COMPACT SYSTEM FOR LIFTING AND MOVING PRESSURIZED TANK
A hoist with a cradle for coupling with a pressurized tank. A primary means of restraining the tank on the cradle is provided along with a backup means should the primary means fail for any reason. A linear actuator assembly raises the cradle up to 27 inches from the floor surface. An onboard battery with an integrated battery charger provides power to the linear actuator. A compact base with swivel casters allows a raised tank to be safely lifted and transported by a single operator. The compact size of the hoist allows it to operate in confined spaces.
1 . A device for lifting and transporting a pressurized tank, said device comprising:
a cradle, said cradle having an arcuate shape approximating the radius of said tank;
a base, said base having at least three casters; and
a linear actuator, said actuator physically connecting said cradle to said base such that when energized said actuator causes said cradle's height to change with respect to said base.
2 . The device of claim 1 , said device further comprising:
a battery; and
a battery charger.
3 . The device of claim 1 wherein said cradle further comprises:
a lip, said lip for supporting the base of said tank when attached to said cradle;
a strap, said strap serving as a primary means for removably attaching said tank to said cradle; and
a safety ring, said ring serving as a secondary means for removably attaching said tank to said cradle.
4 . The device of claim 1 wherein the material for said cradle and said base are chosen from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, and polymer composite.
5 . The device of claim 1 wherein said linear actuator can raise said cradle up to 27 inches above the surface upon which said device sits.
6 . The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said casters swivels.
7 . The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said casters does not swivel.
8 . The device of claim 1 wherein said linear actuator is powered by a battery.
9 . The device of claim 1 further comprising a handle for gripping by an operator.
10 . A device for lifting and transporting a pressurized tank, said device comprising:
a cradle, said cradle having an arcuate shape approximating the radius of said tank and a lip for supporting the base of said tank;
a primary attachment means for removably attaching said tank to said cradle;
a base, said base having at least three casters;
a linear actuator, said actuator physically connecting said cradle to said base such that when energized said actuator causes said cradle's height to change with respect to said base;
a battery; and
a battery charger.
11 . The device of claim 10 wherein the material for said cradle and said base are chosen from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, and polymer composite.
12 . The device of claim 10 wherein said primary attachment means is chosen from the group consisting of strap, chain, rope, and cable.
13 . The device of claim 10 wherein said primary attachment means is chosen from the group consisting of a strap with a side release buckle, a strap with a ratchet tightening mechanism, a strap with an adjustable buckle, and a strap with a hook and loop fastener.
14 . The device of claim 10 , said device further comprising a backup attachment means for removably attaching said tank to said cradle, said backup means chosen from the group consisting of strap, chain, rope, and cable.
15 . The device of claim 10 wherein at least one of said casters swivels.
16 . The device of claim 10 wherein at least one of said casters does not swivel.
17 . The device of claim 10 wherein each of said casters swivels.
18 . The device of claim 10 wherein said linear actuator can raise said cradle up to 27 inches above the surface upon which said device sits.
19 . The device of claim 10 further comprising a handle for gripping by an operator.