Apparatus and method for dispensing propane tanks

Abstract

A method and apparatus for dispensing propane filled containers. An enclosure has a conveying line with holders upon which propane filled containers rest. The enclosure has an opening closable by a door actuated upon command by the user. Upon opening of the door, an empty propane container may be inserted into the enclosure to rest upon a holder with the conveying line then being activated to align a new holder with a filled propane container adjacent the enclosure opening allowing the user to remove the filled container.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . The combination of: 
 a plurality of containers filled with propane;    a dispensing machine for holding and dispensing one at a time said containers filled with propane;    a conveying line associated with said machine adapted to contact and move said containers filled with propane to dispense said containers; and,    an authorization device upon command from a purchaser to issue a command to said conveying line to move and dispense said containers filled with propane.    
     
     
         2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein: 
 said conveying line includes a receiver to receive, move and store said containers when empty.  
 
     
     
         3 . The combination of  claim 2  wherein: 
 said dispensing machine includes a dispensing and receiving area whereat said containers filled with propane are removed from said conveying line and said containers when empty are mounted on said conveying line, said conveying line includes a plurality of container holders movable one at a time past said area allowing mounting of said containers when empty thereon and removal of containers filled with propane therefrom.  
 
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 3  wherein: 
 said containers each include a tank with a valve mounted thereatop and a valve protecting wall mounted atop said tank and at least partially surrounding said valve, said valve protection wall includes a slot, said container holders each include a bottom wall upon which said tank may sit and a top hook releasably engaged with said slot.  
 
     
     
         5 . The combination of  claim 4  wherein: 
 said container holders each include a rear wall joining said bottom wall to said top hook and a pair of arms extending forwardly from said rear wall to at least partially surround said tank, said arms including a pair of spring biased tank engagers holding said tank on said bottom wall until removed therefrom, said conveying line further includes a continuous chain and a chain driver with said container holders mounted to said chain and said driver moving said chain to position said container holders one at a time at said area.  
 
     
     
         7 . The combination of  claim 3  and further comprising: 
 a movable door normally closing said area but opening upon command by said authorized device.  
 
     
     
         8 . The combination of  claim 1  and further comprising: 
 a gas detection sensor in said machine to sense escape of propane from said containers and to limit operation of said conveying line.  
 
     
     
         9 . The combination of  claim 1  and further comprising: 
 a heat sensor in said machine to sense heat.  
 
     
     
         10 . The combination of  claim 1  further comprising: 
 a stanchion mounted to said machine to protect said machine from external impact.  
 
     
     
         11 . A apparatus for dispensing propane filled containers and for receiving empty propane containers comprising: 
 a mechanism for holding and dispensing propane filled containers and for receiving and storing empty propane containers, said mechanism having a dispensing area at which said propane filled containers are dispensed;    a conveying line mounted on said mechanism and adapted to grip and move said propane filled containers one at a time to said dispensing area; and    an authorization device upon activation by a purchaser to authorize said conveying line to dispense a propane filled containers.    
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11  and further comprising: 
 said mechanism includes an enclosure in which said conveying line is movably mounted, said enclosure having an opening through which respectively said empty propane containers may be inserted into said enclosure and propane filled containers may be removed, said enclosure including a door movably mounted thereto and normally closing said opening until said authorization device activates.  
 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12  wherein: 
 said conveying line includes a continuous chain, a plurality of container holders mounted to said chain, and a chain driver engaged with said chain to move said holders to said opening one at a time to allow removal of propane filled containers and insertion of empty propane containers relative to said enclosure.  
 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13  and further comprising: 
 gas detection sensor in said enclosure to sense escape of propane from said propane filled containers and to limit operation of said conveying line; and  
 a heat sensor in said enclosure to sense heat.  
 
     
     
         15 . A method of dispensing tanks of propane comprising the steps: 
 providing a machine with a conveying line for storing tanks of propane, said machine having a dispensing area adjacent said conveying line;    providing tanks of propane onto said conveying line;    moving said conveying line to position a tank of propane at said area; and    removing a tank of propane from said conveying line at said area.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15  and further comprising the step of: 
 inserting empty tanks of propane onto said conveying line.  
 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  and further comprising the step of: 
 providing tank holders with bottom walls, top hooks and side arms on said conveying line; and wherein said mounting step includes the sub-steps of:  
 resting said tanks of propane on said bottom walls;  
 hooking said tanks of propane on said top hooks; and,  
 applying sideways pressure to said tanks of propane by said side arms.