, 2011 on “BRACKET FOR RETAINING CYLINDRICAL TANK VERTICALLY UPRIGHT” filed by the same inventors listed herein, namely, Michael P. Ziaylek of Yardley Pa. and W. Brian McGinty of Huntington Valley Pa. and assigned to Michael P. Ziaylek of Yardley Pa., said referenced provisional application being hereby formally incorporated by reference as an integral part of the present application. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention deals with the field of devices for holding tanks commonly used in emergency vehicles such as ambulances wherein the tanks commonly will contain oxygen or other gases required during emergency operations. Such brackets need to be capable of being mounted with respect to environmental structure such as the interior of the emergency vehicle such as an ambulance or fire truck for firmly securing the tank therewithin and preventing movement of the tank during movement of the vehicle itself to minimize dangers to personnel located within the vehicle. 
     Such devices need to include a firm means for securing of the tanks within the bracket as well as facilitating quick and easy removal thereof under the conditions of common emergencies. Such tanks come in various sizes and shapes, lengths and neck dimensions and, as such, it is preferable that such brackets accommodate tanks which vary in these sizes and dimensions. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Other brackets for similar use are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,168,136 patented Aug. 1, 1939 to A. F. Playfair et al on a “Fire Extinguishing Bomb And Bracket Therefor” and assigned to George W. F. Brishin and Annie F. Playfair; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,224,720 patented Dec. 21, 1965 to C. L. Hain and assigned to The Fire Guard Corporation on a “Combined Handle Lock And Bracket For Fire Extinguishers”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,317,171 patented May 2, 1967 to J. Kramer on a “Cup Or Tumbler Holder For Attachment To Aluminum Chairs Or The Like”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,565,384 patented Feb. 23, 1971 to L. A. Lockwood and assigned to Bernzomatic Corporation on a “Bracket For Holding And Clamping Gas Cylinder Type Fire Extinguisher Tanks”; and U.S. Pat. No. 3,765,635 patented Oct. 16, 1973 to W. R. Burrell et al and assigned to Burrell Bros., Inc. on a “Bracket For Gas Containers And Similar Tanks”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,213,592 patented Jul. 22, 1980 to D. J. Lingenfelser and assigned Caterpillar Tractor Co. on a “Bracket Assembly For Mounting Fire Extinguishers Thereon”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,521 patented Aug. 19, 1986 to G. R. Williams on a “Cylinder Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,997,157 patented Mar. 5, 1991 to H. D. Sweeny and assigned to Swenco Limited on a “Multi-Purpose Canister Wall Bracket”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,890 patented Mar. 29, 1994 to A. D. Commins and assigned to Simpson Strong-Tie Company, Inc. on a “Wood-To-Pipe Connection”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,266 patented Jun. 7, 1994 to H. L. Liu on a “Drink Holder”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,508 patented Jun. 13, 1995 to S. R. Isenga et al and assigned to ITC, Incorporated on a “Foldable Support For Beverage Container”; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,544 patented Apr. 6, 1999 to R. Love et al on a “Self-Contained Remote Automated Fire Suppression”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,245 patented May 9, 2000 to F. Hermansen et al on a “Locking Water Bottle Cage For Bicycles”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,768 patented Oct. 31, 2000 to M. Fujiki and assigned to Masaru Fujiki; Shichifuku Co., Ltd. on a “Gas Type Fire Extinguisher”; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,923 patented Aug. 5, 2003 to G. Pond et al and assigned to Seats Incorporated on an “Emergency Vehicle Seat With Integrated Seat Belt”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,455,268 patented Nov. 25, 2008 to R. W. Heath and assigned to Nibco, Inc. on a “Hanger For Fire Sprinkler Pipe”; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,878,472 patented Feb. 1, 2011 to J. R. Lackore and assigned to Pierce Manufacturing Inc. on an “Auto-Locking Holder Apparatus”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D394,381 patented May 19, 1998 to T. Ziaylek, Jr. et al on a “Tank Bracket”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D434,495 patented Nov. 28, 2000 to L. U J. Whalen et al and assigned to Wheeled Coach Industries, Inc. on an “Oxygen Bottle Holder”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D545,003 patented Jun. 19, 2007 to D. G. Heerdt et al and assigned to Walter Kidde Portable Equipment on a “Fire Extinguisher Bracket”; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D562,116 patented Feb. 19, 2008 to M. P. Ziaylek et al on a “Bracket For Releasably Retaining An Inverted Tank”; and United States Publication No. 2007/0187414 published Aug. 16, 2007 to J. R. Lackore and assigned to Pierce Manufacturing Inc. on a “Tank Holder For A Vehicle”; and United States Publication No. 2010/0219220 published Sep. 2, 2010 to P. C. Bostrom et al and assigned to H.O. Bostrom Company, Inc. on an “Automatic Locking SCBA Mounting Bracket Assembly”. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a unique bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank in a vertically upright position. Included is a backing plate which extends generally vertically and is capable of mounting to adjacent environmental structure. 
     Included is a lower surrounding member secured to the backing plate which extends outwardly therefrom and defines a lower retaining cavity which is adapted to receive and selectively retain a bottom of a cylindrical tank. The lower surrounding member will preferably define a lower surrounding member floor surface for positioning of the lower portion of the cylindrical tank thereon. An upper surrounding member is also included secured to the backing plate which extends outwardly therefrom at a position spatially disposed upwardly from the lower surrounding member for the purpose of retaining the neck of a cylindrical tank therein. The upper surrounding member preferably defines an upper retaining channel oriented facing outwardly therefrom in a direction away from the backing plate. This upper surrounding member further defines an upper retaining opening for facilitating entry into and exiting from the upper retaining channel. It is located at a position spatially disposed from the backing plate. The lower surrounding member and the upper retaining channel of the upper surrounding member will define a tank retaining zone extending therealong between the backing plate for selectively holding a cylindrical tank therein. 
     A uniquely configured retaining apparatus is included positioned adjacent to the upper retaining opening and attached to the upper surrounding member which cooperates to selectively retain the neck of a cylindrical tank within the upper retaining channel to facilitate selective retaining of it within the tank receiving zone. The retaining apparatus includes a first bracket cam pivotally movably mounted to the upper surrounding member adjacent the upper retaining opening. This first bracket cam is pivotally movable to a closed position extending at least partially across the upper retaining opening to facilitate retaining of a cylindrical tank within the upper retaining channel and it is also pivotally movable to an opened position at least partially removed from the upper retaining opening to allow movement of a tank neck through the upper retaining opening into and/or out of the upper retaining channel to allow convenient replacement and/or removal of the tank from the tank retaining zone. This first bracket cam includes a first cam protruding section which is extendable into the upper retaining opening responsive to the first bracket cam being positioned in the closed position. It also includes a first cam inner abutment surface facing generally inwardly toward the upper retaining channel responsive to the first bracket cam being positioned in the closed position for abutting a tank neck positioned therewithin to facilitate securement thereof within the tank retaining zone. The first bracket cam further includes a first cam outer abutment surface facing generally outwardly away from the upper retaining channel responsive to the first bracket cam being positioned in the closed position for abutting a tank neck positioned thereadjacent to facilitate movement of the tank neck of a cylindrical tank through the upper retaining opening into the upper retaining channel to facilitate securement thereof within the tank retaining zone. The first cam inner abutment surface and the first cam outer abutment surface will preferably intersect with respect to one another at the first protruding section and form at an acute angle therebetween. The bracket cam also includes a first cam stop adapted to abut the upper surrounding member responsive to the first bracket cam being moved to the closed position to prevent moving of the bracket cam beyond the closed position. It further includes a first cam handle extending outwardly therefrom and fixedly movable therewith to facilitate movement thereof manually. Preferably the first cam handle is oriented approximately perpendicularly with respect to the first cam inner abutment surface and the first cam outer abutment surface. The retaining means further includes a first cam resilient biasing means such as a coil spring or the like operatively mounted between the first bracket cam and the upper surrounding member for continuously urging the first bracket cam away from the opened position and toward the closed position thereof. This first cam resilient biasing member includes a first spacing member positioned between the upper surrounding member and the first bracket cam for providing spacing therebetween to facilitate placement of the first cam resilient biasing spring or the like therebetween. The first cam resilient biasing spring will preferably comprise a coil spring positioned extending around the spacing member which is attached to the upper surrounding member and the first bracket cam and is located physically therebetween for the purpose of continuously urging movement of the first bracket cam toward the closed position. 
     The retaining apparatus will further include a second bracket cam pivotally movably mounted to the upper surrounding member adjacent the upper retaining opening at a position spatially disposed from the first bracket cam with the upper retaining opening positioned therebetween. This second bracket cam will be pivotally movable to a closed position extending at least partially across the upper retaining opening to facilitate retaining of a neck of a cylindrical tank within the upper retaining channel. It is also pivotally movable to an opened position at least partially removed from a position extending across the upper retaining opening to allow movement of a tank neck through the upper retaining opening into or out of the upper retaining channel for facilitating replacement and removal thereof from the tank retaining zone. The first bracket cam and the second bracket cam will preferably be each independently pivotally movable with respect to the upper surrounding member. 
     The second bracket cam will include a second cam protruding section which is extendable into the upper retaining opening responsive to the second bracket cam being positioned in the closed position. This first cam protruding section and the second cam protruding section will be positionable extending across the upper retaining opening toward one another to a position spaced apart by a distance smaller than the normal size of the neck of a cylindrical tank to facilitate securement thereof selectively within the upper retaining channel responsive to the first bracket cam and the second bracket cam each being located in the closed position. The second bracket cam will further include a second cam inner abutment surface facing generally inwardly toward the upper retaining channel opening responsive to the second bracket cam being positioned in the closed position for the purpose of abutting a tank neck positioned therewithin to facilitate securement thereof within the tank retaining zone. The second bracket cam will also include a second cam outer abutment surface facing generally outwardly away from the upper retaining channel responsive to the second bracket cam being positioned in the closed position for abutting a tank neck of a cylindrical tank positioned thereagainst to facilitate movement of a cylindrical tank through the upper retaining opening into the upper retaining channel to facilitate securement thereof with respect to the tank receiving zone. The second cam inner abutment surface and the second cam outer abutment surface will preferably intersect with respect to one another at the location of the second protruding section and will be angularly oriented with respect to one another at an acute angle. The second bracket cam will further include a second cam stop which is adapted to abut the upper surrounding member responsive to the second bracket being moved to the closed position to prevent moving of the second cam beyond the closed position. A second cam handle will also be included on the second bracket cam which extends outwardly therefrom and is fixedly movable therewith to facilitate movement thereof by manual grasping such as by use of the thumb and forefinger of a user. The second cam handle will be oriented approximately perpendicularly with respect to the second cam inner abutment surface and the second cam outer abutment surface to facilitate grasping thereof. The first cam handle and the second cam handle will preferably extend approximately parallel with respect to one another and yet be spatially disposed from one another to facilitate simultaneous grasping thereof to cause movement of both the first and second bracket cam from the closed position to the opened position to facilitate removal of a tank from attachment to the bracket. This spacing between the first and second cam handles will preferably be less than five inches. 
     The retaining means further includes a second cam resilient biasing mechanism operative mounted between the second bracket cam and the upper surrounding member for continuously urging the second bracket cam away from the opened position and toward the closed position thereof. The second cam resilient biasing construction will include a second spacing member positioned between the upper surrounding member and the second bracket for providing spacing therebetween to facilitate placement of the second cam biasing mechanism therebetween. The second cam biasing construction will preferably comprise a second coil spring positioned extending around the second spacing member and being attached to the upper surrounding member and the second bracket cam and positioned therebetween such as to continuously urge movement of the second bracket cam toward the closed position. 
     In some embodiments of the present invention a tank resiliently flexible biasing mechanism will be fixedly mounted to the backing plate at a position above the lower surrounding member and below the upper surrounding member and extending outwardly into the tank retaining zone to resiliently bias a cylindrical tank positioned therein away from the backing plate and urge the tank neck thereof toward firm abutment with respect to the first and second cam inner abutment surfaces of the first and second bracket cams. 
     Also the apparatus of the present invention can include an auxiliary lower floor member pivotally movably mounted relative to the lower surrounding member at a position above the lower surrounding member floor surface and movable to a deployed position extending approximately perpendicularly outwardly from the backing plate extending across and above the lower surrounding member floor surface to support a cylindrical tank thereon positioned within the tank retaining zone at an elevated position closer to the upper surrounding member. The auxiliary lower floor member is also preferably movable to a storage position extending upwardly along the backing plate at a position such that it is no longer located within the tank receiving zone. An auxiliary floor retaining construction can be included for selectively retaining of the auxiliary floor in the storage position. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining cylindrical tanks vertically upright which is particularly usable for oxygen tanks positioned in ambulances. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein tanks having various neck sizes can be accommodated. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein tanks having various overall longitudinal vertical lengths and shapes can be accommodated. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright which can be positioned immediately adjacent to similar constructions in a horizontal stack within an emergency vehicle because there are a minimal number of lateral protrusions because the lateral protrusions thereof are minimized. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein placement of the tank into the tank retaining zone can be achieved merely by placing the lower portion of the tank in a lower retaining cavity and urging the upper portion of the tank inwardly while pivoting the bracket cams to the open position and simultaneously urging the upper portion of the tank into the U-shaped upper retaining channel. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein the tank retaining zone extends from the cylindrical tank neck retaining portion in the upper retaining channel to the bottom tank retaining portion of the tank retaining zone in the lower retaining cavity of the lower surrounding member. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein retaining panels extend vertically on opposite lateral sides of the backing plate which extend vertically therealong on lateral opposite sides of the tank retaining zone for facilitating overall structural strength and firm securement of the tank therewithin. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein an auxiliary lower floor member is pivotally mounted with respect to the lower surrounding member to facilitate firm securement of tanks having variable vertical dimensions. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein a resiliently flexible tank biasing means is included at an intermediate position between the lower surrounding member and the upper surrounding member to urge outwardly directed bias against the tank for firmly engaging of the tank when positioned within the tank retaining zone and to facilitate removal thereof from the tank retaining zone when the bracket cams are rotated to the opened position. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein maintenance costs are minimized. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein capital costs of manufacture are minimized. 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright wherein mounting with respect to any readily available environmental structure is possible. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       While the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly described herein, a preferred embodiment is set forth in the following detailed description which may be best understood when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front three-quarter perspective illustration of an embodiment of the bracket for retaining a cylindrical tank vertically upright taken from the front upper right shown without a tank positioned in the tank retaining zone and with the bracket cams in the retaining position and also with the auxiliary floor member in the deployed position. 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 1  with a cylindrical tank shown positioned within the tank retaining zone; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1  with the auxiliary floor shown retained in the upright position; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 3  with a tank positioned in the tank retaining zone; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of the embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1  viewed in three-quarter front perspective from the upper left right with the auxiliary floor shown in an intermediate position between fully retained position and the fully deployed position; 
         FIG. 6  is a close-up perspective view from below showing from beneath the upper surrounding member and the two bracket cams clearly showing the pivotal means for attachment thereof with the tank flexibly resilient biasing means shown in the lower portion thereof located in the steady state position extending outwardly away from the backing plate into the tank retaining zone; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective exploded illustration of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  to illustrate the operative interaction of all parts to facilitate understanding of the manner of assembly and structural cooperation between parts; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded side view showing an embodiment of the tank flexibly resilient biasing means being resiliently compressed against the rear portion of a tank positioned within the tank retaining zone of the bracket of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of a second bracket cam of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of a first bracket cam of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a second bracket cam of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a lower perspective view of an embodiment of a first bracket cam of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a front plan view of an embodiment of a first upper pivot pin enlarged washer of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a front plan view of an embodiment of a second upper pivot pin enlarged washer of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective illustration of an embodiment of a first spacing member of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a front perspective illustration of an embodiment of the second spacing member of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides a bracket for retaining of a generally cylindrical tank  12  having an upper tank neck portion  14 . It is important that the bracket of the present invention accommodates tanks having various lengths and having various different sizes in the tank neck section  14  thereof. It is also important that the tank be capable of being firmly secured with respect to the bracket in an easy, quick and efficient manner. It is also important that the tank be easily and quickly removable from securement within the bracket for the purposes of sudden emergency uses thereof. 
     The construction of the bracket includes a backing plate  10  which extends generally in a vertical direction and includes various apertures or brackets therealong for facilitating securing thereof with respect to surrounding environmental structure. As shown in this embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention the backing plate  10  can include side retaining panels extending vertically thereon. In particular, a first side retaining panel  20  is shown extending vertically along one lateral edge of the backing plate  10  and a second side retaining panel  22  oppositely positioned from the first side retaining panel  20  will extend vertically along the other side lateral outermost edge of the backing plate  10  to facilitate secure mounting to environmental structure. In the configuration shown in this embodiment of the present invention the retaining panels  20  and  22  include various apertures or slots therein which facilitate mounting thereof with respect to environmental structure or adjacently positioned similar brackets. 
     A lower surrounding member  16  is attached with respect to the lower surface of the backing plate  10  and defines a lower retaining cavity  18  therein with a lower surrounding member floor surface  19  defined within the cavity. The lower surrounding member  16  is adapted to receive a tank  12  by allowing the bottom of the tank to be rested upon the lower floor surface  19  to facilitate engagement of the tank relative to the bracket. The lower surrounding member  16  will surround the portion of the tank extending vertically immediately adjacent the lower surface thereof to facilitate engagement of the tank within the tank releasing zone  80  which extends vertically parallel to and outwardly displaced slightly from the backing plate  10 . 
     An upper surrounding member  24  is positioned attached to the backing plate  10  preferably in the upper area thereof and is spatially disposed from the lower surrounding member  16  to define the tank retaining zone  80  extending therebetween. A retaining apparatus is mounted with respect to the upper surrounding member to selectively retain the tank with respect to the bracket and the backing plate  10 . The upper surrounding member  24  will preferably define an upper retaining channel  26  which is preferably U-shaped and is adapted to receive the neck  14  of the tank  12  positioned therewith to facilitate retaining thereof. An upper retaining channel opening  108  is defined in the open end of U-shaped channel  26  most distant from backing plate  10  to facilitate moving of the neck  14  of a cylindrical tank  12  therethrough into channel  26 . 
     Damage to the tank is preferably minimized by the inclusion of an upper channel edge guard  28  made of vinyl or some other soft material. Commonly the construction of the upper surrounding member  24  is metal and the construction of tank neck  14  is metal, or possibly ceramic, and therefore the inclusion of an upper channel edge guard  28  of vinyl or other soft material prevents damaging to both of these parts particularly preventing damaging to the tank neck. 
     A first bracket cam  33  and a second bracket cam  34  are included preferably pivotally moveably mounted with respect to the upper surrounding member  24  and are positioned on opposite sides of the upper retaining channel  26 . These two bracket cams are each separately and independently pivotally movable between a closed or retaining position for holding of the tank neck  14  within the upper retaining slot  26  and a releasing position for allowing movement of the tank neck  14  into and out of the channel  26  for facilitating placement and removal, respectively, of the tank neck  14  relative to the retaining channel  26 . 
     The pivotal movement of each of the bracket cams is facilitated by the inclusion of upper pivot pins  29  and  31 . In particular, a first upper pivot pin  29  is positionable extending through the first upper surround aperture  86  defined in the upper surrounding member  24  adjacent to one side of the upper retaining channel  26  and spatially disposed from the backing plate  10 . First upper pivot pin  29  is positioned extending through first upper surround aperture  86  and therebelow in order to provide an axis for facilitating pivotal movement of the first bracket cam  33  relative to the upper surrounding member  24  between the closed position and the opened position. First bracket cam  33  will define a first cam aperture  44  adapted to receive the first upper pivot pin  29  extending therethrough and to provide the pivotal axis for movement of the first bracket cam  33  between the closed position and the opened position. Control of movement of the first bracket cam  33  with respect to the upper surrounding member  24  is enhanced by the inclusion of a first upper pivot pin enlarged washer  30  or first washer  30 . First washer  30  will receive the first upper pivot pin  29  extending therethrough and will be positioned thereon between the underside of the upper surrounding member  24  and the first bracket cam  33 . Such positioning of the first washer  30  will assure that the proper spacing is maintained between the first bracket cam  33  and the upper surrounding member  24  in order to position a first cam resilient biasing means  52  therebetween. The larger or standard diameter portion of the washer will provide a first spacing member  114  to achieve this desired spacing. First cam resilient biasing means  52  is preferably a coil spring positioned surrounding the washer  30  which is connected to the upper surrounding member  24  and to the first bracket cam  33  to exert a resilient bias therebetween which urges the first bracket cam  33  to move toward the closed position. Thus, the steady state position of first bracket cam  33  will be in the closed position. First bracket cam  33  will include a first cam stop  48  thereon which will come into direct abutment with the upper surrounding member  24  responsive to movement to the closed position thereof. The first cam resilient biasing means  52  will urge rotational movement of the first bracket cam  33  in the clockwise direction as viewed from above until the first cam stop  48  comes into abutting contact with the upper surrounding member  24  which thusly defines the closed position thereof. At this closed position the first bracket cam  33  will extend at least partially across the upper retaining channel  26  to a position to prevent movement of a tank neck  14  through the upper retaining channel  26  of the upper surrounding member for movement thereof into or out of the tank retaining zone  80 . Pivotal movement of the first bracket cam  33  in the counter-clockwise direction will cause movement thereof to the opened position. This counter-clockwise movement is performed by overpowering of the force exerted by the first cam resilient biasing means  52  and will cause movement of the first bracket cam  33  to the opened position such that movement of the tank neck  14  through the upper retaining channel  26  of the upper surrounding member for movement thereof into or out of the tank retaining zone  80  is made possible. 
     Similarly on the opposite side of the upper retaining channel  26 , a second upper pivot pin  31  is positioned extending through a second upper surround aperture  88  defined in the upper surrounding member  24  adjacent to side of the upper retaining channel  26  opposite from the location of said first upper surround aperture  86  and spatially disposed from the backing plate  10 . Second upper pivot pin  31  is positioned extending through the second upper surround aperture  88  and therebelow in order to provide an axis for facilitating pivotal movement of the second bracket cam  34  relative to the upper surrounding member  24  between the closed position and the opened position. Second bracket cam  34  will define a second cam aperture  44  adapted to receive the second upper pivot pin  31  extending therethrough and to provide the pivotal axis for movement of the second bracket cam  34  between the closed position and the opened position. Control of movement of the second bracket cam  34  with respect to the upper surrounding member  24  is enhanced by the inclusion of a second upper pivot pin enlarged washer  32  or first washer  32 . First washer  32  will receive the second upper pivot pin  31  extending therethrough and will be positioned thereon between the underside of the upper surrounding member  24  and the second bracket cam  34 . Such positioning of the washer  32  will assure that the proper spacing is maintained between the second bracket cam  34  and the upper surrounding member  24  in order to position a second cam resilient biasing means  54  therebetween. The larger diameter portion of the washer  32  will provide the second spacing member  116  as desired between the second cam bracket and the upper surrounding member  24 . Second cam resilient biasing means  54  is preferably a coil spring positioned surrounding the washer  32  which is connected to the upper surrounding member  24  and to the second bracket cam  34  to exert a resilient bias therebetween which urges the second bracket cam  34  to move toward the closed position. Thus, the steady state position of second bracket cam  34  will be in the closed position. Second bracket cam  34  will include a second cam stop  50  thereon which will come into direct abutment with the upper surrounding member  24  responsive to movement to the closed position thereof. The second cam resilient biasing means  54  will urge rotational movement of the second bracket cam  34  in the counter-clockwise direction as viewed from above until the second cam stop  50  comes into abutting contact with the upper surrounding member  24  which thusly defines the closed position thereof. At this closed position the second bracket cam  34  will extend at least partially across the upper retaining channel  26  to a position to prevent movement of a tank neck  14  through the upper retaining channel  26  of the upper surrounding member for movement thereof into or out of the tank retaining zone  80 . Pivotal movement of the second bracket cam  34  in the clockwise direction will cause movement thereof toward the opened position. This clockwise movement is performed by overpowering of the force exerted by the second cam resilient biasing means  54  and will cause movement of the second bracket cam  34  to the opened position such that movement of a tank neck  14  through the upper retaining channel  26  of the upper surrounding member for movement thereof into or out of the tank retaining zone  80  is made possible. 
     Pivotal movement of the first and second bracket cams  33  and  34  is facilitated by the inclusion of a first cam handle  40  and a second cam handle  42  defined extending outwardly therefrom, respectively. These two cam handles  40  and  42  are spatially disposed from one another at a convenient distance, such as less than five inches apart, in order to be capable of being grasped by the fingers of one hand of a user such that when compressed together in the direction shown by arrows  82  as shown in  FIG. 5 , movement of the first and second bracket cams  33  and  34  from the closed position to the releasing position is achieved to easily allow quick release of a tank  12  from the tank retaining zone  80 . 
     It is important to appreciate that each of the bracket cams  33  and  34  are continuously urged by the respective resilient biasing means  52  and  54  toward the closed position to facilitate engagement thereof with respect to the tank neck  14  of a tank  12  when positioned within the tank retaining zone  80  for secure retaining thereof. With this construction the first bracket cam  33  and the second bracket cam  34  will define a first cam inner abutment surface  36  and a second cam inner abutment surface  38 , respectively, which will be adapted to be brought into direct abutment with the tank neck  14  of a tank  12  which is positioned within the tank retaining zone  80  whenever the bracket cams  33  and  34  are allowed to be urged by the respective biasing means thereof  52  and  54  into the tank retaining position. First bracket cam  33  will also include a first cam protruding section  110  which is selectively extendable at least partially across the upper retaining channel opening  110  when in the closed position for securing of a tank  12  within the tank retaining zone  80 . First cam protruding section  110  is defined preferably at the corner or intersection between said first cam inner abutment surface  36  and said first cam outer abutment surface  90 . Second bracket cam  34  will similarly include a second cam protruding section  112  which is selectively extendable at least partially across the upper retaining channel opening  110  when in the closed position for securing of a tank  12  within the tank retaining zone  80 . Second cam protruding section  112  is defined preferably at the corner or intersection between said second cam inner abutment surface  38  and said second cam outer abutment surface  92 . 
     Thus, with this construction as defined above, when it is necessary the neck  14  of a tank  12  can easily be positioned within the upper retaining channel  26  for firm securement therewithin and also can be easily released therefrom. Ease of placement of a tank  12  into the bracket is also greatly facilitated by this construction. The first bracket cam  33  will define a first cam outer abutment surface  90  positioned oriented facing outwardly therefrom. When the first bracket cam  33  is in the closed position the first cam outer abutment surface  90  will face outwardly therefrom within the upper retaining channel  26 . Similarly, the second bracket cam  34  will define a second cam outer abutment surface  92  positioned oriented facing outwardly therefrom. When the second bracket cam  34  is in the closed position the second cam outer abutment surface  92  will face outwardly therefrom within the upper retaining channel  26  at a position adjacent to the first cam outer abutment surface  90  of the first bracket cam  33 . To move the tank  12  into position within the tank retaining zone  80  the lower portion of the tank  12  can be positioned within the lower retaining cavity  18  and the tank neck  14  can be pivoted into engaging abutment with respect to the first cam outer abutment surface  90  and the second cam outer abutment surface  92  simultaneously. Then the exertion of force against the tank neck  14  will overpower the force of the biasing means  52  and  54  cause both the first bracket cam  33  and the second bracket cam  34  to pivot away from the closed position to the opened position thereof. Then the tank neck  12  will be able to pass between the two bracket cams  33  and  34  through the upper retaining channel  26  to be retained in the tank retaining zone  80 . After the tank moved to zone  80  the first and second bracket cams  33  and  34  will quickly pivot to the closed position thereby bringing the first cam inner abutment surface  36  and the second cam inner abutment surface  38  to securing abutting contact with the tank neck  12 . 
     The construction of the bracket of the present invention is particularly enhanced by the use of a specific construction for the washers  30  and  32 . Preferably first upper pivot pin enlarged washer  30  will include a first washer reduced diameter section  94  and a first washer standard diameter section  96 . The central bore extending through washer  30  will be the same inside diameter in the first washer reduced diameter section  94  and in the first washer standard diameter section  98  such that the first upper pivot pin  29  extending therethrough will be snugly retained therein. Also the sizing of the first cam aperture  44  will be chosen large enough to receive the first washer reduced diameter section  94  of washer  30  therein to facilitate control of pivotal movement of first bracket cam  33  with respect to the upper surrounding member  24 . The first washer standard diameter section  96  will be too large to fit within the first cam aperture  44  and thus will be positioned between the undersurface of the upper surrounding member  24  and the first bracket cam  33  to provide the spacing for mounting of the first coil spring  52  therearound. 
     Similarly the second upper pivot pin enlarged washer  32  will preferably include a second washer reduced diameter section  98  and a first washer standard diameter section  99 . The central bore extending through washer  34  will be the same inside diameter in the second washer reduced diameter section  98  and in the second washer standard diameter section  99  such that the second upper pivot pin  31  extending therethrough will be snugly retained therein. Also the sizing of the second cam aperture  46  will be sized large enough to receive the second washer reduced diameter section  98  of washer  32  therein to facilitate control of pivotal movement of second bracket cam  34  with respect to the upper surrounding member  24 . The second washer standard diameter section  99  will be too large to fit within the second cam aperture  46  and thus will be positioned between the undersurface of the upper surrounding member  24  and the second bracket cam  34  to provide the necessary spacing for mounting of the second coil spring  52  therearound. 
     The lower surrounding member  16  of the present invention defines the lower floor surface  19  within the lower retaining cavity  18  at a specific predetermined distance from the upper retaining channel  26 . The present invention provides a means for selectively decreasing this dimension by a small distance by the inclusion of an auxiliary lower floor member  62  which is pivotally movably mounted with respect to the lower surrounding member  16  and the backing plate  10  for usage or storage as needed. This auxiliary lower floor member  62  includes a lower auxiliary floor  61  such that when the floor member  62  is pivoted to the deployed position, as shown in  FIG. 1 , an elevated floor position will be provided to accommodate slightly shorter tanks or tanks with different profiles. The lower active position or deployed position  72  wherein the auxiliary lower floor member  62  is positioned generally horizontally is shown in  FIG. 1 . The storage or de-activated position for the lower floor member  62  is shown in  FIG. 3  wherein the auxiliary lower floor member  62  is positioned in a generally vertically extending direction extending generally parallel to the backing plate. An auxiliary floor retaining means  76  such as a detachable hook and loop means or similar detachable securement means can be provided for detachably securing the auxiliary lower floor member  62  in the stored position temporarily when not being used. The pivotal movement of the auxiliary lower floor member  62  relative to the lower surrounding member  16  will be achieved by the inclusion of a first lower pivot member  64 . and a second lower pivot member  66  positioned on opposite sides of the lower surrounding member  16 . In particular, the lower surrounding member  16  will preferably define an auxiliary floor first aperture means  68  in the one side thereof and an auxiliary floor second aperture means  70  in the opposite side thereof to receive the first lower pivot member  64  and the second lower pivot member  66 , respectively, therethrough to provide the pivoting axis for aiding in the pivotal movement of the auxiliary lower floor member  62  relative to the lower surrounding member  16 . It should be appreciated that when the lower auxiliary floor member  62  is positioned in the vertical or stored position the lower floor front edge  78  thereof will extend inwardly toward the tank retaining zone  80  and thereby may be caused to come into engagement with respect to a tank  12  positioned therewithin. As such, it is important that the profile of the lower floor front edge  78  be arcuate with a recessed center portion to facilitate clearance within the tank retaining zone  80  for positioning of a tank  12  therewithin. 
     Another important construction shown in the bracket construction of the present invention is in the inclusion of a tank resiliently flexible biasing means  56  such as a flat spring or the like positioned at an intermediate location along the backing plate  10  between the lower surrounding member  16  and the upper surround member  24 . This flexible biasing means  56  will be brought into abutment with the intermediate portion of a tank  12  positioned within the tank retaining zone  18  to urge the tank to move away from the backing plate  10  and thereby firmly secure the tank in position within the retaining zone  80 . The flexible biasing means or spring  56  will cause the tank to move such that the tank neck  14  positively and firmly engages the first cam inner abutment surface  36  and the second cam inner abutment surface  38  of the bracket cams  33  and  34  thereby firmly securing the tank and minimizing rattling or movement thereof. A horizontally extending abutting section  60  of the flexibly resilient biasing means  56  will normally be capable of being brought into position immediately adjacent to the outer surface of the tank for exerting bias thereagainst from the biasing means  56 . To protect the body of the tank a jacket means  58  of soft material such as rubber or the like can be included extending along the abutting section  60  which further facilitates urging of the tank  12  securely for retaining thereof in the tank retaining zone  80  and minimizing movement while held within the bracket. 
     To minimize damaging of tank  12  and particularly tank neck  14  thereof the edges of the abutment surface of the first and second bracket cams  33  and  34  will have arcuate edges. In particular, first cam inner abutment surface  36  will preferably include a first cam inner arcuate edge  100 . Second cam inner abutment surface  38  will preferably include a second cam inner arcuate edge  102 . Similarly, the first cam outer abutment surface  90  will include a first cam outer arcuate edge  104  and second cam outer abutment surface will include a second cam outer arcuate edge  106 . Each of these four arcuate edges will facilitate in minimizing damage to the neck  14  or tanks  12  while in abutment therewith. 
     While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in the drawings and described above, it will be apparent that many changes may be made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elements of the combination. In consideration thereof, it should be understood that preferred embodiments of this invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 2