The Lazy Susan: Ziamatic’s Evolution of a Simple Design
Ziamatic’s Multiple Extrication Tool Holder is just the latest product to have used a lazy Susan rotating platform design. It all started over 30 years ago when Ziamatic designed a rotating carousel unit with spring-loaded, plunger style, positioning pins. It was a simple but effective setup. As the unit was spun, the spring-loaded pins compressed and sprung down to the next location, creating tension, so the system stayed in place until it was spun again. The system had the option of adding two tables where a user could mount couplings, adaptors and other small parts.
Ziamatic then took the setup a step further, adding separate WALKAWAY brackets on all four sides of a center tower. Thus, the Quic-Index Multiple Bracket Holder (MBH) was born. Launched over twenty years ago, the MBH has provided customers with a convenient way of holding SCBA units securely in the brackets.
The evolution of the lazy Susan platform didn’t stop there as Ziamatic went on to create the Multiple Extrication Tool Holder (QM-MEH-1). With the QM-MEH-1, the company took the same basic lazy Susan design and added multiple extrication tool mounts, on center mounting inserts, a strong half inch plate for tools to rest on, and a new paddle lock that springs up to keep the aluminum plunger in place and lock the table from rotating.
According to Keith Creely, VP of Ziamatic Corp., the design was only part of the journey. Ziamatic followed up with its usual rigorous testing. “We have completed load testing dynamically proving that the post, base, tables, and hook and loop straps retain in normal and some abnormal conditions,” he said.
According to Creely, Ziamatic has since sold hundreds of these systems without complaints or returns. Much of that is due to its smart design. “With extreme versatility and easy adjustment in almost all directions, Ziamatic’s Multiple Extrication Tool Holder product line sold right away and is one of the most user friendly, cost effect, options in extrication tool mounting,” he said.
According to Creely, the Multiple Extrication Tool Holder systems are important in that they retain, store, and organize some of the most expensive equipment efficiently. It has been said that the product line saves valuable space allowing for more equipment to be mounted that otherwise would not have room in the same compartment.
“If the tools are kept within the 23-inch parameter of the table, the Multiple Extrication Tool Holder can be mounted and spun in a compartment with a depth as little as 24 inches,” said Creely. “Most departments choose to mount out the Multiple Extrication Tool Holder on a slide out tray, allowing for easier access to the front and side tools simultaneously.”
With the Multiple Extrication Tool Holder, adjustable mounting brackets accommodate most brands of cutter, spreader, and combination tool – including both hydraulic and battery-powered models. Ziamatic also offers ram mount options. Users can secure three extrication tools and one ram, or two extrication tools with two rams with its Multiple Extrication Tool Holder with ram mount options.
Here are some of Ziamatic’s products currently using the lazy Susan rotating platform design. Click on the links for more information.
Multiple Extrication Tool Holder – https://www.ziamatic.com/product/multiple-extrication-tool-holder/
Multiple Extrication Tool Holder with ram mount options – https://www.ziamatic.com/product/multiple-extrication-tool-holder-with-ram-mount/
Quic-Index Multiple Bracket Holder – https://www.ziamatic.com/product/multiple-bracket-holder/
About Ziamatic Corp.
For over 50 years, Ziamatic Corp. has provided first responders with the tools and equipment they need to make their jobs safer, easier, and more efficient every day. For more information, please call 1-800-711-FIRE or visit www.ziamatic.com.
