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 priority to Italian Patent Application No. 102022000014923, filed 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 a rescue vehicle.

[0003] The present invention finds suitable, but not exclusive, application in stretcher assemblies for rescue vehicles such as fire engines, to which application reference will be made in the following examples. [Background technology]

[0004] Rescue vehicles, such as fire engines, are also used in rescue operations such as rescuing people from buildings, particularly from windows of those buildings.

[0005] However, existing stretchers have many drawbacks.

[0006] First, standard stretchers are not suitable for transporting heavy people. In fact, overweight people must be transported at an angle, otherwise the weight of their abdomen will be on their lungs and they will not be able to breathe. However, such an angled transport increases the chances of fatal injuries to the rescuee and, in any case, is uncomfortable for the rescuee.

[0007] In fact, stretchers usually have to be carried at least partially out the window, increasing the chances of falls for both rescuer and rescuee, which is unavoidable because rescue cages are usually too large to fit through building windows.

[0008] Furthermore, the maneuverability of such stretchers is limited, forcing rescuers to manually move the stretcher in a very uncomfortable manner, thus increasing the risk of injury due to the movements the rescuer must make and the weight of the person being transported.

[0009] Therefore, a need is felt to improve the existing rescue stretcher assemblies for rescue vehicles to address the above mentioned problems.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to meet the above requirements in a cost-effective and optimized manner. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The above mentioned objects are achieved by a rescue stretcher assembly, a rescue cage and a rescue vehicle as set out in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] In order that the invention may be better understood, preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a rescue vehicle having a ladder mounted rescue cage with a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rescue cage with a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the elements of a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the element of FIG. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a portion of a rescue stretcher assembly according to the invention in different operating states. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a portion of a rescue stretcher assembly according to the invention in different operating states. [Figure 7]7A and 7B are longitudinal cross-sectional views of a portion of a rescue stretcher assembly according to the invention in different operating states. [Figure 8A] 8A-8D are different schematic side views illustrating different operational stages of a rescue operation of a person being evacuated from a window of a building via a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 8B] 8A and 8B are different schematic side views illustrating different operational stages of a rescue operation of a person being evacuated from a window of a building via a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 8C] 8A-8C are different schematic side views illustrating different operational stages of a rescue operation of a person being evacuated from a window of a building via a rescue stretcher assembly according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] 1 discloses a rescue vehicle 1, e.g., a fire engine, comprising a body 2 that is essentially movable on a ground G and that is equipped with a ladder assembly 3. In particular, the ladder assembly 3 comprises a movable and / or swiveling base 3′ and a ladder system 4, e.g., an extension ladder system 4.

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

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

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

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

[0018] In the particular embodiment disclosed, the rescue stretcher assembly 10 comprises a pair of carriers 11 selectively fixed to the rescue cage 5 at a distance from each other, and a pair of lanyards 13 for each carrier. However, it is clear that the number of carriers 11 and lanyards 13 can vary depending on the shape of the lanyards and the dimensions of the stretcher body 12. For simplicity, the following description will refer to the embodiment exemplarily shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0019] 5 to 7, each carrier 11 is configured to be fixed to a pair of flanges 15, 16 which are fixedly mounted to the rescue cage 5 and are mounted to the floor 7, preferably at or below the step level of the rescue cage 5. Each flange 15, 16 is configured to allow coupling of the carriers 11 as will be described in more detail below.

[0020] In particular, each carrier 11 comprises a rail portion 20 configured to define a space 21 suitable for allowing the movement of a sledge 30 as will be explained in more detail below. The rail portion 20 extends along a longitudinal axis A with a length that is greater than the length of the floor of the rescue cage 5 along the same axial direction. In other words, the rail portion 20 extends cantilevered relative to, and in particular below, the floor 7 of the rescue cage 5.

[0021] 4, the rail section 20 has a quadrangular, in particular rectangular, shape. A space 21 is bounded by the rail section 20 on all edges of the quadrangular shape, except for an opening 22 which is realized on the lower edge of the rail section 20, i.e. on the edge opposite the rescue cage 5.

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

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

[0024] Furthermore, each rail section comprises a reinforcing section 26 which is mounted by the rail section 20 above it, i.e. closer to the rescue cage 5 and opposite the opening 22. The reinforcing section 27 together with the rail section 20 defines a space 27 which extends parallel to the space 21 of the rail section 20.

[0025] The reinforcement portion 26 has a rectangular shape in the exemplary embodiment shown and has a tapered height that increases from a minimum height corresponding in particular to the first stop plate 24 to a maximum height in the intermediate portion of the rail portion 20 between the first stop plate 24 and the second stop plate 25. The space 27 therefore also has a tapered height.

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

[0027] Each carrier 11 comprises a pair of coupling parts 28, 29 configured to enable coupling with the rescue cage 5, i.e. the aforementioned flanges 15, 16. In detail, the coupling parts 28, 29 are mounted respectively on the end of the reinforcement part 26 opposite the second stop element 25, i.e. at the middle position of the carrier 11, and on the rail part 20 at the longitudinal end carrying the first stop element 24.

[0028] More specifically, the connecting portions 28 and 29 are mounted on the reinforcing portion 26 and the rail portion 20, respectively, and are therefore disposed at different heights.

[0029] In particular, each link 28,29 is hook-shaped, and each flange 15,16 defines a pin 15',16' that preferably extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A and is configured to mate with the hook of the link 28,29.

[0030] Returning to the sledges 30, each carrier comprises at least one sledge 30. In the embodiment advantageously described, there are two sledges 30 on each carrier.

[0031] 3 and 4, each sledge 30 includes a plate 31 extending vertically, i.e., perpendicular to a longitudinal axis A, and defining an opening 32 at a first end and a pair of pins 33 at a second end. Openings 32 are suitable for providing a connection point for a lanyard 13, for example, via a carabiner or other suitable means.

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

[0033] The pins 33 are coaxial along the lateral direction, i.e. along 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 contact movement within the space 21.

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

[0035] Each carrier 11 comprises a locking mechanism 40 configured to maintain 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 assume a first position configured to lock the coupling means 28, 29 in their operative coupled position and a second position configured to allow unlocking of the coupling means 28, 29 relative to the rescue cage 5.

[0036] Locking means 40 is preferably housed within space 27 and is configured to selectively cooperate with portions of one of 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 connected at a first end to the slide block 41 and at a second end to a handle pin 44. The handle pin 44 is configured to slide through an opening 43 realized by the reinforcement portion 26 and extends outside of this reinforcement portion 26 to be gripped by a user.

[0038] The slide block 41 extends along a longitudinal axis A and defines a cavity 45 configured to accommodate a resilient means 46 , for example a helical spring, and a moveable pin 47 .

[0039] The resilient means 46 is operably 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 projects and is movable along its longitudinal end.

[0040] In particular, the pin 47 is fixedly connected to the reinforcement part 26 and is therefore fixed to the slide block 41 when the latter moves, thereby providing a discharge point for the force exerted by the elastic means 46 which can expand or contract in response to the relative movement of the slide block 41 with respect to the pin 47.

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

[0042] It should further be noted that the flanges 15, 16 each define a ramp 15" extending below the pin 15', 16' and configured to cooperate by contact with the slide block 41. In particular, this ramp 15" is inclined such that the force exerted by the contact between the slide block 41 and the ramp 15" by the resilient means 46 pushes the slide block 41 to occupy the space X directly below the ramp 15". In particular, the ramp 15" therefore defines an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis A, facing the slide block.

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

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

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

[0046] Each carrier 11 further comprises restraining means 50 configured to maintain at least one sledge 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 keep the sledge 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] 6 and 7 disclose the disassembly of the carrier 11 from the rescue cage 5.

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

[0051] Although not shown, the assembly operation is performed in the same way: the actuator rod 42 is released and the slide block 41 is pressed against the inclined wall below the flange 15 by the pull of the elastic means 46. Due to the specific shape of the connecting elements 28, 29, they are therefore automatically reconnected to the connecting pins 15', 16' thanks to the movement imparted by the elastic means 46. When the slide block 41 occupies the space X, vertical movement of the rail section 20 is not possible and the carrier is safely locked in the rescue cage 5.

[0052] 8A, 8B, and 8C, rescuers can safely place rescued persons on stretchers 12 inside the building and connect one lanyard 13 to each carrier 11 through a window W (FIG. 8A). The ladder system 4 can then lift the cage 5 so that the lanyards 13 lift one side of the stretcher 12 and the other side is held by the rescuer (FIG. 8B). The rescuers can then push the stretchers 12 out the window W and connect another lanyard 13 to each carrier 11, thereby controlling the cage 5 so that the ladder system moves away from 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 clear.

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

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

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

[0057] The system is compact in nature, i.e. it comprises mainly two carriers which can be stored within the ladder assembly and used on demand.

[0058] The extension of the rail section on the extension of the cage allows it to pass through the inside of the window, thereby avoiding the dangerous situation of the full load as in known stretcher systems.

[0059] As mentioned above, the rescued person can be moved via the rail section with virtually no effort, thereby reducing the physical effort required of the rescuer.

[0060] The proposed system is robust and suitable for transporting even heavy victims, and can be used with any type of stretcher with the appropriate lanyard.

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

[0062] For example, as previously mentioned, one carrier may be used to carry a stretcher with an appropriate lanyard assembly.

[0063] Additionally, the shape of the rail or reinforcement may vary, including its length.

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

Claims

1. A rescue stretcher assembly (10) for a rescue vehicle (1), comprising: The rescue stretcher assembly (10) comprises at least one carrier (11); the carrier (11) is provided with coupling means (28, 29) configured to allow coupling of the rescue cage (5) of the rescue vehicle (1), The carrier (11) comprises a rail portion (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (A) and at least one sledge (30) slidably received within the rail portion (20); The sledge (30) is configured to allow the connection of a lanyard (13), The lanyard (13) is configured to allow the connection of a rescue stretcher (12), the rail portion (20) extends along the longitudinal axis (A) between a pair of stop elements (24, 25) and defines a space (21) open through an opening (22); The sledge (30) is slidably mounted within the space (21) and extends through the opening (22).

2. 2. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a restraining means (50) configured to maintain the sledge (30) in contact with one of the stop elements (24, 25) until a predetermined force is applied to the sledge (30).

3. 3. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 2, wherein the restraining means (50) comprises a magnet.

4. The carrier (11) further comprises a reinforcing portion (26) connected to the rail portion (20) on the opposite side of the sledge (30); 2. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing portion (26) defines a space (27) and extends from one of the longitudinal ends of the rail portion (20) to a midpoint relative to the longitudinal end.

5. The sledge (30) comprises a plate (31) sized to be received through the opening (22); The plate (31) defines an opening (32) on one side and carries a pair of pins (33) on the opposite side; 2. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sledge (30) is mounted by each pin (33) and comprises rolling means (34) housed in the space (21) and configured to cooperate by contact with the rail portion (20) to allow movement of the plate (31) along the direction of the longitudinal axis (A).

6. 5. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 4, wherein one of the connecting means (28, 29) is mounted by the reinforcement part (26) at the midpoint, and the other of the connecting means (28, 29) is mounted by the rail part (20) at the longitudinal end opposite to that which mounts the reinforcement part (26).

7. 2. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 1, further comprising locking means (40) configured to selectively lock the carrier (11) relative to the rescue cage (5).

8. 8. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 7, wherein the locking means (40) comprises a slide block (41) slidable on the rail section (20) and an actuator rod (42) connected at a first end to the slide block and connected at a second end to a handle pin (43), the slide block (41) being configured to selectively occupy a space (X) between the rail section (20) and the rescue cage (5) in function of a movement provided by the actuator rod (42).

9. 9. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 8, wherein the handle pin (43) is housed in an opening (44) realized in the carrier (11).

10. 10. The rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 9, wherein the carrier (11) comprises visual or signalling means configured to indicate / inform a rescuer of the engagement position of the slide block (41).

11. The slide block (41) defines a cavity (45) configured to accommodate a resilient means (46) and a pin (47); The elastic means (46) is operably disposed between the slide block (41) and the pin (47); 9. A rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 8, wherein said pins (47) are fixedly mounted by said rescue cage (5).

12. The carrier (11) further comprises a reinforcing portion (26) connected to the rail portion (20) on the opposite side of the sledge (30); The reinforcement portion (26) defines a space (27) and extends from one of the longitudinal ends of the rail portion (20) to a midpoint relative to the longitudinal end; 9. A rescue stretcher assembly according to claim 8, wherein the locking means (40) is accommodated within the space (27) defined by the reinforcement (26).

13. A rescue cage (5) comprising a floor (7) and a plurality of side walls (6) defining a space (8), and comprising a rescue stretcher assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The rescue stretcher assembly (10) is connected to the floor (7) and one of the side walls (6).

14. 14. Rescue cage according to claim 13, wherein the rail portion (20) extends beyond one of the dimensions of the floor (7) and below this floor.

15. the rescue cage defines first and second flanges (15, 16) each carrying a pin (15', 16'); Rescue cage according to claim 13, wherein the carrier (11) is connectable to the pins (15', 16').

16. A rescue vehicle (1) comprising a body (2) movable on the ground and a ladder assembly (3) carried by said body (2), A rescue vehicle (1) comprising a rescue cage (5) according to claim 13.

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