Storage Structure for Emergency Vehicles

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to storage structures. More specifically, the present disclosure is concerned with a storage structure for emergency vehicles.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Storage structures for emergency vehicles and, more particularly, storage structures adapted for installation in an ambulance or other emergency vehicle to enable medical attendants to safely store emergency medical equipment are known in the art.

[0003] These storage structures often rely on fixedly mounted cabinets provided with doors to secure the equipment therein during movements of the vehicle. These doors are often an inconvenience since they prevent the equipment contained therein to be easily and quickly retrieved by emergency medical attendants. Furthermore, once open, the doors can constitute safety hazards for the vehicle occupants.

[0004] Another drawback of the use of cabinet-type storage structure in an emergency vehicle is the static location of the cabinet which may force the medical attendant to move away from the patient to reach the cabinet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] In the appended drawings: [0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a storage structure for an emergency vehicle according to an illustrative embodiment, shown from the rear;

[0007] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the storage structure of Figure

1 shown from the front and where the top cabinet has been removed for clarity;

[0008] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the storage structure of Figure

1 where some of the shelves have been pivoted;

[0009] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a pivoting bracket showing a first interconnection structure with the pole;

[0010] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a pivoting bracket showing a second interconnection structure with the pole;

[0011] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a pivoting bracket showing a third interconnection structure with the pole;

[0012] Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of a pivoting bracket showing a fourth interconnection structure with the pole; also illustrated is a first angle blocking mechanism;

[0013] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the first angle blocking mechanism of Figure 7, mounted directly to the bracket;

[0014] Figure 9 is a sectional view of angle blocking mechanism of

Figure 8; [0015] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of a second angle blocking mechanism;

[0016] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of a third angle blocking mechanism;

[0017] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a fourth angle blocking mechanism;

[0018] Figure 13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of Figure

12;

[0019] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the storage structure of

Figure 1 illustrating shelve movement damping mechanisms;

[0020] Figure 15 is a top plan view of the compartment of an ambulance showing two storage structure according to illustrative embodiments;

[0021] Figure 16 is a top plan view similar to Figure 15 showing some of the shelves pivoted;

[0022] Figure 17 is a perspective view of a storage structure according to a second illustrative embodiment;

[0023] Figure 18 is a perspective view of a storage structure according to a third illustrative embodiment where the shelves are such that their content is enclosed when the shelves are in their retracted position; [0024] Figure 19 is a perspective view similar to Figure 18 where some of the shelves are pivoted to a working position;

[0025] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the body of the storage structure of Figure 18, where the front walls of the shelves are shown in dashed lines;

[0026] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the storage structure of

Figure 18 where the top shelf has been unlocked;

[0027] Figure 22 is a side elevational view illustrating the locking mechanism;

[0028] Figure 23 is a perspective view of the storage structure of

Figure 18 where the body and shelves are shown exploded from the vehicle mounting bracket; and

[0029] Figure 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-24 of Figure

22.

I

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] An object is to provide a storage structure for emergency vehicle.

[0031] More specifically, according to an illustrative embodiment, there is provided a storage structure for an emergency vehicle including a generally vertical pole; at least one shelf so mounted to the pole as to pivot from a stored position to a working position; and a locking mechanism to selectively lock the at least one shelf in the stored position.

[0032] The use of the word “a" or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one”, but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”. Similarly, the word “another” may mean at least a second or more.

[0033] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words

“comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise" and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and "has"), “including” (and any form of including, such as “include” and “includes”) or "containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contain” and “contains”), are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or process steps.

[0034] In the present specification and in the appended claims, various terminology, which is directional, geometrical and/or spatial in nature such as "longitudinal", "horizontal", "front", rear", "upwardly", "downwardly", etc. is used. It is to be understood that such terminology is used for ease of description and in a relative sense only and is not to be taken in any way as a limitation upon the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] The expression “connected” should be construed herein and in the appended claims broadly so as to include any cooperative or passive association between mechanical parts or components. For example, such parts may be assembled together by direct coupling, or indirectly coupled using further parts. [0036] Other objects, advantages and features of the storage structure for emergency vehicles will become apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Generally stated, illustrative embodiments are concerned with a storage structure for an emergency vehicle including a generally vertical pole to which are pivotally mounted shelves and/or other supports elements. Locking and/or damping mechanisms are provided to selectively prevent pivotal movements of the shelves or slowing down their pivotal movement.

[0038] Turning now to Figure 1 of the appended drawings, a storage structure 20 according to a first illustrative embodiment will be described. The storage structure 20 includes a pole 22 provided with a bottom mounting flange 24 and a top mounting flange 26. The length of the pole 22 is such that the bottom and top mounting flanges 24, 26 may respectively be mounted to the floor and ceiling of an ambulance compartment.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1 , three shelves 28, 30 and 32, and a cabinet 34 are pivotally mounted to the pole via pivoting bracket assemblies 36. As will be apparent from the ongoing description, different pivoting bracket assemblies having different features can be used.

[0040] As is apparent from this figure, the cabinet 34 is pivotally mounted to the pole 22 via top and bottom brackets 36 joined by a generally L- shaped tubular assembly 38.

[0041] Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the support structure 20 where the cabinet 34 has been removed. The L-shaped tubular assembly 38 is apparent from this figure. Furthermore, Figure 2 shows a quick release mounting mechanism 40 allowing the cabinet 34 or other elements (not shown) to be securely and releasably mounted to the tubular assembly 38.

[0042] One skilled in the art will understand that a medical bag (not shown), often used by emergency medical attendant could be provided with elements allowing it to be mounted to the quick release mounting mechanism 40 instead of the cabinet 34.

[0043] As will be easily understood from the inspection of the appended drawings, the shelves and the cabinet can be individually pivoted from a storing position, often adjacent to a wall of the ambulance, to various working positions where the contents are readily available to the medical attendants. Figure 3 shows shelves 28 and 32 pivoted to different working positions and shelf 30 and cabinet 34 in their storing positions.

[0044] Turning now to Figure 4 of the appended drawings, a pivoting bracket 44 illustrating a first illustrative interconnection between the pivoting shelve and the pole 22.

[0045] The bracket 44 is made of two mirror-image portions 44A and

44B that may be positioned around the pole 22 (not shown in this figure) thanks to semi-circular channels 45 and secured thereabout via fasteners 46, 48 and 50. Both portions 44A and 44B have a generally rectangular pocket 52 configured to receive a protruding portion of the shelf (not shown in this figure). Fasteners 54 and 56 are used to securely mount the shelf to the bracket 44.

[0046] Figure 4 also illustrates two identical axial stoppers 58 and 60.

These stoppers are positioned below and above the bracket 44 to ensure that the bracket 44 remains axially positioned along the pole 22. Each stopper is made of two C-shaped elements joined by fasteners.

[0047] The construction of the bracket is quite simple since the semicircular channels 45 are in direct contact with the pole 22. One skilled in the art will understand that lubrication may be required between the bracket 44 and the pole 22 for ease of use and durability.

[0048] Turning now to Figure 5 of the appended drawings, a pivoting bracket 62 illustrating a second illustrative interconnection between the pivoting shelve and the pole 22. Since the bracket 62 is very similar to the bracket 44 shown in Figure 4, only the differences therebetween will be described for concision purpose.

[0049] The main difference between the bracket 62 and the bracket

44 of Figure 4 is the use of a sleeve 64 provided between the pole 22 (not shown in Figure 5) and the semi-circular channels 66 of the bracket 62. As shown in this Figure, the channels 66 are so configured as to securely receive the sleeve 64.

[0050] As a non-limiting example, the sleeve 64 may be made of a self-lubricating material such as, for example, brass, to thereby facilitate the pivoting action of the bracket about the pole 22.

[0051] While not shown in Figure 5, axial stoppers such as 58 and 60

(see Figure 4) could be used with the bracket 62.

[0052] Turning now to Figure 6 of the appended drawings, a pivoting bracket 68 illustrating a third illustrative interconnection between the pivoting bracket and the pole 22. Since the bracket 68 is very similar to the bracket 62 shown in Figure 5, only the differences therebetween will be described for concision purpose.

[0053] The main difference between the bracket 68 and the bracket

62 of Figure 5 is the replacement of the sleeve 64 by a bearing assembly 70 made of a plurality of rods 72 that are configured and sized as to fit in the configured channels 66.

[0054] One skilled in the art will easily understand that the use of a bearing assembly 70 facilitates the pivoting action of the bracket 68 about the pole 22.

[0055] Furthermore, one skilled in the art will understand that other types of bearing assemblies could be positioned between the bracket and the pole.

[0056] Again, while not shown in Figure 6, axial stoppers such as 58 and 60 (see Figure 4) could be used with the bracket 68.

[0057] Turning now to Figure 7 of the appended drawings, a pivoting bracket 74 illustrating a fourth illustrative interconnection between the pivoting shelve and the pole 22 and a first illustrative embodiment of an angle blocking mechanism will be described.

[0058] The bracket 74 includes a body made of two mirror-image portions 74A and 74B that may be positioned around the pole 22 (not shown in this figure) thanks to semi-circular channels 75 that are larger than the radius of the pole 22 and secured thereabout via fasteners 76, 78 and 80. Again, both portions 74A and 74B have a generally rectangular pocket 82 configured to receive a protruding portion of the shelf (not shown in this figure). Fasteners 84 and 86 are used to securely mount the shelf to the bracket 74.

[0059] The bracket 74 also includes identical top and bottom flanges

88, 90. Only top flange 88 will be described herein. The top flange 88 is made of two identical semi-circular elements 88A and 88B that are configured and sized as to be snugly mounted about the pole 22 (not shown in this figure). The flanges 88 and 90 therefore serve a purpose similar to that of the sleeve 64 of Figure 5 to facilitate the pivoting action of the bracket 74 about the pole 22.

[0060] The top flange 88 also includes a shoulder 92 mountable to the top surface 94 of the bracket 74 via fasteners (not shown) going through openings 96 and 98. The shoulder 92 also includes apertures 100 and the top surface 94 includes corresponding apertures 102 sized to allow spring loaded ball transfer assemblies 104 therethrough.

[0061] Figure 7 also illustrates a bottom axial stopper 106 positioned directly to the pole 22 (not shown in this figure) below the bracket 74 to ensure that the bracket 74 remains axially positioned. A similar stopper (not shown) is positioned to the pole 22 above the bracket 74. Each stopper is made of two C- shaped elements joined by fasteners and include indentations 108 configured, sized and positioned to receive the balls of the spring-loaded ball transfer assemblies 104.

[0062] Since there are 6 indentations, one skilled in the art will understand that the pivoting movement of the bracket 74 about the pole 22 may be stopped at 6 positions that are at 60 degrees intervals. [0063] Of course, the number and position of the spring-loaded ball transfer assemblies 104 and corresponding indentations 108 can be different from the number illustrated herein to yield a different angle blocking mechanism.

[0064] As a non-limiting example, the flanges 88 and 90 may be made of a self-lubricating material such as, for example, brass, to thereby facilitate the pivoting action of the bracket 74 about the pole 22.

[0065] The operation of the spring-loaded ball transfer assemblies

104 and corresponding indentations 108 can be better seen from Figures 8 and 9 where a similar configuration has been provided directly to a bracket 110 instead of using flanges such as 88 and 90 shown in Figure 7.

[0066] One skilled in the art will understand that while the spring- loaded ball transfer assemblies are shown mounted to the bracket while the corresponding indentations are shown provided in the stoppers, this could be inverted.

[0067] Turning now to Figure 10 of the appended drawings, a pivoting bracket 112 provided with a second illustrating embodiment of an angle blocking mechanism including a ring 114 mountable to the bracket 112 via fasteners (not shown) and a corresponding bottom axial stopper 116 will be described.

[0068] The pivoting bracket 112 and the stopper 116 can be conventionally mounted to the pole 22 with the fasteners shown and described hereinabove.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, the underside of the ring 114 includes double ramps 118 each having a moderate side 120 and a steep side 122. [0070] The top side of the axial stopper 116 includes corresponding double ramps 124 each provided with a moderate side 126 and a steep side 128.

[0071] As will easily be understood by one skilled in the art, a pivoting action of the bracket 112 about the pole 22 in one direction will require significantly more effort by the user than the pivoting action in the other direction, thanks to the difference in angle of the ramps.

[0072] Depending on the direction required to be easier to pivot, often in the direction required to place a shelf attached to the bracket in a storing position, the moderate and step sides of the double ramps 118 and 124 can be reversed.

[0073] One skilled in the art will understand that the ring 114 and the bracket 112 could be integral.

[0074] Furthermore, since a pivoting action of the bracket 112 with respect to the pole 22 requires an axial displacement of the bracket 112, a top axial stopper is generally not used when a bracket such as 112 is used.

[0075] Turning now to Figure 11 of the appended drawings, a pivoting bracket 130 provided with an angle blocking mechanism according to a third illustrative embodiment, including a ring 132 mountable to the bracket 130 via fasteners (not shown) and a corresponding bottom axial stopper 134 will be described.

[0076] The ring 132 includes a tooth 136 facing the stopper 134 when assembled to the pole 22. The top surface of the stopper 134 includes a corresponding slot 138 configured and sized to receive the tooth 136. [0077] The top surface of the stopper 134 also includes a shoulder

140 and a ramp 142 provided between the shoulder 140 and the slot 138.

[0078] One skilled in the art will understand that the bracket 130 is in its working position when the tooth 136 abuts the shoulder 140. The user may pivot the bracket 130 clockwise towards the slot 138, which will slightly raise the bracket, thanks to the ramp 142, to allow the tooth 136 to enter the slot 138 and therefore maintain the bracket 130 in its stored position. To release the bracket 130 from its stored position, the user simply has to slightly raise the bracket 130 from the stopper 134 and pivot it.

[0079] Again, one skilled in the art will understand that the ring 132 and the bracket 130 could be integral.

[0080] Furthermore, since a pivoting action of the bracket 130 with respect to the pole 22 requires an axial displacement of the bracket 130, a top axial stopper is generally not used when a bracket such as 130 is used.

[0081] Turning now to Figures 12 and 13 of the appended drawings, a pivoting bracket 144 provided with a fourth illustrative embodiment of an angle blocking mechanism will be described. The bracket 144 is shown fully assembled. The use of this angle blocking mechanism requires that the pole 22 be provided with radial holes 146 shown in Figure 13.

[0082] The bracket 144 includes a spring-loaded plunger 148 that maintains a radial position of the bracket 144 with respect to the pole 22. Of course, this radial position can be changed by the user simply by pulling the plunger 148 by its knob 150 and by pivoting the bracket to the desired position before releasing the plunger. [0083] One skilled in the art will understand that the number and positions of the radial holes 146 are shown for illustration purpose and could therefore be different.

[0084] Turning now to Figure 14 of the appended drawings a damping mechanism will be described.

[0085] Figure 14 is an underside perspective view of a support structure 152 similar to the support structure 20 of Figure 1 where pneumatic cylinders 154 have been provided between the bottom axial stoppers 156 and the shelf attached to the corresponding bracket.

[0086] One skilled in the art will understand that the cylinders will try to keep the shelves, and therefore the attached brackets, in a predetermined angular position, which is generally the storage position. When the user needs to access the content of a particular shelf, a pulling action sufficient to overcome the cylinder is done and the shelf can be pivoted.

[0087] Returning briefly to Figure 2 of the appended drawings, a fifth illustrative version of an angle blocking mechanism will be described. As can be seen from this figure, a mechanical locking tab 158 is mounted to a wall (not shown) of the ambulance compartment and can be pivoted from its shown locking position towards a release position (see arrow 160) by a user via the connected handle 162.

[0088] Figure 15 illustrates, in a top plan view of the internal space of an ambulance compartment 200, a possible positioning of two support structures 202 and 204 as described herein. [0089] As can be seen from this figure, the ambulance compartment includes a stretcher 206 slidably mounted to a rail 208, a street side seat 210, a curb side seat 212 and a head seat 214.

[0090] The medical attendant using the street side seat 210 can easily access the contents of the support structure 202, the medical attendant using the curb side seat 212 can easily access the contents of the support structure 204 while the medical attendant using the head seat 214 can easily access the contents of both support structures 202 and 204.

[0091] Figure 16 illustrates the support structures 202 and 204 with some of their shelves in working positions.

[0092] Figure 17 illustrates a support structure 300 according to another illustrative embodiment. Generally stated, a major difference between the support structure 300 and the support structure 20 of Figure 1 is that the support structure 300 is shorter and does not reach the ceiling of the ambulance compartment. Instead, the pole 302 of the support structure 300 is mounted between the floor of the ambulance compartment and a fixed shelf 304.

[0093] The support structure 300 includes four shelves 306, 308, 310 and 312, each pivotally mounted to the pole 302 using pivoting brackets similar or derived from the above-described brackets.

[0094] It will be noted that the bottom shelf 312 is noticeably deeper than the other shelves and can be viewed as a pivoting bin.

[0095] One skilled in the art will understand that axial stoppers (such as shown in Figure 4) are generally required below each pivoting brackets. There stoppers can also be positioned above a bracket if it is desired to ensure that upward movement of the bracket is prevented.

[0096] It is also to be noted that the various features of the different pivoting brackets described hereinabove and illustrated in the appended drawings could be mixed and matched depending on the configuration of particular support structures. As a non-limiting example, a locking tab 158 shown in Figure 2 could be used with shelves provided with pneumatic cylinders as illustrated in Figure 14.

[0097] Turning now to Figures 18 to 24 of the appended drawings, a storage structure 400, where the contents provided on various shelves are enclosed when the shelves are in their stored positions will be described.

[0098] As can be seen from Figure 18, the storage structure 400 includes a thin shelf 402, two medium shelves 404 and 406 and a deep shelf 408 that may be viewed as a pivoting bin.

[0099] As will be described hereinbelow, each of the shelves includes a shelf locking mechanism to maintain their stored position, a damping mechanism to maintain a desired working position and a releasing mechanism to move the shelf from a stored to a working position.

[0100] As will be understood by the ongoing disclosure, the shelves

402-408 are pivotally mounted to a pole 416 (see Figure 24). The interconnection between the shelves 402-408 and the pole 416 will be described hereinbelow. [0101] Figure 19 illustrates the structure 400 with its two bottom shelves 406 and 408 in a working position. As can be seen from this figure, each shelf includes a bottom 410, a curved rear wall 412 that is not visible when the shelf is in its stored position and a curved front wall 414.

[0102] As can be better seen in Figure 20 of the appended drawings, which shows the structure 400 where the front walls of the shelves in dashed lines, the pole includes a flange 418 mountable to the floor (not shown) of the emergency vehicle. The pole is totally enclosed by sleeves 420 and sidewalls 422, 424 that are mounted to both the floor and the front walls of the shelves.

[0103] Turning now to Figure 21 , showing the top shelf 402 moved from its stored position, the locking mechanism 426, the releasing mechanism 428 and the damping mechanism 430 will be described.

[0104] The locking mechanism 426, provided separately for each shelf of the storage structure 400, is electro-mechanical. It includes lock mounted 432 to the fixed part of the structure and a pin 434 mounted to the shelf.

[0105] Figure 22 shows a side elevational view similar to Figure 21 illustrating the unlocking of the shelf 402 while the shelf 404 remains locked.

[0106] Returning briefly to Figure 18, two momentary switches 436,

438 are provided for each shelf to allow easy unlocking of the shelves.

[0107] Returning to Figure 22, while the locks 432 can be unlocked via a simple depression of the momentary switches 436, 438, in the event of electrical failure, the four shelves 402-408 can be mechanically unlocked simultaneously via a rod 440 associated with the vertically aligned locks 432. The rod may be actuated by the depression of a button 442 (see Figure 18).

[0108] From figure 21 , the releasing mechanism 428 is present to begin the movement of the shelf when it is unlocked. Again, separate releasing mechanisms 428 are provided for each shelf. The releasing mechanism includes a spring actuated piston 444 mounted in a cylinder 446 mounted to the fixed part of the structure a bracket 448 mounted to the shelf.

[0109] Accordingly, when the lock 432 disengages, the spring (not shown) decompresses and pushes the piston 444, which, in turn, pushes the bracket 448, pivoting the shelf towards its working position.

[0110] The damping mechanism 430 includes, for each shelf, a sprocket 450 fixedly mounted to the pole 416 and an adjustable spring plunger 452 mounted to the shelf.

[0111] Accordingly, as will be easily understood by one skilled in the art, when a user wants to pivot the shelf, some force is required for the plunger to overcome the teeth and become lodge between two of them. The force is adjustable, thanks to a fastener 454 accessible from outside the shelf via an aperture 456.

[0112] Of course, non-adjustable plungers or other similar mechanisms could be used.

[0113] It is to be noted that a larger gap 458 is provided between two adjacent teeth. This strategically positioned gap 458 is provided to allow the shelf to be moved of a known angle when the releasing mechanism 428 pushes an unlocked shelf. Accordingly, the unlocked shelf will so move as to be easily manually accessible to the user when one of the switches 436, 438 is actuated.

[0114] One skilled in the art will understand that without external forces provided by the user, unlocked shelves remain in their working positions, thanks to the damping mechanism 430.

[0115] Turning briefly to Figure 23 of the appended drawings, storage structure 400 includes a vehicle mounting assembly 460 to which the rest of the structure can be mounted.

[0116] Of course, other means of mounting the structure 400 to an emergency vehicle are possible.

[0117] Turning now to Figure 24 of the appended drawings, the interconnection between the shelves and the pole 416 will be described.

[0118] As can be seen from this Figure, the storage structure 400 can be fixedly mounted to the floor 462 of the vehicle via its mounting flange 418. The pole 416 is fixedly mounted to this flange 418.

[0119] One skilled in the art will understand that the storage structure

400 could be mounted to a substructure (not shown) to allow a full assembly of the storage structure before it is mounted in the vehicle. It is also to be noted that the storage structure could be mounted on top of the wheel well of the vehicle.

[0120] To pivotally mount each shelf to the pole 416, a system similar to the one shown in Figure 7 is used. More specifically, two flanges 464 and 466 are interposed between the sleeve 420 and the pole 416. The flanges 464 and 466 can be made of friction reducing material.

[0121] Since the sprockets are fixedly mounted to the pole 416, for example via setscrews such as 468, axial movements of the shelves along the pole 416 are prevented.

[0122] One skilled in the art will understand that other assemblies could be used to pivotally mount the shelves to the pole 416.

[0123] Figure 24 also illustrates that a seal is provided between the fixed part of the structure and each shelf. For example, a seal 470 is mounted to the fixed part and compressed by the outer wall of the shelf 408 when in its stored position. These seals help prevent contaminants to soil the content of the shelves when they are in their stored position.

[0124] It is to be noted that while an ambulance was used as an example of emergency vehicle herein, the storage structures described herein could be used in other types of emergency vehicles.

[0125] One skilled in the art will notice that in all the various embodiments of the storage structure described herein, the pole about which the shelves pivot is offset from the center of the shelves. In some cases, it is even not part of the shelf, but a bracket is used to interconnect these two elements. The result of this offset is that the shelves do not occupy the same space when they are in their stored position and when they are in one of their often many working positions. [0126] It is to be understood that the storage structure for emergency vehicles is not limited in its application to the details of construction and parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described hereinabove. The storage structure for emergency vehicles is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. It is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Hence, although the storage structure for emergency vehicles has been described hereinabove by way of illustrative embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature thereof.