Patent Application
20150273255
The present invention relates to a firefighting apparatus, such as a fire truck, a trailer or other vehicles, and more particularly to a firefighting apparatus with an aerial ladder and at least one of a rung alignment status indicator and a load status indicator.
There are a variety of fire trucks and rescue vehicles that include aerial ladders to assist in the fighting of fires. These aerial ladders usually are mounted on a frame or chassis of a fire truck. The ladder can be raised from a generally horizontal position to an angled position so that the ladder extends updwardly from the frame. The ladder can be extended and retracted to achieve varying heights for rescue operations and/or for the application of firefighting fluids.
Generally, aerial ladder trucks are used to fight fires from elevated positions or to rescue victims trapped in burning buildings. Many times, an aerial ladder truck is dispatched to an emergency location such as the location of a traffic accident, a boating accident, a plane accident, a man-made or natural disaster and/or a terrorist attack, where the aerial ladder is to be used to rescue one or more individuals, or to provide elevated application of firefighting fluids.
Use of the aerial ladder can ladder be complex and dangerous in many ways. For example, where sections of an aerial ladder are partially extended, the rungs of one ladder section can be misaligned with the rungs of another ladder section. In turn, a user of the ladder will have a decreased foot hold on the outermost section's rungs. In some cases, the user may not even be able to attain a foothold on a rung, in which case the user can lose their footing and possibly fall. Some manufacturers have attempted to address this by placing sensors on the ladder rungs. The sensors can send signals to a control box of the aerial ladder. The control box can light a small bulb on the control box when the sensors sense the rungs are misaligned. In such a case, a user standing immediately adjacent the control box, operating the aerial ladder, becomes aware of the misalignment and unsafe condition. Another user on or entering the aerial ladder, however, usually is completely unaware of the rung misalignment and the lit bulb because they are out of view of the same. In this case, the user entering the aerial ladder might not use extra care or refrain from entering the ladder, which could result in injury if the user cannot attain a safe footing on the misaligned ladder rungs.
As another example of the danger in operating aerial ladders, in some cases, the load on the ladder sections is significant (due to the weight of users and/or equipment high up the ladder). This can create a moment sufficient to overturn the fire truck. Some manufacturers have attempted to address this by placing load sensors on the aerial ladder to identify unsafe loading. The sensors can send signals to a control box of the aerial ladder. The control box can light a small bulb on the control box when the sensors sense an unsafe loading condition. In such a case, a user standing immediately adjacent the control box, operating the aerial ladder, becomes aware of the unsafe loading condition. Another user on or entering the aerial ladder, however, usually is completely unaware of the loading condition and the lit bulb because they are out of view of the same. In this case, the user on the aerial ladder might continue up the ladder to make the loading conditions even more unsafe. Further, when an emergency location is noisy, the user adjacent the control box may not be able to warn the user on the ladder of the unsafe condition. This can lead to toppling of the fire truck in some extreme load situations.
Thus, while aerial ladder trucks are currently available and helpful in a variety of situations, there remains room for improvement in their function, safe operation and safe utilization.
A firefighting or rescue apparatus is provided including an aerial ladder and at least one of a rung alignment status indicator and a load status indicator. The rung alignment status indicator and load status indicator can be in the form of multiple lighting elements aligned along the aerial ladder, and optionally extending the length of one or more ladder sections of the aerial ladder. The lighting elements are visible to a user located on or adjacent the ladder to provide improved cognizance of the status of the aerial ladder, particularly in relation to rung alignment and/or overloading of the ladder.
In one embodiment, the rung alignment status indicator can include a lighting strip having multiple lighting elements on the ladder that are selectively illuminated depending on whether first rungs of one section of the ladder and second rungs of another section of the ladder are aligned or misaligned. A user on the aerial ladder can view the rung alignment status indicator and discern whether the ladder has appropriate rung alignment so the user can attain a safe foothold when climbing it.
In another embodiment, the load status indicator can include a lighting strip including multiple lighting elements on the ladder that are selectively illuminated depending on whether the ladder is overloaded beyond an aerial ladder capacity rating. A user on the aerial ladder can view the load status indicator to discern whether the ladder is improperly overloaded to a point where the apparatus might tip and/or overturn.
In still another embodiment, the apparatus can include a control console mounted adjacent the aerial ladder and configured to control movement of the aerial ladder. The control console can include a first console light adapted to selectively illuminate when the rungs of different ladder sections are aligned or misaligned. An operator standing adjacent the control tower can readily see the first console light, and can attain an understanding of rung alignment from the same. In addition, the operator standing adjacent the control console can directly view the rung alignment status indicator, and in particular, the multiple lighting elements on the ladder that are selectively illuminated depending on rung alignment or misalignment. In this manner, different lights, that is, the first console light and the lighting elements on the ladder can indicate the status of rung alignment of the ladder.
In yet another embodiment, the control console can include a second console light adapted to selectively illuminate when the loading of the ladder exceeds a preselected loading capacity, optionally by a certain percentage. An operator standing adjacent the control tower can readily see the second console light, and can attain an understanding of whether the ladder is at or approaching a load capacity that could render the apparatus unstable, or worse, tip or overturn the apparatus. In addition, the operator standing adjacent the control console can directly view the load status indicator, and in particular, the multiple lighting elements on the ladder that are selectively illuminated depending the loading of the aerial ladder. In this manner, different lights, that is, the second console light and the lighting elements on the ladder can indicate the status of loading on the ladder. Optionally, the second console light can include multiple lighting elements. These elements can be indicative of safe, cautionary and unsafe loading on the aerial ladder. The lights can be selectively illuminated based on actual loading of the ladder in relation to a predetermined load capacity rating.
In even another embodiment, the apparatus can include an audible alarm mounted to or near the control console, or some other part of the apparatus. The audible alarm can be in communication with the load status indicator and/or the control console, and can sound when a when a load capacity is exceeded by a certain amount, optionally by 0% to 25%, and further optionally by 1% to 10%. Further optionally, the audible alarm can be in the form of a horn, and can sound when the load on the ladder approaches or is near the ladder load capacity.
In a further embodiment, the multiple lighting elements can be in the form of LEDs mounted to an elongated strip of material. The elongated strip can be mounted to one or both opposing side rails associated with the aerial ladder. In some cases, the lighting elements or LEDs can be of multiple colors, where a first color indicates a first condition, such as misalignment of the rungs, and a second color indicates a second condition, such as alignment of the rungs.
The current embodiments provide a simple and effective construction that can facilitate enhanced safety when operating and utilizing an aerial ladder on a firefighting or rescue apparatus. Where the aerial ladder includes rung alignment status indicators, a user on the ladder, a user entering the ladder, and a user off the ladder all can perceive whether the ladder rungs are properly aligned, and thus whether the ladder is safe. In turn, one or more users can take action or use extra caution on the rungs. Where the aerial ladder includes a loading status indicator, a user on the ladder, a user entering the ladder, and a user off the ladder all can perceive whether the ladder is properly loaded and/or whether the loading on the ladder is becoming unsafe. In turn, one or more users can take action to prevent or address the unsafe loading condition.
These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiments and the drawings.
Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.
A current embodiment of an aerial firefighting apparatus is illustrated in
The frame 30 of the fire truck 10 can be mounted to a chassis which can be further mounted to multiple wheels 32. The wheels can be attached to conventional front and rear axles, which are further attached to the chassis of the truck. The fire truck can be mobilized via an internal combustion engine which drives the wheels via a transmission.
The fire truck 10 can include one or more internal electronic or computer controls that can operate the engine, transmission, or steering control mechanism to enable the front wheels to be steered upon transport to an emergency location. As used herein, an emergency location can be a scene of a traffic accident, a boating accident, a plane accident, a man-made or natural disaster, and/or a terrorist attack, or any other location where one or more victims' lives are endangered or otherwise compromised.
The frame 30 can include a forward portion 31 and a rearward portion 33 located at opposite ends of the fire truck 10. Generally the rear wheels 32 and their axle are located in the rearward portion 33 of the fire truck 10. The front or steering wheels 32 can be located in the forward portion 31 of the fire truck. The frame 30 in the forward portion 31 can include a cab 34. The cab 34 can house occupants, such as firefighters or rescue personnel, as they are transported to and from an emergency location. The cab 34 can include conventional controls, such as a steering mechanism and various displays inside the cab to monitor and evaluate the operation of the vehicle 10. The cab can terminates a distance of several feet rearward of the front wheels 32, or generally forward of the pump controls and/or rearward portion 33 of the fire truck 10.
The wheels 32 can be mounted on one or more axles, for example a front axle 31A and a rear axle 33A. The front axle can be located in the forward portion 31 and the rear axle can be located in the rearward portion 33. The front axle can include a steering system to enable the front wheels to be steered. The rear axle can have one or more drive components to assist in propelling the truck 10. The rear axle can be joined with a transmission of the vehicle with a drive shaft (not shown).
Although shown with a single rear axle 33A, the apparatus or truck described herein can include multiple rear axles. In such a construction, the side stack hose bed can extend over multiple rear axles. Further, the turntable can be located generally above and rearward of the forwardmost version of the rear axle.
On the frame, behind the cab 34, a pump control panel 36 can be mounted. Under or behind the pump control panel 36, one or more pumps (36P) can be mounted. These pumps can be mounted to the frame. Generally, the pumps can be in fluid communication with a firefighting fluid tank (36T) mounted to the frame in the rearward portion 33 and/or a source of firefighting fluid external to the truck, such as a fire hydrant. The pumps also can be in fluid communication with one or more hoses or waterways 47 as described below. The pumps can be configured to convey firefighting fluid from the external source or the tank to the waterways 47 in a forced manner so that the firefighting fluid can be applied to a fire.
The frame 30 can include first lockers 38 mounted rearward of the pump control panel 36, generally in the rearward portion 33 of the fire truck 10 on the first side or driver's side 35A as shown in
The frame 30 also can include second lockers 38′ mounted rearward of the cab 34, generally in the rearward portion 33 of the fire truck 10 on the second side or passenger side 35B as shown in
As shown in
The turntable 40 can include an access platform 42 attached thereto. The access platform 42 can extend rearwardly from the aerial ladder 50 a preselected distance sufficient to enable a user to attain a firm footing thereon before engaging or disengaging the ladder 50. This platform optionally can be in the form of a plate connected to the turntable. The plate can be rigid enough and/or supported by underlying structure to support the weight of multiple users on the platform.
The access platform 42 can extend laterally away from the longitudinal axis LA and can provide access to the control console 44 including controls of the turntable and/or ladder as desired. The access platform 42 can be configured to include one or more primary safety rails 43 that extend upwardly from the access platform 42 a preselected distance. These rails can prevent accidental departure from the access platform and/or turntable during operation or use thereof. Generally, the primary guide rails 43 can be of a rigid construction made, for example from a tubular steel member. The primary guide rails 43 can be outfitted with one or more secondary guide rails 48A and 48B. These secondary guide rails can be movably coupled to the primary guide rail 43. Generally, they can be in the form of a strap, web, chord, rope, cable, bar, tube or other structure that can be readily rolled, moved, pivoted or otherwise removed to gain access to the access platform 42. Although shown as being a relatively large access platform, the size of the platform can be reduced depending on the particular application and the size of the aerial ladder and/or truck on which it is used.
As shown in
Optionally, the entry portions 47A and 47B can be selectively obstructed by the secondary guide rails 48A and 48B, respectively. The precise obstruction location can depend on the location and orientation of the aerial ladder 50 relative to the respective side access ladders, as further described below. For example, when the aerial ladder 50 is in the position generally shown in
As mentioned above, the frame 30 can include a first side 35A and a second side 35B located opposite one another. Generally, the turntable 40 can rotate the ladder 50, optionally when it is out of its generally horizontal stored position, outward beyond one of the sides 35A or 35B and at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis LA, as shown in
The ladder 50 can include multiple ladder sections that can be extended and retracted, and/or raised and lowered. As shown in
The ladder sections 51, 52 and 53 can be movably joined with one another so that the entire ladder 50 can be extended and retracted by moving the ladder sections 51, 52 and 53 with respect to one another. As an example, the ladder base section 51 is movably joined with the second ladder section 52 which is itself movably joined with the second upper ladder portion 53. Optionally, the ladder sections can be coupled to one another so that as the ladder generally extends, each of the ladder sections 52 and 53 move relative to one another and optionally relative to the base section 51.
The base or first section 51, also referred to as a base, can be fixedly and pivotally mounted to the turntable 40. The base section 51 can pivot up and down about a pivot axis PA (
As shown in
The ladder, base and secondary boom can include one or more waterways 47 mounted thereto. These waterways are operable to transfer a continuous supply of firefighting fluid to the water outlet 48 which is generally in the form of a nozzle. Generally, the waterway receives pressurized firefighting fluid from a pump 36P or storage tank 36T on the frame 30. More particularly, the nozzle 48 assists in pressurizing and/or shaping the continuous stream of firefighting fluid from the waterway 47 toward a fire in a burning building, in a vehicle or elsewhere. Generally, the waterway can include multiple rigid, tubular sections that telescope and slide relative to one another. Optionally, the waterways can become progressively smaller, closer to the water outlet 48.
The waterways 47 can be disposed along and extend the length of the ladder 50. The waterways are maintained in close proximity to (and usually under) the ladder sections 51, 52 and 53, even as the ladder 50 is moved between extended and retracted positions. The telescoping tubular sections of the waterways can cooperate with one another to provide a continuous fluid passageway along the length of the ladder 50.
As illustrated in
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With reference to
The optional first side access ladder 71 can provide a path from a ground location toward the side stack hose bed cover. The hose bed cover 66 then provides the further path to the access platform 42, and in particular, one or more of the entry portions 47A and 47B, depending on the orientation and angle of rotation of the ladder 50. Optionally, when the ladder 50 is disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the access platform 42 extends outwardly over the cover 66. The entry portion 47A is aligned generally parallel to the length of the cover 66. In this manner, users can quickly walk on and off the access platform 42 via the cover 66. From there, the side access ladder 71 provides vertical access to and from the ground adjacent the truck 10.
The truck 10 also can include at least one additional optional second side access ladder 72 as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The first ladder section rungs 51R, second ladder section rungs 52R and third ladder section rungs 53R can be of varying lengths relative to one another. For example, the third ladder section 53 plurality of rungs 53R can be narrower or shorter than the plurality of rungs of the first and second ladder sections 51 and 52, respectively. As an example, the third rungs 53R can be about 3 inches to about 6 inches shorter than the second plurality of rungs 52R. The second plurality of rungs can be about 3 inches to about 6 inches shorter than the first plurality of rungs 51R. Accordingly, the ladder sections can include sequentially increasing rung lengths from the first ladder section to the second ladder section and to the third ladder section.
Optionally, the above noted differences in rung lengths can affect the orientation of the side rails 51A, 51B relative to side rails 52A, 52B and 53A, 53B. For example, with the rungs of the second ladder section 52 being shorter than the rungs of the first ladder section 51, the first and second side rails 52A and 52B of the second or middle ladder section 52 can fit between the first 51A and second 51B side rails of the first ladder section 51. Where the optional third or upper ladder sections included, the first 53A and second 53B side rails of this ladder section 53 can fit between and generally be narrower than, the side rails 52A and 52B of the second or middle ladder section 52. With this construction, the third ladder section can be nested and moveably or slideably disposed within the side rails of the second or middle ladder section. Likewise, the second or middle section side rails can be nested and slideably disposed within the side rails of the first or base section 51. In this manner, space can be efficiently utilized to include multiple sections of ladder that are telescopically joined with one another.
As mentioned above, each of the ladder sections 51, 52 and 53 can include respective first and second side rails. As shown in
Generally, the sidewall structure 53L can include one or more cross members 53C that extend from the base 53BS upward to a top or guide rail 53GR. As shown, the cross members 53C optionally can form a truss configuration. This can add to the rigidity and strength of the side rails 51A, 51B, 51A, 52B and 53A, 53B. Of course if desired, the truss system can be replaced with a single continuous piece or sheet of reinforced material extending from the respective guide rails 51GR, 52GR, 53GR down to the respective base rails 53BS, 52BS and 51BS. Other structures can be replaced for either of these configurations as well, depending on the particular application.
The guide rail 51GR can be spaced from the base rail 53BS about 6 inches to 24 inches, or about 12 inches to about 18 inches, or other distances depending on the desired application. Generally the guide rails 51GR, 52GR and 53GR as shown in
As mentioned above, the apparatus 10 can be outfitted with one or more status indicators in the current embodiments. Generally, these status indicators can be in the form of one or more lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S, as shown in
The description of the lighting strip 83S here applies equally to those of the strips 82S and 81S. The lighting strip 83L can include multiple individual lighting elements 83L. These lighting elements 83L can be disposed on a lighting support 83A. The lighting support 83A can form an elongated strip or length of supportive material. As an example, the lighting support 83A can be in the form of a C-shaped metal, polymeric and/or composite channel. The channel can be outfitted with one or more heat sinks for the lighting elements if desired. The strip 83S can attach directly to the side rails 53A, 53B of the ladder section 53. Of course, the other lighting strips 82S and 81S can be likewise attached to the respective side rails of the other ladder sections. The strip 83S also can include a protective cover 83C (
The lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S can be attached to one or both side rails as mentioned above. This can provide enhanced illumination of the rungs on each respective ladder section. Of course, if desired, the strips can be attached only to a single side rail, for example a left side rail or a right side rail. Optionally, the lighting elements can be attached to left or right side rails to provide different information to a user of the ladder via selective illumination thereof.
Although referred to herein as a lighting strip, this component and the respective multiple lighting elements can be incorporated directly into the side rails. As an example, the side rails can include apertures with lights visible through the apertures (not shown). Alternatively, the lighting strip can be in the form of an elongated wire with multiple lighting elements connected to one another, with the wire secured to the base rail, guide rail and/or cross members of the respective side rails. Further, although shown with a multitude of lighting elements, the strip can be outfitted with a lesser or greater number of lighting elements, depending on the particular application, the intensity of the particular lighting elements and the desired lighting on the ladder.
Optionally each of the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S can be in electrical communication with a power source and an electronic control system 45, which can be a computer, processor and/or control module 45. This control module 45, also referred to as a controller, can optionally be mounted in the control tower 44 or elsewhere on the frame 30.
The lighting strips can be disposed a distance DS (
The individual lighting elements 81L, 82L, 83L of the current embodiments can be in the form of lighting emitting diodes (LEDs) or organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Of course, other types of lighting elements can be substituted for the aforementioned elements, for example, incandescent lighting elements, halogen lighting elements, or others. The LEDs can be joined along the support or bar 83A with a common wire or wires so that power conveyed through the wire or wires selectively illuminates all or a portion of the LEDs. This wire can be further joined with the controller 45 as is described in further detail below. The multiple lighting elements can be of a single color, such as white, amber, red, blue, yellow, green or the like. Alternatively, the lighting elements 83L can be mixed and matched to include a variety of different colored lights on a single support 83A. The respective different colored lights can be selectively illuminated to indicate one or more types of warning mode and/or safe modes, depending on the application.
The lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S can all be consistently and simultaneously illuminated with the same color or colors in each of the respective modes. For example, the first ladder section 51, the second ladder section 52 and third ladder section 53 can all be illuminated with a preselected first color (e.g., blue) illumination emitted via the respective lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S to indicate that the ladder is in a safe mode with regard to rung alignment and/or loading as described in further detail below. As another example, the first ladder section 51, the second ladder section 52 and third ladder section 53 can all be illuminated with a preselected second color (e.g., amber) illumination emitted via the respective lighting strips to indicate that the ladder is in a warning mode with regard to rung misalignment and/or unsafe ladder loading as described in further detail below. Alternatively, the safe mode and the warning mode can be indicated via the strips being constantly illuminated (safe mode) and pulsing or blinking (warning mode).
As mentioned above, the status indicator can be a rung alignment status indicator and/or a load status indicator. Generally either or both of these status indicators can be in the form of the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S combined with the respective ladder sections and including multiple lighting elements joined therewith. The strip and/or lighting elements are visible and visually perceivable when selectively illuminated by any user who is located on or about to enter the ladder and/or the ladder sections. In many cases the strip and lighting elements emit so much illumination, they also may be visible to bystanders near the apparatus.
The strip and/or lighting elements can be selectively illuminated to indicate rung alignment status and/or load status in different modes. For example, when the status indicator is in the form of a rung alignment status indicator and the rung alignment status indicator is in a first warning mode, the lighting elements of the respective lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S are selectively illuminated so that a user located on or about to enter the ladder from its lowermost portion can view those illuminated lighting elements and understand that the rungs are misaligned and therefore could present an inadequate or unsatisfactory foothold for the user stepping on the rungs. As another example, when the ladder is overloaded beyond a preselected load capacity or approaches a preselected load capacity, the lighting elements of the respective lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S can be selectively illuminated in a second warning mode so that a user on or about to enter the ladder can understand and perceive that the load on the ladder 50 is safe or unsafe. Based on this perception, the user can enter the ladder and proceed up it, or not enter the ladder because the loading capacity is such that it could threaten to tip or overturn the fire truck 10 with an increased load. Each type of status indicator will now be described.
The rung alignment status indicator can include the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S and multiple lighting elements 81L, 82L and 83L as described above. These lighting elements can be in communication with the controller 45. The controller 45 can control and selectively illuminate the respective lighting elements 81L, 82L and 83L of the respective lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S. Generally the controller operates the rung alignment status indicator during a first warning mode and/or a first safe mode.
The lighting routine in the first safe mode can vary. For example, in one safe mode of the rung alignment status indicator, the individual lighting elements 81L, 82L and 83L all can be simultaneously illuminated when the ladder is in general use. In this first safe mode, the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S can provide constant illumination of the ladder sections to enhance a user's visual perception of the respective rungs. More particularly, the strips 81S, 82S and 83S in the first safe mode can emit a first color such as blue when the rungs of the different ladder sections are aligned in common alignment planes AP shown in
In the first warning mode, preselected ones of the lighting elements 81L, 82L and 83L can selectively change in color, or turn off or on, to indicate that the rungs are improperly aligned. As shown in
The rung misalignment is better shown in
The rung alignment status indicator, controller and lighting strips can be operated in other routines to indicate safe modes and/or warning modes. For example, the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S can be automatically selectively illuminated under the control of the controller, for example, by being “off” or not illuminated in a safety mode to indicate that the rungs are aligned. When the rungs become misaligned, however, the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S can illuminate to indicate the warning mode to a user on or about to enter the ladder. Alternatively, the rung alignment status indicator can function so that the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S can selectively be illuminated all the time while the system is in a safe mode. As an example, the strips can be illuminated green for “go” when the rungs become misaligned, however, the strips illuminated in green can be turned off (with no other lighting element illuminated), indicating to a user on or about to enter the ladder that the rungs are improperly aligned or misaligned.
The controller 45 controls the rung alignment status indicator, and in particular the multiple lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S, based on input signals from proximity sensors 51P, 52P, 53P that are located adjacent one or more preselected rungs of the first, second and third ladder sections. As shown in
Generally, the proximity sensor can sense or detect when one object is proximal or near another object. In the current embodiments, the proximity sensor can detect when one rung or set of rungs of one section is near or adjacent the rung or set of rungs of another section. For example, with reference to
The proximity sensor can be in electrical communication with the controller or processor 45 which optionally can be mounted in the control console 44. The sensors can operate at a threshold which, when met, can send an “on” or “off” signal to the controller 45 indicating that the rungs of one section are either aligned or misaligned with the rungs of another ladder section. The controller 45 can process these signals and data and operate the rung alignment status indicator to selectively illuminate the multiple lighting elements along the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S.
In addition to the illumination of the rung alignment status indicators, and in particular the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S, the controller 45 also can be in electrical communication with a console alignment light 49 as shown in
Optionally, the operator of the control console 44, who controls movement of the ladder 50, can perceive the status of rung alignment based on whether the console alignment light 49 is on or off. In addition, when the operator at the control console 44 views the ladder sections, the operator also can visually perceive the rung alignment status based on the selective illumination of the respective lighting strips, 81S, 82S and 83S. In this manner, the operator can have two sources of input, one from the console alignment light and the other from the lighting strips to visually perceive whether the rungs are aligned or misaligned.
As mentioned above, the truck 10 alternatively or additionally can include a status indicator in the form of a load status indicator. The load status indicator can operate in a second safe mode when the load of the ladder (which includes the load generated by the ladder sections, any occupants and equipment thereon) is within a predetermined range of loads or less than an aerial ladder load rated capacity as described below. The load status indicator also can operate in a second warning mode when the load of the ladder outside the predetermined range of loads, is about to be overloaded and/or exceeds an aerial ladder load rated capacity.
The load status indicator can be in the form of the lighting strips 81S, 82S, 83S with multiple lighting elements that can be selectively illuminated depending on the load status. For example, the lighting strips 81S, 82S, 83S and in particular the individual lighting elements 81L, 82L and 83L can be selectively illuminated depending on one or more factors, such as whether the ladder 50 is about to be overloaded, is overloaded by a certain percentage of its load rated capacity and/or the load rated capacity is exceeded by a particular percentage or amount. The controller 45 can evaluate and analyze these factors, then control operation of the multiple lighting elements 81L, 82L and 83L of the respective lighting strips 81S, 82S, 83S in the different ladder sections to provide visual status output concerning loading on the ladder.
It is noted that the controller 45 can operate the lighting strips 81S, 82S, 83S, when the status indicator is in the form of an alignment status indicator and/or a load status indicator. Optionally, the same lighting elements can be selectively illuminated in the first warning mode and second warning mode when either or both indicators are operational. Further optionally, different lighting elements can be selectively illuminated in the first warning mode and second warning mode when either or both indicators are optional. Even further optionally, if desired, additional separate lighting strips (not shown) can be added to the ladder sections, with one set of strips dedicated to the rung alignment status indicator, and the other set of strips dedicated to the load status indicator.
As shown in
Generally, the pressure sensors 46P can provide a continuous reading of the load on the aerial ladder. This load can be processed by the controller 45 to calculate load status of the ladder. Based on the results of the calculations, the controller can selectively illuminate the multiple lighting elements of the various lighting strips in the different sections, and/or the console load lights 44A, 44B and 44C on the console. Any one of the console load lights 44A, 44B and 44C can be selectively illuminated, depending on the particular load exerted on the aerial ladder.
In addition to the illumination of the console load lights, the load status indicator, and in particular the controller 45 can control the multiple lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S to selectively illuminate the lighting elements thereon and provide visual output to a user on or about to enter the ladder regarding the status of the load on the ladder. The user can then take action to address the loading situation on the ladder, and potentially prevent overloading thereof. In some cases, certain ones of the console load lights, such as the cautionary load light 44B can flash, blink or illuminate selectively in the second warning mode to grab the attention of an operator standing at the console 44.
As shown in
A schematic illustrating the aerial pressure sensor 46P in communication with the control 45 of the control console is illustrated in
Operation of the aerial firefighting or rescue apparatus of the current embodiments will now be described in further detail. The firefighting apparatus 10, optionally in the form of an aerial fire truck, can be used to fight fires in a building or other structure and/or assist in rescue operations. In rescue operations, trapped victims can step onto the aerial ladder and traverse down the ladder to the turntable and off the truck 10 to safety. In some rescue and firefighting operations the aerial ladder can be disposed at an angle, for example angle β as shown in
During operation, the rung alignment status indicator can operate in at least one of a first warning mode and a first safe mode. For example, when the plurality of rungs 51R of one ladder section are aligned with the rungs 52R and or 53R of another ladder section in an alignment plane AP as shown in
During operation of the apparatus 10, the ladder sections inevitably are extended or retracted. Accordingly, the rungs change orientation and alignment relative to one another. When the rungs become misaligned, for example as shown in
Alternatively, where the lighting strips are illuminated in a first color as shown in
In operation of the apparatus 10, the status indicator can further additionally or alternatively function as a load status indicator. Generally, the load status indicator operates in a second safe mode and one or more second warning modes. In these modes, the controller 45 determines the load on the ladder based on input from the pressure sensors 46P associated with the hydraulic rams 46 joined with the ladder 50. The pressure sensors 46P detect the fluid pressure within the ram. The controller 45 processes this pressure data to determine the actual load on the ladder. The controller compares the actual load to the load rated capacity and/or a preselected range of loads. Based on this, the controller 45 controls the lighting strips 81S, 82S and 83S to selectively illuminate the lighting elements on the strips. Optionally, the controller 45 can additionally or alternatively selectively illuminate the console load lights 44A, 44B, 44C.
As an example, when a safe load SL is applied to the ladder 50 in
As another example, when the load on the ladder is at or approaches a cautionary load CL as shown in
As yet another example, when the actual load on the ladder 50 is or approaches an unsafe load UL as shown in
The rung alignment status indicator and the load status indicator can be utilized throughout the operation of the ladder at the emergency location. These indicators can provide output to operators near the ladder and/or users on or about to enter the ladder to update them as to the status of the ladder and its overall safety.
After the ladder 50 and truck 10 in general are no longer needed at the emergency location, the ladder can then be moved from its raised position to the generally horizontal stored position as shown in
After the ladder 50 is no longer needed at the emergency location, the ladder can then be moved from its raised position to the generally horizontal stored position as shown in
Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientations.
The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual elements of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61973506 | Apr 2014 | US |
