SWING DOWN FUEL TANK BRACKET

摘要

A swing down tank bracket for supporting a fuel tank mounted onto a vehicle includes a frame immovably mounted onto a vehicle, a cradle operatively connected to the frame and arranged to support a fuel tank, a hinge that pivotally connects a first end of the cradle to a first end of the frame, an d a latch having a first portion disposed on a second end of the frame and a second portion disposed on a second end of the cradle. The first portion of the latch is releasably engaged with the second portion of the latch so that alter the latch is disengaged, the cradle is rotationally maneuverable betwe en a retracted position and an extended position in a single stage. The cradle may be maneuvered between the retracted position and the extended position b y simultaneously rotating outwardly and downwardly in relation to the vehicle. In some embodiments, a gas spring device, connected between the cradle and t he frame, retards and assists the motion of the rotating cradle in a manner tha t requires minimal effort on the part of the operator in loading and unloading the fuel tank from the vehicle. Another device may be included to latch the cradle in the extended position in order to provide stability when loading/unloading a fuel tank.