Abstract: Embodiments of a slot bar configured to secure one or more sheet materials are disclosed herein. The slot bar being configured to receive one or more retaining strips. The slot bar includes a base section and a first slot base extending substantially perpendicularly from the base section. The base section and first slot base define a first ledge region. The slot bar also includes a first slot wall extending from the first slot base and a first slot arm extending from the first slot wall. The first slot arm is also substantially parallel to and spatially disposed from the first slot base. The first slot base, the first slot wall, and the first slot arm define a first slot configured to receive the first retaining strip so as to secure a first sheet material between the first retaining strip and the first ledge region.

Abstract: An ergonomic hose load platform for a fire fighting vehicle is provided. The ergonomic hose load platform includes a platform and at least one pivot mount defining a pivot axis. The platform is pivotable about the pivot axis to open and close the platform.

Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a mount for joining a substructure to a vehicle frame. The mount allows the substructure to float on the frame by permitting vertical movement of the substructure relative to the frame. Further, the mount restricts lateral and fore/aft movement of the substructure on the frame, helping to reduce any further contributions to frame torque. The mount is joined to the frame at a lower end and has a crook-shaped or C-shaped profile that wraps around an alignment tab of the substructure. Further, a rubber pad is provided on the alignment tab, and the mount has a structure, such as one or more stops, bolts, or pins, that extends downwardly around or through the rubber tab. It is the downwardly extending structure allows for the vertical movement of the substructure while also preventing substantial lateral and fore/aft movement of the substructure relative to the frame.

Abstract: An ergonomic hose load platform for a fire fighting vehicle is provided. The ergonomic hose load platform includes a platform and at least one pivot mount defining a pivot axis. The platform is pivotable about the pivot axis to open and close the platform.

Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a mount for joining a substructure to a vehicle frame. The mount allows the substructure to float on the frame by permitting vertical movement of the substructure relative to the frame. Further, the mount restricts lateral and fore/aft movement of the substructure on the frame, helping to reduce any further contributions to frame torque. The mount is joined to the frame at a lower end and has a crook-shaped or C-shaped profile that wraps around an alignment tab of the substructure. Further, a rubber pad is provided on the alignment tab, and the mount has a structure, such as one or more stops, bolts, or pins, that extends downwardly around or through the rubber tab. It is the downwardly extending structure allows for the vertical movement of the substructure while also preventing substantial lateral and fore/aft movement of the substructure relative to the frame.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method of galvanically isolating a first metal piece from a second metal piece are provided. In particular, the first metal piece and the second metal piece are different metals or alloys, and the first metal piece and the second metal piece are secured together with a fastener. The method includes the step of bonding a first metal strip to the second metal piece such that the first metal strip prevents direct physical contact between the first metal piece and the second metal piece. The method also includes the step of bonding a second metal strip to the second metal piece such that the second metal strip prevents direct physical contact between the fastener and the second metal in an axial direction. Embodiments of a laminate structure are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a slot bar configured to secure one or more sheet materials are disclosed herein. The slot bar being configured to receive one or more retaining strips. The slot bar includes a base section and a first slot base extending substantially perpendicularly from the base section. The base section and first slot base define a first ledge region. The slot bar also includes a first slot wall extending from the first slot base and a first slot arm extending from the first slot wall. The first slot arm is also substantially parallel to and spatially disposed from the first slot base. The first slot base, the first slot wall, and the first slot arm define a first slot configured to receive the first retaining strip so as to secure a first sheet material between the first retaining strip and the first ledge region.

Abstract: An ergonomic hose load platform for a fire fighting vehicle is provided. The ergonomic hose load platform includes a platform and at least one pivot mount defining a pivot axis. The platform is pivotable about the pivot axis to open and close the platform.

Abstract: A high-strength structural joint is provided. The high-strength structural joint includes a first component of a first material, a second component of a second material. The second component of the second material defines a channel. The high-strength structural joint further includes a third component of a third material. A chemical bond joins the first component of the first material and the third component of the third material in the channel and the channel mechanically retains the third component of the third material.