Refrigerant-Cylinder Leveling Platform Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/685,885, which was filed on Aug. 22, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of HVAC systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a stabilizing platform designed to support air conditioning refrigerant cylinders on uneven surfaces during HVAC servicing. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Servicing HVAC systems often involves recharging refrigerant using pressurized cylinders that must remain stable and level for accurate operation. In many practical environments, particularly outdoor settings or uneven job sites, technicians must work on inclined or irregular terrain. This instability poses a significant challenge when trying to obtain precise refrigerant measurements by weight, which is critical to maintaining system performance and avoiding compressor damage or inefficiencies. An inaccurately charged HVAC system, whether overfilled or underfilled, can lead to decreased energy efficiency, increased operating costs, and potential equipment failure. Moreover, the physical instability of refrigerant cylinders on uneven surfaces introduces a serious risk of injury or property damage should the cylinder tip or roll. Current industry practices often involve makeshift leveling methods, such as placing boards or improvised shims under the cylinder, which do not provide consistent results or ensure safety. There is a need for a more robust, field-adaptable solution that allows HVAC technicians to safely and accurately charge systems regardless of terrain. The absence of such a dedicated platform has continued to impact both service reliability and workplace safety.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device that enables technicians to maintain a level surface for accurate refrigerant charging on uneven ground. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device that improves user safety by preventing cylinder movement or tipping. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device that provides foldable and compact storage for convenient transport between job sites.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device. The device is comprised of a support structure configured to stabilize air conditioning refrigerant cylinders during HVAC servicing operations conducted on non-level surfaces. The device comprises a body with a flat upper surface for supporting the cylinder. The upper surface may comprise a friction-enhancing material, and a raised perimeter edge extends vertically above the support surface to retain the cylinder. A plurality of telescopic legs are connected to the underside of a frame of the body, each comprising an independently operable locking mechanism to allow height adjustment. Each leg terminates in a foot designed to maintain contact with various ground types, with optional pivot joints to self-adjust based on terrain angle. The legs are attached to the frame via hinges that allow inward or outward rotation, with locking mechanisms to secure their angular positions. One or more integrated leveling instruments are provided on the platform to indicate when the surface is horizontally aligned. The device may further comprise integrated handles for portability and may also function as a utility staging platform during service procedures.

In this manner, the refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device of the present invention accomplishes all the foregoing objectives and provides a level surface for accurate refrigerant charging, even on uneven ground. By incorporating adjustable legs, the device improves stability and mitigates the risk of cylinder movement, thereby enhancing technician safety. Additionally, the hinged, foldable legs and integrated handles provide convenient storage and transport, allowing technicians to easily deploy the platform in diverse field environments.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device. The device is a levelable support structure designed to facilitate charging of air conditioning systems by providing a stable and level platform for refrigerant cylinders. The device is configured to minimize misalignment or tilting of cylinders during HVAC servicing, thereby preventing inaccurate refrigerant flow, erroneous pressure readings, or potential malfunctions due to uneven placement. The device also enhances safety by stabilizing the refrigerant cylinder to reduce the risk of injury or equipment damage.

The device is comprised of a body having a flat upper surface designed to support refrigerant cylinders, and that may feature friction-enhancing materials to prevent slippage. Drainage features such as holes or channels may be included to maintain traction in wet conditions. A raised perimeter edge may be further provided to help retain objects on the upper surface.

The body is comprised of multiple telescopic legs, each allowing for independent height adjustment. Each leg includes a locking mechanism for securing its height and terminates in a foot optimized for stability on various surface types. The foot may include a pivot point to enable angular self-adjustment for uneven terrain and may incorporate textured surfaces to improve traction.

Each leg is attached to the frame via a hinge, allowing up to 180 degrees of rotation for compact folding or outward deployment. A locking mechanism secures each angular position of the leg once deployed or folded. The device may also include at least one integrated level for accurate surface leveling and may feature one or more handles for portability. The upper surface may additionally serve as a temporary staging area for tools or HVAC equipment during servicing.

The invention also includes a method of use comprised of providing the device comprising a frame, a flat upper surface, telescopic legs with locking mechanisms, pivotable feet, rotational hinges with locking mechanisms, and at least one level. The legs are unfolded and rotated outward, then locked in place. Each leg is adjusted in height to achieve a level upper surface as indicated by the level. A refrigerant cylinder is then placed on the upper surface, which may also be used to temporarily hold tools during servicing.

Accordingly, the refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a level surface for accurate refrigerant charging, even on uneven ground. By incorporating adjustable legs, the device improves stability and mitigates the risk of cylinder movement, thereby enhancing technician safety. Additionally, the hinged, foldable legs and integrated handles provide convenient storage and transport, allowing technicians to easily deploy the platform in diverse field environments. In this manner, the refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device overcomes the limitations of existing techniques and methods known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device of the present invention while unfolded and standing in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device of the present invention while folded in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device of the present invention while unfolded and standing while supporting a refrigerant cylinder on uneven ground in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device that enables technicians to maintain a level surface for accurate refrigerant charging on uneven ground. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device that improves user safety by preventing cylinder movement or tipping. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device that provides foldable and compact storage for convenient transport between job sites.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device. The device serves as a levelable support structure intended to aid in the charging of air conditioning systems by delivering a stable and level platform for refrigerant cylinders. By minimizing tilting or misalignment during HVAC servicing, the device prevents inaccurate refrigerant flow, incorrect system pressure readings, and operational faults arising from uneven placement. Additionally, the device improves safety by securing the refrigerant cylinder, thereby mitigating the potential for injury or equipment damage.

The structure is comprised of a body incorporating a flat upper surface that supports refrigerant cylinders and may include friction-enhancing materials to prevent slippage. To sustain traction in wet conditions, drainage features such as holes or channels may also be present. A raised perimeter edge may also be included to assist in retaining objects placed on the upper surface.

The body incorporates multiple telescopic legs, each independently adjustable in height. Each leg is equipped with a locking mechanism to secure the selected length and terminates in a foot designed for ground stability across various surfaces. The foot may feature a pivot point allowing angular adaptation to irregular terrain and may be further enhanced with textured materials to increase traction.

Each leg is mounted to the frame using a hinge capable of rotating up to 180 degrees, enabling inward folding for compact storage or outward deployment for use. A locking mechanism is included to secure the rotational position of each leg once folded or extended. At least one integrated level may be provided for accurate platform leveling, while one or more handles may be included for ease of transport. The upper surface may also function as a temporary support area for HVAC tools or equipment during servicing.

The invention further includes a method of use comprising the steps of providing the device with a frame, a flat upper surface, telescopic legs featuring locking mechanisms, pivotable feet, and rotational hinges with corresponding locking mechanisms, along with at least one integrated level. The legs are first unfolded and rotated outward, followed by securing them in place. Each leg is then individually adjusted to level the upper surface as indicated by the level. A refrigerant cylinder is subsequently placed on the surface, which may also be used to support tools temporarily during service activities.

As a result, the device offers significant benefits by maintaining a level surface that facilitates accurate refrigerant charging on uneven terrain. The inclusion of adjustable legs improves platform stability and reduces cylinder movement, thereby enhancing user safety. Foldable legs and integrated handles further contribute to ease of transport and compact storage, supporting practical deployment in various field conditions. Through these features, the device addresses and resolves limitations present in prior known methods of charging refrigerant cylinders.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of a refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device 100 of the present invention while unfolded and standing in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is a levelable support structure configured to facilitate the charging of air conditioning systems while maintaining mechanical stability across a range of surface conditions. The device 100 is designed to provide a level platform that minimizes tilting or misalignment of refrigerant cylinders during HVAC servicing operations. This configuration helps prevent improper refrigerant flow, inaccurate system pressure readings, or potential system malfunction due to uneven placement. Furthermore, the device 100 enhances safety by securing the refrigerant cylinder in a stable position to mitigate the risk of rolling-induced injury or equipment damage.

The device 100 may be comprised of a body 102 of any geometric shape such as, but not limited to, rectangular, square, circular, polygonal, or elliptical configurations. The body 102 is comprised of a frame 104 preferably made from rigid and corrosion-resistant materials such as, but not limited to, stainless steel, aluminum, powder-coated carbon steel, high-strength polymer composites, or weather-resistant metal alloys. The body 102 is comprised of a flat upper surface 106 configured to receive and support an air conditioning refrigerant cylinder. In one embodiment, the upper surface 106 may be comprised of a friction-enhancing material 108 such as, but not limited to, thermoplastic elastomer overlays, vulcanized rubber sheets, sand-textured polymer coatings, diamond-plate aluminum, or abrasive composite laminates, or other textured material. The surface 106 may also feature drainage features 107 such as, but not limited to, holes or channels, to prevent pooling of liquid on the surface 106 under humid or rainy conditions, thereby maintaining traction. In one configuration, the frame 104 may be comprised of a raised perimeter edge 110 extending vertically above the plane of the surface 106 to further retain cylinders or other objects on the surface 106.

The frame 104 is further comprised of a plurality of legs 112. Each leg 112 is preferably telescopic, allowing independent height adjustment, as seen in FIG. 3. Each leg 112 may be comprised of a locking mechanism 114 such as, but not limited to, spring-loaded clamps, threaded collars, cam-based wedges, or ratchet-based systems to lock the length/height of the leg 112 as desired. Each leg 112 may terminate in a foot 116 designed to improve ground contact stability. The foot 116 may be shaped in various configurations such as, but not limited to, flat, dome-shaped, angled, spiked, or hemispherical forms, to accommodate different outdoor surface types, including gravel, soil, concrete, sand, grass, or asphalt. In one embodiment, the foot 116 may be rotatable via a pivot point 117 such as, but not limited to, a ball-and-socket joint, a hinge-mounted axis, a universal joint, or a swivel plate bearing. The pivot point 117 may enable the foot 116 to self-adjust the angular orientation in response to inclined, curved, or irregular ground surfaces, thereby distributing load evenly and enhancing platform stability. The foot 116 may be comprised of a texture 118 such as, but not limited to, ribbed thermoplastic, knurled rubber, chevron-patterned polymer, studded elastomeric coatings, grit-embedded surfaces, etc., to enhance traction and reduce slippage.

In one embodiment, each leg 112 may be attached to the frame 104 via a hinge 120 that enables angular rotation of up to 180 degrees. The hinge 120 may permit folding of each leg 112 inward against the underside of the body 102 for compact storage, as seen in FIG. 2. Alternatively, the hinge 120 may allow for outward rotation (up to 180 degrees) of each leg 112 to deploy the legs into positions suitable for leveling the platform. The hinge 120 may be comprised of a locking mechanism 121 such as, but not limited to, a spring-loaded latch, detent pin, friction lock, twist-to-lock cam, or sliding bolt, configured to secure the rotational position of each leg 112 once deployed or folded, thereby ensuring stability during use or transport. In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism 121 may be manually operated or automatically engaged based on the leg's angular displacement. The device 100 may also be comprised of at least one integrated level 124 such as, but not limited to, bubble levels, digital inclinometers, spirit levels, etc. For enhanced portability, the device 100 may be equipped with one or more integrated handles 126. The device 100 may also function as a multi-purpose utility station wherein the upper surface 106 may provide a stable platform for temporarily staging tools, electrical control units, HVAC interface modules, fasteners, or delicate electronic components during air conditioning service operations.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 4. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a body 102 having a frame 104, a flat upper surface, a plurality of legs 112 each comprising a locking mechanism 114, a foot 116, a hinge 120 with a locking mechanism 121, and at least one integrated level 124 [Step 202]. Then, the legs 112 are unfolded via the hinges 120 and rotated outward up to 180 degrees until fully deployed, wherein each hinge 120 is locked in place using the locking mechanism 121 to secure the angular position of each leg 112 [Step 204]. Next, the telescopic length of each leg 112 is individually adjusted to compensate for the ground surface inclination (as seen in FIG. 3), using the locking mechanism 114 to secure each leg 112 at a desired height, thereby leveling the upper surface 106 as indicated by the integrated level 124 [Step 206]. Next, an air conditioning refrigerant cylinder is placed on the upper surface 106 [Step 208]. Finally, during HVAC servicing, the upper surface 106 may also be additionally used to temporarily stage tools or equipment [Step 210].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the refrigerant-cylinder leveling platform device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.