Improved rescue stretcher assembly

Abstract

Rescue stretcher assembly (10) for a rescue vehicle (1), comprising at least one carrier (11) configured to be selectively secured to a rescue cage (5) of the rescue vehicle (1), the carrier (11) comprising a track portion (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and provided with at least one carriage (30) configured to slide within the track portion (20), the carriage (30) is configured to allow connection of a tether (13) configured to allow connection of the stretcher (12) to the carrier (11).

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. 102022000014923 filed on July 15, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a stretcher assembly, in particular to a stretcher assembly for a rescue vehicle.

[0004] The invention finds its preferred, but not exclusive, application in a stretcher assembly for a rescue vehicle, such as a stretcher assembly for a fire truck. This application will be mentioned below by way of example. Background Art

[0005] Rescue vehicles, such as fire trucks, are also used in rescue operations, such as evacuating people from buildings and particularly from the windows of such buildings.

[0006] However, existing stretchers have many disadvantages.

[0007] First, standard stretchers are not suitable for transporting heavy people. In fact, overweight people must be transported at a certain angle, otherwise the weight of the abdomen will press on their lungs and they will not be able to breathe. However, this tilted transport method increases the possibility of fatal injuries to the rescued person and will cause discomfort to the rescued person in any case.

[0008] In fact, it is often necessary to transport the stretcher at least partially outside the window, thereby exposing the rescuer and the rescued person to a high probability of falling. This is necessary because the rescue cage is usually too large to fit through the building window.

[0009] Furthermore, such stretchers have limited maneuverability, forcing the rescuer to manually move the stretcher in a very uncomfortable manner. As a result, the risk of injury increases due to the movements that the rescuer needs to perform and the weight of the person being transported.

[0010] Therefore, it is felt that there is a need to improve the rescue stretcher assembly of existing rescue vehicles to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to meet the above-mentioned needs in a cost-effective and optimized manner. Summary of the invention

[0012] The above objects are achieved by a rescue stretcher assembly, a rescue cage and a rescue vehicle as described in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] For a better understanding of the present invention, preferred embodiments are described below by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] · Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a rescue vehicle comprising a ladder carrying a rescue cage provided with a rescue stretcher assembly according to the invention;

[0015] · Figure 2 is a perspective view of a rescue cage including a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention;

[0016] · Figure 3 is a perspective view of elements of a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention;

[0017] · Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an element;

[0018] · Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portion of a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention under different operating conditions;

[0019] · Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C are different schematic side views showing a rescue operation of a person to be evacuated through a window of a building by means of a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention at different operation stages. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Figure 1 A rescue vehicle 1, such as a fire truck, is disclosed, which generally comprises a vehicle body 2 movable on a ground G and provided with a ladder assembly 3. Exemplarily, the ladder assembly 3 comprises a movable base and / or a turntable base 3' and a ladder system 4, such as a telescopic ladder system 4.

[0021] The ladder system 4 is dimensioned to reach a building B and can be controlled via a control device of the vehicle 1 in order to reach the building B, for example to reach an opening W realized through such a building B, for example a window or a balcony.

[0022] The vehicle 1 comprises a rescue cage 5 carried by the ladder assembly 3, in particular by an end portion of a ladder system 4. The rescue cage may be carried by such an end portion in a fixed or movable manner relative to the longitudinal axis of the ladder system.

[0023] like Figure 2As better shown in FIG. 1 , the rescue cage 5 generally comprises a bottom plate 7 and a plurality of side walls 6 defining a space 8 configured to accommodate rescuers. In the embodiment shown, the side walls 6 extend vertically completely along the periphery of the bottom plate 7 and are realized via plates and tubes. Typically, the bottom plate 7 comprises at least a plate connected to the above-mentioned end portion of the ladder system 4.

[0024] According to the present invention, a rescue stretcher assembly 10 is provided, comprising at least a carrier 11 configured to be selectively secured to a rescue cage 5 and configured to allow coupling of at least a lanyard 13 configured to allow connection of a stretcher body 12 .

[0025] In the particular disclosed embodiment, the rescue stretcher assembly 10 comprises a pair of carriers 11 and a pair of tethers 13 for each carrier, the pair of carriers 11 being selectively fixed to the rescue cage 5 at a distance relative to each other. However, it is obvious that the number of carriers 11 and tethers 13 may vary depending on the shape of the tethers and the size of the stretcher body 12. For simplicity, the following description will follow the embodiment exemplarily shown in the attached figures.

[0026] Reference Figures 5 to 7 , each carrier 11 is configured to be fixed to a pair of flanges 15, 16, which are fixedly carried by the rescue cage 5, preferably by the base plate 7 at the same step level or below the step level of the rescue cage 5. Each flange 15, 16 is configured to allow the coupling of the carrier 11, as described in detail below.

[0027] In particular, each carrier 11 comprises a track portion 20 configured to define a space 21 suitable for allowing movement of the carriage 30, as described in detail below. The track portion 20 extends along the longitudinal axis A for a length that is greater relative to the length of the floor of the rescue cage 5 along the same axial direction. In other words, the track portion 20 extends cantilevered relative to the floor 7 of the rescue cage 5 and in particular extends below the floor 7.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown by way of example, the track section 20 has a quadrilateral shape, in particular a rectangular shape. Apart from an opening 22 realized on the lower edge of the track section 20, ie on the edge opposite to the rescue cage 5, a space 21 is bounded by the track section 20 on all edges of the quadrilateral shape.

[0029] In particular, such an opening 22 extends completely along the longitudinal axis A on the track portion 20 and is axially closed in this direction by a first stop plate 24 and a second stop plate 25, which are fixedly carried by the track portion 20. In particular, such stop plates 24, 25 axially close the space 21 along the longitudinal axis A.

[0030] Additionally, the front stop plate 25 may further define an opening 25 ′ configured to provide an additional securing point for the lanyard 11 .

[0031] Each track section further comprises a reinforcement section 26 carried by the track section 20 above the track section 20, ie closer to the rescue cage 5, opposite the opening 22. The reinforcement section 27 defines together with the track section 20 a space 27 extending parallel to the space 21 of the track section 20.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the reinforcement portion 26 has a quadrilateral shape and in particular has a tapering height which increases from a minimum height corresponding to the first stop plate 24 to a maximum height in the middle portion of the track portion 20 between the first stop plate 24 and the second stop plate 25. Therefore, the space 27 also has a tapering height.

[0033] In particular, the reinforcement portion 26 is realized in one piece with the rail portion 20 .

[0034] Each carrier 11 comprises a pair of coupling portions 28, 29 configured to allow connection with the rescue cage 5, i.e. with the above-mentioned flanges 15, 16. In detail, the coupling portions 28, 29 are respectively carried by the end portion of the reinforcement portion 26 opposite the second stop element 25, i.e. in the middle of the carrier 11, and by the track portion 20 in the longitudinal end portion carrying the first stop element 24.

[0035] In more detail, the coupling portions 28, 29 carried by the reinforcement portion 26 and the track portion 20, respectively, are arranged at different heights relative to each other.

[0036] In particular, each coupling portion 28 , 29 is hook-shaped and each flange 15 , 16 defines a pin 15 ′, 16 ′ extending preferably perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis A and configured to cooperate with the hook of the coupling portion 28 , 29 .

[0037] Referring back to the carriages 30, each carrier comprises at least one carriage 30. In the advantageous embodiment described, each carrier has two carriages 30.

[0038] like Figure 3and Figure 4 As better shown in FIG. 1 , each carriage 30 comprises a vertically extending plate 31, i.e. a plate 31 extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, and defining an opening 32 on a first end and a pair of pins 33 on a second end. The opening 32 is adapted to provide a connection point to the lanyard 13, for example via a carabiner or any other suitable means.

[0039] In particular, the second end is sized to be received within the space 21 and the first end is configured to be received outside of the space 21. The plate 31 is sized to pass through the opening 22.

[0040] The pins 33 are coaxial along the transverse direction, ie along an axis C perpendicular to the axis A and the above-mentioned vertical direction. Each pin 33 carries in a movable manner a rolling wheel 34. The diameter of each rolling wheel 34 is configured to allow movement in the space 21 by contact.

[0041] Preferably, the carriage 30 may also include a spacer 35 coupled to each side of the plate 31 along the transverse axis C and configured to cooperate with the opening 22 by sliding to allow the passage of the dirty elements in the space 20 .

[0042] Each carrier 11 comprises a locking mechanism 40 configured to keep the carrier 11 coupled to the rescue cage 5 via the coupling means 28, 29. In particular, the locking mechanism 40 is a mechanical device configured to have a first position configured to lock the coupling means 28, 29 in its operational coupling position and a second position configured to allow the coupling means 28, 29 to be unlocked relative to the rescue cage 5.

[0043] The locking device 40 is preferably housed within the space 27 and is configured to selectively cooperate with a portion of one of the flanges 15 , 16 .

[0044] The locking device 40 generally includes a slider 41 configured to slide on the track portion 20 and an actuator rod 42, a first end of the actuator rod 42 being coupled to the slider 41 and a second end being coupled to a handle pin 44. The handle pin 44 is configured to slide through an opening 43 realized through the reinforcement portion 26 and to extend outside the opening 43 so as to be grasped by a user.

[0045] The slide 41 defines a cavity 45 extending along the longitudinal axis A and configured to house elastic means 46 , for example a helical spring, and a movable pin 47 .

[0046] The elastic means 46 is operatively arranged between the slider 41 and the movable pin 47. The slider 41 also defines an opening 48 extending along the longitudinal axis A and through which the pin 47 projects and through which the slider 41 can be moved along its longitudinal extremity.

[0047] In particular, pin 47 is fixedly coupled to reinforcement portion 26 so that if slider 41 moves, pin 47 is fixed to the reinforcement portion, thereby providing a release point for the force applied by elastic device 46, which can extend or retract according to the relative movement of slider 41 relative to pin 47.

[0048] It should be noted that in use, ie when the carrier 11 is coupled to the rescue cage 5 , the slide 41 is disposed beneath the rescue cage 5 and occupies a space X which can be selectively released by moving the slide 41 , as detailed in the operation described in detail below.

[0049] Furthermore, it is noted that the flanges 15, 16 each define an inclined portion 15" extending below the pins 15', 16', which is configured to cooperate by contact with the slider 41. In detail, this inclined portion 15" is inclined so that the force acting due to the contact between the slider 41 and the inclined portion 15" due to the elastic means 46 pushes the slider 41 to occupy the space X directly below the inclined portion 15". In detail, the inclined portion 15" therefore defines an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis A facing the slider.

[0050] The reinforcement part 26 may comprise visual means (not shown) implemented on the wall of the reinforcement part 26 near the opening 43 to indicate the locked or unlocked position of the handle pin 44 in the opening 43, thereby ensuring the rescuer that the carrier is securely locked.

[0051] The carrier may also comprise a detent means (not shown) configured to hold the pin 43 in the unlocked state, for example via a hook or magnetic means or via a dedicated actuator, to avoid direct manual actuation by a rescuer.

[0052] In this case, in addition to the above-mentioned visual means, signal means may also be added to indicate an unlocked state of the carrier or an incorrect locked state, ie an incorrect engaged state of the locking means 40 .

[0053] Each carrier 11 also comprises retention means 50 configured to keep at least one carriage 30 in contact with the second stop element 25 .

[0054] In particular, the stop means 50 comprises a magnet carried by such second stop element 25 and preferably housed in the space 21. Such a magnet is configured to keep the carriage coupled to the rail portion 21 until a predetermined force is exerted on the plate 31.

[0055] The operation of the embodiment of the present invention as described above is as follows.

[0056] Figure 6 and Figure 7 The disassembly operation of the carrier 11 from the rescue cage 5 is disclosed.

[0057] The rear coupling means 29 is coupled to the corresponding pin 16', and the actuator rod 42 is moved via the handle pin 44 to slide on the track portion 20, thereby eliminating the presence of the slider 41 in the space X. In particular, the actuator rod 42 retracts the slider 41 toward the second stop element 25, thereby compressing the elastic means 46 and allowing vertical movement of the carrier 11. In this way, the coupling elements 28, 29 can be easily disengaged from the corresponding coupling pins 15', 16'.

[0058] Even though it is not shown graphically, the assembly operation is carried out in a similar manner. The actuator rod 42 is released and the slide 41 is pushed by the inclined wall below the flange 15 by the retraction of the elastic means 46. Thus, due to the special shape of the coupling elements 28, 29, the coupling elements 28, 29 are automatically coupled to the coupling pins 15', 16' again due to the movement imposed by the elastic means 46. When the slide 41 occupies the space X, a vertical movement of the track section 20 is not possible and the carrier is securely locked to the rescue cage 5.

[0059] Reference Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C , the rescuer can safely place the rescued person in a stretcher 12 inside the building and connect a lanyard 13 to each carrier 11 ( Fig. 8A The ladder system 4 can then lift the cage 5 so that the lanyards 13 lift one side of the stretcher 12 while the other side can be held by the rescuer ( Figure 8B ). The rescuer can then push the stretcher 12 out of the window W and connect another lanyard 13 to each load-bearing member 11 so that the ladder system can control the cage 5 to move away from the building B.

[0060] In view of the above, the advantages of the rescue stretcher assembly, rescue cage and rescue vehicle according to the present invention are obvious.

[0061] In particular, the disclosed rescue stretcher assembly has a very quick and secure attachment to the rescue cage, which allows for reduced installation time during emergency situations.

[0062] Furthermore, the disclosed rescue stretcher assembly may be applied to any rescue cage as long as a pair of flanges 15, 16 is implemented or attached to the rescue cage, ie with minor modifications.

[0063] The concept of locking and unlocking is intuitive and incorrect operation of unlocking is avoided due to visual or signaling means.

[0064] The system is substantially compact, ie it essentially comprises two carriers, which can be stored in the ladder assembly and used as required.

[0065] The extension of the track portion over the cage extension allows passage inside the window, thereby avoiding the fully loaded unsafe condition of known stretcher systems.

[0066] According to the above, since the person to be rescued can move substantially effortlessly via the track portion, the rescuer's physical exertion is reduced.

[0067] The proposed system is robust and also suitable for transporting heavier rescued persons and can be used with any type of stretcher by providing a suitable lanyard.

[0068] It is obvious that modifications may be made to the rescue stretcher assembly, the rescue cage and the rescue vehicle described without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0069] For example, as described above, a single carrier with an appropriate tether assembly may also be used to carry the stretcher.

[0070] Furthermore, the shape of the rail portion or the reinforcement portion may vary, for example its length may vary.

[0071] The locking mechanism can be realized in different ways, for example the proposed carriages carried by the rail section and their number can be realized in different ways.

Claims

1. A rescue stretcher assembly (10) for a rescue vehicle (1), the rescue stretcher assembly (10) comprising at least one carrier (11), the carrier (11) being configured to be selectively fixed to a rescue cage (5) of the rescue vehicle (1), the carrier (11) comprising a track portion (20), the track portion (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and provided with at least one slide (30), the slide (30) being received in a sliding manner in the track portion (20), the slide (30) being configured to allow the connection of a lanyard (13), the lanyard (13) being configured to allow the connection of a rescue stretcher (12).

2. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The track portion (20) defines a space (21) extending along the longitudinal axis (A) between a pair of stop elements (24, 25) and opening through an opening (22), and the carriage (30) is slidably carried in the space (21) and extends through the opening (22).

3. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 2, further comprising a stop device (50), wherein the stop device (50) is configured to keep the slide (30) in contact with one of the stop elements (24, 25) until a predetermined force is applied to the slide (30).

4. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 3, wherein: The stopping device (50) comprises a magnet.

5. The rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The carrier (11) also includes a reinforcing portion (26) connected to the track portion (20) on the opposite side relative to the slide (30), the reinforcing portion (26) defining a space (27) and extending from one of the longitudinal ends of the track portion (20) to an intermediate point relative to the longitudinal end.

6. The rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The slide (30) includes a plate (31) sized to be received through the opening (22), the plate (31) defining the opening (32) from one side and carrying a pair of pins (33) from an opposite side, the slide (30) including a rolling device (34) carried by each pin (33) and configured to be received in the space (21) and to cooperate by contact with the track portion (20) to allow the plate (31) to move in the direction of the longitudinal axis (A).

7. A rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The carrier (11) comprises coupling means (15, 16) configured to allow the carrier (11) to be connected to the rescue cage (5).

8. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claims 5 and 7, wherein: One coupling device between the coupling devices (15, 16) is carried by the reinforcing portion (26) in the intermediate point, while the other coupling device between the coupling devices (15, 16) is carried by the track portion (20) in the longitudinal end portion opposite to the longitudinal end portion carrying the reinforcing portion (26).

9. The rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising locking means (40) configured to selectively lock the carrier (11) relative to the rescue cage (5).

10. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The locking device (40) comprises a slider (41) slidable on the track portion (20) and an actuator rod (42), a first end of the actuator rod (42) being connected to the slider and a second end being connected to a handle pin (43), the slider (41) being configured to selectively occupy a space (X) between the track portion (20) and the rescue cage (5) according to a movement applied by the actuator rod (42).

11. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The handle pin (43) is received in an opening (44) realized in the carrier (11).

12. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The carrier (11) comprises visual or signalling means configured to display / indicate the engagement position of the slide (41) to a rescuer.

13. A rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The slide (41) defines a cavity (45) configured to accommodate a resilient device (46) and a pin (47), the resilient device (46) being operatively disposed between the slide (41) and the pin (47), and the pin (47) being fixedly carried by the rescue cage (5).

14. A rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 13 when dependent on claim 5, wherein: The locking mechanism (40) is accommodated in the space (27) defined by the reinforcement portion (26).

15. A rescue cage (5) comprising a bottom plate (7) and a plurality of side walls (6) defining a space (8), and comprising a rescue stretcher assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the rescue stretcher assembly (10) being connected to one between the bottom plate (7) and the side walls (6).

16. A rescue cage according to claim 15, wherein: The track portion (20) extends over one of the dimensions of the base plate (7) and extends below the base plate.

17. A rescue cage according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: The rescue cage defines a first flange (15) and a second flange (16), each of which carries a pin (15', 16') to which the carrier (11) can be connected.

18. A rescue vehicle (1) comprising a body (2) movable on the ground and a ladder assembly (3) carried by the body (2), the rescue vehicle (2) comprising a rescue cage (5) according to any one of the claims.

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