Compact system for lifting and moving pressurized tank

Abstract

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.