Improved Rescue Stretcher Assembly

Abstract

A rescue stretcher assembly (10) for a rescue vehicle (1), comprising at least a carrier (11) configured to be selectively fixed to a rescue cage (5) of the rescue vehicle (1), the carrier (11) comprising a rail portion (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and at least a sled (30) configured to slide within the rail portion (20), the sled (30) being configured to enable connection of a lanyard (13), the lanyard (13) being configured to enable connection of a stretcher (12) to the carrier (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This patent application claims the priority of Italian Patent Application No. 102022000014923, filed on July 15, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to a stretcher assembly, particularly a stretcher assembly for rescue vehicles.

[0003] The present invention is preferably, but not limited to, applied in a stretcher assembly for rescue vehicles such as fire trucks. For this application, reference is made in the following examples.

Background Art

[0004] Rescue vehicles such as fire trucks are also used for rescue operations such as rescuing people from buildings, especially rescuing people from the windows of those buildings.

[0005] However, existing stretchers have many drawbacks.

[0006] First, standard stretchers are not suitable for transporting overweight people. In fact, overweight people have to be transported at an angle, otherwise the weight on the abdomen presses on the lungs and they cannot breathe. However, such inclined transportation increases the possibility of fatal injuries to the rescued person and in any case causes discomfort to the rescued person.

[0007] In fact, usually, since it is necessary to carry at least part of the stretcher outside the window, the possibility of both the rescuer and the rescued person falling is increased. This is inevitable because the rescue cage is usually too large to pass through the windows of buildings.

[0008] Furthermore, the operability of such a stretcher has limitations, and as a result, the rescuer is forced to manually move the stretcher in a very uncomfortable way. Therefore, due to the actions that the rescuer has to perform and the weight of the person being transported, the risk of injury increases.

[0009] Therefore, in order to address the above problems, there is a felt need to improve the existing rescue stretcher assembly for rescue vehicles.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to satisfy the above requirements in a cost-effective and optimized way.

Summary of the Invention

[0011] The aforementioned object is achieved by a rescue stretcher assembly, a rescue cage, and a rescue vehicle as described in the appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] To better understand the present invention, the preferred embodiments will be described below by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8A

Figure 8B

Figure 8C

[0013] FIG. 1 discloses a rescue vehicle 1, such as a fire truck, which basically comprises a main body 2 movable on the ground G and a ladder assembly 3. Specifically, the ladder assembly 3 comprises a movable and / or rotatable base 3' and a ladder system 4, such as a telescopic ladder system 4.

[0014] The ladder system 4 is dimensioned and controllable to reach an opening W, such as a window or a balcony, realized in a building B, such as the building B, via the control means of the vehicle 1.

[0015] The vehicle 1 comprises a rescue cage 5 mounted at the end of the ladder assembly 3, particularly the ladder system 4. The rescue cage can be mounted by such an end in a fixed or movable manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the ladder system.

[0016] As best shown in FIG. 2, the rescue cage 5 comprises a plurality of side walls 6 and a floor 7 defining a space 8 configured to accommodate a rescuer. In the illustrated embodiment, the side walls 6 extend generally vertically along the outer periphery of the floor 7 and are realized by plates and tubes. Usually, the floor 7 comprises at least one plate connected to the end of the aforementioned ladder system 4.

[0017] According to the present invention, there is provided a rescue stretcher assembly 10 comprising at least one carrier 11 configured to be selectively fixed to a rescue cage 5 and to enable connection of at least one lanyard 13 configured to enable connection of a stretcher body 12.

[0018] In a disclosed specific embodiment, the rescue stretcher assembly 10 comprises a pair of carriers 11 selectively and spaced apart from each other and fixed to the rescue cage 5, and a pair of lanyards 13 for each carrier. However, it is clear that the number of carriers 11 and lanyards 13 can be changed according to the shape of the lanyard and the dimensions of the stretcher body 12. For simplicity, the following description is based on the embodiment illustrated exemplarily in the accompanying drawings.

[0019] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, each carrier 11 is configured to be fixed to a pair of flanges 15, 16, which are fixedly mounted on the rescue cage 5, preferably at or below the step level of the rescue cage 5 and mounted on the floor 7. Each flange 15, 16 is configured to enable connection of the carrier 11 as detailed below.

[0020] In particular, each carrier 11 comprises a rail portion 20 configured to define a space 21 suitable for enabling movement of a sled 30 as detailed below. The rail portion 20 has a length greater than the length of the floor of the rescue cage 5 along the same axial direction and extends along a longitudinal axis A. In other words, the rail portion 20 extends cantilever-like with respect to the floor 7 of the rescue cage 5, particularly below it.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, the rail portion 20 has a quadrangular, particularly rectangular shape. The space 21 is delimited by all the edges of the rail portion 20 in a quadrangular shape except for an opening 22 realized at the lower edge of the rail portion 20, i.e., the edge opposite to the rescue cage 5.

[0022] In particular, this opening 22 extends over the entire rail part 20 along the longitudinal axis A and is axially closed in this direction by the first and second stop plates 24, 25 fixedly mounted by the rail part 20. In particular, these stop plates 24, 25 axially close the space 21 along the longitudinal axis A.

[0023] Furthermore, the front stop plate 25 may further define an opening 25' configured to provide an additional fixing point for the lanyard 11.

[0024] Furthermore, each rail part is provided with a reinforcing part 26 mounted by the rail part 20 above this, that is, closer to the rescue cage 5 and on the opposite side of the opening 22. The reinforcing part 27, together with the rail part 20, defines a space 27 extending parallel to the space 21 of the rail part 20.

[0025] The reinforcing part 26 has a quadrilateral shape in the illustrated embodiment and has a tapered height increasing from the minimum height corresponding to the first stop plate 24 to the maximum height in the middle part of the rail part 20 between the first stop plate 24 and the second stop plate 25. Therefore, the space 27 also has a tapered height.

[0026] In particular, the reinforcing part 26 is realized integrally with the rail part 20.

[0027] Each carrier 11 is provided with a pair of connecting parts 28, 29 configured to enable connection with the rescue cage 5, that is, the aforementioned flanges 15, 16. Specifically, the connecting parts 28, 29 are respectively mounted on the end part of the reinforcing part 26 on the opposite side of the second stop element 25, that is, the middle position of the carrier 11, and the rail part 20 at the longitudinal end part mounting the first stop element 24.

[0028] More specifically, since the connecting parts 28, 29 are respectively mounted on the reinforcing part 26 and the rail part 20, they are arranged at different heights from each other.

[0029] In particular, each connecting portion 28, 29 has a hook shape, and each flange 15, 16 preferably extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and defines pins 15', 16' configured to fit with the hooks of the connecting portions 28, 29.

[0030] When returning to the sled 30, each carrier comprises at least one sled 30. In the preferably described embodiment, there are two sleds 30 in each carrier.

[0031] As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, each sled 30 extends in a vertical direction, i.e., a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, and comprises a plate 31 that defines an opening 32 at a first end and a pair of pins 33 at a second end. The opening 32 is suitable for providing a connection point to the lanyard 13, for example via a carabiner or other suitable means.

[0032] In particular, the second end is dimensioned to be received within the space 21, and the first end is configured to be received outside the space 21. The plate 31 is dimensioned to pass through the opening 22.

[0033] The pins 33 are coaxial along a transverse direction, i.e., an axis C perpendicular to the axis A and the aforementioned vertical direction. Each pin 33 movably mounts a rolling wheel 34. Each rolling wheel 34 has a diameter configured to allow movement by contact within the space 21.

[0034] Preferably, the sled 30 is configured to cooperate in sliding with the opening 22 to allow the passage of dirt elements into the space 20, and may further comprise spacers 35 connected along the transverse axis C on each side of the plate 31.

[0035] Each carrier 11 is provided with a locking mechanism 40 configured to maintain the carrier 11 in a state of being connected to the rescue cage 5 via the connecting means 28, 29. In particular, the locking mechanism 40 is configured to take a first position in which the connecting means 28, 29 are locked at their operative connection positions, and a second position in which the locking of the connecting means 28, 29 to the rescue cage 5 is released, and is a mechanical device configured to take such positions.

[0036] The locking means 40 is preferably housed within the space 27 and is configured to selectively cooperate with one part of the flanges 15, 16.

[0037] The locking means 40 essentially comprises a slide block 41 configured to slide on the rail portion 20, and an actuator rod 42 having a first end connected to the slide block 41 and a second end connected to the handle pin 44. The handle pin 44 is configured to slide through an opening 43 realized by the reinforcing portion 26, and extends outside the reinforcing portion 26 and is configured to be gripped by a user.

[0038] The slide block 41 defines a cavity 45 extending along the longitudinal axis A and configured to accommodate elastic means 46, such as a helical spring, and a movable pin 47.

[0039] The elastic means 46 is operatively disposed between the slide block 41 and the movable pin 47. The slide block 41 further defines an opening 48 extending along the longitudinal axis A, through which the pin 47 protrudes and can move along its longitudinal end.

[0040] In particular, since the pin 47 is fixedly connected to the reinforcing portion 26, when the slide block 41 moves, it is fixed to the slide block 41, thereby providing a discharge point for the force caused by the elastic means 46 that can extend or contract in response to the relative movement of the slide block 41 with respect to the pin 47.

[0041] In use, i.e., when the carrier 11 is connected to the rescue cage 5, the slide block 41 is disposed below the rescue cage 5 and occupies a space X that can be selectively released by moving the slide block 41 as detailed in the description of the operation detailed below.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be noted that the flanges 15, 16 each extend below the pins 15', 16' and define an inclined portion 15'' configured to cooperate by contact with the slide block 41. Specifically, this inclined portion 15'' is inclined such that the force acting by the contact between the slide block 41 and the inclined portion 15'' by the elastic means 46 presses the slide block 41 to occupy the space X directly below the inclined portion 15''. Specifically, the inclined portion 15'' thus faces the slide block and defines an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0043] To assure the rescuer that the carrier is safely locked, the reinforcing portion 26 may be provided near the opening 43 with visual means (not shown) realized on the wall of the reinforcing portion 26 to indicate the locked or unlocked position of the handle pin 44 in the opening 43.

[0044] The carrier may further comprise a detent means (not shown) configured to maintain the pin 43 in the unlocked state, for example via a hook or magnetic means, or via a dedicated actuator, in order to avoid direct manual operation by the rescuer.

[0045] In some cases, in addition to the above visual means, signal means may be added to indicate the unlocked state of the carrier, or an inappropriate locked state, i.e., an inappropriate engagement state of the locking means 40.

[0046] Each carrier 11 further comprises a restraint means 50 configured to maintain at least one sled 30 in contact with the second stop element 25.

[0047] In particular, the restraining means 50 is carried by this second stop element 25 and preferably comprises a magnet housed within the space 21. This magnet is configured to maintain the sled in a state connected to the rail portion 21 until a predetermined force is applied to the plate 31.

[0048] The operation of the embodiment of the present invention described above is as follows.

[0049] Figures 6 and 7 disclose the disassembling operation of the carrier 11 from the rescue cage 5.

[0050] The rear connecting means 29 is connected to the respective pins 16', and the actuator rod 42 is moved to slide on the rail portion 20 via the handle pin 44, thereby releasing the space X from the presence of the slide block 41. In particular, the actuator rod 42 pulls the slide block 41 in the direction of the second stop element 25, thereby compressing the elastic means 46 and enabling vertical movement of the carrier 11. In this way, the connecting elements 28, 29 can be easily removed from the respective connecting pins 15', 16'.

[0051] Even if not shown, the assembly operation is performed in the same manner. When the actuator rod 42 is released, the slide block 41 is pushed against the inclined wall under the flange 15 by the pulling of the elastic means 46. Therefore, due to the specific shape of the connecting elements 28, 29, they are automatically reconnected to the connecting pins 15', 16' again by the movement provided by the elastic means 46. When the slide block 41 occupies the space X, vertical movement of the rail portion 20 is impossible and the carrier is safely locked to the rescue cage 5.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, a rescuer can safely place a rescued person on a stretcher 12 inside a building and connect one lanyard 13 through a window W to each carrier 11 (FIG. 8A). Next, the ladder system 4 can lift the cage 5 such that the lanyard 13 lifts one side of the stretcher 12 and the other side is held by the rescuer (FIG. 8B). Next, the rescuer can push the stretcher 12 outside the window W, connect another lanyard 13 to each carrier 11, and thereby control the cage 5 such that the ladder system moves away from the building B.

[0053] In view of the above, the advantages of the rescue stretcher assembly, rescue cage, and rescue vehicle according to the present invention are apparent.

[0054] In particular, the disclosed rescue stretcher assembly can be attached to a rescue cage very quickly and safely, and can shorten the attachment time in an emergency.

[0055] Furthermore, the disclosed rescue stretcher assembly can be applied to any rescue cage with only minor modifications, i.e., if a pair of flanges 15, 16 are realized or attached thereon.

[0056] The concepts of locking and unlocking are intuitive, and thanks to visual or signaling means, improper operation of the latter is avoided.

[0057] This system is substantially compact. That is, it mainly comprises two carriers, which can be stored inside a ladder assembly and used as required.

[0058] By extending the rail portion on the extension of the cage, it can pass inside the window, thereby avoiding a dangerous state of full load like that of a known stretcher system.

[0059] As described above, since a person rescued via the rail section can be moved substantially without effort, the physical labor of the rescuer is reduced.

[0060] The proposed system is robust and suitable for transporting heavy rescued persons, and by providing an appropriate lanyard, it can be used with any type of stretcher.

[0061] Modifications can be made to the described rescue stretcher assembly, rescue cage, and rescue vehicle, but it is clear that these modifications do not exceed the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0062] For example, as described above, one carrier can also be used with an appropriate lanyard assembly to carry the stretcher.

[0063] Furthermore, the shape of the rail section or the reinforcement section can vary, such as its length.

[0064] The locking mechanism can be realized in different ways, such as by the proposed sledge and the number carried by the rail section.

Claims

1. A rescue stretcher assembly (10) for a rescue vehicle (1), wherein the rescue stretcher assembly (10) comprises 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 rail portion (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and at least one sled (30) slidably received within the rail portion (20), the sled (30) being configured to enable connection of a lanyard (13), the lanyard (13) being configured to enable connection of a rescue stretcher (12). A rescue stretcher assembly.

2. The rail portion (20) extends between a pair of stop elements (24, 25) along the longitudinal axis (A) and defines a space (21) that is open via an opening (22), the sled (30) being slidably mounted within the space (21) and extending through the opening (22). The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 1.

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

4. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 3, wherein the restraint means (50) comprises a magnet.

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

6. The sled (30) comprises a plate (31) dimensioned to be received through the opening (22), the plate (31) defining an opening (32) on one side and mounting a pair of pins (33) on the opposite side, The sled (30) is mounted by each pin (33) and is housed in the space (21), and is configured to cooperate by contact with the rail portion (20) to enable movement of the plate (31) along the direction of the vertical axis (A). The rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, comprising rolling means (34).

7. The carrier (11) is provided with connecting means (15, 16) configured to enable the connection between the carrier (11) and the rescue cage (5). The rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. One of the connecting means (15, 16) is mounted by the reinforcing portion (26) at the intermediate point, and the other of the connecting means (15, 16) is mounted by the rail portion (20) at the longitudinal end on the side opposite to the one mounting the reinforcing portion (26). The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 5 or 7.

9. The rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising locking means (40) configured to selectively lock the carrier (11) with respect to the rescue cage (5).

10. The locking means (40) includes a slide block (41) slidable on the rail portion (20), and an actuator rod (42) connected to the slide block at a first end and connected to a handle pin (43) at a second end. The slide block (41) is configured to selectively occupy a space (X) between the rail portion (20) and the rescue cage (5) in a function of movement given by the actuator rod (42). The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 9.

11. The handle pin (43) is housed in an opening (44) formed in the carrier (11). The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 10.

12. The carrier (11) is provided with visual means or signal means configured to indicate / to inform a rescuer of an engagement position of the slide block (41). The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 11.

13. The slide block (41) defines a cavity (45) configured to accommodate elastic means (46) and a pin (47). The elastic means (46) is operably disposed between the slide block (41) and the pin (47). The stretcher assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the pin (47) is fixedly mounted by the rescue cage (5).

14. When the rescue stretcher assembly depends on claim 5, the locking mechanism (40) is housed within the space (27) defined by the reinforcing portion (26), the rescue stretcher assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. A rescue cage (5) comprising a plurality of side walls (6) defining a floor (7) and a space (8), and comprising a rescue stretcher assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the rescue stretcher assembly (10) is connected to one of the floor (7) and the side wall (6), a rescue cage.

16. The rescue cage according to claim 15, wherein the rail portion (20) extends under the floor beyond one of the dimensions of the floor.

17. The rescue cage defines first and second flanges (15, 16) each carrying a pin (15', 16'), The rescue cage according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the carrier (11) is connectable to the pins (15', 16').

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 (1) comprises a rescue cage (5) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, a rescue vehicle.

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