Abstract: An automatically deployable step apparatus particularly usable with vehicle such as a fire truck having a passenger compartment at substantial distance from the surrounding environmental surface which provides powered movement between a deployed position and a retracted position and can be mounted in a relatively small restricted area in order to avoid interference with a truck cab which tilted to provide engine access, said apparatus utilizing a unique over-center locking mechanism to provide secure locking of the step in the deployed position while maintaining an apparatus having limited overall dimensions. A unique linkage system is provided for facilitating accurately powered automated movement.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the storage of equipment such as ladders in the upper area, but particularly in the upper area on the outside of emergency vehicles such as trucks which includes a capability of moving the ladder to an extended lower deployed position to facilitate immediate access thereto by emergency workers such as firemen. An outer bracket is connected to an inner housing through a parallel linkage with the inner housing attached to the vehicle and the outer bracket attachable to the equipment. The outer bracket includes a downwardly extendable sliding carriage to facilitate positioning of the equipment at a lower level for aiding in retrieval thereof utilizing a flexible control arm.

Abstract: An automatically deployable step apparatus particularly usable with vehicle such as a fire truck having a passenger compartment at substantial distance from the surrounding environmental surface which provides powered movement between a deployed position and a retracted position and can be mounted in a relatively small restricted area in order to avoid interference with a truck cab which tilted to provide engine access, said apparatus utilizing a unique over-center locking mechanism to provide secure locking of the step in the deployed position while maintaining an apparatus having limited overall dimensions. A unique linkage system is provided for facilitating accurately powered automated movement.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is designed to provide an apparatus for placement and removal of gas containing tanks in various locations for usage or transport. The apparatus includes a transport carriage assembly with wheels for moving thereof and a generally vertical beam with an angularly positioned reinforcing member for strengthening thereof. A parallel swing brace is pivotally connected to the vertical beam and extends outwardly therefrom. A tank retaining bracket assembly is secured to the outermost end of the parallel swing brace. Holding brackets and a foot plate are secured to the parallel swing braces and define a tank holding zone. A strap secures the tank to the retaining bracket. A drive is connected to the parallel swing brace to power movement thereof in a vertical direction either upwardly or downwardly as needed.

Abstract: A bracket construction for fixedly securing a cylindrical tank such as the oxygen tank of an emergency vehicle in a vertically upright position wherein the tank is easily releasable which accommodates various sizes and configurations of upper neck sections having a backing plate with a lower surrounding member for receiving and retaining the tank bottom therewithin and an upper surrounding member including a U-shaped channel for receiving the tank neck therewithin. Two uniquely shaped bracket cams are pivotally mounted relative to the upper surrounding member and resiliently biased with respect thereto such that they can be manually manipulated or directly contacted by the arcuate neck of a tank to move to the opened position to allow exiting or entry of the tank. A lower auxiliary floor surface is pivotally secured relative to the lower surrounding member for varying the vertical dimension for accommodating tanks of various lengths and shapes.

Abstract: A retractable step construction with a drive means for achieving powered or automatic retraction and deployment in motor vehicles to provide access onto or into the motor vehicle such as an emergency apparatus, for example a fire truck, usable in areas having limited vertical dimensions. This construction includes a housing assembly with guide channels adapted to receive a step assembly movably mounted thereinto controlled by the inclusion of a linkage assembly connected to the drive means and the step for powering deployment and retraction thereof.

Abstract: A tank holding bracket mechanism positionable within a seat back of an emergency vehicle for holding therein of an air tank usable for emergency breathing situations which is attachable to the back of emergency personnel such as firefighters while sitting on the vehicle seats during transport. The holding bracket includes a pivoting head movable between an opened position allow entry of removal of a tank from the bracket mechanism and a closed position retaining a tank with respect to the bracket mechanism. A locking mechanism is adapted to selectively lock the head in the closed position to prevent release of the tank responsive to certain vehicle parameters, such as disengagement of an emergency brake or movement of the vehicle transmission from the park mode. The locking mechanism can be externally activated manually or electrically such as with a powered solenoid.

Abstract: A tank retaining bracket having a rotating head for selectively receiving and securing a tank to the bracket having a mounting cup preferably of nylon which adapted to abut and hold a cylindrical tank in an inverted position in a positively engaging manner. The mounting cup includes an arcuate retaining surface and can easily replaced during normal maintenance. The mounting cup is attachable to the rotating head of the bracket frame of a positively engaging tank holder usable with cylindrical tanks such as self-contained breathing apparatus primarily for facilitating adjustability of positioning of retaining of the tank with respect to the mounting bracket. The body member is adjustably movable to a multiple of lateral directions such that it is firmly secured in place by a plurality of fasteners and engagement is further enhanced by a ridge on the rotating frame head and a mated engaging block on the mounting cup.

Abstract: A releasable mounting apparatus for securely retaining of a cylindrical tank in an inverted vertical position adjacent to a seat back assembly of an emergency vehicle including a foot plate and a top clamping assembly between which a tank receiving zone is defined for receiving and holding of a cylindrical tank in the inverted position. The top clamping assembly can include a three part positioning apparatus including a rear positioning device and an upper centering guide as well as a top clamping member. Preferably the top clamping member is movable between a lower clamping position and an upper retaining position for facilitating securing and releasing of a cylindrical tank relative to the receiving zone thereof.

Abstract: A mounting bracket configuration with two lower mounting locations and an optional upper mount and a flexibly resilient securement strap attachable thereto to securely retain a helmet such as those used by firefighters securely in place against a mounting surface such as the interior of the passenger compartment of an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck. The present apparatus also includes a bumper construction for protecting a user from being injured by the protruding upper hook while also preventing damaging of the helmet itself during mounting or removal. A release lanyard provided for easy release and engagement. The upper hook can attach to a fire helmet directly and/or to the securement strap.

Abstract: A retractable step construction with a drive means for achieving powered or automatic retraction and deployment in motor vehicles to provide access onto or into the motor vehicle such as an emergency apparatus, for example a fire truck, usable in areas having limited vertical dimensions. This construction includes a housing assembly with guide channels adapted to receive a step assembly movably mounted thereinto controlled by the inclusion of a linkage assembly connected to the drive means and the step for powering deployment and retraction thereof.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is designed to provide a means for placement and removal of conventional gas containing tanks such as oxygen tanks in various locations for usage or transport. The apparatus includes a transport carriage assembly with a plurality of wheels for moving thereof and a generally vertical beam with an angularly positioned reinforcing member for strengthening thereof. A parallel swing brace is pivotally connected to the vertical beam and extends outwardly therefrom. A tank retaining bracket assembly is secured to the outermost end of the parallel swing brace. Holding brackets and a foot plate are secured to the parallel swing braces and define a tank holding zone immediately thereadjacent. A strap secures the tank to the retaining bracket. A drive means is connected to the parallel swing brace to power movement thereof in a vertical direction either upwardly or downwardly as needed.