Abstract: A mechanism for facilitating the storage of ladders in the upper area on the outside of an emergency vehicle which includes the capability of moving of the ladder to a lower deployed position to facilitate immediate access thereto by emergency workers such as firemen and the like. The construction includes an inner housing attached to the vehicle and an outer housing movable by an arm assembly relative thereto to urge the ladder between the storage and deployed positions. An adjustment mechanism including a yoke is included for varying the position of the powering drive cylinder which operatively moves the outer housing relative to the inner housing.

Abstract: A bracket for holding of cylindrical tanks such as emergency breathing tanks adjacent to a wall surface or behind a seat surface in a detachable manner with positive engagement released by an operative release line. An upper and lower securement strap are secured together at an engaging tab which straps extend around the tank when the tab is engaged and can be easily released for rapid exit. A webbing extends between the upper and lower securement straps for minimizing any entanglements or catching of the straps on protruding portions of the tank.

Abstract: A bracket for holding of cylindrical tanks such as emergency breathing tanks adjacent to a wall surface or behind a seat surface in a detachable manner with positive engagement released by an operative release line. An upper and lower securement strap are secured together at an engaging tab which straps extend around the tank when the tab is engaged and can be easily released for rapid exit. A webbing extends between the upper and lower securement straps for minimizing any entanglements or catching of the straps on protruding portions of the tank.

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 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.