| 摘要 |
A storage and access apparatus (10) is provided for containing and supporting elongated cylindrical objects, particularly industrial gas cylinders (13). The apparatus (10) operates on a principal similar to that of a lazy susan and includes a rotatable carousel (16) radially bounded by a stationary support frame (14). The entire apparatus (10) is supported on a base plate (18) which may be fixed to a specific location or carried on a rolling dolly (5120). The support frame (14) includes a base ring (20) for preventing radially outward slippage of the bottoms of the gas cylinders (13) and an upper support ring (30) mounted on support posts (26) for arresting the fall of a cylinder (13). The upper support ring (30) includes a gate member (34) for selectively closing a front gap (32) through which the cylinders (13) may be installed and removed. The rotating carousel (16) includes a center pillar (44) supporting a bottom plate (50) upon which the cylinders (13) are carried in a radial array of discrete chambers (52). Each chamber (52) is open on its radially outward side and includes vertical panels (56, 58 and 60) to provide lateral support. A corresponding array of receiving niches (78), closable by enclosing straps (88), laterally supports the upper portions of the cylinders (13). The carousel (16) rotates about a vertical axis (12) on a rotational support bearing (74) and upon peripheral rollers (64) attached to the bottom plate (50). A ratchet latch mechanism (66) is provided to permit the carousel (16) to rotate only in a single direction. An alternate embodiment (510), intended for use with shorter cylinders, includes both a bottom tier (5112) and a top tier (5114). The apparatus (10) and double tiered apparatus (510) are especially adapted for use in industrial applications using compressed gases. |
