This invention has particular although not exclusive application to mounting medical ventilator breathing apparatus to an internal wall of a helicopter used for ambulance services.

Description of Priior Art In providing ambulance services it is necessary to have on hand the above apparatus together with other medical apparatus for connection with a patient. Usually, such apparatus is placed in the ambulance in the best position given the circumstances of having to accommodate all of the medical equipment which may be needed. There is no fixed position for the positioning of such apparatus because usually the ambulance is already pre-fitted with cabinets, drawers, and other appliances needed for medical assistance. Accordingly, apparatus such as ventilator apparatus or defibrillator apparatus is connected with a patient and either held directly by an ambulance official or placed in some conveniently available position within the ambulance that is not taken up for other purposes.

Generally, the providing of such apparatus within the ambulance has caused problems and there is a need for an improved way of holding and/or supporting apparatus of this type. In special ambulances, such as helicopter ambulances, the space is more confined than in a road vehicle. Accordingly, in a helicopter ambulance, the problem is even more acute. Further, as ambulances can experience rapid movement and severe g'forces there are special considerations needed to ensure the appropriate

mounting of the apparatus so that it will be unlikely to break free from the mounting or from the wall or other like surface within the ambulance.

In addition to the above problems there is the further problem that if the apparatus is physically mounted in a nondetachable way to an internal wall or the like of an ambulance, then it is not possible to physically transport the patient together with the apparatus from the ambulance vehicle to another location such as into a hospital. Typically, a patient needs to be serviced by use of the apparatus at all times, and therefore there is a need for a readily detachable but secure means of detachably fastening the apparatus within the ambulance itself. Further, when the patient is transferred from the ambulance, there is a need to facilitate the ready placement of the apparatus with the patient such as at the bedside.

Objects and Statement of the Invention Accordingly, given all the above problems, there is a need for mounting apparatus to a wall or like surface.

Therefore, according to a first broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting bracket for releasably mounting apparatus to a wall or like surface, said apparatus being contained primarily within a case, said case having left and right hand sides, said mounting bracket having a first mounting bracket part for mounting to a wall or like surface and having a first hooking means, said mounting bracket having a second mounting bracket part for carrying said apparatus and having a

complimentary second hooking means to said first hooking means for hook engaging with the first hooking means, said second mounting bracket part having left and right hand sides for retaining the respective left and right hand sides of the case of said apparatus and for holding the apparatus carried with the second mounting bracket part, said second bracket part having spacing means for holding the left and right hand sides spaced and retaining the left and right hand sides of the case, the second mounting bracket part overlaying the first mounting bracket part when the first hooking means and the second hooking means are hook'engaged, there being releasable locking means for releasably locking the second mounting bracket part overlaying the first mounting bracket part, the arrangement being such that when the releasable locking means is released, the second mounting bracket part can move about the hooking engagement with the first mounting bracket part, and can also be released from the hooking engagement.

Preferably, said second mounting bracket part is substantially free of obstruction between the left and right hand sides so that when the left and right hand sides of said apparatus are held by the left and right hand sides of the second mounting bracket part, a primary part of a front face of said apparatus that extends between the left and right hand sides will be accessible to a user.

Most preferably the inside faces of the left and

right hand sides of the second mounting bracket part are recessed in order that the left and right hand sides of the case of the apparatus may be received within the recesses when the apparatus is carried by the second mounting bracket part.

Most preferably said spacing means is at least two elongate spacer members that each span between the left and right hand sides of said second mounting bracket part.

According to a further broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of releasably mounting medical treatment apparatus contained primarily within a case in a personnel carrier, said method including: i) mounting a first mounting bracket part to a wall or like generally surface of the personnel carrier, ii) carrying said apparatus by a second mounting bracket part by retaining left and right hand sides of said case between left and right hand sides of said second mounting bracket part, iii) hooking first hooking means carried by said first mounting bracket part with second hooking means carried by said second mounting bracket part, and iv) releasably locking the second mounting bracket part overlaying the first mounting bracket part.

Most preferably the inner faces of the left and right hand sides of said second mounting bracket part are recessed, and receiving the respective left and right hand sides of said case in the recesses..

Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention can be more clearly

ascertained examples of preferred embodiments for use in supporting medical apparatus in a personnel carrier such as an ambulance will now be described wherein: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the mounting bracket carrying ventilator apparatus.

Figure 2 is a perspective view from the opposite side to that in Figure 1 showing the mounting bracket in a semi released unlocked condition.

Figure 3 is a plain view of the mounting bracket and ventilator apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a side view of the mounting bracket and ventilator apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a rear view of the mounting bracket.

Figure 6 is an inside view of a right hand side of a second mounting bracket part.

Figure 7 is a front or front edge view of the right hand side part shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a transverse cross sectional view of the right hand side part shown in Figure 6 along section line 8-8 of Figure 6.

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the second mounting bracket part assembly without a ventilator apparatus therein.

Figure 10 is a front perspective view of a first mounting bracket part.

Figure 11 is a diagrammatical view showing mounting of the mounting bracket within an ambulance on a wall or other like surface therein.

Figure 12 is a diagrammatical view showing releasing of the second moving bracket part of the mounting bracket.

Figure 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing the location and hanging of the second mounting bracket part containing a ventilator apparatus on a rail of a bed such as a hospital bed, and Figure 14 is a front perspective view of a further embodiment of a second mounting bracket part for housing a different shaped medical apparatus to that shown in Figures 1-13.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Whilst the preferred embodiments relate to mounting brackets for ambulance use and the retaining of medical apparatus within the mounting bracket, the invention has wider application generally to the mounting of any other apparatus to a wall or a like surface so that the apparatus can be releasably detached from the mounting.

Referring to the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-13 it can be seen that the mounting bracket 1 has a first mounting bracket part 3, and a second mounting bracket part 5. Typically, the first mounting bracket part 3 is made from metal such as an aeronautical alloy in sheet form. The second mounting bracket part 5 is made from more substantial thickness metal such as aeronautical alloy. Whilst metals are preferred, it is possible to produce the first mounting bracket part 3 and second

mounting bracket part 5 from other materials such as, for example, plastics material provided it will be able to withstand expected"g"forces caused by acceleration or movement of the ambulance. Further, if the other materials are unable to provide the necessary g'force characteristic, then such other materials may be used where a g'force rating is not required or is not specified such as for mounting the apparatus to a wall or the like in a building. The strength of the material is dependent on the size and bulk of the material and accordingly there is a trade-off against physical size and bulk, and the consequent mass of material. The personnel skilled in the art will be able to determine the material to be used given the required end requirements.

It can also be seen that the apparatus 7, which in this case is a ventilator apparatus 7, is contained primarily within a case 9 which has left and right hand sides 11 and 13. As can be seen, the first mounting bracket part 3 is for mounting to a wall or other like surface or ceiling within an ambulance vehicle. Figures 11 and 12 clearly show this arrangement. Figure 3 shows that the first mounting bracket part 3 can be mounted to an inclined wall part of the ambulance vehicle via stand off spacers 15. Spacers 15 may be of a hard rubber type material or other synthetic equivalent. The mounting may be by means of bolts or screws 17 that pass through openings 19 (see Figure 10) in the first mounting bracket part 3.

Figure 10 clearly shows that the first mounting bracket part 3 is made from a sheet metal which has a back part 21 with two up-turned sides 23. The first mounting bracket part 3 therefore has a left hand side 25 and a right hand side 27. The top 29 of the first mounting bracket part 3 has the sides 23 provided with enlarged lobes 31 which carry a first hooking means 33 in the form

of a rod of metal. Typically the metal is an aeronautical alloy and may conveniently be a hollow tube. The tube is fastened to the lobes 31 by swaging or by some other suitable means. The bottom 35 of the first mounting bracket part 3 has the sides 23 provided with smaller lobes 37. These lobes 37 enable locking means 39 to releasably lock the second mounting bracket part 5 to the first mounting bracket part 3, as will be described hereinafter. The locking means 39 typically have a push button 41 which will cause pins (not shown) to radially retract from a free pin end of the locking means 39. Such locking means 39 are typically known per se and are conveniently obtained from marine part suppliers. The radially extending pins can be retracted by pressing the pin ends 41 which then, in turn, allows the free pin ends to pass through apparatus. When the pin ends are released the radial pins extend and securely hold the second mounting bracket part 5 locked and retained to the first mounting bracket part 3. A security chain or cord 47 holds the locking means to the first mounting bracket part 3.

The body part 21 of the first mounting bracket part 3 is provided with rectangular cut-outs 49 to provide lightness to the first mounting bracket part 3.

The second mounting bracket part 5 is comprised of a left hand side 51 and a right hand side 53. The figures clearly show that each of the left and right hand sides 51,53 are generally plannar and each has a second hooking means 55 at the top end 57. The second hooking means 55 is in the plane of the left and right hand sides 51,53 and typically is an open hook 59. It can also be seen that each of the left and right hand sides 51,53 are of generally elongate rectangular outline and that each of the hooks 59 is contained between front edge 61 and rear edge 63 of each of the respective left and right hand

sides 51,53. In other words, the hook 59 does not extend past either of the front edge 61 or rear edge 63. Each of the hooks 59 is open in a direction facing the rear edges 63. Each of the hooks 59 is also of a size that will fit over the first hooking means 33, and typically the hooks have an internal diameter which corresponds approximately to the external diameter of the rod/tube of the first hooking means 33. In this way, the second mounting means 5 can be hooked to engage with the first hooking means 33 and the second mounting means 5 can move about the hooking engagement with the first mounting bracket part 3 by swinging. This is clearly shown in Figure 2 and also in Figure 12.

Each of the left hand side 51 and right hand side 53 have their internal faces provided with recesses 65 (see Figure 9 and also Figures 6,7 and 8). The recesses 65 are sized to receive each of the respective left hand side 11 and right hand side 13 of the case 9 of the apparatus 7.

Each of the left hand side 51 and right hand side 53 are held in spaced apart relation by means of spacing means 67 (Figure 9 clearly shows the arrangement). The spacing means 67 are typically aeronautical alloy rods which are sized in length so that the case 9 can be tightly received within the recesses of each of the left hand sides 51 and right hand sides 53. Each of the spacing means 67 has a screw threaded bore at each end so that screws 69 can pass through respective openings 71 in the left and right hand sides 51,53 and screw threadedly engage therewith. The hooks 59 are also held in spaced apart relation by a further spacing means 73 which is also secured to the right and left hand sides 51, 53 of the respective hooks 55 by screws 75 that pass through similar openings to openings 71 (see Figure 9).

Accordingly, the apparatus 7 can be held retained within

the right and left hand sides 51,53 of the second mounting bracket part 5 by releasing the screws 69,75 and sliding the case 9 so that the respective left hand side 13 and right hand side 13 locate with the appropriate recesses in the left hand side 51 and right hand side 53.

The screws 69 and 75 can then be replaced thereby holding the apparatus retained.

It can be seen that when the second mounting bracket part 5 is hook engaged with the first mounting bracket part by overlaying the first hooking means 33 with the second hooking means 55, that the second mounting bracket part 5 wholly overlays the first mounting bracket part 3. It can also be seen that the second mounting bracket part nestles between the left hand side 25 and right hand side 27 of the first mounting bracket part 3.

The locking means 39 can then pass through the openings in the lobes 37 and further openings 77 in the bottom end 79 of the second mounting bracket part 5. Rubber buffers 81 or similar buffers attached to the first mounting bracket part 3 can be slightly compressed to resiliently bias the second mounting bracket part 5 with the first mounting bracket part 3, so that when the locking means 39 is fully engaged and locking the parts together, it will be unlikely for there to be a tendency to rattle.

It can also be seen that the second mounting bracket part 5 has at least one recess 81 to permit user access to the left and right hand sides 11,13 of the case 9. The recess 81 can be positioned at desired locations to enable easy user access to terminals, sockets or other controls at the sides of the case 9. It can also be seen that the second mounting bracket part 5 is substantially free of obstruction between the left and right hand sides 25,27 so that when the left and right hand sides 11 and 13 of the apparatus 7 are held by the left and right hand sides 51,53 of the second mounting bracket part 5, that a

primary part of a front face of the apparatus 7 will be accessible to a user. In this way, a user can obtain access to various controls and sockets and the like that may be on the front face of the apparatus 7. It may also permit clear viewing of any monitor screens or the like that may be available on the apparatus.

Figure 2 shows that when the mounting bracket 1 is mounted on a wall such as a inclined ceiling part of the ambulance vehicle, that the locking means 39 may be released so that the second mounting bracket part moves by swinging about the hooking means 33,55 to a generally upright vertical position for easy access. In a helicopter ambulance environment this provides the operator with clear access and visibility of the apparatus 7. The hooks 59 are such that the second mounting bracket part 5 can still freely and safely hang from the first mounting bracket part 3.

Figure 12 shows that when the locking means 39 are released, the second mounting bracket part 5 can move by swinging outwardly and that by manipulating the second mounting bracket part 5, it can be raised and released from the first mounting bracket part 3. In this way, if a patient is receiving treatment from the apparatus 7 in an ambulance, the apparatus can remain connected with the patient from the ambulance when the ambulance arrives at a hospital and carried connected with the patient. Further, Figure 13 shows that the second mounting bracket part 5 can be hung from a hospital bed rail or other rail such as on a chair or wall or the like, so that the patient can still continue to receive treatment from the apparatus 7.

In this way, there is a positive place to locate the apparatus 7 by using the second mounting bracket part 5 as a cradle for carrying the apparatus 7 and also providing hooking means which enables it to be hook-located with a rail of the hospital bed or other remote rail, such as on

a stretcher, wheel chair, bath, toilet, walking frame and the like.

Figure 11 clearly shows a road vehicle as an ambulance, and this is diagrammatic only. It is not meant to be limiting in any way. The particular mounting bracket has been designed primarily to meet ambulance requirements, and it is therefore suitable for use in an aircraft ambulance environment such as a helicopter as the personnel carrier. Aircraft ambulance g'force requirements are not quite as demanding as road vehicle ambulance requirements, and therefore if the mounting bracket is designed for road vehicle ambulance g'force requirements, it will satisfy aircraft ambulance requirements.

For ambulance requirements the mounting bracket and all parts thereof should desirably be"certified"to withstand"g"forces of 20g in 6 directions i. e. forwards, backwards, up, down, left and right. The connecting pins, screws, rods, locking means 39 and any other mounting parts should all be able to withstand a shear of 3501bs.

If the mounting apparatus is to be used in a non ambulance environment, then a certification to the above criteria will not be essential, and therefore lower criteria may be met with a consequent reduction in manufacturing cost by using lesser quality material components.

Referring now to the embodiment shown in Figure 14, it is essentially the same as that shown in the earlier figures where the first mounting bracket part 3 will have a similar configuration. The apparatus 7 in this case is of substantially bulkier depth than that shown in the previous embodiment. In this case, the second mounting bracket part 5 can be appropriately reshaped at its sides to conform generally with the shape of the sides of the case of the apparatus 7. The hooking

means 55 with hooks 59 can be provided in a similar way for mounting to the first hooking means 33 of the first mounting bracket part 3.

Modifications may be made to the invention as would be apparent to persons skilled in the ambulance or other arts. For example, the recesses 65 may be lined with a material to prevent any unintentional damage to the left and right hand sides of the case 9. Further, the locking means 39 may merely comprise tongues or the like carried by one or other of the first mounting bracket part 3 or second mounting bracket part 5, which locate in respective apertures in the opposite of those first mounting bracket part 3 or second mounting bracket parts 5. In this way, the tongues may be located in the relevant apertures and the hooking means located so that the first mounting bracket part 3 holds the second mounting bracket part 5, and there is locked engagement by means of gravity. In order to release the locking engagement the effect of gravity should be overcome by lifting the second mounting bracket part 5 relative to the first mounting bracket part 3, so that it can be released.

The apparatus can then be held in the second mounting bracket part 5, in a manner similar to that disclosed in the previous embodiments. Further, whilst the first mounting bracket part 3 has been described as preferably being overlayed entirely by the second mounting bracket part 5, it may well be provided that, the first mounting bracket part 3 have a much shorter height than that shown, and that the locking means 39 be provided on some separate component which is physically separately connected to the wall or like surface. In this case, the two separate parts of the first mounting bracket part 3 would comprise a first mounting bracket part 3 within the context of this description. If desired, the direction of facing of the hooks 59 may be reversed.

These and other modifications may be made without departing from the ambit of the invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.