Modular rack for storing and transporting gas cylinders

Abstract

A modular rack for storing gas cylinders includes a plurality of vertical posts spaced from one another. Top and bottom frames are removably attached to the posts, and spaced from one another. The top and bottom frames define generally aligned apertures configured to receive gas cylinders therethrough. A stop disposed below the bottom frame aperture supports the gas cylinder thereon.

1 . A modular rack for storing gas cylinders, comprising: 
 a plurality of vertical posts spaced from one another;    a top frame removably attached to the posts, the top frame defining at least one aperture configured to receive a gas cylinder therethrough;    a bottom frame removably attached to the posts and spaced vertically from the top frame, the bottom frame defining at least one aperture configured to receive a gas cylinder therethrough, the bottom frame aperture being aligned with the top frame aperture; and    a stop extending from the bottom frame and disposed below the bottom frame aperture for supporting a gas cylinder thereon.    
   
   
       2 . The modular rack of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of vertical posts consist of four posts spaced from one another in a generally rectangular configuration.  
   
   
       3 . The modular rack of  claim 1 , wherein the vertical posts each include a plurality of spaced apart grooves formed in an outer surface thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The modular rack of  claim 1 , including a sleeve removably attached to each vertical post and adapted to engage the top or bottom frame.  
   
   
       5 . The modular rack of  claim 4 , wherein the sleeve is comprised of first and second snap-fit portions.  
   
   
       6 . The modular rack of  claim 4 , wherein the sleeve is frictionally attached to the vertical post, and frictionally engaged with a connector of the top or bottom frame.  
   
   
       7 . The modular rack of  claim 6 , wherein the top and bottom frame connectors each comprise a tube defining an aperture configured to be inserted over the post and into engagement with the sleeve.  
   
   
       8 . The modular rack of  claim 1 , wherein the top and bottom frames each comprise a peripheral wall having a plurality of rods extending between first opposite sides thereof, and a plurality of rods extending between second opposite sides thereof, the rods overlapping to form the at least one aperture of the top and bottom frame.  
   
   
       9 - 10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . A modular rack for storing gas cylinders, comprising: 
 a plurality of vertical posts spaced from one another in a generally rectangular configuration;    first and second sleeves frictionally attached to each vertical post in spaced relation;    a top frame having a plurality of connectors frictionally engaged with the first sleeves so as to be attached to the posts, the top frame defining at least one aperture configured to receive a gas cylinder therethrough;    a bottom frame having a plurality of connectors frictionally engaged with the second sleeves so as to be attached to the posts, the bottom frame being spaced vertically from the top frame, and defining at least one aperture configured to receive a gas cylinder therethrough, the bottom frame aperture being aligned with the top frame aperture; and    a stop extending from the bottom frame and disposed below the bottom frame aperture for supporting a gas cylinder thereon.    
   
   
       12 . The modular rack of  claim 11 , wherein the vertical posts each include a plurality of spaced apart grooves formed in an outer surface thereof.  
   
   
       13 . The modular rack of  claim 11 , wherein the sleeve is comprised of first and second snap-fit portions.  
   
   
       14 . The modular rack of  claim 11 , wherein the top and bottom frame connectors each comprise a tube defining an aperture configured to be inserted over the post and into engagement with the sleeve.  
   
   
       15 . The modular rack of  claim 11 , wherein the top and bottom frames each comprise a peripheral wall having a plurality of rods extending between first opposite sides thereof, and a plurality of rods extending between second opposite sides thereof, the rods overlapping to form the at least one aperture of the top and bottom frame.  
   
   
       16 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . The modular rack of  claim 1 , including a tab extending outwardly from a bottom of each post, so as to be generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the post.  
   
   
       22 . The modular rack of  claim 21 , wherein at least one of the tabs includes an aperture adapted to receive a fastener therethrough and into a supporting surface of the rack.  
   
   
       23 . The modular rack of  claim 11 , including a tab extending outwardly from a bottom of each post, so as to be generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the post.  
   
   
       24 . The modular rack of  claim 23 , wherein at least one of the tabs includes an aperture adapted to receive a fastener therethrough and into a supporting surface of the rack.