Abstract: A mounting bracket for holding a cylindrical tank member such as an air tank or other emergency tank particularly used by emergency personnel wherein the tank is easily detachable from the bracket and easily attachable thereto. The mechanism includes a backing plate member mounted to the wall with an upper and lower clamping member extending outwardly therefrom for holding the tank in a tank storage zone spatially disposed from the backing plate member. A restraining device such as a strap is included for holding the tank in the tank storage zone and an ejection device is positioned between the backing plate member and the tank storage zone for ejecting the tank if the restraining mechanism is not properly secured. The restraining means can be operated with one hand while the user's other hand holds the tank in the storage zone.

Abstract: A mechanical bracket is provided for providing enhanced quick release for attaching and detaching of a tank such as a air tank with respect thereto usually by emergency workers such as firemen and the like. The tank includes a secure clamping mechanism for firmly and fixedly and yet detachably securing a tank preferably vertically relative to a wall wherein two driveshafts are rotatable between a closed position holding the tank and an open position releasing the tank. A uniquely designed guide boss configuration is fixedly secured to the frame immediately behind each driveshaft to prevent lateral flexing thereof which normally occurs when a tank is firmly clamped therebetween. Each guide boss preferably includes at least one profile guide surface partially encircling the adjacent driveshaft to minimize flexing thereof and is spaced therefrom at approximately five to ten thousandths of an inch for controlling such flexing.

Abstract: An apparatus usable primarily with emergency vehicles wherein a ladder or other large piece of emergency equipment can be maintained in a horizontal orientation stored above the vehicle body and is movable to a lower access position to facilitate removal and replacement thereof. Power is provided by two hydraulic cylinders connected to an arm which drives a driveshaft connected to a lift arm. Once such support assembly is located in the forward portion of the vehicle body and another similar support assembly is located in the rear portion thereof. A longitudinal support extends between the lifting arms and includes a locking device thereon to facilitate securement of ladders or other longitudinal objects thereto. Positioning of the support assemblies at opposite ends of the vehicle body enhances access to the storage compartments located on the lateral sides of the vehicular body such as for fire trucks and the like.

Abstract: A tank holding assembly for releasably securing a tank therewithin which is attachable to a hollow seat back to facilitate rapid tank donning when seated. A housing is included with a tank receiving recess positionable in the hollow seat back area. The housing is preferably made of a flexibly resilient plastic material for protection of the tank but includes a retaining bracket, preferably of metal, secured to the rear portion for strengthening and securement to a seat back. A restraining strap extends through openings defined in the housing and the retaining bracket and around the tank for firm securement thereof. A releasable clasping device can be included for selectively holding the restraining strap extending about the tank. A release lanyard can be included for facilitating speedy disengaging of the clasping device. A magnetic device is designed for holding the clasp in the opened position.

Abstract: A ladder attached to a generally vertically extending wall or surface which is particularly useful when attached to the side of vehicles which can pivot outwardly to a slight extent at the bottom area thereof in order to increase the climbing inclination to make it easier to climb vertically for emergency personnel under emergency situations and especially when carrying heavy equipment or other necessary emergency apparatus. The ladder configuration is pivotal between a storage position extending generally vertically next to the wall and a deployed position or extended position set at the inclination angle to facilitate climbing thereof. A resilient locking device can secure the ladder in the collapsed position and a pivotally movable scissors assembly controls movement of the lower portion of the ladder between the inclined position and the vertical position.

Abstract: A backing plate member is securable preferably to a vertically extending wall with at least one or more C-shaped clamping members secured thereto and extending outwardly therefrom approximately horizontally. Each clamping member includes a first and second clamp arm with a unique clamp arm adjustment means attached therebetween and positioned between the clamp base and the cylinder gripping zone defined between the clamp arms. The clamp arm adjustment means preferably includes a locking member for adjusting the spacing between the clamps for adjusting the size of the cylinder gripping zone as well as a spacer member with an arcuate abutment surface mated to the adjustment abutment surface of one of the clamp arms to facilitate contact therebetween at various adjustment positions and contact therebetween as the preferably flexibly resilient clamp arms are resiliently flexed to a more open position during urging of a cylindrically-shaped member therebetween into the cylinder gripping zone.

Abstract: A tank handling apparatus which is usable for loading and unloading of a tank such as an oxygen tank with respect to a location of usage such as an emergency vehicle. The handling apparatus is capable of securely locking the tank in place at the storage or usage position while at the same time easily allowing it to be detached therefrom and transferred to a tank service position for removal and replacement or servicing. The apparatus includes a unique locking mechanism including a locking hook construction and a locking housing with a locking slide movably mounted therein wherein a locking handle is secured thereto for movement of the locking slide between the position of engagement and the position of release of the locking hook. Multiple locking hooks and locking slides can be utilized for further secure attachment of the tank in the storage position.

Abstract: A construction for use in storing of a ladder above an emergency vehicle during times of non-usage which is automatically movable to a retrieval position extending laterally outwardly from an emergency vehicle to facilitate removal of equipment therefrom such as a ladder. A boom is movable through an approximate 90 degree arc and when in the upright position is capable of being latched in place by a latching mechanism having a latching arm formed of a switching segment being capable of abutment with a limit switch and a locking segment adapted to engage a latching lug fixedly secured to the boom for retaining the apparatus in the upright position. The boom is operated by a primary hydraulic drive cylinder and the latching apparatus is driven by a secondary drive apparatus which includes an axially extensible coupling to facilitate latching of the boom in a storage position.

Abstract: An apparatus for bridging of a hose to facilitate movement of vehicle wheels over a hose without damaging thereof which is of significant strength as well as being collapsible such as to be easily stored on emergency vehicles where limited space is available. The improved apparatus includes multi-directional ramps along with a hose bridging central member which is interconnected to multiple similarly shaped members to provide the capability of bridging one or more hoses while including ramps extending from both opposite directions. The design is particularly capable of being constructed of aluminum for lightweight advantages and includes a detachable engagement means for the ramps with respect to the central hose bridging member which is particularly advantageous when made from aluminum.