MOUNTING APPARATUS FOR SECURING EQUIPMENT TO A PATIENT TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Abstract

A mounting apparatus for moveably securing equipment to a patient transport system, the mounting apparatus comprising: a first arm having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis, and configured to support equipment; and a clamping system attachable to the patient transport system and configured to receive the proximal end of the first arm for removeably attaching the first arm to the patient transport system and for allowing a rotation of the first arm relative to the patient transport system between an upright position and a reclined position.

Claims

1-33. (canceled)

34. A mounting apparatus for moveably securing equipment to a patient transport system, the mounting apparatus comprising: a first arm configured to support equipment, the first arm having a proximal end defining a first opening and a second opening; a clamping system attachable to the patient transport system and configured to receive the proximal end of the first arm for removably attaching the first arm to the patient transport system and for allowing a rotation of the first arm relative to the patient transport system between an upright position and a reclined position; a first pin selectively received in the first opening for locking the first arm in one of the upright position or the reclined position; and a second pin selectively received in the second opening, the first arm is rotatable about the second pin between the upright position and the reclined position when the first pin is removed.

35. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, wherein: the first opening is an upright position opening; the first arm defines a reclined position opening spaced apart from the upright position opening; and the first pin being selectively received in one of: the upright position opening, locking the first arm in the upright position; and the reclined position opening, locking the first arm in the reclined position.

36. The mounting apparatus of claim 35, wherein: the upright position opening defines an upright opening insertion axis; and the reclined position opening defines a reclined opening insertion axis, the reclined opening insertion axis being perpendicular to the upright opening insertion axis.

37. The mounting apparatus of claim 36, wherein: the proximal end of the first arm comprises a flat end having a rim; and the upright position opening and the reclined position opening are defined in the rim.

38. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, wherein the first pin is resiliently biased towards the first arm.

39. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, wherein the first pin and the second pin are transverse to one another.

40. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, wherein: the clamping system defines a body having: a first portion opening; and a second portion opening spaced apart from the first portion opening, the first portion opening and the second portion opening overlays the second opening; and the second pin being selectively received in one of: the first portion opening to retain the first arm in the upright position; or the second portion opening to retain the first arm in the reclined position.

41. The mounting apparatus of claim 40, wherein the clamping system comprises a cover portion, and the first portion opening and the second portion opening being defined in the cover portion.

42. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, wherein the clamping system comprises: a body having: a foot portion configured to be attached to the patient transport system; a cover portion arranged to be removably attached to the foot portion; and a slot configured to receive the proximal end of the first arm, the slot disposed between the foot portion and the cover portion.

43. The mounting apparatus of claim 42, wherein the foot portion is recessed to receive the patient transport system within the recess.

44. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, wherein: the first arm defines a longitudinal axis; and the first arm is rotated about the second pin along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis between the upright position and the reclined position.

45. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, further comprising a second arm spaced apart from the first arm and connected thereto by a connecting member.

46. The mounting apparatus of claim 45, wherein: the first arm has a distal end; the second arm has a distal end; and the connecting member connecting the distal end of the first arm and the distal end of the second arm.

47. The mounting apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a platform extending between the distal end of the first arm and the distal end of the second arm, the platform having a support face for supporting an equipment.

48. The mounting apparatus of claim 47, further comprising: a coupling device having: a first portion being connected to the support face; and a second portion configured to connect to the equipment, the first portion and the second portion being releasably connected to one another.

49. The mounting apparatus of claim 48, wherein: the first portion of the coupling device is one of a release member or a base member; and the second portion of the coupling device is an other one of the release member or the base member.

50. The mounting apparatus of claim 47, further comprising at least one transverse reinforcement member extending along at least a portion of the platform, the at least one transverse reinforcement member extending substantially transversely to the connecting member.

51. The mounting apparatus of claim 47, wherein the platform is positioned distally the connecting member and connected thereto.

52. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, further comprising a handle extending from the first arm.

53. The mounting apparatus of claim 34, further comprising interengageable elements between the first arm and the clamping system.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0089] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the description in association with the following in which:

[0090] FIG. 1 is a perspective view from a first side of a mounting apparatus, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0091] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from a second side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1 with a partially exploded view of a portion of a coupling device, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0092] FIG. 3 is another perspective view from the second side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 2, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0093] FIG. 4 is yet another perspective view from the second side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a perspective view from the first side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1 when attached to a patient transport system and in the upright position, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0095] FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a clamping system of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 5, with the clamping system shown as a partially exploded, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0096] FIG. 7 is another close-up view of a clamping system of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 6, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] FIG. 8 is a perspective view from the first side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 5 when attached to a patient transport system and in the reclined position, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a view from the second side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1 with equipment attached thereto and when attached to a patient transport system and in the upright position, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a view from the first side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 9, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0100] FIG. 11 is a plan view from another side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 9, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] FIG. 12 is another perspective view from the first side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 9, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 9, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0103] FIG. 14 is a plan view from yet another side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 9, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0104] FIG. 15 is a bottom view from yet another side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 9, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0105] FIG. 16 is a perspective view from the first side of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 9, with equipment attached thereto, and in the reclined position, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0106] FIG. 17A is a side view of another embodiment of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1 when attached to a patient transport system and in the upright position, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0107] FIG. 17B is a side view of another embodiment of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 17A, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0108] FIG. 18 is a coupling device comprising a base member, a release member, and a top plate, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0109] FIG. 19 is the coupling device of FIG. 18, with the top plate removed for clarity, when in the coupled and lock position, according to certain other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] FIG. 20 is the coupling device of FIG. 18, when in the uncoupled and unlock position, according to certain other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0111] FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the base member of FIG. 18, according to certain other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0112] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the coupling device of FIG. 18, according to certain other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0113] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the base member and the release member of FIG. 18, according to certain other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0114] FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the release member of FIG. 18 and a lock mechanism, according to certain other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0115] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the release member of FIG. 18 and a lock mechanism, according to certain other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0116] FIG. 26 is the base member of FIG. 18 and a damping member, according to certain other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0117] FIG. 27 is a coupling device comprising a base member, a release member, and a top plate, according to certain other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0118] FIG. 28 is the coupling device of FIG. 27, with the top plate removed for clarity, and including a circular member, according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0119] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of including, comprising, or having, containing, involving and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements.

[0120] Broadly, with reference to FIGS. 1-17, there is provided a mounting apparatus 10 for securing equipment 12 to a patient transport system 14. In certain embodiments, the mounting apparatus 12 is moveably attached to the patient transport system 14 and can be configured in different positions with respect to the patient transport system. The ability to place the mounting apparatus in different positions relative to the patient transport system 14 enables differing positions of the equipment 12 relative to the patient transport system 14. This can provide flexibility in terms of access to the patient in the patient transport system 14 as well as ease of manoeuvering the patient into and out of the patient transport system 14 by the ability of moving the equipment away during the transition. The mounting apparatus 10 is also arranged to be removed from and attached to the patient transport system without requiring any tools or specialized equipment.

[0121] As best seen in FIGS. 9-15, the equipment 12 is medical equipment, which may or may not be mobile. The equipment 12 can be any type of equipment that accompanies a patient during transit in the vehicle, such as ventilators, pumps, monitoring equipment, dialysis machines, drug delivery apparatus, screen, tablet, drips, etc. In other embodiments, the equipment 12 is other types of equipment which is required to be transported with the patient.

[0122] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5-17, the patient transport system 14 comprises a stretcher. The configuration of stretcher to which embodiments of the present technology can be applied is not limited. In other embodiments (not shown), the patient transport system 14 may comprise any other type of personal transport system arranged to transport the patient, such as a wheelchair or a bed. Embodiments of the mounting apparatus 10 will be described and illustrated herein in relation to the stretcher but can be embodied for use with other patient transport systems 14. In this respect, the patient transport system 14 comprises any suitable transportation mechanism 16 for allowing transportation of the patient transport system 14, and a support body 18 for supporting the patient. The mounting apparatus 12 is arranged to be connected to at least a portion of the patient transport system 14. In the case of the stretcher of FIGS. 5-17, the transportation mechanism 16 comprises, at least in part, wheels. The support body 16 is a bed having a stretcher frame 20 to which the mounting apparatus 10 can be attached.

[0123] Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 8, in which there are shown certain embodiments of the mounting apparatus 12.

[0124] Broadly, the mounting apparatus 10 comprises a frame-like structure (frame 22) which can be pivotably attached to the patient transport system 14, and to which equipment 12 can be attached.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the frame 22 has substantially U shaped configuration (FIGS. 1-16). In certain other embodiments, the frame 22 has a substantially linear configuration (FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B). Other configurations of the mounting apparatus 10 are also possible.

[0126] Turning first to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-16, the frame 22 comprises a first arm 24, a second arm 24 and a connecting member 26 connecting the first arm 24 and the second arm 26. Each of the first arm 24 and the second arm 26 has a distal end 30 and a proximal end 32. The first and second arms 24, 26 each have a longitudinal axis 34 which are substantially parallel to one another and spaced therefrom by the connecting member 28. It will be appreciated that the configuration of the frame of the mounting apparatus 10 may differ from that illustrated when the first arm 24 and the second arm 26 have different lengths.

[0127] The mounting apparatus 10 also has a clamping system 36 for removeably attaching the frame 22 to the patient transport system 14 and for allowing a rotation or pivoting of the frame 22 relative to the patient transport system 14 between an upright position 38 (FIG. 5) and a reclined position 40 (FIG. 8). In this respect, the clamping system 36 is provided at the respective proximal ends 32 of each of the first arm 24 and the second arm 26. The frame 22 has a first side 42 which faces the patient transport system 14 (and thereby also faces the patient when the patient is being supported by the patient transport system 14) when the frame 22 is in the upright position 38, and a second side 44 which faces away from the patient transport system 14 when the frame 22 is in the upright position 38. In the reclined position, the first side 42 faces upwardly and the second side 44 faces downwardly. The first side 42 can also be referred to as the patient-facing side.

[0128] A platform 46 is provided at the distal ends 30 of the first arm 24 and the second arm 26, extending between the first and second arms 24, 26. The platform 46 is connected to one or more of the first arm 24, the second arm 26 and the connecting member 28. The platform 46 has a support face 48 with a support surface plane 50 which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axes 34 of the first arm 24 and the second arm 26. The support face 48 has a flat construction. The support face 48 is sized and shaped to accommodate the equipment 12 to be attached to the frame 22. As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, a width 54 of the platform 46 is variable between the first and second arms 24, 26. This can help to off-set a front face 56 (FIG. 9) of adjacent equipment 12 from one another for ease of use of personnel. Other configurations of the platform size and shape are possible and included within the scope of the present technology.

[0129] The mounting apparatus 10 is adapted to support equipment within a broad weight range. In this respect, in certain embodiments, the mounting apparatus 10 is provided with at least one transverse reinforcement member 58 extending along the platform 46, in a direction substantially transverse to the connecting member 28. The transverse reinforcement member 58 extends along an under face 60 of the platform 46. Other reinforcement members may be provided according to the load capacity of the mounting apparatus 10.

[0130] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-8, at least one handle 62 is provided attached to the mounting apparatus 10 and arranged to provide a grip to a user during modulation of the mounting apparatus 10 between the upright position 38 and the reclined position 40. In certain embodiments, there are two handles 62, each handle extending from the first arm 24 and the second arm 26, and positioned proximally of the platform 46 and on the first side 42 of the frame 22. In other embodiments (not shown), the handles 62 may be provided on the second side 44 of the frame 22. In yet other embodiments, there may be less than, or more than, the two handles 62 illustrated herein.

[0131] Turning now to the clamping system 36, best seen in FIGS. 6-8. Each clamping system 36 comprises a body 63. In certain embodiments, the body 63 comprises a foot portion 64 and a cover portion 66. The foot portion 64 is configured to be attached to a part of the patient transport system 14, and the cover portion 66 arranged to be removeably attached to the foot portion 64 using fasteners, such as screws. In this respect, the foot portion 64 is recessed to receive a portion of the stretcher frame 20.

[0132] A slot 68 is defined in the body 63 for receiving the proximal end 32 of the respective first or second arm 24, 26. When assembled, the respective first or second arm 24, 26 extends upwardly from the body 63. In certain embodiments, assembly of the cover portion 66 and the foot portion 64 defines the slot 68. The slot 68 and the proximal end 32 of the respective arm 24, 26 have complementary form, such that the respective arm 24, 26 can be rotated or pivoted within the slot 68, along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 34 of the respective arm 24, 26 and transverse to the connecting member 28, between the upright position 38 and the reclined position 40.

[0133] The proximal end 32 of the respective arm 24, 26 comprises a flat end 70 with two parallel faces receivable in the slot 68. A profile of the flat end 70 is tapered, with a diameter of the first end 24 decreasing towards a tip at the proximal end. The flat end 70 has a rim (perimeter) 71 with teeth 72 which teeth are receivable within notches 74 defined in a wall 76 of the slot 68. A profile of the wall 76 is complementary to a profile of the rim 71. The rim 71 of the flat end 70 has a first opening 78 formed therein and engageable with a pin 80 extending through the body 63, such as the foot portion 64. The first opening 78 and the pin 80 are positioned relative to each other such that the pin is received in the first opening 78 when the frame 22 is in the upright position 38. This also helps to lock the upright position 38. The pin 80 is resiliently biased, such as using one or more springs, towards the opening 78.

[0134] The rim 71 of the flat end 70 has a second opening 82 formed therein and spaced from the first opening 78. The second opening 82 is also engageable with the pin 80. The second opening 82 and the pin 80 are positioned relative to each other such that the pin 80 is received in the second opening 82 when the frame 22 is in the reclined position 40. This also helps to lock the reclined position 40.

[0135] An elongate opening is defined in the flat end 70 of the respective arm 24, 26. Two cover portion openings 86 (an upper cover portion opening 86a and a lower cover portion opening 86b) are defined in the cover portion 66. When the foot portion 64 and the cover portion 66 are assembled, a position of the elongate opening 84 corresponds to a position of the cover portion openings 86. In other words, the cover portion openings 86 are overlaid over the elongate opening 84 when the foot portion 64 and the cover portion 66 are assembled.

[0136] The clamping system 36 further comprises a pivot pin 88 receivable in either one of the cover portion openings 86 and the elongate opening 84.

[0137] In the upright position 38, the pin 88 is received in the upper cover portion opening 86a, and the pin 80 is received in the first opening 78 of the rim 71, thereby retaining the frame 22 in the upright position 38.

[0138] To modulate the frame 22 to the reclined position, the resiliently biased pin 80 is pulled outwardly away from the clamping system 36 which causes the pin 80 to be disengaged from the first opening 78 of the rim 71 allowing rotation or pivoting of the frame 22 to the reclined position. A bearing 90 is provided to prevent or reduce wear and facilitate rotation or pivoting of the respective arm 24, 26 in the slot of the clamping system. Once in the reclined position 40, this position can be retained by moving the pivot pin 88 to the lower cover portion opening 86b and by engaging the pin 80 with the second opening 82 in the rim 71.

[0139] Turning now to FIGS. 17A and 17B in which are shown embodiments of the mounting apparatus 10 in which the frame comprises a linear configuration instead of the U configuration. More specifically, the embodiments of FIGS. 17A and 17B, differ from that of FIGS. 1-16 in that the mounting apparatus 10 comprises a single arm, such as the first arm 24 or the second arm 26, together with the clamping system 36.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 17A, the frame 22 of the mounting apparatus 10 comprises a single arm, such as the first arm 24 having the distal end 30, the proximal end 32 and the longitudinal axis 34. In this embodiment, there is no second arm 26, no connecting member 28, and no platform 46. The mounting apparatus 10 of FIG. 17A includes the clamping system 36 which is configured to pivotably attach the frame 22 to the patient transport system 14 and to selectively retain the frame 22 in one or both of the upright and reclined positions.

[0141] The clamping system 36 of FIG. 17A is the same as that described and illustrated in FIGS. 1-16. Broadly, the clamping system 36 comprises the slot 68, which is sized and shaped to receive the flat end 70 at the proximal end 32 of the first arm 24 and to permit the first arm 24 to pivot about the pivot pin 88 along the plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 34 between the upright and reclined positions. Interengaging elements are provided between the proximal end of the first arm 24 and the wall 76 of the slot which help to guide the pivoting movement of the first arm 24. In certain embodiments, the interengaging elements comprise teeth 72 protruding from the rim 71 at the proximal end of the first arm 24, which are engageable with the notches 74 defined in the wall 76 of the slot 68. In other embodiments, the teeth may be provided in the wall 76 and the notches in the rim 71.

[0142] In the upright position 38, movement of the frame 22 in a first direction (e.g. towards the stretcher bed) is delimited by abutment of a portion of the rim 71 against the wall 76. Movement of the frame 22 in a second direction (e.g. towards the reclined position) is delimited by abutment of another portion of the rim 71 against the wall 76.

[0143] Locking of the frame 22 in the upright position is by virtue of engagement of the pin 80 with the first opening 78 (FIG. 8). Locking of the frame 22 in the reclined position is by virtue of engagement of the pin 80 with the second opening 82. The frame 22 is modulated from the upright position to the reclined position, by pulling the resiliently biased pin 80 outwardly causing the pin 80 to be disengaged from the first opening 78 in the rim 71. The frame 22 can then be pivoted to the reclined position. Releasing the pin 80, enables its engagement with the second opening 82 in the rim 71 to lock the reclined position.

[0144] The frame 22 is removable from the clamping system by removing the pivot pin 88 from the elongate slot 84.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 17B, the mounting apparatus differs from that of FIG. 17A in that it includes an extension arm 92 extending from the first arm 24.

[0146] In certain embodiments of any of FIGS. 1-17B, one or more coupling devices 100 are provided for releasably attaching the equipment 12 to the frame 22. The one or more coupling devices may be attached to the frame 22. Certain embodiments of such coupling devices 100 will now be described in relation to FIGS. 18-28.

[0147] The coupling device 100 comprises a base member 134 connectable to a portion of the frame 22 of the mounting apparatus 10, and a release member 136 connectable to the equipment 12, the base member 134 and the release member 136 being releasably connectable together in a coupled position.

[0148] The release member 136 has a body 138 which is plate-like and has a first side 140 and a second side 142. The first side 140 of the release member body 138 defines a planar contact face 144 for contacting the base member 134. The second side 142 of the release member 136 has a collar 146 extending therefrom, the collar 146 positioned inwardly of a perimeter 148 of the release member 136 to define a flange portion 150 of the release member 136.

[0149] The base member 134 has a front side 152 and a back side 154. The front side 152 has a planar contact portion 156 for contacting the contact face 144 of the release member 136. A shoulder 158 extends around a portion of a periphery 160 of the planar contact portion 156 to define a pocket 162 for receiving at least a portion of the release member 136. The shoulder 158 is engageable with a portion of the flange 150 of the release member 36 when the release member 136 is positioned on the base member 134.

[0150] The base member front side 152 has an open access end 164 through which the release member 136 can be slidingly inserted and removed from the pocket 162. As can be seen, the base member 134 is four-sided, with the shoulder 158 extending around three of the four sides and the fourth side being the open access end 164. In other embodiments, the base member 134 may have different numbers of sides.

[0151] A stop member 166 is positioned in a recess 168 within the planar contact portion 156 of the base member 134 and is moveable relative to the planar contact portion 156. The stop member 166 is moveable to extend out of the recess 168 and to be housed fully in the recess 168 by a coupling lock mechanism 170 and an actuator 172. The stop member 166 is actuatable between a lock position in which at least a portion of the stop member 166 extends from the recess 168 and a release position in which the stop member 166 is retracted into the recess 168 and does not extend from the recess 168. In the lock position, when the base member 134 and the release member 136 are coupled together, the stop member 166 can abut an edge 174 of an opening 176 defined in the release member contact face 144 to delimit movement of the release member 36 towards the open access end 64 (FIGS. 18-20). In the release position, the release member 136 can be decoupled from the base member 134 (FIG. 20).

[0152] The actuator 172 is positioned at the open access end 164. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 28, the actuator 172 is a push button 178 housed within a groove 180 formed at the open access end 164. The actuator 172 can be moved between a neutral position and a deployed position. When the actuator 172 is in the neutral position (FIG. 19), the stop member 166 is resiliently biased towards the lock position. As best seen in FIG. 20, when the actuator 172 is in the deployed position (pushed inwardly), the coupling lock mechanism 170 is arranged to move the stop member 166 to retract into the recess 168 in the release position. This can allow the release member 136 to be slid relative to the base member 134 and removed from the base member 134. In certain embodiments, the actuator 172 extends beyond a perimeter 182 of the base member 34 (FIG. 27) when in the neutral position. In other embodiments, the actuator 172 does not extend beyond the perimeter 182 of the base member 134 (FIGS. 18 to 26).

[0153] The coupling lock mechanism 70, best seen in FIGS. 24 and 25, comprises an actuator spring 184 resiliently biasing the actuator 172 outwardly to the neutral position, and a stop member spring 186 resiliently biasing the stop member 166 to the lock position. The actuator spring 184 and the stop member spring 186 extend in directions which are substantially transverse to one another.

[0154] The base member 134 comprises a plurality of spring loaded ball bearings 188 partially extending from recesses 190 formed in the planar contact portion 156 of the front side 152 of the base member 134 and engageable with corresponding recesses 192 defined in the planar contact face 144 of the release member 136. The spring loaded ball bearings 188 and the recesses 192 can guide the movement of the release member 136 relative to the base member 134.

[0155] In certain embodiments, the planar contact face 144 of the release member 136 comprises an anti-friction layer for reducing or minimizing friction between the contact faces 144, 156 of the release member 136 and the base member 134. As illustrated in FIGS. 23 to 25, the anti-friction layer comprises a disc 194 attached to the release member 136 and with an outer face 196 which is the planar contact face 144 and having anti-friction properties. In this embodiment, the recesses 192 for receiving the spring loaded ball bearings 188 are formed in the disc 194. In other embodiments, the anti-friction layer comprises a coating. The anti-friction layer may comprise any material that reduces friction between the base member 134 and the release member 136.

[0156] The coupling device 100 further comprises a top plate 198 attachable to the collar 146 of the release member 136 and attachable to the equipment 12. As best seen in FIG. 18, the top plate 198 is attached to the collar 146 by fasteners 200, such as screws. The top plate 198 has an opening formed therein.

[0157] In certain embodiments (for example as illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 26), when the base member 134 and the release member 136 are coupled together and in the lock position, the release member 136 is rotatable within the pocket 162 whilst maintaining the coupling. In this respect, the perimeter 148 of the plate-like body 138 of the release member 136 is circular in shape, the stop member 166 of the base member 134 is positioned substantially centrally of the planar contact portion 156, and the opening 176 of the release member 136 is positioned substantially centrally of the plate-like body 138, such that the release member 136 can be rotated within the pocket 162 when the stop member 166 is in the lock position. The stop member 166 can be considered to function also as a pivot point in these embodiments.

[0158] In certain other embodiments (for example as illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 28), when the base member 134 and release member 136 are coupled together and in the lock position, the release member 136 is not rotatable within the pocket 162. In this respect, the perimeter 148 of the plate-like body 138 of the release member 136 has an eccentric shape such that the release member 136 is not rotatable in the pocket 162 of the base member 134. The perimeter 148 of the release member 136 may have a shape which is a multi-faceted geometric form. This embodiment of the coupling device 100 may be used when rotation of the equipment 12 is not required. In certain embodiments, the release member 136 further comprises a circular member 206 which is rotatable within the pocket 162 (FIG. 28).

[0159] In certain embodiments, the coupling device 100 is further provided with a damping member 208 (FIG. 26) attachable to the back side 154 of the base member 134 and arranged to be positioned between the base member 134 and the surface in use. The damping member 208 is arranged to absorb vibrations and shocks/reduce energy transmission. In certain embodiments, the damping member 208 is made of any suitable material such as elastomeric materials.

[0160] Returning back to the mounting apparatus 10 of FIGS. 1 to 17B, in certain embodiments, it is provided with at least the base member 134 of one or more coupling devices 100. The corresponding release members 136 would be attached to the equipment 12, such as on a base of the equipment 12.

[0161] For example, in FIGS. 1-16, the base members 134 of two coupling devices 100 are provided on the platform 46, and attached to the support face 48. The base members 134 of two other coupling devices 100 are provided on the second side 44 of the first arm 24 and the second arm 26 respectively. The coupling devices 100 provided on the first and second arms 24, 26 are narrower than those positioned on the platform 46. One or more of the coupling devices 100 may correspond to the rotatable embodiments described and illustrated in FIGS. 18-26, or the non-rotatable embodiments described and illustrated in FIGS. 27-28.

[0162] In FIGS. 17A and 17B, the base member 134 of the coupling device 100 is provided on the distal end of the first arm 24. In FIG. 17B, the base member of another coupling device 100 is provided on the extension arm 92 of the first arm 24. The coupling device 100 on the extension arm 92 may be smaller and/or lighter than the coupling device at the distal end of the first arm 24.

[0163] In certain embodiments, there is also provided a securing apparatus 300, attachable to the mounting apparatus (FIGS. 9-16), for supporting the equipment: a base support member 302 for supporting a bottom face of the equipment, a backing support member 304 for supporting a back face of the equipment, and a top restraining member 306 for engaging a top and/or front face of the equipment. One or more coupling devices 100 can be attached to one or more of the base support member 302, the backing support member 304, and the top restraining member 306. Certain embodiments of a suitable securing apparatus, and/or a suitable coupling device, are described in PCT/CA 2020/051329 filed Oct. 2, 2020 claiming priority from U.S. 62/909,408 filed Oct. 2, 2019, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

[0164] Variations and modifications will occur to those of skill in the art after reviewing this disclosure. The disclosed features may be implemented, in any combination and subcombinations (including multiple dependent combinations and subcombinations), with one or more other features described herein. The various features described or illustrated above, including any components thereof, may be combined or integrated in other systems. Moreover, certain features may be omitted or not implemented. Examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the scope of the information disclosed herein.

[0165] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described and illustrated herein but includes all modifications and variations falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.