Positive Locking Device

Abstract

A device for use with a walkaway bracket, adapted to positively grasp breathing apparatus. Slide rails are fastened to a bracket, which bracket is affixed to a rescue package. Locking means are slidably received between the slide rails, and which locking means include a plate slidably received between the slide rails, and housings mounted at the extremities thereof. One of the housings includes an actuating means, the other including a positioning means characterized by a positioning finger. The housings each include openings which receive therethrough arm members which are pivotally mounted to the slide rails. A cam is associated with the actuating means and is active on one of the arm members. This action is translated into sliding movement of the locking device toward that arm member. Simultaneously the arm members are pivoted toward convergence with each other and they positively grasp the tank of the breathing apparatus.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device, associated with a bracket affixed to rescue equipment, which positively clutches a breathing tank.

In accidents and other emergencies, time is often a critical factor. Life or death may depend on the ability of a rescue worker to immediately embark on life-saving activities. Any time wasted in preparatory activities detracts from a worker's ability to administer positive life-saving action. There have been a number of noteworthy contributions in this area which have increased the survival rates for accident victims. The present invention provides a creditable contribution to this art.

Examples of prior art embodiments are those illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,603,550 and 3,547,391. These and other mechanisms are characterized by complicated latching systems employed to grasp the oxygen tank. These devices usually contain a plurality of parts in complex arrangements. The present invention accomplishes its principal task with an economy of parts which are quite simply arranged. This invention is actuated by a simple motion which can be executed in inconvenient positions, such as behind one's back, if necessary. The simple pulling of a lever locks the device around the oxygen tank until it is released by moving the lever in the reverse direction. There is no possibility of the tank being accidentally ejected since the locking is positive and secure. An additional feature is that the device embodying the present invention can be adjusted to accommodate tanks of various sizes. In use, the rescue worker simply actuates the mechanism and walks away with the oxygen tank. The rescue worker can therefore spend most of his time performing his primary function; that of administering first aid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a device for the positive grasping of a breathing apparatus.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a device for the positive grasping of a breathing apparatus that is adjustable to accommodate tanks of varying sizes.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a locking device that is actuated by a simple motion and which suppresses any tendency to accidentally release the breathing apparatus.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a locking device characterized by an economy of parts.

In accordance with the above designs, the present invention is embodied in a device adapted to be connected to a bracket of the "walkaway" type. A pair of parallel side rails are suitably attached to the bracket. Received within the slide rails is a plate, or slide member, which is adapted to slide along the slide rails.

Affixed at the ends of the slide member are housings which incorporate locking structure. A first housing includes a hole contoured to receive therethrough a first arm member which is pivotally mounted to the slide rails. The arm member is permitted pivotal movement within the hole between specified limits. The arm member is bowed so as to conform to the shape of a cylindrical oxygen tank. The first housing includes a lever which is pivotally mounted thereon adjacent the first arm member. The lever includes a cam surface which is in constant contact with that arm. When the lever is raised the cam is active on the arm to initiate two movements; a first movement wherein the slide member and the housings are thrust toward the first arm member; and a second movement wherein the first arm member is forced into contact with the tank.

The second housing contains an opening which accommodates a second arm member much in the same manner as the first housing and first arm member. The second housing includes locking structure characterized by an adjustable finger which is active on the second arm member. Upon actuation of the lever, the slide member moves toward the first housing, and the finger forces the second arm member toward convergence with the first arm member, both of which positively grasp the tank. The finger is adjustable to permit the device to accommodate tanks of varying diameters; therefore a thumbscrew adjustment wheel is included to perform the necessary adjustments.

The above and other objects of the present invention will be apparent as the description continues, and when read in conjunction with the appended drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view, partially cut away, of the locking device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown affixed to a bracket.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the locking device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The instant invention is associated with a bracket generally known as a "walkaway" bracket. Such brackets, as they have been known in the art, are attached to a container of rescue equipment, which container can be attached to a wall, a vehicle seat or a rescuer's back. By means of the instant invention, an oxygen tank 10 can be quickly and simply released so that life-saving activities can be immediately initiated.

The bracket 12 which incorporates the instant invention, comprises the elongated belt-like member 14 which is suitably attached to a package of rescue equipment. The bracket 12 also includes the resilient, bowed clips 16, 18 which are adapted to grasp the oxygen tank 10. The clips 16, 18 are insufficient to lockably engage the tank 10, and are provided primarily to releasably grasp and position the tank and prevent it from pivoting. A second set of similar clips, not shown, may be provided as may be desired. At the lower extremity of the member 14 is a foot member 20 having a slot 22 which is bounded by fingers 24, 26. The foot 20 is provided to vertically support the tank 10 which is quite heavy and might otherwise slide downwardly.

The device embodied in the instant invention is characterized by the parallel slide rails 28, 30. These rails, which may be metallic, include slide surfaces which are finished to permit easy sliding therealong. The slide rails 28, 30 are affixed to the belt 14 by means of threaded studs 32, 34, 36, 38 which are attached to a back plate 40. The back plate 40 is included so as to sandwich the belt 14 between the slide rails and back plate. This construction prevents the belt 14 from pivoting with respect to the slide rails and provides for a secure attachment. The studs 32, 34 are received in holes 42, 44 in the top slide rail 28, and the studs 36, 38 are received in the holes 46, 48 in the bottom slide rail 30. The nuts 50, 52, 54, 56 are threaded to the various studs creating a secure sandwich. To provide further connection between the belt 14 and slide rails 28, 30, holes 58, 60 are provided in the rails 28, 30 and the belt 14. Screws received in these holes prevent the belt 14 from slipping relative to the slide rails 28, 30.

A series of cross rails 62, 64, 66, 68 are transversely affixed to the slide rails 28, 30 to maintain the locking means 70 within the slide rails 28, 30. Without the cross rails, the locking means might otherwise slip out from between the slide rails. The cross rails can be welded to the slide rails or connected in any other suitable manner.

The locking means 70 is characterized by the slide member or plate 72 which is received between the slide rails 28, 30 and includes slide surfaces which slide relative to the slide surfaces of the slide rails 28, 30. The plate 72 is elongated and generally equal in length to the slide rails 28, 30.

Attached to the ends of the plate 72 are the first 74 and second 76 housings. The first housing 74 includes side walls 78, 80, a front wall 82 and a bottom wall 81 which define a cavity which accommodates an actuating means 84. The bottom wall 81 includes a generally rectangular hole (not shown) the function of which will be evident as the description continues.

The second housing 76 is of a box shape having sides which define a generally rectangular opening. The bottom wall includes a hole of the same general nature as the hole in the first housing 71. A pair of arm members 90, 92 are pivotally connected to the slide rails 28, 30 and are received within the aforementioned holes. The arm members 90, 92 are bowed, the outer tips being closer to each other than corresponding intermediate points. The arm members 90, 92 are adapted to grasp the tank 10 in a manner hereinafter described. The arm members 90, 92 are connected to the slide rails 28, 30 by means of the shafts 94, 96 which are arranged transverse to the slide rails 28, 30 along the extremities thereof. The shafts 94, 96 are maintained in position by a series of crimping members. Crimping members 98, 100 are crimped about the shafts 94, 96 and the top slide member 28. The crimping members 102, 104 are crimped about the shafts 94, 96 and the bottom slide member 30. The crimping members 106, 108 are crimped about the shafts 94, 96 and the arm members 90, 92. The aforementioned members maintain the shafts 94, 96 in place but at the same time permit relative rotation thereof. The crimping members may be welded to the slide rails 28, 30 and the arm members 90, 92 or otherwise suitably attached thereto. The shafts 94, 96 are prevented from slipping out of place by means of the caps 97.

The actuation means 84 is pivotally connected to the first housing 74 by means of pin 110 which is journaled into holes in the walls 78, 80 of that housing, and is capped so as to be securely held therein. The actuating means comprises a lever 116 to which is secured a knob 118. The lever 116 has a flat, elongated surface 120 and a lug section 112, through which the lever 116 is journaled onto pin 110. The bottom surface 124 of lever 116 is active on arm member 92 which the device is in the unactuated condition. When the lever 116 is raised to a position essentially perpendicular to the plate 72, the edge or corner portion 126 defined by the intersection of surfaces 120, 124 acts on the arm 92 and cams it toward arm member 90. Concurrently, the plate 72 must slide toward arm member 92 so that lever 116 may be shifted to the upright position thereof shown in FIG. 1.

The second housing 76 incorporates positioning means 128 which is active on arm member 90 at the same time the plate is moved toward arm member 92. A threaded finger 130 extends inwardly and includes a push rod 132 which pivots the arm member 90 toward convergence with the other arm member.

The push rod 132 is received in an opening (not shown) in finger 130. A thumb wheel 136 adjusts the position of finger 130 in hole 138 after which a lock nut 139 retains the finger against rotation, to adjust the device to accept tanks of various diameters. As the plate 72 moves toward arm 92, the push rod 132 cams arm 90 about its pivot 96 in a clockwise direction (viewing the same as in FIG. 1) the lever 116 cams the arm 92 about its pivot 94 in an opposite direction, and the tank 10 is clutched. Conversely, when the lever 116 is lowered the plate moves back toward arm 90, and tank 10 is released.

The housing 74, 76 are connected to plate 72 by way of the flanges 140, 142, respectively. These flanges maintain the housings 74, 76 in a raised position so as to clear the slide rails and the pivot shafts 94, 96.

A spring 150 is connected to arm 92 and to pin 152 which pin is connected to housing 74. When the lever 116 is in the raised position, the spring is stretched, providing resistance to the raising of the lever 116. When the lever 116 is lowered, the spring 150 forces the plate 72 to slide back toward arm member 90, and arm member 92 to pivot out of contact with the tank 10.

The locking device, as hereinbefore defined, enables a rescue worker to quickly snap out the tank 10, thereby conserving as much time as possible during an emergency. The action of the device is dependable and simple, with little chance of jamming. The necessary movements can be accomplished in virtually any position. The present invention represents a novel extension over the prior art by providing superior structural and operating characteristics.

Many changes may be made in the details of the instant invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which changes are intended to be embraced therewithin.

Claims

I claim:

1. A positive locking device for use with a bracket, said bracket adapted to be attached to a package of rescue equipment including breathing apparatus, wherein said device comprises a pair of generally parallel slide rails mounted on said bracket, locking means slidably mounted between said slide rails, said locking means including first and second housings mounted adjacent the extremities of said locking means, first and second arm members extending outwardly from, and pivotally mounted to, said slide rails adjacent said housing and adapted to positively grasp said breathing apparatus upon the actuation of said locking device, said arm members being received in openings in the respective housings, which openings are contoured to permit the pivoting of said arm members therewithin, said first housing including actuating means active on said first arm member and effective to move said locking means toward said first arm member and effective to pivot said first arm member toward convergence with said second arm member, said second housing including adjustable positioning means which is active on said second arm member to pivot said second arm member toward convergence with said first arm member, whereby actuation of said actuating means converges said arm members which clutch said breathing apparatus.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said breathing apparatus is a cylindrical tank.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said arm members are outwardly bowed, the tips thereof closer to each then the corresponding intermediate points.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said actuating means comprises a lever pivotally mounted to said first housing and having a cam attached thereto, said cam being active on said first arm member as said lever is pivoted.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein said positioning means includes a finger active on said second arm member to pivot said arm member into engagement with said tank.

6. The device of claim 5 including an adjustable thumb wheel mounted on said finger which cooperates with means on said second housing to adjustably position said finger to grasp tanks of various sizes.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said locking means includes a plate received between said slide rails and said housings are fixedly suspended above a face of said plate, connected thereto by rapid flanges.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said breathing apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical tank, and said arm members are bowed so as to embrace said tank, said actuating means comprises a lever pivotally mounted to said first housing having a cam attached thereto, said cam being active on said first arm member as said lever is pivoted, and said positioning means includes a finger active on said second arm member to pivot said arm member into engagement with said breathing apparatus as said locking means slides toward said first arm member, whereby upon actuating said locking means, said cam pivots said first arm member and said finger pivots said second arm member, said pivoting of said arm members being toward convergence with each other, which arm members embrace said tank.

9. The device of claim 7 wherein said breathing apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical tank, and said arm members are bowed so as to embrace said tank, said actuating means comprises a lever pivotally mounted to said first housing having a cam attached thereto, said cam being active on said first arm member as said lever is pivoted, and said positioning means includes a finger active on said second arm member to pivot said arm member into engagement with said breathing apparatus as said locking means slides toward said first arm member, whereby upon actuating said locking means, said cam pivots said first arm member and said finger pivots said second arm member, said pivoting of said arm members being toward convergence with each other, which arm members embrace said tank.

10. The device of claim 1 including cross rails attached to said slide rails to maintain said locking means within said plate.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the cross rails are affixed to the opposing faces of said plate.

12. The device of claim 1 including resilient means connected to said first arm member and said first housing, which resilient means opposes the actuation of said actuating means

13. In a rescue apparatus, a device of the quickly lockable and releasable type for retaining an oxygen tank or the like on a tank-supporting bracket of the "walkaway" type, comprising: relatively slidably engaged first and second support means one of which is adapted for attachment to said bracket; a pair of clamp arms attached to the first support means for relative pivotal movement toward and away from each other between tank-gripping and -releasing positions respectively; cam means mounted on the second support means adjacent one of said arms for rotation into and out of a position in which it first biases said one arm toward the other arm into a tank-gripping position and then locks said one arm in said gripping position thereof; and abutment means mounted on the second support means adjacent the other arm and retaining said other arm in position to cooperate with said one arm in gripping the tank.

14. In a rescue apparatus, a device as in claim 13 wherein one of said support means comprises a pair of guide rails and the other support means is a plate slidably engaged with said rails.

15. In a rescue apparatus, a device as in claim 13 wherein the first support means comprises a pair of parallel guide rails, the second support means comprising a plate slidably mounted on the guide rails between the same, the second support means further comprising a pair of housings mounted on the plate, said cam means being carried by one of the housings and the abutment means being carried by the other housing.

16. In a rescue apparatus, a device as in claim 13 wherein the second support means includes a plate slidably mounted upon the first support means, and further includes a pair of housings mounted upon the plate, the clamp arms extending through said housings, the cam means being mounted upon one of said housings and the abutment means being mounted upon the other housing in position to engage the portions of the clamp arms extending through the housings.

17. In a rescue apparatus, a device as in claim 16, wherein said cam means is pivotally mounted upon its associated housing in spaced relation to the pivot axis of the clamp arm engageable by the cam means, said cam means including a locking surface spaced outwardly from the pivot axis thereof and extending in substantially flat face to face contact with said one clamp arm in the locked position of said one arm.

18. In a rescue apparatus, a device as in claim 13, said second support means including a plate slidably mounted upon the first support means and further including a pair of housings mounted upon said plate, the clamp arms extending through said housings, said cam means being mounted upon one of said housings for biasing said one clamp arm toward the other clamp arm, said abutment means being mounted in the other housing for adjustment toward and away from the cam means for adjustable positioning of the other clamp arm in respect to said one clamp arm.