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 allowing storage of a ladder vertically above a shelf area defined on a vehicle while allowing powered movement of the apparatus to the retrieval position laterally adjacent the vehicle shelf area to easily allow removal of the ladder is disclosed. The design includes a U-shaped ladder holding bracket for holding the upper area of the ladder and a loop-shaped lower retaining bracket to allow the legs of the ladder to extend therein for securement. The retaining apparatus is mounted by a plurality of brackets and link arms to easily allow movement between the retrieval and the storage position. These arms also maintain the upper area of the ladder above the lower portion of the ladder such that it easily avoids contact with structures normally associated with the front of a vehicle such as the cab height, rearview mirrors, doors, etc. In this manner a ladder held in the storage position would be maintained in an inclined orientation.

Abstract: A collapsible wheel chock apparatus having a main body member with a preferably concave wheel engaging surface and a swing arm member pivotally secured to the main body member which includes a locking slot located therein with preferably a locking tab extending into the slot. A cross bar member is pivotally secured to the main body member and is movably secured and retained within the slot defined in the swing arm member. The cross bar member is adapted to be locked adjacent one end of the locking slot by a spring bias locking mechanism to facilitate holding of the wheel chock in the raised position for abutment against a vehicle wheel. The cross bar member is movable to the opposite end of the locking slot to allow the swing arm member and cross bar member both to be collapsed against the main body member for storage in this collapsed position.

Abstract: A latching apparatus including a tab member detachably securable with respect to a base and housing combination which includes a trigger assembly therein and an ejector assembly for selectively achieving securement or detachment of the tab member with respect to the housing as desired. The housing includes side walls defined in apertures through which a pin may extend upon which the trigger member is pivotally mounted with respect to the housing. The trigger member can be externally manipulated and is operable to selectively engage or disengage the latching slot of the tab. The trigger is biased into engagement with the latching slot of the tab by a trigger spring. An ejector including a notch defined therein is adapted to be selectively compressed by the tab when positioned in locking engagement within the tab channel and includes an injector spring to facilitate ejection of the tab from the tab channel when the trigger is moved to the disengaging position.