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Combination loading system and hose bed for a firefighting vehicle

  • US 9,884,576 B1
  • Filed: 05/18/2017
  • Issued: 02/06/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/18/2017
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A loading system for a firefighting vehicle including a rear portion having an opening, the system comprising:

  • a platform includinga bottom wall,a proximal end pivotably coupled to the rear portion of the vehicle,a distal end opposite the proximal end, anda pair of side walls extending perpendicular to the bottom wall; and

    an actuating mechanism configured to pivot the platform from a stowed position wherein the platform substantially closes the opening to a final deployed position wherein the platform is angled downwardly to serve as a ramp allowing equipment to be wheeled on and off the vehicle, the actuating mechanism includinga spring urging the distal end of the platform distally;

    a cable including a first end secured to the distal end of the platform and a second end carried on a rotatable reel mounted in the rear portion of the vehicle, wherein the cable is deployable from a fully coiled configuration holding the platform in the stowed position against the bias of the spring to a fully extended configuration corresponding to the final deployed position of the platform; and

    a push mechanism configured to initiate distal movement of the distal end of the platform, the push mechanism includinga sleeve mounted in the rear portion of the vehicle, the sleeve including a lower surface having an elongated slot;

    a push rod disposed within the sleeve, the push rod having a proximal end and a distal end, the push rod being mounted for sliding movement from a retracted position in the sleeve to an extended position wherein the distal end of the push rod extends beyond the rear portion of the vehicle; and

    a counterweight assembly coupled to the push rod and configured to utilize gravity to cause the push rod to move from the retracted position to the extended position.

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