Integral tank in frame

Abstract

An integral tank frame for an emergency response vehicle is provided. The integral tank frame includes a tank mounted within an envelope of space of a ladder frame. The ladder frame has side rails that support the tank on either side thereof. The tank can be mounted to the side rails such that it extends across the top of the side rails, interior to the side rails, or a combination thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A frame for an emergency vehicle, comprising:
 a pair of longitudinally extending side rails;   a plurality of lateral supports extending transversely between the pair of longitudinally extending side rails to form a ladder shaped configuration, wherein an envelope of space is defined between the pair of longitudinally extending side rails and between an adjacent pair of the plurality of lateral supports; and   a tank mounted within the envelope of space, the tank configured to carry a flame retardant fluid.   
     
     
         2 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the tank is mounted directly to the pair of longitudinally extending side rails, and forms a load bearing portion of the frame. 
     
     
         3 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the tank has integral side rail portions adjacent outer-sides of the tank and configured for attachment to the pair of longitudinally extending side rails, wherein the integral side rail portions form load bearing members of the frame. 
     
     
         4 . The frame of  claim 1 , further comprising a flame retardant fluid carried within the tank. 
     
     
         5 . The frame of  claim 4 , wherein the flame retardant fluid is one of water or foam. 
     
     
         6 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the tank includes a port configured for connection with a secondary tank. 
     
     
         7 . The frame of  claim 1 , wherein the tank has a fluid capacity of about 100 gallons to about 2000 gallons. 
     
     
         8 . The frame of  claim 3 , wherein the integral side rail portions have a C-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         9 . The frame of  claim 8 , wherein the pair of longitudinally extending side rails each have a C-shaped cross section. 
     
     
         10 . The frame of  claim 3 , wherein the integral side rail portions are welded to the tank. 
     
     
         11 . The frame of  claim 3 , wherein the integral side rail portions are spaced apart a distance which is greater than an overall width of the tank. 
     
     
         12 . The frame of  claim 3 , wherein the integral side rail portions are spaced part a distance which is less than an overall width of the tank. 
     
     
         13 . A frame for an emergency vehicle, comprising:
 a pair of longitudinally extending side rails;   a plurality of lateral supports extending transversely between the pair of longitudinally extending side rails to form a ladder shaped configuration;   a tank configured to carry a flame retardant fluid mounted directly to and extending between the pair of longitudinally extending side rails, the tank including a port for fluid communication with an interior of the tank;   a pumping system mounted to the pair of longitudinally extending side rails and connected to the port of the tank for pumping flame retardant fluid into and out of the tank.   
     
     
         14 . The frame of  claim 13 , wherein the pumping system includes a motor in fluid communication with the port of the tank for providing a pumping force to pump the flame retardant fluid into and out of the tank, the motor interposed between the pair of longitudinally extending side rails. 
     
     
         15 . The frame of  claim 14 , wherein the pumping system includes a pump housing in fluid communication with the motor and with the port of the tank, the pump housing configured to divert fluid pumped from the tank to a conduit connected to the pump housing, and configured to divert fluid into the tank. 
     
     
         16 . The frame of  claim 15 , wherein the pumping system includes a plurality of ports for selectively diverting fluid from the tank, and wherein at least one port is configured for connection with a secondary tank. 
     
     
         17 . A method of mounting a tank configured for carrying a flame retardant fluid to a frame for supporting a body of an emergency vehicle, the method comprising mounting the tank such that it is disposed within an envelope of space defined between a pair of longitudinally extending side rails of the frame. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the step of mounting includes mounting integral side rail portions mounted adjacent side edges of the tank to the pair of longitudinally extending side rails. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the step of mounting includes mounting the tank to the integral side rail portions such that the integral side rail portions are spaced apart a width which is greater than an overall width of the tank. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein the step of mounting includes mounting the tank to the integral side rail portions such that the integral side rail portions are spaced apart a width which is greater than an overall width of the tank.