Patent ID: 7137479
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: B60R,E06C

Abstract:
1. A powered ladder storage apparatus for movement of a ladder between a storage position on top of an emergency vehicle and a deployed position extending downwardly and rearwardly therefrom comprising: A. a ladder retaining frame means adapted to receive and selectively retain a ladder thereupon, said ladder retaining frame means being movably attached with respect to an emergency vehicle, said ladder retaining frame means including: B. a carriage means pivotably movably secured with respect to the top of an emergency vehicle, said ladder retaining frame means being movably attached with respect to said carriage means at a location between said front frame end and said rear frame end thereof, said carriage means and said ladder retaining frame means also being pivotally movable together relative to the emergency vehicle; C. a power drive means operatively attached with respect to said ladder retaining frame means to urge movement thereof in an approximately horizontal direction between a storage position immediately adjacent to the top of the emergency vehicle and a rearwardly extended position extending at least partially rearwardly therefrom in an approximately horizontal orientation; D. a longitudinally extensible means operatively attached with respect to said carriage means and being operative to cause pivotal movement of said carriage means and said ladder retaining frame means for moving said ladder retaining frame means between the rearwardly extended position and a rearwardly inclined position wherein a ladder retained therewithin is deployed to be readily available for usage with said frame front end positioned in mid air above the top of the emergency vehicle and with the frame rear end position in mid air to the rear of the emergency vehicle, said longitudinally extensible means being operative to cause movement of said ladder retaining frame means toward said rearwardly inclined position responsive to longitudinally extension thereof; E. at least one roller supporting means secured to the top of the emergency vehicle and extending upwardly therefrom at a position forwardly of said carriage means to facilitate supporting of said ladder retaining frame means above the top of the emergency vehicle when moving toward and away from the storage position and while positioned in the storage position; and F. a front locking means adapted to engage said ladder retaining frame means adjacent said forward frame end thereof responsive to movement thereof into the storage position to facilitate retaining of said forward frame end thereof firmly engaged with respect to the top of the emergency vehicle.